Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10 03 2017

‘I did not escape’

Page 4

Corporal Shavon Marks

… cop in AK-47 find says he is on sick leave

No. 104848

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Rebuilding the reserve …GDF to re-establish reserve

Page 2

… President emphasises total defence for internal, external security

Break every chain!

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman; Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland; Ministers of Government and other Members of Parliament from both sides of the House bond in prayers at a Prayer Breakfast for members of the National Assembly, at the Guyana Marriott on Thursday (Adrian Narine photo)

Hamilton Green Pension Bill passed Page 12

WCD man nabbed with assault Pa rifles 5ge

I’m willing to settle Page 3

… Robert Persaud ready to pay full price for Pradoville2 land

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

Rebuilding the reserve … President emphasises total defence for internal, external security

By Ariana Gordon THE Reserve Force of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will once again be established said President Granger, who welcomed the announcement by Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, at the opening of the Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference held at Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday.

President Granger noted that when established it would be on “equal footing with the regular force” in accordance with the requirements in the Defence Act. “The Defence Act prescribes that the GDF shall

consist of a regular force and a Reserve Force; it was therefore never the intention of the framers of the Act that the Reserve Force should ever be diminished or discontinuous and I am happy that the Chief of Staff has announced that the Reserve Force will once again be established on equal footing with the regular force as called for in the Defence Act,” the President stated.

He said the doctrine of total and national defence must be a comprehensive one “given our limited financial and material resources, and by force of circumstance, the defence doctrine must be based on maintaining a small regular force and a relatively

large reserve force which can be deployed to all parts of the country to respond to emergencies.”

The President, a retired brigadier, said the doctrine of national defence can be explained by what he terms vertical augmentation and horizontal amalgamation.

“By vertical augmentation I mean that if you have a small regular force it can be augmented by the addition of reservists sections could be built into platoons and platoons can be built to combat teams, combat teams can be built into battle groups and battle groups can be built into task forces by reservists when the need arises.”

A section of the gathering at the Annual Officers’ Conference held at Base Camp Ayanganna (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

While, by horizontal amalgamation, it means that by establishing reserves in each administrative region, those units would be in closer proximity in both time and space to events and emergency situations.

PROMPT RESPONSE “It means they could respond more promptly when a situation arises, whether an incursion or flood. They are on the ground, on the spot… our forces must be spread in all 10 regions of the country -- this is not a coastal force, not an urban organisation; this is a national defence force,” the Commander- in- Chief stated.

Meanwhile, President Granger reminded that the Force would be unable to effectively discharge its mandate of guardianship of territory unless it has the assets and ability to deploy its troops across the length and breadth of Guyana.

He reminded the officers of his first address to them as President in October 2015 where he called for the Force to ensure that at the national level both the regular and reserve levels are brought up to strength.

“I instructed that the Reserve Force must be maintained in sufficient strength

President David Granger addressing the Annual Officers’ Conference in the capital town of every administrative region; bar none. We must enhance the technical capability of the air corps, the artillery corps, engineer corps and the coast guard in addition to maintaining the efficiency of the ground forces,” the President stated.

Additionally, he noted that the inadequacy of the country’s hinterland infrastructure, insufficient bridges, aerodromes, highways and stellings hinder access and impedes deployment.

“It is essential therefore that these factors be considered in designing and refining our defence doctrine,” he stated.

President Granger said too that his Government has pur-

sued friendly relations with all states including Brazil, China, UK, USA and elsewhere where officers have been and continue to be trained.

Guyana, he said continues to have cordial relations with Canada, Germany, French Guiana and sister states in Caricom. Government, he said is engaging friendly governments with the view to enforcing its technical arm and noted that over the next three years evidence will be seen.

President Granger also reminded those gathered at the conference that the Force must be constantly ready to deploy troops effectively and at a short notice See page 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 10, 2017

I’m willing to settle

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… Robert Persaud ready to pay full price for Pradoville2 land

FORMER Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, has broken his silence two days after being questioned by detectives of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), relating to his acquisition of land at the controversial Pradoville 2 community on the East Coast of Demerara.

In a statement issued on his Facebook page on Thursday, Persaud said he is willing to settle the issue if the State can prove that the price paid for the plot of land in Pradoville 2 was below market value. “My legal advisor has indicated that should the State prove that the price paid for the plot of land was below market value, discussions can be entered into for a mutually acceptable resolution of the matter,” the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government minister said.

In September 2010, parcels each measuring 0.3030 of an acre were sold to Persaud and on August 23, 2012, he sold his land, building

and erections to LSR Inc. for GY$90 million. According to Persaud, sometime in 2007-2008, he applied for a government house lot, since at the time, he was occupying a government residence and not the owner of any house lot issued by the State or one privately acquired. The former government minister claimed that he paid the full asking price for a plot of land in the Sparendaam-Goedverwagting area referred to as ‘Pradoville 2.’

“This was the first time I ever purchased directly from the State a house lot. Due to a number of factors, including financial constraints, after the building was erected on the said plot it was sold. I never occupied the residence at Pradoville 2,” Persaud said.

He noted that all the necessary permissions were sought from the Ministry of Housing and that a financial penalty was paid for the early disposal of the plot and building.

Meanwhile, Persaud refuted media reports that he was

arrested by SOCU, nothing that he visited SOCU’s headquarters voluntarily on Tuesday last. He claimed that he will continue to make himself “voluntarily” available and will cooperate with SOCU. But the Financial Investigation expert attached to SOCU, Dr Sam Sittlington, confirmed to reporters on Tuesday that Persaud was indeed arrested. Prior to releasing his statement on Thursday, Persaud opted not to engage the media after being grilled by SOCU detectives.

After the PPP lost the May 11, 2015, national and regional elections, Persaud announced that he is taking a sabbatical from “front line politics” as he looks to serve Guyana at other levels. Persaud was appointed as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment in 2011 just as the Ministry was established.

He has also distanced himself from the PPP and its executive since 2015 by not attending meetings or the party’s numerous press conferences.

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, (front) at SOCU’s Headquarters [Adrian Narine photo]

Reserve Force ...

From page 2 to conduct operations at any time of the day and at any location.

PROGRESSIVE STRIDES He noted that threats in the form of domestic and transnational crimes are being reduced because of the GDF’s performance of its role.

“Maritime piracy has diminished because of more robust surveillance by the air corps and coast guard and by the combined task force of the GDF and GPF. Our ground forces continue to maintain vigilance on our borders, coastland and in our rivers,” he stated while reminding officers that threats to Guyana’s security are of both long standing circumstances and of recent occurrence.

He believes that Guyana must pursue a tripartite path in accordance with its national interest and in accordance with the Charter of the United

Nations and noted that, that path is based on national self-defence.

President Granger stressed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has always been and will continue to be this country’s first line of defence. However, he turned his attention to internal threats which he said may seek to undermine internal security.

“Reckless remarks about an uprising and provocative calls for the mobilisation of foot soldiers have the potential to rip apart the fragile fabric of social cohesion that we enjoy,” the President stated.

He added: “The doctrine of total national defence must be based formally not only on military defence but on civil defence and social and environmental defence. These pillars cannot be buttressed by the Force alone or even the Government; national defence doctrine must emphasise the importance of every citizen taking personal responsibility for our national patrimony,” he stated.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Attorney General, Basil Williams, listen attentively to a point made

by President David Granger. Behind the President is Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan (Cullen Bess-Nelson photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

‘I did not escape’ … cop in AK-47 find says he is on sick leave

POLICE Corporal, Shavon Marks who is fingered in the recent discovery of an AK-47 rifle is denying that he escaped lawful custody insisting that he is on sick leave and has produced a medical certificate to cover his absence from the force.

In a statement issued on Thursday morning the police confirmed that Corporal 18404 Marks who was under investigation in connection with a high-powered rifle and who was under confinement at Brickdam Police Station escaped and all efforts are on stream to locate him.

“The Force has noted certain adverse insinuations in the public domain, facilitated by certain sections of the media but wishes to assure that this case is not being treated differently from other cases where members of the Force are alleged to have committed grave offences, as our history is replete with examples of members of the Force being placed before the Courts for

Corporal Shavon Marks says he did not escape from custody serious crimes,” the statement read. “It must be emphasised, for the information of the less informed members of the Media, that members of the Force who are under investigation for various offences are placed under close arrest for a period of seventy-two (72) hours and thereafter under open arrest, in a confined/restricted manner until the legal advice is obtained.

The disappearance of this Subordinate Officer, based on initial enquiries seemed to have occurred sometime on Sunday night last but was officially reported to Police Headquarters about 1500h

Wednesday. In the circumstances, the Office of Professional Responsibility has launched an investigation, as directed,” the statement added.

However, Marks told the Guyana Chronicle from his Berbice home on that he is not on the run; instead he says he is on fourteen days sick leave which was issued to him by a Registered Medical Officer. According to him standard procedures were followed in that an extract was made and the relevant messages were sent to Brickdam Police Station.

The Tactical Service Unit rank told this newspaper that last Friday he was placed on open arrest and was told to go home and return the following day. On his return he was told to report to the station every day. Consequently, he enquired about accommodation and was told that he has to make use to what was available. The policeman claimed that on Monday he had cause to visit a doctor who issued him a medical certificate granting him 14 days sick leave for his medical condition. Marks said he is being penalised because he had a verbal confrontation with a senior rank.

Earlier this week Guyana

Chronicle reported that the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) who was accused of smuggling an AK-47 assault rifle out of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) compound last week will not be criminally charged but he will be dealt with departmentally.

The was according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who told reporters on Monday at Police Officers’ Training Centre that the officer in question is still on the job, pending the outcome of legal advice since it is his third matter to engage the GPF. He is also being investigated in two traffic related matters, one of which was caught on video and went viral on social media. According to the Crime Chief, detectives are also awaiting the return of the file from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on this same matter.

Blanhum related that other ranks, including, Corporal Marks were placed under close arrest which expired after 72-hours, and as such they were released. The Corporal, he said will also be charged departmentally but the lone civilian is expected to make his first court appearance soon. Blanhum also told reporters that so

Medical certificate issued to Corporal Marks far, they have been unsuccessful in tracing the origin of the weapon but the probe continues to ascertain where the AK-47 was obtained. On February 28, ranks from the CID Headquarters conducted an operation and during same, a motor car driven by a civilian was intercepted and an AK-47 rifle was found.

Subsequently, the detectives acting on further information contacted four ranks from the Tactical Services Unit (TSU)

and placed them under close arrest pending a probe.

The investigation was initiated when a private vehicle drove into the CID compound and stayed there overnight. This was observed and the vehicle and its occupants were put under police surveillance. When the vehicle attempted to exit the CID compound, a search was carried out and the weapon was found.

Friday, March 10, 2017- 04:00 hrs ––14:30hrs Saturday, March 11, 2017- 04:30 hrs ––14:30hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 10, 2017

WCD man nabbed with assault rifles

A THIRTY-THREE YEAR-OLD East MetenMeer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara businessman has been taken into custody after ranks of the Guyana Police Force conducted a search at his home on Thursday and found two unlicensed assault rifles fitted with magazines.

The weapons: an AK-47 and an M-70 were found inside a duffer bag, hidden

under a commercial gas stove. Investigation in progress, police said.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter Police in ‘F’ Division on Tuesday last arrested a 35-year-old resident of Lake Main Stay, Essequibo River, for unlawful possession of a 45 Taurus pistol with six live matching rounds at Omai Landing.

The suspect who is a

The Taurus pistol found on the man at Omai Landing

machine operator, was observed acting in a suspicious manner and a search was conducted on

his person which revealed the unlicensed weapon.

He is being processed for court.

The assault rifles and magazines that were seized

Man with loaded gun busted by police A MAN is in police custody after he was caught by alert police ranks, moments after he discarded what is believed to be a loaded gun in a trench at Hampshire Village, Corentyne Berbice.

This newspaper understands that at approximately 16:45hrs on Thursday, the suspect was walking along a street in Hampshire Village when

he noticed an approaching police van and ran. While running, the ranks observed that he threw away an item in a nearby trench and proceed to chase him on foot, while other ranks retrieved the weapon.

Scores of residents came out to witness the drama, as police captured the suspect. The ranks were praised for their bravery and timely intervention.

City businessman in court for forged cheque A BUSINESSMAN who was wanted by the police, was on Thursday placed on $ 400,000 bail after he made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with obtaining property upon a forged instrument.

Clayton Allen, 56 of South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan where he denied the allegation when the charge was read to him.

The charge read that between December 2 to December 13, 2016, in Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained from Jeetendra Ram of Fantasy Auto Sales six motorcars valued $26,300,000 under or by virtue of forged Republic Bank Ltd. managers cheque #GDAA 0108766 in favour of Fantasy Auto Sales.

Attorney- at –law Clayton Allen Paul Fung- A –Fat told the court the virtual complainant has since received compensation in the sun of $645,000 and three cars were returned. However, in the facts presented, Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones stated that the two parties entered into an agreement of sales to purchase six motorcars from Ram’s company and he paid with a manger’s cheque. Jones added that when Ram tried to encash the cheque he realised that it was forged.

Prosecutor Jones did not object to bail but he asked that Allen be placed on substantial bail. Allen is expected to report to the Criminal Investigation Department fraud unit every Friday until the completion of the matter. The matter was adjourned until March 27.

Quartet charged in big ganja bust

Police handcuff the suspect after capturing him

Scores of residents came out to witness the drama

FOUR men were on Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of possession of narcotics.

The particulars of the charge stated that on March 6, at 261 Blue Sackie Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Keith Bazilio aka Buckiloo, 65 years, and his 32-year-old son Oliver Bazilio, both of South Ruimveldt; 66-year-old Clinton Chase of East Ruimveldt, and 32-year-old Shemroy Robertson aka Minutes, of Mandela Avenue, had in their possession four kilogrammes, 734 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. The men denied the allegation.

Oliver Bazilio and Shemroy Robertson were also charged separately which they both pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that on March

6, Oliver was found with 10 grammes of cannabis, while Robertson had in his possession of 440 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Prosecutor Konyo Thompson objected to bail for the four men. She added that Robertson is currently on $600,000 bail pending trial at the High Court for a narcotics matter.

Chief Magistrate McLennan denied bail for the four, saying she found no special reasons for which bail should be granted. The matter will come up again on March 27.

According to the facts Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks conducted a raid at the home of Keith Bazilio where they found a quantity of marijuana totaling (5 kg184g).

The drugs were retrieved in various parcels throughout the house and four men were arrested.

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Editorial

SOCU’s Pradoville 2 Investigation The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has been questioning cabinet members of the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government and others in relation to the acquisition of land at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, derisively dubbed Pradoville 2.

This name has been given by society as characterisation of what is perceived as the questionable and opulent lifestyle of the owners. The land belongs to the state and the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), having done its investigations, concluded that its acquisition did not follow the law.

But as with almost everything in this country that has to do with politics and governance, the temptation to reduce them to histrionics is irresistible. On Tuesday,PPP/C Member of Parliament,Anil Nandlall,made known to the public that Leader of the Opposition,Bharrat Jagdeo,was invited

by SOCU to its headquarters for an interview, and though he is not disinclined to this, he is unaccepting of the venue and wants it to be changed.

