No. 104668
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
Price: $80
(Vat Inclusive)
Baishanlin shuts shop - workers resign, returning to China
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Foreign Ministry probing conviction against Ambassador to Kuwait 4
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‘Take it and use it’ Page
BACK ON AIR
- GPSU tells public servants
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‘Royston King 5 must go!’ Page
- NCN’s Natasha Smith returned as news anchor
- Dislocated Bourda vendors protest - To resume vending today
- PM tells CEO to issue “unqualified apology” - President sees no problems with pregnant news anchor
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Natasha Smith on her way into the NCN studio Wednesday evening. (Adrian Narine photo)
Wales, other West Dem children benefit from 5Bs programme 2
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BACK ON AIR
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
- NCN’s Natasha Smith returned as news anchor ------------------ President sees no problems with pregnant news anchor ------------------ PM tells CEO to issue “unqualified apology”
By Ravin Singh NATASHA Smith, the anchor of the evening news programme of state broadcaster NCN, was back to normal duties Wednesday, with the broadcaster honouring a commitment to reinstate her. Despite claims by the chief executive officer, Lennox Canterbury, that Ms Smith was not removed as the anchor, Ms Cornette Smith contended that that was indeed the case, and minutes of an August 8, 2016 meeting seemed to substantiate that claim. At a meeting Tuesday with the Guyana Press Association (GPA), NCN undertook to have Ms Smith read the news once more. Ms Smith is only expected to anchor the news for a brief period before she proceeds on maternity leave. On Wednesday, the NCN anchor also won the backing of President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. “…you cannot have children without being pregnant. So we (have to) start to accept pregnancy as something very normal and don’t regard it as a strange or unusual occurrence,” the President told reporters when he was asked to comment on the controversy. “Pregnancy is normal; so let us celebrate it and be grateful that we have pregnant women. I don’t mind if she is on the screen or on the radio - why not?” During a meeting on Tuesday with the CEO and other executives of NCN, the GPA called for the intervention of the Board of Directors of NCN, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister, to look into the operations of NCN. In a statement Wednesday evening, the Prime Minister, who has oversight of the information sector, said he had advised the CEO to tender an unqualified apology to Ms. Smith “for using her pregnancy as reason to remove her temporarily as News Anchor.” Mr Nagamootoo stated that from information received and the explanations given by the CEO, he was “in no doubt that the removal of Ms. Smith was due to her state of pregnancy, and that the act is an attack on her as a woman and as a professional journalist.”
“…you cannot have children without being pregnant. So we (have to) start to accept pregnancy as something very normal and don’t regard it as a strange or unusual occurrence.” – President Granger The Prime Minister said he could not condone any such act and disassociated himself from the action in this matter by NCN. “Our coalition government stands for full equality of our women and their right to work or association must not be denied or in any way trampled by their free choice to be married or to remain single, or to bear or not to bear children,” he stated. Mr Nagamootoo applauded all those bodies and individuals who came forward in condemnation of this act of discrimination against Ms. Smith, whom he said has earned respect for her professional presentation of the NCN News. “It agonises me to get involved in what is an NCN management matter but, as a journalist and as a parent, I refuse to be silent on this occasion,” the Prime Minister stated. In a statement issued after their meeting with NCN Tuesday, the GPA said it managed to secure a copy of the minutes of the August 8, 2016 management meeting which pointed to a discussion on the production of a news montage. The minutes read thus: ‘With regards to this, the CEO stated that the anchor and wardrobe should coincide with the montage. However, given the present condition of Ms. Natasha Smith, the CEO asked that a tight shot be done to remedy the view….” According to the GPA, following that discussion, the CEO recommended that Ms. Smith be replaced. Smith’s removal from anchoring was highlighted after news surfaced about the suspension of the company’s Sports editor,
Natasha Smith on the set Wednesday evening shortly before going live. (Adrian Narine photo) Jocelle Archibald-Hawke, who was accused of making a defamatory comment about one of her colleagues on social media. Archibald-Hawke expressed the view on her personal Facebook profile that she was “surrounded by idiots,” after her colleague, Norman Gobin questioned the President on his television show ‘The Public Interest,’ about an augmented reality game “Pokemon Go.” The Sports editor was asked to apologise and did so. But she was suspended because the apology was not to the likeness of her colleague. The GPA insisted that the suspension should be rescinded because NCN does not have a social media policy from which it can institute disciplinary action. Meanwhile, a delegation from the Ministry of Social Protection also met a management team from NCN on Wednesday to discuss employment relations pertaining to the two staff. The Ministry’s team included Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, Minister within the Ministry Keith Scott, Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle and Consultant Francis Carryl. Among those representing NCN were its CEO Lennox Cornette, Programme Manager Ron Robinson and Tishikta De Costa, the Human Resource Manager. The Ministry did not say what the outcome of the meeting was.
Wales, other West Dem children benefit from 5Bs programme
TWO West Demerara secondary schools on Wednesday benefited from President David Granger’s Five Bs Initiative aimed at providing boats, buses, bicycles, breakfast and books to schoolchildren. Patentia Secondary benefited from a school bus and a public address system, while L’Aventure Secondary received equipment for its Home Economics department. Also, over 100 bag packs and bicycles were distributed to children of Wales Estate workers. Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, delivering the feature speech during the handing-over ceremony, praised the companies which contributed to the 5Bs Initiative. GAICO Construction and General Services Incorporated donated the bicycle and public address system. The
school bus was donated by Mr Radish and Mr. Muneshwer, while the book bags were given by Starr Computer. Minister Ally in her address explained that the programmes aim at reducing poverty, inequality and providing a good life for all. The minister further explained that access to education should not be seen as a privilege for some, but as a basic human right for all “Education is a key social and cultural right and will play an important role in reducing poverty, as well as promoting democracy, eliminating gender inequality, improving health, fostering peace, tolerance, development and sustained economic growth throughout Guyana,” she added. The initiative has so far yielded over nine boats, which serve the lower and
upper Pomeroon, Baracara, Ebini, Moraikobai and areas within Demerara. Hundreds of bicycles have been distributed within the 10 regions. The minister noted that a total of 11 buses have been commissioned, while the government plans to expand the project later in the year to provide books and breakfast. “Over the past year, we have been working with corporate partners to ensure that simple means such as lack of or limited access to transportation does not impede students from attending school,” Ally added. She further pointed out that the Government will remove barriers to educate and provide sufficient access to education in ways that will ensure that all children benefited from some such opportunities and making education accessible is the first step. “ I envisage a Guyana where statistics will show that all children regardless of their geographic location or economic circumstances are regularly attending school and drop out rates are significantly reduced” the minister added.
She emphasised that education is the new currency by which nations maintain economic competitiveness and global prosperity and urged that investment in education is very critical to one’s country or nationwide. “Education is no longer just the pathway to opportuni-
ty and success, but [a] necessary prerequisite to achieving the good life for all Guyanese and only education can liberate people, open the doors to a prosperous future,” Ally stated. The Minister of Social Cohesion, in ending her remarks, stated: “Our chil-
dren are the future, Our actions today will determine their world of tomorrow, we must overcome the challenges that impede the development of our children, so that we can achieve a sustainable development, robust and unified socially cohesive nation.”
Students of Wales Primary take first ride on the bus handed over on Wednesday. (Adrian Narine/Department of Public Information photo)
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Baishanlin shuts shop
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- workers resign, returning to China
By Ariana Gordon THE majority of workers of Baishanlin International Forest Development Inc. (BIFDI) have resigned and returned to China, a Chinese national living at the company’s Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) office told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday. “Here used to be the head office, but right now all the persons resigned and went back to China already,” the Chinese national said, noting that the remaining persons stationed at the Providence location will be returning to China in October. “We are leaving next month,” he said. He told the Guyana Chronicle that the company has closed operations there a “while ago,” but could not state specifically when. When asked the whereabouts of Baishanlin’s general manager Chu Hongbo, the young man said: “I don’t know.” He told the Guyana Chronicle that he was not in a position to neither provide additional details nor contact information for the hierarchy of the company. The Providence location appeared to be more of a housing quarters for the Chinese nationals as opposed to office space. Clothes were seen hanging to the side of the premises, as anxious Chinese nationals peered through the windows and down the stairway as we enquired about the company. On Tuesday, the Guyana Forestry Commission announced that it will be repossessing concessions held by Baishanlin. In a statement to the media, the GFC said its decision to repossess Baishanlin’s concessions follows the company’s inability to deliver on agreed actions to introduce investors to the GFC, as well as failing to address its liability despite having been given time to prove that it had an acceptable plan to clear its GY$80M debt. Representatives of the company were invited to a meeting with the GFC in April 2016 to provide an update on its plans to clear its debt. At that meeting, officials of the company stated that they had financial constraints which affected the establishment of the wood- processing facility and noted that the company would be engaging a new partner on the subject. GFC’s board was assured of the financial strength of the new partner who committed to pay off the debt owed by Baishanlin. “The BIFDI was requested to submit information about its operations in Guyana, settle its arrears, and submit a letter of commitment from the new partner. To date the BIFDI has failed to fulfil any of its commitments to the government of Guyana, effectively failing on obligations it made, which were accepted in good faith.” When contacted on Wednesday, Chu Hongbo told the Guyana Chronicle that he will answer all questions today. At the time the Guyana Chronicle contacted him, he said he was in neighbouring Suriname. GUYANA/CHINA RELATIONS STRONG Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge said Guyana does not expect any fallout from China fol-
A Chinese national sits at the front desk of what was Baishanlin’s Providence, East Bank Demerara office lowing the decision to cut ties with the Chinese firm. In an invited comment, Greenidge told reporters on Wednesday that relations between Guyana and China are in good stead, but noted that the laws of Guyana are paramount. “…if a company has encountered financial difficulties, there are processes via which the company has to treat with those in order to either change their status or to re-establish their financial viability. The Guyana government has not done anything to the company Baishanlin to have rendered them financially unstable.” The minister noted that like Guyana, China has rules and regulations that govern its companies within China and farther afield. “So companies operating in Guyana whether they are Chinese or German have to live by the laws they agreed to embrace when they entered into this regime. They are governed by both sets of either laws or regulations; the ones that are paramount in Guyana are not and have not been applied in any discriminatory manner against Baishanlin. The responsibility of the company is to live within the law.” Minister Greenidge described Baishanlin’s circumstances as “unfortunate,” noting that “however warm relations we have with the state, the company will have to live within the law and one will not expect that to affect relations between the two countries, because both governments adhere to the rule of law and would expect their officials as their enterprises to live by the law.” TERMINATE AGREEMENT Meanwhile, former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran had recommended that the government consider terminating investment agreements with Baishanlin and recover the value of the fiscal concessions granted it. Goolsarran made that recommendation among others in his report on the
forensic audit conducted into the operations of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). The report was made public by the Ministry of Finance in March. According to Goolsarran, the Chinese logging company has not fulfilled its obligations under State Forest Exploratory Permit (SFEP) 01/2011 and due to the fact that the Forests Act does not permit a renewal of such permits at the end of three years, the SFEP 01/2011 is invalid. “Accordingly, the related State forest should be returned to the commission for reallocation,” the report stated. The Forests Act prevents the transfer of ownership or control of a forest concession without the specific approval of the commission. As such, the five concessionaires that have transferred such ownership or control to the officials of Baishanlin “should be made to surrender their concessions to the commission for reallocation to other potential concessionaires.” Between 2007 and November 2015, Baishanlin and four companies owned or controlled by it exported a total of 50, 928 cubic metres of logs with a Free on Board (FOB) value of US$4.483M. According to the report, the amount accounted for only 43, 868 cubic metres or 86.1 per cent valued at US$7.410. “Baishanlin has, however, failed to fulfil its obligations to set up a downstream wood-processing plant despite assurances it had given since 2007 to do so, as well as generous fiscal concessions the company was granted. The commission calculates export commission on the FOB value of the logs, which is standard practice internationally.” The GFC in granting export licences ensures that the FOB invoice prices are not below the benchmarks set and when concessionaires ship logs to other destinations, the final cost takes into account costs related to insurance and freight, as well as other costs for transporting the logs to locations within the countries where they are sold. The forensic audit report has stated that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indicated that the government granted Baishanlin fiscal concessions on a number of machinery, equipment and construction materials valued at $7.464B or US$37.320M. The granting of the concessions was based on “Investment agreements” between the Government through the Minister of Finance and Baishanlin for the construction of the wood-processing facility in Region 10. The total value of concessions granted amounted to $1.827 billion. “A review of the list of items of machinery, equipment and construction materials for which fiscal concessions were granted indicates that many of the items were either unrelated to, or were significantly in excess of, the requirements for the construction of the wood-processing facility. Indeed, the evidence suggests that the fiscal concessions granted were substantially in relation to Baishanlin’s ownership/control of the five logging companies having TSAs, as well as its proposed investment at Providence, East Bank Demerara. This is not withstanding that the investment agreements were exclusive to the wood-processing facility in Linden,” the report noted.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Foreign Ministry probing conviction against Ambassador to Kuwait
By Ravin Singh
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday said it was probing reports that the country’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Shamir Ally, is a convicted felon. “I have seen one of the publications and we are investigating and trying to establish the veracity in determining the seriousness of the conviction,” Carl Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs told reporters. He said that when the investigation is completed, a report would be made to Cabinet. The Kaieteur News has reported that Ally was convicted on March 4, 2003 by United States District Court Judge, Michael M. Baylson, for dissemination of false financial information by Acrodyne Com-
Ambassador to Kuwait Shamir Ally munications, Inc. (“Acrodyne”) in press releases and Commission filings in 1998, 1999 and 2000. The newspaper went on to claim that the diplomat was charged jointly with two others and was fined US$10,000. “The Securities Exchange Commission alleged that Mancuso (Acrodyne’s former CEO and president), Lanchoney (Acrodyne’s former Chief Financial Officer), and Ally (Acrodyne’s
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former controller) were aware of numerous and significant problems with Acrodyne’s accounting controls, but failed to assure that Acrodyne’s financial transactions were accurately recorded. The Commission claimed that, as a result of the actions of Mancuso, Lanchoney and Ally, Acrodyne engaged in inaccurate and improper cost accounting and revenue recognition” Kaieteur news reported. It was also alleged that the ambassador, “directed that unsupported journal entries be made to the cost of sales and inventory accounts to bring Acrodyne’s financial statements in line with the gross margin percentage he had estimated for the period. The Commission claimed that Mancuso approved these fraudulent adjustments for the first quarter of 2000.” Minister Greenidge told the media that “due diligence was exercised” during the period leading up to Ally’s appointment. He noted though that some-
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times, due to the size and complexity of the United States, where Dr. Ally lived, it is difficult to get answers upon request. “… something may happen in one part [of the US] and you can’t approach the US and get answers. You have to go to the right courts and the right states,” he said. Further Minister Greenidge pointed out that Dr. Aly has
also served on a number of boards and bodies in Guyana over the years. Earlier this year, the diplomat was made Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest). Despite this however, the Minister expressed his belief that the pool of ambassadors was the “best set” that the country could have put to-
gether for the work they are required to do. “I think we have, with experience and qualifications - the best set of ambassadors that you could put together for the work they are required to undertake. “Compared with the teams we’ve had over the years, they are very well placed to undertake the goals that we set out.”
