Guyana chronicle e paper 08 25 2017 by Guyana Chronicle

Greater focus on reforming NOC youths Page 18

No. 105015

FRIDAY AUGUST 25, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Return to village councils – vital for management of ancestral lands, Alexander tells CoI

Innovative energy plan being crafted Page 8

Page 3

Cevons to lay off 45 workers

■ Pages 13

Toshaos concerned about porous borders

■ Pages 10

The Power Producers and Distributors Inc. (PPDI, Chief Executive Officer, Arron Fraser (right) in the presence of other, addresses members of the media during an extensive tour of the state-owned company’s Kingston, New Kingston and Vreed-en-Hoop power plants (Samuel Maughn photo)

First Bauxite for 2018 roll out ...with US$50M project at Bonasika

Page 15

Page 22

Boeing 777 lands at CJIA

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Remigrant claims land theft By Alva Solomon

A REMIGRANT Guyanese, who claims his mother’s property at Buxton landed in the hands of outsiders, is calling for the computerisation of the records of the Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission (GL&SC). At the same time, while referring to the GL&SC staff as being incompetent in undertaking their mandate, Weusi Tefawa is suggesting that there should be amendments to the laws to ensure stiff penalties for persons who are engaged in land theft. Tefawa was at the time speaking from a personal

experience, while addressing the Land Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Thursday morning at the GL&SC headquarters in the city. The man explained to the commission that his troubles started when he presented a plan to the Buxton Village Council for approval. He said it was rejected on the grounds that there were some discrepancies with the title. He said he was told to visit the GL&SC and while there, he told the staff that his mother was the owner of a parcel of land at Buxton for over 30 years, noting that the family lived there undisturbed. Tefawa said he was

made to understand that his mother did not register the property, which she had acquired from one Harry Chung. He said he also found out that Chung did not register the property either. He said he employed a surveyor to provide additional information about the land on which he was about to build. He told the commission that the surveyor, who was able to get “more access” at the GL&SC, discovered that the land is now in the name of one Parbattie Singh and Azeez Mustapha. “So I went back to the land registry to find out how these people acquired title to the land,” he said. He said the staff there

A court orderly looks on as Weusi Tefuwa (right) makes his submission to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI photo)

were not cooperative, but told him that they had no

record to show how the two persons acquired the land. Tefawa said he engaged the services of an attorney and he was able to get additional information. He said the attorney found out that despite his family’s occupancy of the land, the two persons, Singh and Mustapha, have recorded an interest in the property. DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE “I have documentary evidence of all the rates and taxes paid by my mother going back 30,” he said. He said when he visited the village council a third time, he wanted to find out if there was any record of the two person’s existence. Noting that the land is in the “Middle of Buxton”, at Buxton Middle Walk, Railway Line, he told the CoI that the village council informed him that there is no record of anyone paying rates and taxes, other than Princes Margaret Williams -- his mother. Tefawa noted too that his attorney has informed him that another person may be involved in the transfer of the land in question. He said his attorney named a Haroon Haniff, who may have been the person who sold the land on October 24, 2010 to Singh. He said his attorney suggests his legal case would be more complicated to address

in the courts. He explained that for the last 12 years, his sister lived on the land, adding that his mother’s house is still on the land. “There are many of people perhaps the generation before mine who, out of ignorance or lack of information who did not register their interest in their property, all they did was passed it on,” Tefawa said. He told the CoI that he believes a group of people are able to be the first registered owners of lands and hold titles to other people’s property. Tefawa reiterated that based on his experiences, many people have lost titles to their property and are unaware of the lost. He said he only found out his situation because he is about to build on the land. The elderly man told the commission that the attitude of staff of the GL&SC suggests either incompetence or a lack of interest and awareness of the importance of their jobs. He suggested too that the records of the GL&SC be computerised. Buxton was purchased by freed slaves. And Tefuwa said that every parcel of land in the village had another parcel in the back lands tied to the first property. He said those lands stretch from the seawall all the way back to the conservancy. The man’s submission was noted by the COI.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Return to village councils – vital for management of ancestral lands, Alexander tells CoI By Alva Solomon FORBES Burnham Foundation Chairman, Vincent Alexander, has suggested the formation of village councils for the management of ancestral lands within the boundaries of such settlements. Alexander told the Land Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Thursday morning that the Constitution provides for such establishments. He told the CoI that the local government system has evolved overtime and is not representative of the people, adding that they are managed by people from outside of specific villages located within the confines of a local authority area. Alexander suggested that the village council will act on behalf of the people and will be able to determine how the lands are used. Re-

garding the management of the lands, specifically the disposal of lands, he said that this has happened over the years and according to him, if one looks at the Local Government Act, one would see that in the Act speaks to the sale of surplus lands. He said it refers to whether the lands are still required for the use intended. He also pointed out that the Municipal District Councils Act speaks to disposal of such lands by the councils. “What I am saying that the adoration of the authorities fell into the hands of the wrong group of people and that the authority should be vested in the village council,” he told the commission. Questioned by Commissioner, David James, on the village council’s powers, Alexander said the body would determine the use of the lands under the law.

Chairman of the Forbes Burnham Foundation, Vincent Alexander, as he gave testimony on Thursday morning (CoI photo)

He said it would be necessary for a consultative process with the villagers and which has to take into consideration the original intent of the lands for communal purposes. In terms of the ethnic make-up of villages today, Alexander said a survey may prove that African Guyanese dominate the population of certain villages. He said that the concern of the Burnham Foundation relates to the fact that ancestral lands have found themselves in the hands of persons and/or entities, who by virtue of their acquisition have deprived Afro Guyanese of lands through a process, which has been unjust. Alexander said the lands were acquired by purchase and were private property. He said the lands were plantations and they acquired the status of villages under the

local government arrangement. Quizzed by attorney for the CoI, Darren Wade, he said examples of such villages are Farm village, East Bank Essequibo; Stewartville, West Coast Demerara; Plaisance and Buxton, East Coast of Demerara, among other villages. “My contention is that it is unfair and unjust for lands which were acquired by purchase and which were given custodial authority to a council, which corresponded with the local area and the local people who purchased those lands to then have other authorities, alien in nature given responsibility for those lands, including the right to dispose of those lands,” Alexander said. “I am hoping that the commission comes to term that the lands were unjustly transferred,” Alexander said.

Three Guyanese to participate Alleged rapist in US young leaders programme surrenders to THE U.S. Embassy is proud to announce the Guyana cohort of the 2017 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Programme. The five-week programme, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will bring 250 young leaders from 36 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America to the United States to augment their business or social venture plans, learn from U.S. counterparts, and share best practices, the US Embassy here said. According to the embassy the YLAI programme supports the United States’ commitment to increase trade and investment in the region and, in the words of Vice-President, Mike Pence, “bring even more of our business culture of entrepreneurship and innovation all across [the Caribbean] so that your prosperity and our prosperity will continue to expand together.” Out of well over 3,000 applications submitted from the region, three young

police

Founder of Ecab, Charles Hutson

Christine Profitt, founder of The Scrubs Hub

Guyanese leaders have been accepted to the Programme: Suzanne Hamilton, Founder of Sosh Solutions in Linden, which offers globally recognised professional qualification courses for local entrepreneurs and addresses the unavailability of professional and youth development opportunities in the fields of accounting, business, and finance. Charles Hutson founded Ecab, a mobile app for calling taxis that allows cab-seekers to electronically hail the closest available cab, while allowing drivers to earn more by saving on gasoline and time. Christine

Profitt is the founder of The Scrubs Hub, an organisation that provides quality medical garments and personal protective gear for medical professionals across Guyana at an affordable cost. As part of her social responsibility commitment, Christine has committed a percentage of the organisation’s income towards the “I CAN” project for disadvantaged youth, single parents, and other young adults in Agricola. The YLAI Professional Fellows Programme kicks off in Atlanta, Georgia. The young leaders will then participate in a four-week fel-

Suzanne Hamilton is the Founder of Sosh Solutions in Linden

lowship in cities throughout the United States, where the host-businesses will mentor and guide the fellows through an entrepreneurship curriculum. The program concludes with a closing summit in Washington, D.C., which will focus on leadership and skills development training. Fellows would then return to their ventures with new skills, resources, on-going support from U.S. counterparts, and an improved network, strengthening business ties between the United States and Guyana.

AFTER evading the police for almost two weeks, the Linden taxi driver who was accused of raping a 12-year-old passenger on August 12, has turned himself over to the police. The accused turned up at the Mackenzie Police Station with his lawyer on Tuesday and is expected to be charged and placed before the court early next week. Recommendations for charges have been sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution and he was placed on $100,000 bail. Parents of the child who was allegedly raped, expressed a sense of relief that the taxi driver will soon be charged since their daughter was experiencing a difficult time recovering mentally from the alleged

act and felt that it might reoccur again knowing that the perpetrators was on the run. On Wednesday, the child identified the alleged rapist among 14 other persons. According to a police report, on August 12, the incident allegedly took place approximately 22:30 hrs at the Kara Kara ‘Back Road’, a few minutes after the victim and her three friends joined the car to be taken to Amelia’s Ward, when the driver, who is known, dropped off three other girls and took her to the ‘Back Road’ and allegedly raped her. The 12-year-old was taken to the police station and then to the Mackenzie Hospital, where a medical examination was done which proved that she was raped.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Company named in Grenada diplomatic passport scandal threatens legal action HENLEY & PARTNERS, a global residence and citizenship planning firm, with its headquarters in Europe, has threatened to take legal action following alleged reports of its involvement with a Ukrainian businessman in a diplomatic passport row. The company in a statement claims that it has found the originator of story and is threatening to sue any news service that continues to disseminate the article which it describes as fake news. “This fake news matter has now been referred to major law firms in the United States, Canada, and England, and to forensic intelligence specialists who are investigating the case. There are strong indications already as to the originator of this malicious and bogus story, who together with any news services that continue to disseminate this fake news will be prosecuted with the full force of law, as this may be actionable in several jurisdictions,” said a news release from Henley and Partners who earlier this week issued a statement denying that it was involved in

selling diplomatic passports. The article was first seen on a blog post operated by Kenneth Rijock. According to Henley and Partners, “fabricated and defamatory news stories such as the Rijock blog which is based on blatant forged documents, do a great deal of harm to all Caribbean Citizenship by-Investment Programmes. “Besides the significant funds such programmes raise for a country, they also assist in improving the visibility and relevance of smaller nations, by attracting important international investment and creating other global opportunities,” said the release which claims that Henley and Partners helped raise more than US$6 billion in foreign direct investment for the region since it began operations 20 years ago. Earlier this week the Grenada government dismissed “as total falsehood” reports that a Ukrainian businessman was refunded after he failed to obtain a diplomatic passport. “The Government of Grenada views with concern and dismisses as total falsehood, a blogpost by

DATE: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 J

02 03 14 16 20 25 21

convicted criminal-turned-financial-analyst, one Kenneth Rijock, in which he alleges that Henley and Partners, one of several approved marketing agents of Grenada’s Citizenship By Investment programme (CIP), took money from someone with a promise to secure a diplomatic passport from Grenada for that person. “The Government of Grenada, through the Office of the Prime Minister, under whose auspices lies the CBI programme, categorically refutes any knowledge of this allegation or activity. This blogpost by Rijock is bogus in its entirety.” Grenada, like several other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries provide citizenship to foreign nationals under its CIP in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of the island. In his August 20th Financial Crime Blog, Rijock, claimed that the unnamed businessman made his application through Henley and Partners and wire transferred the money to the company account in a Singapore Bank. The report

Thursday, August 24, 2017

noted that when Henley and Partners did not provide the passport, it was later was discovered that there was no pending application and that a government minister had arranged for a refund of the money. But in the statement, the Keith Mitchell administration said that it “does not even have a Diplomatic Passport Programme in the first place, and is therefore not in the business of selling Diplomatic passports to anyone. “Further, the Government of Grenada through its CIP programme, has no knowledge of such a claim levelled against Henley and Partners, outside of this blogpost.” “The Government of Grenada reaffirms its commitment to protecting the integrity of Grenada’s CIP programme, which has been lauded internationally, and most recently by the International Monetary Fund, for being the “Gold Standard for transparency and having a sound legislative framework” among all regional CIP programme,” the statement added. (CMC)

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Chile pledges continued assistance for region in disaster management

Caribbean countries will continue to receive assistance from their Latin American partner, Chile, in boosting their capabilities to prepare for, and manage natural disasters, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said Thursday. During an official visit to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA),Bachelet, announced upcoming training programmes for at least four Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries under the CARICOM Chile Cooperation. According to her, the first will be held in Trinidad and Tobago in September, and will include participants from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica and host country Trinidad. It will focus on strengthening capacities for local response in urban search and rescue operations. “The second project aims at reinforcing capabilities to deal with coastal and environmental management, and it will (be) a workshop in Kingston (Jamaica) next October. “Also we will continue working with the platform that we’re developing with the Chilean Japanese cooperation on the initiative called Kizuna, that means ‘resilience’ in Japanese. So we’re working on different aspects of disaster prevention such as criteria and construction, post-disaster assessment of structural safety; mitigation of impact of earthquakes and tsunamis, and urban rescue,” Bachelet said. Meanwhile Executive Director of CDEMA, Ronald Jackson, said the Caribbean can learn several lessons in disaster management from Chile. He said while the region and Santiago are geographically diverse, they share the vulnerability to natural disasters. “We have a tendency to look only at our experiences in the Caribbean, it was also interesting to hear about the challenges being faced by Chile, based on the impacts of climate change which we’re all experiencing; the issue of forest fires, increased temperature, coastal flooding. But we all know the documented history of the seismic risk in Chile. We know of the largest earthquakes ever recorded; we remember the 2010 earthquake and the courage displayed by the people and government of Chile in staring down that particular incident but also building back better and stronger from that. And (they’re) certainly lessons we commend to our member states and our governments within the context of this cooperation,” Jackson said. He noted that the CARICOM Chile cooperation has resulted in several training programmes including a standardized manual for exercise planning, execution and evaluation for tsunami and earthquake drills; the development of tsunami inundation maps; the production of vulnerability and tsunami risk assessments; contribution to the enhancement of training in the areas of seismo-tectonics, earthquake geology with the University of the West Indies; and search and rescue training. He added that Japan is a common partner in the area of disaster Risk Management for both Chile and CARICOM, and the Kizuna initiative between Tokyo and Santiago offers opportunities for more direct engagement of the Caribbean through the CDEMA Regional Training Centre. (CMC)

