Guyana chronicle e paper 08 27 2017

SEE INSIDE

Chronicle Pepperpot August 27, 2017

See inside:

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Life of the ‘walking II sellers’ ► Page

The journey of a young doctor ► Page

VIII

The Astor Cinema just before being demolished

A Revival! ► Page

III

A theatre at Caribbean Cinemas Guyana

No. 105017

SUNDAY AUGUST 27, 2017

Price: $140

(VAT Inclusive)

New investors for Barama concessions The evolution of cinemas and accompanying entertainment in Guyana

– investments totalling US$9.5M by 2020 to create 524 jobs Page 3

GPL introduces meter-reading via WhatsApp Page 12

Mabaruma to get treated water for first time

– Paramakatoi gets $4.2M to improve service

Man dies in Goed Fortuin accident Page 11

Page 5

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams handing over the cheque to a representative of the Paramakatoi Village Council for a water supply improvement project

Surujbally urges successor – honest and dedicated to be impartial despite challenges Page 2

Hundreds celebrate Pork-knockers’ Day Page 4

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

Surujbally urges successor to be impartial

– honest and dedicated despite challenges

FORMER Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr Steve Surujbally is advising his successor to uphold the tenets of the very important office.

Surujbally, who served as GECOM Chairman for some fifteen-and-a-half years, said the new GECOM chair must be honest, dedicated and non-partisan at all times despite the plethora of challenges that may arise.

In reflecting on his tenure as GECOM chair, Dr Surujbally examined the achievements under his stewardship, but noted that history will be the final arbiter on whether anything meaningful and of permanent substance has been achieved.

“Our accomplishments, especially in the technical and administrative areas, not only speak for themselves, but are an example and inspiration for Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) in other developing democracies to follow,” Dr Surujbally said.

“In fact, we have arguably reached the stage where an application can be made for ISO certification,” he added

Former GECOM Chair, Dr Steve Surujbally

in a document seen by the Guyana Chronicle.

He also reflected on whether his pledge to be honest, dedicated, impartial and fair has been accomplished.

“I have no doubt in my mind that I was always honest, constantly and seriously pursuing credibility for myself and the GECOM family.”

In the case of dedication, the former head of GECOM said he spent long hours researching and analyzing imbroglios and finding acceptable solutions, while neglecting his family at what can be considered crucial moments.

He maintained a non-partisan stance and said, “Of

course, this self-perception might not be accepted by all, for whatever unsubstantiated and invented reasons or just following someone else’s maliciously concocted script.”

Surjubally reminded that the afore-mentioned features had to be executed in an environment to which he was forced to recognise and internalise the “the pervasive reality that any incorrect decision, any mistake could have severe even irreversible repercussions.”

“If there is any legacy, it would be simply found in the truism that in the pre, peri, post and inter-electoral periods associated with four elections, including the first Local Government Elections in 22 years, there was no massive turbulence which seemed compulsory at elections in Guyana.”

He noted however that though there was “no blood flowing in the street,” no image-destroying atrocities and only few known cases of destructive vandalism during his tenure, there were scattered and infrequent periods of boisterousness and

furore which were contained quickly.

Dr Surujbally lauded the political parties for adhering to the tenets enshrined in the GECOM- sponsored and effected Political Party Code of Conduct, which was signed by all mainstream competing stakeholders.

Noting that the GECOM’s achievements over the past fifteen and a half years have been documented annually, Dr Surujbally said the GECOM chairman and his or her team “can only use the truth as their shield.”

“The chairperson may be blunt with the truth or cosmeticize it, but he or she must never allow utterances to morph into mellifluous falsehoods and ‘alternative facts’…staying on the proverbial “straight and narrow” is made considerably more difficult when there exists an atmosphere of hostility, dislike, discontent and unmitigated and brazenly overt malevolence.”

But notwithstanding that, Surujbally said the new GECOM chairman “must steer the ship of GECOM, during any storm, of which there will be many, to peaceful and acceptable ports using the mechanisms of negotiation, consensus and compromise, while maintaining fixity of purpose.”

He said, too, that when logical suasion cannot be achieved, the chairperson must have no fear exercising his or her casting vote which

is permissible by law, as there will always be politicians, private sector leaders, the media and other stakeholders with “perverse and prevaricatory predeterminations.”

The former GECOM chairman said too that attempts will be made to besmirch GECOM’s image through improper and corrupting assumptions and noted the commission’s new chairman must be prepared for such occurrences.

“Despite confronting and overcoming the difficulties associated with incessant fractiousness, it was indeed an honour to serve, for more than a decade and a half, as Chairman of GECOM. I thank commissioners past and present for sharing their wisdom and knowledge, and for offering me options and guidance within the decision-making process…I wish my successor all the very best, even as I feel compelled to remind him or her that the Chairmanship of GECOM is not only an honour and privilege, but more a responsibility and a commitment to our motherland,” said Dr Surujbally.

A new GECOM chairman is yet to be appointed

by President David Granger following consultations with Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. On Friday, Jagdeo submitted a third list to the President after the first two he submitted were rejected.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

New investors for Barama concessions – investments totalling US$9.5M by 2020 to create 524 jobs

THE Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has awarded two lots totalling over 800,000 hectares to R.L. Sukhram and Sons Sawmill and Rong-An Inc from the 1.6 million hectares of forest concession relinquished by Barama Company Limited in October 2016.

A release said the Natural Resources Ministry, along with the GFC, had taken the decision to divide the former Barama Company Limited concession into four parcels, each of approximately 400,000 hectares.

The ministry advertised two of those parcels as State Forest Exploratory Permits, which means that there is a three-year process of assessment prior to commercial, full-scale harvesting.

The third parcel was identified for conservation and research, while the fourth was identified for small-concession allocation of areas 20,000 acres and less.

Parcel one is a forest area of size 417,809.23 and is located in the Essequibo region (North-West, Mazaruni Potaro District), while Parcel Two is a forest area of size 432,262.59 and is located in the Essequibo region (NorthWest, Mazaruni Potaro District).

The concessions are located in North-west Guyana in Region One in the Barima-Waini, and Region Seven in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni sub-regions.

The concession areas both have a high occurrence of a number of high-value com-

Part of Barama’s operations in Essequibo

mercial timber species, including Baromalli, Greenheart, Purpleheart, Mora, Wallaba, Crabwood and Kabukalli, among others.

Parcels one and two were opened for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the period ending February 10, 2017.

These were advertised in the local media as well as in the international publications ‘Development Business’ and ‘The Economist’ and placed on several websites.

Ten submissions were made at this deadline -- some for both parcels -- while others were for one or the other.

These firms were invited to submit State Forest Exploratory Permit (SFEP) applications, pay the non-refundable fee, and complete a Business Plan

Summary by April 28, 2017.

At the deadline of April 28, 2017, five applications were received, namely from Chemtech (Trinidad firm) for Parcel One, R.L. Sukhram and Sons Sawmill for Parcel Two, Rong-An Inc. for both Parcels One and Two, Forlene and Sons for Parcel Two and ACE Resources (Canadian firm) for both parcels.

Following the receipt of applications, the technical sub-committee of the GFC Board of Directors conducted a full review of each application.

The review of the technical sub-committee concluded that Parcel One should be issued to Rong-An Inc. and for Parcel Two to be issued to R.L. Sukhram and Sons

Sawmill for a three-year period commencing July 2017 to July 2020.

Following this process, a recommendation was made to the full board of directors at the 129th meeting held on June 27, 2017 approved for Parcel one to be allocated to Rong-An Inc., and for Par-

cel two to be allocated to R. L. Sukhram and Sons. This decision was approved by the full board and has been implemented by the GFC. It is expected that the awarding of the two parcels will result in benefits to the forestry sector over the course of the full operationalising of

the utilisation/harvesting plan for the concession.

These include a total investment of US$9.5 million by 2020, a total of 524 new jobs when the operations are at full scale, an increase of national production level by at least 189,000 m3 annually, an increase in export revenue by at least US$7 million, and an increase in harvesting of Lesser Used Species from the current 10-15 per cent to at least 25 per cent of total production.

The Ministry of Natural Resources urged R.L. Sukhram and Sons Sawmill and Rong-An Inc to carry out their operations in a manner that is compliant with the GFC Code of Practice and other laws and regulations, respectful of the environment and beneficial to the people of Guyana.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

Hundreds celebrate Pork-knockers’ Day

By Vanessa Braithwaite DESPITE some intermittent showers, hundreds gathered at the Bayroc Community Centre in Linden to celebrate Pork-knockers’ Day 2017, which brought the curtains down to a week of mining-related activities.

It was the first time that this annual event was held in Linden as opposed to Bartica.

According to Donald Singh, Process Coordinator at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Linden was chosen in recognition of the town’s celebration of 100plus years of bauxite mining, in addition to the many Lindeners who would have contributed significantly to the mining industry as pork knockers.

The day of activities commenced with a welcome from Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland; brief remarks from Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Commissioner of GGMC, Newell Dennison, along with cultural performances.

The floor was then opened for the many competitions, including outdoor and indoor games such as cricket and dominoes.

Competing were staff of the GGMC and members of various mining groups, organisations and syndicates.

It was noted, however,

by Singh that there was the absence of many of the mining organisations in this year’s events which he deemed as unfortunate.

SCARCE “It terms of the actual miners, it is a bit scarce, we would normally have large miners also being part, but we don’t have any this year… there are a lot of issues, we see it in the papers, the miners, the GGDMA, GWMO, they are not happy with how things are happening so that may be the reason,” Singh commented.

Many Lindeners; however, took the opportunity to take part in mining games such as the warishi race, and the tacouba crossing, shovel joggling and the bateling competitions which saw many winners going home with cash prizes and trophies.

Spectators looked on curiously at how the bateling is done and were in awe at how gold and diamonds are retrieved. Several booths set up by GGMC and other mining organisations allowed those persons on hand to retrieve first-hand

Persons participating in the bateling competition at Pork-Knockers’ Day 2017

information on mining, science and engineering solutions for safety, sustainability and success in mining, as well as, general information on the country’s natural resources and how they are being processed.

Singh said the aim of Pork Knockers’ Day is to bring awareness to the populace and to celebrate the hard work of the pork knocker.

RECOGNITION “This is about celebrating the pork knocker who would have gone through some tremendous harsh situations when they were

pioneers in the frontiers of Guyana’s mining sector… it is really in remembrance of those pioneers and a celebration of them,” the coordinator said. In addition to the large support from Lindeners, a large delegation of GGMC staff also journeyed to Linden to celebrate Pork Knockers’ Day. Guyana Chronicle spoke to some spectators who expressed satisfaction with the day’s activities.

“I am enjoying myself, I enjoyed seeing the battle spinning and seeing how the people finding the diamond and gold, that was very exciting for me. I also

like the many games and the nice music that is played, it is clean fun I am having,” Linda Jones said.

“This is the second time I am coming to Pork Knocker Day, last year I went to the play offs and this year it is bigger and better, I am having fun, despite the rain, the events are well organised and there is so much to learn about mining and pork knocking,” Halil Johnson said.

Founder of the Healthy Living Health Club Nurse Corwin Allen said this is the second year that his health club has participated in the activity and uses it as

an opportunity to not only provide free testing to pork knockers and every one present, but to bring awareness to the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Allen said diabetics testing done showed that many persons were diabetic and many were referred to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

“Persons came as far as Bush Lot for Pork Knocker Day and was sent to the LHC for further management,” Allen revealed. Booths were also set up by other local companies such as Digicel and Guytrac.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

NTC to have input

…in design for new Georgetown Hostel THE Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs will be consulting the National Toshaos Council (NTC) on a new design for the Amerindian Hostel in Georgetown. This was announced

by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe.

