Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 09 05 2017

34% decline in murder Page 10

Saving sugar TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2017

No. 104907

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

...Gov’t unveils White Paper to save sugar industry ...to retain three estates, merge several …workers to get lands for agriculture Page 3

President David Granger and Mrs Sandra Granger joined European Union Ambassador to Guyana Jernej Videtic and his Mrs Ruta Dryzyte-Videtic at a Europe Day Reception, held at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street Monday evening (Photo compliments of European Union)

FIU takes aim at lawyers Page 4

…for supervision as part of AML regime

100 Guyanese in Cayenne jail Page 11

Judge withdraws from Duncan case …says decision was made before PM’s letter

Page 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Hike in MMA/ADA rates justifiable …gov’t hammers PPP ‘duplicity’ on support for rice farmers motion by this Honourable House.”

By Vanessa Braithwaite A MOTION, which sought to reverse an increase in land rentals and other charges by the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) was voted down by the government following a debate in the National Assembly on Thursday.

The motion was brought to the house by PPP backbencher Dharamkumar Seeraj. His motion sought to revoke the decision made by the Ministry of Agriculture which will see farmers paying a 600% increase of $2,500 per annum to $15,000 per annum for the rental of lands in the scheme. Seeraj,in presenting his motion,criticised the government for not holding any consultation with the farmers but to just simply inform them of the increase. He described the increase as unnecessary and insensitive since the economy is in no insignificant way based on the contributions of the agricultural sector unable to sustain the project with the previous rates. With the same breath, Seeraj posited that the industry is experiencing difficulty at this time and therefore needs support rather than taxation and increases. “It does not make economic sense at this point in time, increase taxation for a sector that is going through a hard time when you yourself recognize that the sector is going through a difficult time and,sir,it does not augur well for good relationship…I find that very unpleasant and insensitive to our farming folks…farmers are getting 30 and 40% less for their paddy prior to the increase,” the opposition MP said. He continued to argue that the issue is one of bread and butter for thousands in the farming community who have been voicing their concerns at several forums. “How is it that they will be able to bear the burden of these increases….and again we call on the government to recognize the productive sector if it is doing well, can solve so many problems and if it is not doing well, at times when it is it not doing well, then it needs support….Don’t tax us more….at a time when we are not doing so well,which will have a negative ripple effect on the entire country,”he exclaimed.

However, Minister of Agriculture,Noel Holder in his response said that the MMA/ ADA is experiencing difficulties since it supports nearly half of the national

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

rice production, about 3035% of all livestock production and 10-15% of the national sugar production. He added that the Authority is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the 784 miles of drainage and irrigation canals, 381 structures, including kokers, sluices, bridges, aqueducts and regulators and 4 pump stations and a total of 169, 878 acres of land are beneficially occupied for agricultural purposes. Holder revealed that the farmers were required to pay $2,500 per acre annually which amounted to $208 per month despite the increasing cost of materials and supplies in the provision of D&I services by the MMA/ADA. Despite this low cost, some farmers were not honouring their payments. “Despite such a low cost for land,and drainage and irrigation services provided by the state, some sections of farmers were still not keeping their end of the agreement, by paying their lease rates as stipulated by the MMM/ ADA,” he told the House.

Holder went on to debate that the provision of these drainage and irrigation services are financed from charges levied on the users of the services and that no budgetary appropriations are received for these services in these blocks. “Surely, Mr. Speaker, these charges cannot be considered onerous. Indeed, some people might consider such monthly charges for one acre of land the equivalent of 8 full house lots or 16y half lots as obtained in our capital city of Georgetown, as ridiculously low. “Again, Mr. Speaker, I humbly submit that by no stretch of the imagination and under no set of circumstances, can these charges be considered exorbitant or present a burden on stakeholders. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons I cannot recommend support for this

WITHOUT MERIT Supporting Mr Holder was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who described the motion as one without merit since the increases are justifiable, reasonable and necessary. The decision he said was one made by a prudent government that refuses to allow the Authority to become bankrupt. “ A prudent Government cannot allow what had happened to GuySuCo under the watch of the previous government to visit the MMA and prudent management would require that certain lawful measures be taken to ensure that the MMA does not become a drag on the treasury.” “Too much is at stake in the lives of both the sugar workers and rice farmers and cattle rearers and cash crop producers to allow the MMA to go down without a policy that would ensure that farmers receive the services to which they are entitled,’ he said The Prime Minister also posited that contrary to argu-

PPP MP, Dharamkumar Seeraj

ments of the opposition, the increase was not done suddenly or arbitrarily but was a plan well sorted out since the government realised that the MMA ADA cannot sustain its operations. “The MMA had faced a situation of being closed to bankruptcy and in order for them to recover the uses of the land,they resorted to repossession,” the PM disclosed, adding that 58 separate instances of repossession

and reallocation were done since those who had separate usage of the land were not paying.

Another PPP backbencher,Nigel Dharamlall, who also called for the revocation of the increase contended that the increase is terribly illogical and counterproductive to agriculture and that the arguments do not lie on the increase but the mere fact that the farmers simply cannot afford it. “When we multiply that by the 200 plus taxes that we have in our country that is where our problem is, it is about the hardship that people face on a daily bases, so for the government who earns supper fat cat salaries they can afford it, but poor farmers in this country cannot afford a single dollar more and when you lump all of these taxes and increases on farmers, then Mr. Speaker, our problems in this country are progressively getting worst,” Dharamlall said. He said that the failure of the rice industry in Region 5 will affect the region tremendously and will dislocate up to 48, 000 households who depend on rice entirely.

“When rice fails, the entire

region has failed,” the MP said adding that the move will see an increase in crime and unemployment.

APNU+AFC Region Five MP, Jennifer Wade in her contributions said she looks forwards to a more developed agricultural sector since she said that farmers utilising MMA/ ADA lands have experienced some amount of neglect since monies were unavailable to develope and maintain lands. Attorney General Basil Williams said that the government is in no way acting out of order, but within full legislative rights. “Might I respectfully refer you, sir, and the honourable members to sections 25:32of the MMA/ ADA Act Chapter 70:01 which makes provision for financial procedures of the authority. The Act provides that state lands within the area held under a lease licence or permission in the possession or occupation of any person shall be liable and subject to charges for drainage and irrigation services, as well as rent charges,” Minister Williams noted.

Suspected bandits remanded on armed robberies, illegal gun charges FOUR men were remanded to prison on Monday by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool following an armed robbery spree on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD).

Jermaine Bailey, 23 of Lamaha Park Georgetown; Leon Williams, 24 of Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara; and Campton Semple, 30, of ‘D’ Field Sophia, were jointly charged with two counts of robbery under arms as they appeared before Magistrate Liverpool at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Orwell Softley, 25, of Anna Catherina, WCD, was jointly charged with Bailey with three counts of robbery under arms; Bailey was also charged separately with the illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Particulars of the first set of charges alleged that on May 5, 2017 at Cornelia Ida WCD, while being armed with guns, Bailey, Williams and Semple robbed Roshnie Gaundra and Sheela Puran of a quantity of articles valued $323,000 and $120,000 re-

Jermaine Bailey

spectively.

According to a police report, about 13:25hrs, four males entered the business operated by a mother and daughter and pretended to be customers. Minutes after, two of the men whipped out firearms, relieved the victims of their valuables, and as they fled the scene in a waiting Toyota Spacio motorcar, discharged several rounds in the air.

The matter was reported to the police and ranks promptly responded and intercepted the get-away car several villages east of Cor-

nelia Ida, with only Semple inside.

Semple reportedly told the police that following the robbery, the bandits changed vehicles and were headed towards the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Other ranks were duly alerted and as the bandits approached the ‘Bridge’ in the second getaway vehicle and saw that the police had set up a “road block” at the western end, they quickly sped south along the West Bank Public Road. But they only got as far as La Parfaite Harmonie, where the vehicle crashed into a concrete culvert.

At some point during the escape bid, the driver of that vehicle, identified as Williams, was accidentally shot in his upper right arm by one of his partners.

Meanwhile, Softley and Bailey in their desperation to get across the Harbour Bridge at all costs, abandoned the injured accomplice and boarded separate minibuses destined for Georgetown.

As it relates to the

charges against Softley and Bailey, it is alleged that on April 29, 2017, at Anna Catherina, while being armed with a gun, they robbed Neshan Khan, Anthony Bashir and Shameeran Rahim of a quaintly of articles totaling $348,000. The duo pleaded guilty and was remanded to prison until June 6, 2017.

According to reports, on April 29, at about 20:00hrs, gunmen stormed Bashir’s Anna Catherina store and relieved him and his staff of their mobile phones and cash.

In addition, they carted off a quantity of phone cards and an undisclosed sum of money from a drawer in the shop. Additionally, Bailey was charged with having a .32 pistol in his possession without being the holder of a firearm licence on May 5, 2017 at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Baily denied that charge and was remanded to prison until May 29, 2017 and this matter was transferred to the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

Saving sugar 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

...Gov’t unveils White Paper to save sugar industry …workers to get lands for agriculture

By Ariana Gordon THE future of the sugar industry here lies in a smaller sector, with reduced losses and cash deficits but coupled with a separate and profitable diversified enterprise, which would ensure a viable future, Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder stated.

Holder made the comments as he unveiled Government’s White Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry at the commencement of 64th Sitting of the National Assembly on Monday. He said the plan, dubbed, ‘State Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry’, will focus on the poorly-performing estates and have them shift from sugar to diversification.

“The proposed courses of action are to amalgamate [merge] Wales Estate with Uitvlugt Estate and reassign its cane to the Uitvlugt factory, since the estate is operating at 50 percent capacity.

Sixty percent of its drainage and irrigation infrastructure is in a dilapidated condition.

The corporation furthermore seeks to divest itself of the Skeldon Estate. The estates of Albion and Rose Hall are to be amalgamated and the factory at Rose Hall is to be closed.”

THREE ESTATES Holder said GuySuCo would then consist of three estates and three sugar factories. The estates would be Blairmont on the West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt-Wales estate in West Demerara. The three estates will be complete with factories and will have cane supplied from all five locations. By virtue of the amalgamation, the Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Rose Hall, Berbice factories will be closed by year-end.

In the case of Enmore, that factory will be closed at the end of the year when all cane would have been harvested and the East Coast Estates would be earmarked for diversification.

“The process will result

in improving the relationship with some cane cutters, estate staff and about 1,710 private cane farmers. These adjustments mean that GuySuCo would be scaled-down into a more efficient entity that focuses on producing sugar to satisfy the domestic and foreign markets that provide preferential access to our sugar. This entails taking advantage of the opportunity to merge better performing lands to operate factories more efficiently,” Holder said.

But even as there will be a major restructuring of the industry, GuySuCo is required to retain many of its workers for all operations on the merged estates or factories and those employees are to receive leased lands from the sugar company to engage in crops to be decided by both GuySuCo and the Ministry of Agriculture. Additionally, the Minister said GuySuCo plans, apart from restructuring the estates and factories, to transfer to the state charges for the drainage and irrigation and health services that it provides to the communities, and around the estates.

The recovery of drainage and irrigation charges will be made from the Government of Guyana, he said, while stating that GuySuCo has from the inception been assisting with the drainage and irrigation of surrounding communities which had allowed for approximately 40 per cent of GuySuCo’s annual drainage and irrigation costs.

The Agriculture Minister said too, that as part of the sugar company’s social corporate responsibility, it operated a number of health centers and dispensaries in the Berbice and Demerara regions. “The options available to the Corporation are the transferal of such health centers and dispensaries to the government or the recovery of costs from the government,” Holder told Parliamentarians.

