Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08 07 2016

Man shot dead No. 104606

FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–– in Ogle drug bust

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TIGHT SQUEEZE!: Thousands of Guyana Amazon Warriors fans turned out for the side’s first home game of the Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016 last evening at the Providence Stadium (Adrian Narine photo)

Rich or poor, high or low

centre

––Lawrence says Gov’t will hunt down human traffickers

CARICOM to lobby against US-imposed financial sanctions –– as US banks pull support from Region

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Nowhere to run, hide!

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––Caribbean arrest treaty for repatriation of criminals by year-end

Bandits snatch GuySuCo payroll

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

Man shot dead during drug bust at Ogle hotel

A 51-YEAR old man was shot and killed on Thursday afternoon following a shootout with police during a drug operation at an Ogle, East Coast Demerara hotel.

Dead is Nigel Joseph of South Ruimveldt. The man was shot after he and three other drug transaction suspects were confronted by police at the Alpha Hotel on the Ogle Public Road, East Coast Demerara. A quantity of cocaine and a firearm were recovered from the scene.

According to reports, the men booked a room at the hotel on Monday afternoon. They drew the suspicion of persons in the area and acting on a tip-off, the police descended on the scene and cordoned off the hotel’s compound. Sometime after 4:30 pm, the men engaged the police and gunfire shattered the peace of the usually quiet community.

Joseph was shot after escaping from the scene while

engaging the lawmen.

Residents of First Street, Ogle Airport Road told this newspaper that they heard several gunshots at the hotel’s parking lot. They said several police vehicles rushed through the street as the lawmen cordoned off the back and front entrances of the hotel. Persons at the hotel were tightlipped about the incident.

However, a resident in the area told this newspaper that he was sitting outside his home when he saw a man running along First Street towards the Airport Road. He said the man was carrying a gun at the time and with the police in hot pursuit, the man ran into an empty lot across the Airport Road. He said there was another volley of gunshots and later the police carried the man away from the scene. The other suspects were arrested at the hotel.

At the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, persons reported that a police vehicle transported the injured gunman to the institution shortly after 5pm. The man appeared lifeless, they noted.

This is not the first time that persons have undertaken drug-related transactions at the hotel in question.

In November last year, 35-year-old Dwayne Adams

of Middle Street, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara and 44-year-old Hubert Smith of Lot 3464 North Ruimveldt, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on a charge of trafficking cocaine several days earlier. The drug was in pellet form and the men were preparing to ingest the illicit substance.

According to a report, ranks acting on a tip-off swooped down on the hotel and arrested the two suspected drug mules as they were preparing to board a flight to New York.

Bandits snatch GuySuCo payroll AROUND 18:30 hrs on Thursday evening, bandits attacked and robbed security personnel of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) of a $1.5M payroll at Massy Industries on the Ruimveldt Public Road.

According to GuySuCo, employees of the company were transporting the payroll in a Toyota Hilux vehicle when they were attacked by several men. Reports are that the men used two vehicles in the process.

One of the men then drove away the sugar corporation’s vehicle which had a 9mm pistol in it.

No one sustained injuries. The money was being taken from one of the company’s offices to Massy Industries for processing.

The matter was reported to the Ruimveldt Police Station and GuySuCo’s security is assisting with the investigation.

Nowhere to run, hide!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

––Caribbean arrest treaty for repatriation of criminals by year-end

C

By Derwayne Wills

RIMINALS who flee between CARICOM sister countries would find no safe havens, since Caribbean leaders are looking to activate an Arrest Warrants Treaty by the end of this year, which could see criminals repatriated to the original countries of their criminal activities.

“The Arrest Warrant Treaty would enhance law-enforcement ability to address cross-border crime,” Dominica Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman Roosevelt Skerrit said.

Skerrit was speaking at the closing press conference for this year’s Caribbean leaders’ summit in Guyana.

“If someone from Dominica would have committed a crime in Dominica and move [sic] to St Vincent, then the Vincentian authorities would be able to have him arrested and repatriated to Dominica to face charges,” Skerritt added.

The CARICOM Chairman that there will be enhanced cooperation and

collaboration between law-enforcement agencies across the 15 member states, as regional security remains a priority.

The only complication to the treaty has to do with Suriname, as PM Skerritt explained.

“In Suriname, there is a constitutional challenge. If a Surinamese were to commit a crime in Jamaica and flee to Suriname, he could be prosecuted for that crime… in Suriname.”

CARICOM has sought legal advice while engaging with Surinamese authorities “to better appreciate the constitutional provisions or the limitations of the Constitution in respect to Suriname’s ability to engage in the treaty,” Skerritt continued.

He, however, recognised the possibility that Suriname may not be a full party to the treaty.

There are other such arrangements such as the floated-arrest warrants treaty including the mutual legal assistance agreement which all bolster CARICOM’s crime and security strategy.

From left, CARICOM Chairman and Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque at Thursday evening’s closing press conference for the 37th Heads of Government meeting

CARICOM to lobby against US-imposed financial sanctions

By Derwayne Wills US-based banks are cutting ties with regional financial institutions, leaving Caribbean leaders no other option than to appeal for leniency from the US Government, whose financial laws could leave the Caribbean cut off from the rest of the financing world.

“The matter is one that could lock out the Caribbean from the financial system if it is not addressed,” said Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who spoke with the press corps Thursday evening following a round of meetings with the Region’s leaders.

Much of trade within and outside the Region is done using the US dollar. As a means of cutting costs, Caribbean financial institutions have created

–– as US banks pull support from Region partnerships with US-based banks using “correspondent accounts” rather than setting up branches in that country.

Those partnerships allow the US dollar to be traded between regional financial institutions and the rest of the world. A cutting of those connections could affect the flow of US dollars in the Region.

Following the terrorist attacks in the US in September 2001, the US Congress implemented an aggressive regime of anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering measures which affect the world’s financial system.

Caribbean and Latin American Governments are still shuffling to follow through with compliance measures imposed by Con-

gress since the US could sanction banks based in that country which conduct business with the Caribbean and Latin America.

Most of the capital flow within the Caribbean and Latin America uses the US dollar as the common denominator.

Some countries in the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have progressed further than others, leaving Prime Minister Holness calling for compliant countries to be “rewarded,” rather than face the risk of US-based banks pulling out from those countries.

So far, the Bank of America, a major US bank, has withdrawn support from Guyana’s commercial banks

and similar measures are happening across the Region.

The Caribbean is look-

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness ing to muster support from the international community

and has so far requested assistance from Chilean President Michelle Bachelet as it builds its case for the US petition.

Bachelet departed Guyana a few days ago after attending the 37th summit of regional leaders held in Georgetown.

The Chilean President told the press corps before her departure on Wednesday that she awaits a report from CARICOM Governments on correspondent banking to determine how best her country could offer assistance.

Although CARICOM is preparing to lobby the US on the measures imposed by that country, there is some skepticism on the lobby’s success, especially since

regional Governments were never consulted on measures being implemented by the world power in the last 15 years.

Prime Minister Holness, however, maintains optimism in the lobby, calling it “proactive and instrumental.”

“I think that reason will prevail and I think that our voices need to be a little louder so that the people who matter and who can change the decisions hear us.”

Since much of US investment is tied to the Caribbean, Holness believes that any threat to the Region’s banking system is also a threat to US investments within the Caribbean.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

Female-only race to become next UK leader THERESA May and Andrea Leadsom will battle it out to become the next leader of the Conservative Party after Michael Gove was eliminated from the contest.

After the second MPs’ ballot, Home Secretary Mrs May finished with 199 votes, Energy Minister Mrs Leadsom 84 and Mr Gove, the justice secretary, 46.

Conservative members will now decide the winning candidate, with the result due on September 9.

The winner will become the UK’s second female prime minister.

Mr Cameron resigned after finishing on the losing side in the UK’s EU referendum, in which there was a vote for the UK to leave.

Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom will battle it out to become the next leader of the Conservative Party

The results were announced at Westminster by Conservative MP Graham Brady, the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee.

There had originally been five contenders to succeed Mr Cameron, with MPs voting in two rounds to get

that number down to two.

The contest now moves to its final stage with the Conservative Party’s 150,000-strong membership deciding between Mrs May, a Remain campaigner with a long track record in government, and Mrs Leadsom,

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a leading light of the Brexit campaign who has stressed her City and business background. Speaking after the results were announced, Mrs May said she had secured support from all wings of the Conservative Party and pledged to bring the Tories together.

She promised “strong, proven leadership” to negotiate the UK’s departure from the EU, and to “make

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Britain a country that works not for a privileged few but for every one of us”.

Conservative MP Tim Loughton, Mrs Leadsom’s campaign manager, said she would bring a “huge and fresh skills base” to Downing Street if elected.

He played down her lack of Cabinet experience, saying she would have “no problem stepping up to the job” having had a long career outside politics, adding: “She has done things outside of this place on so many different levels.”

Mr Gove said he was “naturally disappointed” not to have made it to the final two, describing the remaining contenders as “formidable politicians”.

He welcomed the fact that the UK would be getting a second female prime minister - after Margaret Thatcher - and called for a “civilised, inclusive, positive and optimistic debate”.

Mr Gove did not announce backing for either candidate, but several of his key backers, including Education Secretary Nicky Morgan and Culture Minister Ed Vaizey, switched their support to Mrs May. Anyone wanting to vote has to have been a member of the Conservative Party by

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June 9.

Polling expert Professor John Curtice, of Strathclyde University, said the electorate for the contest represented a “very distinctive slice of Britain”.

They would be mostly over 50, disproportionately male, and “overwhelmingly middle class”, he said.

He predicted the Brexit debate would “play a role” in the contest, but not a defining one. About two thirds of Tory members voted to leave, but a higher proportion saw a candidate’s leadership credentials and vision for Britain as the most important factor, he added.

Mrs Leadsom’s departmental boss, Energy Secretary Amber Rudd, is backing Mrs May and took aim at her junior ministerial colleague’s lack of Government experience.

She said: “The fact that she hasn’t had experience at the Cabinet table, hasn’t had much experience even as a junior minister - let’s face it she’s had just two years - I do think is a problem at this stage.”

But one of Mrs Leadsom’s high-profile backers, former worker and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith, said she would “develop” over the coming weeks and get “better and better and better”.

Mrs Leadsom is also supported by former London mayor and one-time leadership favourite Boris Johnson, who said she would replace the “absurd gloom in some quarters with a positive confident and optimistic approach”.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said on Twitter he was backing her. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 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

Establishing synergies for education

IT is public knowledge that Guyana’s human capital is being depleted through migration at a percentage that’s greater than the birth rate. It was widely reported that more than 80 percent of university graduates leave Guyana.

Among the principal push factors are high unemployment, under-employment and the comparative value of wages/ salaries to cost of living and desired standard of living.

The flight of human capital has serious implications for a country’s development. Even in the so-called technological age, the conceptualisation, development and application of technology cannot be without the inputs and support (financial and otherwise) of man, from production, to distribution, and the consumption phases. Economics Professor Clive Thomas’s column ‘Guyana and the wider world,’ 10th August 2014, in an article titled, “Guyana’s 2012 Population Census: Runaway brain drain rules!” had this to say: “As a rule, one observes worldwide that high levels of emigration result in two major manifestations.

One is that proportionately, this emigration is weightiest among those strata of the population with technical skills, expertise and training, and who are otherwise experienced.

The second manifestation is that those countries with small populations [like Guyana] have high ratios of emigrants living abroad [the diaspora] to their resident population.”

Given the realities above, when it was learnt that the recently appointed Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Guyana (UG) Professor Ivelaw Griffitha Guyanese who has served and distinguished himself in high-profile positions in United States’ universities-moved to confront prevailing challenges at this institution, it was most welcomed. In a detailed address to stakeholders on 22nd May, the VC outlined what he considered to be the challenges facing UG, which he described as a “crisis” situation and what he proposed the solutions to be, which he is evidently moving to implement.

The university has moved to adopt the theme “Renaissance of the University of Guyana.” Renaissance speaks to “revival” or “rebirth.” Those who recall the heyday of the institution admitted it not only produced students and employed educators who distinguished themselves, locally and abroad, but its intellectual pool also played a role in shaping and influencing the national discourse, including politics, national policies and programmes. Among the things the VC pointed out is the institution’s resource challenge, which he says revolves around two resources: financial and human capital resource. And part of what has accentuated the human-capital challenge, he said, is insufficient money to replace employees who have left, and insufficient money to pay those who are here, which leads to those people eventually leaving. To some extent, the crisis in funding will contribute to the crisis of retaining qualified skills and talents.

Expansion of the Panama Canal

…Taking Guyana’s maritime industry to the next level

By Clinton Williams

GUYANA’S trade transaction costs and as a consequence our competitive advantage are inextricably linked to an effective and efficient Maritime Transportation Sector. Increased industrialization and trade liberalisation has fuelled the acceleration of free trade.

This in turn has resulted in technological advances with respect to Maritime Transportation buoyed by increases in world population, thereby increasing the demand for food, raw materials and finished products by both developed and emerging economies.