Thursday, August 24, 2017

12 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Trump blames fellow Republican leaders for debt ceiling ‘mess’ President Donald Trump picked a new fight on Thursday with his fellow Republicans, saying congressional leaders could have avoided a “mess” over raising the U.S. debt ceiling if they had taken his advice. In the latest in a stream of criticisms that could undermine his aims to cut taxes, pass a budget and rebuild infrastructure, Trump sought to blame party leaders if Congress fails to agree to raise the cap on how much the federal government may borrow. The Treasury Department has said the ceiling must be raised by Sept. 29. If not, the government would be unable to borrow more money or pay its bills, including its debt payments. That could hurt the United States’ credit rating, cause financial turmoil, harm the U.S. economy and possibly trigger a recession. Trump said he had advised Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan to link passage of legislation raising the debt ceiling to a bill on veterans affairs that he signed into law on Aug. 12. “They ... didn’t do it so now we have a big deal with Dems holding them up (as usual) on Debt Ceiling approval. Could have been so easy-now a mess!” Trump said in Twitter posts. Recent media reports suggest that Trump’s relationship with McConnell has deteriorated amid repeated attacks by Trump on the Republican Senate majority leader for, among other things, failing to get a healthcare bill passed. The

New York Times reported on Tuesday that McConnell and Trump were locked in a political “cold war,” especially after an Aug. 9 phone call that it said devolved into a shouting match. On the 9th and the 10th Trump assailed McConnell via Twitter, angered by a speech in which McConnell said Trump had “excessive expectations” of Congress. Trump’s salvo ran counter to efforts this week by the White House and McConnell’s office to play down reports of discord. A spokesman for McConnell noted the Senate majority leader had said earlier this week, in an appearance with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, that the debt ceiling would be raised. McConnell was “unequivocal” about it, said spokesman Don Stewart. He said McConnell mentioned it again on Wednesday in a statement the Senate leader issued about his “shared goals” with Trump. Ryan, speaking at a town hall meeting on tax reform at a Boeing plant in Washington state, also said Congress would pass legislation to raise the ceiling in time to ensure debt payment. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders denied there was any need to repair ties between Trump and top Republican lawmakers. “I think the relationships are fine,” she told reporters. “Certainly there are going to be some policy differences, but there are also a lot of shared goals and that’s what we’re focused on.”

sures Congress will take up when it returns on Sept. 5. Congress will have about 12 working days from its return to approve spending measures to keep the government open. While the budget and debt cap are separate, they are likely to become entangled, with Republican opponents of a debt ceiling increase expected to demand federal spending cuts. Trump threatened on Tuesday to shut down the government if Congress failed to secure funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S.-Mexican border. His threat added a new wrinkle to the Republicans’ monthslong struggle to reach a budget deal, rattling markets and drawing rebukes from some Republicans. Both the spending and debt ceiling bills could pass the Republican-led House by a simple majority vote, but will need 60 votes to pass the Senate, where Republicans hold 52 of 100 seats, meaning they will need some Democratic support. A respected think tank said in a report on Thursday the government might not have enough money to pay all its bills on Oct. 2 if Washington does not raise

U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he steps out from Air Force One in Reno, Nevada, U.S., August 23, 2017

the debt cap. The Treasury might not have enough money on that day to make a roughly $80 billion payment that will be due to a military retirement fund, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Moody’s Investors Service said it would consider stripping the United States of its top-notch rating in the event of a default but not over late or skipped payments on non-

debt obligations if the government ran short of funds. The warning about a possible U.S. downgrade seemed less dire and narrower in scope than one issued on Wednesday by Fitch Ratings. SWIPE AT MCCONNELL Trump has often expressed frustration that

Congress has not passed significant legislation since he took office in January, particularly its failure to pass a bill to replace Democratic former President Barack Obama’s healthcare law - something that Trump had promised to accomplish. “The only problem I have with Mitch McConnell is that, after hearing Repeal & Replace for 7 years, he failed! That should NEVER have happened!” Trump said in a tweet on Thursday, echoing criticisms he made earlier this month. McConnell offered muted criticism of Trump on Thursday, saying he was “a little concerned about some of the trade rhetoric” by the president, who has repeatedly condemned trade deals he believes are bad for the United States, and by others. “Trade is a winner for America,” McConnell told Kentucky farmers and lawmakers. “The assumption that every free-trade agreement is a loser for America is largely untrue.” (Reuters)

DEADLINES LOOM Raising the debt ceiling is one of the must-pass meaFriday, August 25, 2017 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, August 26, 2017 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, August 27, 2017 - 08:30 hrs

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

The Guyana Police Force THE conduct of members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been recently called into question, both for the way it handled the allegation of a plot to kill President David Granger and its perceived lethargic response in going after occupants of an aircraft that landed illegally in the Rupununi two weeks ago. The latter incident has seen a robust response from the President, who last week journeyed to the Rupununi to remind residents and the security forces of their responsibilities in safeguarding this country from external forces. A 2016 USAID Report on Guyana said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is the institution Guyanese least trust. Established during the colonial period (1839), the GPF motto, “Service and Protection”, has, through the years meant different things, and not necessarily to the

well-being of citizens. In the colonial period, it meant not only the maintenance of law and order, but also keeping the colonised ‘in their place’ and ‘protecting’ the colonisers from the colonised. The evolving relationship between the police and citizens has been tepid at best and stormy at worst. The police are products of the society, and will operate within the framework allowed. They often take their cue from the prevailing political dynamics. The Force has never been socialised to see itself as part of the masses, with equal responsibility to serve and protect as the leadership; but it has seen the masses as being suspects to be contained at all cost. And this perception has seen the Force utilising methods and measures which are often inconsistent with modern policing. Negative perceptions of the Force are informed by

police brutality, ineffective crime fighting strategies, extra-judicial killings, misplacements of court jackets, high rates of unsuccessful prosecutions in courts, bribery, the perpetual demand for ‘a top-up,’ and hostile community interaction. These are the most notable negative traits of the Force. In each instance, with the application of modern policing techniques — including acceptable universal standard operating procedures, respect for laws and human rights, as well as proper remuneration — negative perceptions can be reduced. Current efforts through training in ethics and improved public relations strategy, along with partnership training with developed countries, are noted. Recently released statistics showing comparative declines in serious crimes are also positive. While these are aiding in building a pos-

itive perception of the Force, almost everyone in society sees the Force in a negative light, and it requires a holistic, structured approach to reduce such perception. To address the inclination of police officers to accept a bribe or take a ‘topup’, apart from weeding out corrupt officers, requires examination of the remuneration package, which is less than attractive. The Force is designed to be a professional institution, and if this is to be maintained, it requires necessary investment to treat it as such. Avenues have to be pursued to attract professionals into the Force, and salaries can be complemented with incentives and benefits. There are reports addressing the modernisation of the Force. The Disciplined Services Commission Report (2003), of which current President David Granger was a commissioner, was

unanimously approved by the National Assembly in 2010. There is the Linden Commission of Inquiry Report (2013) into the 18th July 2012 police shooting. These are incisive reports, achieved and borne at cost to the State, and they are deserving of attention and having their recommendations implemented. Though negative perceptions of the Force are not unique to Guyana, as evident in countries such as Jamaica and the United States (U.S), Guyana must not be unique in not ad-

dressing those perceptions. The institution of policing serves an invaluable role in society, and it is important in the discharge of responsibility that, relations with the people are improved. Where society is designed on a system of laws, the ability of the Force to honour its motto has to factor in mutual respect for laws, rights of citizens, and the political leadership empowering the institution with requisite skills, training and resources, including appropriate remuneration to do the job.

I am a proud member of the PPP ‘cabal’ Dear Editor,

IT appears as though my letter published on Saturday August 19, 2017 clarifying an article carried in the Guyana Chronicle of Friday August 18, 2017, seems to have hit a raw nerve in the Office of the Prime Minister, with the Prime Minister himself finding it necessary to author a whole page 2 article in the same newspaper, on Tuesday August 22, 2017 attacking my integrity, going as far as calling me a hypocrite. I had decided to leave it well alone since I do not usually engage in repartee, but I am duty bound to write this letter after reading the August 23, 2017 Guyana Chronicle’s middle page article headlined “Shadick never objected to broadcast bill at GNBA meeting.” When my name appears in big bold red print, in a daily newspaper in Guyana, where I am well known, I cannot ignore

the fact, that people who read, may think that what is printed is true. The article of August 23, 2017 does not have any identifiable author, but quotes an anonymous director of GNBA who seems to have revealed verbatim, some of the deliberations of the board meeting, which the Prime Minister attended. I wish to point out that my letter revealed no deliberations of the said meeting. Both articles mentioned above are riddled with such innuendo and inaccuracies that it behooves me to set the record straight. In the interest of brevity I list herein the main issues: 1. I was coerced into writing my letter of August 19, 2017. Anyone who has ever had any contact with me knows that I cannot be ‘coerced’ by anybody. I am quite capable of thinking for myself and acting on my own volition. Mr Nandlall forwarded my letter as he has better ac-

cess to the media. I do not make comments through any third party. 2. My only comment at the Board meeting, to the Prime Minister was ‘the room is small’. Of course I said that, since the Prime Minister sat inches away from me throughout the meeting with his knees practically touching mine at an inadequate table, in a boardroom which can hardly accommodate the seven board members and the three or four technical officers much less than the PM and his press corps with tripod and cameras et al. But that comment was only a short sentence of a discussion about the inadequacy of the present location of the GNBA compared to the premises previously occupied and the need for the Authority to have a permanent home with adequate space, security and alternative energy supply. I reminded of the PPP/C administration’s plan before 2015,

to construct a new building at upper Hadfield Street with funding from NFMU which owned the land. 3. I did not voice disagreement with the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill at the meeting. What purpose could have been served by this? The Bill had already been passed by the National Assembly. I try not to waste time at any meeting. If the PM was looking for validation he could not have expected any from me. The Opposition PPP/C of which I am an integral part, had already pronounced on the unconstitutionality of the amendments. 4. “According to Nagamootoo, as a former minister and party activist, Shadick and Nandlall bear responsibility for not removing from the Principal Act anything which they now perceive to be unconstitutional…”. Apparently the PM cannot differentiate be-

tween the Amendments and the Principal Act. My letter stated “personally, I consider the amendments to be unconstitutional” and is correctly quoted by the PM in his August 22, 2017 article. 5. “Ms Shadick as part of the PPP cabal has a vested interest…”. Do I need to remind the Prime Minister that he was a proud member of the same PPP cabal for, according to his utterances, fifty or more years and only left when he was thwarted in his bid to become its presidential candidate? Doesn’t the word ‘hypocrite’ better describe you Sir? 6. After Moses left the PPP ‘cabal’ and joined the AFC, they did not take as long to put him on their nomination list, as he took to appoint me to the GNBA Board. I know he has tried to blame the process and cabinet etc., but I still maintain that the delay was deliberately engineered by him to give

his Board appointees time to finish the recommendations, working even over the Easter weekend. 7. “It was under her chairmanship that regulations were made to increase fees…”. Under my chairmanship regulations were made to fix fees, not increase what never existed before. In closing, I wish to remind the Prime Minister et al that as a “lawyer of some vintage in private practice”, a retired teacher and lecturer, former minister, proud member of the PPP ‘cabal’ and the independent, intelligent, capable child of ‘Leguan grasscutters’, that I have proved my loyalty, integrity and ability to the Guyanese people. This is my last word on this issue, no matter how many other articles appear in the Guyana Chronicle. Regards BIBI SAFORA SHADICK

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Harry Gill now drinking bush for other people’s fever Dear Editor,

RECENTLY, I wrote a letter to the press supporting His Excellency Brigadier David Granger’s, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, directive to the Police Service Commission to put on hold promotions for police officers. Since then there have been diverse reactions in the print and electronic media and elsewhere on the President’s directive, including a letter written by Harry Gill, which appeared in the Kaieteur and Stabroek News. I feel that Harry Gill’s letter is a subtle attempt to belittle my character and integrity. Please permit me to respond to his lengthy missive. His letter is riddled with inaccuracies, irrelevancies and contains a massive dose of unadulterated piffle. Instead of dealing with the fact on issue, he backtracked and referred to my well-ventilated exchange of views in the media with the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority and the Police Public Relations and Press Officer. He skillfully failed to refer to my responses to both parties. Let me briefly state the issues. I questioned the legality of the investigators of the PCA to investigate alleged breaches of discipline under the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01. I quoted section 5.(1) of the Act, which states, “ Every alleged commission of an offence against discipline under this Act shall be investigated as soon as practicable by a member of the force, not below the rank of sergeant and of a higher rank than the member of the Force, who is alleged to have committed the offence.” I argued that the PCA investigators were

not members of the Force, they have no ranks, they were not appointed/promoted by the Guyana Police Force, nor the Police Service Commission, hence they were breaching the Act whenever they investigate matters of a disciplinary nature. The chairman had different views and recommend that I read several sections of the law and the Disciplined Forces Commission Report of 2003, which I did, but did not find anything that amended Section 5.(1) of the Act. Since this section became law in 1975, it has remained pristine. Due to respect for one another, myself and the chairman rested our cases. Belatedly, Harry Gill has reopened the case and appointed himself judge, jury and executioner for the matter. So be it. The PRO was given a letter to publish that was crafted by four members of the GPF in relation to some issues and concerns in the force I had raised that are now manifesting themselves at the CoI being conducted by Paul Slowe, retired assistant commissioner of police. I responded to that letter. Perhaps, Harry Gill did not read it. I will email a copy to him. I still stand with what I wrote about ghosting and refuted the baseless accusation that I deliberately attempted to mislead members of the public of activities and issues within the Guyana Police Force. We exchanged different views. End of the matter. Harry Gill is apparently now drinking bush for other people’s fever. I do have an excellent relationship with the PRO and continue to give support to the GPF and its members in many ways. In his letter, Harry Gill mentioned my name 15 times and

sent me on early retirement October 1st, 2008. He took away from me four years of quality service I gave to the GPF and the citizens of Guyana. The PPP Member of Parliament placed me on a list of unemployed retirees, questioned whether or not I may be one of the policemen who may have faced disciplinary actions for violating the very laws we took an oath to uphold and raised doubt about if indeed I had been an upright and outstanding police officer during my long career in the Guyana Police Force. He posited a hasty assumption that I may be making myself available for many of the lucrative job opportunities that the administration has made available to retired members of the security sector and that I may be invited to join SARA. I do not like to blow my own trumpet, but just to let the PPP Member of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee for Security Sector know that after 39 years of unbroken service in the GPF, there is not a single entry of disciplinary, corrupt or criminal offence committed by me listed in my personal file at Police Headquarters or anywhere else. I worked in all the police divisions in Guyana and commanded all but one division. Let the citizens whom I swore to serve and protect judge me -- not Harry Gill. Since my retirement from the number one law enforcement agency in Guyana I have been happily and gainfully employed. Neither APNU nor the PPP/C governments will dream of coming close to matching my conditions of service. Thanks to my professional approach towards law enforcement. Thanks and praises to God. Harry Gill stated that

