Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10 08 2016

More checks No. 104639

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 10, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

… Guyanese travelling to US via TT for additional security screening Page 3

Missing girl found dead …body dumped from speeding hearse Page 9

DEAD: Malika Hamilton In deep anguish relatives of 14-year-old Malika Hamilton are baffled over the cause of her death (Samuel Maughn photo)

Procurement Commission 2 nearer Page

Man knifed to death at ‘wedding house’Page 23

Miner 5 Bandits nabbed crushed by after robbing 22 excavator taxi driver Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Procurement Commission nearer …House approves nominees

By Alva Solomon ESTABLISHMENT of the long-awaited Public Procurement Commission is now closer to reality, since Members of Parliament on both sides of the National Assembly approved a motion which listed possible candidates who will sit on the constitutional body.

The members, to be appointed by President David Granger following their nomination by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly, are: Emily Dodson, Carol Corbin, Ivor English, Sukrishnalall Pasha, and former Labour Minister Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul.

English is the former head of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD); Pasha served as chairman of the Small Business Council; Corbin was Programme Manager at Caricom Secretariat; and Dodson is an experienced attorney–atlaw.

Chairman of the PAC, Irfaan Ali, in presenting the committee’s report regarding the members named for the commission on Monday night in the National Assembly, credited past and present members of the PAC, and by extension members of both sides of the National Assembly, for the accomplishment.

He said that sometimes persons fail to recognise and acknowledge their own work and accomplishment, and he noted that much of what is reported in the public domain is as a result of weaknesses at the highest level in acknowledging where leadership is provided.

Speaking on the subject, he said that in the area of public procurement, Guyana may still have many challenges, but the country is one of the first Caricom member states to undertake comprehensive procurement reform by amending its constitution back in 2003.

“And these reforms were based on the United Nations

Commission on International Trade Law”, he said as he noted that Guyana’s trade law was developed and formed part of the constitution with the UNCITL as its basis. He added that Guyana is one of a few Caribbean countries with a procurement system which is well coordinated and guided, with modern legislation dedicated to public procurement.

“Unlike other Caricom member states, public procurement in Guyana is specifically addressed in the constitution”, Ali said. “Today is not a day to point fingers,” he said, noting that the nation has to continuously build on the current financial landscape.

Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, gave historical insight into the creation of the framework which led to the members being nominated to sit on the commission.

She said that in the 9th Parliament, the PAC, which she had chaired, appointed the late PNC MP Winston Murray and former PPP MP Komal Chand to commence discussion on identifying nominees to sit on the commission; and at that time Dodson’s name emerged.

The PPC was also placed on the notices of the PAC as an item for discussion at each of the 92 meetings of the committee, but she noted that the matter was left as unfinished business at culmination of the parliamentary term.

She said that in the 10th Parliament, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge assumed the chairmanship of the PAC, and the committee wrote to political parties to provide names for possible nominees for the commission.

Members of the public were also invited to submit names via public advertisements, and the PAC established a sub-committee with the view to establishing criteria for the appointment of members to serve on the commission.

According to Lawrence, following last year’s change in

government, Ali was elected chairman of the PAC; and, last November, the members of the PAC agreed to re-advertise for submission of nominees for the commission, and to seek advice from technical advisors regarding the understanding of the mechanisms of the commission, in conjunction with the constitution.

This was undertaken due to the large number of new members who currently sit on the PAC. Lawrence said a sub-committee was established comprising Ali and herself, and by June 30th, twenty-nine submissions were sought, and this was further cut to the five members nominated.

“The APNU+AFC is proud, even though a few months late, to fulfill a few of its manifesto promises,” she said.

She added that the country wishes to see transparency, accountability and a level playing field in the tendering process.

“All of us -- government and opposition -- have brought an end to a journey which started some 13 years ago”, she added.

Lawrence recalled the memory of the late Murray, whom she noted fought valiantly for the fruition of the commission.

The Public Procurement Commission was recommended by the Constitution Reform Commission in the year 2000 as a constitutional body. Its objective centres on the reduction and prevention of corruption in procurement. The Constitution provides that the purpose of the Commission is to monitor procurement and the procedure to ensure that the procurement of goods, services and the execution of works are conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent, and cost effective manner. Its functions are widespread.

The PPP, while in government, had dithered in setting up the commission; and, during the Donald Ramotar administration, had sought to make a case for Cabinet to retain a role in the award of contracts.

IOM ENGAGING CARIB DIASPORA IN DEVELOPMENT

THE Government of Guyana, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), is inviting entrepreneurs from the Guyanese diaspora to be part of its “Go See Visits 2016” initiative.

This initiative will provide entrepreneurs of Guyanese origin residing abroad opportunity to visit Guyana, in November 2016, to explore prospects for establishing small- and medium-sized businesses in their home country. The visits will also help to establish networks and build mutual confidence, thus opening opportunities for new and innovative entrepreneurial initiatives, including those geared to increase employment in low-income communities in Guyana.

Candidates will be selected based on: *Business experience and achievement; * The potential contribution to increase employment and income generation within low income communities; and

* The ability to offset additional visit costs not covered

by IOM.

Candidates are required to submit the following documents by September 30th, 2016: * A motivation letter detaining their experiences, key business achievements and key interest areas for the visit; * Must include their ability to off-set costs associated with the trip; * Copy of their business registration.

Business ideas must be creative and aim to impact economic and social development through increasing employment for nationals in Guyana.

Each interested candidate must be a diaspora entrepreneur who is a citizen or legal resident residing outside of Guyana.

Additionally, candidates must have an innovative idea on how to expand a business or introduce new goals or services to local communities.

Candidates are also expected to have the drive, conviction, and overall professional acumen to establish a potential business that can increase employment opportunities in Guyana.

A requirement which will be taken into consideration will

be the candidate’s having start-up capital or the proven ability to interact with potential investors and business advisors to start a business.

At the end of the visit, candidates will be invited to participate in focused group discussions and one-on-one interviews, to share on the overall usefulness of the visit and to establish individual plans for follow-up support for the setting up of businesses.

The IOM will provide round-trip air tickets to the maximum of US$1,100 to selected candidates; a one-time stipend of US$370 will be provided to support related costs, technical assistance for travel, introductory meetings, and workshops with stakeholders in the country.

The selected candidates will be required to cover any other related costs not supported by IOM. The length of visits will vary, depending on the nature of engagement with investors or business partners.

Go See Visits 2016 are supported through the IOM project “Effective and Sustainable Diaspora Engagement for Development in the Caribbean”, and are funded by the IOM Development Fund.

Persons interested in participating in “Go See Visits 2016 should register at hhtp://caribdiaspora.org/ The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2016.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

More security checks … Guyanese travelling to US via TT for additional screening

Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have suspended a oneyear-old agreement which had allowed for passengers travelling to the United States via Port of Spain to continue their journey without undergoing screening.

The suspension has taken immediate effect following a directive by the United States Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration (TSA) In a statement the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority advised that the United States Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued an Emergency Amendment to the aviation security measures applied at the Last Point of Departure (LPD) for flights to the United States. This Emergency Amendment takes immediate effect, the TTCA said. “The US TSA Emergency Amendment directs aircraft operators to screen all transfer and transit passengers and their accessible property at the Piarco International Airport as the LPD when travelling to the United States, prior to boarding the aircraft. Consequently, passengers originating from Guyana and other destinations transferring at the Piarco International Airport to the United States must undergo security screening together with their accessible property, “the agency added in the release.

According to the TTCA the Emergency Amendment issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration supersedes the Memorandum of Understanding established between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago for the Mutual Recognition of Aviation Security Measures, which allowed passengers originating from Guyana and transferring at Piarco International Airport, Trinidad, to continue their journey without undergoing screening.

The MOU between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago was established in 2015 to promote a “One-Stop” Security Arrangement to improve the processing of passengers transferring at Piarco International Airport and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Caribbean Airlines flights, according to the statement. “To ensure aircraft operators comply with the United States TSA Emergency Amendment to screen all transfer passengers and their accessible at the Piarco International Airport as the Last Point of Departure into the

Passengers from Guyana who are in-transit to the United States will have to be screened by security officers at Piarco, with immediate effect United States, the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority in collaboration with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the MOU between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. The suspension is effective immediately.”

The expressed regrets of any inconvenience the new regulation would cause passengers travelling from Guyana and transferring at the Piarco International Airport which may have been caused by the suspension of the MOU as a result of the TSA Emergency Amendment. “The TTCAA

Massive upgrade for Iwokrama airstrip THE Iwokrama-Fairview village airstrip in Region Eight is set for significant upgrade, with an eye on Guyana’s hosting of the 28th Inter-Sessional Meeting of Caricom Heads in February next year.

Regional leaders are expected to spend time at the biodiversity centre, according to Public infrastructure Minister David Patterson, and Government has sought an additional $110M to undertake works at the airstrip, located within the Indigenous community of Fairview, which itself lies within the boundaries of the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve.

A sum of $241.5M was already green-lighted in this year’s budget for the project. The works, which will see the airstrip being upgraded to Category A 1 status, include extension of the runway to 4200 feet ($83.8M); works to a ring-road at the airstrip ($19.3M), and construction

of a fence for security purposes ($6.8M).

Questioned by the Opposition in the National Assembly on the sums being sought for works to the airstrip, Patterson said Iwokrama is a well-studied and documented area, which in the past received funding from the Commonwealth Secretariat, but is now being funded by Government. He said that increased tourism is being considered as a pivotal factor in enhancement works, adding that with tourism comes the need for larger aircraft to operate in the area.

He said the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) was consulted on the project, and noted that several other airstrips across the country will be improved. He said the tendering process is ongoing, following which works would be undertaken on the ground.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported in June that Senior Hinterland Engineer

of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Naeem, has informed that the Iwokrama-Fairview airstrip, which was built in 2007, was at the time covered with vegetation.

Patterson also explained that the scope of works to be carried out on the airstrip would involve massive brush clearing, to facilitate better takeoff and landing of aircraft. A rock-bar would also be removed from the environs of the runway, and the airstrip will have lateritic material for its elevation and polymer stabilized material to improve the strength and durability of the existing lateritic material and reduce air pollution.

There will also be a waiting area for passengers, GINA reported.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, told GINA at the time that the rehabilitated airstrip will be good for tourism.

“Once we have tour-

ists coming into the country, they can now visit Iwokarama, which would be a tourist attraction,” she said.

continues to collaborate with the United States Department of Homeland Security TSA and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority with a view to improving the security processing of passengers originating from Guyana and transferring at the Piarco International Airport to the United States.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

US Presidential elections ...

Trump ignites firestorm with remarks on gun rights, Clinton REPUBLICAN presidential nominee Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that gun rights activists could act to stop his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton from nominating liberal U.S. Supreme Court justices, igniting yet another firestorm of criticism just as he sought to steer clear of controversy.

“If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do folks,” Trump said at a rally. “Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don’t know,” he continued. The U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment guarantees a right to bear firearms. Until Trump made the remark, he had been trying to rally Republican vot-

ers behind him and against Clinton, who is leading in national opinion polls in the race for the Nov. 8 election.

Some in the audience who were seated behind Trump could be seen wincing when he made the comment.

Clinton’s campaign called the remark “dangerous.”

“A person seeking to be the president of the United States should not suggest violence in any way,” it said.

When asked to clarify what Trump meant, his campaign said Trump was referring to getting supporters of the Second Amendment to rally votes for Trump in the election.

“It’s called the power of unification – 2nd Amendment

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people have amazing spirit and are tremendously unified, which gives them great political power,” the Trump campaign statement said.

Introducing Trump at a later rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani accused the news media of taking the remark out of context to help Clinton, a former U.S. secretary of state, get elected. “What he meant by that (remark) was you have the power to vote against her,” he said to cheers. “You have the power to speak against her. You know why? Because you’re Americans.”

“It proves that most of the press is in the tank for Hillary Clinton,” he added. “They are doing everything they can to destroy Donald Trump.” The U.S. Secret Service, which provides security details for both Trump and Clinton and rarely comments on political matters, said when asked for

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a response to Trump: “The Secret Service is aware of the comment.”

By day’s end, Trump was drawing criticism on several fronts, another chapter in a campaign marked by bitterness and partisanship. Michael Hayden, a former CIA director who on Monday was among 50 Republican national security experts to denounce Trump in a letter, said on CNN, “You’re not just responsible for what you say. You are responsible for what people hear.”

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a liberal firebrand who loves tweaking Trump, tweeted that Trump “makes death threats because he’s a pathetic coward who can’t handle the fact that he’s losing to a girl.” Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway fought back in a tweet of her own, calling Warren a “disgrace.” (Reuters)

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Vietnam makes strategic move ––in South China Sea dispute

VIETNAM has discreetly fortified several of its islands in the disputed South China Sea with new mobile rocket launchers capable of striking China’s runways and military installations across the vital trade route, according to Western officials.

Diplomats and military officers told Reuters that intelligence shows Hanoi has shipped the launchers from the Vietnamese mainland into position on five bases in the Spratly islands in recent months, a move likely to raise tensions with Beijing. The launchers have been hidden from aerial surveillance and they have yet to be armed, but could be made operational with rocket artillery rounds within two or three days, according to the three sources.

Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry said the information was “inaccurate”, without elaborating. Deputy Defence Minister, Senior Lieutenant-General Nguyen Chi Vinh, told Reuters in Singapore in June that Hanoi had no such launchers or weapons ready in the Spratlys but reserved the right to take any such measures.

“It is within our legitimate right to self-defense to move any of our weapons to any area at any time within our sovereign territory,” he said. The move is designed to counter China’s build-up on its seven reclaimed islands in the Spratlys archipelago. Vietnam’s military strategists fear the building runways, radars and other military installations on those holdings have left Vietnam’s southern and island defenses increasingly vulnerable.

