Guyana chronicle e paper 08 18 2017

GNBA backs broadcast bill No. 105008

FRIDAY,AUGUST 18, 2017

Price: $80

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…PM says it corrects loopholes in principal act

Page Pa ge 8 13

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Mystery aircraft flown to CJIA

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No secrecy in oil sector

Pag …AFC says e govt abiding by 4 non-disclosure clause of contract

Home alone

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man perishes in house fire

Prison director vows to bring down corrupt officers

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UK companies express interest in investing here Page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Illegal aircraft found in Rupununi flown to CJIA Suspect in ‘oral THE Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft, which was found by the security forces in the Rupununi last Sunday night, arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri on Thursday.

The aircraft, which bears registration PR-IMG, touched down around 13:00hrs Thursday afternoon at the CJIA. It was flown by Guyana Defence Force (GDF) pilots and is being secured by the army.

No one has come forward to claim ownership of the aircraft, and to date, the Brazilian companies with which its registration is affiliated, have not reported it as stolen.

The twin-engine aircraft is tied to an investment bank in neighbouring Brazil. The financial institution, Banco Bradesco, facilitated the sale of the aircraft between its owners, a Rio-based company and another private entity.

The bank is listed by the Brazilian authorities as the owner since the process of transfer of ownership is ongoing.

The aircraft was found near Santa Fe in the North Rupununi on a recently cleared illegal runway.

President David Granger

sex murder’ remanded

The Beechcraft King Air at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday

had stated that the incident is being treated as a public security matter.

“We know that people were running away from the plane and if they were wounded or injured, they would not have been running, so we have to get to the facts first before we jump to [a] conclusion,” President Granger said on Wednesday.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is probing the authenticity of the Brazil-

ian registration attached to the aircraft.

GCAA Director-General Egbert Fields, said checks will be made with the Brazilian aviation authorities to see if the plane is indeed registered in that country and to ascertain its ownership.

This discovery was made just a week after soldiers found another illegal airstrip, a chain saw, aviation fuel, 12 abandoned camps and several dugout trenches in the same area.

Following Sunday night’s incident, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, noted that the government is working with local and international partners to build capacity and strengthen security.

He said the administration is taking this matter very seriously, and is making every effort to better equip the security forces and strengthen their capacity to secure Guyana’s territory.

EUCTANCE Worrell-Abrams appeared before on Magistrate Allan Wilson Thursday at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court charged with the murder of Orlando La Cruz, 40, a miner of Pomeroon River.

Abrams of no fixed place of abode was one of two suspects recently arrested in connection with the death of the 40-year-old miner, who was shot dead on June 15 at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North West District (NWD).

The accused was not required to plea and was remanded to prison until November 7, 2017.

La Cruz was shot to the right side neck and pronounced dead at the Matthew’s Ridge District Hospital. Reports indicate that La Cruz was shot after he refused to perform oral sex on one of his drinking buddies at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North West District.

According to reports, the victim was lying in a hammock in his camp when the two suspects visited him after which they began consuming high wine and water.

Shortly after, one of the suspects was heard telling La Cruz to perform oral sex on him and when he refused, an argument erupted between the three men.

The suspect allegedly collected a cartridge from the second suspect and loaded his shotgun. He then placed the weapon to the right side of the victim’s neck and pulled the trigger.

The two suspects then made good their escape into nearby bushes.

This newspaper was informed that when a rank visited the scene, the victim was found lying in the hammock, bleeding from the wound.

No spent shell was recovered at the scene but two high wine bottles were found.

Woman in Success accident succumbs A 57-YEAR-OLD pedestrian who was involved in a vehicular accident Wednesday morning on the Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) succumbed to her injuries Thursday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Dead is Pulbattie Ramotar, a housewife of Success, ECD. A post-mortem examination will be done today. The driver of the car which struck her down is in police custody assisting with investigation. He is a serving member of the Guyana Police Force(GDF).

Relatives told the Guyana Chronicle that the mother of three was heading to the market when a car crashed into her.

Reports indicate that ON about 08:00hrs Wednesday morning, motor car PVV 8233 owned and driven by a police constable crashed into Ramotar.

Police said the vehicle was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of Success Public Road, when

Dead: Pulbattie Ramotar

the pedestrian ran across the road from south to north into the path of the vehicle and was struck down.

She was picked up in an unconscious condition and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was admitted and subsequently died.

Police said a breathalyser test was administered on the policeman and no alcohol was detected in his breath. Statements were also taken from eyewitnesses as investigations continue.

GNBA backs broadcast bill GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 18, 2017

…PM says it corrects loopholes in principal act THE Guyana Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has thrown its full support behind the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill, with its Chairman Attorney-at-law, Leslie Sobers assuring that the 60 minutes airtime, daily, for public service programmes was not unreasonable.

These sentiments were expressed when the Prime Minister, who has responsibility for Public Information, attended a special meeting of the Authority at their Lamaha Street office. The Prime Min-

“In other words you are not leaving it to the Government to create 60 minutes broadcasting content or 10 minutes or 5 minutes, you can open it to all enterprising people who are there,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo stated.

He suggested that a special fund be set up by GNBA to assist producers in the production of Public Service Programmes, noting that they should be required to apply in order to access the funds.

“Whether it is a programme they may wish to produce in a particular way

cast time shall be made available for public broadcasting.

“So there was no cap, there was no cap to it. There was no limit to how much that certain percentage would constitute and we thought that any Law should be certain,” he stated.

Mr Nagamootoo further stated that Kit Nascimento, in the 1970s, had developed a concept called “Development Support Communication (DSC), which was later integrated into a programme at the University of Guyana to be taught as a subject

UNLICENSED Additionally, the Prime Minister told the board members that clarity is needed on the number of companies that have not paid their annual license fees since 2016, as this renders them unlicensed and vulnerable under the law. “I would like that at this meeting with you, whether or not the payment of fees would have meant that any action would have been taken in regards to the assigned frequencies; because there is a requirement under law

stated a profit or if they were declaring losses because, “it means that the computation of 3.5 percent would have to be defined, whether it was intended to be growth gross or net gross, because I heard in the National Assembly that if broadcasters were to go with the one-hour public service broadcasting they will suffer the loss of millions of dollars because their revenue is computed on a fix sum of $30,000 per hour”, he pointed out.

The Prime Minister urged board members to earnestly pursue the matter to ascertain

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, flanked by GNBA CEO, Dr. Prudence Lewis-Bhola (right) and the Board Chairman, Leslie Sobers (left), along with other Directors of the Board, including PPP executive, Bibi Shadick (Photo by Delano Williams)

ister also reiterated that the 60 minutes airtime, daily, for public service programmes will not be limited to the government, emphasising that the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill, when enacted, will create an opportunity for “enterprising” individuals and organisations to produce air informative programmes that are in the public’s interest.

OPPORTUNITIES The Prime Minister explained that Public Service Announcements or programmes can be submitted to GNBA or a body created

by GNBA to be aired by television and radio operators.

in a particular format to deal with suicide prevention, to deal with the hazard of smoking, alcohol abuse,” he suggested. It was noted that the broadcasting landscape should be one built on Public Private Partnerships.

The Prime Minister’s meeting with GNBA on the Public Service Programmes comes at a time when the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill, is currently on the President David Granger’s desk awaiting his assent.

Prime Minister said the amendment addresses the loopholes that were in substantial act, which states that a certain percentage of broad-

[course]. “I found it very interesting that the post-Nascimento recommendations were incorporated in the 2011 Act,” he further stated.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo identified that there is a difference “between government information and government provided information and party propaganda”. He noted that “no station private or public” should be required or mandated to carry party political propaganda.

He said the GNBA needs to assure the Guyanese people that its understanding of public broadcasting content is not synonymous with political party propaganda.

that all persons, legal person that is licensed to operate must pay a fee. I need to be informed by this Authority what is the status of those entities that have not paid their fees and have been operating”, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

Also the amount licensed operators are required to pay was discussed. The Prime Minister said the previous regulation had stipulated a certain amount in the fee structure. He explained that there was an alternative that they either pay the base fee or 3.5 percent of Gross revenues. He asked to be advised on whether licensees had

the actual amount operators were earning when they do not disclose gross earnings; since this means the Authority is being cheated out of revenues it is entitled to under the law.

REASONABLE RECOMMENDATION Chairman of the GNBA, Attorney-at-law, Leslie Sobers, also used the opportunity to assure the Prime Minister that the 60 minutes airtime, daily, for public service programmes was not unreasonable.

“I want to assure you PM that our 60 minutes advice is not unreasonable. In Barba-

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dos their legislation dictates one second for every broadcast minute to be allocated to PSAs, and when you accumulate it, it works out to about two hours per day. In Trinidad and Tobago, their authority asks for 14 hours per week…on average that amounts to two hours per day as well,” Sobers pointed out.

He emphasised that GNBA is not unreasonable in its request. Board Director, Dr. Rovin Deodat, echoed similar sentiments as the Prime Minister, noting that it is not just the Government that will have the opportunity to broadcast PSAs. President David Granger weighing in on the subject on Wednesday, asked critics of the bill to be more aware of the peculiar nature of Guyana and the need to ensure that all communities have access to information.

He said the Bill does not prevent any media outlet from fulfilling its constitutional obligations and the government has an obligation to ensure, via the media, that the entire country is aware of what is going on.

Acknowledging that there are some aspects of the Bill that have caused concern, the Head of State told media operatives Wednesday at State House that a lot of thought went into crafting the bill. He noted that Cabinet’s support of the Bill was the reason why government went to parliament. “Guyana is a very thinly populated country and the population density is about a few persons per square kilometer and most of the media houses are concentrated on the coastland and in the city of Georgetown, so there are huge areas of our country without media coverage,” President Granger explained.

“We need to ensure that we walk on two legs and the private media have my support and I will always support freedom of communication, but we have an obligation to ensure that all corners of the country receive public information about what is taking place in terms of public health, public infrastructure and public security.”

He said if the population is unaware of what is happening in certain sections of Guyana because the media is concentrated in Georgetown; there will be a deficit in the flow of information.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

No secrecy in oil sector

… AFC says gov’t abiding by non-disclosure clause of contract

By Ariana Gordon

THE Alliance for Change (AFC) on Thursday maintained the government’s position that there is no secrecy relative to the emerging oil and gas sector.

Chairman of the Party, Khemraj Ramjattan, along with executive member, David Patterson, said the government has to abide by the non-disclosure clause within the existing contract with U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil. Ramjattan said his party has noted the public criticisms on the issue, but believes that his party has not departed from the original principles of the party.

He admitted that there are challenges with the contract but said, “We are doing everything in view of a history of where that contract is literally made secret … and amendment of the law passed by the

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Jagdeo administration in 2011.

It is important we understand that… we are trying our best to come out of that knowing very well that when we have a big company like ExxonMobil who have demanded obviously during those early days in the exploration agreement that it be made secret and Jagdeo and his boys allowing that to happen and then passing along…”

Ramjattan made it clear that the APNU+AFC coalition government will not “go wrecking what happened then because it could have implications for what ExxonMobil can do.” “We would like Exxon Mobil to proceed, it would be tremendously valuable for our country, but knowing there is a call for so many stakeholders, indeed we must go on and simply do the things they are demanding is cribbed and confined by that reality…”

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In similar vein, Patterson who serves as Public Infrastructure Minister said that should the contract between the government and ExxonMobil be made public, persons would be disappointed at the fact that there is no secret therein. He said because of the distrusting nature of the public, persons are suspicious about everything and alluded to the reasons provided by subject Minister Raphael Trotman. Apart from the non-disclosure clause, Patterson said Guyana’s position is currently under review by a United Nations team and legal experts have advised against releasing the contract, which was signed since 1999.

The AFC was asked whether it is at all concerned about the amount of litigation the U.S oil giant has been involved in and Ramjattan said the company should not be judged based on its history.

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“To just feel that Exxon was a bad guy from some time ago …that Guyana must put a halt in the thing, I think that would be rather not sensible or reasonable in the circumstances,” he declared.

Backing Ramjattan was AFC member and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes. She said an objective view is not being given to the issue, while not disputing that Exxon may have had its challenges in a number of areas.

“But we are not making an analysis on where are the other areas Exxon has invested in over the last 40, 50 years… where those challenges did not prevail. We have to be extremely careful…my worry is the assumption we are pushing out there every day is that we got problems, this government is weak and all the oil money going to get thief.”

Hughes said there is no

guarantee, no real suggestion at this point in time that upholds the argument and as a result objectivity needs to be put on the table. “I am not saying the fears are not realistic… all I am saying is let us look at how this nation is going to benefit from this…we don’t want to be consumed with this fear that we are going to be like every other country that was not able to make the best of it,” said Hughes.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, also said that as part of government and a party, the AFC understands the significance of it, the kinds of revenues talked about and what it can be used for. “I don’t know why we are agonising over doing business with a large international company. That company is accountable in the country which it operates, in which it is headquartered, so we could have done worse, and we need to take comfort in that…we must not look to talk ourselves out of the biggest economic development that has ever taken place in Guyana,” said Gaskin, who called for positivity. He assured that

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his administration will not be part of underhanded activities and noted that AFC executives are “not bribable”.