Conway appears to be always sucking up to the President and asked if I am privileged to inside information to determine how long the Col would last. Let me be pellucid. I worked under eight Presidents. Some persons may not know this, but I had very close relationship with a few. I have never sucked up to anyone, more so President David Granger. The date when the CoI is expected to end is public knowledge -- August18, 2017. No need for me to have inside information. But what if l had? Harry Gill quoted section 226 (1) of the Guyana Constitution and referred to an article written by a law student to indicate that the directive of the President was unconstitutional. For his edification he should read a recent letter in the press written by Maxwell Edwards supporting the action by the President. Let the legal luminaries argue the finer points of the constitution. Surprisingly, Harry Gill did not pronounce on a letter written by the commissioner of police to the Police Service Commission recommending several police officers for promotion. The well-established rules of engagement in relation to discussing promotions and submitting names of officers for promotion were not followed. The SOP set out in the Police Standing Orders requires that the Senior Promotion Board, which is chaired by the commissioner of police meet and discuss promotions and then send a list of ranks recommended for promotion to the PSC. This was blatantly disregarded. The board was not fully constituted. A few officers met, held discussions and submitted the list to the

PSC. The number two man in the force, who is a senior member of the board, was not invited to be involved in the discussion. He knew of the list through the social media, believe it or not, it is the fact. The list contained several supersessions. Assistant Commissioners of Police, Clifton Hicken and Nigel Hoppie were recommended for promotion to deputy commissioners, thereby superseding Assistant Commissioner, David Ramnarine, who is five and seven years respectively their senior. I know Hicken and Hoppie well. I do not doubt their ability to perform at the next level, but not at the expense of David Ramnarine, without justification. Ramnarine is presently acting commissioner. He has performed the role with efficiency and effectiveness on several occasions. Ramnarine joined the force as a constable. He successfully completed the Standard Military Officers Course conducted by the Guyana Defence Force. He has held many junior and senior command posts in the GPF and for some time now has been the number two man on the job. He has attended numerous training courses -- both locally and overseas. He has successfully completed with distinction the Public Safety and Security Diploma conducted by the University of Guyana. Yet, officers several years his junior with lesser experience and competence were recommended to supersede him without any known good reason. By the way, the rank of deputy commissioner is not a promotion. It is not within the ambit of the PSC. It is a political appointment. It is a purely a presidential appointment. The list contains more

supersessions. Some of the officers recommended for promotion were subjected to disciplinary inquiries and in one case criminal investigations. A few recommended for promotions are not yet fit and proper to operate at the next level. Believe me, I know them. The above are some of the reasons why the President was correct to direct that the promotions be put on hold. He did not direct who should or should not be promoted. He pressed the pause button in the interest of justice and fair play for all the members of the GPF. In some cases, the President has been accused of slow-marching in terms of decision-making. What do you want him to do if he is aware of the fundamentally flawed list of recommended promotions sent to the PSC, if he is aware that the constitutional procedure was not put in place for the promotions to be effective? Do you want the President to sit on his hands and be passive or do you want him to make authoritative and constitutional decisions? He moved in quick time. He took swift, certain and appropriate action to abort a travesty of justice by directing the PSC to put the recommended list of promotions of officers on hold. Not surprisingly, the PSC, which has an attorney-at-law as its member complied with the directive. The President’s action was not unconstitutional. I agree with him. This will be my only response to Harry Gill. I need to use my time to do better things.

Regards CLINTON CONWAY Assistant Commissioner of Police (Rtd)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Innovative energy plan being crafted By Svetlana Marshall THE Power Producers and Distributors Inc. (PPDI) is in the process of drafting a three-year strategic plan with major focus on utilising hydropower and associated natural gas to generate electricity at the New Kingston and Vreeden-Hoop power plants once Guyana starts producing petroleum in 2020. PPDI Board Chairman, Mark Bender, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Arron Fraser, made the disclosure on Thursday, while giving the media an extensive tour of the Kingston, New Kingston and Vreen-en-Hoop Power plants. PPDI, which took over the operations of Wärtsilä in December 2016, manages the operations and maintenance of the Kingston, New Kingston, Vreed-en-Hoop and Garden of Eden Power plants on behalf of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) at a fixed rate of US$16.87 per megawatt of electricity. In making the disclosure, Bender explained that the strategic plan is in keeping with Guyana’s move towards the use of 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025. “In that regard, there are a number of options being considered. The two most significant ones at this time are hydropower and associated natural gas, once the oil and gas production

starts,” Bender told reporters, while standing in the control room at the New Kingston Power Plant at Water Street, Georgetown. Currently, the power plants generate electricity using Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO). Bender said though that DDPI only has one client – GPL – the strategic plan is being drafted in manner that allows the company to expand, while remaining “relevant” as the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government moves ahead with its to plan to have electricity produced entirely by clean and renewable sources of energy by 2025. “We are responding to the announced policy, and of course, use of natural gas is not anything new. In the past we would have had to import it…. Once you are producing petroleum, you will get associated natural gas, so now we will get our own resource rather than having to import it, which will impact on the cost obviously,” Bender stated. Within the “next couple of weeks”, the strategic plan, Bender noted will be completed, allowing for it to be reviewed by Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson. REST WITH CABINET Weighing in on the issue, the CEO made it clear that the decision to use hydropower

and/or associated natural gas lies with the Cabinet. Fraser noted, however, that the two newer plants, New Kingston and Vreed-en-Hoop, can be converted to use associated natural gas. This, he said, translates to more savings, simply because there will be less “wear and tear” on the engines when compared to the use of HFO. The New Kingston Power Plant has five units, while the Vreed-en-Hoop Power Station has three engines. Once the green light is given for the use of associated natural gas in the future, adjustments will be made to the ignition system to accommodate the renewable energy. “About four years ago when we were at Wärtsilä, we had started efforts to see what that would cost and I think ballpark figure to convert one engine was about 300, 000 euros back then, to covert one engine. Since then we haven’t looked at the updated cost,” Fraser pointed out. However, he maintained that the decision to use natural gas and/or hydropower “rest with Cabinet” but said the company will continue to position itself as the country continues to develop. EFFICIENT OPERATION Meanwhile, in assessing DDPI’s performance for the first seven months of its operations, both Bender and

PPDI Board Chairman, Mark Bender and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Arron Fraser, explaining aspects of DDPI strategic plan to reporters in the New Kingston Control Room (Samuel Maughn photo)

Another section of the Vreed-en-Hoop Power Station. This power station has the capability to generate electricity using associated natural gas (Samuel Maughn photo)

A section of the Vreed-en-Hoop Power Station (Samuel Maughn photo)

Fraser agreed that the company has maintained a very efficient operation meeting the demands of GPL. “The scope of our service mirrors that of our predecessor. In terms of physical boundaries, PPDI responsibility for power generation stops at the outgoing feeder of the power plant – transmission and distribution remains GPL’s responsibility,” the CEO stated, while pointing out that the total electrical output of the plants under PPDI’s management is 106.4 megawatts annually. It was further noted that in the Operations and Maintenance Agreement, DDPI offers performance guarantees to GPL in three critical areas: availability, plant heat rate (which is measures fuel consumption), and lube oil consumption. According to Fraser, DDPI generated

375,285Mwh for 2017 when compared to 381,347Mwh for the same period last year. Though the company has generated less electricity thus far for 2017, Fraser said production is dependent on the demands made by GPL. “Our generation is tied to the demand of the grid, so though we might have generated less this year, our output is strictly mandated by what GPL requires, which is essentially what the customer requires,” the CEO explained. It was also noted that for 2017 the company utilised less than HFO when compared to 2016. Its availability also increased to 93.43 per cent from a low of 92.00 per cent in 2016. In addition to Bender and Fraser, Gary Hall, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), participated in the onsite visit.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Phillips proposes Afro-Guyanese rights bill By Alva Solomon THE Guyana Reparations Committee (GRC) is proposing what it terms “African Ancestral Rights Bill” to protect and recognise the rights of Afro-Guyanese. The body is claiming 15,000 square miles of the country, a figure which its representative Eric Phillips told the land Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Thursday, matches 18 per cent of the country’s landmass. Phillips said the body is seeking justice from the State of Guyana, and according to him, as a member of a CARICOM reparations group; reparations are being sought from the British and Dutch. He said in the proposed bill, there would be financial architecture to allow the 15,000 square miles to be properly developed, since according to him, the precedence has already been set as he made reference to the 2006 Amerindian Act. He said reparations have two components: the physical and financial, as well as the psychological. Phillips said the reason the group is asking for land is, “that land is wealth, land is also a method of generational transfer of wealth”. He said it is the only secure and irrevocable method of generational wealth creation. He informed the commission that in 2000, a study was done, and an area of 16,000 square miles of unoccupied land, which qualifies as State land was found and is being sought by the GRC. Phillips told the commission that in the 2006 Amerindian Act, the indigenous people were given an Amerindian Development Fund to develop lands which the group possesses. “For example, there are 300 Wai Wais with a million acres of land at the bottom of Guyana, I do not know how they can beneficially occupy that,” he said. He called for the Amerindian Act to be modified, noting that as an indigenous village population doubles, it can split and after 25 years, claim lands. He called this aspect of the Act a “fundamental breach” of the Constitution. Under questioning from the commission, he said “cor-

Commissioner David James as he questioned the witnesses on Thursday

rect history “would show that Amerindians and Africans were “harmed”. He said the latter were in Guyana before the Europeans, who came and seized the country and took away lands which belonged to them. He said that this should be the basis for establishing indigenous lands. In terms of establishing ancestral lands, he asked whether Africans were impaired. He said that not only were there vast denials of human rights, but also crime against humanity in which lives were lost. Commissioner Berlinda Persaud informed Phillips that there are 19 per cent of mixed Guyanese, according to the 2002 census and she questioned whether that group of persons should be considered for reparations. He informed the commission that the village councils under the Amerindian Act

have control of village lands and he noted that the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) has received many complaints from Afro-Guyanese, who are mixed with Amerindian but have no rights to the village lands. He said the mixed population is the fastest growing, noting that many are of African/ Amerindian mixture, as well as of East Indian/African descent. As the morning session stretched past the midday hour, Phillips grew hot-tempered during questioning by Commissioner David James as the latter questioned the information Phillips provided during his presentation to the commission. James questioned whether there was indeed no indigenous genocide in Guyana and Phillips stood by his claims that there were none. Phillips mentioned to the

commission that the indigenous population in Guyana is against reparations for Afro-Guyanese because the former wants an additional 10 per cent of the country’s landmass. James questioned whether he stood by the claim. Phillips then stated that the indigenous groups at the National Toshaos Conference this week have supported the reparations claims of African Guyanese. He said however, that the indigenous people “see it as competition for land” and according to him, Amerindians have extended their claims for 24 per cent of the country’s landmass. James questioned whether Philips was familiar with the 1969 Amerindian Lands Commission, which he noted, made certain recommendations among which related to titling of indigenous lands. The commissioner said that the question of the 24 per cent was included at the time, but Phillips noted that at the time the indigenous groups were asking for 50 per cent of the country’s landmass, but the latter figure was negotiated. Phillips got heated during the questioning by James, when the former asked for proof of occupation of lands across the western hemisphere,

Eric Phillips of the Guyana Reparations Committee before the hearing on Thursday

which Phillips claimed were occupied by the descendants of Africans. Phillips then forwarded questions of his own to the commissioner at this point. Attorney for the CoI, Darren Wade, interrupted at this point and told the witness that he is not allowed to ask the commissioner questions. An upset Phillips said he thought

the CoI was for a free flow of ideas and information, noting that he was asking the commissioner questions about history. He suggested that James was making assertions even as he disrupted the commissioner during his questioning. The CoI public hearings continue on Monday morning.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Toshaos concerned about porous borders INDIGENOUS leaders attending the National Toshaos Council Conference on Wednesday evening expressed concerns about Guyana’s porous borders and urged steppedup efforts to beat back illicit trade of drugs and other contraband. Ministers of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Citizenship, Winston Felix; Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, spent two hours listening to questions and suggestions at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), Turkeyen, where the conference is being held. Security topped the list of concerns raised by indigenous leaders. Toshaos in Regions Eight and Nine called on Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, to strengthen the porous borders to prevent the illicit trade of drugs and travel. Toshao Charles of Kanapang related that the community’s access road is being used to smuggle illegal substances and is being heavily damaged by miners. “But I need more counselling from the ministry on what should be done for such issues,” Charles pointed out, even as he asked for the capacities of Rural Constables in his community to be augmented. Minister Ramjattan ad-

mitted that protecting Guyana’s borders is a difficult task for security forces; stressing that “community intelligence” is important to ensure that illegal activities are identified and prevented. “We at this stage will do our best and even if we have to use horses as best as possible to help in controlling our border,” Minister Ramjattan told the NTC. He also encouraged the indigenous people to sign up with security forces like the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force to help protect the country. GUN AMNESTY Indigenous leaders also implored Minister Ramjattan to hold more gun amnesty so that they can be afforded the opportunity to have their firearms legally registered. One Toshao shared that there are indigenous people who are wasting away in the legal system because they cannot afford the legal bill after being charged. “Upper Mazaruni Region Seven handed in the most (guns during the last amnesty) and I expect them to be treated well,” another Toshao shared. Minister Ramjattan told the NTC that his Ministry is hoping to register the weapons of those who submitted during the amnesty but challenges of proper documen-

Toshaos have expressed concerns about security in the hinterland

tation and a broken machine to tag the weapons have been encountered by the security staff. Minster Ramjattan assured that his Ministry will try to ensure that registration and licensing of firearms for indigenous is completed by the end of the year. Toshaos also related their concerns about police officers who are failing to live by the GPF’s serve and protect motto. Aranaputa Toshao, Aiden Jacobus, related that he had “little trust

and confidence” in the police stationed in Annai after allegedly being complacent towards cattle rustlers. Similar stories were shared of seemingly corrupt police officers in the hinterland who were not protecting indigenous people. Minister Ramjattan stressed to the NTC that currently there is a zero tolerance against corruption in the GPF. “Every allegation of corruption or police misconduct must be investigated thoroughly for corruption,”

Minister Ramjattan said, while encouraging the indigenous people, “not keep it to yourself, silence is violence.” REGISTRATION ISSUES Meanwhile, several requests were made to the Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, for increased outreach in hinterland communities to facilitate the registration of births, deaths and marriages. Minister Felix, in his

response, told the NTC that his ministry “is conscious of the fact that we cannot get to all of you easily” but assured that “we have tried to refine the system to make it simpler so that every birth is registered.” The Minister has pledged to increase outreaches of these services to hinterland communities, even as a series out outreach programmes are lined up for several hinterland regions. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Stop employing ‘derelict citizens’ – and honour Minimum Wage Act, Scott urges private security companies

Personal Assistant to Public Security Minister, Deonarine Ramsaroop

Junior Social Protection Minister, Keith Scott

THE Ministry of Social Protection is warning private security companies to obey labour laws or face the attending penalties. Keith Scott, Junior Social Protection Minister, who has responsibility for labour, issued the call on Thursday at a seminar for private security services providers, at his Brickdam, Georgetown office. The seminar saw the representation of 31 private security companies representing about 8,000 security personnel across the country. The minister urged private security companies, which are not functioning in their employees’ best interest, to obey laws and regulations in relation to the Minimum Wage Act. “We at the Ministry of Social Protection are inclined to believe that while other national states have made much progress, Guyana is at a virtual standstill, if not in a state of regression, in respect of the subject under focus. Such a situation must be reversed if we are to approach our mandate of national development with the seriousness it deserves,” Scott said. In spite of the National Minimum Wage Order, the minister revealed there are still companies breaching the labour laws. “Since 2013, the National Minimum Wage Order established a 40-hour work week, with those hours to be distributed over five days,” Scott said, adding: “But there are some employers, inclusive of service providers, who have adopted a six-day work week, encompassing more than 40 hours, and still refuse to pay the overtime rates.