The major international shipping lines have been responding to the increasing freight demand by constructing larger vessels, thereby realizing competitive advantages in terms of cost efficiency and transit times. This tendency is likely to continue and possibly escalate with the completion of a number of mega projects. These developmental needs have resulted in major shifts in the global maritime transportation corridors evidenced by the following viz: the expansion of the Panama Canal which has now been recently opened to the public; the construction of the Interoceanic Grand Canal Nicaragua project; the proposed Guatemala’s Interocean Corridor; transformation of Ports from transshipment hub ports to Gateway Ports, facilitating last minute logistics; the recently completed Egyptian Suez Canal Facility and the corresponding upgrading of the US East Coast Facilities; and finally the planned upgrade of the US Land Bridge between the US West and East Coast.

These developments are already challenging Caribbean Ports to undergo “a paradigm

viz: sugar, rice, forestry, bauxite and other minerals and added value items derived from these. There is also likely to be corresponding increases in fertilizer and other imports to support the production and exports envisaged.

Clinton Williams shift” with respect to cargo movement due to the following viz: For 90% of the Containerised Cargo imported into the Region, the containers are returned empty. This could present a challenge, as well as an opportunity; the global economic meltdown and associated financial crisis of 2008 has forced Regional Ports to reinvent themselves away from simply receiving, storing and delivery of cargo to assuming the role as an integral part of the global supply chain and finally the wider Caribbean, endowed with an opportunity of serving 800 million people covering North, Central and South America and all the Islands within the Caribbean Seas.

Some of those currently being modernised to accommodate safe berthing and efficient discharge of the newer post Panamax Mega Ships, as well as accompanying logistical facilities viz: Kingston (Jamaica); Mariel (Cuba); Causedo (Dominican Republic); Point Lisas/Port of Spain (Trinidad); Freeport (Bahamas); Cartegena (Colombia) and Manzanillo (Panama).

Guyana’s cargo demand for the foreseeable future is likely to be influenced by the following: - Substantial increases in exports of traditional products

And it is safe to say out of this recognition and the aim to alleviate same would have informed UG’s Education Resources Ambassadors Conference of 23rd June-25th June.

Held under the theme “Dreaming Resources, Doing Resources,” this conference saw the convergence of educators in the Diaspora and home, deliberating on the state of education in Guyana and what role (s) they can play to improve its quality.

That the Diaspora has expressed and proven its commitment to seeing Guyana’s premier tertiary institution re-assert and re-assume its role in society, not only in churning out highly trained and competent human capital, but also hopefully a cadre of intellectuals who will commit to seeing the improvement of Guyana and vying for leading office, be it elected or appointed, ought not to be lost sight of. Education makes a nation. With persons leaving the comfort of their adopted homes, or taking time away from work, family or vacation to lend support to a worthy venture in the land of their birth is cementing and formalising synergies in education that can only redound to the nation’s benefit. Reportedly, 45

-Increased demand for both imports and exports of raw materials and finished products from Northern States of Brazil (Para Roraima and Amazonia) due to exhorbitant freight costs and transit times associated with the Amazon River Corridor.

-Increased demand for transportation of commodities derived from bauxite, aggregates, manganese, etc.

Faced with the dual challenge associated with increased cargo demands and restrictive vessel specifications inclusive of draft and handling gears, the Guyana Maritime Sector would be continuously challenged to provide the following: -Significant expansion/implementation of effective and efficient management and operation of the Demerara and Berbice River Harbours and Offloading Berth, this must include the establishment of transshipment hubs; capital and maintenance dredging; tugboats; navigational aids, firefighting equipment; mooring buoys, etc.

Such major infrastructural machinery and equipment interventions are best addressed via public/private partnerships. It therefore means that Guyana must also as a necessity and priority implement a similar model that is best suited for our particular circumstances.

-Another major intervention is the need for the estab-

lishment and/or refurbishment of local shipyards. Such facilities become a necessity, not only to provide shipbuilding and repair services to ferries, cargo boats, tugs and barges, but also critical product support services for emerging sectors such as oil and gas.

-The other intervention is the strengthening of our regulatory institutions such as MARAD, to ensure that there is adequate safety and security within the sector, inclusive of enforcement of mechanisms that would allow for compliance to mandatory international standards and regulations such as the IMO’s, ISPS Code and other emerging environmental management systems.

-The reduction of trade transaction costs and time is an absolute necessity. Quite apart and distinct from the efficient processing of import and export documentation, the need for continuous introduction of ICT, starting with SWAP within the sector would ensure that Guyana is not only compliant but competitive with other regional ports with regards to acceptable standards for cargo processing and clearance.

Finally it is indeed an anomaly that in Guyana (land of many waters) there exists no dedicated skills development training facility specifically geared to the needs of the maritime industry. Such a facility must form the basis of any modern maritime services and logistics sector in Guyana. Business support organizations such as the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) must of necessity become more proactive in leading the way in taking the sector to the next level.

high-level participants came from Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America with backgrounds in education, medicine, media, and industry. They were joined by around 60 local participants in what has been described as a ground-breaking event, which saw a groundswell of appreciation for the challenges that UG faces in the production of quality graduates to support the nation’s development.

According to the UG Newsletter, contributions from the diaspora came in the form of cash, scholarships and pledges, which tallied at over US$70,000 dollars or G$14.5M. Guyana has to move forward. There is no other option, and every support given to Guyana by Guyanese, at home or in the diaspora, is aiding in that step forward. To this end, the conference was a very encouraging developmental effort, not only for tertiary education in Guyana, but for the nation’s overall development, and as we are wont to say it cast shadow of greater things to come. Congratulations to the intellectual authors, organisers, participants and contributors!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2016

More calls for in-depth audit of City Hall Dear Editor

IT was indeed uplifting to read the recent comments made by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, in which he called for an immediate, in-depth audit into the City Council.

Here is a man with integrity, objectivity and a high degree of professionalism and with no axe to grind, he is merely insisting that some semblance of order be brought to City Hall after decades of decadence there.

He was absolutely correct when he said that 10 years of arrears in terms of financial reporting and auditing was not only a “disturbing trend,” but also showed that the Council had no interest in bringing the accounts up to order. But far worse than that, has been the rapid acceleration over the last year in nepotism, corruption and deception. In fact, last year alone has been far worse than the previous nine years combined.

Any attempt to bring the Council’s accounts in order would spell utter disaster for the Mayor, some of the Councillors, the “old boys and girls” from the last Council, the Town Clerk and some of his crooked senior officers.

It would expose the racket that is going on in the Tax Collecting Section regarding the illegal granting of waivers of interest being given to special persons of which the majority of Councillors are unaware and which costs the Council tens of millions of

dollars, all of which is unlawful, dishonest and criminal It would expose the fact that a very senior officer is renting a car from a friend for hundreds of thousands of dollars a month, merely to add it to his fleet of vehicles, and which he hardly uses except to transport his personal staff to and from work. It would expose the fact that children and other relatives of Councillors and senior officers are continually given contracts, employment and use of Council facilities

to carry on their businesses.

Mr. Goolsarran highlighted the fact that according to the Municipal and District Councils Act, within four months of the close of the financial year, the City Treasurer is required to prepare and submit to the auditor financial statements for that year for audit, and that if the Treasurer fails to comply, he/she will be guilty of an offence. Well in that case the Treasurer is a huge offender and should be long gone as he has never submitted such a

statement since taking up the office in 2012, and does not seem about to.

I believe all citizens are in accord with Mr. Goolsarran when he insisted that given the Council’s lack of financial accountability, any proposal geared at enhancing the Council’s revenue base would be illogical.

They must account for what they have now before they seek to earn more.

Regards JERMAIN JOHNSON

Bath\Woodley Park NDC must be held responsible Dear Editor, AS a resident living within the above NDC, I am compelled to write yet another letter as to what is happening in Region Five and this time around it’s about the said NDC that is being controlled by the PPP\C. After almost 20 years Local Government Elections were held in Guyana. It was promised by the APNU+AFC during the General and Regional Elections Campaign.

The aim is to allow local democracy to survive and for local people to develop their villages by being in control, by making decisions towards and governing locally. But at this NDC and most of the PPP-controlled NDCs in Region Five, this is not the case.

While the NDC body was put there by the villagers, we expect the best from them when it comes to representation and development. Irrespective of race, religion, status, political affiliation, etc., they were put there to do the best at all times in ensuring that there is progress and development in the most positive manner.

At the Bath\Woodley Park NDC, that is not the case. This NDC seems to

lack the basics in what development and process mean for the residents. They are bent on advice from the PPP organiser at Bath Freedom House. By the way, this man cannot say what must happen in his township of New Amsterdam or cannot advise any of the PPP-controlled NDCs or municipalities in Region Six, where he lives.

But the PPP put him after he could not find favour in his very own region to run the Region Five Freedom House and corrupted the minds of the PPP people within Region Five, so that they will not see far as to where progress is happening.

The said NDC had rented the Bath Community Centre Ground for a Public Show (Clash Of The Titans). The show was held last Saturday 2nd July, 2016 and I heard it was a huge success. I am not against such a show, at least the people of Berbice had an opportunity of witnessing a fantastic show after a long time and moreover to take out their families. The organisers and promoters by the way rented the said venue for a very huge sum, (because normally for a one-day cricket competition it would cost the promoter $50,000.00

+ security deposit) and also give security deposits in case of damage to the ground\ venue.

What I am against is what will happen to the venue now that Clash of The Titans is gone. The ground was in a very good state before the preparations started for the show (pictures included). We all know that the rain is falling in and out and sometimes very hard. But the people at this NDC do not seem to know that the rain has been falling at least every morning and during the day in the said area for the past months. But no, they don’t care about the welfare of the people of Bath, so they allow the promoters to damage the ground (picture included).

Now that the ground is badly damaged, the youths cannot use the ground to play their cricket or any sport whatsoever. This ground was one of the best grounds in West Berbice, but the management of the NDC seems not to want it to be that way.

The NDC must now come forward and repair the damage to the ground as early as possible.

As a resident of the area and a Regional Councillor, I will not encourage the gov-

ernment to spend money on repairing the ground when rents and deposits were collected by the NDC to do so. Only recently that said ground benefited from the government sports ground subvention and also before the elections,the MMA\ADA

spent lots of money fixing the ground.

As a regional representative, I am calling on the relevant authorities to please look into the work of this NDC, because I truly think its aim is to stifle development within the area (it’s

mostly a PPP- controlled area ) because the APNU+AFC is in government, so then they will cast the blame on the government.

Regards Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

St Lucia Prime Minister talks up functional cooperation

By Ravin Singh

PRIME Minister of St Lucia Allen Chastanet believes that while CARICOM is still relevant in this era, for the regional bloc to be strengthened, functional cooperation must be high on its list of priorities.

The Prime Minister’s remarks were made at the start of Wednesday’s meetings of the 37th Heads of Government meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Chastanet acknowledged the fact that CARICOM has gone through its challenges.

He said that he was always of the belief that the idea of political integration was always ambitious.

However, he noted that all relationships in the world are difficult and are always being tested by what is taking place outside. And with regard to CARICOM, Chastanet opined that there exists an anxious feeling on the part of all leaders to solve the problems of the Region, some of which include unemployment, poverty and economic growth.

“I think at the end of the day, CARICOM has been tested. It has gone through some difficult times and I think with this crop of leaders that I’ve seen that people are very passionate about what they stand for. People want the best and at the same time I think there is some level of reasonableness to understand that, given our size, we have St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet to collaborate,” the St Lucia Prime Minister said.

Asked about the areas that need to be strengthened in the regional bloc, Chastanet said he would like to see more emphasis being placed on the productive sector in the Region and functional cooperation in the areas of education, security, healthcare and insurance.

He contended that those are the areas that can make an immediate impact on the quality of services provided in those areas in respective countries and the cost at which those services are provided.

“If we can save money in those areas and at the same time increase the quality, it will make us more competitive on a global basis,” he added.

Shifting his attention to the perceived lack of consensus in the Region, Chastanet contended that it is difficult to assess whether there exists a divide among countries. He reasoned that at the end of the day, all CARICOM countries are independent and leaders in the Region must look back historically at what disunity has cost

the Region.

He suggested that in terms of foreign affairs, CARICOM has 15 votes and he does not believe that the Region does as good a job as it should in making sure that it marshals those votes behind causes and get international support.

Chastanet referenced one of the most salient issues affecting the Region right now, which is correspondent banking.

He said that this is a critical issue that is going to require a substantial lobbying effort for the United States to be able to resolve it.

As such, he noted that collaborative voting and letting non-CARICOM regions know that the Region will vote together, may help to resolve the issue a lot quicker. He was keen to add that he does not mean soon, but a lot quicker.

“It’s not worthwhile going in separate directions, so we need to put better practices in place to resolve those differences and developing consensus,” Chastanet stated.