Military analysts say it is the most significant defensive move Vietnam has made on its holdings in the South China Sea in decades. Hanoi wanted to have the launchers in place as it expected tensions to rise in the wake of the landmark international court ruling against China in an arbitration case brought by the Philippines, foreign envoys said.

The ruling last month, stridently rejected by Beijing, found no legal basis to China’s sweeping historic claims to much of the South China Sea. Vietnam, China and Taiwan claim all of the Spratlys while the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim some of the area. “China’s military maintains close surveillance of the situation in the sea and air space around the Spratly islands,” China’s defense ministry said in a faxed statement to Reuters. “We hope the relevant country can join with China in jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea region.”

The United States is also monitoring developments closely. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

Suriname’s Fly All Ways launches service to Guyana

By Michel Outridge

SURINAME-based airline Fly All Ways has launched its inaugural flight from Guyana to Barbados. This was done without any hiccups on Tuesday, and officials have boasted that safety and comfort give the carrier the edge over its competitors.

The airline will provide three non-stop flights per week from Guyana to Suriname to Barbados; and in September Fly All Ways will start its service from Barbados to St. Maarten, for the holiday season only. At the

industry can only mean good for the Caribbean region and the people of the Caribbean, moreso for those countries that are directly affected by the entrance of new services.

“For us in Guyana, air transport is critical for our international connectivity, as more than 81 percent of tourists come to Guyana by air. Also, not forgetting the role air transport plays in sub-sectors such as agriculture, forestry, mining and social services. In the future, we anticipate an even greater role as Guyana’s oil and gas sector develops”, Ferguson added.

a bad taste in the mouths of many Guyanese; such as Redjet, Ezeejet, Universal Airlines and others.

She said, “I trust that Fly Always will be a fresh start for regional airlines, (one) that will make a difference and serve the people of the Guyana and Caribbean well. In recent times, as well publicised in the media, many passengers were stranded at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport because of a glitch in the check-in facility, maybe as a result of faulty Internet connection.”

Ferguson encouraged Fly All Ways to be

Minister Annette Ferguson and GCCA officials as they met with Fly All Ways officials and Surinamese representatives at CJIA on Tuesday end of September, the airline will fly twice weekly to Boa Vista from Guyana, and from next week will also fly to Haiti once weekly.

The aircraft, a Fokker F70, is outfitted with 80 seats. From Suriname, it made its maiden voyage to Guyana; after which it flew to Barbados with a media team, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson; CJIA officials, and a team from Fly All Ways based in Suriname.

Before the flight took off to Barbados, an opening ceremony was held at the VIP Lounge at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), where several persons spoke. Ferguson told the gathering that aviation is a key sector in the facilitation of global, regional and national development.

She said that to underscore its importance globally, aviation moves 3.3 billion passengers annually, contributes roughly 3.5 per cent of global GDP, and employs some 58 million people worldwide.

STUDY ON AIR TRANSPORT Ferguson added that, recently, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) initiated a study to assess the economic impact of air transport on the Guyana economy.

This study, she said, “will give us an indication of how much air transport contributes to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

The minister said the Government of Guyana welcomes the services of Fly All Ways to operate flights on the Paramaribo-Georgetown-Barbados routes; and in the near future, on the Paramaribo-Georgetown- Boa Vista routes.

She said, “We also believe that the introduction of new airlines into the aviation

She pointed out that she is pleased that investors from Caricom countries can invest in regional airlines which will boost the economies of the regions, support the tourism sector, and provide more travel options for Caribbean travelers and also neighbouring South American countries.

The minister noted that Fly All Ways is coming into the market at a time when there is a decline in inter-Caribbean travel by air, as noted in one of the IDB’s studies; and also at a time when Guyana and Suriname are the two countries in South America that are least integrated by air with the rest of the continent.

Ferguson said the start of this service has bridged both gaps -– enhancing inter-Caribbean travel and also connecting Guyana and Suriname with Brazil via Boa Vista. She said, “Healthy competition is necessary for the development of the regional air transport sector, and so the introduction of flights to Barbados by Fly Always will complement the existing operators providing flights already to Barbados, such as LIAT and Caribbean Airlines Ltd.” Additionally, Ferguson said, air carriers will develop the air connectivity and network of Guyana, and provide multiple travel options for the passengers. She disclosed that, with more travel options as a result of competition, it would mean more reasonable air fares for the passengers.

BRING HIGH STANDARD The minister challenged Fly All Ways to bring a high standard of passenger service, one that is efficient and effective. In the past, there were many start-up airlines that did not make it for various reasons, and left

Miner crushed by excavator

THE operator of an exactor died on Tuesday when the machine toppled with him during a mining operation at Omai, the Ministry of Natural Resources has confirmed.

In a statement, the ministry said there was at least one fatality on August 9, 2016 as a result of a mining accident in the Omai area.

“While all the facts are still yet to be determined, reports are that an excavator was trying to lower an engine into a mining pit when it toppled and the operator became submerged, resulting in the fatality. There are no details at this time regarding the identity of the person who is reported to have died.

committed to the travelling public, and keep the passengers always informed whenever there is a delay or cancellation. She said, “I know, based on the business case submitted

by Fly All Ways, that they have plans to commence services to Boa Vista, Brazil in the near future. I encourage Fly All Ways to also consider other destinations within South America and the Caribbean.”

Ferguson said: “When our Government took office, the aviation sector was confront-

ed with numerous challenges, notably the poor level of compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation Standards and Recommended Practices. However, understanding the importance of the aviation sector, I have met with the ICAO regional officials and also attended meetings to find solutions.”

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, told the ceremony at CJIA that Fly All Ways flights to Guyana is a timely investment, and deployment of its aviation assets will boost network connections between South America and the Caribbean.

He said this new route will create a wealth of opportunities to increase intra-regional travel, trade and connectivity; and further facilitate the development of multi-destination packages and tourism.

Haralsingh added that the new route will result in time and cost savings for travelers, especially on long-haul flight connections, and will help to boost demand for ‘Destination Guyana.’

The GTA Director pointed out that the tourism industry is heavily dependent on air transport. Airlift and connectivity will definitely improve Guyana’s accessibility, which is critical in boosting arrivals on a sustained basis. He said airlift capacity and airlift load factors are important tourism metrics to driving successful tourism results; and to this end, GTA is looking forward to close collaboration with Fly All Ways.

Also making brief remarks was Chairman of GCAA, Larry London; newly appointed Director General of GCAA, Egbert Fields; Fly All Ways CEO of Marketing, Amichand Jhauw; Director of Civil Aviation Safety, Surinamese Brian De Souza; and Joyce Blokland, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Communication and Tourism.

They were all pleased to be a part of the inaugural flight on Tuesday.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial Mixed signals hurting efforts at cohesive governance THERE are incidents of national character where mixed signals are being sent; and in so doing, it is hurting the government’s campaign commitment to bring about a different form of governance.

The conflict between the national governing APNU+AFC and the opposition PPP/C councillors in no small way hurts the residents of Region Five and reduces the opportunity for citizens to benefit and bring about a cohesive governance system which they have been calling for.

It is encouraging that President Granger responded to public concerns, intervened, and called for the stalemate to end even as he charged the councillors to work together in the interest of the region and country. It is not lost on the society that this problem was going on for months, and many have wondered why it took so long before it was settled. But this, thankfully, is now behind us, though it should be used as a teachable moment going forward. The new councillors of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, while at their inauguration gave the commitment to work for, and on behalf of, the citizenry, have been divided in their positions regarding an agreement with a private contractor to install parking meters in the city, allegedly with exorbitant charges and without any form of consultation with stakeholders. The outcry from the citizenry and those who do business with the city was not treated with deserving concern by those in support of the decision. One councillor was even emboldened to say he has no apology to offer -- ignoring that the public was not asking for an apology, but was calling on the Council to listen to them and correct what they construed as a wrong.

In the midst of the discord between citizens and Council, the latter was adamant that it would proceed with installing the meters and the price point, irrespective of public opinion. The decision to proceed was also taken even as Central Government made public that it had asked the Attorney General to look into the contract. It wasn’t until members of Central Government subsequently advised that the contract was in conflict with the law that the Council was prepared to stop and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

Walk the talk, GuySuCo Dear Editor, THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was taken aback by the comments made by the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) in a letter that appeared in the August 6, 2016 edition of Stabroek News under the authorship of the Corporation’s Senior Communication’s Officer Ms Audreyanna Thomas.

The first observation that we wish to highlight is that the closure of the LBI sugar factory in May 2011 was a standalone act by the sugar corporation. Communication to that effect

by GuySuCo to the GAWU and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) was given in 2011 during the engagement of the parties, when they met to address the deployment of the LBI factory workers to the Enmore factory.

That was five years ago. If, in 2011, it was the Corporation’s decision to close the entire LBI operations, then why is it being carried out five (5) years later? Why, during this time, was the Field Workshop enlarged to undertake a greater volume of work? It should be noted that several GuySuCo top personnel who were involved in the 2011 partial closure of LBI are still at the helm up to today, but, for some reason, they could not implement a decision made since 2011.

Well! Well! Is this another instance of the competence that GuySuCo management is known for? In this regard, we direct Ms. Thomas to a letter appearing in the April 27, 2016 edition of Kaieteur News, written by former GuySuCo Human Resource Director Jairam Petam, in which he said, inter alia, that in 2011:- “it was never the intention of the Company to close any operation beyond that of the LBI factory”. This is an unambiguous statement

from someone who should know.

We hope that this brings greater clarity to the issue.

GAWU believes that if, five (5) years later, GuySuCo has decided to close the operations at LBI, it should be forthright about it, in spite of the hardship this decision would bring to the workers. Couching the issue to say it was a done deal back in 2011 only serves to rub salt in a fresh wound.

Our Union also strongly disputes that GuySuCo, at the meeting on April 12, 2016, informed us and NACCIE that all LBI workers would be transferred to Enmore Estate. In fact, GuySuCo’s representative, in response to a question from our Union about the status of the LBI field workers, said pointedly that the LBI field operations would continue and the workers would remain at LBI. He was clear and unambiguous.

Indeed, the Unions and GuySuCo, at the April, 2016 meeting, began to consider the fate of the workers engaged at the administrative offices, field workshop, field laboratory, mill dock, stores, and cane transport of LBI with respect to their deployment to Enmore Estate and the entitlements to some who may be retrenched. In that process, each worker concerned was interviewed in the presence of the Unions, (GAWU and NAACIE) in keeping with the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA).

That exercise resulted in 42 workers (not 40) being made redundant, and 178 being transferred to work at Enmore Estate.

Interestingly, GuySuCo boasts of its adherence to the law in this case, but at the same time is openly flouting the very law regarding the workers at Wales Estate. Now, three months after its assurance, GuySuCo is demanding that the field workers

listen; and it can only be hoped that now it would proceed with due diligence.

In Region 10, there is the ongoing discord between the mayor and the councillors and the mayor and town clerk.

This discord has its origins in Council members being unclear about the roles and responsibilities Councillors bear as against those the Town Clerk bears. Where the former has responsibility for formulating the policies and developing the programmes for the town; the latter, who is chief executive officer of the town, has -- along with her team -- responsibility to develop and implement activities emerging from the programmes, within the confines of national laws and the town’s by-laws. What is emerging from the Region 10 discord is a perception that the mayor is of the view that he is the town clerk’s boss; though the town clerk, consistent with the structure, reports to the Council at statutory and special meetings. With the absence of Local Government elections for 20 years, this hiatus facilitated elected mayors -- and deputy mayors in some cases -- to take advantage of, and integrate themselves into, Councils; arriving at their offices giving the impression that their activities were full-time.

Even in the city of Georgetown, there is no legal position for a mayor with executive responsibilities.

As such, many who contested for positions on councils in the March elections did so on a misunderstanding that the

be transferred to Enmore. Shouldn’t the Corporation also, in this case, follow the same process in keeping with TESPA; ie: interviewing each field worker, as it did regarding the other LBI workers?

The Corporation seems to be whimsically adopting different approaches as it so deems. It also seems that the Corporation’s spokesperson was misled, since at no time did our Union agree that the LBI cane cutters would be transferred to Enmore Estate, though our Union approved the merger of the two (2) LBI cane-cutting gangs, namely 7A and 7B. It would appear perplexing that our Union would reach such an agreement with the Corporation on August 03, 2016, considering that, just a few hours prior to that meeting, the Union and the field workers staged a picketing exercise outside of the Corporation’s Ogle Headquarters, expressing their opposition to the arbitrary transfer.

We urge Ms. Thomas to check with the GuySuCo representatives with a view to clarifying the obviously incorrect communication to the public and to ensure its retraction.

The Corporation is also saying that the current ‘process’ would “bring to an end all operations under LBI”. The fact is that LBI, at this time, has some 2,700 hectares of land under cane cultivation, and therefore the field operations will obviously continue.

Thus the jobs of LBI workers cannot become redundant.

In should be noted, however, that should the LBI field workers become a part of the Enmore workforce, they would be required to work under less favourable conditions.

Regards, GUYANA AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL WORKERS’ UNION

office brings with it attractive financial and other trappings, such as motor cars, drivers, and round-the-clock security.

Now recognising that they are not the beneficiaries of what have been perceived as entitlements or part of their conditions of service, some have utilised the public sphere, directly and indirectly, to lobby for same.

Then there is the present issue of the University of Guyana student loans, which highlights another area of absence of agreement among leadership within the Government.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had alluded to restricting travel out of the country for those owing on their loans, but this was overtaken by the President’s pronouncements that restriction of travel is illegal, and this government will not restrict movement.

It is understandable that, in coalition governments, consensual positions would require working hard behind the scene; and this must not be sacrificed, lest it lends the appearance of fragmentation and disunity. Society will take its cue from this government’s actions on whether the country can ever achieve cohesion.

