Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10 04 2017

Guyana Youth Corps set for January 1, 2018 launch

Page 9

No. 104879

MONDAY APRIL 10, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Goldfields expanding –– scores of jobs to be created Page 13

Equitable infrastructural development –– other opportunities, President assures Wakenaam, Leguan residents

Page 12

The children at Leguan excitedly hold up their books and pens, which President David Granger distributed during his visit there on Sunday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Alleged Parika wife killer shot, arrested Page 2

Farmers embracing diversification Page 3

Caught: Ganesh Dhanraj, called ‘Andre’

Envoys put spotlight on European market Page 8

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

Alleged Parika wife killer shot, arrested

DAYS after allegedly strangling his wife with a bed sheet at their Parika, East Bank Essequibo home, Ganesh Dhanraj, called ‘Andre’, was arrested Sunday morning by the police in ‘D’ Division (West Demerara and East Bank Essequibo).

According to Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Superintendent

Jairam Ramlakhan, the 28-year-old suspect was caught around 02:00hrs Sunday at Parika after he was shot in his right arm by the police.

Ramlakhan said the suspect was escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was treated for his injury before being taken into custody so he can assist the police with

their investigation into the murder of 29-year-old Dhanwantie Ram. Ram’s lifeless body, according to the police, was found in a sitting position with a bed sheet tied around her neck at her Parika home early Wednesday morning.

But the victim’s sister, who made the gruesome discovery, told this news-

Caught: Ganesh Dhanraj, called ‘Andre’ paper that the mother of three was found kneeling on the living room floor,

but slumped across a chair, with the sheet around the neck. She had also been covered with a carpet, the witness said.

Investigations have so far revealed that Dhanwantie, after enduring years of abuse, had recently ended her relationship with Dhanraj; she left his house with their three children and went to live elsewhere in Parika.

But although she’d tried to move on, Dhanraj continued to harass her, and on Wednesday, as she was on her way to make a report to the police, he lured her into his house and allegedly killed her.

The two were together for some 15 years and

Dead: Dhanwantie Ram the union produced three children, two girls aged 10 and seven, and a boy, aged eight.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

Farmers embracing diversification – as fortunes of rice industry dwindle

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE aim of the historic Essequibo Agro and Trade Expo was achieved as farmers, agro-processors and entrepreneurs got an opportunity to showcase their agricultural produce, products and services to hundreds who flocked the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground over the weekend.

The local producers who were the highlight of the exposition, created optimism in the Cinderella County by proving that diversification is the future gateway to economic success.

With the loss of the Venezuelan market on which the local rice industry was highly dependent, pessimism permeated the region as rice was the backbone of the economy, but rather than sit and be sorrowful, Essequibians quickly put on their thinking caps and started to brace that backbone with diversification.

The Essequibo Chamber of Commerce decided that those who took such a path should have an opportunity to showcase their products and services and the exposition was organised.

The event attracted many Government officials including President David Granger, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, both senior and junior ministers of Social Protection Amna Alley and Keith Scott, representatives from top-ranking Government entities and regional officials.

Hotels and guesthouses were all booked up as the region received a high influx of visitors for the

two days. Following the opening ceremony on Friday, the exhibitors,some of whom had journeyed from other regions, were ready to showcase their plethora of products and services.

MEANS BUSINESS “Essequibo means business” was the theme of the expo and indeed the local exhibitors’ excitement and positive attitude brought this theme to life.

the opportunity to advertise what they have to offer, but it created a ripple effect in the economy since many persons were able to earn.

Exhibitors also highlighted the fact that they are now more cognisant of their competitors, avenues for networking were created and business relationships were developed with several requisite entities such as the Small Business Bureau, Go-Invest, the National AgImam Bacchus and Son’s staff show off several of the company’s products made in Essequibo

Anetha Sankar, a Charity craft entrepreneur, with several of her hand- made craft products All of the local producers and entrepreneurs interviewed by this publication were thankful to the ECC for organising the exposition, as it not only gave them

ricultural Research and Extension Institute and the Guyana Rice Development Board.

Gobinda Singh, joint proprietor of Roy’s Extra

Several of the cash crops produced in the Pomeroon being showcased by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute

Quality Spices which operates in the village of Suddie, said the expo had indeed benefited his business, despite the fact that it was already well known in the region. There were, however, recent improvements in packaging and labelling and that is what was being highlighted at the expo.

“There is a benefit here because we are actually displaying our new stuff, our new look, most of the people already know about our brand, but what’s attracting them right now is the new look.

Singh, who is also an advocate of diversification, encouraged not only Essequibians, but Guyanese in general, to support their local producers.

SUPPORT LOCAL “I think the Guyanese should support local businesses because you know when they support us we in turn support them, we actually go back to the local producers of turmeric and ginger, the people who make the packaging also get money, the chain of spending, that is how the economy will be boosted, once you support local, we don’t need to import stuff from other countries,” he posited.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Vishana Ramlakhan, who is the daughter of the owner of Ramlakhan and Sons Rice Mills.

She affirmed that more so with the blow to the rice industry as a result of the loss of the Venezuelan market, Essequibians and other Guyanese should now support the local rice mills who, despite these challenges, continue to operate.

“We are advertising, letting people know that we are out here, we do retail and wholesale, we do right throughout the coast, so we are letting people know what we have to offer,” the young woman said.

Ramlakhan and Sons

rice mill is a small company located at Exmouth, Essequibo Coast and produces parboiled rice, white rice, aromatic rice and pet rice.

Entrepreneur Anetha Sankar, who specialises in various art and craft work ranging from handbags, ornaments, clothing, furniture, baskets etc., had a plethora of her products on display.

Her business is located in Charity at the WD’s Shopping Mall.

“I just want to market my business more let people know what I have and what I do, I do this to support my family,” she said. She also encouraged Essequibians to support local entrepreneurs such as herself, rather than spend their money on foreign products, thereby strengthening another country’s economy.

AN INVALUABLE OPPORTUNITY Affeeze Khan, Marketing Consultant for Imam Bacchus and Sons, believes that the exposition is the perfect opportunity to showcase what the Essequibian- owned factory has to offer.

“We are promoting tonight pholourie made from wheat and flour, nothing imported, all is local, Imam Bacchus has vermicelli, chowmein, the flour comes here and it is manufactured

in Essequibo by Imam Bacchas,” Khan revealed.

Deonarine, a senior agriculture officer of NAREI, was a little disappointed that more farmers did not take the opportunity to showcase their produce, but for those that did, he believes, will reap the rewards of doing so.

Deonarine said most of the farmers in the region are planters of cash crops and despite the fact that the excellent soil produces quality produce, the challenge lies in the marketing of these products, and therefore, the exposition should create avenues to eliminate this.

The exposition also saw the likes of a local timber value-added producer, a bottled coconut water producer, a local aquaculture entrepreneur, a local coffee producer and several jewellery manufacturers, in addition to local service providers. The New Guyana Marketing Corporation also had on display several locally produced products such as jams and jellies, cassava bread and hot sauce produced in the Pomeroon.

Some of these products are on the shelves at the GMC’s Guyana Shop in Georgetown. The exposition on Saturday concluded with a grand stage show and residents took the opportunity to party until Sunday morning.

The rebranded spices of Roy’s Extra Quality Spices was much sought after at the expo

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

Assad’s allies say U.S. attack crosses ‘red lines’

A joint command centre made up of the forces of Russia, Iran and militias supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday said the U.S. strike on a Syrian air base on Friday crossed “red lines” and it would respond to any new aggression and increase its support for its ally.

The United States fired dozens of cruise missiles at a Syrian air base on Friday from which it said a deadly chemical weapons attack had been launched earlier in the week, escalating the U.S. role in Syria and drawing criticism from Assad’s allies including Russia and Iran.

“What America waged in an aggression on Syria is a crossing of red lines. From now on we will respond with force to any aggressor or any breach of red lines from whoever it is and America knows our ability to respond well,” said the statement published by the group on media outlet Ilam al Harbi (War Media).

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, meanwhile, blamed Russian inaction for helping fuel the chemical weapons attack it had reacted to, saying Moscow had failed to carry out a 2013 agreement to secure and destroy chemical weapons in Syria.

He said the United States expected Russia to take a tougher stance against Syria by rethinking its alliance with Assad because “every time one of these horrific attacks occurs, it draws Russia closer into some level of responsibility.”

Rebels and residents in northwestern Idlib province said jets believed to be Russian conducted eight raids on Sunday on the town of Khan Sheikhoun where the chemical attack took place but no casualties were reported.

Raids hit several other rebel-held towns including Saraqeb and Sarmin in the province, where the rebels and activists said incendiary bombs were dropped.

The death toll from an air strike on Saturday on the rebel-held town of Urum al-Joz in Idlib province rose to 19 people, including six children, activists and residents said.

In the southern city of Daraa, jets believed to be Russian escalated strikes on Free Syrian Army (FSA) and jihadist groups on Saturday and Sunday in an attempt to roll back their gains in the Manshiya district where battles have been raging for nearly two months.

PUTIN, ROUHANI SPEAK Russian President Vladimir

The Syrian Shayrat airfield base is pictured in undated before and after (taken April 7, 2017) satellite imagery, in Homs Syria. (ImageSat International N.V. © 2017/Handout via REUTERS)

Putin and Iran’s Hassan Rouhani said in a phone call that aggressive U.S. actions against Syria were not permissible and violated international law, the Kremlin said on Sunday.

The two leaders also called for an objective investigation into an incident involving chemical weapons in Syria’s Idlib and said they were ready to deepen cooperation to fight terrorism, the Kremlin said in a statement on its website.

Syrian army forces had been Monday April 10th, 2017 -14:30 hrs Tuesday April 11th, 2017 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday April 12th, 2017 - 05:00 hrs

losing ground across the country until Russia intervened militarily in September 2015, propping up Assad and protecting its own interests in the region.

Assad has also drawn heavily on foreign Shi’ite militias sponsored by Iran, led by Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, for his most important gains since the Russian intervention.

The joint command centre also said the presence of U.S troops in northern Syria where Washington has hundreds of special forces helping the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to oust Islamic State was “illegal” and that Washington had a longterm plan to occupy the area.

The regional alliance said the U.S. cruise missile strikes on a Syrian base which Washington said was involved in a chemical attack that killed dozens of civilians would not deter their forces from “liberating” all of Syrian territory.

In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the U.S. missile strike was a “a strategic error, and a repeat of the mistakes of the past,” the state news agency IRNA reported.