Health care workers trained to manage leprosy
T H E N a t i o n a l L e p ro s y Control Programme with technical support from the Pan-America Health Organisation (PAHO) on Wednesday launched a training programme to develop the capacities of health care workers to detect, treat and manage leprosy. While the five-day workshop is attracting health care workers from Region Four, the primary focus will be on those operating in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. Head of the National Leprosy Control Programme, Dr. Heather Morris-Wilson will be assisted by US Occupational Therapist Linda Lehman and Leprologist Dr. Jaison Barreto of Brazil during the facilitation of the workshop. Addressing key facilitators and beneficiaries of the programme at The Palms Geriatric Home, Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton said the capacity building workshop will boost the national programme. He explained that as a result of the programme, the 20 participants will be better positioned to detect, treat and manage cases of leprosy, and also prevent and or minimize impairments. While Guyana has long achieved the elimination of leprosy as a public health threat on a national level, Minister Norton said the fight continues to have the disease eliminated at a sub-national level. “Although the country sees a small number of cases each year, there is no room
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for complacency and that is a fact,” he emphasised. PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr. William AduKrow, who was also present at the launching, pointed out that over the last two decades, Guyana has been reporting approximately 31 new cases annually – thereby reaching the target of leprosy elimination which is less than 1 per 10,000. However, Dr. Adu-Krow noted that the sub-national elimination of Leprosy or the Hansen’s disease is still to be achieved as the leprosy control activities are not systematically implemented in the hinterland regions. As such, he said the workshop will focus on clinical and lab diagnosis of leprosy, assessment of disability and diagnosis, leprosy prevention and management and promotion of self-care. As a result of this training, the leprosy programme will extend its coverage to a national level by facilitating early detection of signs and symptoms of leprosy in all regions, also with other specialists screening households and reducing stigma and discrimination,” Dr. Adu-Krow said. Additionally, he noted that the Public Health Ministry will now align its national strategy to the current Global Leprosy Strategy 2016-2020. However, he said in order to achieve the objectives of the strategy the Ministry must boost its resources. Head of the National Leprosy Control Programme, in making her contribution, said
the training is warranted to prevent undetected and untreated cases. Additionally, she said the programme will seek to create greater awareness. “People with leprosy have long been subjected to discrimination. There is a history of discarding people with leprosy on islands and being isolated on island sanatoriums in Japan,” she posited. Morris-Wilson said patients and even other members of the public must remember that leprosy is curable, treatment is free here in Guyana, and discriminating against people with the disease is wrong. Morris-Wilson, however, noted that with the advent of multidrug therapy in the 1980s, leprosy has become a curable disease. Since then, some 16 million people have been cured. Presently, there are less than 250,000 new cases of disease annually. “Guyana has also eliminated leprosy as a public health problem, the reduction of the prevalence to less than 1 case per 10,000 population, but this does not mean that we have to slacken our efforts in this regard,” she noted. Nevertheless, she said with the finance provided the unit will continue to raise awareness of the disease. The capacity building workshop will come to an end on Friday when the 20 participants will return to their respective regions to execute that which was imparted to them.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
‘Royston King must go!’ - Dislocated Bourda vendors protest - To resume vending today
A NUMBER of vendors picketed the Ministry of Communities Wednesday calling for Town Clerk Royston King to “go.” Without any warning, King and his security officers descended on fruit and greens vendors plying their trade along Robb Street, between Alexander and Bourda Streets,on Tuesday and announced that “as of now” they would have to cease vending there, until further notice. The vendors were removed because of the unsanitary condition outside of Mike’s Pharmacy, which is in the area where they vend. The visibly frustrated vendors want Minister Bulkan to intervene and remedy the situation. They shouted: “We want justice! Royston King must go!” “Who is going to replace our money? We have to pay farmer,
pay bills and send our children to school….. I depend on selling for a living,” said Celina Fowler who has been vending at Bourda Market for over 13-years Another vendor, Cyril Leacock, disclosed that the city council had placed a garbage compactor in front of Mike’s Pharmacy after City Hall discontinued the service of Cevons Waste Management. With the pharmacy taking legal action to have the compacter removed, City Hall decided to remove the vendors. With over $70,000 in losses and famers to pay, Sonia Seeta, a vendor for 15-years, explained that the decision was a “major setback.” “All the produce I brought from Berbice spoil because the Council stop us from selling on Tuesday, now I lost over $70,000 and I got to pay the farmers,” she lamented.
The protest was led by Head of the Guyana Market Vendors Union, Eon Andrews, who said the Town Clerk was “ignorant” since he failed to inform the vendors of City Hall’s decision. “We want to talk to a higher order than City Hall, since we had made several attempts to speak with him and he is always busy,” Andrews said. According to Andrews, he wants the vendors to be compensated since they have lost millions of dollars from the two days of not being able to sell their produce. Meanwhile, Minster Bulkan later met with Andrews and the vendors behind closed doors to discuss the issue. King reportedly held a meeting with vendors during the protest,explaining to them that they can resume vending on Thursday. (Clestine Juan)
One of the vendors on the protest line Wednesday
Submerged dredge grounds Mazaruni students
Several persons attempting to remove the vessel in August (file photo) By Svetlana Marshall APPROXIMATELY 40 students from the villages of Isseneru, Kangaruma and Tassarene in Middle Mazaruni have been unable to attend school in Bartica, Region Seven because a partially submerged dredge is blocking the main channel. This is according to the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford. Bradford on Wednesday told Guyana Chronicle that it is the responsibility of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to transport the students from their respective villages to Bartica at the commencement of the school term, but with dredge blocking the main channel, the region is unable to do so. These children attend the Bartica Secondary and Three Miles Secondary Schools. “It is our responsibility to bring them out at the start of the school term to Bartica and take them back at the end of the term but we have not been able to bring them out because the jet boats are no longer working,” Bradford explained. Currently, he said the RDC is exploring other ave-
nues including transporting the students by air but said that too is very expensive. “This week I will be trying the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on the matter with the hope of finding a solution to the problem. I have already spoken to the Junior Minister Annette Ferguson, so it a matter of writing them,” he noted. If the children are to travel by air, Bradford explained that they would have to travel to the Olive Creek airstrip located at the junction of the Kurupung and Mazaruni Rivers where a chartered plane will fly them to Bartica. That airstrip is controlled by the Correia Mining Company. When all is said and done, Bradford said “we have to get those children out for school.” He said the current issue also gives rise to another important matter – the rehabilitation of the Issano Road which is a vital link to the Middle Mazaruni. “We must rehabilitate the road, while the aircraft and jet boats can take only a certain amount, the road can facilitate so much more travel,” he posited. The road he said though established as not been maintained and as such is in an impassable state.
The Regional Chairman is working to have the road included in the 2017 budget. Meanwhile, speaking on the issue of the sunken dragga, Minister of Public infrastructure David Patterson said the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Natural Resources Ministry along with the owner of the dredge – Crown Mining are trying to removed it within a month. “Hopefully we can get it moved within the month,” he told this newspaper. He said getting to the area with equipment on a barge is difficult because the terrain is tough, owing to low water levels and a narrow channel. The idea is to get the drag re-floated and to move it out of the area. “I know it has been there for a while now, but we are trying to move it quickly,” he added. Since July the partially submerged vessel was left hanging by its owners several weeks ago near the Piereemap Falls, creating worry for boat operators , mainly “jet boats “ which traverse the waterway ferrying passengers and cargo on a daily basis.