Understandably, the APNU+AFC coalition, be it in national, regional or local government, has to be mindful of the signals it sends, in order not to thwart the people’s aspiration and support for a different approach to governance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

Finding common ground Dear Editor IT has been quite some time now that I have deliberately sought to stay out of the venomous political limelight of Guyana for the mere fact that it seems to create more enemies than friends.

However, I feel a deep sense of patriotic responsibility to squarely denounce any acts -- deliberate or otherwise -- or vestiges of racism against any sector of our multi-ethnic society.

The recent utterances by certain elements on the opposition benches -- whom will know themselves well -- during a recent visit to the U.S. must be squarely denounced, because it is absolutely imperative that as right-thinking human

beings, and as sons and daughters of this soil, we should seek to find consensus and common ground.

It matters not what is one’s race, colour, creed, class, or sexual orientation; what truly matters is the precious value of life, and the sacred thread that binds us all together as human beings. It is therefore incumbent upon all Guyanese, irrespective of their kith or kin, to see the deep value of President Granger’s call for peace, togetherness, mutual love and respect, as well as tolerance as we seek to develop Guyana for all, and truly achieve the sacred promise of a better tomorrow for all.

A house divided against itself will fall.

It is important that all Guyanese truly understand and appreciate that Guyana is poised for bigger and better things, but we need to have all hands on deck and we need to stop this incessant infighting, because our enemies on both sides of the border will seek to exploit it.

If we are to truly realise our full socio-economic potential, then we must create an atmosphere in which any respectable global investor would find confidence in wanting to invest in Guyana. If we do not seek the much-desired change by adopting the historic examples of Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr and Mandela, then we

are only going to dig a deep pit for ourselves, and have no one else to blame.

Look no further than Bosnia, Rwanda, Burundi and Afghanistan as living examples of what we can degenerate to. No one is going to want to invest billions in any country where there is no socio-economic and political stability or, better yet, social cohesion; so it is time to let go of this mental bondage of ‘apan jhaat politics’ and strive for a higher ground, in full support of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’.

Yours sincerely, MIKE SINGH

In support of Minister Broomes Dear Editor, I WOULD like to comment on the letter in Saturday’s Kaieteur News titled “Is Minister Broomes being vindictive?”

This is the third letter that this writer has penned criticising Minister Broomes.

It went beyond general Government or policy critique, and was a personal attack on the Minister, accusing her of vindictiveness.

I question why a respected media house would publish such an accusation.

The writer, a Mr. Sherwyn Downer, was a PPP IMC PR Officer for Bartica. After the 2015 election, he claimed to be a Mine Workers’ Union representative. He was subsequently arrested and charged for fraud, the allegations being that he

unlawfully collected a mine worker’s salary without consent, which he then used for his own purpose.

He was recently released on bail from the Camp Street prison, and is still before the court on that matter. He has now resurfaced, claiming to be a mining advocate.

The writer has now revealed his true motive behind his constant criticism of the minister. It is her involvement in a raid at the Platinum Night Club in Bartica, a known location for soliciting prostitutes, especially foreign prostitutes.

It is no coincidence that “Junior”, operator of that enterprise, has a relationship with the writer.

As to the accusations laid against the minister, these were well-publicised

events; therefore, the Guyanese public can judge the minister’s actions for themselves. In the first incident, approximately 18 girls and Junior were passed through the courts. Most of them pleaded guilty to various charges, for which they paid fines.

While Junior was charged as the mastermind of those illegal activities at the Platinum Bar, the public does not know what became of that matter.

Regarding the accusations he laid against the minister about the Puruni incident, most Guyanese can recall seeing a man on the television news stating that he “borrowed the girls from Junior.” That statement alone would be enough to convict someone in most societies, because, in 2016, it is illegal

to “borrow” a human being, as we are aware that slavery ended in 1838. Again, the police and the laws have proven inadequate to prosecute those offences.

However the point is not lost that these two jailbirds have been allowed to besmirch the character of the minister. And while we are waiting on this government to modernise the laws, and police tactics in Guyana to bring them up to international standards, we would like to see greater law enforcement action and some successful convictions against criminals who abuse women and workers for their own selfish gain.

Regards, BARTICA RESIDENT

WANTED: National plan for the Decade for People of African Descent Dear Editor I WAS more than pleased to hear President David Granger’s call for a forum to ensure that there is consultation to achieve the objectives of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

Prior to that call, the questions: why there was no national launch of the Decade, and why Guyana was not observing it, were constantly put to me. These questions, for which I had no answers, prompted me to do some fact-finding. In 2014, the United Nations declared the period January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2024 the “International Decade for People of African Descent” under the theme: ‘People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.”

Specifically, the Decade focuses

on three main areas, two of which are: strengthening national, regional and international action and cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights by people of African descent; and, promoting greater knowledge of, and respect for, the diverse heritage, culture and contribution to the development of societies by people of African descent.

A Working Group of more than 60 countries was set up with a mandate to craft a programme of activities for the Decade. Guyana’s hemispheric neighbours – Brazil, Venezuela, and Jamaica, to name a few – were represented in the Inter-governmental Group, but Guyana did not send a representative to that Group, which was formed in 2013 to fructify the proclamation of the UN General

Assembly.

For reasons undisclosed to the public, nothing from Government level was said or done about the Decade from January 2015 to July 2016, a period of twenty months. President Granger’s reminder on Sunday that the clock is ticking on the Decade is about the best Guyana has done so far.

If we assess what past UN Decades have achieved, Guyana would be somewhat ashamed for not embracing the Decade in question. The ‘Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples’ (1994 -2004) succeeded in moving indigenous rights and land issues from topics low on national agendas to priority items on the agenda of world fora.

The Decade for Human Rights Education (1995-2005) resulted in the pushing

of the frontiers on human rights. In the ‘Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries, particularly in Africa’ (2001-2010), the number of cases of the vector-borne disease was reduced appreciably.

It is time for Guyana to plan for, and have, a national launch of this Decade for People of African Descent. The relevant Government departments, the private sector, NGOs, civil society, educational institutions, and religious organisations should come together to brainstorm and prepare a national plan for the observance of the Decade for People of African Descent.

Regards, LENNOX CORNETTE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

The politicising of a public health crisis

By Akola Thompson SUICIDE in Guyana is an all-too-familiar term, and remains one of the leading causes of death. So common is it that, in 2012 and 2014, we were reported as having the highest suicide rate in the world; a record I believe we still hold.

As the deaths continue, there have been many lectures, roadside talks, advertisements, testimonials, and movements against suicide; yet the numbers have not decreased significantly, because as much as those things help, they often are not enough to deal with the problem in its entirety.

This is where the government and other officials representing the interests of the people come in; as, often, they are the ones we look to to pass motions and laws which can affect us positively. We saw last Thursday an attempt to pass such a motion

by Opposition member Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who had opportunity to take her motion -- which from all indications is a good one -- and show the government the steps that need to be taken now and what needs to be taken in the future to lessen the scourge of suicide in our country.

However, for reasons largely remaining speculative, Persaud chose instead to trivialise suicide by laying claims that “suicide cases in Guyana are linked to the loss

and lack of jobs under the new government, the decline of rice and sugar production, and even the proposed introduction of parking meters in Georgetown.”

Persaud’s exploitation of a tragedy that festered and reached a worldwide record under her party’s rule served to remind me that officials who are there to represent our interests are not above politicising issues to further their respective agendas.

While I would like to see Persaud’s motion passed, I cannot help but wonder at the authenticity of it all.

Her comments have me wondering whether she really cared about the motion; and if so, why did she resort to cheap, unsubstantiated rhetoric when the best thing she could have done was not only establish solutions, but seek to work with those in government if the people’s interests were indeed paramount?

Wa s h e r m o t i v e merely instigation? And if so, why do we have someone like that representing our interests on something as important as suicide? The unfortunate thing is that there are many who view their leaders as demigods, and as a result take every word they say as law, without questioning their claims or asking for proof to substantiate faulty and largely divisive rhetoric, such as Persaud’s.

Persaud aside, the ruling coalition is not

without blame in all of this. Without giving any clear reason for the knee-jerk disregard for Persaud’s motion, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan just stated that the motion could not be accepted in that form; even adding that “the Opposition never saw it fit to do many of the things it proposed in its motion”, and suggesting that the Opposition was merely trying to steal the coalition’s “thunder”.

Why the coalition government and its supporters still resort to that one phrase which states that the PPP/C did nothing -- as if that is a plausible excuse for inactivity -- is something which no fair mind can explain. What the government’s response showed us is the infantile nature of our country’s leaders on both sides of the divide, and how they are not above throwing the idea of bi-partisanship out to instead attack each other.

The motion is not a ridiculous one; and the government must be careful it does not shoot down every one o f t h e O p p o s i t i o n ’s contributions merely because they are comi n g f ro m t h e O p p osition. The public is owed an explanation as to why the motion was not passed, and the suitable plans the government itself has in place to further add re s s s u i c i d e i n t h e country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Body of missing teen surfaces at Hope Canal

9

- then thrown unceremoniously from speeding hearse

By Shauna Jemmott PANDEMONIUM broke out yesterday when the remains of 14-year-old Malaika Hamilton, reported missing since Monday, was fished out of the Hope Canal.

Things got decidedly worse when the cadaver was thrown out of the hearse as it sped away, heading for the morgue.

That aside, speculations vary as to how Hamilton, of Two Friends Village, East Coast Demerara, met her demise -- as some believe she may have been murdered, while others feel she may have drowned, or taken her own life.

But according to ‘C’ Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman, since the body bore no marks of violence, the police are left with no alternative but to await the post-mortem to determine cause of death.

A cousin of hers, Angelena Clomwell, told the press yesterday that Malika “had not been herself” on Monday after an heated argument with her dad, Marlon Hamilton, called ‘Brando’, on the telephone.

Clomwell said that after speaking to her father, Malika picked up a knife, saying she was “fed up with Brando”.

Fearing she might attempt to commit suicide, Clomwell said she somehow managed to wrest the weapon from Malika and calm her down.

When she later left home to go for a swim with some friends, it would be the last time Clomwell would see the Hope Secondary School student alive.

She was discovered missing after she failed to return home that evening, and was found floating in the Hope Canal by one Shellon Sampson, a resident of Doch Four,

young lady, who grew up under difficult circumstances,” Waterman said, adding: “She was ambitious; she was also a whizz with a computer, loved to express herself, and

Malika Hamilton with one of her recent pageant awards hours into a search that was she returned in the afternoon, mounted to find her. she learnt that Malika was not Sampson told the me- at home. She was told by andia yesterday that she other grand-daughter that the did not know Malika was teen had gone to have her hair missing until a male cous- braided at another cousin’s in of hers called out to home in neighbouring Ann’s her, asking if “Cousin Grove.

Dorrel” had found her Cambridge said that granddaughter. knowing that Malika is nevRecalling that the boy had er late getting home, she told her he’d seen something became worried when, at strange in the canal, Sampson 21:00 hours, there was no said that upon checking, she sign of her. discovered it was the body She said the matter was of the missing teen, who was immediately reported to the a hot contender in a recent police, and a search was beauty pageant. mounted to find her.

Malika’s grandmother, She described Malika Dorrell Cambridge, said her as being very active in the daughter, Atesha, the child’s church, as she was a memmother, went to her security ber of the Ebenezer Conguard job as usual on Mon- gregational Church’s Youth day, leaving the teen and her Ministry. two younger siblings at home The church’s youth leadwith the rest of the extended er, Ms. Shunnet Waterman, family. concurred, saying they are Cambridge, a fruit ven- all saddened by Malika’s dor, said she left home at passing. about 09:00 hours on Mon“Malika was a beautiful, day to pick plums, but when gifted and very intelligent

Relatives of the dead teenager being comforted after her body was taken away by a hearse from the Hope Canal bridge yesterday (Samuel Maughn photo)

had the dream of one day becoming a news reporter….

“We used to say that it was the perfect job for her, because she used to talk a lot. But she was a wonderful

young lady; a diamond in the making.”

She leaves to mourn her four siblings, her mother and father, and other close relatives.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Canje River killing…

Autopsy proves lad died of haemorrhagic shock - but cartridge wadding not found

THE wad, one of the components of the shotgun cartridge which was expected to be found imbedded in the remains of teenager Andel Daniels if he were indeed shot at close range, was not found by Government Pathologist Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan when he performed an autopsy on Daniels’s body at the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary.

This newspaper was reliably informed that the cartridge casing should have been recovered, but for reasons not stated, it was not.

Further forensic tests are expected to be performed on the body, but the pathologist has recorded death as due to shock and haemorrhage due to a gunshot injury.

On Friday, August 5, sleuths from the Central Police Station were dispatched to Catherineburg, Canje River, to ascertain how the nineteen-year-old lad, formerly of High Dam, Caracas, Mount Sinai, [locally referred to as Angoy’s Avenue, a squatting area on the eastern fringe of New Amsterdam) had sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen, just above his navel.

His maternal relatives had hours earlier told this reporter that the dreadlocked teen had left home in March to go work with friends on a cultivation plot at Catherineburg, a fivemile journey from the riverine community of Ikura.

The house in which he was staying was reportedly ‘being plumbed’, and the stairs and landing were not properly attached. Further, he reportedly had an urgent call of nature, and because a tiger had recently been sighted, he grabbed the

gun, which was owned by someone else, and ventured out into the dark. It was in this haste that the landing reportedly collapsed and the gunshot was discharged, hitting him in his abdomen.

Following the loud explosion, a seventeen-year-old lad who was in close proximity responded and placed the injured youth in a canoe, which transported him to Ikura, then to Baracara, where he was detained for approximately two hours before the journey to New Amsterdam began. However, he died before reaching the Berbice

ing additional information from the teenager who had paddled the injured man from Catherineburg to Ikura.

The teen has been ordered to report at the Central Police Station daily.