“The Islamic Republic has shown that ... it does not back off and its people and officials ... do not retreat in the face of threats,” said Khamenei.

Many Syrians opposed to Assad’s rule consider Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iranian-backed troops as occupiers seeking to drive out mainly Sunni Syrians from the areas they live in.

They hold Iran and its allies responsible for the displacement of millions outside the country.

They also see Russia as a foreign occupier whose relentless aerial bombardment of rebel-held areas has led to thousands of civilian casualties. Some accuse Moscow of applying a “scorched-earth policy” that targets hospitals, schools and residential areas more than frontlines to break the resolve of the anti-Assad insurgency. (Reuters)

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 08/04/2017 26/11/2016 08/04/2017

13 14 18 19 26 27 02 01 12 15 18 21 24 NI 11

06 01 13 03

14 07

21 08

24 21

26/11/2016 08/04/2017

04 00

07 01

03 01

26/11/2016 08/04/2017

05 00

04 09

01 05

26/11/2016 08/04/2017 02 07

09 08

10 10

11 13 13 14 14 15

18 18

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

World Bank: Caribbean should spend better, not more Amid concerns about high spending by some Caribbean governments, the World Bank says there’s nothing wrong with spending. But rather than spend more, they need to spend better.

It says Latin America and the Caribbean can dramatically improve its infrastructure by better assessing priorities and improving spending efficiency.

In an April 7 report titled “Rethinking Infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean – Spending Better to Achieve More”, the World Bank argues that although the region trails others in infrastructure investment, it should focus on spending better before thinking of spending more.

While Latin America and the Caribbean spends three per

cent of GDP on average – compared to 7.7 per cent in East Asia and Pacific for instance – many countries spend more than four per cent.

“Infrastructure investment can be a powerful engine for growth in Latin America and the Caribbean as the region emerges from six years of slowdown, including two of recession,” said Jorge Familiar, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean.

“In today’s tight fiscal context, it is essential that investments are as efficient as possible, and that the full potential of the private sector be tapped.”

Rather than focusing on often poorly defined financing gaps, the report advocates for addressing “service gaps”, according to countries’ devel-

opment priorities. This means putting in place efficient ways of addressing these needs, and developing clear rules for deciding when taxpayers should finance services, instead of users.

Improving performance in a constrained fiscal environment will require well-identified priorities. The report singles out sanitation and transport, in which Latin America and the Caribbean lags behind other middle-income regions, as potential focus areas. In addition, the region should also factor concerns such as climate change, urbanisation and its changing socioeconomic profile, in particular a larger middle class, which are changing infrastructure service demands –especially on energy and transport. (Caribbean 360)

Colombian soldier killed

by Farc dissidents Members of the left-wing Colombian Farc rebel group opposed to last year’s historic peace agreement have killed a soldier in an attack in the southeast of the country, the army has said.

It said that dissidents targeted an army vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

Four other soldiers were wounded.

The attack has been condemned by President Juan Manuel Santos, who last year won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the peace agreement.

The deal ended half a century of conflict but renegade Farc fighters have

since clashed with other Farc members as well as government forces.

Dozens of rights activists killed in Colombia in 2016 The government and the Farc signed a peace agreement in November.

Most Farc members are now inside or heading to one of 26 transition camps dotted around the country.

They were set up as part of the historic peace deal which ended more than five decades of armed uprising.

But some Farc leaders have complained that, despite months of planning, most of the transition camps are still lacking the basic amenities they say they were promised.

If the peace process goes to plan, the Farc will transform itself into a political force and its former fighters will re-enter society.

But, for many who have little or no formal education that may be a huge challenge. (BBC)

6

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

Defunding Global Health and Development THE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) now has a shortfall of US$76 M, which represents an almost seven percent decline in its 2016 Budget. This funding was provided by the United States Government as part of shared global responsibility in the work of population management. The new move, according to the organisation’s data, will adversely impact access to contraceptives, safe abortions, and reduction in maternal deaths. In 2016, that US$76M helped in providing 800,000 persons access to contraceptives, prevented approximately 100, 000 unsafe abortions and 10, 000 maternal deaths around the world.

The justification for the withdrawal of funding given by the Donald Trump administration was the invocation of a 1985 law,which it says prohibits U.S. funding to institutions that participate in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilisation, though China, which the law was intended to target, does not benefit from UNFPA. The 1979 One-Child Policy which was a measure of China’s population management was deemed a human rights violation and attracted condemnation worldwide.

In October 2015 the policy was reversed, allowing couples to have two children.

There is correlation between health, family planning and growth. Where persons are deprived access to reproductive choices and family-planning education -- and these affect particularly those from the lower socio-economic rung -- such carries consequences for the family and society. Unplanned population growth not only puts pressure on the family who may feel the only way to deal with it is through unsafe abortions, but it places at risk the mother’s health and brings pressure on social services, such as education, housing and

public health.

Governments in lesser developed societies that cannot keep pace with its population growth vis-a- vis its developmental programmes, means that persons will fall into poverty and those already there will find it more difficult to climb out.

The inability of the state to provide public education consistent with universally acceptable standards of physical environment, resources, and teacher-to- students’ ratio, is compromised. When the private school system seeks to fill the gap in such environments, it allows for exploitation and in some cases the building of two societies within a society. This brings with it new stratifications that can threaten universal enforcement and respect for the laws of the land.

Where there are housing crises, such create slums and antecedent social problems such as crimes, insanitary environments, and the spread of infectious diseases. An overloaded healthcare system will not be able to respond favourably to these challenges. What this further suggests is that there would be reduction in the quality of health and longevity, impacting production and productivity needed for societal development.

The withdrawal of US$76M also earlier saw US$9.5 billion withdrawn from funding to international organisations engaged in HIV/AIDS, malaria, child health and maternal health. At the beginning of the month, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) which supports pilot developmental projects, announced that the U.S., which is its major backer, will not renew its contribution.

Withdrawal of funding will also impact the source of withdrawal, as more persons will flee their countries to settle

in the one considered better and having the capacity to provide better services and quality of life. Persons will seek and pursue entry, and such efforts will not be contained or held in check by the possibility of facing deportation. The receiving country will also -- especially in the so-called sanctuary cities and states -- be required to provide services such as infant and childcare to the mothers and the babies born there.

One of the principal reasons developed countries provide financial support to international organisations, in areas such as health and development, has to do with recognition of the stabilising impact it can have on the recipient’s economy and population as well as theirs. To lose sight of this is to lose sight of the essence that informs global financial aid and support.

Countries such as ours that depend on international institutions for grants and loans to augment our developmental programmes will be affected by these withdrawals.

Reacting to this requires of us finding innovative ways and new avenues to ensure the continuity of programmes that relied on support from agencies such as the IDB and United Nations programmes. The new reality may require national conversations aimed at developing a response to the inevitable threat that faces the nation’s development and the people’s well-being.

The 14% VAT on private tuition fees saga – take two Dear Editor,

ON February 23rd, we presented a petition, signed by more than 15,000 persons, representing more than 2% of the population of Guyana, to the President and the Ministers of Education and Finance.

Part of the petition included more than 1,500 detailed comments from persons from all corners of Guyana, and from more than 32 countries, decrying the imposition of the 14% VAT on private education. The petition was spearheaded by a group of 6th Formers at “Nations.”

The next day I was met by an older, wiser head that said only “boots on the ground” would gain attention. I hoped he was wrong, but one month

later there was no response to the petition. Only when persons began to protest was there any response. The cynic was therefore correct and the youthful hope that respect would be given to the petition was dashed and only fuelled the sense of disillusionment on the part of so many youth that they do not have a voice.

The disillusionment was however temporarily lifted by the announcement, by a respected media voice, that the President had indeed heeded the petition and VAT would be removed. This apparently misguided or “fake news” was corrected two days later.

There followed a series of articles by one or two government spokespersons on the rationale for the VAT. The main arguments ap-

peared to be: • Only about 8 of the 58 private schools were fully tax-compliant • Some schools were “charter schools” (but no explanation of what this meant was ever given) • Some schools paid no tax because they are “religious schools” • If you can afford private education, by definition, you are wealthy and you can afford the 14% increase • Private schools are making large profits and should therefore pay the 14% themselves • Parents have a choice – they can return to the free public education Many of these points were rehashed at the forum on Friday, when Ministers

Hughes and Roopnaraine and the Prime Minister met with about 300 persons at the National Cultural Centre to examine the imposition of VAT on private education.

Some of the points raised to refute these points included: • If there are private schools that are indeed not paying their taxes, expose them and make them pay the taxes that we all face.

There needs to be a level playing field. There is no logic in saying that because some schools are delinquent in terms of paying tax, then the ones that already pay in excess of 35% tax should now attract a further 14% tax.

• Publish the list of “charter schools” and “religious schools” and explain

the loopholes they have been given not to pay tax and let the public comment on the wisdom of these decisions • Nations held a number of meetings with parents to gauge their feelings on this issue. At the end of one meeting of 35 parents, someone put up their hand and said “I am part of the Government … when we discussed this issue, it was said that the people who attend your school are all rich and can easily afford the increase …now that my child attends this school I see that is not true and that children in fact come from a wide variety of backgrounds.”

• There are more than 1,200 students at the three centres in Guyana that offer the Association of

Business Executives (ABE) programme. The great majority of these students are school-leavers from humble backgrounds. There is no comparable programme to the ABE programme in Guyana, which is internationally accredited, accessible and affordable. Now with the imposition of the VAT already 12% of the ABE students at Nations have dropped out and will do nothing but swell the ranks of the unemployed. It should be noted that the private institutions in Guyana that offer the ABE course do so at a fraction of the cost charged for exactly the same programme in Trinidad.

• For those attending the private aeronautical schools – there is no gov-

Turn to page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

The 14% VAT on...

ernment alternative – if they cannot afford the 14% VAT they too will drop out.

• Guyana now has eight offshore medical schools. About 40% of those attending these schools come from overseas – they are now confronted with massive increases in the middle of their programmes.

• Part of the government rebuttal has been the idea that private schools should pay the 14% VAT themselves. The schools however already pay 35% or more in taxes. Is the goal to tax these schools out of existence? “Nations” already provides more than 160 scholarships – should we do more?

• Another view was that parents have a choice – they can simply return to the very public schools that they chose to leave. Ministers Jordan and Roopnaraine have both acknowledged that the public education system is “not all that it could be.”

Indeed, a Commission of Inquiry has been established to address some of the challenges. Many ministers themselves have made the choice to opt for private rather than public education for their own loved ones.