The sum of $5M was allocated in the 2017 budget for consultancy and design of a modern hostel in Georgetown to accommodate the country’s indigenous peoples.

During her address to the toshaos on Thursday at the NTC conference, Minister Garrido-Lowe, who has responsibility for indigenous welfare, said, “Some suggestions from you would be very good…We want to have your input in the design of this facility, you are the ones who benefit from it, so you will be better able to say what is needed and what is not.”

At the event, indigenous leaders were at the time raising concerns about the current state of the facility. Minister Garrido-Lowe explained that the ministry was aware of the challenges residents at the hostel were facing and the ministry was working to address those issues.

Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe

“We realise that the facility is not up to standard and we will fix it to ensure you have a comfortable place to stay when you travel to Georgetown to seek medical attention or conduct business,” she noted.

The minister said that the shortage of food has been another troubling issue at the hostel, and urged nearby villages to submit proposals to provide traditional staples such as cassava bread and farine to the facility.

“As a Government, we care. We are not promising you and not delivering, we know some of the issues and we are working on them. Development takes time, but we are working as fast as we can to meet your needs,” Minister Garrido-Lowe assured the toshaos.

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Mabaruma to get treated water for first time – Paramakatoi gets $4.2M to improve service MABARUMA will, for the first time in history, have access to treated water in a matter of weeks while the construction of a reservoir in the Paramakatoi Village will result in treated water being available there for the first time as well.

This was disclosed on Thursday by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles as he addressed over 200 Toshaos, Community Development Councillors and Government officials at the just-concluded National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference which was held at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE),Turkeyen.

He explained that GWI, in collaboration with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), has captured water from the Hosororo Falls, constructed a reservoir, and is now in the process of completing the pump station and installing the treatment system.

The completion of the multimillion-dollar project will see the village of Mabaruma, in Region One (Barima-Waini) benefitting from treated water for the first time.

Over in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Dr. VanWest Charles pointed out that through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Paramakatoi Village Council, GWI is in the process of constructing a reservoir, which will make treated water available to that hinterland community.

GWI Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles addressing the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE),Turkeyen

As part of the MoU for the undertaking of the water supply improvement project, GWI has handed over a cheque to the Village Council valued approximately $4.2M. This project will see the villagers executing the works,under the guidance of GWI’s engineers.

“We are now constructing the catchment,storage; we are installing a pumping system and distribution network, standpipes and treatment system at Paramakatoi.

So that moves us to a different level of development within that village,” the CEO explained.

The availability of treated water in the Hinterland Regions started in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), by treating the water which comes from the six wells with chlorine, he posited.

Dr. Van-West Charles disclosed, too, that GWI is also distributing jerry cans and carbon filters to a number of villages across the

hinterland. “It is a special filter which removes all of the bacteria, viruses and fungi from the water so that you can drink it immediately,” he said, by way of explaining the function of the filters.

These filters, he noted, have been installed at Kamarang Hospital, Kako Primary School, Baracara Primary School and the Mabaruma Hospital, among other interior locations.

GWI has also identified a number of villages in Regions One, Seven Eight and Nine for the installation of filters, while plans are underway for the establishment of miniature laboratories throughout the hinterland, so that water can be tested and the results can be shared with villagers.

Dr. Van-West Charles reiterated that it is of utmost importance that schools and health facilities have access to water that is in compliance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

“We are now about to complete our strategic plan, and within the next four years this is our task; to ensure the population has access to potable water, which means water of a good quality in accordance with WHO standards,” he emphasised.

He highlighted, too, that most Interior Regions use surface water but noted that in light of climate change, this cannot be their main source of water access. As a result, GWI has embarked upon drilling wells in various parts of the hinterland so as to ensure a sustainable source of water supply.

“So we want to ensure that while we have access to the water from surface sources such as creeks, rivers etc., you also will have access to water from ground source…. because you know especially in Region Nine what has happened over the past year and how the drought has affected not only human consumption but also your agriculture and economic development”, Dr. Van-West Charles pointed out.

He appealed to the Toshaos to maintain constant contact with GWI as a means of ensuring a sustainable access to water in their regions, even as he disclosed his personal contact information and that of his technical staff.

According to Van-West Charles, the projects and programmes being executed by GWI are aligned with President David Granger’s vision for equity of livelihoods throughout Guyana.

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Editorial

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

Garbage pile-up, ecological and public health concerns SOMETIMES it is necessary to ponder the truism of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The Georgetown Mayor and City Council is once again being challenged in its solid-waste management. Garbage is a natural human condition arriving from usage and has within recent times been increasing, given that man has become more consumer-oriented.

Having said that, proper management in addition to disposal requires consumers and producers’ education on products and waste management, including penalties to ensure proper disposal.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an objective for managing solid waste is that “people should be able to live in an environment that is uncontaminated by solid waste, including medical waste, and have the means to dispose of their domestic waste conveniently and effectively.”

The aforesaid advises that it is not only about waste in a modern environment, but also understanding the types of waste, from biodegradable which can be buried, plastics and glass which can be recycled, chemically induced products that need to be incinerated in a controlled environment, and so forth. Guyana has barely begun to scratch the surface of controlling our own environment from a biological, ecological and chemical standpoint, begging attention for education and behavioural changes as matters of priority.

The withdrawal of service earlier this month by the two big contractors, Cevons Waste Management and the Puran Brothers Inc, who collectively are reportedly owed more than $300M by the municipality, was bound to adversely impact the city’s ability to manage garbage. Assurance by Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine, that the municipality by replacing the big contractors with small

contractors would be able to effectively handle the situation was being optimistic more than pragmatic.

The situation is coming to a head, as garbage is piling up around the city, including in prominent places and in front of important public buildings. In addition to a municipality that claims it is experiencing financial shortfalls, and a citizenry -- some of whom are litter bugs and others having poor garbage-collection facilities -- how the council proceeds could be anyone’s guess, but there is no ignoring it is being underwhelmed in its capacity to effectively manage this problem.

If this situation is not addressed, including where necessary at ministerial or cabinet level, Georgetown is likely to return to the pre-May 2015 period. The public health of citizens is too tied to their environment. And though central government has taken decisions to safeguard this, such as in the banning of styrofoam products, accumulation of garbage and improper disposal too pose serious threats.

The WHO cautions of the importance of proper collection and disposal of solid waste as critical to public health, since such minimise contamination and the presence of insects, rodents and pests that are transmitters of diseases.

Whereas this may be a basic need for human health, it also carries environmental effects for the ecological system that this and future generations rely on.

From fishes, plants and everything eaten and water used can be affected based on inability or ignorance to understand the consequences of poor waste management. Everything has a cause and effect and while the immediate effects may not be apparent, it’s on the way as night follows day. Our ecosystem is dying and though it can be resuscitated, such relies on conscious, active efforts toward protecting and preserving.

Aesthetically garbage is also an environmental hazard,

not only for the threats from emissions given off by some products, but also where medical supplies are poorly discarded and the sense of one’s well-being having to reside, work or conduct business within the area and navigate one’s way through it. The City Council has had previous experience of deprivations and hands-off approaches by central government to make partisan political statements, and where it was even wished a public health crisis was visited on the citizens.

At the end of the day, the earth/Guyana is our home and if there continues to be callous acts, then there will come a point of no return. Waste management is something that has to be taken seriously, more so that government is promoting a ‘green’ economy which pollution undermines. On a lighter side, Guyanese must be among the luckiest of people where a major public health crisis has escaped us; or on a serious note, one of the most burdened with fixable problems. The business of the city, which is also the capital of the country, has to be conducted differently and there is no intent to cast blame on anyone, save to say the optics, ecological, and health ramifications are deserving of urgent attention.

Ramsammy asleep at the wheel Dear Editor, I HAVE long suspected that Mr. Leslie Ramsammy was asleep at the wheel during his tenure as a government minister and his latest commentary on the MV Torani confirms my suspicion.

Reference is made to the aforementioned commentary, published in the August 25, 2017 edition of Stabroek News under the headline, “Why has government made no official announcement of the capsizing of the Torani?”

In his letter, Mr. Ramsammy stated that the Government has been silent on the matter, thus leaving the public uninformed. Firstly, Mr. Ramsammy should be informed that advertisements, dated August 21 and

indicating that the ship sunk, were placed in the daily newspapers and were published on Wednesday August 23. In particular, mariners were warned to keep clear of the wreck and to navigate with caution.

Additionally, at least two responses were given to members of the media, including one from my colleague, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, even as the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) made every effort to investigate the situation.

Mr. Ramsammy should also be informed that efforts are being made to drive four piles around the ship to prevent it from slipping into the channel. It currently remains secured by a chain and will

soon be salvaged.

Clearly, Mr. Ramsammy has not been keeping abreast with current events.

But what is particularly disturbing is Mr. Ramsammy’s insinuation that it was under the current Government’s control that the MV Torani was “neglected through poor maintenance”.

This is far from the truth, since it was, in fact, under the directive of the former People’s Progressive Party Government that the decision was taken to cannibalise the vessel, thus making it unserviceable due to longstanding neglect from the former administration.

It must be emphasised that the MV Torani served the country and various communities, particularly those in the Berbice River,

with distinction for decades.

However, the state of the MV Torani is not an occurrence that happened yesterday, or even two or three years ago; the ship has been moored since November 2012 and left in such a poor state that there was little the current government could do with it. Instead – when it came to maritime transport in Guyana – the T&HD turned its attention to servicing and rehabilitating operational ferries, such as the Lady Northcote and MV Kanawan, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. Why? Because, at the end of the day, the members of the public still needed to have their transport needs met and maintained. Rehabilitating a long-neglected and decommissioned ship would

be even more costly to the people of Guyana.

The MV Torani was clearly not an area of priority under the former government. Instead, the PPP Government considered several options for the vessel, including selling it as scrap metal. It is therefore interesting to hear Mr. Ramsammy, a former Cabinet member of the PPP, extoll the virtues and importance of the MV Torani as more than a “trivial and useless heap of steel” when that was how he and his colleagues treated it during their time in power.

Indeed, where was Mr. Ramsammy when the Torani’s service was taken offline, thereby denying the residents of the Berbice River a vital link to sell their agricultural products? Where

was Mr. Ramsammy’s voice, speaking of the legacy of former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan in the shipping building industry, when the decision was taken to construct the Berbice Bridge at its current location, thus rendering the MV Torani obsolete?

The APNU+AFC Government agrees with Mr. Ramsammy on one point: the MV Torani is a part of our history, a national treasure. However, we urge Mr. Ramsammy to not be selective when he chooses to care about issues. He does our entire nation a disservice when he finds his voice a little too late.

Yours faithfully, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, M.P.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

Serious crimes down 11% – 25 per cent decrease in accidents recorded at end of July

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded an 11 per cent decrease in serious crimes due to a number of crime-fighting strategies that it has implemented over the past few months.

According to the police in a press statement, at the end of June 2017, serious crimes decreased seven per cent and later further decreased to 11 per cent at the end of July.

“The continuous engagements with stakeholders over the last two months undoubtedly resulted in a decrease of serious crimes and the reduction in all categories of road accidents and loss of lives,” the force said.

Statistics show that for June, murder decreased by 16 per cent; robbery where no instruments were used increased by four per cent; robbery under arms where firearms where used decreased by five per cent; robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used decreased by four per cent; robbery with violence increased by 64 per cent; and robbery with aggravation increased by three per cent.

