Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08 06 2016

Cops nab six WEDNESDAY JUNE 8,, 2016

No. 104576

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

...seize car allegedly linked to KN grenade-lobbing incident

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Lights up 73 streetlights installed at Diamond Page

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Police have impounded this car at the East La Penitence Police Station after video footage linked it with the grenade lobbing incident in front of Kaieteur News last Saturday night

Guard dies after boat slams into tree stump Page 2

Cabinet Granger mulls clears new National 2 tolls for DHB Events Dept Page 9

Jubilee fallout

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Dead: Leslie Blair

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Jubilee fallout

Granger mulls National Events Dept.

- to ensure smooth coordination, execution of national events

PRESIDENT David Granger has mooted the idea of establishing a Department of National Events to ensure major public events are well coordinated and properly executed. The Department, if it becomes a reality, will be housed within the Ministry of the Presidency.

The idea was floated at a recent meeting between the President and several high-ranking officials, including Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry. An official who attended the meeting

explained that, for now, the Department is just a conceptual idea.

Though specific details of the deliberations were not disclosed, the source revealed that attention was placed on national events during the discussion when the idea of establishing a Department of National Events under the Ministry of the Presidency came up. The idea was put forward by President Granger. The source explained that no decision has as yet been made to establish such a Department, but Government would most likely be moving

in this direction.

“It has not evolved to the point where a decision has been made. It is just an idea which was floated, and could possibly be developed to create a framework for such a Department. From the posture of the President, too, it seems like he would like to see the Government go in that direction,” the source told the Guyana Chronicle.

It is not clear what Minister Henry’s reaction to this idea was, but such a move is intended to chart a way for strengthening the management of national events, more

President David Granger

particularly Mashramani activities and Independence celebrations.

Guyana recently celebrated 50 years as an independent nation, and the planning of events for that occasion was hailed a success by Minister Henry, but several shortcomings in protocol and logistics were noted, and those attracted criticisms. One such logistical mishap was the seating arrangements at the flag-raising ceremony, which led to the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) leaving the event prematurely. Another criticism, which

continues to resurface annually, is the mundane cultural displays at the Independence celebrations and, to some extent, Mashramani events.

These have generated much discussion in social corners, and the general feeling is that there is need for better management of these events.

Against this backdrop, the discussion was likely held to devise a strategy to strengthen the management of these events, so as to ensure all protocols are observed and the events are well coordinated and executed.

Guard dies after boat slams into tree stump THE BODY of a security guard was fished out of the Mazaruni River Tuesday after he went missing Sunday night, subsequent to leaving his post at a mining camp.

Dead is Leslie Blair, 24, of Berbice. His body was recovered after being sighted in the Mazaruni River under a “dragger.”

Police said Blair was responsible for security at a mining camp. He, however left the camp site on Sunday night to visit a shop with three others.

Reports reveal that the small boat which Blair was in slammed into a tree or stump and its four occupants ended up over board. Those in the boat told the police that they heard Blair breathing loudly and swimming towards a log, they didn’t see

him after that and his body did not surface.

The four men used a small boat from Blair’s camp when the accident occurred at 21:00hrs Sunday night.

None of them were working when they collision happened.

Dead: Leslie Blair According to a miner in the district, the security guard was in charge of overlooking a camp and the dredge box to make sure that no one tampers or does anything illegal at the site.

Normally, the security also look over workers at the site to ensure that no one leaves and visit any illegal shops in the area.

The miner said that although many of the security guards claim that they don’t

leave their post to visit these shops, they actually do, leaving the camp vulnerable.

They would normally claim that they would go hunting, which is also illegal, but they use this excuses anyway to visit the illegal shops.

“We have been calling on the GGMC for years to shut down the illegal shops which cause problems for all the miners in the interior,” the miner told this publication.

Meanwhile, a friend of the dead man told this publication that Blair usually works in the interior and he was employed from January 2016 with a miner to secure a camp and would usually leave every three months to return home where he would spend a month before he resumed work again in the interior.

“He was supposed to actually go home Monday, the night before he died, he had planned to come out of the interior and return in a months’ time,” the friend said.

Divisional Commander; ‘F’ Division- Senior Superintendent, Ravindradat Budhram confirmed that the body was recovered. He said that a postmortem will be done on Thursday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

KN grenade incident

Cops nab six suspects … seize car during early morning raid

POLICE have arrested six men and seized a motor car in connection with the lobbing of a grenade at the vehicle of Kaieteur New Publisher Glenn Lall last Saturday.

In a statement the police said “relative to the investigation into the grenade attack at Kaieteur News, detectives from the Guyana Police Force after reviewing surveillance footage have detained a motor car matching the description and six suspects.”

According to the police, the suspects were arrested in the wee hours of this morning at different locations and are in custody assisting with investigations.

Guyana Chronicle was told that police are examining a grey Toyota Spacio that may be linked to last Saturday night’s threat on Kaieteur News. The vehicle was found abandoned in the vicinity of Norton Street and Mandela Avenue, shortly after a grenade was thrown at the vehicle of publisher, Glenn Lall.

Commander of the Di-

vision, Clifton Hicken disclosed that the owner of the car reportedly told police that the vehicle was hijacked, but this was not reported to the station and it was discovered that he was lying to the police. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the owner of the vehicle loaned his car to some persons who were responsible for the brazen act. The police acting on the information arrested the suspects in several locations in Sophia, South Georgetown and its environs.

The commander said that the vehicle impounded is one similar to the one seen of KN CCTV camera as such the footage is being reviewed for clarity. He said the public also assisted with the investigations and the police are grateful, even as they are optimistic about the investigations.

Only on Monday the Private Sector Commission condemned the attack on Kaieteur News. “If this is a heinous attempt to muzzle the media, such actions have no place in our democratic society and we urge the Guyana Police Force to

expedite their investigation so as to bring the perpetrators to justice in the shortest possible time,” the business umbrella body in a statement.

The body assured that it stands with Kaieteur News and the rest of the media fraternity on this issue “and wish to assure you all that our thoughts are with you.” Also on Sunday government condemned the act, describing

it as an “attempted act of terrorism”. In a strongly worded statement the coalition Government said it is alarmed by the act of domestic terrorism, which was attempted and sought to reiterate its stance in relation to press freedom in Guyana: “The coalition Government stands resolutely in defence of press freedom in Guyana, and condemns in the strongest possible manner

this heinous and dastardly act of cowardice against Kaieteur News.” Also condemning the act on Monday was the Guyana Press Association, which called on the Guyana Police Force to execute an in-depth investigation into the presence of the live grenade near Lall’s vehicle.

“Regardless of the motive, the act alone has a chilling effect on press freedom. We take this opportunity to call

on the intellectual authors and/or perpetrators to desist from such a dastardly act.

All stakeholders in the international community, opposition, government and civil society must speak out against what seems like a calculated act to intimidate the work of Kaieteur News.”

The GPA said that the media in Guyana must be allowed to carry out its crucial work of being society’s watchdog, ensuring transparency and efficacy in state and the private sector, without frightening distractions like these. “The GPA notes the government’s prompt statement condemning the attack and of its full support to the Guyana Police Force in the investigations. We stand in solidarity with the staff of Kaieteur News and the wider media community in this period.”

The grenade, discovered by staff of the newspaper did not explode, although it was later discovered that the pin had been removed.

Police were subsequently summoned, and the street was cordoned off for an investigation.

Target the ‘big fish’ - Prison CoI urges decriminalisation of small amounts of ganja

By Shauna Jemmott THE report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 3rd, 2016 riots at the Georgetown Prisons that claimed 17 lives has recommended that Government reorient law enforcement efforts to target high-level drug-trafficking networks, and de-criminalize possession of minimal amounts of marijuana for personal use.

The document, titled “Report -– The Commission of Inquiry – Camp Street Prison Disturbances and Resultant Deaths March 2-4 2016” -- was on June 1 formally submitted to President David Granger by Chairman of the Commission, Justice James Patterson, at the Ministry of the Presidency in Georgetown.

‘LANDMARK REPORT’ President Granger called it a “landmark report”, and said at the handing over ceremony that its recommendations are vital to the country’s criminal justice system.

“This is a landmark re-

port. It will affect a very important element in our criminal justice system, and I would like to assure you all that the efforts of the Government of Guyana will be directed towards ensuring that this country becomes a safer place, and that the core of our children and our men and women going into the prisons…when they come out, they would not want to go in again,” the President stated.

In addressing matters of the judiciary, magistracy and legal system, Justice Patterson and his commissioners said preventive detention or remand should be avoided in the case of low-level, non-violent offenders, and: “re-orient law enforcement efforts to target high-level drug-trafficking networks, rather than those at the bottom rung of the drug-trafficking ladder, such as consumers, smallscale farmers, low-level dealers, and mules.”

ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION It was also recommended

that the judiciary, magistracy and legal system “decriminalize possession of (minimal) amounts of marijuana for personal use (and) establish and expand alternatives to incarceration for those charged with low-level drug offences.”

Proportionality in sen-

tencing should be ensured, distinguishing between “drug trafficking and other types of crime; low, medium and high-level drug offences; rank or position of the accused in drug-trafficking networks; (and) violent and non-violent offences.”

According to Page

57 of the report, which was shown to the Guyana Chronicle, the CoI also believes that magistrates must recognize and enforce the constitutional right to the presumption of innocence of accused persons in considering bail applications.

The judiciary, magistracy and legal system should also employ “non-custodial sentences in all cases of possession -– such as treatment, educational opportunities, or community service -– that are available to those involved in other types of offences,” the report recommends.

OVERCROWDING Throughout the hearings of the CoI, overcrowding was recognized as the number one problem facing the prison, and this recognition was made by prison officials, officers and prisoners alike.

To ease that situation, the panel of commissioners FLASHBACK: Chairman of the Georgetown Prison -- Chairman Justice James Riot CoI, Justice James Patterson, handing over the Patterson, Human Rights activist Merle Mendonca, report to President David Granger on June 1 (Photo and former Director of Prisby Cullen Bess-Nelson) ons Dale Erskine -- recom-

mended that preventative detention in the form of remand should be avoided by the magistracy in the case of low-level, non-violent offenders.

According to the document, the Chairman and Commissioners also recommended that “comprehensive prison censuses should be undertaken periodically, to upgrade and expand criminal justice data systems and ensure timely access to criminal justice information for policy-makers and the public”.

Mandatory minimum sentences should also be abolished, the CoI said.

URGENT Justice Patterson, on June 1, told reporters that the recommendations should be implemented urgently.

“Our concern is that our concerns are urgent, immediate, and we want it done like yesterday… It is hoped that they will be executed in a timely manner, because they so deserve to be,” Justice Patterson had said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Clinton leads Trump by 10 points: Poll REPUBLICAN Donald Trump trails Democrat Hillary Clinton by 10 points in the 2016 presidential campaign, according to a poll released on Tuesday, showing little change from a week ago and suggesting his comments about a Mexican-American judge had yet to affect his standing in the race.

The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll came after several days

in which Trump faced sharp criticism over his insistence that a federal judge who was born in Indiana to Mexican parents was biased in a case involving the celebrity billionaire.

But the fallout from Trump’s comments appeared to have done little to help Clinton build her lead over the presumptive Republican nominee.

The online survey showed

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets the crowd at a campaign rally at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 6, 2016 ( REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

that 44.3 per cent of likely voters said they would vote for Clinton, compared with 34.7 per cent who would support Trump. A further 20.9 per cent said they would not vote for either candidate. The results were little changed from last week’s survey.

The poll was conducted from Friday to Tuesday, starting shortly after Trump’s first comments about US District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is overseeing fraud lawsuits against Trump University, the New York businessman’s defunct real estate school.

Trump has suggested that Curiel’s heritage is influencing the judge’s opinion about the case because of Trump’s campaign rhetoric about illegal immigration.

US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan called Trump’s comments textbook racism on Tuesday, while Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Trump should stop attacking minority groups.