AMENDMENT OF PETROLEUM ACT Meanwhile, on the amendment of the Petroleum Act, Patterson told reporters that the legislation is currently being reviewed. “…I am sure the final product on the table will be more reflective of petroleum producing countries,” said Patterson, who posited that the legislation which is being worked on by several experts will confirm to international best practices. He anticipates the legislation would be laid in the National Assembly before the end of this year and upon completion would represent an “extremely robust amendment.” Government, the AFC said, is working to put together a more modern legislation that would not serve only to amend two or three sections but have a much more composite legislation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Tax negotiations hold up telecoms liberalisation – Min Hughes DESPITE hopes that the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector would have been fully effected by the end of May, Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes, disclosed that the process continues to be delayed.

Hughes was at the time addressing reporters at an Alliance for Change (AFC) press conference held on Thursday. “Currently, we are running a bit behind time, it had been my hope that the process would have been completed by the end of July/ August. Unfortunately, we are in August and I have no confirmation that we will complete the process by the end of August,” she said.

The minister explained that the delay is as a result of negotiations between the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), its

parent company Atlantic Tele Network (ATN) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). “…that is only because part of the negoti-

Hughes, who made it clear that the GRA is a solely independent agency to which she has no control, impact or jurisdiction.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes (Samuel Maughn)

ations requires GTT and the GRA to be working out tax issues, which impacts on the negotiations,” said Minister

“So I am certainly waiting patiently for them to finish that part of the negotiations,” she said optimis-

tically. Last week a meeting was held with the parties and according to the Public Telecommunications minister, discussions were reported as fruitful.

“They are very confident that we are moving ahead and I think we are seeing already indications of GTT’s commitment to the Guyanese market. They are bringing fiber.”

Minister Hughes added that it is until the completion of that process that her ministry would be able to “push the process”.

Nevertheless, her Ministry is currently designing and putting together job descriptions for the new telecommunications agency, which would become the new regulatory agency under which licences would be granted. Under the new telecommunications legisla-

tion, the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) will be submerged with the new agency.

The Telecommunications Bill was first introduced in 2011.However, it was revised in 2013 before being sent to Parliamentary Special Select Committee in the 10th Parliament, and was near conclusion when that Parliament was prorogued in 2014 by the then President, Donald Ramotar.

When it was taken before the National Assembly by the APNU+AFC Government, the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had called for the bill to be sent to a Special Select Committee for further consideration, but Minister Hughes had argued that the bill had been long promised and was overdue. The sector, she emphasised, must be

an opened one, so that the country can progress and not lag behind its sister Caricom countries and the rest of the world.

The legislation provides for the fostering of an opened, competitive telecoms sector in which investors will be attracted, and in which a fair, competitive environment for sector participants is created.

Meanwhile, Hughes said her ministry has been moving ahead with the creation of ICT hubs across the country. Thus far 34 hubs have been created and she described the project as a success story.

The Ministry is currently providing free internet access to 101 schools and educational institutions across the country and will continue to expand to other facilities.

AFC seeks lighter sentence for small amounts of ganja CHAIRMAN of the Alliance for Change (AFC), and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, on Thursday said efforts are being made to reduce the number persons being incarcerated for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

At a news conference of the party at its Kitty headquarters, Ramjattan said the intention is to examine the legislation in a holistic manner, but in the meantime, he believes consideration should be given to the Michael Carrington motion to amend the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control)

Amendment Bill 2015- No. 17 of 2015. Carrington, an AFC Member of Parliament (MP) said the Bill intends to remove the three to five years sentencing imposed by the courts on persons caught in possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use.

He maintained that the Bill was in no way attempting to legalise the use of marijuana, and noted that thousands are sentenced to jail for the three to five year period or more, for having small portions of marijuana. Carrington in his arguments for the amendment said, the original legislation seeks to prevent persons from

smoking, which he believed to be a conspiracy of industrial politicians. The MP opined that instead of imprisoning persons for being in possession of the illegal drug, those persons can be fined.

As such, his proposed amendments in the legislation are aimed at removing the sentences imposed for possession of small amounts of marijuana and the imposition of fines, and suggests that those persons should be allowed to have 55 grams of marijuana on their person instead of 15 grams.

Three years ago, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) had called for either

the decriminalisation of marijuana or the revision of the sentencing policy. Ramjtattan said, “We are urging that in the meantime, once the more composite one is going to be done, there can be a call because of the prison crisis, in a sense, that we can do something about the present one. That is what Mr Carrington and of course, I understand other members are demanding.”

He said too, that Carrington’s Bill was put at a time when there was a demand for a more complex one. He alluded to the fact that Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, has also advocated for a more complex bill that would not only attach itself to the quantum of sentencing and the reduction of same, but also address a larger picture in relation

to new levels of trafficking and sentencing that is to go with different categories of traffickers. “…we are going to engage the APNU parliamentarians and their side on the issue as to whether we can fast track certain amendments in that regard, rather than wait on the composite picture we want and have been asking for,” said Ramjattan.

The AFC chair noted that the fast tracking can be done with the Carrington amendment being passed.

“We are going to urge it be passed, until such time the larger and more composite picture is complete…we are a partnership and understand that some people may very well have other ideas… so we have come to a consensus,” Ramjattan added.

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Editorial

WITHIN recent weeks Guyanese have been advised by state agencies of the presence of illegal airstrips in our territory.

While Guyana is a relatively big country by landmass, in relation to its population size, the presence of these airstrips highlight a deficiency in our capacity to fully monitor what is happening within our borders. None can deny that our borders are porous and beg for resources to improve both our aerial and land security.

The importance of security cannot be over emphasised, particularly in our situation where we face threats to our territorial integrity, overwhelming presence of a narco-trade within the region, securing our invaluable natural resources for the citizens’ benefit, and overall safety and security

of our people and structures of governance.

The recent incident by Venezuelan soldiers, who attacked Guyanese civilians at the border location, is also another factor of security which cannot be overlooked, and is also intertwined to external forces daring to think that ours is a nation where such practice is permissible and doable.

The presence of these airstrips also highlights that our border locations and the dense hinterland are not being sufficiently peopled.

The peopling of these areas are likely to minimise the opportunity to carry on illegal activities of such nature.

Where those who are engaged in nefarious conduct, recognising they stand a chance of their illegal acts flying under the radar they are likely to follow through.

This brings attention to

the point of the wisdom, or dare it be said absence thereof, for discarding of a national policy that at its core also factored in the necessity and importance of populating strategic areas in Guyana. The Guyana National Service (GNS) that was established in the 1970s during the Forbes Burnham administration had as one of its objectives to populate the hinterland and border locations. The resistance to this programme has seen it being used as a polarising rallying call to dismantle, not to understand, and where deficiencies were present seek to correct.

It cannot be ignored in this society how many opportunities for development have fallen by the wayside, undermined and dismantled, not because they were not good or lacked visionary foresight, but because of

who were the initiators of these programmes and policies, and falling prey to international influence that was driven by an agenda that did not place the welfare of Guyana and Guyanese first.

As a result, Guyana’s security, including a structured expansion of its population, has been set back in the interior and hinterland locations. And while the GNS’ programme has been systematically dismantled during the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, forces with ill-conceived ideas, domestic and external, have seen this as opportunities to encroach. These illegal airstrips bring to the fore, once again, the need for a national programme to thwart the survival and expansion of encroachment and violation of our laws.

Though government, as

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

a matter of necessity, will have to find the resources to improve security, it also has to recognise that such is better reinforced by encouraging the populating of those regions in a structured manner, not forgetting it has premier responsibility to facilitate the process. The society is fortunate to still have in our midst many of the pioneer leaders of the GNS, including among them are Major General (retired) Norman McLean and Joe Singh, who headed the GNS

and government can benefit from their institutional memory, patriotism, and successes in this endeavour.

The international fight against money-laundering and the financing of terrorism, where Guyana, by treaties and association, has a responsibility to thwart, cannot ignore that porous borders and unpopulated hinterland could deter our success and also bring with it sanctions for failing to comply.

It is for the Gov’t to define national security concerns Dear Editor,

I READ Peeping Tom’s article “what a Thing!” (KN Wednesday, August 16). So, he/she wants to be sarcastic, cynical. As I read it, I experienced an irresistible urge to use words not mentionable in your letter column. If the anonymous “Peeping Tom” feels so strongly about this matter of the highest constitutional significance, then let him/her emerge from behind his/her veil of anonymity, write a letter for publication in the letter column, affix his/her name, and no reader would be any wiser as to whether he/she is “Peeping Tom” or not.

Editor, what is particularly nauseating, is that for the “Peeping Tom” types of this country, the safety and security of the present Head of state (President David Granger) is not a matter of the highest NATIONAL SECURITY concern; it is for them, a nuanced “red herring”! How politically banal and myopic can they be? So, for them, the disputatious scope of the PSC’s appointment function takes precedence!

Readers, just stop and think!

So, what is his/her argument?

What does Peeping Tom know about “legal precedent”? Does this person know about the

legal principle of RATIO DECIDENDI as being that aspect of a precedent that is binding? (ie the reasoning that underlies or informs; the principle in the court’s decision)? Did this person stop and thought about whether the “legal precedent” of which he writes raised and concerned issues of NATIONAL SECURITY; and EXECUTIVE PREROGATIVE in the field of national security and so might be easily distinguishable from the present matter. And what does this Police Service Commission, which does not even seem capable of knowing that it has no power/function or jurisdiction to appoint any Deputy Commissioner of Police (article 211) know about unconstitutionality or constitutional illegality! And, if per chance “Peeping Tom” is a lawyer, he/ she is invited to read the case of Council of Civil Service Unions (1984) 3 WLR 1174 (HL) before writing his/her next diatribe. Peeping Tom is on a wild fishing expedition when he writes about some “excuse” for the government’s decision.

There are so many intelligence based factors on which a policy national security decision could, ex hypothesis, be based. Peeping Tom like the rest of us, is not privy to them!

So, I turn to the main point or thrust of this letter. It is not

for the Leader of the Opposition; The Police service Commission; the Peeping Toms, the Christopher Rams, the Ralph Ramkarrans of this country to decide on what are the national security concerns of this government. It is not even for the courts. It is solely and exclusively (both as a matter of constitutional theory, and case law authority) the purview and responsibility of the governmentof-the-day. And no amount of dislike or fetish for criticism of this government can change the constitutional and political reality that the government of the day is headed by President Granger.

Those who are responsible for national security matters are recognized by constitutional law as being the sole judges of what that national security requires. That is the government of President Granger. It is the government alone that has responsibility for national policies. The PSC has its limited constitutional function “to appoint” (Recall the “Budget Cut” case 2012 and the limitation on the Assembly’s power “to approve” in Chang, CJ (ag) ruling). No right thinking constitutional lawyer (or even judge) would be bold enough to argue the proposition that that limited power/function is greater than, and outweighs,

or overrides the governmental business of national security.

And contrary to the popular misconceptions of the Peeping Toms, the words in article 8 of our Constitution Viz the Constitution is the supreme law… “does not only mean a reference to the two hundred and thirty two (232) articles (including article 226 (1) of which so much fuss is made). This constitution” is all those articles plus the doctrines (to the undoubted extent to which they have survived) such as executive prerogatives.

Executive prerogatives exist, by sheer implication, just as another classic: the doctrine of separation of powers.

Turning now to the letter.

As a legal document, the letter sent by the Honourable Minister of State to the PSC has to be (as all legal documents must be as was done in the analogous local case of Nobrega (1969) GLR 552 (PC)) constructed as to it true purpose and content; and assuming, as one must, that the Minister of State (being himself a lawyer) was well aware of what article 226 (1) means, then on one possible view of that letter, it was intended to be a notice to the PSC that he, the Minister, had been directed

by President Granger (as the constitutional alter ego of the government) to notify, by letter, the PSC of the government’s

policy decision (as employer) that no police appointments by the PSC be made until further notice; and that the PSC was to be guided accordingly. If that policy works to the disadvantage of some, so be it. That does not make it unconstitutional.

There is no constitutional opprobrium taken for the greater good of the President’s security, if coincidentally a few be disadvantaged.

Let Peeping Tom show if he/she could, how this legal letter was incapable of such an interpretation/ construction.

Limited autonomy must yield to that greater national policy in the exercise of prerogative.

I need not even advert to the non-justiciability of this national security matter. Suffice it to say the PSC should as a matter of sheer commonsense, do the sensible thing: give effect to the government policy decision.

It is futile to argue that because the government cannot direct the PSC as to which individual officer should, or should not be appointed (article 226(1)), that limited constitutional disability means that the government, as employer, cannot have a general policy of an appointment freeze. The point here is (in spite of how some might wish to disavow it; or discredit it as allowing for politicisation in the ap-

pointment of police officers) is that the function, or power “to appoint” can become futile because, if ex hypothesi, budgetary considerations compels that there be no further increase in public sector spending, requiring an expenditure-freeze decision by the government, the Service Commissions (including the PSC) could not disregard or ignore the Minister of Finance policy directive in the exercise of executive prerogative to that effect, and go ahead and still make appointments which increases public expenditure. By like reasoning, the PSC’s function of appointment can become futile on national security ground, or reason (which there is no legal duty to disclose to the PSC if in government’s opinion disclosure would be injurious). And it is a matter of some considerable curiosity whether an additional (albeit a secondary) reason for the appointment freeze decision was to prevent the plainly unconstitutional proposed appointment by the PSC of an Assistant Commissioner to the rank of Deputy Commissioner!

Regards MAXWELL E. EDWARDS (Former Senior Magistrate)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Mr President, please sign the Tobacco Control Bill Dear Editor,

SOME years ago when I served as the Secretary of UGSS, the then Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, held a position and that was to make the University of Guyana a smoke-free zone. I never spoke to Dr. Ramsammy before and stand corrected if that was not his position, however it was brought to my attention by senior officials of UG that the then minister held the position of making UG in its entirety a smoke-free zone. I was very uncomfortable with that position and immediately started to sound my

voice. After making a lot of noise on campus with the intention of protesting the minister’s intended position, I wrote directly to the minister outlining my position and that of many other smokers on campus.

