Lindeners encouraged to team up for business loans Page 8
Norton takes charge No. 105019
TUESDAY AUGUST 29, 2017
Price: $80
(VAT Inclusive)
...of Culture, Youth and Sports …Henry confirmed as Minister of Education
Page 3
Children rescued from ‘abusive’ home Page 9
New ‘scheme’ for Perseverance Page 8
Dead: Feroze Khan
Dead: Arnold Tinnis
3 killed in road accidents
– over 20 acres of land being cleared for project
Dead: Cleon Perreira
See stories on pages 8, 9 & 10
GCAA to up monitoring of domestic carriers …bad weather delays return of pilot’s body
Page 4
Abary Ranch accused of cattle rustling Page 5
…defaulted on payments to MMA/ADA
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
President pledges support for Diocese of Guyana’s education programmes PRESIDENT David Granger on Sunday pledged the Government’s support for ongoing educational programmes being implemented by the Diocese of Guyana, even as he noted that religious organisations can play an integral role in the development of communities and by extension, the country. Therefore, the State looks to them for partnership in the eradication of poverty, the fostering of social cohesion and the creation of a better life for all Guyanese. The President made these remarks at a special church service held at the Christ Church Parish on Waterloo Street to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Guyana. He said that the Diocese has been making strides in education since its establishment
and this coincides with his goal of improving access to education for all the children of Guyana. “The Diocese, through the foresight of our first Bishop, established Queen’s College as early as 1844 and, later, the correctly-named Bishops’ High School, both of which still reflect the high standards set by their Anglican founders. The Diocese can be assured of my Government’s support for the Church’s educational efforts, as I have supported Hindu and Islamic schools, through the National Endowment for Science and Technology (NEST),” he said. President Granger said that the Diocese has always played a role in the promotion of peace, assisting the poor and impoverished and bringing people of different backgrounds together. “The Diocese came into existence
President Granger greeting and interacting with some of the members of the church
on August 24, 1842 with the consecration of the Right Reverend William Austin as the first Bishop of Guiana… The Diocese deserves our gratitude for its service to women, youth, the poor and needy. We applaud the episcopacy, clergy and laity for the propagation of the Gospel in Guyana… The State looks forward to working with the ‘Diocese’ towards
making Guyana a better place and to providing a good life for all in the years ahead,” the President said. The Head-of-State noted that the Diocese occupies a prominent place and plays a pivotal role in public and private life, as he noted that Anglicans constitute almost seven percent of Guyana’s population. Anglicanism, he said,
has transcended race, class and creed and has deep roots in almost all communities, with churches in every hinterland and coastland region, pioneering missions among Africans, Amerindians, Chinese and East Indians. “Growing up in Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara, I never had to travel more than 30 minutes from my
Over $1.4B in contracts awarded By Svetlana Marshall GUYANESE can expect major infrastructural projects to be rolled out in the areas of infrastructure, security, health and agriculture with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) approving over $1.436B in contracts. On Monday, Cabinet said it has taken note of the 28 multi-million dollar contracts that were awarded by NPTAB and other procurement entities. In Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), miscellaneous roads will be rehabilitated and constructed to the benefit of residents on the Essequibo Coast. These projects will be executed in three lots. Curry Road, Perseverance, Essequibo Coast will be rehabilitated by Mohamed
Ramzanalli Khan to the tune of $20.403M, while the contract to construct Sand Pit Road at Onderneeming, on the Essequibo Coast was awarded to Chung’s Global Enterprise to the tune of $40.128M. The final lot, the Lima Sands Access Road, will be constructed at a cost of $39.8M by Mohammad Fawaaz Bacchus Construction. Meanwhile, in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), five multi-million dollar contracts will result in the rehabilitation and construction of several roads. Approximately $52.6M was awarded to Bardon Construction Services for the construction of the Mahaicony Branch Road, while the High Dam Sideline in Mahaicony will be upgraded to a road by Chung’s Global Enterprise. The said company
was awarded $22.072M to execute the project, while a third contract, which includes rehabilitating School Street and First Street, west of School Street at El Dorado, was awarded to SYMS General Contractors Incorporated at the cost of $17.5M. A fourth contract, to the tune of $12.6M, was awarded to Shereaz Bacchus General Contractor for the rehabilitation of Washington Sideline Dam, while the fifth, in the sum of $18.5M, will go to K.P. Thomas and Sons Contracting Incorporated to do Secondary School Street in Bush Lot. SOESDYKE-LINDEN HIGHWAY In Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Ten (Upper Demerara- Berbice), commuters will benefit from extensive repairs to be carried out on the Soesdyke-Linden
Highway, which has developed a number of depressions along the route. That road project will be executed by K.P Thomas and Sons at a cost of $31.498M, while the Mon Repos Access Road will be repaired at a cost of $8.1M by B&J Civil Works. Meanwhile, under the Ministry of Communities, the Baramita Health Post in the Barima-Waini District of Region One will be upgraded by International Import and Supplies at a cost of $34.2M, while living quarters will be constructed at the Bartica Secondary School in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) by B&S Contracting Service. That contract is valued at $21.5M. Also under the Ministry of Communities, a nursery school at Yurong Village, Central Rupununi will be constructed by Theodore
home to reach an Anglican Church, so ubiquitous were they then. The Diocese of Guyana is home to some of Guyana’s most historic churches – the most spectacular of which, the Cathedral of St George, adorns our $100 currency note. The Diocese has been the spiritual home of my own family for over a century. I was baptised here 72 years ago, confirmed, and married here 47 years ago and still worship here. My father, born 111 years ago, and my children worshipped here. My grandchildren were baptised here,” President Granger said. First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, who is also performing the duties of Prime Minister, also attended the service. (Ministry of the Presidency)
– among them multi-million dollar road projects
Faria General Contracting Service at a cost of $20M, while the kitchen and laundry room at the Lethem Regional Hospital will be upgraded by N&A Construction at a cost of some $16.3M. Under the Ministry of Communities as well, the construction of a bridge in South Central Rupununi, projected to cost $21.5M, will be done by Theodore Faria General Contracting Service. Additionally, five large pontoons and a gantry will be rehabilitated at the Demerara Habour Bridge by E. C. Vieira Investment Incorporated to the tune of some $86.7M, while cricial rehabilitation works on the MV Kimbia, projected to cost $29.5M, will be carried out by Courtney Benn Contracting Services. OTHER SECTORS Under the Ministry of
Public Security, the sum of $40.2M was approved for the completion of a fire station at Melanie Damishana on the East Coast of Demerara, which will be done by Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited, while the sum of $31M was awarded to Brenco Shipping and Trading Company Limited for the procurement of a sidescan sonar for the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). In the area of agriculture, Farm Supplies Limited was awarded $230M for the procurement of a number of excavators, and Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) Limited $273.8M for the purchase of bulldozers. Massy Industries Guyana Limited, on the other hand, was awarded $64.2M for the procurement of tractors and implements. Turn to page 5 ►
Norton takes charge 3
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
of culture, youth and sports
…Henry confirmed as Minister of Education PRESIDENT David Granger has announced that Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton will, as of September 1, assume responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, allowing Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry to focus on improving the quality of and access to education countrywide. In a statement, the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) said, Dr. Norton will remain Minister of Social Cohesion at the Ministry of the Presidency, with the new addition to his portfolio. However, his office will now be housed at the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport on Main Street. “This forms part of government’s efforts to ensure the effective delivery of
critical public services,” the MOTP statement read. In an invited comment, Dr. Norton told the MoTP that he is thankful for the confidence reposed in him by the President and looks forward to the new portfolio, even while he continues to focus on building social cohesion in Guyana. “I am very excited about this. There is no doubt about my interest in sports and I have been exposed to the various cultures across the country. In my role as Minister of Social Cohesion, I have been privileged to work with all the groups across the country and so I have an understanding of what is needed already. I have always been vocal about youth opportunities and...I certainly see the
youth population as being the agents of change, who can make social cohesion a reality in Guyana and so I look forward to doing my best in both worlds,” he said. Back in January President David Granger had reshuffled his Cabinet, removing Dr. Norton from the critical Public Health Ministry and replacing him with Volda Lawrence, while Amna Ally took over at the Ministry of Social Protection and Norton was sent to the Ministry of Social Cohesion. Only recently, President Granger also announced the movement of Dawn Hasting-Williams from the Ministry of Communities to that of Minister of Public Affairs within the Ministry of the Presidency. “It was a ques-
Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth & Sport
tion of my own judgment and I have to continuously evaluate the workload of every Ministry… It’s a continuous process to ensure that government works well and we need to ensure that we put our best effort where those efforts can have an impact
on Government,” the Head of State had said in making the announcement. The President said Minister Hasting-Williams going into the Ministry of the Presidency is a continuation of a balancing process to strengthen the management of the Ministry. In June, also, President Granger moved Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine from his post of Minister of Education to the Ministry of the Presidency as the Public Service Minister. As a result, Henry took up the post as Education Minister. In 2016, the President had also initiated some changes to his Cabinet. Minister Catherine Hughes was appointed Minister of Public Telecommunications while the Ministry of Governance and the Protection of the National Patrimony
were delinked. The latter was renamed the Ministry of Natural Resources and assigned to Minister Raphael Trotman. The functions of the Ministry of Governance were then added to the portfolio of Prime Minister, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo. In addition, Minister Simona Broomes was also shifted from the Ministry of Social Protection to the Ministry of Natural Resources, while Minister Keith Scott was moved to the Ministry of Social Protection from the Ministry of Communities and was tasked with responsibility for Labour. Minister Valerie Sharpe-Patterson was then given the nod for the post of Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing.