“I don’t believe that I have to tell you that such practices are prohibited, and must cease forthwith.” Deonarine Ramsaroop, personal assistant to the Minister of Public Security, stressed the importance of the private security services in Guyana. “Private security in Guyana is very important,” he said. “I have learnt recently that equal to the Police Force, we have approximately 8,000 employees within the private security sector. It is an enormous number and it is solely important to our country.” Notwithstanding the importance of the private security services, the minister pointed out that his Ministry is in receipt of reports revealing that security service providers are employing persons who are negligent and unsuitable to enter into legally binding contracts. “We mean no disrespect to anyone, but it is a shame that we are in receipt of reports that there are some service providers who have a proclivity for employing individuals who fit the description of ‘a derelict citizen’,”Minister Scott said. “It is more than just reports; we are in a position to tell you it directly, because they come to our night shelter and recruit people,” he added. The half-day event also featured, among other presentations, private security services within the realms of national development; the role of the security services in safety and the economy; the impact of security services on single-mothers and the elderly; and the social impact of the security services on men. (GINA/ DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

158 youths graduated from BIT training programme APPROXIMATELY 158 youths on Thursday graduated from the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) facilitated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) through the Ministry of Social Protection. The graduates came from Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Training Centre, Buxton Training Centre, and Eccles Training Centre among others. Minister within Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, delivering the feature address at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), Homestretch Avenue, congratulated the students on their performance, which earned them certificates. “The skills acquired will contribute to the development and progress of Guyana: decreasing unemployment, boosting the economy, building the workforce, improving the quality of life of our youth and enhancing their opportunities for development and success,” the minister added. She told the youths that this period in their life is an excellent time, “to build themselves academically and profession-

ally.” Minister Hastings-Williams advised that they never allow circumstances to define them and to rise above those issues and push for success since it is the best revenge. “Do not heed advice from those who may want to entice you to deviate from your path…History has shown us over and over again that crime is an illusion that evaporates in the aggravators’ faces… instead, accept that success is preceded by hard work, self-sacrifice, progressive professional and academic evolution and a clear vision of one’s goals and aspirations in life,” she explained. It was highlighted that NTPYE continues to empower young people through skills-training, since its was launch in 2005.In keeping with the government’s vision to emphasise youth empowerment, 1,430 students have graduated from the programme since 2016 as it continues to make significant strides in the development of youths. Courses offered include auto mechanic, welding and fabrication, catering and cake decoration, information

Some of the graduates displaying their dramatic skills

technology and office procedures, personal computer repairs, heavy-duty equipment operation, care for the elderly, catering and commercial food preparation and other life-skills. BIT Chairman, Clinton Williams, spoke of his pride in the graduates, noting that while they may have originally viewed the courses as challenging, the completion of these classes is rewarding and will help them gain employment. “We will continue to intensify the delivery of technical and vocational skills training by addressing the skill demand needs, not only by the existing but also for

A section of the young people graduating from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Youth Empowerment training project

modern industries such as oil and gas, clean energy, agro processing among others,” Williams pointed out. He said that the agency plans to improve its collaboration and coordination among the formal and non-formal training institutions to reduce the high level of repetition of training

without accreditation. The BIT chairman stressed that the agency will also create innovative mechanisms to influence more involvement and support from the local private sector by providing more facilities and planned facilities and facilitators, as well as a hands-

on approach for respective training programmes. This intervention is essential to generate skill sets that are consistently and technologically relevant, which will adequately meet the expectations of the constantly changing technical and technological workforce. (DPI)

Cevons to lay off 45 workers GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

…as City Hall refuses to honour $300M debt WASTE management company, Cevons will lay off some 45 workers, effective September 1, due to City Hall’s refusal to settle millions of dollars of outstanding debt. The company, along with Puran Brothers, was also fired by City Hall after they had taken industrial action, protesting the protracted delay in City Hall paying them. “There being no indication up to this time that City Hall is disposed to engaging the waste disposal entities, Cevons Waste Management and Puran Brothers, on the matter of its huge outstanding debt, exceeding $300M to the two companies, a point was bound to be reached where consequences would flow therefrom,” Cevons said in a statement on Thursday evening. The company added: “For Cevons Waste Management, that time has come. The effective delivery of garbage disposal services is attended by considerable costs. “Where sustained delinquency is the terms of payments for services obtain, the viability of the business is threatened.” According to Cevons, in the face of the amounts owing to it by City Hall, “we have continued to shoulder all of the responsibilities associated with the delivery of

the service, including, crucially, the costs associated with workers’ wages and salaries and the maintenance of inventory. This, given the extent of the outstanding City Hall debt, has become unsustainable,” the Waste Management Company said. It said that its decision to maintain a state of normalcy up to this time was informed by “our loyalty to our employees who, over time, have reciprocated that loyalty.” Equally, the company said it is aware of the particular importance of reliable employment to the working-class urban Guyanese and women and their families. “That is why, for all of the difficulty under which the company has been placed, we kept faith with our employees. There is, however, a point beyond which we are unable to go. It is, therefore, with considerable regret that we announce that with effect from September 1, Cevons Waste Management must discontinue the employment of 45 employees.” The company said it deeply regrets the decision, and commits itself to restoring the jobs of the displaced workers as soon as the situation normalises. Earlier this month, both companies had said that they

will not make any rash decisions, even as they called on the government to intervene to bring an end to the impasse between themselves and City Hall. After failing to pay the companies over $300M for services provided from 2015 -2017, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) abruptly terminated their five-year contracts on August 5, 2017, and hired three smaller contractors to clean the city. City Hall’s failure to pay the companies has taken a toll on them. After providing services to City Hall for 30 years, the companies had said they were saddened to know that City Hall took a decision to terminate their contracts, not because they’d erred in any particular way, but because they stood up for the millions of dollars owed by the Council for services already provided. Both companies had written to City Hall on August 2, indicating that all services will be suspended from August 6 until a substantial amount of monies owed was paid, and an agreement reached for future payments. But instead of trying to resolve the issue with the contractors, City Hall wrote the two companies on August 5, indicating that their services were no longer needed.

A fleet of garbage trucks at Cevons Waste Management’s headquarters

According to Puran, City Hall’s failure to make early payments have crippled the operations of both companies, and it was on that basis that a decision was made to suspend their services until payments are made. City Hall reportedly owes Cevons Waste Management approximately

$198M, and Puran Brothers $174M. Puran Brothers’ General Manager, Kaleshwar Puran, had said that as a result of the recent developments, the companies wrote a joint letter to President David Granger on August 7, 2017 requesting the government’s intervention.

“We wrote the President, trying to find a way out... We don’t want to make any rash decision; we have a passion for solid waste management, and we want to continue on that note. But at this point, we need somebody to sit down with us and render some assistance,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

First bauxite for 2018 roll out

...with US$50M project at Bonasika MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon, on Thursday received a courtesy call from Executive members of the First Bauxite Corporation (FBX) at the Ministry of the Presidency, where he was updated on their project at Bonasika in CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven), which is due to begin next year with an investment of approximately US$50M. During the meeting, Alan Roughead, President and Chief Executive Officer of FBX, told Minister Harmon that the company is looking forward to starting construction of the project next year and production 12 months thereafter. The Project is expected to provide employment for over 150 Guyanese. According to a Ministry of the Presidency release, FBX commenced feasibility work on the Bonasika Project in 2008. Since then the company has expended US$20M on developing the bauxite resource located in this area and has completed three feasibility studies. The company has also conducted two major production trials in Guyana over the past two years. Minister Harmon said that the Government welcomes the investors and looks forward to the employ-

Mr. Alan Roughead, President and Chief Executive Office of First Bauxite Corporation, presents Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, with the Project Document during their meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency

ment opportunities, which will be created for Guyanese, once the project is up and running. He noted that Guyana is always open for investment and to create a more conducive environment for business, he said that the administration is currently working to put systems in place, which can ensure that the bureaucracy associated with investments are reduced. “We are committed to investment in Guyana. We are on a path of fresh approaches as the Minister of Finance

loves to say and we want to expedite the systems so that it does not hinder investments. The quality of services must be improved,” he said. Mr. Larry Washow, Chairman of the Board of FBX; Mr. Bill White, Chief Financial Officer of FBX; Mr. Stanley Ming, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC); and Mr. Robert Corbin, Legal Counsel of the company, also attended the meeting.

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, peruses the Project document as Mr. Roughead explains what the project would entail

Correction

AN error has been identified in the story headlined “Thieves strip dead man of fake ‘bling’”, which appeared in our August 24, 2017 edition. It was not the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC) which requested the sum of $40, 000 from relatives of the late Winston Hinds to rebuild his vandalised tomb, but a private contractor. The Guyana Chronicle apologises to the LMTC for any inconvenience this error may have caused.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Region Three residents urged MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon, on Wednesday charged Regional Democratic Council (RDC) councillors of Region Three to take up their roles as the drivers of the social cohesion process in the region, at a Ministry of Social Cohesion’s Sensitisation Workshop for councillors and other key stakeholders. One hundred and fifty-six stakeholders, including representatives from the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC), representatives of the Guyana Police Force, Ministries of Communities, Education and Health, organisations and groups such as the Den Amstel Dynamic Network, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless Service), Youths with a Purpose, the Zeelugt Sports Club and others, attended the workshop, which was held at the Barnwell Hotel, Barnwell, West Coast Demerara.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, interacts with this stakeholder before the opening of the Sensitisation Workshop for Regional Democratic Councillors of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) and other key stakeholders

Minister Harmon said that social cohesion is enshrined in the Guyana Constitution and the Government is obligated to ensure inclusiveness,

solidarity and the diversity of our people and to harness their energies towards building a unified nation. The RDC, he said, has a vital role

to play in this endeavour as they are the organs of change, which must advance this approach to unity in the region. “These programmes

would be meaningless unless people buy into them, unless the RDC sees themselves as the drivers of social cohesiveness in the region … You are the drivers of social cohesion, and therefore, we have to understand that we are diverse, that we have to be inclusive; that we have to understand cohesiveness at the level of the community; then we have to understand that we have to include people in our decision-making,” he said. Minister Harmon also said that while the ministry is executing its Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-2021, the RDC, NDC councillors and other stakeholders must embrace it, for the benefit of their constituencies. “Social cohesion is not a nebulous concept…it is life. It is what you do in your communities, it is people working together, playing together for the benefit of their communities. You live it. You live in communities that require you to work together if you are to have

Minister of State, Joseph Harm

the full benefit of what the region has to offer or what the Government, at the level of the State, has to offer as well,” he said. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, emphasised this point, noting that the RDC has the power

Youths benefit from in diabetic camp MORE than 40 youths, mainly from Regions Three, Four and Six, between the ages of two and 24, who

have been diagnosed with type one diabetes are participating in a three day ‘Diabetic Youth Camp’.

The camp, which began on Wednesday, August 23 and concludes today, is being hosted at the Splashmins

ECO Adventure and Camping Park on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. Public Health Ministry, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, who is also the temporary chairperson of the National Commission for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in Guyana, addressed the youths ahead of their scheduled activities. The CMO was accompanied by commissioners of this commission, who spent some time interacting with

the children. The CMO said his mantra remains the same as he continues to promote a healthy lifestyle among the youth. “We’re looking forward to you doing better as you go through these three days at the camp and also to continue that. So, set yourself some goals for the next three days and then continue to work on those goals when you leave here on Friday. When you go back home behave like you’re still at the camp, run about and do your exercise.” Dr. Persaud explained.