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Editor-In-Chief
Nigel Williams Editor
Godfrey Wray
Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com
Editorial
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
IT WOULD be remiss of this newspaper to ignore rumblings in the society about the management of the state by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government. Without getting into known public details of recent controversies surrounding the bond issue with Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton and other matters, this paper cannot ignore expressions of discontent and concern from the public in these situations. President David Granger at a workshop in April, organised by the Guyana Press Association in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), charged the media to uphold its role in society, do so with professionalism, and work for the “public good.” When as Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in his address delivered on (26th August) he charged his party’s membership that the government, of which the PNCR is the major partner, “must lead by example,” it is seen as a resetting of the relationship between the Government and people of Guyana. In that the President’s statement comes amidst condemnations not only from the political opposition but also from supporters and well-wishers, it is believed that such rumblings have not escaped his attention, and his charge to the membership is tantamount to saying better must be done. It is not an untrue statement that most of the controversies emanating from the Government at the political level have seen accusations being made against ministers who are members of the PNCR. A political party’s philosophy and values will influence the conduct of its membership, the shaping of policies and programmes at the level of government. It follows that officials of the PNCR are expected to be so guided. Consequently, the party leader’s pronouncement has indicated to the public what the party stands for, what should be expected of it, and it ought not to be taken lightly. Such acknowledgment also draws attention to the fact that leadership by example requires of elected officials conforming to the execution of actions consistent with commitments given, established laws, rules and internationally acceptable practices. Now that the congress has concluded therefore, it is reasonable to expect this statement, espoused by the party’s leader, will form the party’s programme of action in influencing conduct and behaviour within the government. It cannot be lost sight of that Mr Granger is Head of Government and State, charged with executive responsibility for the day-to-day functioning of the government, and overall responsibility for every minister. As the USA President Harry Truman was wont
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
We need to be more proactive in better securing governance systems within government Dear Editor, IT HAS become a serious matter that individuals’ professionalism and integrity hit low notes in the political arena. This has been demonstrated in other countries and Guyana is no exception. In this context, I wish to touch briefly on the state of governance in Guyana and the need for wider society to become more involved in the operation of Government. This has become necessary because we have had a political history that has flirted with socialism and government along the socialist model, and it is important that we do not return to such ideas. Socialism has demonstrated that it is inherently weak as a resource allocator, both in the political and productive spheres. Politically,
it fosters cronyism and corruption, and a stagnant ruling class, which becomes a law unto itself while the masses are destined to remain without any power to remove the ruling class. Fortunately, we have shifted to a democratic model which is based on competition, the rule of law and free speech. Free speech and the rule of law are essential elements of a democratic system since these allow for discourse on matters in law and the adoption of appropriate models and systems to protect society and strengthen the operation of government. The three essential elements of securing effective government are clearly articulated as transparency, accountability and governance systems. Guyana has suffered tremendously over the last generation because
of the lack of these aspects of the management in the affairs of our government. We have yet to draft guidelines on transparency, accountability and governance systems which define and underpin government operations and protect our society from similar abuses of the past. In the absence of these guidelines, the media, notably our daily newspapers, so often taken for granted, has played a vital role in exposing past abuses and shaping public opinion on our political and economic climate. Indeed, they have facilitated an energizing of our society by providing a vehicle for independent professional analysis across the various disciplines, all of which have worked towards better decisions from a more informed society. For this we are grateful and should ren-
der full support as they continue to hold the government accountable and provoke and promote interest and solutions to our problems. However, wider society needs to recognize the stakes involved in having a government devoid of accountability and become more proactive and involved both in keeping government in check, and pushing for the guidelines on transparency, accountability and governance to be drafted and integrated into our government systems. Government and its officials are not a power and law unto themselves. They were not elected as slave masters, but as public servants, to serve the will of the people. Regards, CRAIG SYLVESTER
PPP observes 55th Anniversary of NAM
Dear Editor,
THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) joins with the rest of the world in the observance of the 55th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The Movement was founded in 1961 under the leadership of Josip Tito of Yugoslavia , Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana. Guyana, under the PPP/C government had always supported the prin-
ciple of non-alignment and played an active role in the Movement. This is indeed a significant milestone, since the creation of the Movement which brings together 120 countries from all continents, the majority of whom are at varying stages of their political life, had to struggle against colonialism, neo-colonialism and imperialism. The NAM has over the years taken progressive positions on behalf of its member states which struggled to maintain their independence
to say, “The buck stops here.” The complaints of dis-satisfaction regarding ministers relating to the public, management of the state’s resources by ministers, their lack of respect for laws and so forth can be addressed in the context of leading by example. Where these have been of concern to the people they cannot be ignored. It is believed that every minister would admit that were the shoe on the other foot he or she would like to be treated with courtesy and expect improved quality of governance. Going forward therefore, it is hoped that officials are mindful of the truism to ‘Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you,’ and the state’s resources belong to the people and should be treated as such. The Code of Conduct which Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has promised would be incorporated into the Integrity Act that will also be strengthened, is much looked forward to. A strengthened Act will signal to the society that the administration is serious about leading by example and committed to being held to account. The APNU+AFC
and sovereignty against the major powers. It played a major role in the decolonisation processes when several countries, especially from Afro-Asia and the Caribbean had recently gained political independence from the metropolitan powers. Despite significant changes at the global level following the end of the Cold War, the Movement continues to advocate for international cooperation , multilateralism, disarmament, national determination and for a more equi-
table and humane global order. The PPP has taken note of the fact that the next meeting of the 17th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement is scheduled be held in neighboring Venezuela, which from September will assume the presidency of the Movement. The PPP takes this opportunity to wish the NAM every success as it prepares for its next Summit this year. Regards People’s Progressive Party
coalition won the confidence of the majority of the electorate on commitment to deviate from condemned practices of their predecessors and promise of a “Good Life”. At the same time, outside of being mindful of the growing perception that the government is becoming their predecessors, the growth and development of the society and its people require certain standards of behaviour. And while the government may not have signed a written document with the people, promises made during a campaign that secure a position in office, are and should be construed as such -- a contract with the people. Thus, the recognition and admission that the government “must lead by example” in delivering the “Good Life” for all, will see expectations by citizens that this philosophy would be transposed into the Executive as a matter of action, post haste. Where this does not, given the level of growing activism, the government should not expect that citizens will countenance excuses or accept that ‘it is our time’ to replicate what was condemned.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
‘Take it and use it’ -GPSU tells public servants
By Ariana Gordon DESPITE government’s intention to impose salary increases on public servants, President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Patrick Yarde said his advice to workers is to “take it and use it- it is what you earned... [It is a] payment to a debt.” Government has indicated that it will start pay-
President of the GPSU, Patrick Yarde
ing the increase from October. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Yarde when asked what would be his advice to public servants given government’s position on the wages and salaries increase, Yarde said: “our position to our members is that they should take it and use it.” He argued that while the government’s position has been rejected, public ser-
vants have worked hard and deserve to benefit from whatever is provided by the government. Our position to our members is, they should take it and use it- it is what they have earned... [It is a] payment to a debt. While we condemn it, we will view it as interim payment,” Yarde told Guyana Chronicle. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Public
Shame on Pandit Tillack Dear Editor, THE outburst by Pandit Tillack at the Annual Prayer ceremony during the commencement of Amerindian Heritage Month, was ridiculous, untrue and without merit. It has brought great pain to the undersigned, and, in my opinion, to the Government, the inter-religious organisation of Guyana, and the entire nation. It was most humiliating to Guyana’s First Peoples – our Indigenous brothers and sisters, men and women of great repute, social standing and patriotism, for them to face such molestation by someone who considers himself to be a Pandit. A Pandit is supposed to be a wise man; a learned man; a scholarly person; an educated person; a person who serves as an example and leader in the community. To have uttered such words to these honoured citizens of this country in the presence of no other than His Excellency, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the First Lady, the Diplomats and the citizens, truly was a moment of shame on his behalf. To the elegant non-governmental organisation to which Pandit Tillack belongs, he has placed them in a negative light, and therefore in my opinion, should not carry any portfolio or
appointment of dignity. I believe these institutions of service and unity should create internal tribunals or trial committees for persons committing such infractions to state their cases, be suspended, positions terminated, or be provided the chance to withdraw honourably or apologise, depending on the severity of the matter. I wish to state also, that the fact he would make ludicrous comments on a matter of great interest, such as the discovery of vast deposits of oil and gas in our country is disappointing. It is known that this discovery will lead to the upliftment of the standard of living of our peoples and our country, and provided international recognition. In the opinion of this writer, his remarks display a lack of intelligence and wisdom that is expected from a Pandit. It is my personal opinion that such individuals need to be prevented from representing multi-faith organisations and peace institutions of this country. Once again as a citizen of this country, a patriot who loves dearly all peoples and all religions, I offer a humble apology to the administrators of the Indigenous organisations and also to the Indigenous brothers and sisters of our country and all persons who felt offended. It would appear to me personally that this was a
calculated move to humiliate the President and government, Exxon Mobil and the Amerindians of Guyana. I wish to state that from my experience with Pandit Tillack, he likes to offend his hosts at their various functions. I have seen him offending open-minded Christians at their churches. At one church, where I sat and made a presentation, I used the opportunity to bolster and encourage the great works of that Christian organization and church. However, I saw him be offensive more than once at an Islamic function. He always quotes an unknown temple and organisation,
using them to represent a national multi-faith institution and at one time, even a major Peace Institution in Guyana. Such persons with such cantankerous personalities should not be allowed to speak or pray at any event. It is my opinion that if such persons are representing a Muslim, Christian or Hindu organization, the prayer or message should be vetted by a senior member of such organisations. My heart bleeds… Regards HAJI ROSHAN KHAN
Hide away Queen Victoria for Prince Harry’s visit Dear Editor, I UNDERSTAND from press reports that Prince Harry will be gracing Guyana with his presence during a visit to this country before the end of 2016...For Guyana to be included in a Royal visit, I am hoping that it will benefit Guyana in a small way. I am not certain if Guyana possesses the skilled people who are able to repair the nose and hand of Queen Victoria’s statue, which is located in the Supreme Court compound in time for the Royal visit. However, if time is against us, perhaps we need to consider hiding away Queen Victoria or placing a white piece of cloth over the statue in that court compound. Regards T. PEMBERTON
Service, Reginald Brotherson, believes that the Guyana Public Service Union and government will soon be back at the negotiations table, but this time it would be to deal with allowances. In an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, Brotherson assured the newspaper that negotiations are not off the table. He explained that the government placed a number of interventions to the union and both parties had agreed that once the issue of wages and salaries has been addressed, “we’d be looking at allowances.” “We have gone into the discussions very open and there were proposals, and counter proposals…When the government returns to the table, we will be looking at allowances, which is part of the whole package,” the permanent secretary told the Guyana Chronicle. Ya r d e a r g u e d t h a t should the government go ahead with its plan to pay public servants between 10 per cent at the lowest tier and one per cent at the highest, its action would be viewed as “reneging on a commitment.” Yarde told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday evening that the union will “wait and see” what the government does, but noted that it would be “a most irregular, blatant and unlawful act” if the administration goes ahead to pay what it deemed its “final offer” to the workers. Yarde said the APNU+AFC coalition government would be in “conflict with their obligation to the legally binding Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes” agreement. “I hope good sense
prevails,” said the GPSU President. On Wednesday, Stabroek News reported that Brotherson said Government will begin paying the differentiated increases in October. “This payment will be made without prejudice to whatever steps the union next chooses to take,” Brotherson told Stabroek News. The GPSU has rejected the government’s differentiated offer of 10 per cent for the lowest categories of workers and one per cent to the highest paid workers. Last Thursday, President David Granger said the government will go ahead with the payment of the 10 per cent increase, even as he committed to continuing talks with the GPSU. On his weekly televised programme, ‘The Public Interest,’ the President said 10 per cent is all his government can offer at this stage. “I am not saying that the public servants do not deserve more, but we did everything that is possible… we entered into negotiations in good faith…we haven’t discontinued negotiations, but that is the final offer we put on the table because we have to prepare next year’s budget and we have to tidy up this business before the next quarter,” President Granger told reporters. The GPSU has argued that the government can well afford to pay public servants a “living wage” as promised in its campaign leading up to the May 2015 elections. He said the unused $6B allocated under the “other employment costs” heading could be used to pay public servants.
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Dutch students present final report on city’s drainage infrastructure A GROUP of Dutch students from Delft University of Technology on Wednesday presented the final report of Project Georgetown Drainage to the Ministries of Agriculture and Public Infrastructure. Over the last seven weeks, the seven-member Dutch Risk Reduction (DRR) team of Masters students from the Netherlands University developed a computerised (hydraulic) model for drainage in parts of Georgetown to help predict the vulnerability of certain areas during rainfall. In delivering the presentation before Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis, the Team Leader Joost Remmers explained that South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was identified as the catchment area with attention placed on the local drainage system, primary channels, and outfall structures such as kokers. In addition to the hydraulic model, the group, in their report, presented a number of reports and manuals. Additionally, the group of Dutch students developed several maps and tools applicable to the local system. “With this research in the future, the Guyanese stakeholders should be able to make knowledge-based decisions to make a transition from experienced-based management of the system to knowledge-based decision-making,” he explained to reporters. Remmers noted that the project would not have been possible without the support of the National Task Force, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Public Infrastructure Ministry, the Mayor and City Council and the University of Guyana. He also credited the support from the Delft University of Technology, the Dutch Embassy in Suriname, the 2015 Dutch Risk Reduction team and CDR International. Honorary Dutch Consulate to Guyana, Ben ter Welle, said now that the study has been completed, it is now up to Government to invest in the project that would eventually result in an improved drainage network in the city known to be prone to flooding. In delivering brief remarks in the boardroom of the Ministry of Agriculture where the presentation was made, Minister
Ferguson said the Government of Guyana is indeed thankful for the excellent work put out by the students and noted that the report will be fully utilised. “I can assure you that the Government will not allow for this report to be placed on a shelf or a desk and to accumulate dust amongst other things, but we will use the report and we will ensure that the recommendations put forward…will be effectively used,” Minister Ferguson said. Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Guyana, Maxwell Jackson, in delivering brief remarks, said the university stands ready to further develop the project initiated by the Dutch. “The University of Guyana, being the primary academic institution of Guyana, is going to pursue and continue that work,” he emphasised. Already, he said students of the Department of Civil Engineering have been identified to conduct studies in areas affected by flooding. “As we speak, I have already identified some students to look at the outfall at Kitty, so the sub-catchment in the Ayanganna area…our students will be examining that.” Sherod Duncan, Deputy Mayor of the City of Georgetown and Dr Sewnauth Punalall, Head of the National Task Force Secretariat were among other officials present during delivery of the presentation. In November, 2015, Head of the Dutch Risk Reduction (DRR) Team Rob Steijn had told the Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder that said that the poor drainage system in the capital city must be tackled from the planning stage right up to the enforcement of legislation. Steijn, at the time, was presenting the minister with a menu of recommendations that flowed from a careful assessment of Guyana’s drainage system. Steijn, a social scientist, said Guyana needs to upgrade its drainage network on both technical and managerial levels. He confidently emphasised the need for an integrated approach to be taken. Guyana’s water system is in dire need of attention, he had said, noting that the government’s predictability of water issues must be improved. As a short-term solution, Steijn said, small-scale dredging can be done.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Mother seeks help in locating missing teen daughter IT has been one week since 14-year-old Dootmattie Persaud known as “Emily” left her Lot 30 Industry Crown Dam, East Coast Demerara home and she has not been seen since. Her distressed mother, Lalita Seegobin, is now seeking the assistance of the public and the police. Seegobin told the Guyana Chronicle that the teenager was last seen on September 1, 2016 at 60 William and Queen Streets,
Missing: Dootmattie Persaud called “Emily”
Team Leader Joost Remmers makes a presentation on Project Georgetown Drainage in the boardroom of the Agriculture Ministry
Kitty, at the base of P&R Taxi Service wearing a blue top and short blue jeans with black slippers. A missing person’s report was made at the Kitty Police Station. The teenager attends the Richard Ishmael Secondary School. According to the mother, on one occasion she called her daughter’s cellphone and a man answered, saying that he was in Bartica. The mother claimed that she called the cellphone again and the man verbally abused her, saying “yal will hear from her, but we need to hear money talk first.” The phone has since been switched off. The mother explained that her daughter previously lived with her grandmother at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and was accused of attempting to drink a poisonous substance. She then relocated with her mother in Industry. “I only had a baby Wednesday last and on the Thursday she just disappeared; she left home and said God bless me with another daughter and that she will come back one day. “Me and her father separated since she was born. I left her and her brother home when I visited the hospital to deliver at Medical Arts,” the distraught mother said. She explained that her daughter had visited her at the hospital the day she went missing and nothing appeared to be awkward.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
New Filipino Ambassador accredited
PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday accepted Letters of Credence from Jose de la Rosa Burgos, accrediting him as the new non-resident Ambassador of the Philippines to Guyana. The Ambassador will be based in neighbouring Brazil. During the accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency, President Granger said that even though the two republics are separated by a distance of more than 18,000 kilometres, they are drawn together by their mutual interests and common objectives. He said that the two countries can work together to ensure that their development goals are achieved in an environment of peace and security. “Guyana and the Philippines adhere to common principles of international relations. These include mutual respect for the integrity and sovereignty of states, mutual non-interference in other states’ affairs, co-operation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of peace and security,” the President was quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying. The Head of State also took the opportunity to update the new Ambassador on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and informed him that Guyana looks forward to the support of friendly states as it seeks a juridical settlement to end the 50-year-old matter that has been hampering the country’s development. “Guyana and the Philippines share a common interest in the peaceful settlement of disputes and in ensuring respect for settled territorial and maritime boundaries,” he said. He added that Guyana looks forward to deeper cooperation with the Philippines at the international and bilateral levels, particularly in the areas sustainable development, climate change and the preservation of the environment. Meanwhile, Ambassador Burgos expressed his Government’s appreciation to the government and people of Guyana for accepting about 100 Filipinos, who are living and working here. He said that in 2011, Guyana was named as one of the three safe havens in the Caribbean for Filipino
From left: Third Secretary and Vice-Consul at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Brazil, Mr Eric Valenzuela; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carl Greenidge; Mrs Blesilda Mansilla Burgos, wife of the Ambassador; Ambassador Jose de la Rosa Burgos; President David Granger; Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Audrey Waddell; and Acting Chief of Protocol, Ms Marion Herbert workers. “Today we have Filipino forest workers, teachers and medical professionals in Guyana. Aside from protecting the rights of the migrant workers, both our countries are advocates for the rule of law, protection of the environment and
preservation of cultural heritage among others,” he said. Guyana and the Philippines established formal diplomatic ties eight years ago on September 25, 2008. However, ties between Filipinos and Guyanese extend back to about a quarter of a century.