Parking meter debate fixed for Sept 7 – Mayor asks councillors to study law before airing their views By Telesha Ramnarine CITY Mayor Patricia Chase-Green on Monday announced a new date for discussion of the contentious parking meter among councillors. She’s also asked that before engaging each other on the matter they study Chapter 28:01 of the laws governing
the municipality. Thursday, September 7 is the new date set for the talks, so councillors can ventilate their views after they would have “quite clearly” read Chapter 28:01, she told the fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall. When councillors met on August 17 last to debate, they took a decision to defer
the deliberations, on account of the need for more time to study the report that was submitted by the re-negotiating committee. “Everybody will be given an opportunity to say what they feel about it,” the mayor told the Guyana Chronicle when asked about what is planned for the next meeting. While Councillor Mal-
colm Ferreira was appointed chairman of the team re-negotiating the contract, other members of the committee were: Councillors Noelle Chow-Chee, Carlyle Goring, Tricia Richards, Ivelaw Henry, Roopnarine Persaud and Heston Bostwick. According to the report that the team has submitted so far, Smart City Solutions
(SCS), the foreign company granted the concession by City Hall to install parking meters in the city, has refused to submit certain necessary documents to the committee unless the latter’s members agree to be bound by secrecy. According to the report, the committee requested from SCS certain documents that, under normal circumstances, would be present and available in any business deal, so Turn to page 8 ►
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
GCAA to up monitoring of domestic carriers …bad weather delays return of pilot’s body
THE Search and Rescue team deployed to Region Eight (Potaro–Siparuni ) following the fatal plane crash on Sunday has not been able to extract the body of the pilot, Imran Khan, due to poor weather conditions and loss of sunlight, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said on Monday night. And, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said it will now intensify monitoring of domestic aircraft, as it probes the second fatal accident in less than a month. In a terse statement, the GDF said that after feverish attempts, the rescue pilots were unable to have a visual of the extraction point. However, the GDF said it is anticipated that the mission will be completed today, depending on the harsh mountainous and weather conditions. Khan, an Air Services Limited (ASL) pilot, died when the Cessna 206 aircraft he was flying crashed in the interior on Sunday. Khan had been on shuttle duty and was returning from Chai Chai to Mahdia when contact was lost with his carrier. From an aerial view, the single-engine aircraft seemed to have flipped sideways on landing, since there was a clear view of its fuselage. The Guyana Chronicle was told that both of the wings of the aircraft are broken off. National Air Transport Association President, Annette Arjoon-Martins, who
spoke on behalf of ASL, told this publication that after contact was lost with the aircraft, five planes were immediately dispatched to the identified location. She said a Trans Guyana Airways aircraft joined the search, as well as two ASL helicopters. Arjoon-Martins said ASL has been in communication with the pilot’s brother, who is the only other family member residing in Guyana. The relative is expected to travel to the city from Essequibo, today. The dead pilot is the second son and child for his parents, Buddy and Jean Khan, who now reside in the United States with their only daughter. They are originally from Coffee Grove on the Essequibo Coast, just over two miles from the town of Anna Regina. Khan been working with the company for almost seven years. Arjoon -Martins expressed gratitude to other aviation operators, the Special Forces and the support of the GCAA for their “tremendous” effort in speedily locating the dead pilot. PROBE LAUNCHED Meanwhile, in a statement the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said it has launched an investigation into the accident. The body said the pilot, Captain Imran Khan, who was the lone occupant of the aircraft, was on his second shuttle mission for the day at the time of the accident. The GCAA said
preliminary report indicated that the plane was scheduled to land at Mahdia at approximately 08:47hrs but failed to do so. A distress signal was received at approximately 09:08hrs which initiated a search operation by all domestic operators within the vicinity of the last known location of the aircraft. The crash site was positively identified at 12:56hrs and a team from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was deployed to the area to recover the pilot. According to the aviation body, due to the conditions of the terrain, the rescue team had to trek for approximately three hours cutting through thick vegetation to reach the crash site from the landing zone. The rescue team recovered the body of Captain Khan late Sunday afternoon. ALL AREAS The GCAA said the investigation by the Accident and Incident Investigation Group (AIG) will examine all possible areas that could have contributed to the occurrence of this latest accident, including weather condition, pilot’s flight and duty hours, and the type of operations the pilot was conducting. Director General of the GCAA, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Fields, is quoted in the release as saying that surveillance and inspection of air operators, aircraft and other aspects of aviation operations will continue with more fre-
ASL pilot, Captain Imran Khan
quency. A meeting will also be held with all domestic operators on Wednesday to discuss safety issues and other matters in light of this latest accident. “The GCAA has commenced the State Safety Programme (SSP) as mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and is presently at the implementation stage. The elements of the SSP was introduced to service providers at a workshop held in July 2017 as a precursor for the Safety Management System (SMS) which all operators are expected to implement.” The GCAA said it continues to be proactive, and is diligently working with airline operators to ensure that their SMS programmes develop and function effectively. “The successful implementation of SSP and SMS will help to identify the hazards within the aviation sector and manage risks to the safety of
Director General of the GCAA, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Fields
passengers, operators and the aircraft. The GCAA remains committed towards creating a safe, secure and modern civil aviation sector, and to reduce the current number of aircraft accidents,” the statement concluded. On Sunday evening Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said government had mandated the GCAA to ramp up checks and inspections of aircrafts and facilities even as he expressed condolences to the relatives and friends of Captain Imran Khan. “We have asked the Director of Civil Aviation for there to be more frequent levels of inspection of these aircrafts, of the pilots and the facilities they use to ensure that there is a higher level of safety in these operations. We, as a small country, cannot continue to lose young men in the prime of their lives to accidents. We are calling on the Director to increase [the] level of investigation and oversight over all of the operators to ensure that the serviceability of these aircrafts are checked, that the time and hours of the pilots, which they fly must also be checked and
this must not just be a one off check but a regular check and also time and again, what we call ramp checks [random checks],” the Minister of State said. Minister Harmon said that safety is a major concern for the administration and it is for this reason that the Government has been expending large amounts of money in the development of airstrips, particularly those located in the hinterland. “We have expended quite a sum of money on the conditions of our hinterland airstrips. In the 2016 and 2017 Budgets, huge sums of monies were allocated for the development of these airstrips out of these concerns not only for the pilots themselves but for the passengers that they carry. We want to see a safe aviation industry so that the people who have to use these aircrafts, that there must be a very safe corridor,” he noted. Sunday’s plane crash is the third to occur in less than two months, two of which resulted in fatalities. Roraima Airways pilot, Colin Martin, perished on July 25 when his Britten-Norman Islander aircraft crashed on landing at Eteringbang, in Region Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni). Two weeks later, the Britten Norman Islander aircraft with Captain Dominic Waddel went down in the Eteringbang area, but he escaped with minor injuries. In December 2014, ASL’s Britten Norman Islander, registered as 8R-GHE disappeared while on a routine shuttle operation from Mahdia to Karisparu, Region Eight. The pilot, Captain Nicholas Persaud, 27, cargo handler David Bisnauth, 51, and the aircraft have not been found.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Land CoI hears…
Abary Ranch accused of …defaulted on cattle-rustling payments to MMA/ADA By Alva Solomon THE Abary Cattle Ranch and Company Limited had defaulted on its payments to the Mahaica-Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ ADA) in the millions and its cowboys were accused of rustling cattle from private farmers. This was noted on Monday morning by Aubrey Charles, the General Manager of the MMA/ADA, as he gave testimony at the Land Commission of Inquiry (CoI) at the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC). Last week, Hemraj Kissoon, Managing-Director and Chair of the Abary Cattle Ranch and Company Limited, told the CoI that the MMA unjustly took away over 2000 acres of land from the group without giving any rhyme or reason. However, Charles told the CoI that the ranchers group had a history of debts with the MMA, for over 30 years and this, along with concerns from private farmers in the Abary area, was one of the reasons a portion of land – east of an irrigation canal, which was built by the MMA from a loan given by the Inter-American Development Bank, was not given to the ranch group. Charles explained that the MMA records show that there were two blocks of state lands totaling just over 13,000 acres, situated at the upper reaches of the Abary River on its right bank, at an area called Kopal. He said the lands were held by a company. He said in 1977, the MMA was enacted by an act of Parliament, giving the body power to administer all state lands in Region Five and made provisions for certain drainage and irrigation (D&I) works to be constructed in the region. Charles said that it was against this backdrop that the government secured the IDB loan and construction of D&I work in the MMA scheme commenced. However, only one phase was undertaken and in that phase of work, a substantial portion of the state lands, which
were held by the Abary Cattle Ranch, was absorbed and became part of the MMA conservancy. He said as part of the works, a main irrigation canal had to be built and the remaining lands at the ranch were divided by the canal. Charles said the lands were split into two and a recent survey indicated that a portion of the land measures 7,784 acres on the western side of the main irrigation canal. The Abary group had been occupying that portion of land. He noted that the group had two titles to the land in the area. He said the lands east of the canal are approximately 2,500 acres and this is the land, which he noted, that the Abary Cattle Ranch wanted. Charles said prior to the survey, the ranch paid the MMA charges for 7,060 acres of land. He said that the MMA would have done a rough computation from available maps to complete the acreage. He said based on what Kissoon told the CoI last week, “it give the impression as if the MMA take away this land; the title was not renewed.” Charles informed the commission that the ranch made an application to renew its titles but the MMA refused on the grounds that charges were owed to the body. He said in 1999, the
Aubrey Charles (Ministry of Agriculture photo)
group’s defaulting accounts were in excess of $20M to the MMA and the body was not prepared to renew the title. He said that later, the MMA decided to waive the amount. “So a substantial amount of the charges owed were waived,” Charles noted. He said from 2000 to 2014, the company did not pay any monies to the MMA but rather, demanded the renewal of its title. He noted in 2013 the MMA moved to the court and received judgment in its favour. He said following this, the two parties arrived at a total of $20M. Early in 2014, Kissoon’s daughter, Asha Roberts and her spouse met with then Chairman of the MMA board, Rudolph Gajraj. Charles, who was there, said that the woman noted, “don’t
worry with dad, dad don’t like to pay money and she undertook to pay the outstanding charges from 2000 to 2014, but asked for some time.” In October 2014, Roberts paid the MMA all the outstanding charges, which was in the vicinity of $33M. Following this, the land was surveyed and the survey plan was submitted with copies to the MMA for records. He said based on the survey plan, a lease was issued to the Abary Cattle Ranch for the 7,784 acres. He said soon after this was done, the MMA received a letter from the Abary group which requested title for the lands east of the main irrigation canal. Charles said there are several reasons why the board took into consideration not to give the ranch the lands east of the irrigation canal. He said one such reason is that for over 30 years, the company was not in occupation of the lands and that the company was not paying charges to the MMA during this time. In addition, he said there are some private estates on the left bank of the Berbice River and the board of the MMA believes that if the proprietors of those estates require a portion of state lands, then the MMA would not be able to avail the es-
tates any state lands. In addition, he said the records at the MMA were destroyed by fire in 2001 but he recalled working in the Lands and Surveys Department at the MMA and there was a petition signed by several small cattle and cash crop famers who owned lands on the left bank of the Berbice River. In the petition, which was sent to the Minister of Agriculture, the petitioners claimed that before the irrigation canal was built, their cattle were being rustled by cowboys from the Abary Ranch. It is against that back-
ground that the MMA decided that the main canal, which is “more a physical barrier” divide the lands. Charles reiterated to the CoI that the reason why the lease was not given to the Abary Cattle Ranch is because the group was, “at all times owing MMA.” He said it was only in 2014, that the body’s finances with the MMA were straightened. “Prior to that they were never current, if they are saying otherwise let them produce the receipt and we can work from there,” Charles said. The hearings continue today.
Over $1.4B in... Under the Ministry of Public Security, US$96,000 was awarded to the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport for the provision of technical and vocational education training for its at-risk youth, citizen strengthening programme. Also under the Public Security Ministry, $34M was awarded to Industrial Safety Supplies Incorporated for the procurement of firefighting kits for the Guyana Fire Service. In the Health Sector, Caribbean Medical Supplies Incorporated was awarded $21M for the procurement of
From page 2
Becton Dickenson Reagents and supplies for the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, while in the area of Education, Massy Technologies Guyana Limited was awarded $12.9M for the supply, delivery and testing of computers and accessories for national distribution. Digital Technology was also awarded $87.8M for similar provisions. The final contract was awarded to R.K’s Guyana Security Services for the provision of security services to the Ministry of Social Protection at a cost of $126.8M.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017 - 10:00 hrs Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - 11:00 hrs Thursday, August 31, 2017 - 12:30 hrs
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Editorial
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Much room for improvement
NOW that the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results are out, it is important that the top officials of the Ministry of Education sit down and analyse them with the objective of charting a way forward for better performance by our students. From the information released by the ministry, the results overall at this year’s examination can be best described as constant compared to the previous year, but nevertheless reflect a consistent improvement over the past five years. But a crawl from 63.39 per cent in 2016 to 63.8 per cent in 2017, counting grades one to three, cannot be enough, and it is good to know that this fact was acknowledged by Education Minister, Nicolette Henry, during the announcement of the results last week. Government year after year invests the largest sum in the national budget to education and all stakeholders naturally would want to see our students do better in their examinations. This is just one side of the coin. Students doing well at their examinations is also dependent on parental support and it is always important for parents to play their part and take ownership of their children. Parents and teachers who made great sacrifices to see their children do well at this year’s examinations deserve high commendation, but the results
overall show that there is much room for improvement and greater efforts are needed in the areas of mathematics, English and the sciences. A 58 per cent pass rate for English (whether it is an improvement or decline in performance) when our official language is English, could hardly be good enough and requires education administrators to go back to the drawing board and identify and correct the weaknesses that are leading to failure. In the area of mathematics, teachers with full support of the ministry, have to work harder to build on the gains made, which have been steadily improving over the years. Though it is low, the 39 per cent pass rate recorded this year points to a steady upward climb in performance compared to the very high failure rates in the past 10 years. Mathematics aside, generally, students did well in the humanities, but the 54 per cent pass rate in social studies is worrying, since it indicates that quite a large number of students in the school system pay little interest in current affairs of their country and the region as a whole. The results also show that much work is required to shift the focus of the education system from the humanities to the sciences. Only chemistry recorded an improvement in pass rate at this year’s examination (from 41 per cent to 47 per
cent), but the bottom line is that even the improved pass rate was less than 50 per cent. Biology saw a big drop from 76 per cent in 2016 to 61 per cent this year, while the pass rate for physics declined from 55 per cent in 2016 to 52 per cent this year. The government has done much in talking up the need for Guyana to move in the direction of science and technology to keep up with the pace of development in the 21st century and it would be great to see some concrete steps being taken in the education sector to promote this agenda. It would be great to see the government provide special incentives to teachers in the areas of mathematics and the sciences, make more scholarships available in these areas and at lease offer free scholarships to the University of Guyana for persons interested in studying mathematics. These, along with science and mathematics fairs and competitions will go a far way in stimulating interest in these subject areas in the school system. And whatever plan the ministry comes up with to improve students’ performance at next year’s examinations, it should include focus on the poor performing schools.