Jimeel Davis, Senior Ma Guyana Incorporated, han to one of t

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

d to embrace social cohesion

mon, addressing the gathering

to effect change and to ensure that services are rendered equally across the region. “At the regional level, the role of the RDC cannot be overemphasised… Much of the development in a region is overseen by the RDC, which has the power to effect

anager, Food for The Poor nding over camping supplies the campers

According to Dr. Kavita Singh, Head of the Chronic Diseases Unit of the Public Health Ministry, the youth camp actually began in 2005, but was postponed until 2009, when the ministry entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ‘Sponsor the Child Initiative.’ Though the ‘Sponsor the Child Initiative’ is conducted every year, diabetic youths are observed by requisite specialists for updates on their conditions. Also, they receive critical medical supplies including testing strips, glucometer and dispensing pens. Other donor agencies, such as Food For The Poor Guyana (FFTP) Incorporated, have pledged their support to the camp. Senior Manager of the

change… We need to work together as a people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, socio-economic status [being] differently-abled and other differences to build Guyana,” he said. Several stakeholders requested assistance from the Ministry to implement programmes that would promote solidarity in their districts. Ms. Shanas Sattar and Mr. Erick Sukhlall, both of the Parfaite Harmonie Golden Jubilee Youth Group and Ms. Tanya Hooper of the Goed Intent Sisters Youth Developers, also requested assistance to advance programmes aimed at keeping youth gainfully occupied. Stakeholders also raised concerns about crime, blocked drainage structures and the need for community groups to be developed and maintained. Wednesday’s workshop was the second workshop that the Ministry has held

FFTP, Jimeel Davis, noted that “we’ve done a lot and this to us it’s very precious to our hearts today to give support to the kids and the families as well. You know we have gone to a lot of places and done a lot of things but when it comes to health, we play a very important role; it’s very serious to us.” Items contributed to the camp by the FFTP include teddy bears, books, medication and other basic supplies such as blankets to enhance the camping experience. The youths were eager to participate in the activities. Sadeiann Johnson, who has just completed secondary school, explained that living with diabetes sets her apart from her friends and students her age. “As a teenager with diabetes it’s very challenging because you may go out with some friends and teenagers and they like to eat their pizza and their chicken and you cannot eat so much like them,” Sadeiann explained. However, she said that during this camp she is hoping to learn much and have fun. Twelve-year-old, Ravindra Ramdhan bravely pointed out that he looks forward to coming to the camp to learn and meet people, especially new comers. “I would also like to say thanks to all the (sponsors) of this camp. We are looking forward to better improvement, we are enjoying ourselves, we expect this every year.”

this week aimed at mobilising councillors to make the vision of a unified Guyana a reality. On Tuesday, August 22, 21 RDC and NDC councillors and administrative heads of the RDC of Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four) participated in a Diversity Education and Inclusion Workshop aimed at empowering them to play active roles in fostering unity within their constituencies. During the two-day session, which was held at the RDC office in Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, the councillors also developed a number of community projects to be implemented over two months that will enhance the lives of residents. Minister Norton commended the councillors on the level of support that they provided to each other while drafting their plans. He noted too that if they continue to demonstrate these attributes throughout the project cycles, they would not only improve their communities, but would have put social cohesion into practice by demonstrating an appreciation for each other’s skills, talents and diversities. “You are now more knowledgeable of the various forms of diversity and ways in which you can be inclusive as you carry out your various tasks… As councillors, you have a duty not only to share

the knowledge that you’ve gathered here … but also to put it into practice and to effect the changes in Region Four,” he said. Similar sentiments were expressed by Programme Coordinator at the Ministry, Ms. Sharon Patterson, who said that the councillors can play a vital role in fostering solidarity in their communities. “The focus is really where you take this knowledge … your own role in the social cohesion process,” she said. Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Cane Grove NDC,

Ms. Neemawattie Baldeo, said that the members of her NDC are very co-operative and, “we want to embark on community self-help projects and sports, which will bring our youths together, our older folks together, in general, the entire community, and we want to [meet] with other NDCs so that we can share our experiences [and] probably gain some experience as well,” she said. Also, Ms. Ulita Moore of the Better Hope/La Bonne Intention/Plaisance/

Beterverwagting/Industry /Triumph NDC also said that they will be embarking on a self-help project that will involve the cleaning, clearing and desilting of drainage structures in four constituencies in each NDC and said that she is looking forward to the exercise. Stakeholders from the Cummings Lodge, Grove/Haslington and Mon Repos NDCs also attended the workshop. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Some of the councillors and other stakeholders at the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s Sensitisation Workshop for Regional Democratic Councillors of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) and other key stakeholders

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Police ‘C’ Division hosts 103 at youth camp UNDER the theme “Police Youth Development Reform, Refresh, Renewed,” C Division Commander, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus and ranks commenced the first ever camp for youths throughout the division. On Friday, there was a display of all the work done by the youths during their time at the camp at the Cove and John Police headquarters. The camp, an initiative of the commander, was organised by Community Relations Officer, Inspector

Jupiter and staff, as part of the Guyana Police Force Social Crime Prevention Programme. Some 103 youths are attending the five-day camp, where they are engaged in Bible studies, adaptive leadership, state/government knowledge, child abuse/domestic violence discussion, conflict resolution, disaster risk management and etiquette training. The training is facilitated by the Police Force membership, civilian professional teachers and probation officers.

C Division Youth Camp commenced with 103 youth engaged in Bible study

Craft session: some of the boys with Constable Cyrus

Greater focus on reforming NOC youths ‘ G’ D I V I S I ON C o mmander, Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell, has committed to working with youths of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) to promote their personal development through weekly lectures and entrepreneurship training. He made this promise on a recent visit to the NOC following the escape of the 11 youths from the

juvenile detention centre, at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast. The six females and five males who left the centre without discharge were recaptured hours later. Commander Mansell explained that the youths need life skills which can make them marketable and ready for the world of work when they are discharged from the NOC. “Make hay while the

sun shine,” he told the youths, adding: “Every week a subordinate officer will be at NOC to deliver lecturers and I am extending an invitation to the youths to participate… that will be held in September.” He also told the youths that they will be offered the opportunity to learn music since there will now be classes at the Anna Regina Police Station every Saturday.

Divisional Commander, Stephen Mansell, addressing New Opportunity Corps youths during his recent visit there

He explained that in September, focus will be placed on entrepreneurship, job creation, craft, poetry and pageantry. “The event is where

youths will be able to showcase their skill to the public, thus making themselves marketable for employment,” he added. According to the com-

mander, research points to incarceration having a negative impact on youth even though it is necessary for public protection against certain offenders.

Village councils urged to ensure proper record-keeping TOSHAOS gathered for day four of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference were briefed on the importance of being financially accountable by Lisa Thakurdin, an accountant attached to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. Thakurdin highlighted that on many occasions, village councils lack accountability when conducting transactions. These include not keeping records or receipts of items purchased for the community and details of all community assets. She explained that “it is expected that all village councils adhere to the financial rules and regulations and they should be guided by the Amerindian Act No. 6:03, 2006, which is governance. The Ministry implores all village councils to ensure that their bank accounts are operational and that various registers be maintained and up to date.” Thakurdin highlighted that book-keeping is an es-

Accountant attached to the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Lisa Thakurdin

sential part of financial management and accountability. She explained that “a good book-keeping system makes it possible for a village council to be financially accountable to all its important stake holders.” She further pointed out that “when financial rules and regulations are not adhered to, this causes the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry to be held accountable, since he is the accounting officer.”

Indigenous leaders were urged to place greater interest and emphasis in record-keeping and accounting for the monies granted to them by the ministry. Thakurdin also pointed out that accurate book-keeping will allow for the communities to have easier access to Presidential grants and Community Development Projects from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). (GINA/DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

--serving the community in more ways than one

Naomi Murray opens showroom JUST months ago, 23-year-old Naomi Murray expressed that her biggest goal in 2017 for her clothing line, N. Murray Designs, would be to venture further into the realm of pageantry and to find a central location to display her work. Within that time, the young fashion designer, known popularly for her signature prom dresses, has done that and more. Last Saturday, Naomi officially opened the doors to the N. Murray Designs Showroom which will serve as her permanent location until she opens her store front in 2018. The showroom, located on the second floor of the Acme Building on Regent and King Streets, has on display some of Nao-

mi’s finest pieces, including dresses, handbags and hair accessories. Customers will be able to visit that location and place their orders for those and other pieces that the designer has to offer. “When I started designing, I knew I needed to start somewhere, and I wasn’t able to get an immediate location, so I started with social media,” Naomi told The Buzz. “But at the said time, given that I have a vision for my business, I knew it would grow and I would have to advance. A location is necessary… and is more convenient for my clients.” Naomi is quite the busy bee as she works on her own, and is often booked with orders from clients. Since her showroom has

opened, she said that the response has been even more overwhelming. “It has been amazing; persons are inspired by my journey, and they are happy I can get a location, because it’s something I was working toward for quite some time. I wanted to make things convenient for my clients, so they were quite pleased I can get a location,” she said. Naomi continues with her usual schedule, except, she now has a physical location from which she operates. She said that having done quite a number of dresses for the Queen’s College Prom, she still has a few Prom orders coming up in November. She has also ventured into the category

of bridal gowns, and said, too, that the response from clients thus far has also been amazing. “This was one of the goals I wanted to achieve for this year, and eight months into the year I have achieved my goals. I believe having faith in your journey is very important and being able to pray and work hard in achieving your goals is very important,” she said. “I believe everyone needs to know what they want for themselves and try not to compete with others and work toward fulfilling their own goals in life. I am very happy I was able to do this, because it is not only about fulfilling my vision but it is about inspiring others.”

Naomi Murray at the opening ceremony for her showroom

Two of the dresses that are on display in Naomi’s Showroom (Brian Gomes photo

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Emancipation: Memory, closure and purpose

--of pains and injuries experienced and profound lessons learnt ONE of the most significant recent monuments erected in Guyana now stands on the East Coast of Demerara in the village of Buxton. This monument was conceived by businessman and Buxtonian Morris Wilson, and with kind-thinking friends, it was designed and constructed. It was intended on the noble thought to erect a memorial dedicated to the over 400 persons murdered and killed from 2000 to 2006, during the most bloodied period in our modern history, from 1838 to the present 2017. The monument was unveiled on August 3, 2012 in Buxton. The government was invited, but they did not even send a representative. No, it was not acknowledged by the PPP. Perhaps it was their guilt and expectation of some moral entrapment that caused them to freeze with suspicion, even before the concept of closure to the most savage and brutal period in the history of the nation, under their administration. The concepts of monuments always revolve around the more significant moments in the passage of nationhood, and, in many cases, embody turbulent periods of a people’s history. The idea of moving forward cannot be subject to historic amnesia in the face of realities not culminated from imaginations created from cultural and religious prejudices and fictional dogmas. The events that resonate from this most current Monument have, and continue to be, impacted on

the consciousness of many. Some shy away from the raw ugliness of its implications, and the ‘still worse’ that could have been had its political architects had their full rein, void of resistance, to the phantom horsemen

own ‘Nuremburg’, where a public account of the known ‘Architects’ can be placed before the conscience of the nation, rather than allow them to continue to entice on the great pretence of their facades of ‘normalcy’

tell them you care about their interest. NOT ALL EQUAL Not all humans are equal; some lack shame, empathy, and social conscience. These human realities we

Buxton Monument Design Mural 2017

that they had unleashed. The Monument pleads closure, but the modern parallel of the Monument for such a plea would be its

that do require a tremendous amount of temerity and hypocrisy to walk into the presence of people whom you spat upon and smle and

must come to understand. There are medical and social terminologies for such people; psychopaths is one. They have an easy smile,

lie easily, deceive, and are incapable of moral choices. Nor can they love. The other is the sycophant. This is the eternal lackey: Void of an ego; willing to please and to be deployed on any sinister errand. They belong to the real world, and knowledge of such derogative aspects of our human world will equip us to fully comprehend that Academic, Legal, Religious and Political certifications alone do not endow the humanity of the person before you. The ancient criteria of “By their works shall they be known” must always be the yardstick for any analysis that determines to where, and to what extent, must your trust and loyalty be extended. Understand the prop packages and mirages of our human world, and you will escape slavery of any kind. Loyalty is an extension of the Soul, and Knowledge is its best guide; not feelings based on frustrations and rash comforting perceptions, because, as humans, our self- serving conceit will, in the end, betray us. The disposition of this discourse propels from merely standing before, and seeking to understand what is the content of this Buxton Monument, dedicated to the understanding of closure. The elements that ricochet from the names etched in stone, most of them young disadvantaged, misguided victims of circumstances and ‘the innocent’, will command us to question, realising that all they have in common are untimely deaths. Normalcy is good, but

it’s counter-productive if it is acquired through self-deception, for self-deceit is an addiction; it does not change the reality. Like addictive substances, it creates hallucinations; in this case, social ‘invisible friends’. PLACE OF CONTEMPLATION Reality, however, can be, and should be, adjusted to a strategic calm; and for this calm to exist, a place of contemplation is relevant. Our ancestors well understood the value of monuments to record valuable lessons learnt. From the pre-historic rock art of the Sahara to the Pyramids and the sculpted story lines of Benin, they left us evidence over the ages of their experiences. Ancient records serve as monuments. Until we can have excursions in time-travel, this Buxton Monument serves as the most recent and only humble edifice to ‘The Troubled Period, 2000 to 2010, and is yet incomplete without a museum and archive to support the need for exploration. The Monument does not accuse; it records the fact. But every monument must have its adjoining temple; in our day, a museum. The addition of a museum and archive will place before young researchers in the future the facts to which they will make their evaluations. Of course, this will take time to develop, but now that it has been said, dictated by the obvious imagination, it cannot be left undone; it is the duty of this generation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

‘Jumbie’, Primus to represent

– @ ‘Caribbean Comedy Explosion’

THOUGH this week has a few things, there’re just two major events that just about everyone is looking forward to: The Mcgregor/Mayweather clash on Saturday night, and the the Jamzone Beach Day on Sunday. While the beach day will definitely be at HJ Water World, you have a few options of where one can catch the Mcgregor/Mayweather showdown. And almost everywhere is free! Of coursee, you could watch it at home, but you just won’t get the kind of vibing atmosphere you would enjoy if instead you took in the game at 704 Sports Bar, over at Tower Suites, or even at JR Burgers. JR Burgers is the only place where there’s an admission to watch the fight, but even so, the money is redemable in food. TODAY Are you ready to get stuck in the sexiest traffic jam of the night? Pulse Entertainment presents, “Traffic Light Party”, The Hottest Party Of The Month at District Ultra Lounge! Wear red if you’re taken; yellow if you’re looking for a sexy fling; or wear green if you’re single and ready to mingle! So, let your colour do all the talking and join us for a night of sexy, flirty fun! With music by DJ Ryan, DJ Anesah and DJ Country Boy. Ladies free before 21:00hrs. TOMORROW Ladies! Put on those high heels and those jeans and get in the vibe at the “High Heels and Jeans Party” at the Original Guinness Bar on D’Urban Street! Let’s get ready to rumble! See UFC Champ, Connor Macgregor face off against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in style at 704 Sports Bar! 704 Sports Bar is set to be transformed, Las Vegas style, as you get entertained by beautiful women, amazing music and the best drinks while viewing the match on the big-screen! No matter who you support, Tower Suites has you covered! Tower Suites & Privilege Sports Bar and Lounge brings to you the biggest night in boxing history! The Mcgregor/Mayweather clash will be showing both in Club Privilege and outside at the poolside! Get bucket specials on all your favourite beers, and free bar snacks ALL NIGHT! JR Burgers brings to you the Legendary Floyd Mayweather against all-time MMA great, Conor Mcgregor on a Grand 13 x 7 feet flat-screen, alongside the Official Launch of their BBQ Pitmasters!! Entry fee: $1000 redeemable in BBQ or Burgers! Runway Summa is back! Miss Global International Guyana, in collaboration with Barbacoa Fire Side Grill (Main Street, next to GPL) presents, “Runway Summa” barbeque and fashion show. Go out and be entertained by exclusive swimsuit parades from House of Pearson, Randy Madray summer trends by R.P Couture, Nachle Designs and Amanda’s Bridal Guyana! Other entertainment by Team MMR - Vick Sarran and Mc WR Reaz! BBQ served from noon, while fashion shows starts at 17:00hrs! Admission: $1500. The Miss Cultured Guyana Committee proudly presents, “Da Sashing”, the official ceremony to ribbon the new era of empowered cultured Guyanese women! The show is being held at Indulgence Restaurant and Lounge (Barr Street Kitty) beginning at 19:30hrs. Admisssion: $1000. SUNDAY Bushy Park Beach, Parika, presents a party called “When Dance De Nice: The Old Skool Edition” at Bushy Park Beach! Entertainment by Slingerz Family.