He never replied.

In my missive to the then minister, I highlighted the fact that the University of Guyana is a public space and the peaceful existence of students and staff within the public space should not be hampered by an imposition that is not constitutionally supported. I went on to state that it is my democratic right to smoke, if I so choose to, however it will be utterly

wrong of me to disturb the peaceful existence of someone else if I am to bring discomfort to them with my habit of smoking. Smoking is not the issue, but rather when I smoke and where I smoke.

I then suggested to the minister that there should be smoke-free zones within the University of Guyana and as a student leader I will work to ensure the rule is upheld.

I ended my letter by stating that smokers must not impede on non-smokers’ space and similarly non-smokers must not impede on smokers’ space.

My letter was copied to the then Vice-Chancellor

Let the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional Reform function Dear Editor,

HAVING read Maxwell E. Edwards’ response to Chevy Devonish addressing the issue whether the President has the authority to direct the Police Service Commission not to act on the List, which forms the recommendation for promotions in the Police Force, there arises issues for further deliberation.

The Guyana Police Force is part of the State not the Government, and it follows the policemen and women are employees of the State not the Government. Employees of the State continue in employment, regardless of which political administration is in Government, while employees of the Government serve at the pleasure of the political administration. Edwards did not make or recognise the differentiation and the importance of respecting this.

The Police Service Commission (Article 210-212) is a constitutional body, guided by its own rules regarding its operation. Constitutional commissions are independent of interference into their day-to-day management, including interference from the Executive branch. Note is taken of the articles referenced from the Constitution to lend impression of permissible intrusion yet none of these articles, expressly or implicitly, permits such action.

Constitutions are not written in vacuum, but grounded in the people’s history, beliefs systems, dreams and aspirations. Article 89, as referenced by Edwards that deems the President “the supreme

executive authority” has to be interpreted in the context that influenced its presence.

With the 1980 Constitution, the presidency moved from titular to that of having executive responsibility, and with Guyana republican status the office holder being the Head of Government, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, shedding historical control by the Crown. Articles 89 and 99, which deal with the authority of the President, do not mean this authority allows expansion and interference into areas not authorised.

The stated articles cannot operate outside of the parameters of the Constitution, laws, international conventions, charters and universal acceptable principles that so constrain the President in the day-to-day administration of duties. Similar misapplication was done to Article 182 that grants criminal and civil immunity to the holder in the discharge of official duties. The deliberate misinterpretation was peddled and encouraged during the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency, which witnessed the most egregious period in the nation’s history.

Persons who are placed in positions of privilege need to be careful that while they are insulated by the Constitution they cannot operate in vacuum to what is happening in the society. Since there are concerns being raised as to the integrity of the process used by the Police Force for the complication of the promotion list, the PSC, to ensure its integrity, should have commenced an inquiry into the matter. It is unfortunate that the President has

given instruction that the body should be written to rather than having a discussion with it, based on what has been brought to his attention, and allow its members to benefit from his observation and in so doing make a decision on all the facts.

While the Constitution says the PSC is an independent body it does not prevent any citizen, including the President, from questioning the conduct of any of its member or the body in total. At the same time it is important to note the differentiation that the right to question is not equivalent to any right to instruct.

This country needs constitutional education. Moving to justify misinterpretation of the Constitution or seeking to reform without seeking to know what’s ensconced is a wrong approach to bring about accountable/good governance.

The politicians are once again called on to let the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform function. The functioning of this body, according to its Article 119A (1), would allow for “continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports thereon to the Assembly, with proposals for reform as necessary.”

There cannot be good governance or effective reform in a sea of ignorance or cherry-picking the Constitution.

The people continue to be victims of both.

Regards LINCOLN LEWIS

and Union Leaders. I cannot vividly remember the date the then Minister visited the campus but he visited and signed an agreement with the Vice-Chancellor and UGSS to make all buildings on Campus smoke-free zones. I wanted specific places to be identified as smoke zones, but that didn’t happen.

Nonetheless I welcomed the decision to make buildings smoke-free zones for it showed respect to all, but would have preferred about five different areas on campus, of course downwind, to be made smoke zones and all other areas smoke-free zones.

Editor, my position then

and now is the same and for that it gives me great pleasure as a smoker to endorse and throw my full support behind the recently approved bill. I also call on His Excellency President David Granger to assent to the said Bill for a nation’s wealth is its health.

The facts remain that smoking in the eyes of this government is not the problem, but rather WHERE you smoke and WHEN you smoke, suffice it to say that this law will not be in isolation to the world. There are many countries that have similar laws and in fact more stringent ones that the bill recently approved by the Na-

tional Assembly of Guyana.

Editor, I can argue my position further by comparing and contrasting the benefits of cigarette smoking verses the negative effects but the irreversible damages of cigarette smoking to myself and friends are more important to address than the soothing and relaxing comfort I so claim to get from cigarette smoking.

In closing I wish to reaffirm my support and endorsement of the Bill recently approved by the National Assembly of Guyana.

Regards GANESH MAHIPAUL

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

UK companies express interest in investing here

By Ravin Singh WITH Guyana poised to become an economic powerhouse in the Caribbean with its recent oil find, companies in the United Kingdom (UK) have already begun scouting for investments possibilities here, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn said.

Global economic contraction over the last few years has affected overseas investments and cross-border trade, the World Bank has reported.

However, one of the most highly valued resource – oil – has served as an investment attraction for many states.

And with Guyana on the cusp of economic transformation with the discovery of oil, the possibility of increased investments in the country could be realised in the coming years.

According to Quinn, who was at the time speaking at a pressing briefing at his Bel Air Gardens residence on Thursday, “since oil became a big issue here, the interest of UK companies has gone through the roof.”

Phase one of oil production is expected to commence

here in 2020 with the recovery of approximately 500 million barrels of oil at a rate of 120,000 barrels per day (bpd), while phase two is expected to recover the remaining resource in 2023 and beyond.

The high commissioner went on to share that UK companies have been visiting Guyana on a weekly basis to scout for investment possibilities.

Over the last two years, President David Granger has repeatedly encouraged overseas-based Guyanese and foreigners to invest here.

“We are now at a stage where we are seeing new companies coming out here every weekend, there was one for this week and we’ve got another one coming in next week,” he said, adding that a lot of those companies are in the services industry.

So while those companies are starting to “romp up,” the British High Commissioner said UK companies already here have begun “kicking off” what they do.

He offered too that these companies are not just limited to the oil and gas sectors but are entities which operate in many other sectors.

British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, speaking to reporters on Thursday at his Bel Air Gardens residence (Delano Williams Photo)

The high commissioner also added his voice to those who have called for there to be a speeding up of the legislative process to guide the oil and gas sectors.

“The movement to do legislation on that, through the commission, through the sovereign wealth fund, local content, that’s moving forward and that’s important and that needs to be resolved as soon as possible,” he said.

Quinn was keen to note though, that while the process is moving forward, “there is an urgency to ensure

that the government is able to manage what is coming down the line,” even as he contended that they are fully

aware of this.

But at the same time, he added, there is need for continued extensive consultations.

“The legislation needs to get through quickly, but it also needs to get through a process of consultation with as wide a group of stakeholders as possible,” he said.

He also said the National Development Strategy should guide the direction of Guyana’s development after oil.

However, he offered that due to the fact that the strategy was not designed to take into account oil proceeds, there is need for it to be updated.

As such, he recommended government lobby stakeholders to assist in helping to

review the strategy with the primary focus being on the development of the country and its people.

“If you’re going to make this work properly, you need to have an overarching statement of ‘what’s the goal for the country 20-25 years down the line?’. Then everything else comes down from it in terms of what needs to be done to address each of the specific areas highlighted in the strategy,” he explained.

High Commissioner Quinn said while this has been communicated to the government by his Commission, there is a universal understanding that there needs to be a proper plan for spending money generated from oil.

Home alone man perishes in house fire A 52-YEAR-OLD man perished in a midday blaze at his home at Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice on Thursday.

The charred remains of Benauth Baldeoram, also known as Vickie, were found in the ruins of his two storeyed wooden home minutes after the blaze of unknown origin had been put out by firemen. He lived alone.

He was also said to be visually-impaired, having lost the sight in one eye in an accident while working as a cane harvester with GUYSUCO, Blairmont Op-

erations, some years ago.

Relatives said Baldeoram would frequently visit a daughter who lived some distance away from where he lived, so no one was sure that he was at home at the time.

“We heard no shouts for help or anything that would have alerted us that he was in the house and was in distress,” a distraught neighbor said.

Relatives were also mystified about the origins of the blaze since the house where Baldeoram lived was not served with electricity and he did not cook, since

he received his meals from his son who lives next door.

His son Bishal told Chronicle that he was at work around 10:50hrs yesterday when he heard about the fire and rushed home.

He was however forced to keep his distance from the burning house since the fire had engulfed the wooden building and there was not much he could do but look on. The remains are being kept at a funeral home awaiting a post mortem examination.

The West Berbice Police were up to late yesterday afternoon investigating the tragedy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 18, 2017

City Hall defers decision on making meter contract

By Navendra Seoraj

COUNCILLORS of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Thursday voted to defer a final decision on the future of the metered parking contract, despite being served the final report on the controversial deal.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen at a statutory meeting on Thursday suggested that every councillor and member of the public should take the chance to review the report which was compiled by a parking meter negotiation team.

The negotiation team, which comprised a group of councillors, was led by Councillor Malcolm Ferreira.

Though many of the councillors agreed to postpone the vote, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor, Bishram Kuppen, advised them of Attorney General, Basil William’s reminder that the Council does not have the power to extend deliberations.

“Nobody will push my buttons to do anything in a

Councillor Bishram Kuppen (standing) addressing the Council on Thursday

hurry,” said the mayor in response to Kuppen’s advice, noting that she was capable of extending the negotiations by one month and she is free to suggest that the voting be postponed.

Green went on to declare that the report was comprehensive, but more time was requested to consider the particulars before a substantive decision is made.

Councillors agreed to address the report at an up-

coming statutory meeting on August 28, 2017.

Members of the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) were bewildered by the decision. Some of them expressed dissatisfaction with the Council’s decision because according to their knowledge, the deliberations were over.

Prior to the submission of the report, the negotiation team conducted a four-month research to gather the views of stakeholders.

During his official presentation of the findings, Ferreira said many persons

Councillor Malcolm Ferreira presents the findings of the report as Mayor Patricia Chase-Green listens attentively

questioned the legality of the parking meter contract, which was allegedly done in secrecy.

During the consultation, SCS refused to disclose pertinent information.

Ferreira said they tried on numerous occasions but the company did not divulge any information, in fact, they attempted to make the negotiation team sign a non-disclosure agreement but it was rejected.

“It is unfair that they refused to give us important financial information… they refused to give us informa-

tion on what was the investment… after trying we decided to leave them out of the discussion because they were sworn to secrecy,” said the chairman of the negotiating team.

“The fact that the accountant’s report raised major red flags, it became necessary to ask SCS to provide verifying documents for the initial capital expenditure (proof of investment), as it is alarmingly unfair for Council to negotiate any deal without having the true and proper supporting documents to arrive at a business proposal

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that would be beneficial to all involved,” the report stated.

After the negotiations continued, it was discovered that the fees for towing, storage and clamping were said to be “exploitative”.

“Booting seems to have had a nasty negative effect on the psyche of some persons who willingly expressed such at the consultations and with some calling the act oppressive and even slave-like,” said Ferreira, who added that the overwhelming majority of persons consulted expressed the view that the current prices are way too high.

In addition, the team pointed to the need for more improved traffic control and traffic management systems, which would be complemented by garage parking and alternative transportation.

The report also recommended that the M&CC can continue the metered parking with SCS with a renewed contract; discontinue the metered parking with the company and do it with a new contractor; await the outcome of a pending court proceeding on the subject matter; or continue the metered parking independently.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Bacchus distances self from Pasha Global CLIFTON Bacchus, the owner of Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc. on Thursday vehemently denied being associated with Pasha Global- a Surinamese headquartered company that runs a number of casinos.

Pasha Global is owned

by Bhagwandath ‘Bidjay’ Parmasar, a convicted money launderer.

In a response to an article in this newspaper on Wednesday Bacchus, through his attorney, Anil Nandlall Bacchus, is now saying “Our client’s financing are from Trust Company (Guyana Limited) and Scotia Bank (Guyana), Wide Grace Limited and Global Trading Company Limited.

However Bacchus in a March 15, 2017 Demerarawaves article had said the investment in his casino is being funded by financial institutions, his personal funds and Pasha Global Group, a Suriname-headquartered company that will be operating the Carnival Casino.

He assured that clean money has been used to finance the

Owner of Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc., Clifton Bacchus (Facebook),

investment. “Everything is properly recorded, all- the whole investment- has been properly filed in court, all the mortgages and so on,” he said. He now says he has a rental arrangement with

Pasha Global Inc, which he said is “a Guyanese company, which is neither owned by nor connected to Bhagwandath ‘Bidjay’ Parmasar.”

Parmasar was jailed in 2006 for 10 years by a judge

Attorney, Anil Nandlall (Guyana Chronicle)

in the Netherlands for drug trafficking, money-laundering and fraud.

In February, the Gaming Authority had rejected an application for licence to operate a casino submitted

by Bacchus on the basis that there was no evidence that the business was financially sound. Bacchus has since submitted another application to the Authority and is in the process of providing addi-

tional information.