Mr. Jagdeo is a former President and under his leadership the land was acquired and its development occurred. He also owns a property there. Where some argued that given the office he held and the one he presently holds,the investigators should have gone to his Queenstown office and interviewed him is not a matter of dispute. Equally, it is understood the views of others that he should have presented himself to SOCU headquarters.

The histrionics that accompanied the investigating officers who went to Mr. Jagdeo’s office to arrest Dr. Roger Luncheon,him having been invited and refused to turn up, create speculation as to the motive behind the PPP/C’s actions. Mr. Jagdeo was sitting at that table and with the media

in full attendance he ventilated, then in accompaniment with Dr. Luncheon and others went to SOCU headquarters.

If the PPP/C intended Tuesday’s action to mirror the party’s action, during the colonial period when its leaders were arrested, it cannot compare to the Pradoville 2 investigation. The arrests of Dr. Cheddi Jagan and others in the 1950s were the result of their militancy to bring about political independence, under a political ideology which the colonial authority saw as a threat to the status quo and their view of the world order.

There can be no national political mileage to gain in 2017 as against the 1950s when society wholeheartedly supported those leaders’ fight for independence;and here is where the current PPP/C is being less than smart. Few people if any would countenance corruption and not wanting to see the society be rid of it. Even Mr. Jagdeo has repeatedly called on A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government to go after corruption, irrespective of where it leads.

If SOCU, based on the information provided by SARU and the reports of the forensic auditors, feels the Pradoville 2 acquisition warrants investigation, surely Mr. Jagdeo should have no problem cooperating. It is not unreasonable for society to think,since he was president when the land was acquired,he would be happy to bring credibility to the process or dispel allegations of corruption surrounding it. It is also not unreasonable to expect Mr. Jagdeo would have encouraged all who benefitted from this development and any who had relation to it that can be of material assistance to the investigation to make themselves available when called on.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

It is even more startling,having left SOCU headquarters,Mr. Jagdeo told the media he refused to answer any question, pleading presidential immunity. The United States of America has what is referred to as “Miranda rights,” where persons held by law enforcement are read it, which in short allows them to remain silent because anything they say can be used against them in a court of law. Colloquially,it is known as ‘pleading the 5th ’as in the Fifth Amendment in the U.S Constitution.

It is a sad day for Guyana when someone who held the highest office of this land, whose leadership is tainted with allegations of corruption, sought to reduce presidential immunity to pleading the 5th. A serious investigation like Pradoville 2 which also brings into disrepute Mr. Jagdeo’s leadership, he should feel a sense of responsibility to help the process in arriving at answers and delivering justice. Mr. Jagdeo himself has been repeatedly calling on government to do exactly this. Society hopes he rethinks his view on immunity and listens to the voice of the man in the street saying, ‘if you do nothing, fear nothing.’

Government actively preparing for the eventuality of oil spills, mishaps

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Natural Resources thanks Ms Melinda Janki for raising her very valid concerns in a letter to the Editor entitled ‘Exxon’s environmental record does not bear scrutiny’ in the Stabroek News’ of March 8, 2017, and entitled ‘Not comfortable with the Minister’s assurance about oil spills’ in the Kaieteur News of March 9, 2017.

Guyana is committed to advancing its green agenda hence the preservation of the environment is foremost among any concerns in consideration of any economic or infrastructural activity.

As we embark on oil and gas exploration and production these considerations take on a heightened relevance and it is for this reason that the government is carefully and assiduously building the capacity of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and is working with private service providers who have expressed an interest in assisting with spill response.

The government expects to be as prepared as can be at the time of “first oil” in a few years.

While we recognise that there is no well, offshore or

onshore, that is 100 percent fool-proof or spill-safe, we do not take lightly our obligation to ensure that we make our best effort at putting world class safeguards in place. It is encouraging to see that Ms Janki believes ExxonMobil and its partners Hess and Nexen “must be made to carry out this oil venture in compliance with the law, using the best available technology, and with systems designed to protect, not damage, the environment.” This is the mandate given to the operators both by contract and by legislation.

We believe this is a standard that is achievable. It is for this reason that we are

seeking the best knowledge on the subject of safety and environmental stewardship as we develop the sector.

Guyana is currently building local capacity at various levels in terms of its response to a spill. While it is a fact that the operator is contractually obligated to be the first responder to a mishap, this in no way removes the obligation of the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana from taking all of the necessary measures to ensure that a national response can be triggered should the need arise.

As mentioned by the letter writer, national and regional agencies comprise the

local Civil Defence Commission and the regional Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) - these can and will be activated as needed.

We also expect to have bilateral arrangements with the Governments of the United States of America and Trinidad and Tobago whose scope will include capacity building in spill response and operational support in the event of a mishap.

Regarding Ms Janki’s concerns about the use of the oil funds for the preservation of the environment, we share her view and are working with the guidance of our overseas partners to craft a Sover-

eign Wealth Fund that will ensure that not only the environment benefit from the revenues garnered from oil, but also the people of Guyana for now and generations to come.

Indeed, the Environmental Trust Fund established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act is expected to receive adequate deposits, from natural resources revenues, to be used to protect our precious biodiversity.

Regards N. Johann Earle Public Affairs and Communications Officer Ministry of Natural Resources

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

City parking project a shame Urgent fix needed at NA Secondary School Dear Editor

It is a total shame and disgrace for our policymakers and leaders to introduce and implement parking meters in Georgetown.

There are so many Caribbean countries made up of over one million people which can fit into our Dadanawah Ranch in the Rupununi and do not have any parking meters.

I have been travelling to Boa Vista in Brazil for over 40 years, which has over one million people in the city, and have not seen any parking meters.

We have 83,000 square miles, less than one million people and cannot find parking space; Shame.

It was defended that the parking meters will bring economic benefits to enhance Georgetown.

I do want to believe that some of our leaders and policymakers studied economics in Sunday Schools. How can economic benefits enhance Georgetown when 80 per cent of the total money collected from our taxpayers for parking is going into the pockets of a foreign company, who cares nothing about our city, country or people.

I do not believe that parking meters can ever enhance Georgetown. The many, many millions of US dollars spent on parking me-

ters could have been spent to enhance Georgetown. If that money was spent wisely in the city to clean up all those useless parapets, and other waste space in the city, we all will have enough space to park, employments created and our money remain in the country. Everyone will be happy. If those fifty-odd non-productive people called city police can be diverted to prevent crimes and robberies in the city, Georgetown will then look beautiful.

Think about the amount of money spent on those city police and what are they saving the city on a monthly basis. Someone said that a lot of people pay much more to park in private parking areas than Smart City Solutions fees; that may be true.

Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons.

A person wants to go into a commercial bank in Georgetown, pay $200 for one hour thinking that is enough time. When he enters the bank he is faced with a very long line; he joins the line hoping to finish in time.

Unfortunately, he spends some more time to complete his business, all this time in deep stress about parking meters. When he comes out he finds his vehicle clamped, more stress; he has to get another vehicle or call a taxi to take him to the competent

authority, pay a hefty fine, get a release for his vehicle; get another taxi to take him back to his vehicle. That is what I call a total waste of productive time, waste of money and a bundle of stress.

Please remembers, stress reduces your immune system which can make you sick.

Private pay parks: An attendant is present, you leave your car, the time is checked; when you come back out, your vehicle is safe, you pay on the spot for the time your car was left in the park; you drive away and go about your business immediately. No stress, wasted of money,or time.

Fixed pay parking: For many years during the PPP rule, we paid $200 to park our vehicles at the Timehri Airport Park. During the last 20 months an increase by 150 percent, no one complained, you wait at the airport until your family or friends arrive, you drive away no clamping no fines, no waste of time.

Remember shortly after the 2015 elections we were asked to pay 100 per cent increase on fitness and licenses to use our roads, not to mention the many millions of dollars government is collecting on import duties and taxes on every vehicle, except for few special people. Also every gallon

fuel consumed, taxes are collected.

The contract: SCS says that the contract was signed before the feasibility studies were done. Are we to believe that SCS and the City Council did not fully know what they were signing for?

SCS is a business company. Their main focus and interest is to full their pockets to the max and safeguard their business. City Council and our leaders are put into positions to protect our city, our people and our country.

But this contract seems to be a disgraceful sell out of our city and people because SCS is given all the leverage on the contract and City Hall and our people are left holding the sword by the blade.

I do hope this is not a kick back deal because when you see our supposedly intelligent policymakers giving to foreigners all the leverage and don’t care about our own taxpayer, somethings is not right. My dear leaders and councillors my advice to you is to tighten your belts, cut your losses and send those parking meters back where they came from before it’s too late.

Our people seem to be very desperate defending their rights.

Ed. Singh Lethem

Jagdeo invoking presidential immunity Dear Editor

Former President Jagdeo’s recent arrest, along with other key former government functionaries by members of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), will go down in history as one of the most unfortunate yet avoidable events in Guyana’s history.

James Gerald Warner of Craigenmaddie, a former Secretary of State for Scotland once said “We should be long past applauding politicians of any hue…they got us into this mess.

The best deserve a probationary opportunity to prove themselves; the worst should be in jail.”

Invariably, Police do not go to a person’s comfort zone to conduct interviews and take statements when there is an accessible Police station within reach. If it is determined that the party or parties, who are subjects or suspects in a Police investigation, do not wish to fully cooperate, the Police has

the right and power of arrest.

The latter was effected by SOCU on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 against some persons of interest implicated in the Sparendaam (Pradoville 2) land allocation investigations.

The Pradoville 2 issue has attracted the ire of the Guyanese populace, most of whom struggled under the PPP/C’s regime to acquire basic house lots. It was one of the main election campaign theses of the APNU/AFC coalition. It has been a front-burner item for the coalition government’s drive to reverse misfeasance by members of the former regime ever since coming into office in May 2015.

Mr. Jagdeo, when questioned by media operatives after his arrest and subsequent release at SOCU Headquarters, said that he refused to answer certain questions regarding Pradoville 2 that were directed to him by SOCU Officers. He said he opted to invoke his immunity as a former President.

While that may be Mr. Jagdeo’s entitlement or prerogative, his action may suggest that he is not as genuine as he previously postulated towards cooperating with law enforcement agencies now tasked with investigating the Pradoville 2 matter, as well as other alleged malpractices during the PPP/C tenure. Mr. Jagdeo may have calculated that the APNU/AFC government will avoid going the route of piercing his veil of immunity.

It is no secret that many people like to speak glibly, calling others “stupid” based on narrow perceptions or hype. The same goes for other disreputable labels. Therefore one should not take rumor to heart nor be easily mislead by lose talkers regarding Mr. Jagdeo’s intellect. Mr. Jagdeo and his colleagues are not oblivious to implications of the Pradoville 2 investigation. They have a battery of energetic legal minds at their beck and call.

Some of those legal minds seem to be very au fait with progress

in the matter or lack thereof.

Mr. Jagdeo’s current tangential approach and failure to disclose any or all facts known to him may throw a new twist to things if certain orders regarding Pradoville 2 came directly from him. It may, in fact, leave other implicated suspects solely subject to determinations by a prosecution should this matter take a judicial course. There may also be consequences, impeding fairness in the trials of those people who may face criminal prosecution on the subject.

The excesses of invoked immunity may very well challenge the integrity of the judicial system and public confidence in the system if full disclosure is used as a ransom in this instant.

Regards Orette Cutting

Dear Editor It is with great concern that this letter is penned to highlight a few issues concerning what was once the top secondary school in Region Six. The New Amsterdam Secondary School has now become a household name that brings distaste to the mouth and minds of parents, students, ex-students, the community and even teachers. One issue that is destroying this wonderful institution is the relationship between the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress. They cannot find level ground to work together. Decisions made by the Headmaster, Board of Governors and even the Ministry of Education in Region Six are ‘thrown out’ by the Deputy Headmistress which leads to chaos and confusion throughout the school term.

This highlights the second issue; high rate of student transfer out of the school to schools lower than the present school. This is not only happening because of the issue highlighted but because the Deputy Headmistress shows favouritism among students and staff and even among parents. The next reason for the high transfer rate is the amount of money solicited from students by the DHM on a regular basis.

Lastly, there is no financial accountability in any aspect/projects of school activity in and out of the Region.

We are pleading with the relevant authorities to fix this situation before only the shell of the school remains.

Regards Concerned parents and Associates

Chase-Green congratulates Justices Cummings-Edwards, George-Wiltshire Dear Editor, I would like to congratulate Acting Chancellor Honourable Yonette Cummings Edwards and Chief Justice Roxanne George on their recent promotions.

Indeed, their ascension is a testimony that women have broken the proverbial glass ceiling in a male dominated profession. These promotions have proven that intelligence, skill and dedication are the guiding

principles. This is a remarkable historic moment that would forever be hitched in the minds of young women and serves as an inspiration to many to push the bounds of limitations.

May you both, continue to serve with distinction as you uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens. Once again congratulations Regards Mayor of Georgetown JP Mayor and City Council

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

The times we live in

I READ an article in the August 28, 1995 edition of TIME magazine by Robert Wright titled, ‘20th Century Blues’. That article revolved around the then new study of evolutionary psychology on the intense stress, anxiety and depressions that are evident products of our present age of ‘Things to own’.

I was at first sceptical of what it was implying, but a closer examination exposed the fact that somewhere along the historical

road of human development, from tribes to kingdoms, City States to empires, we screwed ourselves.

Whether Bantu, Teutonic, San, Celtic, or Arawak, there was a consistent stress relief component. Every tribal member was housed and had land to farm, and guilds of blacksmiths, boat builders and sculptures were accommodated and their needs attended.

Crimes of today, like kidnapping women from other tribes and raiding merchant caravans, were sanctioned by the tribal hierarchy. One could be enslaved through debt, and emancipated on completing debt quotas. Those who stole from the tribe, or vio-

–– How it’s affecting us

lated sacred decrees, however, could be put to death or banished. The latter was the worse, because, to be ostracised in the ancient world without any support system was worse than any other punishment.

JUST A MYTH Under no illusion must we indulge in the myth

that there were no ‘Tribal wars’. Yes! They fought!

Took other people’s grazing grounds, like the Bantu and San of Southern Africa!

Others like the Vikings were not farmers, but had a religion that justified theft and pillage, while the nomadic Aryans, upon arriving in India, conquered and created the first Apartheid system, decorated with Gods.

Our world today differs in the context that everything appears to be possible, though nothing is assured.

The tribal and the caste system of two millennia past still reside in the reservoir of our consciousness, though other more functional idols have replaced the old gods in the active consciousness.

The ego is sated with the adornments, through ownership of things.

Of course, being comfortable is important, but the pale side of the ego seems to demand that one must acquire and exert authority, based on ownership of real estate, adequate money to spend, and a shiny modern day coach.

that followed the collapse of the tribal empire, City States and the emergence of the justification of slavery through religion destroyed the tribal values, ushering the new ‘Idol Gods’ of ethnicity that were façades for economic control towards the dawn of our technological world. It is this, our modern world’s tools and

able to reach the picturesque ideals brandished before us on TV and in magazines.

The TIME article at reference, subtitled ‘The Evolution of Despair’, was researched in the metropolis of the First World. But its features were taking hold right here in Guyana even at that time.

I was sceptical about the

The gods of old were praised when the harvest was bountiful; we adhered to rituals on behalf of family and tribe. But that is now gone! We have evolved! For, indeed, many of the imposed ties to family and tribe have become counter-productive.

toys, that are the triggers of anxiety, depression and extreme stress.