Larceny from the person also increased by 53 per cent; rape decreased six per cent; burglary decreased by one per cent; and break and enter and larceny decreased by 19 per cent.

In July, murder decreased 18 percent; robbery where no instruments were used increased four per cent; robbery under arms where firearms were used decreased 17 per cent; robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used decreased four per cent; robbery with violence increased 48 per cent; robbery with aggravation increased 12 per cent; larceny from the person increased 26 per cent; rape decreased 10 per cent; burglary two per cent and break and enter and larceny 20

areas to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.

Delinquents have not

been spared. Some 41, 170 cases were made, of which 13,362 were for speeding; 2071 for breach of condition of road service license/mu-

sic; 1211 for driving under the influence of alcohol; 850 for using cell- phones while driving; and 744 for tinted windows.

‘Justice eluding us’

FLASHBACK: One person was killed and 13 others were hospitalised after a pick-up slammed into a route 41 minibus BVV 5273 at the intersection of Durban and Smyth Streets, Georgetown, earlier this year

per cent.

Statistics revealed that the decrease in crime was consistent, despite the prison breaks at the Camp Street and Lusignan prisons within the past two months.

However, in the past two months, in the various categories of murders, four disorderly, 11 domestic, 13 robbery, 32 executions, eight unknown and two others, which totalled 70, were recorded.

Information from the police also noted a general 11 per cent decrease in serious crimes from January-July this year, when compared to 2016.

The figure moved from 1951 in 2016 to 1735 this year.

There was an 18 per cent decrease in murders within the various divisions, but this year ‘A’ Division recorded the most murders, a total of 26 so far, while ‘G’ Division has recorded none for the year.

The cops also recovered 81 illegal firearms, compared to 40 for the corresponding period last year.

In the breakdown for the type of firearms that were found, it was revealed that 51 were pistols, 10 were revolvers, 12 shotguns and 8 rifles.

FATAL ACCIDENTS Successes were also ev-

ident in the area of traffic management as a 27 per cent decrease in fatal accidents was recorded at the end of June 2017 and a further 25 per cent decrease at the end of July 2017.

When compared to January-July 2016, fatal accidents decreased by 25 per cent; death by accident decreased by 23.3 per cent and accidents which claimed the lives of children decreased by 75 per cent, moving from 4 in 2016 to 1 this year during the corresponding period.

“Our enforcement is continuous countrywide with special emphasis on driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, music/breach of conditions of road service licence, overloaded minibuses, use of cellular phones, using vehicle other than licence for (private hire) and failing to wear safety helmet,” the police said.

In addition, the Traffic Department continues its lecture to schools, while there are also visible patrols at school

– planning to resign I AM a councillor in the EMD Council.

The office is in Dundee Village, Mahaicony. The chairman’s name is Rampersaud.

Myself and other councillors would go to meetings and most times he hardly turns up for the meeting.

He gives people permission to do things in the village not passed in the council. People are stopping us and cussing up for things we don’t know about. The overseer does not say

anything. Imagine she sends the Ranger to take papers to his house to sign, as he hardly goes to the office. This man is so unmannerly, he would go on the front landing and smoke cigarettes, smelling the whole place up. Myself and some other councillors are planning to resign.

Please put the letter in the newspaper so people will know that this man is what kind of man we got as chairman.

Worried Councillor

Same situation again and again There’s a man who has about six large trucks which he parks by the Dundee Public Road and on the pavement. Novar School is nearby. Children would have to walk in the middle of the road to pass the truck and then go back onto the pavement and continue on their way.

I drive a car. When I come out of the school street going west, I cannot see if the road is clear. I have to ask someone to see if anything is coming, then proceed. This is a dangerous situation. On the opposite side of the road is a Cambio. There are always vehicles parked there to do business.

The shock story is, there

is always a policeman there directing traffic in favour of the truck man. I hope someone in authority will do something about it. I remember some time ago

I heard the Attorney General the Honourable Basil Williams speak about the same situation there.

Concerned citizen

8

HERITAGE MONTH AMERINDIAN Heritage Month will start on September 1, on the heels of the just-concluded National Toshaos Conference.

This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme, “Guyana’s First Peoples: Sustaining a Rich Cultural Environment.”

The official launch on August 9 last coincided with International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and Guyana is proud to be associated with this worldwide tribute to our First Nations.

Last year, President David Granger gave a brilliant exposition on Heritage Month, which deserves repeating: “Indigenous Heritage Month is a celebration of the breadth, depth and wealth of Guyana’s Indigenous cultures. It is a month to savour our diversity. It is a month to take concerted action to preserve, protect and promote the rich customs and traditions of the Indigenous peoples – the Akawaio, Arawak, Arecuna, Carib, Makushi, Patamona, Wai-Wai, Wapishana and Warrau.”

The President stated that Indigenous communities are the repositories of the cultural heritage of our first peoples; but this cultural heritage of our Indigenous communities “is under threat.”

He referred to the lowering over many years of education standards in hinterland communities; environmental degradation caused by mining and logging; inadequate infrastructure, vector-borne diseases

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

and social problems such as alcoholism, abuse of girls and trafficking in persons.

To these challenges we could add periodic flash floods and consequential destruction of roadways and bridges as we have seen in Regions Eight and Nine.

COORDINATED APPROACH These issues require a coordinated approach for sustained resolution, which was why the President repeated his proposal that he had made last year for the establishment of a National Indigenous Peoples’ Authority (NIPA). This is intended to be an administrative agency with a national reach. It will help to implement policies made by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, decisions made by the National Toshaos Council and plans of the village councils.

At the National Toshaos Conference, Chairman Joel Fredericks repeated his commitment and those of his colleagues to work with the coalition Government to overcome the many challenges he had outlined.

Some of these, he said, did not begin two years ago, but they would require continuing consultations, even though there could be issues on which they could not see eye-to-eye with Government.

I am heartened that our toshaos have opted for the positive approach, which was underlined by Vice-President Sydney Allicock. An acclaimed leader of our Indigenous peoples, he pleaded for all of our leaders to work towards the

betterment of their communities. He reminded them that there is much over which our Indigenous peoples should be proud; there is much that is positive that should be celebrated.

POSITIVE PROJECTS At the same event, Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe highlighted some of the positive projects and programmes being rolled out by government in Indigenous communities. Among them are the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS), the Community Development Project (CDP), Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) and the Jubilee Grant project. Some 2,000 young people have been enlisted in the HEYS programme and, this time around, they will get a bi-monthly stipend for actually attending classes where they will be taught relevant skills. Their education would result in their self-empowerment as they could get into their own businesses with start-up, seed capital from Government.

Efforts have been made to bridge the gap between the coast and the interior when our Government commissioned two outreach radio stations in Lethem and Mabaruma, as well as reno-

vating Radio Paiwomak, to allow Indigenous and hinterland communities to access timely information, sports and entertainment. Very soon, new radio stations will be launched in other heavily populated Amerindian communities such as Mahdia, Bartica, Aishalton and Orealla. Next year, the sub-region, Moruca, is expected to be added to “Radio Land.” This is positive. This is huge!

NEW INNOVATIONS Every year, these celebrations have seen new innovations by various indigenous communities, and new local products have been put on the market, some reaching the GuyExpo shelves.

Years ago, reliance was on the traditional cassareep, cassava bread and farine, and tibisiri craft from places such as Kabakaburi.

Greater attention has since been paid to bottling, packaging and labelling, so that products from Indigenous producers appear attractive. Some time ago, I saw the Waini Secrets Crabwood Oil soaps, and the packaging was first-class.

With help from the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), there appeared on the shelves refined organic skin cleansers

which, I recall, were produced under the Rupununi essence brand.

Last year, the spotlight was on the Aranaputa peanut butter and this year, the lights will be on sun-dried tomatoes from Paramakatoi, which is finding a place on the menu of Guyana’s disciplined services and, hopefully, our hospitals.

NEW BOUNCE Even the cultural shows by our Indigenous youths are taking on a new bounce, colour and variety. Participation in Carifesta and elsewhere on the world stage, helps not only to boost the proud image of our first peoples, but to also build their self-confidence in their ability to compete culturally.

I cannot end this piece without reference to our divisive politics, and caution our First Nations not to be side-tracked by vote-hunters who, unashamedly, would hand out tickets for cricket matches and invitations to lavish fetes, like the European conquerors did by doling out trinkets and mirrors. They cannot allow themselves to fall prey to vicious propaganda, for instance, that the Coalition government will take away Amerindian lands; that the Coalition Government will

amend the Amerindian Act! No proof has been given, yet these invented and speculative issues have been raised to create a dark cloud of fear and insecurity in hinterland communities.

PATRIOTIC SOLIDARITY At a time when Guyana should be marshalling her rock-like, patriotic solidarity in the face the Venezuelan threat to our land and the security of our people, we cannot allow any side-shows and distractions.

This is a month when Guyana must with no equivocation acknowledge that our First Nations have been the best custodians of our land, our forests, our rivers, our savannahs, our fresh air.

No one race or community owns it. No party should trade it. No claimants must conquer it. Our Guyana is indivisible, and we all belong to it.

I shared the immortal words of the celebrated American Chief Seattle, who was recorded as saying: “And this we know: The earth does not belong to Man. Man belongs to the Earth…The air is precious; for all things share the same breath.” (Seattle Sunday Star on October 29, 1887).

Motorcycle bandits rob fisherman, two women TWO ARMED gunmen robbed a fisherman of his motorcycle and $200,000 cash in the wee hours of Saturday morning while he was in the Albouystown area. The victim was earlier at a popular fish shop.

The police are now looking for the bike bearing the number CG 3738 and

the brazen bandits.

Reports indicate that the fisherman and his employer were together at the fish shop when the the emplyer gave him some cash to deliver to the ‘boss’ home, when he was accosted by the gunmen.

“If you move I will shoot you, don’t turn

around,” one of the gunmen reportedly told the fisherman, before his pockets were searched and the cash and valuables, the motorcycle keys among them, were taken.

The bandits then escaped on the same motorcycle without firing any shots.

Meanwhile in a sepa-

rate incident two women were reportedly robbed by two armed bandits in Bella Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD), after making withdrawals from more than one bank on the West Coast Demerara (WCD).

One of the women who resides in Bella Dam, was

robbed of $500,000 in cash along with a cell phone and personal documents. The other woman who resides at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was relieved of her cell phone and $120,000 cash.

Reports indicate that the robbers were on a red and white motorcycle following

the car. It was while the vehicle was being parked in a yard that the two bandits entered the premises, pointed a gun at the women and snatched their handbags.

No shots were fired.

The police meanwhile are reviewing footage from CCTV devices in the vicinity.

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

Gov’t, PSC meet on public security, safety

– in wake of recent unrest at Camp Street jail REPRESENTATIVES of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) met with Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine; and Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels on Tuesday to discuss public

has been held accountable and charged for the July events which left the Camp Street penitentiary completely gutted, and resulted in the escape of several high-profile prisoners.

The PSC said it emphasised the “serious damage” caused as a result of the

are now living in a constant state of fear,” the statement issued on Friday by the PSC stated.

Subject Minister Ramjattan acknowledged the need for the urgent restoration of public confidence in the security sector and safety of the country’s pris-

brief on the current and accelerated steps being taken to obtain a fully functioning prison system.

The Minister, however, noted that gross overcrowding was neglected for a prolonged period, and will demand substantial sums of money not readily available to construct a new and expanded system sufficient

number of persons placed on remand.