GuySuCo also proposes to surrender land for lease to employees for them to

engage in agricultural production. “The resources that exist under the “Green economy” and “Regional Food Self-Sufficiency” drive would support their efforts,” Holder said, while noting that government will invite sugar workers and cane farmers to undertake agrobased activities on lands to be made available to them.

CONTRACTION OF SUGAR The Government proposes that sugar production should be contracted to approximately 147,000 tonnes of sugar annually produced from Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates, to satisfy the demand in the local markets (25,000 tonnes pa), CARICOM and regional (50,000 – 60,000 tonnes pa) USA (12,500 tonnes pa) and the World Market (50,000) tonnes. Focus would be on producing for direct consumption, value-added sugars and providing electricity to the national grid (co-generation).

Additionally, it is proposed that Skeldon Estate should be divested. “Significant investment has been made in the new Skeldon Factory which, to date, has experienced numerous technical problems. It has failed to achieve its potential, thereby failing to generate returns on the investment.

The Corporation does not have the resources required to correct the technical problems. It owes in excess of

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder

G$29 billion in loans due for the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project.”

Funds generated from the divestment of Skeldon Estate will go towards reducing GuySuCo’s debt and support and supporting its capital programmes for both sugar and the diversification initiatives.

Government, he said, intends to invite ‘expressions of interest’ for the divestment and pending action on same, GUYSUCO will proceed with a series of actions aimed at reducing the financial burden of the corporation. GuySuCo has proposed pending action on divestment, to proceed with a number of actions aimed at reducing the financial burden of the corporation and intends to take account of the experiences of other countries in light of intended action.

Meanwhile, the Government of Guyana, the sole investor in the industry, has for years experienced many challenges. But despite those challenges, the sugar company has been able to average a sugar output of 328,000 tonnes up to 1992. From 1996 to 2005, the company produced an annual average of 2,966,591 tonnes of cane and 264, 983 tonnes of sugar and saw an annual average cane output of 2, 548, 294 tonnes, while sugar reached 208, 718 tonnes during the decade 2006 to 2015.

“The change in averages between the two time periods represented a 14 per cent decline in cane output and a 21 per cent decline in sugar output.”

Holder noted that GuySuCo started to display “chronic problems,” which included the migration of skilled and experienced managers, exhaustion of its cash reserves, deteriorating field infrastructure and factories and an unstable and adversarial industrial climate.

NOT KEEPING PACE Moreover, the Minister noted that the industry’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) changed between 2006 and

2015. “The industry has not been able to keep a pace with the changes that have occurred in the economy since 2006.” The sugar company incurred $40B losses with sales of $230B from 2008 to 2015. By 2015, management of the company had accumulated a mere $11B in internal equity and had decreased working capital by $25B. It meant it spent eight cents of every $1 of sales to build its long-term investment base, while generating only five cents of internal equity to do so.

“GuySuCo was forced to finance its long-term investment by borrowing money and by relying on subsidies through the national treasury, even though all the internal equity was being put back in the business,” the Minister related, as he noted that the sugar industry currently lags behind mining, construction and rice in its contribution to the local economy. “The contribution of the industry is no longer as distinguishable as it was before. Sugar, as a result now finds itself competing with other agricultural crops and forestry in its contribution to the economy,” Holder added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

FIU takes aim at lawyers …for supervision as part of AML regime Lawyers, accountants and those in private practice will soon be brought under regulations as part of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) regulations to ensure Guyana clears the Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.

(CFATF) In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the FIU said Guyana’s evaluation under CFATF Third Round of Mutual Evaluation process revealed that it was rated as Partially Compliant (PC) and Non-Compliant (NC) in all sixteen of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Key and Core Recommendations which resulted in it being required to undertake various corrective measures, one of which was the appointment of Supervisory Authorities for all reporting entities. As such,

in preparation for its Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluation, Guyana must have in place a robust regulatory and supervisory framework for all the reporting sectors.

According to the FIU,the implementation process therefore requires ensuring that all reporting entities under the AML/CFT Act of 2009, comply with sections 15, 16, 18, 19 and 20 of the said Act. These provisions relate, among other things, to the conducting of customer due diligence, record keeping and maintenance, submitting suspicious and other reports to the FIU and appointment of Compliance Officer.

The FIU said it has conducted several training sessions with most of the categories of reporting entities, which provided information on their obligations under the AML/CFT Act, including training on reporting formats

for submission of the required reports to the FIU. Guidelines on suspicious, terrorist property reports and Reporting Entity’s Compliance Regime were also published and made available on the aforementioned website. To date, the FIU said most of the reporting entities have made some progress in developing their AML/CFT regimes, in terms of appointing compliance officers, conducting customer due diligence and consistently submitting large cash, terrorist property and suspicious reports to the FIU. “Though this achievement is noteworthy, the country needs to do much more if it is to fully satisfy the requirement relating to regulation, supervision and monitoring of compliance by these sectors, which must be done by a Supervisory Authority or supervisory mechanism.

To date, Supervisory

Authorities have been appointed for: cambios,money transfer agencies, insurance companies,unit trust,securities,pawnbrokers/money lenders,dealers in precious metals,dealers in precious & semi precious stones,Friendly societies,casinos,cooperative societies/credit unions,real estate,used car/car parts dealers,betting shops and lotteries.

However,the FIU said that while supervisory authorities have been appointed for most of the reporting entities, no supervisory authority was appointed for attorneys-at-law, notaries, independent legal professionals and accountants, who are required to comply with specified provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act No. 13 of 2009, when they prepare for or carry out

transactions for their clients concerning activities such as: buying and selling of real estate,managing of client money, securities or other assets,management of bank, savings or securities accounts,organisation of contributions for the creation, operation or management of companies, or creation, operation or management of legal persons or arrangements, and buying and selling of business entities and (Non-Financial) Trust or Company Service Provider which as a business, provide any of the following services to third parties as covered under the Civil Law of Guyana Act, Cap 6;01: acting as a formation, registration or management agent of legal persons;acting as, or arranging for another person to act as a director or secretary of a company, a partner of a partnership, or a similar position in relation to other legal persons; Providing a registered office,business address or accommodation, correspondence or adminis-

trative address for a company, a partnership or any other legal person or arrangement; acting as, or arranging for another person to act as, a trustee of an express trust; Acting as, or arranging for another person to act as, a nominee shareholder for another person.

The FIU said it has already met with all of the supervisory authorities that have been appointed to date and informed them of their role and expectation as AML/CFT supervisors.

“The FIU has also issued and published a number of guidelines, including an examination guideline designed to guide supervisory authorities on the procedure to be employed when conducting an examination of the sectors under their supervision.” Additionally, the FIU said it is in consultations with stakeholders to assist with identifying an appropriate supervisory authority for the two outstanding sectors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Ex-cop amongst five remanded

--on firearm possession, other indictable charges

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

FIVE men, including an ex-cop, were on Monday remanded to prison without bail on charges of being in possession of a number of house-breaking implements.

The five, who were also found to be in possession of a firearm and 13 rounds of matching ammunition, were placed before the New Am-

who had joined forces to mount a mobile patrol following reports of several breakages within the Glasgow, East Bank Berbice community.

Malcom Henry

Jomo Archer

sterdam Magistrates Court where the matter was heard.

They are former policeman, Trevon McKenzie, 28, of Glasgow Village, East Bank Berbice; Michael Embrack, 32, of Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme; Marlon Henry, 30, of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam; Seon Brown, aged 22, of Dazzel Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara; and Jomo Archer, 26, of Pilot Street, New Amsterdam.

The charges followed the police’s interception around 01:30hrs on Saturday of the motorcar, PNN 7771, in which the five were travelling on the Glasgow Public Road.

The quintet was nabbed by ranks from Central and Reliance Police Stations

ficking in narcotics, while Embrack, who was out on bail before his recent arrest, has a robbery-under-arms matter pending.

And so, too, has Henry, who also faces rape and possession of narcotics charges. Brown has breakand-enter and larceny, and robbery-under-arms matters pending, while Archer has a charge of break and enter and larceny before the lower courts.

In light of the foregoing string of **, Robertson objected to pre-trial liberty, on the grounds that the five men are known to the police, and are on bail, having cases in the lower courts.

The tactic paid off when a search of the vehicle, after the five were ordered out, unearthed a wig, a screwdriver, a length of rope, a crow bar, a firearm and thirteen matching rounds of ammunition.

Upon their arrest, the men were all taken to CenTrevon McKenzie

Michael Embrack

tral Police Station, where the charges were instituted.

Police Corporal Leon Robertson, prosecuting, said McKenzie also faces bribery charges for allegedly accepting a $6M bribe to avoid prosecution for traf-

However, Defence Counsel Charrandas Persaud asked that his clients be granted bail, since it is well nigh impossible for all five men to be in possession of the gun and ammunition that were found in the vehicle.

He also said there was still the matter of who was in control of the car to consider, as is the fact that the vehicle was rented, and as such the items found in it could very well have been placed there before the men took possession of it.

Persaud further con-

tended that the mere fact that the defendants are known by the police is not sufficient reason for bail to be refused, as the men were not stopped as they

Seon Brown

were attempting to enter a house; and neither were the firearm and ammunition found in their respective possession.

He further sought to remind the court that his clients are on bail, have been attending their court hearings, and as such sees no reason why they would skip bail this time around.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Alex Moore, before whom the men appeared, while remanding them to prison noted the relative rarity of the police objection, and ordered that the vehicle be returned to its rightful owner after it would have been scrutinised for evidential value.

The case is fixed for hearing on June 2.

$1.6B spent on medical drugs for the past year OVER $1.6B has been expended by the Ministry of Public Health on pharmaceuticals and medical supplies during the period January 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017 representing 96.1035 percent of the 2016 budgetary allocation by December 2016.

A total of $1,635,070,822 was spent all together, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, said in a written response to questions posed by the Opposition on Monday.

The opposition requested the name of each supplier, the value of the contract and date of award, the supplier(s) who may have failed to deliver within the contractual period, and the name of the supplier who may have delivered substandard drugs.

Lawrence, in her response said that one supplier was blacklisted by the Food and Drugs Department and noted

that vaccines were received in the first quarter of 2017, which explains the under performance in the procurement of the drugs and medical supplies for the public health system.

She said too that the International Pharmaceutical Agency, Global Healthcare Supplies Incorporated and Ansa Mc Al Trading Limited failed to deliver supplies within their stipulated contractual period by the amounts of $381,193,319, $2,569,719.10 and $12,488,630 respectively.

The opposition also queried whether the tenders for procurement of drugs and medical supplies were publicly advertised to which the Minister responded in the affirmative. All contracts were awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board was responsible for awarding these contracts. (GINA)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

GWI on the move

WHEN Dr. Richard Van-West Charles was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in October 2015,it was not without some public criticism as to how he got the job, and more importantly whether he brings to the post any level of competency. The results of his performance over the period, for those paying attention, have seen improvement in the delivery of water in several communities across the country.

For instance, there were communities that were receiving 10-14 hours of water supply per day that are now receiving 24 hours supply, which not only makes this vital service accessible but also reduces the necessity of purchasing or building storage facilities. In the said communities there have also been improvement in the water pressure and communities that were not in receipt of potable water are being targeted in a sustained and systematic manner to benefit. These actions have led to reasonable assumption that there is focus on equity in the delivery of water, as is evident in communities in the hinterland and rural areas that are attracting attention and service.