• If the thousands of students in private education were indeed to return to the public system, would there be room to accommodate them? In other countries government subsidises private education … is the intention here to punish rather than support, nurture and encourage?

• Other commentators have stated that there is simply no need for private education as the results of public education are still noteworthy. If the contribution of private lessons was taken out of the equation, would there still be the glowing CSEC results that are posted on the front pages of our newspapers each August? Lessons teachers in fact earn more per hour than most private schools – are they covered by the 14% VAT? • No commentator that has studied exam results over the past decade in the primary school can fail to record that private schools are greatly over represented in terms of the outstanding performers • Again yesterday, at the NCC, a government spokesperson quoted figures of $100,000 to $300,000 per year for fees at some private schools. When these same students leave these schools and go overseas, they will begin to pay up to 20 times those fees. Furthermore, in the debate over the projected increase in fees at UG, another government spokesman, in support of the 35% increase in fees, states that you cannot expect to receive a quality education if you are not prepared to pay for it. Is there some major inconsistency here?

The meeting at the NAC yesterday ended with a “rebuttal” by the Prime Minister.

He appeared to be reading from a prepared speech as he

From Page 6 failed to respond to a single issue raised from the floor.

As he concluded by saying that a “review on the VAT issue may take place in 2018,” those attending were left to ponder whether this had been determined even before the meeting had taken place and as they walked out of the meeting while the Prime Minister was still talking, they were left to wonder what then was the point of the forum?

• In all this then who are the winners? Are there any at all? Is the relatively small sum of money that may be raised worth all the angst? Could that same money not be raised by raising the tax on cigarettes or alcohol, or by cutting government expenditure, or simply by promoting a more conducive business climate in Guyana?

• The losers are far easier to identify. Students will drop out of the aeronautical schools, the medical schools, the ABE programme, the MBA programme, hundreds of others will drop out from the various private schools. Guyana will be further impoverished and what will the government have earned in return? Who will sleep easily at night?

Regards Dr Brian O’Toole Director, School of the Nations

Kudos to the Bartica Hospital Dear Editor, ON behalf of the Holder family, I wish to extend our heart-felt gratitude to the doctors and staff of the Bartica Hospital for the sterling care provided to my late father Mr Aubrey Ignatius Holder.

Our burden of grief weighs less because of the professionalism and compassion shown to my dad and our family during

his last earthly days.

As one of the oldest members of the Bartica community, my father’s final days passed with the best possible care and dignity provided by the staff of the Bartica Hospital. This remains a sustaining source of comfort to our family.

I commend the hospital o n i t s a m b u l a n c e s e rvices, geriatric and other health programmes that many towns so desperately need.

After years of disconcerting trepidation about the health and welfare of my elderly parents, I am thankful for the high level of professionalism and services provided to them by this institution in their golden years.

Yours sincerely, Maureen Holder-Singh The Stables, Rices, St. Philip Barbados

8

Envoys put spotlight on European market

By Zena Henry

THE spotlight was placed on the European market when the country’s heads of foreign missions convened their annual conference at the Pegasus Hotel last week.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said economic issues drew the bulk of attention during the discussions.

“We discussed the issues associated with expanding and taking advantage of the European market for example,” he said, pointing out that Guyana is a signatory to an Economic Partnership

Agreement with the European Union (EU), for opportunities to access its market.

Discussions also surrounded this framework agreement as to what could be done to stimulate the private sector and moving away from traditional trade, especially in more competitive markets.

The challenge of operating within the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was also discussed, now that Guyana is being recognised as a middle- income economy, and no longer enjoys the same benefits as lesser developed countries.

Guyana’s Ambassador

to the United Nations (UN), Dr. J. R. Deep Ford said Guyana will be chairing the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) into the WTO Ministerial conference in Buenos Aires in December.

“We feel there is a great opportunity this year building up to the ministerial conference,” he said, noting that Guyana has been actively involved in the process.

Guyana shares common interests in the grouping in areas of special and preferential treatment, fisheries subsidies, commerce and services.

David Hales, Guyana’s ambassador to Brussels,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said with respect to Europe, the Economic Partnership Agreement signed between Guyana, other ACP nations and Europe, the Cotonou Agreement, the ACP’s position and Brexit will be discussed.

He said the Cotonou Agreement expires in 2020 and the immediate matter is preparing for the successful negotiation of a new agreement.

“Between the EU and ourselves, we have to exchange memorandums around August of 2018 and then we go to negotiations,” Hales said.

The ACP has taken the position that “we would like to see a new, all-encompassing, legally binding agreement,” he said, while noting that the EU has signalled some confirmation of such an agreement.

The ACP has also taken the position that the new agreement must cover all issues, providing for concessional financing under European financing for all ACP countries, “without exception”, to deal with the trend of Caribbean nations being designated middle-income economies and losing foreign aid.

The ACP’s position on this trend is that, “that should not be the case, we should continue to benefit from grant financing,” Hales said.

The Heads of Mission

Conference also looked at the consequences of the United Kingdom exiting the EU and arrangements that might help to minimise any disruptions in trade, as Britain detaches from the European bloc.

Preferential trade and the likes with the UK for middle-income countries are on the table. However, this reality would require the UK, EU and ACP countries to seek an agreement with other members of the WTO, since any such arrangement would detour from equal trade under the WTO guidelines.

LOWERING OF TEMPERS NEEDED Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Dr Riyad Insanally, is hopeful that Guyana and its Caribbean Community colleagues would be of help in easing tension between OAS states over the activation of the Charter against Venezuela.

Dr Insanally believes that tempers must first be lowered and member states should restructure their approaches on the matter.

It was said that some member states, including four CARICOM countries,have requested a meeting to discuss the “dire” situation in Venezuela.

Reasons for the meeting concerned a looming humanitarian crisis arising from a shortage of food and medicines in Venezuela; a stand-off between the government and opposition parties that is destabilising the country; a rapidly deteriorating economy; and the imprisonment of opposition political activists.

The recent declaration by the Venezuela High Court to take over duties of that country’s opposition, also sparked an emergency meeting which was cancelled, since the Venezuelan court almost imme-

diately rescinded its order.

Despite this announcement, a group of members, Dr Insanally related, pressed for the meeting although the chairman and vice chair from Bolivia and Haiti respectively, did not see the need for it to take place.

It was noted that the Honduran Ambassador proceeded to chair the meeting, outside of what is normal for the organisation.

Venezuela and other member states have come out against this act. Dr Insanally said the situation is however worrying, since the whole idea of the OAS “is to resolve problems like this through dialogue.”

He said in the matter involving Venezuela, if members cannot sit at the table, then it is difficult to formulate and execute solutions.

Guyana and other CARICOM states have mounted an approached on the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference, respect for human rights and the democratic order.

CARICOM does not consider expulsion of Venezuela from the OAS an option or a desired outcome.

“Almost all [CARICOM] member states had themselves stated that the expulsion [of Venezuela] is not an option,” Ambassador Insanally said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has made clear Guyana’s official position on the OAS- Venezuela matter.

“As a member of the OAS, one has to accept… where a matter affecting the fundamental principles that the OAS Charter contains, is a legitimate matter for discussions at the OAS. We are in support of the need; appropriateness for important matters and sensitive matters to be discussed by the OAS within itself and for countries to be in a position to give their views on these matters.”

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

Tackling youth unemployment –– Guyana Youth Corps set for January 1, 2018 launch

PRESIDENT David Granger has announced that his government will be launching the Guyana Youth Corps on the January 1, next year.

The programme aims to provide employment and other opportunities for youths, particularly those who have dropped out of school.

The President made this announcement on Saturday, while addressing residents of Friendship Village, Pomeroon River, Region Two, where he and Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally launched a kite distribution exercise.

The President also distributed books and other gifts to the children of the Makaseema-Kabakaburi community in the Upper Pomeroon and Friendship Villages in the

ment will be complemented by government in its role to create the enabling environment for economic activity, President Granger spoke of the vast agricultural potential of the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

However, the President explained that farmers must be moved into the realm of agro-processing and adding value to their produce so that they can be competitive in the market place.

MOST PRODUCTIVE “The Pomeroon-Supenaam is one of the most productive agricultural zones in the entire country and perhaps the entire Eastern Caribbean… You produce over 44 million coconuts every year, you produce nearly half of the rice that

all across the country can provide a much-needed head start in their journey towards becoming self-employed and financially independent.

Residents of communities along the Pomeroon River depend heavily on gasoline-generated electricity and the President urged them to look at more sustainable ways to generate energy, such as solar energy, particularly since there is no shortage of bright sunshine on any given day in the Pomeroon.

He also committed to giving the Makaseema-Kabakaburi community, a solar panel to provide power for their community centre or boat landing.

“Cheap energy will help you to build a strong economy and a strong economy will help you to get employ-

Kites from the President! President David Granger and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, with the children and their kites Lower Pomeroon.

The Head of State urged parents, teachers, community leaders and civil society bodies to assist the Government to identify youths, who are in need of jobs, particularly those who may not have completed school, so that they can be enrolled in the Youth Corps when it is rolled out next year.

“I will do everything possible to help you to get jobs, but you must also want to help yourselves,” he said.

Noting that the role of citizens in economic develop-

Guyana produces and a quarter of the fish that we produce.

So there is no reason for anyone in the Pomeroon-Supenaam to go hungry or go without a job. What we have to do is convert your agricultural wealth into money that you can put in your pockets and into jobs that your young people need,” President Granger said.

He also spoke of the Sustainable Livelihood Development (SLED) initiative, which the Government plans to extend so that youths from

ment and employment will help you to prosper in life,” the Head of State told the resident.

Turning to the children, who were the main reason for his visit, the President spoke of the importance of education in eradicating inequality in Guyana, particularly in rural, hinterland and riverine communities.

VALUE EDUCATION “Education is important because it is the first step towards equality. This means that when a child comes out

Boys will be boys! These young men are all set for Easter

President David Granger and Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally, being escorted into Kabakaburi Village by these children of the Pomeroon he or she must have the best possible opportunities to get a secondary education so they can go to the University of Guyana… Education will open that door and it is our duty as a Government, to make sure that children in every part of the country get equal opportunity and equal access to education and that is part of my mission,” President Granger said.

He reminded the residents of the Pomeroon that the plight they were facing in getting their children to school on the coast was the driving force behind the Government’s Boats, buses, bicycles plus breakfast and books

(Five Bs) programme, which to date, has seen nine boats, 13 buses and hundreds of bicycles handed over to children all across the country.

“I was able to find out how people are living and what their needs are and so a lot of what directs my thinking…. What I have is a desire to make sure that every child goes to school, so we will keep on working to satisfy your needs,” the Head of State said.