AT least two Guyanese are billed to perform at “Caribbean Comedy Explosion” in Barbados tomorrow night. Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones is looking forward to representing Guyana when the best of his kind from Jamaica, Trinidad, St. Lucia and a host of other countries come together at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium to perform. “I’m natural, so I am going to do what I normally do,” Jones told The Buzz on Thursday in an invited comment. He further pointed out: “As much as I am going on my own, I will be representing Guyana.” Jones’ intentions seem to be in keeping with the advertisement from the promoters which in part says: “Get ready to fall off your

Lyndon Jones

Odessa Primus

chairs with the Caribbean’s kings and queens of comedy and drama.” Jones, who will perform alongside fellow Guyanese Odessa Primus, has always called on the Guyanese populace to be more supportive of their local artistes, and

has not failed to lament the lack of such. “In my mind, there’s never that full support; it’s always a big challenge to get support. But people need to realise that when they support us, they are supporting local.”

I-Octane inks deal – with major US label

INTERNATIONAL recording artist I-Octane has announced his recent signing with Miami-based management company, Beautiful People MGT, and a recording deal with San Francisco-based label “Independent Distribution Collective” (IDC). The latter set in preparation for his highly anticipated 2018 album. Fans of I-Octane have been clamoring for a full-length anthology since his 2014 hit filled, “My Journey” which topped #4 on the Billboard Reggae Chart. Since then, the reggae star has delivered numerous worldwide top-charting singles, while continuing extensive touring from his hit filled repertoire. Said he: “After being in music professionally for over 12 years now, I have grown, and I have learned a lot along the way. I did 2 albums, and they were both very similar. “It was social commentary, more one-drop oriented. This album has a lot of different things on it; it’s a more versatile I-Octane; it’s more grown. “I expect a lot of mileage from this album; I’m going to go to places where I’ve never been before through this album. “Different sides of Octane; different vocal range; different sound. This is a totally different I-Octane, but the essence is me; a grown me.” Fresh from inking with his new management, the first order of the day for BPM was securing distribution with a reputable company that would dedicate themselves to the project at hand. “As a fan of reggae music, I-Octane has steadily remained on my playlist, so, joining his close-knit team was an honour,” said W. Morgan, CEO and Founder of Beautiful People MGT. “Our vision is similar, and our aim the same, so to find a company who would match our goal became a priority. To take the brand that is I-Octane to the four corners of the world,” he added.

Speaking on joining the IDC family, I-Octane said: “IDC is a great accomplishment! Big up my management team! This is big for me as an independent artist. To know that we have IDC on this project, not only for the global distribution but supporting us in all the marketing, promoting and also pushing us. They see the same for I-Octane as I do. They understand the concept, the sound, the growth. It all makes sense since this album is universal, everyone will relate to one song or another. I give thanks to IDC , my team and the power of the almighty.” Steffen Franz, President/Founder of Independent Distribution Collective echoed a similar sentiment. “IDC is honoured to be working with I-Octane, an internationally successful Jamaican artist who has worked for his whole career, to forward the positive and conscious messages that are so important in music in this time. “This new project will be wide-reaching, and it will be embraced by fans and audiences worldwide... We are excited to be on board for the distribution of this brand-new album.” In business for over 12 years, Independent Distribution Collective (IDC) is a music marketing and distribution company based in San Francisco, California that offers physical and digital distribution, marketing and promotion, artist development services, and music licensing. An unmatched combination of innate talent, lyrical prowess and versatility, I-Octane resonates with conscious lyrics, sentiments of universal faith, romance, social justice and compassion. The smooth Rastafarian singer, who has amassed an impressive slew of hit songs in a few short years, has skillfully positioned himself as an ambassador of reggae music, while maintaining a strong appeal in the streets, where many of his songs have become anthems. Even with his incredible success to date, I-Octane has just scratched the surface of all he is meant to achieve; however, his name is securely cemented a musical legacy comparable to many icons.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Boeing 777 lands at CJIA

Passenger photo of the flight as it departed Kingston, Jamaica A Boeing 777 aircraft of Omni International, similar to the one which landed at the CJIA

BOEING 777 aircraft ferrying stranded Fly Jamaica passengers landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). It was the first time the aircraft model, known as the

world largest twinjet, landed at the country’s main international airport. At the same time, the aircraft known as the “Triple Seven” was the largest commercial carrier to land at the airport.

It touched down around 01:30 hrs. Reports are that the aircraft was charted by Fly Jamaica from Omni Air International. A passenger reported that the aircraft flew from

New York to Kingston, Jamaica then onward to Guyana. It is expected to leave later today, Friday with passengers who have been stranded here since the start of the

week. Reports are that Fly Jamaica’s aircraft were on the ground in Kingston undergoing maintenance. Aviation sources reported that another jumbo, the Boeing 747, touched down at

CJIA in the past; however, the model was a shorter version of the type. A wide-belly aircraft, the C5A Galaxy, had also landed at the CJIA, but it was a military flight.

Four to go on trial for Republic Bank robbery

ON September 11, four men will go on trial for the brazen daylight armed robbery attempt, which was committed on Republic Bank’s Water street branch in July. Police Constable, Anfernee Blackman, 21, of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown; former Republic Bank employee, Shawn Grimmond of Pike Street, Kitty; Rural Constable Gladston George, 24, of Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown; and Keron Saunders, 24, of Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, East Bank Demerara, are jointly charged for the offence. When the matter was called before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday, the men were handed their statements and told of the trial day for commencement. The men had pleaded guilty to the charge and will remain on remand. Another former Republic Bank employee, Jamal Haynes, 24, of 4 Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to the charge when the matter was first called on July 14 and was

jailed for six years by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Grimmond and Haynes were employed by Republic

Bank at the time of the attempted robbery. Haynes was shot to his legs following the robbery attempt. George and

Blackman were constables attached to the Guyana Police Force. The two allegedly aided the robbery attempt by provid-

ing firearms. It was reported that on the morning of July 4, three armed men entered Republic Bank’s,

Water Street Branch before it was opened to the public. Haynes and his gang members, Elton Wray and Saunders had reportedly planned on getting their hands on the night’s deposits, since it was a three-day weekend and companies would have deposited millions of dollars in cash. Wray, a 25-year-old, China-trained agronomist, who was employed at the National Agriculture Research Extension Institute (NAREI), was shot in the chest during the robbery. He died the same day while receiving medical attention. The perpetrators wore masks, gloves and carried handguns and opened fire on the RBL personnel inside the building. Professional Guard Service security personnel, who were on site, immediately raised an alarm and an armed response teams proceeded to the location. The teams assessed the situation and took up defensive positions with their police counterparts as the perpetrators were pursued.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Guyana Continued from back page begin ... into consideration the rich rivalry between the two countries in the sport. Boasting a star-studded team, head coach Sampson Gilbert believes that much is at stake and as such, he hopes that his troops can stick to their game plan and play within the confines of the system he drafted. With the likes of Jeremy Garrett, Cecil Jackman, Ryan Hackett and Sherral Daniel, Gilbert believes that he has a team that is more than capable of toppling Suriname. Director of Sport Christopher Jones reiterated his claim that Guyanaâ€™s ulterior motive is to beat Suriname at home. TRACK AND FIELD TEAM: Girls: Toyan Raymond (100m, 200m), Binka Joseph (100m), Deshauna Skeete (200m, 400m), Kezra Murray (400m, 800m), Joanna Archer (800m, 1500m), Shaquka Tyrell (1500M, 3000m), Leyanna Charles (3000m), Chantoba Bright (long jump, triple jump), Tatyanna Blair (long jump, high jump), Virlyn Gibson (triple jump, high jump), Mian McPherson (shot put, javelin), Jamacia Scott (shot put, discus), Prudence Codrington (javelin, discus) B o y s : Ty r e l l P e t e r s (100m, 200m), Umkosie Vancooten (100m, 200m), Daniel Williams (400m, high jump), Samuel Lynch (400m, 800m), Daniel Melville (800m, discus), Murphy Nash (1500m, 5000m), Ronaldo Wishart (1500m, javelin), Rickie Williams (5000m), Anthony Williams (long jump, triple jump), Ronaldo Greene (long jump, triple jump), Tarique

Boyce (high jump), Jermine Simmons (shot put, javelin and Lennox Henry (shot put, discus). Kenisha Headley and Quincy Clarke will coach the squad while Nadine Trotz and Carolyn Garraway will act as managers. BASKETBALL: Andrew Wiggins, Stanton Rose, Jermain King, Akeem Crandon, Timothy Thompson, Shamar France, Nigel Bowen, Jaheel Young, Aton Fileen, Jamal Gilkes, Andrew Johnson and Akil Vaughn. Abdullah Hamid is the teamâ€™s head coach, Kirk Fraser assistant coach and Troy Green manager. CYCLING: Adelie Hodge, Marcus Keiler, Curtis Dey, Jason Cameron, Shenika Barker, Yonka Barker and Deance Welch. aSWIMMING: Andrew Gordon, Antonia Rodrigues, Daniel Scott, Nathon Hackett, Leon Seaton, Alex Winter, Nikita Fiedtkou, Teshana Hunter, Anna Isaacs, Accalia Khan, Kenita Mahaica and Lian Winter. VOLLEYBALL: Kirstoff Shepherd, Akil Vaughn, Omari Joseph, Hellod Singh, Andy Rohoman, Jaleel Roberts, Samuel Jordan, Ronaldo Bobb, Montel Denny, Daymyon Alahamad, Ronaldo Griffith and Kellon Leitch. FOOTBALL (FEMALE): Indera Amardeo, Vicky Jonannis, Althea Austin, Odessa Smith, Lendey Adolph, Anastacia Horsham, Shania Riley, Naomi Aaron, Ashana Williams, Stacy Adams, Amanda McKenzie, Tiandi Smith, Latesha Sutherland, Shontel Greene, Jamaica Hunte, Sasha Rodrigues, Anulissa Johnson and Selena Chan. Head coach Akilah Castello and assistant Tricia Munroe FOOTBALL (MALE): Jervis Cumberbatch, Simeon Hackette, Cecil Jackman, Jeremy Garrett, Kevin Padmore, Shomol Smith, Marriheo Eastman, Raushan Ritch, Orin Moore, Ryan Hackette, Ryan Dowding, Nixon Robertson, Chris Macey, Anton Peters, Shane Haynes, Brandon Atkinson, Sherral Daniels, and Lorenzo Miller. Head coach is Sampson Gilbert.

India salvage win after Dananjaya’s six-for sparks collapse PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Akila Dananjaya’s career-best 6-54 was in vain as India beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in their second one-day international to go 2-0 up in the five-match series yesterday.

edly failed to read Dananjaya’s googly and lost their wickets. There had been no inkling of the impending collapse when Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan led India’s brisk reply with a century stand. Dananjaya trapped Sharma

By his fifth over Akila Dhananjaya had taken five wickets with his legbreaks and wrong’uns.

Dananjaya ran through India’s top and middle order but Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Bhuvneswar Kumar batted sensibly to complete a tricky chase under the Duckworth-Lewis method with 16 balls to spare. Chasing 231 from 47 overs after a rain intervention, India were cruising at 109 for no loss but the 23-year-old Dananjaya claimed three wickets in one over to turn the match on its head. The Indian batsmen repeat-

leg-before for 54 and Dhawan (49) swept Milinda Siriwardene towards fine leg where Angelo Mathews lunged to take a stunning catch. A maverick spinner, who can bowl off-spin, leg-spin, googly and even ‘doosra’ - the ball that turns the other way - Dananjaya injected drama into the contest when he cleanbowled Kedar Jadhav, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul within five balls. He dealt two more blows

to leave India reeling on 131-7 when Dhoni reprised his finisher’s role and Kumar proved a perfect foil as they bailed out India with a century partnership. Dhoni’s risk-free 45 not out included only one boundary while Kumar hit a six and four fours in his unbeaten 53. Earlier, paceman Jasprit Bumrah claimed 4-43 to help restrict Sri Lanka to 236-8 after India captain Kohli opted to field. Niroshan Dickwella hitting Bumrah for a couple of sixes before being dismissed by the paceman for 31. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra

Chahal struck twice to reduce Sri Lanka to 121-5 when Milinda Siriwardana and Chamara Kapugedera offered some resistance with a 91-run partnership. Bumrah returned to torment the Sri Lankans with his unorthodox action and his mastery over yorkers and slow deliveries. The 23-year-old ended Siriwardana’s run-a-ball 58, yorked Kapugedera (40) and sent back Dananjaya as Sri Lanka settled for a below-par total before it started raining. The teams return to the venue for the third match on Sunday.

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA innings Niroshan Dickwella c S. Dhawan b Bumrah 31 Danushka Gunathilaka stp. Dhoni b Chahal 19 Kusal Mendis lbw b Chahal 19 Upul Tharanga c Kohli b H. Pandya 9 Angelo Mathews lbw b A. Patel 20 Milinda Siriwardana c Ro. Sharma b Bumrah 58 Chamara Kapugedera b Bumrah 40 Akila Dananjaya c A. Patel b Bumrah 9 Dushmantha Chameera not out 6 Vishwa Fernando not out 3 Extras: (b-1, lb-10, w-11) 22 Total: (for 8 wickets, 50 overs) 236 Fall of wickets: 1-41, 2-70, 3-81, 4-99, 5-121, 6-212, 7-221, 8-230. Bowling: B. Kumar 10-0-53-0 (w-3), J. Bumrah 10-2-43-4. Y. Chahal 10-1-43-2, H. Pandya 5.2-0-24-1 (w-2), A. Patel 10-0-

30-1 (w-2), K. Jadhav 4.4-0-32-0 (w-2). INDIA innings Ro. Sharma lbw b Dananjaya 54 S. Dhawan c Mathews b Siriwardana 49 L. Rahul b Dananjaya 4 K. Jadhav b Dananjaya 1 V. Kohli b Dananjaya 4 M. Dhoni not out 45 H. Pandya stp. Dickwella b Dananjaya 0 A. Patel lbw b Dananjaya 6 B. Kumar not out 53 Extras: lb-1, w-14) 15 Total: (for 7 wickets, 44.2 overs) 231 Fall of wickets: 1-109, 2-113. 3-114, 4-118, 5-119, 6-121, 7-131. Bowling: L. Malinga 8-0-49-0 (w-6) V. Fernando 6.2-0-32-0 (w6), A. Mathews 3-0-11-0 (w-1), D. Chameera 7-0-45-0, A. Dananjaya 10-0-54–6, M. Siriwardana 10-0-39-1 (w-1).