Ramjattan assured the Commission that the judiciary has been engaged, with the aim of finding a solution to the problem, and confirmed that the Prison Sentence Management Board has been appointed.

The Public Security Minister also shared his ad-

PSC representatives with Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine and acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels on Tuesday

security and safety.

Tuesday’s meeting followed concerns expressed by the PSC about public safety and security after the Camp Street prison fire and prison break.

In a statement to the media, the Commission said at the meeting its concern was reiterated about what it perceives to be “the erosion of public security and safety.”

The body pointed to the loss of public confidence in the government being exacerbated by the fact that no one

aforementioned events to investor confidence here and abroad, as well as to tourism. The body pointed out, too, that planned events have either been postponed or relocated as a result of the events.

“The Commission further expressed its concern over the inability of the police to effectively curb the incidence of violent crime reaching into business places and homes across the country. Our citizens, the Commission stressed,

on system. The PSC said the Minister of Public Security was “open and frank in addressing the challenges faced by the country from the threat of violent crime.”

He assured the PSC that every effort is being made to recapture the escapees who remain on the run so that the situation can return to normalcy.

That aside, Minister Ramjattan provided the Commission with what has been described as a comprehensive and confidential

to accommodate the present prison population.

Overcrowding, he said, is as a result of the “unnecessarily high level of bail being assigned for relatively minor offences completely out of the financial reach of the persons accused of these offences,” and the

ministration’s plans for the construction of a modern facility in the Mazaruni.

Meanwhile, acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine told the PSC that the Police are conducting an active investigation into the fire at the Georgetown Prison. That investi-

gation, Ramnarine said, is nearing completion.

Acting Director of Prisons, G ladw in S amuels , made a statistical presentation to the Commission, charting the current and historical status of prisoners, both in the system and at large, largely providing answers to many of the questions asked in the public about the numbers and locations of the prison population.

The Commission strongly recommended to the Minister that he make the presentation public since it would go a long way towards reassuring the public that the authorities were in control of the situation.

On the question of rehabilitation of convicted prisoners, the Minister and his team outlined the significant efforts and arrangements in place, in spite of extremely limited resources and space, to ensure that released prisoners were able to be gainfully employed on their reintegration into society.

The Minister, however, lamented the fact that, generally, in Guyana, the stigma attached to ex-convicts makes it extremely difficult to find employment for them.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

Political Miracle: How the PPP has taken advantage of the governing coalition’s critical political weakness IT is DIFFICULT to remain objective about the PPP when one opens the newspapers every day and be subjected to that party’s relentless criticism of the government. On the one hand, much of that criticism is justified—they highlight some of the inevitable mistakes of government in general and some very basic errors of this government in particular.

But on the other hand, many of the very things over which the PPP now takes the government to task were done by that party when it held power just two years ago.

As painful as it is to admit, one is hard-pressed not to conclude that the PPP

has, in two years, succeeded in pinning most of its ills on the present government.

If one were new to Guyanese politics or has a short political memory, as some Guyanese do, one would get the impression that the PPP is the party of virtue and morality, while the ones in government are the worst political sinners in Guyana.

This is part of what makes Guyanese politics so dysfunctional and complex at the same time.

There are several inter-related reasons why the PPP has been so successful in such a short space of time in turning the political public relations narrative against the government. A lot of it is the government’s own doing.

I want to highlight some of those.

First, the government has not shown any consistent political direction since it has come to office—there is no political framing of its work in managing the country’s political economy and correcting the egregious wrongs committed by the previous government. For me, the latter two objectives should always form the basis of this government’s agenda— managing and improving the country’s political economy and turning back the criminalised and depraved state that flourished under the PPP’s rule.

I don’t think the government has been successful in formulating a cohesive political agenda that is guided by that twin objective.

I am sure they know what should be done and are doing things, but what is lacking is that overriding political compass. The consequence is double-edged. There is no political thinking behind policy-making— initiatives are undertaken but are not geared towards a larger political objective. Hence, we have had useful and good policy interventions, but they are not glued together by any particular world view.

So, in the end, the government is not able to explain its work to itself, its supporters and the country at large. Effective governance is partly about articulating larger narratives of what government is doing and showing the various publics and individuals how their lives are, in actuality and potentially, positively affected by government’s work.

The other consequence

of the absence of a cohesive political direction is that the government has become prone to political mistakes.

Mistakes are inventible [sic] while governing, but if the government were armed with a political praxis grounded in a humane political economy and reforming the state, it would have avoided some of the errors it has made.

No government guided by a humane praxis would, for example, permit itself exorbitant salary increases and rents, while denying workers a living wage—the contradiction would have been too obvious to miss.

Governments govern via the Cabinet and other government councils, but political direction should not come from those governing councils. This has been the big problem with this government—it has attempted to confine everything to Cabinet and its related councils. Political direction and policies that arise from that direction should be initiated and formulated outside of government. That the parties in the coalition have not been integrally involved in shaping political direction and policy, is at the heart of government’s inability to control the public discourse and narrative about itself.

This is part of what the recent quarrel between the WPA and the government is about.

The PPP, with the aid of a more and more sympathetic media, has been able to define the government.

The PPP’s narrative is simple— the government has no direction, it is anti-people, it is anti-democratic and racist against Indian-Guyanese and

Amerindians, it is corrupt and it cannot govern. The irony is that that very narrative was effectively used by the opposition against the then PPP government, because it was a true reflection of the nature of that party and government. That the PPP now uses that narrative against this government which is not guilty of those sins is the political miracle of our times.

The government has no answer to that narrative, because it did not anticipate it and as such could not plan in advance to counter it. There is no counter narrative, because there is no overall political world view. The government relies on a public relations model that is not grounded in politics. Almost every ministry has a PRO, but these officers are not schooled in politics and do not have access to the government’s overall political world view, because there is none. So, the PRO is reduced to writing letters refuting this or that inaccuracy, rather that articulating the broader vision of the government.

And something else is subtly and not so subtly, happening--- the influential print media are souring on the government. The government seems to have alienated a section of the media which once supported the governing parties and the new government. The PPP now gets more positive coverage than it got six months ago.

Government operatives are no longer news-makers. One independent daily now reads like a sophisticated version of the PPP Mirror newspaper. Another does not hide its disdain for the pronounce-

ments of government ministers. Another has remained what it always was—a PPP newspaper.

Guyanese people still get a lot of their political information from the nightly news and the daily newspapers. The governing parties no longer hold regular press conferences— the PNC hasn’t held one in years, while the AFC and WPA are not as consistent as they should be in this regard. So, there are no political answers to the PPP’s onslaught, which the party dishes out at its weekly press conferences.

It’s okay to talk about what government ministers and ministries do on a day-today basis, but these have to be situated within the larger narrative. Articulating that larger narrative should be the job of the coalition parties, but if they don’t shape the narrative, then they cannot articulate it.

Government leaders frown on what they call washing “dirty linen in public.” So, there is no robust self-criticism, which is normal in coalitions. The political parties are expected to be silent followers of government action. The President does not hold press conferences. So, the PPP rules the public discourse both by default and design. The coalition must dig itself out of this bad place.

More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www. guyanacaribbeanpolitics. com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

Man dies in Goed Fortuin accident

By Svetlana Marshall

A WEST LA PENITENCE father of three is now dead after he was struck from his motorcycle by a speeding minibus on the Goed Fortuin Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD), early on Saturday morning.

Dead is 42-year-old Joseph James of Walker Terrace, West La Penitence, in the city The Guyana Police Force (GPF) said in a statement that the fatal accident occurred at about 03:30h It further stated that the driver of the minibus BSS 9898, during the process of the investigation, indicated that he was proceeding north along the western carriageway when he stopped to urinate and was robbed in the process.

The driver further told the police that after being relieved of his jewelry by the occupants of a car, he was forced into his minibus and ordered to drive. In the process he struck down

42-year-old Joseph James in happier times

James who was proceeding in the same direction on motorcycle (CH 9495). The Police however says the driver’s story is questionable. “The driver of the bus whose blood alcohol level was above the legal limit, and whose account of the accident contradicts with that of a witness, is presently in police custody assisting with the investigation,” the Police, statement added.

The motorcyclist who was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital in

an unconscious state, reportedly died at the institution.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited James’ West La Penitence home on Saturday afternoon, family and friends were in deep mourning as they reflected on his life.

His mother, Gloria Lewis, with whom he lived, said she was in bed when she was awoken by loud shouts at around 04:00h. “A bus man come shouting inside, inside, Joe deh lie down dead on Pouderoyen Road,” she recalled.

A neighbour, Merlyn Barclay, who rushed to the scene of the accident upon hearing the tragic news, related that while James’ body had already been removed from the scene when she arrived there, the remnants of the motorcycle and bus told the heart-rending story.

“All we see is the motorbike tear up in pieces all over the road,” Barclay said, while pointing out that traffic ranks were still conducting their investigation on the scene.

Joseph James’ family friend, Merlyn Barclay, consoling his mother, Gloria Lewis, after they received the news of his death

Two eye-witnesses reportedly told the family, that James was proceeding to Georgetown and the speeding bus was heading in the opposite direction when he was struck down. “It was nah no robbery, the driver lie, he lie,” Barclay cried.

“The driver was wrong.

He drive over on Joe side and knock he down,” another close friend of the family added.

According to the friend, James was returning home from a dance at Pouderoyen but made it clear that his

friend was not a fast rider.

“They can’t say he does ride hard, he does ride slow, slow, slow. Duh man does ride slow, ask anybody how slow duh man does ride. He just buy the bike to go to work,” he cried.

The deceased who fathered three children- the youngest is only two months, his eldest 10 years’ of age and the second who is four years old, was at the time of his death, employed at the Noble House Fisheries at Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD) for approximately seven years.

According to dead man’s mother, he was a hardworking, fun-loving individual who took care of her. “He was a loving son, loving, loving son. Anything I want, I get it. Anything I want, he gone and buy it for me,” she said as she broke down in tears.

His family is now calling for the driver to be charged, placed before the courts and given the maximum sentence.

Gaskin promotes ‘green’ brand MINISTER of Business Dominic Gaskin is adamant that there is value in having a ‘green’ brand attached to Guyana.

He was at the time speaking at the closing ceremony of the Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre (CCIC) ‘green’ technology weekend boot camp held at the Tower Suites Hotel in collaboration with the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED).

The programme launched on Friday 18 and concluded Sunday 20, saw a number of mostly young Guyanese with small startups pitching their ‘green’ business ideas to win either the US$1000 first place, the US$500 second place or the US$250 third place.

The winning team got the opportunity to access an accelerated amount of US $30,000 to grow their enterprise, along with expert advice and guidance from international know-hows.

Gaskin praised the initiative of the Caribbean consortium which is backed by the Government of Canada, through the World Bank for hosting the programme in Guyana.

Gaskin said the mere perception of Guyana becoming a ‘green’ economy carries with it value, let alone its attainment.

He pointed out that per-

ception is an important factor in the growth of the economy, because where investors perceive value, that is where they will direct their interest.

“The fact that we are all talking about ‘green’ these days shows that there is a perception out there that green has value,” he said, adding that the ‘green’ state is slowly taking shape, because many business pitches to government are now including aspects of ‘greening.’

Gaskin pointed out that businesspersons, who understand how to leverage perception to create value, are people who understand how to make “big bucks.”

In presenting business ideas, the boot camp participants had to convince the judges of a viable, profitable business enterprise.

Plant Max Farms emerged winners. Their idea involved the cloning of particularly banana and plantain crops through tissue culture to fight off the Black Sigatoka Disease, which causes physical damage to plants and cuts yields to as much as 70 per cent.