He also commented on the United Kingdom’s (UK) exit from the European Union (EU), termed Brexit, stating that it serves as a wake-up call for CARICOM. Jamaica has, in the past, signalled its intention to leave the regional bloc, with proponents contending that the country was not benefiting from being a member state.

According to Chastanet, countries must always ask the questions: “Are you relevant?”, “Is CARICOM in the heart and souls of the West Indians” and “Does every West Indian believe that without CARICOM life would be better?”.

“You have to ask yourself those questions on a constant basis and if the answer is no, then you have to figure out how you’re going to resolve it. And it’s in that urgency that maybe we’re going to make some better decisions moving forward,” the St Lucian Prime Minister said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

26 aspiring GDF Sergeants commence training

TWENTY-SIX students from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have commenced training on the Leader Sergeants Course (LSC), the third of its kind to be run by the Forces’ Sergeant Academy.

The course was officially declared open on Wednesday by Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, a press statement said.

The course was designed and implemented to develop leaders at the middle management level to serve across the Force.

It also aims to provide opportunities for young men and women to hone their academic skills into leadership at the level of Sergeant.

In remarks to the aspiring Sergeants, Brigadier General Phillips observed that the LSC has done well so far and as such he called on them to commit themselves towards working hard, so that come November, the Force will benefit from 26 new Sergeants.

“We are training you for authority, not only the authority that comes with wearing a chevron but also the responsibility that comes with being incharge,” he urged.” We are

training you to be leaders, you are the ones who are expected to, at the end of the training, support a platoon commander and lead teams to accomplish the mission beyond the ex-

“Create study areas.

If we are training them to lead, they must have opportunity to read.

We have fit soldiers but we need Senior Non-Commissioned Officers to be

and the future is yours,” he told the aspirants. The nine-month training programme will cover a number of areas, including Leadership Studies, Military Law, Internal Security

GDF and administer and lead soldiers in the absence of the Officer.

Meanwhile, 18 officers drawn from Units across the Force have commenced training on the

cially declared the course opened at the Jaguar Lecture Hall, Base Camp Stephenson, on Wednesday.

He told the Officers that the course was designed to prepare them for command and staff work and prepare them generally for senior military leadership in an increasingly complex defense and security environment. He urged them to pay attention to the curriculum and immerse themselves in the course reading material.

“Be an active participant in group assignments and approach all assignments with a positive attitude since the training modules will be delivered in an objective manner,” he urged.

The officers undergoing training in the Senior Command and Staff Course pay keen attention during the launching ceremony

MORE DYNAMIC MISSIONS Brigadier Phillips noted that governments today require their militaries to help them manage natural disasters and to deal with complex emergencies.

As such, he said, the missions of Military Forces are therefore n o w m o re d y n a m i c than ever.

He stated that the Command responsibilities of the Force flows from the Defence Act and therefore the education of the Force’s Officers must result in a higher level of understanding of the concepts of operation and the strategic issues of importance to Guyana’s defence and security at the national, regional and hemispheric levels.

In that light, he stated that the course is designed to improve the knowledge base of Officers and to help them become better leaders of character and competence. “We expect you to maximise the use of this opportunity,” he told the Officers, the press statement concluded.

––for

pectation of your officers,” he added.

Meanwhile, he noted that in order for the objectives of the course to be met, more time will have to be allocated for study of the course material, but cautioned against the overburden of physical training.

OPPORTUNITY TO READ

good, educated leaders. So let us create the conditions for them to learn. We need a competent, fit Sergeant who can conduct himself/ herself in keeping with the standards of the Guyana Defence Force,” he noted. The Chief of Staff made it clear however that, his recommendation is no attempt to ‘soften’ the course.

“Continue to work hard

Some of the aspirants in a Quarter Guard

and Open and Close Country Warfare.

The LSC was open to eligible members of the Force, as well as civilians who meet the admission criteria. Six civilians are currently being trained to be Sergeants.

The Leader Sergeants Course equips its students with the knowledge to effectively perform the duties of a Sergeant in the

Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) Number 14, which will prepare them for Senior Leadership.

The course, which commenced on June 27, will at the end make the Officers competent to function in Senior Command and Staff appointments within the Force.

The 12-week course will touch on a number of areas, including Minor Staff Duties, Communication Skills, Open and Close Country Warfare, Administration and Logistics, Military Law and History and Environmental Studies.

The Senior Command and Staff Course is conducted by the Force to meet the training and professional military educational requirements of Officers. The Force utilises the learning experiences garnered from its Directing Staff and Senior Officers who attended Staff Colleges in Canada, China, India, Brazil and the USA. The Chief of Staff Brigadier Phillips offi-

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

Message by President David Granger on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr MESSAGE of His Excellency Brigadier(retd) David Granger, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr I EXTEND joyous greetings to all Guyanese, but especially to the entire Muslim community, on the festive occasion of

Eid-ul-Fitr.

Guyanese, all across our country, will join with Muslims in celebrating the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. During the Holy Month, believers fasted and endured privation as part of the act of becoming closer to Allah and to identify with the suf-

fering of their worldly brothers and sisters.

Self-denial and self-sacrifice are important virtues in building character.

Eid-ul-Fitr also reminds us that the road to spiritual rectitude is often paved with sacrifices, sobriety and selflessness. The fasting and prayer of the past month should

strengthen the resolve of Muslims to work with their fellow Guyanese to build a more cohesive society and a happier country.

May the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr renew our solidarity with our brothers and sisters and reinforce the bonds of unity among our people. Eid Mubarak!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

TCL opens ‘concrete slab’ technology road - weight-control system for heavy duty vehicles soon

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure will soon be implementing weight-control systems for heavy-duty vehicles on the roads of Georgetown and the roadways in the hinterland, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson has said.

This was disclosed Thursday at the official opening of the access road project at the entrance of TCL Guyana, at the Princess and Water Streets junction, Georgetown. Among attendees at the simple ribbon-cutting ceremony were Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, Public Infrastructure engineers, Plant Manager Mark Bender and TCL officials.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP Underscoring that the road project was a public-private partnership between TCL and the Infrastructure Ministry, Minister Patterson said last year when TCL approached the ministry about paving the road, the ministry welcomed the initiative.

The minister noted that not often a private company approaches the ministry to undertake such a project. He said the road is a continuation of Princess and Water Streets and although it falls under the Public Infrastructure Ministry, TCL did not care that there will be other beneficiaries when the project was completed, but sought to identify a problem and assist with a solution.

Expressing his hope for more ventures of its nature, Minister Patterson said the partnership is monumental in its use of modern approaches and technologies.

RIGID PAVEMENT “The history of rigid pavement construction have proven to be successful and in this case we have witnessed the success once again. In Guyana, we can see rigid pavement construction in communities such as South and North Ruimveldt and private housing communities,” the minister noted.

He said the cost of a rigid pavement can be more expensive than a flexible pavement, but the benefits certainly outweigh the costs. Minister Patterson said he is hoping to replicate such technologies across Guyana, particularly in the hinterland communities.

NEW APPROACHES The ministry is executing rigid pavement roads in Mahdia, the Minister noted, as flexible pavement roads require more maintenance and Mahdia which is soon to be a town needs more roads which will take less maintenance. He said in 2017 a similar exercise will be done in Lethem. “To spread the technology TCL can meet us half way once again in another project.”

He said the government is always willing to learn new approaches in solving old problems.

11

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson (centre) flanked by TCL Plant Manager Mark Bender, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and TCL officials during a discussion on the newly commissioned concrete slab technology road.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

DeNobrega seeks Rule Nisi for ‘Practice Certificate’

By George Barclay

ACCOUNTANT Clement

DeNobrega is alleging that despite his admission as an Associate of the Chartered

Institute of Management Accountants of England, which entitles him to use

the description Chartered Management Accountant, the local body has denied

him the use of a ‘Practice Certificate’.

As a consequence he has applied to Chief Justice (ag.) Madame Yonette Cummings-Edwards for Writs of Certiorari and Mandamus to compel the local body through a Nisi Order of Certiorari to quash its decision to refuse the applicant a ‘Practice Certificate’.

Chief Justice Cummings-Edwards, who is studying the submissions by the applicant, will in the final analysis decide whether to grant the Nisi Order for the granting of the ‘Practice Certificate’ to the applicant or to refuse him.

Requested are: (a) An Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari directed to the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana, a statutory body established under the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana 1991, to show cause why a Writ of Certiorari should not be issued to quash the Council’s decision to refuse to issue to the applicant, Clement De Nobrega, a Practice Certificate pursuant to Section 11 (2) (3) of the Act on the ground that the failure of the Council to do so has been unreasonably delayed and further the Council’s decision to refuse to issue the aforesaid Practice Certificate to the applicant was not made in good faith and is in breach of Section 11 (2) (3) of the Chartered Accountants of Guyana Act 1991, an abuse of power, unfair, wholly unreasonable, arbitrary, ultra vires, null and void. (b) An Order Rule Nisi of Mandamus directed to the Council of the Institute of

Chartered Accountants of Guyana, established under the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana Act 1991, to show cause why an Order or Rule Nisi of Mandamus should not be issued compelling the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana to issue forthwith to the applicant, Clement De Nobrega, a Practice Certificate pursuant to Section 11 (2) (3) of the Act on the ground that the failure of the Council to do so has been unreasonably delayed and further its decision to refuse a practice certificate to the applicant was not made in good faith and is in breach of Section 11 (2) (3) of the Act, an abuse of power, unfair, wholly unreasonable, arbitrary, ultra vires, null and void.

In his affidavit in support of the Originating Notice of Motion, the applicant said: “That I have been advised by my Attorneys-at-law and verily believe that the Council did not exercise the statutory powers given to them, refused to issue me with a Practice Certificate, is unfair, irrational, unreasonable, arbitrary, procedurally improper, ultra vires and an abuse of power.

That I accordingly pray that this Honourable Court will be pleased to grant the Orders of Certiorari and Mandamus set out in the Originating Notice of Motion herein.”

The affidavit was drawn

by Mr. Rex H. Mc Kay, S.C., Mr. Stanley Moore, Mrs. Bettina Glasford, and Mr. Brenden Glasford, Attorneys-at-Law in the Originating Notice of Motion filed herein and to do all acts and things necessary in connection therewith.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

City Hall forms Environment, Sustainable Committee AN Environment and Sustainable Committee was formed at an Extraordinary Statutory Meeting of the Mayor and City Council and Town Clerk Royston King said such a committee is necessary, even as the Council seeks to advance the status of the Georgetown municipality.

He notes also that even as Georgetown evolves, new challenges would confront the city and the Council must be prepared to address these challenges.

King made specific reference to the discovery of

oil and gas offshore Guyana.

He noted that the Council must be environmentally prepared to address all new and current environmental challenges.

The committee would be responsible for giving the Council general and specific advice on environmental matters and also making recommendations on environmental issues According to King, the committee is charged with the responsibility of addressing various environmental health concerns.

Meanwhile, Public Re-

Town Clerk Royston King

lations Officer (ag) Debra Lewis said the new committee will also assist in the implementation of measures and systems that will improve the quality of life, the livability, and the working environment for the residents, visitors and businesses in the city. It will utilise an integrated approach to address the principles of sustainability and sound environmental practice in all municipal operations and activities.

The committee would focus on environmental issues, including solid waste manage-

ment (garbage, recycling, and composting), water conservation, environmental stewardship, water quality, air quality, open spaces, landscaping, energy conservation, climate change and global warming and its impact on the development of the city of Georgetown.

The committee will provide advice and recommendations in the following areas: existing or proposed by-laws, policies, procedures, and practices related to the protection and enhancement of the environment, as well as compliance with the environmental

goals and objectives established by the City Council.

GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION The committee would be responsible also for the development of a strategy for the city’s greenhouse gas reduction.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreene will chair this committee and the other members are Oscar Clarke, Monica Thomas, Lynda Gomes-Haley, Junior Garrett, Heston Bostwick, Carolyn Caesar and Winston Harding.

Friday July 8th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Saturday July 9th, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Sunday July 10th, 2016 - 08:30 hrs

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

Best Village double murder ...

‘Psych’ evaluation proves accused fit for trial THE fisherman who allegedly butchered his wife and two-year-old son has been deemed competent to face murder charges after a psychiatric evaluation, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed.

According to reports, last Friday an intoxicated Suresh Ganesh of Best Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD) also chopped his mother about the body after accusing his wife of infidelity and blaming his mother for encouraging the situation.

Ganesh was discharged from the hospital yesterday and is expected to be charged today.

The 28-year-old man reportedly killed his wife 34-year-old Vanessa Sukhram-Persaud and her two-year-old son Joel Ganesh. Ganesh also reportedly severed a hand of his 49-year-old mother,

ARIES People are impressed when you show up with your I-can-do-it attitude, but they’re not as happy if you don’t deliver the goods. You could sweep others off their feet with your positive assessment of a situation because they want to believe you have all the answers. Unfortunately, hyperbole is not your friend today. Being honest from the start keeps things on an even keel, instead of pretending you know more than everyone else. Facing the truth is messy but worth the inconvenience now, nonetheless, if you want to build solid relationships.

