Guyana chronicle e paper 08 05 2017

US$1.4M cleared for fire rescue boat Page 11

TV, radio giveaways No. 104995

SATURDAY,AUGUST 5, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

-Jagdeo awarded 13 channels to E-Networks -PPP’s Freedom radio has widest reach in Guyana Page 3

This revelation was made by Minister of State Joseph Harmon in the National Assembly on Friday during the debate on the 2011 Broadcast (Amendment) Bill. During his presentation, Minister Harmon examined the distribution of broadcast licences by Jagdeo just prior to him demitting office in 2011.

According to the list provided by the minister, in Regions Three and Four, E-Networks secured 10 channels: 36, 37, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48 and 49. In Regions Five and Six, the company was awarded channels 43, 44, 45, 48 and 49 – bringing the total to 13. E-Networks is owned

by Vishok Persaud, who is the brother of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Parliamentarian Vindhya Persaud and son of late PPP stalwart and minister, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.

Coming in second was the National Communications Network (NCN) with eight channels spanning seven regions across the country.

In relation to radio licences, while NCN was granted the most frequencies of any single entity, Freedom Radio Inc – which is owned by the PPP-- was granted the widest broadcast reach in the country.

The broadcast area where the party’s station has been able to penetrate includes: Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, and 10. The only other radio station to compete with Freedom Radio was IRadio Inc., which was owned by then PPP Minister Robert Persaud. IRadio reached seven of the 10 administrative regions in Guyana. Persaud sold the entity to ANSA McAL after the PPP lost the General Elections in 2015.

See Story on Page 3

Economy grew by 2.2% in first half of 2017 Page 8

Unruly prisoner shot dead Cevon’s porter jailed for smuggling ganja into prison Page 13

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Friday revealed discrepancies in the award of radio and television frequencies by the PPP administration (Adrian Narine photo)

Broadcast Bill passed

Page 5

Page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

CNS 6 backs amended Broadcast Bill …says 60 minutes airtime no big deal POPULAR television station, CNS Channel 6, has backed the government’s amendments to the Broadcasting Amendment Bill, with Managing Director of the station, Savitree Singh-Sharma saying that they do not have any issues with the bill.

Sharma said that “we don’t have any problem with the amendments because we at Channel 6 have been giving government time from the inception of our station, we have been giving government and not only government but the opposition and the other political parties, free air time … since we started this station. (Upon thinking, what the) amendments mean to us, it really wouldn’t bother us because we have been complying with this many years ago”.

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release, Sharma further clarified that the TV Station has no problem with administration’s request to reapply for license

to operate within 30 days.

“In the past under the PPP administration, Mr. Sheik had us reapplying, reapplying and reapplying all the time and sometimes I even suspected that our applications were screwed up and thrown in the bin. So, if this government asks us to once again reapply (to) regularise the system, I don’t have a problem and I know that Channel 6 wouldn’t have a problem with reapplying again.”

Sharma explained that the company was in support of a request for an audience with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, to have further discussions. Sharma pointed out that “I signed a letter asking for an audience with the Prime Minister and nothing else. I have not given my opinion on the Broadcast Bill and the amendments, I did not say that I am for, or against it, all I did is sign a letter asking for an audience with the Prime Minister and I thought that was fair enough”.

The Broadcasting

(Amendment) Bill 2017 was approved by the National Assembly Friday evening. The Bill amends the Broadcasting Act 2011 to introduce three classes of broadcast services namely, commercial, non-commercial and community classes; and three types of broadcasting zones, namely, primary, secondary and tertiary broadcasting zones.

The Bill provides for public service programmes and the prohibition of programmes containing hate speech.

It also addresses an international agreement for broadcasting any channel or programme as part of the local service.

GPA opposes Meanwhile, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) had called for the halt to the Bill. The body said in a statement on Wednesday that if these amendments are made to the Act, then they could post “severe consequences” to freedom of the press in Guyana.

One of the amendments being proposed is the alloca-

Savitree Singh-Sharma, Managing Director, CNS Channel 6

tion of 60 minutes airtime, daily, for public service programmes, which is to be determined by the government. There is a provision in the existing legislation for licensees to carry, at no cost, information on any programmes, issued by government agencies, which

GPL raked in $17B for first half of 2017 THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) earned a revenue of $17.0 billion in the first half of 2017, up from $14.7 billion for the same period in 2016, as a result of more timely payments.

This is according to the mid-year report that was produced by the Ministry of Finance.

The report also states that similarly, expenditure increased from $9.3 billion

in the first half of 2016 to $12.6 billion in the same period of 2017. The expenditure increase is driven by higher cost of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for which the weighted average cost rose to US$48.70 (for the half year) from US$30.50 as at June 30, 2016.

Additionally, GPL has repaid the Government $500 million on the Government of the Coopera-

tive Republic of Guyana (GCRG/GPL) on-lending loans for the first half of the year. The company’s outlook for 2017 has improved, with the budgeted deficit of $5.0 billion now expected to improve to a lower deficit of $771 million.

Despite this improved cash performance of GPL, the report also revealed the company’s techni-

cal performance remains plagued with inefficiencies.

It shows that the production of electricity increased marginally to 394,832 MWh in the first half of 2017, from 387,864 MWh for the first half of 2016.

Total losses was 29.6 percent a slight increase from the half year for 2016 when the total losses was 29.3 percent, the report noted.

may be deemed appropriate and necessary in terms of national importance, emergency and disaster. Some of these agencies include: the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and, or health services providers, among others. The frequency of these broadcasts was not stipulated in the Act. However, the amendments seek to have operators dedicate one hour airtime, daily, between 6:00am and 22:00hrs to these announcements.

But according to the GPA, this move will likely result in the disruption and violation of contractual obligations that stations have with advertisers and programme sponsors.

The association went on to state that while it understands that private broadcasters should play roles during emergencies

and disasters, it opposes the actual allocation of times, or for the authority to dictate time slots if it does not agree with those allocated by the stations.

Further, the press body said that it also “strongly objects to the Guyana Government seeking to redefine what constitutes ‘public service programmes’. “… this is in direct contradiction and a violation of the letter and spirit of the definition of public service broadcasting as laid down by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) of which Guyana is a member,” GPA stated.

The association pointed out that one of UNESCO’s factors in determining public service broadcasting is independence, which goes to the root of being free from State and political control.

GPA also stated that it will be seeking legal advice from local and international experts and will be raising this issue with its affiliates such as the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM), the International Press Institute (IPI), and other global press freedom bodies. “We stand in solidarity with local broadcasters on this issue and will be seeking further legal advice to convince the government of the need to halt or reverse this process, given the severe consequences these amendments pose to freedom of the press in Guyana and the commercial viability of private radio and television stations” the Press Association’s statement read.

TV, radio giveaways 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

-Jagdeo awarded 13 channels to E-Networks -PPP’s Freedom Radio has widest reach in Guyana By: Ravin Singh BHARRAT Jagdeo as President of Guyana back in 2011 awarded 13 channels to E-Networks Incorporated – the most of any single broadcasting entity currently operating in Guyana.

This revelation was made by Minister of State Joseph Harmon in the National Assembly on Friday during the debate on the 2011 Broadcast (Amendment) Bill. During his presentation, Minister Harmon examined the distribution of broadcast licences by Jagdeo just prior to him demitting office in 2011.

According to the list provided by the minister, in Regions Three and Four, E-Networks secured 10 channels: 36, 37, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48 and 49. In Regions Five and Six, the company was awarded channels 43, 44, 45, 48 and 49 – bringing the total to 13. E-Networks is owned by Vishok Persaud, who is the brother of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Parliamentarian Vindhya Persaud and son of late

PPP stalwart and minister, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.

Coming in second was the National Communications Network (NCN) with eight channels spanning seven regions across the country. In relation to radio licences, while NCN was granted the most frequencies of any single entity, Freedom Radio Inc – which is owned by the PPP-- was granted the widest broadcast reach in the country. The broadcast area where the party’s station has been able to penetrate includes: Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, and 10. The only other radio station to compete with Freedom Radio was IRadio Inc., which was owned by then PPP Minister Robert Persaud. IRadio reached seven of the 10 administrative regions in Guyana. Persaud sold the entity to ANSA McAL after the PPP lost the General Elections in 2015.

In 2011, Jagdeo had granted 11 licences under the colonial Post and Telegraph Act just before the November 2011 General and Regional elections. It was a

move that saw widespread criticism from the public and the then political opposition.

The amended Broadcast Act now requires all operators to reapply for licences within 30 days of the President assenting to the bill which was passed on Friday evening.

During the debate, from which Jagdeo was absent, Minister Harmon said that clarity needs to be provided for the Guyanese to know exactly what happened with the country’s scarce national resource. He was speaking about the frequencies which were handed out by the PPP government.

“This bill is going to correct what Jagdeo did.

The people of this country require us to act and we will act,” Minister Harmon said.

He added too that what the amendment seeks to do, is break the shackles placed on freedom of expression, and give the Guyanese people a chance to benefit from a variety of content and not just those produced by affiliates of the Opposition Leader.

However, PPP MP Anil Nandlall would have none of it. Nandlall defended Jagdeo

in his absence, arguing that although these licences were given out, they were done legally as the persons had applied.

He advanced the argument that no individual or entity has approached the court to challenge those grants, which means that they were done within the confines of the law. “All of the persons granted are Guyanese and would have applied and were deemed successful. There has been no argument which shows that they were not fit to be granted licences. How can you fault the agency for not applying?” he questioned.

However, the University of Guyana and Stabroek News – one of the country’s leading publications – had applied and neither was granted broadcast licences for reasons still unknown.

Nandlall also defended E-Networks, arguing that the company has contributed over $150M in licences fees over the last five years. But this ushered in much heckling from the Government’s side of the house, with one MP declaring: “That’s their

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

responsibility, every broadcaster has to pay to use state resources.” Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo also weighed in on the issue, arguing that the debate on the amendments saw a political and vested interest taking control of the opposition. He said that the opposition MPs were not interested in the content of that bill, but rather, were focused on whether they would be deprived of proprietary rights.

Further, he stated that the granting of Freedom Radio to the PPP was arbitrarily done, since the 2011 law was not assented to. “That was arbitrarily done; illegally done. 11 licences were given for 22 frequencies to political friends and cronies,” the PM reminded the House.

In 2001, as a result of the

dialogue between Jagdeo and then Opposition Leader, the late Desmond Hoyte, it was agreed that no new licences for either radio or television would be issued until an impartial and autonomous Broadcast Authority was established.

Subsequently, in 2003, a communique between then Opposition Leader Robert Corbin and Jagdeo ratified this arrangement that no licences would be issued until the Broadcast Authority was established.

Between 2001 and 2011, this provision was used by the then PPP government to deny anyone a TV or radio licence. Even existing stations were denied expansion, since it would have meant granting them additions to their licences. However, in 2011, Jagdeo breached this long-standing agreement by awarding licences to several known affiliates and supporters of the then PPP government. Among the other persons granted licences by him were the Little Rock Television Station (Berbice), Hits and Jams, Maxwell Thom, Alfro Alphonso, Haslyn Graham, Anand Persaud and Dr Bobby Ramroop – a known friend of Jagdeo and 2015 PPP candidate.

Curtain comes down on UG reading programme THE curtain on Friday came down on the University of Guyana (UG) Library’s thirteenth annual “Reading is Fun” programme when participants were presented with certificates and prizes at the institution’s library at

its Turkeyen Campus.

The programme was sponsored by Courts Guyana Incorporated for the past eight years to date and will continue to receive sponsorship. The programme had formerly run on its own for five years

Some of the participants of the literacy programme

until Courts decided to give full sponsorship.

Customer Experience Manager of Courts, Shona Barker, said that “we’re happy to say that we were able to obtain a remarkable number of students and also able to meet with this

programme as it continues to grow.”

At the ceremony there was a list of items portrayed by the youngsters who were registered as part of the programme. These items include dramatic poetry, an acoustic, a song and a skit.

“Items on the programme are used to show what they have gained and developed and to aid us in an evaluation of how we can do it [the programme] better” pointed out Gwyneth George the Chief Librarian at the University of Guyana.

George also pointed out that the programme targets what they call ‘vulnerable children’. For the past 13 years they have been working with the Sophia community of children whose ages range from 5 to 13.

“The basic thing is reading but the programme does

not only center on reading” George said.

The other activities which the programme aid in are health tests, educational tours, computer

individuals consisted of members of the library staff and members from the department of humanities and education. The programme which runs three days per

Chief Librarian, Gwyneth George of the University of Guyana, and Customer Experience Manager of Courts, Shona Barker at the ceremony

knowledge and creative work such as poetry. The youngsters were placed into a number of groups and they worked alongside skilled resource individuals who are exemplary in literacy and reading. These

week for three weeks registered approximately 50 youngsters this year.

However compared to the numbers from the first two years when it had just begun, there has been a decline.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

Venezuela opens disputed new constituent assembly VENEZUELA’S controversial new assembly has opened despite fierce opposition at home and abroad.

President Nicolás Maduro says the constituent assembly is needed to bring peace after months of crisis.

But the opposition says the new body, which has the ability to rewrite the constitution, is a way for the president to cling to power.

In the capital Caracas, police used tear gas against opposition protesters who tried to reach parliament. Several people were injured as security forces tried to disperse a few hundred demonstrators, reports say.

In other parts of the city, thousands of government supporters gathered to cheer and wave flags as the new members took office. Some carried pictures of late leader Hugo Chávez and the independence hero Simón Bolivar.

Among those sitting for the first time in the 545-member assembly are Mr Maduro’s wife and son. A close ally of Mr Maduro, former foreign minister Delcy Rodriguez, was elected president.

Her opening speech attacked the opposition as “fascist” and warned the international community against interfering.

Venezuela faces more uncertainty as it is not clear what changes the assembly will try to achieve and how the opposition will react to its work, BBC Mundo’s Daniel Pardo reports from Caracas.

What is the new body - and why is it so controversial?

Constituent assemblies are set up for the specific purpose of drafting or adopting a constitution, and as such can fundamentally change how a country is run. Venezuela is mired in a deep economic crisis and has seen waves of violent protests, and Mr Maduro presented the assembly as a way of promoting “reconciliation and peace”.

Ms Rodriguez added in her speech: “The international community should not make a mistake over Venezuela. The message is clear, very clear: we Venezuelans will resolve our conflict, our crisis without any form of foreign interference.”

But the opposition has cried foul. The new assembly has the power to bypass and even dissolve the current opposition-led National Assembly. The two bodies are expected to run in parallel in the Legislative Palace in Caracas.

How widely is it supported?

The election for the con-

stituent assembly was marred by violence and accusations of fraud. Venezuela’s electoral authorities said more than eight million people, or 41.5% of the electorate, had voted, a figure the company that provided the voting system said was inflated. The opposition boycotted the poll and also held an unofficial referendum in which they said more than seven million Venezuelans voted against the constituent assembly.

They have called for mass protests against the new body but demonstrations so far appear to have been muted.

How does the international community see it?

The Vatican has joined worldwide condemnation of the assembly by calling for it to be suspended. In a statement, it argued the assembly fomented a “climate of tension” rather than reconciliation and peace.

The US has imposed sanctions on Mr Maduro, with the Trump administration calling him a “dictator”.

The European Union and major Latin American nations say they will not recognise the new body.