In an effort to combat delinquent behaviour in the community at Friendship, the churches’ youth groups have come up with an initiative to organise sport activities.

This was disclosed by young community member, Boaz Roberts, who added that

the formation of the Pomeroon Sports Club has resulted in an active membership of some 132 persons. In response, President Granger said that by July 1, his office will provide sport gear and equipment to the club to support their efforts.

After the President addressed the residents at each village and listened to their concerns and responded to their questions, he was assisted by Minister Ally in the distribution of kites to the children.

Minister Ally has been playing an integral role in the organising of these activities of this nature, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a release.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

Getting the right balance IF YOU are a parent who has issues with the way you were brought up by ‘your parents’, you are in good company. So many parents can now see where ‘their parents’ lacked in providing the care, security, or the information they needed, while they were growing up. No doubt your parents would have done what they thought was best at the time with whatever resources and knowledge they had.

The great thing about evaluating childhood memories, good or bad, is that they allow us to either emulate ‘our parents’ and their ‘successful’ parenting skills or provide for our children in areas where we feel ‘we’ missed out. But are you a reasonable parent? Try our quiz: 1) Your child comes home complaining that the teacher picks on him. Do you: a) Ask your child to explain the incidents so you can make an assessment of the situation? b) Go to the school and ask to see the teacher? c) Take no action, but hope things resolve on their own?

2 Your 10 year old’s latest best friend is brazen and loud; you are afraid your child may be influenced. Do you: a) Tell your child to choose better friends or you will choose them for him/her? b) Ignore the ‘best friend’ whenever he/she is in your presence? c) Explain your fears and the possible consequences to your child and reach an understanding?

3 You over hear your 15-year-old daughter on the phone talking about handsome boys.

Do you: a) Confiscate her phone for a week? b) Talk with her about guys, and also explain what her main focus should be? c) Tell her she is too young to be thinking about boys and that she should not let it happen again?

4 Your 13 year old son is a bookworm, unlike his older brother, who loves sports. Do you: a) Respect his privacy and space, but ensure he communicates and participates with the family regularly? b) Tell him he’s missing out and force him to go out more? c) Tell him to be more like his brother or he’ll end up a nerd?

5 Your teenager wants to go roller skating in the National Park with friends, but you are afraid she might get hurt. Do you: a) Tell her that’s fine, once you can come along to chaperone the event? b) Let her go with protective gear, a phone and a pep talk about staying safe? c) Explain to her you’re worried and want to keep her safe at home?

6 Your 7 year old keeps asking, ‘How did I get inside Mummy’s tummy?’ and you keep changing the subject. Do you: a) Ask your partner to explain the answer to him? b) Tell him he will find out when he gets older, so he shouldn’t ask again? c) Find age appropriate material to share with him on the subject?

ANSWERS 1) (a) Always give your child the opportunity to offload. Ask questions to get a better understanding of any situation clearly. Gear your child towards peaceful and fair resolutions to problems.

2) (c) Talking to your child about your concerns is always better than trying to dictate what they must do. Help your child arrive at sensible decisions with your guidance and not by you laying down the law.

3) (b) ‘The opposite sex’ is just one of a variety of topics that adolescents’ talk about, parents should not over react. However a friendly word of guidance to keep things in prospective will not go a miss.

4) (a) Parents should respect that children are different and not try to fit square pegs in round holes. During adolescence children will decide what works best for them with parental guidance and support.

5) (b) Gaining independence and overcoming challenges is a part of growing up. Parents should weigh the risk factors before giving permission without being too strict based on their own fears.

6) (c) Parents must not hide from children; it is their duty to impart age-appropriate infor mation. If parents fail to answer a child’s questions, somebody else will.

Being fair, consistent, reliable and caring in your parental endeavours will bring out the best i n your child.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child you can ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or email chilcaregy@gmail.com A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

Parika-Mora residents breathe sigh of relief --trenches clogged up with weeds and other obstructions now cleared

By Shirley Thomas ABOUT five miles of heavily clogged trenches bordering both sides of the roadway passing through the Parika-Mora neighbourhood, after several years of being in that state, have recently been cleared, bringing relief to hundreds of households in that neighbourhood.

But incredibly, this massive desilting exercise has been undertaken, not by the predominantly Opposition Parika Neighbourhood Development Council (NDC), but through grass-roots community intervention and with the blessings and cooperation of Regional Executive Officer of Region Three Dennis Jaikarran, together with Regional Social Cohesion Officer Alshazie Ramlakan and handful of private residents.

For years, the trenches have been overgrown by trees, shrubs and other forms of obstruction, and repeated calls on the majority Opposition NDC to address this debacle have fallen on deaf ears, sources say.

The 16-member Parika NDC comprises about 12 Opposition representatives and four APNU representatives.

The problem which faced residents of the neighbourhood, bordered by Parika Koker at one end and Hubu at the other, was that, because the trenches were badly clogged up, whenever there was heavy rainfall, the banks were overflowed, resulting in water accumulation on the roads and inundation of livestock and vegetable gardens.

And very often, deadly reptiles were spotted in residents’ yards. The most

recent incident was where an elderly woman at Hubu discovered a snake snug in her bed one rainy night.

This frightening situation caused panic in the community and again the NDC was approached to have the trenches cleared, but they reportedly said funds were not available to undertake the dredging.

NETWORKING When it became ‘abundantly clear’ to the minority group of councillors that the majority of the NDC were interested only in working within their own time and on their own terms, they decided that it was time to come up with a ‘Plan B.’ It was resilience, cooperation and the will to succeed

hind getting the work done.

A private resident of Mora, Romeo Fanfair, with a wealth of experience in dredging, revetment and drainage and irrigation, who worked in the employ of BK International for about 18 years, came up with a plan that would see the dredging of the trenches at minimal cost to Government.

Fanfair approached Regional Social Cohesion Officer Ramlakan, who is also a RDC Councillor, and put forward a proposal on the way forward.

The solution was to seek the assistance of the regional administration in making available two hymacs, fuel and two machine operators to undertake the dredging.

At the same time, he

The woman who found a snake in her bed during heavy rainfall and flooding at Hubu

Key movers of the initiative which saw the clearing of the clogged drains at Parika-Mora: (From left): Team leader, Romeo Fanfair; Regional Social Cohesion Officer, Alshazie Ramlakan; and Councillor Leon Moses observe works in progress at the Hubu worksite

on the part of a handful of committed people -- with development of the neighbourhood in mind -- that formed the driving force be-

Hubu village before the trench clearing exercise

(Fanfair) undertook to voluntarily oversee and give guidance for the works being executed on a daily basis, assisted by Councillor Leon

Moses.

Ramlakan in turn took it up with Overseer Ganesh Maipaul, explaining the urgency of the situation matter

and asked what he thought about it.

Considering it workable, Maipaul took a team of officers from the Vreed-en-

Hoop office to inspect and do a feasibility survey, then reported to the Regional Executive Officer, Dennis Jaikarran.

RDC TO THE RESCUE The REO, after studying the proposal, agreed to provide the necessary resources.

That being done, work commenced early in March and much was accomplished within a few weeks. By the end of March, 10 communities within the neighbourhood had been dredged, bringing relief to residents who were high in praise for the regional administration and the team of grass-roots minded volunteers for a great job done.

Ten communities now benefitting from this initiative, namely: Parika Koker; Hyde Park, Look Out, Naamryck, Salem Mora, Bartain Stein, Roden Rust, Unity and Hubu.

Phase I of the project which saved the Council millions of dollars in the absence of having to pay private contractors huge sums of money, entailed digging and clearing trenches in those 10 communities and that has been completed.

Similar activities are being undertaken from Mora to Sparta.

Meanwhile, Phase II entails collecting the overburden (trash from the trenches) and removing it from the shoulders of the road, to prevent it getting back into the trenches whenever it rains.

The Opposition-majority NDC was asked to take on this responsibility, but to date, they have not done so and the overburden remains at the roadside, likely to get back into the trenches if heavy rains come down.

Hubu village after the trenches were desilted, with the help of the Region Three NDC

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

Equitable infrastructural development –– other opportunities, President assures Wakenaam, Leguan residents

PRESIDENT David Granger on Sunday visited the residents and children of the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam, Region Three, as part of his annual kite- distribution exercise and assured the residents that Government will ensure equal access to infrastructural development, education and employment to ultimately provide the good life for all Guyanese.

Beginning the visits at Leguan, the Head of State told residents gathered at the Leguan Secondary School that the visit is more than just about the distribution of kites.

“This visit is about having a good life on this island of Leguan.

This Government is committed to giving you the people of Leguan the good life. We do not believe that your roads should be inferior, [that] your transportation should be inferior, that your schools should be inferior. That is why we are spending millions of dollars on sea defence and improving transportation on this island, so that you must be able to move about, so that you must be able to get your paddy from the farms. You must be able to sell your produce in other parts of the island, the region and the country. And we will continue working for you because every Guyanese is entitled to equal access to education, equal access to employment, equal access to good infrastructure,” the President said.

The President made similar comments while in Arthurville, Wakenaam, stating that “Since the Government has come in just under 19 months, we have done a lot. We have helped to secure the sea defences of this island.

We have helped to improve the road network and the schools, particularly the nursery schools.

We will continue working with the people of Wakenaam, because we believe that all Guyanese should have equal access to the public services. We don’t discriminate between what we give to people in the regions. We want all Guyanese to get the same benefits that we give to people in different parts of the country,” he said.

Some of the major infrastructural projects that have been completed in Leguan were highlighted

by District Community Development Officer, Amjad Shaw, even as he welcomed the President to the island.

These include $278 million in capital and maintenance work on the sea and river defences of the island, as well as millions of dollars spent on new roads, including an asphalt road leading to the plantain chip factory and the rehabilitation of schools and other projects.

NOT LEFT OUT

“Leguan is not left out of the development process. I can assure you that this caring APNU+AFC Government under the astute leadership of [President] David Arthur Granger will continue to provide the necessary finances to do development works and ultimately provide a better life for all Guyanese,” he said.

In Wakenaam work has been done on the Arthurville Nursery School, new Home Economics and Industrial Science laboratories have been completed at the Wakenaam Secondary School and other works were done at the Wakenaam Hospital.

The President also reminded the residents of both islands of Guyana’s potential in the agricultural sector, stating that the islands of Leguan, Wakenaam and Hogg Island, combined, are bigger than the British Virgin Islands in the West Indies.

But despite the potential for

if you grasp education and grasp the means of employing yourself,” he said.