However, in a letter sent by the Authority’s chairman, Roysdale Forde, on July 10 to the Head of SOCU Sydney James, requesting information on Bacchus, the Authority called for the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share information and documents between the two entities.

Forde said, “I would be grateful if you can share any information in relation to the aforesaid applicant that you may have in your presence as soon as possible.” On July 11, James in response to Forde’s letter said, “Kindly be informed that Mr Clifton Bacchus of the Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc. and a number of associates of Mr Clifton Bacchus are subjects of a money-laundering investigation being conducted by SOCU, which is ongoing since July 2016.”

Bacchus has since denied being investigated by SOCU for money-laundering, as he was never contacted by the Unit.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 18, 2017

Caribbean on high alert over spread of “Red Eye”

SEVERAL Caribbean islands have reported outbreaks of conjunctivitis at health facilities and medical practices, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) said in a statement.

The regional body said it is currently monitoring the situation and “want to urge persons to take the necessary precautions to prevent and reduce the spread of this illness,” said Dr Virginia Asin-Oostburg, Director, Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control.

Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the membrane covering the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids. The congestion of blood vessels in this membrane gives rise to a reddened appearance and explains the more common names “red eye or pink eye”.

The most common causes of conjunctivitis are viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious and can spread easily from person

to person.

EYE SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE: • Redness; irritation; itchiness; production of excessive tears • Clear or yellow discharge that may make the eyelids stick together, especially on mornings • Swelling of the eye lids The risk of getting conjunctivitis or spreading it to someone else can be reduced. CARPHA wishes to advise the members of the public to practice some simple good, hygiene steps: • Avoid close contact with persons who are ill with conjunctival symptoms • Keep unwashed hands away from face and eyes • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Alternatively, you may use an alcohol based hand-sanitizer.

• Avoid sharing personal items, such as pillows, washcloths, towels, eye drops, eye makeup, face makeup, makeup brushes,

contact lenses and, contact lens containers, or eyeglasses.

• Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces in common areas, (for example doorknobs, counter-tops in shared spaces).

• If you are infected avoid using makeup and applicators, (for example brushes and sponges) • If you are infected, wash hands well before and after cleaning, or applying eye drops or ointment to, your infected eye.

Once the infection goes away, it is important to avoid re-infection: discard disposable contact lenses and cases that you used while your eyes were infected; extended wear lenses should also be discarded, or, at the least, sterilised as directed by your eye-care professional.

It is advisable that your eyes are examined by an eyecare professional before beginning to use contact lenses again, after a bout of conjunctivitis.

• Clean eyeglasses and cases that you used while infected.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Man charged with murder of Potaro miner

A 35-YEAR-OLD man was on Thursday charged with murder of a miner who was recently beaten to death with a spade at the Potaro Backdam, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) during an argument.

Naresh Baldeo, called Blackboy, of Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke Highway, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plea to the capital offence.

The charge read that on August 12 at Potaro Backdam, Baldeo murdered Mohabeer Gangadeen, 54 of Old Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara. Baldeo’s

DEAD: Mohabeer Gangadeen

attorney, Tiffany Jeffery told the court that her client was beaten by Gangadeen with a spade and requested

that he be given medical treatment while being remanded.

The Magistrate adjourned the matter until October 17 and transferred it to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court. According to reports, both men are miners and worked together at Potaro Backdam. On the day in question both men were consuming alcohol when there was a physical confrontation. The two men were reportedly overseeing the operation of a dredge in an old mining pit when Gangadeen accused the suspect of being in collusion with the general manager to steal gold. This led to an

argument and Gangadeen is alleged to have picked up a spade and dealt the suspect several lashes about his hand, face and body.

Baldeo was able to wrest the spade from Gangadeen and dealt him several lashes about his body, before pushing him overboard. After learning of the confrontation, the police reportedly apprehended the suspect, who initially claimed that Gangadeen had been drinking and fell into the water and died. However, the multiple marks of violence about his body told a different story, and the suspect, who also had marks of violence, later recanted his story and told the police the truth.

Naresh Baldeo, called Blackboy

NA man remanded on drug possession charge ALMOST a month after being charged for giving false information to the police, Mark Tim was on Thursday again before the court, this time for allegedly having nearly three kilos of cannabis in his possession.

Tim of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the drug trafficking charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that on July 24 at Evans Street, Charlestown, Tim had 2870 grams of cannabis in his possession for the

purpose of trafficking.

According to reports, on July 24 Tim was involved in a car accident with a police officer at Evans Street. The officer noticed that the accused was acting in a suspicions manner and was carrying a suitcase in his backseat.

However, when the officer was calling for backup Tim took out the suitcase from the car and hid it in a nearby yard.

When the backup came the suitcase was retrieved and the drugs were found inside. Tim was arrested and taken to the Ruimveldt

Police Station, where he had given the police a fake name.

Police Prosecutor, Arvin Moore, told the court that Tim appeared before the said court on July 27, the accused was released on $50,000 bail for giving false name to police.

Moore objected to the accused being granted bail on the drug charge on the ground that the accused poses as a flight risk. The magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Tim until September 8.

West Berbice farm worker dies four days after being hit by speeding car A 52-YEAR-OLD farm worker of Rising Sun Village, West Coast Berbice, who was struck down by a motor car on the West Berbice Highway on Sunday night last, succumbed to his injuries mid-day yesterday Thursday.

Reports said that Kenneth Seecharran, also known as Moorie, was part of a

group of people standing alongside the roadway at Rising Sun shortly after the races at the Annual Guyana Cup horse races were finished, when he was hit by a motor car travelling in a westerly direction.

He was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, then transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and

subsequently the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he died while receiving treatment.

The driver of the motor car, who was arrested shortly after, was up to late yesterday afternoon assisting Police with their investigations into the fatal accident.

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Prison director vows to bring down corrupt officers GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 18, 2017

DIRECTOR of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, said the smuggling of contraband into the prison continues to pose significant challenges to the service, but he warned that there will be no letup in bringing down corrupt officers and family members of inmates who are bent on breaking the law.

Samuels made the comments following another find of contraband at the Camp Street Prison this week. On August 14, 2017 remand prisoner, Shay Hyman, who is charged with five counts of robbery was found with cigarettes in what appeared to be a sealed pack of corn curls, whilst on August 15, 2017 Sherwyn Clarke aka Cash Money, a murder accused was found with 225 grams of Marijuana in his sneakers, which he did have on when he left the prisons.

“It was however reported,

that he received same from a family member at the court.

From all indications, the marijuana was placed in the sneakers and then taken to a shoemaker where it was carefully sewn and pasted to secure the marijuana at the bottom. That discovery was only made due to the experience observation by the rank who conducted the search and his loyalty to the job,” Samuels explained in a statement.

In his statement, Samuels said the smuggling of illicit items such as drugs, cigarettes and cell phones into prisons continues to be a significant problem facing the Guyana Prison Service.

He said one may be inclined to say that prison officers are colluding with prisoners to smuggle contraband, “but I must say that on numerous occasions, prison officers, family members and friends

of prisoners when caught are charged and prosecuted for contraband-related offences.”

Samuels said albeit the likely involvement of some staff, they are several Prison Officers who are committed to their work even though they are exposed to risk and temptation on a daily basis, they continue to execute their task in a very professional manner.

He said one of the strategies implemented to combat contraband smuggling in the Guyana Prison Service is requiring everyone to undergo searches when entering the facility. However, this has only a limited deterrent effect, especially when staff members search other staff members, given the pervasive nature not only of corruption but also of the tendency for employees to protect their co-workers.

“Even though we contin-

Prison officer stabbed by inmate A PRISON officer attached to the New Amsterdam Prison was on Wednesday stabbed on the left arm by an elderly prisoner who refused to be relocated after a fight with another inmate.

According to Director of Prisons, Gladwin Sam-

uels, the inmate was being relocated to another division of the prison by the officer when he objected to be moved.

While on his way, the prisoner ripped out a pipe and struck the officer, injuring him in the left arm. The officer was treated at the

New Amsterdam Hospital and later discharged.

Information reaching Guyana Chronicle indicated that the prisoner is said to be a murder accused and is expected to face charges soon. An investigation has been launched into the incident.

ue to face these challenges, it was the diligence of our officers that led to the discovery of contraband on prisoners returning from court. Those investigations have so for indicated that family members of some prisoners are deeply involved in the supply of contraband,” Samuels said.

The Prison director commended the officers for a good job done and also advised all ranks to desist from all forms of malfeasance. “Lives are at risk and the security of this nation is at stake and no efforts would be reserved in bringing those corrupt officers down.

We are continuing to work assiduously to ensure the safety and security of the nation.”

Marijuana sewn on to these shoe soles for a prisoner

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Regional water management strategy being crafted

By Navendra Seoraj

A REGIONAL Water Management Strategy is being crafted by ministers from around the Caribbean and is expected to be presented before the International Water Association in March 2018.

The ministers will meet at the 26th Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) conference in October at the Marriott Hotel to discuss the particulars of the strategy which is expected to be completed by yearend.

CWWA Executive Director, Patricia Aquing, said the agency is aware of the importance of water management in the Caribbean and are exploring methods to enhance the conservation, delivery and purification of the resource.

Contractors/suppliers and other stakeholders were briefed about the upcoming conference/exhibition at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on Wednesday.

GWI is one of the 86 members of CWWA. Over 400 participants are expected to take part at this year’s conference.

The input of exhibitors

ter and stopping leakages.

The conference will be helpful in giving opportunities to suppliers and contractors of the company, as they will be able to market their products and find ways to develop a new product and even improve what they supply.

Dr. Van West-Charles’ sentiments were echoed by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings, who told contractors to network with international stakeholders

CWWA Executive Director, Patricia Aquing, addresses the gathering at GWI (Samuel Maughn photo)

and other stakeholders will be considered for the strategy, said Aquing.

The CWWA, aside from developing the strategy will be giving members and stakeholders a chance to network and share ideas about how the industry can be further developed.

Guyana will have a chance to raise the profile of water, wastewater and waste management through interaction with participants from Denmark, Germany, Israel and other countries when the four-day conference starts on October 16.

GWI Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-

Charles said the conference will be ideal for finding solutions to challenges which affect sustainable development.

“The conference will bring out knowledge and research which is critical to development… we have started a customer survey which will help to understand how we can service customers better despite being owned by the State,” Dr. Van West-Charles said.

GWI has been able to dig new wells, install new machinery and even employ new strategies, but Charles said more is yet to be done in terms of improving the delivery of wa-

so that they can develop their individual products.

“Pull yourselves to gether… put yourselves in groups and teach each other how to do better… you must make sure you supply the right materials, no matter what the contract may be,” said the minister.

It was pointed out that inferior products have caused many mishaps and shortfalls, especially in the communities sector.

“We found out that a lot of water is being wasted…

there are many leakages and we need to improve on that in order to save our most important resource,” she said.

Hydrologist and Secretary of the CWWA conference, Angela Franklin, said the conference will be key to addressing many problems, given that the association’s mission is to educate and train persons to manage water and improve the quality of water and its supply.

Baby in car died of suffocation -- post-mortem COMMANDER of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman, on Thursday confirmed that a post-mortem performed on the body of the nine-monthold baby who was forgotten by a relative in a locked car died as a result of suffocation.

The post-mortem examination was performed by government pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh.

Chapman related that relatives of Jadiel Christian are cooperating fully with detectives, who have since taken statements from the parents and others on the day in question as to what transpired leading up to the incident.

He told Guyana Chronicle that so far, until the investigation is

complete, the death of the child is being treated as an “incident”.

Little Christian of Lot 1868 Williamstaad Road, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown was found panting for breath in her father’s car around 14:30 hours on Tuesday.

According to reports, the child’s father, Jermaine Christian, was playing dominoes at his neighbour’s house when his wife, Nikita Christian, gave him their child to keep.

After two hours had elapsed, a female relative went over to the neighbour’s house and collected the baby to play with her.

The young relative reportedly placed the baby girl in the backseat of the car to play and after some

time she got thirsty and left the baby in the hot car with the windows rolled up and doors locked and went to get something to drink.

The relative however went about and did other things such as playing in the yard with other children and watching television.

It was when a neighbour who, usually would take the baby for afternoon walks showed up to collect her, the relative remembered she had left the baby lying in the back seat of the car but by then the child was panting for breath.

The child’s parents were informed and they tried desperately to revive her and subsequently took the baby to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 18, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

In Little Guyana, proposed cuts to family immigration weigh heavily

RICHARD David’s face is plastered around the Richmond Hill neighborhood of Queens. Along Liberty Avenue, on posters in the windows of sari shops and roti restaurants, Mr. David advertises his campaign for City Council, which, if successful, would make him New York’s first city councilman of Guyanese

descent.

One of Mr. David’s campaign promises: securing money for resources like immigration lawyers or language assistance for the diverse neighborhood that includes Little Guyana, a hub of the largest Guyanese community outside of the country itself.

It is also the communi-

ty in New York City that could lose the most from a new federal effort to cut legal immigration in half, in part by limiting what are known as family preference visas, which go to the siblings, grandchildren, in-laws or adult children of United States citizens, as well as the spouses and children of legal permanent residents. That is

exactly the kind of visa that allowed Mr. David to immigrate from Guyana in 1995, and that helped bring other members of his family into the country, too, as recently as last month.