TAURUS In your haste to keep things simple, you assume that what you see is actually what you get. But you can set yourself up for a fall by believing everyone is telling you the truth today. It’s not that anyone is purposefully misleading you; in fact, they’re probably just trying to help now. Nevertheless, you’ll be happier in the long run if you counter everyone else’s positivity with a touch of moderation.

Do your research before signing on the dotted line.

GEMINI You have a special knack for delivering bad news today in such a way that it seems better than worse. Although you can see a silver lining in even the darkest of storm clouds now, you are walking a fine line between hope and fantasy.

There’s no doubt that your power of positive thinking influences people’s lives in a profound manner. But inspiring others only works if you keep it real. However, sometimes it’s unclear where to draw the line. As science fiction writer Robert Heinlein wrote, “Everything is theoretically impossible until it is done.”

CANCER People are encouraging you to speak up today, but you’re not eager to share your thoughts until you explore all of your alternatives. Although your first reaction might be quite enthusiastic, your idealism is more of a reflection of your state of mind now than the actual circumstances. You’re not interested in being a leader who rallies the troops at the expense of your own emotional security.

Don’t overstep your limits of comfort just to impact someone else’s behaviour.

Listening to your intuition enables you to know when enough is enough.

LEO You might believe you already missed the chance of a lifetime to pursue your dreams. However, you’re probably misinterpreting the current conditions. The cosmic energy is not denying your success; circumstances only delay you to create additional time for you to get your act together. Rather than fretting about what’s not ready for prime time now, sharpen your tools and start working. Your future is calling so don’t hesitate to answer with a resounding yes.

Suresh Ganesh while he was hospitalized Jennifer Monplaisir.

Ganesh, who is known as ‘Battery’ and ‘Tarzan’ was apprehended at Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara after

Dead: Vanessa Sukhram-Persaud and her two-yearold son Joel Ganesh

allegedly attacking a resident and attempting to chop policemen. He was shot to the hand and leg.

Jennifer Monplaisir disclosed that her son wanted to kill her after murdering his wife and son. She confirmed that he attacked her with a cutlass first before returning to his shack. When asked the reason, she said her son had accused her of seeking male partners for his wife. The woman, whose right arm was almost severed during the attack, is nursing severe injuries to both arms.

Monplaisir opined that her son deliberately summoned her that morning with the intention of harming her.

She related that all information needed for the police investigation will be provided willingly. Sukhram-Persaud, a mother of two, was found on a blood-soaked mattress with her neck almost severed, and with chops to her jaw, arms and fingers. Her son was found lying next to her with his intestines protruding.

VIRGO You are doing your absolute best now to prevent your work relationships from changing dramatically, but your singular focus may not be enough to stop the dynamics from shifting. You could exhaust yourself by attempting to force your agenda on others. Nevertheless, it will take more than a minor setback to halt your progress. Don’t let a bout of pessimism keep you from manifesting your dreams. Nelson Mandala said, “I am the master of my fate and the captain of my destiny.”

LIBRA Although your friendly nature usually puts others at ease, much to your surprise it could have the opposite effect now. Don’t try to convince anyone that you’re on their side, especially if people seem to bristle at your good-natured attitude today. But a personality conflict is not a good reason to raise a white flag and go home. Pay attention where you meet resistance and confront it head on. Even the smallest struggle can help clarify the route to your new destination.

SCORPIO Your words brighten someone’s day today, but only if you’re willing to talk about your feelings. Sometimes you steer clear of personal disclosure because it places you in a highly vulnerable position. However, sharing your full spectrum of emotions strengthens your position now because it demonstrates how solid your thinking has grown. Don’t be afraid to reveal both sides of your current conundrum; your honesty fosters a sense of trust in others.

SAGITTARIUS You’re hard-pressed to keep up appearances today, even if you begin the day with a hopeful heart. But an existential encounter with self-doubt is not nearly as bad as it sounds, especially if it acts as a wake-up call. A reality check can be quite invigorating -- like a cold shower -- and motivates you to get serious enough to overcome a disappointing setback. Thankfully, your irrepressible spirit is able to rebound quickly if you draw upon your support network and get down to work. Positive results create lasting confidence.

CAPRICORN You’re no stranger to mapping out an agenda and then doing whatever it takes to achieve your goal. Unfortunately, you might feel as if you’re in over your head when you realise your master plan got a little out of hand. But don’t wait until there are others depending upon your success. The sooner you pare back your expectations, the happier everyone will be. Make something happen now; every accomplishment starts with a decision to try.

AQUARIUS You’re tired of somehow being at the bottom rung of the ladder and always looking up. Nevertheless, you can gain real traction now, as long as you’re willing to respect the limitations imposed by your superiors. However, this does not mean you must blindly accept the rules. Question authority if you want to overcome the obstacles in your path. And remember, the key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.

PISCES Your hope blossoms today, only to be shut down once again by someone close to you. But you don’t need to internalise anyone else’s negativity, unless it’s already your own. If it is yours, process it the quickest way possible and then move on. There’s no use crying over spilled milk; pull your overcommitted promises back within the confines of reality and don’t take no for an answer. A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

Best Village double murder ...

‘Psych’ evaluation proves accused fit for trial THE fisherman who allegedly butchered his wife and two-year-old son has been deemed competent to face murder charges after a psychiatric evaluation, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed.

According to reports, last Friday an intoxicated Suresh Ganesh of Best Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD) also chopped his mother about the body after accusing his wife of infidelity and blaming his mother for encouraging the situation.

Ganesh was discharged from the hospital yesterday and is expected to be charged today.

The 28-year-old man reportedly killed his wife 34-year-old Vanessa Sukhram-Persaud and her two-year-old son Joel Ganesh. Ganesh also reportedly severed a hand of his 49-year-old mother,

ARIES People are impressed when you show up with your I-can-do-it attitude, but they’re not as happy if you don’t deliver the goods. You could sweep others off their feet with your positive assessment of a situation because they want to believe you have all the answers. Unfortunately, hyperbole is not your friend today. Being honest from the start keeps things on an even keel, instead of pretending you know more than everyone else. Facing the truth is messy but worth the inconvenience now, nonetheless, if you want to build solid relationships.

TAURUS In your haste to keep things simple, you assume that what you see is actually what you get. But you can set yourself up for a fall by believing everyone is telling you the truth today. It’s not that anyone is purposefully misleading you; in fact, they’re probably just trying to help now. Nevertheless, you’ll be happier in the long run if you counter everyone else’s positivity with a touch of moderation.

Do your research before signing on the dotted line.

GEMINI You have a special knack for delivering bad news today in such a way that it seems better than worse. Although you can see a silver lining in even the darkest of storm clouds now, you are walking a fine line between hope and fantasy.

There’s no doubt that your power of positive thinking influences people’s lives in a profound manner. But inspiring others only works if you keep it real. However, sometimes it’s unclear where to draw the line. As science fiction writer Robert Heinlein wrote, “Everything is theoretically impossible until it is done.”

CANCER People are encouraging you to speak up today, but you’re not eager to share your thoughts until you explore all of your alternatives. Although your first reaction might be quite enthusiastic, your idealism is more of a reflection of your state of mind now than the actual circumstances. You’re not interested in being a leader who rallies the troops at the expense of your own emotional security.

Don’t overstep your limits of comfort just to impact someone else’s behaviour.

Listening to your intuition enables you to know when enough is enough.

LEO You might believe you already missed the chance of a lifetime to pursue your dreams. However, you’re probably misinterpreting the current conditions. The cosmic energy is not denying your success; circumstances only delay you to create additional time for you to get your act together. Rather than fretting about what’s not ready for prime time now, sharpen your tools and start working. Your future is calling so don’t hesitate to answer with a resounding yes.

Suresh Ganesh while he was hospitalized Jennifer Monplaisir.

Ganesh, who is known as ‘Battery’ and ‘Tarzan’ was apprehended at Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara after

Dead: Vanessa Sukhram-Persaud and her two-yearold son Joel Ganesh

allegedly attacking a resident and attempting to chop policemen. He was shot to the hand and leg.

Jennifer Monplaisir disclosed that her son wanted to kill her after murdering his wife and son. She confirmed that he attacked her with a cutlass first before returning to his shack. When asked the reason, she said her son had accused her of seeking male partners for his wife. The woman, whose right arm was almost severed during the attack, is nursing severe injuries to both arms.

Monplaisir opined that her son deliberately summoned her that morning with the intention of harming her.

She related that all information needed for the police investigation will be provided willingly. Sukhram-Persaud, a mother of two, was found on a blood-soaked mattress with her neck almost severed, and with chops to her jaw, arms and fingers. Her son was found lying next to her with his intestines protruding.

VIRGO You are doing your absolute best now to prevent your work relationships from changing dramatically, but your singular focus may not be enough to stop the dynamics from shifting. You could exhaust yourself by attempting to force your agenda on others. Nevertheless, it will take more than a minor setback to halt your progress. Don’t let a bout of pessimism keep you from manifesting your dreams. Nelson Mandala said, “I am the master of my fate and the captain of my destiny.”

LIBRA Although your friendly nature usually puts others at ease, much to your surprise it could have the opposite effect now. Don’t try to convince anyone that you’re on their side, especially if people seem to bristle at your good-natured attitude today. But a personality conflict is not a good reason to raise a white flag and go home. Pay attention where you meet resistance and confront it head on. Even the smallest struggle can help clarify the route to your new destination.

SCORPIO Your words brighten someone’s day today, but only if you’re willing to talk about your feelings. Sometimes you steer clear of personal disclosure because it places you in a highly vulnerable position. However, sharing your full spectrum of emotions strengthens your position now because it demonstrates how solid your thinking has grown. Don’t be afraid to reveal both sides of your current conundrum; your honesty fosters a sense of trust in others.

SAGITTARIUS You’re hard-pressed to keep up appearances today, even if you begin the day with a hopeful heart. But an existential encounter with self-doubt is not nearly as bad as it sounds, especially if it acts as a wake-up call. A reality check can be quite invigorating -- like a cold shower -- and motivates you to get serious enough to overcome a disappointing setback. Thankfully, your irrepressible spirit is able to rebound quickly if you draw upon your support network and get down to work. Positive results create lasting confidence.

CAPRICORN You’re no stranger to mapping out an agenda and then doing whatever it takes to achieve your goal. Unfortunately, you might feel as if you’re in over your head when you realise your master plan got a little out of hand. But don’t wait until there are others depending upon your success. The sooner you pare back your expectations, the happier everyone will be. Make something happen now; every accomplishment starts with a decision to try.

AQUARIUS You’re tired of somehow being at the bottom rung of the ladder and always looking up. Nevertheless, you can gain real traction now, as long as you’re willing to respect the limitations imposed by your superiors. However, this does not mean you must blindly accept the rules. Question authority if you want to overcome the obstacles in your path. And remember, the key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.

PISCES Your hope blossoms today, only to be shut down once again by someone close to you. But you don’t need to internalise anyone else’s negativity, unless it’s already your own. If it is yours, process it the quickest way possible and then move on. There’s no use crying over spilled milk; pull your overcommitted promises back within the confines of reality and don’t take no for an answer. A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

Guyana, EU hold political dialogue THE fourth round of European Union-Guyana political dialogue in the framework of Article Eight of the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement took place on June 27 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana.

The previous rounds of

and the various areas of cooperation as laid down in the Cotonou Agreement.

The Guyanese delegation was headed by Second Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and included Ambassador Audrey Jardine-Wad-

Republic Michel Prom and Political Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Maurice Pourchez.

The issues discussed at the political dialogue were multifaceted and dealt with bilateral, regional and international

ana, which funding has been significant since cooperation began in 1976. The EU has contributed to the development of several sectors in Guyana including the private sector with regards to agro-processing, the Linden Economic Advancement Pro-

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and staffers of his ministry with the EU team political dialogue between Guyana and the EU took place in 2009, 2010 and 2014.

The objectives of the dialogue are to exchange information to foster mutual understanding and to facilitate the establishment of agreed priorities and shared agendas, in particular by recognising the existing links between the different aspects of the relations between the parties

dell, Director General (ag) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as other senior officials of the ministry.

The EU side was headed by the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr Jernej Videti? and included British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Lutz Görgens, Ambassador of the French

matters of mutual interest.

Discussions included many issues of common interest for both parties such as political developments and economic affairs; EU-Guyana and regional development cooperation; human rights and governance; security; climate change; and regional integration.

The EU is the main provider of grant funding to Guy-

gramme (LEAP), ChildLink, Poverty Reduction Budget Support Programme, Help & Shelter, and the Muritaro Village Council.

The dialogue concluded with the two sides expressing their satisfaction on its usefulness in the context of EU-Guyana relations; they have agreed to hold the next round of political dialogue in one year’s time.

GCCI calls for consultation on parking meter system THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) Executive Management Committee is requesting an urgent meeting with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to discuss the pressing matter of the introduction of a parking meter system in Georgetown.