Bowing to pressure from fellow Republicans, Trump said on Tuesday he would no longer talk about the judge, adding that his previous remarks about Curiel had been misconstrued.

Other events, including

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news that Clinton had secured enough delegates and superdelegates to become the first female presidential candidate of a major US political party, occurred toward the end of the poll.

The poll included 1,261 respondents and had a credibility interval of 3.2 percentage points.

For most of the year,

Clinton has maintained an edge over Trump in the Reuters/Ipsos poll of likely voters. That edge briefly disappeared in May after Trump’s remaining rivals for the Republican nomination dropped out and party leaders started to line up behind his campaign.

Trump’s level of support has since eroded as he sparred

with his party’s leadership and continued to be dogged with questions about Trump University.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll differs from others that are often days removed from when their data was collected. As a result, the Reuters/Ipsos poll often detects shifts in opinion well ahead of other surveys. (Reuters)

Baby born to brain-dead mom in Portugal A BABY was born in Portugal to a woman who had been braindead for almost four months, hospital officials say.

The boy was delivered in a Lisbon hospital by Caesarean section after 32 weeks, and weighed 2.35kg (5lb, 3oz).

His mother was declared brain-dead on February 20 after a brain haemorrhage.

The decision to continue with the pregnancy was taken after tests revealed the foetus to be healthy, and after the father agreed it should be allowed to continue.

Doctors said the baby was in good health when

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The boy was healthy at birth, doctors say (file picture) he was born on Tuesday.

They did not specify whether the boy’s mother remained on life support.

It is the longest a child has survived in the womb in Portugal after his mother was declared brain-dead.

In January, a baby boy

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was born in Wroclaw, Poland, after surviving for 55 days in the womb of his mother, who was declared brain-dead after a tumour.

He weighed only 1kg (2.2lbs) at birth, and was allowed home in April.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

UWP wins election in St Lucia ––Dr Anthony steps down as SLP leader

T H E U n i t e d Wo r k e r s Party (UWP) led by Allen Chastanet has convincingly won Monday’s general elections, securing 11 of the 17 seats in Parliament and sending the incumbent St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) into Opposition.

And on the heels of his party’s loss, Dr Kenny Anthony announced that he is stepping down as SLP leader, but will serve the Vieux Fort South constituency he won in the polls. His was

one of the six seats won by the SLP. In a statement issued after the results were announced, Dr Anthony conceded defeat and congratulated Chastenet on the win, saying it was “a convincing victory”.

“It is clear there was a major national swing against the St Lucia Labour Party. I wish the people of St Lucia the very best as we embark on this new journey,” he said.

“As to my future, I do

not intend to serve as the Leader of the Opposition and indeed, Political Leader of the St Lucia Labour Party.

I will, however, continue to serve my constituents of Vieux Fort South and support my other Parliamentary colleagues in their various constituencies as they seek to protect the interests of their constituents.”

The former Prime Minister said he was deeply grateful for the honour of serving the country for near-

Allen Chastanet is expected to choose his Cabinet soon. (UWP Facebook photo)

ly three terms and gave special thanks to Vieux Fort South residents for electing him as their parliamentary representative for the fifth time.

Shortly after the UWP was declared the winner of the 2016 general elections, Chastanet promised that the party would deliver on the promises it made during the election campaign – including a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) – and return the country to economic growth.

He is also expected to announce his Cabinet soon. (Caribbean360)

‘Arrest sought’ of top Brazilian politicians BRAZIL’S chief prosecutor Rodrigo Janot is seeking permission to have top politicians from the governing PMDB party arrested, Brazilian media say.

The politicians he wants held are Brazil’s ex-President Jose Sarney, Senate Speaker Renan Calheiros, ex-lower house Speaker Eduardo Cunha and PMDB leader Romero Juca.

The four are suspected

Court.

The four deny wrongdoing.

They are alleged to have obstructed Operation Car Wash, the investigation into a massive corruption scandal at state-owned oil company Petrobras.

The request to have them arrested comes after telephone conversations taped by former Senator Sergio Machado were leaked to the press.

Among those Rodrigo Janot wants to have arrested is Brazil’s former President, Jose Sarney (left), seen here next to interim President Michel Temer of obstructing a massive corruption investigation.

A Supreme Court judge will now have to decide whether to act on the request.

All except Jose Sarney are currently members of Congress, and as such any judicial action against them has to first be approved by the Supreme

Mr Machado, who used to run a Petrobras-owned logistics company, made the recordings as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

The investigation has led to dozens of politicians and business executives being accused of paying or receiving kickbacks.

In the recordings, Mr Calheiros, Mr Sarney and

Mr Juca can be heard allegedly discussing ways to derail Operation Car Wash.

They have said that their remarks were taken out of context and deny obstructing the investigation.

The leaked recordings cost Mr Juca his post as planning minister.

Earlier, Mr Cunha was removed by the Supreme Court from his post as lower house speaker for allegedly obstructing justice.

Prosecutors now want him arrested because they allege that he continued to try to hinder investigations even after his removal from office.

According to Brazilian media, Mr Janot also requested that Mr Calheiros be suspended as Senate Speaker.

The post is a key one as the Senate prepares to conduct an impeachment trial against Dilma Rousseff, who was suspended from the presidency last month over allegations of manipulating government accounts.

If Mr Calheiros were to be suspended, Senator Jorge Viana would take over as Senate Speaker.

Mr Viana is a member of the Workers’ Party and an ally of Ms Rousseff.

Ms Rousseff argues that the impeachment proceedings are an attempt

by top members of the PMDB party to oust her from office.

According to Ms Rousseff, PMDB politicians wanted her gone so they could take over power and stop Operation Car Wash.

After her suspension

on May 12, Vice-President Michel Temer of the PMDB became acting President and appointed a new Cabinet.

Within weeks of him assuming office, he had lost two of his Cabinet members - anti-corruption

minister Fabiano Silveira and Mr Juca - to allegations of obstructing Operation Car Wash.

If Mr Janot’s request is granted it would be a heavy blow to interim President Michel Temer.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Op-ed Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Re-cultivating the culture of action OURS is a society that has become one of inaction.

Overtime, action has been replaced by the calls to action, which reflect an inconsistency with the birth and processes of development of this nation. A look into the foundational culture (i.e. lived experiences) of this society would see one of action, be it in the pursuit of self-empowerment or resistance to oppression, domination and marginalisation. Dependency on, or having expectation that others will do it continues to prevent actions on the part of institutions and self.

The decolonisation struggles of our forebears involved actions that led to the toppling of colonization and the achievement of independence and republican status. The building of this nation was precipitated by the desire of the people to realise the inalienable right to self-determination. When this was achieved in 1966, it did not find a people uncertain as to the type of the destiny they wanted to forge, and how to get there. Where the differences existed was in regard to who should be the group or party assigned the privilege of leadership, which ideology the leadership should pursue, and whose ideas were better.

Admittedly, the political partisanship saw disagreements on the means to achieve the end, but it should be said that such was not pursued in a vacuum. The ventilation of ideas between and among forces, more particularly the government, parliamentary opposition and civil society, created opportunities to understand points of view that helped the society in forming opinions and lending support one way or the other. This reality did not obliterate an aspect of our politics wherein support is informed by political affiliation, not necessarily substance, but it points to the fact that, in spite of its competitiveness and at times ugly side, it also entailed getting things done on both sides of the political divide.

Whereas the growth of society is dependent on not being held captive to the past, in the sense of being stuck in bygone eras, the mistakes, achievements and positive factors of the past can serve as lessons and inspirations to guide the present and build for the future. To the attainment of these, it may be necessary to revisit, learn from, and build on, aspects of the past, where actions were seen as integral to development and persons were prepared to play their part through support and leadership.

Streamlining the Demerara Harbour Bridge’s operations

By Imran Khan AS A proud East Bank Essequibian who, for years, used the Demerara Harbour Bridge on a daily basis to get to and from school and university, I am acutely aware of how essential it is in the daily lives of persons mainly living on the West Bank of Demerara, West Coast of Demerara, and the East Bank of Essequibo.

The DHB, or Harbour Bridge, as it is commonly referred to, facilitates commerce, trade, access to markets for farm produce, and allows for thousands of workers and students to travel to work and school on a day-to-day basis.

The current floating Harbour Bridge is, however, well over its intended shelf life. It has been kept going with intense monitoring, renovations, and a considerable amount of finances injected from the public purse.

A feasibility study is ongoing for the construction of a new, modern bridge across the Demerara river, to serve the residents of Regions 2, 3, 4, and 7, who are the principal users.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge was commissioned with a lifespan of 25 years, but, through repairs and upgrades, this has since been extended by 13 years.

In the meantime, it is interesting to note that, in the five years between 2010 and 2015, an enormous amount of subsidy was doled out by Government to the 38-year-old Demerara Harbour Bridge, to ensure its continued operation. This totalled two billion, two hundred and forty-eight million, five hundred thousand dollars ($2,248,500,000), which was funded by the taxpayers of Guyana.

The breakdown is as follows: 2010: seven hundred million, five hundred thousand dollars ($700.5M) 2011: five hundred and fifty million dollars ($550M) 2012:two hundred and seventy million dollars ($270M) 2013: three hundred million dollars ($300M) 2014:three hundred and thirty-eight million dollars ($338M) 2015: ninety million dollars ($90M) Given that the life of the bridge has been extended for such a significant period, the maintenance costs are

The politics of earlier periods notwithstanding, the features of divisions were not 100 percent polarising. Things were done with collective support and initiation of actions by those whose portfolios they fell under.

Whether there is disagreement on the early developmental thrust of nationalisation, there is no disagreement that the parliamentary political parties had unifying legislative successes on major issues, such as sugar and bauxite.

The trade union movement, the mass-based force outside of the political parties, could attest to instances of camaraderie across the political divide for working class issues and treatment of workers by foreign owners or management. The history of this society shows where there were differences as to approaches or support for particular issues, support could have been had from either political force in pushing the other to act on behalf of the workers.

Unifying characteristics were also event in matters of national import, and the major political forces engaged in deal-making to garner legislative or policy support. In recent years, the societal landscape has gone through a metamorphosis, not in alignment to build on the positives, but rather what can be considered attitudes that are contributing to inaction. Engagements have moved from the level of tolerance

particularly high and onerous, and this has been funded by the state to the tune of almost two and a quarter billion dollars over the past five years. This does not include billions of dollars previously placed into the operations of the DHB to allow for its continued existence as an essential service.

In light of these constraints, Government is considering a proposal to nominally rationalize the tolls, for two main reasons: 1: To ensure that the DHB generates enough revenue to cover its annual operating costs without having to be dependent on taxpayer subsidies. (Being dependent on taxpayer subsidies to the tune of over two billion dollars is an obvious burden on the taxpayers of Guyana.

These funds could be utilized in other areas, such as education, job creation, salary increase, infrastructure development, security services, better roads, provision of potable water, better electricity supply etc.)

2: To begin preparing for the process of building a new bridge across the Demerara river, to better service the residents of Regions 2, 3, 4, and 7 in their access to Georgetown, Demerara, and Berbice especially.

The current tolls for several categories of vehicles are extremely low. The increases proposed are marginal, and affordability to users is firmly in mind. For example, motorcyclists now pay a mere $20; the proposed increase takes this to $40. Motor car drivers pay $100; the proposal is to increase this to $200. There is no proposed increase for minibuses and SUVs, which currently pay $200.

These increases, while not onerous by any means, and while immensely favourable when compared to the tolls charged at the Berbice Bridge, will significantly aid in ensuring that the DHB is not dependent on the national treasury for survival. The increases will, in fact, provide relief to the taxpayers of Guyana, who will no longer be asked to so heavily subsidize the operations of the DHB, which is so critical to the lives of many who live in Regions 2, 3, and 7, who use the bridge daily or frequently for work, school, business and trade. These nominal increases are, in fact, long overdue.

Imran Khan is Director of Public Information and Press Secretary to Prime Minister, the Honourable Moses Nagamootoo. imran.khan@opm.gov.gy

and inclusion to that of zero tolerance and exclusion.

