Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12 05 2017

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FRIDAY MAY 12, 2017

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US$64M to tackle youth crime No. 104910

(VAT Inclusive)

… USAID, Guyana sign pact for youth empowerment programme

Page 3

Ansa McAl sorry for traffic hold-up … says ECD archc en pegged at $20M pagetrse

‘Son Chapman’ owner laid to rest Page 8

Workers erecting the Independence Arch at the eastern entrance to Georgetown on Thursday. The works had caused traffic disruption and had to be halted (Samuel Maughn photo)

Children poisoned by stepfather Page 9

–– police launch manhunt for suspect

Five-year social cohesion plan launched

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

NAACIE worried about declining membership … as union leaders repeat calls for Labour Ministry

By Tamica Garnett AGAINST the background of declining membership across trade unions, General-Secretary of the Guyana Trade Union Congress, Lincoln Lewis, has called for the re-establishment of a Ministry of Labour, a point reiterated by Former Min-

ister of Labour Dr Nanda Gopaul, during the opening ceremony of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) 53rd Delegates (Third Triennial) Conference held on Thursday at the Umana Yana.

Gopaul, during his speech, also stressed the decline in trade union membership, which he says has seen a 20 percent decrease over the past three years. Delivering the feature address, Lewis, speaking before an audience that included veteran trade

Nanda Gopaul unionist Ashton Chase, said that the Ministry of Labour is needed to advance and protect the rights of the working class.

“In one voice, we the people must unite and call on the government to re-establish a Ministry of Labour.

Where government sees it worthwhile to have a Ministry of Business to advance and protect the interest of the business class, equally the Ministry of Labour must be established to advance and protect the rights of the working class,” Lincoln said.

“This ministry is important for shaping and executing labour policies that affect all workers, past present and

Lincoln Lewis potential.”

Though there is a Department of Labour, Gopaul went on to point out that this is not enough, as it presents several technical problems as it pertains to laws and statutes.

“The Department of Labour can never be considered a substitute for a Ministry of Labour. For you to merely operate out of a department you have to change all the laws and statutes. There are laws which call for the Minister of Labour, and other technical factors. Prosecution will depend on officials from the Ministry of Labour,” Gopaul pointed out.

He further told media operatives that: “All the laws make reference to the Ministry of Labour, to the Minister of Labour’s role in prosecution. The whole functioning of labour acts, all the necessary health and safety acts refer to the Ministry of Labour, and therefore it is opportune for us to repeat the call and support the call for a Ministry of Labour. I support the call of Lincoln and others, and I believe our president, His Excellency David Granger, should See page 5

US$64M to combat youth crime

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

…USAID, Guyana sign pact for youth empowerment programme

By Svetlana Marshall A US$64M Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will soon be rolled out in Guyana – an initiative designed to reduce youth involvement in crime and violence.

On Thursday, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will govern and formalise the YES Project, was signed by Guyana’s Minister of Finance,Winston Jordan and USAID Mission Director of the Eastern Caribbean and the Southern Caribbean, Christopher Cushing,at the Finance Ministry.

The YES initiative was launched under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative with the intention of reducing youth involvement in crime and violence in 10 Caribbean countries. Guyana has been chosen to be one of the three “focus group” countries together with St. Lucia and St. Kitts/Nevis.

Ahead of signing the agreement, Minister Jordan explained that here in Guyana, the necessary interventions will be provided to correct the incidence of crime in Corriverton, East La Penitence, Sophia, Lodge and East Ruimveldt.

“These communities were selected based on the findings of studies which show that they have the highest representations of high-risk behaviours such as incarceration, high levels of youth involvement in crime

and violence, teenage pregnancy, youth unemployment, high numbers of drop-outs and significant use of drugs, among others,” the Finance Minister explained.

It was noted that this new

SKYE also contributed to the country’s Juvenile Justice System through a support programme which provided alternative sentencing for youths who had committed minor offences.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan and USAID Mission Director of the Eastern Caribbean and the Southern Caribbean, Christopher Cushing shaking hands shortly after signing the YES MoU. (Photo by Samuel Maughn) intervention will build on the achievements made by the Skills for Knowledge and Youth Employment (SKYE) Programme which assisted significantly in creating alternative opportunities for Guyanese youths who were at risk of becoming involved in a life of crime and violence.

Like SKYE, this new initiative, YES, will complement the programmes being implemented by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government aimed at empowering youths across the country. These programmes include: the Sustainable Livelihood De-

Man charged with murder of teen son A SECURITY Guard of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, has been charged with the murder of his 18-yearold son and appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Omar Khan was not required to plead to the capital offence, particulars of which alleged that on May 5, 2017, at Better Hope, he murdered Azeez Khan called “Orlando.”

The 40-year-old man did not have legal representation and burst into tears as he told the court that he is a father of four children; he was remanded to prison until June 28.

velopment or SLED initiative, the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) Programme, the Hinterland Employment Youth Service Programme and the Youth Innovation Programme.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Alexander, told the court that the police investigation is incomplete.

Azeez Khan, a labourer of Lot 8 Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), died on May 5 at the Georgetown Public Hospital, one day after being rushed there in an unconscious state. At the time, the father had claimed that the youth had fallen from a ladder at his place of work.

However, a post-mortem found that the young man died from haemorrhage, due to blunt trauma to the head.