New UN rep pledges to build on relations with Guyana PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday met with the new representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ms Mikiko Tanaka, at the Ministry of the Presidency.
Ms Tanaka, who has been in Guyana for about two weeks now,has replaced Khadija Musa, whose tour of duty ended last month. During the meeting, several areas of mutual interest,
including the President’s push for a “green economy” and Guyana’s thrust for the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, were discussed, a release from the
President David Granger and Mikiko Tanaka, the new representative of the United Nations Development Programme
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo met with the new UNDP Resident Representative Mikiko Tanaka on Monday
Ministry of the Presidency noted. Ms Tanaka, in an invited comment, described the meeting as “very useful” and informative. “The President shared with me the aspirations and his vision for this country and we discussed how the UN system can support the Government and country in achieving those developmental objectives. “…He emphasised the green agenda, the ‘green economy’, sustainable development for this coun-
try and this matches very well… the sustainable development goals that the UN General Assembly adopted last year. “So I very much look forward to working with all of the UN agencies serving in Guyana to really move forward the SDGs for a better life for everybody, no one being left behind,” Tanaka was quoted as saying. She also pledged to continue to build on the relationship which has existed between the country and the United Nations over the
years. “I very much want to build on the good work which was done by Khadija [Musa] and the country team and the UN agencies, which are here and I am trying to catch up as fast as I can. It is very important to strengthen and improve the partnerships that we have as the UN system with the governments, the national institutions, civil society and the communities and I will do what I can. I am excited about working in Guyana,” she said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
urviving cancer and other
potholes in Guyana
“Soap, water and commonsense are the best disinfectants” - William Osler I HAD finally made it past the 50% mark of completion for my chemotherapy, 87.5% to be exact. A week after my seventh (and second to last) session, I was complaining of the intense itching that really was the most irritating side effect of this cycle of drugs. Limacol was my favourite thing to soothe the burning of my skin that came after all the itching - which I definitely could not just ignore- I had to scratch the itch...and with any available secondary sharp instrument, because I’m a nail biter ( yes, yes I know I’m trying
to stop). The unfortunate result however was a lot of dry, scaly skin since the chemo drugs were also drying out my skin and all the scratching had bruised and damaged my skin even more. Cut to a conversation with one of my best friends who asks whether I had tried Naked Skin (all natural) soap and then bam! (LOL) He produces two bars of soap out of nowhere and hands them to me. “ You’re walking around with soap now?”, I asked amused as I closely inspected the bars in my hand. Each bar had been wrapped in cloth and then packed
into a very organic-looking package with names on them. I was holding the Turmeric & Neem Stream (face soap) and the Coffee Beans (body) soap, the other side of the bar was marked ‘Naked Skin’. As it turned out a mutual friend of ours had started his own soap-making business and we were to be some of his first customers. The soaps looked great if nothing else, but I doubted they would help my skin, thus far only coconut oil was able to provide some relief to my dry-skin condition. Later that day after exercising for about 15 minutes -
terrible I know, but I couldn’t go longer than that without getting very tired or the itching stopping me from working out literally. Just as I finished up my routine, the itching started and I took that as my cue to try out the Coffee Beans body soap. Fast forward a week later and Voila! My skin was definitely more hydrated and the itching had not stopped, but the breaks in between them were longer, probably because my skin was not as dry as before. This will probably sound like a plug for my friend’s soap and in a way I suppose it is, but not without merit. The fact that anti- itch/ fungal creams did nothing
to relieve my discomfort from the itching and his soaps did, speaks volumes for the power of coconut oil - which it turns out is the base ingredient for all of the soaps. My new regimen consisted of using the soaps and then lathering on some coconut oil on my skin for added measure. For anyone who has ever suffered with dry skin and irritating itching should definitely try these soaps; but more specifically, for my oncology friends who like me have to endure all the dermatological gripes that affect us during treatment. I believe these soaps which come in about six different scents are available at leading supermar-
kets, pharmacies and salons in and around Georgetown. Thanks to Naked Skin Soaps, I was able to make it through the rest of my chemo-recovery weeks without losing my mind to the severe itching that had plagued me since I began the fifth chemo session. These battles may seem insignificant to someone on the outside of cancer treatment, but comfort is key when going through this adventure ( as opposed to ordeal, perspective right?) and being able to have an ease from such an annoying and distracting side effect was just what I needed, as I came closer to my 100% completion mark.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Gov’t slams ‘weak’ court decision in TIP case - Ministerial Task Force says jail sentence mandatory
THE Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) is not satisfied with the recent decision of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to not imprison a woman found guilty of trafficking her 16-year-old niece. Joyce Lawrence of Plantation Grove, was convicted on September 5, 2016 of two offences: trafficking a 16-year-old female for labour exploitation and unlawful withholding of an identification document. The sentence as it relates to the trafficking-in-persons charge was an order by the court to pay $884,000 as restitution to the survivor, or face 12 months imprisonment as an alternative. Lawrence was also fined $50,000 on the charge of unlawful withholding of an identification document, in default of which she would face eight weeks in prison. The Task Force in a statement issued on Wednesday noted that while it is pleased that the prosecution was successful in establishing a case beyond a reasonable doubt against Lawrence, both sentences were non-custodial, whereas the penalties in the legislation specify mandatory imprisonment. Magistrate McLennan had found 43-year-old Lawrence guilty of trafficking her underage niece between December 12 and 14, 2014 at Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara by means of threat. The businesswoman was also found guilty of unlawfully withholding the teen’s identification card between December 1 and December 28, 2014, at Samatta Point, while being the employer of the young lady. The underage teen had worked with her aunt at Makawau night club in Aishalton in 2014, but was transported to Georgetown to work to repay a debt after the teen had reportedly stolen the woman’s money. The Task Force acknowledged that the chief magistrate had considered the details of the case in a manner deemed as just and suitable for the crime committed, “However, the concern of the Task
Joyce Lawrence has been convicted on human trafficking charges Force is concentrated on the “Any person who for the purprecedent that the decision to pose of trafficking in persons, not have the perpetrator serve and acting or purporting to mandatory jail time would act as another person’s emset, especially given that the ployer…knowingly procures, survivor was a minor.” destroys, conceals, removes, According to the state- confiscates, or possesses any ment, it is of utmost im- passport, immigration docuportance that offenders are ment, whether actual or purdealt with in such a manner ported, belonging to another that it will serve as a strong person commits an offence deterrent to other potential and shall on summary conperpetrators, thus reducing viction be fined one million incidence of these crimes in dollars together with impristhe future. onment for not more than It was noted by the Legal five years.” Therefore, by Issues Sub-Committee of the interpretation, a conviction Task Force that Section 3. (1) for ‘unlawfully withholding of the Combating Trafficking of identification paper’ must in Persons Act, No. 2 of 2005 include both a fine and imstates that “Whoever engages prisonment. in or conspires to engage “The Ministerial Task in, or attempts to engage Force on Trafficking in in, or assists another person Persons wishes to state that to engage in or organizes it does not seek to criticise or directs other persons to esteemed officials regardengage in “trafficking in per- ing the carrying out of their sons” shall – (i) on summary functions, and recognises conviction (a) be sentenced their commitment to the to not less than three years cause of eradicating trafnor more than five years im- ficking in persons from our prisonment; (b) be subject to shores. By the same token, forfeiture of property under the Task Force is commitsection 7; and (c) be ordered ted to working with the to pay full restitution to the judicial and prosecutorial trafficked person or persons authorities in Guyana to under section 6. Therefore, improve efforts in ensuring the sentence in this case that penalties meted out ought to have included a term to perpetrators of human of imprisonment in addition trafficking are commensuto the restitution ordered rate with the offence comby the court. Additionally, mitted and act as effective Section 4 of the Combating deterrents to potential ofTrafficking in Persons Act, fenders,” the statement No. 2 of 2005 states that concluded.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 7, 2016
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Granger rails against PPP’s ‘malicious’ comments …on Indigenous peoples’ representation
PRESIDENT David Granger has strongly repudiated comments which suggest that the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, has no power in government. The President’s contention of the comment being “malicious” was expressed at the launch of Amerindian Heritage Month, which was held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre on September 1. In delivering the feature address to hundreds of Indigenous peoples, President Granger underscored the need for strong systems of governance in indigenous communities, given their remoteness. “Indigenous communities are remote and consist of small settlements. Management of 212 communities is compounded by development issues. Indigenous communities need strong structures of government. But because of small numbers and great distances, it is often difficult to give them the quality of governance they need,” he said. The President went on to point out that several institutions are there to provide support to these communities, including the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and several Indigenous organisations. “It is malicious for anyone to tell the Toshaos that the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has no power and that
indigenous affairs of this country are directed by Dr David Hinds and Mr. Eric Phillips. It is malicious,” he said. He went on to explain that because its work is more complicated than any other ministry, the Indigenous Affairs Ministry needs the support of other agencies to fulfil its mandate. And although he did not say who this opposition member was, the Head-of-State said that people who know better should not try to divide communities with such “arrant lies.” Two weeks ago, opposition Member of Parliament and former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, rejected a proposition by the President to establish an Indigenous Peoples’ Authority. The Head-of-State said that the authority would overlook the implementation of policies emerging from the National Toshaos Conference, and policies and programmes authorised by Cabinet and the National Assembly. However, following the President’s announcement of this idea, Sukhai contended that it was an attempt to usurp the power of both the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and the ministry. Just recently, Phillips congratulated the government on accelerating the land-titling programme for Indigenous Guyanese. Under the auspices of the UNDP and using Norway funds, he said, this exercise is scheduled to be completed by October this year.