Plant Max’s presenter Ion Cole, said the cloning will involve good, clean tissues from one plant incorporated in young ones

that will grow and increase yields, create uniformity and balance harvesting, which can only be done periodically.

This idea, he believes, could help in transforming the sugar industry.

Second-place winners WooDNex Products presented eco-friendly construction materials that included paper, wood shavings and other such materials incorporated in blocks, installations and other construction materials.

Engineer Olson Abrams noted that this recycling process would involve the collection of the waste material, shavings, cardboards and others, treating it against possible contam-

inants such as mold and hazards such as fire and incorporating the production of value-added products.

Taking third place, O’ Marley Dre explained that eco-fertilisers would produce value-added products from food-waste; compost that would add moisture to the soil, nutrients and help reduce erosion while growing healthier food.

Their hope is to gain government support to help reduce artificial and other harmful fertilisers on the local and foreign markets.

Some other business ideas included the production of eco-lodges through Bamboo Paradise’s ‘green’ accommodations and even an energy-producing,

wave- propelled generator called the floating tidal wave generator, a pitch that targeted Guyana’s annoying, frequent power shortages.

This green boot camp has already been taken to many Caribbean nations

to increase green awareness and production in the Region. At the opening, it was highlighted that a growing US$600billion ‘green’ global market awaits Guyana. The country was urged to grab their share.

Sunday, August 27, 2017 - 08:30 hrs Monday, August 28, 2017 - 09:00 hrs Tuesday, August 29, 2017 - 10:00 hrs

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

Empowerment and affirmative action are not automatically guaranteed, we must continue the fight for them I AM writing this column with much heaviness in my heart, given the treatment meted out to the African community by the APNU+AFC administration.

I resolve however that the struggle for equal rights and justice must continue and the gains made zealously guarded and protected.

Emancipation must forever remind and energise us to action that freedom is never free, it requires eternal vigilance and sacrifice, guarding against and fighting those who seek to deny and erode it in any form.

One hundred and seventy nine (179) years of attainment must see Africans rising from any notion that their lot will be improved because in the leadership resides persons who look like them, or because they have given their votes to the group in office.

Evidence continues to show why it is imperative to continue the fight in the presence of clear signals that as a bloc, the race is being viewed as a vote-getting machine, a means to an end, a back to climb on, a group to marginalise or discriminate against. To critique this government with the intention for it to observe its deficiencies, African leaders’ silence is being sought with reminders of the horrors of the PPP/C government. Such conversations also referenced that party’s bottom-house meetings and race-baiting to remove a government because of the physical look of its principal leader, and as such, Africans must rally in defence of their own. The PPP/C when in office did the same thing with their supporters.

As a trade unionist and descendant of a proud lineage, it is incumbent upon me to make it known that my silence and loyalty can only

be assured with the upholding and enforcing of universally acceptable principles. The government and opposition are publicly talking about building a cohesive society, while they sow the seeds and fertilise the weeds of division among the masses. We are still at the base level of fighting each other rather than fighting systems that militate against us, and this works only for the benefit of a few.

The masses are suffering or being thrown crumbs, while the leaders live off the hog, so much so that even their physical and other characteristics are akin to the animal. The vote which has empowered us to elect representatives must not see us accepting whatever they throw at us, lest we end up living on our knees. Our vote doesn’t stop at the ballot, it’s precious, and must be safeguarded every day in furtherance of our empowerment by ensuring those we identified to pursue it and are being paid by us to so do are doing exactly that.

Oppression is a cycle of continuity, it doesn’t ever end. It continues to manifest in different forms and different faces and changes its format continuously, regardless of who is in power, whether they look like you or not, necessitating acts of continuous vigilance. Freedoms gained from slavery and indentureship doesn’t mean that we don’t have other freedoms for which to fight, even as we protect the gains. Compare where we are to other nations on rights and justice, when people are being denied the right to media and we can’t even talk, we have a far way to go.

Africans should accept no punishment under anyone, whether it is the one you put in government or in opposition. We have equal rights

to this country’s resources, to be treated with dignity and respect, guaranteed the protection of the laws, and our rights and freedoms not transgressed. As an African I publicly question President Granger’s commitment to African empowerment, and this does not include the superficial, ceremonial and celebratory, for these are easy to do.

For those who see empowerment of Africans as denial of the rights of others, let me debunk such a misplaced notion. Empowerment has to do with creating the enabling environment through policies, laws and programmes in furtherance of upliftment in society. Where international conventions and charters, the Constitution and Laws of Guyana are so enshrined, no government must be allowed to selectively enforce them to the detriment of the African community. I am deeply disturbed over the on-going sweepers/cleaners’ protest to be treated with respect and dignity. No legitimate work is debasing and all workers are guaranteed equal treatment under the law, which much be respected.

These underpaid workers who are part of the public sector are primarily poor black women, and all it requires of this government to right an injustice instituted under the PPP/C government is affirmative action consistent with the law and public service rules. The treatment meted out to these workers and conditions under which they give of their labour are akin to modern slavery. Where their ancestors succeeded in toppling it, it must not be reinstituted and I applaud their courage to stand against it.

These workers like workers of the Bauxite Union of Guyana Incorporated, mem-

bers of the Guyana Public Service Union, Guyana Teachers Union, etc, would have thought that the chains had been broken when they put the APNU+AFC in office.

Instead of moving affirmatively to abolish malpractices, African leaders are cowering or seeking excuse that should they act they’d be accused of racism. There is no racism in taking action to securing the inalienable rights of all races, it is called Affirmative Action and where this government refuses to or remains timid to act, it must feel the wrath of the affected and decent-minded citizens.

My ancestors fought bitter battles, some died, in the pursuit to be treated as human beings, which was the underlying principle that undermined the justification for slavery. This heroic journey must not only be commemo-

rated yearly, but secured and defended every single day of the year. It is of concern that additional work of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Forbes Burnham, Joseph Pollydore and Desmond Hoyte in securing and enshrining achievements into laws (e.g. Article 147 in the Constitution and Section 23(1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act) are facing clear and present threat in the David Granger era.

The achievements of African forebears are being brought into question and where it was wrong under Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar, it remains wrong now.

The non-implementation of the 2012 Agreement between Linden/Region 10 and Central Government is also testimony to what the ancestors fought against. The continuous act of denying citizens the right to freedom

of expression by refusing to return their television station and disempowerment by not having the Economic Committee established should have ceased since 11thMay 2015.

Africans cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of complacency or acquiesce, for history shows they delayed the achievement for freedom. We must stand up fearlessly in the spirit of the ancestors who struggled, to resist any force, from any source, that threatens human dignity and respect which would allow all to enjoy equally the benefits of this land of their birth.

Let us in further pursuit for full attainment rely on words buttressed by actions, failing which outcries and vigilance must become necessary tools in the fight for such.

GPL introduces meter-reading via WhatsApp THE Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) on Saturday announced the use of a social media tool, WhatsApp, to read meters.

In a statement to the media, the power company said the aim of the additional customer service feature, called “WhatsApp Meter Read,” is to better meet customer demands and improve quality service delivery to its growing customer base.

“This service allows customers to submit their own meter readings with accompanying customer number during a thirty (30)-day reading cycle via WhatsApp, using telephone number 608-8575,” the statement said.

The new tool does not, however, replace the existing methods of meter-reading, and will serve as a complementary meter-reading service.

GPL said the new service is geared towards customers whose computation is frequently estimated due to inaccessibility

during the meter-reading cycle; those who receive a GPL notice indicating that a meter-reader had visited the premises but was unable to retrieve an accurate reading; and customers who will be out of the jurisdiction for prolonged periods exceeding two months.

Post-paid customers are being asked to take note of their meter-reading dates, which is printed on monthly bills and is located at the right hand corner of the total payable breakdown.

The company said a clear photograph showing the dials on the meter, along with the account number, should be submitted only during the meter-reading period identified on the bill.

“Customers benefiting from this service are advised, that GPL Inc. must be granted access to the meter within a three-month period to verify the accuracy of the readings submitted via WhatsApp,” the statement added.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

The Saint Lots return – as new Salvation Army divisional leaders THE Guyana Division of the Salvation Army welcomes its new Divisional Leaders, Majors Matignol and Mireille Saint Lot, who on July 17, 2017 were appointed as Divisional Leaders to the Guyana Division.

The Saint Lots have succeeded Divisional Leaders, Majors Emmerson and Carolinda Cumberbatch, who have been transferred to Trinidad and Tobago.

Major Matignol Saint Lot is the new Divisional Commander, while his wife, Major Mireille Saint Lot is

the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries. They will be installed by Territorial Commanders, Commissioners Mark and Sharon Tillsley at a Welcome and Installation Ceremony next Sunday at the Georgetown Citadel Corps on Alexander Street, Lacytown.

Majors Matignol and Mireille Saint Lot, who previously served in Guyana in different capacities, were and are now Divisional Leaders to the Guyana Division, both hail from Haiti and are the proud parents of three daugh-

New Divisional Leaders, Majors Matignol and Mireille Saint Lot

ters: Matilda, Yolmina and Melinda.

Meanwhile, Commissioners Mark and Sharon Tillsley have come to the Caribbean Territory after serving in the Canada and Bermuda Territory, where he served as Chief Secretary and she as the Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

Commissioners Tillsley hail from the US Eastern Territory, where they both served as Corps Officers; Divisions Youth leaders; College for Officer Training Leaders before proceeding

to serve in the Territorial Personnel Section.

He also previously served as Personnel Secretary, and the wife, Sharon, as Territorial Wellness Bureau Director.

Commissioner Sharon also carried the appointment as the Executive Officer of the Eastern Territorial Songsters.

The Salvation Army Advisory Board, along with the officers and members of the Guyana Division, welcome Commissioners Mark and Sharon Tillsley and Divisional Leaders, Majors Matignol and Mireille Saint Lot to Guyana, and wish them every success in their endeavours.

Territorial Commanders, Commissioners Mark and Sharon Tillsley

‘Nations’ shines at Cambridge exams

By Zena Henry Nations School of Business which produced this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) top student has done well again, this time at the Cambridge University International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.

The school achieved an overall 89 per cent pass rate with a 100 per cent pass in English and a 95 per cent pass rate in mathematics at the examinations.

Among the outstanding achievers at the Fifth Form Cambridge IGCSE exams were Brian Jagmohan, who achieved two distinctions, 4 As, 2 Bs and 2 Cs; Yingyang Zhong with two distinctions, 4 As and 1 C; Samita Paul with one distinction, 3 As, 4 Bs and 1 C; Steffi Sinclair with one distinction, 2 As, 3 Bs and 3 Cs; Danielle Bouchard with 3 As, 2 Bs and 2 Cs; Felipe DaSilva Sousa with 3 As and 2 Bs; and Alyea Singh with 1 A, 3 Bs and 3 Cs. Brian Jagmohan, who received the highest grades

in this category expressed shock at the results. He thanked his parents and teachers, but gave sincere recognition to his mother.

“My success was made possible by the support from my teachers and both of my parents, but I attribute my success specifically to my mother. She has always motivated and guided me into becoming the person I am today.”

Zhong said without the assistance of his teachers, his success would have been limited.

“Also my parents, especially my father, he always encourages me to be better than yesterday,” the proud student said.

For Danielle Bouchard, she was “shocked and very pleasantly surprised” at her grades.

“I studied very hard to earn these grades and I am very proud of them,” the young lady told the Guyana Chronicle.