Mr Maduro retains a major ally in Russia, however, and has the support of several left-wing nations in the Americas. (BBC)

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Aug 4, CMC – A mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Friday ended a two week visit to Trinidad and Tobago indicating that the oil-rich twin island republic continues to face economic challenges stemming primarily from the sharp declines in global energy prices, combined with a fall in natural gas and oil production.

It said that the economic improvement that is now beginning is projected to continue into the medium-term and that “fruitful discussions were held on a number of adjustment measures to achieve the necessary fiscal consolidation”.

The mission led by Elie Canetti, noted that the country’s continued economic challenges stem primarily

from the sharp declines in global energy prices since 2014, combined with a fall in natural gas and oil production in recent years. “These, along with the prolonged economic stagnation, capital allowances, and challenges with tax administration have continued to contribute to weak revenue collections, leading to still significant fiscal deficits and rising public debt levels,” said Canetti, an advisor, Western Hemisphere Department at the Washington-based IMF. He said although preliminary data shows that the economy contracted in the first half of the year on weak energy production and spillovers to the non-energy sector, the economy may be starting to turn a corner as a result of a projected recovery in gas output, though growth

may still be flat or somewhat negative for the year as a whole. “The economic improvement that is now beginning is projected to continue into the medium-term, notably given a pipeline of projects that will improve the supply of natural gas to the downstream energy sector.

“Oil output is growing due to state-owned Petrotrin’s recent exploration efforts and refinery upgrade. As the energy sector recovers, the non-energy sector is expected to rebound due to positive energy-related spillovers, and as implementation of the Public-Sector Investment Programme picks up.”

The IMF official said that the mission welcomed ongoing fiscal policy adjustments, including the government’s efforts to reform the energy tax regime and to boost

domestic revenues. “Nonetheless, it cautioned that sustainable fiscal adjustment will require additional measures, including containment of current expenditure to rebalance the public finances, especially as one-off, non-debt creating financing options such as asset sales will diminish over time. “The team urged the authorities to undertake a medium-term, modestly front-loaded fiscal adjustment to rebalance the public finances and put debt on a sustainable path. Delaying fiscal adjustments would only make it harder to arrest rising debt levels and restore confidence down the road,”Canetti said.

He said in addition, the IMF sees the need for an increase in capital investment to set the stage for a lasting recovery in economic growth and for economic diversifica-

tion. The authorities and the team held fruitful discussions on a number of adjustment measures to achieve the necessary fiscal consolidation.

The IMF official said that although Trinidad and Tobago still holds healthy levels of international reserves, there has been a sharp drop in foreign exchange inflows as energy prices and volumes have both fallen. “This, combined with still high demand for foreign exchange, has created a notable imbalance in the foreign exchange market that has had a number of adverse consequences,” he said, adding that the team continues to believe that reducing and eventually eliminating the imbalance in the foreign exchange market is of paramount importance, and outlined that a range of measures will likely be necessary

to do so.

He said these include fiscal adjustment, structural reforms to enhance the country’s foreign exchange earnings capacity and operating the foreign exchange market with a greater degree of flexibility.

“Wide-ranging structural reforms will be needed to enhance the functioning of the government and increase the scope for growth and diversification. “These include carrying through with envisaged procurement reforms, continuing to ease the costs of doing business, modernizing financial supervision and continuing to push through reforms that will enhance, and speed-up the production of, the country’s economic statistics,” Canetti said. (CMC)

IMF says TT continues to face economic challenges

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Broadcast Bill passed GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 5, 2017

By Ravin Singh

THE National Assembly Friday night passed the Broadcast Amendment Bill aimed at shaking up the industry here, which the government said was handed out to friends and cronies of the previous administration.

The Broadcast (Amendment) Bill 2017 was piloted by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has ministerial responsibility for public information. Staunch resistance from the political opposition proved futile after more than eight hours of legal, moral and sentimental debates emerging from both sides of the House.

The 2011 Act was introduced by the then PPP government. Section 18 (1) (i) of the Act states that the Guyana Broadcasting Authority, which regulates local broadcasting, shall require operators to carry public service announcements free of charge. The Act further states that the Broadcasting Authority shall: “Require licensees to carry a certain percentage of public service broadcast or development support broadcasts as public information deems appropriate as a public service at no cost.”

The Act did not put a cap on how long or how frequently such announcements were to be aired. This was left up to the discretion of the government. However, one of the amendments seeks to rectify this by putting a daily cap of up to one hour on the broadcast time for public service announcements. This has since been rejected by several private operators who contend that it is an imposition on their air time.

Defending this particular amendment was Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, who shared with the august body that sister CARICOM country,

Trinidad and Tobago has similar legislation which requires up to two hours air time for PSAs. In addition, those two hours of programming are not to be interrupted by commercials. The amendment to the Guyana Act does not have such a provision.

The minister contended that this one-hour requirement should be looked as “giving back” to the people of Guyana who own the airwaves. Using the 2005 floods in Guyana as a case in reference, she offered that even the state broadcaster, the National Communications Network (NCN) was not among the first entities to provide information during the crisis.

The Public Telecommunications Minister, who was trained in broadcasting, contended that: “There are insufficient public service announcements in Guyana and this is an opportunity for private broadcasters to produce such materials.” She said that what the government is aiming to do is build citizens that are informed to deal with the challenges that will come their way.

However, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Clement Rohee disagreed.

“I believe the bill has strategic political objectives,” Rohee said, adding that the amendments provide clarity in “exposing the intention of the government,” and the direction it intends to proceed with regard to press freedom.

With Prime Minister Nagamootoo describing the bill as “revolutionary and progressive,” the PPP MP said this description goes counter to the content of the amendments.

Rohee closed by offering that he could not support such a bill which seeks to “oppress” broadcasters and Guyanese.

Supporting her colleague was opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, who called for the bill to be put on pause in

PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes

keeping with the views of some broadcasters. Teixeira described the bill as being “reckless, undemocratic in content, and [an] infringement on the rights of people.” She said that the changes the bill proposes are “unwise,” and referenced a speech made by now government MP, Joseph Harmon, who had said in 2014, while in opposition, that PSAs should not undermine the financial viability of broadcasters. With Minister of State previously expressing support of the bill, Teixeira asked him: “What has changed so drastically in three years?” in obvious reference to her contention that the bill undermines the financial viability of operators. Sentimental in tone, she asked for the bill to be “paused” and for the prime minister to meet with operators to discuss this issue before moving ahead with it.

But it was the prime minister who would have the final say in the debate before the bill was passed. He immedi-

ately sought to refute claims by opposition MP Anil Nandlall that consultations were not held before the amendments were proposed. PM Nagamootoo clarified that consultations were held in 2011. He responded to claims

by Nandlall too, that those amendments will likely land the government in court. “To say that these amendments violate the law, is unmeritorious.

If there are valid contentions

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo wrapping up the debate

to engage the attention of the judiciary, then the judiciary should adjudicate on such matters” PM Nagamootoo told Nandlall.

He also noted that these amendments are features which seek to “enlarge” the Act and “put flesh on it,” since the government is seeking to improve and embellish the existing law. At the end of his presentation, a government-backed 33-member

vote trumped the 23 dissenting voices on the western side of the house. The Bill, which will form part of the Act after President David Granger assents to it, will also require all radio and television broadcasters to reapply for licences under the new regulations and provisions stipulated. They have 30 days within which to do so, from the day the Bill is assented to.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

The attainment of freedom

THERE is the religious refrain in the African community, that gained global attention during the 1950-1960s African-American Civil Rights Movement, with words to the effect “Free at last, free at last/ I thank God I’m free at last.”

Religion has been a mainstay and important part of Africans’ lives, given that it offers hope, rallies the communities, and the proverbial guiding light out of the tunnel.

Optimism has shaped and stayed the course, however bleak, in struggles against slavery, for civil, economic and political rights, overcoming challenges, and seeking attainment. Chattel slavery, as declared by the United Nations, is the most inhumane act perpetrated in man’s history.

The quantifying of this inhumanity in real dollars will never be truly known, for truthfully there can

be no monetary value put to human lives, the tens of millions who suffered and were deprived, lest it reduces and condemns the affected to property status, a status they bravely fought against.

International apologies for this heinous crime against humanity and efforts at creating some form of societal justice, through reparation programmes to address the created structures of economic disadvantages, though a step in the right direction can never fully compensate.

Locally, where the Government of Guyana has finally committed a Commission of Inquiry to address African/ancestral lands, with an aim of bringing about formal regularisation is a plus, more so that these lands were acquired through personal sweat and direct financial payments.

The toppling of the system of slavery marked a progressive step in human

development. And even as the quest for full freedom remains worthy of pursuit, the recognition that others did not have to live and suffer through identical circumstances and conditions, paying homage to those who fought against it brings out the humanity in all. The acceptance of inequality anywhere, regardless of who suffered or are suffering, poses a threat to equality everywhere.

When Guyanese on Tuesday irrespective of race, marked the attainment of emancipation for the ancestors of our African brothers and sisters, such also marked the nation’s collective attainment of recognising the equality of all. Guyana has the unpleasant distinction of being built on various systems of inequality and where as a people we stand in support of each other’s struggles and achievements bode well for our comity. Such camaraderie

not only signalled to forces, internal and external, unwavering commitment to not return to bondage, but our capacity to unite in the face of adversity, historical or present.

The various points of freedom attained in this country, be it a plantation society, colony or independent nation, should not be discounted or disregarded, but zealously protected and defended. This 179th anniversary of emancipation finds Guyanese moulder of their destiny, an achievement paved through long, bitter, tireless and rewarding struggles. And though some have been gained and some not, in all instances they fortified the unrelenting spirit to succeed.

The attainment of successes must not find among us contentment or resignation, for to be either risks the chance of complacency and erosion of the gains made. A land

of six peoples, where our ancestors toiled and aspired for its freedom, where they have left off, either through age, infirmity or death, their descendants must continue.

The world today, though societies and people have made great strides, is not without complexities that pose challenges to preserving the freedoms gained and the quest for world-wide comity.

Where there exist wars and other forms of inhumanity and deprivations, they threaten well-fought for and earned freedoms.

Free at last, free at last,

to the religious or not, is not only a refrain applicable in moments of adversity, but is also fuel in pursuit of attainments.

Accordingly, the lyrics in the ‘Song of the Republic,’ which pays homage to Guyana’s ultimate political freedom, must ensure “ We’ll forge a nation’s mighty soul/Construct a nation’s frame;/ Freedom our everlasting goal,/Courage and truth our aim,/Unyielding in our quest for peace/Like ancient heroes brave,/To strive and strive and never cease/With strength beyond the slave.”

The Reverend’s description of the execution of road works on Agriculture Road is incorrect Dear Editor, PLEASE allow me space in your newspaper to respond to the letter penned

by Rev. Gideon Cecil under the caption ‘Work on Agriculture Road is not being properly done’ and published in your Friday, July 21, 2017 edition.

For the benefit of the Reverend and the general public, please be informed that the rehabilitation of Agriculture Road, Mon Repos/Triumph, is being undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure under its Miscellaneous Roads Programme, 2017. The Contractor is K.P. Thomas and Sons Incorporated, the Project Engineer is Anthony A. Haynes, the contract

sum is $59,031,149 and the site extends a distance of approximately 1230m.

Carriageway works include the upgrading of the road structure with mixed loam and/or crusher run and sealing using asphaltic concrete. The contract is scheduled to end in September of 2017.

Based on the content and tone of his missive, Rev. Gideon Cecil purports to have excellent knowledge in road construction and would have been on the site with the current contractor for the duration of the contract, which commenced on July 6, 2017. His forecast, I suppose, emanates from his experiences over the last two decades, when shod-

dy construction and poor supervision was the order of the day.

However, the reverend’s description of the execution of the works is incorrect. Agriculture Road, having been initially constructed in the early 1960s, is older than Independent Guyana. While the surface of the road was in a very poor state, due to poor drainage caused by residents encumbering the road shoulders, the road base remained in an impeccable state. At the moment, the focus is on upgrading the worst stretch of the carriageway, that is, between the East Coast Demerara highway and the Access to Block ‘CC’ Housing Scheme. It should

be noted that while there were numerous potholes within this section, none of those holes exceed 200mm in depth nor did any of them exceed the existing loam fill in the road structure. To allow for safe, unimpeded construction, an access road was constructed to divert traffic from the critical area through Khan Street, Triumph. The construction procedure being followed is to remove excessive vegetation and other encumbrances from the road shoulders, remove deleterious materials from the carriageway, reshape/ scarify potholed areas and mixed loam fill/ crusher-run fill depressed areas.

Subsequent to the relevant quality control procedures,

that section of the works will be paved. The works that are required south of the Access to Block ‘CC’ Housing Scheme will be executed in like manner, subsequent to the completion of the initial area.

To allay the fears of Rev. Cecil, it should be pointed out that the current road structure has successfully carried the loads of the construction traffic for the two housing schemes located along the Access Road since 1997. Contrary to his prophecy of doom, the current intervention shall enhance an already tried and proven road structure, resulting in a finished product that will be there for the next two

decades, with minimum maintenance. That having been said, I would like to invite the reverend to use his influence to encourage the residents not to encumber the road shoulders with their land fill/construction materials or other solid waste. We at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure would also be willing to provide more information on the project, if necessary, and we encourage Rev. Cecil, and the public at large, to help us monitor our projects.

Regards ANTHONY A. HAYNES Project Engineer WSG MPI

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

The President lives in and deals with reality Dear Editor, AS I am about to write this letter under the caption “APNU+AFC RDC Councillors Will Remain Strong”, I open the papers (Kaieteur News) and saw a letter under the caption “The President is isolated from reality.” It makes me laugh when I read through the lines. Anyway, I won’t deal with the writer as to what he has mentioned, but I will deal with reality.

Maybe, while it’s hard for some of us to accept reality, it is easy to accept falsehoods and misconceptions that will try to bring energy to those who believe in those two things. For 23 long years under the PPP, Guyanese could not have libelled any of its ministers or Presidents by false names, if they did, then reality would have kicked in, that is victimisation and pressure by the PPP. Today, I am happy that former ministers, Presidents, heads of agencies along with current MPs can say what they want under the APNU+AFC Government. Democracy became a reality under President David A. Granger ’s administration and some are really taking advantage of it, thank the Almighty for bringing change to Guyana.

I fully endorse His Excellency’s remarks concerning the role of the PPP at the local government level.

In the letter I was reading,

the writer seems to be confused, because if he were to look at the Newscast of TVG on the 2nd August, 2017, under the Caption, “PRESIDENT BLAMES PPP/C FOR REGION 5 STANDOFF”, it is clear that HE President Granger was talking about the local government system in general.

The TVG reporter asked a question while the President was talking and the President continues his speech. At no time did the President stop to address one issue at that moment.

The President did not say that there is a Mayor in Region Five, but reading, listening and understanding are three different things.

So, I won’t blame that writer and TVG to put it how they want.

I must say that the President lives in reality and that is why I agree with his statement as to who are the ones that are hindering the works in the NDCs, RDCs and municipalities’. It is the PPP people.

In Region Five, I can clearly say that we at the RDC will stand strong against dictatorship and all those who want to hinder the development of the region. We will continue to walk out of meetings unless the Chairman Mr. Vickchand Ramphal apologises to the REO and yours truly. We will continue to walk out as long as the said chairman fails to apologise to the staff of the RDC who

were present at the April Statutory Meeting that he branded APNU+AFC supporters. We will continue to walk out as long as the said chairman fails to give his findings on the misuse of the NDIA excavators at Bath. We will continue to walk out as long the said chairman fails to give his findings of the Housing Department Rebate for Residents of Region Five during December 2016.