The Chamber had earlier made this request and its Management Committee last Friday sent correspondence to the M&CC reiterating its call for the caucus.

In a strongly worded correspondence to the M&CC, the Management Committee asserted: “As Guyana’s leading private sector business support organisation, the Georgetown Chamber has a responsibility to serve as an avenue of information and communication between government agencies and our members.

We are therefore requesting that a consultation forum between the M&CC and the private sector, as promised, be convened immediately to resolve the matter at hand.”

CONSULTATIONS PROMISED The Chamber recalled

that during a meeting with the M&CC on June 3, 2016, the proposal for a parking meter system in Georgetown was mentioned and

The Chamber said too that following the June 3 meeting, there have been numerous stories in the media in furtherance of the parking

Mr Vishnu Doerga, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) the M&CC had promised that before this arrangement was finalised, a number of consultations would have been held with the stakeholders of this project, one of them being the private sector. However, one month later this has not materialised, the Chamber said in a release.

meter system which includes rates and details of the agreement between the M&CC and a collaborating company.

The body reasoned that due to the lack of communication between the M&CC and primary stakeholders, not all of the information published can be verified.

“Our members are made

up of businesses of all categories, all of which will be unjustly and adversely affected by the parking meter system due to the costs,” the GCCI said. It affirmed also that before any binding arrangements are made, due diligence must be performed and that includes the consultative process.

“The private sector must be provided with basic information regarding the parking meter system; and we must also be given an opportunity to provide critical inputs and recommendations,” it said.

NO OPEN TENDER Further, the Chamber declared that it is also deeply concerned about the M&CC’s failure to follow proper public procurement procedures in the form of an open tender process to attract various proposals that will be best for Guyana.

It concluded: “The Chamber expects the M&CC to operate on the principles of transparency, democracy and accountability, and as such, we anticipate a timely response to this urgent matter.”

15

Rich or poor, high o

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

––Lawrence says Gov’t will hunt down huma

By Svetlana Marshall THE Government will spare no effort in its quest to bring human traffickers to justice, Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence said as she opened an anti-human trafficking forum on Thursday at the Ocean View Hotel.

Since its ascension to office, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has been taking critical

steps to combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), but more needs to be done to bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

“We have to ensure that we find these perpetrators, irrespective of who they are, rich or poor, high or low, we have to and we must bring them to justice,” the Social Protection Minister stated as she addressed representatives from local and international, non-governmental and governmental organisations.

Describing human-trafficking as “appalling,” she opined that it signals a moral decline and insensitivity on the part of perpetrators at every level who from all appearances operate without human warmth or emotion.

“Those who prey on the victims’ rights will feel the weight of the court and ultimately the prison,” the Social Protection Minister warned, stating clearly that the Government of the day will not stand idly by and allow the nation’s

children, men and women to be subjected to modern-day slavery.

“This underground business cannot be allowed to thrive and every effort will be made by this Government to protect potential victims,” she added.

The two-day Anti-trafficking in Person Forum which took the form of a “Capacity Building Training (to) Counter Human Trafficking,” was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in conjunction with

A section of the participants during the Anti-Human Trafficking Forum (Aubrey Odle)

the US Embassy and the Social Protection Ministry.

While expressing gratitude to IOM and the US Embassy for the timely hosting of the seminar, the minister noted that it would equip community leaders to better serve their people in this regard.

“The ministry is highly appreciative of the timely initiative targeting training in all aspects of trafficking, since the outcome will provide us with trainees who will be more knowledgeable and better equipped to deal effectively with the inherited issues of human-trafficking,” Minister Lawrence explained.

COLLECTIVE FIGHT D James Bjorkman, the US Embassy Political and Economic Section Chief, in no uncertain terms said that “the world has a human-trafficking problem, the United States has a human-trafficking problem, Guyana has a human-trafficking problem,” and it needs to be addressed through a collective fight.

He said it must be noted that trafficking in persons is not just limited to sex trafficking, but labour trafficking, which also brings into question un-

One of IOM’s representatives (Aubrey Odle) der-aged issues. As Guyana registers progress in this regard, Bjorkman said the US stands committed to the continued fight to eliminate this form of modern-day slavery.

Though the country is making progress in its fight to combat human-trafficking, it remains a source and destination for men, women, and children subjected to

or low GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

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an traffickers

One of the participants making a contribution during the Capacity Building Training (to) Counter Human Trafficking at the Ocean View Hotel (Aubrey Odle)

s briefing participants on the history of the organisation sex trafficking and forced labour.

“Women and children from Guyana, Brazil, The Dominican Republic, Suriname, and Venezuela are subjected to sex trafficking in mining communities in the interior and urban areas. Victims are subjected to forced labour in the mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as in domestic service and shops. While both sex-trafficking and forced labour occur in interior mining communities, limited Government presence in the country’s interior renders the full extent of trafficking unknown,” the US State Department Trafficking in Person 2016 report stated.

In that report, it was also pointed out that children are particularly vulnerable to sex and labour-trafficking, while noting too that “Guyanese nationals are also subjected to sex and labour-trafficking in Jamaica, Suriname, and other Caribbean countries.”

According to the report, there are police officers who are complicit in trafficking crimes and corruption that impede anti-trafficking efforts.

Though the Government does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, it efforts have been recognised by the US. “The Government convicted one trafficker, imposed a three-year prison sentence, and required her to pay the victim restitution—the first time restitution has been ordered for a trafficking offender in Guyana. The Government also provided 600,000 Guyanese dollars to an NGO-run shelter dedicated to trafficking victims—the first shelter of its kind in Guyana—to enhance the shelter’s psycho-social services for victims,” the report pointed out.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Government has been applauded for steps taken to increase its collaboration with anti-trafficking Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Due to the progress made, and the commitment to do better to protect the vulnerable, Guyana has been removed from the Human Trafficking Watch list to Tier Two.

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From left: Dr Kavita Singh, Coordinator of the Chronic Disease Programme; Dr Karen Boyle, Deputy Chief Medical Officer; Dr Carl Niamatali; Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare; Dr George Norton, Minister of Public Health; Sarah Daniels, Senior Medex; and Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, Director (ag) of Maternal Child Health Programme

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

Cervical cancer under the spotlight

THE Public Health Ministry and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) are hoping to collaborate with the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) in developing a national plan to reduce cervical cancer in Guyana.

This proposal was birthed during a meeting with Public Health Minister Dr George Norton and President of FIGO, Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare at the Public Health Ministry, Brickdam, on Thursday.

FIGO is an organisation that brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynaecologists on a global basis. For over 60 years, FIGO has been collaborating with the world’s top health and donor bodies in developing countries to strengthen capacity through education and specialised training on various women’s health issues.

During the meeting, Professor Purandare assured the Public Health Minister that he would avail his organisation’s resources to enhance Guyana’s public healthcare system.

In expressing his gratitude to the Professor, Minister Norton said he looks forward to future collaboration with the FIGO to advance the health of Guyanese women, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and cervical cancer.

He also used the opportunity to seek assistance in improving existing protocols to screen women for cervical cancer and family-planning policies, particularly anti-conceptives such as IUDs and injectable contraceptives.

The Public Health Ministry currently offers free Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid (VIA) screening for cervical cancer and cryogenic treatment for persons who are detected with cancerous legions. The ministry also has a Human Papilloma Virus Virus (HPV) vaccination programme for all girls between the ages of 11-13 years old.

The FIGO actively collaborates with global, national and regional organisations to promote the well-being of women and to raise the standards of practice in obstetrics and gynaecology such as oncology, perinatal health, and safe motherhood.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2016

Guyana: A microcosm of the world

--A Bitter Lime Director tells of his experience filming here

By Jasmaine Payne FOR quite some time now, Guyanese have been hearing much about A Bitter Lime, the feature-length film which has utilised our beautiful homeland as the paradise to which the main characters turn after becoming fed up of life in the big city of Los Angeles, USA. Spearheaded by Australian Director Max De Bowen, A Bitter Lime premiered, after two years of filming and preparation, on June 5, 2016 in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and will soon make its way to De Bowen’s native Australia before premiering in Guyana later this year.

Upon wrapping up production, a 20-minute preview of the movie was featured at the recently concluded Timheri Film Festival, which was hosted in honour of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Max told The Buzz in an interview that responses received here and at the official premiere in LA two weeks ago were overwhelming, and that people felt it was wonderful that the film gave an inside look of Guyana.

NOT A TYPICAL FILM “It’s not a typical film, so people very much appreciated its artistic elements, and found it entertaining at the same time,” he said.

As for Max’s own view of Guyana, and why, of all places, he chose to use our country as the destination of his movie, he said that the splendor of Guyana should not come as a surprise to anyone.

“I’m a world explorer,” he said. “I’ve travelled every continent and many countries, and I think Guyana is a most incredible country with a great mix of people and cultures.

“It’s got nature, the city, and influence from all around the world; it’s a microcosm of the world.”

With these thoughts in mind, Max said that if ever there was any place he thought someone should run away to, it should be Guyana. “And that’s the basis of the whole story; and it’s a film, so it’s based on conflict.

“So things do get kind of out of hand, but, ultimately, they do get to see the beauty of Guyana and how cool the place is,” he said.

A FIRST Max has been in the business since he was 18, and has produced several short films under his company, Max Film.

A Bitter Lime is his first feature film, and he is glad to have filmed it in Guyana. “Guyana is the perfect place to film all kinds of films; documentaries, and all other genres,” he said.

The film not only untilises a mixture of locations, but a mixture of cultures, capturing Guyana’s natural landscapes, and using her beautiful scenery to speak for itself on screen.

Moreover, while the lead roles are played by Canadian

Max DeBowen, Director of the film A Bitter Lime

Some of the cast and crew of A Bitter Lime during filming in Guyana Georgie Deburas, and American actress Raylin Christensen, much of the supporting cast is made up of several local names like Meleesa Payne, Leon Cummings and Kirwyn Mars.

Local artistes also lent their talents to the making of the movie, among them designer Melissa Roberts, who produces the movie; Keisha Edwards, who provided wardrobe; makeup artist, Renee Chester; and local rock band, Feed the Flames, which is on the sound track.

ALL-TIME FAVOURITE With many more ideas for films in the future, Max states that

Guyana remains on his list of destinations, and that he may very well return to add some of that unique Guyanese flair to another project he may be working on.

“I want to make more films in Guyana, and encourage other people to do so as well,” Max said, adding: “Even when I make films elsewhere, I want to include some of the people I met here who were part of the team.

I believe in building long-term relationships, and working with people on common interests and creative goals.

We aren’t only creating art here; we’re connecting the world.”

Drake, Kanye West speak out DRAKE and Kanye West are among a slew of hip hop celebrities speaking out against the most recent police shooting in the U.S., Alton Sterling.

Sterling was shot to death on Tuesday during an arrest incident with two white police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Toronto rapper told his fans on IG that he is disheartened by the incident, and calls for dialogue.

“When I saw the video of Alton Sterling being killed, it left me feeling disheartened, emotional, and truly scared,” Drake wrote.

Drake

“It’s impossible to ignore that the relationship between black and brown communities and law enforcement remains as strained as it was decades ago. No one begins their life as a hashtag. Yet the trend of being reduced to one continues.”

“This is real and I’m concerned,” Drizzy continues. “Concerned for the safety of my family, my friends, and any human being that could fall victim to this pattern. I do not know the answer,but I believe things can change for the better. Open and honest dialogue is the first step.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

The Jubilee Writing Competition...

WINNERS ROW (The conclusion)

THE Jubilee Creative Writing Competition welcomed entries from local writers in the categories of Prose, Poetry and Drama. Among the entries received, three winners were chosen from each category.

Emerging from this competition are eight talented writers, whose work were deemed the best of the lot. Some of them you may have heard of; others are now making their mark. But above all, these young people have lauded the exposure provided through the writing competition, and expressed the hope that the venture will give rise to more frequent platforms that will give local writers a chance to have their voices heard.

This week, we conclude with the profile features of the final three winners of the competition.

MELINDA PRIMO SOLOMON, 32 Melinda won Third Place for her entry, The Wallet, in the Short Story Category.

A member of the National Drama Company, Melinda has been writing for several years, but has mostly gained recognition for her plays, having won awards in both the 2013 and 2014 National Drama Festival.

After hearing about the competition, however, Melinda submitted pieces in both the Drama and Short Story Categories, and admits that to gain recognition for her short stories was a welcome surprise.

“I feel as though my hard work is paying off, because this is the first short story competition I have ever entered,” she said. “So I felt very happy to be among the top three.”

Like most other writers, Melinda wishes that Guyana would have some publishing mechanism that would allow them to have their work printed. “Writers have a lot

of work that they want to publish, but they don’t know where to go,” she said. “We need a mechanism like this, where writers can get that representation.”

NICHOLAS SINGH, 20 Nicholas heard about the Jubilee Writing Competition through his former lecturer, Al Creighton, and was encouraged to submit.