Unsympathetic response by Mayor to reporters’ queries Dear Editor, THE rather unsympathetic and indifferent response given by the Mayor of Georgetown to reporters regarding the calamity faced by the more than 45 workers from Cevons Waste Management Company who will be fired by September 1, 2017, due to Council’s refusal to pay the company the nearly two hundred million dollars it owes it since 2015, sums up the irresponsibility
and ineptitude of those in charge of the Georgetown Municipality. There is scant regard for the welfare of the workers of the two companies, no concern for the wellbeing of these two companies that have served the citizens of Georgetown with diligence for close to three decades and a complete lack of apprehension for the mounting heaps of garbage appearing all around Georgetown and the subsequent health risks to the citizens. Her glib statement that
the situation facing the two disposal companies is unfortunate, but City Hall is financially strapped is dismissive and fails to take into account that if she, her accompanying administrative staff that goes for speech writing and other personal assistant duties etc, the Town Clerk and others who travel frequently to South, Central and North America, the Far East and all over the world, would desist from going on these pointless and absurd junkets, then there would be enough money to pay
the contractors. Why does she not consider, rather than having the two garbage contractors lay off close to a hundred workers all together who work hard each day and who make a real difference to the city’s environment, to instead lay off a hundred of the ‘Big Fish Hotshots’ from City Hall from the nearly one thousand workers on their payroll, many of whom don’t do anything productive but who earn super salaries several times that of garbage collectors?
Since the Council is cash-strapped as she claims, why don’t they fire also the other contractors, who they continue to pay diligently each month due to their kinship with senior political and administrative officials at the Council and who were awarded contracts without adherence to tender procedures.? She speaks as though the Council’s purported financial woes are someone else’s doing and not due to the corruption, incompetence and inanity of the Administra-
tors at City Hall. If she knew that the Council was financially strapped and unable to meet their financial obligations for the work they were doing for the last two years, why did she hire them in the first place. This is akin to writing a rubber cheque to a supplier after collecting his goods. This is something a senior Administrative officer at City Hall is well known for doing. Regards Sean Moniz
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday August 29, 2017
Labour deeply concerned --about recent spate of plane accidents The Labour Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Social Protection Ministry on Monday expressed concern over the recent spate of industrial accidents which have afflicted the local aviation industry over the past six weeks. The department’s statement, signed by the Chief Labour OHS Officer, Charles Ogle, comes one day after an Air Services Limited (ASL) plane crashed approximately two miles north of Mahdia
in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) killing the pilot, Captain Imran Khan. Khan is the second pilot from the local aviation industry to have died in a plane crash within a period of one month. According to the statement, the Labour Occupational Safety and Health Department has a legal and moral mandate under the Occupational Safety and Health Act Chapter 99:10 to ensure that all employers ensure the health and safety of their
workers. “It is through the provisions of the law that the Department is required to investigate and report on all accidents whether or not they are fatal,” the Department stated. It has noted, too, that the concern is being raised at a time when it is investigating industrial accidents involving three different local airlines, during which two pilots perished and one was seriously injured. “We are cognisant of the
fact that other stakeholders are also concerned with these industrial accidents, and will be conducting their independent inquiries,” the Department said, adding: “However, this Ministry’s primary focus is to determine the casualty factors of industrial accidents within the realms of the employer-employee framework.” It also quoted the subject minister as saying that his ministry will continue to work with all interested parties to guarantee the Safety and Health of all employees and employers. “To that effect, the Ministry is resolute
in executing its mandate of investigating all industrial accidents whenever these occur in order for workable recommendations within the context of preventative action to be taken,” the statement said. It also used the opportunity to express the ministry’s condolences to the families of the two pilots who perished, while wishing speedy recovery to the one that was injured. On July 25, 2017 Roraima Airways pilot, Colin Martin perished when his Britten-Norman Islander aircraft crashed on landing at
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Eteringbang, in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). Two weeks later, the Britten Norman Islander Captain Dominic Waddel was flying also went down in the Eteringbang area, but he escaped with injuries. In December 2014, ASL’s Britten Norman Islander, registered as 8R-GHE, disappeared while on a routine shuttle operation from Mahdia to Karisparu, Region Eight. The pilot, Captain Nicholas Persaud, 27, cargo handler David Bisnauth, 51, and the aircraft have, to this day, not been found.
Rapist guru jailed for 20 years A CONTROVERSIAL Indian guru convicted of rape on Friday has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Indian media reported that Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s followers set a vehicle alight just ahead of sentencing. Violence after Friday’s verdict in Panchkula, northern Haryana State, had killed some 38 people. The self-styled holy man was found guilty of sexually assaulting two female followers and jailed for 10 years for each, to run consecutively. There were initial reports
of a 10-year sentence, but his lawyers confirmed the sentencing was of consecutive, not concurrent, terms. Prosecutors had called for a life sentence. A lawyer for the victims said 50 women had come forward with allegations of rape, and they would be seeking further investigation in the case. “We believe there are at least 48 more victims who were sexually abused, and who may have been killed or are too scared to come out and testify against Ram Rahim,” lawyer Utsav Singh Bains told AFP.
Ram Rahim Singh denies charges of murder in two cases due to be heard next month. Following the sentencing, the chief minister of Haryana State, where Singh’s ashram is located, called an emergency meeting. A curfew has already been imposed in several areas of Haryana and Punjab States, while the capital, Delhi, is on alert. The army has been put on standby, and police say they have been given “shooton- sight” orders in case of trouble. Singh, 50, was not taken
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
to court to hear his sentence. Instead, the judge who convicted him was flown to the
If you can’t take it, don’t dish it out Dear Editor THE announcement made by the Town Clerk of Georgetown, that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be moving to seize movable property as part of its efforts to recover billions of dollars owed by delinquent ratepayers, is tonguein-cheek, particularly coming from him, who is aware of the trauma that is caused by such seizures. As they say
here in Guyana ‘Sorry fah magga dog, magga dog turn round bite you.’ But has Council even considered what would happen, should their creditors take the same punitive action against them for their delinquency? They should realise that if you can’t take it, then don’t dish it out. What if the Guyana Power and Light company cuts electricity to municipal buildings for the tens
of millions owed them for street-lighting etc? And the Guyana Water Inc cuts the water supply for non-payment, including their clinics and day care centres and abattoir? What about if their bankers took serious action for their non- serviced overdraft? And the garbage contractors for the over three hundred million dollars owed for two years or more?. What about if the Guyana Revenue Au-
thority and the National Insurance Scheme move against them for the tens of millions that they deduct from their employees, but fail to pay over to the respective ag en cies . Wh at ab o u t if municipal employees took strike action for constant late payments? As the saying goes, ‘People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.’ Regards Riley Matthews
prison in the town of Rohtak, where Singh is being held. The prison has been transformed into a fortress, with journalists banned within a 1.5km (one-mile) radius. Rohtak, in Haryana State, is also under police and military lockdown, the roads lined with barbed-wire barricades. There is also heavy security outside Singh’s 1,000acre compound in Sirsa, Haryana. Thousands of his supporters are still believed to be inside the Dera Sacha Sauda sect headquarters, despite many opting to leave follow-
ing a tense stand-off with soldiers. The Dera’s Sirsa headquarters is a huge township that houses schools, a hospital and a cinema. In his monthly radio address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was “natural to be worried” after days of violence, which had briefly reached Delhi. “Violence is not acceptable in the nation, in any form,” Mr Modi said. “Those who take the law into their hands or take to violence will not be spared, whoever they are.” (BBC)
ECD Road widening project to commence soon Dear Editor THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure will soon commence its East Coast Public Road Widening and Improvement Project, from Better Hope to Belfield. The Civil Works for the two-year project, which will commence tomorrow, Tuesday August 29, will see the upgrade of the road, inclusive of widening to fourlanes from Better Hope to Annandale and two-lane upgrade thereafter, extension/ reconstruction of bridges, and improvement of drainage system. The project will also include the installation of traffic signals and signs,
road markings, sidewalks, and street lighting. The contract was awarded to China Railway First Group Company Limited to the tune of US$46,995,941.34, with funding from the Government of Guyana and the Export-Import Bank of China. Upon the project’s completion, road users will benefit from an upgraded roadway that allows for improved capacity and reduced travel time, better drivability, and safety improvements for motorized and non-motorized traffic. Regards Ministry of Public Infrastructure
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Man dies as bike collides with truck ANOTHER motorcycle accident within the space of 24-hours has resulted in the death of a man at Airy Hall, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, on Monday afternoon. Reports are that biker, Arnold Tinnis, collided with a truck along the public road at Airy Hall around 14:30hrs. Another biker, Eze Powley, was also injured during the collision and he was rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital
Arnold Tinnis
for treatment. The deceased and the injured man were, according to reports, among several bikers who were returning from neighbouring Suriname. Police are investigating the accident. The accident occurred several hours after 26-year old Cleon Perreira perished following an accident on Sunday night. Perreira died following a collision with a car on the Better Hope Public Road.