Meanwhile, news of Andel’s fate has devastated his relatives. His mother, Gould Marcell Amsterdam, called ‘Massa’, was 37 years old and seven months pregnant with a female child when she went missing in October 2013 and has since not been seen. She had been a mother of three and a member of the Neighbourhood Police when

Andel Daniels at 11 years old township.

It was stated that Daniels had expressed regret over the incident to those he had come in contact with, and had assured the accompanying teenager that he would not be in trouble as the incident was his [Andel’s] doing.

However, police are seek-

she left home to visit Errol Lindo, the father of one of her children. Lindo has since died in an altercation over land at Caracas.

Andel Daniels, the eldest of Gould’s three children, leaves to mourn his siblings and other relatives.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Granger pressed on lifting ban on scrap metal exports

By Rabindra Rooplall ARMED with placards members of the Guyana Metal Recyclers’ Association Inc. (GMRA) assembled Tuesday morning at Ministry of the Presidency, Vlissengen Road to voice their concerns about the ban on scrap metal exports – they did not anticipate that the very person they were protesting against would later greet them.

President David Granger on his way into office took the time out to speak with the protestors. Some of the placards read: “We have been suffering in silence for too long, President Granger please help us,” “President Granger please intervene and re-open the scrap metal trade,” “We the scrap metal dealers are now deemed unreliable by our suppliers,” “Good Life for the big boys none at all for scrap metal dealers.”

GMRA Secretary Michael Benjamin who was

legislation also needs to be fast tracked. “The banks are foreclosing on some of the exporters with their equipment and most of all the buyers overseas that we took advance from are promising to take legal action against us because we can’t deliver.

We took their money and we cannot export presently,” Benjamin explained.

President Granger noted that the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin who is responsible for the sector is presently overseas and he doesn’t want to take action since the Minister is dealing with the matter.

“We don’t want to cause any hardship on your lives, once you’re a legitimate exporter I will work with Mr. Gaskin to see if he can speed the matter up. It’s not that there is any opposition it’s a matter of regulation, so we will try to speed the matter up,” the President explained to the scrap metal dealers.

In an interview with this

Benjamin asserted. Friday last, members of the GMRA picketed the Ministry of Business and had appealed to President Granger to intervene in lifting a suspension on their trade, which has been in place for now just over year.

Last week Gaskin wrote the Scrap Metal Recyclers’ Association informing dealers that the new proposal to govern the trade would be taken before Cabinet within the next two weeks.

The minister, in his missive, said the Ministry is working towards November as the target date for completion of comprehensive reforms and resumption of the scrap metal trade. Minister Gaskin said the audit report into the trade, which was completed in December, advised that reforms be introduced into the system. Those reforms include legislative amendments, new regulations, and smarter monitoring of the trade.

“I do understand the

A section of the scrap metal dealers protesting the ban representing the group told the President of their plight.

In explaining to the President some of their frustrations, Benjamin gave an example of several loaded containers that were packed at US$80 per ton and because of the ban the price over the prolonged period reached US$8 which resulted in millions of dollars being lost for exporters.

When asked by President Granger what would be a short term solution, Benjamin said “the short term is for the trade to be reopened based on your immediate intervention.” He said the

publication Benjamin noted that as the suspension of scrap metal exports continues, dozens of dealers and an estimated 1,500 workers are affected directly and indirectly.

“The suspension was effective from June 15, last year and when we did our inquiring, we found out that it was to facilitate the forensic audit which was done. It was completed sometime in December and since then we have been in talks with the Ministry of Business to resuscitate and resume the sector since almost 1,500 workers are out of jobs,”

hardships that metal dealers are facing, and my earlier commitment to resolve the matter still stands. However, we cannot resume under the same terms and conditions which previously prevailed and expect to achieve a different result,” Gaskin stated in the letter. But even as the minister has committed to ensuring that all reforms are speedily done, Secretary of the Guyana Scrap Metal Recyclers’ Association, Michael Benjamin, believes that there is a lack of respect for the trade and its dealers.

President Granger in discussion with GMRA Secretary Michael Benjamin while other dealers listen attentively

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Bill to curb illegal trade of wildlife passed

By Alva Solomon GUYANA has fulfilled its requirements as a party to the Convention on International Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and protection of the nation’s flora and fauna is guaranteed with the passage of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill.

The bill, which was read for a second time and passed with eight amendments within the early hours of Tuesday morning in the National Assembly, was moved by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Trotman in opening remarks to the National Assembly, said that the bill has its genesis in the CITES convention and was taken to Parliament twice.

“This is its third attempt at being passed, its third incarnation, there have been some

changes made to it and I wish to recognise that this is not a new bill “, he said.

He said Guyana is a party to CITES and the membership process revolves around certain responsibilities, including having appropriate laws and regulations to safeguard that flora and fauna to the curb illegal trade of wildlife and to provide for the safe and regulated breeding, movement and trading of wildlife, without and within of state parties.

Further, he pointed out that though being a state party, Guyana has not been fully compliant even though every effort is being made to do so. “We have been using regulations published under the EPA (Environmental; Protection Agency) Act and these have since been deemed inadequate, hence the presence of this bill”, he said. He said the country cannot go

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Raphael Trotman forward without the adequate legal framework and laws being in place without facing sanctions for non-implementation.

Trotman noted that the legislation attempts to remedy a jeopardy, which he noted is the CITES conferences

PPP MP, Anil Nandlall which are held triennially, the next which will be held next month in South Africa.

He said it would not be until the year 2019 when another CITES conference will be held and Guyana risks being sanctioned for non-compliance if the deadline in September is missed.

He said during the 10th Parliament, moves were made to pass legislation rel-

evant to wildlife in the form of two bills; unfortunately neither bill was enacted into law. “Time is of the essence and we must seize the opportunity that presents itself”, he noted. He said that the time is ripe for Guyana to move from a category two listed nation to category one, regarding wildlife.

Trotman told a visibly tired House of MPs that at the last CITES conference held in Bangkok , Thailand in 2013, Guyana was cautioned “very strongly“ regarding its status and that the country risked being shortlisted for possible sanctions if the legislation was not in place by this year. He said several weeks ago, CITES dispatched a note to Guyana, noting that the bill meets that body’s requirements and the country was commended in that regard.

O p p o s i t i o n P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party (PPP) MP, Anil Nandlall raised several concerns about the bill, including the auditing process under which monies relevant to the mandate of the wildlife entities would be expend-

ed. He said the bill consists of the “technical” requirements of the CITES convention, as well as an obligation of the subject minister to pilot regulations which he noted would be necessary for the effective discharge of the bill. He later registered his support and that of the opposition, of the bill.

The bill, which is lengthy, is divided into 85 parts. Its key objectives are to create a supportive mechanism cognizant of the national goals of wildlife protection, conservation management and sustainable use and to create a national framework and mechanisms governing the local and international trade in all species of Guyana’s wildlife. It will lead to the implementation of the primary provisions of the CITES convention and also to provide a framework of licencing and decisions which support core principles of transparency, certainty, natural justice and fairness. The bill also makes provisions for captive breeding and wildlife-ranching.

‘My time is up’

- Team Benschop city councillor resigns TEAM Benschop City Councillor, Salima BacchusHinds has resigned from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) with effect from September 1, in order to facilitate the rotating of the council seat.

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green announced at Monday’s statutory meeting that she received Bacchus-Hinds resignation.

“My time at the council has been invaluable experience and I am grateful to have had opportunity to serve the residents of Georgetown,” Chase-Green quoted the councillor as Salima Bacchus-Hinds saying.

The Mayor thanked Bacchus-Hinds for her contribution and asked Town Clerk Royston King to inform the Guyana Elections Commission of the vacancy that will exist from September 1, under Team Benschop.

Following the statutory meeting, Bacchus-Hinds told the Guyana Chronicle that the reason for her resignation was to facilitate her team’s decision to rotate the seat.

“So my time is up,” she commented, while she declined to state who is being considered for her place.

Meanwhile,leader of Team Benschop, Mark Benschop told this newspaper in an invited comment yesterday that a few individuals are being reviewed. “However, again I've declined to go as I prefer the younger ones get the experience in fighting for the people via the council,” he said.

Benschop, too, will occupy the seat as councillor before the end of the three-year council.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

GAWU continues protest over Wales factory closure

WORKERS attached to the Wales Estate and officials from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) staged a protest outside the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday, objecting to the closure of Wales sugar factory, which will take effect in December.

The union has said in a statement it believes that this decision to have the factory closed is a step in the wrong direction, and it would certainly result in great hardship to thousands of people as it negatively impacts the economy.

Several of the Wales workers have already opted to collect severance packages from GuySuCo, but payment of these has been

delayed because of legal action taken by the union.

The union is of the belief that the decision to close the factory was taken without an assessment being made of the consequences to employment: the availability of jobs, possibilities of finding new jobs in the communities, or the worsening social conditions the closure would create for workers.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had earlier this year disclosed that GuySuCo is currently involved in a number of feasibility studies that would enable Government to decide on the best mix of activities to ensure the economic viability of the Wales Estate in particular, and GuySuCo in general.

Those studies are being conducted in the areas of cattle rearing for dairy purposes, orchard crop cultivation, aquaculture, etc., and are expected to be completed by the mid-August of this year.

One of the companies carrying out the feasibility studies is United Statesbased AquaSol Inc – an aquaculture consulting company that provides expert opinions, technology transfer, and aquaculture project management services to new and existing aquaculture projects worldwide.

GAWU has contended that the factory closure would also affect scores of cane farmers who will be unable to afford the additional cost to transport their

canes the long distance to Uitvlugt.

GuySuCo has advised that the affected workers would largely be absorbed

by Uitvlugt Estate, but GAWU is of the view that this is simply not possible, given the estate’s present force and efforts to increase mechanization at that location.

Minister Holder has, however, pointed out that 60% of farmers’ canes are closer to Uitvlugt than Wales. He added that measures are also being put in place to facilitate the trans-

portation of canes via an all-weather road linking the two estates.

Farmers are also advised of the option of accepting lands which are closer to the Uitvlugt Estate. “The truth of the matter is this: Government cares about GuySuCo. We want to see GuySuCo survive, and in order to do so, some very hard decisions have to be made,” Minister Holder stated, while pointing to the fact that both the Wales and Uitvlugt factories are currently operating at 50% capacity.

The union, meanwhile,

is calling on Government to act wisely, sensibly, and with dispatch; reverse its decision, for the consequences are too dire.

“GAWU urges support for the workers in their just struggle to safeguard their jobs and families’ livelihoods. At this time, the Union also wishes to inform the public that friends of the workers have taken an initiative to express solidarity through a petition on the internet and urge the supportive public to sign same”, the statement said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

New arms, hands for Guyanese woman …. dismembered by boyfriend

Natasha Houston Some New Yorkers have given an extraordinary donation to a young woman who endured a horror.

The woman was mutilated by an abusive boyfriend, and her children were killed. As CBS2’s Carolyn Gusoff reported exclusively to the woman, Natasha Houston.

The simple act of pushing open a car door is a struggle for Houston, in what amounts to a painful reminder of an unthinkable act by a man she once loved – a man who was easily enraged.

“He would start hitting me — that’s ‘his business. ’I was to ask no questions,” Houston said. “He was just slapping me, choking me, cuffing me into my head.”

Houston, 23, wears the scars of the horror she survived in her native Guyana – a horror that left her two children dead. “He padlocked the door with me inside with my kids,” she said. In July 2013, Richard Lord – armed with a sword he used to cut sugar cane – hacked off Houston’s right arm.

“I knew this hand was already lost because of how it was, so I started to fight with him with this hand — the left hand,” Houston said. Lord then slashed Houston’s left hand, leaving her defensive as he slaughtered their son Saif Lord and daughter Kimberly Houston — and left Natasha Houston for dead.

“It broke my heart — to hear that would happen to someone,” said prosthetics maker Dan Bastian. Bastian, an amputee himself, learned of the tragedy from a group of Guyanese New Yorkers, who had been pooling resources for a year to get Houston help in the form of new arms and hands. “At least it’s a start; it gets her back out in the community,” Bastian said. “She can actually use the functional arms.”

In the U.S., prosthetics are readily available, covered by insurance and highly advanced. But in Houston’s native Guyana, prosthetics are antiquated and Houston was told they could not help her. But on Long Island, Houston was given a left hand. “It has acrylic nails. It’s custom painted to match her skin exactly with the veins; the palms,” Bastian said.

Houston also has a body-powered right arm.

“She can open and close the hand; lock and unlock the elbow so that she can hold things,” Bastian said.

Houston was immensely grateful.

“I have a life back, and I’m thankful for everything,” she said. And with her life, she wants to help other women unable to break free of abuse. “I want them to know that don’t stay in any form of abusive relationship, because it’s going to end worse,” she said. “They say they’re going to change, going to change, it’s going to stop.” Houston returns this week Guyana as a proud and brave survivor. Lord was never caught. But he was found dead weeks after the attack – he had committed suicide. (CBSNewYork)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Electric cars for Guyana …Cayman company to deliver one to Guyana embassy in Cuba

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Guyana Embassy in Cuba will receive from Cayman Automotive Leasing and Sales Limited a Nissan Leaf SUV as part of that company’s initiative aimed at supporting Guyana’s Green Energy Programme.

In a statement the ministry said that during a recent visit to Cuba, John Felder, Chief Executive Officer of Cayman Automotive, held discussions with Mr. Halim Majeed, Guyana’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, who emphasised that green energy constitutes one of the main elements of His Excellency President David Granger’s strategy to revitalise and strengthen Guyana’s economy by making it less dependent on fossil fuel, the cost of which has been a

tremendous financial burden to the national economy. The Ambassador further pointed out that “Guyana intends to develop a Green Development Plan, which would comprise elements of clean energy supply, the protection of our bio-diversity, and development of eco-tourism, among other things.”