Newly appointed Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) for Region Three, Jennifer Ferreira Dougal, in an invited comment, said that her plans for the region fall in conjunction with the President’s vision, particularly his push to ensure every child stays in school.

AGRO-PROCESSING She stated, too, that the regional administration has already begun programmes within the region to promote agro-processing.

“The President said he would like to see this region produce agriculture that can feed the nation and I think we can do it. It is a challenge he has given us and with my help along with the REO I know we can do it in this region.

Welcome! These children recite an acrostic poem for President David Granger and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally istry of Social Protection’s Board of Industrial Training, so that they can do programmes on the island [and] we can help to make these people entrepreneurs,” he said.

Mahipaul also lauded the First Lady for her Self Reliance and Success in Business workshop, which was hosted in the region and

because people are living in rural areas or in the islands or in the hinterland they should be treated differently.

We believe in equality and if people are to be equal, the gateway to equality must be education,” he said. As such, the Head of State reminded the residents that one

President David Granger is assisted by his grand-daughter, Athena Gaskin, as he distributes kites at Wakenaam ago-processing and industry, unemployment remains high. However, the President believes that if residents tap into the agricultural opportunities and use that potential to create self-employment, they can contribute to the economic development of the region and ultimately the country.

He encouraged the residents to use the produce available to them and to add value to meet the demand for such products in Guyana and the Caribbean.

“You can produce enough to make a good living to be rich and to provide for your children and grandchildren. I’m not saying there is no unemployment. I am saying it is possible to get good employment

When I was installed, during my first meeting with the staff I said to them I am here to serve the people of Guyana; and what I am asking for us to do, is work as a team and I think working as a team we can make this region a model region,” she said.

District Community Development Officer, Ganesh Mahipaul said that focus is also being placed on ensuring that the residents of the region are trained in agro-processing.

“Most of the people in Wakenaam and Leguan are technically oriented. They focus on block-making, furniture, livestock-rearing and so what we have done is to collaborate with the Min-

which helped to empower female entrepreneurs.

“The aim of the regional administration is to stay within the ambit of what the President wants for the country and that is a good life for all,” he said.

Speaking on equality and access to education, President Granger told residents of both communities that his administration believes that regardless of location, every Guyanese must see themselves as equal, and that the rest of the country, in turn, must see them as equals as well.

NO DISCRIMINATION “I don’t believe in any discrimination. I don’t believe that

of the reasons for the visit was to re-emphasise Government’s commitment to education.

“Over and over again the Minister of Social Protection, the Minister of Education and other ministers go from village to village, from community to community, making sure that children can get to school. So being here today is part of confirming our faith in education. Without education you will not be able to enjoy the good life.

Education first of all is the gateway to equality,” he said.

Regional Councillor Kathleen Armstrong said that much effort is put into ensuring that children stay in school in the region, and that the Regional Education Depart-

ment has been working with the Regional Education Committee in this regard.

“We have been doing visits to communities to ensure that all our children, who are on our register are in school and we have major shake-down exercises from time to time. So I think the Regional Education Department is doing a fantastic job in ensuring every child in our region is in school.

Of course, there may be one or two who may slip through the net, but I think the majority are in school. Even in the riverine areas, we are ensuring that through our visits and through reports from the contact persons we have there, that our children are in school,” she said.

Turning his attention to energy, the President encouraged the residents to make use of alternative forms of energy to generate electricity.

“Everything you need to work with is powered by energy. You can have cheaper energy; if you use wind power, if you use solar power and that wind and solar power will generate electricity and help you to do agro-processing; to produce your jams and jellies, to produce other things you need, not only to live with, but to sell,” the President said.

President Granger said that he was happy to visit the children in Leguan and Wakenaam at this time of year, as kite-flying at Easter has become a uniquely Guyanese tradition; and it is a good opportunity for people of all walks of life to come together and partake in the multicultural activity.

“In Guyana, Easter is no longer regarded as purely a Christian festival… All Guyanese should come out and celebrate the flying of kites at this time of the year,” the President said.

In addition to the kites, the children were also presented with exercise books and pens.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, was also present at the event and assisted the President with distributing kites to the children at both locations.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

Goldfields expanding –– scores of jobs to be created

By Zena Hendry

jected and mined so far.

As it relates to infrastrucMORE jobs and improve- tural expansion, Henderson ment in commerce are said the mill will be expandexpected as Guyana Gold ed with the implementation Fields/ Aurora Gold Mines of new leach tanks next year.

(AGM) operationalise This, he said, will increase three gold mines going the capacity of the plant into 2018. for greater recovery and On a media tour of the production, while providing expansive mining operation employment for 100 to 150 deep within the forested local contractors.

Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, The mining company has general manager of the Ca- also expanded and improved nadian-owned company, its maintenance workshop Thomas Henderson, said and is expected to receive extraction operations are a number of new machines ongoing at a first deposit, and equipment, some of Rory’s Knoll. which have already been Work is also taking place delivered locally and from at a second and third loca- abroad. tion, namely Aleck Hill and “We are giving our peoMad Kiss. ple the best equipment monRory’s Knoll is drawing ey can buy for what we need closer to phase two of its here,” Henderson said. operation. The first phase is He highlighted that a expected to be mined out by number of trucks, bulldozers month-end. and some heavy equipment Henderson said mining such as the Cat 390, are in that area will go deeper among the company’s fleet and will take as much as additions. three tonnes of waste maAs a company that prides terial to every tonne of ore itself on safety, Aurora has produced -- the material bragged about unmatched containing the mineral. work hours without signifAt Aleck Hill and North icant injury. The mine will West Aleck Hill, Henderson soon attain three million said miners are working man hours without loss of with fairly easy soil deposits time, with no significant enthat do not require blasting vironmental impact and no or heavy drilling. significant health concerns.

Aleck Hill will however Regular training and see blasting by year-end, strict guidelines for staff are while exploration will con- provided in every area of optinue on the North West eration, even were domestic extension. Mad Kiss will be staffers are concerned. developed during the course Camp Violet is at the of this year. heart of Aurora’s operations.

This year, Aurora’s pro- With a ‘small-town’ feel, it duction is expected to reach has all facilities and activbetween 160,000 to 180,000 ities that upkeep the entire ounces of gold. team.

Their cost of sales (inCamp Violet recently cluding production costs, received a 52-foot benab, royalty and depreciation) the fourth largest in Guyana. is expected to be between It was constructed by US$800 to US$850 per men of St Cuthbert’s Misounce; cash cost (before sion as part of the comroyalty) between US$500 pany’s corporate social to US$550 per ounce; and responsibility programme. all-in sustaining cost beThe project saw $5M tween US$775 to US$825 injected into St Cuthbert’s per ounce.

Mission and $2.5M to anAlready for the year, the other village that provided mining company has pro- the structure’s troolie leaves. duced some 40,000 ounces Camp Violet has kitchen, of gold, Henderson said. housekeeping and medical The operation is also “20 staff and the company operper cent ahead” of schedule ates on a 24-hour basis. in relation to the tonnes proThe facility also has a

gym, commissary for relaxation and entertainment and a games room.

The site has 288 domestic rooms with more than 40 currently under construction.

In addition, Aurora also follows strict guidelines pertaining to the natural environment and its biodiversity.

Rory’s Knoll is drawing closer to phase two of its operation. The first phase is expected to be mined out by month-end.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

Meeting with drone operators, owners Thursday

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has requested a meeting with all drone owners and operators on Thursday after earlier making public

its intention to regularise the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones, in the country.

The meeting requested

by GCAA Director-General

Egbert Fields will be held at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, and will begin at 14:00 hrs.

A newspaper advertisement said the general meet-

‘Ramsingh Sharma’ to perform at West Berbice show TRINIDAD Chutney Soca King 2017, Omardat Maraj, popularly known as “Ramsingh Sharma,” is scheduled to perform in Guyana on Easter Sunday at the Berbice Family Fun Park, Number Six Village, West Coast Berbice.

The show, which will kick off at 19:00 hrs, will also feature Guyana’s Chutney King Bunty Singh, Amrita and the Caribbean Dancing Divas with DJ Mario from Trinidad and Tobago.

The show titled “Chutney in the Park,” promises to be an event to remember.

Omardat Maraj

ing will tackle matters of interest to the public when operating drones, “and the requirements that need to be met for such operations.”

Last year, an incident involving a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter and what appeared to be a drone, brought attention to the operation of the machine.

The helicopter was said to have been “buzzed” by the drone. This caused the GCAA to issue directives that drones shall not be flown in prohibited or restricted areas.

Some restrictions en-

tail flying below 400 feet, flying beyond a certain range, operating over an open assembly of persons, and operating near private or public property, among several others.

Drones are becoming increasing popular in Guyana, especially for recreational and surveillance purposes. The majority of drones are mounted with video cameras and usually take images of areas of operation.

In more developed countries where larger personal ownerships of drones are recorded, the device is

said to have caused accidents and injuries to persons.

The U.S. aviation authorities say they receive at least 25 drone complaints a month of persons flying them close to airports.

In one reported case, a drone almost caused an Airbus A320 to crash.

In another case, a drone was found carrying drugs near the Mexico border, while one had crashed into the face of a Brooklyn Daily photographer, clipping the end of her nose and cutting her chin.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

No need to ‘double-dip’ –– Region Five health official tells chronic disease patients

By Clifford Stanley DOUBLE-DIPPING is seemingly a common occurrence in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), according to regional officials, who say the practice is posing a major challenge to the delivery of its healthcare services.

“Patients are currently collecting drugs from multiple health facilities across the region, and there is an urgent need to fix this broken system,” Regional Health Officer Dr Steven Cheefoon disclosed recently.

“The problem,” he said, “is that, for example, a patient named Jones being treated for hypertension knows that his clinic day is Wednesday.

“But he comes on Monday and he collects drugs; and then he comes back on Wednesday and he collects, and then on Friday and he collects again.

“We have found cases where a patient has collected medications five times in one week, and has gotten clean away with such unethical behaviour.”

He said that persons are particularly inclined to dou-

ble-dip on the ultra sound services being offered at the two hospitals in the region, as well as on HIV medications and insulin, the latter in the case of diabetics.

“They double-dip because they hear all these things about shortages and are afraid they will run out,” Dr Cheefoon said, adding: “Some people double-dip because they feel that they must send medications for their relatives overseas, who don’t have access to insurance and health amenities and so on.”

It’s a situation that the

authorities have no intention of encouraging. “We are now struggling with this, and we have been accosting quite a few delinquents,” Dr Cheefoon said.