He must apologise to the residents of Region Five for hiding the letter so that the eligible residents could not have benefitted.

So, I must say thank you to HE President Granger for understanding who are the ones that are causing the confusion, the problems and who want to hinder development in the region.

Thanks, Mr. President for living in reality and see the problems, as they are unlike some that make the problems and want to be the saint in what they created.

Mr. President, yes you are correct, the PPP does not want development.

They are afraid of development in Guyana and the number of works that are happening in the region without the PPP’s input.

Positive works are happening in all sectors in Region Five and that is causing the PPP to have constant headaches, because they fail for 23 years and now the residents are seeing the reality.

I must also let the residents know that for 2018

Up, you mighty people!

Dear Editor, WITH much pride in the post-emancipation period Africans have sung “First of August come again.” This reminder of the struggle that finally broke the physical chains of bondage on 1st August 1838....179 years after, there’s still ways to go to secure other forms of emancipation.

Having had the opportunity to visit and interact with many predominantly African communities, I am acutely aware of what the African family has had to live with. The stench of hardship, deprivation, marginalisation,

negative public images, criminalisation, and demonisation lingers. Some among us have been agents or pawns of a system of cannibalising their own in pursuit of self-interest.

But this must not be seen as evidence that Africans are lesser than, or incapable of.

This must be used as reminders of what Africans must not be and must strive at all costs to avoid.

If ever the time is ripe, it is now for Africans to be the change we want to see and deserve. It is time to take our rightful place in this nation, to be equal partner with other groups. Historical struggles that led to success when peo-

ple came together for common causes must see this power used to secure our advancement and upliftment. This power must also be used to hold all who act on our behalf accountable, even as we so hold ourselves to conduct our lives in a manner that would be of honour to the race.

Up, you mighty people!

The struggle must continue for mental, economic, political and social emancipation. An investment in you is an investment in equality, society’s growth and development.

Regards SHARMA SOLOMON

(next year) the chairman and his entire PPP side of the RDC, did not submit any project to be done in 2018 within Region Five.

We the councillors were given one month for project submission for works to be done in the various villages. But once again the PPP failed to name or submit one single project. So the PPP is failing the people of Region Five come 2018, as they are presently doing.

But I can assure the people of Region 5, be it Bath Settlement, Cotton Tree, Blairmont, Dundee, Bush Lot and the rest of the region that works will happen.

We will see more infrastructural works undertaken by the administration without the input of the PPP as they so desire.

I want to assure the people of the region that

the APNU+AFC councillors will remain strong and steadfast in ensuring development takes place in all sectors. We will continue to better the lives of our people in true and strong representation at various levels and sectors. We will continue to stand with you towards betterment, not like some that want to see you fall for their self-gain in politics.

I must commend the REO and team for working towards a better and more developed Region 5. We on the government side of the RDC will fully support the administration as long our people will benefit and there is development taking place. I want to call on the PPP supporters to ask the chairman and PPP side of the RDC, WHY IS IT THAT THEY FAILED

TO PROPOSE PROJECTS FOR 2018?. But as I said, and will continue to say, the PPP is a failure.

As the letter writer seems to be on name-calling and mudslinging, I will not go down that road.

When some see the present development that is taking place from the past 23 years of the PPP, I know it’s hard for them to take it. Once again, I must commend and thank HE President Granger for seeing through the eyes of reality and publicly accepting who are the ones failing Guyana. Let’s continue the hard work as we strive for a better Guyana and a Good Life For All, under the APNU+AFC Government.

Regards ABEL SEETARAM

Think for yourselves and listen to those who were once there IT becomes necessary to teach one’s self the stories of the past and to accept everything else with a grain of salt. More so living in a pronouncedly divided society doesn’t help this quest for information; the power of the day tells you glamorous highlights of their tenure while neglecting to fill us in on the troubled aspects of a glooming future.

A few days ago, I listened to speeches at a rally held in Leonora by the PPP/C, siphoning out the boyish banter there was actually a lot to be awakened about.

There is a crisis with the sugar industry – that much we know and rice continues to struggle along meager

price lines with limited governmental intervention, while oil remains a stark enigma to many. The PPP/C were once on the thrones per say and now its time for another. Sadly the people, you and I- the hoi polloi of society only get the chance to elect those in power and then we are fed what they want us to know and feel through their strategic political channels.

The struggle that it is, we now have to find ways to gather bits of the truth and what exactly is going on in our country to take care of the future. But how does the average individual find truth and answers in such an unprincipled soci-

ety? There is no easy way to know the underlying workings of what is really happening but there are for sure repercussions for all involved.

My contention is to encourage minds to be salty when dealing with what is being pedaled everywhere; do not take for granted the ranting of a government willing to ‘change’ everything. What are we changing to? Is it just a reversion to the past? Think for yourselves and listen to those who were once there, to those who know a tad more than we do.

Regards, NAFEEZA KHAN

Region Five chairman disputes councillor claims Dear Editor, THE Office of the Regional Chairman Region # Five, wishes to publicly refute claims made by APNU+AFC Councillor, Mr. Abel Seetaram, which was published in the Kaieteur News on Friday, August 4, 2017.

Councillor Seetaram deliberately misled readers and by extension the general public, by suggesting that the PPP Councillors of the Regional Democratic Council Region Five failed to submit

projects to be included in the region’s 2018 Budget proposals.

Mr. Seetaram’s utterances are not only untrue and misleading, but it is also a demeaning piece emanating from an elected representative and a sitting member of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five, since a total of 144 projects from across Region Five were collectively compiled by the PPP Councillors and submitted to the Office of the Regional Executive Officer on June

26, 2017. These submissions were signed for and received by the Secretary to the Regional Executive Officer. We therefore demand an apology from Councillor Abel Seetaram, and calls upon the REO, Mr. Ovid Morrison, to issue a similar statement denouncing this irresponsible allegation made by the APNU+AFC Councillor.

Regards VICKCHAND RAMPHAL Regional Chairman, Region Five

Economy expands 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

-economy grew by 2.2% in first half of 2017

By Ravin Singh DESPITE recording a deficit in its balance of payment for the first half of 2017, Guyana’s economy grew by 2.2 percent – 0.2 percent more than the same period last year.

This was highlighted in the Ministry of Finance’s 2017 Mid-year report which was tabled in the National Assembly on Friday by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan.

According to the report, this growth was driven by expansion in the agriculture, fishing, and forestry, manufacturing, construction, and services sectors. The report explains that growth in the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sectors was led by expansion in the rice and

fishing industries, attributable to favourable international prices, strong demand, and entry into new markets. It was highlighted too that the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector grew by 6.4 percent, in the first half of this year, underpinned by a “strong recovery” in the rice industry and improved performance in the fishing industry.

Earlier this year Guyana was able to have its rice access Mexican markets, while shipments are expected to be made to Cuba later this year.

In relation to the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), which is financed by both local and foreign funded sources, $15.8B was expended during the first half of 2017. This reflected a 19.8 percent increase over the first

half of 2016. Further, this represents only 27.9 percent of the PSIP’s budgeted allocation of $56.8B. The report stated that the locally-funded projects were primarily constrained by delays in the project implementation as a result of a dearth of procurement planning, apparent lack of capacity, and delays in the tender process.

As such, this resulted in only 26.8 percent of the budgetary allocation of $34.6B expended at half year. In the area of balance of payments, the country did not do so well.

Balance of payments is the record of all international financial transactions made by a country’s residents.

The report states that the overall balance of payments recorded a deficit of

US$46M in the first half of 2017, compared to a surplus of US$12M for the same period last year.

According to the Finance Ministry, this “unfavourable” current account position was due to a higher trade deficit in merchandise and services. The report explains that this was caused mainly by an increase in the value of imports. On the other hand, the capital account improved to a surplus of US$35M, from a deficit of US$31M in 2016, largely due to an increase in private capital.

Meanwhile, the report described Guyana’s total public debt as having remained sustainable as a result of a debt management strategy that seeks to raise the required financing and meet debt service obligations at the lowest possible cost. At the end of June 2017, Guyana’s total public debt amounted to US$1.6B, representing an increase of 5.5 percent compared to the 2016 half year position.

The report explains that of the total public debt, external debt amounted to US$1.2B or 73.3 percent, while domestic debt was US$437M or 26.7 percent.

The Mid-Year report was presented to Parliament on Friday

This reflected a marginal increase in both external and domestic debt. “Guyana’s total public debt declined over the period 2012 to 2016. This steady decline was due to the reduction in debt to Venezuela and lower levels of disbursements from Guyana’s external creditors. Total public debt

increased in 2017 as a result of increased disbursements from external creditors and the inclusion of the debt of Atlantic Hotel Incorporated Loan to Republic Bank Limited (Trinidad and Tobago), which was transferred to the books of the Central Government” the report revealed.

Mammogram machine for GPHC THE Ministry of Public Health is boosting its fight against breast cancer with the purchase of a mammography machine.

On Thursday, the National Assembly passed supplementary estimates valuing $86,100M for the purchase of this equipment.

Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence told the House that the machine will be housed at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) and will provide testing free of cost.

A recent step survey found that 95 per cent of more than 168,000 women in Guyana have never had a mammogram done.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women, the recent step survey found, Minister Lawrence pointed out.

Being able to detect breast cancer early will boost the GPHC’s efforts to provide treatment.

In the 2018 National Budget, provisions will be made for an additional two mammography machines to be procured for Regions

A recent step survey found that 95 per cent of more than 168,000 women in Guyana have never had a mammogram done

Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health also got approval for an additional $12,200M for the purchase of a plateletphersis machine for the National Blood Bank. The sum of $1,800M was allocated in the 2017 National Budget for the purchase of the machine however, this was an under estimation.

Minister Lawrence as-

sured the House, following queries from the Opposition, that the procurement of these equipment will be sourced directly from the manufacturers.

The minister explained that from past experience, using the public procurement process resulted in false documents and old machines. Purchasing directly from the manufacturers allows for high maintenance, training of staff and value for money.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 5, 2017

Assassination plot CoI

Brother of accused plotter says never asked Top Cop for favours

By Ariana Gordon IMRAN Khan, the brother of Nizam Khan, the man accused of plotting to assassinate President David Granger sometime in 2015, has said he never asked any favours of Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud, his friend of 12 years.

Testifying at the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the matter on Friday, Khan, a Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) businessman, told the Paul Slowe headed Commission that he did not ask the Top Cop to intervene in the arrest and subsequent release of his brother.

Khan was arrested on March 29 for disorderly behaviour at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

He said too that his friendship with the Police Commissioner is not unlike that of any other friendship, though the duo never visited each other’s homes. In fact, Khan, who is a miner, realtor and spare parts dealer, told the Commission that his friendship with Persaud is relative to intelligence sharing.

Attorney for the Commission, James Bond, questioned the nature of the duo’s friendship. “For the 12 years, have you ever requested any favours of commissioner of police?”

Bond asked as Khan responded in the negative.

“Sir, our friendship was not for the purpose of any favours…,” declared the businessman, who repeatedly told the Commission he has never asked his friend of over a decade any favours. He said on March 29, when he was informed that the police visited his brother’s Diamond, EBD premises he contacted the Police Commissioner twice between 16:00hrs and 17:00hrs and subsequently between 18:00hrs and 19:00hrs.

He said he asked Persaud to find out why the police were at his brother’s house and did not have a search warrant. “…it was not a favour…but I did make a request to him,” admitted Khan, who noted that his request should not be seen as a favour. The Police Commissioner returned the call and told Imran to have his brother cooperate with the police as the allegation is a serious one. “…there is no need to retract… I’ve never asked him for a favour,” said Khan who noted that he has communicated with Persaud via his cell phone always.

“How often would you call Mr Seelall, if at all?” Bond continued. “Not that much frequent…I maintain that we

do talk on the phone…” said Khan, who said the friendship was a 50/50 one where both parties called.

“I didn’t ask him any assistance to compromise the matter…just to intervene in the matter with the police being there without the warrant and not putting the allegation to Nizam Khan,” said the businessman.

He told the Commission that he is not friends with any other senior officers of the Force but noted that he would see senior officers from time to time, at police functions and other locations, but they aren’t his personal friends.

During cross-examination, Khan’s attorney Christopher Ram asked, “…The relationship is not unique to other police?” asked Ram to whom, his client replied, “I know a lot of police on the East Bank…”

The businessman noted that he would interact with some police from time to time when they approached him to have

you would normally assist in fixing vehicles?” asked the Commission’s attorney to which the man replied, “No sir”. Khan has maintained that he has had no role to play in the alleged plot to assassinate President Granger.

His brother has been accused of offering Andriff Gillard $7M to kill the president in 2015. Gillard made a report to the Police on the matter, on March 29, 2017.

NOT CLOSE TO BROTHER Meanwhile, Khan told the Commission that he does not share a very close relationship with his brother but noted that he is a licenced firearm holder.

Khan said he is unsure of when his brother became licensed to carry a firearm but he received his approval in the early 1990s.

The businessman denied assisting his brother with obtaining his firearm licence and noted that he has never been around his brother with his

Businessman, Imran Khan, testifies before the COI into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger on Friday

Attorney James Bond questions Imran Khan during Friday’s COI into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger.

their vehicles fixed.

He said too that he has no contractual relationship with the Guyana Police Force or the Police Commissioner to have police vehicles repaired at his shop and has not received payment for same.

“Since in the early 2000s I have been assisting but not major mechanical repairs to police vehicles…tyres…not a contractual arrangement from the Force…so we won’t have payments in terms of that.”

Khan told the Commissioner that he can’t recall receiving calls from former Commander ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken, to fix police vehicles and noted too that the Police Commissioner has never made such a request.

“Did you indicate to the Commissioner of Police that

firearm nor has he shown it to him. “We don’t have close socialising in the family…we talk about business… [But] in terms of getting into his personal business and life, no sir.”

He made it clear that he does not imbibe nor go out with his brother but noted that from time to time, Nizam would have visited his Grove Public Road business.

FIREARMS Additionally, Khan disclosed that he has three licensed firearms, one of which is usually concealed on his person. The man disclosed that he owns a .45 handgun, a 12 gage shotgun and an Olympia magazine .223 rifle. He described the rifle as a semi-automatic weapon averaging 20 to 21 inches length and is black in

colour. Gillard had reported that Nizam was in possession of a long black gun, which he claimed was to be used to kill President Granger. No such weapon was found by police at Nizam’s residence.

“Has Nizam ever seen that rifle? Did Nizam have access to that rifle?” Bond asked to which Khan replied, “No sir.

It is kept at my home sir.” In his evidence-in-chief, the man disclosed that his firearms were bought on Camp Street at a dealer.

Nizam he said was never informed of his acquisition of the weapon. Moreover, Khan told the Commission that he did not seek permission to import any other weapon other than the .45 shotgun and the rifle, as well as “special ammunition” for the rifle. During cross-examination, he said he

first owned a 9mm firearm, but subsequently upgraded to a .45 handgun sometime in 2012.

He said the upgrade was done sometime in 2014.

ASSAULTED Khan told the Commission that he was manhandled by police at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and obtained a medical to that effect. He admitted that he has not laid the document over to the police but said he has it at home.

The man explained that he contacted the Police Commissioner sometime in the evening on March 29 to tell him the police was giving him a hard time to make a report at the station.