Having only written one play thus far, Nicholas took the chance and submitted his piece, Some other nights, what he refers to as “an existential, absurdist view of life”. The play speaks of depression and suicide, and was inspired by Nicholas’ own views on the matter from an existential point of view. “Depression isn’t something all persons talk about; I wanted to show that it is an existential absurdist view of life,” Nicholas said. “I wanted to express depression in that way; in a really deep way that would make people think something raw.”

Upon reflection, the young writer is himself amused at the content of the play, but cannot recall exactly what frame of mind he was in when he penned it.

He admits, though, that it took him about a year to complete, and that it was met with rave reviews. It is, therefore, no wonder that his work was chosen among the top three for the competition; something that this first time writer is proud about.

With an avid love for theatre, the local public can expect more work coming out of this young mind, even as he wishes to see a deeper appreciation for theatre from the public. “I want to put Guyana on the forefront again as the

leading theatre industry in Caribbean. Guyana was the golden place for theatre in the past, and that kind of waned.

But I would love to see that back; I know a lot of people in theatre who want that, too, and I want to be there to help Guyana improve in this area,” he said.

Nicholas wishes, too, that more training sessions would be made available for writers, so that they can hone their skills in learning different styles and techniques for their writing.

body in an empowering and inspirational manner.

In penning her pieces, Keiba said she wanted her work to stand out, as it was going to be judged by esteemed writers, and was happy to know that her work was selected.

As a ‘re-migrant’, Keiba says she wishes that Guyana

would have some mechanism that would allow persons who return to live in Guyana the opportunity to come together and share ideas and other experiences learned abroad relating to the arts and other industries, so as to help in the development of the country.

KEIBA IFE MURRAY, 29 As the Golden Jubilee drew closer, Keiba was inspired to write poetry that reflected the atmosphere, which was teeming with national pride.

After posting her poem, Guyana let the world hear your roar on Facebook, she was encouraged by her cousin to submit her work to the writing competition.

Among the five poems which were submitted, it was this patriotic piece that won her Third Place in the Poetry Category. But Keiba is also proud of one of her other entries, The colours of an independent woman, which personifies Guyana, and likens the colours of the flag to various parts of a woman’s

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2016

A bachelor’s hostel --for brothers in exile

THE chaos of managing our life is constantly a reflection of the national challenge.

For example, in Guyana, the average wage earner is now suddenly faced with the immense problems of moving from renting to owning their own property. Despite the tremendous benefits, the additional expense of moving from point A to B is congested by difficult decisions.

Bills have to be paid while the pieces of the big picture are put in place.

Suddenly the street where we live changes: up the road people you know start selling drugs. As you pass there, an old school friend calls out to you in shame. Society calls him a junkie. You hardly recognise him: his stench is intimidating; he’s searching in a rubbish bin for food, but hails you out of familiarity and fond memories of past times. He is aware to some point of his retrogression, not sure himself why he called.

But you wave, smile, and with nothing much to say, you move on.

As you walk, you see some sugar apples and a nostalgic flashback kicks in.

You reach for your wallet, only to be hit by the throe of impersonal reality, that the only spending that fate allows you, is the loaf of bread that the family will use in the morning. That mild interval of dizziness hits you again.

You should see a doctor, but that cynical voice of reality intrudes, “Can you afford it?”

So you endure and press on, trusting that providence will preserve you, till your ‘special project’ injects new prosperity. For there are so many things to do; so many things broken things you must fix, and you are well aware that to traverse the Mazaruni river in a canoe and to place the anchor of the

Titanic at its bow will render the one result, Journey’s end, and providence does not bless suicide.

The metaphor defines the rule rather than the exception, and the unique problems facing our human culture and survival. In Georgetown, there are limited opportunities for well paying jobs, especially for males who are heading families. We have dozens of security jobs through organised entities and private citizens, but how do they wrestle with the economics of existing, rather than living? Not everyone living in public spaces are mental cases or drug addicts.

Some just cannot prosper due to lack of skills and lack of use of skills, and are not able to earn enough to compete with rentals within the reasonable environment of their income.

Basic needs from food to toiletries and the means to maintain a sanitary habitat will devour forty-five thousand dollars comfortably.

With rentals what they are, that can envelope another thirty five thousand, not including the variables of family, health or social demands. The reality is to bunk wherever is allowed, whether in open group places or as cannon fodder around the store premises of acquaintances and colleagues.

Others are faced with a more dire alternative. This brings to mind the story of two past colleagues ‘Neighba John’ and ‘Bicycle Harold’ who were both found dead where they slept, years apart off course.

But there are many more, with no incriminating flamboyant histories, which have been caught in the morass of overriding quick changing social trends, and cannot, untangle themselves in the face of the life adjusting technologies that have brushed their

worlds aside.

Last Friday, I was paying bills at GPO and I saw some friends of yesteryear collecting their pensions, which they termed ‘meaningful’ in 2016. We have an elder generation who are defying the term ‘old age’ with their physical deportment because many are still employed.

Guyana needs to have a Bachelor’s Hostel, for our working class male population left behind through the liberalisation of house rentals and through governments’ lack of progressive planning for established housing schemes due in most cases to decline in GDP income. The latter resulted in the inability to check overcrowding in the scheme areas of the late 1960’s-70’s which led to overcrowding, squatting, and a decline in the value of family survival objectives, of which education suffered due to frail habitat stability. The heightened criminal activities of the past twenty years did not help. It tore traditional values to shreds, usurped and divided the prevailing authorities of the home. Many fathers felt useless, and could not protect their own children from the promise of instant wealth. The casualty list of prison and death stand evident.

There is room for a working man’s Bachelor Hostel to stem the torrent of poverty; poverty as a consequence of social-economic changes.

Similarly in the sugar belt, pointless opposition political fencing to feed constituency emotions should be replaced by creative and realistic eco-

nomic alternative ideas. As I mentioned in past articles, semi skilled muscle based employment have declined by 60% and will decline further.

The concept of a Bachelor’s Hostel for low wage earning men in the capital whose rentals at such a

facility will correspond to average earnings, will no doubt save some souls. Too much government real estate has been sold to friends by the last administration.

I can’t imagine the Coop Bank as sold, and suspicions abound there. The old radio station building

would be an adequate site for such a development.

A percentage of the illegal booty linked to the sordid past twenty years of official malfeasance should be allotted to human salvage development projects like, the Bachelor’s Hostel of Georgetown.

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Buzzing this weekend

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

FOR the cricket lovers, CPL is here again. Get your tickets early, and come out in your numbers, rain or shine. But for those who are looking for entertainment elsewhere, there are a few activities for you too!

TODAY Join Steve Bravo at his signature party “Champion” at Palm Court tonight. Party like a Champion to the sounds of Fusion and Gully Ras, and you may even get a chance to rub shoulders with Bravo himself! Tickets are $3,000 at the gate.

TOMORROW Spend a night in the Amazon at Palm Court, brought to you by Pulse Entertainment.

Enjoy Amazon cocktails, and dance among Amazon models while having a wild time.

Admission: $2,000 before 22:00hrs.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors take on the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots at the National Stadium as part of the CPL T20 Series.

Come out and show your support for the home team! Match begins at noon.

SUNDAY The Guyana Amazon Warriors take on the Trinbago Knight Riders at the National Stadium as part of the CPL T20 Series. Come out and show your support for the home team!

Match begins at 17:00hrs.

Ciara weds CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Russell Wilson and Ciara!

The 27-year-old Seattle Seahawks quarterback and the 30-year-old singer tied the knot at the Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England on Wednesday, ET can confirm.

The bride wore a custom-made Roberto Cavalli gown.

“We are the Wilsons,” both Ciara and Wilson Instagrammed on Wednesday. ‘Celeb’ guests included Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Rowland.

On Tuesday, the pair had their rehearsal dinner at Stanley’s Bar and Grill at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.

Ciara, whose full name is Ciara Princess Harris, was spotted wearing a dazzling white halter gown as she held hands with Wilson, leading some fans to speculate that they had already exchanged vows.

Last month, the “Body Party” singer and her closest gal-pals, including Rowland and Serena Williams, enjoyed a weekend getaway at Wynn Las Vegas, in what appears to be her bachelorette celebration. The group took over a luxury bungalow at Encore Beach Club, and dined at the resort’s Lakeside restaurant.

Ciara and Wilson made their debut as a couple in April 2015, and the pro-athlete proposed to Ciara in March with an enormous 16-carat sparkler during a romantic getaway in the Seychelles.

Both have been open about their decision to abstain from sex, due to their religious beliefs.

But Wilson admitted to ET last July that it hasn’t always been easy.

“I think we’re both believers, but, ultimately, I’ll need you guys to pray for us, because she’s as good as it gets,” Wilson candidly told ET at the 2015 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards.

The obviously smitten Wilson described Ciara as a “stunner”, and called her a “15 out of 10 in every way.”

Clearly, the feeling is mutual. “He’s just an amazing guy, and he’s really an awesome person ... Very, very intelligent,” Ciara gushed to ET about her beau at First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech in Detroit last May. Wednesday marks the first marriage for both. Ciara was previously engaged to rapper, Future, but the two called off the engagement in August 2014, and definitely haven’t remained friendly exes.

They share one child together, two-year-old Future Zahir Wilburn.

Despite some drama regarding the “Jumpman” rapper’s feelings about his son’s relationship with Wilson, the pro-athlete gushed about both Ciara and her little one in a sweet comment on Ciara’s Instagram post in May celebrating his second birthday.

“Watching him grow over the past year-and- a-half has been the most fulfilling and special thing I’ve ever been around,” Wilson wrote. “You both bring me pure joy, and I can’t wait to see him grow more and more into the loving, caring, kind-hearted man that he will be... 2 years old! Wow! God is good!”The newly-weds

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2016

Cavendish takes 29th Warriors Tour de France stage win ambush Tallawahs

Mark Cavendish has so far won three stages at this year’s Tour.

(BBC) - Mark Cavendish edged a thrilling sprint to win a 29th Tour de France stage, moving him outright second in the race’s alltime standings.

The Manxman beat Germany’s Marcel Kittel to the line during stage six to take him one above France’s fivetime Tour winner Bernard

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:35 hrs Magical Bet 09:10 hrs Oh So Modus 09:45 hrs Grandissimo 10:20 hrs Roman Calamity 10:55 hrs Captain Quick English Racing Tips York 09:50 hrs Rubiesnpearls 09:20 hrs Rosebride 09:55 hrs Thesme 10:30 hrs De Veer Cliffs 11:00 hrs Besharah 11:30 hrs Central Square 12:05 hrs Tawdheef Newmarket 09:05 hrs Evergate 09:40 hrs Clear Water 10:10 hrs Aristocratic 10:45 hrs Nasimi 11:15 hrs Usherette 11:45 hrs Banksea 12:20 hrs Librasa Breeze Musselburgh 09:10 hrs Ryedale Rio 09:50 hrs Lucky Esteem 10:25 hrs Forecaster 10:55 hrs Henry Smith 11:25 hrs Fumbo Jumbo 11:55 hrs Sisyphus

Hinault.

He is now five behind another five-time Tour winner, Eddy Merckx of Belgium.

Fellow Briton Dan McLay was third in a bunch sprint with Team Sky’s Chris Froome safely home in the peloton.

On a relatively flat stage

12:30 hrs Dasheen Ascot 09:30 hrs Seven Heaven 10:00 hrs Montataire 10:35 hrs Plutocracy 11:10 hrs Bess Of Hardwick 11:40 hrs Barnet Fair 12:15 hrs Shwaimsa 12:50 hrs Ttainted Love Irish Racing Tips Navan 12:40 hrs Roibeard 13:10 hrs Fit For Function 13:40 hrs Giselle’s Charm 14:10 hrs Catwilldo 14:40 hrs Along The Shore 15:10 hrs Look Closer 15:40 hrs Elusive Heights American Racing Tips Gulfstream Race 1 Rejoiceful Race 2 Little Caton Race 3 Starship Sassy Race 4 Mechanics Finest Race 5 Swagbag Race 6 Wilshire Star Race 7 Maxine Race 8 Wildcat Wish Race 9 Magic Mangus

from Arpajon-sur-Cere to Montauban, set up for sprinters, there was no great movement in the general classification as Belgium’s Greg van Avermaet remained in the yellow jersey.

The BMC rider still l e a d s F r a n c e ’s J u l i a n Alaphilippe (Etixx-QuickStep) by five minutes 11 seconds, with 2013 and 2015 champion Froome a further six seconds behind.

Having already won the opening stage of this year’s Tour to take hold of the yellow jersey for the first time and win a photo finish on stage four, a third Cavendish victory came after the Team Dimension Data rider emerged from the back of the pack.

It also ensured he took hold of the leading sprinter’s green jersey, overtaking Slovakia’s Peter Sagan (Tinkoff).

By Rajiv Bisnauth

A HEART-STOPPING encounter was the perfect ending to an intense tussle between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs which the former won by seven wickets at the National Stadium, Providence, last evening.