Seffi Sinclair was disappointed with 3 C grades, but expressed gratitude to his family and teachers.

Some 147 students wrote the Cambridge University International Ad-

vanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level examinations.

Among the top advanced-level performers were Hannibal Gaskin who scored distinction in Chemistry, A in Maths and B in Physics; Shamita Bhagwandas with distinction in Law and A in Sociology; Sandhya Meerah with distinction in Sociology, A in Law and B in Psychology; Cindyann Khan with distinction in Law and A in Sociology; Dominique Wilson with distinction in Sociology, A in Law and B in Psychology; Mikel Puran with distinction in Law, B in Economics and C in Sociology; Ambika Ramraj with A in Sociology, B in Business and C in Psychology; Aliyah Gordon with A in Business, B in Economics and C in Sociology; Victoria Najab with A in Economics, B in Physics, C in Chemistry; Sachin Sharma with A in Economics and B in business; Serenity Kanhai with A in Law and B in Economics; and Anisa Ramraj with B in Business, Economics and Sociology.

“The road to success was no bed of roses; it took a lot of hard work and

determination. I always reread my notes and practised as many past papers as I could so as to always stay on top of my game,” Sandyha Kesha Meerah said as she thanked her mother and teachers for their support.

Cindyann Khan said her road to success was a phenomenal journey.

“It was all made so much easier because of two very dedicated and amazing teachers, namely Sir Stewart and Ms Singh,” she said.

Dominique Wilson, Shamita Bhagwandas and Aliyah Gordon all credited their parents and teachers for their success.

Some top, advanced subsidiary performers included Kayshav Tewari with A grades in Economics, law, maths and Sociology; Ryan Benschop with A in Economics and Law and B in Business and Psychology; Arun Kanhai with A in Maths and Sociology, B in Economics and C in Business; Shania Wall with A in Sociology, B in Business and Economics; and Theresa Gobin with A in Biology, B in Maths and Chemistry.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

Guyana Amazo Essequibo at a

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on Warriors spread cheer in a massive turnout of fans See page 27

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Young cosmetologists join forces to give back – help other young women become self-reliant

By Naomi Marshall

AWARD-winning cosmetologist and fashion designer, Setra Oselmo, is on a mission to give back to her community by empowering young women in the mining town of Linden.

For more than a week,

Setra, through her Sister to Sister’s Beauty Shop and Cake Face, has been funding and facilitating the “Guyanese Girls Glow Workshop” with the aim of enhancing the image young women have of themselves, while equipping them with the skills and knowledge

needed for make-up artistry, jewellery-making, sewing and skincare.

These techniques are incorporated in the teaching of self-care, self-awareness and self-reliance while simultaneously building a foundation for a beneficial source of income.

The workshop is a partnership of Oselmo and 18-year-old Arian Dahlia Richmond, of Georgetown, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cake Face

by Dahlia, a make-up company.

The workshop kicked off in Linden two Wednes-

Six of the 25 young Lindeners participating in the Guyanese Girls Glow Workshop

days ago with 25 young ladies from Linden, who were randomly chosen by Oselmo.

It began with the empowerment session, where the girls got to interact with each other, learn about their strengths and weaknesses, and how to have self-confidence and control their anger.

This was followed by the make-up artistry session, where the girls did not only get to learn make-up techniques, but were also taught that although makeup adds extra confidence, they must also be self-aware and love themselves before using make-up.

“Only when you love yourself anybody else can love you,” Oselmo told the Guyana Chronicle during an interview.

The make-up session will come to an end on Tuesday, August 29, giving way to the jewellery-making session scheduled to start the following day at the Pandama Wine Retreat.

The arts and craft session, meanwhile, is awaiting products and materials to commence.

“I really want to encourage girls to love themselves; to treat themselves properly first,” Setra said, adding: “Don’t wait on no one [sic] to treat you the way you want to be treated; own your own power, because when you do that, you automatically define who you are, and confidence will show as soon as someone sees you. Love yourself and help your peers.”

In October 2007, Setra was involved in a vehicular accident which left her permanently paralysed. Today, after several attempts at corrective surgery, she is heavily reliant on a wheelchair to get around, but she does not let this get her down.

Approximately three years after the accident, she successfully completed a cosmetology programme. It was that decision that transformed Setra’s life completely, and now she is the most sought-after make-up artist in Linden; a budding fashion designer; the recipient of many awards, and a mentor to many, including those that are differently abled.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 27, 2017

CARIFESTA XIII – a flavour of host country Barbados AS the CARIFESTA festivities wind down and begin to draw to a close, host country Barbados is home to a proud and welcoming populace. For the second time in 36 years, Barbados is the proud host of the Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA).

In August 2015, Barbados took the baton from Haiti to host CARIFESTA 2017. The island has welcomed participants from 22 other Caribbean countries and like its sister CARICOM states, it is using the festival as a platform to showcase its rich culture.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) took a stroll around to soak up parts of the culture of the host country.

At one of the Barbados booths at the CARIFESTA Grand Market, Cherreb Clarke-Jackman has a variety of Barbadian-made items showcasing the country’s rich culture.

These include fresh water pearl or stone necklaces, earrings and bracelets, bags, clothing, hats, cushions and soaps among other items that were all made by her and two craftswomen.

Clarke-Jackman is extremely proud to have been chosen to represent her country. She said thus far the

Fried chicken served at the Barbados food stall at the CARIFESTA Grand Market

Patrons examining some of the cultural wear on display at the Barbados booth at the CARIFESTA Grand Market

response has been great and many persons had supported her booth.

Throughout the Caribbean, traditional dishes play an important part in both the family and community; they take a central role in holidays, festivals and family occasions. That sense of tradition in Caribbean cuisine is integral to regional identity with many islands naming traditional dishes as their official national dish.

The CARIFESTA Grand Market, afforded overseas

and local visitors the opportunity to sample traditional Barbados cuisine available at several food stalls Chefs Steve Collymore and Didier Skeete prepared a variety of scrumptious local dishes including garlic and rosemary pork, traditional cou cou, macaroni pies and rice and peas, as well as creole dishes, including amigo or breadfruit and accra and of course the Barbados national dish -- flying fish and cou cou.

The response to these de-

Minister Trotman commits to helping Rockstone A TEAM of officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources including Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, and Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, met with residents of Rockstone on Saturday.

The visit was to afford residents of the community which is 14 miles from Linden, the opportunity to voice their concerns to the government.

Lynette Benn highlighted that the community lacks one of the most vital connections in today’s society, that being telecommunications. The village receives a weak Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT) signal; she requested that there be improved signal strength or better access to some form of telecommunications in the area. This she said will boost economic activity Celestine Peters indicated that there should be

rules implemented, so persons coming to fish will not harm the Arapaima which abounds in the area. She also added that domestic fishing is one of the main activities being hindered by the increased fishing activity by outside persons, hence “some measure should be put in place” to curb and safeguard fishing, Peters said.

Other issues raised dealt with condition of the roads, land-titling, job creation, upgrade of the Guest House and acquiring mining lands, among others.

According to Minister Trotman, the “Place has rich tourism potential, but is struggling for support.” He has committed to reporting all concerns to the respective ministries to ensure a speedy resolution of the issues.

Mayor Holland advised the village to collaborate with the municipal body to ensure Rockstone be in-

cluded in the township of Linden. This is will enable Rockstone to access services to help further development in the area. He urged residents to petition to be a part of the township, and meet with him at a later date.

MP Figueira also encouraged to residents to work to be a part of the township, for “more can be achieved if we work in collaboration.” The Member of Parliament commended residents for airing their views honestly, “Government needs the people to candidly express some of the difficulties you are experiencing, so that they can assess from a better standpoint how they prioritise.”

Scented candle wax and bolts of cloth were donated to the community, for members to use either economically or recreationally

by MP Figueira. He told the residents that “these materials are a jumpstart to boosting economic activity in the community.”

licious meals is unbelievable, as the food stall is host to long lines daily.

Caribbean countries are also identified by their distinct, diverse cultures such as their artistic, musical, literary, culinary, political and social elements that represent Caribbean people. These cultures have historically been influenced by African, European, Amerindian, and Asian traditions.

Various Barbadians have taken the stage by storm, showcasing their rich culture.

Among them was Leshan Sobers, who reflected her African culture with a Mother Sally portrayal. Sobers explained that Mother Sally symbolised fertility; an enticing woman who uses her bodily assets to lure men.

“This tradition dates back to when sailors used to visit Barbados to choose women with shapely figures,” Sobers explained.

Aziza Clarke, a former calypso queen of Barbados, gave an exuberant performance. Clarke who is proud

to showcase her love for her country, said: “Calypso is love, powerful and it always brings a positive message.”

Folk-singing, also common in Barbados, saw several acts at the festival. One of the performers Joan Atherles admitted that the art was slowly dying, but she was happy to reintroduce it. “It’s calypso from way back, but we just put historic meaning to them and put them on stage,” Atherles said.

Several other cultural activities were also displayed by Barbados. The closing ceremony was slated for Saturday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday, August 27, 2017

Patient United move clear, City seal last-gasp win

By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) Manchester United stayed patient to beat Leicester City 2-0 and move two points clear at the top of the Premier League as Manchester City secured a dramatic late win at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Surprise packages Huddersfield Town were held 0-0 by Southampton but stayed unbeaten and Newcastle United earned their first points of the season with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United that left the London side bottom of the table.

Crystal Palace are also without a point after losing 2-0 at home to Swansea City but Brighton and Hove Albion are off the mark following a 0-0 draw at 10man Watford.

Manchester United were frustrated by Leicester and Romelu Lukaku had a penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel before substitutes Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellani scored in the last 20 minutes to seal their third successive victory.

“I think we played very well,” manager Jose Mourinho said.

“If I have to choose a word to describe my team, I would have to say ’solid’.”

City were stunned on the south coast when Charlie Daniels gave Bournemouth the lead with an unstoppable left-foot drive from an improbable angle.

The visitors, who left Sergio Aguero on the bench and gave a debut

Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/ Carl Recine

to 52 million-pound ($67 million) signing Benjamin Mendy and a first start to Bernardo Silva, equalised before halftime when Gabriel Jesus poked home from David Silva’s fine pass.

It looked like being a frustrating afternoon for City, however, before, in the seventh minute of stoppage time, Sterling’s deflected shot floated past keeper Asmir Begovic to seal a 2-1 win.

Sterling celebrated in front of the ecstatic City fans and was engulfed as several spilled on to the edge of the pitch, forcing stewards and police to intervene and leading to referee Mike Dean showing the England forward a second yellow card.

CHAOTIC SCENES It was later reported that

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a steward had made a police statement accusing substitute Aguero of striking him during the chaotic scenes.

“This allegation is false and the TV pictures prove it,” Aguero said on Twitter.

Dorset police said two City fans had been arrested for coming on to the pitch and that they were reviewing CCTV footage “as part of an ongoing investigation to establish whether any other offences may have been committed”.

Guardiola was bemused.

“Maybe someone can explain to me because I would like to know,” he told Sky Sports of the Sterling sending-off.

“He ran to celebrate. If you can’t celebrate with the fans maybe we should play without fans.”

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Huddersfield remain unbeaten and second in the table after dominating their game against Southampton and David Wagner’s side are yet to concede a league goal this season.

“We will go into this international break with a smile on our face,” he said.

Newcastle finally got their campaign rolling against a poor West Ham side.

Spain striker Joselu scored their first league goal of the campaign before halftime and Ciaran Clark and Aleksandar Mitrovic wrapped up the points in the second half.