“I went to make a complaint – for one hour or one and a half hours I was pushed around and the police denied me access to

take the report. I immediately called Mr Seelall, but no one answered,” Khan recounted.

He noted that he spoke to Sergeant Komal Petamber, who advised him that his report would eventually be taken.

The man said that as a result of being pushed around he raised his voice much to the displeasure of the police. Khan said one Corporal, identified as Benjamin told him ‘Gillard came from OP (Office of the president) be careful with that report’. The man said the police also told him that he was not threatened by Gillard and made a series of excuses as to why his report could not have been taken.

“In a lil loud voice I said I have you on recorder here I will go to OPR to complain about it because my life is involved… that is when I called Seelall and he didn’t take my call.”

He said when he mentioned he was recording the incident, “they manhandle me and take me phone and Corporal Benjamin delete my recording.”

He recounted that he protested against the actions of the police and during his protest he was hit to the chest by the police who were also cursing at him. He no longer has the recording of the episode as he told the Commission that Corporal Benjamin took his unlocked Nokia smartphone and deleted it.

The man admitted to using indecent language at the police station but noted that it was done out of frustration. During his time in custody, where he was arrested for disorderly behaviour, the Police Commissioner returned his call on his cell phone. It was Sergeant Petamber who handed Khan the mobile device.

By that time, Khan said he was already on $10,000 bail but did not have money to pay at the time. He reported same to the Police Commissioner, who then spoke with Inspector Prem Narine, who followed through on their discussion.

Counsel for the Commission then asked Khan if he is familiar with an Inspector Hoyte, to which he responded in the affirmative. He was then asked to state any issues he had with the Inspector to which he said yes, and referred to sometime between 2007 and 2009. Before the witness could explain the situation his attorney interjected and questioned the relevance of the line of questioning. Ram believed that the Commission’s counsel was on an unrelated “fishing expedition”. That line of questioning was subsequently withdrawn

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

High imports of pinewood giving gov’t headache ...Trotman says situation untenable Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman said that the high local demand for U.S. pinewood is an untenable situation especially given Guyana’s strong tradition of being a forest producing country.

He made the comment on Friday when he met with a number of local hardware store and lumber yard representatives to discuss options to mitigate the high local demand for foreign pinewood, especially from the United States. The meeting was part of the ministry’s ongoing consultations with stakeholders on the impact of large quantities of imported pinewood on the local timber industry, the Ministry of Natural Resources said in a statement. During the meeting, the local hardware dealers and lumber suppliers spoke of the difficulties they usually encounter in sourcing quality local lumber for their customers. Issues with the local lumber included not being properly kiln-dried and

uncertainty of supply. Some of the operators expressed an interest and desire to sell the local lumber but complained that they were not getting the reliability from the local forest operators.

Further, they observed that their customers have shown a preference for imported pinewood, which has been found to be in reliable supplies and of a superior quality to local woods.

Among the local businesses represented were Jettoo’s Lumber Yard, Gafoor’s, National Hardware, Builders’ Lumber Yard and Chetram’s.

The local dealers were informed that because Guyana will be initialing the Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Union as part of the EU-FLEGT, all imports of forest products into Guyana will have to satisfy strict guidelines regarding legality of their source. The local suppliers say the challenges faced had stemmed from a lack of financing to make the capital

investments to bring the local products up to the standard of the imported pinewood.

Speaking to the business persons at the meeting, Minister Trotman stressed the point that local standards must be raised in order to change the trend of the foreign products preference. He said that while the Government intends to introduce an import permit for foreign wood species, it has no intention to ban imports of foreign wood; though it finds it troubling that a country with a strong tradition of being a forest producing country has to resort to wood imports to meet local demand. This, he noted is an untenable situation that cannot be allowed to stand.

In discussion with the local businesses in the forest sector, along with the GFC and the Forest Products Development and Marketing Council Guyana Inc., it was decided at the meeting that

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, in discussionswith forestry stakeholders and officers of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

the Ministry of Natural Resources will support an exhibition towards the end of October 2017. At this exhibition, local producers will have an opportunity

to display lesser known species of local woods as alternatives to the imported pine and other woods.

The ministry will continue to hold meetings with the

forestry stakeholders and businesses with a view to formulating solutions that are sustainable and which will redound to the benefit of the forestry sector.

Legal advice being sought against prison officer

POLICE are seeking legal advice in the case involving a chief prison officer accused of facilitating the smuggling of contraband into the Timehri Prison, Commander of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman, has confirmed.

Reports indicate the officer was arrested after a search was conducted at the Timehri Prison Thursday during which a quantity of drugs and mobile phones were recovered.

It is alleged that the prison officer has been facilitating the smuggling of contraband into the prison, which is against the prison laws chapter 11:01.

The prison officer was reportedly rewarded financially for each pass that occurred within the prison confines.

On Thursday, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) launched an investigation into the discovery of a quantity of drugs, cell phones and other items found at the Timehri and New Amsterdam Prisons.

At the Timehri Prison, Samuels said a prison officer is at the center of the investigation, as a prisoner had indicated that a “prison staff took pay for the items to pass during a visit”.

“The discovery has caused the owner much pain and he is talking about killing prison officers. The police were called in to investigate,” the director noted.

Between 09:4012:30hrs, ranks of the Joint Services conducted a thorough search of the cells at the said Timehri Prison and

Some of the items found by prison authorities

a number of prohibited items were found.

These are eight lighters, seven smoking utensils, 16 improvised weapons, eight packs of cigarettes, two dining forks, two pairs of scissors, five cell phone chargers, one bottle pepper sauce, three cellular phones, one tattoo machine, a quantity of tobacco and 305 grams of cannabis.

A similar search was also conducted on Thursday at the New Amsterdam Prison under the direction of Dep-

uty Commander ‘B’ Division, Senior Superintendent E Cooper, who was accompanied by 20 police ranks and seven prison officers.

Two dorms, two landings and cells were searched and eight cellular phones, three cellular phone batteries, one cellular phone display, three earphones, five cellular phone chargers, 16 cigarette lighters, two tattoo machines, five improvised weapons, 20 packs cigarettes and three grams of cannabis were found.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 5, 2017

Capital spending improves

-- for first half of 2017, says Harmon

By Rabindra Rooplall GOVERNMENT’S capital spending in the initial months of 2017 was slow but improved towards the end of the first half of the year as Cabinet revise the outlook for the second half.

This is according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during a post- Cabinet press briefing on Friday.

He said a report of spending was presented to Cabinet Wednesday under the Public Sector Investment Pro-

gramme (PSIP) for the first half of 2017.

Underscoring that the PSIP with an allocation of $56.75B for 2017 is the main mechanism for government’s spending, Harmon said Cabinet has discussed ways and means of assisting the budget agencies to improve their performance in relation to capital spending.

Cabinet was informed of the issues that hindered the implementation of projects under the PSIP and discussed ways and means of assisting

the budget agencies to improve their performance in relation to capital spending.

The Minister of State said the procurement entities have been very careful in checking all contracts and that amounted to slowing up of the processes.

He explained that ways were looked at to expedite the procurement process, including the recommendation to appoint project management officers in various ministries to effectively speed up all procedures.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Adding that the Finance Ministry will try to facilitate

other ministries with the appointment of project managers, Harmon said this will accelerate all the paperwork hurdles that may be hampering the implementation of various contracts.

“Better streamlining of the procurement process from the time that a contract is awarded to the time of mobilisation is given to the contractor to start work will be done. What we are trying to do is narrow that gap so that things can happen at a faster pace,” Harmon said.

He said Cabinet also indicated its intention to continue to closely monitor the imple-

mentation of the PSIP as permanent secretaries expressed appreciation for Cabinets intervention.

“An assurance was given to Cabinet that the bulk of PSIP projects for the year 2017 will be implemented,” he said.

Additionally, Harmon said Guyana saw a growth rate of 2.2 per cent for the first half of this year compared to a 2.0 per cent for the same period in 2016.

He said that the private sector’s credit has increased while the exchange rate (US dollars) remained constant.

US$1.4M cleared for fire rescue boat A multi-purpose fire rescue boat for the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) under the Public Security Ministry will be purchased at a cost of US$1.4M. This was disclosed

by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon during his post-cabinet press conference Friday at Ministry of the Presidency.

Harmon said the contract was awarded to Angloco Limited. The company is an established and reputable British company which manufactures firefighting and rescue vehicles.

“It should be noted that the last fire boat that we had here in Guyana–the Forbes B –was put out of service in 1978 after the destruction by fire of

the Guyana Rice Board wharf that was suspected to be an act of arson,” Harmon reflected. “Since then there has been several unsuccessful attempts to acquire a new vessel.”

He noted that the port of Georgetown for 10 miles inland from the mouth of the Demerara River is the centre of commercial activities. Operations in this area, he said, includes the storage of petroleum products, import and export of food and industrial supplies all of which are vulnerable to the ravages of fire.

Adding that the acquisition of the vessel will fulfill a pressing need, Harmon said the vessel is

An example of a fire and rescue boat

also designed to support shore-based firefighting

by the delivery of large volumes of water for con-

siderable distances inland.

“The vessel is also de-

signed to carry out search and rescue missions and marine medical evacuation in our rivers and along the coastline,” Harmon said.

Angloco Ltd designs, manufactures and supplies fire-fighting and rescue vehicles and equipment.

It has customers in over 50 countries world-wide, supported by comprehensive after-sales service and spare parts back-up.

Further under the Ministry of Public Security, Harmon said, there will be $189M in procurement of new and reconditioned vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, flashlights with sirens for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

City councillors to decide fate of Merriman Mall barbers, hairdressers

By Navendra Seoraj

BARBERS and hairdressers who ply their trade at the Merriman Mall will be given another chance to remain there if City councillors agree to Mayor Patricia Chase-Green’s request to review the eviction notice.

The vendors were given a notice to remove from the area by July 31, 2017 but 30 sellers signed a petition to have the decision reviewed by the Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC).

Green, who accused the vendors of fabricating names, still adhered to their request and agreed to present the proposal to the councillors at a statutory meeting on Monday.

During a discussion with

Council will have to find another area to ply their trade.

They were however told that no spots will be taken until the Council makes a final decision.

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green (centre); Town Clerk, Royston King (third from right) and other officials of the M&CC engaging barbers and hairdressers on Thursday (Photo by Delano Williams)

vendors on Friday, the mayor said the “untidy” condition of the area where they occupy is unacceptable and disrespectful to the M&CC.

“Ropes, garbage and all sort of filth are there,” said Chase-Green, adding she is suspicious about the number of persons who signed the

petition.

The mayor pointed out that during many visits, only 13-15 persons were seen operating at the mall.

Many residents of Church Street and commuters also complained about the condition of that section of the Merriman’s Mall.

If the councillors give their consent to the proposal, vendors were implored to fix their stands and keep the area clean or be removed.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence was also approached by the mayor to provide guidance on the matter.

“When that section is nasty, it makes the entire mall look unsightly… so you cannot make a petition to

the Council when you continuously have the place in an unacceptable condition,” lamented Green.

Vendors were further advised that with those conditions, even the customers would not be inclined to utilise the services they offer.

In addition, many stallholders were accused of leaving their stall filthy and occupying another space on Regent, Wellington and other streets around Georgetown. These vendors were informed that if they continue, the spot will no longer be theirs.

Persons who consistently utilise the spot will be represented at the upcoming statutory meeting, while the others who “disrespect” the

INCREASE IN RENT Although they stand a chance of regaining their spot, vendors were told that the rent of $1,500 per week will be increased because of increased maintenance cost.

They were also told that they will have to pay for their own electricity and water.

“We can’t afford to keep treating you like babies… so some of the responsibilities will have to be taken on by you guys,” she said.

Stallholder agreed to all the conditions of the mayor but they pointed out that they are not the only ones who contribute to the litter in the area.

Some of them said vagrants and even regular individuals who visit the area “make a mess” but because they are the ones who sell there, they face all the blame.

Added to that, their cabins are broken into during the night and their equipment are stolen.

“We need more security,” said one of the vendors who called on the M&CC to visit the area more often before making a judgment.

Cevon’s porter jailed for smuggling contraband into prison A 25-year-old driver attached to the Cevon’s Waste Management Disposal was on Friday sentenced to six years jail for smuggling almost two pounds of cannabis into the Lusignan Prison.

Akeem John of Middle Walk, Buxton appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at Vigilance Magistrate’s Court and pleaded guilty to two counts of drug trafficking.

Particulars of the two charges read that on August 3 at Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he had 865.5 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. It is further alleged that on

the same date and location he had 24 grams cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Two other employees of the waste disposal company were also arrested during the drug bust, however, in court, John said someone had paid him to carry in the drugs into the prison and that his other colleagues were innocent The Magistrate sentenced John to three years imprisonment and $30,000 fine on each charge. The sentencing will run concurrently.

More similar charges are expected to be laid against John on Monday and is currently awaiting

advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

According to reports, on Thursday, August 3 about 10:45hrs, law enforcement officers acting on information conducted a search on a vehicle, GWW 733 owned by the waste disposal service shortly before it entered the “Old Compound” of the Lusignan Prison. During the search, ranks found a haversack containing in excess of 860 grams of cannabis and two cartons of cigarettes. And, additional 24 grams of cannabis was found on the driver of the said vehicle.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 5, 2017

ILO calls for recommitment to tripartite dialogue

“Tripartism is like a marriage. You make a vow to be there in good times and in bad times. It requires trust which is earned over time and by demonstrating that you are genuinely interested in making the relationship work.

It also requires a real commitment to keeping the lines of communication open in order to resolve whatever problems may arise in the relationship,” says Claudia Coenjaerts, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean based in Port-of-Spain.

In light of the current labour relations landscape in Trinidad and Tobago in particular, but generally in the Caribbean region, it is timely to remember the importance of tripartite dialogue and the need for tripartite processes. Why do we need a tripartite process? When it comes to discussions among governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, each party brings sometimes seemingly opposing interests to the table. However, governments, employers and workers need each other to keep the wheels of the economy going but the fact is that they come with very different perspectives.

“Tripartism that works is an excellent method to find that sweet spot where consensus is reached among Governments, employers’

and workers’ organizations but to reach this win-win situation, all the parties must be willing to come to the table and engage in meaningful discussion,” says Coenjaerts. “In times of economic hardship such consensus is more important than ever.”

The ILO brings a unique perspective to the issue of tripartism because it is the only tripartite organisation within the United Nations system.

The mandate of the ILO is based on the very principle of tripartism: to promote cooperation between employers, workers and governments to bring about social justice.

The ILO’s mandate is what is known as the Decent Work Agenda (DWA) which is simply the recognition that work, and not just any work but “Decent Work”, is a cornerstone of social justice and peace.

The idea of “Decent Work” has been around since the ILO was established in 1919 but the term was coined in the 1990s.

“Decent Work” is based on (1) a tripartite consensus and social dialogue (element of fairness); (2) promotion of job creation (3) strong emphasis on rights at work and working conditions (security, equality, freedom); (4) the advancement of social protection and security. These are often referred to as the four pillars of the Decent Work Agenda.

The establishment of the National Tripartite Advisory Council (NTAC) in Trinidad and Tobago in March 2016 brought with it the hope of tripartite dialogue and a willingness by all parties to work towards social justice. Mechanisms such as the NTAC are meant to be a forum in which governments can engage workers’ and employers’ representatives to help translate the DWA into national policies and programmes. The proper functioning of such a Council is meant to ensure that the interests of all parties are heard. Furthermore it is meant to be a forum which is consistently used to ensure that input and perspectives feed into policy decisions.