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Wanted bulletin issued for Konawaruk murder suspect
THE police have issued a wanted bulletin for Antonio Do Nascimento Da Silva known as “Matogrose,” for questioning in relation to the murder of Ana Maria Souza Da Silva. A police release noted that the murder occurred on February 21, 2016, at Muruwa Backdam, Konawaruk, Potaro. His last known address is Muruwa Backdam, Konawaruk, Potaro and Boa Vista, Brazil. Anyone with information that may lead to the Wanted: Antonio Do arrest of Antonio Do Nascimento Da Silva is asked Nascimento Da Silva to contact the police on telephone numbers 455-2238, 227-1149, 225-2227, 225-0575, 911 or the nearest police station.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Missing law books…
AG not ruling out criminal charges …against former PS, Nandlall, Ramotar
ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams has said that he is not ruling out filing criminal proceedings against former Permanent Secretary Indira
Anandjit, former AG Anil Nandlall and former President Donald Ramotar over the disappearance of a set of law books and computer parts from the ministry.
Williams told the Guyana Chronicle recently that Anandjit whose contract was not renewed as permanent secretary for the ministry could be charged with conspiracy to commit
Indira Anandjit, former PS at Ministry of Legal Affairs fraud, malfeasance in public office as well as embezzlement. He said the former AG and Ramotar could also be charged for malfeasance in public office as well as conspiracy to commit fraud. The ministry in a statement on Sunday had said that the non-renewal of the contract of Anandjit was a result of questionable practices. The statement came days after Anandjit had raised several issues regarding the non-renewal of her contract. Anandjit had decried the manner in which her contract was not renewed. In a letter to the press, Anandjit said she was informed of the non-renewal of her contract by virtue of a newspaper article carried by the Stabroek News on August 31. She was sent on 52 days administrative leave by Williams to facilitate an investigation by the Auditor General into the disappearance of approximately $2.5M worth of Commonwealth law books and computer parts costing almost the same amount from the ministry. It is believed that the law books went missing between 2013 and 2015. But Anandjit maintained that the books have not disappeared and moreover, the Minister of Legal Affairs is more than aware of where the books were located. “What is disturbing is that Minister Wil-
liams feigned ignorance of these books when at a meeting he was told about them. It was even followed up with other discussions on procurement of books for the ministry. She noted too that while she had approved payment for the books, they were used by former Attorney General Nandlall and were kept in the chambers. However, the ministry in response said one day after the former permanent secretary proceeded on annual leave, “incriminating documents” were taken to Minister Williams. According to the statement, the former permanent secretary was accused of oppressing, marginalising and discriminating against staff of the ministry. “The staff advised the newly appointed minister of the Public Service procedures which required the matter and documents being sent to the Auditor General.” The ministry said too that documents have shown that Anandjit had approved the payment of over $2.5M for Commonwealth Law Reports which went missing along with over $2M in computer parts. “…but those purchases could not be found as having been received in any of the records of the ministry,” the statement added. The Auditor General was asked to
investigate that matter and months after that investigation purportedly began, the ministry received a report from the Auditor General’s office. That report was challenged by virtue of the Audit Act. “The Report could be interpreted to mean that former President Donald Ramotar and former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, conspired to spend taxpayers’ money in the custody of the ministry to purchase the law books for Nandlall’s benefit,” the statement added. In May, Williams had said that Auditor General Deodat Sharma informed him of a secret arrangement between former President Donald Ramotar and former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall relative to the missing law books. According to a document written by Ramotar and addressed to the Auditor General, and seen by Williams, the former President admitted to having a private arrangement with Nandlall to spend money voted for under the Ministry of Legal Affairs to acquire the law books for his [Nandlall’s] private use. “These books would have been voted for in the budget of the ministry, but they would not have been within the curtilage of the ministry…not in the library and could not be found anywhere,” said Minister Williams. The ministry said the former permanent secretary had written Minister of State Joseph Harmon, indicating that she did not wish to return to the Ministry of Legal Affairs, but would like to be transferred to another ministry. “She never sought to return to the Ministry of Legal Affairs and for good reason; she was afraid of being charged for a criminal offence.” The ministry also called on the former permanent secretary “to tell the nation whether she left the Ministry of Tourism, GECOM and the NCN under similar circumstances.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Granger 5Bs Initiative benefiting hundreds in Region 10 Education is a requirement, says President
THE DAVID Granger's 5 Bs initiative which saw the provision of one bus, three boats, 21 bicycles and a breakfast programme to various parts in Region 10 is benefiting hundreds of children who were in dire need for these travelling and meal assistance to attend school more regularly and punctually. The 30-seater bus that was commissioned in June attempted to make its first trip transporting school children from Nottinghamshire, Three Friends, Coomacka and Old England on Monday but got stuck on the road that was recently graded by public-spirited persons in collaboration with the bauxite company Bosai.
would reach to school way after 8 AM. The parents also bemoaned the pressure the public transportation was placing on their pockets as to take one child to school daily cost $500 which excludes snack and other expenses. One parent said that he had to pay $400 daily just to get one child to and from Coomacka but that excludes added transportation to actually reach to the various schools. "It was really hard then, you had to find money for snacks and project and all these things," he explained. The three school boats that were donated to transport children from communities up the Demerara River to Linden, from communities up the Berbice River to Kimbia
I have a boat and they use to come down with me from Dalawalah but the many other children had no boat and they used to suffer. We had a lot of drop-outs but now we see the numbers increasing every day. "The parents of River's View also lauded President Granger as their pockets had seen an ease from the $1000 transportation cost a day that was required for the children to attend school in Bartica. Regional Education Officer (REDO), Ms. Marcia Paddy-Andrews revealed that there had been a significant increase in the number of children who attended schools from these districts. One vessel ferries 32 children from the Lower and Upper
wani, some ten miles away. Some parents are worried about a situation claiming that students are involving in sexual activities in the bus since the girls are forced to sit on the boys’ laps. “The bus is overcrowded, it’s over 100 children from Lathersville and Haruru going to Kwakwani. It is really overcrowded, some of the boys going on the bus and the girls have to sit on their laps,” posited Vice Chairman Elroy Adolf who commented on the issue. He said that the bus was donated to transport the children of Rusal’s employees but as there was unavailability of any other means of transportation in the community, all the students
is no place to shelter. Deputy Director of Community Development Council Sandra Adams revealed that she had engaged Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally on the issue. President Granger, at the commissioning of the boats, described the transportation situation as a plight which resulted in scores of children dropping out of school every month. “Every month children are dropping out of schools because they cannot afford the transportation cost to go to school. At 11 and 12 years children are already out of school,” stressed the President. He said that providing transportation was just part
The breakfast would include milk and rolls with nut butter. The President also revealed that the children who could not afford other expenses would be given a bursary or scholarship to assist them in completing their education. “If you don’t have transportation we will provide it for you, if you don’t have food we will provide breakfast for you, if you don’t have money we will provide a bursary,” said the President. President Granger said that he would be backing Region 10 in whatever way possible to have every child go to school, as not having education makes one unemployable. “The consti-
Regional Education Officer Marcia Paddy told the Guyana Chronicle that efforts were underway with the assistance of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to have the road fixed so that the children can be transported to school hassle free. The children residing in those far flung areas attend school in the central part of Linden and suffered for way too long as transportation was limited and expensive. They were forced to prepare very early in the mornings waiting for the one or two buses that ply the route but many times
and from River's View in the Essequibo River to Bartica are also benefiting scores of children whose absenteeism and lateness were affecting their academic performance as a result of transportation challenges. The students from communities up the Demerara River had to hitch a ride with any boat to get to Linden. One parent who identified herself as Nadia expressed appreciation to President Granger for his thoughtfulness in donating the boat to the children. "It wasn't so bad for my children because
Berbice River to Kimbia, while the second is transporting about 45 children from places like Gold Hill in the Demerara River to Linden. There are however several other communities within the region that are experiencing school transportation woes and while the regional officials are trying to remedy this, calls are being made for the intervention of central government under the David Granger 5 B's initiative. Over 100 students from Haruru and Lathersville are forced to fit into 60 seater bus to travel to school in Kwak-
take advantage of the service. Students residing in hinterland areas such as Rock stone and Moblissa are also requesting a school bus. Rockstone is located 19 miles away from Linden and according to Councillor Antonio Hackett the parents dislike the idea of their children staying at the hostel in Linden as there are ‘unsavory’ reports regarding some hostels. Students of Moblissa located on the Linden Soesdyke Highway some 14 miles away are forced to walk some 7 miles to the highway sometimes in the rain as there
of the solution and that was why he had added breakfast and bursary to the previous equation of boat, bicycle and bus, as he was cognizant that children were facing more than transportation issues. He said that it was not logical to have a child paddle to school on a hungry stomach as this would affect his or her performance in school. “If children go to school hungry they will fall down and sleep,” said President Granger. He said that a plan was already in the initial stages to provide breakfast for children of limited means.
tution says that education is a requirement and I want to fulfill this requirement,” posited President Granger. He urges every mother, every father and every councilor to make sure every child goes to school. He said that he believed in an equal society and that could only be built if everyone received equal education. To date under the 5B's programme, eight boats and nine buses have been commissioned and hundreds of bicycles have been distributed to communities across Guyana.
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Wismar Secondary doing well at academics, sports THE CHRISTIANBURG Wismar (Multilateral) Secondary School in Linden has not only been making headlines in being the consecutive champions of the Digicel School’s Football Competition but has been performing well academically over the past few years under the stewardship of well-known educator Cleveland Thomas. Thomas, who had also made headlines a few years ago for refusing to follow the ‘no child left behind policy’, explained that he is happy with the progress the school has made compared to previous years and has credited his hard working teachers and parents for joining the team in lifting the standard of the multilateral school. For the first time last year, the school copped seven spots in the Region’s top 10 for Caribbean Secondary Examination Council. This year, though it only managed to cop two spots, the overall pass rate has increased from 62% to 67%. Thomas accredited several factors to this great achievement. He said that the school had managed to extend its curriculum - Spanish, Economics, Theatre Arts and Physics. The school has
Cleveland Thomas also successfully earned the confidence of the community by setting a high standard for discipline. “We have really worked hard on making sure our children understand the basic function/functions of students in an institution like a school, we have also tried to let our teachers understand their function. We don’t operate loosely here, we operate as a team where each individual has his/ her role to play,” Thomas highlighted. Though he expects greater support from parents, those who do give, he said, “have really latched on to the school.” The teachers are also very dedicated and determined for success working beyond the call of duty and reiterate to the students that they can compete with the best in the region and in extension the country. “We do a lot of work on building self-esteem and all of those things come together in building success but most importantly we are very careful not to send the wrong message to the children as children learn what they see,” he stressed. NO REGRETS Thomas said that he has no regrets whatsoever not following the ‘no child left behind policy’, though he is not against the principle behind it. He, however, was against automatic
Beauty of the week THIS AMERINDIAN beauty hails from the little hinterland community of Ituni but resided in the mining town of Linden for years. The phenomenal Toshanna Kezia Allicock has captivated the hearts of many with her charm. Her beauty, congeniality and intelligence have landed her the title of Miss Linden Town Week 2011 and she has modeled for various entities and events in the past. Taking it on the lighter side of life presently Toshanna has been focusing on becoming not only a beauty ambassador but a product of academia. Being one of Linden’s top CSEC students in 2010 achieving even grades ones, Toshanna is currently pursuing her degree in marketing management. He favourite thought is; Man is by nature a political animal (Aristotle)
promotion with no effort and that should not be. Thomas said that the school has implemented alternative measures to have children be promoted but they must put forth effort. This he revealed has seen moderate successes. “This thing is about effort, you cannot give them a pass and they failed, the human mind once given something like that will run with it…..once I am here I cannot embrace a child getting 32% and going over like that.” He revealed that a child needs a projected grade 3 marks to be awarded the school after writing the Grade 6 assessment and a lot of the children enter the school with marks a little over 300 so it indeed an accomplishment to have 67% passes at grades 1-3. Not all Books The school places priority on extracurricular activities as the intension is to mold a well rounded child and not only an academically inclined one. “The idea is when we present our graduating class to the world of work we must not short change the world of work by just giving them somebody with 7,8,9 subjects,” Thomas argued adding that they must learn to function in all capacities. “They must be able to appreciate good music, good drama, good style, so we are working on a project for a finished product.” The school will also be pushing to be given 6th form status but focus will be given to vocational subjects thus catering for technically inclined students. “It must cater for those boys and girls who would want to get into the technological field and that is why we have really tried to maintain the technological slant of the school.” The Head Master however is not pleased with the physical condition of the school as during the 41 years of its existence, there has been little maintenance. The students and teachers are forced to perform under conditions that are not conducive. “I am not satisfied with what is going on here…..i don’t think this is the way an institution of learning should be,” he contented. . Thomas is however satisfied that he has returned to the very school he attended as principal and to witness the great turnaround of the school. “To come back and be the Principal not just sit around as Principal but to see things happen for me that is so nice and I give praise to Yah Weh.”