Water is an essential commodity and considered a public health issue, given the diseases it could carry and its vital nature to sustenance and health, making it also a human right. According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) ‘Sanitation and Water: Evidence for public policies focused on human rights and public heath

results’ Report “Lack of drinking water and basic sanitation has a devastating impact on development processes. It is the second largest cause of morbidity and mortality for children under 5 years of age in the Region, and the largest contributor to the burden of environment-related disease.”

It is understood that one of the major objectives of the present GWI management is to end dependency on the black tank and other forms of storage. Outside of economic consideration to the consumers through savings in dollars, and some may argue improvement of the aesthetics, what cannot be ignored is the sense of a vision with a purpose.

In the day-to-day management of water it cannot be ignored that GWI is moving to improve service through the use of technology, where efforts are presently undertaken to create two apps that will facilitate interaction and feedback between consumers, public and contractors with the company. This approach to management is new to Guyana.

The pursuit of e-technology in service delivery in this Information Age could influence positive behavioral change, not only from the standpoint of citizens’ involvement in the management of this vital resource, but also aids in improving the management of the service. This form of grassroots’ involvement in decision-making bodes well for cultivating the needed sense of ownership that could not only result in ensuring preservation but also strengthening the system of delivery.

The idea of having multiple wells in the communities, which GWI refers to as “water field,” in that when one is

down there are others to ensure continuity of service, is profound. It will not be surprising if this same perspective is applied in the management of liquid waste, which is another aspect of its operation, to bring Guyana in line with the Cartagena Convention.

Undoubtedly,an examination of Dr. Van-West Charles’ international experience in public health is being brought to bear in the planning, development, and execution of GWI’s activities. At the same time it is instructive to note he is also bringing a refreshing culture in dealing with the public. It is being observed his hands-on approach to public engagement, in seeking the communities’ input in refining the organisation’s activities, preparedness to treat the public with respect, and also demonstrating it is not beneath a CEO to apologise for service not rendered or hiccup in the system. It should be said such is a marked departure from the old mode of intolerance, finding excuses, and laying blame on others.

IAST brings clarity to Rice Cereal Plant operations Dear Editor THE Institute of Applied Science and Technology wishes to provide the following information to the public on the Rice Cereal Plant constructed in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

In part, our letter is motivated by important questions raised by concerned citizens – on April 12th by Mr. Mohammed Khan in the Stabroek News and on May 2nd 2017,in the Kaieteur News by Mr. Romario Blair.

Ownership of the plant: The plant is currently owned by the Institute of Applied Science and Technology, as it was constructed through monies received via a war-

rant to the IAST from the former Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

The land on which the plant is constructed belongs to the Guyana Power and Light Corporation, which provided their no-objection to the plant being constructed on the land. The transfer of this land to the IAST has been occupying the attention of the IAST’s subject Minister – the Honorable Joe Harmon, Minister of State.

Also occupying the attention of the Honorable Minister is the presence of a squatter within the compound of the facility and the need to craft a humanitarian solution for this issue.

Update on Readiness

of the Plant: The building construction is complete and without defects. The equipment for the plant was procured, is in place in the building and is currently waiting to be commissioned.

The equipment was exhaustively tested by IAST’s technical staff in China before being shipped to Guyana.

Commissioning will begin after a transformer is installed which converts the power from that currently supplied by GPL to that required by the equipment.

The transformer has been procured and the contractor is expected to begin installation in weeks. The supply of power to the building from GPL is dependent on

the ownership of the land – as soon as this transfer is effected, the facility will be powered and can proceed to be commissioned. The IAST has also located a generator owned by the institute to the facility, to serve as an interim solution to the need for power, until power can be supplied by the GPL. Operation of the Plant: The plant will be commissioned and operated in the initial months by the IAST. The Anna Regina Town Council has expressed an interest in being involved in the operation of the plant, through the Ministry of Communities. Their interest has been preliminarily discussed with the IAST.

There is no unwillingness to seek a partnership with the Anna Regina Town Council, but the current priority is to commission the plant and ensure that at least one shift can be operated, which will require training of staff. The Board of Industrial Training and the Ministry of Social Protection has been engaged to begin training when the commissioning of the plant is complete. Ultimately, the IAST has recommended that when the plant is operational and is generating a cash flow, that Government seeks to divest the plant to the private sector or through a public/private partnership which whilst ensuring employment, also allows the Government

to recoup its original investment at an appropriate premium so that this capital can be used to germinate other such value-added processes in other communities. A final decision on this direction has not been made, but several conversations have taken place with the IAST, the Minister of Business and the Minister of State on the matter. Also to be decided is an allocation of funding for operations, although it is expected that this shall be off-set by sales.

Focus of the Operations: The plant is only focused on the production of breakfast cereals and nutrition bars.

The main ingredient used Turn to Page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Need for more public washrooms

Dear Editor,

IN cities all over the world, public restrooms can be found near places of entertainment,near public transportation (bus terminals), near shopping centres in parks and playfields, close to public buildings and at large outdoor events etc.

In Georgetown it is a whole different story.

There is not an adequate number of toilets result-

ing in many persons urinating and defecating in the open – in fields, bushes, or bodies of water – putting themselves, but more disturbingly children, in danger of deadly faecal-oral diseases like diarrhoea.

When nature calls a visitor or shopper in downtown Georgetown, how quickly can he or she answer? How quickly can they do so legally? Most persons are forced to let loose—that is to say, uri-

nate in public. However, there is always a City Constable waiting to harass such persons as they see it as an opportunity for demanding a bribe.

Open urination,particularly by girls and women,is a challenge to their dignity, and is also a safety issue as they quite often wait until dark to relieve themselves, putting themselves in danger of attack. But what is the Georgetown City

IAST brings clarity to ...

From Page 6 is rice, with other major ingredients being rice bran, sugar, molasses and peanuts.

The intent is to source as much of these raw materials regionally and nationally.

Indeed, the IAST has already procured raw materials for the commissioning process: all of which are available on the Essequibo coast were procured from Region 2.

Development of Markets: The IAST has been working with the National School Feeding Program operated by the Ministry of Education in a pilot project, to test the acceptance of the cereals by several schools on the coast. There has been an enthusiastic response by the students to the product, which is a favorite among the several products being piloted. Therefore, the National School Feeding Program is expected to provide an institutional market for uptake of some of the facility’s production in the near term. Additionally, the IAST has engaged with the Guyana Defence Force, which has preliminarily indicated its intention to purchase substantial amounts of the cereal for its troops. The IAST continues to produce the product at a pilot scale

and to solicit other markets, so that the plant’s produce can find markets in the early stages of operation. The intent is to secure enough markets ahead of the production so that the plant can operate at least one shift profitably.

Subsequent decisions on the operation of the plant will then seek to expand market share and the number of shifts.

Environmental Impact of the Cereal Plant: The plant will only generate minimum organic waste, related to over-production during operation. This waste is edible because it is breakfast cereal and will be utilized in collaboration with ruminant farmers in the region. The process does require rice to be milled into flour. The mill purchased generates a minimum of noise and creates no dust due to having electronically regulated dust collection. The facility in which the milling will be conducted will be noise-insulated, to further reduce any potential impact of noise.

There is no air pollution generated by the plant. There will also be no ground and surface water contamination from the plant – the facility is equipped with drain traps

to ensure double protection against any mistakes or accidents within the plant which allows organic load to be introduced into the drainage system. This is a food plant and very modern. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was prepared by the IAST and submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 2014. However, despite receiving positive feedback on the EIA, the EPA cannot issue the relevant licences until the matter of land ownership is resolved and the ownership of the plant is un-encumbered.

The IAST wishes to point out that every activity has an environmental impact. In the case of this plant, it has been designed to provide minimum impact. However, the IAST is committed to working with residents to ensure that if any unforeseen environmental impacts arise, they are dealt with in a collaborative and effective manner so as to mitigate the impact on environment and neighbouring populations.

Regards IAST Management

Council doing about it?

They are glibly spending millions of dollars a month to rent a few portable toilets from private contractors, whilst the few permanent facilities owned by the Council have also been contracted out to private individuals which are so badly managed that the public prefers not to use them.

This just shows how lazy and corrupt the administration of the Council is. With a staff strength of close to a thousand employees,many of whom are sanitation workers, they prefer to divest themselves of the responsibility of managing and maintaining these sanitary facilities,

opting instead to give it to private individuals and contractors from whom they could get fringe benefits such as having some of these portable toilets placed at their residences for their security and other staff.

If the officials at City Hall had any common sense and integrity they would have used the millions wasted each month on renting portable toilets to construct public toilets around the city,consisting of small concrete buildings containing one or more toilets (and possibly also urinals) which would be available for use by the general public,eliminating the common practise of urinating in public.

These facilities should be accessible to people with disabilities.

If the Council however prefers to deploy portable restrooms which are conversely better suited for camping, outdoor activities, wedding events, construction and large outdoor special events,then they should purchase their own rather than continue renting,which would save tens of millions a year, but then again who at City Hall cares about the squander mania of the rates paid by property owners?

Regards Modi Sankar

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Youths charged with Businessman remanded for illegal firearm, ammo murder of student TWO young men appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with the murder of 16year- old Brian Charles Yearwood, who was fatally stabbed during a school concert at Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on April 29, 2017.

Shannon Cox, 20, of Kaneville, EBD and 17-year-old, Andy Peters were jointly charged with the indictable offence. The duo stood in the prisoner’s dock with both hands and feet shackled as they remained calm when the murder charge was read.

They did not have legal

Dead: Brian Charles Yearwood

representation and were remanded to prison until May 22, 2017. The Chief Magis-

trate also ordered that Cox and Peters be placed under the supervision of a probation officer for counselling.

On the day in question, Yearwood was attending a school concert when he was stabbed to his chest, allegedly by the 17-year-old.

The teen was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but was pronounced dead on arrival. The police recovered a knife at the home of the 20-year-old suspect.

Yearwood’s relatives were also present in court during the hearing; his mother remains traumatized from the loss of her son while his brother, Ryan Williams wants the duo to be punished.

Maverick DeAbreu wanted for assaulting T&T Soca artiste

Wanted: Maverick DeAbreu

POLICE have issued a wanted bulletin for Maverick DeAbreu for questioning in relation to the beating of popular Trinidadian Soca artiste, Rodney “Benjai” La Blanc outside Palm Court night club April last.

This newspaper reported that Le Blanc’s attorneys,Gideon Mac-Master, Keith Scotland and Joel Roper, stated that the artiste had just wrapped up his performance at Pulse Entertainment’s soca theme party at the Palm Court Night Club, Georgetown and that he was standing in a nearby car park in the company of his manager and other people when the driver of a vehicle in the car park

Rodney “Benjai” La Blanc

reversed into them.

According to the report, when alerted to the presence of the group, the driver came out and pointed a firearm at Benjai and the group.The report further stated that the other occupant of the vehicle exited the passenger’s side and hurled a glass object at Le Blanc. “We say nothing more of the incident at this time, other than to give the perpetrators of this heinous and unprovoked assault the assurance that we have ascertained their identities and will invoke the full legal apparatus against them, including vigorous pursuits of criminal and civil litigation to ensure that justice is served,” the attorneys

noted.

Guyana Chronicle understands that Benjai was slashed to his face with a glass bottle.He was rushed to a private hospital, where he received over 20 stitches for two deep cuts.

Maverick DeAbreu, 27, is also wanted for inflicting grievous harm and discharging a loaded firearm February last. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Maverick DeAbreu is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 226-1389, 227-2128, 2267065, 225-2227, 225-0575, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

FREEMAN Fordyce appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with the illegal possession of a firearm and matching ammunition.

The illegal items were reportedly found on May 5, 2017,at the businessman’s jewellery and pawn shop located at George and Princess Street, Werk-en-Rust.