Coenjaerts explains, “What seems to be “opposed” in terms of interests is not really so. In the end we all have an interest in sustainability, prosperity, justice and peace. We all want to improve the conditions for workers and business in the interest of national development.” Throughout the Caribbean, the ILO facilitates national tripartite processes through capacity-building, knowledge-sharing and promotion of best practices.

The ILO stands ready to support in facilitating fora for successful tripartite dialogue in Trinidad and Tobago.

Unruly prisoner shot dead

A MURDER accused who was involved in a fight with other inmates at Timehri Prison was shot in the abdomen and later pronounced dead at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital Friday afternoon.

Acting Prisons Director, Gladwin Samuels, confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that dead is Winston Hinds, 26, of Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden.

The Guyana Prison Service in a release said the circumstances, as reported to the Prisons Director by Timehri Prison officials, are that several prisoners were involved in a serious physical altercation and assault in which they were using improvised weapons.

Prison officers attempted to restore order by breaking up the violent fracas and during this process, Hinds fled into the prison yard in an apparent bid to escape.

“Clear and repeated orders were issued for Hinds to

desist but he refused in every instance and continued running. Prison officers were left with no option than to curtail his escape bid. This necessitated the use of live rounds as a last resort after every other option had failed,” the statement said.

It added: “Hinds was struck on the body by a single round and was immediately taken to the East Bank Demerara Hospital Complex at Diamond, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His next of kin was immediately informed and the police are conducting an investigation.”

The Guyana Prison Service said it deeply regrets the loss of Hinds’ life and extended deepest condolences to his family, relatives and friends.

“The GPS will also reiterate its internal calls to all prisoners to conduct themselves responsibly, to resist any temptation to escape from lawful custody, to obey the instructions of prison of-

ficers at all times and to serve their sentences as mandated by the courts until such time as they are eligible for release,” the release concluded.

Hinds was charged with the murder of Richard Remington between February 9 and February 12, 2015, at Cholmondeley Hill, Wismar.

Owen Belfield, 27, of Lot 59 Victory Valley, Linden and prison escapee Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander were also charged with Hinds for the murder.

The decomposing remains of Remington were found in a clump of bushes along a track in the vicinity of Matthews Lane in the Christianburg/Cholmondeley Hill area on February 12, 2015. He had been shot three times, including once to the head.

Alexander called “Mad Dawg” was recently recaptured in Topoo, Albion, East Berbice, Corentyne, in an un-fenced yard.

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AG holds talks with Bar Association THE Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Honourable Basil Williams S.C. M.P, recently met with the executives of the Guyana Bar Association during which they discussed a number of issues, including the need for supervisory authority of attorneys under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism regime.

Among those at the meeting were: President of the Guyana Bar, Mr Kamal Ramkarran; Secretary, Ms Pauline Chase, and other members of the executives.

Among the things discussed at the meeting were continuing legal education for attorneys in Guyana, the need for a supervisory authority of Attorneys at Law under the AMLCFT regime, the implementation of a system of transcription in the law courts and the need for a unified Bar. Both the Attorney General and the Bar Council

agreed that the meeting was very productive.

According to a release by the AG Chambers, top on the agenda for both sides was the urgent need for all courts to be outfitted with voice verbatim transcription systems. The Attorney General indicated that in a modern society these systems are important for use in every court. “It allows the speedy conclusion of cases and provides for transparency in the courtroom by allowing lawyers to have verbatim reports during trials.”

In a discussion on the structure of the Bar it was noted that the Bar would be an ideal body to assist with facilitating professional development for attorneys, as well as function as a mechanism that can regulate disciplinary and accounting regimes.

However, it was noted that before any system is implemented there must be consultations held with the

entire Bar so as to ensure that adequate representation is made for all attorneys- atlaw. This consultation will also consider the utility of the model legislation drafted by the Regional Project Director of the IMPACT Justice project, Professor Velma Newton. The model legislation is a gender-sensitive model Legal Profession Act, which contains a revised Code of Ethics, disciplinary and accounting procedures and provisions for continuing legal professional development.

There was also discussion on the need for a supervisory body under the AMLCF regime as a requirement for the Fourth Round Mutual evaluation.

The parties have agreed to a sensitisation meeting for attorneys-at-law under the AMLCFT regime. The Attorney General and the Bar Council expressed a desire to continue to have regular engagements.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 5, 2017

Gov’t condemns Jagdeo for ‘inciting fear, division’

THE Ministry of the Presidency firmly rejects and condemns as wicked and dangerous, statements reportedly made by Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo at a public meeting in Leonora, West Coast Demerara on Sunday.

The Opposition Leader appears to be bent on inciting fear and division even if it means being dishonest with members of the public, the MOTP said in a statement. According to the ministry, an INews Guyana report on Sunday, July 30, 2017, headlined “Jagdeo says Guyana heading towards dictatorship” was filled with several spurious and wild claims, which are not only unfairly injurious to the Head of State and the Government of Guyana but also the reputation of the members of the judiciary.

“Mr. Jagdeo’s spurious claims came just days after President David Granger reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the judicial system is one that reflects the values of independence, impartiality and integrity,” the ministry added. Speaking at the opening of the new wing of the Victoria Law Courts on July 28, 2017, the Head of State said, “The effective administration of justice requires a judicial system characterized by independence, impartiality and integrity. The impartiality of the judiciary will be secured by insulating the judiciary, including appointment of judicial officers, from political influence. The Executive branch of Government has taken steps to ensure that the judiciary does not feel beholden to the government-of-the-day. The independence of the judiciary is guaranteed at Article 122 A (1) of the Constitution,” he said.

Article 122 (A) of the Constitution states, “All Courts and all persons presiding over courts shall exercise their functions independently of the control and direction of any other person or authority; and shall be free and independent from political, executive and any other form of direction and

control.”

Vile attack Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams, in an invited comment said that the statements by the Opposition Leader about control and manipulation of the judiciary, amounts to a vile and baseless attack on the members of that branch of Government, which he had emasculated and controlled to the extent where the judiciary was denied its financial autonomy under his Presidency. The Attorney General said that this administration promotes an independent, impartial and unbiased judiciary and will not seek to interfere with its work as was done in the past.

In the article, it is reported that Mr. Jagdeo “making reference to the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) meter case, which is currently before the courts, claimed that the Government was given preference in that matter since the case was brought forward for an early hearing.”

Minister Williams said that the article perpetuates a falsehood for malicious and cheap political points since nothing could be further from the truth. Minister Williams said that this matter was filed by Mr. Paul James of Fix It Depot after he lost the bid for a contract to run new power transmission lines and install over 25,000 smart meters on the coastland.

Chief Justice (Ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, on February 17, 2017 ruled in favour of the Government on the matter.

Minister Williams explained that based on the seriousness and urgency of the case, an emergency session was held where the Chief Justice made her ruling.

While Mr. James sought the Court’s assistance in determining whether the procurement clause can be applied, in international agreements the law of the international donor takes precedence.

Additionally, in the same article, Mr. Jagdeo claims that, “We have seen cases where all the matters that we have before the courts now

are deliberately delayed like the elections petition and so many other issues.” He is further quoted as stating, “If they go to the court – if a private citizen has a civil matter with the Government, they can direct the judiciary to give a particular ruling.”

The Attorney General said it is ironic that the Leader of the Opposition has the temerity to make such a statement since the Election Petitions by Veronica Delph in 2001 and Andrea Marks in 2006 were never heard under his Presidency. However, Minister Williams said that the Elections Petition filed by the PPPC is being heard in the Courts of Guyana and as recent as February 21, 2017, the Stabroek News reported that the Full Court is reviewing written submissions before making an announcement on its decision.

Further, the Attorney General called on the Leader of the Opposition to make public, the list of cases, which have been deliberately delayed as he is claiming.

“This new Government has had judges appointed by Jagdeo [make] orders against the President of the Cooperate Republic of Guyana, the Prime Minister and the Attorney General; the latter on diverse occasions. The orders against the President, the Prime Minister, and the Attorney General were made without giving them an opportunity to be heard, the first time in history of Independent Guyana. Unable to trample upon them, he is attempting to demoralise them and make them timorous when dealing with a matter involving the State,” Minister Williams said.

The Opposition Leader, seemingly on a mission to spread inaccurate information and lies also claims, according to the INews Guyana article, that “And we have seen this President for one year delaying the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) until he had his design rolled out.” Minister Williams said that this is another attempt

by Jagdeo to not only mislead the Guyanese public but to also embarrass the associated professionals,

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

since the JSC, which is an independent body and appointments to that body are determined by the Constitution of Guyana under Article 198. These are not done by selection by any official in the Government.

Further, Mr. Williams said that the President did not delay any appointment but followed Article 111 of the Constitution, which enabled him to send back the recommendations to the JSC for reconsideration.

In the case of the said recommendations, they were not triggered by any public advertisement of vacancies in the office of judges and inviting applications for appointments thereto. Article 111 states, “In the exercise of his functions under this Constitution or any other law, the President shall act in accordance with his own deliberate judgement except in cases where, by this Constitution or by any other law, he is required to act in accordance with the advice or on the recommendation of any person or authority.”

Minister Williams said that the President has an obligation to the Guyanese citizens to ensure that the persons appointed to the Judiciary will serve to the best of the abilities. “The President must have a higher and perpetual retainer in ensuring that the Judges he appoints are fit and proper and were selected and recommended after a transparent process. The President would be remiss in his duty to the Guyanese people if he were to robotically appoint Judges recommended by

Attorney General, Basil Williams

the JSC without first ascertaining the qualifications, suitability, experience, expertise, integrity and absence of nepotism among other considerations. Under this Government, the days of handpicking and secret overtures to fill vacancies in the office of Judges are over,” the Attorney General said.

Further, the Opposition Leader is quoted as saying that “citizens must not take lightly the words uttered by President Granger following the acting Chief Justice’s ruling, when he said that despite the mostly favourable judgment in relation to the issue, he would act in accordance with his perception.”

This statement is clearly geared at damaging the reputation of the President and the image of the Chief Justice. The Head of State, on several occasions, explained that his only interest is ensuring that the person appointed to the post of Chairman, meets the requirements as outlined in the Constitution of Guyana.

This position, which has remained unchanged, is a matter of public record and as such, one can only deduce that this was a deliberate attempt by Mr. Jagdeo to create mischief. Mr. Jagdeo is further quoted as saying, “We have heard the President (David Granger) say there is nothing wrong with the Attorney General threatening a judge in the court.”

The Ministry of the Presidency would like to clearly state that on the onset of the matter, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs was asked by the

President to provide an explanation. Speaking to members of the press after the swearing in of the Justices to the Appellate Court, which was held at State House on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the President responded to questions on the matter, stating that the Attorney General was not cited by the Court for contempt and as such the explanation given was accepted since it was in accordance with the complaint received. At no time did the President say that the threatening of a judge by any person is acceptable in anyway. The Head of State continues to treat members of the Judiciary with dignity and respect for their role for the good of Guyana. If Mr. Jagdeo is quoted correctly, he is clearly not above outright lying in an attempt to damage the reputation of the Head of State.

Lastly, a section of the article states that “The Opposition Leader also drew the crowd’s attention to recent comments made by the Attorney General, Basil Williams, who allegedly said the Judges were put there by the Government and ought to rule in its favour.” The Attorney General said that this statement is patently false and is clearly designed to mislead the Guyanese people in an effort to disrupt the work of the Government, which has been making significant strides in a number of areas since its assumption to office. The Ministry of the Presidency calls on the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who is quoted as making these spurious claims without providing any actual evidence or proof, to be honest in his public statements instead of spreading untruths to aid his campaign of division and stir incitement against the Government.

More importantly, however, the Ministry of the Presidency calls on all media houses to pay attention to the tenets of their profession. It is also equally important that the Media take the responsibility to provide accurate information to the members of the public. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

Broadcast bill strips law of uncertainty --reduces fees, opens up zones

By: Alva Solomon AMENDMENTS to the Broadcasting Act, “are in no way an impediment on the freedom of the media”, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has said.

At the same time the leader of government affairs in Parliament told the National Assembly that the amendments are intended to “strip the law” , that is, the Broadcasting Act 2011 , of “uncertainty”, as well as open-ended arrangements that were “oppressive” to operators.

The prime minister made the pronouncements late on Thursday night when the Broadcasting Amendment Bill 2017 was read for a second time.

He told the National Assembly that the amendments to the law are meant to give operators choices of how to conduct their operations as viable businesses. The operating fees have been reduced, a move which allows broadcasters to operate in various zones.

“This is as I said a progressive measure. A revolutionary measure to take forward the broadcasting in Guyana,” he noted. He said it will ensure that not only the physical facilitation is done by way of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) for how broadcasting should be done, but according to the prime minister, there should be guide as to the content of broadcasting that carries public information content that is stripped of appeal to racism.

The prime minister reminded parliamentarians that at the opening of the 11th Parliament, President David Granger during an address to the National Assembly outlined the Legislative Agenda of the APNU+AFC Coalition government.

He said the Broadcasting Amendment Bill was included on the agenda and it was envisaged to allow greater independence to the Broadcasting Authority and to ensure standards of fairness, balance and accuracy on matters of public interest.

“The bill that was to be amended was the Broadcasting Act,” he said.

The prime minister, who is subject minister, noted that then President Bharrat Jag-

deo on September 27, 2011 assented to the Broadcasting Act 2011, which he termed the “Jagdeo Act” and according to him, it provides for the making of subsidiary legislation.

He outlined the provisions for such amendments, noting that in Section 48:1 of the Act, that subject to the other provisions, the minister may, after consultation with the board or the body responsible for frequency management or both, as appropriate make subsidiary legislation for the better carrying out of the provisions of the legislation.

nologies, public polices and international policies.

More importantly, he said that the law states that the authority shall require licensees to carry information on any programme issued by the Civil Defense Commission (CDC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), or health services and certain other programmes, such as public information, which are deemed appropriate and as necessary as an emergency or natural disaster as a public service at no cost.

“They were just stated as

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

Under the amended legislation, all broadcasting agencies will be mandated to broadcast public services programmes for a total of up to 60 minutes per day between 06:00hrs and 22:00hrs free of cost.

GAPS To this end, the prime minister informed the National Assembly that there were gaps in the 2011 Act and these include the provision of “private, public and community broadcasting”; however, he said that there have been no regulations that provide for these classes of broadcasting licenses.

He informed the National Assembly that the law passed in 2011 states that the GNBA would recommend to the subject minister, legislation or changes to the exciting broadcast legislation in the light of new developments, tech-

an intention so the act had to be amended to provide for this to come about and also in this bill, it gives very wide and sweeping powers to the broadcasting authority to amend the conditions for the issuance of a license to a broadcaster,” the prime minister noted.

He said too that such powers included the ability to suspend or to revoke a license.

“So in this Bill of 2011, it was the GNBA that was vested with powers to recommend changes to the law itself and to require licensees to carry license to information issued by Civic Defense Commission,” he noted.

The prime minister read that section of the 2011 Act, noting that it was made reference to in the public “as if it has been an invention.”

Prime Minister Nagamootoo reiterated that the “Jagdeo Act” included provisions for public service

broadcast, “but sir, like we know what happen with the President’s pension plan, it had no cap.”

He noted that the 2011 legislation spelt that there could be any amount of percentages, any amount of time to be arrogated by the State by what it considered public service broadcast.