It is not uncommon to find non-originators of ideas or actions refusing to support the initiator, no matter how sound that idea is; or go beyond blanket condemnation to offering counter-ideas in the seeming oblivion that none has the monopoly on all ideas. It is also not uncommon to see those empowered by functions or laws to engage in inaction, preferring instead to be calling on others not so empowered to be the initiators or propellers of these actions. In other societies, where leaders -- political, government and non-government -- would be held accountable for not performing, or find pride in being proactive on matters within their portfolios, there is a seeming content here to do or be neither.

Apathy, laissez-faire and intolerant approaches that have marked and justified decision-making, not only carries debilitating consequences for the society, but would prevent the society from ever realising cohesion and holistic development for the people.

Changing the circumstances requires action on the part of the leadership and masses, which has to be borne out of recognition that if action were critical to this nation’s birth, further development requires the continuity of same.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Bishop Juan Edghill MUST be sanctioned

Dear Editor, A LITTLE over a week ago, on Sunday evening, May 29th, I was casually browsing the television channels, looking for something interesting to relieve my boredom, when by chance I came upon a programme that was just about to begin on TVG Channel 28, titled “The Factor”, hosted by Mr. Neaz Subhan.

My attention was immediately drawn to the programme because of the personalities being interviewed

by Mr. Subhan, namely Mr. Ravi Dev, Dr. David Hinds, and Bishop Juan Edghill. It is not often that one gets to see the likes of Dev and Hinds together, sharing the same space, discussing the salient ethnic issues that are negatively affecting the country’s development; so I thought to myself that it was going to be worth my while to listen in, especially since they were going to discuss the interrelated vogue issues of race, ethnicity and national unity.

P r e d i c t a b l y, t h e e x change of ideas and opinions amongst the discussants was invigorating and thought-provoking, and had me glued to my television set. However, coming down to the tail-end of the programme, what was up until then an engrossing discussion was spoilt by remarks made by Bishop

Edghill. In sum, he stated that Afro-Guyanese believe that they have the God-given right to rule, and this belief is being fostered by the Christian charismatic churches.

I couldn’t believe my ears. I actually pinched myself to ensure I wasn’t having a surreal experience. Editor, I encourage you to view the programme to confirm what I’m reporting here is true, accurate and correct. Better yet, I implore you to make contact with any of the other persons who were on the programme to validate that what I’ve stated herein is factual, and not fictional.

The statement made by Bishop Edghill was unambiguous, unequivocal, and pellucid; there can be no misinterpretation of what he said.

I patiently waited a whole week to see if the wider society would have zeroed in on Edghill’s remarks and use the formal media or social media to roundly condemn them, but having not seen any movement in this direction, I decided to pen this missive.

First off, I wish to state that, as an evangelical Christian, I take extreme umbrage at Bishop Edghill’s unflattering misrepresentation, traducement, and denigration of the charismatic community here in Guyana. Worse still is that he would seek to controversially infer that the church

propagates and executes a racist agenda, which is palpably slanderous and mischievous. This is, so far, the most mean-spirited and diabolical attack on the church that I’ve ever encountered in my Christian life. It is being made by an apostate, and it should not go unchallenged, since reticence on the matter can embolden him and others of his ilk to make even more scurrilous allegations against the evangelical movement.

Here, I pause to advise that I have not, by any stretch of the imagination, appointed myself as the evangelical representative on this matter; I am just responding as an aggrieved member. Hopefully, my more spiritually-grounded and informed brethren in the evangelical churches will take this issue on board and give it the serious attention it deserves.

Secondly, the callous assertion made by Bishop Edghill -- that black people think they have the God-given right to rule over all the other races -- though risible, is also racially inciting. Every Guyanese knows that race-relations in this country, especially between Africans and Indians, are being skillfully balanced on a knife’s edge.

It is a powder keg waiting to explode at any time, given the right conditions. In the circumstances, Bishop Edghill’s

remarks are akin to throwing gasoline on a smoldering fire. I guess he is right now probably smugly sitting back, waiting for the conflagration.

I take the position that Mr. Edghill the politician knows what he is doing: he is deliberately fanning the flames of racial hatred, bigotry and discord in an undisguised attempt to ingratiate himself with the PPP’s Indian support base. The public would recall that it was only last year -during an event organized by the Indian Arrival Committee to commemorate the anniversary of the Lusignan killings, which occurred on January 26, 2008 -- that Mr Edghill had made similarly racist

remarks, for which he was pilloried in the media; so this is not the first time that Mr. Edghill has publicly espoused racist demagoguery.

For the good of this nation, and in furtherance of the goals of social cohesion, unity, and peaceful coexistence of all the races, moreso Africans and Indians, someone has to put a muzzle on Edghill and all the other racial entrepreneurs, who by their pronouncements and actions seek to create racial strife in this country. Where is the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC)? Is it still hibernating?

Based on Juan Edghill’s

pattern of behaviour, I am strongly advocating that he be summoned before the ERC and banned from all political activity in this country. This man is divisive -- and dangerously so.

In conclusion, I would like to use this afforded opportunity to posit the view that the powers-that-be need to get their act together, and fast! There must be no further hesitation in dealing condignly with the race-baiters in our society – lest, God forbid, we unwittingly recreate the Rwanda experience right here!

Yours truly, OSAFO LYNCH

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Underage drinking

By Akola Thompson

RECENTLY, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, commented upon a research study compiled by the Guyana Drug Information Network, which showed that children as young as 12 were regular users of alcohol, and stated that more needs to be done to curb this practice, as it is an “outrage.”

Guyana, like many other countries, has laws governing underage drinking. Despite the legal age for the buying of alcohol and its consumption standing at 18, it is no strange occurrence for young children to go to a shop, licensed or unlicensed, and be sold alcohol.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in the year 2009, identified alcohol as one of Guyana’s greatest drug problems. It was stated that the consumption rates amongst teenagers, particularly young girls, were steadily rising, and this has resulted in the rise of many social ills.

In the year 2013, there was a 14% increase in children being sent to probation officers, and the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission stated that 51% of teenagers between 15 and 16 consume alcohol, while alcohol consumption was prevalent among 39.6% of this segment of the population in 2010. One can surely imagine that these daunting numbers have since risen.

Youths who drink before the age of 15 are four times

likelier to develop alcohol dependence and two and a half times likelier to become alcohol abusers than those who wait until the age of 21.

Several people with whom I have come into contact over the years have commented upon the problem of underage drinking, and are of the opinion that raising the drinking age to 21 would resolve the issue. However, I always tend to disagree with this, because if the law as it currently stands cannot be properly maintained, then raising the legal age would only make it into another one of the many laws we have which are not implemented.

There is also the long-held myth passed down to youths that we are a people who can effectively monitor and moderate our consumption of alcohol. While there are a select few who can do this, this myth has seen the result of many lost opportunities, vagrancies, suicides, vehicular accidents and, too often, murder.

The alcohol industry is a multi-million-dollar one, which, in the face of lax regulatory laws, thrives on the culture of dependency passed down through generations by means of conditioning, socialization and peer pressure.

Concerted efforts for underage drinking to decline must be made by the Government, the business community, and individuals. Schools should play an active role in educating on the dangers that alcohol poses not only for the young, but also on their communities and country as a whole. Another area which should be looked at is having

a constant string of community outreaches, in which counsellors must be included to further sensitize the public, particularly in rural and riverine areas.

The Government also needs to start cracking down on unlicensed roadside rum shops, while examining and strengthening the process by which alcohol licences are issued. Currently, a walk in any community would reveal a string of ‘bottom house’ rum shops filled with men and women, while most of them remain unlicensed.

A curfew on the advertisement of alcohol should also be implemented. Currently, there is a constant wave of alcohol beverages being advertised on a 24-hour basis, and while the banning of songs glorifying alcoholism from the public airwaves cannot realistically be considered, these songs should have limited airtime.

Finally, shop owners need to have a greater sense of responsibility when it comes to the selling of alcohol to minors, but the brunt of this responsibility lies with law enforcement officials. Unless concerted efforts to prosecute those who do not abide by the laws governing underage drinking are continuously made, children will continue to have easy access to alcohol, and society will continue to suffer for it.

While the problem of underage drinking will not dissipate overnight, slow concerted efforts can make all the difference between climbing negative figures and declining ones.

Region 2 REO calls for forensic audit - to sanitise operations of the Regional Administration

By Svetlana Marshall THE Region Two Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr Rupert Hopkinson, is calling on the Government to launch a forensic audit into the operations of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) with intent to weed out all acts of corruption, fraud, and theft of state resources.

Hopkinson issued the call as the Opposition-dominated Council prepares to move a no-confidence motion against him on June 14. Hopkinson has been accused by some members of the Council of corruption, incompetence, and a lax attitude in carrying out the instructions of the Council. He has denied these allegations.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the embattled REO said he is being attacked because of his efforts to “sanitise” the operations of the Regional Administration.

Though he failed to produce supporting evidence, Hopkinson strongly believes that millions of dollars are being leaked through corruption. He contends that

“in Region Two, there is a compulsion to steal”.

According to him, since his appointment as the ‘Chief Financial Officer’ of the region, he has had cause to withhold approximately $100M in payment vouchers on suspicion of fraud.

“Those vouchers were not piled up, those vouchers were kept for scrutiny and investigation,” he said.

Responding to reports that he has been executing his duties at a snail’s pace, particularly when issuing payment vouchers, Hopkinson said the process by which he issues payment vouchers usually takes approximately one or two months, and there is no law stipulating the time within which this process must be completed.

NO SAW MILL In a quest to support his argument, the REO said that in December 2015, he was presented with payment vouchers totalling $8M for the purchase of lumber, which included dressed wood.

An investigation was con-

ducted, and it was discovered that the supplier of the lumber has no sawmill or lumber yard.

“When I went to the man, he had no dressed wood, he had no lumber yard, he had

Region Two REO, Rupert Hopkinson no sawmill; but yet this man is benefiting from $12M a year,” Hopkinson disclosed.

Upon conducting further investigations, Hopkinson said, it was revealed to him that the Regional Administration has been purchasing significant quantities of lumber when compared to previous years.

It was reported that, in

2010, the Regional Administration purchased $5M in lumber to execute remedial repairs throughout the district. The figure dropped to $3M in 2011; however, since 2012, the region has been purchasing some $20M in lumber for a Works Department that has been significantly reduced in size.

“All this boils down to fraudulent activities in Region Two,” Hopkinson contended, as he expressed his conviction that there is need for a forensic audit to be conducted into the operations of the Regional Administration.

‘PRINCIPALS’ INFORMED However, when asked if these alleged acts of fraud were reported to the relevant authorities, Hopkinson initially said “no”, but told this newspaper that his “principals” have been informed.

Although suspecting fraud, the REO said, a reduced sum of $5M was paid to the questionable supplier (name given) for lumber.

“All vouchers, after scrutiny, will be released for

payment; but the records, the evidence of suspected fraud, will be kept,” he explained.

Hopkinson himself has been accused of corruption by regional officials, including members of the Alliance For Change (AFC), a senior official of which party has shown this newspaper a letter he has written to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Communities, the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Communities, the Regional Chairman, the Regional Vice Chair, and the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) about the REO engaging in an alleged irregularity.

The letter accuses the REO of selling serviceable items which are tagged as unserviceable. The items allegedly include machines and mechanical parts, and the purchasers were reportedly sent by the REO. The REO has, however, said the items were checked by the region’s stock verifier and deemed unserviceable, thus he approved of their disposal. He noted: “To the best of my knowledge, all items approved by me, such as old

tyres, did not require further approvals.”

The AFC member, however, not satisfied with this explanation given by Hopkinson, said: “We do not want to be sidetracked by the sale of a few old tyres, which is not a problem. The real problem here is the sale of valuable assets to chosen individuals more than once. These assets are undervalued to make it possible for them to be sold for less than $5000, as happened last month (the letter was written in May).

“A stock verifier is not qualified to decide whether machines and mechanical parts are serviceable or not; the region’s mechanics and mechanical engineers should make that decision.”