Imagine a Guyana without a computer that is Online; a printer without its store of paper and printing inks; a smart-ish phone to receive emails when mom is on Facebook; and a workable informative family library.

The picture for a stressful family is clear; not to mention comfortable own-housing, meeting the bills, and the threatening creatures in the street and in the substance yards around where you live. All amount, I’m convinced, to the constant pounding of stress, anxiety and spasms of depression in the face of seeming helplessness and despair of not being

article until I read the supporting science: “The Anthropologist, Philip Walker has studied the bones of more than 5,000 children from hundreds of pre-industrial cultures dating back to 4,000 B.C. “He is yet to find the scattered bone bruises that are the skeletal hallmark of ‘Battered-child syndrome’.

“In some modern societies, Walker estimates that such bruises would be found on more than one in twenty children who die between the ages of one and four.”

A NEW PARADIGM We are individuals now, with immediate ties of wife and children, and the new awareness that, in the modern sense, those you call your brother and family may not even share blood with you, but in works have earned that kinship.

The process of disappointment, confusion, betrayal and self preservation

WIND OF CHANGE Guyana is at the brink of becoming a financially better-off society with the finding of oil. How do we

re-establish and repair the human disconnect that has affected our culture over the past 20 years; a time when criminal lawlessness was met with accommodating indifference, and even collaboration, by the very authorities that were supposed to shepherd the nation; a time when, in our villages, a senior cannot trust a young person without the risk of being robbed or murdered?

Undoubtedly, we have to explore inherited or cultivat-

ed anxieties and depression in our culture. The transformation of the Merriman Mall in Georgetown, and the open spaces dedicated to the public by businessmen in Berbice is a beginning of creating the environment for family socialisation.

In the building of new housing schemes, roads should be paved to properly accommodate pedestrians, and to echo the President’s statement for the need for ‘open spaces’ in living environs; parks that can be embraced by the musician, the dancer or the poet, therby taking the mind away from the maladies of our age into the healing refuge of a saner place.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 10, 2017

PPP ‘strongman’ Kwame McCoy questioned –– as probe widens in Pradoville Two scandal

By Fareeza Haniff AS the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) continues its investigation into ‘Pradoville Two’, former Information Liaison to the Office of the President Kwame McCoy and former head of the Office of Climate Change Andrew Bishop were questioned by detectives on Thursday and subsequently released.

McCoy was questioned in his capacity as a Director on the board of state-owned National Communications Network (NCN), whose transmission tower was removed from Plantation Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, in 2011 after which several house lots were given to ministers of the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government.

“They wanted to know my role in this entire saga of Pradoville Two, specifically as it relates to my role as a Director on the NCN Board, which would have at some point, maybe responsible for the relocation of the Sparendaam Tower,” McCoy said.

When asked by reporters what role he played in the removal of the tower, McCoy said, “I wouldn’t wish to say

Andrew Bishop leaves SOCU’s Headquarters on Thursday morning after being grilled for hours (Fareeza Haniff photo) whether I did play a role or not.” McCoy said he was not arrested by SOCU and was not told if or when he has to return for further questioning.

Former Prime Minister (PM), Samuel Hinds, was also questioned by SOCU on the same issue on Wednesday and he maintained that the tower was removed to allow for expansion of the then Ogle

International Airport and talks for its removal began since 2004.

The tower is now located at La Parfaite /Harmonie, West Bank of Demerara (WBD).

It is believed that the transmission tower was removed by the then Government to facilitate development of Pradoville Two which min-

isters and top ranking officials of the former administration would later benefit. Hinds during that time was prime minister and held responsibility for the aviation sector.

“Questions came up in relation to the transmission tower at Sparendaam,” the former Prime Minister said, adding that there were documentations, one of them addressed to him in 2004, where formal discussions began for the removal of the tower.

However, forensic audit reports into the operations of Government holding company – the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) – indicate that, “the removal and relocation of the NCN transmission tower were done to facilitate the housing development of the area [Sparendaam].”

The report pointed out that state funds amounting to $257M were expended on the development of the Sparendaam housing project (Pradoville). NCN was required to pay for the removal of the tower.

In 2015, though, head of NICIL under PPP, Winston Brassington, explained that the tower needed to be removed for the Government to

access European Union (EU) funding for the expansion of the airport.

Meanwhile, SOCU is also expected to question Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Hack and her husband, Moeenul Hack; they paid $1,488,744 for 0.2767 of an acre at Pradoville Two. Also slated to visit SOCU is Gary Best, who is the former Chief of staff of the Guyana Defence Force and current Advisor to President David Granger. Best purchased 0.3005 of an acre for $1,502,500.

Since Tuesday last, SOCU has hauled in a total of 16 persons in connection with the Pradoville Two investigations, including Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo; former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon; and Lisaveta Ramotar, daughter of former President Donald Ramotar; former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud; private sector executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, his son, Ghansham Singh; and Marcia Nadir-Sharma, former Company Secretary to the National Industrial Commercial and Investments Limited (NICIL).

Kwame McCoy speaking with reporters shortly after being questioned by SOCU detectives (Adrian Narine photo) Also questioned were former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Sheik Baksh; former Housing and Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali; former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand; former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford and former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee.

Ally, Nedd sign ‘Bold’ pledge

By Shirley Thomas MINISTER of Social Protection, Amna Ally and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company, Justin Nedd, on Wednesday jointly signed a pledge, committing to ‘Be Bold for Change’ in observance of International Women’s Day 2017, and paving the way for others to do likewise.

The venue was GTT’s Retail Experience Store, 55, Brickdam, Georgetown.

GTT Public Relations Officer, Allison Parker, said that the local initiative which aims at getting a minimum 1000 signatures over the next week is GTT’s contribution to motivating persons to Be Bold for Change, taking bold and dynamic action to effect change in support of gender equality and inclusivity for women in the world of work.

The pledge reads: “I am bold for Change … [and] Pledge to help forge a better working world – a more inclusive, gender equal world. # Be bold for Change.”

International Women’s Day was first observed on

March 8, 1908, and is aimed at driving change and forcing equality for women across the world, according to CEO, Justin Nedd.

would not close entirely until 2186, proponents for gender parity in the workplace affirm that this period is much too long to wait.

per cent target by 2030.

“As we force change in Guyana and throughout the country, we really want to emphasise that we respect

cited GTT as being ahead of the curve include technology, broadband and gender equality in the workplace.

Meanwhile, Minister Ally

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally and GTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd, at the signing of the pledge at GTT’s Retail Experience Store, Brickdam, Georgetown (Cullen Bess Nelson photo) With a call for a close in the gender gap at the workplace, the momentum is being intensified to meet that 50 per cent target by 2030. But with the World Economic Forum’s prediction that the gender gap

Nedd said that GTT is proud to be the leader in this respect, since with a 40 per cent female workforce, the company is to be considered ahead of the curve, and well on its way to reaching the 50

the position that women take in this world and pledge to be ‘Bold for Change’ - not only in Guyana, not only in GTT, but the world over,” Nedd said.

Other areas in which he

said it was a very special day that has significance, particularly for women. She congratulated GTT’s for its initiative aimed at garnering support for gender equality and a better working world for women

And lauding GTT’s 40 per cent female workforce, the minister said it is the hope that by 2030, in Guyana, there would be a 50:50 male/female ratio – not only in the workplace, but in all spheres of life.

Minister Ally gave kudos for the telecommunication giant for its bold initiative aimed at recognising the work of women and pressing for gender parity.

She also said that the AFC+APNU Coalition Government is promoting ‘womanism’ and equality for all women. She expressed confidence that with that in mind, and with GTT being a subscriber to the cause, the 50/50 target will be realised by 2030.

Meanwhile, persons interested in taking the pledge ‘to be bold for change’ and for a better work place; a more inclusive, gender equal world; can do so, simply by visiting GTT’s Retail Experience Store at 55 Brickdam, Georgetown.

There they will be ushered to the board and offered the opportunity to affix their signatures under the slogan which reads: “Be Bold for Change.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

Sugar workers protest for severance pay

By Alva Solomon

SUGAR workers from the Wales and the East Demerara sugar estates on Thursday picketed outside the Ministry of the Presidency, while calling on the authorities to address severance payment as well as the proposed closure of two estates.

The midday protest attracted sugar workers from Wales as well as the Enmore

and La Bonne Intention (LBI) estates.

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, who joined several dozen sugar workers from the combined estates, told Guyana Chronicle that the Wales Estate workers which include cane cutters and cane transport employees, are calling on the Government and the management of the Guyana Sugar

Corporation (GuySuCo) to discharge of their legal obligations as regards severance pay following the closure of the Wales Estate.

“The protest is about the denial of severance pay to about 350 workers from Wales,” Chand said.

While some workers have been paid, others are still awaiting their payment.

“This is a violation of the law,” Chand said.

He said that the sugar

One of several protestors who picketed the authorities on Thursday corporation is demanding that workers from Wales turn out for work at Uitvlugt, a move which the union and workers find unfavourable.

As it relates to the Enmore and LBI Estates employees, Chand said the workers at those two estates are worried about their future since Government has not denied that the two estates in question are planned for closure. He said an estimated 2000 workers will be affected if that decision is made.

He said GAWU is of the opinion that the Government plans to approach Parliament to “confirm” the closure of the Rose Hall and Enmore estates as well as the “sell-out” of the contentious Skeldon Estate.

Chand noted that the

protest action will continue.

“The workers are becoming desperate because they now have to struggle for their pay; they have to demand, they have to protest.”

In 2016, Cabinet took the decision at its last sitting of the year, to have the consultations begin at the soonest possible time to ensure that the best interest of all stakeholders will be considered.

While the Government will ultimately have to make a decision on the way forward for the industry, it wanted to make sure that the requisite stakeholders were consulted so that the best decision in the interest of all involved, could have been taken.

The outlook for Guy-

ana’s sugar industry continues to looks grim. In January this year, GuySuCo officials declared that funds injected into sugar industry at this time will be funds “wasted.”

The industry has received criticisms from all levels, including a report which was presented to the Parliamentary Economic Services Committee in January by GuySuCo’s top officials, Chairman, Clive Thomas and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Errol Hanoman.

With a debt of $77.3B and consecutive losses, officials have advised that the industry is one not worth investing in unless plans for the reorganisation, restructuring and diversification of the industry are present.

Several female sugar workers joined the protest on Thursday

Amusing turn GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 10, 2017

11

–– protestors ‘mourn’ death of parking meters

By Navendra Seoraj PROTESTORS decked in black and white costumes amused the sizeable crowd which was gathered in front of City Hall by “mourning” the death of parking meters.

Though the act created a high level of amusement, the protestors were vocal in their call for the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Smart City Solutions (SCS) parking meter project be cancelled.

The display was done with the use of cardboard replicas of caskets which held mock-ups of parking meters, the project’s by-laws and City Hall.

Persons walked in circles with the caskets chanting, “You were never good” and “If only you could tell us where is the money.”

The protestors are calling on the M&CC to allow the relevant authorities to conduct a forensic audit into the Council’s operations.

“We will continue to protest until we get justice… the parking meter project must be revoked because Guyana’s economy is not ready for

Some of the protestors outside City Hall on Thursday (Adrian Narine photos)

Protestors ‘mourning’ the death of the parking meters such a step,” said one of the protestors.

Protests have been ongoing for over a month and protestors have again proven that they will not rest until their cries are heeded by the M&CC.

At one point, the M&CC had resorted to consultations on the metered parking system with the hope of meeting the demands of the protestors.

But the negotiations ended with no “significant” changes made.

Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan and others fetch the ‘coffin’ of the parking meters

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

Hamilton Green Pension Bill passed

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE National Assembly on Thursday passed the ‘Prime Minister Hamilton Green Pension Bill’ after hours of heated debate between Government and Opposition Members of Parliament (MP).

The bill which stipulates that former Prime Minister Hamilton Green will benefit from a pension that is 7/8 of the salary of the present Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo will see him receiving a monthly sum of $ 1.3 M per month.

The bill will become effective April 1, 2017.

Arguments for and against were presented and the coalition’s MPs who presented arguments in favour of the bill unanimously highlighted the fact that opposition to the bill was not based on merit but on the perceived personality of the former prime minister.

This argument was ar-

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan piloted the bill ticulated by Finance Minister Winston Jordan who said “principle must trump over personality” and that he does not believe that the granting of someone’s

rightful pension should be denied which will allow for him to enjoy the lifestyle he did while serving as prime minister. Jordan in his statement alluded to the Constitution which stipulates that anyone who served in such a capacity as Green shall be paid a pension of 7/8 of his highest annual rate of salary and that this was not done for Green since he presently receives a meagre pension of $135, 858, monthly, a reality which he labeled as discriminatory and his Government desires to correct this wrong since it is inadequate in allowing him to live comfortably with the high office he occupied.

“Mr. Green was not treated as a former prime minister but as a regular legislator, as such, his pension was incorrectly calculated,” Minister Winston Jordan said.

Minister Jordan went at length to explain why the bill was named after Hamilton Green as he is

the only prime minister whose gratuity has been calculated incorrectly.

WIDE DISCREPANCIES He said that there are wide discrepancies between his pension and the pension of the current prime minister when he demits office and the bill if passed will redress this.

“As a former Prime Minister Mr. Hamilton Green has been mistreated for perceived wrongs committed during his tenure in and out of Government,” Jordan affirmed while commending the bill for passage.

He was backed by Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams who in his argument reminded the PPP MPs of them passing the Special Pension Act to make special provision for former President Bharrat Jagdeo, allowing him to receive a pension that will be calculated not to his highest salary while in office but to the salary of all Presidents to follow.

“The President’s pension should be 7/8 of the annual salary of the President in office and shall continue as 7/8 of such annual salary from each of his successors in perpetuity,” Williams read verbatim from the Act. “I don’t know if there could be anything more repugnant than that but to come and regale us here today that we are giving a special act for someone who has served for nearly five decades in this country as prime minister, as vice president…,” Williams articulated.

He also alluded to personalised bills that were passed by the PPP for others such as former University of Guyana’s Chancellor George Walcott. “We are correcting a historical wrong,” Williams stated.

Junior Minister of Housing Valarie Patterson also alluded to the fact that former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who served as prime minister for most of his tenure in Government but is receiving a pension of a President for serving in that capacity for nine months to pave the way for Jagdeo to become president.

Former Attorney General and Opposition MP Anil Nandlall rubbished the claim that the blocking of the bill was discriminatory as Former Prime Minister Hamilton Green was receiving a pension and other benefits befitting of his office.

“This bill gives its beneficiary a pension that bears no relation with his salary whatsoever so it cannot be a pension,” Nandlall argued, saying that the bill has no ba-

Attorney General Basil Williams delivering a spirited presentation during the debate sis. Nandlall challenged the Government to do the same for every other pensioner that served the country during the era of Hamilton Green’s tenure as prime minister.

UNFAIR “Why don’t we do that for every single Parliamentarian, this law discriminates against every single pensioner in the country because it uses a different formula for the calculation,” Nandlall argued, adding that “we cannot make laws to suit the idiosyncrasies of individuals”.

Similar arguments were put forth by Nandlall’s colleague Gillian Burton-Persaud who said that she is not against the bill but is against the process used for its passage. The process of indexation which is used to increase wages and salaries as the cost of living goes up should not only be used for the benefit of Hamilton Green but of every other public servant.