The father was called in for questioning by the Police and after being told of the

Omar Khan findings of the post-mortem, he reportedly admitted to hitting his son across the head with a piece of wood during an argument.

“All of these programmes seek to harness the potential and creative energy of our young people so that they can become positive and productive members of our society,” Minister Jordan explained.

While applauding the “author” of the YES initiative, the Finance Minister

emphasized that it will assist the Government in producing “safer and more cohesive society that will contribute to a resilient and sustainable’green state’in which the good life is enjoyed by all Guyanese.”

Cushing, in his remarks, said YES Project will strengthen protective factors that build youth resilience to crime and violence, while reducing those that influence them in becoming perpetrators or victims of crime and violence. In the end, he said the project will result in more resilient youth, families and communities.

It was noted that the project uses a community-centered and public health model for crime and violence prevention to identify, analyze, and support project interventions.

“The project will collect data to understand where and why crime and violence is happening and will also support juvenile justice reform. YES will also foster broader and deeper community engagement and positive youth development, and will increase local and national services to respond to a variety of social development needs,” he explained.

Supporting services will include individual and family counselling, behavior therapy, expanded education, and job placement.

“The YES Project is driven by an evidence-based approach. As evidence is used to develop the appropriate strategies for Guyana, USAID will invest in eval-

uating the effectiveness of these strategies and will ensure that successful practices are shared and replicated and that evidence is generated to support additional and sustained investment by our government and other partners,” the USAID official noted.

He posited that the success of the project will depend on the partnerships created with diverse stakeholders working towards common goals. It was noted that youths must be seen as positive change agents who have the ability to work with ministries and other government agencies, business leaders, law enforcement, the justice sector, training institutions, the media, community-based organizations and others.

“These partnerships will create opportunities to empower and engage youth and will support the Government of Guyana’s commitments and objectives as set out under the National Youth Policy that includes: strengthening social support systems for youth; improving conditions for their safety, health and well-being; and advancing juvenile justice reform,” Cushing explained.

Under the US$7.7M SKYE Programme,thousands of Guyanese youths benefitted from new opportunities. Some opted to further their education, others are now gainfully employed as a result of newly-acquired skills while others are budding entrepreneurs.

President saddened at passing of Tchaiko Kwayana HIS Excellency President David Granger has extended heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Eusi Kwayana on the passing of his wife, Ms. Tchaiko Kwayana, formerly known as Ann Cook, who died on May 6, 2017.

“President Granger is deeply saddened at the death of Ms. Tchaiko Kwayana, who tirelessly fought for the rights of the African community and the Guyanese nation.

Her activism in the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) as well as her support for the rights of women and children will be

remembered,” a message from President Granger’s office said.

According to the message,despite returning to the United State of America, the country of her birth, Ms. Tchaiko Kwayana continued to support the Guyanese society through the Helping Uplift Guyana (HUG) organisation, which she co-founded.

“His Excellency,Brigadier David Granger extends sincere condolences to Mr. Eusi Kwayana, husband, the children, Kofi, Iyabo and Baako Kwayana and other family members of the late Ms. Tchaiko Kwayana,” the message ended.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

Trump blasts Comey

…acting FBI chief contradicts president President Donald Trump blasted ousted FBI chief James Comey as a “showboat” and “grandstander” on Thursday even as the agency’s acting leader contradicted the president’s account that the FBI had been in turmoil before he fired Comey.

In testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, acting Federal Bureau of Investigation director Andrew McCabe promised to tell the panel of any White House meddling into the agency’s probe into possible collusion between Russia and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. McCabe testified in place of Comey, who Trump abruptly dismissed as FBI director on Tuesday in an action that has roiled Washington. Democrats have accused the Republican president of trying to foil the FBI’s probe into Moscow’s actions and many have called for a special prosecutor to look into the matter.

“He’s a showboat. He’s a grandstander. The FBI has been in turmoil,” Trump told NBC News in his first interview since firing

Comey. “I was going to fire Comey. My decision,” Trump said. “I was going to fire regardless of recommendation.” Trump told NBC News he never pressured Comey into dropping the FBI probe, adding, “If Russia did anything, I want to know that. Trump said there was no “collusion between me and my campaign and the Russians” but added that “the Russians did not affect the vote.”

McCabe’s testimony contradicted Trump’s appraisal of turmoil at the FBI under Comey. “I can tell you also that Director Comey enjoyed broad support within the FBI and still does to this day,” McCabe said. “I can tell you that I hold Director Comey in the absolute highest regard. I have the highest respect for his considerable abilities and his integrity,” McCabe added.

“And it has been the greatest privilege and honor of my professional life to work with him.”

Trump told NBC he had previously asked Comey whether he was under investigation in the Russia matter, speaking with Com-

ey once over dinner and twice by telephone. “I said, ‘If it’s possible, would you let me know, am I under investigation?’” Trump told NBC. “He said, ‘You are not under investigation.’”

Comey has neither publicly discussed conversations with Trump nor has he publicly commented on his dismissal. McCabe testified it was not typical practice to tell a person they are not a target of an investigation. At the daily White House briefing, spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked whether it was a conflict of interest for a president to ask the FBI chief such a question. She answered: “No, I don’t believe it is.”