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-dominated Council is expected to move a no-confidence motion against Hopkinson on June 14. But even with a majority, the Council will need the backing of the Government, in particular Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, to successfully remove Hopkinson from office.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Cabinet clears new tolls for DHB

CABINET has reportedly approved slight increases in tolls for motorcycles and cars to cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), a top official at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has confirmed.

Guyana Chronicle was told that the proposal was submitted earlier this year

by General Manager of the DHB Corporation, Rawlston Adams, and Government recently approved the increase.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, was quoted earlier this year acknowledging that the proposal was with Cabinet, and that, if approved, DHBC would make fewer requests for funds to execute capital works.

Writing in an OP-ED in the Guyana Chronicle, Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, said that motorcyclists, who now pay “a mere $20, would pay $40; while motor car drivers will now pay $200, instead of the $100 they currently pay.

Khan said there is no proposed increase for minibuses and SUVs, which currently pay $200. “The increases proposed are marginal, and with the affordability to us-

Rawlston Adams, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation ers firmly in mind. These increases, while not onerous by any means, and while immensely favourable to the tolls charged at the Berbice Bridge, will significantly aid in ensuring that the DHB is not dependent on the national treasury for survival,” Khan

wrote.

He said the increases will, in fact, provide relief to the taxpayers of Guyana, who will no longer be asked to so heavily subsidize the operations of the DHB, an entity that is so critical to the lives of many who live in Regions 2, 3, and 7, who use the bridge daily or frequently for work, school, business and trade. These nominal increases, he said, are in fact long overdue.

Khan also mentioned that the Demerara Harbour Bridge as currently exists is well over its intended shelf life.

He noted that it has been kept going through intense monitoring, renovations, and a considerable amount of finances injected into its operation from the public purse.

“A feasibility study is ongoing for the construction of a new, modern bridge across the Demerara river, to serve the residents of Regions 2, 3, 4, and 7, who are the principal users. The Demerara Harbour Bridge was com-

missioned with a lifespan of 25 years, but through repairs and upgrades, this has since been extended by 13 years”, Khan explained.

He disclosed that in the five years between 2010 and 2015, some $2.2B were pumped into the DHBC as subsidy from Government.

Back in January, the DHBC General Manager, Adams, had reported that some 9,000 vehicles transited the DHB daily in 2015, a 4.8

per cent increase from the previous year; but, overall, income earned by the bridge in 2015 declined.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) has reported that while $481M were garnered in revenue from vehicular traffic — an increase of 4.2 per cent over the 2014 revenue — overall, income dipped from $533M in 2014 to $519M in 2015.

According to DHB General Manager Rawlston Ad-

ams, “Overall, revenues went down because of contractual works that we do with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure”.

Floating at 1.25 miles, the bridge is a strategic link between the eastern and western banks of the Demerara River. When opened in July 1978, the structure was expected to last for only 10 years; but, 37 years later, it is still there.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Cops- over still hunting suspect assault of Lowlands teenager

By Alva Solomon POLICE on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are still hunting for a man who assaulted a teenage girl in the community of Lowlands last Monday night, amidst reports that the suspect has been seen in the area following the incident.

The teenager’s mother told this newspaper last week that her daughter was attacked by the man after she disembarked a minibus near the “Hope Turn”. The area is usually dark at nights and after making inquiries about someone called “Mark”, the man grabbed the teenager ’s neck and dragged her into a nearby

cemetery where he later left her, bound and gagged, in a muddied state.

T h e y o u n g l a d y ’s mother told this newspaper Tuesday that persons in the area reported seeing the man at a wash bay further up the ECD, in the village of Ann’s Grove soon after the incident.

She said persons recog-

nized the muddied state of the Honda CG motorcycle which the man rides. He is described by persons at Lowlands as a serial rapist.

The woman said that alert persons at Lowlands saw a car in the village this week and a man in the vehicle was asking persons “if the girl dead”. She said the car’s registration number was reported to the police and checks by relatives revealed that the car is owned by someone who resides at

Vryheid’s Lust, also on the East Coast.

“There are more questions than answers and I want the police to find this man because I can’t sleep,” she related Tuesday.

She said that a man was picked up by the ranks at the Cove and John Police Station on Monday night but her daughter related that he was not the suspect following an identification parade.

“This man, the police know him and I think they need to find him,” she said.

Last weekend, this publication reported on the incident, which occurred around 19:00hrs, soon after the woman’s daughter disembarked a minibus.

After the assault the young lady sought assistance from persons on the Railway Line Embankment.

A medical examination indicated that the teenager, who sat the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams last year, was physically, but not sexually assaulted .

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Woman corporal promoted for outstanding service

CHIEF-OF-STAFF Brigadier General, Mark Phillips on Tuesday promoted Lance Corporal Shannon-Ross Cox to the rank of Acting Corporal following her recent outstanding service to the Force while on patrol in Region # 7, the military said in a statement.

In addition to being the lone female who climbed Mount Ayanganna in observance of the country’s 50th Anniversary, Corporal Ross- Cox, who is a qualified Medic, conducted a one-woman Medical Outreach in Chinoweng, a village in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). Her efforts led to the medical evacuation of a sick woman and child.

While there, Corporal Ross-Cox also interacted with the children of the village, educating them on the role and functions of the Guyana Defence Force. According to the GDF, Brigadier General Phillips congratulated Corporal Ross-Cox based on her initiatives, which he found commendable. “What you have done was commendable and the Force is proud of your initiatives,” he told Corporal Ross-Cox. The COS noted that his decision to promote Ross-Cox for her initiative was discussed with the Senior Female Officers of the Force and they agreed that promoting her was fitting. The Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force congratulate now Acting Corporal Shannon Ross-Cox on her promotion.

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Corporal Ross-Cox being decorated with her new badge of rank by Lieutenant Colonels: Lorraine Foster (left) and Natasha Stanford (GDF photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

MMA ramping up Duo on trial for buggery, rape agricultural land and indecent distribution in Region 5 assault AT THE Demerara Assizes yesterday, a jury began sitting in the case of Paul Abrams and Claude Craig, who are on trial for the offences of buggery, rape and indecent assault on a woman. Justice Jo-Ann Barlow is the presiding judge.

The defendants pleaded not guilty and were represented by Senior Counsel Bernard DeSantos, who is defending Abrams while, Nigel Hughes is defending Craig.

The State employed three challenges during the selection of the jurors, while the defence did not challenge anyone.

On the resumption today the prosecution headed by Siand Dhurjon, along with Shonette Austin will address the jury.

The prosecution is alleging that the offences were committed on the 5th of December 2007.

FARMERS in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) can expect a significant increase in the availability of agricultural lands under legitimate titles this year.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), Dr Ken Sealey said this has always been a priority activity since the Board took over, but their work had been slowed considerably by a tremendous backlog of applications, which had been allowed to accumulate under the previous administration.

In a recent comment on the issue, Sealey said: “Numerous leases were signed

by the General Manager, but were never signed by the then Minister of Agriculture.

“That’s the kind of situation we had to deal with.

Scores of applications had to be taken through the entire process again.”

He added: “This Board is aware of the increasing demand for land for agricultural activity in Region 5, and our aim is to make lands available to legitimate applicants, so they can expand their production and productivity towards a good life.”

Noting that agricultural lands have been identified for distribution in all three of the geographical sub-divsions of the Region, namely

Dr Kenneth Sealey between the Berbice and Abary Rivers, the Abary and Mahaicony Rivers and the Mahaicony and Mahaica Rivers, Dr Sealy said: “We distributed several leases to farmers to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations, and the momentum will continue.”

The emphasis at the moment, he said, is on clearing the huge backlog, to the extent that several more 50year leases are to be handed over to farmers within a month.

In a comment, too, General Manager, Aubrey Charles said that the MMA is working assiduously to provide leases to residents between the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers by year-end and continuing.

“We had meetings at Belmont and Perseverance villages, and the surveys to demarcate the boundaries of the land have been completed.

“Unfortunately, we did not get to finalise the leases, but I average that within a few weeks, farmers in Belmont and Perseverance will receive their 50-year leases,” Charles said.

“That will be a good start for this area since the process will be continuous for the benefit of the neighboring villagers,” he added.

Dr Sealey said that it is generally known that Region 5 has one of the largest acreages of rice under cultivation.

The Region also supports 30 to 35 per cent of all livestock (mostly cattle) production, and 10-15 per cent of national sugar production.

“The work of farmers, be it cash-crop or rice,” he said, “continues to be a significant contributor to the country’s economy, and without the allocation of lands, there can be no production.”

He added that the t h r u s t b y t h e c u r re n t Board of Directors and Management will facilitate the rapid expansion of agricultural production and productivity within the Region for the benefit of its farmers and the country as a whole.

Wednesday June 8th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Thursday June 9th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Rohee dismisses audit report - Says ‘It takes a lot to worry a politician’

By Derwayne Wills EVEN with allegations continuing to flow against the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, the party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee says he is not worried about the revelations of the audits and bemoaned the failure of auditors to seek responses from those implicated in their reports.

“We have always maintained that audit reports should be shared with the former chairmen of these boards and with those members of the boards who served,” Rohee told the press corps at his party’s Robb Street headquarters on Tuesday during his weekly press briefing.

“I don’t think we can give any kind of objective response to the audit reports,” Rohee continued.

The PPP General Secretary was responding to the audits of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the National Communications Network (NCN) in Berbice, where PPP members Shaik Baksh and Faizal Jafarally were respective heads of the entities being audited. $22M IN FREE ADVERTISING Similarly, the PPP was implicated in an audit of the National Communications Network (NCN), where

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee it was disclosed that some $22M in free advertising was given to the party during political campaigns since the network had not sent the necessary invoices.

“We have asked for the data, we have asked for the invoices, we have asked also for the materials to be attached as proof of evidence for these debts,” Rohee told reporters.

Asked whether he was worried about the allegations that his party used their role in government to access free advertising on the state-funded network, Mr Rohee responded “It takes a lot of stuff to worry a politician... especially a politician who has been around for a long time.”

“I know the party pays for whatever services it purchases or solicits or procures or that is outsourced. So we

need to make a distinction… whether it’s the government ministries or whether it’s the PPP,” Rohee added.

There were revelations some time during the 2015 elections that the PPP had brandished their logo on billboards paid for by the GWI. Responding to the question whether his party will move to repay monies owed to the communications network, Rohee said the network is currently in possession of correspondence from

his party but there has been no response so far.

‘GHOST WRITER’ Some time ago, Rima Rohee, daughter of the PPP General Secretary and a member of the PPP’s list of candidates for the 2015 elections, had been fingered as a “ghost writer” in an audit of the National Communications Network.

Rima’s responsibilities came under a body referred

to as the “Media Monitoring Unit”, whose job it was to locate and respond to negative comment on social media about the then PPP Government.

The NCN audit also outlined a system which compromised the employment policies of the state-funded network by giving priority employment to persons associated with the then ruling party.

When asked about these allegations, Rohee distanced

himself from his daughter being named in the probe, saying, “I am not my daughter’s keeper, she is a grown woman. She is free to apply anywhere for a job. She applied for a job, she got a job and that’s it. She never asked me to write a recommendation to get a job.”

And asked whether he had sought an explanation from his daughter on the issue, even as she is a member of his party, Rohee responded in the negative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Samuels cleared by COI

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… commission says he acted responsibly during riot

By Shauna Jemmott THE REPORT of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Georgetown Prison riot cleared Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels of accusations levelled against him by prisoners that he had given an order to officers to ‘lock the door and let them burn’ during a fire on the Capital A block, which resulted in the death of 17 prisoners on March 3. “… it was clear on the basis of evidence advanced that there was no basis for this claim or indeed that any other was guilty of such a heinous act,” the CoI report states.

The allegation was made by some prisoners that Samuels ordered the door to be locked and let prisoners burn while the fire blazed violently in the dormitory which housed remand prisoners, during the worst prison riot

recorded in the history of Guyana.