“Let it be one for all and all for one, if we can do it for one person we can do it for others,” Burton-Persaud argued, adding: “We need to be holistic in what we are doing.”

She posited that the coalition, if it so cared about Hamilton Green’s living conditions should have brought the issue to the National Assembly years ago when they were in Opposition and not 25 years after.

With the House divided, the bill was taken to a vote and the Government used its majority in the House to pass the bill. Green who served as prime minister from 1985 to 1992 received a salary at that time of $32, 174. He was given a pension of $21, 000.

Meanwhile, the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill and the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Bill were deferred, while the Civil Aviation Authority Bill was sent back to Special Select Committee for further fine-tuning.

PPP MP Anil Nandlall making his presentation in the House

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

GPHC gets $22M donation from China

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday received a donation of medical supplies and equipment valued at approximately $22M from the 12th Chinese Medical Brigade.

The head of Brigade, Dr. Lianhau Chen, said that the Chinese Government remains committed to ensuring that Guyana is supplied with the necessary equipment for efficient health services delivery. Dr Chen said the donation is a reflection of China’s friendship with Guyana.

Equipment donated includes a microscope, an ultrasound machine, and vital signs monitors among other supporting equipment.

These and other instruments will be used in

significantly contributed to public health in Guyana, whether through the donation of medical supplies, equipment, (and) pharmaceuticals, or through the provision of medical services.”

Consultant and Head of the Orthopaedics unit, Dr. David Samaroo, highlighted that the laparoscopic and ophthalmology services offered by the GPHC have improved significantly. In 2009, the medical brigade at that time donated laparoscopic instruments, and the GPHC opened up a laparoscopic centre.

“In 2010 and 2011, the subsequent group (Medical Brigade) donated a number of instruments to the ophthalmology department and they accelerated the way and the

From Left to right: Head of the Orthopaedics Unit, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Dr. David Samaroo and Head of the 12th Chinese Medical Brigade, Dr. Lianhau Chen,handing over one of the vital monitors to chairperson of the GPHC Board of Directors, Kesaundra Alves and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GPHC, Allan Johnson the areas of ophthalmology, gynaecology, ultrasound, orthopaedics, anaesthesia,and pathology.

Chairperson of the GPHC’s Board of Directors, Kesaundra Alves,received the donation on behalf of the hospital. Alves said, “Throughout the history of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China, the Chinese Government has continually and

pace at which we were treating patients for cataract surgeries. We had about 10 to 12 patients per week for cataract surgery and at present we have about 15 to 20 persons on a daily basis that would have received cataract surgery,” Dr Samaroo explained. In September, Guyana received medical equipment from the People’s Republic of China valued US$420,000. The bilateral relations between

Guyana and China continue to be strengthened as time goes by and is reflected by the yearly donations to boost performance in the

areas of education, infrastructure and health.

Bilateral relations between the two countries were forged in 1972. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

Chile willing to help Guyana manage oil industry

By Navendra Seoraj EXTRACTIVE industry pioneer of South America, Chile, has indicated its intention to lend support to the Government of Guyana when the time comes to manage the earnings from

mid-2020.

“Early rough estimates by experts of how much recoverable oil Guyana could have range to more than four billion barrels, which at today’s prices would be worth more than US$200 billion,” stated a New York Times

Minister of Foreign Affairs,Carl Greenidge its oil industry, which is expected to get started in 2020.

Chile’s Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas made this announcement at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday evening during a ceremony to celebrate the visa waiver between Chile and Guyana.

The new system has a reciprocal effect which allows both Guyanese and Chileans to traverse the two countries without the use of a visa.

And, with the advent of new opportunities for trade and investment, the Chilean Ambassador has made the first step in declaring that Chile will be open to help Guyana in managing the revenue earned from its budding oil industry.

“Guyana is poised to be one of the major oil producers in the world and we want to help the country manage the industry as well as the income that it will acquire when the project comes on stream,” said Ambassador Rojas.

A report from a foreign media site, the Times, indicated that ExxonMobil- the American energy group conducting the oil exploration in Guyana- announced that it will be investing US$5 billion in the project and expects the first set of oil to be brought to market by

in the extractive sector, their support would be welcomed

by Guyana, said the minister who stated that this is just the initial stage in the step to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, although signals are coming in for support in managing some areas of the oil and gas sector, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman and ExxonMobil are still on the hunt for a refinery.

Two of their options were Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname’s oil refinery but, recent reports indicated that Suriname’s Staatsolie’s Refinery was not built to handle the type of oil that will be extracted out of Guyana.

“Their oil is a much lighter quality. Our refinery was built for the heavy oil that we have landed here in Suriname,” the Managing Director, Rudolf Elias said.

Trinidad and Tobago is

Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas report.

These are figures Chile is accustomed to managing said the ambassador, who pointed out that they are engaged in all aspects of the extractive industry.

“We have derived policies according to the flow of money. These are set up to ensure that everyone can feel the benefits of the income earned,” posited Rojas.

Evidence of the country’s consistent success in the extractive industry was brought to the fore by Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge. He pointed out that Chile is one of the most “stable” countries in South America.

And with high credibility

allegedly in the same spot as Suriname. Exxon Mobil Country Manager Jeff Simmons had noted that the grade of oil refined in the Twin Island Republic is of a lower grade than that which was discovered offshore Guyana.

Minister Trotman had made it clear that there was no formal agreement in place for the refining of oil from the Stabroek Block with either Trinidad or Suriname, alluding to the fact that Government has hired a consultant to conduct a high-level feasibility assessment to determine whether investing in an oil refinery is a viable economic option.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

First ever Mayors’ Conference in April

GUYANA’S inaugural Mayors’ Conference featuring participation from the nine municipalities across Guyana is expected to open on April 20, 2017 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

The event aims at exhibiting the wealth of each municipality, encouraging greater inter-municipal collaboration and creating opportunities for economic development.

The conference is scheduled for April 20-22 and is expected to see a wide cross-section of participants including regional health, education, infrastructure and environmental officials.

The gathering will see in attendance mayors and their deputies as well as town clerks and their deputies along with one other councillor.

President David Granger and Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, will be invited to address the event.

The meeting will focus on the advancement of a green economy and will feature the multicultural talents within municipalities. It is also geared towards advancing

Seven of the nine mayors discussing the imminent Mayor’s Conference at the Ministry of Communities on Thursday, March 9, 2017 the development of capital towns in each town as well as providing a framework for the reconstitution of the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM).

Among the highlights of the three-day event are the “Mayor’s Ball” and a “Welcoming Banquet.” The mayors are expected to discuss several issues including

leadership by example, legal reforms relating to by-laws, boosting revenue generation, inadequate subventions, municipal courts and periodic inter-agency engagement.

Mayor of Anna Regina Rabindranauth Mohan said that fiscal management and the role of the diaspora in the economic and infrastructural devel-

Horace James appointed CEO of NICIL THE Board of Directors of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited has made a unanimous decision to appoint Mr. Horace James as substantive Chief Executive Officer who was acting in the capacity as Officer- inCharge of the organisation since January 2016.

James, who held the position as Head of the Linmine Secretariat and CEO of the Linden Electricity Company, was appointed to NICIL on a temporary basis following the departure of Winston Brassington, who was sent on administrative leave pending an audit investigation by Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). Brassington was being investigated over a number of projects NICIL had engaged in under his watch, including the Marriott Hotel and the Berbice River Bridge Project According to a release, the Board of Directors made the decision at the meeting held last Friday to appoint James as CEO. “In the last few months, the technical and management

New CEO of NICIL, Horace James skills and experience of the fourteen (14) external and internal candidates were evaluated by both the Board and independent accessors and, finally, Mr. James emerged as the most suitable, in the circumstances,” the release stated.

James, who holds a degree in mining from a UK university, served in the position of Head of Linmine Secretariat for 16 years and in several

managerial positions in the bauxite plant. He also served as the first Regional Chairman. Apart from the aforementioned appointments, Mr. Horace James played an integral role in the establishment of the Linden Museum as he possesses a wide array of knowledge on the history of the town, especially as it relates to bauxite mining. He also served as a Director of the Linden Technical Institute and also of the Linden Community Development which started in 1970.

Also being appointed as Head of the Linmine Secretariat was Mr. Emmet Alves who took up James’ position on an unconfirmed basis in January 2016.

Linmine is a subsidiary of NICIL and deals with engineering and environmentally related projects, including the Mackenzie Wismar bridge in Linden.

Alves is a UG and Russia trained mining engineer and, since 2003, had been responsible for executing or managing a number of Linmine projects.

opment of councils will be high on the agenda.

According to Corriverton Mayor Ganesh Gangadin, the conference will prove to be very effective, especially as it relates to procurement procedures and the role of the council.

Mayor of New Amsterdam Kirt Wynter noted that the occasion is very timely

and will serve to provide a forum where ideas can be shared.

“We have a responsibility as elected officials to deliver to the citizens what we have promised within our various towns and so this meeting will provide an opportunity where persons can understand their roles and functions,” Wynter commented.

Mayor of Rose Hall Vijai Ramoo, in endorsing Gangadin’s sentiments, also expressed concern about the lack of understanding among councillors about their roles and functions.

His hope is that the meeting will provide a framework for such discussions. Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland said his municipality will benefit greatly from much improved procurement practices since persons are generally resistant to change.

“There is a disinterest in accountability and transparency and under our watch we want to ensure that there is value for money,” the mayor of the mining town said.

According to Mayor of

Georgetown, Patricia ChaseGreen, her tenure has recently been fraught with controversy with regards to container fees and parking meters. However, she remarked that the conference should serve to iron out some of the challenges that town councils face on a daily basis.

“Some mayors do not understand their roles. You cannot exercise your authority if you are not supported by the Council. You cannot operate in isolation. You’re not an independent person,” the City Mayor explained.

Chase-Green added that mayors and their Councils must be guided by Chapter 28:01 of the Municipal and District Council’s Act as it provides details relating to their roles and functions.

The expectation is that the conference will serve as a blueprint to formalise the planning and preparation of mayoral meeting. The re-elected mayors and the new incoming mayor of Corriverton will take their oath of office during the event.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

Gov’t working 4 receive Gafoor’s Founda to increase landline service

By Shirley Thomas

–– Minister Hughes THE Ministry of Public Telecommunications is making a special effort to partner with local telephone service providers to increase the number of landline services in new housing schemes and other existing villages.

The Government has embarked on the construction of several new housing schemes, commencing with a housing expose that will allow citizens a preview of homes that new communities will be modelled after.

However, several existing communities and recently-established housing schemes are still without land phone and Internet service years after they would have been commissioned.

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) held the monopoly in that area but was unable to adequately meet the country’s service needs.

Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes, said that ensuring landline service for new communities is a major concern for her Ministry and efforts are being made to improve the situation.

The minister is convinced that once the telecommunication sector is fully liberalised, some relief will come in this area, especially if providers of such communication services increase.

Speaking on the early morning radio programme, “Jump Start,” the minister stated that “once there is liberalisation, what we envision is

that some communities underserved and where companies like GTT decides they are not willing to go into an area for whatever reason… that there would be other players willing to provide the service.”

The minister said she is well aware of the situation since she continues to receive many letters Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy from persons in housing Hughes areas and communities complaining that they do it would have been too costly to repair damaged not have landlines.

Hughes said her Min- material and continue the istry is thus looking at project.

Minister Hughes is providing a little more connectivity through the interested, however, in towers and infrastructure improving partnerships existing telecoms com- with the private sector to panies already have in have certain infrastrucplace. In some instanc- ture in place.

The minister said she es, to provide telecoms wants to establish greater service in a particular relationships with GTT, community, the company would have to de- Digicel and any other cide whether it makes player that comes into the financial sense to do so, market.

Hughes noted that since they would have to recover their investment. technology thrives in “The challenge for a rapidly changing enGuyana is connectivi- vironment and pointed ty,” the minister said. out that what people in She pointed out that the North America expect current fibre-optic cable from their service providgoes to places like Mole- ers is no different from son Creek and Essequibo, what someone in Lethem “but we want to see it go- would expect.

She said the challenge ing further south to places is putting things in place like Lethem and some of to provide better service the other hinterland reto Guyanese. mote communities”.

“Developing relaShe reminded that a tionships with compalot of money was spent nies is to help create on another fibre-optic cable from Brazil to Guy- useful infrastructure ana. That programme that would be the basis initiated under the former on which Guyana can People Progressive Party develop and expand,” (PPP) Government failed the minister said, noting had miserably. To the that the Telecommupoint where the new Co- nications Bill has been alition Government had assented to by the Presto scrap the project since ident David Granger.

FOUR students on Wednesday were awarded scholarship bursaries by Gafoor’s Foundation to pursue studies at Government Technical Institute (GTI) for the academic year 2016/2017 The presentation was made in the GTI’s board room and witnessed by Assistant Chief Education Officer (Technical), Patrick Chinedu Onwugmia; Chairman of the BTI Board of Governors, Vincent Alexander; Executive Chairman of Gafson’s, Sattaur Gafoor; other board members of the Gafoor Foundation; GTI Principal, Renita Crandon Duncan and GTI Welfare Officer, Alero Proctor.

The students receiving bursary awards were Rondell/Dazzell, pursuing studies in Electrical Installation; Leon Lewis -- Building and Civil Engineering; Natasha Hunter – Building and Civil Engineering and Alexandria Clarke – Small Appliance and Repairs.

Ameena Gafoor, on behalf of the Gafoor Foundation, expressed pleasure at being able to extend a helping hand to the recipients of the scholarships.

She said the Foundation was happy to partner with GTI and the students, recognising that not every child who goes through the school system would be a doctor, a lawyer or an accountant.

She stressed the importance of persons with industrial skills in pushing the country forward and expressed the hope that the recipients will apply themselves zealously and perform creditably, so that other students will be inspired to ‘go for it’ as well.

“Without industrial skills, we cannot push the country. Hence, I would like to see more students of GTI on board,” Gafoor said, adding that the programme will run for a while, and once it works out, will be continued.

ACUTE SHORTAGE OF TECHNICAL SKILLS Executive Chairman of Gafsons’s Industries Sattaur Gafoor, who also spoke, noted that there is a shortage of persons with technical skills in Guyana.

“Anyone in the field of construction will agree with me that there is a dearth of skills in our country, especially in the fields of welding and air-conditioning.”

He observed that more and more, home owners are looking for air -conditioned units, adding that there is need for artisans such as welders

Gafoor Foundation Board member Ameena Gafoor prese tion on Wednesday. Others from left are Executive Chair Ali (Board member); Sylvia Conway (board member, Ga Board of Governors, (GTI); Alexandria Clarke (student); P Lewis (students) and persons with air-condition repair skills. Against this backdrop, he pointed to an acute shortage of electricians in the country, so that the more people being trained to acquire these skills, the better it would be for the people in construction.

Such considerations, more than anything else, inspired the foundation to join with the GTI in promoting the development of skills in these areas, the Gafson’s Executive Chairman said.

The Chairman said they would like to see more participants coming on board to enjoy the benefits of the Gafoor scholarship scheme, conceding that the net result would be that there would be more skills out there to aid national development BRAIN DRAIN The Chairman bemoaned the practice whereby some acquire skills locally then migrate overseas.

To this end, he admonished: “Let’s remember that we owe our country something.