According to the ministry, Felder explained that his company has been looking carefully at the approaches both Guyana and Cuba have been taking with regard to green energy development and is currently concretising plans to export Electricity-driven vehicles to Guyana and Cuba. He is expected to travel to Guyana to begin discussions with the Government of Guyana and the Private sector.

‘Bush Doctor’ threw her herbs away A 38-YEAR-OLD herbalist was Monday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Leron Daley after pleading not guilty to a narcotic charge at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Andréa Camilla Vigilance of Lot 51 Evan Street, Charlestown was before the court on the charge which alleges that on August 6, at her home she had 120 grams of cannabis in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Vigilance’s lawyer, Mr. Mortimer Codette, in his application for reasonable bail, explained that his client worked as an herbalist and is commonly known as a ‘Bush doctor’ in Guyana.

The lawyer further contended that his client on the day in question was given the bag with the drug unknowing to her by another woman.

Codette further disclosed that Police ranks suddenly appeared at the woman’s resident and she threw the bag out of the window.

However, according to Police Prosecutor Kevin London Vigilance was seen throwing the bag out of the window. The ranks then retrieved the bag with the cannabis inside.

Magistrate Daley ruled in the prosecution’s favor and remanded the ‘bush doctor’ until September 5.

The Electricity-powered Nissan Motor Vehicle is expected to be delivered to the Guyana Embassy in Cuba on September 23, 2016. According to its portfolio Cayman

Automotive Leasing, Marketing, & Sales, Ltd said it is a fully licensed Automotive Broker Company and has the ability to sell any new or certified pre-owned vehicle

manufactured in the U.S. now featuring a wide variety of all electric vehicles as well.

The company said it introduced the Caribbean's first electric vehicles in

2009 and have since rapidly added other vehicles from companies such as Wheego, Tazzari, AMP, Think City, Mitsubishi and GEM by Polaris.

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Nine of 12 religious leaders awarded by the police pose with their certificates of acknowledgement

Commander Stephen Mansell addressing youths at the start of the life skills training programme

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Police ‘D’ Division organise skills training for youths

UNDER the guidance of Commander Stephen Mansell, ‘D’ Division police recently declared open a life skills training programme for youths at the Leonora Skills and Vocational Training Centre.

The 55 school dropouts who are attending the programme were drawn from the communities of Bonasika, Demerara River, Santa Mission, and West Coast Demerara.

The four-week programme will offer training in motor mechanics, carpentry, joinery, data operations, office administration, and electrical installation.

This is yet another police-organised community relations programme aimed at empowering unemployed youths and early school leavers.

Members of 12 churches along the West Coast Demerara corridor were recently awarded certificates of acknowledgement by Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell in recognition of their outstanding contributions to community relations and for building public trust in partnership with the ‘D’ Division police.

At that event, Mansell said: “With God all things are possible” in achieving goals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

The July/Aug ––Happy, crazy days ‘N’ fun galore

By Neil Primus THE weather is chaotic: Searing heat, unpredictable rainfall, super breezes and some perfect weather days.

It’s a favourite time of the year for all children: The July/August holidays. It’s a chance for them to put down the books and have some crazy fun. They deserve the two whole months of school ‘let-out’.

There is a loud buzz of gleeful sounds; the children are playing.

Although we in Guyana are not as fortunate as the developed countries that are able to provide a range of facilities for their children, we still manage to have awesome fun.

St. Petersburg, Florida for example, has 19 recreational facilities, nine swimming pools, 78 playgrounds, two nature preserves and more than 160 parks.

Despite all this, the children there would still be unable to have as much fun as those here at home.

HEARTWARMING Here are some snapshots of diverse but beautiful holiday stories that I guarantee would melt even the hardest of hearts: Ten-year-old Shamayne Yhap lives in Albouystown and attends the Ketley Primary School.

“At school, I am now entering Grade Five. My best subjects are Math, Language, Social Studies and Science.

So far, my pass percentage has been between 72%-78%.

“I received a trophy in Grade Three for Best Academic Performance. I would

like to become a teacher. I also love going to church.”

She says she is enjoying the holidays. “I attended Vacation Bible Studies (VBS), went to Madewini Creek for an outing Sunday last; played with my friends; and did occasional revision.

“Some of my friends, like Shellon, Stefan, Kevin, Tiara and Kellyann, visit me, and we play lots of games, like ‘School’; I am the teacher.

We also play ‘Hide-andseek’, ‘Ketcha’ and ‘Hopscotch’. Sometimes we just run around the yard like crazy.

“When I am not playing in the yard, I am busy doing ‘Make-up’ with my cousin’s make-up kit. I have fun using lipstick, mascara, eye liner, eye pencil and foundation.

“I love dressing up with my friends; I invite them over, and we dress up. Then we play ‘Models’. When we model, I would always be Miss Philippines.”

But it’s not always fun and games for little Shamayne, as she has to help take care of her ailing grandfather.

“My grandpa’s name is Godfrey Yhap; he’s blind and has a stroke. I help to feed him and give him medication every day. I also keep his company. He usually tells me all kinds of Nancy stories.”

GAMES GALORE “My name is Tifina Barker, and I live in Albouystown. I attend the St. Pius Primary School. For my July/August vacation, I played with my cousins,

Mya Kayla Baksh attends the West Ruimveldt Primary School. This bub-

went to the movies, and played all sorts of games.

“My uncle took me to Fun City, and I had a wonderful time there. I love my teacher; her name is ‘Teacher Sonia’.

“I love Mathematics, Science and English. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher and teach little children.

“During the holidays, I go to Saturday Club; I also go to church. I went to Kids Zone with my grandmother. I do drama and dance in school.”

MYA KAYLA BAKSH

SHELLON DAVIS

SHAMAYNE YHAP

with my brothers, sister and friends. I also love playing with babies, going to the market and going shopping. Whenever the kids in school get my teacher angry, I would go and buy her a chocolate to help cheer her up.”

Since the holidays began, she’s already attended two VBS (Vacation Bible School) programmes, and the Albouystown Cell Group. “I enjoy watching TV,” Shellon said. “Whenever we watch ‘Jamaican Mafia’, we go into the yard and reenact it.

Playing in the rain is also fun for me. I love Gospel, Gaza music and dancing.

“Sometimes I go to parties and enter dance challenges; I have even won prizes with my dancing.”

HIGH-ENERGY Shellon Davis is an energetic 11-year-old who also attends Ketley Primary. “I love to play ‘Hop-scotch’, ‘Kickies’ and ‘Football’

bly nine-year-old loves craft. She often finds herself busy cutting out paper shapes. Mya also loves watching cartoons, teenage movies and ‘Lifetime’ movies.

“I attend Faith Tabernacle Church. My mother tells me to keep reading, and I do. My cousin, Shemayne, teaches me Math and Phonics. My cousin, my friends and I play ‘Happy-Birthday’ games.

Each one of us gets a chance to be the birthday child. We use ‘Corn Curl’ bags as our party bags; into these we put little snacks and goodies. We sing, dance and have a lot of fun.

“When I grow up, I want to be a singer and write my own music.”

‘Ketcha’.

“My mother took me to Giftland, and I also went to Fun City. My aunt visits me and takes me for walks. She also buys me snacks.”

FUN THINGS Dequane Peters is a quiet 13-year-old. He attends the North Georgetown Secondary School. His favourite subject is Science; he wants to be a scientist.

Dequane has taken part in two Spelling Bee competitions, one while he was in Grade Six at St Pius Primary School, where he placed first, and the other at North G e o rg e t o w n S e c o n d a r y where he placed second.

TIFINA BARKER

Savana Barker is seven years old. For the July/ August holidays, she’s visited the National Library and read many books; books like ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Sponge Bob’. “When I am at home, I play with my cousins. We play ‘1,2,3 Red Light’, ‘Statue’ and

SAVANA BARKER

DEQUANE PETERS “I get lots of help from my mother, who is Senior Mistress at the Rama Krishna Primary School.

“I spent my holidays doing lots of fun things. I played cricket and football in the street with my friends, and went to church to learn the Word of God. “I also played video games, and helped to do work at home. My 13th birthday was on July 21; my mother took me to ‘H.J.Water-World’ as a surprise. She prepared delicious food and beverages; we had ‘Cook-up’ and ‘Baked Chicken with Macaroni’. It was a day of fun. My birthday was wonderful, and I really want to go back to ‘Water-World’.

“I am grateful to my mum, dad and all my family. And especially to God, for creating the day.”

GIVING BACK Ayodele Roach is an intelligent 17-year-old who has recently written ten subjects at the CSEC exam-

AYODELE ROACH ination. “My birthday was on July 12, and I celebrated it during the holidays. It was spent quietly at home with my mother and sister.

“I visited my grandma for the holidays, and played football and cricket on the road with my friends there.

“I have been praying for my results; when they are published, I will apply to enter Sixth Form at Bishops High so that I can study law.

I want to become a lawyer, and later maybe a politician.

When I have a successful law practice, I would like to help children from ghetto areas like Albouystown, Tiger Bay and Sophia. This would allow me to give back to society.

“Many people encouraged me with my studies, even though they didn’t know me.

During the holidays, I helped my smaller sister with her studies; this gave me a lot of joy to know that I helped someone.

“For the remainder of the holidays, I will go shopping with my mom to buy school clothes for me and my sister. I also want to go back to my grandmother so that I can enjoy some more cricket and football.

I don’t want to waste this opportunity, because, when I get back to school, I won’t have time to play.”

Little Tyrese Booker decided that he would not be left out, so he presented himself for an interview. He is only three years old, and attends Nursery School.

Tyrese loves to play cricket, ride his bicycle and play on his scooter. He declared

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

gust holidays TYRESE BOOKER that he loves attending church with his grandma.

When he’s not outside, he can be found colouring in his colouring book. He enjoys going driving with his daddy, Isaiah. Because of his personality, his teacher, friends and family call him ‘Travis Chase’.

ENERGETIC AND SMART Nine-year-old Antonio Singh is energetic and smart. He attends Mae’s Annex and wants to become a pilot, because he loves planes. Antonio lives with his extended family on

“At home, I play games with my brother, Aisaac; sister, Alyssa; and cousins Navindra and Sunil. I visited my Uncle Buddy, who lives nearby, and Aunty Desiree who lives next door. When the shop is closed, we watch movies. I like shark movies, shooting movies and Indian movies.”

Antonio sports a fourinch scar on his right hand, compliments of his brother, Aisaac. During the 30 minutes I spent doing the interview with Antonio, Aisaac interrupted us several times. He wrestled and harassed Antonio, and took time out to shave two large clumps of hair from his own head, leaving him with gouges he would find difficult to explain. He almost rendered me deaf, and anyone else in close proximity. After a hectic bout of running, screaming and overturning empty drink cases, he was forcibly ejected; Guyanese style.

‘HIDE-AND-SEEK’ “My name is Joshua Anthony Dass, and I am seven years old. I attend the J.E Burnham Primary School, and live in William Street Kitty. When I grow up, I would like to become a teacher. I like Math, Grammar and Science. During the holidays, I play with my cousins; we play ‘Sky-high’ and ‘Hideand-Seek’. I also play with my sister, Maryanna, and have fun on my skateboard.

“For the holidays, I

ANTONIO SINGH Dennis Street, Pattensen.

“I spent my August holidays playing games, watching TV and visiting friends.

I played football at Everest Cricket Club, cricket in the National Park, and table tennis by my friend, Eric.

“I visited my friend, and he visited me. When I went to visit him, we played video games on his ‘Tablet’ and on his dad’s cell- phone. I usually download games for us to play. We like wrestling, sports, guns and racing. Before school re-opens, I want to visit the USA, and go to see my Aunt Fazie who lives in Venezuela.

JOSHUA ANTHONY DASS visited family in Linden; I also went to the market and did shopping with my mom. Every weekend I visit my great-grandmother, ‘Sister Nesha’, and we go to church. Hopefully, I will get to go back to Linden before school reopens.”

Adrian Ramkissoon attends Sophia Primary School; he is ten years old. He lives in ‘B’ Field Sophia. He disclosed that he loves Mathematics and Language. During the July/August holidays, he played ‘Freeze- andmelt’ and ‘Hide-andseek’.

“I love to play video games and climb trees;

ADRIAN RAMKISSOON

I often go fishing with my father. I really enjoy fishing. For the remainder of my holidays, I want to go fishing, swimming and play cricket on the beach.”

Well, July has slipped by almost unnoticed, and August is quickly passing.

The proof of a well-spent holidays is the contagious laughter and beaming faces of the children. It is the

single greatest period for many of them, a period when they can enjoy lots of excitement and homegrown entertainment. Florida may have plenty of facilities, but it’s the fun factor that counts; you can’t beat GT with that.

Here, in the ‘Land of Many Waters’, the July/ August vacation is a time of fun galore.

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US-based Guyanese man charged for fake bomb threat on CAL …was trying to scare girlfriend from coming home

A Queens couple who are apparently crazy in love were reunited Tuesday outside Brooklyn Federal Court after he was released on US$20,000 bail for calling in a fake bomb threat against a Caribbean Airlines flight to prevent her from traveling to Guyana.

Danesh Gomanie admitted he was acting out of jealousy—and the influence of a few beers—when he was overcome with fear his girlfriend was going to hook up with her ex-husband. “It’s just jealousy,” said the girlfriend, who declined to give her name. “We’re back together. I forgive him.”

Danesh Gomanie and his girlfriend Gomanie, 33, is charged with calling 911 on July 27 and telling the operator there was a woman traveling to Guyana on flight No. 527 from Kennedy Airport on July 29, and she would be carrying a bomb or drugs, according to the criminal complaint. He gave the operator his girlfriend’s first name and Customs and Border Protection officers confirmed there was a woman with a ticket on the flight.