Lindeners encouraged to team up for business loans By Vanessa Braithwaite THE Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) is encouraging Lindeners to apply for loans in groups so that they can establish partnerships in order to stimulate economic growth within the town. While the maximum amount that can be borrowed by an individual is $1M, residents who are interested in partnering with each other, are encouraged to apply for loans, which will allow them to access more money thus financing a larger business venture. Loan officer at LEN, Miss Neola Rogers, explained on Saturday at a women’s seminar that groups can access up to $10M, which will enable them to start-up companies. Rogers, who is also a municipal councillor, encouraged applicants to think outside of the box, rather than to expand an already established retail business. Too many persons, the loan officer said, are applying to LEN to purchase goods to sell back, which is actually defeating the purpose of the financial institution. She added that residents need to put aside political and other differences to create business establishments in Linden, which will in turn create employment, as well as to develop the town. “We need to band together, put our resources together and minds together,” Rogers encouraged. Similar sentiments were echoed by Minister of Communities, Valarie Yearwood, who was the former Chief Executive Officer of
LEN loan officer, Neola Rogers
LEN. Yearwood said that while monies are available for loans, it will be difficult to access same if everyone comes in with the same business proposal of buying and selling. She was at the time responding to concerns of residents who claim that loans are difficult to access at the lending institution. “Everybody want buy and sell, if Len has 500 loans, 400 is people who want buy and sell, the economy cannot grow like that….money is there that you can borrow but if you come to buy and sell we will not give you because we have enough of that, you have to come up with stimulating ideas,” Yearwood explained. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordon, while addressing residents of Amelia’s Ward also promised to support Linden in every way possible, especially in the area of value-added production. Jordan told Lindeners that he was not happy with the way things are
in the town and encouraged the residents to let their voices be heard for betterment. “I need to hear from you, don’t just remain silent Linden, I want to see more than what I have been seeing over the last few years, begin to organise, whether individually, collectively, get involved in business… Jordan urged the residents. For the first time since its establishment, the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) received an allocation of $150M, which saw a massive relaunch of the establishment in December of 2015. $100M was appropriated for business loans, which many Lindeners, especially young people, benefited from. President Granger at the launching said that the glory days for bauxite was over and urged the people to be more enterprising. “LEN has opened a new door for self-employment within the region as this profession encourages one to save… we are going to ensure that LEN remains viable as not starved of resources as Linden will become a womb of entrepreneurship,” he posited. Almost two years after the launch, scores of Lindeners benefitted from loans to commence or expand their businesses, but the economic situation in Linden has been described in many quarters as stagnated and LEN officials are blaming this on the lack of stimulating manufacturing ideas in which the monies are being used for.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Man found on Vryheid’s Lust road died of multiple injuries–autopsy A POST-MORTEM examination performed on the body of Abdool Wahab Khan, 49, a handyman of Better Hope Housing Scheme, whose body was found on the Vryheid’s Lust road on Sunday morning, revealed he died
of multiple injuries. Reports indicate that Khan was discovered lifeless by a passerby around 6am Sunday. He was found on the eastern parapet of the Vryheid’s Lust access road. His body bore wounds to his head, abdomen, hands
and feet. One relative noted that Khan was taking care of a house since the owners are on vacation overseas. Police are unable to say whether the man died as a result of a hit and run accident or if he was murdered.
New ‘scheme’ for Perseverance
– over 20 acres of land being cleared for project OVER 20 acres of land is being cleared at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara in order to facilitate the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)’s new housing development. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood told the Guyana Chronicle during an interview on Monday that the project is at the land-clearing stage, so that the infrastructural work, such as the construction of roads, can start. The new development, which is being cleared by Puran Brothers Construction, will reportedly accommodate 40 duplexes and 173 single-unit, two-bedroom houses. Minister Yearwood said the new scheme, replete with housing and infrastructure, is expected to be ready by year-end.
Contractors clearing the land at Perseverance (Photo by Adrian Narine)
She said the area was strategically chosen because its layout can accommodate some 570 houselots, which will help with reducing the 25,000 housing applications’ backlog within the CH&PA system. CH&PA Chief Executive Officer, Lelon Saul, had earlier in the year said that the agency’s vision is to construct single-unit, two-bedroom elevated
houses at Onderneeming, on the West Bank Demerara (WBD); Hope Experiment in West Berbice; and Amelia’s Ward, in Linden. He had said that Perseverance would also benefit from the programme; that the CH&PA was in the process of engaging private developers; but that more information on the process would be made available later in the year.
Parking meter debate... that they can be clarified and verified. “SCS wanted the committee to sign a confidentiality agreement before being allowed to see the relevant documents (feasibility study, business proposal), but given the public nature of the parking meter fiasco, the committee found it necessary to reject the idea of signing any non-disclosure agreement or to be bound by secrecy,” the report said. MAJOR RED FLAGS “The fact that the accountant’s report raised major red flags, it became necessary to ask SCS to provide verifying documents for the initial capital expenditure (proof of investment), as it is alarmingly unfair for council to negotiate any deal without having the true and proper supporting documents to arrive at a business proposal that would be beneficial to all involved,” it added. The company refused to provide proof of investment, and was therefore informed by the committee that no further discussions will take place unless and until the doc-
uments requested are made available. Although Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, along with representatives from the Ministry of Finance, and the independent accountant all agreed that SCS should willingly release the documents as requested, as is the norm for due diligence, the documents were never presented to the committee, and hence no further discussions took place. The report said that during the course of the consultations, persons expressed the view that the whole process surrounding the deal with SCS lacked transparency. “According to some stakeholders, many parts of the project seemed to be shrouded in secrecy, and was not open to full clarification and scrutiny.” The fees for towing, storage and clamping were said to be “exploitative”, and persons relayed a message of feeling victimised, the report mentioned. “Booting seems to have had a nasty negative effect on the psyche of some persons, who willingly expressed such at the consulta-
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tions, and with some calling the act oppressive and even slave-like.” As for the cost, the report said the overwhelming majority of persons consulted expressed the view that the current prices are way too high. “Comparisons were presented as it relates to our GDP, the economic situation in the country, the salaries of residents and especially paid-parking as another new burden on the society,” the report said. “Concerns were raised about the high cost for all-day parking, as well as no preferential parking for business owners, customers and delivery vehicles,” it added. The view was also expressed that SCS is a foreign company, and as such, the majority of the revenue earned in Guyana will be exported to a foreign country and not used for local development. “Persons were of the view that Guyanese companies could provide the same or a better service at a cheaper price that’s beneficial to all involved.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Constable on sick leave caught Father of seven dies in two-car collision on East Bank gambling – carrying illegal firearm, ‘ammo’ THE Police are investigating a constable who was found gambling under a shed with persons of “ill repute”. The constable, who was reportedly on sick leave,
The car which Feroze Khan was driving when he met his demise (Rabindra Rooplall photo)
Dead: Feroze Khan
A FATHER of seven died on the Land of Canaan Public Road, EBD, early Monday morning when the car he was driving, PGG 6896, collided with a taxi, HC 8204. Dead is Feroze Khan, 54, of Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway. Relatives said he left his home on Sunday to take his daughter to the hospital and was returning home on Monday morning when he was involved in the accident. His youngest child is 10 years old and the eldest is 20 years old. Police said they are investigating the fatal crash that occurred about 04:25 hrs on Monday morning on the Land of Canaan Public Road, involving Khan’s motorcar and the taxi driven by a 33-year-old resident of Forshaw Street, Queenstown, Georgetown. According to the driver of motorcar HC 8204, he was proceeding north along the western carriageway when motorcar, PGG 8696, which was proceeding in the opposite direction, suddenly made a U-turn into his path and they collided. After the impact, the driver of PGG 8696 was taken out of his vehicle in an unconscious state and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is currently at Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination. Police said that a breathalyzer test was ad-
The taxi that was involved in the fatal collision early Monday morning on the Land of Canaan Public Road
ministered to the driver of HC 8204 and no trace of alcohol was detected. He is in custody assisting with the investigation.
Neighbours described Khan as a quiet, easy-going person who supplied wood shavings to chicken farms.
was spotted on Sunday around 16:30hrs gambling under a shed at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD) with some shady characters. According to the police,
a search of his person revealed he had, hidden in his crotch, a .32 pistol and 10 live matching rounds. He has since been placed under close arrest as investigations continue.
Children rescued from ‘abusive’ home OFFICERS of the Childcare Protection Agency (CPA) on Monday rescued three children from a home in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). The officers acted on reports made by village leaders, including school teachers, who claimed that the children may have been sexually abused by their father. The children, two girls aged 12 years and eight years and a boy aged eight years, were taken from
the home where they resided with their 49-year-old father. According to those who have reported the case, it is alleged that the father had previously sexually abused two of his older girl-children. They are now 20 years and 14 years old and have since relocated. CPA officers, meanwhile, have taken the three children they have rescued to the Lethem Police station to assist with the investigations. Thus far, the children
told the police that they have been abused physically, however, they did not testify to being sexually abused. The police, however, continues to question the father as the investigations are still ongoing. Meanwhile, the CPA is urging citizens countrywide to report any suspected case of child abuse whether physical, emotional or sexual. All information, the agency says will be treated with strict confidence.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Bicycle anti-crime Biker killed in Better Hope crash patrols fanout
A 19-YEAR OLD Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident has been taken into police custody in connection with a fatal accident, which
The motorcycle, following the accident on Sunday night
Cleon Perreira
occurred on the Bette Hope Public road on Sunday night. According to the police, an investigation has been launched into the accident, which resulted in the death of motorcyclist Cleon Perreira, 27 years, of 119 Middle Walk,
Buxton on the East Coast Demerara. The police said that investigations revealed that motor car PMM 9206, a Toyota Spacio, which was driven by the Montrose resident, was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of the road, when it suddenly turned north into the path of motor cycle CG 1872, which was proceeding in the opposite direction. The two vehicles collided and as a result the cyclist fell
onto the road surface and sustained injuries. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in an unconscious state, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Persons familiar with the accident reported that following the collision, the driver of the car fled the scene leaving his sick mother in the vehicle. The police said the driver of the car was tested and found not to have had any alcohol in his breath.
POLICE bicycle anti-crime patrols commenced began fanning out around the city on Monday and four teams will be monitoring suspicious activities of persons. A team will be made up for two bikers. When contacted, Police Press Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan said that four teams will be in operation. The area that will be monitored will include Stabroek Market, Robb Street and Alexander Street, Regent and Camp Streets, Avenue of the Republic, Water and Commence Streets. He said they will operate as spotters and will be equipped with handsets to summon for back-
up whenever necessary. Ramlakhan explained that the evidence from the current studies suggests that bicycle patrols may be an effective and valuable tool for enhancing community policing relations. Underscoring that bicycle patrol units perform well, Ramlakhan noted that in some activities they perform more productively. He said bicycle patrol units provide that closer exposure and relationship with the public and bicycle patrols are more approachable for pedestrians, as well as for those in motor vehicles. The superintendent explained that the bicycle patrols are more likely to
roll up on illicit activities or situations where people are in need because on a bicycle, officer can see, hear, and even smell better from their perch. Recently, two hundred bicycles and accessories were handed over to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Georgetown City Constabulary by the United States, State Department, through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), at the Tatical Service Unit (TSU) Square, Eve Leary. The donation worth over US$145,000, saw the GPF receiving 170 bicycles with 30 being assigned to the City Constabulary.
Bicycle patrols that were deployed at the Brickdam Police Station Monday
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
The end of the era of the ‘strongman’?