We have been trained and educated in our country, therefore let’s give back something to our country.”

He implored the students taking up the scholarships to do their best, adding that the foundation would like to see more people come on board and ultimately contributing to the development of this nation in key areas.

Meanwhile, GTI Board of Governors Chairman Vincent Alexander, on behalf of the institute, extended appreciation to the Gafoor Foundation for the noble gesture.

This, he said, must be in recognition of the role that GTI is playing or can play in doing what GTI ought to do – that is to deliver good education and produce the kind of human resource that can benefit the country.

Classifying the initiative as a collaboration between the Gafoor Foundation and GTI, he was optimistic about its impact on human resource development and national development. Alexander also expressed appreciation for the gesture, in terms of corporate responsibility and collectively taking the country forward.

“And so we [GTI] are appreciative and would like to see the students demonstrate that appreciation in terms of performance in their respective courses, and to think about it as a contribution to Guyana,” Alexander affirmed.

He further urged the students to see their scholarship as an opportunity that many other students would not have, and to make good of it.

Meanwhile, Principal Renita Crandon Duncan, on behalf of the Board of Governors, management and staff and students of the GTI, expressed gratitude to the Gafoor Foundation for the benevolent initiative and for joining hands in giving back to education and playing a part in molding the nation.

She added that the students are extremely grateful as well, knowing it will benefit them. Student Natasha Hunter also expressed gratitude on behalf of the scholarship awardees.

The scholarship covers education materials, train-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 10, 2017

ation scholarship Three new days of national observance

ents an award to student Rondell Dazzell at the presentarman of Gafson’s Industries, Sattaur Gafoor; Mohamed afoor Foundation); Vincent Alexander, Chairman of the Principal (Renita Crandon) and Natasha Hunter and Leon ing materials not provided by the institute, meals, transportation, among other things – especially those

who live in regions outside of Region Four and have to travel daily to attend classes.

PRESIDENT David Granger on Sunday evening unofficially declared three national days of observance; two of which are expected to be announced next week.

The President made this unofficial announcement at a mela and cultural event to mark the 100 year since the abolition of Indian indentureship in Guyana.

The event, which was hosted by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless Service), was held at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

With no official date set for the observance of the abolition of Indian indentureship, the President

said that on the 12th of this month, he will officially announce that day as a national day of observance of that historical event.

The following day (March 13), Guyana will observe 104 years since the Rose Hall Estate Massacre where 15 persons were killed. That event is usually observed on different days in March each year.

However, President Granger told the gathering of a few thousand that on that day (March 13), he will declare that day as a national day of observance for the Rose Hall Martyrs.

The head-of-state went on to disclose that on May 3, the Government will officially declare that day as Portuguese Day since that

is the day that ethnic group arrived in what was then British Guiana.

Following his announcement of these dates, the President explained that these days are being designated to recognise each thread in the tapestry of this society.

“These national days were not meant to divide our country, our community, our society. They are meant to recognise each and every thread in the tapestry of our society.

They are meant to show each and every citizen of each and every ethnic group that we recognise their roots” he said, adding that his administration will continue giving recognition

President David Granger to the people who are responsible for creating this nation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

All eyes on Ryan Berkeley

--for upcoming Caribbean fashion award #SupportCreativity GUYANA’S own Ryan Berkeley has joined the list of local personalities who have been nominated for awards at the upcoming 2017 Caribbean Style and Culture Showcase.

The event is scheduled to be held on Saturday June 17 at

the Silver Spring Civic Center in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, Maryland.

Along with Natasha Harper, who is nominated for the Model of the Year Award, Berkeley will be considered from a list of several Caribbean designers for the coveted Award of Excellence-Fashion Innovation 2017.

Last year, Guyana’s Keisha Edwards was the recipient of this award, having been chosen among several other Caribbean designers.

This year’s prize will be awarded to one of 12 designers from St. Vincent & The Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Suriname.

INCREASING ATTENTION

Berkeley’s work has been gaining increasing attention in the past years. Among his accolades is winning the Upcoming Designer of the Year Award at Guyana Fashion Week 2011, just one year after he made his debut on the local fashion scene.

Ryan grew up always hearing the sound of the sewing machine at work in his home, and took to the art of expression at just nine years old by resorting to drawing and colouring at school.

It was his ability to casually outshine his peers in these and other artistic areas that hinted that his knack for the creative world was natural.

Professionally, he admits he was at first interested in studying medicine, but it was his artistic side that won the battle eventually. He then turned to dance, and after dancing with the Lets Dance Studio for a while, he decided to explore his other creative talents.

FASHION DEBUT

A Ryan Berkeley Creation

In 2010, he made his debut in local fashion industry as a contestant on a local television show, where he captured audiences far and wide with his unique sense of style and ability. With one year’s experience, he was given the task of creating his own line. He went on to complete runway shows, including the prestigious fashion event, Designer/Stylist Portfolio, where he shared the stage with other prominent local designers.

He later joined the Burrowes School of Art, graduating in 2013 at the top of his class. As a fashion creator and trendsetter, resourceful in finding contemporary ways of incorporating everyday life necessities and resourceful elements into his designs, Ryan intends to broaden the mindset of Guyanese, so that fashion may become a lifestyle in Guyana.

Designer, Ryan Berkeley In 2012, he participated in Mission Catwalk, a fashion reality series created by Jamaican fashion designer Keneea Linton-George aimed at discovering and developing new talent.

The Kingston-based show tests the creativity and skill of each contestant through various challenges.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

‘Jammi Jerk’...

Bringing Guyanese that authentic Jamaican flavour THE Caribbean is a veritable mix of different cultures, where we all have an appreciation for each other’s foods, and in many cases even look forward to trying it out.

That’s exactly why a few years ago when Jamaican national, George Walker had been living and working in Guyana for over five years, he thought it would be a great idea to bring some of the original cuisine from his homeland to Guyana.

Enter “Jammi Jerk”, the authentic Jamaican restaurant, now located quite conveniently at the corner of D’Urban Street and Vlissengen Road.

Though small, the location has that nice chill-spot feel, and you can choose to take out or stay in and enjoy the atmosphere.

By now, a lot of persons have become familiar with the restaurant, thanks to their radio advertisement which includes a line from Pluto Shervington’s “Ram Goat Liver”, which talks about Jamaica’s signature “Mannish Water”.

TRUE TO FLAVOUR

From the very inception, “Jammi Jerk” has been very serious about keeping its menu as true to the Jamaica flavour as possible, and from seasoning to cook, the business has imported its flavour straight out of the “Reggae Land”.

It all started as a little food booth at a CPL cricket match held at the Stadium, where the demand was so strong it would’ve been almost a sin for George not to capitalise on the opportunity to open his own business. So he teamed

up with his fiancée, Guyanese Leshaun Morgan, and together they put their entrepreneurial skills to work.

“We were just trying it out at first, but when we did CPL, people keep coming to us saying, ‘Where is your location? Where is your location?’ And then we realised that we would have had to get a facility because the response was really good,” Leshaun recalled.

“We found one on Middle Street, but it was a small space; we could not accommodate what we wanted to do with such a small space.”

Eventually, the business moved to its current location, and though they still have their up-and-down days, the response continues to be appreciative. “The response continues to be great,” Leshaun said.

Co-proprietor, Leshaun Morgan serving it up at “Jammi Jerk”

A few customers chilling and enjoying the Jamaican atmosphere

Naomi Campbell silences rumours SUPERMODEL, Naomi Campbell has silenced rumours she is embroiled in a bitter feud with Rihanna after it was rumoured that she unfollowed the 29-year-old “Work” hitmaker on social media.

Speaking about her friendship with the Barbados-born beauty on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Tuesday, the 46-year-old brunette beauty said: “Everything’s fine; of course it’s fine.

“I’m an actress now, Andy.

“I don’t have beef.”

Although the fashion muse, who has graced the runway for designer fashion labels such as Prada, Chanel and Givenchy during her three-decade career at the helm of the modelling industry, doesn’t get involved in dramas, she has admitted she certainly would never fall out with fellow “black women”, because she believes they all have one thing in common, which is that they “struggle” to be recognised.

She explained: “I don’t have beef, especially with black women who I think are powerful and there... We’re all doing the same thing; doing the same struggle.”

And the star, who was scouted at the age of 15, has vowed never to “shut up” about gender and race equality until there is more diversity in the fashion industry.

Speaking previously, the ‘Empire’ actress said: “I do feel that Iman and I will not shut up until it gets to the point where it’s equal; balanced.

“I mean, I just saw a little bit of couture. I did look Online at the couture shows, and it was a little bit disappointing.”

However, Naomi is “optimistic” the industry will change, and is forever hoping things won’t go “backwards”.

She continued: “We really hope it’s not going to go backwards; I always try to be optimistic, but if it does, then they will hear us again.”

STIFF COMPETITION

With three other Jamaican restaurants in Guyana, ‘Jammi Jerk’ has quite some competition in the business, but Leshaun says they are able to stay ahead of the game because they continue to keep their flavour authentic, among other innovative means.

Leshaun or George travels at least twice a year to Jamaica to stock up on the unique seasonings; they also pick up a few original Jamaican beverages, including the Dragon Stout, and the White Overproof Rum. The business has also reviewed it’s menu so it can better focus on the customers.

“I reviewed the menu because it’s easier for me to just grill stuff and let everyone get it fresh off the grill; and you see when it’s being down and you get it,” Leshaun said.

But the advantage of fresh food means some things on the menu have a longer wait time. That’s not to say the waiting time for most of the items are exorbitant in any way. The only item that you may want to order and come back to pick up is the steamed or roasted fish; if you order the roast fish, you’re looking at an approximate 45 minutes wait. But hey! The taste is worth it!

We tried out some of the food for ourselves, and if there’s anything to advise, it’s the “Jerk Pork”, and the ever-popular “Mannish Water”.

The “Jerk Chicken” is also another top seller.

--about feud with Rihanna

Naomi Campbell

The search is on

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

--for the next Miss World Guyana CALLING all beauty queens, potential beauty queens, daddy’s little girls and then some! The Miss World Guyana Organisation (MWGO) is throwing out the challenge to each and every one of you to come and try your hand at the Miss World Guyana 2017 crown, which is up for grabs to anyone! That’s right! Anyone!

Majesty International, the official License Holder of the pageant headed by Natasha Martindale, is on the hunt for that well-rounded ambassador with the beauty, grace and all that jazz, and will be conducting a challenging list of tests in talent, sports, modelling and interview segments on Sunday morning at the Cara Lodge on Quamina Street.

So far, 25 semi-finalists have already made the initial cut, and are going to go through that round of tests, as the pageant holder looks to shake things up a little in the vetting process this year.

This round comes after a number of young ladies would have already taken and passed an Online “personality test” from which this ultimate 25 were selected.

EXCEPTIONALLY WELL

STILL TIME

There is still time for any other eligible young ladies to throw her hat in the ring though; all one needs do is go Online and take the personality test before Sunday.

A link to the form can be found on the Miss World Guyana’s Facebook page.

Eligibility includes that you between the ages of 16 to 24 on or before May 26.

Come Sunday, these 25 girls and anyone else that qualifies, will be judged in the differing segments based on a three-point system, with one point for a poor performance, three for a satisfactory performance, and five points if they nailed it and did an excellent job.

The judges will be looking at the overall presentation, quality of skill, endurance, determination, external beauty, poise, elegance, fun improvisation, articulation of each entrant.

Applicants are to walk with gym wear, four-inch heels, and be prepared to be grilled. In addition to the aesthetic and intellectual requirement, applicants must

demonstrate their willingness to make a difference in the lives of others, and must contribute to the development of Guyana.

From this, the 10 finalists will be decided, and take part in the final pageant. It will all lead up to the selection of the ultimate young lady who will get the chance to follow in the footsteps of the commanding Rafeiya Husain, the dazzling Lisa Punch, and the enchanting Nuriyyih Gerrard, who’s still reigning.

Gerrard represented this country exceptionally well at the Miss World competition last December in Washington DC, USA.

Reigning Miss World Guyana, Nuriyyih Gerrard

Over the past few years, Guyana has been improving in their standing at the Miss World pageant, with Husain making it into the top eleven in 2014 after winning in the Beauty with a Purpose segment, and Punch winning the talent segment in 2015, which also saw her advancing into the top eleven.

The competition caters to young women interested in sports and fitness, performance arts, community development, and expressing various talents.

Franchise holder and chairwoman of the Miss World Guyana Committee, Natasha Martindale is focused on improving the entire process from a personal brand.

Miss World is the largest and longest- running international beauty pageant. Launched in 1951, it has become one of the world’s most-watched annual events worldwide, with a viewing audience of over 1 billion people.

It is the only pageant that has a Beauty with a Purpose competition, which is the name of a special annual award programme that singles out and recognises the Miss World contestant who has shown, through charitable works, to have made a real difference to people in need in her country.

The World Guyana focuses on raising money for charities, and mirroring the role and spirit of Miss World at a national level. Under new directorship since 2013, Guyana has achieved the back-to-back top 10 places, and carries Beauty with a Purpose as its flagship.

Miss World Guyana holds its annual pageant to identify young Guyanese women who exemplify beauty, talent, intelligence and compassion.

Local blogger starts YouTube channel

#SupportCreativity

YOU’VE seen her face on many a local runway, or maybe you’ve come across this beauty as the subject of some local photographer’s latest work.

Either way, the name and face of NKechi Vaughn have been receiving increased attention in the local and regional fashion industry.

Most recently, the former “Guyana Top Model” winner made the cut for the “Season 3” line-up of “Caribbean’s Next Top Model”,

Turn to Page 21

A clip from one of Nkechi’s natural hair tutorials on her YouTube Channel

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

Local blogger starts...

From Page 20

IT’S going to be a really buzzing time this weekend! Sunday is Phagwah, and everyone wants to get in on the celebrations of this religious event that has become a national phenomenon!

The colour, the water, the laughter and fun will be everywhere! Of course, the biggest event remains the one that will be at the National Stadium.

It’s beginning to look like it’s going to be another pretty quiet Friday, but if you ladies want to act “Single”, you can head on down to the Palm Court to see Orlando Octave perform his soca hit, “Single”.

TODAY

Sean Major Entertainment presents Sean Major’s birthday celebration called “Black Swag 2017” at the Palm Court.

For the first time in Guyana, there will be live performances by Orlando Octave performing his hit song “Single”!

DJ Energy, Gully Ras, Diamond and Blax Bee will be shelling down the mixes! Ladies dressed in black free B4 21:00hrs.

TOMORROW

With International Women’s Day celebrated only a few days ago, this weekend is the perfect time to come out and celebrate womanhood!

Palm Court presents “Girl Power”, which is going to be all about the ladies! This ultimate ladies night out features Jamaica’s Ce’Cile, and local girl, Shelly G! Spinning the tracks will be Guyana’s #1 female DJ, Anisah. Other female deejays are also going to be in da house!

Admission: $2000.

The Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation presents its Phagwah Mela and Bazaar, along with a Katahar Curry competition at the Rose Hall Estate Community Centre.

Enjoy dances by the Golden Om Dancers, Bhakt Prahalad, and the melodious voices of singers across the country, including Emerging Voices Season 2 Finalist, Karamchand Sugrim!

Other attractions include games, vegetarian food, face painting, mehendi and a whole lot more! Tickets are $200.