The 41-year-old Fordyce of Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which alleged that on the day in question, a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol was found in his possession when he is not the holder of a firearm

Freeman Fordyce

licence.

It is further alleged that on the same date and location, he had 15 live rounds of 9mm ammunition. His lawyer, Nigel Hughes told the court that his client is a well-known businessman

and that over the past two weeks there has been a series of attempted robberies at the business place.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Shawn Gonsalves said that the police searched the pawn shop and nothing was found; the ranks then searched Fordyce and found the gun stashed in his pants crotch.

The Prosecuter objected to the businessman being allowed his pre-trial liberty, citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. He argued too that no special reasons were raised for bail. Bail was denied and the businessman was remanded until May 22, 2017.

Vendor allegedly caught with cocaine remanded A CLOTHES vendor was remanded to prison on Monday by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan after she was charged with having197.6 grams of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking on May 4, 2017.

Marsha Reece, 36, of Victory Valley, Linden denied the charge.Her Attorney Adrian Thompson in his application for bail told the court that the alleged drug was not found in the possession of his clint.

However, Police Prosecutor Alwyn Moore said that the drug was found in the woman’s handbag during a police raid. According to

Marsha Reece

the Prosecutor, on the day in question, police carried out a raid at the woman’s home during which they observed she picked up her handbag and ran through the back door.

A police rank gave chase and the woman was apprehended in her backyard. The bag was searched and “whitish brick like” substance,suspected to be cocaine was found concealed inside.

The court heard that Reece, under caution from the police, confessed that she would normally sell cocaine. The Prosecutor objected to the woman being released on bail, stating that the defense failed to point out any special reason why bail should be granted. As such, bail was denied and Reece was remanded until May 17, 2017.The matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

3 years jail for pork-knocker guilty of growing ‘ganja’ A PORK-Knocker was sentenced to three years imprisonment by Chief Magistrate,Ann McLennan on Monday for cultivating marijuana.

Leon Gibson, 47, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown admitted that on May 4, 2017 at 3 Mile Lethem, Mabura trail, he cultivated the prohibited plant. The unrepresented man pleaded with the Magistrate for leniency as he

stated that he is the father of a minor.

“See the things that going on in the streets, I don’t want to get into no trouble so I went far, far away and do my thing,” Gibson told the court.

Police Prosecutor, Alwyn Moore told the court that on the day in question, police acted on a tip and visited the trail at approximately 11:30hrs, where they observed Gibson with a spray

can, tendering to his prohibited plants.

Over 300 marijuana plants, ranging from six feet were destroyed by the officers. The accused was arrested and under caution, told the ranks that he would normally cultivate the illegal plant.

The Chief Magistrate considered Gibson’s early guilty plea and imposed the three-year sentence and a fine of $15,000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Judge withdraws from Duncan case …says decision was made before PM’s letter

By Ariana Gordon HIGH Court Judge, Justice Franklyn Holder on Monday recused himself from hearing the Carvil Duncan case, saying that he had made the decision even before the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo had expressed disquiet about him continuing the matter.

Before a packed courtroom, Justice Holder said, “I find that it will be prudent, judicious and in the interest of the administration of justice that I recuse myself from the case.” Holder had accused Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams of being “disrespectful” and “insolent” in his court on March 23, 2017;a claim which the AG has dismissed. Williams did not attend court on Monday morning but instead was represented by Attorneys Judy Stuart and Coleen Liverpool;both of them lawyers within his chambers.

Given his recusal, the matter has been sent to acting Chancellor of the Judiciary,Yonette Cummings-Edwards for re-assignment.

However, before addressing both attorneys,Justice Holder enquired from Stuart whether the Attorney General would be appearing before him.

When he was informed that Williams was not going to appear, Holder described his absence as unfortunate.

In a prepared speech, the

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

High Court Judge told the attorneys that his decision to recuse himself from the case was not taken recently. He explained that his decision is not as a result of “skewed, illogical and improper reasoning expressed by some and reported in the press,but is one deeply rooted in my recognition and appreciation of what is required in the circumstances and in the interest of the administration of justice,” he added.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, a party to the case, last week called on Williams to request that the Judge recuse himself as he fears he may not be given a fair hearing. In a letter released on Friday, the Prime Minister said “Due to an alleged incident between yourself and Mr. Justice Franklyn Holder in His Honour’s court on March 23, 2017 in the above mentioned suit and His Honour’s subsequent petition

to the Honourable Chancellor against the Attorney General on the issue of the alleged incident, I am of the opinion that neither the State, nor l, will receive fair hearing in the matter.”

The Prime Minister believes that Justice Holder had the power to handle the alleged incident between himself and Williams amicably in Court, instead of retiring to his chambers without a formal rising of the court.

He also contends that the petition made by Justice Holder to the acting Chancellor for Williams to “compulsorily apologise in open court before continuation of the State’s matter” as well as the forwarding of the said Petition by the acting Chancellor to the President who is also a party to the suit, would result in him being prejudiced in the matter.

On March 23, the last day of hearing in the Carvil Duncan matter, the Judge vacated his bench during an exchange between him and Williams without adjourning the matter. Since that incident, the Judge wrote the acting Chancellor on the matter and demanded that Williams apologise,as he was in contempt of court.

Justice Holder on Monday said his withdrawal from the bench without adjourning the case was in an effort to give both himself and Williams time to reflect. He maintained his position that

the Attorney General was disrespectful and stated that he did not err when he rose from the bench without adjourning the case or citing Williams for contempt in court due to his “insolent” behaviour.

“When I rise from the bench on the 23rd March, 2017 without citing Mr. Williams for contempt of court for his insolent and disre-

High Court Judge, Justice Franklyn Holder

spectful behavior,(it) was a decision I made not in error, through oversight nor owing to my unawareness of the availability of that option to me. I do not now regret it as it accords in my respectful view with contemporary learning on the issue,” the High Court Judge stated.

He said too that Williams as the head of the bar, attorney general and Senior Counsel was afforded enough time to reflect and apologise.

“It was hoped that it would have allowed him time to

reflect on his conduct and give him an opportunity to do what was fit and proper in the circumstances so as to avoid him bringing the administration of justice into disrepute,” said Justice Holder. The Judge made it clear that the utterances made by the Attorney General and taken individually may not be deemed contemptuous but collectively represent a contempt of court.

“These statements of Mr. Williams that I have recounted,taken individually may be perceived as insolent behaviour and not necessarily contempt of Court. However, when considered collectively and within the time frame that they were made, these statements prima facie constitute contemptuous behaviour on his part,” he added.

He made it clear that Williams has turned the issue into a political one when there was no need to and noted that the Attorney General instead of wearing another hat, moved weeks after the confrontation to “systematically flip the script and to spin this matter in a manner now common in other jurisdictions, to the extent that it has now in my respectful opinion become politicised and irretrievably infected with the perception of bias,” said Justice Holder.

Judges are independent of politics and as such he stated emphatically that “The Court is not a forum for politicking” and must remain the guardian of the Constitution, objective and evidence-based.

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, attorney representing Duncan, expressed disappointment by the judge’s actions noting that by way of his action the public perception of the judiciary would be skewed. “I am disappointed that he has done so, not because I have any interest in this judge continuing to hear the matter, because the appearance out there would be there that the judiciary buckled under executive pressure.”

Additionally, the former AG said the appearance is sometimes as important as the reality and stressed that while the judge said his decision to recuse himself is not as a result of an application for him to so do, “the perception that would be convened is that the judiciary did not stand firm in this matter.”

“But the opportunity still exists for the judge to exercise that exceptional power of contempt and kill that public perception,” he added. That aside, he said he was happy the judge was firm, and unambiguous that the AG committed contempt in the face of the court and that as the judge in the matter, notwithstanding the fact that he came off the bench without citing the AG with contempt, he has the power to cite contempt when he deems it fit. “I am disappointed that the judge fell short in saying how he will exercise that power in relation to this incident,” said Nandlall.

Independence flag-raising for D’Urban Park DURBAN PARK has been confirmed as the venue for the staging of the 2017 Flag Raising on May 25, the Department of Culture of the Ministry of Education has confirmed.

The department said in a statement that Lt. Col Godfrey Bess, Director of National Events met with various stakeholders on Monday at D’Urban Park to assess and address where the necessary preparatory works will be undertaken and to charter a way forward to ensure the soundness of the venue to host the 50+1 event.

The venue can accommodate in excess of 30,000 persons. The event that culminates with the hoisting of the flag and fireworks display was shifted from the Stabroek square and the Parade ground because of the likely inclement weather, and to ensure that there would be

no disruptions of normal life and business in that area, as there was much preparatory works to be completed.

As a result of the change of venue from the Stabroek Square the proposed cultural show featuring the Carifesta entrees at the National Cultural Centre and all other flag raising related activities, will be hosted as part of the event at Durban Park, the release stated.

This is in addition to the Regional flag raising events that will be hosted as planned and there would be ministerial representations in each of the ten administrative regions for the regional flag raising programmes. The stakeholders in attendance at Monday’s meeting included Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Ministry of the Presidency, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Communities, the Guyana

Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, The Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Guyana Fire Service.

According to Bess, the ultimate objective is to ensure that the event is grand and as inclusive as possible.

He noted too, that it (the event) will be a showcase that includes Military, Para-Military and civilian involvement.

While it seems that it was not so long ago that Guyana hosted a grand Golden Jubilee, the time is drawing closer for the nation’s observance of its 50+1 Independence Anniversary, and a week of activities is on the cards.

Even as engagements are continually being held at various levels, recently, Hon. Minister Nicolette Henry met with several officials to flesh out concepts further aimed at ensuring a successful,

celebratory observance. At that meeting it was revealed that a week of activities is planned from May 21 -27 and the approach will see active participation from several ministries spearheaded by the Ministry of Education Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The ultimate 50+1 Independence event would be the flag raising ceremony.

That event will feature a military parade and mass band display, as well as a cultural showcase followed by a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of May 25.

Director of Culture Ms. Tamika Boatswain, while noting that cultural and other Independence events abound in all Regions, stated that the mega culture- filled evening would celebrate Guyana’s ‘Past, Present and Future’ with specific focus on presenting the nation as

an ‘Emerging Green State’ in keeping with President David Granger’s vision.

This cultural showcase will feature Guyana’s offerings to the upcoming Carifesta XIII slated for Barbados.

While other pre and post activities are planned at the regional levels, Guyana will also be observing Youth Week, which will coincide with the Independence observances, and a plethora of youth related activities are scheduled to take place from May 21 and culminating on May 27.

The theme for Youth Week is, ‘Inspiring our youth, celebrating our achievements’.

Youth Director, Melissa Carmichael, at that meeting had reported that the events will target approximately 5000 Guyanese youth aged 14-35 and would feature events such as a Military/

Paramilitary Parade, an Interfaith Opening Concert, Youth Folk Exposition, a Career and training exposition, Youth expressions, and more.

Actively involved in the planning are officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Communities and Business with guidance from Lt. Col. Best, Director of National Events. The Ministry of Communities will play a pivotal role in helping to make the 50+1 Independence Anniversary a most memorable one. A Housing Expo is also carded.

Another concept meeting will be held in a week’s time that will speak to subjects such as Agriculture, Business, Cottage Industry, a Farmer’s Market and sale of fresh produce, as well as Youth Week, in addition to a Fine Arts exhibition.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

10 companies tender to power Bartica TEN companies are in the race to power Bartica using renewable energy, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson disclosed on Monday, while noting that no company has been selected thus far.

He said that the tenders are currently opened. It is not clear when the tendering process will be closed, but Government through the Public Infrastructure Ministry is looking to commence the project this year.