– President Granger and the constitution in wake of Guyana’s other executive Presidents EVER since the introduction of the 1980 Constitution, the Republic of Guyana institutionalised an Executive Presidency which lawfully entrenched its incumbents as constitutional dictators. A constitutional dictator is an incumbent President who is lawfully empowered by the Constitution to invoke its entrenched dictatorial powers anytime he or she so chooses. The President is not only the head-of-state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, but also the “supreme executive authority” of the country. Government Ministers are creatures of the Executive President and may only exercise the delegated authority of their office on the President’s behalf. The President has veto powers over executive commissions, including the Elections Commission. Guyana’s executive presidency has powers to appoint members of the Judiciary and to prorogue or dissolve the Parliament. Parliament is the only arm of government with the constitutional authority to remove the President “for violation of the Constitution or gross misconduct”. Yet, the powers of the executive presidency can negate or neutralize those of the Parliament by the issuance of presidential decrees that prorogue or dissolve that body. The Guyana Constitution makes a “strongman” out of its Executive President. The strongman in this context is a “constitutional dictator”. During and even after leaving office, the President cannot be tried by the courts, or held legally liable for any act he/ she may have committed while occupying that office. The President is essentially above the law. Guyana’s Executive President, like Caesar, bestrides the country like a colossus! Guyana has had eight executive presidents. Only two of these, Forbes Burnham,
October 6, 1980 to August 6, 1985; and Desmond Hoyte, August 6, 1985 to October 9, 1992 were from the People’s National Congress (PNC). Five of the country’s executive presidents came from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP): Cheddi Jagan ruled from October 9, 1992 to March 6, 1997; Samuel Hinds ruled from March 6, 1997 to December 19, 1997; Janet Jagan ruled from December 19, 1997 to August 11, 1999; Bharrat Jagdeo ruled from August 11, 1999 to December 3, 2011; Donald Ramotar ruled from December 3, 2011 to May 16, 2015. President David Granger from APNU/AFC has been serving from May 16, 2015 to the present. He is the only Executive President not derived exclusively from either the PPP or PNC. President Bharrat Jagdeo ruled Guyana for almost 12 years and was the longest-serving executive president. He will likely retain that title since the Constitution was amended to limit an incumbent to no more than two terms. President Desmond Hoyte ruled for seven years. All of Guyana’s other executive presidents occupied the office for less than five years, including President Burnham and President Jagan. President Samuel Hinds acceded to the presidency after the death of President Cheddi Jagan and served for only nine months. Hinds was Cheddi Jagan’s Prime Minister and constitutional successor. He belonged to the Civic arm of the PPP/C and merely warmed the seat of power until Janet Jagan, the logical successor to Cheddi Jagan, took over. Janet Jagan had served as the Prime Minister for President Hinds. Had he chosen to do so, President Samuel Hinds could have constitutionally defied the PPP/C and kept himself in power for much longer. For his loyalty to the PPP/C, Samuel Hinds was remarkably kept as Prime Minister of the country for just over
22 years under the other four PPP/C Presidents. His occupancy of loyalty resulted in Guyana having had eight executive presidents, but only five prime ministers. STREET PROTESTS President Janet Jagan resigned after ruling for just under two years and died ten years later in 2009. Her presidency was plagued by tumultuous street protests by citizens who objected to her becoming President, because she was not born in Guyana. She was the only woman in the history of Guyana to be appointed both Prime Minister and Executive President. Both Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan died in office without serving out a full term. It is almost as if the office of Executive President consumes the very lives of those who want to retain it the most. Forbes Burnham was the architect of Guyana’s 1980 Constitution and he designed it to keep himself in power for life and to bring about unchallenged socialist transformation in Guyana. Known as the “Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” it makes the President not only the supreme executive authority, but also the supreme legislative and judicial authority. Burnham’s handpicked successor, President Desmond Hoyte used the considerable and unchecked powers of the presidency to repudiate and transform the cooperative socialist development path his predecessor had charted. Hoyte almost single handedly used the presidential powers to change Guyana from a socialist to a market-oriented development path while touting the private sector as the engine of growth. Hoyte also ended his party’s rigging of national elections, restrictions on a free press and restored free and fair elections. These actions led to the democratic replacement of the PNC party in government by Cheddi Jagan’s PPP.
It is important to note that both the PNC and the PPP endorsed and embraced the powers of the Presidency. For 23 years the PPP, while in government, did very little to reduce these dictatorial powers. Indeed, in the early 1980s, I interviewed Dr. Cheddi Jagan on the topic “Ministerial Government in Guyana” for over an hour at the PPP headquarters, Freedom House. I was ushered to his office by Ms. Gail Teixeira who was at the time serving as his administrative assistant. Janet Jagan, then editor of her party’s newspaper the “Mirror”, occupied the office next to her husband. She was in her office and did not attend the meeting. I specifically asked Dr. Jagan if he was in agreement with the 1980 Constitution and all the powers it accorded the President. He categorically told me that he had “no problems with the Constitution”. He said that his only objection was operational but not constitutional. He lamented that “Burnham appointed too many Vice Presidents and Government Ministers” and that when he becomes President he will have far fewer ministers and only one or at most, two Vice Presidents. Burnham at that time may have had five Vice Presidents. It was a sobering moment for me in recognizing that the charismatic leadership of Guyana’s two mass parties had more in common than the nation realized. Cheddi Jagan himself was by his own admission a “strongman” and an authoritarian leader that would also have taken Guyana down a socialist path if availed the opportunity. CHARISMATIC LEADER The Guyanese people have had decades-long love affair with the “strongman”. Both Burnham and Jagan were charismatic leaders and their supporters loved them and endorsed whatever they ordained. These founding-fa-
thers of the Guyanese nation were strongmen in their own right before becoming the heads of their governments. They were the lifelong and unchallenged leaders of Guyana’s two mass-based parties. The ability to control mass parties as well as the government is at the very foundation of this type of “strongman” leader. Acceding to the office of Executive President made them supremely and widely powerful as well. The other six presidents became “strong” mainly as a consequence of their incumbency as executive president. The problem with strongman rule is that it is essentially authoritarian and undermines the democratic processes in a society. The PPP and PNC political parties led by these strongmen were themselves undemocratic institutions. Further, strongman rule is inherently disposed to diminish transparency and accountability with resultant regimes characterized by widespread corruption and authoritarianism. Why then are the Guyanese people attracted to strongman rule? The strongman leader is able to widely dispense political patronage. They appoint loyal followers to prime positions and create jobs even when no work exists. They blur the lines between government assets and resources and personal property. They dispense favours to family, friends and supporters. Importantly, they create the illusion that without them being in power all will be lost. Strongman rule has created a culture of dependency among the Guyanese people on their government and above all its ultimate ruler. Government bureaucracies are made to serve the leader or his party’s demands instead of the country as a whole. The consequence of this culture of dependency on such authoritarian leadership is that followers are inoculated from self-reliant development. Those opposed to the ruler
and his mass supporters are marginalised and alienated with concomitant negative consequences for the development of the country as a whole. Mass migration from Guyana over the past three or four decades is an enduring index and direct consequence of the Guyanese people estrangement from their rulers, be they from one mass party or the other. NOT A ‘STRONGMAN’ This brings us to the current ruling APNU/AFC coalition administration. Though the Presidency retains its paramount power, President David Granger is the head of a broad based coalition government that imposes serious restraints on his exercise of such strongman powers. He therefore does not have the freedom space to readily dole out patronage benefits, even if he wanted to, and to adumbrate policies and programs with which the other coalition party members collectively disagree. The populace cannot turn to him to readily meet their needs. Getting things done for the country as a whole and his own supporters in particular is often the result of transactional arrangements with other coalition partners. The President is not unresponsive. He is instead accountable. Government ministers may be constrained to go rogue in order to provide preferential treatment to supporters of their own party in the coalition. The watchdog media in the country are ever inclined to expose any contrary actions by the President, his government ministers and other state officials. The Opposition PPP Party is also ever ready to rightly or wrongly call out any action by President Granger that smacks of patronage, corruption or that is contrary to the laws of the land. The demands for the new government to be transparent and accountable are deafening and are seemingly Turn to page 14 ►
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Soesdyke fatal accident victim identified – died of multiple injuries, autopsy finds THE young man of Amerindian descent who perished three Sundays ago after a car driven by a police constable slammed into him on the Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara has been identified as Eno David. David, 22, of Matthew’s Ridge, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini), had been working with a pastor on Farm Track Road at Soesdyke. A post-mortem examination done on Friday revealed that David died of multiple injuries on August 13. Police said the file on the fatal accident involving the police constable is expected to be completed soon since the body was identified. The file will then be handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. Investigations revealed that at the time of the ac-
cident, the constable was taking an injured policeman in his vehicle, PPP 8497, to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, escorted by a police vehicle with siren and flashing lights on. The injured policeman, identified as Gavin Gentle of Bartica Police Station, had earlier crashed his car on the Timehri Public Road around 02:30hrs. Reports indicate that Constable Gentle was proceeding south on the Timehri Public Road in motorcar PTT 5444 when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a utility pole and sustained injuries. His police colleague driving PPP 8497 upon noticing the accident stopped his car and gave assistance by transferring the injured policeman to his vehicle, before making a report at the Madewini Police Station.
The two crashed Toyota Allion cars owned by the policemen involved in separate accidents (Rabindra Rooplall Photo)
He was then provided the support of a police vehicle to assist with escorting the injured rank to the hospital. According to the driver of the police vehicle he swerved from the pedestrian, who was in the centre of the road, but Toyota Allion PPP 8497 which was close behind, slammed into him. The accident victim was then picked up and placed
in the same vehicle with the injured policeman and taken to the Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead. The injured policeman was treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and admitted in a serious but stable condition. The police said the driver of PPP 8497 was tested and no alcohol was detected on his breath.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Miner in court for allegedly beating man A MINER accused of beating a man with a piece of wood was on Monday charged for felonious wounding and was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. It is alleged that Alex Bovell on August 24, at St Elizabeth Backdam, Potaro River, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Clive Hope to cause him actual bodily harm. The unrepresented man pleaded not guilty to the charge and told the court that the victim was taking
advantage of him. According to the prosecution facts, on the day in question, there was a misunderstanding between the two men when Bovell armed himself with a piece of wood and lashed Hope about his body. Bovell made good his escape but was later arrested. Police Prosecutor, Arwin Moore, objected to the accused being granted bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charge. The Magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Bovell until September 18.
Inquest opens into death of man hit down by minibus ALMOST a year after a father of three was killed by a minibus, while standing on the road outside the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, the inquest into the matter commenced on Monday. The proceeding is being heard before City Magistrate Judy Latchman and a three member jury to determine whether the minibus driver, Christopher Bose, is criminally responsible for Persaud’s death.