Selector Face’s Birth-Nite is going down at the National Gymnasium, where Gully Ras and Selector Diamond, and DJ Energy are all going to be on board to help the Armageddon winner celebrate 22 years in the entertainment business. Admission is $2000.

SUNDAY

There’s no Phagwah Festival bigger than the one set to go down at the National Stadium, where thousands are expected to flock!

Music and entertainment will be provided by the famed Shakti Strings Orchestra! See performances by Aamir Khan, Ishara Dancers, Calvin Burnette and much, much more! Admission is absolutely free!

Carib is taking the Phagwah celebrations to the creek with “CreekJam”, a festival of colours at the Aziza Akousa (Opp. the Splashmin’s Fun Park)!

There will be free powder, beer specials, beer pong, wet t-shirt contest, Mr. & Mrs. Carib contest, Carib girls and also “Who runs the Creek” contest!

Music by Carib Deejays! So prepare to have a great time, while enjoying some ice-cold Carib!

The Rotaract Club of Stabroek is having a Colour Run Scavenger Hunt at the Botanical Gardens.

Entry is free, and it’s open to all! Wear white and go out and get tie-dyed for a good cause.

T-shirts will be provided! Start time is 09:00hrs!

Chutney Soca Monarch 2017 winners, Ravi B and Omardath Maraj are going to be at the Palm Court for their “Festival of Colours”!

Music by DJ Din and DJ Second To None, and there’ll be free Phagwah powder for everybody! Adminssion: $2000.

Upper Level Family, in association with Auto Laundry, presents “Soaka Wet Fete” at the Auto Laundry (Croal Street Entrance). Nusic by Slingerz Family.

There’s going to be wet and dry zones, a wet T-shirt competition, and unlimited water, foam and powder! Admission: FREE!

currently airing on Flow1 in Grenada.

But Nkechi has decided to add yet another feature to her portfolio: YouTube Blogger. Her Channel, “Nkechi”, which is just a month old, features makeup, beauty tips and natural hair style tutorials which resemble the quality of work of other well-known Youtubers out there.

Though this may seem like just a small feat, this is a significant move for the local social media realm, as Guyanese have remained somewhat absent from many of these platforms, which serve as beneficial ports of recognition for the arts and other endeavours.

It is only recently that Guyana has seen more bloggers begin to surface, so Nkechi’s attempt to enter the YouTube sphere is certainly welcome.

Once the right path is taken, YouTubers can earn a significant amount of money based on their followers and views, but Guyanese are yet to tap into this medium.

IMMENSELY USEFUL

YouTube is also seen as immensely useful in the music realm, with mega-stars such as Justin Bieber and Soulja Boi being discovered from posting their music nline. But our local musicians still have not effec-

tively put this medium to use, unless they release an official music video for their work, which is often few and far apart.

Outside of this, however, locals can do well with more Guyanese YouTubers, as, much like the rest of the world, YouTube is the go-to for many Guyanese women for tutorials on makeup, hair and other beauty tips.

Sometimes, however, women find it difficult to follow through with all the materials, due to lack of certain brands and other items that the foreign YouTubers use. It is therefore a welcome change to see NKechi brave this unexplored realm. Hopefully, we’ll begin to see more of her through this medium!

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Windies crash to heaviest ...

ever at the venue with 328 all out, from their 50 overs, with fit-again opener Alex Hales gathering 110 and Joe Root, 101.

The pair dominated the West Indies bowling, adding 192 for the second wicket to pull their side around from the early loss of Jason Roy for 17 in the sixth over with 27 runs on the board.

Twenty-year-old fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, playing his first game of the series in place of the injured Shannon Gabriel, claimed four for 76 while captain and fellow seamer Jason Holder picked up three for 41.

Having never successfully chased a total in excess of 300 to win an ODI, West Indies buckled under the weight of history and collapsed for 142 all out off 39.2 overs – narrowly avoiding their lowest-ever venue total of 141, 23 years ago.

Only left-hander Jonathan Carter with 46

showed any enterprise but he was the sole batsman to pass 20 and one of just three to reach double figures.

West Indies were tormented by seamers Chris Woakes (3-16) and Liam Plunkett (3-27) who finished with three wickets apiece while Steven Finn claimed two for 35.

Once the hosts collapsed to 45 for six in the 17th over, the mission became one of avoiding embarrassment, and they needed Joseph’s entertaining unbeaten 22 off 13 balls at number 11, to avert total disaster.

Left-hander Kieran Powell (6) failed for the third straight game when he defensively pushed the third delivery of the innings from Finn in to Hales’ hands at short square leg.

In the very next over, new batsman Evin Lewis tugged an attempted pull back to bowler Woakes without scoring and when opener Kraigg

Brathwaite’s nondescript waft at Plunkett found Root at mid-wicket, West Indies were tottering on 13 for three in the fourth over.

Jason Mohammed, already with two half-centuries under pressure in the series, failed to deliver this time as he missed a drive at Plunkett and was bowled for 10 at 32 for four in the 13th over and Shai Hope (16) and Holder (0) fell to Plunkett off successive deliveries in the 17th over, to leave the innings in strife.

Carter, who finished a s h i s s i d e ’s l e a d i n g run-scorer with 137 runs, faced 77 balls and struck eight fours while adding 30 for the seventh wicket with Carlos Brathwaite (7).

But seamer Ben Stokes trapped Brathwaite lbw on review and Carter was eventually ninth out, caught in the deep pulling at Finn in the 36th over.

Hales and Root had earlier put England in

c o n t ro l , w i t h S t o k e s weighing in with a cameo 20-ball 34.

Not for the first time in the series, the tourists lost an early wicket when Roy drove Joseph into Holder’s lap at mid-off but Hales and Root overcame a tough period to dominate.

In his first match of the series after sufficiently recovering from a broken hand sustained on the recent tour of India, Hales faced 107 deliveries and crunched nine fours and five sixes to record his fifth ODI hundred.

Root, meanwhile, coming off an unbeaten 90 in the second game in Antigua last Sunday, counted 10 fours in a 108-ball knock to post his eighth ODI hundred.

Hales started slowly but quickly grew in confidence to reach his half-century off 52 balls w i t h a c o v e r- d r i v e n boundary off expensive leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo in the 21st over

$50M and Muhammad Ali ... the semi-finals in January and February 2018, and the finals in May. Half the 14 bouts will be staged in the United States and half in Europe on individual fight nights, according to preliminary plans with no deals yet in place with promoters or fighters.

“Boxing has really been missing a big tournament like the World Boxing Super Series,” Richard Schaefer, the former Golden Boy Promotions executive who is in charge of the U.S.

side of the tournament, told reporters.

Schaefer said the winner in each weight class will pocket at least $10M as prize money and bonuses will be paid through all rounds of the series.

They will also be awarded the golden Ali Trophy, designed by Silvio Gazzaniga, designer of the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

“The fighters we want to attract should include current world champions, former world champions, young and rising stars, re-

ally a mix so you have the proper storylines,” said Schaefer.

Boxers rated within the top 15 of the main federations (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) will be considered with a panel of former fighters, journalists and broadcasters among those deciding who to invite.

Four boxers will be seeded in each class and at a televised ‘Draft Gala’ in June will select their first opponents. The weight classes have yet to be decided.

An agreement is already in place to sell global broadcast rights for three seasons of the tournament everywhere excluding the United States and Scandinavia.

Showtime executive vice-president Stephen Espinoza attended the launch announcement and said a “framework” of a deal was in place for the U.S. cable network to broadcast.

“It’s easier to schedule,” Espinoza said. “Here are four dates in September, October that I know are

Fruta Conquerors aiming ... be made”.

Under new head coach Denzil Thompson, the Kings looked ordinary in their triumph over Buxton and today they will have to play far better if they hope to get past the team they held to a score-less draw in the first round of the Elite

League.

“The performance of the team wasn’t bad neither were they at their best and this is understandable having had limited preparations. The win certainly has boosted the morale and confidence of the team, and add to that the fact that we are playing at home.

“In football, playing at home is always an advantage. I have seen more togetherness and commitment since my first official game in charge and come tonight we’ll be ready for whatever Conquerors have to offer,” the former national goalkeeper

which leaked 18 runs.

Given out on 93 in the 34th over, lbw to parttime off-spinner Kraigg Brathwaite, Hales gained a reprieve via DRS and raised triple figures off 99 balls with a top-edged six over the keeper’s head off Joseph.

He was beginning to open his shoulders even further when he was caught at fine leg by Nurse off Joseph.

Root, dropped twice before he had reached 20, strolled to his half-century off 71 deliveries but stepped on the gas and required only another 36 deliveries to reach three figures.

On 241 for three at the end of the 40th over, England seemed poised for a total well in excess of 350 but underachieved in the last 10 overs, with only 87 runs coming for the loss of seven wickets.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND innings J. Roy c Holder b Joseph 17 A. Hales c Nurse b Joseph 110 J. Root c C. Brathwaite b Joseph 101 J. Buttler b Holder 7 E. Morgan b Nurse 11 B. Stokes c K Brathwaite b Holder 34 M. Ali c & b Joseph 0 C. Woakes c Bishoo b Holder 13 L. Plunkett run-out 11 A. Rashid run-out 9 S. Finn not out 2 Extras: (b-1, lb-3, w-8, nb-1) 13 Total: (all out, 50 overs) 328 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-219, 3-232, 4-249, 5-263, 6-264, 7-304, 8-304, 9-317.

Bowling: Holder 10-1-41-3 (w-2), Joseph 10-0-76-4 (w-2, nb-1), Bishoo 5-0-44-0 (w-1), C. Brathwaite 10-0-56-0 (w-3), Nurse 8-0-57-1, Carter 4-0-28-0,

cont’ from back page written in stone. I know what they cost; I know it’s not going to move. That’s a much easier way to programme, schedule and market.”

The enterprise is run by newly-founded Comosa AG, a Swiss-registered company with principal owners from marketing (Switzerland’s Highlight Event & Entertaining), broadcasting (Sweden’s Modern Times Group) and boxing (Germany-based Sauerland Promotions).

cont’ from back page

stated.

Thompson hinted that there may be changes to the starting XI that played the opening game after the technical staff sit to select the team for tonight’s encounter set to kick-off at 19:00hrs.

Meanwhile, there will be semifinal action in the

cont’ from back page

inaugural Women’s Development League preceding tonight’s feature game.

At 16:00hrs Paiwomak tackle Fruta Conquerors followed by St Ignatius versus the GDF. The winners will meet in Sunday’s final prior to the Elite League Leaders’ final.

K. Brathwaite 3-0-22-0.

WEST INDIES innings K. Powell c Hales b Finn 6 E. Lewis c & b Woakes 0 K. Brathwaite c Hales b Woakes 5 S. Hope c Root b Plunkett 16 J. Mohammed b Plunkett 10 J. Carter c Stokes b Finn 46 J. Holder c wkp. Buttler b Plunkett 0 C. Brathwaite lbw b Stokes 7 A. Nurse c Plunkett b Woakes 6 D. Bishoo c Roy b Rashid 10 A. Joseph not out 22 Extras: (b-4, lb-1, w-9) 14 Total: (all out, 39.2 overs) 142 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-8, 3-13, 4-32, 5-45, 6-45, 7-75, 8-87, 9-113.

Bowling: Finn 10-1-35-2 (w-2), Woakes 8-1-16-3 (w-2), Stokes 7-2-27-1 (w-4), Plunkett 8-227-3 (w-1), Moeen Ali 5-0-27-0, Rashid 1.2-0-5-1.

English Racing Tips Sandown 10:00 hrs Centurius 10:30 hrs My Boy James 11:05 hrs Rathlin Rose 11:40 hrs Kayf Adventure 12:15 hrs Artifice Sivola 12:50 hrs Sneaky Feeling Ayr 10:10 hrs Culmination 10:45 hrs Vertigo 11:20 hrs Tomahawk Wood 11:55 hrs Chapel Stile 13:35 hrs Another Mattie Leicester 10:20 hrs Bivouac 10:55 hrs Global Dream 11:30 hrs Sea Wall 12:40 hrs Darwins Fox 13:10 hrs Glendermot South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 11:30 hrs Under The Rose 12:05 hrs Chilli Affair 12:40 hrs Icy Avalanche 13:15 hrs Chicago Beat 13:55 hrs Dance On Air 14:30 hrs Hot Chilli 15:00 hrs River Ayre 15:30 hrs Arran Isles Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:30 hrs Hailstone 14:00 hrs Red All Star 14:30 hrs Oor Jock 15:00 hrs Allography 15:30 hrs Try Again 16:00 hrs Red Avenger 16:30 hrs Song Of Love 17:00 hrs Cristy’s Call American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Conquest Prankster Race 2 Margarita Sunrise Race 3 Stony Brook Race 4 Itsgoodinthehood Race 5 Shadow Rider Race 6 Shimmering Moon Race 7 Are We Not Men

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

Williamson in sight of century in Dunedin (REUTERS) - Kane Williamson fought hard to establish his innings before cashing in during the final session to lead New Zealand to 177 for three at close of play on the second day of the first Test against South Africa yesterday.

The New Zealand skipper was subjected to immense pressure from pacemen Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel but reached 78 not out at stumps with nightwatchman Jeetan Patel alongside him on nine, at University Oval in Dunedin.

New Zealand could have been even better placed had Ross Taylor not retired hurt with a calf injury while on eight and the hosts 148 for two.

South Africa had been bowled out for 308 shortly after lunch when Trent Boult (4-64) dismissed Philander for 21 to pick up his

fourth wicket of the innings.

Philander got an early breakthrough when Tom Latham was caught behind

by Quinton de Kock for 10 as the pace trio embarked on a war of attrition with Williamson and opener Jeet Raval.

The 31-year-old Philander and Williamson engaged in a fascinating battle, with the bowler hammering away on a good length at off stump.

Williamson, however, managed to see off Philander’s initial spell and when left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was introduced, the New Zealand pair began to free up, despite having to deal with the extra bounce from Morkel.

They reached 59 for one at tea then capitalised in the final session, Raval reaching his third Test half-century with a punch down the ground off Maharaj for his sixth boundary.

Williamson brought

up his 26th Test half-century with three successive boundaries from Rabada, which also brought up the century-partnership with Raval.

Opener Raval was dismissed for 52 in the next over as he looked to work away a delivery from Maharaj only to pick out Dean Elgar at short midwicket instead.

Henry Nicholls was the

SCOREBOARD

Kane Williamson brings up his fifty with a flurry of boundaries.

Mushfiqur’s gutsy 85 helps Bangladesh avoid follow-on (REUTERS) - Mushfiqur Rahim’s gutsy 85 helped Bangladesh avoid follow-on but Sri Lanka claimed a substantial 182run first-innings lead to take control of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on yesterday.

After bad light forced early tea on day three of the contest, Sri Lanka needed two balls to claim the last Bangladesh wicket of Mustafizur Rahman and bowl out the tourists for 312.

Sri Lanka could not come out to bat for the second time in the match as almost the entire final session was lost to rain.

Resuming day three on 133-2, Bangladesh lost four wickets in the morning session but captain Mushfiqur waged a grim battle against the Sri Lankans.

The stumper-batsman joined forces with Mehedi Hasan Shiraz (41) to raise 106 runs for the seventh wicket, only the second 100-plus partnership of the

other wicket to fall, brilliantly caught by Hashim Amla at slip off Maharaj for 12.