The report into the CoI into the March 2 to 4 Georgetown Prison riots and resultant deaths was prepared by Chairman of the Commission, Justice James Patterson, and Commissioners Dale Erskine and Merle Mendonce, and submitted to President David Granger by Justice Patterson on June 1, at the Office of the President.

“This is an extremely serious allegation and the Commission of Inquiry considered it very carefully,” the report stated.

It said though evidence by prisoners, which seem concocted, accused Samuels of passing an order to lock the door and leave the Capital A prisoners locked in the burning building to die, “video evidence, journal entries and oral evidence show Mr. Samuels was not in the prison yard at the time the

Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels door of the Capital A Block was ordered locked”.

The Commission said too that testimonies also revealed that Samuels acted responsibly assisting in the evacuation of the prisoners from Capital B Block and giving orders to officers under his leadership, to extinguish the

deadly fire on March 3.

“He (Samuels) was also heard telling prisoners in Capital A to exit the burning building from Capital B Division. In this regard, a prisoner did exit Capital A through the hole created in the dividing wall of that division. He did suffer burns on his body while going through that hole.”

Additionally, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, K. Hudson admitted that he ordered Cadet Officer Udistaire Holligan to lock the door after observing the prisoners approaching aggressively, armed with sharpened instruments.

Murder accused Kenneth Griffith, Errol Kesney, and Carol Brown were just a few of the prisoners who testified during the CoI, accusing Samuels of giving the order to lock the door causing seventeen prisoners to die as a result of the fire.

Condemned prisoner Carl Brown said he heard when Samuels told officers “Ya’ll lock de door deh let deh burn (expletives) leh deh dead!”

However, Barrister-at-law Selwyn Pieters, who made legal representation for the Georgetown Prison during the hearings, had submitted to the Commission that while inmates made the troubling accusations against Samuels, objective evidence presented to the Commission revealed that the Deputy Director of Prisons was not yet in the Camp Street jail yard when the order was passed for the door to be locked.

“This can only occur where they have concocted a plan to frame him as a scapegoat, to conceal the true perpetrators, who in a bizarre way tampered with, and made inoperable, the very door that would have guaranteed their escape in a matter of seconds from the

fire that was obviously lit by the prisoners themselves,” Samuels submitted.

He said the prisoners had perhaps lit the fire and secured the door “without being fully cognizant of the real danger of being trapped in that dormitory if a raging inferno ensued that could affect the lock on the door that was their own major means of escape to safety”.

The lawyer stated too that the door which was locked even before Samuels reached the compound, remained locked “due to the inmates jamming the housing mechanism of the door..”

Officers were finally able to open the door only after the fire claimed the lives of 17 inmates and injured 30 others, Pieters said.

Samuels was sent on leave March 4, and returned to his job as Deputy Director of Prisons Monday.

NOT OFF THE CARDS - Gov’t actively pursuing DDL’s $45M shares in Berbice Bridge

GOVERNMENT, through the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), is still in active engagement with shareholders of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. to acquire the $45M in shares being held by the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

This was confirmed on Tuesday by the head of NICIL, Horace James, who earlier this year assumed responsibility for managing NICIL’s affairs.

It was announced by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo last year that Government was considering an offer by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) to buy its shares in the Berbice Bridge Company for $45M. James noted that

the process of acquiring DDL’s shares is being followed in accordance with prescriptive requirements. He explained that if a shareholder intends to sell his shares, consent must be granted from the remaining shareholders for those shares to be sold.

According to him, that is the phase at which the process is currently.

“Consent needs to be given by the remaining shareholders if shares are to be sold, and that is where we are presently. So it has not been called off…NICIL buying these shares is still on the table; but we have to go through this process first,” the head of NICIL said.

Political and economic commentator Ramon Gaskin had, earlier this year,

called on Government to take full ownership of the Berbice Bridge Company, so that the economic burden on Guyanese living in that area could be eased.

does not intend to buy out the Berbice Bridge Company, as it is not economically feasible.

When asked about a possible Government

strictive financial budget, right? And we have a lot of things to do.”

The bridge company was, at that time, also stalling moves to reduce the toll

However, it was noted last year by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson that Government

takeover, Patterson had said, “No, that is not a consideration of the Government. We have a re-

to cross the bridge, even as pressure was mounting.

In response to the sluggish approach employed by

the company, Government had introduced river taxis which reduced dependency on the bridge as the sole means of transportation.

The delay in implementing reduced tolls was also being experienced despite the Government’s announcement of a subsidy in the national 2015 budget earlier that year. The subsidy sought to ensure that the company lost no revenue as a result of the reduction in tolls.

Subsequently, directors of the US$40M bridge agreed to the Government’s proposal, and an agreement worth $31M in subsidy was inked between the Government and the Bridge Company to facilitate the reduction of tolls.

This took effect from January 1 of this year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

World Bank projects 4% growth –– but says economy expected to contract in 2017 and 2018

THE WORLD BANK has projected that Guyana’s economy will grow 4 per cent this year, but is forecasting a decline in growth in the years 2017 and 2018.

In 2015, Guyana’s economy grew 3 per cent, down from 3.8 per cent in 2014, and 5.2 per cent in 2013.

According to the Banks in its latest forecast, which is subject to change due to global circumstances, Guyana’s economy is expected to grow 3.9 per cent in 2017, and 3.8 per cent in 2018.

The Bank noted that South America is particularly hard hit because three large economies – Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela -- are in recession.

It also noted that other South American countries, including Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia, have also slowed.

In contrast, the Mexico and Central America sub-region has registered relatively stronger growth due to their close economic ties to a steadily growing United States.

The Bank explained that these economies have benefitted from competitiveness gains, which were due to currency depreciation and more robust consumption, supported by falling unemployment and moderating inflation.

Similarly, the Caribbean, which also enjoys close ties

to the United States, is being lifted by a booming tourism sector, it said.

The region is forecast to contract by 1.3 per cent in 2016 after a 0.7 per cent decline in 2015, the first backto-back years of recession in

output growth to 1.7 per cent in 2018.

“In contrast, supported by ties to the United States and strong exports, output in the Mexico and Central America sub-region and in the Caribbean is expected to grow at

further weighing on investment.

MODEST As a result of ongoing macroeconomic adjustments and structural reforms, it said that activity

The mining sector is projected to shine brighter more than 30 years.

According to the World Bank, it is projected to begin expanding again in 2017, gradually gaining momentum to around 2 per cent in 2018.

“Prospects vary across the region: South America is anticipated to contract by 2.8 per cent this year, and have a mild recovery in 2017, followed by a strengthening of

around 3 per cent in 2017 and 2018,” the Bank said.

Brazil is forecast to contract by 4 per cent in 2016 amid attempts at policy tightening, rising unemployment, shrinking real incomes and political uncertainty.

The Bank said if political uncertainties persist, the implementation of fiscal initiatives may be delayed,

in Argentina is expected to decline modestly in 2016, before picking up on a firmer basis in 2017-18.

“Capital inflows are expected to pick up following a formal exit from technical debt default and restored access to international debt markets, and a return of investor confidence,” the report contended.

Net exports will benefit from a significantly weaker Argentine peso, the bank said.

In contrast to South America, the Mexico and Central America sub-region is more closely linked to the US economy through trade, investment, and remittance flows. Growth, the bank said is expected to remain broadly unchanged in 2016, due both to the protracted decline in agricultural commodity prices and to fiscal consolidation across the sub-region.

It said a modest increase in growth should follow in 2017-18, as the real depreciation of local currencies spurs net exports and the U.S. economy continues to expand.

“Household consumption is expected to continue picking up, as real incomes are supported by low inflation and falling unemployment, particularly in Mexico, which is expected to grow by 2.5 per cent this year.

“In a number of Central American economies, domestic monetary policy is expected to remain largely accommodative in the shortand medium-term, with low inflation rates encouraging investment. “Stronger investment growth is also expected in Mexico, as benefits from recent structural reforms materialise. Despite

strong tourism, growth in the Caribbean region will slow in 2016, representing a normalisation from a bumper year in 2015,” the Bank said.

It also noted that major tourism-associated construction is winding down, and a number of Caribbean economies are pursuing fiscal consolidation to strengthen public finances and lower heavy public debt burdens.

While the Zika virus outbreak poses a substantial downside risk, the Bank said tourism is expected to continue to expand and support growth and fiscal consolidation in several Caribbean countries will weigh on growth in the medium-term.

“Should commodity prices drop further, falling fiscal and export revenues are likely to trigger additional policy tightening and weigh on growth. External debt across the region has been increasing, much of it denominated in foreign currency, particularly US dollars.

Further increases in debt ratios could lead to sovereign credit downgrades. Recessions in Brazil and República Bolivariana de Venezuela have yet to bottom out and could last longer than previously expected. There is a risk that these recessions may spill over to other countries in the region,” the Bank said.

EU wants to help repair City Hall ––as well as upgrade the outfall channels

EU Ambassador Jernej Videti looks at a portrait of City Hall on a plaque that was given to him as a gift by the Mayoress

EUROPEAN Union Ambassador Mr. Jernej Videti has promised to reopen the tendering process so contractors can again bid to repair City Hall.

The matter was discussed recently when Ambassador Videti and Mayoress Patricia Chase-Greene met at the latter’s office.

According to Ambassador Videti, seeing that the tenders received from the previous advertisement placed in the print media were not successful, the EU is willing to give interested parties another opportunity to re-tender.

He also noted that the EU will be working with the government, and by extension City Hall, to upgrade the outfall channels, so as to help maintain the integrity of the drainage system.

The Mayor and City Council is re-

sponsible for the maintenance of 11 outfall channels.

Ambassador Videti congratulated the City Council on its current efforts to restore the drainage system. He noted that during the current rainy season, many areas that were considered to be flood-prone were free of overtopping.

He said that during his interaction with Mayoress Greene, the two discussed the many other areas on which the two entities can collaborate, such as climate change, training in financial management and taxation, and the promotion of sustainable cities.

Mayores Greene, in response, said that the Council is grateful for every bit of help it can get from the diplomatic community in the area of drainage and restoration of City Hall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

New-look Kitty Market to house rates and taxes office, municipal clinic

By Telesha Ramnarine

RENOVATION works are progressing rapidly on the Kitty Market, and the upper flat is being remodeled to include a rates and taxes office, as well as a municipal clinic.

“People from Cummings Lodge to Kitty don’t have to come all the way to City Hall to pay their rates and taxes.

We are aiming to reintroduce the system that was in place many years ago,” Mayor Patricia Chase-Green told the Chronicle in an invited comment Tuesday.

The City Council had hoped to finish works on the market in time for the Golden Jubilee celebrations but was unable to, in view of other necessary works.

The upper flat of the market will also accommodate new vendors, ChaseGreen informed, and installing a clinic up there will also be looked at.

The Mayor said the rainy weather is currently holding up works on the market, but they are hoping to finish in the shortest possible time.

Meanwhile, Kitty Market vendors are anticipating the completion of the market and are overjoyed at the pace of the reconstruction.

A third generation vendor had told this newspaper: “The building needed repairs since it began to leak in the 1980s and lack of repairs caused the building to go downhill but right now the guys are doing a terrific job and daily the transformation can be seen.”

The rainy season has held up rehabilitation works on the Kitty Market.

FEELING GOOD He said he is overjoyed at the development and is anticipating more traffic through the market since the fear of something falling and injuring a vendor or shopper is now a thing of the past. He noted that

it’s a relief that the rehabilitation is finally being done as the market has been serving the community for decades. “Situations like this gives you hope and makes you feel good,” he said.

The 19th century structure suffered massive deterioration over the years, causing vendors operating in the area to lodge numerous complaints with the City Council. The Council, however, had long been citing financial woes as the reason the market continued to remain a “threat to life and limb.”

Under the new administration, City Hall has embarked on a $240M restoration exercise as of February last.

The Kitty Market was established in 1882, two years after the Bourda Market came into being.

Like the Bourda Market, Kitty Market is timber-framed.