On April 21, 2016 Persaud was hit down by minibus PFF 9802 driven by Bose. The driver of the minibus informed Police that Persaud fell in front of his bus. The inquest began with the testimony of Detective Sergeant Keith Conway who is stationed at the Grove Police Station. The inquest is adjourned and several police and civilian witnesses are expected to testify.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Gov’t moves to protect small-sized agro-processing industry
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC
THE government has taken a step to protect Small and Medium-sized (SME) business owners in the agro-processing industry. This is being achieved through a three-day workshop on the Management of Intellectual Property Assets for Small and Medium-sized enterprises, being held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown. The seminar which runs from August 28 to 30, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC, delivering the opening remarks said that the government is keen to develop agro-processing industry in Guyana. Minister Williams noted that over the years there have been numerous complaints about the lack of protection for Guyanese branded products. “Our government has always been saying that we need to have agro-processing because the nature of our agricultural industries and the hinterland regions
Small and Medium-sized (SME) and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Counsellor, Anil Sinha
etcetera; the President has always been speaking about that, that we should have a lot of our products processed and stored effectively so that they could be marketed,” the Attorney General explained. The Attorney General added that it was important for enterprises to be cognizant of the benefits of intellectual property rights. He made reference to a conversation he had with President David Granger, who said that while overseas he used sugar branded Demerara sugar, but was produced and branded in Mauritius. This was in relation to the “Demerara Gold” brand of sugar produced here in Guyana. “So, you wonder how our sugar is being branded Demerara sugar but then it is produced in Mauritius and so I believe that it is very important that we continue to push globally for the development and expansion of intellectual property and protection of assets, not only of our country but of individuals,” the Attorney General stated. SME and WIPO Counsel-
lor, Anil Sinha, stressed that business owners need to take intellectual property rights seriously. He said that Guyana is a country that is blessed by nature and endowed by tremendous natural resources which can contribute to the growth and development of the country. “Intellectual property is essentially a way to protect, to obtain property rights on intellectual creations, elations of the human mind. We will, of course, during the course of these three days go into each and every detail. The patent, the copyright the industrial design, the trade mark, the geographical indication, trade secrets, etcetera.” Sinha explained. Sinha pointed out that on the conclusion of the workshop, firms will be able to protect their brand and derive a number of financial benefits. He noted that branding will help local businesses be more successful and as such business owners should place more emphasis on protecting their brand. (DPI)
Participants of the Management of Intellectual Property Assets for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Agro-Processing Industry
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
‘Grab it with both hands’ …UK envoy charges Chevening Scholarship awardees
The Chevening Scholarship awardees and Bristish High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn during last Thursday night’s reception at the envoy’s Bel Air residence
By Abigail Brower SIXTEEN Guyanese will soon wing out to the United Kingdom to pursue studies under the UK government’s international award scheme, the Chevening Scholarships. The students were hosted at a reception on Thursday evening by Greg Quinn, British High Commissioner to Guyana who charged them to take full advantage of this unique opportunity so they could better contribute to Guyana’s future economic
development on their return. “The key message from me is that we must have the courage to learn from others, and accept that none of us know everything,” the UK envoy said, adding, “If we get an opportunity to learn, then we should grab it with both hands; and that is what Chevening is all about. The students will all pursue post-graduate degrees in a range of fields.” Held at the High Commissioner’s Bel Air residence, the reception was attended by Minister of Pub-
lic Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney-General, Basil Williams; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, Acting Chief Justice; and Chevening alumnus, scholarship awardees and family members. The High Commissioner said he has seen an increase in Guyanese participation in the Chevening programme since he arrived here in 2015, and that’s a great improvement. “We only sent two, and this is an indication
of a significant increase in scholarships we have been able to award in the last couple of years.” He said he hoped that the scholars, who will be studying for their postgraduate qualifications in a variety of fields, would, upon their return, rise to leadership positions across different influential sectors across Guyana’s economy, for the fact that those subject areas are key to Guyana’s future and ongoing development. Among subject areas in which the awardees will be pursuing their studies are: Public policy; renewable energy; energy studies; global
health; petroleum and energy economics; anthropology and environment; transport planning; innovation management; environmental engineering; development finance; agriculture; and communications. The scholars and their respective disciplines are: Kayla DeFreitas, MSc in Anthropology, Environment and Development; Sanasha Perreira, MSc in Renewable Energy Development; Jason Fraser, MSc in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship; Rovin Sukhraj, MSc in Global Health, Law and Governance; Tiffany Daniels, MSc in Systematic Reviews for Public Policy and Practice; Darcy Waldron, MSc in Environmental Engineering and Project Management; Michael Fraser, MSc in Communication and Signal Processing; Lidon Charles, LLM in International Law; Gopnauth Gossai, MSc in Petroleum, Energy Economics and Finance; Tricia Teekah, MA in Public Policy; Joel Joseph, MSc in Development Finance; Jacqueline Major, MSc in Transport Planning and Engineering; Dillon Clarke, MSc in Energy Studies with specialisation in Energy /Economics; and Jonathan Melville, MSc in Agriculture and Environmental Science.
Reacting to his being selected for the scholarship, 29-year-old Dillon Clarke, a former Bank of Guyana (B0G) staffer and Inter-Development Bank (IDB) Economist, said he chose Energy Studies with specialization in oil and gas economics not only because he believes that Guyana can benefit from a “green” economy, but also because it’s the programme that best suits him, seeing that he aspires to become an analyst and advisor in the economic, commercial and financial aspect of those industries. Jonathan Melville, on the other hand, told the Guyana Chronicle that the scholarship is an opportunity to help him enhance his skills for a career in relation to sustainability in farming systems, environmental management, and rural development, and also understanding the synergy between agriculture and the environment. Joel Joseph, meanwhile, would like to advise his fellow young people to seize whatever opportunity will help them broaden their horizon, and to always be a lifelong student. The scholarship, worth G$102M, will enable the recipients to complete their post-graduate degrees in various disciplines in the UK.
The end of the era... bearing fruits of good governance, if not also sometimes paralysis. The end result is that although he is also the leader of the PNC, President Granger is not a strongman. Though liked personally by many, David Granger is not a “strongman” ruler. From all appearances, is seemingly wary about projecting that he wants to be one. He was democratically elected to be leader of the PNC, a mass party that has been working to shed it authoritarian image and which coalesced with other political parties to contest the 2015 General Elections and form the Government. While ethnic rivalry has defined political participation in Guyana for decades, the demographic transition resulting from migration has made it almost impossible for future governments not to be organised as coalitions of some kind or the other. Is this then the end of the era of the strongman? The Guyanese people have become accustomed to the
failures of their past governments to be transparent, accountable and democratic, and, above all to develop the country. People came to realise that whether they support the leader from one party or another, the fate of the country in the past has been less than salubrious. They have got to demand and become accustomed to a changed political culture and process that eschew the authoritarianism, personalism and corrupt practices of their past rulers. REFORM OF CONSTITUTION Central to the electoral platform of the APNU/AFC Coalition Party was the demand to reform the Constitution of Guyana to, among other things, considerably reduce the powers of the Presidency. There seems to be generalized support for constitutional reform from the opposition PPP, civic groups and the country as a whole. Yet, the APNU/ AFC Coalition has not acted
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with due haste to get this done. Is it the allure of the absolute power of the Executive Presidency that may have begun to intoxicate those who ran to change it? While there is no evidence of this, it is imperative that the Government act now to get constitutional reform done. Doing so will be the greatest democratic advancement for Guyana since it attained its independence in May 1966. It will also be the single biggest achievement of the APNU/AFC Coalition Government in its very first term. It will enshrine the foundations for enduring democracy and development in the country. By accomplishing sensible and fundamental constitutional reform, President David Granger can be permanently etched in Guyana’s history as a truly great President who reduced the powers of his own Executive Presidency in order to advance democracy and development of the country he so dutifully serves and loves.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday August 29, 2017
Guyana, Suriname share IGG spoils .. committed to having French Guiana participate next year By Rawle Toney WHEN the dust settled for the three-day historical Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), Guyana and Suriname equally shared the spoils of the six contested disciplines for the 50th edition of the event. Guyana dominated, as was expected, the cycling event, volleyball and track and field. However, Suriname took the football title, swimming and basketball. Unlike previous years, this time around, according to the games protocol signed by the two countries, there will be no overall winner. Director of Sport Christopher Jones told the gathering of athletes and government officials at the closing ceremony on Sunday, that the Government of Guyana and by extension the Na-
South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:50 hrs Singaswewin 09:25 hrs Heaven’s Door 10:00 hrs Var’s Your Daddy 10:35 hrs Claret Cup 11:10 hrs Tiger’s Legacy English Racing Tips Epsom 09:00 hrs Panophobia 09:35 hrs I’m A Star 10:10 hrs Highland Acclaim 10:45 hrs Coral Sea 11;20 hrs Ode To Glory 11:50 hrs Maraakib 12:20 hrs Traveller Ripon 09:15 hrs Tonkalili 09:50 hrs California Cliffs 10:25 hrs Veejay 11:30 hrs Sands Chorus
tional Sports Commission (NSC), under his directive, will strive for betterment of the IGG; a brainchild of former President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. Jones commended the athletes for competing in the true spirit of the games, adding he was more so proud of the Guyanese contingent for being good ambassadors and showing great sportsmanship. Suriname’s Director of Sport Luciano Mentowikromo spoke highly of the importance of the IGG, calling it a bridge between the two countries using sports. However, Mentowikromo and Jones, made it clear that together they will be working overtime to include French Guiana which was rocked by unrest earlier this year.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Shakib again makes it Bangladesh’s day DHAKA, (Reuters) Shakib Al Hasan lit up his 50th Test with all-round brilliance to help Bangladesh claim a handy first-innings lead over a listless Australia in the second Test yesterday. A day after rescuing Bangladesh from a top-order collapse with the bat, the left-arm spinner claimed 5-68 to help dismiss Australia for 217 and justify his status as he world’s top-ranked Test all-rounder. Having claimed a 43 run first-innings lead on a viciously turning track, Bangladesh further consolidated their position and were 45-1 at the close on the second day. Soumya Sarkar threw his wicket away after scoring 15 but Tamim Iqbal was batting on 30 with nightwatchman Taijul Islam yet to open his account. Bangladesh stretched their overall lead to 88 runs and Australia will have the unenviable task of batting in the fourth innings on a fast-deteriorating track at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Resuming on a precarious 18-3, the tourists soon lost
… We must play good, smart cricket in each department, says Harper
Shakib Al Hassan cleans Pat Cummins up in the second over after tea before taking out Josh Hazlewood to complete a five-wicket haul and ensure a 43-run lead for his team. (Getty Images)
captain Steve Smith, their best batsman. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan, who took 12 wickets at the same venue to inspire Bangladesh’s first Test win over England last year, struck in his second over, sneaking one through the gate to dismiss Smith for eight. Matt Renshaw and Peter Handscomb were subjected to a trial by spin with Mehidy
(3-62) and Shakib hunting in tandem but the duo added 69 runs for the fifth wicket to halt the slide. With the partnership blooming, however, Taijul trapped Handscomb lbw for 33 with a ball that kept slightly low, as it often did on a track offering variable bounce and prodigious turn. Opener Renshaw soon joined him in the pavilion
for 45, edging Shakib to slip. Matthew Wade fell lbw for five to Mehidy and Shakib got Glenn Maxwell stumped for 23. Ashton Agar made 41 and Pat Cummins contributed 25, adding 49 runs for the ninth wicket in a defiant stand to lend a touch of respectability to the Australian total.
Richmond youths claim 10/10 tapeball title AN enthralling day of tapeball cricket was played last Sunday at the Anna Regina Drying Floor tarmac in Essequibo, where four teams participated in a 10/10 knock-out competition. The excitement began with Young Achievers defeating the experienced Hustlers whose line-up included former Essequibo inter-county players Elroy Stephney, Latchmikhant Narine, Keron Sewnarine and Raul khan by 18 runs. Batting first, Young Achievers made 76-7 from 10 overs. In reply, Hustlers could muster only 58-6 when the overs expired. In the other encounter, Richmond Youths amassed 99-7 from 10 overs then restricted Strikers to 68 all out in 9 overs to win by 31 runs. In the final, Young Achievers were asked to take first strike after losing the toss and struggled for much of their 10 overs. They eventually scored 64 all out with Shivindra
Amazon Warriors face Barbados Tridents today in crucial CPL encounter
Richmond Youths celebrate after winning 10/10 tapeball title.
Bridgemohan 15 and Vishal Amin 12 being the only batsmen to reach double figures. Hostile seam bowling from Sydney Peters who claimed 3-12 from 2 overs and left-arm spinner Haiman Beharry 2-14 also from 2 overs combined to strangle the youngsters. In reply, composed bat-
ting by Alex Collins 20 (1x4, 1x6) and Sugrim Ahiram 15 (2x4) ensured that Richmond Youths achieved their target, reaching 65-6 in 9 overs to be the winners of the well-organised tournament. At the presentation, Richmond Youths received $30 000 while Young Achievers pocketed $10 000. Man-
of-the-match was Sydney Peters. The organisers were overseas-based former Essequibo batsman Raul Khan and former Essequibo softball wicketkeeper Teddy Manchal. Both have undertaken to organise more tournaments of such nature in the near future.