“Eight family members of mine just came through family sponsorship on the Fourth of July,” Mr. David said. His grandmother sponsored two

The Little Guyana neighbourhood is a hub of the largest Guyanese community outside of the country itself

adult daughters, who also brought their children. Of the proposed immigration bill, which was endorsed by President Trump last week, Mr. David said, “This could cease or significantly reduce Guyanese migration to the country.”

It is unclear if the bill will ever become law.

The Guyanese community brings in more people through family preference visas than any other immigrant group in the city. Of the Guyanese in New York City who received legal permanent residence between 2002 and 2011, 60 per cent entered on family preference visas, according to a 2013 report by the Department of City Planning. Thirty-seven per cent entered as immediate relatives, an uncapped visa category that includes the spouses, parents and minor children of citizens.

Foreign-born Guyanese people make up a tiny share of the United States as a whole — just over 280,000 people in 2015, or 0.09 per cent of the total population — but a hefty share of New York City’s immigrant population.

More than half of the Guyanese population in the United States lives in New York City, according to city data, making it the fifth-largest immigrant population in the five boroughs and the second-largest in Queens.

“Their propensity to come to New York City is very high,” said Joseph J. Salvo, chief demographer at the Department of City Planning. “And they are heavily

reliant on family preferences — and reliant on categories that, under this proposal, would disappear. There’s no question that they would be affected in a dramatic fashion.”

The bill, sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia, seeks to reduce the number of people granted legal permanent residency each year — currently more than one million — by 41 per cent in its first year and 50 per cent by its 10th year, according to its sponsors’ estimates.

To do that, it proposes narrowing the definition of immediate relatives, removing parents from the list and lowering the age of qualifying children to 18 from 21.

Siblings of citizens, as well as the adult children of citizens or permanent residents, would no longer be eligible for family sponsorship. The total number of family preference visas would be cut to 88,000 a year, a 60 per cent reduction from the current 226,000.

Of New York City’s Guyanese immigrants who became legal permanent residents from 2002 to 2011, 45 per cent were the parents, married children or siblings of citizens, or their spouses or children, according to the city’s data. If the proposed bill had been law at the time, nearly half of new Guyanese immigrants to the city would have been ineligible.

For a community that relies upon tightly knit family

Turn to Page 17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 18, 2017

Speed up Constitutional Reform

– British High Commissioner urges BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, believes that there is enough scope for the acceleration of the constitutional reform process which has been embarked upon here.

The high commissioner shared this view during a press conference at his Bel Air Gardens residence on Thursday.

The government, while in Opposition, had made a

commitment to ensure constitutional reform is examined should they be elected to office.

Having won the elections, the coalition has since tabled draft legislation in the National Assembly establishing a 15-member “constitutional reform consultative commission.”

The act seeks to establish a Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission to assist the Parliamentary

In Little Guyana... units, where multiple generations live together in one house and grandparents often care for grandchildren while parents work, the constriction of family immigration would be especially wrenching.

“In our Guyanese community, nuclear family is not tied down to mother, father, children,” said Deborah Assanah, 56, associate director of the Guyana Cultural Association. “We have like a village of family members who assist with raising the kids.”

The Guyanese community, which includes people of Indian, African, Chinese and indigenous descent, has one of the highest rates of female labor force participation among New York City immigrants, perhaps aided by the availability of extended family to care for young children, said Philip Kasinitz, a sociology professor at the City University of New York.

And because many Guyanese immigrants send remittances to relatives at home, cutting off family immigration would effectively make immigrants responsible for financially maintaining two households, with no prospect of reunification, said Vishnu Mahadeo, president of the Richmond Hill Economic Development Council.

Additionally, many Guy-

anese parents prefer for their children to come to the United States either as very young children or after they have completed their education, so that they can integrate more easily into American society or the work force, Ms. Assanah said. But that means many are older when they immigrate, making them targets of the new proposal. Ms. Assanah immigrated in 2008, sponsored by her husband, who is a citizen. A few years earlier, he also sponsored their twin daughters, who were 21 at the time — older than the proposed new cutoff.

Many Guyanese had not yet focused on the bill.

Vrinda Jagan, a lawyer in Richmond Hill who works on immigration, said that immediately after the November election, clients flooded her office with questions and pleas for reassurance that they would not be deported en masse. But nobody had asked her about the new bill, she said. And applications for family sponsorship have not flagged since President Trump’s endorsement of it.

“I sent out a few this week,” she said. “They’re continuing to petition for their family members, and they’re petitioning for their spouses, their children, a lot of children over 21. That

Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform in its work by conducting public consultations with and receiving submission from Guyanese for the Committee.

One hundred rounds of consultations are expected to be held across the country.

However, even as these efforts are ongoing, criticisms have emerged from sections of society regarding the speed at which these are

From Page16 hasn’t changed.”

The policy would be most devastating to people whose applications for family-sponsored visas had been pending for years, said Randy Capps, Director of United States research at the Migration Policy Institute.

Especially for those with lower priority cases, like siblings or married children, the wait can be 10 years or even more.

At Singh’s Roti Shop and Bar on Liberty Avenue, Sandra, who asked to be identified by only her first name because she feared disrupting her immigration proceedings, said she had been waiting on family sponsorship for 12 years; she was in the United States on a tourist visa.

She was being sponsored by her sister-in-law, who had submitted an application for her brother, Sandra’s husband. Under the current system, Sandra and her three children would be allowed to enter as well.

If the bill were passed, Sandra said, “I would feel bad, because you wait so long.” Her children, who have never been to the United States, are eagerly awaiting the day the application is approved. “They’re so excited,” she said. (New York Times)

being executed.

Quinn shared with reporters that at this point in time, he “would have liked to see more happen by now”.

According to him, people are frustrated by the lack of speed. However, he believes that the delay in the process is not because of one individual or one group; but rather it should be a shared responsibility.

He added too that “If enough people say it [Constitutional reform] is important enough, then it will happen.”

Quinn shared too that: “there is always scope for more speed” given the fact that people he engages -

non-governmental organisations and ordinary Guyanese - have agreed that there is a need for reform, although they differ on where reform is needed.

Just last month an advocacy movement called Reform-Inspire-Sustain-Educate (RISE), shared its plans to “pressure” the authorities into undertaking constitutional reform more serious.

The group believes that the reform process is being foot-dragged by successive governments, and according to its principals, the process, if implemented, would lead to executive accountability, racial harmony and political, economic and social inclusivity.

With the populace being the beneficiaries of such an undertaking, the British high commissioner is also of the view that the process needs to be a Guyanese-led one.

“Our position is that Constitutional Reform needs to be a Guyanese-led process but certainly we encourage everybody across the political divide to engage the process and we hope there would be some good progress going forward,” he told reporters.

Despite this slothfulness, the British high commissioner said his office is continuing in its efforts to encourage the speeding up of this process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

‘Bacchanal Wednesday’ is almost here

WE’VE been waiting on it all month long, and now it’s finally here! Well, almost.

This month has two extra-special dates that have been marked down on calendars all across Guyana ever since they were announced: They’re August 23 and August 27, the dates when the Jamzone Summer festivities all go down.

And it all starts off with the Stag Beer/ GTT Bacchanal Wednesday next week.

As has happened in the last few years, this year’s Jamzone celebrations have been scaled back to just a skeleton of what they used to be in the event’s 17 years in existence, reportedly due the perceived downturn in the economy among other factors.

What’s more, there will be over 20 of the most trending soca stars on stage in Guyana on one night and well into the morning! And when the party’s over, you can go home, catch a few hours of sleep, and then get up and get to work, if you have any energy left. Bosses, be prepared for the inordinate amount of sick employees that will not be turning up for work come next Thursday!

A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE “We really want to bring a different experience to this year; we want it to be something that persons will remember for a long time, you know,” explained HJ Co-founder, Kerwin Bollers.

Hits and Jams founders, Rawle Ferguson (left) and Kerwin Bollers

Nonetheless, the organisers have still managed to keep Jamzone as Guyana’s hottest August event, always having that shock factor. And this year is looking to be no different.

Despite having only one soca show and the beach jam this year, HJ has definitely shocked quite a few when this year’s happenings were revealed.

This year, the Hits and Jams crew is pushing the envelope with an all-out, full-energy, action-packed soca show, and of course there’s nothing unusual about that!

But they definitely got the buzz started in a big way when persons found out that the concert’s on a Wednesday that isn’t a holiday, and that the day after isn’t a holiday either!

“You’re accustomed to going to shows on a weekend, but we want you to actually go to the show on a Wednesday night then go to work on the Thursday. We want you to be in the workplace talking about your experience and stuff like that,” he added.

When Bollers and team sat down to sort out just what Jamzone would be like this year, they just knew one thing: That they wanted it to be different.

And with almost everything under the sun being done already, they had to look hard! But they didn’t have to look that far; only as far as our closest Caribbean neighbour, Trinidad.

“The Soca show basically is a concept that we’re collaborating on with Destra; it’s something that’s done in Trinidad; it’s called Bacchanal Wednesday Festival of

Bands,” Kerwin said, adding: “If you look at the shows that happened around Carnival time, it happens at around midweek; and we want to give that experience.

“As far as my knowledge goes, I don’t think that we’ve ever had a big show like that in Guyana. Most of the artistes on the show would have visited Guyana before, maybe once or twice, maybe even more, but we’ve never had all of them at one time at one show.”

But it won’t be just about the artistes, as a lot is going into making this show as special as possible.

“What we’re doing with this particular concert is that we want to focus a lot on décor; we really want to transform the location,” Kerwin said.

They’re also considering the time factor, given Guyana’s “2AM” curfew, and organisers currently lobbying to see if they could get an extension to “3AM” in the hope of having the concert commence at around 21:00hrs.

So, with just seven hours, give or take, and over 20 international artistes, not to mention an extensive line-up of local singers, it makes one wonder about the possibility of overkill, but the organizer is promising that that will not be the case.

“No, I don’t see that,” Kerwin said,

adding: “There are a lot of people who would have experienced similar concerts in Trinidad and Barbados, Miami and so on.

“You have a lot of concerts, like Carnival, where you have all these artistes, so it’s just that it’s never been done in Guyana.

“We want to be the first to bring so much artistes on one show.”

Aside from Destra, the night’s schedule reads like a “Who’s who of Soca”. And it’s not just soca; there’s a little chutney in there too, with reigning Chutney Monarch, Ravi B, as well as former International Chutney Monarch, KI, also in the mix.

There’s also Allison Hinds; Denise Belfon; Freezie; Falty; Swappy, and Orlando Octane.

“We’ve never had it with a cast like this,” Kerwin said. “And you would notice that it’s a very balanced cast. We have some Chutney...

“There are some of the stars from the past, and then there’s a lot of present-day artistes; and then we have future, still upand-coming artistes like Orlando Octave and persons like that, so it’s a very balanced show that spans over a number of generations.”

The overseas artistes are scheduled to begin arriving from Tuesday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Emancipation of the male crisis – downplayed, but turbulent nevertheless I LIVE in a different part of Georgetown.

Now, last Monday morning, my wife drew my attention to a scene that supports the discourse we have been having in and out over the last year on the subject of this article.

Charity was conducted from a business place. About thirty ‘beggars’ were assembling; some could be seen hurriedly coming up the street towards the location. Of the group of some 30, only one female was visible. This is not to say that there aren’t females begging, but as a pedestrian, I know the professional beggar-women who traverse Regent Street and Church and Camp Streets. Add them to a crew that travels from Diamond for the same purpose, they don’t amount to 20 souls.

The composite of these male beggars are not all ‘sagiwangs’ or the destitute aged.

Many of them are work-capable and not the traditional beggars of long ago, who callously exploited our sympathies while they purchased their second property.

That Emancipation 2017 is commemorated in the season of a male crisis is easy to reach collective agreement, with very simple recognitions of the social landmarks of purgatory around us.

A: More males are in prison than females who outnumber us.

B: The Public Service is populated by more females across the board.

C: Most stores in the private sector are almost 90% female on the floor.

D: Even in the security-guard sectors, there is an almost equal ratio between the genders.

E: With the street-selling vendors, women outnumber males by an easy 80%, while in the drug yards, sleeping on the streets and exploited as cheap labour around the markets are all 90% male.

The Joint Services also have their female representation intact. This occurred not through the laziness of the male population worldwide. Yes, it is a worldwide phenomenon, but in the case of Guyana, it is what it is, because governments over the past 40 years were overburdened by the conflicts of political entrenchment, abuse and sabotage, and lost sight of the consequences of the indifferent monster of ‘Modernisation’. (354) A COMPLEX CULTURE Modernisation and the complex common culture of the semi-skilled employment pool that males were urged into that provided more instant income than the office job, urged and encouraged into by many cashstrapped mothers, peer pressure and the “sa-

ga-boy” impulses that produced unprepared fathers, and the confusion of the economic constraints that status commanded.

Also important was the fact that Guyana, or British Guiana, always had a shortage of employment opportunities, even in the pre- independence years. With the many requirements for shovel-men and carpenters to provide yard latrines, to dig and maintain village trenches and dig water wells, good paying jobs were difficult to acquire.

With Independence, we were a nation of an average 80% male, muscle-driven, semiskilled labourers. I worked at GRB; that facility was nicknamed ‘Children Property’ until political arson reduced it to ashes in 1977.

This was a tough waterfront environment: Hard work, good overtime, and constant tantalise that could, and did lead to fist fights, lots of suck-teeth tax deductions, and good pay packet once work was available.

When work was out of season, there was ‘Transport’, John Fernandes, chip-and-paint at Sprostons or Number One; always options on the water front.