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Coconut farmer foresees regional economic growth With the perfect sandy soil, geographical location, bordering advantages and adequate water sources, a Linden coconut farmer is confident that the expansion of the local coconut industry will bring economic benefits to not only Region 10 but by extension Guyana. Owen De Souza, who re-migrated from the United States to pursue his love for agriculture and to contrib-
Owen De Souza
ute to the local industry, owns a huge coconut farm and is reaping the benefits of his decision to return home. Describing the cultivation of coconut as lucrative, De Souza said that if more emphasis is placed on not only coconut cultivation but agriculture as a whole, Linden would be in a better place economically. He reasoned that with the dying bauxite industry since the advent of synthetic materials, more emphasis should be placed on agriculture to boost Linden’s economy and coconut would be a perfect focus as all the necessities are available for the industry to bloom. This would require much work as managing his farm with the assistance of one employee is sometimes challenging. “It was a wise choice to plant coconut because of the pesticides that are bothering us in Block 22 that is eating out the vegetable crops so I had to switch out to permanent coconut,” he revealed. He quickly secured markets to persons in the interior but after realizing that it can be more profitable to add value to his produce, he then commenced coconut oil production with the focus on virgin coconut oil being cognizant of the many health benefits derived from consumption and external usage. “I started grating like five coconuts and then 10 and 15 and then I employed someone and then together we grated like 30 and then we realized that we can grate more so we grate 50 and then we grate 100 and then I get to realize that this grating thing is too strenuous and too much concentration so I went to Nabaclis on the East Coast and took photos of the factory we grew up in and returned to Linden and made my own machine,” he said. With the availability of the machine, De Souza now produces both virgin and regular coconut oil for export and to supply the local market. He boasted that his virgin product has healed many sicknesses and the market keeps growing daily. “I have many testimonies even people from North
Owen De Souza tending to his coconut farm
A bottle of his manually made virgin coconut oil America call me and encouraged me to do it in a more international style like labeling and content. People who use it are seeing the benefits, it’s a body cleanser, women use it to clean marks from their skin, in their hair as lip stick gloss, it is good to anoint your head, it takes out dandruff, it takes out pain from the body, it’s good for cold and so much more benefits.” To make the 100% virgin coconut oil, De Souza explained that the coconut is washed, grated and set in a clean metal container, left for 18 hours and the fat that rises to the top is scaled off. The oil is then extracted with a syringe, strained and bottled. The regular oil is fried and boiled but according to the coconut oil producer, the vitamins are killed and therefore the virgin oil is more beneficial for consumption. De Souza is however worried that the coconut industry is dying and is pleading with the Government of Guyana to revitalize this very important industry as it would eliminate the need for importing various internationally produced oil for consumption and external use. “We need to revitalize the coconut industry across Guyana, I recommend that regionally we have a coconut plantation early as possible……it would create employment and would be exported……we should plant coconut at the Maboura/Rockstone junction because it has the suitable soil we have the creeks there and it is more accessible to the interior and the Brazilians that pass there will be allowed to purchase,” he reasoned. De Souza is of the opinion that the coconut industry will decrease the high level of unemployment in the region especially for agricultural students leaving school. But there must have the establishment of an agricultural institute to develop the skills needed for cultivation. He is also encouraging the Guyanese in the diaspora to return home and invest in the agriculture industry.
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Indigenous leader fighting for better conditions for Region 10 residents AS THE NATION celebrates Amerindian Heritage Month, Region 10’s Indigenous community leader and councillor is using this period to solidify his mission to better the conditions and treatment for the residents under his watch. Antonio Hackette who holds several titles as liaison officer for the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Regional Democratic Councillor, President of the Region 10 Road Safety Association and senior Regional Scout Officer is of the opinion that far more can be done for these residents especially those living in
riverain communities and far flung areas.He is using his various caps to fight for the rights of these who sometimes are afraid to speak. Hackette said that his main motivator was President David Granger who has made it publicly clear that his mission is that all Guyanese should enjoy a good life. “The president’s mission is that the lives of the people in these hinterland regions must reflect the lives of the people on the coast. There must be no disparity, there must be no difference,” he exclaimed. Hackette said that his roles normally overlap and having the privilege of sit-
ting on four regional committees, makes it easier to make representation for the Indigenous people whom he sees not only as Amerindians but whoever lives in these hinterland communities. “The word Indigenous is not Amerindian…..indigenous means anyone who is born or from an area,” he affirmed adding that when he visits these hinterland communities there are people of all races that are indigenous to the area because they first resided there. Though most of his titles stand on volunteerism and most of the challenges lie on getting people to serve the people without looking
forward for a pay check, he refuses to give up even if he has to do it alone. Another challenge he faces is trying to keep politics separate from dealing with people, but this view is often taken by the very people being served at times. “Sometimes the politics
Antonio Hackette
overshadows the real needs and the real hurts of people and we have been through a long line of neglects and depression…there were some blatant exclusiveness of Region 10, there were times when the other regions were mentioned but Region 10 was not mentioned at all,”
he argued. Some of the issues that are being experienced by the Indigenous people of Region 10 range from the conditions of schools, health posts, shortage of drugs, shortage of staff for education and health facilities, transportation issues etc. Though a lot more is needed Hackette is satisfied that the situation has been bettered to some extent when compared to the period under the previous government. “This present administration of which I am proud to be a part of, we are working, there is evidence, we are working to fix those anomalies… the government is really pursuing the idea of getting help for these people,” he articulated. Hackette said that though he may seem overly passionate to some in brining relief to the Region’s Indigenous, he is only following the mandate of the President and will continue to do so selflessly.
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Hinterland youth scheme leads women into non-traditional fields INDIGENOUS women in the village of Wiruni, Upper Berbice River, Region 10, are gravitating towards fields that men traditionally have dominated. This is being facilitated through the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme being rolled out in the village. During an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe noted that women are pushing themselves to accumulate knowledge in electrical engineering and auto mechanics. Minister Garrido-Lowe explained that many of the males are gravitating to the mining field because it is a lot more profitable. However, the minister stated, “I am happy that the girls stayed and are taking the opportunity.” Women who are taking
up those non-traditional skills will better cater for their families while the men are away, the minister said. “The family has a
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe chance to live at a certain standard, because their mother will be able to work and bring an income into the home with the skills she is getting,” the minister explained. The minister said that those women can use
Thursday Setpember 8th, 2016 - 09:00 hrs Friday Setpember 9th, 2016 - 10:00 hrs Saturday Setpember 7th, 2016 - 11:00 hrs
the skills required to even become entrepreneurs. Under the HEYS programme, youths are being trained and certified in areas of garment construction, carpentry, joinery, tourism, auto mechanics and entrepreneurship. They are also taught Mathematics and English Language. The
Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme began in October 2015 and is currently ongoing in 112 hinterland communities. It was developed to positively contribute to improve the lifestyles and living standards for hinterland youth and young adults. (GINA)
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Boats, engines for Region One riverine health facilities SEVERAL health facilities within the Moruca sub-district, Region One, are to receive outboard engines and boats from the Ministry of Public Health to assist in transporting patients to referral hospitals within the region. Community Health Workers (CHWs) had requested assistance to facilitate transporting of patients, including pregnant mothers to health facilities. Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton has noted the importance of equipping these facilities with transportation. “It was those villages that have a difficulty in getting patients down to the Kumaka District Hospital and particularly because those villages seem to be having alarmingly high birth rates…Manawarin for example, has 15 pregnant mothers at
Ministry of Health officials on the way to deliver drugs to a riverine community by water transport this moment.” In addition to Manawarin, Assakata, Waikrebi, and Kwebanna villages are to be considered for the provision of boats and engines. “Some communities around the Kumaka District Hospital, in a question of an hour or so, they can get here either by vehicle or by boat, but those areas in the Barima river, it’s difficult for them to come because it is so far out the river. It can be low and very difficult to navigate and that is a big problem of transportation and they don’t have a lot of hospitals or health huts with community health workers. They don’t even have a midwife in some of the cases and that is a big problem.” Meanwhile, Port Kaituma recently benefitted from the provision of a boat and engine that will assist in transporting patients to access medical attention. Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the boat and engine provided by the Ministry of Public Health will be put to use primarily by the new Port Kaituma Hospital, which is expected to be completed by December. Ashley said: “They are basically going to be used by the health personnel in Port Kaituma to give service to the riverine communities such as Canal Bank and Sebai and by taking health personnel to the communities; and also to transport patients that need to seek assistance in transportation to Port Kaituma hospital, who will be referred eventually to the GPHC.” The boat and outboard engine were provided to Port Kaituma in June, after the Regional Democratic Council had lobbied the Ministry of Public Health for water transport assistance for the health sector in the region.
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Ming confirms Radical shipping
GUYANESE businessman Stanley Ming has confirmed that two of the three Suzuki Radicals expected to be shipped to Guyana within the month are his while the third Radical belongs to Mark Vieira. Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, the businessman, whose son races in the Barbadian SR3 series, confirmed that he has requested his Radicals be shipped to Guyana for a demonstration at the South Dakota Circuit. He also confirmed that he is in talks to with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) to have the
demonstrations coincide with the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship in Guyana. Meanwhile. he explained that the idea behind bringing his two Radicals here is to introduce the Guyanese public to single make series. Ming confirmed that he is the stakeholder currently pushing the demonstration idea here. There are currently three Guyanese participating in the Barbadian series - Ming’s son Calvin, Mark and Kristian Jeffrey, all of whom took part in the series last weekend in Barbados.
Meanwhile sources have indicated that Kristian Jeffrey is also planning to have his Radical shipped out of Barbados as well with the likely destination being England. However, neither Kristian nor his father Kevin was available for comment yesterday as they are out of the country.
From back page
of ODI and T20 structures and principles around Test cricket schedules, which include the concept of a Test Champion play-off every two years, and the opportunity for more nations to be involved. “There are some complexities, not least because of scheduling and existing structures, but we envisage the changes being implemented for 2019.
“Members will now revert to their boards to share the details of the proposed revised structures and principles. Work will continue to develop a clear structure and position for each format over the coming months as the ICC collectively focuses on improving bi-lateral cricket for fans and players in the long run.” (Omnisport)
(By Stephan Sookram compliments of A&R Jiwanram Printery, Hand-in-Hand, John Fernandes Limited, Rent-a-Tent, Universal Solutions, Jiffy Lubes, Best Buy Auto)
ICC rules out...
in a statement released yesterday, but revealed that a Test Champion play-off contested every two years could come into effect from 2019. Richardson said: “Significant progress on the future shape of all international cricket has been made at the twoday cricket structures workshop in Dubai as members have explored how to improve the quality of bi-lateral cricket. “The focus has been on solutions that will grow fan interest and engagement by delivering high-quality cricket with the best players playing in an environment where every match counts. “Encouragingly there is an appetite from the 10 full members for more context around all three formats of the game and we have consensus on a range of areas. “This includes the details
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Neymar goal gives Brazil 2-1 win over Colombia
(REUTERS) - Neymar’s second-half goal gave Brazil a 2-1 victory over Colombia on Tuesday as the five-time world champions registered their second consecutive win to take the second place in the South American qualifying group for Russia 2018. The home side got the perfect start when Miranda rose after just 80 seconds to head home a corner and score his first goal in 33 appearances for the national side. Brazil, playing just their second game under new coach Tite, dominated the first half with a high-pace pressing game but struggled to make clear-cut chances and paid the price in 35 minutes when Colombia equalised against the run of play. James Rodriguez floated in a free kick from 35 yards out and Brazilian defender Marquinhos headed the ball into his own net. Neymar took a pass just inside the box with 73 minutes gone and his angled drive was well placed into the far corner to beat Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. It was his 48th goal in 72 international games and takes the Barcelona striker equal to Zico on Brazil’s alltime goal-scoring list. The result in the humid heat of Manaus marked the
Neymar of Brazil celebrates after scoring a goal against Colombia. (R`EUTERS/Bruno Kelly) first time that Brazil have won two consecutive games in what has until now been a stuttering qualifying campaign. “We’ve been very consistent the last two games,” said goalkeeper Allison. “We’ve become tougher and we deserve congratulations for taking the lead again after they pegged us back. We reacted well.” The result lifts Brazil to 15 points, ahead of Argentina,
who came from behind to draw 2-2 against bottom-placed team Venezuela, on goal difference. Colombia sit two points behind them in fourth place in the 10-team South American group. Uruguay, who beat Paraguay 4-0 earlier in the evening, top the table with 16 points. Ecuador remain in fifth after going down 2-1 to Peru in Lima.