New Zealand had earlier taken the last six South African wickets for 79 runs in a little over two hours, with four falling in the first session, including Elgar for 140 and Temba Bavuma for 64 after they had compiled a 104-run partnership.

Mushfiqur Rahim battles on the third morning to top-score with 85. innings, to help them cross the 300-mark.

Mushfiqur brought up 0 SRI LANKA 1st innings 494 T. Ahmed lbw b D. Perera his 16th Test 50 off 107 0 (K. Mendis 194, A. Gunaratne S. Roy not out M. Rahman c K. Mendis b Herath 4 85, N. Dickwella 75, D. Perera balls but fell to rival skipExtras: (lb-6 nb-2 w-3) 11 51; M. Hasan 4-113) per Rangana Herath who Total: (all out, 97.2 overs) 312 BANGLADESH 1st innings claimed 3-72.

Fall of wickets: 1-118, 2-127, (o/n 133-2) T. Iqbal run-out (Dickwella) 57 3-142, 4-170, 5-184, 6-192, 7-298, Off-spinner Dilruwan S. Sarkar c Kumara b Lakmal 71 8-298, 9-308.

Perera also claimed three M. Haque lbw b D. Perera 7 Bowling: S. Lakmal 14-0-42-1, L. Kumara 16-1-70-1 (w-3), wickets, dismissing MeheM. Rahim b Herath 85 S.Al Hasan c Dickwella b Sandakan 23 D. Perera 19-4-53-3 (nb-1), R. di and Taskin Ahmed in Herath 26.2-4-72-3, L. Sandakan Mahmudullah b Kumara 8 successive deliveries.

L. Das c Gunaratne b Herath 5 22-5-69-1 (nb-1).

SCOREBOARD

M. Hasan lbw b D. Perera

41

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings S. Cook lbw b Boult 3 D. Elgar c Watling b Wagner 140 H. Amla b Wagner 1 J. Duminy c Taylor b Wagner 1 F. du Plessis c Boult b Neesham 52 T. Bavuma c Watling b Boult 64 Q. de Kock c Wagner b Patel 10 V. Philander b Boult 21 K. Maharaj c Neesham b Boult 5 K. Rabada b Patel 4 M. Morkel not out 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-1, w-2) 7 Total: (all out, 122.4 overs) 308 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-20, 3-22, 4-148, 5-252, 6-265, 7-279, 8-298, 9-308.

Bowling: T. Boult 32.4-12-64-4

(w-2), N. Wagner 31-8-88-3, J. Patel 33-12-85-2, M. Santner 18-5-32-0, J. Neesham 8-2-34-1.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings T. Latham c de Kock b Philander 10 J. Raval c Elgar b Maharaj 52 K. Williamson not out 78 R. Taylor retired hurt 8 H. Nicholls c Amla b Maharaj 12 J. Patel not out 9 Extras: (lb-6, nb-2) 8 Total: (for 3 wickets, 55 overs) 177 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-117, 3-165.

Bowling: K. Rabada 14-3-46-0, V. Philander 14-4-37-1 (nb-2) M. Morkel 10-3-26-0, K. Maharaj 16-3-57-2, J. Duminy 1-0-5-0.

India keep Vijay but Pandya out for last two Australia Tests

(REUTERS) - Injured opening batsman Murali Vijay has kept his place in India’s squad for the final two Tests against Australia, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya drops out with a shoulder problem.

Vijay was forced to miss India’s series-levelling win in Bengaluru this week after he sustained a shoulder injury while fielding during the first Test in Pune last month.

With batsman Abhinav Mukund failing to impress during the second Test in Bengaluru, India will be hoping Vijay recovers in time for the third Test in Ranchi next Thursday.

Murali Vijay Pandya was the only member to be culled from the 16-man squad chosen at the start of the tour.

Selectors also resisted the urge to call up batsman Rohit Sharma and seamer Mohammed Shami, who have recovered from long-term shoulder and knee injuries respectively but are yet to prove their fitness over the course of a first-class match.

The series is finely poised at 1-1 and will culminate with games at first-time Test venues Ranchi and Dharamsala.

Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Karun Nair, Ashwin Ravichandran, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Jayant Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav Mukund.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

GREETINGS

PRESIDENT WAYNE FORDE #BeBoldForChange was the theme for International Women’s Day 2017 and a timely reminder of the continuous thrust made by women the world over and in Guyana for a more inclusive and gender-equal world. It focused on “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50:50 by 2030”.

It is a day specially observed to honour women’s achievements – socially, culturally, economically and politically. It is no different in football In the Guyana football fraternity, some of the most significant functions including leadership, technical, professional and administrative are performed by women – General Secretary, professional staff, players, referees, coaches, Team Manager, Equipment Managers There is a dedicated mandate at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to actively facilitate the expansion of women’s involvement in the beautiful game through technical and other programmatic areas such as the GFF-ScotiaBank Academy Training Centres. This programme will see the development and expansion of women football players and referees/coaches

and create opportunities for other functions.

In fact, history was created in late 2016 when Guyana saw Ms. Nzinga Maxwell becoming the first woman Team Manager of an Elite Club – Fruta Conquerors FC! In 2016, the National Female Team, fondly referred to as the ‘Lady Jags’ made history by defeating Guatemala 2-1 in the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship in Texas, USA. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I salute all women especially those in the football fraternity (Member Associations, coaches, referees, players and the Federation’s staff) for your boldness to break barriers and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and gender-equal world.

YOUNG FEMALE REFEREE KENISHA PRESCOTT STARS IN MARTINIQUE

• UG student is first female to officiate at Tournoi Paul Chillan • 19-year-old part of youth team delegation to Martinique • GFF promotes female referees before International Women’s Day Young Guyanese referee Kenisha Prescott has become the first female match official to take charge of a game at the International Tournoi Paul Chillan in Martinique, and the first to accompany a travelling Guyanese national youth squad, under the Guyana Football Federation’s new technical development plan.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Department’s new policy involves giving as much international exposure as possible to both its young players and referees, in order to accelerate their development and to increase their potential for career advancement in football.

Prescott, who is studying for a degree in social work at the University of Guyana, took charge of the Guadeloupe versus Martinique match on 3rd March at the Tournoi Paul Chillan, which brought together under-17 boys’ teams from Guyana and French-speaking Caribbean territories including Haiti and French Guiana.

“To know I was the first female referee at the ‘PC’ tournament was a good achievement and an honour,” Prescott said in an interview on the Turkeyen campus. “The experience was wonderful. It was a very intense game.”

“It’s the first time I have actually been in a big stadium in front of a big crowd, so I was nervous at first, but it was good because I had the exposure, so I know now how to referee when I go to do international games.”

Linden-born Prescott’s achievements coincide with International Women’s Day (8th March) and underline the GFF’s commitment to increasing female participation in football at all levels of the game, from playing and coaching to refereeing and governance. The GFF currently has about 30 registered female referees who are active in the game, but is working to increase this number significantly this year.

“We want to bring more young women into football and to give them as many opportunities as possible with a clear development pathway,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

“Under our new approach and through developing links across the Caribbean, we are also giving young players and referees like Kenisha the exposure they need at a high level to learn and to progress.”

The young Lindener is hoping to follow in the footsteps of internationally-renowned female Guyanese referees such as Dianne

Ferreira-James and 2016 CONCACAF Female Referee of the Year nominee Maurees Skeete “I see myself becoming a FIFA referee,” she said. “That would mean that I would go to international matches like the World Cup and the Olympics.”

With International Women’s Day in mind, Prescott encouraged other young women to get involved in all areas of football, especially refereeing.

“We’re looking for a lot more females to come on, because there is only one FIFA referee we have in the country and it would be nice for others to come on board to make Guyana proud,” Prescott said.

GFF Executive Committee member and President of the Guyana

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

17:30hrs

Friday, 10th March, 2017

HOW DO I BECOME A REFEREE? Contact the GFF Secretariat (see contact info below) and register!

• •

VENUE: Victoria Ground, ECD LEAGUE LEADERS TOURNAMENT (3rd Place PlayOff)

Women’s Development League Semi-Final

GAME #1: Paiwomak FC vs Fruta Conquerors FC @ 16:00hrs GAME #2: GDF FC vs St. Ignatius FC @

Football Referees Council Dion Inniss praised Kenisha’s achievements.

“Kenisha is one of the budding stars in refereeing, and we are extremely happy that Martinique experience has open up her eyes to the possibilities that exists once she continues on this path,” former FIFA match official Inniss said.

GAME #3: Victoria Kings FC vs Fruta Conquerors FC @ 19:00hrs Lucky patrons will win prizes compliments of STAG

ADMISSION: $1,000 Sunday, 12th March, 2017

FINALS LEAGUE LEADERS TOURNAMENT: Time / Venue to be announced

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

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

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

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

Legendary boxing trainer and manager Lou Duva dies at age 94 L E G E N D A RY b o x i n g trainer and manager Lou Duva, who spent more than seven decades in the sport he loved, died Wednesday at St Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, N.J. He was 94.

Duva, the patriarch of one of the most influential families in boxing, died of natural causes, according to his only surviving son, Dino Duva.

The fiery and charismatic Duva was a mainstay in the world of professional boxing for more than seven decades.

He was probably best known for being the trainer of heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, who was voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this year.

Duva and his family, along with powerful manager Shelly Finkel, founded Main Events in 1978, and built it into one of the most powerful promotional companies in the sport. Duva was voted Manager-of-the-Year in 1985 by the Boxing Writers, and Trainer-of-the-Year in 1987 by the World Boxing Association.

Overall, Duva handled

Boxing trainer Lou Duva is seen here with his boxers (L-R) Curtis Meeks, Oscar Diaz, Kendall Holt, Dante Craig, Shaun George and Alexis Mejias. the careers of 19 world champions. Besides Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, he handled welterweight champions and former U.S. Olympians Pernell Whitaker and Meldrick Taylor, along with Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho and Arturo Gatti.

Malteenoes to host Novices table tennis tourney THE Malteenoes Table Tennis Club (MTTC) will be hosting a Novices Table Tennis Tournament from March 17 to 26, as the club looks to scout for new talent to restructure the club, which recently came under new management.

The tournament, which kickstarts the club’s 2017 programme, will be catering to players in four categories: Boys and Girls Under-15 and Male and Female Open categories. The tournament is open to all table tennis enthusiasts.

The first round of the tournament will be played in a round-robin format, where the top two players will advance to the main draws while the 3rd and 4th players will advance to the consolation event draw.

A total of 64 customised trophies and medals will be awarded to the winning players in the various categories. Interested participants can register online at http://www.r2sports.com/tourney.asp?TID=21396 and download and deliver their registration forms and entrance fees to MTTC at Thomas Road, Thomas Lands; the Business School on Brickdam, Today Styles on Robb and King Streets. Entrants can also contact the tournament organisers on 6978325 or 630-3602.

The club is currently head-

ed by coach and tournament director, Idi Lewis, along with table tennis coordinator Kevin Prass, and has formed a new team of table tennis players called the Malteenoes Dragons.

“Malteenoes has long been the home of the essence of table tennis in Guyana. Over the last 40 years it has seen the development and maturity of virtually all the top table tennis players in Guyana” said a press release from the club.

Lewis, a former national player who has played all over the world, is a product of the club.

This new management envisions an independently organised club which will promote the game of table tennis by running table tennis fitness programmes for adults of all ages and abilities, with aggressive training programmes for enthusiastic persons of all ages who wish to increase their level of play quickly and compete to further themselves in and through the game of table tennis.

The club also aspires to promote an environment for retired professionals to socialise and maintain their fitness through table tennis and host an all year round club league for which there will be semi-annual presentations and an annual Presentation Ceremony.

Duva’s first world champion was middleweight Joey Giardello, who won the title in 1963 against Dick Tiger.

Duva was born on May 28, 1922 in New York City to Italian immigrants, and the family later moved Paterson.

Duva boxed in his youth but

never amounted to much, going 6-10-1 in the 1940s, and eventually moved to the business side of it.

Duva joined the U.S. Army after World War II broke out and was dismissed from his first base in Jackson, Miss. for excessive fist-fight-

ing with fellow soldiers as well as an altercation with two officers when he defended a black woman being harassed on a public bus. After that, he was sent to Camp Hood in Texas, where he was given a job as — what else?

— a boxing instructor.

One of Duva’s close friends was the undefeated heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano. Duva was one of the last people to talk to Marciano before he died in a plane crash in 1969.

Lou Duva was voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998, and also was voted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

A book about Duva’s life, entitled A Fighting Life: My Seven Decades in Boxing, co-written by former New York Times and Daily News boxing writer Tim Smith, is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

“He was truly an original,” Smith said Wednesday.

“A true ambassador for the sport. To touch as many eras

in boxing as he did — glory years in the sport — will never be duplicated.

“People pay lip service to putting family first, but he lived it and embraced boxers into that fold. It’s truly a sad day.”

Lou Duva is survived by his son Dino, daughters Donna, Deanne and Denise, and daughter-in-law Kathy Duva, who currently is the CEO of Main Events. Duva was predeceased by his wife, Enes, and eldest son Dan, who passed away in 1996.

Dan Duva was the husband of Kathy Duva.

“The overwhelming number of calls and sympathy wishes from so many friends and associates shows how much our father was loved and respected. We sincerely appreciate the support from everyone,.” said Dino Duva.

There will be a viewing at Festa Funeral Home in Totowa, N.J. on Sunday from 15:00hrs to 19:00hrs ET. A funeral mass will be held at St Mary’s Church in Paterson, N.J., Monday at 10:00hrs ET.

T20 International forces R4D break

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – With the additional two Twenty20 international matches in the upcoming West Indies versus Pakistan series, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has had to make an adjustment to its regional schedule.

The match-up between

the Barbados Pride vs Guyana Jaguars in Round 8 of the Digicel Regional 4-Day is now scheduled for March 23-25 and 27, because of the T20I match with West Indies and Pakistan which will be played at the Kensington Oval.

Operations Manager, Ro-

land Holder, in advising of the change said, “The pitches will be covered by an artificial covering which will prevent damage to either of the pitches during the matches in progress.”

Holder went on to explain, the practice has been previously used in the UK

where the Sunday League was played alongside FirstClass matches and as a result in infrequent times “should not be a problem for either of the matches”.

Pakistan open their 7-week tour of the Caribbean with the T20I in Barbados.

Infantino confident Argentina will escape suspension

By Alan Baldwin LONDON, England (Reuters) - Argentina are close to resolving a row that could have seen the former world champions suspended, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said yesterday.

FIFA told the Argentine FA (AFA) this month that it risked a ban if it did not accept South American soccer’s governing body CONMEBOL as arbiter in vetting candidates for a March 29 presidential election.

The AFA had voted last month to modify an article in its new statutes naming the College of Lawyers of Buenos Aires and not CONMEBOL’s ethics committee as the vetting body.

“I’m confident there will

FIFA president Gianni Infantino be no need for drastic measures,” the head of the world soccer body told a news conference.

Speaking after a meet-

ing of FIFA’s final Executive Football Summit meetings at London’s Heathrow Airport, Infantino said the statutes had now been “more or less agreed” and there would be no need for sanctions if everything stayed on course.

“There is one still open question that will be resolved soon - I’m very confident about that - and then the elections will take place,” he said.