These jobs are all gone now. Nothing has replaced them, except for “suitcase trading” and smuggling for a while. And these have also disappeared; the “Call on Centre” on Lombard Street is a place of ghosts. The waterfront became modernised, with containers and barrels and numerous courier services.

Modernisation also impacted on the technical skills. My brother is a trained electrician, who found a bigger pay packet on America Street changing currency.

I summoned him years later to fix a fluorescent lamp I was having problems with.

He looked at the ballast and confessed that it was different from what he had dealt with before. I had to get another electrician.

The same can be said of plumbers who may have worked as apprentices in the days of red lead and gasket, and cannot remember when a ‘bend’ rather than a ‘knee’ is necessary.

With a preponderance of bogus contractors and part tradesmen, all consequences of the far-reaching impact of a chaotic condition of disorderliness that was over-exploited during the last administration to shift monies through front men here and there to the injury of the nation, we do unreasonably expect some ‘magic’ from the current administration.

And there are long overdue mysteries that need to be clarified with the legal wand.

And if my sources are correct, then it is the legal framework that determines how the

nation conducts its business that is found wanting. That there are no legislative criteria to determine who is an Engineer in the fields of Industry, then any and everybody is an Engineer; and the public has no beacon to guide them, their very lives, and constrained finances. (474) NO HUMAN OBLIGATIONS Also, for the procedures and expectations of the numerous ‘Security Guard’ services, there are no laws that commit them to any reasonable human [staff] operational obligations; the majority of these entities constitute severe exploitation, with unskilled males as their primary prey.

In the area of entertainment, promoters get away with murder. I have witnessed singers sing their hearts out and being told that the show “didn’t mek no money”, while the girlfriend picked up two days before the show gets a scooter.

The most disturbing reference that implies intervention can be drawn from the elements surrounding the Pepper Creek, Konawaruk incident.

1: How was the land acquired?

2: That a Judge allowed an injunction that prevented GGMC, the guardian, from examining the operation.

3: That this aberration took the lives of ten males, and no one was held accountable.

4: That political connections and Law Enforcement friendships played a part then, as similar interventions seem to have also participated in a current alleged treasonous contention with the same group.

The pork-knocker bush [Guyana’s mineral fields] has, for over 130 years, sustained thousands of families and entire villages as a traditional source of income. The dismal reasons for its current condition is well understood, but it has to be returned to the people.

This is an enclave of male income; it must be healed. The crisis of manhood is not an assumption; it is real, and overflows with disruptive consequences onto the stability of the family, and the national safety.

I do look forward, in early 2018, to the resumption of the Guyana Youth Corps.

This couldn’t happen at a better time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

‘Watch De Ride 3’ ‘Emerge 6’ for matinee show for NCC Theatre Guild RONALD Hollingsworth’s “Watch De Ride 3” is billed for September 15 at the National Cultural Centre as a matinee show for secondary school children under the directorship of veteran theatre personnel, Sheron Cadogan-Taylor.

In “Watch De Ride 3”, subtitled “Snap Chat Blues” for relevance, the minibus culture is brought to the home of an unsuspecting family.

While mom and dad are at work, their school-age children use their absence as an opportunity to experiment physically and emotionally.

“Many times,” Cadogan-Taylor said, “our young adults make choices that weigh heavily on us parents and society in general. ‘Watch De Ride 3 brings the complexities of secrets, impulsive decisions, lies and tradeoffs out from under the carpet and thrust it before its audience.

“Thus, while the audience may ponder on the what’s if’s and what may happen next in the drama, the chances taken by the young adults in the drama create some unimaginable problems for their families.”

The cast includes Nelan Benjamin, Kimberly Fernandes, Mark Luke-Edwards, Sean Thompson, Nicola Moonsammy, Nathaya Whaul, Leon Cummings, Simone Dowding, Sophera Waldron, and Paul Budnah.

“This dynamic cast is working assiduously and is hoping to set the Cultural Centre stage ablaze once again,” Cadogan-Taylor said. “In other words, it is a must-see production!”

THE children participating in local entertainer Simone Dowding’s drama workshop when school is out during the July/August holiday, will get an opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve learnt at “Emerge 6”.

The event is a ‘Purple Arts Production’ at Theatre Guild that will be run entirely by the children who took the class.

Dubbed “a performance for children by children”, the show will begin at 18:00hrs on

Sheron Cadogan-Taylor

Alkaline denies Kartel ‘peace treaty’ A L K A LINE has denied ever visiting Vybz Kartel in prison to make peace and possibly record a collaboration.

On Tuesday, rumours started floating around the Internet claiming that Alkaline visited Vybz Kartel in GP. The reports are alleging that the Vendetta deejay has apologised to the incarcerated deejay and asked for a collaboration in music and possible business ventures.

Dancehall HipHop reached out to sources in both the Vendetta and Gaza camp, and neither party could not confirm the claim; the folks over at Vendetta categorically denied the reports.

“Alkaline never, and I want to emphasise, NEVER visit Kartel in or out of prison,” a ‘rep’ for the Vendetta told DHH. “This is nothing more than fake news made up by supporters of the other side. We too busy making hit songs, and making moves to even sit down behind a keyboard and make up foolishness.”

DHH also reached out to our sources inside the Gaza for a comment, and they also couldn’t confirm that the meeting ever happened. “I don’t know about that,” sources said. “Vybz Kartel gets visits from people from time to time, and there is a process to see him.

“So, at the very least, Shorty or management would know if that a go go down.”

Vybz Kartel and Alkaline are both rivals in dancehall, and two of the hottest artistes in the genre over the last few years.

In October last year, Vybz Kartel released an Alkaline and Mavado diss track, “Round Corna”, which solidifies their beef. That track has since racked up three million views on YouTube.

Simone Dowding

August 26, and tickets cost $1000.

Dowding told this publication that for all five of the previous shows, Guyana’s First Lady has always attended and given remarks.

The children will be responsible for writing and directing their plays, as well as doing their own stage and costume management.

The show is being supported by Nalico/ Nafico, Courts, and the Continental Group of Companies.

Sean Kingston signs Tommy Lee FOLLOWING an impressive performance at the recently concluded Reggae Sumfest, dancehall artiste Tommy Lee Sparta is being signed by international star, Sean Kingston.

The announcement was made on Sunday via Sean Kingston’s Instagram page. In a photo of himself and the ‘Spartan’ soldier, Sean Kingston brags about being able to work the artiste, and says there are big things to come from their partnership.

“Haven’t been this excited about signing an artiste since @torylanez,” the caption attached to the photo read. “Mi nuh hide an talk @tommyleesparta is undeniably talented ... big news soon come,” Sean Kingston wrote.

Tommy Lee’s camp was tight-lipped about the deal that was struck with the singer, songwriter and record producer.

But while Tommy Lee and his manage-

ment has been silent about the signing, his fans have been celebrating the announcement.

“Big moves me general, it’s a good look. You deserve it,” said one user on Instagram.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

THERE’S a lot going down this weekend, but nothing is going to be bigger that the Amazon Warrior matches at the Providence Stadium.

It all started last night, when we faced the Jamaica Tallawahs, and as the weekend rolls on, we’re also set to face-off against the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Tridents!

When you’re done at the Stadium, Palm Court has been declared the official home of the Hero CPL after parties! The after-party on Saturday will see DJ Bravo returning to do his thing!

But cricket isn’t the only sports event that’s heating up this weekend; there’s also some swimming on the East Coast, and the “Ballers” in the Summer Futsal tournament winds down this weekend over on the West Side.

Aside from CPL, the next hottest most talked about thing this Summer is the Jamzone celebrations; and though the bacchanal doesn’t get going until Wednesday, you can get ready with some pre-vibes at a little hang that Hits and Jams is having at their Lance Gibbs office today!

There’s also a “Boom Out Challenge” going down at Club Privilege tonight!

TODAY The Guyana Amazon Warriors take on the Jamaica Tallawahs from 18:00hrs tonight at the Providence National Stadium as the Hero Caribbean Premier League continues!

And there’s another match tomorrow from 12:00hrs as the Warriors take on the Trinbago Knight Riders and then again on Sunday as they size up against the Tridents!

When you’re all done at the Providence National Stadium, head on down to Palm Court for the official CPL T20 After-Party!

Boss Lady Fridays and Hits and Jams want to take you on a party vibe expedition as they bring to you “Bam Bing” in Paris at Club Privilege!

And be a part of the live Boom Out challenge! Music by the Boom DJs, DJ Dellon and Selector Charley! Ladies free before 22:00hrs!

The much-anticipated Goodwill Swim Meet begins from today at the National Aquatic Centre! Head on down to Liliendaal and support the Guyanese swimmers as they take on other young swimmers from six other countries across the Caribbean!

The action starts from 15:00hrs today, and continues throughout the weekend from 10:00hrs tomorrow and Sunday! Tickets: $700.

Prep for Bacchanal Wednesday with the Bacchanal Zone at the lawns of the Hits and Jams office on Lance Gibbs Street!

There will be soca vibes, drinks and food, and loads of opportunities to win free tickets to the Stag Beer/GTT Bacchanal Wednesday on August 23!

The Second Round Entertainment and Xtra Beer Ballers in the Summer Futsal tournament continues this weekend with the quarter finals on Saturday, and the semis and finals on Sunday from 20:00hrs nightly at the Pouderoyen Tarmac!

Come out support your team, and see who will walk away with $400,000 in cash! Crazy juggling Gully Ras and Diamond!

TOMORROW Boss Lady Entertainment presents Boss Lady Niki’s birthnite celebration BBQ and Dance called “Wild Thoughts” at Brick Mansion (175 Middle Road, La Penitence)! It’s going to be the All Black edition, and the winner of the dance competition is going to walk away US$100 richer! Ladies free all night! Tickets $500.

It’s ‘Return of the Champion’ at Palm Court as DJ Bravo returns, this time performing his latest single alongside Trinidad’s DJ Ana and Gully Ras from the Boom Station!

Pre-sold Tickets: $2000. Gate: $3000.

SUNDAY The Miss Summer Blaze 2017 Pageant is being held at the National Cultural Centre!

The event is being held to promote a positive youth development, which will reward and encourage the personal development and accomplishment of young women!

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Ri-Ri tries to hide new boyfriend RIHANNA was pictured sneaking out of London’s Chiltern Firehouse with her billionaire boyfriend, Hassan Jameel.

The pop superstar and the Saudi billionaire, whose family has dealership rights to Toyota cars, took cover under a large umbrella as they left the restaurant on Wednesday night.

Rihanna teamed her sexy dress with a black “hoody” and gold heels, while Hassan also opted for black top and grey trousers.

The pair rushed through the rain and entered their waiting car, as they proved their romance is still very much intact.

Rihanna and Hassan managed to keep their romance a secret for almost for six months before they were snapped enjoying a steamy kissing session in Spain.

Friends of the singer believe it is the “real deal” after she recently spent a number of secret weekends in the UK with him.

Meanwhile, The Sun recently revealed that Hassan had been married before he started his relationship with the Bajan superstar.

As a sign of what may be in store for Rihanna, he tied the knot with art expert Lina Lazaar at a luxury ceremony at the Paris Opera House in 2012.

A source said: “Hassan is an intensely private individual.

“His marriage was over before he met Rihanna, after getting a divorce from Lina, but it will still come as a shock to her millions of fans.”

Lecrae, ‘Tori’ Kelly team up – for emotional music video LECRAE and ‘Tori’ Kelly have teamed up to spread the message of hope with their powerful voices.

The Grammy-winning rap artist unveiled the official music video for his inspiring single, “I’ll Find You” (featuring Kelly) on Friday, and shed light on families struggling with cancer.

PEOPLE has the exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of the making of the video, which took place in

Los Angeles at the Glendale Memorial Hospital and in a studio in Memphis with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients.

“For me, this video is my heartbeat; it’s me showing my own pain, hope and passion for others. I want people to see there’s hope in the chaos,” Lecrae tells PEOPLE exclusively.

St. Jude is a leader in treating and defeating childhood cancer and other

life-threatening diseases.

Emphasising that a family’s main focus should be to help their child survive, the organisation never bills families for treatment, travel, housing or food.

“I’ll Find You” currently has more than six million audio streams, and is trending in the Top 30 at Rhythm Radio.

The song is also set to be featured on Lecrae’s upcoming debut album, out with Columbia Records later this year. (People Magazine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Tallawahs stun Warriors in low-scoring thriller

By Rajiv Bisnauth

J A M A I C A Ta l l a w a h s prevailed in a low-scoring nail-biter last evening against the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence when the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) continued.

Amid a passionate, excitable crowd dominated by Warriors support, the hosts threw away their outstanding work in the field with a nervous batting display, losing the encounter by two runs.

Set 129 for victory, the

Warriors reached 126-4.

Earlier in the evening, the Warriors, instigated by some accurate bowling, had restricted the tourists to 128-7. On a tough pitch for batting the Tallawahs’ late recruit Glenn Phillips was the only player who managed to score with some form of fluency, hitting 51 off 47 balls.

Timely rotation from the Warriors bowling unit saw Rayad Emrit, Rashid Khan and Steven Jacobs, all claiming two wickets apiece. Sohail Tanvir had 1-14 off his four overs, while left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul went wicket-less in his spell, which cost just 19 runs.

nings took another turn for the worse as Kumar Sangakkara went in similar fashion to McCarthy, off the bowling of Jacobs for five.

The removal of the Tallawahs top-order brought Rovman Powell, and together with Phillips, they threatened to build a substantial partnership, but Powell’s attacking instincts got the better of him as he attempted to hit a second on-side boundary in quick succession and picked up boundary-rider Khan off the bowling of Emrit for a nine-ball seven.