On Sunday, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, reiterated Government’s intention to have Bartica powered by an independent company using green energy.

The project is being initiated at a time when the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is battling to keep the lights on in Bartica. The power plant, situated on First Avenue, Bartica in the heart of the commercial zone, has been a

sore issue, not only because of its inability to supply the more than 14,000 residents with reliable electricity, but due to the fact that it is a constant source of pollution.

Last year, the Government, through the Public Infrastructure Ministry, had signaled its intention to power Bartica using renewable energy, solar, wind, and or hydropower, under a buildown-and-transfer (BOOT) structure, to supply 1.5MW of power to GPL’s Barti-

ca Grid, under a negotiated and agreed power purchase agreement.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, said the Council continue to lobby Central Government to expedite the process of relocating GPL’s power plant, stating clearly that the residents of Bartica can no longer endure the heavy pollution.

Marshall, said while he must give credit to GPL for providing “stable” electricity for the past four months, the

Council is maintaining that the plant’s relocation is “a must.”

“There is a site at Byderabo that we are looking at but we are concerned because we don’t want to transfer the problem to that area. Environmentally and ethically it doesn’t make sense,” the Mayor posited. As such, an alternative site is being given serious consideration.

That area is located on the town’s border in vicinity of the Bartica/Potaro Road. “It

is a work in progress. Consultations with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and of course the people of Bartica will lead us in the right direction.”

GPL is reportedly in the process of acquiring new generators for Bartica. According to the Mayor, these new generators will serve as “backups” when the renewable energy project comes on stream in keeping with the town’s green agenda.

Autopsy confirms...

Pensioner died of ‘chest trauma’

– due to ‘hit-and-run’ accident A POST Mortem (PM) Examination done on Suresh Mangru, whose lifeless body was on Wednesday found on the roadway at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, has proven that he died as a result of chest trauma resulting in multiple rib fractures.

Police had said that a vehicle had run over the 70-year-old pensioner’s chest and they were looking for the driver involved in the fatal accident.

Mangru, of Lot 35, Garden of Eden, was found with wounds to his head and right side ribs. The body was found some 400 meters from his home.

A niece, who identified herself as Bhagmattie Peters, said that she only knew that her uncle had died when police ranks visited to her home.

She said that her uncle was occupying a small room in a house located next to hers. Peters said that Mangru consumed a lot of alcohol, but in recent times, he had stopped.

DEAD: Seventy-year-old pensioner, Suresh Mangru

“He got old and sickly, so he de ease up de drinking. He does be in his room and his nephew family does give him food,” she’d said.

The woman said that the elderly man was involved in an accident some years ago, and that that had caused him to “walk slow and shaky”.

“He takes long to walk a short distance,” Peters said.

The woman and other relatives have no idea what the pensioner was doing out on the road so early.

34% decline in murder POLICE on Monday announced that there has been a four per cent decrease in serious crime so far this year.

In a statement police said the Force has recorded a four per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of April, 2017,relative to the same period last year. There was a 34per cent decrease in murder; a five per cent decrease in robberies with no instruments used; a one per cent decrease in robbery under arms where firearms were used; a one per cent decrease in rape; a four per cent decrease in burglary; an 18 per cent decrease in break and enter and larceny; a 63 per cent increase in larceny from the person; a 22 per cent increase in robbery with aggravation; a 95 per cent increase in robbery with violence and a five per cent increase in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

100 Guyanese in Cayenne jail …convicted mostly for drug trafficking AROUND 100 Guyanese are serving various prison terms on mostly drug charges in French Guiana jail, recently accredited French Ambassador to Guyana,Antoine Joly,disclosed during a meeting with the Attorney General, Basil Williams last week.

The Ambassador mentioned that there are about 400 Guyanese residing in French Guiana and out of this number,he said about 100 of them are in prison serving various prison terms on mostly drugs and other related offences. When asked if there is any arrangement between French Guiana and this country whereby Guyanese prisoners could be transferred to Guyana to complete their jail terms, he said there is neither Treaty nor any Agreement between the two countries. He however said, depending on the gravity of the offence, some of the prisoners may be deported to Guyana when they complete their jail terms while some may be allowed to remain in the country after serving their terms.

On the economy, he said the economy depends mostly on the Government employment supported from Paris.

He further stated that mining and logging are outlawed in the country in order to protect the nationals from mercury poison from mining activities and also to preserve the forest of the country. However, he mentioned that as the country’s unemployment rate has risen to 20/100, the government is considering allowing private mining and logging activities in order to narrow the unemployment rate. He

however said that the proposal will be considered strictly under the French Code applying in the country. Joly also discussed proposals to formulate informal ways and means in which French Guiana and Guyana could share information on security, trade and other issues and other bilateral relations between the two

change,also known as the Paris Agreement. “We are pleased to have signed and ratified the Paris Agreement. We are committed to working closer with France in preserving and protecting the Guiana Shield of which both Guyana and La Guyane are constituents. We shall place an additional two million hectares of our territory

the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service.

“We anticipate, also, continued cooperation between our two countries at the multilateral level through the United Nations, the ACP-EU [African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States-European Union] Partnership Agreement, the Economic Partnership Agreement between the CARIFORUM States and the European community and through bi-regional

Attorney General, Basil Williams and his officers meeting with French Ambassador to Guyana, Antoine Joly

countries.

During the accreditation,President David Granger had said that Guyana is ready to bolster its already strong relationship with the French Republic through investment opportunities in areas such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, sanitation, transportation and water and cooperation on matters relating to climate change and environmental protection.

Speaking on Guyana’s commitment to a low-carbon, low-emission development trajectory, President Granger lauded France’s role in achieving the historic global agreement on climate

under conservation as part of our nationally-determined commitments under that ‘Agreement’,” President Granger said.

Speaking of the country’s ‘green’ state agenda, he said that it will place emphasis on environmental protection, biodiversity preservation, provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services and promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

Over the years, Guyana and France has shared strong relationship, which the President said is founded on the tenets of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,

Police record 19 per cent decrease in fatal accidents – 22,896 cases against drivers THE Traffic Department has recorded a 19 per cent decrease in fatal accidents, according to new statistics released by the police.

Thirty-eight fatalities were recorded at the end of April, compared to 44 for the same period last year.

In a statement police noted that the continuous robust traffic enforcement exercise countrywide did not only contribute to a decrease in fatal accidents but also resulted in a 16.3 per cent decrease

mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security. He also spoke of the many benefits Guyana has derived from its relationship with the French Republic. This ranged from debt relief and disaster relief in the aftermath of the 2005 floods, technical training for the Guyana Defence Force,

in serious accidents, a 27per cent decrease in minor accidents and a 23per cent decrease in damage accidents.

Meanwhile, police stated that there were 22,896 cases against drivers from Jan-April, 2017, with speeding and breach of conditions of Road Service Licence/Music accounting for 8,962 of the total amount.” The reduction in serious crimes and also that of fatal and other categories of accidents, is cer-

tainly attributed to the many strategies employed by the Force, including the recent formation of several WhatsApp Groups by its Public Relations Department, linking all police ranks from Commanders down to Subordinate Officers-in-charge of Stations with stakeholders, inclusive of the Private Sector Commission, Chambers of Commerce, Community Policing Groups, the Media, etc,” the police stated.

cooperation between the EU [European Union] and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States,” President Granger said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Joly, who will be resident in neighbouring Suriname, in his remarks said that the Government of France wishes to deepen its relations with Guyana and to move forward together to implement measures in the areas of security, judicial cooperation and environmental protection. “France would also be happy to accompany in its efforts of building links with the European Union, particularly in the framework of the economic partnerships between the EU and CARICOM [Caribbean Community]… I am convinced that we can build more fruitful relations based on cooperation between our two countries,” he said. Guyana and France established formal diplomatic relations on June 22, 1967.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Gov’t to review all taxes in 2018 budget – Jordan tells PSC GOVERNMENT has committed to reviewing all taxes in next year’s budget, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan told members of the Private Sector Commission during a meeting last week.

Minister Jordan last Thursday met with a delegation from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) led by its Chairman, Eddie Boyer, in accordance with an agreement to meet with the Commission on a quarterly basis. The meeting addressed and sought solutions to the challenges facing the economy, including the expressed concerns of the Private Sector.

According to a Ministry of Finance release, the PSC applauded government’s handling of the apparent challenge to accessing foreign exchange and its resulting amelioration and complimented Minister Jordan for the injection of US$30M into the housing sector. The PSC also commended the recently implemented ‘Trusted Trader’ system through which legitimate and compliant businesses are spared the burden of lengthy processing times for transactions.

Meanwhile, during the meeting, the PSC delegation raised the issues of: VAT on tuition; the rehabilitation of hinterland airstrips; the 2% withholding tax; tributors’ tax on the mining sector;

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia and executives of the Private Sector Commission

VAT on the tourism sector; paddy bug infestation on rice; the current system employed by the Guyana Stock Exchange to value the shares of publicly traded Companies; the urgent need for Anti-Dumping and Mergers and Acquisitions legislation; introduction of a Single Window System and the need for TSA compliant scanners at the airports to allow non-traditional cargo exports in passenger aircraft.

Minister Jordan, in response to some of those issues, reminded the PSC that all taxes will be reviewed for Budget 2018 and proposed that a working group is established to examine the taxes and concession packages for the tourism and aviation sectors. The minister also pointed to challenges facing the rice, sugar and forestry sectors and reminded the PSC that Guyana was told more than three decades ago that the

sugar protocols would come to an end, but producers failed to seriously reorganise, and diversify, the industry. He warned that the “adjustment pains” now confronting the country will continue if we lose this opportunity to create strategies that will ensure the viability of the sectors. He called for a “dose of reality to be had by all sides – government, workers, private sector and unions” as Guyana navigates its way through the diversification of its economy.

COLLABORATION Additionally, the release stated that Boyer told the minister that the PSC is committed to collaborating with Government to arrest the sliding of the economy. He emphasised the previous successful collaboration facilitated under the National Competitiveness Strategy and urged the restoration of an institutionalised

means of consultation and decision-making between the Government and the Private Sector . The PSC Chairman expressed the determination of the Commission to work with any government in office and noted that private sector leaders were often discouraged by disparaging and unwarranted labels applied to their efforts to speak out in the national interest. “It is time to change the rhetoric”, he said, “so that confidence can be restored.”

He added that the PSC was heartened by a letter received from the Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon, commending crafting of a formal structure within which Government and the Private Sector Commission could engage.

He also alluded to a meeting between the PSC and the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, where the Commission was told that much needed for-

eign exchange was being traded by some businesses to other countries and urged the Minister to ensure that the leakage was arrested. Minister Jordan assured him that the Ministry of Finance was actively examining ways to strengthen the Bank, including reviewing legislation and expanding the Board. Minister Jordan extended an invitation to the PSC for a representative to be part of the Board once the legislation was in place.

The PSC also informed the Minister that it has observed that some foreign-owned businesses were not charging VAT, though they were registered to do so. The Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, who was present, told the PSC that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had already written to some embassies with a view to discussing the laws of Guyana as it relates to their nationals’

tax obligations. Mr. Boyer, in response said that the Commission will undertake to urge other businesses to honour their obligation to pay their taxes.