Former England bowler Ken Higgs dies at the age of 79 FORMER England seamer Ken Higgs has died at the age of 79. Higgs, who also played for Lancashire and Leicestershire, took 71 wickets at an average of 20.74 in 15 Tests. In a first-class career that spanned 28 years, including a successful comeback for Leicestershire in his late 40s in 1986, Higgs finished with 1 536 wickets at 23.61. Former England captain and Sky Sports commentator David Lloyd paid tribute, saying: “I played with Ken and he was a mentor to me he was a fabulous bloke. “He was a great, great man; he had his principles. He left Lancashire and went and played Lancashire League cricket and then went and found a home in Leicestershire.” Higgs made his England debut at The Oval against South Africa in 1965, and won his final cap on his home ground at Old Trafford in his second Ashes Test on 1968. Towards the end of his ‘main’ career he also took a hat-trick at Lord’s for Leicestershire, during the final of the 1974 Benson &
Ken Higgs Hedges Cup against Surrey. On that showpiece occasion he finished with figures of 4-10 from seven overs, although his team lost by 27 runs. He took 24 wickets during England’s home Test series against West Indies in 1966 and a statement from Leicestershire County Cricket Club read: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the great fast-medium opening bowler Ken Higgs.” Leicestershire chairman and former batsman Paul Haywood added: “I had the great pleasure of playing alongside Ken, and he was a
truly great bowler who had a wonderful career record. “Ken was well respected by everyone at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, and we would like to offer our condolences and best wishes to his family.” David Lloyd, the ex-Lancashire all-rounder, former England coach and Sky Sports commentator wrote on Twitter: “So sad to hear that Ken Higgs, Lancashire, Leicestershire, England, has passed away. A great man #mentor.” Flags at both Grace Road and Old Trafford were flying at half-mast as a mark of respect from both clubs. Batting at No 11, he scored a career-best 98 alongside Ray Illingworth in a stand of 228 at home to Northamptonshire in 1977. Higgs went on to become captain and coach at Leicestershire, before making another playing comeback at the age of 49 and duly taking 5- 22 against Yorkshire. He was also an England Youth football international and played for Port Vale.
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Sharjeel, Latif steer Pakistan to crushing T20 victory
PAKISTAN’S late attempt to salvage some pride with the white ball continued in the form of a dominant nine-wicket victory over England in the only Twenty20 International yesterday. The tourists went into the short-form clash at Old Trafford having avoided a whitewash in the one-day international series with a consolation four-wicket victory in Cardiff on Sunday. In Manchester, their much improved bowling attack, led by Wahab Riaz (3-18), the excellent Imad Wasim (2-17) and Hasan Ali (2-24) restricted an England team that had clobbered a world-record 444-3 in the third ODI to a meagre 135-7. Alex Hales proved England’s talisman with a 26ball 37 but his efforts paled in comparison to those of Khalid Latif (59 not out) and Sharjeel Khan (59), who put on a blistering opening stand of 107 to lay the platform for an emphatic nine-wicket win. Having won the toss and chosen to bat, England’s first boundaries did not arrive until the
Pakistan finish their England tour on a high at Old Trafford. third over courtesy of Hales but he and Jason Roy (21) found their rhythm after the latter smacked Sohail Tanvir (0-35) over deep midwicket, reaching 53-0 at the end of the powerplay. Four balls later Imad trapped Roy lbw and Hales fell to the same man as his stumps were rearranged by the all-rounder. Hasan snared Joe Root (6) to make it two wickets in two balls and Jos Buttler’s attempts to get the scoreboard ticking over ended
with him carving a shot to the deep point fielder for 16. Ben Stokes (4) followed him back to the pavilion as England’s frustration mounted, before captain Eoin Morgan (14) nicked Riaz to Sarfraz Ahmed. A four from David Willey (12) served as England’s only boundary in the final 10 overs and Pakistan were aggressive in their pursuit of the small total, Sharjeel and Latif sharing 14 boundaries evenly in the powerplay to reach 73-0.
England had no answers to the opening pair and Sharjeel brought up his 50 in just 30 balls with a huge six over deep midwicket. The 100-partnership arrived inside the 10th over and though Sharjeel finally went to Adil Rashid (1-29) for his highest score in a T20I, Latif completed the rout by recording his maiden T20I half-century with a booming six as Pakistan secured an morale-boosting triumph with 31 balls to spare. (Omnisport)
Woods targets October return after year out with injury FOURTEEN-time major winner Tiger Woods hopes to return to action in October after more than a year out with injury. The 40-year-old American has twice had back surgery since his last appearance, at the Wyndham Championship in August 2015. He is aiming to play in the Safeway Open in California starting on October 13. “My hope is to have my game ready to go,” said former world number one Woods. “My rehabilitation is to the point where I’m comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do.
Tiger Woods’ last major triumph was the 2008 US Open. “Whether I can play depends on my continued progress and recovery.” Woods, now ranked 711 in the world, suggested he will compete in the Turkish
Airlines Open in November and the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in December. He also plans to take part in the Tiger Woods Invita-
tional on October 10 and 11. “It could be a fun fall,” said Woods. “It was difficult missing tournaments that are important to me, but this time I was smart about my recovery and didn’t rush it. But I missed competing.” Woods had a back operation in March 2014, another in September 2015 and a follow-up procedure to relieve discomfort. He missed the Masters in April 2016 for only the second time since his debut in 1995. Although he registered for the US Open in June, he pulled out a week before the tournament because he was not “physically ready”.
Altidore fires U.S. to 4-0 rout of Trinidad & Tobago
(REUTERS) - Jozy Altidore scored a second-half brace as the United States routed Trinidad & Tobago 4-0 at home on Tuesday to win Group C in World Cup qualifying. With the Americans nursing a 1-0 lead in an initially tight contest, Altidore put the match away with a flurry, striking home in the 59th minute and adding a second just four minutes later in Jacksonville, Florida. The 26-year-old striker reached 16 career goals in World Cup qualifying, moving two past Clint Dempsey to own the U.S. record. The U.S., who blasted St Vincent and the Grenadines 6-0 on Friday, will bring confidence into the next round of qualifying which begins with a match against Mexico in November. “First in the group. Our goal achieved,” coach Jurgen Klinsmann told reporters. “We’re now looking forward to an exciting November game. It’s a huge opportunity to start the hexagonal and send a message.” Guatemala also thrashed St Vincent 9-3 on Tuesday but finished third in Group C, a point behind Trinidad & Tobago. Sacha Kljestan put the Americans on the scoreboard in the 44th minute while Paul Arriola added a late goal to cap the demolition. The U.S. enjoyed timely performance from veterans and young players alike. Captain Michael Bradley returned from his suspension with a solid effort. Kljestan was active all night, and was praised by Klinsmann who noted the midfielder has been in form since entering training camp. Seventeen-year-old playmaker Christian Pulisic became the youngest man ever to start a qualifier for the U.S. team, breaking the record of Altidore who was 18 when he started against Cuba in 2008. Pulisic proved worthy of the big stage and repeatedly created offensive chances but it was Altidore who took the spotlight to continue his roller-coaster year. In May, Altidore suffered his fourth hamstring injury in two years and was sidelined for two months. Altidore, who missed most of the 2014 World Cup with a hamstring strain, has also endured a rocky relationship with Klinsmann and was sent home from last summer’s Gold Cup over fitness concerns. After his latest display, it is safe to say Altidore is back in Klinsmann’s good graces.
Fury rematch with Klitschko confirmed for October
(REUTERS) - Tyson Fury’s world heavyweight title rematch with Wladimir Klitschko will take place in Manchester on October 29, the British fighter’s camp confirmed yesterday. Fury ended Klitschko’s 11-year unbeaten run on points in Dusseldorf last November to claim the WBO, WBA and IBF belts but pulled out of a July rematch with an ankle injury. “I’m delighted that we can finally get the fight back on. We can now focus on giving the fans what they deserve,” Fury’s uncle and manager Peter said on Twitter. Ukrainian Klitschko, who had held the belts since 2006, also confirmed the fight, saying on Twitter that he would avenge his surprise defeat. “Finally the rematch is fixed,” the 40-year-old said. “I’ll remedy my mistake on October 29 at Manchester Arena. See you there!” Fury was stripped of the IBF belt after he failed to face the mandatory challenger. That belt is owned by fellow Britain Anthony Joshua.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Tenelec Inc. continues support of Berbice Cricket TENELEC Inc, based in Washington, USA, has renewed its sponsorship of Under-15 and Senior 50over cricket in Berbice for the 2016 season. During the launching ceremony recently, Anil Beharry, president of the BCB, thanked Bobby Deonarine and Tom Gruntzel of Tenelec Inc., a company based in Washington, for its continued support to the BCB. He added that this company has been providing vital support for the board for over a decade and is a major player in the success of Berbice cricket. He said that all the Berbicians currently representing the West Indies, Guyana and Berbice are products of these competitions, making special mention of Narsingh Deonarine, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin, Brandon Bess, Keon Joseph, Royston
Bobby Deonarine (third right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Anil Beharry, president of the BCB, in the presence of other board members and representatives Crandon, Shimron Hetmyer ment is the pinnacle of the of this opportunity provided Imtiaz Bacchus, member and Gudakesh Motie among career of any local cricketer by the board through this of BCB and president of Alwho doesn’t make the na- sponsorship. many others. bion Cricket Club, expressed Beharry further dis- tional team. He advised them to be his gratitude to the sponsor Vice-president of BCB disciplined, work hard and and reminded the gathering closed that while the BCB is in favour of the national and Human Resource Man- commit themselves to the that the most important facet league, he called on the ager of GuySuCo (Albion game. He further mentioned of the game is sponsorship. GCB to bring back the Estate), Vemen Walter, urged that even those who do not Secretary of the Guyana Inter-county senior cricket the gathering, made up of make it to the top can still Cricket Board and Director competition, adding that many young and aspiring lead a comfortable life finan- of the West Indies Crickthe Inter-county tourna- cricketers, to make full use cially. et Board, Anand Sanasie,
Pliskova earns breakthrough win to reach US Open semis By Steve Keating NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - Karolina Pliskova, a grand slam underachiever, took a big step towards shedding that unwanted label by sweeping past Croatian teenager Ana Konjuh 6-2, 6-2 yesterday to roar into the semi-finals of the US Open. Pliskova arrived at Flushing Meadows as the only player ranked inside the top 20 yet to reach the fourth round at one of tennis’s four blue riband events but the 10th-seeded Czech made her trip to the semis look like nothing new as she overwhelmed 18-year-old Konjuh in 57 minutes. “It’s an amazing feeling, I am so excited to be in my first semi-final especially in this tournament I very much love New York and hard court season,” said Pliskova, who will next face either world number one Serena Williams or Romanian fifth seed Simona Halep. “I think I played a very
Karolina Pliskova good match today. “I did a quick break in the first game which helped me and I was more calm then and going for my shots.” The big-hitting Czech,
who has fired more aces this season than any other player, opened the match with a bang, breaking the unsteady teen on her opening two serves en route to a 4-0 lead.
Pliskova lost only one point on serve in the opening set as she swept past the reeling Croatian in 28 minutes. Konjuh began to find some rhythm and confidence near the end of the first and start of the second but could not keep it going and again found herself down a break 3-2. At that point there was no way back for the 92ndranked Croatian as Pliskova steamrolled through four straight games finishing her opponent off with back-toback aces. “I wasn’t at my best level today for sure, but she was just too good,” said Konjuh, who upset fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska to reach the quarter-finals. “Her serve is just too good. “Today on the court, you know, she found her rhythm and took the opportunities that I gave her. “This is a great result for me. Now I know that I got that something to be in the top.”
graced the occasion and commended the BCB for securing such a significant sponsorship during these times when sponsors are hard to come by. He stated that the BCB has to be doing something good to impress their sponsors, forging long-lasting partnerships. He also thanked Bobby Deonarine for his continued input into the game in Berbice giving many youngsters an opportunity to change their lives for good. He promised that very soon the GCB will build a modern hostel, indoor facility and board office in Berbice to benefit all. In response, Deonarine, a partner of Tenelec Inc., praised the work of the BCB and expressed the confidence his company has in the work of the board. of the GCB.
ICC pitch consultant concludes two-day workshop
TWENTY-FIVE curators from ten Caribbean countries and the University of Trinidad and Tobago concluded a two-day workshop under the guidance of International Cricket Council (ICC) Pitch Consultant Andy Atkinson. The workshop concluded yesterday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. According to a WICB media release, the workshop took a comprehensive look at pitch allocation, rotation, maintenance, draining, and outfield management. It also offered technical guidelines for the participants. “The workshop is timely,” according to Director of Cricket, Richard Pybus. “This workshop should serve to assist our curators around the region with additional information on how to maintain and improve their respective pitches.’ The Director of Cricket added that “in an effort to improve pitches it is important that we have Andy with us. We are taking steps, as we promised, to improve what we currently have, so that the pitches respond favourably to all formats of the game.” The Essex-born pitch consultant, who has been with the ICC since 1998 has toured extensively to cricketing nations globally. He was last in the region during the World Cup in 2007 and the ICC World Twenty20 in 2010 and returned for a workshop in September 2011. The workshop has also attracted Kent Crafton. The other representatives are from St Vincent, Dominica, Guyana, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, University of Trinidad & Tobago, St Lucia, St Kitts, Barbados, Jamaica and Antigua.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Khan targets first-class return By Rajiv Bisnauth
LEG-spinner Amir Khan says he has set his sights on forcing his way back into the senior set-up after a gap of almost two years. The 23-year-old, who last represented Guyana at the senior level in 2014, can only make the senior squad for the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL), based on a ‘Play for Pay’ criterion, since he is not a contracted player with Cricket Guyana Inc. or any other franchise team regionally. In an exclusive inter-
Amir Khan view recently, Khan, who plies his trade for city club Everest, is in no doubt about his desire to play for Guyana again. “I’m desperate,” he says.