Trump’s contention that he was going to fire Comey regardless of what Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the No. 2 Justice Department official Rod Rosenstein recommended conflicts with earlier explanations from the White House. Spokesman Sean Spicer said on Tuesday that Trump acted based on the recommendation

of Sessions and Rosenstein. The Republican chairman of the Senate panel, Richard Burr, asked McCabe whether he ever heard Comey tell Trump the president was not the subject of investigation.

McCabe sidestepped the question, saying he could not comment on an ongoing investigation. In his letter firing Comey on Tuesday, Trump wrote, “While I greatly appreciate you informing me, on three separate occasions, that I am not under investigation, I nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department of Justice that you are not able to effectively lead the Bureau.”

‘VIGOROUSLY AND COMPLETELY’ “It is my opinion and belief that the FBI will continue to pursue this investigation vigorously and completely,” McCabe told the senators. He said there was no “crisis of confidence within the leadership of the FBI.” U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an effort to disrupt the election that included hacking into Democratic Party

emails and leaking them, with the aim of helping Republican Trump.

Leaders of the U.S. intelligence agencies, including Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and CIA chief Mike Pompeo, testified to the senators on Thursday that they agreed with that finding. Moscow has denied any such interference and the Trump administration denies allegations of collusion with Russia. The Trump administration has said Comey’s firing was unrelated to the Russia investigation. The administration said on Tuesday that Comey’s firing arose from his handling of an election-year FBI probe into Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server during her time as secretary of state. The Senate intelligence committee’s top Democrat, Mark Warner, said in light of Comey’s firing, “It is important to restate the critical importance of protecting the independence and integrity of federal law enforcement.”

“And while it’s clear to me now more than ever that an independent special counsel must be appointed, make no mistake our committee will get to the bottom

of what happened during the 2016 presidential election,” Warner said, although he said he was not happy with the pace of the committee’s probe.

Responding to Trump’s latest comments about Comey, Burr praised the ousted FBI chief as “ethical, upright and straight forward.” Warner said he was offended at Trump’s remarks and called Comey a “straight shooter.” Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley called on the FBI to publicly confirm whether or not it is probing Trump. In a statement, Grassley said that Comey had previously briefed him and the panel’s top Democrat, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and that the lawmakers “heard nothing that contradicted the president’s statement.”

Former Republican congressman Mike Rogers is being considered as a candidate to replace Comey, a senior White House official said. Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein ventured to Capitol Hill to speak with members of the Senate panel. Asked about media reports that Rosenstein this week had threatened to quit, Burr said that issue was not raised. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

Jordan bemoans slow implementation of programmes

By Svetlana Marshall

GOVERNMENT is taking critical steps to accelerate the pace at with which public sector investments are executed with the recruitment of a chief planning officer and the creation of a national planning unit.

Currently, only 20 per cent of the country’s Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) has been implemented for 2017 – a situation which Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said leaves much to be desired.

The Finance Minister pointed out that the Agriculture, Health, Education, Infrastructure and the Communities sectors account for the “bulk”

of the $250B budget. However, the execution of projects and programmes in these sectors are stymied because of the lack of critical skills needed for implementation.

It was noted that the slow rate of implementation affects the economy and by extension the people of the country.

“It affects economic growth, because in the economy that wants a stimulus it is government spending people look to.

We have the monies voted. The issue is to get it out into the system, so that dollar can continue making an extra dollar,” he posited.

After two years of introducing early budgets, the Finance Minister said Govern-

ment is faced with the sad reality that Government workers, particularly those critically involved in the execution of projects and programmes, have still not gotten used to the new system. The national budget is now being presented in November and approved by December ahead of the fiscal year.

“So you would think that the period between October and December, they would use for, let’s say pre-tendering, getting…and stop short of awarding of contracts until the budget has been passed,” Minister Jordan pointed out.

“The budget gets presented in November, passed in December and still by January

NAACIE worried about declining ...

From page 2 consider the re-establishment of a Ministry of Labour.”

Earlier, on the issue of membership decline, Gopaul noted that: “We have suffered as a union, our membership declined over the last three years by over 20%, and is going to decline further with the planned closure [of the sugar estates]” The NAACIE Delegates Conference is a three-day

event being held under the motto: Striving Towards Unity, while the theme is: “Galvanizing Solidarity to Advance and Protect Workers’ Rights.”

Solidarity was a common focus in the speeches of many who spoke at the event, with many praises going out to the continued united front that has been showcased by trade unions over the past year or so. This is emphasized in the coming together of the GTUC and the Federation of Indepen-

dent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which have hosted joint Labour Day rallies since last year, after years of hosting separate proceedings.

Addresses were also delivered by General-Secretary of NAACIE and FITUG, Dawchan Nagasar; General- President of the CCWU, Sherwood Clarke; GAWU President Komal Chand; and Pauline Chase, who gave an address on behalf of her father, Ashton.

A section of yesterday’s audience: sitting in front row are (from left) Former Minister of Labour, Nanda Gopaul; veteran trade unionist Ashton Chase; Chase’s daughter Pauline Chase, and GAWU President, Komal Chand

Finance Minister Winston Jordan addressing reporters at his office you still cannot see the paper flooded with advertisements pertaining to contract works,” he said with a sense of disappointment.

Cognizant of the systemic problems, Minister Jordan said government is moving with haste to address them. He dis-

closed that the administration will be hiring a chief planning officer. That officer has been identified and is expected to take up his post by July, 2017.