Statia also announced that the Single-Window System will be implemented

by June 2018, while the test phase will begin in September of this year. He added that GRA will begin operations in Morahwanna on June 1, 2017. Minister Jordan urged the Commission to explore partnerships with regional and international bodies to take advantage of imminent opportunities in the oil and gas sector, rather than wait for local content legislation. He advised the PSC that already the emerging sector was creating a demand in the hospitality, food and housing sectors, including ancillary services. The PSC told the Minister, too, that it has heeded the call by President David Granger to execute a Business Summit and proposed that Government cohost the event. Minister Jordan expressed his appreciation that the PSC has taken up the initiative and said his government stands ready to assist in whatever way it could. The meeting ended with a commitment to greater collaboration for the growth of the economy.

Citizens march on Public Buildings – in protest of a number of issues IN what has been described in some quarters as a triple protest, several opposition Members of Parliament on Monday joined picketers outside the Public Buildings to register their disapproval of three major issues.

Those issues are the government’s imposition of a Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education, its proposed closure of the Wales and Enmore sugar estates, and its ban on used tyres.

The protestors proper, most of whom were clad in red, fed off each other’s anxieties, while unanimously bashing the government for the decisions taken in relation to the aforementioned matters.

Yet another faction, which initially took to Vlissengen Road outside the Ministry of the Presidency and

the Ministry of Agriculture to air their grievances, were opposed to the government’s decision to increase fees for drainage and irrigation, and comprised primarily of farmers from Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Those from the Enmore Estate were calling on the government to revoke its decision to close the Rose Hall and Enmore Estates mere minutes before Minister of Agriculture, Mr Noel Holder could announce to the National Assembly that the proposed deadline is by year-end.

He revealed that Enmore will be closed after all its sugarcanes will have been harvested, while Rose Hall will be closed when arrangements for the amalgamation of its operations with Albi-

on’s will have been finalised.

The Enmore posse of mainly women spoke at length of how the closure will affect their ability to provide for their children.

“We will have no job; we will have no money; we will have no power,” lamented one protestor who said she has been employed at the estate for over 25 years.

“We’ll have no income, no spending. What are we going to do? What are they planning to do with the people,” she wailed.

Another, this time from the Wales Estate, was joined by her young children in calling on the government to pay workers their severance package, while others questioned whether the government was willing to find them jobs so they could feed their children.

Region Four and Five farmers on the picket line on Employees from the Wales and Enmore Estates in protest outside the Public Buildings on Monday

As Minister Holder painstakingly explained to the House, the Wales Estate will be merged with the Uitvlugt Estate, while its sugarcane will be re-assigned to the Uitvlugt Factory.

Those workers who will be out of a job, he said, will

have the opportunity of leasing land from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) so they could engage in other agricultural activities.

“The government is cognizant of the invaluable contribution of the sugar industry over the years; it will not

allow GuySuCo to die from preventable causes,” Minister Holder said, adding: “However, we cannot let GuySuCo continue to utilise a business model that is based on waste, inefficiency and hopelessness, ultimately leading to its undoing.”

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Linden resident remanded on drug charges TROY Nicholas, 45, of Victory Valley, Wismar Linden was remanded to prison on Monday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, on three drug-related charges.

He was charged with smoking cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Particulars of the charges alleged that on May 4, 2017 at Linden, Nicholas had 4.3 grams of cannabis in his possession; it is further alleged that on the same date and location,

Nicholas smoked cannabis.

It is also alleged that he had 22.4 grams of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

He pleaded not guilty to the three charges; his lawyer Daren Wade, in an application for bail, explained that the drugs were not found in his client’s possession. The lawyer alleged that the drugs were planted by the police.

However, Police Prosecutor Alwyn Moore debunked the lawyer’s allegations, noting that the accused was arrested with the drugs in his

possession during a police raid. The Prosecutor said that the accused was observed smoking cannabis by the police when he was apprehended.

The ranks searched the accused and reportedly found 4.3 grams of cannabis in his possession. The police took Nicholas back to this home and deepened their search.

While in the bedroom, police reportedly found whitish substance suspected to be cocaine, on his bed. A field test was done on the substance and it was tested positive for

Petroleum Commission Bill laid in National Assembly MINISTER of Natural Resources,Raphael Trotman on Monday tabled the Petroleum Commission Bill for the first time in the National Assembly.

The Bill when passed into law will provide for the establishment and functions of the Petroleum Commission of Guyana and for related matters. The six- part Bill

has 51 sections which cover areas pertaining to the establishment and incorporation of the Petroleum Commission, functions and duties of the Commission, and financing among others.

The Petroleum Commission Bill makes provision for the establishment of a Petroleum Commission to serve as a regulatory agency

for Guyana’s oil and gas industry. The establishment of a new regulatory agency will see the responsibility taken from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Minister Trotman registered the government’s intention to have the Bill read for a second time before being sent to Special Select Committee for review.

Man committed to High Court for murder of Montrose caretaker MAGISTRATE Zamilla Ally-Seepaul has found that there is enough evidence for Colin Alleyne, the man accused of killing elderly Montrose caretaker, Carmen Ganesh, to face a High Court Judge and jury.

The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) concluded on Monday at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court after months.

Alleyne, 25 of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, is accused of murdering Ganesh on August 1, 2015 at her Montrose, East Coast Demerara home.

The matter was prosecuted by police prosecutor, Ayesha Gibbon. Alleyne had behaved erratically on several occasions during the P.I hearings and would often hurl nasty slangs or refused to be present in court.

Ganesh’s body was found in a pool of blood in

Colin Alleyne

Danrasie Ganesh

the kitchen of the bottom flat of the two-storey house, for which she had been a caretaker for some time.

An autopsy revealed that the elderly woman died as a result of strangulation and brain hemorrhaging, reportedly as a result of the severe beating she received at the hands of the killer.

Fortunately for the police, the entire attack was caught on CCTV cameras

in the house. The footage showed the elderly woman being attacked by an unknown male suspect, who was seen continuously beating and strangling the woman throughout what was first described as a robbery.

Alleyne, who went into hiding after a photo of him from the surveillance footage was circulated in the press, was eventually arrested.

cocaine.

The prosecutor objected to the Nicholas being allowed his pre-trial liberty, citing

that no special reasons were raised by the lawyer for bail.

The Magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour

and remanded Nicholas until May 17, 2017; the matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s court.

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Iwokrama celebrates 21st Anniversary with Joshua House children – President, First Lady visit head office in Georgetown

THE Iwokrama Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development on Monday marked the 21st anniversary of the passing of the Iwokrama Act of

1996 with an interactive sensitisation session with the children who reside at Joshua House.

The event, which was held at the Centre’s High

Street, Kingston head office, was attended by President David Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, who both had an opportunity to engage with the children

as they were taught about the importance of issues such as forest conservation and proper solid waste disposal.

Iwokrama’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Dane Gobin explained that it is easier to influence a change in culture with regard to the way environmental issues are perceived by educating and sensitising children. “If you talk about climate change to children at a young age you influence their behaviour and make them more responsible,” he said. The CEO also urged the children to stay focused on their studies so that they will be able to make meaningful contributions to the ‘green’ development agenda and the preservation of the national patrimony.

The children engaged

in poetry recitation, games, visual art and discussions on rare flora and fauna that can be found in Guyana and the work of the Centre with regard to conservation and the protection of the forests.

The session was facilitated by the staff stationed at the head office.

Last month the organisation held similar sessions with differently-abled groups and two more such sessions are planned,targeting children on the East and West Coasts of Demerara. Mr. Gobin also lauded President Granger for his unequivocal support for Iwokrama, noting that he is the first Head of State in the country’s history to overnight at the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and De-

velopment in Region Eight.

Last year, the First Couple spent two days at Iwokrama when the President became the First Head of State to cross the famous canopy walkway, which is suspended at some 33 metres (100 feet) from the forest floor. The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation was established in 1996 through an agreement by the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat with the aim of managing and preserving 371,000 hectares of pristine rainforest. Former President,Desmond Hoyte Committed to the Iwokrama Rainforest Project in 1989. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Four ‘dirty money’ cases passed on to SOCU THE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) says it has submitted four reports to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) so far this year to go with some seven last year.

This, the unit says, has happened despite significant staff and other constraints. “…the FIU continues to press forward with its core responsibility of receiving and analysing data, and the provision of intelligence reports to the law enforcement agencies to assist the country in its fight against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing,” the FIU said in a statement Monday evening. It added that intelligence reports are prepared and submitted primarily based on Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) received from reporting entities.

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) was established under section 9 of the Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act No. 13 of 2009 as an agency responsible for, among other things, requesting, receiving, analysing and the dissemination of suspicious transaction reports and other information relating to money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF) or proceeds of crime (PoC).

Its mission is to help protect the integrity of Guyana’s financial system through the detection and deterrence of Money Laundering (ML) and terrorist financing.

The FIU said too that it looks forward to the con-

tinued support of all stakeholders in the execution of its mandate, and remains resolute in its mission to “protect the integrity of Guyana’s financial system through the detection and deterrence of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing”.

RISK ASSESSMENT Meanwhile, the FIU said that as part of its fight against money laundering and terrorist financing it recently spearheaded one of its key priorities, which is the completion of Guyana’s first Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment (NRA) and the development of a Risk Based Action Plan that is intended to guide the national Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) strategy.

The 14-month exercise was coordinated by the FIU and concluded with a twoday workshop held on the 12th and 13th of April at the Guyana Marriot. The workshop saw the 74-member working group established to complete this report and action plan, meeting to finalise their findings, and share same with policy holders, heads of key government agencies and supervisory authorities. This report will be formally handed over to the Government in the very near future.

Since the enactment of the AML/CFT Act in 2009, the FIU said it has played an integral role in Guyana’s effort to

fight ML & TF, internationally and locally. According to the unit it has contributed extensively throughout the mutual evaluation exercise, including its follow-up processes to remedy the deficiencies highlighted and has worked in collaboration with the legislative drafters attached to the Attorney General’s Chambers to interpret the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations, many of which were incorporated, into the AML/CFT Laws and Regulations. The FIU has also, independently, issued several critical guidelines. “The culmination of these corrective measures saw Guyana’s removal from the FATF Public Document “Improving Global AML/ CFT Compliance: on-going process” on October 21st 2016 at the FATF Plenary held in Paris, France. The effect of this removal is that Guyana is no longer subject to monitoring by the FATF. As part of its mandate, FATF sets standards and promotes effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating ML and TF and the proliferation of WMD, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financing system, and requires countries to ensure that all categories of reporting entities are subject to systems for monitoring compliance with AML/CFT requirements.”

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GCB launches fourth edition of `The Guyana Cricketer’ magazine

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) officially launched the fourth edition of their magazine, appropriately named ‘The

Guyana Cricketer’ yesterday.

The ceremony was done in the GCB’s boardroom in the presence GCB executives and media practitioners.

The 74-page full-coloured book captures the 2016 year of activities of both GCB arranged domestic and West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) regional tournaments. It features the inputs of key personnel in the stakeholders’ realm and provides insights to other integral cricket-related

matters.

The magazine also features a Foreword from president of the WICB, Dave Cameron, who outlined that the GCB continues to play a significant role in the development and growth of West Indies Cricket.

During his remarks GCB secretary Anand Sanasie said Cameron’s commendation is highly appreciated by the GCB. Sanasie further mentioned that the GCB con-

Olympic Solidarity...

From the back page They are swimming, athletics, table tennis, judo, taekwondo and boxing. Swimming will have Andrew Fowler and Earlando McRae alongside coach Stephanie Fraser while athletics will feature Alita Moore, and Winston George, in addition to Archibald and Hooper. The team will be under coach Mark Scott.

The judokas are Joshua Buchanan and Erskine Trotman, being joined by coach Raoul Archer.

The table tennis players will be under the watchful eyes of Idi Lewis. Chelsea Edghill, Trenace Lowe and Natalie Cummings are the ladies and the men are Christopher Franklin, Nigel Bryan and Joel Alleyne.