Match nine of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) went in favour of the Warriors after a pathetic batting display saw the Tallawahs blown away for 100 in 18 overs.

So bad was their display with the bat that only Rovman Powell (38) and Shakib Al Hasan (25) managed to pass 20.

Superb bowling by the Warriors ensured that they struck at regular intervals with none of their five bowlers used conceding more than seven runs per over.

Left-arm spinner, Veerasammy Permaul, adjudged Manof-the-Match, was the best bowler on show, with 3-20 off his four overs Meanwhile, left-arm seamer, Sohail Tanvir, leg-spinner, Adam Zampa and medium-pacer Rayad Emrit all claimed two wickets apiece.

After the Guyana Amazon Warriors won the toss and bowled first, Tanvir had the Tallawahs off to a dreadful start when he trapped danger man Chris Gayle leg before wicket for a first-ball

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday July 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: St. Kitts/Nevis Patriots 3 Today’s Quiz: How many sixes Chris Gayle struck in his innings of 108 against Trinbago Knight Riders?

Who is the first player to hit a century in CPL cricket?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

duck with his trademark inswinger.

That pressure told, and the introduction of Permaul in the fifth over put the visitors in further trouble as Kumar Sangakarra skied Permaul’s third delivery to deep midwicket where Jason Mohammed completed a stunning catch.

He then added the scalp of Chadwick Walton the very next ball to leave the visitors 29-3 at the end of the power play overs.

Al Hasan and Powell led the Tallawahs’ recovery somewhat, as the duo struck the Australian Zampa for separate sixes in the next over, but Al Hasan then hauled Permaul to deep midwicket where Mohammed took a comfortable catch.

The Tallawahs then lost two wickets in consecutive balls to further derail their innings, Nkrumah Bonner and Andre McCarthy falling in Zampa’s third over before Tanvir returned in the 17th over to bowl Imad Wasim, after which Dale Steyn was run out while Emrit claimed the final two wickets of Powell and Kesrick Williams.

The visitors tenaciously worked themselves back into the game with the wickets of Martin Guptill and Dwayne Smith within the first six overs, both falling to Imad Wasim.

But the target never seemed enough and was always accessible as Chris Lynn and Mohammed obliterated any hopes the Tallawahs had by providing a decent platform, adding 42 for the third wicket.

Mohammed was removed by Al Hasan for 22, before Lynn and Anthony Bramble then excelled superbly with incredible cameos to see the Warriors home.

Lynn scored a 35-ball 39, inclusive of one four and three sixes, while Bramble stroked his way to 27 off just 18 balls with one four and two sixes.

The Warriors with three consecutive wins thus far will face the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots tomorrow at noon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

Griezmann double sets up France-Portgual Euro Final FRANCE ended the Euro 2016 hopes of world champions Germany as Antoine Griezmann scored in each half to settle their semi-final clash.

Antoine Griezmann’s double sent hosts France through to the final of Euro 2016 with a 2-0 win over world champions Germany in Marseille.

The opening goal came in first-half stoppage-time through Griezmann’s controversial penalty after Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger was punished for handling as he attempted to block Patrice Evra’s header.

Joachim Low’s men had the better of the matchup until the spot-kick decision, but they posed less of a threat after the break – failing to

Antoine Griezmann register a shot on target until injury time as France defended stoutly.

And Griezmann sealed the victory in the closing stages after mistakes from Joshua Kimmich and Manuel

Neuer presented him with a simple finish.

Germany had beaten France en route to their World Cup success two years ago, but they will not secure a famous double as their 20-year wait for a continental crown goes on, with Portugal now awaiting Les Bleus in Sunday’s final at Stade de France.

After winning their first major semi-final appearance since the 2006 World Cup, Didier Deschamps’ side will be favourites as they look to seal glory having won their two previous finals in the tournament.

France – playing with an unchanged team for the first time in their Euros history – came close early on when Griezmann weaved through the Germany defence and

forced Neuer into an important low save.

Germany responded swiftly, with Hugo Lloris at full stretch to keep out a threatening deflected effort from Emre Can, who was one of three changes for the world champions as they re-shuffled their pack due to the absences of Mario Gomez, Mats Hummels and Sami Khedira.

Low’s men were the more threatening side as the first half progressed and Toni Kroos went down right on the edge of the box under pressure from Paul Pogba and Samuel Umtiti, but referee Nicola Rizzoli was unmoved as the Real Madrid midfielder claimed for a penalty.

Germany were dominating possession, but the match took a dramatic twist seconds

before the half-time whistle when Rizzoli controversially did point to the spot at the other end.

In the match that he became outright holder of the European record for appearances at major tournaments, Schweinsteiger denied Evra the chance to head at goal with his arm from close-range after Griezmann’s corner.

Griezmann was the taker and he showed no nerves to send Neuer the wrong way despite having missed a penalty in the Champions League final under six weeks ago.

With Hummels suspended, Low suffered a huge blow when his other first-choice centre-back, Jerome Boateng, limped off after an hour.

Germany continued to have most of the ball in the

second half, but they had failed to trouble Lloris before Griezmann secured a famous home victory with 18 minutes remaining.

Pogba capitalised on a defensive error from Kimmich and when Neuer could only push his cross into the path of Griezmann, the Atletico Madrid forward stabbed home his sixth goal of the tournament.

Kimmich curled an excellent effort off the far post from the edge of the area, but Germany ultimately failed to trouble Lloris until it was too late.

The Tottenham keeper made a brilliant stoppage-time save from Kimmich’s header to preserve his clean sheet as France booked their date against Portugal.

Serena-Kerber final for Wimbledon (REUTERS) A champagne cork popped somewhere on Centre Court four games into Serena Williams’ Wimbledon semi-final and while it was a tad premature, her 6-2, 6-0 thrashing of Elena Vesnina suggested she could be celebrating something special come tomorrow.

The top-seeded American will be taking nothing for granted when she plays Angelique Kerber in the final, having seen her bid to match Steffi Graf’s modern era record of grand slam titles stuck one short on 21 for a year, but it was a menacing show of strength, albeit against an

overawed opponent.

She dropped only three points on serve in an embarrassingly one-sided 48 minutes in yesterday’s first semi-final - crunching down one 123 mph delivery that topped the women’s speed charts at this year’s tournament.

From the moment the 34-year-old nonchalantly broke serve in the opening game the writing was on the wall for a leaden-footed Serena Williams celebrates winning her match against Russia’s Elena Vesnina at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon, England yesterday. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

WICB Regional Women’s Super50 tournament……

Two games abandoned due to wet outfield - T&T women beat Barbados by four wickets

TWO round-one games of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Women’s Super50 tournament were abandoned without a ball bowled due to wet conditions.

The games between Guyana and the Windward Islands and Jamaica and the Leeward Islands were both affected after umpires at both venues adjudged the Enterprise and Everest cricket grounds unplayable after several inspections.

Meanwhile, in the other first-round game between multi-time champions,

Trinidad & Tobago and defending champions, Barbados at Enmore were reduced to 30 overs a side.

After winning the toss, Barbados reached 76-7 in their allocated overs. In reply, Trinidad and Tobago reached the target with four wickets at their disposal.

Round two will be played tomorrow, with Guyana playing Trinidad and Tobago at Enterprise, Windward Islands will face Leeward Islands at Everest and Jamaica will oppose Barbados at Enmore.

Each of the teams will play the other once in a round-robin competition, featuring five rounds of 50 overs-a-side matches – with the two teams accumulating the most points qualifying for the final to determine the winner on Sunday, July 17, at Everest.

The T20 tournament follows four days later with three matches being contested each match-day at the Guyana National Stadium before a final round of play-offs for positions one to six on Monday, July 25.

Vesnina who lasted three minutes less than Dinara Safina did against Venus Williams in the previous shortest modern era women’s semi-final in 2009.

By the time the latecomers shuffled to their seats two games later, Serena was 3-0 ahead and her place in a ninth Wimbledon final, barring a tumble, was already looking a done deal.

She will land a seventh

Wimbledon title if she beats Germany’s fourth seed Kerber in a repeat of this year’s Australian Open final that she surprisingly lost in three sets.

If any more incentives were needed there is family honour at stake after Kerber beat older sister Venus 6-4, 6-4 in the second semi-final, denying the 36-year-old a first Wimbledon final since 2009 when Serena beat her.

Wade returns home to Chicago (REUTERS) - Following the personal path taken by his friend and former Miami Heat teammate LeBron James, 12-time NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade decided to use free agency to head back home.

Wade, arguably the most popular and accomplished athlete to play in Miami with three NBA championship rings in 13 seasons there, accepted a reported two-year, $47.5M deal that will enable him to live out a childhood dream.

“I was born and raised in Chicago,” Wade said on the ABC morning show ‘Live!

With Kelly’ yesterday. “I’m excited to go back to the place I’ve always envisioned playing basketball.

“Growing up, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls was the team for us. In the backyard, I always had a

Dwayne Wade Bulls jersey on and envisioned the Dwyane Wade name being called in the United Center and I get an opportunity to live that dream out.”

Two years ago, free agent James bolted South Beach and returned to his homestate Cleveland Cavaliers after reaching four successive NBA Finals and winning two

titles with Miami.

James’ return home climaxed in an emotional NBA championship last month for the title-starved city of Cleveland.

Earlier this week, former league MVP Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder as a free agent to join the Golden State Warriors in his quest for an elusive championship ring.

But Wade had a different motivation in leaving Miami to join a Bulls team that were 42-40 last season and topped the Heat’s $40 million offer.

The brilliant guard, who has averaged 23.7 points and 5.8 rebounds during his NBA career, reportedly felt under-appreciated by the Heat, after taking a pay cut in 2010 to allow the team to come in under the salary cap.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2016

Grenada to host region’s best junior players

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Defending champions Guyana are expected to face a rigorous challenge from ever-competitive hosts Windward Islands at Progress Park, when the Regional Under-15 Tournament opens on Wednesday, July 27 in Grenada.

The Guyanese captured the title last year on home soil by topping the points table, following victories over Leeward Islands, Jamaica and Windwards, and in spite of no-results against Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados.

In the other first-round matches of this year’s tournament, Barbados meet Trinidad & Tobago at La Sagesse and Jamaica tackle Leeward

Islands at the Tanteen Recreation Ground in the Spice Isle’s capital of St. George’s.

Rawl Lewis, the Grenada-born former Windward Islands captain and West Indies leg-spinner, now WICB project officer for junior cricket, said the RU-15 was important to encourage development of young players from across the Caribbean while promoting competition at the regional level.

“This competition gives our junior players an opportunity early in their development to showcase their ability on the regional stage and test themselves against the best players in their age group,” said Lewis.

“Having regional matches for players in this age group is also extremely valuable and productive for us because it will give a clear understanding about the depth of talent that exists in the region, so we know where we need to place the emphasis in the development cycle, as the players work to move up through the age groups in their respective territories.”

The Tournament – in its 21st year – will be contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of matches with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions.

The Regional Under-15 Tournament commenced in

1996 with then hosts T&T taking the inaugural title.

They hold the record for the most RU-15 titles with seven, also winning the title in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2010 and 2013.

Reigning champions Guyana have claimed the top prize three times comprising back-to-back titles twice – in 1998 and 1999, and again 2014 and last year.

Jamaica have won the title on four occasions (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011) and Barbados have won three times (1997, 2004, 2012).

Windwards emerged champions eight years ago, leaving Leewards yet to win the title.

Regional U-19 set for St Vincent ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Regional talent scouts will start the search later this month in St Vincent for prospective players for the West Indies Under-19 squad that will defend the title at the next ICC Youth World Cup, due to be staged two years from now in New Zealand.

The Regional Under-19 boys’ tournament will take place between July 27 and August 21, giving the region’s best young players their first opportunity to showcase their talent and impress the West Indies selection panel.

The Windies Under-19s, under the leadership of Shimron Hetmyer, claimed the ICC YWC title earlier this year in Bangladesh – and the WICB is looking to put ensure a robust defence. things in place from now to “Being the team that will

be defending the title, the bulls-eye will be on our Un-

der-19s, so we have to once again start putting together the building blocks for a strong side that will be tough to beat,” said Roland Holder, WICB manager of cricket operations.

“Our success in this year’s tournament should hopefully inspire the next group of players and make them hungry for similar success when they see all the excitement that was generated after this year’s team won.

“They should be eager to play and the players should see this tournament as an opportunity to start the process.

No one is guaranteed a spot, so it’s about them putting in the hard work and doing it on the field when the time comes.”

This year, the Tournament will comprise three rounds of three-day matches, which

take centre stage over the first 11 days, and the Youth Super50 which fields seven teams – the six territorial sides from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago and Windward Islands – along with a composite side from ICC Americas.

Guyana are the defending champions in both formats.

They won the previous threeday competition which was played two years ago in their homeland, and have won the 50 overs-a-side title over the last two years at home and in Jamaica.