Additionally, a national planning institution will be re-established with assistance from the Caribbean Devel-

opment Bank (CDB). “With this planning institution, we are hoping that, just like in Jamaica, we can have some kind of central projects body, so that it doesn’t impose these undue demands when you go at these little unit levels,” he explained.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

Scams

HUMANS have been ripping each other off for millennia and we are quite familiar with such synonyms as con artist, crook, shark, swindler, hustler and sharpie. It is an old school of criminality and con artists have been around since the Middle Ages.

Coming closer to home , we learnt from a recent media report that a few scammers have set out to host fake events in New York, using the name of His Excellency President David A Granger. Guyanese in the U.S., the report said, are being warned against two ‘bogus’ events scheduled to be held in the name of President David Granger in New York in June. Flyers that are purportedly from a NY-based, not-for-profit organization, Guyana Unity Movement Inc., have been used to advertise two events reportedly billed for June 9 and June 11.

One of the fake events is a “Presidential Unity and Soul Black Tie Gala’ to be held at Springfield Boulevard, Queens Village, New York, touting tickets at US$150 each. Then there is to be a show at the Thomas Jefferson High School Football field at Fountain and Flatlands Avenue, N.Y., where President Granger is allegedly billed to deliver remarks and greetings.

Moreover, flaunting the star power of popular Guyanese artistes, Jomo, Adrian Dutchin, Terry Gajraj and Lisa Punch are reportedly billed to headline the fake event, while patrons are being charged a meagre US$10.

Meanwhile, a NY-based online news site, Diaspora Time, has described the events as a “scam” and warned Guyanese and West Indians: “Beware, that the events promoted in these (Guyana Unity Movement Inc.) flyers, which we found in circulation, are a scam to exploit the Guyanese people for money.” “Greedy people want to fill their pockets with your money,” the online news site warned.

The news site also advised that persons should make contact with the Ministry of the Presidency in Guyana. Moreover, Director of Communications in the Ministry of the Presidency, Mark Archer, has been quoted as telling the Guyana Chronicle: “What I can say is that the President will not be attending those events. I can say it is not on his schedule... he will not be in NY at that time.”

However, just a week ago, the Office of the First Lady Sandra Granger put out an advisory here that warned citizens about reports in which residents in Georgetown and other areas in the country were being contacted via telephone and text messages to request payment in return for an opportunity to be awarded scholarships.

Con artists appear in every society and some even reach folk-hero status, by people who admire a sleek and clever shyster whose fancy words and slick tactics promise a golden future to the greedy, the gullible and the malleable. In the late 1960s, Georgetown residents had heard of the exploits of ‘Dr Crime’, the infamous con artist, Romeo Bacchus, from Albouystown.

He reportedly ‘sold’ Parade Ground and City Hall to credulous real estate investors.

According to a one-time schoolmate of his, ‘Dr Crime’ is reputed to have impersonated the Indian High Commissioner from Suriname and dressed in a dhoti, he sat next to Prime Minister Forbes Burnham at a Caribbean Table Tennis Championship being held at Queens College.

It is apt to reflect on the wiles of con artists, since we live in a perilous world. Crime is everywhere, in every form worldwide, but with con artists crime appears in quite a dubious form.

‘Con,’ short for confidence, and as the word implies, confidence tricksters take advantage of people’s “misplaced

and unquestioning” trust in the goodness and honesty of others. Con artists operate in such devious ways that they are not quite easy to spot and persons do not readily realise that a crime is being committed. We have read about Ponzi schemes, a fraud in which belief in the success of a non-existent enterprise is fostered by the payment of quick returns to the first investors from money invested by later investors.

Bernard “Bernie” Madoff is an American fraudster and a former stockbroker, investment advisor, and financier and admitted operator of a Ponzi scheme that is considered the largest financial fraud in U.S. history. All such schemes are basically built on treachery and lies and in this digital age, the options seem unlimited. New York-based Guyanese businessman, Edul Ahmad, was recently sentenced to two years in prison for running a US$3 million mortgage fraud scheme.

In the meantime, detectives of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are intensifying investigations following a number of forensic audits referred to it, and it is likely that some of the cases which are basically ‘white collar’ crime will fall into the realm of scams, underscoring the impact of greed, corruption and fraud. This form of crime is also a contributory factor to poverty, robbing the country of its assets.

AG advisers to help recover stolen assets Dear Editor,

I READ all of Anil Nandlall’s letters that touched and concern the high constitutional office of the Attorney General of Guyana. His latest is captioned: “Is this a diplomatic expression of no-confidence in the Minister”? (KN, Sunday, May 07, 2017).

With an accustomed degree of illogicality and superficiality, he writes in relation to President Granger’s appointment of five ministerial advisers to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs that: “… the appointment of these highly decorated personnel by the President to assist the Attorney General in the discharge of his official duties is a most diplomatic expression of no confidence in this minister… this Minister should do nothing less but tender his resignation in dignity. “…Let us examine now the cost that this Attorney General will now impose, monthly, on the backs of taxpayers for the services of these five advisers… ask of president Granger this fundamental question: would it

not be in the best interest of the nation and save taxpayers millions by appointing a competent person to serve in the position of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, instead?” His political hypocrisy and mischief cannot be disguised. Anil Nandlall has absolutely no interest, whatsoever, in the success or goodwill of this APNU + AFC government. Success of this government is failure of his PPP/C. So, it is a matter of sheer commonsense and logic that his unrelenting condemnation of the Attorney General is not one jot actuated by benevolence for nation, government, President Granger and taxpayers; not at all. On the contrary, it is because he perceives that this Attorney General is a real and present danger and threat to their financial viability and wealth sustainability. Recall Professor Clive Thomas’ coinage of Guyana under this (1997 – 2015) PPP/C as the “Kleptocratic state.” One of the daunting challenges of this APNU + AFC government is the civil recovery of those misappropriated hundreds of

billions of public/state assets that the forensic audits have revealed.