LEND CERTAINTY “So we decided in this government that we would lend clarity to the law; and we could lend certainly the law by freeing up broadcasters from being held hostage to a law that says that you have to give public broadcasting time for any undefined period,” he told the National Assembly.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Juan Edghill, told the National Assembly that the amendments are interfering with the rights of broadcasters.

He said that with the passage of the amendments, the broadcasters would not be applying for a continuum of their license, which he noted is one of several “grey areas”.

However, Prime Minister Nagamootoo told the National Assembly that the amendments are of “tremendous benefit” to the operators of radio and TV in Guyana, to all broadcasters.

to an immediate halt. The same will be for those applicants whose applications were rejected.

“A person who… continues to carry on a broadcasting service after the expiry of time specified without applying for a licence or where he has applied for a licence within the time specified but his/her application for a licence has been rejected, commits an offence,” the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill states.

PENALTIES Defaulters would be fined $1M and imprisonment for one year. The proposed legislation calls for the seizure of equipment relative to the television and radio broadcasters.

“All machinery and equipment used, or which can be used, for broadcasting and owned by or in the possession of, the person concerned is liable to be forfeited; but property not owned by such person shall not be forfeited unless the court is satisfied that the owner of the property knew or ought to have, with reasonable diligence, known that the person convicted had no license to carry on broadcasting service,” the bill states.

Operators or potential operators who currently have pending applications for broadcasting service licences

Opposition MP, Juan Edghill

Once the amended legislation is assented to by President Granger, TV and radio broadcasters will be mandated to reapply for their licenses within 30 days of the commencement of the new legislation and provide 60 minutes of public service programmes every day at no charge.

According to the new legislation, failure to apply for the license within the specified timeframe will result in the broadcasting service coming

will also be mandated to repay following the enforcement of the Act. The Broadcasting Regulations 2014 will also be revoked once the Act has been enforced.

The amended legislation introduces three classes of broadcasting services, namely: commercial, non-commercial and community classes and three types of broadcasting zones – primary, secondary and tertiary.

The primary zone com-

prises the municipality of Georgetown, Region Three up to the Essequibo River, all of Region Four and Region Five east of Region Four to the Abary River. Additionally, there are four (4) Secondary zones with zone one covering all of Regions One and Two and the Essequibo Islands being part of Region Three.

Secondary zone 2 includes all of Bartica, while Secondary zone 3 covers all of Region Six, including New Amsterdam and part of Region Five, west of New Amsterdam to the Abary River. The fourth and final Secondary zone includes all of Region 10.

Meanwhile, the Tertiary zones are all of Region Nine, including Lethem; all of Region Eight, including Mahdia and Region Seven, excluding Bartica. In the Primary zone, the base fee has been set at $1.2M for TV and cable operators, while radio operators will continue to pay $2.5M. In the Secondary zone, the fee has been set at $600, 000 or 3.5 per cent of gross revenue of the preceding year, whichever is greater for TV and cable operators, while radio operators will be $1.25M. In the Tertiary zone, the fee has been set at $300, 000 for TV and cable providers and $625,000 for radio operators.

Radio and TV stations providing community broadcasting services will only be charged a fee of $150, 000. The Broadcast (Amendment) Bill provides for public service programmes, the prohibition of programmes containing hate speech, while simultaneously addressing an international agreement for broadcasting any channel or programme as part of the local service.

In the final months leading up to the November 2011 general elections, Jagdeo distributed a number of radio licences and broadcasting frequencies to mainly friends and supporters of the then governing PPP/C. At the time several persons and groups heavily criticised the move citing bias, minus any criteria, while others noted that established media houses had also applied for radio licenses for several years, but were not favoured by Jagdeo. There were subsequent calls for the licences to be revoked.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 5, 2017

Assassination plot CoI

Ramnarine maintains police probe was shoddy

By Ariana Gordon

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine was on Friday accused of being malicious with his comments that the police investigation was poor into the alleged assassination of President David Granger.

Ramnarine who is acting as Police Commissioner took to the stand for the second time on Friday at the request of Glenn Hanoman, attorney representing substantive Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud.

During his first testimony before the Commission, Ramnarine had said that investigations into the alleged plot was improperly done and may have been compromised by senior officers within the Force.

Ramnarine’s competence as an investigator was also subject to scrutiny, as it was disclosed that the Assistant Police Commissioner was never trained as a detective. While Ramnarine conceded that he has had no training as a detective, he dispelled suggestions made

by Hanoman which suggested his utterances were filled with malice against Persaud and Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum.

“Let’s get this clear, when you gave that opinion, it was not from the background of an expert investigator or from a man who has ever had any practical experience investigating,” suggested Hanoman. Ramnarine, however maintained that there was no need for him to give an opinion based on an investigative background. “It wasn’t required,” said the acting top cop.

“You understand the question? All I am saying to you is that when you offered your opinion it was not from the background of being an investigator, a detective or having received any specialised or expert training as an investigator,” stated Hanoman to whom Ramnarine concurred.

Hanoman continued, “Your opinion was told to this Commission because of a personal problem you have with the Commissioner

of Police, Seelall Persaud and Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum.” This suggestion was refuted by Ramnarine who said, “That is absolutely untrue.”

Persaud’s attorney then told Ramnarine that it was widely circulated in the press that both Persaud and Blanhum were alleging that he (Ramnarine) had interfered in a murder investigation for a friend. “It was widely reported in the press about the Rio (Night Club) shooting,” said Hanoman.

“Something was reported in the press, I do not recall reading in the press that it was I who obstructed the investigation,” noted Ramnarine. In September 2016, a 19 year-old, Ryan Sergeant, was fatally shot to his head while another man received gunshot wounds to his neck and torso following an argument outside of the night club.

“Your name may not have been mentioned, but you know it was you… you are not currently being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) for interfering in that investigation on behalf of a man named Saddiq Bobby Rasul?” asked Hanoman to which Ramnarine denied, while noting that the investigation was completed months ago.

Ramnarine said he knows of Rasul but made it clear that the man is “not his friend but a mere acquaintance”. He admitted knowing that Rasul has been accused of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from a local bank.

It was during this line of questioning that Commissioner and retired Assistant Police Commissioner (APC), Paul Slowe, questioned the relevance of the question posed to Ramnarine. “I am not going to allow that line of questioning about Mr Bobby Rasul, as far as this inquiry is concerned. It has absolutely nothing to do with this inquiry, absolutely nothing,” said Slowe.

However, Hanoman in his argument said his line of questioning were relevant to the existing relationship between Commissioners of

Acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine

Police and doing favours for their friends. Hanoman made reference to Persaud requesting that his friend, Imran Khan, be released on self-bail because he had no money on March 29.

“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander sir,” stated Hanoman but Slowe maintained his position.

Hanoman then asked the acting top cop whether he is aware that Persaud had initiated several complaints against him while he acted as police commissioner. The attorney referenced the issuance of some 113 firearm licences as one of the complaints. In his defence Ramnarine made it clear that 70 of the licences issues were to security services, while others were replacements and the remainder granted to police officers and other persons by an authority above him.

He revealed that it was then Commander ‘A’ Division, Assistant Police Commissioner (APC), Clifton Hicken, who had formed the opinion that he issued the 123 licences in breach of the law. As a result, the substantive Police Commissioner referred the matter to the OPR for investigation. It was then revealed by Ramnarine that Persaud failed to provide the investigators (OPR) with access to the firearms department to conduct its own investigations.

“When the matter went for advice, the Police Legal Adviser, retired Justice Claudette Singh advised

that if the investigator is not permitted to check the firearm records, what is there to contradict Mr. Ramnarine’s statement that he acted in accordance with the law and practice embedded in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for the granting of firearm licences, and she also noted that the Commissioner had denied the investigators access to the records to compare against my story,” Ramnarine told the Commission.

Hanoman during cross-examination suggested that Ramnarine was angry about Persaud’s actions and decided to be malicious, but Ramnarine said, “I didn’t feel bad about these things. Obviously from a professional stand point, it surprised me that the Commissioner launched an investigation…Maybe I was upset… between surprised and probably disappointment.” “…is that same upset mek you come and talk these things,” asserted Hanoman to which Ramnarine replied in the negative. “Not only that, you also think it would help your chance of becoming Commissioner of Police…is that so?, asked Hanoman to which Ramnarine responded, “This is very shocking to me,” while accepting that he’d like to be Commissioner of Police one day.

“The reason you are bad-talking Mr Persaud and Mr Blanhum is to say that ‘I would have left no stone

Attorney, Glenn Hanoman

unturned and I would have investigated the President and so on…you are sucking up to the powers that be in order to try and become the Commissioner,” declared Hanoman. “I am a professional. I believe in discharging my duties when I would have acted as Commissioner in keeping with the Constitution, the law and the Police Act,” stated Ramnarine in his defence. He noted that he would have done two promotional examinations.

“Let me suggest to you that you are more interested in promotion than proper investigation,” suggested the attorney to which Ramnarine replied, “I am interested in the conduct of a proper investigation.”

The acting Police Commissioner said he passed instructions to the Crime Chief to ensure that a proper investigation was done into the matter. He said, “This was too important a matter which involved the Head of State, and could not have been left without me emphasising to the Crime Chief such importance.”

Ramnarine maintained that the allegation was not properly investigated and said he believes that the investigation should have proceeded with due diligence. He said during the initial phase of the investigation, the two statements were enough to scrutinise.

“Do you not agree with me that once you know that an investigation is going

to take some time that it is senseless to keep somebody in custody for 72 hours?, asked Hanoman to which Ramnarine replied, “Not in the case of the gravity of the offence…I would have kept them in custody.” He said keeping Gillard in custody for miscreant of treason never crossed his mind.

The acting Top Cop said too that he never told Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, or his designate that he believed the investigation was not properly investigated. He could not provide the Commission with a reason for withholding his opinion.

“Let me suggest to you, you didn’t state your opinion because it was not formed initially,” said Hanoman, to which Ramnarine refuted stating, “It was formed initially.”

Meanwhile, the attorney after more than one hour of cross-examination of Ramnarine said he was unable to peruse Ramnarine’s entire evidence-in-chief thoroughly, and as such, sought permission to continue cross-examination after he familiarises himself properly with the statement. As such, Ramnarine will be recalled to testify before the Commission in the future. Hanoman had also asked the Commission to call Police Legal Advisor, retired Justice Claudette Singh, but his request was denied.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

Assassination plot…

No decision yet on whether Ramjattan will appear before CoI

By Ariana Gordon

COMMISSIONER tasked with the inquiry into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger, Paul Slowe, is yet to make a decision on whether Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, will be asked to testify before the Commission.

Christopher Ram, the lawyer representing businessman, Imran Khan, last week requested that Ramjattan take the stand. Ram in his petition said the public security minister was part of a dual interview with Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud, conducted shortly after the investigation became public.

On Friday, Ram asked whether an invitation has yet been extended to Ramjattan but Slowe made it clear that he has to reviewed a video recording of the interview

done with both Ramjattan and Persaud and will also examine in great detail the Terms of Reference (ToRs) governing the conduct of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

“It is to be reviewed to see what benefit his appearance here might give to the Commission,” said Slowe, a retired Assistant Police Commissioner.

Ram pointed to the interview as one of his reasons for requesting the minister, but noted that the ToRs refer to the overall administration of the Police Force.

“I think his contribution to this CoI is extremely valuable, not only in relation to what may have happened but to how the Commission makes its recommendations as we move forward,” said Ram. The attorney said too that

the Commission would want at all costs to avoid the suggestion that persons are being “protected, shielded from what is a very public interest issue and that must involve politicians, police, lawyers, and accountants even…”

He further contended that his reasons are “very compelling” and should be heeded, while noting that the work of the Commission could be seriously compromised if it is selective in having persons appear before it.

Slowe in response accepted the arguments proffered

by Ram, but noted that he will be guided by the ToRs, making specific mention of ToR 8, which speaks to systemic issues which affect the Force’s competence to investigate matters of a similar nature.

“I will be guided by these… a decision has not

Assistant Police Commissioner (retired), Paul Slowe

yet been made… I will look at the benefits…” assured Slowe.

He noted too that some

Attorney Christopher Ram

persons have testified before the Commission in camera, while others were publicly interviewed. Slowe believes

that it is the right of the Commission to make a decision based on merit on who to interview in public or in camera.

“All the persons who have come… have not been brought to bring testimony in the witness stand for some obvious reasons… I have interviewed and have statements from persons…” said Slowe, who noted that persons will continue to be interviewed and decisions made as to who will appear in the witness box.

“You’ll be advised as to how the Commission intends to proceed,” declared Slowe.

Friday morning blackout caused by fault in F6 breaker Feeder AT approximately 01:40hrs hrs on Friday morning, the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) suffered an interruption in service due to a fault on the breaker of the F6 Feeder, the Guyana Power and Light has said.

According to the company, restorative efforts commenced at 01:45hrs and all affected custom-

ers were repowered by 04:59 hrs with the exception of customers in ‘A’ to ‘E’ Fields Sophia.

The extended delay was due to replacement of the damaged switch gear and cleaning and refurbishment of the busbar and cubicle. Power was expected to be restored by Friday evening.

Subsequently, at

10:11hrs the DBIS suffered a total shutdown due to a short circuit resulting from a defective switch on the F9 feeder at Water and Cowan Streets, Kingston. Power was restored to all areas at 13:45pm.

“GPL continues to inject efforts towards achieving a fault tolerant network,” the company said.

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batters in tour opener CHELMSFORD, England (CMC) – West Indies head coach Stuart Law says the drawn Essex tour game was pivotal in helping the Caribbean accomplish their objectives, as they continued their preparation for the three-Test series against England starting later this month.

The tourists put in a good shift with the bat during the three-day first class contest and also saw their bowlers get a good stint in the field, in what was the first of three tour games before the August 17 start of the Test series.

Middle-order batsman Roston Chase got half-centuries in both innings while opener Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood also notched fifties in the first innings.

“We came here with a

target of (getting) batsmen to spend some time in the middle (and) our top six have done that,” Law said.

“Roston Chase has had quite a bit of time out there which is great for us but I think everyone has got a bit of time and understood what English wickets and conditions provide. The other guys who didn’t score all the runs they wanted to, ([they know) that there are plenty hits in the nets.

“We’ve come here and accomplished what we wanted to and the bowlers had a pretty good hit out too which is good.”

West Indies posted 338 for eight declared in the first innings before limiting Essex to 185 for nine declared. The last two sessions of the second day were washed out.

The Windies, however,

suffered a top order slump in their second innings to be tottering on 30 for three before Chase (50 not out) and Shai Hope (46) put on 82 for the fourth wicket to stabilise the innings.

Law said while the slide was not a major issue, batsmen needed to quickly come to grips with the English conditions.

“I wasn’t too concerned.

The mode of dismissals we’ll talk about as a batting group and we’ll work out what we can and can’t do,” the Australian explained.

“There’s an easy way to score runs here and there’s a hard way so if we continue to learn, continue to ask questions we’re only going to get better but I’m glad guys like Shai Hope had a decent hit in the middle.

“I think he’s one of our

class acts on tour and I’m looking forward to seeing him produce over the next couple weeks as well.”

Law was also quick to praise returning seamer Kemar Roach who bowled superbly to pick up a five-wicket haul, in his first game back for West Indies following a 19-month break.