Bravo ,McCullum upstage Gayle to fire TKR to victory BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) — Rapid-fire, unbeaten knocks from Brendon McCullum and Darren Bravo upstaged an explosive 93 from Chris Gayle to lead Trinbago Knight Riders to an eight-wicket victory over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots under the Duckworth/Lewis/ Steyn Method in the Caribbean Premier League on Wednesday. McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, was not out on 40 and West Indies left-hander Bravo was not out on 38, as the Knight Riders successfully chased a DLS-revised target of 86 from six overs in a thrilling finish to their rain-affected 22nd match of the tournament at Warner Park. In an explosive conclusion, McCullum and Bravo smashed one four and eight sixes, sharing an unbroken 54 off 13 balls for the third wicket to catapult the TKR over the finish line with four balls remaining. The embattled Bravo concluded the showpiece with successive sixes off the first two deliveries of the final over - bowled by Jonathan Carter - to finish the match in grand

style and hand the visitors their seventh victory of the competition. The result meant the Trinbago Knight Riders remained riveted at the top of the standings on 14 points, three more than the Patriots, with both having two matches left.

stoppages for rain to post a competitive total. After the target was revised to 169 from 13 overs under the DLS Method and in between some early pyrotechnics from McCullum, former Australia fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus bowled Sunil Narine for five

Darren Bravo and Sunil Narine celebrate the Trinbago Knight Riders’ victory over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. (CPL/Getty Images)

Gayle had set the tone for the day with five fours and eight sixes from 47 balls in a typically fiery knock that drove the Patriots to 162 for three from their rain-reduced 13 overs. Fellow left-handed opener Evin Lewis supported with 39 and Shamarh Brooks gathered a run-a-ball 20, as the Patriots defied a light outage and two

and West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree bowled Colin Munro for one to leave the Knight Riders 34 for two in the fourth over. But a 30-minute stoppage for rain, lopped seven more overs off the innings, leaving TKR with their final, highly improbable, if not impossible target which Bravo, in particular, and McCullum made look

like a walk in the park. Earlier, SKN Patriots started slowly, but things took off in the third over, when Lewis hit Narine’s off-spin for a six and a four off consecutive balls before he and Gayle took toll on Ronsford Beaton in the following over which cost 19 runs. After being struck two fours and a six from the first four deliveries, Narine had Lewis caught behind in the fifth over, but a tight sixth over from Dwayne Bravo was interrupted when the lights failed and coupled with rain forced a near 1 1/2-hour long delay. Just 13 balls were possible — during which Gayle, on 25, added the insult of two sixes to the injury of Ashley Nurse putting down a hot return chance – before another rain delay forced the players off for 45 minutes. With six overs remaining, Gayle went into overdrive, smashing Dwayne Bravo over mid-wicket for six to reach his 50 from 34 balls and formalised a 50-run stand with Brooks. He and Brooks continued merrily before they were dismissed in the final over.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Holder, Windies ...

Continued from back page

West Indies conceded over 500 runs in the first Test and failed to reach 200 in their two turns at the crease, but they will be looking to buck their feeble recent record to defy Joe Root’s side. “We think it’s more of a patience thing, with our bowlers having a consistent plan and sticking to it, and for our batsman to get stuck in and fight it out,” said Holder. “We’re going to be tinkering with a few things going into the second Test. Edgbaston wasn’t the best showing, but it’s important we rally and stay together through hard times and this is a difficult time as a group. “We tried to do a lot more team bonding stuff to bring the guys closer and I must say it’s been a wonderful few days off. The guys have really come together as we would have liked and we’re looking forward to the match.” Conditions are expected to be unfriendly for the visitors, with temperatures between 16 to 19 degrees Celsius forecast and a green pitch tailored to suit the home team rolled out. “It’s not going to be easy,” said Holder. “We’re coming up against a very good side and are relatively inexperienced, but having said that I think over the last few days we’ve got guys opening up their minds to change. “As a bowling unit, I don’t think we were as patient as we would have liked to be. We lacked consistency and it was difficult to set fields as the England players scored both sides of the wicket. “As a batting unit, we’ve got to know where is our off-stump and be a lot more selective in our stroke-play. We do not want to complicate it too much, but try to keep it as simple as possible.” West Indies have not announced a final 11, but regular spearhead Shannon Gabriel and

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:35 hrs Gitango Tonight 09:10 hrs Lord Marshal 09:45 hrs Zevenastic 10:25 hrs Peach Delight 11:00 hrs Brinkley English Racing Tips Newmarket 08:35 hrs Expressiy 09:05 hrs Vitamin 09:40 hrs Working Class 10:15 hrs Ode To Autumn 10:45 hrs Ply 11:20 hrs Royal Line 11:55 hrs Melinoe 12:25 hrs Muscika York 09:55 hrs Appeared 09:25 hrs Dartmouth 10:00 hrs Daban 10:35 hrs Lady Aurelia 11:15 hrs Capital Flight 11:50 hrs Mojito Ffos Las 09:15 hrs Lady Alavesa

leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo would be under strong consideration for places in the line-up. On the flipside, England have made the bold move of announcing their final 11 on the eve of the match with fast bowler Chris Woakes, now fully recovered from a side strain he sustained in June, making the cut, ahead of Toby Roland-Jones. “Toby unfortunately misses out,” said England captain Root. “He’s not done a lot wrong - he’s taken his opportunities, played some fantastic cricket and I see him being a massive part of our future, but it’s a great chance for Chris to come back and show his class.” On the Test, Root said: “I think the only message for our guys is to go out there and take this opportunity. It’s another week of hard Test cricket, where of course guys are under different pressures and if they want to nail down those spots in the side, they have to deal with that and if they get in make it really count.” West Indies, however, can take hope in the knowledge that this venue has not been a happy hunting ground for England of late. They have won just two of their last seven Tests here. Scheduled start: 11:00hrs local time (06:00hrs – East Caribbean Time) SQUADS: ENGLAND: Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley, Chris Woakes WEST INDIES (from): Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach. 09:50 hrs Bajan Gold 10:25 hrs Casement 10:55 hrs Frosting 11:30 hrs Red Riverman 12:00 hrs Under The Covers 12:35 hrs Little Miss Daisy Irish Racing Tips Kilbeggan 11:45 hrs Youcannotbeserious 12:20 hrs Whiteout 12:55 hrs Big Ben 13:25 hrs Konig Hall 14:00 hrs Arkwrisht 14:30 hrs Swingbridge 15:00 hrs Petite Buck’s American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Codrington Race 2 Build to Suit Race 3 Sunset Ridge Race 4 Battle Station Race 5 What a Catch Race 6 New Canaan Race 7 Fourstar Crook Race 8 I Still Miss You Race 9 Offering Plan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Nand Persaud Stable wins feature event at Karibee Sprint Classic By Colin Bynoe IN what appeared to be one of the closest finishes at a Sprint Classic event, Honey Flow of the Nand Persaud Stable crossed the finish line just millimetres ahead of Got To Go of the Jumbo Jet Stable to win the feature race of the Nand Persaud Karibee Sprint Classic meet that was held last Sunday at the Number 36 horse racing track. It took officials several minutes reviewing the video recording of the race before they made the call allowing the Nand Persaud Stable to clinch the Prime Minister’s trophy and $400 000. Only five horses qualified for the main event, the Nand Persaud Stable took the starting gates with Honey Flow, Golden Blue Echo and Brave Sky. Got To Go had to run against the three stable mates and also wrestle off a challenge from Wild Excitement of the Sheriff Stable. The animals were out of the starting gates and firing all guns down the 800-metre track. Brave Sky with jockey

Colin Ross went ahead and stable mate Honey Flow followed making it a two-animal race for the first half of the

match. Honey Flow was in the lead but saw stiff challenge from Wild Excitement. In the last 200 metres Got to Go made

into a big leap to win. Commentator Compton Sancho provided those who could not see the close finish with live

ribee Sprint Classic’ while cash prizes totalling more than $4M were up for grabs. There were three L Class

The Prime Minister’s representative Gobin Harbhajan (in white shirt) hands over the winning trophy to representatives of the Nand Persaud Stable.

distance. However, with pressure from Honey Flow, jockey Ross could not get the animal to

a big surge passing Wild Excitement. Jockey Ajai therefore had to spur the 4-year-old animal

SVC Mafia, New York Hustlers confirmed for Guyana Premier Softball Cup … Launch shifted to September 5

commentary. Seven races were carded for the day on what was being labelled the ‘Nand Persaud Ka-

races. The first, a distance of four furlongs, was won by Mystery Man ahead of Little McGaiver and Red Weasel.

The race had a top prize of $100 000 while the second L Class had a full field and was over a distance of four furlongs. The winner was Princess Seria, piloted by Jockey Randolph Richmond. The second spot went to Angel Eyes with Little McGaiver coming back to finish third ahead of Irish Boy. The third L Class which was the final race of the day was won by Victoria Secret ahead of Zoo Zoo Mafia; I Am Back and Physical Disturbance. The K Class event saw Golden Kiss, run in ahead of Born To Dance, Massaupequea Dr and Victoria Secret in that order. The three-furlong race had a top prize of $140 000. The H and Lower saw Fire in Line of the Sheriff Racing Stable winning the four-furlong race with T and T second ahead of Sweet Return. The event had a top prize of $300 000. Ready For Romance of the Jagdeo Stable won the J Class. Rounding out the top finishers were Golden Kiss, Born To Dance and King Stanley. The top jockey was Randolph Richmond.

England T20 captain joins Barbados Tridents THE Barbados Tridents have called Eoin Morgan, England ODI and T20 captain, into their squad for the remainder of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

are to claim our second Hero CPL title we need proven match-winners. We have that in Eoin who is not only one of the best white-ball batsmen in the world but also a fantastic presence – both on and off the field.” Speaking of his upcoming arrival at Hero CPL Eoin Morgan said: “It’s amazing to

be called up by the Tridents. I love coming to Barbados to play cricket. It is such an iconic place where all the greats have played and to get the opportunity to play in such a big tournament is really an honour. I have always wanted to come to Hero CPL, I can’t wait to get there.”

India court raps BCCI for inaction on reforms Flashback! SVC Mafia captain Anil Beharry collects the winning Open trophy from Emma Sunich, daughter of Ramesh Sunich, proprietor of Trophy Stall after his team won the category in the Toronto Cup Masters Softball cricket tournament earlier in the month.

By Rajiv Bisnauth TOROINTO Cup Masters Softball cricket tournament 2017 winners SVC Mafia and New York Hustlers have confirmed their participation for Guyana’s Premier Softball Cup. Named the ‘Prime Minister’s Cup’, the three-day tournament is billed for October 27, 28 and 29. The two teams will be joined by New York President’s X1 and Try State Masters as the four teams confirmed from North America so far. According to the secretary of the Georgetown Softball Cricket Association Inc. (GSCL Inc.) Telesha Ousman, South Florida has indicated an interest,

but will confirm their participation early next week. The tournament will be played in two categories, the Masters and All Stars, and Ousman indicated that the organising committee has decided to open the entry to any number of teams interested to be a part of the tournament. “When we first planned the tournament, we decided that 16 teams will participate, eight in each category, but we now decided to open to any number of teams,” Ousman said in an invited comment yesterday. Players must be over the age of 45 in order to play in the Masters category, while the All Stars format is open to all ages. Teams registering for the

Over-45 category must submit photo identification, preferably valid passports for every member of their 15-man squad. The Over-45 category will make the champions $500 000 richer while in the All Stars category the winning team will collect $600 000. The proposed venues are the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Everest Cricket Club, Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Police, GNIC and Malteenoes. Registration can be done through Russel Jadbeer on 626-8228 or 226-4205. Entrance is free. The official launch, which was billed for yesterday has now been shifted to September 5.

Eoin Morgan

Morgan has played 185 ODIs and 69 T20 internationals scoring more than 7 000 runs in those formats. He has been the man in charge of the sea-change in English fortunes in limited overs cricket and captained England to the final of the 2016 ICC World T20. Morgan will arrive in Barbados in time for the team’s home leg of the 2017 Hero CPL. His first match will be against the Guyana Amazon Warriors on August 29 at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. Robin Singh, head coach of the Tridents said: “If we

NEW DELHI, India (AFP) - India’s highest court yesterday accused top officials from the country’s cricket board of failing to clean up the scandal-ridden body, more than six months after they pledged to enforce reforms. The Supreme Court ordered that the acting president, secretary and treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appear before a panel of judges on September 19 to explain their inaction. “You haven’t implemented anything despite our orders. Nothing has been complied (with) and the BCCI says it’s helpless,” the panel of three judges, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, said in its order. The board, a powerful

and wealthy institution in cricket-mad India, was placed under court administration in January after a string of high-profile scandals brought its management into disrepute. A panel appointed to reform its opaque administration was given an undertaking from the acting president, secretary and treasurer that they would turn things around. But the court-appointed committee of administrators last week said the trio should be removed for failing to implement any of their promised reforms. The board has been accused over its management of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a glitzy Twenty20 competition that netted almost $380 million in revenue in 2016.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Two bronze medals for Guyana table tennis team at Caribbean Championships By Tamica Garnett GUYANA finished with three bronze medals in the team competition of this year’s Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Federation Mini & Pre-Cadet Championships, after finishing with bronze in the Boys 11 years-and-under, and Boys 13 years-and-under categories, at the event being held in Kingston, Jamaica. The Under-11 Boys’ team, comprising Krystian Sahadeo, Dhanesh Persaud, Colin Wong and Alexander De Abreu, secured 3-0 wins against Trinidad and the Jamaica ‘B’ teams. However, losses against the Jamaica- A team and the Dominican Republic Boys left the Guyanese in third. The promising Sahadeo opened the boys’ bid in the match against Trinidad, winning 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-3)

against Sameer Ali. Persaud followed, dropping just one set against Sachin Ramsumair. After

11-7 sets, then closing off the final game without dropping any points. Next up to the table, De

opening victory for Guyana. Against the Jamaica-B team, once again a another straight game match against

The Guyana table tennis team in Jamaica

conceding the first set 11-13 to Ramsumair, Persaud rebounded with two successive

Africa to break new ground with World Championships bid (REUTERS) - One of six African nations will bid to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships as the continent hopes to stage the global meet for a first time, the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) president Hamad Kalkaba Malboum has said. African countries have previously held several major sporting events with South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Morocco staging an IAAF Diamond League event this year. Three nations also co-hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Malboum believes that the continent’s previous hosting record indicated that the biennial championships could also be held successfully in Africa. “We are talking with Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco -- those countries have the facilities,” Malboum told the BBC on Wednesday. “I have very positive sounds from some of them. “People said that Africa could not host the World Cup in football, but we did it very successfully.” Malboum added that the governing body IAAF’s head Sebastian Coe was also in favour of a bid from within the continent. “President Coe is supporting the fact that Africa could host the World Championships,” the 66-year-old added. The Cameroonian said that African countries had now come to understand the importance of the event after showing little interest in hosting the championships in the past. “I think many now realise that (staging the championships) could put the nation on the world map in terms of publicity and promote tourism, so there is a benefit from hosting the event. This was not the case in the past,” Malboum said. Qatar and the U.S. will host the 2019 and 2021 championships respectively, with the decision on the hosts for the 2025 edition set to be announced in 2020.