Taekwondo coach Ramjeet Ramphal will double also as the contingent’s Chef-de-Mission.

“I am hoping that each discipline gets on that medal podium, each discipline,” Ramphal told the media yesterday as he gave an overview of the touring contingent.

According to the GOA boss, K.A Juman-Yassin the athletes were chosen based on representation from their national federations and associations, adding that, “We have been going to the games

since they started in Saudi Arabia over 12 years ago.”

Meanwhile all the coaches expressed readiness for the games, adding that their athletes are well prepared ahead of the event.

This year’s team greatly outnumbers the seven-man team including two officials who attended the Games in 2013, when it was last hosted. George, a double silver medallist, will be the only repeating athlete on this year’s team.

This attendance will mark Guyana’s third participation at the event in just as many hostings.

The Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) is the organisation responsible for the direction and control of the ISG. ISSF is a section of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (formerly Organisation of the Islamic Conference) is the second largest inter-governmental organisation after the United Nations, and has a membership of 57 states, across four continents.

The OIC is the collective voice of the Muslim world to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony throughout of the world.

tinues to examine ways in providing the Guyanese cricketers with the necessary structures that will aid in the players’ professional career.

“As you may be aware, the Guyana PCL contracted players as well as the academy players, all train four days per week in a system geared to assist in the development of their individual and team needs.”

In fact, when one examines the PCL franchise-approaches to cricket development by involved territories in the West Indies, it is obvious that Guyana is leading the way in terms of professionalism to organisations, implementation of proposed plans, training and performance.

Performance needed no explanation, with Guyana having won all three WICB Regional four-day Professional Cricket Leagues to have been played so far.

As such, Mr Cameron’s statement is accepted and

well deserved,” Sanasie revealed.

The magazine features messages from Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, and Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry.

Those messages, according to Sanasie gives the GCB much pleasure, since it’s an indication of the government’s willingness to commit to the promotion of cricket, not just as a sport, but as a marketing tool for Guyana’s tourism market – a positive step for the imagine of cricket in Guyana.

Acting president of the GCB, Fizul Bacchus, expressed joy with the fourth edition of the magazine stating that is was his hope that in the years to come the other issues will continue to grow from strength to strength.

The magazine is free, and according to Sanasie, the magazine is distributed in each of the cricketing territories in the region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

No surprises in India’s belated Champions Trophy squad

By Amlan Chakraborty

NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - India recalled fitagain opener Rohit Sharma and spin trump card Ravichandran Ashwin as the holders finally named their squad for next month’s Champions Trophy in England and Wales yesterday.

Unhappy with cricket’s new revenue model, which considerably slashes their share from global events in the 2015-23 cycle, India

failed to submit a squad by an April 25 deadline, triggering panic among advertisers.

Several members of the Indian board (BCCI) favoured withdrawing from the tournament in protest but court-appointed administrators, who are currently supervising BCCI operations, rallied against such a drastic move.

The 15-member squad unveiled by chief selector MSK Prasad contained no real surprises.

Rohit returned from a thigh injury and the righthander will be joined by southpaw Shikhar Dhawan, who owes his own comeback primarily to a shoulder injury for Lokesh Rahul.

The selectors were also probably influenced by the fact that Dhawan was adjudged man-of-the-tournament when India won the last edition of the eight-team event, also held in England and Wales, four years ago.

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has retained his place in the squad.

“Ajinkya Rahane would be the back-up opener,” Prasad told reporters.

Off-spinner Ashwin returned to the side after skipping the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) with a hernia and Prasad said it was more tactical than anything else.

“It was not really a serious injury. The franchise was magnanimous enough to accept our request to rest him,” Prasad explained.

“He represented India in the last international game...

It’s not like others who have undergone surgeries and are getting rehabilitated.”

The selectors considered left-arm unorthodox

bowler Kuldeep Yadav before deciding a spin attack comprising Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, aided by part-timer Yuvraj Singh, should be sufficient.

Kuldeep, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur were all put on a standby list.

India’s pace attack was bolstered by the return of Mohammed Shami, whose recurring foot injuries kept him out of the one-day side since March 2015.

Former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni retained his place in the squad amid whispers that the wicketkeeper-batsman’s ‘finisher’ reputation was on the wane.

“We only talk about his batting form, he’s an invaluable asset to this team,” Prasad said.

“When it comes to crunch situation, his input ... I think he has got one of the best brains, and is the best person to guide (skipper) Virat (Kohli).

“In the last 10-12 years that MSD (Dhoni) played for his country, he never had a bad day with the gloves. We always treat him more like a batsman, not many appreciate the phenomenal work he has done behind the wickets.

“According to me, he’s still the best wicketkeeper in the world,” said Prasad, a former India stumper.

The top eight sides in the world rankings compete in the Champions Trophy.

India begin their Group B campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at Birmingham on June 4.

Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Manish Pandey.

BCB selects strong Under-19 team AFTER a series of training sessions, the Berbice Cricket Board has named its 14-man squad to compete in the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board/Hand-inHand Insurance Company Under-19 cricket competitions, scheduled to start on May 17.

Chairman of junior selectors Leslie Solomon, indicated through a press release that he is pleased at the level of commitment displayed by the players’ throughput the training sessions, and is optimistic that the team can win both the 50-over and three-day formats this year.

Acting president of the

Berbice Cricket Board, Dhieranidranauth Somwaru, told the players after their practice session on Sunday to continue the hard work, as they aim to make the national squad.

He is optimistic that with the approach of the new administration, Berbice cricket at all levels will continue to rise.

“The coaches are working hard, and beyond the call of duty, at all levels to ensure that the junior players are prepared and ready for the challenges ahead,” Somwaru said.

The team will contin-

ue to be trained at the Port Mourant Community Centre.

The full team reads: Adrian Sukwah, Steve Deonarine, Matthew Hardyal, Daniel Samaroo, Emmanuel Seecharran, Sylus Tyndall, Raymond Vanker ic, Deon Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Sasenarine Sukhoo, Javid Karim, Karan Arjpaul, Keith Simpson and Veramootoo Senwasane.

The reserves players are: Ezekiel Kempadoo, Joshua Harrichand, Zameer Inshaan Nazeer, Antonio February, Trevon Caesar, Junior Williams and Kris Ramnarine.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Chelsea close in on title, condemn Boro to relegation

By Clare Lovell

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Chelsea moved within three points of clinching the Premier League title with a 3-0 victory that condemned Middlesbrough to relegation yesterday after goals from Spaniards Diego Costa and Marcos Alonso plus a tap-in by Nemanja Matic.

A win at West Bromwich Albion on Friday will secure the title in coach Antonio Conte’s first season at Chelsea.

Costa got his 20th league goal this season in the 23rd minute, controlling a ball lofted into the area by compatriot Cesc Fabregas and

neatly nutmegging keeper Brad Guzan.

Two Spaniards were involved in Chelsea’s second goal in the 34th minute, Cesar Azpilicueta lifting the ball to Alonso on the left, who squeezed it under Guzan, with the ball hitting the stranded keeper’s legs on the way into the net.

Nemanja Matic got the third goal in the 65th from another neat Fabregas chip to pile the misery on Boro, who will join north-east neighbours Sunderland in the second tier next season.

“This game was very important for us after Tottenham’s defeat (at West Ham on Friday) and the possibility

Chelsea’s Diego Costa celebrates scoring their first goal with Pedro. (Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley)

to take three points and go seven points clear of Tottenham,” said Conte.

“This is a big step because there are three games and we need to take three points to win the title. We need another win and then to celebrate another fantastic target for us.”

Chelsea have 84 points from 35 games followed by Tottenham Hotspur on 77 points also with three games remaining.

Chelsea were without their injured France international N’Golo Kante, who won this season’s PFA and football writers’ Player-of-the-Year awards, but Spaniard Cesc Fabregas controlled the midfield with

almost languid confidence in his absence.

By the second half Conte’s team were buzzing and an increasingly beleaguered Middlesbrough side rarely managed to move out of their own half as they headed for the trap door.

Despite his side’s total control of the game, the ever feverish Conte prowled the touchline as usual, gesticulating wildly and yelling commands to his players.

Chants of “Antonio, Antonio” reverberated around the ground as the whistle went and the Italian hugged his assistants before applauding and shaking hands with the despondent Boro players.

Derby winner Always Dreaming heading to Preakness early (THE Sports Xchange) Always Dreaming, coming off an impressive win at the Kentucky Derby, will get an early start on preparations for the May 20 Preakness.

The colt is expected to arrive at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore this morning, hoping to avoid some early struggles adjusting to Churchill Downs when he arrived in Kentucky.

Always Dreaming ran through a soggy track to win the Kentucky Derby by 2 3/4 lengths on Saturday, giving trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez their second victories in the race but their first together.

Always Dreaming opened

a clear lead in the stretch and finished the 1 1/4 miles in 2 minutes 3.59 seconds. He paid $11.40 as the 9-2 favourite.

“It feels awesome,” Pletcher told the Baltimore Sun on Sunday. “I think it’s still sinking in. The first one’s special but this one is just as good or even better. We felt coming in we had a good chance and we had some anxious moments during the week. But we were just happy to see him deliver the performance we felt he was capable of.”

Pletcher had to make adjustments with the workouts leading up to the Derby as Always Dreaming refused to relax.

John Velazquez aboard Always Dreaming (5) celebrates after winning the 2017 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. (Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports)

The trainer has decided to give the champion almost two weeks to adjust to Pimlico. Pletcher said Always Dreaming will gallop daily at Pimlico rather than a harder, timed workout.

“He was so headstrong when he got here (for the Derby) that I don’t think staying here for another week is going to be an advantage,” Pletcher said. “I don’t think going to Belmont for a week and then moving again is an advantage.

So just looking at what the options are, I think Pimlico, there aren’t usually a lot of horses training there, and it’ll be a quiet environment. It’ll give us time to settle in and if we need to,

make any adjustments.”

Pletcher is winless in eight attempts at the Preakness. His previous Derby winner, Super Saver, finished a disappointing eighth at Pimlico in 2010.

The field for the 142nd Preakness is already taking shape.

Derby runner-up Lookin At Lee is “definitely a possibility” to run, trainer Steve Asmussen said.

Classic Empire, the morning-line favourite and fourth-place finisher in the Derby, was bothered by a swollen right eye, trainer Mark Casse said, adding if the condition doesn’t linger, he will strongly consider a shot at the Preakness.

Man of mystery Narine continues all-round transformation (REUTERS) - Sunil Narine’s transformation from a mystery spinner to a pinch-hitting all-rounder continued at speed on Sunday when the 28-year-old West Indian smashed the Indian Premier League’s joint-fastest fifty to enhance his batting reputation.

The Trinidadian has been a key cog for the two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders, essentially because of a bag of tricks with the ball that continue to baffle the best batsmen in the lucrative league’s rich roster.

However, when explo-

sive opener Chris Lynn dislocated his shoulder after two matches of this season, Kolkata made the inspired decision to promote Narine to the top of the order and the experiment has proved to be a resounding success.

In nine matches at the top of the order, Narine has scored 194 runs with a 188-plus strike rate and was at his swashbuckling best against Royal Challengers Bangalore, needing only 15 balls to bring up his maiden Twenty20 half-century.

Narine’s feat equalled Kolkata team mate Yu-

Sunil Narine

suf Pathan’s milestone half-century against Hyderabad two years ago.

Australian Lynn smashed 50 in his first match since returning from the injury as

he and Narine (54) fashioned Kolkata’s comprehensive six-wicket victory against Bangalore with nearly five overs to spare.