I put it to Mr Nandlall that it is the sheer magnitude and scope of those misappropriations under that “Kleptocratic state,” by which the purpose, justification and expediency of the appointment of these ministerial advisers must be understood and judged. The Attorney General is responsible, in point of constitutional law, for their recovery. He is the custodian/guardian of our national patrimony. He is, and will remain the government’s “principal legal adviser” (article 112(1) of the Constitution). Advisory assistance in the special circumstances of government’s policy of recovery attracts no opprobrium. Understand that civil recovery (that potentially may even involve tracing misappropriated assets overseas) is not like some easy criminal law prosecution matter; besides, such appointments does not offend article 112(1) and so portends no crisis in authority; or, cast any aspersions of indignity over the Attorney General.

Having passed the recov-

ery-enabling SARA Bill (the President’s assent to which is impending) implementation of that law, can only be enhanced by these complementary appointments (and this explains why all five advisers are lawyers, and not of some other profession).

It is all about complementarity; these are not substitutionary in purpose; it is all about the magnitude and unprecedented scope of the recovery job to be done; not some rubbish notion of “no-confidence” (the Nandlall view). I put it to Mr Nandlall that logic does not require five advisers as “an expression of no-confidence”, if that was indeed intended; one or two would have sufficed. Moreover, what if these appointments were on the initiative of the AG himself? The sheer logic of five is that if they are expressions of no-confidence, then there is some crisis of confidence even about some among the five – hence the need for multiple appointments!

So, plainly Nandlall’s “no-confidence” opinion has absolutely no merit, or logic.

Turning now to his graphic finance diatribe: with his

accustomed degree of superficiality and bias, he makes no attempt whatsoever at an estimation (even an intentionally grossly understated one) at the likely benefits that would accrue to, or, be gained, by taxpayers and the nation, from such costs, (economists call this the economic cost). But then, to expect such from Mr Nandlall is pure naievity on my part.

Be that as it may, it is plainly improvident stupidity for Mr Nandlall to suppose that government spending $79,980,000 per annum (Nandlall’s estimated annual cost of the five advisers - $ 6,665,000 x 12) is as if such expenditure is some indulgeance by President Granger of philanthropic enthusiasm at taxpayers’ expense; and not what it truly is -- a quid pro quo (ie what lawyers call consideration) for anticipated expert advisory assistance and services. Mr Nandlall, I, for myself, would indeed wish to ask President Granger a “fundamental question.” But it is not yours. It is this: Mr President, what took

you so long? In 2015, some six months into the Granger presidency, professor justice Duke Pollard wrote: “… our learned Attorney General is being put on notice that much is expected of him in terms of identifying and vigorously pursuing delinquent officials for the recovery of national assets and resources.” (KN Monday, October 5, 2015, caption” “CCJ has established an extremely daunting precedent in the Commonwealth”). His Excellency, President Granger has with, exemplary transparency and perspicacity, given professor Pollard, and four other advisers a remunerated opportunity to offer their assistance to the realisation of that clarion call.

And if, as anticipated, such re-muneration contributes to the recovery of some of those billions, then the results for nation and taxpayers alike are all beneficial.

Regards Maxwell E. Edwards (Attorney – At – Law)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

Conflict of interest institutionalised The workers I in the Public Service Commission represent are left Dear Editor, THE current membership of the Public Service Commission (PSC), a Constitutional Commission, was appointed in 2014 for a period of three years on the recommendation of the National Assembly. It was, and is disappointing that the PPP/C Government and the then APNU and AFC Opposition parties agreed to the appointment of the commission, comprising persons with manifest conflicts of interest. Among the membership are three active trade unionists, Carville Duncan, President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG); Patrick Yarde, President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU); and Patricia Went, Executive of the GPSU. This is the quality of judgement coming out of members of the National Assembly.

It is to be noted that Yarde is some 72 years old and represents a membership whose retirement age is currently 55. The rules of the GPSU, which had required that the President be a serving public servant, were changed a few times to accommodate the advancing age of Patrick Yarde. Formerly, the President of the GPSU retired on attaining the age of 55. The repeated rule changes enabled Yarde to hold the presidency of the GPSU for some 30 years,

amidst years of controversies surrounding GPSU elections, including the just-concluded one in 2017 in the time of his swearing-in as acting Chairman of the PSC. The GPSU is the recognised union to represent the sectional interest of members of the Public Service Union. The GPSU represents the interest of public servants through direction representation at departmental or ministerial level, collective-bargaining negotiations and conciliation/mediation and finally arbitration. The GPSU also defends and represents employees against action of the Public Service Commission at the Public Service Appellate Tribunal.

Patrick Yarde as President of the GPSU is the principal and chief representative and negotiator on behalf of employees in the Public Service.