West Ham have lost their first three games for the first time since the 2010-2011 season when they were relegated.

Swansea shrugged off the departure of Gylfi Sigurdsson to Everton with a 2-0 victory at Frank de Boer’s Palace - teenager Tammy Abraham scored his first Premier League goal.

Watford remain unbeaten after grinding out a 0-0 draw with Brighton despite having Uruguayan defender Miguel Britos sent off midway through the first half for a reckless tackle.

Champions Chelsea play Everton today when Liverpool host Arsenal, last season’s runners-up Tottenham Hotspur face Burnley and West Bromwich Albion take on Stoke City.

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Brathwaite, Hope tons spur Windies to 71-run lead (REUTERS) - Magnificent centuries by opener Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope put West Indies in a commanding position against England on the second day of the second Test at Headingley on Saturday.

Brathwaite was joined

by Hope during a tricky morning session for the visitors when they were 35 for three in reply to England’s 258.

The pair shared a 246run partnership as West Indies, written off after a humiliating innings-and209-runs defeat in the first test, reached stumps on 329-5, a lead of 71.

Brathwaite was eventually bowled by Stuart Broad for 134, a textbook innings which contained 17 fours and two sixes, the second of which took him to his sixth Test century.

Roston Chase followed shortly afterwards but Hope moved on to 147 and was joined by Jermaine Blackwood who played aggressively to score 21 not out in 23 balls.

West Indies resumed on a muggy morning on 19-1, and with James Anderson swinging the ball at will, another West Indies collapse looked on the cards as two early wickets fell.

Nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo departed in the fifth over of the morning,

edging one from Anderson who then removed Kyle Hope thanks to a great catch from captain Joe Root at second slip.

Brathwaite was then joined by Hope and the duo began to chip away at England’s total, playing with discipline and verve to put away any loose balls from England’s attack.

Twice Braithwaite was reprieved with successful reviews after being given out lbw -- to Broad when he got an inside edge and to the struggling Moeen Ali -- as West Indies moved to 109 for three at lunch.

The afternoon session belonged to West Indies as Brathwaite completed his century by launching parttime spinner Tom Westley over long-on for a huge six.

Hope offered impressive support and played some beautiful cover drives as he also closed in on a century, reaching 85 at tea as England’s bowlers desperately sought a breakthrough.

His maiden Test century arrived in the 70th over of the day when, after pulling Ben Stokes for a boundary, he nudged a single off his hip from the following ball.

With Hope set and Blackwood a dangerous hitter, West Indies will hope to build a commanding lead today.

Guyana retain IGG Volleyball title

By Rawle Toney in Suriname GUYANA continued their dominance in Volleyball at the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) when they defeated Suriname in straight sets (25-22, 25-20, 25-21) to retain their title.

Having won the first game 25-17, 25-22 and 2514, the Levi Nedd-coached team entered yesterday’s game optimistic of repeating their performance from the first day of competition.

Renaldo Bobb, Andy Rohoman and Omari Joseph were the outstand-

ing performers in the two matches, but Nedd noted Hellond Singh as the ‘game changer’.

According to Nedd who is also the president of the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA), he’s happy that the players were able to keep Guyana’s rich tradition of winning volleyball (male) at the IGG. Nedd stated that if the current crop of players is eligible for the tournament next year, through the BVA and the series of schools tournament planned, Guyana will be able to present a very strong team.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday August 27, 2017

Tough time for Guyana at IGG swimming --Scott leads medal count

By Tamica Garnett in Suriname IT was yet another difficult year for the Guyana swim team at the Inter Guiana Games, as our youngsters faced off against their Surinamese counterparts and came up short, finishing in second place with 150 points and 29 medals including 10 silver, when the competition concluded yesterday.

Suriname ended with

224 points, after successfully defending both the boys and girls team titles, and taking all of the gold medals for the day, as the one-day competition played out at the Parima Pool in Parimaribo, Suriname.

Though Guyana failed to clinch any gold medals, it was not from a lack of trying, with Nathan Hackett and Daniel Scott putting in formidable effort in several events but being edged out.

In the boys’ 200m, Scott seemed almost certain to

win Guyana’s first gold of the day; the hopefulness on the faces of his teammates showed as they cheered him on.

However, Enrico Molly put paid to the Guyanese’ aspirations.

The hope emerged as Scott took an early lead in the event, but as things came down to the first 100m, it was clear that Molly was becoming a serious threat.

By the 100m turn, Molly was right up under Scott with no sign of letting up, though Scott maintained a slight advantage that kept the hope alive.

Accalia Khan was Guyana’s only female silver medalist at this year’s IGG, finishing second in the 200m freestyle (Delano Williams photo)

Guyana’s Daniel Scott won silver in the boys 200m freestyle after a tough fight against Suriname’s Enrico Molly. Guyana’s Antonio Rodrigues was third (Delano Williams photo)

The two continued to go head-to-head as they put quite some distance between the other competitors, leaving Guyanese Antonio Rodrigues and Suriname’s Justin Muler to fight for third.

As the race approached its climax, Molly edged pass Scott, touching the wall in 2:08.55s, just a split second before Scott, who’s time was 2:08.80s. The third place battle was won by Rodrigues, clocking 2:18.70s Still yearning to see a gold for his country, Scott gave it another fierce go when he came out in the 50m breaststroke, battling with Muler, for the second time for the day.

Muler was hardly phased by his freestyle last-place finish, and would go on to pick up the gold, his second for

the day, with a time of 33.06 seconds, as Scott touched the wall in 33.45 seconds, for his third silver medal.

Rodrigues picked up another bronze, on a 35.50 seconds finish.

Earlier in the morning, Muler had also gotten the better of Scott in the 200m IM, as he romped to a 1:15.83s finish, over Scott, who had picked up Guyana’s first silver medal in 1:16.98 seconds in the event.

Scott’s final medal would be a bronze, in the 100m butterfly (1:06.21s).

Suriname’s Yael Tjouw won the gold in one minute, 19 seconds.

To his credit Hacket added three more silver to Guyana’s medal pool, being taken down by Molly in the boys 50m and 100m backstroke, and losing in a close race to Jeremiah Vianen in the 50m

freestyle.

Hackett had a 32.81 seconds in the 50m backstroke, behind a 29.05 second finish from Molly.

Molly took 1:08.29s in the 100m backstroke, while Hackett needed 1:10.96s.

In both backstroke events, Guyana’s Leon Seaton was third, with a 33.58 seconds in the 50m distance, and 1:13.79s across the 100m.

The 50m freestyle was a much tighter race with all top three finishers clocking below 27 seconds, just split seconds from each other.

The top time of 26.37 seconds was attained by Vianen, while on his heels Hackett and Muler clocked 26.56 seconds and 26.76 seconds, respectively.

Guyana’s only other individual silver medalist was Accalia Khan, dashing to 2:34.63s in the girls’ 200m freestyle, sliding in behind Tatjana Graanoogst, who was six seconds ahead.

Teshanna Hunter placed third with 2:49.5s.

Guyana also had three team silver in the mixed medley and freestyle relays.

The full list of medalists in swimming is as follows: Daniel Scott – 3 silver, 1 bronze Nathan Hackett – 3 silver Accalia Khan – 1 silver, 1 bronze Antonio Rodrigues - 4 bronze Kenita Mahaica - 4 bronze Lian Winter – 2 bronze Alex Winter – 2 bronze Leon Seaton – 2 bronze Nikita Fiedtkou – 2 bronze Teshanna Hunter – 1 bronze Relays – 3 silver

Relieved Hope happy to help Windies dominate LEEDS, England, (CMC) – Shai Hope said his maiden Test hundred on Saturday against England had come with a sense of relief, following below-par performances in his previous 11 Tests.

The stylish righthander’s previous best in 21 innings was 90 against Pakistan in Bridgetown four months ago but he fashioned an excellent, unbeaten 147 at Headingley to finally crack triple figures.

“It was a big relief. I know within myself that

I should be performing much better than I am so I was just pleased to get over the line. Thanks to Kraigg (Brathwaite) again for the support in the middle, he made my job a little bit easier,” said the 23-yearold.

“Honestly, [I was thinking] of staying out there as long as possible for the team.

It was about trying to get as many runs on the board as possible so I’m actually pleased I got through the 90s a bit faster.

“It was moreso the [to-

tal] and the time at the wicket that I was more concerned about than the 90s.”

Hope was joined by opener and vice-captain Brathwaite who struck 134 – his sixth Test hundred – as West Indies flourished on day two of the encounter to reach 329 for five in their first innings.

The pair added 246 for the fourth wicket to pull West Indies around from danger, after they slumped to 35 for three early in the morning session.

Brathwaite said the focus

of the partnership was determination and placing a high value on their wickets.

“We communicated well.

We knew there were some tough periods we had to fight through and I think we did that well,” he explained.

“We knew the plan, we knew our plan and we just worked with it. We kept encouraging each other and the key word was ‘fight’.

“I wasn’t worried [in the morning session]. I believe in the team and we showed it. The key for us was fight

and that’s what we went out there and did.”

Hope added: “It’s Test cricket, you have to dig in.

England have some quality bowlers on their team so you had to make sure you stayed there as long as possible and not leave it for the other guys inside to do the job.”

The performance was a far cry from the debacle of last weekend when the Windies lost 19 wickets on the third day to collapse to an innings defeat in the opening Test at Edgbaston.

But Brathwaite said the

Caribbean side had been eager to turn the page on that outing and build on Friday’s solid outing with the ball.

“As a team I thought we had the belief – we weren’t going to give up. That was the mindset. We bowled them out for 258 and decided we would go out there and work hard, believe in ourselves and that’s what we did,” he noted.

“We will play it as it goes. The key tomorrow for us is to build on the lead and we’ll take it from there as a a team.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday, August 27, 2017

Suriname beat Guyana 91-84 to retain IGG Basketball title SURINAME retained their Inter Guiana Games (IGG) basketball title after winning the second of the ‘best of three’ series yesterday 91-84.

Fans who crammed into the Ismay Van Welgin Sports Hall in Paramaribo were entertained

by Guyana’s Kevon Wiggins and Timothy Thomas who created much trouble for the Surinamese defence.

Guyana trailed for much of the game, until Wiggins and Thomas found some rhythm and clawed Guyana back into the game.

Abdullah Hamid’s men had a distinct size advantage with Akeem Crandon and Jermaine

Timothy Thomas powering his way to the basket against Suriname at the Ismay Van Welgin Sports Hal

King manning the paint, but it was Suriname’s sensational shooting that kept them in the lead.

The refereeing also didn’t help Guyana, and their supporters were furious with what they felt was bias officiating.

Wiggins, who finished with the game-high 28 points, and Thomas (24), were the players keeping Guyana in the game until Nigel Bowen found his form. Bowen finished with 13 points.

The game was exciting, but Suriname kept control of the game, dictating the tempo and flow and would hold on to win another IGG Basketball title.

After the game, Hamid didn’t hold back his words and lashed out at the poor officiating.

“When you have players going home knowing that they played their best only to have the game decided by referees, it doesn’t look good on the games, and if they can’t fix this issue, then basketball should withdraw until they can find referees from other countries” Hamid said.

Known popularly as ‘Zico’, Hamid also told reporters “The guy’s did their best. We shouldn’t had loss the first game, and I think they basically give up after everything they did the referees called against them.”

RHTYSC Patron’s Green Economy tournament concludes today THE Area ‘H’ ground in Rose Hall Town is expected to be a hive of activities and colours today, with the conclusion of the historic RHTYSC/Kares Engineering Inc Patron’s Green Economy Softball Tournament.