“Chrissy told me ‘stay simple, stay still and don’t move too much’. I think I can’t get better advice than that,” said Narine, who also took two wickets, including that of the talismanic AB de Villiers.

“Opening with Lynn, I think he will make it easy.

He will just get a single and give you back the strike. If you get going, I think it’s very good for the team and helps the team get a big

total.”

Narine clobbered six sixes in his 17-ball blitz, including three in a row off the bowling of fellow West Indies spinner Samuel Badree.

Narine opened for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL) earlier this year and India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh spelled out what it meant for West Indies cricket.

“If West Indies are looking for a new opener in the shorter format @SunilPNarine74 it is,” tweeted the Sunrisers Hyderabad player.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Guyana’s Wong to participate at Continental TT tourney this weekend

… GTTA maps out Youth Olympic Games qualification plans JUNIOR table tennis player, Miguel Wong, is scheduled to leave Guyana for the Dominican Republic, later this week to participate in the May 12-14 Latin American tournament, as he begins preparations to qualify for next year’s Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Wong’s participation at this YOG Latin American Qualification Tournament is part of the Guyana Table Tennis Association’s deliberate plan to see Wong either qualify for the YOG or at least garner a Universality Place to participate as an unqualified athlete.

In a press release yesterday, the GTTA informed

that they had already submitted Wong’s name to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), to notify of his selection as a YOG prospect.

“Miguel is a talented, disciplined athlete; one who the association feels has a long term future in the sport and the potential to reach higher levels if given the correct nurturing support and exposure,” a press release from the GTTA conveyed.

“His exposure to this event will truly augment his development, (and) his international ranking, which would assist Guyana’s chances of doing well in future engagements and so this would represent a long-term investment in one

of our brighter prospect for the future.”

GTTA noted that while Wong was not the only prospect they were eyeing, there could be only one nominee, saying that Nickolus Romain has also been showing potential worth investing in.

Wong’s participation is just the beginning of the plans that the GTTA hopes to see in his development.

Wong will be a representative team member at the II South American Youth Games scheduled for September 2017, as well as the Pan American Junior and Cadet Games qualifier.

The GTTA is also hoping to have Wong participate at other events on the International Table Tennis

Miguel Wong

Federation (ITTF) junior circuit. Participating in more events on the ITTF junior circuit will also increase the 16-year-old’s chances of selection to the ITTF ‘With the Future in Mind’ Road to Buenos Aires Olympic Solidarity Athlete Scholarships, which offers “high-level training to a limited number of young, talented athletes, who have a strong potential and who have already demonstrated a good standard”.

Hence, even if Wong does not qualify at this weekend’s tournament he will have other opportunities on the road to qualification for the YOG. However, attendance at this weekend’s continental tournament is compulsory.

Sunrisers beat Mumbai to close in on play-offs

SHIKAR Dhawan made a superb unbeaten half-century and Siddarth Kaul took three wickets as Sunrisers Hyderabad closed in on an Indian Premier League play-off place by stopping the rot with a seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians.

Mumbai are the only team to already be assured of a spot in the last four, but their momentum was halted by the defending champions at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The Indians could post only 138-7 despite captain

Rohit Sharma contributing 67 from only 45 deliveries, paceman Kaul (3-24) and the tournament’s leading wicket-taker Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-29) doing the bulk of the damage.

Dhawan becomes the second-highest run-scorer in the 2017 IPL with 62 not out from 46 balls and Moises Henriques hit a brisk 44 as Sunrisers moved five points ahead of Kings XI Punjab, who need to win their three remaining games to have any chance of making the playoffs.

Sunrisers lost their previous two matches, but had the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 311 players (2)227 players Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Test matches Michael Holding

played against Pakistan?

(2)What is Younis Khan’s highest Test score?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

leaders in trouble on 36-3 after Mohammad Nabi bowled Lendl Simmons in the second over and Kaul struck twice.

Mumbai only had 59 runs on the board at the halfway stage of their innings, but Rohit smashed Rashid Khan for six and also gave Henriques the treatment to provide some much-needed acceleration.

Rohit brought up his half-century off only 34 balls, but the classy India batsman was on his way after playing on to a poor delivery from Kaul and Bhuvneshwar took two wickets in the last over of a disappointing Mumbai innings.

Mitchell McClenaghan claimed the huge scalp of Da-

Shikar Dhawan

vid Warner with the left-arm paceman’s first ball, but Dhawan and Henriques put the home side well on course for victory with a second-wicket stand of 91.

Dhawan launched Karn Sharma for six over longon, while Henriques found the boundary six times, but missed out on a half-century when he got a leading edge off one from Jasprit Bumrah which held up in the pitch and was taken at extra cover

by Rohit.

Yuvraj Singh (9) was struggling with a finger injury and fell cheaply, but Dhawan and Vijay Shankar (15 not out) saw Warner’s side to victory with 10 balls to spare. (Omnisport)

Settling Star wins feature race at RSTC DESPITE the soggy state of the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) race track, Settling Star proved her worth to win the feature D3 and Lower event on Sunday when the club staged its six-race `Photo Finish’ race meet at its facility, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice.

The 1400m race saw Just call me Boss, It’s my Choice and Brace Sky take up the other top spots.

Red Rocket won the H3 and Lower and Four-yearnon-earners for 2017 event from Big Man Boss and Quite Dancer.

The race for J2 and K

and Lower animals saw Red Jet take pole position from De Rocket, Confusion and Ready to Romance.

In the race for G1 and Lower animals, It’s my Choice won ahead of Campador. The Three-years-old and I and Lower saw Red Jet win ahead of Seven Dust,

Party Time and Miss Olympic., while Irish Boy, Lucky Lucky and Jack and Ali finished in that order in the Cow Race.

The day’s event was described as a huge success by coordinator Fazal Habibulla, despite the current rainy season.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Batting coach says Windies ready to start afresh despite Kensington Oval victory ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) – Batting coach Toby Radford believes the emphatic second Test victory over Pakistan has provided a huge confidence-booster for West Indies, but says the Caribbean side must be prepared to start from scratch if they are to win the decisive third Test starting here tomorrow.

The Windies lost the opening Test in Sabina Park last month by seven wickets but bounced back superbly last week to trounce the visitors by 106 runs on the final day at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Radford stressed that while the performance had been outstanding, it was important the Windies put it behind them and focus on the new challenge at Windsor Park.

“Confidence has got to be very high. We’ve beaten them last week (and) it’s only a couple of months ago

that we beat Pakistan in a Test match in Sharjah so the last few Tests we’ve played we’ve beaten them a couple of times,” he told reporters here before rain cut short a training session.

“We’re going into a decider against them with everyone buoyant. The bowlers bowled exceptionally well – Shannon Gabriel again was brilliant – so spirits are very high and confidence is high but we also know it’s a new game and we’ve got to do all the things and all the hard work we did last week all over again.

“We can’t rest on that, that game’s gone. It’s about what we do over the next few days.”

West Indies have struggled in Tests in recent years and last Monday’s victory was only their third Test win in 17 outings over the last two years. The win also enhanced the hosts’ chances

West Windies celebrate during the second Test at Kensington Oval.Brighto Paints presents

of preserving their record of having never lost a Test series to Pakistan on home soil.

Radford said the Windies were now confident in their ability to compete effectively against the Pakistanis, and would enter the final Test not lacking in self-belief that they could defeat the tourists.

“I think a lot of it is psychological. I think for individuals and collectively it’s the belief that you can

beat what’s been a very good side and Pakistan have played well over the last year or so against other teams around the world,” the Englishman explained.

“It’s bringing the confidence in – players now realise they can score centuries, they can bat for four or five hours against this attack and we also know we can bowl them out.

“We’ve done that a couple of times now in the last few games so I think a big thing for us is the confidence and the belief and we’ve got to continue with that same positive mindset.”

Pointing to the West Indies batting in the Oval Test, Radford said it was a sign that the Caribbean unit was improving, especially after the disappointing outing in

the opening Test.

In Barbados, Roston Chase hit his second Test century while Shai Hope and captain Jason Holder struck high quality half-centuries.

“We are very pleased with the batting. When you look at the win last week in Barbados there were lots of contributors. Obviously Roston Chase in the first innings (with a) wonderful century (and) Jason Holder played very well,” he noted.

“And then the second innings, Shai Hope with a fantastic knock to help us get the lead that we got to set up the win; so I felt there were a lot of contributors with the batting.

“One or two would probably like a little bit more form and that’s the whole focus of today’s net session and tomorrow’s – to give them confidence and tweak one or two things and hopefully they can get themselves some scores as well.”

Anti-doping authority drops Four new faces in Windies appeal on length of Russell ban Women’s World Cup squad

By Kayon Raynor

KINGSTON,(Reuters)- JAMAICA’S anti-doping authority has withdrawn its appeal over the one-year ban received by West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell for breaches of the whereabouts rule, according to court documents seen by Reuters.

Russell was given a one-year ban on January 31 after he failed to file the necessary paperwork on his availability for drug testing three times in 2015, which constituted a failed test according to World

Jamaica and West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell

Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) rules.

The Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) appealed against the one-year ban and was seeking a two-year suspension

at a hearing scheduled to begin on May 8 in Kingston.

According to the documents seen by Reuters the anti-doping body has withdrawn their appeal.

Russell’s lawyers, headed by Patrick Foster, had also launched a cross-appeal to overturn the ban, but that action was also withdrawn the documents showed.

Neither Foster, nor JADCO’s attorneys were immediately available for comment.

JADCO, however, have called a media conference for Monday.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Selectors have included four newcomers in the West Indies 15-man squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup starting next month in England.

Teenaged Trinidadians Reniece Boyce and Felicia Walters, along with Quiana Joseph and Akeira Peters, will join an otherwise experienced unit for the June 24 to July 25 campaign.

Stafanie Taylor will lead the squad again.

SQUAD – Stafanie Taylor (captain), Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Quiana Joseph, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shakera Selman, Felicia Walters.

Stafanie Taylor will lead the Windies.

Batting coach says Windies ready to start afresh despite P.27 Kensington Oval victory

GCB launches fourth edition of `The Guyana Cricketer’ magazine

See page 23 From left: Fizul Bacchus, Anand Sanasie, Assistant Administrator Avee Fedee-Grimmond, GCB Admin Assistant Kavita Yadram, Treasurer Anand Kalladeen and Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart.

The cover page of the journal flaunts the country’s 2016 Male and Female Cricketers of the Year, Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson and West Indies female cricketer Shemaine Campbelle along with Anand Sanasie as he receives the Association/Federation-of-the-Year 2015” award.

Olympic Solidarity Games team begins leaving today THE first team members on the Guyana contingent to the Islamic Solidarity Games depart Guyana today headed for Baku, Azerbaijan, ahead of the starting of the Games on Friday.

Boxing coach Clifton Moore, and boxers Joel Wilson and Desmond Amsterdam, and athlete Alita Moore will leave Guyana today, while the other team members will follow shortly.

The 24-member team will be travelling to the Games in parts, via differing routes, with some travelling to Suriname and transiting through London while others will fly from Guyana and transit through the USA. Other arrangements will be put in place for overseas-based participants like athletes Natrena Hooper and Emanuel Archibald, who are currently based in Jamaica. Sole taekwondo athlete Adrian Spellen is also overseas-based.

This was all revealed through a press conference held yesterday at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters in Kingston. Guyana will be represented by six different disciplines at the event.

Part of the delegation that will represent Guyana at the Islamic Solidarity Games 2017 in Azerbaijan (Delano Williams photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Turn to Page 23 TUESDAY, MAY, 9 , 2017