Rayon Griffith Khan is currently representing the East Coast Demerara franchise in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Jaguars Franchise League Three-day tournament.
Khan is a proven commodity, and buoyed by past experiences he displayed an aura over his colleagues, which suggested that he was quite clearly a level above them in the first two rounds of the tournament. With his accurate leg-spin bowling, he finished with a match-haul of 7-58, and was a key figure in his team’s six-wicket victory over West Demerara in the opening round. In round two, he had two wickets in the first innings, but not before he struck an unbeaten half-century, which eventually helped his team secured a vital first-innings
lead of 78 over Upper Corentyne. East Coast Demerara won that game also by six wickets. “Since my time away from cricket here, I still played the game in Trinidad and Tobago and the USA, but I am really excited to be back here playing. All I want is a strong three-day performance, I had a good first round, and hopefully I’ll continue in that manner,” Khan revealed. He added, “I know our senior spin department is strong, but once I perform I will always be in the selectors’ mind again.” Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Selectors and
former Guyana fast bowler Rayon Griffith told Chronicle Sport recently that Khan needs to show more patience and at the same time continue to perform. He labelled his comeback to local cricket as good news for the ongoing League. Khan made his firstclass debut in the 2011 regional four-day competition against Trinidad and Tobago at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, ending wicket-less in the game which Trinidad and Tobago won by an innings and 45 runs. He has played three first-class games to date, with overall figures of 1-18.
Clubs say new Champions League fairer and more lucrative By Brian Homewood GENEVA, Switzerland (Reuters) - European clubs are anticipating another windfall after changes to the Champions League and say the new system will be fairer as well as make them richer. The European Clubs Association (ECA) said it expected revenue from the Champions League and Europa League to jump from 2.35 billion euros (2 billion pounds) per season to around 3 billion euros from 2018-19, when the changes, announced by UEFA last month, come into force. ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also ruled out talk of a breakaway Super League in the foreseeable future, saying the clubs wanted to remain united. European football body UEFA has rearranged the slots
in the lucrative Champions League group stage in favour of its four top-ranked leagues, guaranteeing them four places each. It also announced changes in the distribution of revenue among clubs, with more emphasis on their historic sporting results and less on the value of their television market. The changes left UEFA open to criticism that they had acted in favour of the biggest clubs, thus only increasing the gap between the most powerful and the rest. But Rummenigge said yesterday that the changes, which will apply to European competitions from 2018 to 2021, represented “a good compromise”. “I believe there are no winners and no losers. The new concept is not a revo-
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Thursday September 08, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Herman Griffith 6/103 (WI vs ENG, The Oval, 1928) (2) Vanburn Holder 5/50 (WI vs ENG, Birmingham, 1976)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first wicketkeeper to represent the WI in Tests? (2) Who was the first wicketkeeper to represent the WI in ODI cricket? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
European Club Association (ECA) Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge arrives for a news conference after ECA’s 17th General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse) lution, it’s just an evolution, and I’m convinced that everyone will benefit,” he said.
Rummenigge pointed out that Real Madrid, who won the Champions League last
season, got less money from the television market pool than Manchester City, whom they eliminated in the semi-finals. “That was not fair and it has been corrected,” he said. The former West Germany forward said the agreement “keeps the football in Europe united” in the face of talk of a breakaway Super League. He added the clubs were prepared to sit down next year and to talk to UEFA about the 2021-2014 cycle. “This is a kind of guarantee that clubs stay united under the umbrella of UEFA,” he said. Rummenigge, the chief executive of Bayern Munich, also pointed out that four places in the Champions League group stage - down from the
current five - would remain open to the champions of Europe’s smallest 40 leagues. “This is the proof that every champion in Europe can still be qualified regardless of market,” he said. “Maybe Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are more requested in American or Asian markets but in the future market still we have the sporting qualification.” He added there was no talk of playing matches in the afternoon to benefit television markets outside Europe. “We never talked about playing in the afternoon to make our Asian friends happy because I believe we have a sensible feeling for the necessity of our European supporters.”
Edghill, Britton into quarter-finals at Caribbean TT Championships
TAKING straight-sets wins against Jose Toribio and St Lucia’s Daniels Andrew, Guyana’s Kyle Edghill topped Group Four and advanced into the quarter-finals of the men’s Under-21 singles, where he is also joined by Guyana’s Shemar Britton, when the 59th Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships continued yesterday in the Dominican Republic. A Caribbean Junior bronze medallist, Britton also secured two wins to advance into today’s quarterfinals, securing wins over Trinidad’s Arun Roopnarine and Barbados’ Kristian Doughty. Against Roopnarine the national men’s Under-21 cham-
Kyle Edghill
Shemar Britton
pion took a 2-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-9 win, while he finished off Doughty with 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9. ending as the second-best player in his group. As the team competition at the championships concluded and the individual singles began, the Guy-
ana boys found themselves positioned into groups of four, where only the top two players from each group advanced into the quarterfinals, after playing in a round-robin format. Edghill’s match against Toribio played out 11-8, 11-6,
11-4, while Andrew went under with a 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 margin. Edghill is now set to come up against Barbados’ Tyrese Knight today while Britton will battle against Dominican Republic’s Isaac Vila for his place in the semi-finals. Guyana’s other player in the competition Elisha Johnson, playing in Group 3, failed in his bid to advance into the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, National men’s runner-up champion Nigel Bryan is competing in the men’s singles. The boys’ performance in the singles follows Guyana’s fourth place finish in the team competition.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 8, 2016
Jaguars Franchise League 3-Day Tournament …
Eleven players missing from third round today ELEVEN vital players from the respective franchises will be missing from today’s start of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Jaguars Franchise League Three-day tournament, due to a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) training camp in Barbados. The camp forms part of preparations ahead of the se-
Shimron Hetmyer.
nior team’s tour to the UAE where they face Pakistan in three T20s, three ODIs and three Tests, between September 20 and November 3. The West Indies ‘A’ team will tour Sri Lanka during that same period. Chronicle Sport was informed by GCB’s Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart, that the eleven players are: Leon Johnson, Rajendra Chandrika, Paul Wintz, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Vishaul Singh, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Gudakesh Motie, Assad Fudadin and Shimron Hetmyer. Meanwhile, for today’s third-round fixture, West Berbice will clash with West Demerara at the Young Warriors Cricket Club ground, Lower Corentyne will play Upper
East Coast Demerara with wins over West Demerara and Upper Corentyne are on 31.5 points in second position. West Demerara occupy
Leon Johnson, Corentyne at Port Mourant, Georgetown will oppose East Coast Demerara at GCC and Essequibo battle East Bank at Everest. After the first two rounds, Lower Corentyne accumulated 36.5 points from their two outright wins to be at top of the points standing.
Young Windies will need time to mature - Gayle WEST Indies star batsman Chris Gayle has cautioned that it will take time for the regional team to improve their play in the longest format of the game. Currently occupying eighth place in the ICC Rankings the regional team have not won a series since 2014 when they defeated Bangladesh in the Caribbean. The team’s most recent series against world number two-ranked India and number threeranked Australia have been decidedly one-sided affairs, drawing the ire of many regional fans. With the majority of the team having played less than 40 Tests Gayle believes that a lack of experience is a major factor in the team’s struggles. “To be successful in Tests will actually take time since it’s a rebuilding process. The young-
Chris Gayle
sters in the team need to mature, gain a lot of experience and they still need a few senior players here and there to actually guide them along. “The board and the players are trying to sort things out and hopefully one day it will happen and everyone will be on the same page. There have been meetings, effort and progress to get everything on track for West Indies cricket,” Gayle said. The 36-year-old also believes the team’s lack of success in the format is
down to an issue of concentration. “In both formats of the game we struggle to concentrate for long periods of time. This has been the case since I made my debut under the captaincy of Brian Lara. “We only play cricket in short sessions and then we switch off, so that’s how we tend to lose a lot of Test matches. In the shorter format of the game it’s just boom, boom and check if the game is over,” he added. (Sportsmax.com)
the third position on 21.5, while Essequibo are on fourth with 18.1 points. Georgetown are on fifth on 10.6 points, West Berbice are on 10.1 points,
while East Bank and Upper Corentyne secured 9.7 and 9.5 points respectively in the eight-team League after two rounds. (Rajiv Bisnauth)
GFF/NAMILCO Under-17 League resumes this week at different venues THE Guyana Football Federation/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 League will resume this week with matches at different venues in Berbice and East Coast. Todayu, three matches will be played in Berbice as Rosignol United are down to face New Amsterdam United from 15:00hrs at the Rosignol ground. Simultaneously, Cougars will oppose Lichfield Nuggets at Burnham Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice. From 16:00hrs, Mahaicony Thunder Hawks tackle Monedderlust at the Mahaicony Community Centre ground. Cougars’ Shane Hamilton is the current leading goalscorer for the Berbice Football Association with nine goals to his name and he is followed by Nial Roberts of Paradise Invaders with five. Alex Pautaib (Corriverton Links), Troy Munroe (New Amsterdam United), Shafeel Deharte (Paradise Invaders) and Lamar Reid (Cougars) are sharing the third spot with two goals each. Meanwhile, the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) has scheduled four matches for this weekend with two each on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, Buxton Youth Developers will challenge Golden Grove from 09:00hrs at the Melanie ground, while from 11:00hrs, Bachelor’s Adventure/Paradise will face Buxton United at the same venue. On Sunday, Plaisance face Ann’s Grove from 09:00hrs and BV/Triumph oppose Victoria Kings from 11:00hrs at the Melanie ground also.
Nishikori stuns Murray at US Open
Ming confirms Radical shipping
Japanese player Kei Nishikori celebrates his victory over Andy Murray at the US open tennis
Businessman Stanley Ming poses with his two Suzuki Radicals. (See story on page 26)
ICC rules out two-tier Test system PLANS to implement a two-tier Test system appear to have been shelved after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced proposals for changes aimed at improving the quality of bi-lateral cricket. Senior international cricket figures met in Dubai this week to discuss potential changes to the international game, with the contentious introduction of promotion and relegation for Test sides on the agenda. The Board of Control for Cricket In India made it clear it was against a two-tier system, with the boards of Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh taking the same stance. ICC chief executive David Richardson made no comment on two-tier Test cricket See page 26
A Test Champion play-off could be contested every two years from 2019
ICC chief executive David Richardson
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ANDY Murray was knocked out of the US Open at the hands of Kei Nishikori in an enthralling quarter-final match at Flushing Meadows yesterday. The Japanese, who lost out to Murray in the Olympic semi-finals last month, recovered from a worrying start to come away with a 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 victory. After struggling to cope with Murray’s strong returning in the opening set, Nishikori battled back after a rain delay to stun the world number two. The result marks just a second victory for the 2014 finalist over Murray in nine attempts. A long backhand from Nishikori earned Murray his first break to go 3-1 up, and the Briton’s vicious return of serve saw him power to a swift first-set victory. Murray’s dominance of the opening set faded in the second and, although he made the first break, Nishikori immediately pegged him back in a pattern that would later become a recurring theme. After a pause for the roof to be closed, Nishikori levelled matters as Murray found the net following a long rally. Nishikori appeared to have the crowd on his side against a visibly frustrated Murray. The Japanese twice came up with an immediate response to Murray during a tight third set, but the Olympic champion made a third gain stick and held serve to go back in front. Having started with a dominant 6-1 victory, Murray’s match was flipped on its head when Nishikori claimed the fourth by the same scoreline as part of a seven-game winning run. Murray finally stemmed the tide by holding serve to pull back to 2-1 in the decider and he converted a second break point to pull level. It proved to be brief respite for Murray, though, as Nishikori fired a winner down the left to regain the advantage, but a match of twists and turns had another twist - and turn - to come. Murray’s break to level at 4-4 had the feel of a moment that could shift the momentum in his favour, yet Nishikori - chasing just a second grand slam semi-final appearance would come again. A double fault from Murray handed Nishikori a break point that was duly converted to the fury of the Wimbledon champion, and the 26-year-old held serve to wrap up a memorable win. Nishikori will face Juan Martin del Potro or Stan Wawrinka for a place in the final. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016