Ruthless thieves killing Dorie’s house-ownership dreams

By Telesha Ramnarine SIXTY-four-year-old Ramdai Janet Dorie could not hold back the tears as she reflected on how hard she worked to save every dollar towards building her own home. These were not tears of joy however - they represented the anguish she felt in her heart over those who have been ruthlessly stealing materials off of her house.

Dorie’s house is located at Block B, Mocha Road Third Bridge, Herstelling Housing Scheme, on the East Bank Demerara; an area that is still being developed so there are tall bushes, no street lights and few houses that people have actually occupied.

Since there is hardly anything that Ms. Dorie can do about this unfortunate situation and she cannot think of any agency that might be willing to provide any practical assistance to her; she then resorted to writing to President David Granger and to a few news agencies, including the Guyana Chronicle.

In addition, another option she explored was finding a company that may be able to install a security system at her house that can monitor the activities there when she is not around. This proved too costly and Dorie had no choice but to abandon the idea.

The elderly woman, in an interview at the Chronicle on Tuesday, expressed her hope-

lessness in tears, along with some amount of optimism that something good may come out of the fact that her plight is being highlighted.

Dorie is eager to have the house completed, having saved enough to secure a bank loan with which she started works. But the

resume work.”

The last time the bandits struck was on the night of the jubilee celebrations and after the police were summoned, they told Dorie that they could not obtain fingerprints as they were smudged.

“They caught one of the thieves but the people in

The virtually impassable street leading to Dorie’s house project is stalled every time the thieves break in.

$1.6M in LOSSES For the four times that the bandits have broken in so far, Dorie estimates her losses to be around $1.6M. “Many other persons have the same problem in the area.

About two streets away from me, a woman lost 52 sacks of cement. I’m confused at the moment. I’m trying to see how much I can save in the meantime so I can

the area don’t want to come forward; they don’t want to become a target.”

SAVING FOR 20 YEARS Although Dorie is an educator, poet, writer, author, and ardent sports personality who has played cricket at an international level, she said she currently sells a few items on the streets, including clothing, to make a living.

“Sometimes I don’t buy clothes and food for myself.

I make sacrifices like the old people say, ‘Cut your eye and tie your belly.’ I sell little things on the streets. Sometimes I help a friend do some work and she gives me some money. I have been saving, saving all my money and I went to the bank and they gave me a loan so I was able to build my house.”

Dorie is also a diabetic and has issues with her cholesterol. “I have to pay for my own medical bills and I don’t go in anyone’s way to beg or thief. I work assiduously to save my money. I have been saving for the house over 20 years and working very hard.

If you see my hands; they are hard, corny.”

Meanwhile, in a letter to the editor, Dorie said in part that she worked along with the contractor through blood, sweat and tears until thieves started stealing doors, windows, and many other items off of the house.

PLEA “The stress has now become extremely unbearable. Apart from losing materials, risking to lose my house to the bank, my life is at risk for I am a senior citizen who has numerous medical conditions.

In addition, I have no husband, no children, and even no neighbour. Only bushes and more bushes and I am desperate!

“People are seeing but are helpless, since there is

Ramdai Janet Dorie, 64, stands in front of her incomplete home no telephone line, no street light, and only bushes where thieves take refuge. I had to put on my own street light and should you visit me, you can feel the hauntedness around the area.

“During the day, you can see a lot of strange faces ‘susing’ out their victims. It seems as though they speculate during the day and they strike during the night with their waiting vehicles. It is alleged that they sell sto-

len articles to those who are building. As such, I suggest that heavier penalties be levied to those buyers.

“I call upon all those in position to look into this matter as early as possible.

Upon reading this letter, I wish that someone may call me and see how they can help, for I have lost far more than I can afford to deal with the bank. I am desperate. Please. I plead for help.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Moore resumes duties as Traffic Chief ––Persaud returns to Berbice

By Rabindra Rooplall SUPERINTENDENT of Traffic, Deon Moore Monday resumed responsibilities as Traffic Chief, while Boodnarine Persaud, who was acting in his capacity returned to ‘B’ Division (Berbice).

On March 4, Moore was a passenger in a motorcar heading north along the East Bank Public Road, when, in the vicinity of the GuyOil Service Station at Providence, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a utility pole.

While the driver of the vehicle escaped without injuries, Moore sustained a fractured leg and rib.

Due to his incapacita-

tion, the Guyana Police Force had appointed Superintendent Persaud, who is the second-in-command within the traffic department, to perform the duties of Acting Traffic Chief.

NO STRANGER Persaud, who served in the Berbice Division, is no stranger to the Traffic Department, having served there for a number of years.

He was known for implementing several strategies to curb traffic lawlessness.

Berbice is one of the Divisions with a reduction in accident rate.

Asked what he thought about the challenges in the traffic department, Persaud said because of the geograph-

Insel Air offering return flights to Boa Vista DUTCH Caribbean carrier Insel Air will be offering flights to and from Boa Vista with the introduction of return trips between Curacao and the Brazilian destination via Georgetown.

According to reports, the airline which serves more than 20 destinations in the region, will commence the service on July 4, with flights on Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting at 4:40hrs in Boa Vista.

An hour later, passengers will arrive in Guyana and the flights will move onward to Curacao with a scheduled arrival time at 8:50hrs. For the return leg, the flights will leave Curacao at a scheduled 22:00hrs, land in Guyana and move onward to Boa Vista.

The trips will be undertaken with one of its regional aircraft, which seats 80 passengers and is configured for two classes of service.

According to Carla Sobral, Insel Air’s Boa Vista supervisor, the airline provides connectivity between North America, South America and the Caribbean. It offers frequent flights and short-lived to 26 destinations from Curacao and Aruba. “It is a great integration airline within the Pan-American region,” he said.

The flights to Curacao from Boa Vista, cost US$364 round trip, and can be acquired via the company’s website: www.inselair.com and travel agencies. For departure/arrival in Guyana from Brazil, the flights cost US$150.

In November 2014, Insel Air officially announced direct flights from Georgetown to Curacao, with the airline offering four flights per week to Aruba/Curacao.

The airline began its service to the Guyana market from June 18, 2014.

Roraima Airways serves as the Ground Handling Services Agent and General Sales Agent for Insel and destinations included into the scope of travel are Jamaica, St. Maarten, The Dominican Republic and several South American destinations.

Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud ic development of Guyana, there will always be issues of congestion and fatal accidents. He recommends that

road users change their negative attitudes, as the main causes of accidents remain speeding, driving under the influence, and riding motorcycles without helmet.

He feels that although the traffic department has educational plans for road users, a holistic approach is needed.

He noted that firstly, there is no safe place for pedal cyclists on roadways, because they are always exposed to danger, since they are riding on the same side of the road which speeding drivers use.

The most affected group includes youths and the elderly using bicycles. In Suriname, he said, pedal cyclists do not ride on the public road; they use a special carriageway because of the danger involved.

Superintendent of Traffic, Deon Moore BACK TO BERBICE Upon his return to Berbice, Persaud said, “My focus in Berbice will be zero tolerance with motorcyclist

without helmet, tinted vehicles, drinking under the influence, and speeding.”

He said the volume of traffic in the country needs more traffic ranks and vehicles to deal with the high amount of vehicles and traffic in the country, since almost 50% of fatal accidents occur at night.

“To stem the pain and suffering associated with accidents,” he said, “we must not merely possess a sound knowledge of the pertinent rules and regulations, but more importantly, we are required to actively consider, participate and intentionally apply the time-tested and proven five Cs for good road use: Care, Courtesy, Consideration, Common Sense and Caution.”

Family Division of High Court activated THE Family Division of the High Court has, since May 6, 2016, been established; and commenced hearing matters since.

This is according to a release issued by the Office of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, which highlighted that this division and the Family Courts have long been awaited, but have been beset by numerous hurdles.

It was noted that the Family Courts will hear and determine all proceedings which touch on, and concern, family matters.

Further, the procedure of the Family Courts will be governed by the Family (Proceedings and Procedure) Rules, 2016 (FPPR).

Among the main applications that could be made to the Court are for divorce; custody and access; division of property; maintenance; guardianship; parentage orders, including paternity orders; protection of children; wardship; variation of an existing order; and breach of orders.

According to the statement, the Court is meant to encourage dispute resolu-

tion, including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and therefore will facilitate a participatory approach to problem-solving. This is intended for family disputes to be dealt with justly and expeditiously, while ensuring the welfare of family members, especially children.

The Family Court, which will be presided over by two judges, has its main location in the north-eastern block of the Victoria Law Courts (overlooking King Street), Georgetown.

The FPPR will, however, be applied by Judges who are assigned to the Berbice and Essequibo jurisdictions of the High Court, where the Court shall receive and hear applications at the New Amsterdam and Suddie High Courts respectively.

Additionally, the Court has its own registry for receiving applications in family matters, and includes a child-friendly space in the form of a Children’s Wailing Room for parties who are required to attend the court.

The statement said the

well trained staffers of this new Registry are geared to provide a customer-friendly process for persons who attend at the Registry and the Court.

“The court will work in close liaison with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) in matters affecting the welfare of the child. In addition, it is expected that parties to family court matters will utilise the Mediation Centre of the High Court,” the statement said.

Through this statement, Justice Carl Singh, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, sought to extend appreciation to the Government for its financial and material support to the Court.

Special mention was also made to Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence; Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Ann Greene; and Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams.

Appreciation was also expressed for support offered by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and its Representative in Guyana,

Marianne Flach.

Singh noted that gratitude is also extended to the Government and people of Canada, and Canada’s diplomatic representatives in Georgetown for the support readily given to the training of judges and support staff in the anticipated work of the Court.

Acknowledgements were, moreover, extended to Justice Robin Mohamed of the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago, who devoted much time and effort to the preparation of the Family Court Rules.

F i n a l l y, a p p r e c i a tion was also extended to Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Chief Justice (ag); Justice Dawn Gregory; Justice Roxane George; Justice Brassington Reynolds; and Justice Sandra Kurtzious.

“Their selfless efforts in significant measure b ro u g h t t h e F a m i l y Court into reality. To all others not specifically mentioned, who contributed to the establishment of the Court, the Supreme Court expresses its sincere thanks”, the statement concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Conductor on $50,000 bail - over robbery-withviolence charge

City Magistrate Alex Moore yesterday placed a bus conductor on $50,000 bail after he appeared before him charged with robbery-with-violence.

Thirty-two-year-old Romel Hoppie of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on May 28, 2016, at Dennis Street Sophia, he robbed Mario Eversley of one Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued $110,000. The charge also stated that immediately before or just after the inRomel Hoppie cident, he used violence on the defendant.

The police prosecutor objected to bail on ground that the defendant is wanted at several stations as well as the Criminal Investigation Department on matters of a similar nature.

However, the magistrate granted the defendant bail, and the matter was adjourned until June 28, 2016.

Laing Avenue man remanded to prison A 29-YEAR-OLD was yesterday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore on charges of robbery under arms.

Dwayne Hardey, of Laing Avenue, denied the charges which stated that on June 5, 2016, in the company of others at Mandela Avenue, he robbed Devon Singh of a gold chain valued $80,000, property of Ryan Diaz.

Hardey also denied that while he was armed with a knife on the said date and time, he robbed Devon Singh of one gold chain worth $400,000, and one gold earring valued $100,000.

Police prosecution did not object to bail.

However, when the defendant was seen with a swollen eye, he told the court that it was as a result of the incident, as the virtual complaints, Diaz and Singh, had assaulted him.

That matter was adjourned until June 28, 2016.

Magistrate ‘throws the book’ at wash-bay owner - for possession for trafficking

A WASH bay owner was yesterday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment after city Magistrate Judy Latchman found him guilty of possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Leroy Robertson, 35, of 17 Broad and Lombard Streets, Charlestown, who was accused of having in his possession 38 grammes of cannabis for trafficking, on February 19, 2016 at Broad Street, Charlestown, was also fined $30,000 along with his sentence.