Amazon Warriors head coach Roger Harper
By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Amazon Warriors cricketers have been told they must play good and smart cricket if they are to win the remainder of their preliminary encounters of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 tournament. That is the clear message from head coach Roger Harper who, despite an ordinary performance, is backing his players to come good in the remaining games. The Warriors will play Barbados Tridents from 18:00hrs today in a must-win game in order to stand a chance of qualifying for the playoffs. But that game is not the only one the Warriors’ must win, they play the Jamaica Tallawahs on Friday in another must-win encounter. “We know the importance of the game coming up against the Tridents (Barbados), we are in a situation where it’s a game we have to win, but to do that we know we have to follow the process, and play good cricket, and make sure we play good cricket in each department, and also play smart cricket, and once we play as well as we are capable of playing, we think we have a good chance,” Harper, the former West Indies off-spinner said. The manner in which the Warriors executed this season provided a harsh reality check for those who thought that the Warriors might even be considered one of the favourites.
They are far from that, but there are enough match-winners capable of taking them into the unknown as long as they don’t crawl back into their shells. The Warriors have blown hot and cold throughout the tournament, and haven’t looked sharp, at least for the first six games. They, however, rebounded nicely, winning their last two encounters at home by commanding margins. Their bowling is still their strongest suit, despite the batting seems to be hitting peak form at the right time, but the loss of skipper Martin Guptill could be major for the two-time CPL finalists. Guptill has returned home due to an ‘important family health matter. Retired New Zealand batsman Luke Ronchi has been roped in as Guptill’s replacement. Guptill’s absence could see major changes to the playing eleven in the next two games, a decision, Harper said, will depend on the conditions and how they perceive the opposition. “Those are decision we will make relative to the conditions we face, and how we perceive the opposition, and the sort of bowling attack the opposition will present, and challenge us with … then we will decide on our approach, but the important thing for us is to go out there with a positive frame of mind, the belief; and out there play the sort of cricket the Amazon Warriors are capable of playing,” Harper revealed.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday August 29, 2017
Jaguars Franchise League bowls off on Saturday
THE Jaguars Franchise League, which has three components to its structure, will commence its three-day competition on Saturday at four venues across the country. Cricket enthusiasts in Corentyne Berbice, West Berbice, Georgetown and West Demerara will witness the exciting opening round where a number of the country’s leading and most talented players will compete for places on the Guyana Jaguars 4-Day team, who will commence the defence of their Regional title on October 26, here. The Jaguars have won the first three championships of the Regional 4-Day Professional Cricket League (PCL). This year’s League will involve three players who are currently contracted directly with Cricket West Indies (CWI), namely Devendra Bishoo, Shimron Hetymer and Vishaul Singh. Further, 15 other players, contracted under the CWI/Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) PCL structure and 13 CGI Academy players will be featuring in the established franchises which are represented under the team names of Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, West Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, Upper Demer-
Bhaskar Yadram
Joshua Persaud
ara/ East Bank, West Demerara and Essequibo. Anthony Bramble will appear for Upper Corentyne, Veerasammy Permaul for Lower Corentyne, fast bowler Keon Joseph and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie will strengthen West Berbice while East Coast will include Rajendra Chandrika. Chanderpaul Hemraj will appear for East Coast Demerara with Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell and the Jamaican batsman Ramaal Lewis appearing for Georgetown. Steven Jacobs and Under-19 pacer Rienaldo Ali Mohammed will join Upper Demerara/ East Bank with fast bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd, all-rounder Raymon Reifer and opening batsman Tagenarine Chanderpaul
strengthening the West Demerara side. Essequibo challenge will be led by rising star Keemo Paul and wicketkeeper Kemol Savory while they are also likely to benefit from the expertise of Shivnarine Chanderpaul based on his availability The eight (8) Franchise teams will also be complemented by CGI Academy players all of whom will be keen to compete for national places in the 2017/2018 CWI Regional 4-Day PCL. The Academy players’ allocation will see Essequibo having Anthony Adams and Kevon Boodie with West Demerara featuring Akshaya Persaud and Ritche Looknauth. Upper Demerara/East Bank will include promising all-rounder Sherfane Rurtherford. Georgetown will benefit
from top Under-19 player Raymond Perez and opening batsman Robin Bacchus. Promising youth player, wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Persaud, West Indies youth sensation opening batsman Bhaskar Yadram will don whites for East Coast Demerara. Fast bowlers Raun Johnson and Clinton Pestano will represent Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne, respectively. This year’s Jaguar 3-Day League will showcase young players through a special ruling that mandates each of the eight Franchise teams to play at least one Under-19 player who meets the age eligibility requirement to play in the next 2018 CWI Regional Under-19 Tournament. In addition, the league is likely to witness the involvement of other talented and promising national youth players. The Jaguars 3-Day League will comprise seven rounds of high-level cricket action commencing this Saturday and continuing until Tuesday October 17, 2017 with CWI, CWI/CGI, CGI Academy, National players and domestic Franchise players, all vying for senior national selection. A complete fixture and team lists would be released shortly.
GISE, Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall 1st Division
New Zealand to host its first day-night Test in March
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - New Zealand will stage its first day-night cricket Test next March after Auckland City Council approved the use of Eden Park for the match against England, the country’s board said yesterday. The game, the first of a two-match series, will be played March 22-26, with the second Test in Christchurch from March 30 to April 3. The owners of Eden Park had to seek consent from the council due to restrictions on the number of events held at night at the venue in suburban Auckland. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Chief Operating Officer Anthony Crummy said in a statement the match would help open up the sport to more people. “NZC has a particular focus on improving access to cricket for everyone,” he said. ”Being able to stage the Test as a day-nighter is a significant step in the right direction. “This means we can promote cricket in its most modern and vibrant incarnation; we can improve accessibility for new audiences, and we
can showcase Eden Park, Auckland and New Zealand to a truly global audience.” New Zealand played the inaugural day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide in November 2015, and after witnessing the success of that match had been hoping to host their own ’twilight’ fixture. They had originally planned to face South Africa under lights at Seddon Park in Hamilton earlier this year but trials in first-class cricket found the lighting was not strong enough. Twilight Tests have proved successful in Australia, while England’s first day-night Test between the hosts and West Indies earlier this month attracted 70 000 fans over the three days. “This is a very important outcome for Test cricket lovers in New Zealand simply because it allows us the opportunity to play the game at a time when more people can engage with it,” Crummy added. “We’re sure it will be a very successful event, and that English and New Zealand fans alike will make the most of the opportunity.”
ECC complete outright win over GCC
Vickery moves into ‘Round of 64’ at US Open
EVEREST Cricket Club (ECC) completed an outright victory over hosts Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) on Sunday when play in the GISE, Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall First Division tw0day tournament resumed. Scores in the match are: Everest 271-9 declared and 53-1; and GCC 125-9 innings closed and 198 all out. Batting first on day one, GCC were restricted to 125-9 at the close of their innings, with first-class leg-spinner Amir Khan dominating proceedings for Everest, with figures of 5-31 from 10.4 overs, while
SACHIA Vickery advanced to the Round of 64 at this year’s US Open, after defeating Russian Natalia Konstantinovna Vikhlyantseva yesterday. After losing the first set 4-6, Vickery rebounded to win 6-4, 6-1. Vickery will face another Russian, Sofia Kenin tomorrow (August 30) as she continues her great run at the US Open. This is the second time Sachia is playing in the Main Draw of the US Open The now 22-year-old Vickery, ranked 154, won her first US Open main-draw match as an 18-year-old, and according to, the diminutive player said she’s familiar with Kenin, stating “we actually live five minutes from each other in Florida.” “We practise almost ev-
Chandrapaul Hemraj
Amir Khan
Martin Pestano-Belle with 43 and Stephon Wilson with 25 were the principal scorers for GCC. In reply, three wickets apiece for left-arm spinners Devon Lord and
Wilson did not prevent Everest from building a healthy lead of 146. First class players Chandrapaul Hemraj 84, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 76, and Amir Khan 55, all
scored half-centuries to guide their team to a formidable first-innings total. By close on Saturday, GCC had already started their second innings, and were 19 without loss, still trailing by 127 runs. They added a further 179 runs, with skipper Robin Bacchus leading the way with 51, inclusive of three sixes and two fours, while Lord and Marlon Persaud contributed 33 and 22 respectively. Ashkaya Persaud, 4-39 from 12 overs, and Javed Rasheed, 4-44 from 15.3 overs, were the destroyers as Everest raced to 53-1 in 7.5 overs to claim victory.
Sachia Vickery in action during this year’s US Open
ery single day, so definitely familiar with each other,” Vickery said. This is Vickery’s second outing at the US Open, having featured in the Australian Open, the French Open (2016) and Wimbledon (2015).
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Rose Hall Town embraces ‘green’ agenda for 175th Anniversary
Minister Harmon bowls off cricket tournament final MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon, recently congratulated the residents of Rose Hall, who are celebrating the 175th anniversary of the founding of the town, which he said has become an economic hub and a pioneer for development. The minister was at the time speaking at the final match of the Rose Hall Town ‘Green’ Economy softball tournament, which was organised in observance of the town’s Anniversary and the 72nd birth anniversary of President David Granger at the Rose Hall ground. “This historic event was part of the formation of the village movement in which freed slaves all along the coastland pooled their resources, bought plantations and set up villages and these villages laid the foundation of nationhood for the citizens of this country,” said Harmon, who bowled the first ball to start the final match of the tournament. “Since then Rose Hall has developed; acquiring legal status in 1908, becoming a town in 1970 and, even though being the smallest town in Guyana, has made great strides on becoming the economic hub in East Berbice-Corentyne,” Minister Harmon said. This year, the town is placing emphasis on the President’s vision of a ‘green’ economy and mitigating the effects of climate change. Through various activities planned to celebrate the anniversary, the organisers are hoping to educate the residents on why a ‘green’ agenda is important for Guyana and its citizens. “I am quite pleased that you subscribe to the President’s
Hit it for a six! That was the chant of the crowd yesterday as Minister of State Mr Joseph Harmon took to the field to bowl the first ball to kick-start the final of the cricket tournament.
vision and efforts to make the country a ‘green’ pathway and to establish a ‘green’ economy in Guyana; one that sustains economic prosperity, environmental security and social wellbeing. Actions start at the individual level and so we must all play a part by taking the actions, which can aid this process,” said the Minister of State. Harmon pledged the services of the Department of the Environment to assist in helping the community to have a better understanding of the measures that can be taken to promote the process of ‘greening’. Minister Harmon also expressed congratulations to the teams that participated in the competition. Meanwhile, Mahadeo Panchu, Managing Director of KSM Investments Incorporated, who was a main sponsor of the Cricket competition, supported the sentiments expressed by Minister Harmon, as he noted that a collective effort is needed by all to achieve the goal of a ‘green’ economy.
In this regard, he said that the Government has his support in its pursuit of a ‘green’ agenda. Hilbert Foster, organiser of the event, said that the Town and its residents will continue to promote initiatives, which can boost the Town’s development and as such, the President’s ‘green’ agenda is being embraced. Foster noted the cricket tournament began three weeks ago with 18 teams. Four teams; Grill Masters Team, Hard Knocks Team, Prophecy Boys Team and the Jai Hind Cricket Club made it to the final leg of the tournament with Grill Masters Team taking home the top prize of $500 000 and a trophy sponsored by the Ministry of the Presidency. The Prophecy Boys came in second place and were presented with a cash prize of $300 000 and trophy, Hard Knocks took home third place and $100 000, while the Jai Hind Cricket Club placed fourth and collected $50 000. There were also prizes for the Most Sixes, Most Boundaries and Man-of-the-Match.