Meanwhile, the FBI traced the call to Gomanie’s cellphone and agents fanned out to separately interview the couple. She told the agents she had an argument with Gomanie about her trip to Guyana, and he admitted that he was “fearful that she might reunite with her ex-husband who lived there.”

"It's just jealousy," said the girlfriend, who declined to give her name. "We're back together. I forgive him." “It’s just jealousy,” said the girlfriend, who declined to give her name. “We’re back together.

I forgive him.”

After he was released, Gomanie said he was in bed with his girlfriend when the FBI came to arrest him early Tuesday morning. She laughed off the idea that she wanted to get back with her ex-husband, whom she has been separated from for 10 years. Gomanie’s father was confused, too. “I don’t know what they see in each other,” Devanand Gomanie said. “I told him to find someone younger and have children.” Defense lawyer Mildred Whalen said Gomanie agreed to live with his father at his father’s home in Jamaica, Queens, as a condition of his release. Gomanie works as a mechanic for a private company at Kennedy Airport. (NY Daily News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Young miner remanded for gun, ‘ammo’ A 19-YEAR-OLD miner was Monday remanded to prison on a charge of illegal gun and ammunition possession. He made an appearance before Magistrate Leroy Daley in a City Court.

O’Neil Melbourne of La Grange, West Demerara, Essequibo pleaded not guilty to the allegation which stated that on August 2, at Arau Mountain Top, Essequibo he had a 12 gauge shotgun in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

It was further alleged that on the same day at the said place he had three live rounds of 12 gauge shotgun ammunition in his possession without

being the holder of a licence.

Melbourne also denied

this charge while his lawyer requested for him to

O’Neil Melbourne

be released on reasonable bail.

According to the lawyer, on the day in question Melbourne along with another miner was walking through the jungle area from their camp to another.

The lawyer further disclosed that while walking along the jungle trail the

other person saw the police and handed Melbourne the shotgun.

“The police saw my client holding the gun and arrested him” the lawyer told the court.

Police Prosecutor, Kevin London related to the court that Melbourne under caution told the officer “Ah

get this gun from one of meh soulja.” The prosecutor stressed that the teen confessed to the police that the shotgun was his.

Magistrate Daley remanded the teen to prison and instructed him to return to court on September 5, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

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Bandits nabbed after robbing taxi driver TWO men were apprehended in ‘B’ Field Sophia Monday night after robbing a taxi driver of his valuables and car at 21:00hrs at Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The driver was identified as Suresh Vilvhire of Good Hope, ECD. Police said the victim alerted a passing police patrol, which gave chase and the vehicle and two of the suspects were apprehended. The suspects are being investigated for robbery under arms.

Investigations revealed that Suresh Vilvhire was hired by two suspects who instructed him to drive to a location where they were joined by two more suspects, one of whom placed a cutlass to his neck and relieved him of his valuables and the motor car and left him on the public road in the vicinity of Bachelor’s Adventure E.C.D. Investigations are in progress.

Meanwhile, Paul Primo of Farm Village, East Bank Essequibo on Monday was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a valid license at Arakaka, North West District. He appeared before His Worship Mr. Wilson at the Mathews Ridge Magistrate Court where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Miner stabbed to death at Jackass Landing POLICE are investigating the murder of Clint Peters, a miner, which occurred about 19:00h on Monday night at Jackass Landing, Puruni River, Mazaruni.

According to a police release, investigations revealed that the suspect accused Peters of talking his name and as a result an argument ensued, at which time Peters was stabbed multiple times about his body with a knife.

He was rushed to the Bartica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The assailant was captured by public spirited citizens and handed over to the police.

Venezuelan jailed for ‘ammo’ possession A 28-YEAR-OLD female Venezuelan national was on Tuesday sentenced to three years’ jail by City Magistrate Leron Daley for the possession of ammunition.

Pazsiso Pina admitted to having 10 rounds of .38 ammunition in her possession on August 1, at Arau Mountain Top, Essequibo when she was not the holder of a firearm licence.

Speaking through an interpreter, the mother of two begged the Magistrate for leniency, weeping bitterly as police prosecutor, Inspector Kevin London read the facts.

The court heard that police ranks acting on a ‘tip-off’ went to the house where Pina was staying and conduct-

Pazsiso Pina ed a search. The woman’s bedroom was raided by the officers, and the bullets were found inside one of her bags.

“I want this matter to finish so I can go home,” Pina said with the aid of an

interpreter.

The Magistrate, after hearing the woman’s plea, sentenced her to three years’ imprisonment, which is the minimum penalty attached to the offence.

Released on bail, remanded for robbery DWIGHT Norte was Monday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daley charged with robbery with violence.

Norte of Lot 545 ‘B’ Field Sophia pleaded not guilty to the charge which said, on August 10 at Route 31 Minibus Park he robbed Adrian Prestino of a gold band valued $75,000 and used personal violence on him.

Police Inspector Kevin London, prosecuting, explained that the defendant was recently released on bail for a similar offence and it’s alleged that Norte committed this offence while he was on bail.

But Norte’s lawyer said that the man should be granted his pretrial liberty since he is the father of five minor children and is also the breadwinner for his family.

The defendant was remanded to prison and will return to court on September 5.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Man knifed to death at wedding house

FORTY-SEVEN-YEAROLD Arnold Rattan of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara was stabbed to the chest during a wedding celebration at Long Pond Road, Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Monday night.

The father of two, who worked as a tractor operator at the Wales Estate, was reportedly escorting his attacker, who was misbehaving, out of his mother-inlaw’s yard, located adjacent to the wedding house, when he was stabbed to the chest with a knife. He died while receiving treatment at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was rushed.

His assailant was quickly apprehend by public-spirited citizens and turned over to the police. The murder weapon was also retrieved by the police.

Police say the murder occurred at about 23:55hrs on Monday, after a drunken man refused to be evicted from a yard in which he was not welcomed. And police have lauded the efforts of citizens who continue to support law

gone; I just asking for justice to be served,” he declared.

Shocked relatives described Arnold Rattan as having been an easygoing individual who did not get into trouble.

Residents in the area said the man who is in police custody is known as “Solomon”, who sells oranges in the city. “He normally has a knife to peel the oranges when he sells it to people at Bourda side in Georgetown,” one woman said.

Dead: Arnold Rattan enforcement.

According to Puran Rattan, father of five, the deceased is the second son he has lost in a four-year period. He explained that on September 7th, 2012, he lost his 32-year-old son Deonanand Rattan under mysterious circumstances while he worked at the Roger Khan Timber Company.

“I would like the police to deal with this case properly, and it would be good if they reopen the other case where my next son was killed. Two of my sons are

Wednesday August 10th, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Thursday August 11th, 2016 - 10:30 hrs Friday August 11th, 2016 - 12:00 hrs

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ARIES You have the proper words at your disposal today to describe those feelings that are typically not easy to talk about. Fortunately, you won’t be deterred from speaking your piece while persuasive Mercury teams up with relentless Pluto, empowering you to press your point until you convince others that your position is a wise one. Nevertheless, there’s still room for improvement which means it’s crucial to listen to the critical feedback you receive. The Buddha said, “Three things cannot be long hidden: The Sun, the Moon, and the Truth.”

TAURUS Someone’s response to your actions might feel like an attack on your judgment. However, it may be that your thin-skinned reaction turns constructive criticism into a personal affront. Thankfully, clear thinking and strategic planning smooth out ruffled feathers with stabilising aspects from Mercury to Pluto. Instead of escalating an unnecessary conflict by over-personalising everything you hear today, sink beneath the surface and connect with the deeper message.

GEMINI Mixed signals at work could prompt you to think you lost your way today, yet wallowing in self-doubt won’t accomplish anything. However, you are motivated to clear the air in order to improve the current communication dynamics. Thankfully, you can quickly develop a diplomatic strategy to resolve the tension while interactive Mercury trines evolutionary Pluto. Trust earned by hard work and accountability invites deeper discussions and important insights, which in turn can produce a sensible solution to an existing problem.

CANCER Your sensitivity to the plights of others is one of your greatest gifts, but it could be the source of deeply rooted angst today. You might be slightly overwhelmed because of the magnitude of trouble you see in the world or in the suffering of those around you.

But instead of withdrawing to nurse your pain, you have a chance to help people by participating in meaningful dialogue. Rather than creating an emotional gulf between you and your loved ones, a supportive Mercury-Pluto trine opens communication channels so you don’t feel so alone. Reaching out, places peace of mind within reach.

LEO You seem to be at odds with the world today, but in your heart of hearts you know you’re right. Unfortunately, everyone is so entrenched in their own positions that there’s no resolution to be found. Tempers might flare at first, but Mercury’s trine to Pluto allows you to bring the conversation back to the real issues. Discussing what motivated the argument in the first place is your key to resolving the differences, no matter how deep they run. Author Dorothy Thomas wrote, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.”

VIRGO There are many voices in your head fighting for your attention, and it is a challenge to choose which one to listen to now. You may struggle at first if you pretend to have a plan in place, yet admitting you don’t have an answer for every question reveals your vulnerable side. Mercury’s creative trine with surgical Pluto helps you cut through the clutter, dig down to the heart of the matter and communicate with conviction. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from achieving your goal, especially yourself. .

LIBRA Your values might clash with those of your friends while the Moon in your 2nd House of Core Beliefs dynamically squares the Sun in your 11th House of Community, bringing you to the edge of verbal combat. You know what you want, you express it and you’re willing to show that you mean it. Fortunately, Mercury creates an agreeable trine with evolutionary Pluto, allowing you to magically transform a potential conflict into an intimate moment if you’re willing to join someone in unknown emotional territory.

Author Gail Sheehy wrote, “The delights of self-discovery are always available.”

SCORPIO Your emotional reaction is swift and strong today yet you must fight for recognition every step of the way. It’s as if everything feels more complicated than it is. People aren’t confident in your ability to keep your love light shining now. Mercury’s favourable trine to penetrating Pluto is ideal for addressing a delicate issue requiring careful communication. Thankfully, your perceptions empower your words and supply you with the information needed to prove your point. Your intuition is an endless resource if you are wise enough to use it.

SAGITTARIUS You prefer to conceal your emotions today because you don’t want them to interfere with your professional activities. Your thinking is clear and deep now; your communication is concise and compelling. But working to bring your hidden feelings out into the open is only the first step to connecting with others. Ultimately, directing your attention to where it will do the greatest good is your smartest strategy. Your character’s strength is measured less by your words and more by your actions.

CAPRICORN You may feel underappreciated by someone close to you today. Nevertheless, you have a clear understanding of your desires, so concentrated efforts can produce dramatic results in a short amount of time. Cerebral Mercury’s creative trine with incisive Pluto deepens your insights and sharpens your words to help you encourage co-workers and friends. In the final analysis, your positivity motivates others and then cycles around to lift your spirits. The best way to multiply your happiness is to share it.

AQUARIUS You can’t help but bring your emotions to work with you now, even if you wish you could conveniently leave them at home. Fortunately, you can create some distance between you and your desires without denying your feelings. But you must be brave and push past your resistance to establish a deeper connection with your colleagues while Mercury forms a harmonious trine with secretive Pluto. A meaningful conversation with the right person is priceless, no matter where it takes place.

PISCES Everyone seems so practical today that it appears like you have nowhere to fit in and call home. Your emotions are so strong that you might feel a sense of alienation from those closest to you. Nevertheless, you possess plenty of perfect answers, if only you could figure out a way to get your message across. But be careful what you say when Mercury receives a passionate blast from potent Pluto, giving your words tremendous power. Your intensity can scare others away now if you put it on full blast. Ultimately, communication works best when it flows both ways.

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Silva wins first gold for host country Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Brazilians celebrated in the stands after Rafaela Silva won gold in women’s judo at the Rio Games on Monday, claiming the first Olympic gold medal for the host country and capping a journey to the podium that began in one of the city’s most notorious slums.

Silva raised her arms in triumph as she overcame top seed Sumiya Dorjsuren of Mongolia, following a pulsating semifinals victory that went into extra time against London silver medallist Corina Caprioriu of Romania.

Gold for Silva marks a fairytale ascent to the Olympic podium from a childhood in Rio’s Cidade de Deus favela, made fa-

mous in the film ‘City of God’.

Following early years of trouble that saw her getting into fights in the neighbourhood, Silva found structure to her life through judo and went on to attend the Instituto Reacao, founded by Olympic bronze medallist Flavio Canto.

“The fans have always encouraged me, especially the kids from

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my own community in the City of God,” Silva told reporters following her victory.

“If I can set an example for the kids in the City of God, if they can believe in their dreams and find their dreams through sport, then do it. I hope to be an example for them and I think I can be.”

Silva’s medal, in the U-57kg weight class, was also Brazil’s first in judo at Rio after strong contenders from their team were eliminated in the first two days of action.

Brazil are placing high hopes on their judo team to boost their medal haul in Rio after they took home four in the sport at the 2012 London Games.

“Of course we would have liked to have won more medals but out there on the mat, everybody who goes out there is a worthy contestant and we hope that my medal will be adored and will open the way for Brazil to win more medals,” Silva said.

The Carioca Arena 2 was rocking on Monday as her supporters went into frenzy each time she took the tatami, stomping their feet and chanting ‘Rafa’ as she tossed aside one competitor after another.

At the winners’ ceremony, she earned a huge roar of approval as she held up her medal for the crowd before bursting into

tears as the Brazilian national anthem was played.

“It’s amazing. We’re a country that’s had some problems. So it makes us so happy to see our flag up high,” said Gustavo Lima, a 42-year-old IT worker who was posing for a photo with his young son and cousin.

The women’s U-57kg was among the toughest judo categories at Rio, featuring all four medal winners from the London Games, and there were several notable upsets.

Japan’s Kaori Matsumoto, world champion and London gold medallist, was stunned in the semi-finals and went on to settle for bronze.