The magistrate said she was satisfied with the evidence produced to the court -- that Robertson had control over the substance. Given the weight of the substance, she said, she believes he had the drug in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Magistrate Latchman made her ruling as she considered the mitigating facts of the matter, namely: the quantity of the substance; the manner of concealment; and the need to prohibit others from committing such an offence.

She also told Robertson, “Do not try this again!” after reading the sentence to him.

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SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Scottsville 08:30 hrs Power House 09:25 hrs Heartland 10:00 hrs Night Shadow 10:35 hrs Frikkie ENGLISH RACING TIPS Beverley 09:00 hrs Springforth 09:30 hrs Tinsil 10:00 hrs Burtonwood 10:30 hrs Simply Shining 11:00 hrs Saint Thomas 11:30 hrs Joyful Star 12:00 hrs Lincoln Rocks 12:30 hrs High On Light HAYDOCK 09:10 hrs Tarseekh 09:40 hrs Fair Eva 10:10 hrs October Storm 10:40 hrs Albernathy 11:40 hrs Forth Bridge 12:10 hrs Tarboosh YARMOUTH 09:20 hrs Miss Rosina 09:50 hrs Olympic Runner 10:20 hrs Bargain Buy 10:50 hrs Lizzy’s Dream 11:20 hrs Longside 11:50 hrs Prosecute 12:20 hrs Mowhoob 12:50 hrs Artbeat IRISH RACING TIPS Fairyhouse 09:00 hrs Magical Fire 09:35 hrs Blairmayne 10:05 hrs Cool Thunder 10:35 hrs Kidd Malibu 11:05 hrs Teagan Angel 11:35 hrs Tasaseem 12:05 hrs Pirolo AMERICAN RACING TIPS Gulfstream Park Race 1 Dave Roeght Race 2 Viva Bertha Race 3 Pink Mama Race 4 August Lilly Race 5 Moonstricking Race 6 Little Paul Race 7 Whisper Onthe Wind Race 8 Showdown

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Argentina beat Chile thanks to emotional Angel Di Maria goal (REUTERS) - Argentina shrugged off the absence of Lionel Messi to beat Chile 2-1 in the Copa America on Monday, with an emotional Angel Di Maria scoring the opening goal and dedicating it to his grandmother, who passed away before the game.

With Messi watching from the sidelines due to a back injury, Di Maria put the 14-time champions ahead early in the second half before Ever Banega doubled their lead shortly after. Jose Pedro Fuenzalida pulled a goal back for Chile in injury time.

In the other Group D game, played earlier on Monday, Panama beat Bolivia 2-1.

Argentina posed a constant threat with fast sweeps forward and Di Maria capitalised on one such

attack after 50 minutes, running on to a pass from Banega to slot home from eight yards.

“We’ve been doing things

BRENDON McCullum stands by the evidence he gave against Chris Cairns last year and the former New Zealand captain hit out at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption unit for showing a lack of professionalism.

McCullum alleged at former Black Caps team-mate Cairns’ perjury trial that his former Black Caps teammate twice approached him about manipulating matches in India eight years ago.

Cairns was found not guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice by a jury at Southwark Crown Court after a nine-week trial.

Speaking at the MCC Cowdrey Spirit of Cricket lecture at Lord’s, McCullum said he stood by what

he said as a key witness and slammed the ICC’s casual approach when he initially

properly for years now and maybe this year it will come right,” said Di Maria, who broke down in tears after dedicating his goal to his

grandmother.

Argentina doubled their lead eight minutes later in similar fashion, this time Di Maria feeding Banega in the same position on the left and his deflected drive beat Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo at his near post.

“If you make mistakes in these games you pay a high price and that is what happened today,” Bravo said in a televised interview after the game in Santa Clara.

Second-half substitute Erik Lamela twice came close to adding to Argentina’s lead but it was Chile who got the third goal of the game thanks to a mistake from Sergio Romero.

The Argentine goalkeeper, who had an otherwise excellent game, misjudged a free kick in the box and Fuenzalida nodded the ball

into an empty net.

The result gives Argentina, who are seeking their first major title since lifting the Copa America in 1993, a measure of revenge for their defeat to Chile in last year’s Copa America final.

Also in Group D, veteran striker Blas Perez scored twice as Panama beat Bolivia.

Perez scored his first after 10 minutes when he slid in to push home a cross from 10 yards out before Juan Carlos Arce tied the score eight minutes into the second half.

Perez grabbed the winner three minutes from time. Panama next play Argentina on Friday while Chile face Bolivia.

We need to start fostering OUR McCullum slams unprofessional ICC athletic talent Angel Di Maria pays tribute to his late grandmother after scoring for Argentina against Chile.

BRENDON McCULLUM reported his allegations.

“I think it is appropriate, standing here at ‘the Home of Cricket’ to confirm that I stand by everything said

in my statements and the evidence I gave at Southwark Crown Court,” said McCullum.

Recalling his first interview with a member of the ICC anti-corruption unit, the 34-year-old stated: “(He) took notes - he did not record our conversation.

“He said he would get what I said down on paper and that it would probably end up at the bottom of the file with nothing eventuating.

“Looking back on this, I am very surprised by what I perceive to be a very casual approach to gathering evidence. I was reporting two approaches by a former international star of the game.

“I was not asked to elaborate on anything I said and I signed a state-

ment that was essentially nothing more than a skeleton outline.

“I think players deserve better from the ICC and that, in the future, the evidence gathering exercise has to be much more thorough, more professional.

“In my opinion a person taking a statement should ensure that the witness is advised about what may occur.”

McCullum also slammed the ICC after the evidence he gave in court was leaked to the media.

“How can the game’s governing body expect players to co-operate with it when it is then responsible for leaking confidential statements to the media?” he questioned. (Omnisport. com)

Lennox Lewis, Will Smith to be pallbearers BRITAIN’S former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and actor Will Smith will be pallbearers at Muhammad Ali’s funeral on Friday.

London-born Lewis, 50, became undisputed world champion in 1999, while American Smith, 47, played Ali in the 2001 film of the same name.

Three-time heavyweight world champion Ali died last Friday at the age of 74 in hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

His funeral will be held in his home town of Louisville,

Will Smith was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Muhammad Ali.

Kentucky.

The other pallbearers will be Jerry Ellis, the brother of Jimmy Ellis, Ali’s former sparring partner and fellow world heavyweight champion, Ali’s cousins John Grady and Jan Wadell, nephew Ibn Ali, former brother-in-law Komawi Ali and family friend John Ramsey.

Friday’s service, which will be attended by a number of world leaders, heads of state and celebrities, will be open to the public and streamed live on the internet.

It starts at 19:00hrs (BST).

ON Wednesday, June 1, there was a Stephan Sookram article in which Victor Rutherford questioned the lack of a velodrome in Guyana.

I believe that his passion comes from a lifetime dedicated to the sport, and a deep-seated frustration at what he perceives to be a lack of attention to sports in general - and cycling in particular.

The answer to the question posed - Why not? - can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. But this same question can be asked about useful and practically-located venues for athletics, swimming, (lawn) tennis, badminton, and squash - I could go on.

Competitors in all of these sports have been doing Guyana proud for 50 years - with remarkably little CONSISTENT assistance from the sports authorities. The recent soccer debacle against the second-string Canada team, was probably unavoidable - given the atrocious conditions under which our representative team practise.

We, as Guyanese, often have the opportunity to bask in the reflected glory of Jamaican athletes - who seem to consistently perform well on the world stage. I rarely hear anyone asking, “Where are OUR athletes? Why can’t OUR competitors shine?”

How does Jamaica continuously produce champion athletes? Local grooming; pushing them into major collegiate and professional circuits; supporting and nurturing them - OVER YEARS. Instead of merely cheering THEM on, we need to start fostering OUR athletic talent - from primary through university - and taking an interest in their welfare and well-being.

The common denominator seems to be a lack of coherent policy and of medium to long-term vision. We don’t have to build huge stadiums; in fact, there have arguably been more parties and concerts than sporting events at the Guyana National Stadium.

But we may want to take a stab at developing neighbourhood ball fields and tracks that can incubate the talent.

And a Velodrome ...

My understanding is that sporting infrastructure is “being touted as one of the focal points of the current administration,” I eagerly await the result of pairing that infrastructure with a long-term sports policy.

LOUIS LONDON

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Aussie batsmen crumble to spirited ...

From back page Africa when they batted. Australia made just one change, giving Mitchell Starc a rest and Nathan Coulter-Nile an opportunity as they turned in a sound bowling and fielding performance in restricting the Proteas to one more run than they did Friday last against West Indies when they were bowled out for 188.

While the Australian spinners took four wickets for 112 runs in 26 overs after AB de Villiers chose to bat first on what he expected to be a slow and low surface, it was the pacers Josh Hazlewood (2-30) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (2-38), who created the misery by removing South Africa’s best batsmen.

The bowlers took wickets at regular intervals to unsettle the Proteas rhythm, as they never really took charge. The batsmen showed lack of application and were at one stage in danger of being bowled out for under 150, but a fighting knock from Farhaan Behardien towards the end lifted them to a modest total.

Behardien was the top-scorer with 62, his fifth ODI fifty to save the Proteas after they slipped to 112-6.

Opener Quinton de Kock kick-started the innings with a brace of boundaries and one imperious six over midwicket off Coulter-Nile, but the Australians successfully reviewed umpire Joel Wilson decision to send the ominous looking de Kock back to the pavilion in Hazlewood’s fourth over.

Hashim Amla, who was somewhat circumspect right from the start, was accompanied by Rilee Roussouw, but Steve Smith made the early change after Coulter-Nile first three overs leaked 25 runs.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon was introduced in the eight over and after eleven balls he trapped Roussouw leg before wicket. The decision was reviewed, but umpire’s call on impact leave South Africa at 41-2 in 9.5 overs.

The Proteas two most experienced players, Amla and AB de Villiers joined forces and the pair played well within themselves and were mindful of the challenging batting conditions to compiled 40 for the third wicket, with Amla picking up a few boundaries whenever the bowlers did err in their length.

However, Amla was run out in suicidal fashion which eventually shattered the Proteas possibility of amassing a huge total.

Coulter-Nile, who had little luck in his opening spell, returned in the 23rd over and claimed the wickets of de Villiers (22) and JP Duminy (13). Both batsmen had their off stumps cartwheeling.

If the Proteas thought there would be respite with Coulter-Nile out of the attack, they were wrong as Hazlewood returning for another spell and immediately uprooted the off-stump of Parnell.

Behardien and Phangiso attempted a rescue mission, but with run-scoring became increasingly difficult, the pair could only managed 37 in 13.1 overs when Phangiso was dismissed.

Behardien and Tahir went in the final over to Glenn Maxwell.

A breathtaking burst of fast bowling from Parnell and Radaba had Australia 21-3 after eight overs.

Parnell, who was brought in to replace the injured Chris Morris removed danger man David Warner and skipper Smith and between overs while Radaba bowled Usman Khawaja.

Shamsi, and Tahir then reduced Australia at 72-5 with the wickets of Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh.

While most of the Australia top and middle order had no momentum and looked rather like cubs in the headlights, opener Finch kept up with the run rate without a hint of panic. He reached his fifty from 58 balls, with thee of his seven boundaries went over the ropes.

Australia then lost their remaining five wickets for 70 runs, including Finch, with Radaba, Tahir and Phangiso accounted for those wickets.

The tournament moves to Warner Park St Kitts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

CBC launches website, reveals Logo THE Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) has launched the official website of the 2016 CBC U-16 Championship, www. guyana2016.com. The site will have the most current and complete information about this year’s FIBA qualifying Championship in the Caribbean.

Information on all participating national teams, including their full rosters, exhibition game results and history of the teams and players in international competitions.

Among other details present on the site,

CBC 2016 Championship Logo

there will be details of the event, including information about the host city - Georgetown, travel advice, tickets, hotels for media and fans, media accreditation and all relevant information as it relates to the championship.

The website is set to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the Championship, with news, live stats, leaders, game reports, photos, video highlights, exclusive interviews, and a live broadcast of all games.