“I think when the election takes place in a proper and democratic way and a new president and executive is elected, then we can certainly continue to work closely with Argentina.”

FIFA last year put the crisis-torn Argentine FA under the administration of a “normalisation committee” to put

its house in order.

The AFA was run as a personal fiefdom by Julio Grondona for 35 years until his death in 2014 and has since been immersed in a financial and governance crisis.

An election held one year after Grondona’s death ended in farce with a 38-38 tie between two candidates when only 75 delegates had a vote.

Argentina, fifth in the 10-nation South American World Cup qualifying group, face Chile at home on March 23 and visit Bolivia five days later.

The top four qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, while the team finishing fifth will go into a continental playoff. There are six rounds of matches to go.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

Frustrated Holder says Windies were not up to scratch BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – A frustrated captain Jason Holder yesterday offered a sobering assessment of his side’s performance, after they were humbled by 186 runs in the third and final OneDay International to suffer another series whitewash.

Speaking after the defeat at Kensington Oval, Holder said the team had been found wanting in nearly every department and under pressure now to improve quickly.

“Obviously it wasn’t up to scratch. I thought we were very poor in the field, we gifted a lot of free runs,” the 24-year-old said.

“The bowlers were decent, just that I thought we were taken off our length in the middle and then we came back strongly in the end. But having said that, we didn’t put up a good

Pacer Alzarri Joseph picks up the wicket of England opener Jason Roy. fight with the bat at all.”

West Indies arrived here earlier this week off the back of two defeats at the Vivian

Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua. In both games, they had chances to push England but squandered

them on each occasion.

They were completely outplayed yesterday, however, with England equal-

India and Australia resolve differences

INDIA will withdraw a complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Australia’s conduct during the second Test in Bangalore this week.

Australia captain Steve Smith was seen looking up to his side’s dressing room when pondering whether to ask for a review after he was given out.

That sparked a war of words, although the ICC said it would not be taking

any further action against either side.

“We have resolved to restore focus on the series,” a joint statement read.

“CEO of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Mr Rahul Johri, and CEO of Cricket Australia Mr James Sutherland met at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai yesterday.

“In discussing the matters at length, they agreed the importance of bringing back the fo-

focused on improvement.

“There’s only one place we can go and that’s forward. We’ve just got to get it right,” the all-rounder said.

“We’ve got to be a lot tighter in the field, sharper in the field and take our chances. If you look back right throughout the entire series, we’ve let a good few chances slip and batsmen capitalised on these chances so it’s just a situation where we need to improve on our fielding and move forward with the bowling and batting.”

He added: “We have to remain patient. It’s still a young group and we definitely need to perform.

Everybody is trying to make his mark on the international circuit. We are still very green in a sense and we just need to improve and learn quickly.”

Wisburg beat Mackenzie High to lift 2016 ‘Screw’ Richmond trophy … LTI grab third place

James Sutherland cus to the game and the much anticipated next

Test match in Ranchi.”

(BBC Sport)

CONCACAF president hails Gold Cup

The president underscored the competition’s importance to raise competitiveness and further develop the game across the Confederation. Furthermore, he spoke briefly about the ONE CONCACAF Vision, which focuses attention on good governance, football investment, solid leadership and strategic planning.

“Our aim is at ensuring that we continue broadening participation for our Member Associations, while increasing competitiveness through development opportunities,” said Montagliani.

Fourteen stadiums in 13 metropolitan areas across the United States will host the next Gold Cup to be played from July 7-26, 2017. (Sportsmax.com).

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani opened the official event to announce the group-stage matches and complete schedule for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The announcement was held Tuesday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA – first time host of the Gold Cup final.

“Gold Cup is pinnacle of our CONCACAF football.

Since the inaugural edition in 1991, the competition has produced many memorable moments and equally stunning results,” said Montagliani to the group composed of football and city dignitaries, representatives and head coaches from the qualified

ling their highest-ever total against the West Indies in scoring 328 off their 50 overs, and then bundling the hosts for a near record low 142. “(I am) a bit frustrated. I felt as though – although we weren’t getting the wins – we were moving in the right direction in terms of improvement,” Holder lamented.

“We need to string together a strong collective game and we haven’t been able to do that in the series.”

The series loss represented the second straight for the regional side, following on from their similar 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Pakistan last October in United Arab Emirates.

West Indies have now won just one ODI in their last 10 outings but Holder said the squad needed to remain optimistic and

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani nations. “This is a day to Moggio. The event feacelebrate the teams achieve- tured U.S. national team ments, congratulations to all legend Cobi Jones, San of you.”

Francisco 49ers President The procedures were Al Guido, and San Jose conducted by CONCACAF Earthquakes President General Secretary Philippe Dave Kaval.

TWO-time champions Wisburg Secondary claimed another title on Monday when they registered a 2-0 win over Mackenzie High School to take the 2016 Edward `Screw’ Richmond tournament honours, while defending champions Christianburg/Wismar ‘Multi’ Secondary were beaten into fourth position after losing 5-4 on penalties to Linden Technical Institute (LTI).

Playing in the postponed final from last year due in part to the inclement weather and then the sudden passing of Organising Secretary of the Linden Chapter of the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation, James Craig, Wisburg were able to emerge victorious after strikes

from Joel Isaacs and Brentley Allicock.

In that championship game, the Wisburg players were also able to cart off the top honours at stake through Isaacs who was adjudged the Top Striker, Allicock the Best Midfielder, Shamar Sanchez the Best Defender and the Best Goalkeeper taken by Jonathan Copeland, just back from the National Under-17 tour to Martinique.

The third-place game was decided from penalty kicks after a nil-all stalemate and LTI prevailed over Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary 5-4.

Making the presentation to the winning Wisburg Secondary School was Coordinator Kevin DeJonge, (Joe Chapman)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday March 10, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 197 ODIs (2) 3 centuries Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two of these players made their ODI debut against England?

Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy, David Bernard, Ryan

Hinds, Ian Bradshaw (2)

Who is the first Englishman to record two ODI hundreds against the West Indies?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 10, 2017

GCB National Secondary Schools cricket

Gopilall, Sinclair spin Lower Corentyne to semifinal

By Rajiv Bisnauth

LOWER Corentyne Secondary School will meet the defending champions Chase Academy in second semifinal of the Inter-Secondary School phase next Thursday after they whipped No.8 Secondary School by 96 runs in the Berbice Zone final played at the Albion Sports Complex yesterday.

Chasing 137 for victory,

the West Coast Berbice batsmen failed to show any sort of commitment with the bat, and were skittled out for 39 in 15.2 overs.

From the outset the spinners completely confounded the visitors’ batsmen, with off-spinners Vijay Gopilall and Junior Sinclair utilising whatever turn was made available on the pitch to finish with figures of 4-10 and 3-11 respectively.

Fellow spinners Joshua Wilson and Kristoff Williams claimed a wicket apiece for the winners.

Earlier, the game was reduced to 25 overs aside after early morning showers delayed the start of play by three hours. Lower Corentyne, inserted to bat first in overcast conditions, lost Sinclair (1) in the innings’ first over, caught at the wicket off Deonauth Persaud (1-17).

Thereafter the West

Coast Berbice team allowed a steady stream of runs, with fellow opener Davendra Sumra and Kevlon Anderson rebuilding strongly.

The right-handed pair capitalised on the poor bowling and sloppy fielding, and were allowed to score freely at both ends of the wicket until leg-spinner Daniel Moses ended the 67-run partnership. He had Anderson caught at long-on boundary

The victorious Lower Corentyne Secondary School will now face defending champions Chase Academy in semifinal two on Thursday at the same venue.

Off-spinners Vijay Gopilall (right) and Junior Sinclair were the main destroyers in Lower Corentyne Secondary School 96-run win. for 31. mained unbeaten on 15, Haresh Fernandes joined and Justin Gobin (10) then Sumra, and added 27 runs joined forces and added 22 for the third-wicket before runs at the back end of the they suffer a middle-order innings. collapse, losing three wickKristoff Williams (0) ets for six runs. was the other batsman disOff-spinner Irshad Ally missed off Ally, who finclaimed the wickets of Fer- ished with figures of 3-21. nandes (5) and Rico RamThe first semi-final is sammy (6), in the 18th over billed for today between while left-arm spinner Ni- West Demerara Secondary gel Deodat (1-15) removed and Anna Regina MultiSumra for a composed 39. lateral School at the Imam Joshua Wilson, who re- Bacchus ground.

AAG looking to host South American Junior Championships

By Tamica Garnett

GUYANA may be hosting the South American Junior Championships in May, since original host of the event, Bolivia, has pulled out of the hosting due to reasons beyond their control.

However, as always, funding will be a major determining factor.

When president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson travels to Sao Paulo later this month for the South American Athletics Confederation’s (CONSUDATLE) Annual General Meeting, he will be submitting a final proposal for the hosting of the event, optimistic that all will go smoothly and the hope becomes a reality.

“We would have already indicated to them our willingness and they would have said: “ok, put together your documents and get back to us”. We are preparing those documents now, but at the end of the day we need funding.” Hutson told Chronicle Sport yesterday.

“We are in the possibility stages, but I’m very, very positive that once we are able to meet our budgetary demands that we will be able to host it.”

According to Hutson the budget for the event will be somewhere in the area of US$58 000, (Approx.

AAG president Aubrey Hutson G$11,600,000) of which some US$30 000 will come from the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). It will be up to Guyana to come up with the rest.

The AAG will be reaching out to the government, while the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has also already been made aware of the body’s plans. Hutson is expected to meet with Director of Sport Christopher Jones, and possibly other government officials, today to discuss their involvement. He does not believe the event can come off without government commitment.

“It being an international event we must seek government’s blessings, we will depend on them for things like security of the athletes when they get here, so we must engage the government, whether they contribute financially is another

story.” Hutson related.

“The GOA knows of it, we expect them to make their contributions as well. The issue is getting the commitment.

Unless we can get that kind of commitment from the local players then it makes no sense we go and tell South American that we are going to throw our hat in the ring in a major way.”

If all things goes well and Guyana hosts the event this will be the first time that an international event of such magnitude would be held here on local soil; boding well for athletics in Guyana, which only last year held the Aliann Pompey Invitational, Guyana’s first international event on the synthetic track.

The South American Junior Championships is a biennial event at which junior athletes (Under-20) from all across South America participate in athletics event.

The last Championships was held in Ecuador where it was reported that 245 athletes from 11 nations participated.

Hutson pointed out that Guyana hosting the Championships will present a wide range of benefits for athletics in Guyana, and the country at large; not the least of which will be Guyana being able to field a much larger team that could ever be possible if the team had to travel to another country.

The local athletes will also have home ground advantage, being able to participate under familiar climate and track conditions.

“It’s going to do a whole lot. It will show our preparedness for hosting other international competitions and people being comfortable with us as a host, that’s number one.

“Secondly it will allow a large portion of our athletes to be in an international competition, because once we get to host it then there’s no control over your team size. You can enter athletes in every event, there’s no control over your team size,” Hutson pointed out.

He continued on points of what it would do for tourism, a point he will be highlighting heavily in talks with government.

“These athletes are not going to come by themselves, they’re going to be coming here with parents, and coaches, and the local tourism industry will benefit. So those are just some of the areas that we are highlighting in our sales pitch to the government. This is not just about track and field this is about Guyana being seen as a hosting destination for events of such magnitude,” Hutson noted.

Hutson said such a event

will mark the beginning of the National Track and Field Centre finally being utilised as it was always meant to be.

“We have our NTAF over there which in our opinion is still grossly underutilised, so unless we start hosting

international competitions to show the true magnitude of what the stadium can do, we just might be doing a disservice to ourselves, so we think it will benefit Guyana in a very major way to host this competition.”

2017 Edward `Screw’ Richmond football

Williams nets twice as Christianburg/Wismar Secondary brush aside Harmony 6-0 FORMER champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary (Multi) School brushed aside Harmony 6-0, to open their campaign in this year’s Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond 9th annual Linden Inter-Secondary School Under-18 football tournament on Wednesday afternoon, but Linden Technical Institute and Linden Foundation Secondary had to share points after a 0-0 draw at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Playing in the opening match of this year’s tournament, the Multi boys quickly asserted themselves with a dominant display. John

Regis opened their scoring in the 20th minute and this was followed by goals from Omar Williams, who netted twice, with the first coming in the 25th, Brewley Allicock in the 30th.

Williams hit in his second in the 36th minute with Tomace Williams getting one also in the 58th minute and Anxie Major the sixth of the game in the 67th minute.

The second game produced no goals and this game between Linden Foundation Secondary and Linden Technical Institute ended goalless.

The competition continues next Wednesday at the Wisburg ground.

Legendary boxing trainer and manager Lou Duva dies 9 See Page 2 at age 94

Windies crash to heaviest one-day defeat to England

England’s victorious cricketers pose with the series trophy. (Photo by WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – An inept West Indies suffered their heaviest One-Day International defeat to England, when they crashed to a 186-run loss in a lopsided series finale here yesterday.

Reserving their worst performance of the threematch series for the historic Kensington Oval, the hosts batted and bowled with equal indifference, as England pulled off their first-ever clean sweep of an ODI series in the Caribbean.

Sent in, England equalled their highest-ever total against the West Indies and the highest

Turn to page 26

Elite Leaders semi-final

and Muhammad Fruta Conquerors aiming to $50M Ali Trophy for new make use of second chance boxing tournament ... but Devcon Victoria Kings have other ideas to reach final

By Ras Wadada FRUTA Conquerors FC are aiming to erase last Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Army when they confront Devcon Victoria Kings this evening, to decide who will be the other finalists in the Elite League Leaders’ grand finale set for this Sunday at Camp Ayanganna, GDF’s headquarters.

The Tucville-based unit get a second opportunity to qualify for the Championship game which has a winners’ prize worth $1.5M, but the home side are determined to be the Army’s opponents at the ‘Big Dance’.

Both sides will have to

coach, Sampson Gilbert and National U-17 players; Jermey Garrett, Reshawn Ritch, Nicholas McArthur and Cecil Jackman who were on national duties in Martinique.

Coach Gilbert told Chronicle Sport that the team confidence is high going into the game which he expects to be tough, “There is great enthusiasm among Aubrey Gibson improve on their performances of last Sunday, though the Kings’ confidence will be boosted playing at home and coming into the game with a 1-0 win over Buxton United.

The visitors will welcome the return of head

Konata Manning the players and we expect to win. We also expect this game to be more competitive and aggressive than the loss to the Army and they will also have the home advantage and crowd support so we have to be prepared.”

“From the report I got on the defeat it was a general lack of discipline of the players which caused us to surrender the lead and lose the game. Players relinquished their roles and this is cause for concern. Our mobility in midfield and our finishing are also main areas of concern.

It is a work in progress in building the right chemistry and we are getting there,” Gilbert explained.

When questioned on possible changes to the starting line-up Gilbert indicated that his focus is more on the ‘tactical plan’ and “whatever changes will be needed will

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) -The World Boxing Super Series, a tournament for top fighters with $50M in prize money and the Muhammad Ali Trophy awarded to the winners, will be launched in

September, organisers announced yesterday.

The elimination tournament will feature two weight classes in the inaugural season with eight boxers in each category. The quarter-finals will be held in September and October,

Turn to page 26 U.S. boxing great Muhammad Ali died on June 3, 2016 at the age of 74.

Turn to page 26

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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017