Floyd Mayweather now retired for good, son Koraun says NOW that Floyd Mayweather has defeated Conor McGregor and has a perfect 50-0 record, he will go back to retired life and stay there, according to son Koraun. The younger Mayweather was asked after his father’s win if there was any chance of a rematch with McGregor, to which Koraun gave a resounding “no”.
“No chance. No chance. No rematch,” Koraun told TMZ Sports. “Officially done. He’s 40, gotta realise that. He’s an old man.” According to Koraun, his father also wants to focus on his business ventures, which means he doesn’t even have time to fight anymore. Mayweather has also said in
the past that McGregor would be his last fight, though he said the same thing in 2015 after he defeated Andre Berto. Mayweather came out of retirement specifically to fight McGregor. After 10 long rounds Saturday night, Mayweather came away victorious and at least $100 million richer.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Fans to get sixteen games for the price of one tonight
… riveting action predicted IF ever there was a reason to be at the National Gymnasium, tonight’s opening of the inaugural Guinness Cage/Three Peat Promotions Indoor Competition gives the perfect motivation. Following the forced postponement of the previously scheduled opening last Thursday, the organisers have decided to give back to the fans for their patience and understanding. They have planned sixteen matches for tonight, commencing at 19:00hrs. All thirty-two teams will be in action this evening with the winners set to move forward to the round-robin stage, while the losers go home. Among the top teams this evening are the upcoming Future Stars who have become fan favourites; Guyana’s most successful futsal team Sparta Boss who have a lot to prove following some lacklustre performances; West Front Road ‘Gold is
Money, a rejuvenated team and in fine form and national Guinness champions Dave & Celena All Stars. These teams are among the early favourites to win the tournament, but teams such as Albouystown ‘A’, West Demerara’s Showstoppers, Champion Boys from Agricola, Tiger Bay, Broad Street, Silver Bullets from the Mining Town of Linden, Sophia and Back Circle are all teams capable of turning all the early predictions upside down. This is the first time that fans will get to see non-stop action with the ball being deemed dead only behind the goalline. It is usually breathtaking stuff with end to end action and fitness will be tested to the maximum. According to the organisers, team’s substitutes will have to be at the same skill and fitness levels for them to survive what is predicted to be a gruelling competi-
tion, with the right of being crowned inaugural champions a top priority. Over $800 000 in cash prizes and trophies will be up for grabs with the winners set to receive $400 000 and the championship trophy, while second-, thirdand fourth-placed finishers will take home $200 000, $100 000 and $50 000 along with trophies. The other playing dates for the championship are August 31, September 2, 5, 7, 9 with the final set for September 16, at the same venue. Among the other sponsors on board are: Star Party Rentals, Faye Joseph, Claude Geddes Recreational Sports Club, National Sports Commission (NSC), Windjammer International Hotel & Cuisine, Woodpecker Trophies & Sport, Y.K Investments & Pawn Shop, Henry Chase, Jai Signs, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and John Fernandes Ltd.
AIBA Executive Director to meet with Englishspeaking Caribbean officials on September 10 … to shed light on an ongoing impasse WILLIAM Louis-Marie, Executive Director of the Association International Boxing Association (AIBA) will visit Guyana on September 10 to hold talks with English-speaking Caribbean affiliates as it relates to an ongoing impasse that has hit the World governing body. Initially, AIBA’s president Dr. Ching Kuo-Wu was invited to meet with its English-speaking affiliates by Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) president Steve Ninvalle, who is also an Executive Committee member of AIBA. According to information, Ninvalle’s letter to Wu asked WU to attend a meeting between him (WU) and the English-speaking affiliates to clarify the ongoing impasse. However, Wu by way of a reply to Ninvalle’s request stated that he will not
AIBA Executive Director William Louis-Marie
be available since he has another meeting in Peru at the same time (September 10). However, AIBA’s Executive Director, William Louis-Marie, will represent him. Hoe thanked Ninvalle for the invitation. An invitation was also extended to the Interim Management Committee (IMC) and AMBC to send representatives as is mandated
that all sides of the impasse be allowed to present to the Caribbean’s National Federations, their versions of a situation where there are mixed and confusing signals of communications. AIBA has been rocked recently by allegations of financial mismanagement and several committee members have signed a document calling for president Wu to step down. At the upcoming Extraordinary Congress scheduled for Dubai in November, national Federations will vote on whether to have Wu removed from the helm. Since an Executive Committee meeting last month in Moscow, an IMC headed by Italian Franco Falcinelli has claimed to be running the affairs of AIBA, but this has been refuted by Wu who has since put in motion a legal challenge.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday August 29, 2017
Moeen delivers again as England take charge LEEDS, England (Reuters) - West Indies ended th e fourth day of th e unexpectedly enthralling second Test requiring 317 more runs to win after England turned the contest firmly in their favour. Having taken a 169run first-innings advantage, the tourists will be disappointed to find themselves facing a final day with the odds against them but credit for that must go to some fine lower order England batting. England had managed only 258 in their first innings but their middle and lower order is their strength and combined to make 490 for eight before captain Joe Root decided to declare. West Indies’ opening pair survived the remaining six overs of the day, always a tricky task after a long day in the field, but it will take a most unexpected twist in the plot if they are to level the threeTest series. It has been a Test match with plenty of momentum shifts but the
bowled Malan before picking up the crucial wicket of Jonny Bairstow (18), who dragged on when reverse-sweeping. There was fight left in the Caribbean team. The young West Indies team that been dismissed as no-hopers in some quarters after their poor first Test display had once again shown determination to get back into the game but then Moeen took the attack to them. The man-of-the-series from England’s successful four-Test campaign against South Africa is
Moeen Ali’s thrilling counterattack puts England back in control.
final session of the fourth day was when England finally grabbed a firm grip on proceedings. Not for the first time this summer, Moeen Ali was the key figure, striking 84 off 93 balls, including 14 boundaries, as England turned a decent effort with the bat into what should be a match-winning score. Moeen’s partnership with Chris Woakes, who ended unbeaten on 61, put on 117 runs for the eighth
wicket and that could well prove to be the difference between the two teams. After losing Root for 72 in the morning session, a patient 61 off 186 balls from Dawid Malan and a more aggressive 58 from Ben Stokes gave England a decent platform. Malan and Stokes put on 91 runs for the fifth wicket partnership before Stokes was well caught by Kraigg Brathwaite on the long-off boundary. Spinner Roston Chase
clearly batting with great confidence and he made good use of the sweep shot against spin as well as the right judgement against seam. Moeen will have plenty of work to do on the final day as England look to his off-spin to keep the pressure on once the new ball has worn off for James Anderson and Stuart Broad. West Indies will resume today on five without loss with openers Brathwaite and Kieran Powell knowing they need to make a strong start to avoid defeat.
SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings 258 (B. Stokes 100, J. Root 59; S. Gabriel 4-51, K. Roach 4-71) WEST INDIES 1st innings 427 (S. Hope 147, K. Brathwaite 134; J. Anderson 5-76) ENGLAND 2nd innings (overnight 171-3) A. Cook c Dowrich b Holder 23 M. Stoneman b Gabriel 52 T. Westley c Dowrich b Holder 8 J. Root c S. Hope b Gabriel 72
D. Malan b Chase 61 B. Stokes c K. Brathwaite b Chase 58 J. Bairstow b Chase 18 M. Ali c K. Brathwaite b Bishoo 84 C. Woakes not out 61 S. Broad not out 14 Extras: (b-13, lb-5, nb-12, w-9) 39 Total: (for 8 wickets declared, 141 overs) 490 Fall of wickets: 1-58, 2-81, 3-94, 4-212, 5-303, 6-312, 7-327, 8-444. Bowling: S. Gabriel 26-3125-2 (nb-10 w-5), K. Roach
24-8-95-0, J. Holder 33-1095-2, R. Chase 32-5-86-3, D. Bishoo 25-1-67-1 (nb2), K. Brathwaite 1-0-4-0. WEST INDIES 2nd innings (Target: 322 runs) K. Brathwaite not out 4 K. Powell not out 1 Extras: 0 Total: (for no loss, 6 overs) 5 Fall of w ick ets : N il . Bowling: J. Anderson 3-2-3-0, S. Broad 2-1-1-0, M. Ali 1-0-1-0.
Jeffrey rebounds to take SR1 debut win By Stephan Sookram FOLLOWING a tough Radical weekend in England, two-time Caribbean champion Kristian Jeffrey rebounded well in the SR1 class to finish twice on the podium. Jeffrey, who spoke exclusively to Chronicle Sport yesterday confirmed the wins, saying that the weekend was a tough one but he credits his victories to those who supported him on race day. “I owe it all to the team to bounce back from a devastating weekend; to even manage to come in the top 10 was an accomplishment.” Breaking down the
Kristian Jeffrey (centre) wins on his debut in the Radical SR1 Class..
weekend, the Guyanese said, “The first session (SR3) we usually do a 3-lap stint and go through the car. When I came back into the pits, we noticed oil was leaking. We missed that session.” He continued, “Our next session we tried again, the car caught fire burning mostly the loom. So practice was out and went straight into qualifying.” “Qualified 13th of 35, and finished 10th 9th and 7th. Those finishes are valuable to my chances of a top5 finish in my debut season in England,” he added. Jeffrey noted that after day one, things got more interesting; with the team as
a result of the lack of time on track asking him to race in the SR1 championship. “Again new car - went straight into qualifying. It was an interesting session as I was 9th quickest until the last lap I managed to feel the car and got it to p2. In the race, I battled from start to finish and ended race 1 with a SR1 debut victory and a 3rd place in the final race.” “We were struggling with oversteer, but seemed to have gotten it better in race 3. At this level, every session matters, so it’s important to get as many runs on track for data to the team.”
Moeen delivers again as England take charge
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Guyana Under-19 cricketers crowned CWI Regional double champions THE Guyana National Under-19 cricket team defeated the Windward Islands by 6 runs yesterday to be crowned the 2017 CWI Regional Under-19 50-overs tournament champions. The title was even more prestigious, as it enabled Guyana to claim other honoree positions, namely retaining the one-day Title they won in 2016 and securing the 2017 double championship, that of the CWI Regional 3-Day tournament and the CWI Regional 50-overs tournament. The 2017 CWI Regional 50 overs tournament, saw Guyana convincingly win all six of their matches, against such opponents as ICC Americas, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands, and Windward Islands. In yesterday’s match played at Warner Park in St Kitts, Guyana, batted first and reached 217 all out, with Raymond Perez scoring a masterful 77 and Joshua Persaud a solid
40. Bowling for Windward Islands, Dillon Douglas took 3 for 32, Jaheseon Alexander 2 for 24 and Alick Athanaze 2 for 43.. Windward Islands in reply were only able to score 211 in 49.4 overs, Emmanuel Stewart hitting 48, and Wayne Edwards 43. Bowling for Guyana, Richie Looknauth grabbed 3 for 31 and off-spinner Bhaskar Yadram 2 for 35. Guyana won the match by 6 runs. The National Under-19 team will return to Guyana today via the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, at 14:00hrs. The Guyana Cricket Board is extremely elated and congratulates the team on their remarkable feat of obtaining the double championship title.
The jubilant Guyana Under-19 cricketers celebrate with the Golden Arrowhead after completing the double in St Kitts.
Meanwhile, dethroned champions Trinidad and Tobago defeated the hapless Jamaica by six wickets while Barbados beat the Leeward Islands by five wickets.
Guyana, Suriname share IGG spoils .. committed to having French Guiana participate next year
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Guyana’s male volleyball team at the closing ceremony on Sunday. (Delano Williams photos) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208
Guyana’s female football team TUESDAY, AUGUST, 29 , 2017