“We had to tell one lady last week, ‘Madam, you had medications earlier this week, and yuh medication ain’t finish yet!

So, we would not be able to help you further!’”

But while this tactic may have succeeded in allowing the administration to see a significant decline in numbers, double-dipping still remains a serious problem where its thrust to optimise chronic disease patient care in the region is

concerned.

“We are, of course, appealing to people not to double-dip, but at the moment, I am stuck with a paper system; and people outsmart the paper.

“We have to get a system that will beat that,” Dr Cheefoon said in obvious reference to a current drive by the administration to establish a fully electronic medical recording system at hospitals and health centres throughout the region.

He was, however, at pains to emphasise: “We do have a shortage of drugs in Region Five, but it is not a shortage of essential drugs; merely stuff like ointments, eye drops, etc.

Regional Health Officer, Dr Steven Cheefoon

“We do not have a shortage of essential, life-saving drugs! There is no need for any of our chronic disease patients to ‘double-dip’.”

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

Police Career Day fair…

Transforming youths minds essential for nation’s development –– Education Ministry

TRANSFORMATION of the mind is a key ingredient for development.

Hence, personal transformation is a prerequisite for development of self, positive changes within families, communities, institutions, and the nation.

This sentiment was shared by Special Technical

protecting and serving their local communities. They’re often motivated by working for something greater than themselves and end each day knowing their time and talents are being well spent.

The opening ceremony also featured performances by children from the various youth groups, including

child has the opportunity of equal access to education.

We have the system and we have the tools, but success is dependent on you, and on each of us. Success depends on whether or not we are motivated enough to become creative,” he told hundreds of youths at the event.

The booth of E R Burrowes School of Art was a hive of activity at the event with artists displaying their talents Advisor in the Education Ministry, Wazir Mohamed, during his charge to hundreds of youths at the annual ‘A’ Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) career fair on Saturday.

Police youth clubs from across the country were assembled at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown. The event was held under the theme, “Transforming the mind, developing the nation’s youths through education, motivation and self-development.”

Among the agencies which participated in the career fair and engaged young persons were the Disciplined Forces; the Ministries of Education, Public Health and Agriculture; media entities; E R Burrowes School of Art, government ministries, commercial entities and non-governmental organisations.

According to one officer at the event, few careers are as rewarding as law enforcement. Police officers spend their days

poem recitals, songs, and an entertaining display of martial arts.

Speaking on behalf of Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine was Special Technical Advisor, Minister of Education, Wazir Mohamed He said the event signals the kind of growth Guyana needs in a changing world.

Noting that the theme for the event was appropriate, he said the purpose of the career day is for the youths to take personal responsibility for their development. “Development begins with the individual, with yearning to learn, and through learning we become more literate and creative. Developed minds will lead to literate beings or individuals. Literate individuals will lead to increased creativity.

“My charge to each of you today, yes each of you – remember the old adage, “Charity begins at home.”

As we develop our minds, we transform ourselves, and as we do that we have more to offer ourselves and society…. In Guyana, every

He said careers are paths and societies develop and become strong and powerful as individuals self-develop, and as they do that, the work of one person complements the work of others to make up the whole.

“As we think about careers, bear in mind that we should always be conscious of the need for continuous improvement in our life. In the same way as the saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day,” improvement in the quality of our lives cannot happen in a day. It takes time. Take advantage and learn from the experience and expertise of your peers. And remember the Education Ministry is here to help,” he explained.

Divisional Commander Clifton Hicken encouraged stakeholders to follow the path of the division in providing a platform for youths to be holistically exposed to the development taking place in the country in all sectors of the economy.

Police ranks assemble in anticipation of visits from the youths

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

ARIES Saying yes to every amazing opportunity that comes your way seems like the natural thing to do. However, the problem is that each offer sounds better than the previous one and you cannot possibly keep up with all the work you create. Avoid the temptation of wearing a happy face while swearing you can do it all. Paradoxically, acknowledging your limitations enables you to accomplish more than you expect.

Barry Schwartz wrote, “The secret to happiness is low expectations.”

TAURUS You might fall victim to your own positive thinking today if you think you deserve something for nothing. You’re willing to work for your goals, but you could easily believe that your contributions are more significant than they are in reality. Your current efforts produce the greatest impact if you give each and every task your absolute best effort. Emphasizing quality over quantity increases your chances of being recognized for your excellence. Stephen Covey taught, “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities.”

GEMINI You are brimming with many wonderful ideas today and can’t wait to put them out in the open for all to see. However, expressing what’s on your mind isn’t as easy as you hope. You assume the right time has arrived, only to discover that others are too busy to stop and listen. But don’t give up now; if your ingenuity can produce results, then your peers will eventually applaud your accomplishments. Thomas Edison wrote, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

CANCER Although you are quite capable of keeping up appearances at work, it is in your best interest to take off your mask now and let the real you shine. Sometimes you wonder if others will accept you if they know your true thoughts and feelings. Wearing your heart on your sleeve leaves you in a vulnerable position; however, there’s no need to reveal everything all at once. Taking it step by step helps to remove the pressure and lighten your load. As Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Honesty is the best policy.”

LEO You want to tell your story to everyone you meet today. Unfortunately, some people are too busy with their own commitments to listen. Don’t take someone’s apparent disinterest personally; it’s less about you than about their schedule. Fortunately, there are others who are ready to hear your message of hope and inspiration. Share your thoughts without expecting help on your personal campaign. Simply getting the word out is a gift of its own and enables you to clarify your next move.

VIRGO Your excitement grows as you contemplate a new business prospect or revisit an existing project that is currently lying dormant. But you’re not just looking for something to occupy your time; you’re on the hunt for your next money-making venture. Your interest in increasing your income is well-timed but you must make a solid commitment to a concrete plan. As long as your expectations aren’t blown out of proportion, continue to follow your whim wherever it leads. Greek philosopher Atticus asked, “What good are wings if you don’t have the courage to fly?”

LIBRA You are at the top of your game today as you channel your inner diplomat. You’re quite comfortable running back and forth between others now, helping them find common ground on which to build a relationship. You’re an asset to any community when you’re allowed -- or even encouraged -- to work your gracious magic. Remember, your power comes from staying in touch with your feelings; pay attention to your heart, not your head. Walther Rathenau said, “Truth is inner harmony.”

SCORPIO You are on a spiritual quest today that’s bolstered by letting go of your connections in the real world. But stepping back from a hectic lifestyle isn’t enough to ensure the reawakening that you seek. Luckily, you are enchanted by the positive energies that are being stirred everywhere around you. Nevertheless, the good vibes can pass you by unless you actually make a move. Thoreau wrote, “Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.”

SAGITTARIUS Although it’s a back-to-work day for many, you’re on very familiar turf as you flirt with procrastination. Your commitments are screaming for attention today, but you are more interested in returning to your routine for its social, rather than business, interests. Instead of spending your time hanging by the water cooler or tending to your social media network, do the right thing and deliver on your promises. You can only accomplish greatness if you’re free from unnecessary distraction. Work now, play later.

CAPRICORN Your professional ambitions know no bounds today and you’re excited to start a new project at work. You don’t even mind how much responsibility you must carry; you’re eager for the assignment of your lifetime. However, you are not viewing your future through a practical lens now as if everything is inflated by your over-productive imagination. Just because you can weave an idea into a dream, doesn’t mean it’s possible to manifest it. Nevertheless, as noted by Tim Ferriss, “Reality is negotiable.”

AQUARIUS Concentrating on the work at hand is challenging when you’re fascinated by thoughts of a journey to a distant land. Although the farthest corners of the globe are calling your name, you might settle for a getaway that’s closer to home. In either case, your travel fantasies can prevent you from achieving success now. Consciously shift your focus away from escape plans and back to your current responsibilities. Eckhart Tolle wrote, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you will ever have.”

PISCES You might be tumbling into a magical relationship or revisiting an emotional issue that is recycling from the recent past. Either way, you’re committed to maintaining a healthy perspective now; you don’t want the intensity to swallow you up. Fortunately, your friends rush to your rescue today by offering their perspectives on the current situation, enabling you to discern the facts from the fantasies. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to resolve everything from the past. Consistency and communication build the foundation to your future.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 10, 2017

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

Hamilton beats Vettel for Chinese Grand Prix win Lewis Hamilton mastered Shanghai’s changing conditions and stayed clear of squabbling rivals to win the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Briton eased his Mercedes across the line 6.2 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. Max Verstappen, who started 16th, finished a surprise third to hand his Red Bull team their 100th podium.

It was Hamilton’s 54th career win and a record fifth in Shanghai. But it was the triple champion’s first this season and returned Mercedes to the top of the podium after Vettel won

tions were a bit of a lottery for all the drivers with the track damp in patches but drying quickly.

He kept the lead off the line ahead of Vettel, who came under investigation for lining up out of position on his grid slot.

The German, though, stayed second, fending off Valtteri Bottas in the other Mercedes, who had started third.

Lance Stroll, the 18-year-old rookie, spun off the track on the first lap after making contact with Force India’s Sergio Perez.

The Canadian beached his Williams in the gravel, bringing out the virtual safety car.

Vettel took the opportunity to dive into the pits Winner Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates on the podium to change to dry weather with Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Red Bull Racing driver Max tyres.

Verstappen of the Netherlands after the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai His gamble backfired International Circuit. when Antonio Giovinazzi — last month’s season-open- bourne, heads into the next lead the constructors’ standing in for Pascal Wehing race for a resurgent race in Bahrain in a week’s standings by one point over rlein at Sauber — crashed, bringing out the actual safety Ferrari. time tied on points with the Ferrari.

Hamilton, who finished German.

Hamilton started from car two laps later.

The four-time world second to Vettel in MelMercedes, meanwhile, pole position, but the condi-

champion found himself bottled up behind Ricciardo and his slower teammate Kimi Raikkonen, costing him valuable time.

As the trio squabbled for position, Hamilton pulled clear at the front.

By the time Vettel managed to get past with a series of spectacular overtaking moves that included banging wheels with his former teammate, Hamilton was too far ahead.

Ricciardo finished fourth for Red Bull, crossing the line just 0.8 seconds behind Verstappen after hassling the Dutchman in the closing stages of the 56-lap race. Raikkonen crossed the line a frustrated fifth.

Bottas finished sixth. The Finn, who has replaced retired champion Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, dropped him down the field after spinning behind the safety car.

Fifteen cars finished Sunday’s race, with neither McLaren making it to the flag.