As members of the Commission, the GPSU Officials in Patrick Yarde and Patricia Went, are involved in recruiting employees for the Public Service, and into membership of the GPSU. They as PSC commissioners are involved in transfers, promotions, and disciplinary action, including dismissals of public officers. Oh what a tangled web of conflict of interests in public administration through the PSC members! That was also the situation under the PPP/C administration.

It seems as if the APNU+AFC Government is

always achieving higher heights than its predecessor in unsatisfactory situations, even more shamelessly. This is a glaring example, ignoring the Commission of Inquiry Report into the Public Service of Guyana of 2016 under the Chairmanship of Professor Harold Luthman.

This CoI noted that the role and functions of the PSC are set out in Article 200 and other provisions of the Constitution of Guyana. The CoI stated that appointments into the Public Service be based on merit and be made by a commission that is credible and adequately qualified to do so, and which enjoys the respect of the general public.

Recommendation six of the CoI report affirms: “That [the] PSC should at all times be constituted with suitably qualified and competent persons of unquestioned integrity, who would strive to be fair and impartial in the execution of their duties in consonance with the constitutional prescription that they exercise independent judgment and not be influenced by political and other external or extraneous considerations.”

The CoI also recommended that all appointments to the Public Service positions be by open internal and external competition and that such appointments be based on merit and be free from political influences.

(Recommendations 10 &11).

President David Granger sets some high standards of

qualities and characteristics for the Constitutional position of the Chairman of the Elections Commissions by letter dated 14 March 2017 to the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. The relevant qualities and characteristics should be applied in the appointments of all high public offices, and Constitutional Commissions. These qualities and characteristics include: - Suitably qualified fit and proper persons - That persons will discharge their functions without fear or favour; not allowing any person or organization to influence them to compromise their independence and neutrality - That persons will not be an activist in any form - Those persons should have a general character of honesty, integrity, faithfulness and diligence in the discharge of their duties.

Shouldn’t members of the commission meet the requirements of the Constitution and President Granger’s set standards.

Let the public be the judge. Other views would be welcomed in the press.

Regards Joshua Singh

out in the cold

Dear Editor IN February 2015 I participated together with former workers of Precision Woodworking Ltd, in a picketing exercise in front of Republic Bank Ltd corporate headquarters, New Market St, and reported in the Kaieteur News of February 28, 2015.

This exercise which had to do with the non-payment of severance benefits to the above-named persons, focused on the court action brought by the company against the bank and the amount of time it was taking for resolution of the case. At the time, the matter was before the court for almost three years!

In one week from now, it will be five years since filing of this action before the Commercial Court and believe it or not, a

date for trial has not been set. This is in spite of the fact that to date there have been more than 90 court appearances.

This observation forces me to conclude that the court system is obviously dysfunctional and clearly not a venue for timely legal resolution of differences, a matter that will adversely impact on investments, particularly foreign investments in the country.

Editor, while the pretence of justice and of a justice system plays itself out, these workers whom I represent are left out in the cold.

I appeal to the authorities and in particular, the judiciary, to take a look at themselves.

Regards Eon Andrews

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

‘Son Chapman’ owner laid to rest

By Vanessa Braithwaite

IN death as in life, Linden businessman Norman Chapman on Thursday brought together political leaders of his beloved party,PNCR,this time to celebrate his steadfast spirit of dedication to community and country.

The late Linden businessman and staunch member of the PNCR, Chapman was hailed as a hero at an emotionally-charged church service held at the MacKenzie Sports Club Ground. Among the gathering was President David Granger, former PNCR leader,Robert Corbin;Attorney General Basil Williams and former Mayor,Hamilton Green. A World War II veteran, Chapman was the owner of the ill-fated ‘Son Chapman’ vessel that was blown up in July 1964,killing dozens.

Leading the tribute on behalf of the party Corbin said Chapman was one of the party’s exemplary and outstanding members, who remained steadfast;a loyal and committed member to the day of his death. Corbin told the gathering that Chapman remained steadfast to the party both in and out of season and played an integral role in its development.

Mr Corbin also spoke of Chapman’s role in the revolutionising of Linden from a company-controlled town to a resident-controlled town.

“Chapman held the view that the economic benefits from this community should flow to the people of this area and before long his entrepreneurial skills were on display when he introduced, Son Chapman,” he said. “The Son Chapman service overshadowed all others and became an integral part of the com-

President David Granger and a relative of the late Norman Chapman mercial life of this area.This however was abruptly ended after the explosion which Chapman was determined to get answers for.Chapman always made sure that a me-

morial was held annually for those who lost their lives and until his health declined, he participated in those memorials.

Expert marksman

Also in attendance were: Junior Minister of Communities,Valarie Patterson and Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green, Members of the Guyana Veterans Legion, regional officials, other senior government officials and other executive members of the People’s National Congress Reform. Chapman, a Medal of Service recipient,died at the age of 92. He was given a hero’s send off with his casket draped with the Golden Arrow Head by members of the Guyana Defence Force who were dressed in their ceremonial garb. Tributes highlighted his dedication and selfless military service during World War II, his sterling contributions to the development of Linden and the PNCR, his many business ventures which created jobs for many in the mining town and his pioneer water transport from Linden to Georgetown which plied the Upper Demerara River but unfortunately exploded on the 4th July 1964, killing over 40 passengers. Despite this being

a major adversity experienced

by Mr. Chapman which was followed by his entire business square on Republic Avenue, Linden being destroyed by fire, it was told that he never allowed these challenges to break him, but he stood up 10 times stronger,continuing to be steadfast, being a leader and exemplar to the residents of Linden.