Having lost those wickets, the Tallawahs had to adjust their expectations,

ting 37 off 33 balls, including three fours before he was taken at point off Kesrick Williams.

Guptill followed soon after, bowled by Garey Mathurin for a 41-ball 33.

However, despite the loss of those wickets, the opening stand had helped establish a platform from which the Warriors middle-order failed to capitalise.

Babar Azam and Jason Mohammed joined forces after the dismissal of Guptill, and the pair combined in a busy partnership of 49.

They took the total to 118 when Azam was dropped on the square-leg boundary in the 19th over, an over where three mis-

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan (not in picture) provides the Guyana Amazon Warriors with the first breakthrough when he bowled Lendl Simmons. (Photos: Adrian Narine) The visitors’ powerful opening pair of Lendl Simmons and Phillips were well restricted, with only two boundaries coming in the first five overs.

However, the introduction of leg-spinner Rashid Khan in the sixth over yielded the first six, with Simmons using his feet to manufacture a clean hit over the long-on ropes.

After hitting Khan for the first-ball six, Simmons was then bowled the next ball, and at the end of the Powerplay the Tallawahs had scored 35-1.

Even as the field dropped back, the Warriors continued to maintain the pressure to rein in the Tallawahs, with another couple tight overs of spin. The pressure of that period told in the 10th over when Jacobs bowled the dangerous Andre McCarthy for an 11-ball eight, leaving the Tallawahs 50-2.

Eight runs later the in-

and Phillips who batted with some restraint until the 15th over, launched Emrit for his first six. He then smashed Roshon Primus for his second maximum the next over.

Joined by Jonathan Foo, the Guyanese played a late cameo, hitting Khan for two four and a six in consecutive balls. Sixteen runs came off the 18th over before Foo was bowled by Khan.

Phillips and Imad Wasim were the other two batsmen dismissed, with clever spells at the death from Tanvir and Emrit, ensuring the Warriors target would not be insurmountable.

The Warriors’ run chase began steadily, with openers Martin Guptill and Chadwick Walton batting with great assurance, and at the halfway stage of the innings the hosts were 61 without loss.

The duo gave the Warriors top-order some fresh impetus, with Walton hit-

fields even failed to assist the Warriors victory bid.

With eight from the last over bowled by Williams, the Warriors took a single off the first ball, follow by a dot ball. The third ball saw the Warriors manage three runs. The fourth ball saw Azam dismissed for 23 off 27 balls. With four runs off two balls, Mohammed managed a single, leaving Primus three runs to get off the last ball.

Primus then skied the last ball to wide mid-on where substitute Trevon Griffith accepted an easy catch, to leave Warriors two runs short of victory. Mohammed was left unbeaten on 24.

T h e Wa r r i o r s w i l l clash with tournament leaders Trinbago Knight Riders tomorrow from 12:00hrs - the second of four home games for the Warriors, who remain on two points after five games.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

WI U-19s to open 2018 World Cup campaign against hosts NZ DUBAI, England (CMC) – Reigning champions West Indies Under-19s will be part of history, when they kick off their title defence of the ICC Youth World Cup against hosts New Zealand Under-19s.

The two teams will contest the match in the first day/night fixture ever in the history of the YWC at the Bay Oval in Tauranga on the opening day of the tournament which runs from January 13 to February 3.

The Windies Under-19s, under the leadership of Shimron Hetmyer, collected their first-ever youth world title last year, when they

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beat India in the Final of the tournament staged in Bangladesh.

Grenadian wicketkeeper/batsman Emmanuel Stewart led West Indies Under-19s on a pre-Youth World Cup tour of southern Africa last month.

The tournament which features 16 teams contesting matches at seven venues in four cities – Christ-

Under-19s play in Group A which also comprises 2012 champions South Africa and African qualifiers

Fredericks’ temporary ban upheld by IAAF tribunal

BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) - An athletics disciplinary tribunal upheld yesterday a ban on former Namibian sprinter and IAAF Council member Frankie Fredericks pending an investigation into potential ethics violations.

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c h u rc h , Q u e e n s t o w n , Tauranga and Whangarei – will see the Windies

but said it was payment for legitimate work he had done.

“Mr Fredericks appealed against the order for provisional suspension and his appeal was heard by an enlarged panel of the Disciplinary Tribunal,” the AIU said in a statement.

“Having heard from both

Frankie Fredericks

Fredericks, a multiple Olympic sprint silver medallist and a rising star among international sports administrators until this year, was temporarily banned in July.

He is being investigated by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) over payments he received from Papa Massata Diack, the son of former IAAF president Lamine Diack, on the day Rio de Janeiro won the vote to host the 2016 Olympics.

Fredericks has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

He admitted having received money from Massata Diack,

parties, the enlarged panel agreed with the AIU’s submissions and it declined to lift the order for provisional suspension.”

Earlier this year Fredericks, an International Olympic Committee member, stepped down as head of the team evaluating bids to host the 2024 Olympics.

He also removed himself from the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) task force investigating doping allegations in Russia, after the corruption allegations involving himself surfaced.

Kenya.

The Windies Under-19s, under the leadership of Grenadian wicketkeeper/batsman Emmanuel Stewart and coached by Graeme West, already started preparations for the YWC, winning series against the South Africans and Zimbabwe last month on the road.

The team is likely to be further fortified for the conclusion of this year’s Regional Under-19 Tournament being contested in St Kitts.

India and Australia, both three-time YWC champions, are clubbed together in Group B along with Zimbabwe and East Asia Pacific qualifiers Papua New Guinea.

Bangladesh, Canada, England and Namibia comprise Group C, while twotime champions Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Asia qualifiers

Afghanistan and European qualifiers Ireland form Group D in what is the 11th edition of the tournament and the third to be held in New Zealand.

2018 UNDER-19 WORLD CUP POOLS Group A: West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, Kenya Group B: India, Zimbabwe, Australia, PNG Group C: Bangladesh, England, Namibia, Canada Group D: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ireland The top two sides from each group will advance to the Super League, while the remaining eight teams will figure in the plate championship.

The quarterfinals, semifinals and the final of the Super League will be among the 20

matches to be broadcast live.

The final will be played at the Bay Oval in Tauranga on February 3, while both semifinals will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on January 29 and 30.

The plate tournament will run simultaneously, but end with the plate final at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Christchurch on January 28.

Schedule of West Indies Under-19 group matches: JANUARY Saturday 13: New Zealand Under-19s vs West Indies Under-19s – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui Wednesday 17: West Indies Under-19s vs South Africa Under-19s – Bay Oval Saturday 20: West Indies Under-19s vs Kenya Under-19s – Lincoln Green, Lincoln

Akmal facing PCB sanction over Arthur outburst LAHORE, India (Reuters) - Umar Akmal faces sanction from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the outof-favour batsman’s public outburst against head coach Mickey Arthur.

Akmal addressed a news conference on Wednesday in which he lashed out at Arthur, accusing the South African of insulting him and refusing him access to the coaching facilities at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

“I accept my fitness isn’t up to the mark, and I am trying to work on it, and I asked to be allowed a trainer to help me,” Akmal said.

“But Mickey said I shouldn’t even have come to the NCA and should be playing club cricket instead,” he said, claiming Arthur’s language as “demeaning and insulting”.

The PCB said a ‘show-cause’ notice has

been issued to Akmal following the outburst.

“The middle-order batsman has seven days to file a reply,” the board said on its Twitter feed.

home truths and said he was always looking for excuses instead of looking at himself,” the former South Africa and Australia coach told ESPNcricinfo.

Umar Akmal

Arthur, who had sent Akmal back from the Champions Trophy squad in England for failing fitness tests, confirmed an exchange of words with the 27-year-old.

“I did tell him a few

“I also told him that he had to earn the right to use our support staff because he is not a contracted cricketer. He can’t just walk in here and demand what he wants.”

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

THE YOUTH NATIONAL FOOTBALLERS IN ACTION

CONCACAF CARIBBEAN WOMEN’S U17 QUALIFIERS

On the 13th August, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) wrapped up a successful hosting of the CONCACAF Carib-

bean Women’s U17 Qualifiers at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. Guyana hosted Group D consisting Barba-

dos, Cuba and Guyana. Guyana did not advance but the national team showed marked growth and great potential

Guyana

from their first encampment.

It was a significant event as it was the first time in a while that the GFF has hosted an inter-

Barbados

national women’s tournament.

Matches were as follows: ► Guyana vs Barbados –0-5

► Barbados vs Cuba – 0 - 0 ► Guyana vs Cuba – 0 - 8 Below are teams from left to right.

Cuba

CONCACAF U15 BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP The National U15 male team is participating in the CONCACAF U15 Boys Championship in Florida, USA from the 13th – 19th August, 2017.

To date, they have played three games and have represented Guyana well. ► Guyana vs St. Kitts and Nevis -1-1

SCORER FOR GUYANA: 1. Ronaldo Rodrigues 2’ SCORERS FOR ST. KITTS AND NEVIS: 1. Shawn Hamilton 33’

► Guyana vs Suriname –1–3 S C O R E R FOR GUYANA: Orville Daniels 18’

S C O R E R S FOR SURINAME: 1. Fernando Heopel 20’ 2. Faisijo Burnett 36’ 3. Faisijo Burnett 60’

► Guyana vs St. Lucia –1-0 SCORER FOR GUYANA: Omari Glasgow 55’

PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Roberts questions fitness of current West Indies pacers FORMER West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts has questioned the fitness of the current pace attack on the eve of the first Test against England at Edgbaston.

Roberts was speaking in Birmingham at Wicketz, a children’s clinic hosted by the Lord’s Taverners, ahead of the day-night Test alongside fellow West Indies greats Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose and Richie Richardson.

While all four former players acknowledged there were significant weaknesses in the side, Roberts handed out the harshest assessment of bowlers.

“To be honest, I don’t know what is the strength of West Indies cricket today because we don’t bat too well and at times it depends on the fitness of the fast bowlers,” Roberts told ESPNcricinfo. “It seems as though some of them are prone to breaking down.”I’m hoping that they are all at full strength and that they’ll all be able to last the full five days. If they do they may have a chance

but you see it’s very difficult if you do go in with four bowlers and you have problems with one because the overall team is not as strong as I would like to see.”

Alzarri Joseph

Roberts was critical of the amount of time players spend in the gym and suggested they should spend more time in the nets. But he singled out 20-year-old Alzarri Joseph as the bowler who could thrive in English conditions.

“He’s young, I think he’s probably the fittest of the lot in terms of not breaking down and he also swings the ball a bit

which is not common,” Roberts said. “Jason Holder, Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel are more seamers.

They seem to hit the deck a lot harder and try to get leg-cutters and off-cutters whereas Alzarri Joseph, especially early in the innings, will try to swing the ball and that’s very important here in England. So I won’t be surprised early on, if he takes the new ball, if he takes one or two early wickets.”

In contrast, former West Indies bowling coach Ambrose felt the current crop of bowlers were holding their own in Tests, but he called on the batsmen to push harder for competitive and defendable - totals.

“I’m not saying they don’t have batsmen who can score runs, they do,” Ambrose said. “But you can’t keep scoring 180, 200, 220 in Test cricket and expect to win too many games.”

One of the batsmen who have impressed Richardson, the former team manager, is Shai

Domestic rugby action to return this weekend

Hope. Although Hope averages just 19.57 in ten Tests to date, Richardson believes his temperament marks him out as a batsman who can develop into a mature player.

“His attitude towards batting, towards the game, he’s always willing to learn,” Richardson said.

“He listens and you can see he would make changes to his game.

“If he got out a particular way he would go into the nets and try to work on his weaknesses and I like that about him. He’s always willing to learn and always asking questions. He’s got a desire

to work hard and to achieve great things.”

Richards, perhaps typically, called on the West Indies batsmen to show no fear and, while acknowledging England are heavy favourites going into the series, believed the pink ball could be something of a leveller in the opening match.

“England is one of the best places for you to play the game itself and one’s got to look at it that way,” Richards said. “All the players from the West Indies who have toured this part of the world would have gone back from England being a much

better player. I’m hoping the guys do understand that, the batters themselves understand that.

“There are no demons playing in this country. If you can play and you back yourself enough, you’re going to have success and that’s what it’s all about. Knowing your requirements, knowing your limits, the things you can get done and the things that you cannot get done.

“Don’t worry about them talking about the seam and the swing and all that sort of stuff. It can be countered if you’re good enough.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Solid start for Team Guyana at Senior CASA THE Guyana senior Squash team got off to a great start today as they won their three team matches in very convincing fashion.

T h e Wo m e n ’s t e a m claimed 5-0 and 4-1 victories over Bermuda and OECS respectively. The Men’s team won their match against a very tough OECS Men’s team 4-1.

The men will take on Jamaica in the morning to try

and seal top spot in Group A. The women will take on Trinidad and Tobago to try and keep their unbeaten streak going. The Veterans team will face their first action when they take on Barbados.

The Women’s team includes Ashley Khalil, Mary Fung-a-Fat, Taylor Fernandes, Larissa Wiltshire and Victoria Arjoon.

The males have Sunil Seth, Alex Arjoon, Richard Chin, Jason Ray Khalil, Nyron Joseph and Jean Claude Jeffrey.

The Veterans have the lone female in Juanita Fernandes along with Alwyn Callendar, Raymon Chan-A-Sue and David Fernandes.

The tournament is being played in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Former Olympic champion Sanchez fails doping test

By Richard Martin

The GRFU domestic season continues this weekend with the GRFU Sevens in the National Park.

THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will resume its domestic season tomorrow with the signature GRFU Sevens tournament.

The tournament, which will feature both male and female aspects, will be played at the National Park commencing at 11:30hrs.

That tournament will be followed by the Trophy Stall Sevens where both men and women will be in

action at the same time at the same venue.

Both tournaments will conclude the 2016 domestic season with a release from the GRFU stating inclement weather conditions caused many postponements of tournaments, thus causing the season to extend into 2017.

Following this weekend of action, the Bounty Farm 15s will take centrestage,

September 2 to November 5, at the National Park from 16:00hrs.

Meanwhile, training days for the men and women continue with the men practising Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays every week from 15:30hrs to 18:00hrs..

The women will practise on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays every week from 16:30hrs to 18:00hrs.

BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Spain’s former Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez has been suspended with immediate effect after testing positive for banned growth hormones, cycling’s governing body said yesterday.

Sanchez, 39, won the 2008 Olympic road race in Beijing and five individual stages in the Vuelta a Espana between 2005 and 2007 as well as an individual stage on the 2011 Tour de France.

He will now miss this year’s Vuelta, which begins tomorrow in Nimes, France.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) said in a statement on its website that Sanchez had been notified of an “Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) of GHRP-2*” from an out-of-competition test on August 9.

The rider has the right to request and attend the analysis of the B sample.

In accordance with UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the affair,” the UCI said.

GHRP-2 refers to GH-Releasing Peptides (GHRPs), which are classified as “Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related

placed by Loic Vliegen in the Vuelta.

“In accordance with BMC Racing Team’s zero tolerance policy and UCI regulation, Sanchez has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect,” BMC said in a statement.

“Until the results of the B sample are pro-

Spain’s former Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez

Substances and Mimetics” on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s 2017 Prohibited List.

Sanchez’s team BMC Racing immediately announced his suspension and said he would be re-

vided, no further action will be taken. All riders and staff are held to the highest ethical standard and BMC Racing Team is extremely disappointed to share this news on the eve of the Vuelta a Espana.”

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Guyana edge St Lucia 1-0 for first win Royal stars with bat and ball at CONCACAF U-15 Championships in Jamaica Under-19 win

Team Guyana and their supporters following their 1-0 win over St Lucia yesterday in the CONCACAF U-15 Championship.

GUYANA picked up their first win yesterday at the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Under-15 Championship, when they defeated St Lucia in their final Group F action in the USA. Playing at the world-re-

nowned IMG Academy campus in Bradenton, Florida, Guyana entered the game against St Lucia after losing to Suriname 3-1 the day before, and opening the competition with a 1-1 draw against St Kitts and Nevis.

“The staff and players are happy that we were able

to pull off a victory. It came after a difficult start, drawing and losing our first two games of the tournament,” head coach Bryan Joseph said after the side’s win.

Omari Glasgow scored the game’s only goal, as Guyana finished second in their group behind rivals Suriname, who are unbeat-

en in the tournament so far.

Up next for the Guyanese is a clash against Guadeloupe, which will be played tomorrow; the final day of the Championship.

Thirty-nine teams participated in the tournament, which is said to be the largest in CONCACAF.

Corona triple-header football on tonight at GFC

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – A strong all-round performance from Javeor Royal propelled Jamaica Under-19s to a four-wicket victory over ICC Americas Under-19s in the Regional One-day youth tournament yesterday.

Important half-centuries from Cephas Cooper and Kirstan Kallicharran, as well as Jamie Cornelius, also saw Trinidad & Tobago Under-19s and Leeward Islands Under-19s collect victories in the second round of matches.

Royal hit an unbeaten 66 from 29 balls that included one four and an incredible eight sixes to lead the Jamaicans’ successful chase of 195 for victory against the Americas at St Paul’s.

Jamaica were under a little pressure, when Bhavindu Adhihetty held a return chance to dismiss Dominic Samuels for 42 in the 39th over, but Royal put the result beyond any doubt, scoring 44 of the 54 required in the remaining overs in an unbroken, seventh-wicket stand with Shalome Parnell, that carried his side over the finish line.

Earlier, Royal had grabbed an impressive 6-32 from 9.5 overs, defying 75 from Akashdeep Gill and 52 from Arslan Khan, to lead the demolition of the Americas’ batting for 194 in 48.5 overs.

At Conaree, Cooper hit six fours in the top score of an unbeaten 85 from 107 balls and a run-a-ball 74 from Kallicharran led T&T to a comfortable victory over arch-rivals Barbados.

The pair shared an unbroken, third-wicket stand of 131 that ushered T&T past their target of 209.

Earlier, Nyeem Young had led the way with 74, but Aaron Maniram snared 4-18 from nine overs to keep the Barbadian batting in check and help restrict them to 208 for eight from their allocation of 45 overs in the rain-affected contest.

In the other match at Conaree, opener Cornelius hit seven fours and two sixes in 61 from 91 balls to pave the way for the Leewards’ successful chase of 136 against Windward Islands.

He shared an opening stand of 102 with Kadeem Henry before they were dismissed within seven balls of each other, but the rest of the Leewards batting held their nerve against incisive bowling by Sealron Williams to get over the finish line with 12.4 overs remaining.

Williams ended with 5-17 from six overs, but there were not enough runs on the board for him to end the match as the hero.

Windwards’ batting had failed to click with West Indies Under-19 captain Emmanuel Stewart dismissed for just one and it took a rearguard 41 from Darron Nedd to beef up their total, as Mikyle Louis undermined them with 4-22 from 10 overs.

GFF General Secretary resigns

Part of the action in the earlier rounds of the Corona Invitational tournament

THE much-anticipated Corona Invitational Football tournament will resume tonight with round four action featuring three matches at the GFC ground, Bourda.

In the first of the night’s games Police FC have to face Black Pearl FC while the second game pits Pele

against the Northern Rangers. Santos and Riddim Squad will close off the first night.

Meanwhile, on Monday evening, the round continues with another triple-header. The opening game will feature Flamingo FC against East Veldt, followed by Beacons

FC against Camptown FC then Western Tigers hosting GFC. The fifth round commences on the 25th with Camptown facing Black Pearl FC, Northern Rangers opposing Flamingo and Pele FC tackling Riddim Squad.

The round concludes on the 28th with Santos taking

on East Veldt, GFC confronting Beacons and Western Tigers engaging Police FC. The tournament will feature the top 12 teams in the Georgetown region, as they vie for $1M in cash and prizes. Admission is pegged at $1000 with beer specials and giveaways for fans every night.

THE General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Althea Scipio, has resigned effective Monday, August 14, 2017 after being in the employ of the Federation from December 2016, a release stated last night.

According to president Wayne Forde, during her tenure, Scipio contributed significantly to the development of football in Guyana and will continue to participate in the Federation’s future programmes and projects.

In the interim, Ms Rennella Bourne, Deputy General Secretary, will

Althea Scipio

perform the duties of General Secretary until further notice.

The president and the executive committee wish Ms Scipio well in her future endeavours.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Cook, Root tons help England dominate in first day-night Test BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - England’s Joe Root and Alastair Cook crafted superb centuries to lead the hosts to a commanding 348 for three on the opening day of their first day-night Test against West Indies yesterday.

don’t back it up tomorrow.

“I know it’s simple and boring, but all we tried to do was do the basics well. We went in with an open mind and played the situation in front of us.”

Root would have been hoping for a steady open-

England captain Joe Root brings up his 13th Test century.

Captain Root mastered the pink ball to make 136 and Cook was unbeaten on 153 at the close as England recovered strongly from a perilous 39 for two to take control of the game at Edgbaston.

“Today was about making sure we got into a position of strength,” Root said.

“It’s something we did well in the last two games and to do it today is brilliant, but it will mean nothing if we

ing stand after winning the toss but Mark Stoneman, making his debut as Cook’s latest partner, was bowled off-stump by a fine delivery from Kemar Roach.

Miguel Cummins then trapped Tom Westley lbw, West Indies successfully reviewing the umpire’s not-out decision to leave England in trouble at the start of the three-match series.

Cook and Root dug in,

however, taking advantage of good batting conditions and wayward bowling and fielding with a flurry of crisp boundaries.

Former captain Cook brought up his fifty shortly before lunch and Root soon followed him to the milestone, posting a half-century for the 11th Test in a row to equal the record in five-day cricket.

T h e p ro l i f i c r i g h t hander continued to play immaculate strokes allround the ground and he reached his 13th Test hundred by sweeping off-spinner Roston Chase for his 19th four.

MAGNIFICENT PARTNERSHIP Cook soon joined his partner on three figures, his 31st Test century, and the pair extended their magnificent third-wicket partnership to 248 before a tiring Root was bowled by a full-pitched ball from Roach.

Dawid Malan arrived at the crease with the floodlights on and under pressure after failing to get a decent score in his first four Test innings.

But West Indies inexplicably delayed taking the second new ball and he was

Bolt reveals hamstring tear ended his World championships dream LONDON, England (Reuters) - Usain Bolt delivered a rebuke to those who questioned whether he really suffered an injury in his farewell race at the World Athletics Championships by revealing details of his hamstring tear yesterday.

string, the eight-time Olympics gold medallist was also adamant in social media posts that he never cheated his fans.

The 30-year-old explained on Twitter: “Sadly I have a tear of the proximal myotendineous junction of biceps femoris

Usain Bolt

The Jamaican, stung by speculation that he had pulled up in the anchor leg of the 4 x 100 metres relay final in London on Saturday because he was too far behind to win the race, said the injury would need three months of rehabilitation.

Accompanied by an X-ray of the injury to his left ham-

in my left hamstring with partial retraction. 3 months rehab.

“I don’t usually release my medical report to the public but sadly I have sat and listened to people questioning if I was really injured.

“I have never been one to cheat my fans in any way &

my entire desire at the championship was to run one last time for my fans. Thanks for the continued support my fans and I rest, heal and move onto the next chapter of my life #Love&LoveAlone.”

The posts on Twitter were removed shortly after they had been posted.

Bolt had been three metres down on the two leaders as he took on the last leg of the relay, which was won by Britain, only to pull up sharply and fall to the ground, coming to a halt after a forward roll on the track.

He speculated on Sunday that the injury, which ended a wretched final championships for him after he only managed to win bronze in the individual 100 metres the previous weekend, might have been caused by having a long wait before the race.

Bolt who won 19 global championship gold medals, is widely considered the finest sprinter in athletics annals.

able to survive and move on to 28 not out before play end-

our better days. We were poor. If you are conceding

Roddy Estwick said.

“We needed to hit our lengths hard and we knew it was going to swing in the twilight, but we didn’t execute our plan. It was a lack of concentration and we need to learn from it very quickly. It was disappointing.”

England, fresh from beating South Africa 3-1, are strong favourites to overcome a callow West Indies side without many of their leading players due to contractual disputes with their cricket board.

The fifth ever day-night Test, and first in England, was expected to offer the touring side their best chance of an upset but the hosts are now in a dominant position to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

SCOREBOARD

Alastair Cook makes his first century since giving up the England captaincy.

ed at 21:30hrs (2030 GMT) local time.

“We didn’t have one of

53 boundaries in a day it shows a lack of discipline,” West Indies bowling coach

ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cook not out 153 M. Stoneman b Roach 8 T. Westley lbw b Cummins 8 J. Root b Roach 136 D. Malan not out 28 Extras: (lb-8, nb-4, w-3) 15 Total: (for 3 wickets, 90 overs) 348 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-39, 3-287.

Bowling: K. Roach 20-5-72-2 (w-3), A. Joseph 17-2-85-0 (nb-1), M. Cummins 19-3-61-1 (nb-2), J. Holder 15.3-3-58-0 (nb-1), R. Chase 12.3-0-58-0, K. Brathwaite 6-0-6-0.

River Conqueror pays courtesy call on President Granger US-BASED Guyanese and swimming enthusiast, 71old Ashraf ‘River Conqueror’ Ali, who has swum across the Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo rivers, among several other rivers and lakes, yesterday paid a courtesy call to President David Granger at State House.

Ali’s greatest exploit, thus far, was swimming seven miles from Guyana to Suriname, using the route traversed by the ferry, which operates between the two countries.

President Granger told Mr Ali that after hearing about his accomplishments at such an age, he knew he had to meet him.

Ali, who hails from East Berbice/Corentyne, is a selftaught swimmer. He said that swimming has been his hobby since childhood.

Even at 71, he said he has no plans to slow down and is currently gearing for yet another swim out into the Atlantic from the Berbi-

President David Granger (left) with Ashraf ‘River Conqueror’ Ali

ce River mouth by the end of the month. His aim, he said, is to inspire the older generation to get involved in physical activities, which can add to their years.

“I am appealing to the elders to do a minimum of half-an-hour of exercise, three times per week. Swimming is the best exercise, but you can do anything. I also want to motivate the

younger generation to dream and know that whatever they dream, they can achieve,” he said.

Mr Ali swam across the Berbice River in 1979, the Corentyne River which leads from Skeldon to Nickerie, Suriname in 1998 and the Demerara River in 1999. Additionally, he swam across Lake Mainstay twice.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 18, 2017

Cook, Root tons help England dominate inSee first day-night Test Page 31

Tallawahs stun Warriors in low-scoring thriller See page 26

The Jamaica Tallawahs players celebrate after their victory last evening.

Martin Guptill is bowled

by Mathurin for 33.

Kesrick Williams celebrates one of his three wickets.

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Rashid Khan claims his second wicket when he bowled Jonathan Foo. FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017