Rana, Pandya brothers stage stunning heist On a high-scoring, fieldfirst ground, and fighting considerable dew, Kolkata Knight Riders nearly won with an under-par 176 but failed to defend 59 in the last 23 balls. In the cauldron, with the home crowd burning their ears and a wet ground underfoot, the visiting Knight Riders just froze in the field after taking out almost all the big guns from Mumbai Indians.

Almost. Because at 119 for 5, Mumbai sent out Hardik Pandya, whose cameo met Nitish Rana’s hitherto solid innings to stage a heist.

Rana went from 29 off 23 to 50 off 28, and Hardik hit the winning runs in his 11-ball 29. The night belonged to the brothers after Krunal Pandya dragged Knight Riders back with his left-arm spin of 4-0-24-3.

Two of these wickets read c Pandya b Pandya.

Chris Lynn came into this match on the back of an explosive 93, but he goes at only 6.16 against left-arm spin. It was expected, then, that Krunal would bowl early in the innings. Knight Riders had already run away to 44 in four by the time he came on, and Lynn was not on strike first ball.

Doesn’t matter because Krunal took two bonus wickets of Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa in that over.

The other thing about Lynn was his wagon wheel in his 93. He scored 52 of those runs in 17 hits to leg, and not one behind square. So Mumbai bowled to him with a long-on and a cow corner, short and into the body, denying him the swing of the arms.

The quicks even bowled two wides to him down the leg side. In the end, against Jasprit Bumrah, Lynn went to hit square, to miss that man at cow corner, and moved too far across to be lbw with Knight Riders at 67 for 3 in the eighth over, with a middle-overs slowdown to follow.

Manish Pandey, who before this match had scored 53 off 53 Harbhajan Singh deliveries, was part of that slowdown when Harbhajan and Krunal turned the screws. Pandey, though, can shift gears dramatically.

His overall strike rate in IPL is 111 over the first 30 balls of an innings, and 173 off the next 30.

Here he went from 35 off 30 to 81 off 47, taking Mitchell McClenaghan apart in a 23-run final over.

Hardik Pandya gets a kiss from brother Krunal after taking Mumbai Indians home, Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai, IPL, April 9, 2017

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:25 hrs Lady Duchess 08:50 hrs Jaguar 09:20 hrs On The Right Path 09:50 hrs On The Thames 10:20 hrs Dancingwithjackson

09:10 hrs Buckled 09:40 hrs Whitsundays 10:10 hrs Harry The Viking 10:40 hrs Blue Hussar 11:10 hrs Sky Full Of Stars 11:40 hrs Hey Listen 12:10 hrs Benny’s Secret

11:45 hrs Easy Gold 12:15 hrs Broken Soul 12:45 hrs Balinaboola 13:15 hrs Fire On 13:45 hrs Presenting Julio 14:15 hrs Jammin Masters 14:45 hrs Sharp’s Choice

English Racing Tips Windsor 09:00 hrs Rock Of Estonia 09:30 hrs Balashakh 10:00 hrs Light Of Air 10:30 hrs Safira Menina 11:00 hrs Know Your Limit 11:30 hrs Sir Plato 12:00 hrs Commodity 12:30 hrs Dashing Poet

Redcar 09:20 hrs Ventura Gold 09:50 hrs Gramercy 10:20 hrs Lord Commander 10:50 hrs The Grey Warrior 11:20 hrs Shamaheart 11:55 hrs Heir Of Excitement 12;25 hrs Spirit Of The Vale 12:55 hrs Benjamin Thomas

American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Kraken Glacken Race 2 Flosy’s Birthday Race 3 Urbun Burn Race 4 Dirt in Ypor face Race 5 Lucky in Malibu Race 6 Made of Steel Race 7 Wilburnmoney Race 8 Cause He’s Western Race 9 Bohemian Bliss

Kelso

Irish Racing Tips Tramore

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

Kwakwani and Jets to clash in LABA/Hamid Foundation U-23 final

By Joe Chapman KWAKWANI outclassed Retrieve Raiders 67-41, while the Amelia’s Ward Jets clinched an exciting 72 – 17 win over Half Mile Bulls on Saturday at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court to book a spot in the final of this year’s Linden Amateur Basketball Association / Hamid Foundation Under-23 basketball championship. The final is set for Saturday April 15.

Among those who turned up to see these match-ups was president of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds,who presented basketballs and nets to the association as well as to the females from Kwakwani.

The Kwakwani boys were able to overcome a 12-10 lead by the Raiders when the first quarter ended, and led by a 18-10 charge fashioned by Troy David, who knocked in two

3’s in that period which ended with the visitors ahead 28-22 at the halftime break.

David, who by then had netted 14 of his team’s points, played well in tandem with Domar Gladstone who came into his own and set the pace that would eventually raid their opponents out of contention as the third quarter closed out with Kwakwani ahead 47-33.

This combination would eventually seal the win for

the Kwakwani side as Gladstone would knock down another one from beyond the arc on the buzzer for a comfortable 67-41 victory.

David would lead the scoring for his team with 23 points and Gladstone on 22 while Orwin Samuels added six. The Raiders scoring was centered on their captain Coel Winter who got 11 points and Travis Sutton also with 11.

The second game was to many a virtual final as the Bulls were out to maintain their unbeaten run,but ran into a determined jets side which had barely sneaked in due to the late discovery that the Bankers Trust Falcons had played an overaged player but this was discovered late by the authorities.

This caused some revaluation of the points in their group by the organizers which eventually landed the Falcons back into contention as the other team with Kwakwani to come through from their group. That game began with the Jets opening a 15-8 lead but the Bulls responded despite being outscored 13-

Parish Cadogan 11 as the jets took a 28-19 cushion when the first half elapsed.

However,a big third quarter performance led by Vibert Benjamin seemingly put paid to any hopes of the Bulls emerging victorious as the Jets were leading 4831 at the end of the pivotal third quarter play. The key players to this advantage were Shannon Cadogan and Vibert Benjamin, as they combined well to apply immense pressure on the Bulls.

In the final quarter it was a keen tussle between the determined Jets and the Bulls, still harbouring thoughts of remaining the team to be beaten heading into the final.

But the Bulls were able to rally well behind Terron Welch who shouldered their weight and were in with a very good chance when the scores were close,as Welch went to the free stripe line after being fouled on an attempt from long range, only to miss three straight and left the game in the balance.

It was 61-61 with just over three minutes remaining and some crucial turnovers cost the Bulls who folded and the Jets flew past to win 72-61, although the Bulls had a 30-24 scoring advantage in that final quarter, and the Jets won 72-61 on a canter.

Cadogan played excellent basketball to control the game with 22 points as Benjamin was solid with 12 as Kris Gill contributed eight. The Bulls Terron Welch finished with 20 points as Tahquille Johnson netted 16 and Keifer Tappin 11 in a losing cause.

Russell Westbrook breaks NBA single-season record with 42nd triple-double

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

Back Circle, Sparta Boss setup dream final Pandemonium erupted on Saturday evening during the semi-final of the GT Beer/Petra futsal tournament when the finalists Sparta Boss and Back Circle were decided.

In the first semi-final of the night, Back Circle made light work of Bent Street, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

Bent Street opened the scoring in the 3rd minute through Kanata Manning and the game seemed to be going their way from there on in with steady run downs ensuring that the Back Circle side stay at bay.

However, that lead would not last to the half as Jermaine Beckles in the 13th minute tied the game up, sending the once tense fans into celebration which lasted well into the half

time break.

And when Selwyn William’s 27th minute strike found the back of the nets to give back circle the lead, the fans poured onto the field.

And When Akeemo Anthony (38th) scored the goal that sealed the game, the fans poured onto the pitch once more to celebrate with their team which moved into the final of the tournament.

In the second game, Sparta Boss was barely made to sweat against Sophia, winning 4-1 with a brace from Gregory Richardson who scored 10 seconds in the game, as well as the 21st minute, while Eusi Phillips (12th) and Cleon Forester (39th) contributed one each.

Sophia’s lone goal was an

own goal in the third minute.

With that win Sparta will have to play Back Circle in the tournament final on Saturday April 15 while Sophia takes on Bent Street in the third place play-off.

In the evening’s exhibition matches, GPL beat GWI 5-4 in a battle of the utility companies while Pretty Posse and Green Ice Taxi played to a 1-1 stalemate.

Customs trashed Republic Bank 5-2, while the Referees beat the Guyana Revenue Authority 4-3.

The winning team will receive $400,000 and the championship trophy, while the runner-up, third and fourth places teams collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Back-Circle (yellow) was no match for their Bent Street opponents who will play Sparta Boss in the finals of the GT Beer Petra Futsal Tournament.

Baksh, Cadogan outstanding at GSA Toucan Junior tournament The curtain came down on Saturday evening on the 2017 Toucan Distributors Junior Skill level tournament organised by the Guyana Squash Association.

Eight champions were crowned in the respective categories with Mohyryan Baksh and Abosaide Cadogan being named most outstanding players of the tournament.

In category A,Shomari Wiltshire matched up against Taylor Fernandes.

The previous night Shomari had defeated Alex Cheeks in straight games while Taylor was looking for an upset win against Shomari;having also lost earlier to Alex Cheeks.

In the opening game Taylor played a couple of good points but from midway in the game it became noticeable that she was favouring her leg.

Shomari eventually won the first game 11 – 5 and after initially asking for

The winners of this year’s 2017 Toucan Distributors Junior Skill level tournament pose with their trophies.

an injury time-out,Taylor decided to forfeit the rest of the match,thereby handing the victory to Shomari.

In category B,Makeda Harding played Rebecca

Low. The previous night Makeda had defeated Samuel Ince-Carvalhal while Rebecca lost to Samuel earlier in the tournament.

However,Rebecca would

play the best squash that she has played in a long while, winning the first game 11 – 8.She then increased her lead,winning the second game 11 – 5 and

then the third game 11 – 7 with clinical performances.

The fourth game was close throughout but from 7-7, Makeda would win three of the next four points to force a deciding fifth game.

Makeda won the first three points but then Rebecca won the next five to go up 5 – 3. Rebecca would then serve out and the whole momentum of the match shifted as she was definitely tired. Makeda would eventually win the match 11 – 8 and win this category.

Also in category B,Samuel Ince-Carvalhal finished off a successful tournament with an 11 – 1, 11 – 7, 11 – 4 victory over Sarah Lewis while Gianni Carpenter proved to be too good for Maya Collins,winning in straight games 11 – 6, 11 – 9, 11 – 6.

In category C,Madison Fernandes had an epic battle against Kirsten Gomes.