Abreu faced Gabriel John to also take a 3-1 (11-2, 11-8, 1012, 11-2) win, and close off an

Brian Blake with a 11-4, 11-5, 11-3 margin. Persaud took down Aji

Francis in similar fashion ending 11-1, 11-3, 11-9. Replacing De Abreu in this match was Wong, who also had straight games after beating Elijah Moore 11-3, 11-8, 11-9. The Guyana team’s winning streak was broken when Persaud went under against Jamaica’s Azizi Johnson. Sahadeo avenged his team mate with a win against Matthew Fung 11-5, 11-4, 11-6. However, the team sustained another loss when Wong fought valiantly but failed, 3-2 (11-5, 4-11, 11-8, 9-11, 7-11). Sahadeo folded 3-0 against Azizi to end it for Guyana. Against Dominican Republic Sahadeo lost 1-3 (311, 5-11, 11-9, 3-11) against Eduardo Darley; Persaud was defeated by Ramon Vila (6-11, 5-11, 8-11). Wong was able to serve up a tough 3-2

win against Yoel Mendonza. But it would be over for the boys after Sahadeo lost 3-0 to Vila. In the Boys 13-and-under category, Guyana were placed in Group two along with Jamaica A, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and St Lucia, scoring 3- 0 wins against all three countries to make it into the semi-final round. The team comprised Kaysan Ninvalle, Isaiah Layne, Jonathan van Lange. In the semi-final the Boys lost 3-0 against the Dominican Republic, who won the competition overall. Guyana shared third place with the Jamaica-A team. Guyana also teamed up with St Vincent to form a Mixed team that participated in the Girls 13-and-under team competition, finishing fourth after prevailing over the Jamaica B team.

Seven cyclists representing Guyana at IGG Games

GUYANA will be represented by seven cyclists at this year’s Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) which gets underway today in the Dutch-speaking Republic of Suriname. A large number of Under-19 athletes departed Guyana yesterday for neighbouring Suriname to contest the six disciplines that will be hosted there over the next five days. Among the disciplines being represented are cycling (boys and girls), swimming, volleyball and football (girls and boys). The cycling team consists of four males and three females. In the Boys’ category, Guyana’s charges will be seeking to dominate the Boys’ road races and will be led by Adeile Hodge who will get valuable support from the in-form Curtis Dey, Marcus Keiller and Jason Cameron. The three-member team comprises the ever-improving Shenika Teixeira, Yonka Barker and Deancae Welch. The manager is Steve

Ramsuchit while Hassan Mohamed is the coach. According to reports, the male volleyball team mem-

today in Paramaribo, Suriname, from this morning. The 12-member volleyball team includes Kristoff Shep-

Ronaldo Griffith and Kellon Leitch. The swimmers representing Guyana are; Andre

Guyana male cyclists strike a pose recently before departing for Suriname to compete at the IGG Games which begins today. From left are Jason Cameron, Adelie Hodge, Steve Ramsuchit (manager), Hassan Mohamed (coach), Marcus Keiller and Curtis Dey.

bers as well as the swimmers were announced on Wednesday and those two teams departed Guyana as well yesterday to start competing

herd, Akil Vaughn, Omari Joseph, Hellod Singh, Andy Rahaman, Jaleel Roberts, Samuel Jordan, Ronaldo Bobb, Montel Deroy, Daymyon Alabamad,

Jordan, Antonie Rodrigues, Daniel Scott, Nathan Hackett, Leon Seaton, Alex Winter, Nikita Fiedtkou, Teshanna Hunter and Anna Isaacs.

Postponed GRFU Sevens set for this weekend THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will host its postponed Sevens tournament this Sunday at the National Park’s athletics track. According to a GRFU release, since the original rugby pitch at the National Park is being upgraded and modified by the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders, the union was forced to seek an alternative ground. Hence, the National

Park’s athletic track was chosen to be the new pitch which also has its own challenges, many of which were underestimated thus leading into last weekend’s tournament being postponed. Meanwhile, the GRFU is calling for increased efforts between the union’s executive, organising committee, coaches, clubs, players and friends of the sport, to collaborate in a better way with

the National Park for the Sunday’s match. The pitch has been cleared of the high grass but it’s yet to be rolled and levelled, to avoid players being injured, as a result of holes and vehicle tracks that remained after its last use in the Guyana vs USA South Panthers match in July. The dynamic domestic season is said to provide more than an adequate preparation

for the ‘Green Machine’ on its road to Mexico in November for the RAN’s Sevens 2017. A victory in Mexico would provide great rewards. Hence, the players’ welfare at every tournament is a priority, as a massive number of rugby games are anticipated to be played both domestically and internationally if the Green Machine secure victory at RAN‘s Sevens 2017.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 25, 2017

Warriors resume training Back to business!

… Guptill returns home, Ronchi called up

By Rajiv Bisnauth FOLLOWING a much-needed day off on Wednesday after their four home games of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 tournament ended on Tuesday evening, an upbeat Guyana Amazon Warriors unit resumed training yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The Warriors, with two key round-robin encounters remaining, has for the first time in CPL history found themselves in such a complicated position, and their games against Barbados Tridents on Tuesday (August 29), and Jamaica Tallawhas on Friday (September 1), are must-win games if they stand a chance of qualifying for the playoffs. A loss for Warriors on Tuesday will make the final league match merely an academic affair. The Warriors have blown hot and cold throughout the tournament, and haven’t looked sharp, at least for the

first six games. They however, rebounded nicely, winning their last two encounters at home by commanding margins.

three departments of the game, since playing their oppositions in their own backyard would not be an easy task. The Warriors’ batting was

results are predictable in the remaining two games. Trinbago Knight Riders and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have already confirmed for

with fellow New Zealander wicketkeeper/batsman Luke Ronchi for the remainder of the tournament. Unfortunately Guptill has to return to New Zealand because of an import-

Luke Ronchi

The Guyana Amazon Warriors resumed training yesterday. (Photo: Rajiv Bisnauth)

The two hammerings - one against Tridents on Sunday evening, and the other against St Lucia Stars on Tuesday evening - boosted the Warriors’ morale, heading into their final two games. However, with the playoffs on the line, the Warriors must be at their best in all

a huge let-down for the first six games, but judging from their last two performances, the batting seems to be hitting peak form at the right time. The options they have in the bowling department are their greatest strength so once the batting can complement that top-class bowling department then positive

the playoffs, which means the battle for the other two places will come from the Warriors, Tridents and the Tallawahs. Both the Tridents and the Tallawahs have four remaining games. Meanwhile, the Guyana Amazon Warriors have replaced their captain and opening batsman, Martin Guptill,

Martin Guptill

ant family health matter and as such the Warriors team will be without their appointed captain for the rest of the 2017 Hero CPL. Ronchi has just completed his stint in the NatWest T20 Blast in England where he played with Leicestershire and is currently one of the top ten

scorers in the League with 429 runs at a strike rate of 180.25. Omar Khan, Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, said: “It’s unfortunate and hugely disappointing to lose Martin at this stage of the tournament, but we empathise with his situation and he has our full support as he returns home to his family. We welcome Luke to the Guyana Amazon Warriors family and his wealth of experience and explosive batting in this format will certainly be an asset to our team.” Guptill scored 142 runs from seven innings and was in his fourth year with the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Triple-header headlines Corona Football tonight Soca superstar Montano to ignite CPL finals with epic performance

Action returns to the GFC ground this evening with a triple-header in the Corona Invitational Football.

A TRIPLE-HEADER will headline this evening’s action in the Corona Invitational Football tournament which takes place at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda. In the first game, Camptown FC will take on Black Pearl FC from 17:00hrs while Northern Rangers clash with Flamingo followed by Pele and Riddim Squad in the final game. In the latest round of action East Veldt staved off the challenges of Flamingo. The East Veldt side opened the scoring in the 4th minute thanks to Michael Charles with Flamingo’s Earl Samuels responding in the 27th to level the game. This stalemate stretched into

halftime and threatened to be the end-result before Travis Hercules broke the deadlock for the eventual winners. After that Cordel Johnson scored just one minute later for the East Veldt side. In the second game of the evening, Camptown FC and Beacons played to a 1-1 stalemate. Jamal Codrington was on target for the Campbellville-based side with Travis Lyken on target for the Beacons unit. The third game also ended in a stalemate but only barely, as the GFC side held a one-goal advantage over the Western Tigers up until the final minute. Benjamin Abumchi was the man who had set the GFC crowd alight in the 16th minute and that

goal led them into the second half. Whether it was tiredness or being too laid back that cost the side, they allowed Dwayne McLennon through in the 90+3 and he completed Western Tigers’ much-needed goal to continue their streak.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia: Digicel Ambassador and soca superstar, Machel Montano, has been confirmed to bring down the curtain on the fifth staging of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with an epic performance at the Finals. Machel will take the stage during the Digicel Postgame Live segment at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago on September 9th. Since in its inception in 2013, Digicel has been a partner of CPL which offers a beautiful mixture of cricket and party in a carnival-like atmosphere – simply put, it’s a ‘must-be-there’ event. In keeping with its commitment to putting cus-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (FRIDAY AUGUST 25, 2017)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Akeal Hossein (2) 100- Dwayne Smith (Tridents vs Warriors, 2017) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best bowling figures in a CPL game at Providence to date? (2) Who was voted ‘Man of the Match’ in the first CPL final? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

tomers in the centre of all the action, Digicel recently launched a promotion as an extension of its Quick Pick bundles offer that allows one lucky customer from the Caribbean to win a trip to the Finals for themselves and three of their friends to hang out with Machel.

Digicel Ambassador and soca superstar, Machel Montano

The seven-time international Soca Monarch champion, producer and songwriter is looking forward to performing in front of his hometown fans, plus thousands from across the world who will travel to Trinidad and Tobago to ensure they’re a part of the final CPL action for the season. “Of course I am look-

ing forward to the show – the atmosphere, energy and overall ambiance is indescribable. It’s always special when I get the opportunity to perform at home. I can’t wait!” said Machel. Digicel Director of Marketing, Peter Lloyd, said; “What better way to bring the curtain down on the biggest party in sport in Trinidad and Tobago with Machel himself? It’s been an amazing season – the energy is high, the stadiums have been packed, and the excitement around the Finals is growing to fever pitch - so we know Machel will be performing for a well-energised audience. And of course, for those who won’t be able to attend the finals, can always tune in on CPL’s dedicated channel on PlayGo.” In 2016, Digicel and Machel forged a three-year partnership which includes delivering exclusive and unique multimedia content to customers across multiple platforms and devices – plus, giving customers the opportunity to engage with Machel.

Warriors resume training See Page 31

Guyana begin hunt for IGG glory today

IGG male football team will be in action today at one of the game’s marquee events. (Delano Williams photo) By Rawle Toney, in Suriname (compliments Department of Public Information, National Sports Commission) GUYANA will get going at this year’s Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) in Suriname, when they battle the host country in football (male and female) volleyball and basketball. At 10:00hrs, Guyana will

begin their quest to retain the track and field title; a feat which should be an easy, since the Land of Many Waters is equipped with some of the Caribbean’s most talented youths who have excelled at several international events this year with distinction. Simultaneously, Guyana’s female football team will go into action at the Frank Essed Stadium, after which the 2017 IGG – the

Golden Jubilee edition – will see a colourful opening ceremony at the Ismay Van Welgin Sports Hall from 16:00hrs. Coach Gavin Nedd’s volleyball team will swing into action after the opening ceremony in their bid to not only retain their IGG title, but also to do so in dominating fashion. The team, according to Nedd, is “more than ready

to tackle the Surinamese”, since his team is made of some of Guyana’s best players at the U-18 level, who were preparing continuously ever since the announcement of the games earlier this year. Also at the Ismay Van Welgin Sports Hall, Guyana’s basketball team, coached by Abdullah ‘Zico’ Hamid, will seek to reclaim the title which Suriname have put a strangle-

hold on for the past few years of the IGG. Hamid’s team is made up primarily of players from Guyana’s FIBA Centrobasket squad, while adding the likes of Timothy Thompson to help boost his chances of heading back to Guyana with the title. Hamid will look to one of basketball’s most fluid young scorers, Kevon Wiggins, to handle the bulk of

the scoring while Thompson, who had played at last year’s IGG tournament, forms part of the alliance for Guyana, who will also have to contend with Suriname’s toughness in the sport. Guyana will wrap-up day one of the IGG with male football, one of the marquee events of the games, especially taking

Turn to page 27

Holder, Windies look for improvement in Headingley Test

Assistant coach Roddy Estwick shows Jason Holder a bowling technique during a training session. (CWI photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

LEEDS, England (CMC) - Jason Holder admitted that an improved performance is essential to restoring confidence in his battered West Indies side, when they face England in the second Test, starting today at Headingley here. The Windies captain said his side had spent the last few days in deep introspection, as they seek to recover from a demoralising, innings and 209-run defeat inside three days in the day/night first Test which ended on Saturday at Edgbaston in Birmingham, and derision from friends and foes. “We have copped a lot of criticism from West Indians, the English and pretty much everybody else, to be honest,” said Holder to a large pool of reporters on the eve of this match. “It is something that could

inspire and motivate some players, and it can break some players - but it is important that we stick together as a side. We must be able to lift those that the criticism might break and it must drive those that it motivates.” Holder said: “My biggest role, as captain, is to make sure that each individual stays true to himself and gets the best out of himself to help this team. “For me, I don’t hear because if I do and I break, it could be a weapon that the next team can take and use against us, and we won’t function well as a team. As a leader, I have to keep carrying a good body language and keep motivating the guys the best way I can. It is hard sometimes, but I accept the challenge.”

Turn to page 28 FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017