Eulogising the life of Mr. Norman Chapman, his son Errol Chapman, said that he was an expert marksman who trained at the Tacama Battle School. He was elect-

companied by six of Chapman’s contemporaries who were all in their 90’s. Chapman joined the war in 1942 as a member of the South Caribbean Forces and served as part of the British Guiana Home Guard.

He was promoted to the rank of Corporal and upon the completion of the war, was bestowed with a Medal of Service. He then became a committee member of the Linden Chapter of the Veteran’s Legion. “We remembered him being very instrumental in getting a par-

Former PNCR Leader, Robert Corbin paying his tribute to the late Norman Chapman ed to the Mackenzie Affairs Committee in 1951, treasurer of the PNCR Upper Demerara group in the 1960’s, founder and proprietor of Chapman services, owner of the first department store in Linden and a tobacco farmer,among other things.

The flag-draped casket of Norman Chapman

A FIGHTER Chronicling his military life during the war was President of the Guyana Veterans League,Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) George Gomes who was ac-

Government Officials paying tribute to the late Norman Chapman. From right President David Granger, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Green, Former Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green, Deputy Director of the CDC Sandra Adams

cel of land for the Linden Chapter Legion by the Linden Cenotaph, he was very instrumental in approaching the Linden authorities in getting that piece of land….we ought to be thankful for 92 years,” Gomes said Similar sentiments were echoed by former Mayor Hamilton Green who was described as his best friend.

He revealed that Chapman was part of the team who gave the mining town the name, Linden. He described Chapman as a man of great strength and consistency who was faced with great adversity. “I believe the greatest tribute we can pay to Yacoob is not merely the words, but work towards capturing that spirit,” he said.

In his sermon,Pastor Selwin Sills spoke about growing up in Retrieve with Chapman and admiring his attitude of strength.

“Norman decided that he is going to go behind what he believes, he had this passion to pursue what he believed…this man was resilient, he bounced back, Norman never gave up,” he said.

Mr. Norman Chapman died at a city hospital late last month after suffering a brief illness. He left to mourn his many children including Ava Chapman, Grace Chapman, Joe Chapman, Errol Chapman, Fern Chapman, Janice Gibson, Dianna Chapman-Clarke and Norman Chapman Jr.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

M&CC charged only 15 persons with littering in 2016

ALTHOUGH littering has been dubbed one of the biggest challenges to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the statuto-

ry meeting last Monday heard how a mere 15 persons were charged for the offence for the entire 2016.

Former Deputy May-

or now Councillor,Sherod Duncan, raised the issue at the meeting prompting Town Clerk Royston King to ask Chief Constable An-

Councillor Sherod Duncan (at centre).

Children poisoned by stepfather –– police launch manhunt for suspect

THREE children between the ages 2-9 are currently hospitalised after they were made to ingest a bottle of “I-cee soft drink” laced with a poisonous substance. The soda was allegedly given them by their step-father, who has since gone into hiding.

The children, ages 2, 4 and 9, all of New Amsterdam, are being kept under close watch at the New Amsterdam Hospital after being admitted some-

time between 12:30 and 14:00hrs on Wednesday.

The Guyana Chronicle understands from police sources that the mother of the children and her reputed husband had a heated argument on Wednesday morning at their home.

As a result, she took the children from the home and left them under the care of her mother at the Amerindian Hostel in New Amsterdam. It is alleged that moments later, the man showed up at the hostel

and gave the children an “I-cee” soda, after which he left.

Shortly after, the grandmother, a 59-year-old woman noticed the children frothing at the mouth and rushed them to the hospital, where they are being treated for poisoning.

Up to press time, their condition was listed as stable.

Meanwhile, the police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspect who has since gone into hiding.

Retired engineer fights off armed bandit

… during second break-in at his home in one week EIGHTY-YEAR-OLD Joseph Holder was forced to fight and defend himself against a bandit, who was armed with an ice-pick and invaded the retired engineer’s North Ruimveldt home on Thursday morning.

It was the second burglary attack at Holder’s residence for this week. According to the elderly engineer, who is well known for building the Demerara Harbour Bridge, his wife, Ismay, woke him around 03:45 hrs on Thursday morning to alert him that a bandit was climbing through the couple’s bedroom window, situated in the upper flat.

“I got up and engaged the man in a scuffle. I was trying to hold him to keep him until we got some help but he, being younger and muscular, started kicking at me. He pulled out an ice-pick and was jabbing at me so I eventually had to let him loose,” Holder related.

The bandit managed to escape and Holder later discovered that his 40-inch television and two cellular phones were missing.

The burglar had entered the home through a kitchen window in the lower flat and removed the items while the Holders slept upstairs. He then took a ladder from inside the house and used it to gain entry into the couple’s bedroom from outside, as the inner door was closed preventing him from getting upstairs, from inside the house.

Holder believes that it was the same bandit who entered his home on Tuesday, around 03:00hrs. However, the bandit was disrupted as the engineer was awake and had turned on his television. The burglar had then gained entry through another window in the upper flat and made off with two of Holder’s wallets bearing cash and other personal belongings.