Also revealed was the Official Logo for the 2016 CBC U-16 Championships for Men and Women (Guyana2016) by the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) and the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation.

The logo was designed by P2H2 Solutions and captures Guyana’s National Animal the Jaguar as part of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebration.

The CBC Championship will be held from July 14 to 19 for Men and July 12 to 16 for Women in Georgetown, Guyana.

The Championship will field the men’s national teams from Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and the hosts Guyana, along with

the women’s national teams from the Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and the hosts Guyana fighting for three spots in the 2017 Centrobasket U-17 Championship for Men and Women.

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will host

42 basketball games over eleven days, culminating with the Championship finals to crown both a men’s and women’s U-16 champion.

At the last CBC U-16 Championship held in St John, Antigua in 2008, the Bahamas won the championship for Men and Women.

YBG Regional quarter-finals underway THE Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) National Schools basketball festival, Georgetown & East Coast Regionals continued over the weekend with some eleven games.

The female and U-16 quarter-finals got underway.

In the first female quarter-final game of the day Bishops’ High took on St

sance Secondary to zero points in a game which President’s College scored 27. Demelsa Nicholas had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 steals while Claudia Garraway had 6 points and 5 rebounds for President’s College.

St Rose’s High also blanked Tutorial High 200. Aliyah Howard had 7 points, 4 steals and Ja-

GVF/Samaritan Sports Support System targeting primary schools THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) has partnered with the Samaritan Sports Support System in an effort to introduce volleyball to primary schools through teachers.

The one-week programme which commenced on Monday is scheduled to last for one week and it is aimed at targeting 30 primary schools throughout Georgetown.

The course will be facilitated by Federation coaches daily at the National Developmental Centre on Woolford Avenue and the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue

It will see teachers learn the basic theoretical and practical aspects of the game to a level that they are able to begin programmes in their respective schools.

The president of the Guyana Volleyball Federation.

John Flores, said his Federation was extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to take the game to the primary schools Flores opined that for proper long-term development to occur, children need to be exposed to the sport from a tender age.

Flores explained that the Samaritan Sport Support Sys-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday June 08, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) &AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 54 ODIs (2) Allan Border

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Put these in order beginning with the man who has played most ODIs for the West Indies: Jerome Taylor, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo (2) One of South Africa’s most destructive batsmen is A. B. DeVillers. What do the initials A. B. stand for?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

tem, which is led by Robert Sam, is a local Christian body who have been partnering with various sporting federations in an effort to help alleviate depression and the exposure to negative activities, through sports in schools, communities and religious groups.

The connection was made through the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The Samaritan group made initial contact with the NSC before they were directed to the GVF. The GVF is currently engaging in international competitions for players as young as 14 and Flores feels that the introduction of the game at this level will definitely be a boost to a school programme already started by the Demerara and Berbice Volleyball Associations.

The programme is expected to continue with the inclusion of more schools in the near future as the newly formed partnership intends to take volleyball throughout the length and breadth of Guyana in an effort to help youths to utilise their energies in a more positive avenue The primary aim of the Samaritan Sports Support System is to help develop the game of volleyball along with the Guyana Volleyball Federation.

Demelsa Thomas goes for a layup.

Stanislaus College and trounced them with a score of 16-2.

Kesann Charles had 8 points and 3 rebounds, Sileena Arjune had 4 points, 2 rebounds and teammate Jayla Jones contributed 2 points and 3 steals for Bishops’ High.

Marian Academy blanked Queen’s College 32-0, in a game Queen’s failed to score.

Jada Mohan had 10 points, 7 rebounds and 7 steals, Jahrier Young 6 points, 6 rebounds and 6 steals, Georgianna Vyphuis turned in 6 points and 5 rebounds for Marian.

President’s College also restricted opponenst Plai-

maica Blair had 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals while Jada Amerally added 4 points and 8 steals for Rose’s.

Bishops’ will face St Rose’s High in a highly anticipated semi-finals matchup, while Marian Academy will challenge President’s College.

Bishops’ and Marian are the only two unbeaten teams in the Girls tournament.

In the U-16 quarter-finals, President’s College defeated Plaisance Secondary 5343. Akeem Crandon had 13 points and 22 rebounds, Kareem Boyle added 11 points, 9 rebounds and Gijah Persaud contributed 13 points for

PC. Andrew Johnson had 22 points with Nigel Bowen turning in 10 points and 19 rebounds for Plaisance.

Marian Academy walloped North Georgetown 51-16. Jordan Alphonso had 12 points, 8 rebounds, Jahleel Young had 11 points, 7 rebounds and Corey Graham turned in 4 points and 4 rebounds for Marian. Javroll Shepherd had 6 points and 7 rebounds for North Georgetown.

Bishops’ High fell by 5 points to St Joseph High 17-22. Denzil Ross had 15 points, 2 rebounds and Jason Carter assisted with 5 points for the winners.

Webster McRae turned in 4 points, 10 rebounds for the losers.

St Rose’s High topped Bladen Hall 28-25. Kwesi Roberts finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 steals while Anthony Yansen turned in 5 points and 3 steals for Rose’s. Darnell Hamer had 18 points and 11 rebounds for Bladen Hall.

In the U-19 Tutorial High edged 37-35 over St. Joseph High. Zion Gray had 10 points and 4 rebounds and Dequan Manning and Tariq Nelson had 9 points and 6 points respectively, with Nelson adding 7 rebounds for Tutorial.

Abevia Henry had 8 points and 6 rebounds for St Joseph.

St Rose’s High overcame Marian Academy 39-31. Shamar Huntley finished with 13 points, Leon Ross with 8 points, 10 rebounds and Akil Vaughn with 6 points and 6rebounds for Rose’s. Jordan Alphonso scored 15 points for Marian.

The tournament is sponsored by Digicel Guyana, Edward B. Beharry (Champion) and Company Ltd and Banks DIH Ltd (Powerade).

The Regionals will shift to the U-19 and U-14 quarter-finals on June 11 & 12. The National Schools Basketball Final, Regionals Semis and Finals will be contested in all divisions on June 25 & 26.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 8, 2016

President Granger is patron of GuyanaNRA

PRESIDENT David Granger yesterday accepted the invitation by the GuyanaNRA to be the body’s Patron.

During a courtesy call at the Ministry of the Presidency, the Commander-in-Chief assured the GuyanaNRA of his administration’s support while describing the sport as one of pure skill, developed over a period of time.

“Shooting should not be regarded as an elite sport for a few people. I would like to see people in other regions becoming involved in Regional Rifle Associations. I would like to recommit myself to supporting this sport. It is an area in which Guyana has achieved prominence in the Region and further afield and I would like to see more people involved in shooting at targets rather than shooting at one another,” President Granger said.

The team also presented the president with the West Indies Full-bore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Short Range trophy.

Meanwhile, Army Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips, who is also the president of the GuyanaNRA, said that having the President as patron of the Association is a tradition, as it is a position that every past president of Guyana has accepted.

The team recently retained the coveted trophy, having won it in 2014.

The local shooters, who scored an overall total of 1120.70 points after competing in the 300, 500 and 600 yards categories, dedicated the win to the country on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee of Independence Anniversary.

The team’s coach, Mr Paul Slowe, said that the trophy is a symbol of shooting supremacy in the Caribbean, noting that in the last 10 years Guyana have only lost twice. He expressed GuyanaNRA’s gratitude to the Government and sponsors whose support is vital to the Association, particularly since shooting is not a spectator sport.

“We boast that of all the sporting disciplines in Guyana, none can compare to us. Every event that we go to, whether it’s at the international stage at the Commonwealth Games, where we are the top Caribbean team, or regionally, there is no team that can bring back as many trophies and medals as we do,” Mr Slowe said.

Next year, the GuyanaNRA will be celebrating its 150th anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, a major competition is being planned for October 2017 with participating teams from the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, the Caribbean and elsewhere.

... receives WIFCSC championship trophy

President David Granger collects his official GuyanaNRA cap from Mr Ryan Sampson after accepting the invitation to become Patron of the group.

Arrogant Kohli was motivation for Windies –Simmons

WEST Indies batsman Lendl Simmons has revealed that provocation from Indian star Virat Kohli played a key role in an exceptional performance during the ICC World T20 semi-finals.

Simmons, who came i n w i t h t h e Wi n d i e s struggling at 19-2, was firing on all cylinders with a knock of 82 which powered the team to a seven-wicket win over hosts India.

The knock from Simmons overshadowed a brilliant 89 from Kohli an achievement that the batsman admits gave him even more satisfaction.

LENDL SIMMONS “When he fielded, he said something to me, and I said to myself, ‘I’m going to show you you’re not the only good batsman,” Simmons told ESPN cricinfo.

The batsman is certain that Kohli also kept doing

other things to attempt to get him flustered.

“That’s the way he is.

He’s very arrogant, he’s very aggressive when he fields, and when he bats as well. He’s just a very aggressive person,” added.

“Those things motivate our players and it certainly motivated me.

That really urged me to bat the way I did - to show him that he’s not the only one who can do it. That played a big role.”

Simmons, who was originally ruled out of the tournament with a back injury, only joined the team after recovering ahead of schedule and after an injury to Andre Fletcher

Six boxers for French Guiana THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) has selected a team of six to represent this country at the Creole Games set for later this month in French Guiana.

The team consists of only Youth and Junior boxers and would be led by the talented bantamweight Keevin Allicock from the Harpy Eagles Gym. The composition of the team reflects the GABA decision to place emphasis on the nursery of the sport, the association president Steve Ninvalle said.

He added that all members of the team participated in the inaugural International Schoolboys and Juniors tournament held in April at the Cliff Anderson

KEEVIN ALLICOCK Sports Hall.

Guyana won two of the three gold medals up

for grabs then. The Creole Games is scheduled for June 29 to July 3 in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana. So far Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Lucia and the host country have confirmed participation.

The local boxers selected are: Juniors: junior flyweight Omar Pollard (Pocket Rocket Gym), lightweight Christopher Moore (Essequibo Gym), junior welterweight Joshua Corbin (Carryl Gym). Youth: Bantamweight Keevin Allicock (Harpy Eagles Gym), junior welterweight Quincy Boyce (GDF Gym) and welterweight Michael Edwards (Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym).

The head coach is Clifton Moore while Floyd Grant is his assistant.

Aussie batsmen crumble to spirited SA bowlers Chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi and his teammates celebrate his first ODI wicket.

Skipper AB de Villiers loses his off-stump to Nathan Coulter-Nile for 22. (Adrian Narine photos)

By Rajiv Bisnauth A RESILIENT South Africa pulled off a spirited 47run win over World one-day champions Australia in a low-scoring thriller in the third game of the Ballr tri-series last evening at the Providence National Stadium.

The game was the final one of the Guyana leg of the tournament.Defending a 189-run total, the Proteas came up with a spirited bowling display to skittle out their opponents for 142 in 34.2 overs to snatch a spectacular win.

Despite their batting limitations, the total was enough to hand South Africa their first victory in the tournament.

The wickets were shared equally in both departments, and barring Aaron Finch’s 103-ball 72, none of the Australia batsmen could make an impact against the South Africa bowlers, who came up with a lion-hearted effort.

Kagiso Radaba was the more consistent of the two pacers, claiming 3-13 while Wayne Parnell had 2-23. In the spin department, left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso claimed (2-26), leg-spinner Imran Tahir (2-39), and Chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi, who was given an ODI debut and was included at the expense Kyle Abbott had (1-36).

Things hadn’t looked particularly promising for South Turn to page 29

President Granger is patron of GuyanaNRA ... receives WIFCSC championship trophy

See story on page 31

President David Granger is presented with the championship trophy by the GuyanaNRA’s captain, Mr Mahendra Persaud, while members (from L-R) Mr Ryan Sampson, Mr Dylan Fields, Mr Lennox Braithwaite, Mr Terrence Stuart, Mr Paul Slowe and Brigadier General Mark Phillips look on.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016