Madison won the crucial first game 13 – 11 and then

easily took the second game 11 – 2. Kirsten however bounced back to win the third game 11 – 8 and the fourth 11 – 9. The fifth game went back and forth with the scores being tied at 5 all, 6 all, 7 all, 8 all, 9 all and then 10 all before Madison won the next two points to secure a hard-fought 12 – 10 victory.

Also in category C, Abosaide Cadogan secured victory when she beat Jason Gomes 11 – 9, 11 – 4, 11 – 7,and Aliyah Persaud showed how much she has improved with a 12 – 10, 11 – 5, 11 – 5 win against Dominic Collins.

In category D,Mohyryan Baksh showed his class with an 11 – 4, 11 – 0, 11 – 1 win against Louis Da Silva to dominate this category.

The prizes were distributed by Robin Low, president of the Guyana Squash Association on behalf of the sponsors Toucan Distributors.

‘Xercise’ hosts successful UN day of sport activity A LOCAL group joined the rest of the world on April 6 in celebrating United Nations Day of Sport for Development and Peace (UNDSDP) by hosting a number of events.

The team, known as Xercise,hosted an outreach programme to three schools:Queens College, St Stanislaus College and Stella Maris Primary during the morning session.

The team, accompanied

by Assistant Director of Sport,Bryan Smith; multiple Caribbean Squash

Champion,Nicolette Fernandes and Beauty Queen, Nuriyah Gerrard, spoke to the students about the importance of sport in their personal development as well as the development of society.

According to the organisation’s editor,Natisha Mokuthnauth, “Thursday’s event was very successful.

We were able to speak to three schools from which the response was very positive.”

“The children connected to Guyana’s Squash Queen,Nicholette Fer-

Nicolette Fernandes takes selfie with students during one of the the Xcercise outreaches at Queens College

nandes. There she shared her story of her struggle to balance both sports and academics in high school.

The primary school children loved her the most,” she continued.

Following the morning session with the schools, there was a brief ceremony at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground where the body honoured several persons for their contribution to sport development locally Those honoured were Hillbert Foster (cricket), Stanely Ming (motor rac-

ing), Gordon Brathwaithe (football), Lavern Frazer (netball) and Paula Sampson (volleyball).

Following that, there was a T20 match featuring the Guyana Cricket Board taking on a Georgetown XI. The local arm of the initiative was sponsored

by DDL, NSC, News source, Guyana cricket board, IntellectStorm and our partners, One Young World, Caribbean youth peace ambassadors network, UNICEF and UNDP.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

Azam’s unbeaten 125 level series

By Rajiv Bisnauth

NEEDING to win the match to stay alive in the three-match series, Pakistan successfully overcame the inertia in its ranks and put together a fine performance to demolish West Indies by 74 runs and restore parity in the threematch One Day International (ODI) series at the Guyana National Stadium yesterday.

The result was a big disappointment for the home crowd, which had turned out in their thousands, expecting a West Indies win but the visitors spoiled the party with a better show of discipline and all-round efficiency.

The tourists recovered from a shaky start to post a healthy total of 282, largely due to a composed innings from man-of-the-match Babar Azam and a late flourish at the back end of the innings.

In the chase, West Indies folded up for 208 in 44.5 overs despite Jason Holder’s 87-ball 68 and Ashley Nurse’s 44, making a resolute bid to salvage the match.

Pakistan’s bowling was led by a career-best (5-38) from medium pacer Hasan Ali,and supported by Mo-

Jason Holder hammed Hafeez (2-23) and a wicket apiece from Mohammed Amir, Junaid Khan and Shadad Khan.

During Pakistan’s innings Imad Wasim supported Azam during the late onslaught with an unbeaten 35-ball 43, as the duo shared 99 runs in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand in 11.2 overs,but most of the damage was done during the last seven overs in which 84 runs were scored.

The 22-year-old Azam enhanced his promising reputation with his fifth ODI hundred and fourth against West Indies in five innings; he ended unbeaten on a career-best 125 off 132 balls with seven fours and

three sixes.

Azam was technically correct in defense and there was a display of solid strokes coupled with risk-free cricket. He was definitely the mainstay in Pakistan’s innings as batsmen around him struggled to build on starts after they slipped to 46-2 at the end of the tenth over.

The hosts played with the same side that won the first ODI in dramatic fashion, while Pakistan made one change, replacing Wahab Riaz with Junaid Khan.

After West Indies decided to bowl, seamers Shannon Gabriel and Jason Holder were able to generate movement through the air with the new ball and hardly allowed the Pakistani openers any attacking options .

To make matters worse, the visitors lost Ahmed Shehzad(5) at the end of the fifth over, caught down the leg side off Gabriel who ended with 2-50.

Three balls later,Chadwick Walton floored a simple catch off Kamran Akmal.

However, the reprieve allowed only a few boundaries from Azam and Akmal before Alzarri Joseph struck in his first over when he had

Chase Academy 3-peat Petra/Milo title!

... upsets Morgan Learning Center 3 – 2 on penalty

the latter taken in identical fashion to Shehzad, for a 27-ball 21.

Azam and Hafeez were then forced to stabilize the innings with singles and a few boundaries as the third-wicket stand climbed up to 69 runs and kept the bowlers at bay.

However, in a crucial juncture of play, the hosts snatched two quick wickets through spinners Ashley Nurse and Devendra Bishoo,who both managed to get prodigious turn out of a surface that had only provided fleeting assistance to the spinners two days earlier.

Nurse had Hafeez stumped down the legside for a laboured 32 off 50 deliveries, while Bishoo claimed the wicket of Shoaib Malik.

Captain Sarfraz Ahmed joined Azam and shared a stand of 55 from 59 balls to revitalize Pakistan’s innings.

However, Gabriel had good reason to celebrate when he removed Ahmed for 26. That dismissal seem to have had no impact on Azam at the other end as, in company with Wasim,he went on to raise his ton off 123 balls.

He reached three figures with a single off Joseph at the start of the 48th over and

celebrated the landmark by kissing the turf.

Thereafter, five of Pakistan’s six sixes came off the last three overs - two off the hapless Jonathan Carter in a 50th over that cost 19.

West Indies run chase started in dramatic fashion with a dropped catch off Evin Lewis and four boundaries in the first three overs,but poor strokeplay proved their downfall thereafter.

Pakistan took full advantage of those lapses, tightening the screws and from being 22 without loss, West Indies slipped to 75-6

in the 18th over.

Junaid Khan removed Walton (10), Amir trapped Lewis (13) in front, Ali claimed the wicket of Shai Hope (15) and Kieran Powell (11), while Hafeez removed Jason Mohammed (1) and Carter (12).

However, Holder and Nurse provided the crowd with an entertaining seventh-wicket stand of 58 runs before Ali returned to claim the final three wickets.

With the series tied 1-1, the focus now shifts to Tuesday’s decider.

SCOREBOARD Pakistan innings A Shehzad c †Hope b Gabriel 5 K Akmal c †Hope b Joseph 21 B Azam not out 125 M Hafeez st †Hope b Nurse 32 S Malik c †Hope b Bishoo 9 S Ahmed*† c Walton b Gabriel 26 I Wasim not out 43 Extras: (b 1, lb 9, w 9, nb 2) 21 Total: (5 wickets; 50 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-44, 3-113, 4-128, 5-183 Bowling: S Gabriel 10-1-50-2, J Holder 9-0-48-0, A Joseph 9-0-69-1, D Bishoo 10-0-40-1, A Nurse 10-0-42-1, J Carter 2-0-23-0

West Indies innings E Lewis lbw b Amir 13 C Walton c Hasan Ali

b Junaid Khan 10 S Hope† c Shadab Khan b HasanAli 15 K Powell lbw b Hasan Ali 11 J Carter lbw b Hafeez 12 J Mohammed c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Hafeez 1 JO Holder c Babar Azam b Hasan Ali 68 A Nurse lbw b Hasan Ali 44 D Bishoo lbw b Shadab Khan 16 A Joseph c Azam b Hasan Ali 15 S Gabriel not out 0 Extras: (lb 1, w 2) 3 Total: (all out; 44.5 overs) 208 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-27, 3-46, 4-51, 5-56, 6-75, 7-133, 8-156, 9-208, 10-208 Bowling: M Amir 7-1-36-1, J Khan 6-0-41-1, H Ali 8.5-1-38-5, M Hafeez 6-0-23-2, I Wasim 7-029-0, S Khan 10-1-40-1

FIFA President to turn sod for FIFA Forward Programme - arrives on Tuesday for one-day visit

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Part of the action between Chase Academy and Morgan’s Learning Center (Delano Williams photo)

Chase Academic foundation copped its third Milo Schools Football title after a 3-2 penalty win over Morgan learning Center.

Chris Macey’s 15th minute ripper placed the Gregory Richardson-coached

Morgan in the lead; however,the lead was short-lived as the defending champs equalized through Shamal Smith in the 27th minute.

The game carried on with Chase having more possession and shots but

they failed to convert, even after five minutes of extra time.

In the penalty shootout, it was Chase Academy who held their nerves to clench a third consecutive title.

PRESIDENT of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, is set to arrive in Guyana tomorrow (Tuesday, April 11) for a one-day visit from 08:30hrs to 13:00hrs, according to a release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Infantino will arrive with a delegation of six persons including Véron Mosengo-Omba, FIFA Director of Member

Associations and Development for Africa and the Caribbean; Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA Advisor to the President and Jasmin Frei, FIFA’s Office Manager, Executive Office of the President.

While in Guyana,he will participate in a ceremonial turning of the sod at the FIFA Forward Programme, Providence along with the Hon. Nicholette Henry, Minister within The Ministry of

Education and GFF President Wayne Forde.

The GFF related that Infantino will also pay a courtesy call on CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; visit an Academy Training Centre (ATC) as well as have lunch with the Executive Committee of the GFF. FIFA’s President will conclude his visit with a press conference at noon at the Pegasus Hotel.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 10, 2017

Jason Holder made a valiant half century © AFP

Shai Hope continued an impressive day behind the stumps when Shoaib Malik edged behind for 9 ©AFP

Jason Mohammed, West Indies’ hero of the first ODI, fell for 1 this time, to Hafeez ... courtesy of an excellent catch from Sarfraz Ahmed ©AFP

Pakistan celebrates a fall of West Indies wicket (Adrian Narine photo)

Mohammed Hafeez stumped off the bowling of Ashley Nurse (not in picture)

Azam’s unbeaten 125 level series See story on page 26

Babar Azam kisses the turf after reaching his fifth ODI hundred (Adrian Narine photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017