From back page

THORN IN SIDE Ashwin has been a thorn in West Indies’ side the entire series, making a century and claiming seven wickets in the first Test before picking up another six victims in the second match.

Rahul followed up his 158 from the second Test by reaching his half-century in 64 balls before falling to the very next delivery when he flicked Chase straight into the waiting hands of short fine leg.

“I wanted to attack the

bowlers and put them under pressure because the wicket was a little damp the first hour,” said Rahul.

“The ball was doing a bit with sideways movement ... and with this being an open ground, and with the breeze, there was swing throughout the day.

“I did my job pretty well, got the team off to a decent start and the boys carried on from there.

We’re pretty happy with our effort at the end of the day.”

India lead the fourTtest series 1-0.

Ashwin, Saha rescue ...

to bowl.

Teenage paceman Alzarri Joseph enjoyed a dream debut, in his third over claiming the prized wicket of India captain Virat Kohli, caught at first slip for three.

Joseph (2-38) also s n a r e d R o h it S h ar ma , caught behind for nine, while all-rounder Roston Chase continued his excellent series by picking up two wickets with his off spin.

Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel (1-68) was expensive although he at least took the first wicket of the day when Shikhar Dhawan (one) gloved a short ball down the leg side to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich.

Jason Holder and Miguel Cummins bowled with discipline in the fourpronged pace attack but went wicket-less.

The day belonged to Ashwin, who was dropped on 21 and received another reprieve on 35 when he was caught at point off a Gabriel back foot no-ball.

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings L. Rahul c K. Brathwaite b Chase 50 S. Dhawan c Dowrich b Gabriel 1 V. Kohli c Da. Bravo b Joseph 3 A. Rahane b Chase 35 Ro. Sharma c Dowrich b Joseph 9 R. Ashwin not out 75 W. Saha not out 46 Extras: (b-5, lb-2, nb-7, w-1) 15 Total: (for 5 wickets, 90 overs) 234 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-19, 3-77, 4-87, 5-126 Bowling: S. Gabriel 16-2-68-1 (nb-5), A. Joseph 14-3-38-2, M. Cummins 14-5-36-0 (w-1), J. Holder 15-6-27-0, R. Chase 23-8-38-2, K. Brathwaite 8-1-20-0.

Referees Umpire: Nigel Llong Umpire: Rod Tucker TV umpire: Gregory Brathwaite Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

Boult and Southee strike late to put Kiwis on course (REUTERS) - Seamers Tre n t B o u l t a n d Ti m Southee struck late to leave New Zealand needing seven Zimbabwe wickets on

but they must find a way to counter the prodigious swing of the New Zealand seamers.

Zimbabwe were 305 for six overnight in their

Trent Boult dismisses Tino Mawoyo shortly before stumps. the final day of the second Test after setting their hosts an unlikely victory target of 387 runs yesterday.

Zimbabwe closed day four at the Queens Sports Club in desperate trouble on 58 for three after New Zealand had smashed a quickfire 166 for two declared in 36 overs in their second innings.

Craig Ervine and nightwatchman Donald Tiripano will resume in the morning having yet to get off the mark after Zimbabwe lost their top three before the close.

Chamu Chibhabha (21) edged seamer Neil Wagner to Martin Guptill at third slip before Tino Mawoyo (35) was trapped lbw by Boult in the penultimate over.

It got worse for the hosts when two balls later Southee produced a superb in-swinger to have Sikandar Raza (0) leg-before as well.

Survival will be top of the agenda for Zimbabwe on an excellent batting wicket

first innings and lost their remaining four wickets for 57, including anchor

Ervine for 146, his maiden Test century, as he picked out Wagner at long-off off the bowling of spinner Ish Sodhi.

The latter was the pick of the visitors’ attack with 4-60 as New Zealand chose not to enforce the follow-on having been in the field for 143.4 overs.

They rather pushed for quick runs in their second innings but slipped to 26 for two before captain Kane Williamson (67 not out) and Ross Taylor (68 not out) shared an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 140.

The declaration came four overs after tea, leaving the tourists a minimum of 116 overs to bowl out their hosts.

New Zealand lead the two-match series 1-0 after an innings and 117-run victory in the first Test.

SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 582 for 4 decl. (T. Latham 136, R. Taylor 124 n.o., K. Williamson 113, M. Guptill 87, B. Watling 83 n.o.)

ZIMBABWE 1st innings (overnight 305-6) T. Mawoyo b Southee 26 C. Chibhabha c Williamson b Santner 60 S. Raza c Williamson b Wagner 3 C. Ervine c Wagner b Sodhi 146 P. Masvaure b Santner 2 S. Williams lbw b Sodhi 16 P. Moor c Guptill b Sodhi 71 G. Cremer lbw b Boult 8 D. Tiripano lbw b Wagner 3 J. Nyumbu c Santner b Sodhi 8 M. Chinouya not out 0 Extras: (b-12, lb-6, nb-1) 19 Total: (all out, 143.4 overs) 362 Fall of wickets: 1-65 T, 2-83, 3-107, 4-115, 5-147, 6-295, 7-319, 8-327, 9-352.

Bowling: T. Southee 28-14-73-1, T. Boult 27-13-45-1, M. Santner 35-8105-2, N. Wagner 31-8-61-2 (nb-1), I. Sodhi 21.4-9-60-4, M. Guptill 1-1-0-0.

NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings M. Guptill c Nyumbu b Chinouya 13 T. Latham c Moor b Tiripano 11 K. Williamson not out 68 R. Taylor not out 67 Extras: (lb-4, w-3) 7 Total: (for 2 wickets declared, 36 overs) 166 Fall of wickets: 1-24 T. Latham, 2-26 M. Guptill.

Bowling: M. Chinouya 9-2-45-1 (w-2), D. Tiripano 6-1-14-1 (w-1), C. Chibhabha 3-0–22-0, G. Cremer 11-0-59-0, J. Nyumbu 7-0-22-0 ZIMBABWE 2nd innings (Target: 387 runs) T. Mawoyo lbw b Boult 35 C. Chibhabha c Guptill b Wagner 21 S. Raza lbw b Southee 0 D. Tiripano not out 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-1) 2 Total: (for 3 wickets, 25.2 overs) 58 Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-58, 3-58.

Bowling: T. Southee 6.2-3-18-1, T. Boult 6-2-11-1, N. Wagner 8-3-21-1, M. Santner 5-2-6-0.

MCC makes ex-Australian captain honorary life member FORMER Australia captain Michael Clarke has been made an honorary life member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

The 35-year-old made 8 643 runs in 115 Tests at an average of 49.10, scoring 416 runs in five Test matches at the MCC’s Lord’s home.

He retired from all forms of the game in 2015 but has since made a comeback and played in the Hong Kong T20 Blitz.

Clarke joins Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting on the list of Australian honorary life members. (BBC Sport).

Michael Clarke is on the honours board at Lord’s after making 136 there against England in 2009.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

3rd Rock Entertainment basketball …

Kwakwani upset Jets 88-65 as Royals win twice to advance to semi-finals KWAKWANI announced their return to competitive basketball with an upset 88-65 win over fourth-ranked Amelia’s Ward Jets last Saturday night while Victory Valley Royals won twice over the weekend to secure a semi-final berth, as the 3rd Rock Entertainment open basketball championship began at the Mackenzie Sport Club hard court.

Jets on the following night won against Bankers Trust Falcons 71-57 but by virtue of that opening loss, now have their hopes hinged on an upset win by the Bankers Trust Falcons to make it to the next stage of the tournament as only one team will advance from their group of three which has Kwakwani, Falcons and Jets.

On the other hand, while the Royals are through having won their two matches, the Bulls need to win their game against Block 22 Flames in game two, Saturday night, to be among the semi-finalists. That would leave Flames winless after both clubs lost to Royals and would be coming out of that group of three.

The Retrieve Raiders are already through to the last four by virtue of a bye and will face the club who make it out of the group with Kwawkani, Jets and Falcons.

The semifinals are set for Sunday and the final next Saturday.

In results over the last weekend Kwakwani, led

by Dominique Douglas, 21 points, Leonard Primo 17 and Evans Johnson 16, overpowered Jets 88-65.

At the end of the first quarter the scores were even at 18 and at halftime the Jets were ahead 33-30. But the Kwakwani side held sway 51-50 when halftime came and with a 37-15 final-quarter burst they romped home 88-65 winners.

Orrin Rose had 19 points for the Jets with Akini Wilson adding nine. Also that night Royals scored a 57-30 win over Flames as Orlando Glasgow topscored with 16, Chris Williams 14 and Harold Adams 10, while for Flames Selwyn Henry was their best shoot with eight points.

Last Sunday night Royals got their second win with a 69-53 victory against Half Mile Bulls as Harold Adams led the way with 14 points, Alwyn Rodney and Trevor Profitt shot in 12 and Orlando Glasgow got nine and Chris Williams eight. For the Bulls, Dennis Niles netted 23 points, Jason Blair nine and Keifer Tappin eight.

Jets then made amends for their opening loss with a 71-57 win against Bankers Trust Falcons behind Orin Rose who had 16 points as Adrian Webster, Akini Wilson and Neil Simon each netted nine points.

Have faith, it’s getting cleaner, says Bolt

By Mitch Phillips RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Usain Bolt waltzed in to sprinkle a bucket of stardust over Rio on Monday, and while there were Samba smiles and dancing girls, the biggest name at the Olympics could not escape the ever-present spectre of doping.

Bolt is seeking to secure a ‘triple-triple’ in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4x100m relay and was his usual show-stopping self as top billing in an eye-catching Jamaican team news conference at Barra’s massive Cicada des Arts theatre.

But he also had to face up to questions about how and why fans could have any faith in athletics after the battering it has taken on the doping front in the last 18 months.

“I think we are going in the right direction. People should have faith,” said Bolt, who won 100m, 200m and 4x100m gold at the last two Olympics.

“We are weeding out the bad ones and I personally think we are on the right track. We have had to go through a rough time before the good times. But in a few years, the sport should be

clean and I look forward to that.”

Last year, Bolt edged out American Justin Gatlin to win the world championship 100 metres final in a race widely billed as “good v evil”, with the Jamaican ‘saving’ the sport from an athlete back in action after two doping bans.

Asked if fans could believe they were watching a clean race when the two, if all goes to plan, face off in the 100 metres final next Sunday, Bolt was a touch more diplomatic.

“In life nothing is guaranteed,” he said. “But I never worry about drugs. That’s for WADA, the IAAF and the IOC. I go out and compete and wow the crowd and entertain people.”

He did say, however, that he supported the governing body’s decision to ban Russian track and field athletes because of the country’s extensive state-sponsored doping.

MAKING A STATEMENT “I think they want to make a statement and that’s why they really need to show people that if you cheat this is what’s going to happen,” Bolt told Reuters.

“So, for me, if making a statement is going to help the sport, then I will support it because this is what I do.

This is my sport and I really enjoy competing, and it would be better for my sport if it is clean.”

USAIN BOLT The Jamaican superstar, who turns 30 later this month, confirmed that this would be his final Olympics but said the lure of the big championships remained strong and in the final weeks of build-up, he really felt focused on the tasks ahead.

He has certainly had some work to do as, having

All Blacks stunned by Japan in sevens opener

By Nick Mulvenney and Mark Bendeich RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - New Zealand suffered one of the biggest upsets in sevens rugby

history when they were beaten 14-12 by Japan on the opening morning of the inaugural men’s Olympic tournament yesterday.

supposed to be a gold medal contender. It’s still pretty unbelievable and I am just shocked to be honest.”

To make matters worse

Ticket sales boosted by Silva gold RAFAELA Silva’s gold medal has seemingly caught the interest of the Brazilian public with Rio 2016 ticket sales on the rise.

Ticket sales for the Rio Olympics have been boosted

by Rafaela Silva winning Brazil’s first gold medal on Monday and organisers are hopeful that more will be snapped up as the Games progress.

Concerns have been raised in the opening week of the Games over swathes of empty seats at Olympic venues.

Mario Andrada, executive communications director

for Rio 2016, says around 10 000 tickets per day were being sold two weeks before the Games, but that 100 000 were sold on Monday - the same day Silva earned Brazil’s first gold by beating Sumiya Dorjsuren of Mongolia in the final of the women’s judo Under-57kg category.

Following her win, Silva burst into tears in front of a raucous home crowd and her achievement has seemingly caught the interest of the wider public.

“We sold 100 000 new tickets yesterday (Monday).

We had 298 629 in all the Olympic arenas yesterday.

missed the 200 metres in the Jamaican qualifiers because of a hamstring strain, he found himself lagging behind where he wanted to be in his preparations.

He did manage to fit in a 200 metres at the London Diamond League three weeks ago but though he won in 19.89 seconds, it was hardly a smooth performance -- something his coach Glen Mills made sure he was aware of.

“I called him and he asked me what I thought and I said I thought it was okay, maybe not a great bend,” he said.

“My coach said ‘No, that was one of the worst races you’ve ever run. The bend was awful’ ... and he just went on until I was depressed.”

In light of those missed weeks of training and some rust around the edges, super-fast times are probably unlikely for Bolt in Rio but, as ever, he remained supremely optimistic.

“I really want to run under 19 seconds, that’s my focus. It will be a little bit hard because I missed out on a few weeks of training, but you never know,” said the man who set the world record of 19.19 in 2009.

We sold 82 per cent of the tickets available for yesterday,” Andrada told reporters.

“We expect 344 000 people in all the Olympic venues today (Tuesday).

“Two weeks before the Games, we were selling in an area of 10 000 tickets a day. We’re now selling more than 100 000 tickets every single day.

“There is nothing better for ticket sales than when the country wins its first gold.

“Brazilians, as have been widely said, are late buyers, but it’s impossible to resist when you have the Games at home.”