The Guyanese will open the three-day competition against long-standing rivals Jamaica in the eastern rural community of Park Hill.

At the same time on the outskirts of the Vincentian capital of Kingstown, Trinidad & Tobago meet sporting

arch-rivals Barbados at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex on the southern side of the E.T. Joshua Airport, and at Sion Hill on the northern side of the airport, hosts Windward Islands tackle Leeward Islands.

In the first round of the Super50, Guyana face the composite ICC Americas side at Arnos Vale, Jamaica meet T&T at Sion Hill and Park Hill host Barbados vs Leewards. Hosts Windwards have drawn a bye.

Each of the teams will play the other once in a round-robin competition, featuring seven rounds of 50 overs-a-side matches, with the two teams accumulating the most points qualifying for the Final to determine the tournament winners on August 21 at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

CBC Under-16 Championships

Guyana brush aside Jamaica

By Daniel Haynes IN the final game on the fifth day of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation Male Under-16 Championships, Guyana secured a win against a well-oiled Jamaican side which had come into the game undefeated. The chips were stacked, Guyana had to win and not just win, but convincingly so in order to advance.

-await semi-final decision Guyana came out gunning early on, running at Jamaica and forcing the “yard boys” to rethink their strategy. With a 12-6 run, Guyana took the lead early and from then never relinquished control to the Jamaicans utilising the same three-point shot that was present on Wednesday night. However,

Jamaica battled back into the game to be down by only 3 at the end of the quarter.

The first quarter finished with Guyana leading the Jamaican team 16-13.

The second quarter saw Guyana continue their hot hand, and breaking in transitions to extend their lead to double dig-

its. Jalen Menzies was prolific once more, this time on the offensive end pouring in 12 of his 25 points in the first half, with the half ending 33-19.

Coming into the third quarter Jamaica was hungry, forcing turnovers and beating up the smaller Guyana team on the defensive as well as offensive glass. Often times, the Guyana side gave up 3 or 4 rebounds on the same defensive possession to the Jamaicans. Shamar France,

who prospered against Trinidad, returned to form hitting 2 huge threes within the quarter which finished 54-35.

The fourth quarter saw Guyana running away with the game, pouring in 19 points to finish off the game, finishing 73- 57. Jordan Alphonso had a game-high 22 points for the Guyana side while adding 12 rebounds. Akeem Crandon had 22 rebounds and 10 points while Kevon Wiggins had 16

points.

For Jamaica Menzies had 25 and Samora Williams 17.

Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands took out Dominica to secure their first win 82-37. The Bahamas also continued their undefeated streak while ending Barbados’s win streak with a score of 10141. Suriname also won a pivotal game against Trinidad and Tobago 72-56 and also await a semi-final decision.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 8, 2016

Sunburst continues support for Narayan Ramdhani BADMINTON ace Narayan Ramdhani will continue to gain support from Sunburst Orange Juice, through the Continental Group of Companies, which renewed its sponsorship for 2016-2017.

For his outstanding performances in the sport the company recently renewed his contract at a simple ceremony.

Marketing and Sales manager of Continental Group of Companies, Mr Avalon Jagnandan, noted that the company is pleased to continue its partnership and association with Narayan since he has been a good Brand ambassador for one of the company’s signa-

Avalon Jagnandan, Marketing and Sales Manager of Continental Group of Companies, hands over sponsorship cheque to National badminton champion Narayan Ramdhani in the presence of GBA president Mr Gokarn Ramdhani and Marketing representatives of the Sunburst Juice brand.

ture brands, Sunburst Juice.

Jagnandan in his remarks noted the young Ramdhani’s recent achievements and said that he was happy to see him move up the international rankings.

Narayan Ramdhani, who is now ranked 53rd in the world, 3rd in the Pan American region and 1st in the Caribbean, was also awarded the 2016 Junior Sportsmanof-the-Year title by the National Sports Commission after being nominated for three years.

Mr Jagnandan also expressed gratitude to all Guyanese for their support towards this locally manufactured

juice, since it’s through their consumption, Continental Agencies Ltd is able to give back to the development of youth and sports in Guyana.

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) is also extremely happy that the Continental Group of Companies Ltd continues to support Ramdhani.

Narayan Ramdhani has already been performing extremely well for the year and is currently preparing for the Pan-Am Junior Championships in Peru later this month, the Caribbean Games in Aruba in August and the World Juniors in Spain in November.

GABA president P & P Insurance Jumior tennis camp starts on Monday for AIBA executive meeting PRESIDENT of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) Steve Ninvalle is scheduled to depart Guyana early next week to attend the annual AIBA Executive Committee Congress.

Ninvalle is set to be in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for the three-day meeting dedicated to summarising AIBA’s 2015 - 2016 activity within its various departments and to present the AIBA 2016 – 2017 Business Plan.

The meeting would be held at the Hyatt Hotel in the Uzbek capital and commences on July 14. The agenda for the event includes a progress report on the Rio Olympics and ratification of Executive Committee Bureau decisions among others.

While at the meeting, CARICOM’s first elected AIBA Executive Committee member will be pushing for the resuscitation of the Caribbean Amateur Boxing Association (CABA) which was launched in 1986 and produced 22 championships. However, since 2008 AIBA took a decision not to recognise CABA or its activities.

Last November Guy-

Steve Ninvalle ana made the first step toward injecting new life into CABA by staging a 13-nation Caribbean Development Tournament, which was approved by Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) and by extension AIBA. Barbados is scheduled to host the second edition of the tournament in December. In November 2014 Ninvalle, became the first CARICOM resident to be elected to AIBA Executive Committee ,and would be up for re-election in 2018.

Early last month AIBA held an Extra Ordinary Congress to amend its constitution to remove Article 13 (J) of the AIBA Statutes.

The amendment opened the doors to boxers from all organisations to participate in AIBA competitions, and was ratified by an overwhelming majority of 95 percent of the delegates who attended the Conference.

THE Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) is looking to target teenage players this year when the annual P & P Insurance Junior tennis camp begins next week Monday, July 11, and runs for three weeks at the courts of the National Racquet Centre.

Usually catering to the younger age groups, this year the association is hopeful of attracting participants in the 12 to 18 years range, as it aims to bring the sport to secondary schools.

“This year’s camp, being held at the National Racquet Centre, hopes to attract more teenagers to the sport since the association is eager to establish a programme for the 12-18

age group especially for schools along the Woolford Avenue who are in closest proximity to the tennis courts.” a press release from the association said.

For the three-week period the camp will be conducted on weekdays, with two sessions daily, ending on July 29. Morning sessions from 09:00hrs to 11:30hrs will cater to the younger 6-11 age group, while sessions for the 12-18 years old will be held from 12:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

The camp is specially programmed for beginners of the sport.

“The Junior Tennis camps provide the ultimate opportunity for young children to learn the game of tennis in a fun but progres-

sive way, combining physical, technical and mental training, ultimately culminating with a competition.

The type of tennis played at the camp is mini-tennis which caters to the development of very young children and is the only type of tennis that paves the way towards full court tennis,” the release further said.

This year marks the twelfth edition of the developmental initiaitive, which “boasts continuous success with a steady flow of juniors subsequently joining tennis clubs to continue training.”

The camp “has proved to be the most consistent and successful tennis camp conducted by the GTA with

the number of participants generally ranging in the 80s.”

The courses will be conducted by a number of competent, qualified tennis coaches.

The event is once again being sponsored by P & P Insurance Brokers, supported by the proprietor of the entity, Bish Panday. Panday is a long-time supporter of the sport of tennis in Guyana. He continues to honour his commitment to the annual tennis camp, which he first made back in 2005, a year after the tennis association was reestablished and has not reneged on his promise.

Persons desirous of taking part in the event can contact the GTA to register by calling 672-8299.

‘Sandow’ to be laid to rest today

FOUNDING member of the Guyana Amateur Weightlifting Association (GAWA) Sydney Paul will be laid to rest today.

The ceremony for the late Paul, also known as: ‘Sandow’, ‘Sandy’ or ‘Skipper’ will commence with viewing at the Merriman’s Funeral Home from 11:00hrs to 12:00hrs after which it will proceed to the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue for further viewing from 12:30hrs to 14:30hrs.

His body will then be taken to the St Pius Church for the Founding funeral service from 15:00hrs member of the after which the body will be Guyana Amateur interred at the Le Repentir Weightlifting cemetery.

Association (GAWA) Paul was one of the founding members of this association the late Sydney Paul

in 1940 and also was a former vice-president and national coach.

Paul was committed to this sport in Guyana and produced many lifters over the years including Kevil Daily, a silver medallist in the 1947 World Weightlifting Championships and Guyana’s (then British Guiana) only World Weightlifting Awardee.

He also led Guyana in championing many competitions at the Commonwealth, Pan American and Central American and Caribbean Games.

After a lack of interest shown over a period of time, weightlifting was revived

by Sydney and the late Cecil Ramsingh in 1990 with a championship, introducing

female lifters and a new generation of male lifters. Sydney was also the first Guyanese to become an International Weightlifting Federation Class One Referee.

His love for this sport also led him to construct The Sandow Gym’ at his East La Penitence home, where he managed to project his admiration for the weightlifting tycoons, the Bacchus Brothers, and impart his knowledge and skills to many upcoming weightlifters.

His indelible mark in weightlifting over most of his 96 years of life is well noted and he was the recipient of many awards including a medal from the National Weightlifting Federation in Hungary.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2016

Rugby America North (RAN) Finals …

Argentina to assist Guyana with scrum specialist A SPECIALIST scrum coach is likely to come soon from Argentina to help the ‘Green Machine’ prepare for the Rugby America North (RAN) 15s Finals later this month in Mexico City.

The Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Martino, Wednesday said the specialist coach has been identified after the national squad, together with Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, put in a last-minute request for help.

He said what is left now is for the selected coach to confirm availability.

“We are expecting, pre-

Argentina’s Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Martino, gestures during a press brief Wednesday, to announce that a scrum coach has been identified to train the national rugby team. (Samuel Maugh photo)

sumably … that the person will be ready....

“So once I get that word from him, we will rush in order to get him here,” Ambassador Martino told reporters at his Bel Air Park, Georgetown residence.

The initiative is also being supported by the Guyana Olympics Association, the ambassador emphasised.

Once the coach gets here, he will try to push in a week’s work and then fly with the team to Mexico for another week of training before the finals on July 23.

Ambassador Marti-

no said that the specialist scrum coach was requested because that is the weaker part of the game that the team needs to be in good shape to take the title.

The ambassador said that the support for Guyana’s Rugby is part of a long-term project to support the development of the sport here with “a vision of social inclusion”.

He said that the case study will see youths, ages 5 to 6, being taught in schools then clubs and onto the national level.

Guyana are ranked 46th in the world and 8th in the Americas.

Digicel National Schools Football Championships

Goals Galore!

IT RAINED goals yesterday, 24 to be exact, and all in favour of the Georgetown Zone champions Chase Academy, as they destroyed the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) at the Ministry of Education ground.

The defending champions were clinical and fell one goal short of the tournament’s largest margin

Chase rout GITC 24-0

to date.

Kelsey Benjamin netted one third of the side’s goal with success in the 23rd, 36th, 38th, 61st, 69th, 80th, 81st and 83rd minutes.

Assistance came from a pair of hat-tricks, first from Jeremy Garrett who found

the back of the net in the sixth, 21st and 32nd minute and Daniel Floy who netted thrice in the fifth, 11th and 29th minutes.

Braces from Shomol Smith in the fourth and 78th minutes, Stephon Reynolds in the 25th and 76th. Jobe Caesar in the

50th and 64th assisted the score line.

Completing the score were Ryan Hackett, Reshawn Ritch, Marvin Carter and Timothy Alberts who scored in the 19th, 26th, 74th and 78th minutes respectively.

The championship

which will be played in the traditional knockout format will be staged in every region and will end on July 31st at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.

Christianburg/Wismar Secondary have held a stranglehold on the event as they are the current four-time defending champions. The other victors of the most prestigious event in the country were Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) who won the

inaugural event.

Winners of the event will receive $1M towards the funding of a school project and the Championship trophy while the second-place unit will receive $700 000 and the runners-up accolade.

The third- and fourthplaced units will walk away $400 000 and $350 000 and the corresponding trophy. Similarly, $100 000 will be awarded to zone winners.

One of Chase’s 24 goals scored during yesterday’s game against GITC at the Ministry of Education ground. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Argentina to assist Guyana with scrum specialist See page 31

Warriors ambush Tallawahs

Chris Gayle walks back to the pavilion for a duck afer being ambushed by Sohail Tanvir

See page 27

Guyana brush aside Jamaica

Veerasammy Permaul collects the Man-of-the-Match award from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (Adrian Narine photos)

Digicel National Schools Football Championships

Goals Galore!

See page 31

WICB Regional Women’s Super50 tournament……

(See Story on page 29)

Alphonso muscles way for 2 points (See Story onphoto) page 31) (Daniel Haynes

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

Two games abandoned due to wet outfield

See page 28

FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2016