The right-armer swung the ball prodigiously and caused trouble right throughout the Essex innings. “(He was) fantastic. It was great to see Kemar back in it,” Law said.

“He’s been away from it for a while but to come back in and make a statement like that with a five-for and not just bowling well but really well, it’s really a good sign.”

West Indies face Kent in their second three-day tour game starting tomorrow.

Jamaica Tallawahs owner keen to move base to Florida THE Jamaica Tallawahs may soon become the Fort Lauderdale Tallawahs, or find a new name altogether, if the team’s new owner has his way.

Florida-based businessman Kris Persaud, whose Worldwide Sports Management Group (WSMG) purchased the Tallawahs in July, declared his intentions this week to hopefully shift operations for the franchise from Jamaica to Lauderhill where the team would call the Central Broward Regional Park their new home. It would make them the first USA-based cricket franchise in any of the major T20 franchise leagues.

Persaud took over the Tallawahs’ reins from former owners Ron Parikh and Manish Patel, two Indian immigrants based out of Texas, who were content to keep the team in Jamaica. However, Persaud’s vision differs, and he is hoping to use the Tallawahs as a springboard for attracting more matches to the stadium in Lauderhill.

Earlier this year, WSMG signed an agreement with the Central Broward Regional Park for exclusive rights for staging international cricket at the facility with a guarantee of three international events per year. Games involving the Tallawahs would ostensibly be a part of that number.

A press release sent out on July 27 by a PR firm on behalf of Persaud invited local media to welcome a “multi-million dollar Caribbean Premier League

cricket franchise coming to Broward County”.

At a welcome gathering held this week in Florida, multiple sources told ESPNcricinfo that WSMG representatives announced to attendees that they intend to hold at least three home games per season in Lauderhill.

A spokesperson for the Caribbean Premier League played down Persaud’s statements when asked about them.

“While the CPL has been open about pursuing opportunities to expand the number of franchises in the future with the possibility of a new franchise based in the USA, the CPL remains committed to keeping our original six franchises at home in the West Indies,” the spokesperson said.

An ICC official responded with similar surprise when told of Persaud’s comments and stated that as with any other cricket hosted in the USA, Tallawahs ownership would need to receive sanctioning permission from the ICC or ICC Americas.

The national governing body typically holds sanctioning authority in its respective home territory but the ICC has held that authority since June 2015 when USACA was suspended and will continue to maintain it until a new national governing body is formed in the wake of USACA’s expulsion as an Associate member of the ICC in June.

The proposed move for the Tallawahs away from Jamaica is odd for several

reasons, first and foremost to do with the franchise fees.

According to documents obtained by ESPNcricinfo, ownership groups looking to purchase one of the six existing franchises were informed it required them to pay a yearly franchise fee of $2.5 million to the CPL but that $2 million is subsidised by a “support payment” from the CPL, in effect making the annual franchise fee $500 000.

However, the documents stated that if a new owner taking over the franchise was to move the team to the USA or Canada, the CPL would essentially face a $1.5 million penalty. According to a line from the documents, “should the franchise move to the USA/Canada, CPL will reduce its annual support by $1.5M per year, so the net franchise fee will be $2M per year.”

In terms of fan and media interest, a strong indicator of the reception the franchise may receive in the event of a move is the fact that the initial press conference to unveil Persaud as the new owner of the Tallawahs was cancelled due to a lack of interest.

Sabina Park had strong crowds for every Tallawahs home game last year during their title-run, but there was sparse support for the Tallawahs during their visit to Lauderhill in 2016, with Tallawahs fan numbers dwarfed by those cheering for the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders.

Similarly, ticket sales

have been slow for the upcoming games in Florida, with only about 5 000 expected for today’s opening double-header in the 10 000-capacity Lauderhill facility, well below the sellouts that were achieved for 2016’s set of weekend games in Florida.

Tomorrow’s projected attendance is particularly bleak, based on current ticket sales and availability, unless boosted by strong walk-up numbers on the morning of the games.

And that doesn’t factor in the impact of the weather, with 32C+ temperatures and 70% humidity producing a heat index of 40C. Stifling conditions kept some fans away last year and may do so again.

Playing games in Lauderhill also comes with increased operational costs due to the lack of permanent infrastructure to accommodate games. The VIP tent and Party Stand as well as all of the TV broadcast facilities are built up with temporary structures.

The TV aspect demonstrated its vulnerability last year during the India v West Indies T20s at the ground when a breakdown satellite feed from one of the temporary production vehicle units on site caused the start of the second T20I to be delayed.

For now, the remaining four Tallawahs home games for 2017 outside of the opening weekend in Lauderhill will be held at Sabina Park.

Next year might be a different story. (ESPNCricinfo)

Barbados new Regional Under-15 champions

BARBADOS Under-15s are the new Regional Under-15 champions after the fifth and final round of the tournament concluded yesterday.

Results of matches played in the fifth round of the Regional Under-15 Championship here yesterday: Scores: At Windward Cricket Club: Leewards won by 59 runs.

LEEWARD ISLANDS 138 all out off 42.3 overs (Clinton Reece 28; Kervyn Gangadeen 3-13) WINDWARD ISLANDS 79 all out off 33.4 overs (Jaden Carmichael 4-30) At North Stars: Barbados won by 15 runs.

BARBADOS 172 off 43.3 overs (Che Simmons 47 not out, Thierry Walcott 23; Justin Manick 2-22) TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 157 for four off 50 overs (Aaron Bankay 62 not out, Tariq Mohammed 45; Che Simmons 2-28) At St Catherine: Guyana won by 26 runs.

GUYANA 139 for nine off 42 overs (Anthony Williams 35, Ricardo Ramdeholl 26; Brandon English 3-20) JAMAICA 113 all out off 40.2 overs (Shemar Phillips 32; Sheldon Charles 2-21, Guarav Ramesh 2-23)

Maron joins Windies as fielding coach SOUTH African Ryan Maron has been appointed as a new assistant coach, with responsibility for fielding, by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The 42-year-old, who replaces Andre Coley fol-

has done some very good work. As we prepare for the upcoming Wisden Trophy Test Series in England I’m sure he will be a great addition to the coaching staff,” Adams said.

The new assistant coach

Ryan Maron

lowing the latter’s appointment as Windwards Islands Volcanoes head coach, previously worked with the Afghanistan men’s team as a fielding specialist.

Maron will join a coaching staff headed by Stuart Law, which also includes Roddy Estwick and Toby Radford.

CWI director Jimmy Adams expressed satisfaction with the appointment and believes Maron will be a valuable addition to the team, especially ahead of the England tour.

“We are pleased to have Ryan join us. He has a vast knowledge of the game and

looks forward to working with the team.

“This is a massive privilege to be involved in West Indies cricket and I’m delighted to join the Windies coaching staff. I have followed West Indies cricket over the years as a kid and then as a player and a coach and I’m just happy to be offered this opportunity to make a contribution as a coach,” Maron said.

The West Indies and England will meet for three Tests, a one-off T20I and five ODIs later this month. (Sportsmax)

Ashwin stars as India establish massive advantage SCORES SO FAR: Sri Lanka 50 for 2 (Dinesh Chandimal on 8 and Kusal Mendis on 16, R. Ashwin 2-38) trail India 622 for 9 declared (Cheteshwar Pujara 133, Ajinkya Rahane 132, Ravindra Jadeja 70 not out, Rangana Herath 4-154) by 572 runs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

Bolt wary after sluggish victory in 100m heats THE start of sprint legend Usain Bolt’s farewell to athletics began with a less-than-impressive performance in the 100 metres.

Usain Bolt admitted he has to “get this together” after failing to impress despite beginning his IAAF World Championships campaign with victory in his 100-metre heat yesterday.

The Jamaican icon, an eight-time Olympic champion with 11 world titles, will hang up his spikes following the championships and clocked a time of 10.07 seconds to advance to today’s semi-finals.

Bolt bowed to the fans before setting off in the sixth and final heat, but only crossed the line first - seemingly leaving plenty in the tank - after starting sluggishly.

It was the eighth-fastest time of the night and the 30-year-old was clearly unimpressed, shaking his head after looking at the replay on the big screen.

Bolt was critical of the starting blocks being used at London Stadium, but acknowledged he needs to produce more efficient starts.

“I was very bad. I stum-

bled a little bit, coming out my blocks. I’m not really fond of these blocks. I think these are the worst blocks I’ve ever experienced and it was just not a smooth start,” Bolt told the BBC after the race.

“I have to get this together. I have to get started because I can’t keep doing this.

“It’s shaky - when I did my warm-up and pushed back it (the starting block) fell back. It’s just not what I’m used to.”

Julian Forte was the fastest qualifier and the only man to dip below 10 seconds, while promising United States

Final Test finely poised ENGLAND’S dangermen Joe Root and Ben Stokes fell in the final session as South Africa came out narrowly on top in Manchester yesterday.

A determined South Africa attack claimed the key wickets of Alastair Cook, Joe Root and Ben Stokes to leave the fourth and final Test finely poised at Old Trafford, where England reached stumps at 260-6 yesterday.

Leading 2-1 thanks to wins at Lord’s and The Oval, and seeking at least a draw to wrap up a victory over the Proteas in his first series as captain, Root at 26 became the third youngest batsman in Test history to pass the milestone of 5 000 runs, after team-mate Alastair Cook and India great Sachin Tendulkar.

Lady Luck had smiled on Root in Manchester, where South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock inexplicably failed to dive when presented with a routine catch off the bowling of the controlled and dangerous Morne Morkel (1-58).

Having notched his 10th successive Test half-century and appearing ready to accelerate, Root then undid his good work by getting trapped lbw by Duanne Olivier (2-72) for 52.

Cook fell just short of a half-century of his own, departing for 46 on a day that started out by offering plenty for the bowlers, before making them work harder as the pitch dried out.

There was still joy to be found late on, though, evidenced by Kagiso Rabada’s potentially crucial dismissal of Stokes, England’s top scorer in the innings, for 58, with a sizzling yorker in the

penultimate over of the day.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow (33 not out) survived to resume today alongside nightwatchman Toby Roland-Jones, who is yet to face a ball.

South Africa suffered a blow before a ball was bowled when Vernon Philander and Chris Morris were both ruled out through injury, to be replaced by Theunis de Bruyn and Olivier, who was the first man to strike. Keaton Jennings (17) played forward unconvincingly and steered the first entry in a parade of edges to de Kock in the 13th over.

And that soft dismissal could spell the end for the Durham left-hander at Test level, with the selectors facing a difficult decision ahead of the West Indies series, as attention begins to turn to the make-up of the touring party for the Ashes, which start in Brisbane in November.

To m We s t l e y j o i n e d former captain Cook at the crease and the pair compiled a cautious partnership to reach lunch at 67-1.

Keshav Maharaj (1-54), though, made a major breakthrough early in the afternoon session, using the persistent breeze to elicit enough of a nick from Cook.

Rabada (2-52) then picked up the theme, his combination of line, length and pace gaining a thick outside edge from Westley (29), de Kock effecting a diving catch at full stretch to leave England in trouble at 92-3.

Root and Dawid Malan (18) appeared to have weathered a nasty Rabada spell shortly before tea, but the latter then inexplicably attempted a flashing drive off

Morkel and instead offered up yet another edge, taken by Faf du Plessis at second slip.

Root led a charmed life again early in the evening session. Having almost nicked Morkel behind, the captain then followed the bad example set by his departed team-mates in offering a thick edge of his own, only for de Kock to inexplicably fail to dive. Amla at first slip, expecting the keeper to complete a simple catch, made no attempt and the two men helplessly watched the ball sail between them.

After passing 5 000 runs by driving Morkel and then bringing up 50, there was no escape for Root when Olivier had him plumb in front, but the television umpire did spare Bairstow late in the day, replays appearing to show that an edge from Maharaj did not carry to Dean Elgar.

But further cause for South Africa celebration did arrive with the final ball of the 89th over, Stokes’ exit ending a seemingly ominous innings and offering the tourists plenty of reason for hope going into day two as they bid to share the series. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND innings A. Cook c de Kock b Maharaj 46 K. Jennings c de Kock b Olivier 17 T. Westley c de Kock b Rabada 29 J. Root lbw b Olivier 52 D. Malan c du Plessis b Morkel 18 B. Stokes b Rabada 58 J. Bairstow not out 33 T. Roland-Jones not out 0 Extras: (b-5, lb-1, nb-1) 7 Total: (six wickets, 90 overs) 260 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-92, 3-92, 4-144, 5-187, 6-252.

Bowling: Morkel 19-4-58-1, Rabada 18-5-52-2, Olivier 193-72-2, Maharaj 29-9-54-1, de Bruyn 5-0-1-8-0.

sprinter Christian Coleman also impressed.

The 21-year-old world-leader after a 9.82secs run in Eugene in June won his heat and clocked 10.01s to advance to the semi-finals, with fellow American Justin Gatlin joining him.

Yohan Blake was beaten in the second race as Abdul Hakim Sani Brown registered a personal best of 10.05s.

Rio 2016 finalist Akani Simbine finished well behind the top three in his heat but still advanced as one of the six fastest losers.

(Sportsmax)

ECB denies South Africa approach for Gibson

OTTIS Gibson has been tipped to succeed Russell Domingo as South Africa coach, but employers England claim no enquiries have been made.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) claims it has not received an approach from Cricket South Africa (CSA) regarding the services of Ottis Gibson.

Former West Indies head coach Gibson, who is working in his second spell as a bowling coach for England, is reportedly in contention to replace Russell Domingo in charge of the Proteas.

Mo Farah defends his 10 000m title in London

Mo Farah claims his sixth world title in style yesterday.

THE home fans at the IAAF World Championships in London were left thrilled as Mo Farah claimed his sixth world title in style yesterday.

Mo Farah produced one of the finest performances of his glittering career to win the men’s 10 000 metres at the IAAF World Championships for a third time and delight a packed London Stadium.

Farah was the favourite to prevail on home soil, having sensationally claimed gold medals in his last nine major global finals over 5 000m and 10 000m.

Yet the Briton was forced to produce his very best to earn a sixth world title, as his rivals combined to set a fierce pace in the final event of the championships’ opening session.

Despite being tested by a series of surges in pace, Farah nevertheless kicked clear in trademark fashion over the final 100m to win in 26 minutes 49.51 seconds, the fastest time of the year.

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei took second in 26:49.94, his own fast finish not enough to seriously challenge the champion, while Paul Tanui (26:50.60)

claimed bronze for Kenya.

Farah will now hope to complete yet another long-distance double - the feat he has completed at the last four global championships - with victory in next week’s 5 000m.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist was content to sit at the back of the field early on and appeared relaxed as he briefly hit the front after 10 laps, gesturing to the crowd to raise their support.

A number of athletes found the pace too tough to handle as the race neared its closing stages, but Farah continued to look strong amid several attacks.

Abadi Hadis was alongside Farah with two laps to go, but the Ethiopian could not sustain his pace and finished a distant seventh.

Instead, it was Cheptegei and Tanui who represented the major threats to the home hero, but Farah once again proved to be in a class of his own, another stunning sprint finish earning yet more glory for the dominant figure in track distance running.

(Sportsmax)

British heavyweight ordered to defend WBA title Ottis Gibson

Domingo has served as South Africa coach since 2013 but had to reapply for his own role amid a review of the Proteas’ coaching structure this year.

And while Gibson was touted as the leading candidate ahead of the fourth Test between England and South Africa, which started at Old Trafford yesterday, the ECB has insisted no contact has been made.