The four remaining teams in the tournament - Hard Knock, Jai Hind, Prophecy Boys and Grill Master will clash in the semi-finals during the morning session, while the third place playoff and the final are scheduled for the afternoon.

The Hard Knock team of Manchester Village, WCB, will clash with Prophecy

Boys in the first semi-final at 09.00hrs, while Grill Master of Canje will take on Jai Hind in the other semi-final.

The third place playoff is set for 12.30hrs, while the final is scheduled to start at 15.00hrs.

Both semi-finals are 10 overs a side, the third place playoff is a 15-over a side affair, while the final will be 20 overs per innings.

The winning team will be $500 000 richer, and will receive the Green Economy Trophy.

The losing finalists will collect $300 000, and a trophy, while the third and fourth place finishers will

receive $100 000 and $50 000 respectively. Man-ofthe-finals will collect $50 000.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that all plans are in place for a successful day of family entertainment.

The tournament is being held as part of His Excellency, President David Granger’s 72nd birth anniversary celebrations, as well as to educate Berbicians on Climate Change and to promote the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club highly successful Say No/Say Yes Message.

By - Elroy Stephney

Football Club where he became a house-hold name.

His athleticism, stamina and skill he used to perfection in winning many titles. His love and passion for sports including being a local 100m champion has not waned and he has now devoted his time, experience and energies as a football Coach.

The vocal and forthright stalwart explained to Chronicle Sport that he is determined to make a difference in the manner in which football is played and administered in Essequibo.

Blackman previously served as the vice- president of the Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association and has now taken ontheassignmentasapermanent coach for the Mainstay Gold Star Football Club, situated in the Amerindian Community of Mainstay.

After attending several formal coaching stints both in Georgetown and in Essequibo, according to Blackman he is now knowledgeable and equipped to impart same to the youths with the aim of producing national footballers from the village.

His coaching programme for the club includes at least four days of training during the week and will include players between the ages of 8-28 years old from both gender.

During an exclusive interview, he disclosed that his wish is for Essequibo’s football to rise above its current dismal state and also to get more footballers from the hinterland to be exposed.

He further stressed that more programmes,includingcoachingclinics, are needed to generate interest and encourage the young footballers to take the game seriously.

Notwithstanding, he is of the

President David Granger

Grill Master Cricket Club team: David Lukenauth (Captain), Krishon

Sobhai, Randy Baichan, Kishan Gangaram, Joshua Diaram, Vishal Phillips, Oliver Giddings, Talash Phillips, Seon Hetmyer, Roy Jaffarally, Ramnarine Jugisteer, Keon Sinclair and Wahied Edwards.

Jai Hind Cricket Club: John Someer, Adrian Singh, Imran Hussain, Deonarine Rangasammy, Andy Naidu, Komal Mangal, Shazir Rangasammy, Prabhuy Baldeo, Bhopindra Matadin, Gudakesh Motie, Veerapen Moonsammy, Amernauth Moonsammy, Heeralall Harilall, Imran Zakier and Subraman Mangal.

Hard Knock Cricket Club: Paul Tyndall, Sherwin

George, Utmoon Emanuel, Odelle Velloza, Akeem Tyndall, Eldeen Mendonza, Michael Tyndall, Raul Park, Royden Grey, Shade Cameron, Randy Ross, Sanjay Budhoo, Dave Nagamootoo, Adrian Velloza and Delroy Glasgow.

Prophecy Boys Cricket Club: Chandrashakker Arjune, Rameshwar Poonoo, Madhan Budhram, Arif Chan, Davanand Itwaru, Dharmesh Ganpat, Ganesh Balgobin, Michael Ramalho, Steve Sukhdeo, Afroz Mauramootoo, Ganesh Dhanessar, Navendra Ramphal, Subryan Richard and Navendra Ramnauth.

witnessed during the NAMILCO Under- 17 as well as the Digicel schools’ football tournaments which were played recently in Essequibo.

The dedicated football Coach also highlighted the need for the Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association to function more effectively by attracting more clubs to the Association, coordinating more competitions, exposing and developing more coaches and having regular meetings that would enlighten the clubs and members as to the functions and plans for the sport in Essequibo.

According to Blackman, he remains committed to supporting every effort in having football regain the status it once had in the Region as he reminisced on the days when he joined with local heroes such as Joseph Livan, Compton Haynes,

Albert Belfield, Dexter Stephney, Ken Hercules and Dexter Baird, among others, who combined in producing dazzling displays on the field. Meanwhile, Blackman’s next tour of duty will be to guide his Mainstay Gold Starchargeswhowillbeparticipating in the Regional Indigenous heritage football tournament scheduled for this weekend.

He has since expressed confidence and has vowed to win the tournament as a testimony of his ability to lead, inspire and bring the best out of the players he termed as his ‘soldiers’ who will battle to the end until victory is earned. With such strong convictionandanappetitetofosterunity in diversity, Andre Blackman is going the distance to transform football in Region Two and he is proud to blaze the trail in achieving his goals.

Andre Blackman-going the distance in coaching football in Essqquibo THEdiminutive56yearoldAndre Blackman is no stranger to the fieldofsports.Theformerpioneer who served in the Guyana National Service (GNS) during the 1970s, represented the organisation in cricket and football as a wicket-keeper/batsman and striker, respectively.

After his stint spanning three yearsinthehinterland,hereturnedto Essequiboandcontinuedhissporting exploits. His prolific run-scoring earned him selection for North Essequibo where he rubbed shoulders withthelikesofTrentonPeters,Jaimini Singh, Ramcharran Singh, Bentley Bishop and the late Berchmore Reid, among others.

When not in his traditional whites, he would find the back of the nets often for Henrietta Quibo

Mainstay Gold Star football coach, Andre Blackman

viewthattheRegionhastremendous potential, especially with what he

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Sunday August 27, 2017

Guyana comfortably defends IGG athletics title

By Tamica Garnett in Suriname WITH hardly a fight from Suriname, Guyana effortlessly defended their Inter Guiana Games athletics title when the competition concluded yesterday as Toyan Raymond picked up the girls sprint double, Joanna Archer closed of the girls distance double, and Rickie Williams shone in the boys 5000m.

After winning the girls’ 1500m, when the competition began on Friday, Archer delivered on her promise to collect the distance double as she scored the 800m win with a time of 2:27.40s, at the grass track of the Andre

Kamperveen Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Kezra Murray was second with a time of 2:30.2s.

She would return later to help the girls’ 4x400m team to victory in a time of 4:13.7s, for her third gold this year.

After taking second behind his compatriot, Daniel Williams, yesterday, Samuel Lynch was not to be held back in his pet event--the boys’ 800m, and for the win he delivered a time of 2:03.5s.

Earning another medal for Guyana was youth athlete, Daniel Melville, who took the silver with a time of 2:10.7s.

Chantoba Bright had a best jump of 5.3m for the

Joanna Archer successfully defends her distance double at this year’s IGG

Toyan Raymond takes the girls sprint double at this year’s IGG. (Delano Williams photos)

long jump win, pairing it with the triple jump victory from Friday.

In the boys’ long jump, Suriname picked up one of their few gold medals as Marciano Shepper’s 6.71m leap was the best for the day. Timmeon Spencer’s 6.05m was good enough for second, while boys’ triple-jump gold medalist, Ronardo Greene, had to take a bronze in the long jump after his best jump was just 6.04m.

In the sprintsToyan Raymond and Umkosie Vancooten represented well and ensured the gold medals came back to Guyana. Raymond took 26.5 seconds for her win, while

Vancooten took 24.3 seconds for his.

Girls’ 400m champion Deshauna Skeete was second in the 200m with a time of 27.4s.

Guyana had another 1-2 win in the boys’ 5000m and girls 3000m, with Rickie Williams delivering a 17.55.8s in the 5000m, with time to spare as Murphy Nash strode in at 18.09.90s.

Shaquka Tyrell also had a big win in the girls’ 3000m, clocking 11 minutes 41.8 seconds, and Leyanna Charles strolling in at 12.04.3s.

Guyana took gold in both the boys and girls’ 4x400m to take a clean sweep of the relays.

Guyana eyeing IGG football glory today

By Rawle Toney in Suriname GUYANA’s male and female football teams are hoping to have the better of their rival, Suriname in today’s clash at the Franklin Essed Stadium.

While the women went down 3-1 in their first match on Friday, for the men, a late goal by Suriname saw their match ending in an exciting 1-1 draw.

Akilah Castello’s women’s team will take the field at 15:00 hrs (GT time) while at 17:00 hrs, Sampson Gilbert’s troops will attempt to reclaim the IGG male football title.

“We’re just going to play our best (and) try to win this

game” a smiling Gilbert told Chronicle Sport.

In their first match, New Silvercity Secondary’s Shane Haynes netted a beauty in the 39th minute to give Guyana the advantage.

“I didn’t had him (Haynes) to start but he looked good in the final practice session before the game, so I made some changes and he had a good game” Sampson said.

Guyana created several chances but failed to find the back of the net, until Suriname equalized in the 79th minute.

The male and female football matches will bring the curtains down on this year’s IGG.

Guyana’s goal scorer, Shane Haynes

Ryan Hackett (#16) battling in the midfield with a Surinamese player (Delano Williams photo)

Amazon Warriors spreads cheer to NOC, Essequibo residents THE Guyana Amazon Warriors yesterday spread cheer to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) and the Essequibo region when they paid a courtesy visit to the region.

The local franchise first spread the love on Saturday morning when they visited the students of the NOC who had the opportunity to interact with the players.

According to senior member of the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Steven Jacobs, the key to development is to embrace education and follow good company.

“Education is the key to development and that is the way forward for you students and that is the approach you must take,” the senior

player said.

GAW captain Rayad Emrit and Coach Roger Harper emphasised this, saying that in the future, one of those very students could be a part of the Amazon Warriors set up.

Saturday’s visit was made possible compliments of GTT. The GAW also visited the Imran Khan supermarket where they met fans

Part of the Amazon Warriors Outreach to Essequibo

Guyana comfortably defends IGG athletics title

Page 27

Brathwaite, Hope tons spur Guyana cop Windies to 71-run lead IGG cycling Time Trial --aiming to win today’s road race

Page 24

Kraigg Brathwaite brought up his century with a six shortly Shai Hope celebrates his maiden Test hundred as the before tea fourth-wicket stand grew to 246.

Guyana retain IGG Volleyball title Guyana’s male cycling team after winning yesterday’s time trial.

Page 24

The victorious volleyball team following their second win over Suriname.

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THE team of Jason Cameron, Marcus Keiler, Curtis Dey and Adellie Hodge clocked 13 minutes, 39.42 seconds to win yesterday’s Inter Guiana Games (IGG) cycling time trial, and will make a push to keep Guyana’s rich tradition of winning the road race at the games.

Covering a distance of 10 kilometers, the Guyanese riders made it look easy and used their excellent team chemistry to their advantage.

Suriname covered the distance in a time of 14 minutes and 56 seconds.

In the women’s time trial, which was done individually, Guyana’s Deance Welch rode the distance of six kilometers in nine minutes and 53 seconds; 52 seconds slower than her Surinamese rival who finished first.

Coached by Hassan Mohammed, the Guyanese quartet will be aiming to take the road race by storm today.

Welch, who is one of Guyana’s top female cyclist, will rely on Yonika and Shenika Barker in the road race to help make a clean sweep of the cycling.

(Rawle Toney) SUNDAY, AUGUST, 26 , 2017