Japan celebrates after defeating New Zealand.

(Reuters/Phil Noble) In echoes of the victory of their 15-man team over South Africa at the Rugby World Cup last year, the Japanese thoroughly deserved their first-ever win over the All Blacks, the third seeds in Rio. “It’s unbelievable,” said Japan back Lomano Lemeki.

“You’ve got to think that a minnow team can come here and beat a team that’s

for New Zealand, Sonny Bill Williams, the highest profile player in the tournament, left the field with an ankle injury.

Williams, twice a World Cup winner in the 15-man game, suffered the injury to his left ankle while carrying the ball into a tackle two minutes into the second half and immediately indicated to the bench that he needed

help.

Japan are ranked 10th out of the 12 teams taking part in Rio and forward Lote Tuqiri said a large part of their game plan had been about stopping Williams’ trademark offload.

“When we saw Sonny Bill come off - that was a boost to us,” he said.

Teruya Goto and Kameli Soejima scored the tries for Japan and, crucially, Lemeki and Katsuyuki Sakai slotted the conversions.

That gave them the twopoint lead they managed to hold on to for a famous victory, despite some desperate All Blacks attacks in the final couple of minutes.

New Zealand can still qualify for the quarter-finals from Pool C with two matches remaining but the defeat will be a major blow to their confidence as they look to become the first men’s rugby sevens Olympic champions.

Their veteran coach Gordon Tietjins walked off the pitch stony-faced and he and the All Blacks players went straight past media into a meeting.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

Changes made to GBBC’s ‘Bad Intentions’ boxing card … Richard ‘Frogy’ Holmes replaces Michael Gardner

THE Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) over the past few days made a change to its `Bad Intentions’ boxing card which is scheduled for the Giftland Office Max Mall on August 27.

According to the Board’s match-maker and referee, Eion Jardine, because the Board wants to give boxing fans and enthusiasts their money’s worth come fight night, they have decided to replace Jamaican Michael Gardner with his countryman Richard `Frogy’ Holmes for the main supporting bout which will see the Jamaican come up against Guyana’s Mark Austin in an eightround middleweight contest.

According to Jardine, he recently returned from Jamaica where he officiated in the Annual Contenders Series and was impressed with Holmes who he thinks can give Austin a true `run for his money’.

Meanwhile, the card will feature Guyana’s Dexter Gonsalves in a 12-round contest against former World Boxing Association’s super lightweight champion, American DeMarcus `Chop Chop’ Corley for the World Boxing Council’s FECABOX) lightweight title.

Gonsalves, last fought in October 2015 when he

earned a 10-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over fellow Guyanese Clive ‘The Punisher Atwell’ thereby winning the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) light-

Jamaica boxer Richard ‘Frogy’ Holmes weight title He has since been stripped of that title since he failed to make a mandatory defence of the title and will now be seeking to win the FECABOX title to restore some pride not only for himself but also for all Guyana.

Despite not fighting since the Atwell encounter, Gonsalves has been intensifying his preparations for his fight against a seasoned

fighter in Corley.

To date, Gonsalves has compiled a record of 8-12 with a lone loss to Michel Agard who also drew with him (Gonsalves) on another occasion. He also drew with Jamaica’s Mohammed Dawes in 2007.

Corley is a veteran with a 47-27-1 record, winning 28 of his bouts via knock-out and will surely be a handful for Gonsalves who has not fought the quality of fighters that Corley has engaged.

Corley earlier this year participated in Jamaica `The Contender’ series and won three fights with knock-out victories against Richard Holmes and Guyana’s Revlon Lake while recording a points win against Michael Gardner.

The American who was born in the Unites States Virgin Islands (USVI) during his career fought world renowned Zab Judah in a WBO super lightweight title which he lost.

He also faced Guyana’s Olympian Dillon Carew twice and was held to a draw in the other.

Corley, who was a world champion from 2001 to 2003 also went the distance with former world champions Devon Alexander and Marcos Maidana but lost his title to Judah in 2003.

However, yesterday at the signing of the contract at the office of GBBC’s president Peter Abdool, Gonsalves said he is not worried by Corley’s record and experience.

He admitted that for his last fight last year (versus Atwell), he was not really prepared and after viewing footage of that fight, he realised that he was lacking in movement of his feet and has since started to work on it.

He said he is much more focused now and is working on his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion, and to this end, his mother is very supportive, always making sure that he attends gym and eats properly.

The opening bout on the August 27 card brings together Kelsey George and Charwin Estwick in a four-round super middleweight affair, while Anthony Narine will make his debut as a professional in a four-round lightweight contest against Keeve Allicock.

The next bout on the night’s card will see Imran Khan and Quincy Gomes battle for a third time in a six-round lightweight contest.

In the previous two fights the boxers met, the first was drawn and Gomes won the second encounter.

Floodlights provided for Kamarang ground THE National Sports Commission (NSC) has provided 16 floodlights for the ground at Kamarang, ahead of the 2016 Upper

Mazaruni Games on Sunday.

The presentation fell under the Ground Enhancement Project being carried out by

the NSC. Receiving the lights from the Minister within the Ministry of Education, Ms Nicolette Henry was the District Sports Council’s Mr Rudolph Wellington.

Ten of those lights have been installed and games are played during the night. The Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs.

Sydney Allicock also handed over

a generator to Mr Wellington.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones, who declared the games open, also delivered a variety of sporting equipment. Additionally, the Ministry of the Presidency and the NSC provided meals and fuel, as well as other support to make the event possible.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday August 10, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Tridents (2) Zouks

Today’s Quiz:

Rudolph Wellington receives one floodlight from Minister Nicolette Henry.

(1) Who are the winners of Hero CPL 2016?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match in the final of Hero CPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Brathwaite named new West Indies T20 captain (REUTERS) - West Indies have axed two-time World Twenty20 winning captain Darren Sammy and put fellow all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite in charge for two matches against India this month in Florida.

Sammy, who led West Indies to their second World Twenty20 title earlier this year despite struggling for form, could not find a place in the 13-member squad for the matches at Central Broward Regional Park, Fort Lauderdale on August 27 and 28.

“With regard to Sammy’s omission from the squad, the chairman (of selectors) noted that the named-squad was selected purely on players’ performances,” the West Indies Cricket Board said in a CARLOS BRATHWAITE statement.

Chairman of selectors Courtney Browne thanked Sammy, 32, for his contribution and expected Brathwaite, who blasted four successive sixes off a Ben Stokes over in the April 3 World Twenty20 final in Kolkata, would prove to be an inspiring captain.

“Brathwaite is one of the most talented players in the T20 format of the game and his humble and committed approach to the game can inspire young and upcoming players,” he added.

Squad: Andre Fletcher, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis, Jason Holder, Johnson Charles, Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, Marlon Samuels, Samuel Badree, Sunil Narine.

McKinnon, Beharry emerge as top shooters RYAN McKinnon and Ray Beharry were the top shooters when the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) staged the Queensway Security Services-sponsored Pistol Shoot last weekend.

According to a release, McKinnon registered 170.000 points to win comfortably ahead of Rajiv Latchana 125.198) and Romesh Latchana (102.87.78).

Ray Beharry out-shot his rivals in the Limited category with a score of 158.2502, while GSSF’s president Vidushi Persaud finished second with 145.6167.

At the simple presentation ceremony where Managing Director of the Queensway Security Service, Mohamed Qualander and Security Supervisor Desmond Phillips were present, Persaud thanked the security company for their sponsorship and noted that the officials ensured that the proper safety standards were followed efficiently. She expressed gratitude to Queensway Security Services for its continued sponsorship to the Federation.

Qualander subsequently assured his company’s continued support to the Federation.

Persaud also thanked Harold Hopkinson for offering the use of his props, steel targets and other range equipment which were used during the shoot.

Persaud also thanked Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Mark Phillips and Colonel Doodnauth as well as Guyana Police Force acting Commissioner David Ramnarine for their support in making the shoot possible and successful.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 10, 2016

Guyana Cup horse race …

Caribbean Senior Squash Championships

Trophy Stall on board with Seth, Khalil, Fung-a-Fat Champion Jockey, Trainer trophies make it into semi-finals THE 10th Annual Guyana Cup/50th Anniversary Jumbo Jet Horserace meet scheduled for this Sunday will be the biggest tournament yet, due to an increase in sponsors. The event will commence at 12:00hrs at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

Yesterday at his South Road and Bourda Street establishment, Trophy Stall proprietor Ramesh Sunich handed over trophies for the Champion Jockey and Champion Trainer winners for the day’s event.

Sunich told Chronicle Sport it’s all about horse racing in the blood with his father Neville Sunich wearing the crown as a Champion Jockey in his heyday.

Sunich has once again showed his consistency in supporting local sport with trophies coming from his establishment.

Eight races are listed for the day with G$22M in cash, trophies and other incentives dangling in the air. Coming on board with the sponsors was Colours Boutique at a presentation ceremony held a few days

GUYANA’S Sunil Seth made it into the men’s singles semi-finals where he was set to come up against the tournament’s top seed Chris Binnie while Ashley Khalil and Mary Fung-a-Fat made into the semi-finals of the women’s singles, when competition in the Caribbean Senior Squash Championships continued yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago.

Seth had an easy time getting past Jules Snagg in his quarterfinals match, prevailing 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 to schedule a match against Jamaica’s Binnie. This will no doubt be a tough match for Seth, who first lost to Binnie in the men’s singles final at the Championships in 2013.

Most recently, Seth went under again when he came up against Binnie last year at the Las Vegas Open. Binnie ranked at 77 is far superior to Seth who is ranked at 177, but it would be interesting to ASHLEY KHALIL see how Seth fights his

Ramesh Sunich hands over the trophies that will be up for grabs on Sunday to coordinator Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohammed Jr. ago at its Robb Street location.

Among other sponsors on board so far are

Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company, Banks DIH Limited, B.M Soat Auto Sales, Jameel Bar and

Entertainment Lounge, the Muneshwar Store and the Hyper Malt beverage company.

Americans blow away opposition to win gymnastics gold

By Pritha Sarkar

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (REUTERS) - Simone Biles and her American teammates proved that they are an untouchable force in gymnastics as they blew away the opposition to win the women’s team title at the Olympics yesterday.

There were a few wobbles here and there, even for Biles, but those imperfections did not stop them winning the title by a massive 8.209 points over second-placed Russia. China were third.

Since the open-ended scoring system was introduced to the sport in 2006, it was the biggest winning margin of any global championships.

They put in such a commanding performance that Biles needed to overhaul

From left, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Madison Kocian, Lauren Hernandez and Aly Raisman of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. (Emmanuel Dunande/ AFP/Getty Images) a target of just 7.591 with her final floor performance to secure her first Olympic medal.

A score of 15.800 left her and her team mates, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernan-

dez and Madison Kocian, whooping with joy. It was a second successive team title for the U.S.

way through.

In another difficult semifinals set-up Funga-Fat found herself pitted against the reigning women’s champion Karen Meakins in her battle last night.

Following her 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 11-7) win over Barbados Amanda Haywood earlier in the day, Fung-a-Fat was scheduled to face Meakins late last night as matches continued.

Meakins, on her way SUNIL SETH to the semi-finals, had earlier taken out Guyana’s Akeila Wiltshire. Wiltshire made it all the way to the quarter-finals before she went under 7-11, 4-11, 4-11 against the three-time women’s singles champion.

Guyana’s only other semi-finalist, Ashley Khalil, in a quarterfinals match defeated compatriot Taylor Fernandes 11-7, 11-7, 11-9. The two-time junior Caribbean champion was set to play Barbados’ Meagan Best to see if she could make her way into her first Championships final.

Complete results for matches completed are as follows: MEN’S Benjamin Mekdeci defeated Jamaica’s Jonathan Walker 11-4, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8.

Sunil Seth defeated Eastern Caribbean’s Jules Snagg 11-9, 11-7, 11-8.

Nyron Joseph lost to Eastern Caribbean’s Othneil Bailey 6-11, 5-11, 6-11, Jason Ray Khalil w/o Barbados Shawn Simpson.

Benjamin Mekdeci lost to Bermuda’s Anthony Fellowes 10-12, 4-11, 3-11.

WOMEN’S Akeila Wiltshire lost to Karen Meakins 11-7, 114, 11-4.

Mary Fung-a-Fat defeated Amanda Haywood 115, 11-6, 11-7.

Ashley Khalil defeated Taylor Fernandes 11-7, 117, 11-9.

Larissa Wiltshire lost to Meagan Best 6-11, 5-11, 4-11 Victoria Arjoon defeated Alexandria Yearwood 11-8, 12-10, 12-10.

Guyana Cup horse race …

Trophy Stall on board with Champion Jockey, Trainer trophies

Ashwin, Saha rescue India

See story on page 35

Alzarri Joseph dismisses Virat Kohli for his maiden Test wicket on the first day of the third Test at Gros Islet.

… Teenage paceman Alzarri Joseph enjoys dream debut with prized wicket Virat Kohli

(REUTERS) - An unbeaten century stand for the sixth wicket

by Ravichandran Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha put India in a respectable position after the first day of the third Test against West Indies in St`Lucia yesterday.

The visitors were 234 for five

Ravichandran Ashwin has enjoyed a wonderful series against West Indies and made a vital contribution with an unbeaten 75.

at the close of play with all-rounder Ashwin on 75 and wicketkeeper Saha on 46, the pair having added 108 to leave honours even at the Darren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet.

Opener Lokesh Rahul chipped in with a brisk 50 earlier but India’s batsmen were otherwise

bogged down until Ashwin and Saha cut loose against the second new ball, plundering 46 runs off the final nine overs.

The late flurry took the gloss off what had been an encouraging day for West Indies after the hosts won the toss and decided see page 31

Silva wins first gold for host country Brazil See story on page 31

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Rafaela Silva wins Brazil’s first gold medal of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016