“We have not had any approach from CSA and we will not listen to any approaches until the current series has concluded,” an ECB spokesperson said.

England lead the fourmatch series against South Africa 2-1. (Sportsmax)

BRITISH heavyweight Anthony Joshua has been ordered by the WBA to defend his title against Cuba’s Luis Ortiz.

Anthony Joshua

The 27-year-old had been due to face Wladimir Klitschko in a rematch, before the Ukrainian retired on Thursday.

The WBA says Joshua and Ortiz have 30 days from August 3 to agree the fight.

Joshua, who beat Klitschko at Wembley in April, has also

been told he must face IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev before December 2 or risk being stripped of his belt.

There had been plans for Joshua to fight Klitschko in Las Vegas on November 11 and Ortiz’s manager Jay Jimenez has said his fighter could fill the void.

Jimenez told Boxingscene: “We are next. We have no problem fighting on that date of November 11 in Las Vegas. Our mandatory takes precedent over Pulev’s and they know that.”

Ortiz, 38, has 23 knockouts from 27 wins, while Pulev, 36, has one defeat in his 26 fights, with 13 stoppages.

Joshua holds two of the four major belts, with New Zealand’s Joseph Parker the WBO champion, while American Deontay Wilder has the WBC belt. (BBCSport)

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Hype building for GT Callouts’ Drag and Dexterity race

By Stephan Sookram LOCAL group GT Callouts will this weekend stage its Drag and Dexterity race at the South Dakota Circuit Timehri, and the hype is building for the event.

Chronicle Sport caught up with coordinator of the event, Sean Charles, who stated that a number of competitors have already confirmed their participation and registration remains in full swing.

“At the moment, we are getting calls about the event;

a lot of people want to find out what it is about and how they can get involved. We love the response we are getting and to those interested, you can still call us. We are willing to accommodate you,” Charles said.

He continued, “The idea is to try and bring all those drag racers and ‘skill-men’ on the road to the track so they can compete against each other head to head to show their skill or to run a dexterity course.”

“We saw an opening

when the GMR&SC had shifted an event and we decided to have it here as a lot of the drag guys had been preparing their cars. What we have planned is going to be very exciting.”

He noted that he did seek permission from the Club in an effort to get their timing system, a request which was confirmed yesterday afternoon so as to ensure the drag racing segment remains as unbiased as possible.

Charles added that they have secured all the neces-

sary safety measures, with the Fire Service and the medical units already contacted about tomorrow’s event.

The event is sponsored

by A and R Jiwranram Printery Inc. S&D Performance, Imran Auto Works, Infinity Imports, Frames Optical, First Class Auto Spares, Bar-B-Que Boys, Shattaz Wash Bay, Derick Auto Spares and Accessories, Clean Steel Wash Bay, BILA Mining, Millennia Travel Agency and Car Culture.

Inaugural Guinness Cage Indoor Championship set to kick off August 24

Recent futsal action at the National Gymnasium

THE Guinness/Three Peat Promotions inaugural ‘Guinness Cage’ Indoor Championship is set to commence on Thursday, August 24, at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

According to a release from the organisers, 32 of the leading teams in the indoor format will battle for cash prizes in excess of $800 000 in what is anticipated to be an exciting competition. Teams such as new kids on the block Future Stars, resurgent West Front Road ‘Gold is Money, Guyana’s most successful futsal team Sparta Boss, Linden champions Dave & Celena

All Stars, West Demerara champions Showstoppers, Leopold Street, Tiger Bay, Agricola Champion Boys, Melanie and Plaisance among others will be vying.

It promises to be eight nights of enthralling action with the winning team set to receive $400 000 and the championship trophy, while second-, third- and fourthplaced teams take away $200 000, $100 000 and $50 000 respectively.

The other playing dates for the championship are August 29 and 31, September 2, 5, 7 and 9 with the final set for September 16, at the same venue.

LABA Open League basketball bounces off tonight

By Joe Chapman THE Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), in collaboration with the Mackenzie Sports Club, will this evening begin the Open League basketball championship with a double-header at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

The top-rated clubs affiliated to the LABA will be in action with the first game at 18:30hrs between number three-ranked Victory Valley Royals and fourth seeds Amelia’s Ward Jets. The night cap features the number oneranked and Linden champions Retrieve Raiders against second-rated Half Mile Bulls at 20:30hrs.

In the senior championship, seven clubs will participate in a round-robin format before the top four teams advance to the semifinals.

The Mackenzie Sports Club was approached for assistance and through a negotiated sponsorship the tournament was made possible, according to president of LABA Lawrence Simon.

Simon said the step taken by the MSC to collaborate with LABA has allowed his association the chance to have this championship at a time when sponsorship has been a challenge.

He said the MSC must be commended, as he anticipates more support from corporate Guyana to promote basketball in Linden.

The tournament will be played initially on Saturdays and Wednesdays, but will see matches next Friday due to the Boyce and Jefford Athletics Classic, being held next Saturday.

Next Wednesday two more matches are scheduled, with Block 22 Flames taking on Christianburg Pistons in the first game, and the second bringing together Victory Valley Royals and Bankers Trust Falcons.

Trophies, replicas and medals are at stake in this championship, which will also influence the seedings of the clubs based on results.

To help promote the game, clubs have been tasked with selling 50 tickets each.

THE executives and members of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC), which is a constituent member of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), during a release expressed its unconditional support for the holding of elections for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

With the passage cleared for same to be held, the Committee looks forward for a transparent and democratic process to begin in keeping with the Cricket Administration Bill (CAB), which was passed in Parliament to administer cricket in Guyana.

The release further stated its support for the critical role of the Ombudsman whose important task will be to verify the legitimacy

of participating constituents as well as presiding over the elections of the three County Boards prior to the convening of elections of the GCB. The NECC believed that the holding of elections is the logical move towards restoring stability and credibility to the GCB, and the national sport.

The release further stated that the NECC has appealed to all stakeholders including the Government of Guyana to bring an end to the undemocratic pillar to which the GCB existed for over four years and which would have institutionally, practically and emotionally affected the sport, players, fans and the people of Guyana, according to the release.

Dependable Spares and Universal Electronics outfit ECCCC NECC supports GCB elections

DEPENDABLE Spares, located at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and Universal Electronics of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, in association with Cricket Zone USA, are the new sponsors for the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) coloured uniforms.

At a presentation ceremony held at the Enmore Community Centre, proprietor of Universal Electronics, former national youth player Adrian Persaud, presented over 26 uniforms and caps to ECCCC captain Bheemraj Ramkelawan.

Club captain Ramkelawan was loud in praise of the sponsors who volunteered his sponsorship towards the club. “We are very grateful to Dependable Spares and Universal Elec-

tronics in association with Cricketzone USA for their generosity,” Ramkelawan declared.

He further stated that with the ECCCC being the most successful club on the East Coast of Demerara for the past three years, the uni-

forms provided by the sponsors were timely since the club has expanded its player’s base with some youthful prospects and they will be better equipped to continue to fulfil their mandate.

Special thanks were also extended to Ravi Et-

waroo of Cricket Zone USA, who once again contributed cricket equipment to the Club. Meanwhile, Persaud said on behalf of the co-sponsors they are pleased to contribute to the club of which he is a member.

Proprietor of Universal Electronics, Adrian Persaud (front left) makes the donation to ECCCC captain Bheemraj Ramkelawan in the presence of other club members.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017

Present perfect, future promising young lad from Enterprise for exciting Yadram The seems destined for great things. ...

By: Rajiv Bisnauth GUYANA has always been a country overflowing with batting riches, and that trend doesn’t seem likely to stop any time soon.

Roy Fredericks, Rohan Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharran, Clive Lloyd, Basil Butcher, Carl Hooper, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, just to name a few icons of Guyana and West Indies cricket and continuing Guyana’s prized tradition of producing skilled willow-wielders, is the 17-year-old Bhaskar Yadram.

Yadram is a promising young talent, who has made his mark as one of the most promising young players in the region, and who could be making huge waves in the coming future.

From humble beginnings in the country area of Enterprise on the East Coast Demerara, the promising youngster was born on September 18, 1999 to Semangal and Shameeza Yadram.

He has two siblings (Kamesh and Kavita) who have both represented Guyana at different levels of the game, making the Yadram family a cricket clique.

However, it is Bhaskar Yadram who continues to uphold the name of the Yadram

family, not only in the local cricketing fraternity, but regionally and internationally.

72.69 against South Africa.

He made two fifties with a high of 81.

Bhaskar Yadram

Just recently, the tall right-handed batsman and right-arm medium pacer, who can also bowl off-spin and keep wicket, showed immense promise of becoming a future star by copping the man-of-the-series awards on his recent tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe, with the West Indies Under-19 team.

His performance was instrumental in West Indies Under-19s winning both tournaments. They beat South Africa Under-19s 3-2 before recording a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe.

Yadram was West Indies leading run-scorer with 205 runs in five innings at an average of 41 and strike rate of

He was also effective with the ball, claiming five wickets at an average of 22.60. He finished with an economy rate of 3.89 and a best of 3-37.

Rayon Griffith

The dashing right-handed opening batsman, who also bats in the middle order had a great time against

Zimbabwe, where he amassed 175 runs in three innings. He also picked up two wickets.

Guyana’s cricket has seen the rise of many young players in recent times, and the next few years could see a whole new generation of players making a claim for a spot in the national side.

The young Yadram is definitely one of them, and judging from his recent performances he has shown all the right signs so far with his all-round performance, and his rapid consistency has been very promising.

He has shown that he is not a flash-in-the-pan kind of a player, and certainly looks determined to make it to the next level.

His recent performances were an epitome of determination and maturity, and made the whole cricketing fraternity sit up and take notice of his considerable abilities.

One such person is chairman of the senior selection panel, Rayon Griffith, who acknowledged that Yadram has always displayed a sense of awareness, adding that he is a good enough player, with a bright future ahead.

“Personally I know he has talent. Since his involvement in the franchise cricket,

Bhaskar Yadram poses with his trophies from his recent tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe, with the West Indies Under-19 team.

he has developed into a quality batsman, so definitely the future looks good for him,” Griffith pointed out during an exclusive interview.

Further in an invited comment, Yadram pointed out that he is happy with his performances since he entered the Windies youth team with a lot of hype and expectations on his shoulders.

He further revealed that self-belief was his main motivation, something he will

continue to adopt as he aims for the maroon colours.

His father Semangal Yadram was somewhat speechless when contacted for a comment, but eventually said he is proud of Bhaskar, the ‘baby’ of the family.

Yadram and Joshua Persaud were the Guyanese on tour, and are both expected to join the Guyana Under-19 team in the regional tournament currently being played in St Kitts.

Rodrigues memorial 50-mile cycle road race set for tomorrow Rogers, McKoy benefit CYCLING action returns to sequibo before turning back to top three finishers in the junior, West Demerara Region to- finish at Schoonord, near the veteran, mountain bikes and receive Government support the morrow when cycle coach and Demerara Harbour Bridge. female categories will also be … Athletes to depart for Monroe College on August 18

DIRECTOR of Sport Christopher Jones yesterday committed G$230 000 annually over the next four years to Onessha Rogers and Claudrice McKoy as the duo embark on a full scholarship to Monroe College.

The athletes, prior to accepting the scholarship to the Bronx-based College were recipients of a full scholarship to the University of Guyana; a reward for their outstanding showing at this year’s CARIFTA Games.

Jones stated today that

the aforementioned sum is the equivalent to the UG Scholarship offered by the Government of Guyana and will now be used to help offset expenses while they are in the U.S. At a simple but significant event at the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Homestretch Avenue office, the athletes signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that stipulates, “If for some reason they fail to complete their studies at Monroe College, the payments will cease and if they con-

tinue at the University of Guyana, the payment will continue”.

Rogers, the former Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (Multi) student who will major in Criminal Justice while at Monroe College, thanked the NSC and by extension the Government of Guyana for the financial support.

“I’m very excited to have this opportunity to further my studies and I pledge my best to make Guyana and my family proud,” said the sprinter.

organiser Hassan Mohamed stages the 13th Annual Regan Rodrigues memorial 50-mile cycle road race, which wheels off from 08:00hrs.

Defending champion Raul Leal of Team Evolution, who won the race last year in one hour 27 minutes 02.98 seconds will be looking to make a successful defence of the title.

However, last year’s event was a 35-mile one as the West Coast Demerara carriageway was under repairs resulting in the race being cut short.

Repairs to the roadway has been completed and this year’s event, which gets underway from outside the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara, will see the participants pedal to Bushy Park, East Bank Es-

The first six overall finishers will be rewarded with cash prizes and trophies, while the

Raul Leal

rewarded with cash prizes and trophies.

There will be eight prime prizes up for grabs.

The event, which is being sponsored by Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Limited, is a memorial event for the former president of the Guyana Cycle Federation as well as the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club.

Rodrigues, who died in 2004 was also a champion motor racer who represented Guyana with distinction throughout the Caribbean Region.

Christopher Cornelius is the defending junior champion, while EIan Jackson is the defending veteran champion and Shawn Boodhram the defending mountain bike champion.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 5, 2017 Game 2 at 15:00hrs...

Barbados Tridents vs Jamaica Tallawahs in Lauderhill, Florida

Guyana Amazon Warriors begin CPL title hunt today Flashback! The Guyana Amazon Warriors during their first day of the one-week training camp on July 26. Their title begins today when they play the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

By: Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Amazon Warriors aim of winning their first Caribbean Premier League T20 title will begin today when they play the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots from 11:00hrs at the Central Broward Regional Park and Central Broward Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, the first of two games before return-

ing to the Caribbean.

The Warriors, three-time finalists in the CPL will look to complete the journey this season with their new-look team led by New Zealand’s Martin Guptill.

However, the task ahead will be no easy one, since they were dealt a major blow on the eve of the tournament when their leading scorer of 2016, Chris Lynn, was ruled out of the season

due to upcoming shoulder surgery.

He has been replaced by the up-and-coming Pakistan batsman Babar Azam, while the batting order has been injected with fresh blood in the form of Chadwick Walton and USA captain Steven Taylor, who is expected to take on a bigger role after limited opportunities in his two years with Barbados Tridents.

The Australian Adam Zampa, last season’s leading spinner, is no longer with the side. In most cases, any replacement would be considered a downgrade, but the arrival of Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan may be what this side needs to clear the final hurdle and claim their first title.

The Warriors second assignment will be tomorrow against St Kitts & Nevis

Patriots before returning to the Caribbean.

Guyana home games are billed for August 17, 19, 20 and 22 at the Guyana National Stadium.

The host team (Guyana Amazon Warriors) take on the Jamaica Tallawahs on August 17 from 20:00hrs; Trinbago Knight Riders on August 19 from 12:00hrs; Barbados Tridents on August 20 from 18:00hrs and

Rogers, McKoy benefit receive Government support

See page 29

… Athletes to depart for Monroe College on August 18 See page 31

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left) hands over a signed MOU with sprinter Onessha Rogers in the presence of her mother yesterday Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

St Lucia Stars on August 22 from 18:00hrs.

The full squad reads: Martin Guptill (captain), Babar Azam, Sohail Tanvir, Rayad Emrit, Jason Mohammed, Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Chadwick Walton, Rashid Khan, Steven Taylor, Roshon Primus, Gajanand Singh, Keon Joseph and Keemo Paul.

Usain Bolt

Bolt wary after sluggish victory in 100m heats SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2017