A few years ago, there was another breakin at the Holders when the bandit had again escaped with household items.

Both of the recent incidents were reported and the police are continuing their investigation.

drew Foo to respond.

Foo referred to the constraints that are currently plaguing his municipality in terms of resources, and also pointed out how some of his limited officers had to be diverted to the parking meter project.

King offered that the absence of waste receptacles in stores contributes to the littering crisis, as well as the high level of indiscipline on citizens’ part. He said despite the garbage trucks turning up on time, some people prefer to litter.

Recently, the Chief Constable had indicated to the Chronicle that although the department was short of 138 staff members, officers were still being dispatched to the enforcement team belonging to Smart City Solutions (SCS), the company that M&CC granted the concession to install parking meters.

The company’s pa-

trolling teams around the city would have had to include Constabulary officers, Foo had clarified.

As to how this development would impact the department, Foo said: “It’s very tight, because we are constrained in terms of our numbers. But we have a mandate and once it’s an initiative of the Council, then the constabulary has to work in that area. It now becomes a part of our mandate.”

The Constabulary has responsibility for the prevention and detection of crime in Georgetown and has similar powers and privileges of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

It also has authority to prosecute persons for offences such as assault, disorderly behaviour, urinating in public places, using indecent language, encumbering the pavements and so forth.

The department also

Chief Constable Andrew Foo provides security for municipal markets, day-care centres, koker pumps and City Hall buildings, among others. Providing security alone takes up much of the department’s resources, Foo had once told the Chronicle.

The Enforcement Unit, which deals with itinerant vending and other breaches of the laws, is also very small and short of its full complement of staff.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

Gov’t fine-tuning plan for laid-off sugar workers … key agencies involved in preparation

By Zena Henry

AGRICULTURE Minister Noel Holder said government will unveil by this month-end a strategic corporate plan for sugar workers who might be laid off as a consequence of the ongoing restructuring of the Guyana Sugar Corporation.

Holder told the Guyana Chronicle that his ministry, along with representatives of the Finance Ministry and the private state company, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), are currently establishing a “corporate vehicle” geared to addressing all aspects of the transformation that will see

sugar workers re-oriented into other industries.

Holder told the newspaper that as recent as Thursday, members of the mentioned agencies met to work on the programme. He explained that his ministry is also supposed to meet with other key agencies to ensure a comprehensive programme. One of those is the

Ministry of Social Protection to help the Agriculture Ministry implement its changes within the interests of workers.

He said too that one of the big plans, is leasing lands to sugar workers for the production of crops. This cannot be done independently, Holder opined. Rather, part of the corporate plan will involve getting workers into cooperatives to make it easier for them to access financing and

Noel Holder, Agriculture Minister support. He said that if workers are leased lands individually, and apply for a loan to buy a tractor for example, he may experience some difficulty in accessing that loan, but being a member of a cooperative, that would significantly help to increase his chances of receiving assistance. Apart from that, the corporate plan will provide training and other forms of assistance to adequately integrate workers into their new fields of livelihood.

Minister Holder explained that the estates highlighted in the State Paper unveiled on Monday are scheduled to close at the end of the year, after the last crop is reaped. “That will be it. So we have seven months to get ourselves in order before this [plan] can be implemented,” the Agriculture Minister stated. During his presentation on Monday, of government’s State Paper on the future of the sugar industry, Minister Holder told the nation that the sugar industry would be moving toward the production of 147,000 tonnes of the sugar annually, while returning the industry to a profit-making one. GuySuCo has been losing billions of dollars every year, while governments, present and previous, have in turn injected billions of dollars in subsidies.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in a statement said the State Paper largely confirms what has been widely said by administration spokespersons in recent times.

“The GAWU is disheartened that the “hard decisions” as Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman described it on Labour Day, will serve to wreck the lives of thousands of ordinary, decent, hard-working Guyanese and reduce vibrant

and robust rural economies to a shell of their current selves.

The paper does very little to quell our strong and significant concerns about the plans for sugar which we have registered with the Government and have shared publicly as well.

We see the paper as largely a repetition of what we have previously heard from officials of the Government and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo), much of which we had reasons to disagree with,” GAWU said.

According to the union, it was told that there had been a sharp decline in the industry’s workforce between 2006 and 2015. “What is not said, however, is that the industry’s mechanisation programme was intended to address the very issue. Significant sums have already been invested by GuySuCo to convert its fields for mechanical operations.

Moreover, we must remind that GuySuCo told the Parliamentary Economic Services Committee in 2014 that mechanisation would reduce costs by 20 per cent per annum and would cost $14B, an investment that would be repaid in two and a half years. It is dismaying, given the positive spin-offs to be had that mechanisation in sugar is not even considered as is evidenced by the rejection of CDB funds for further mechanization,” GAWU said.

It was noted that in 2014 GuySuCo made losses of up to $17.5B, while in 2015, it amounted to $18.1B, 2016 it was $12.1B, and is expected to lose more than $12B, this year. For the same period, government has injected subsidies to the tune of $6B, $12B, and $11B respectively. The industry is expected to be subsidized with around $18B this year.

The A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has proposed however that sugar be produced at Albion-Rose Hall, Blairmont and Uitvlugt-Wales estates to meet local and regional demand. The company said it will retain as many workers needed for all operations on the merged estates/factories. Those who will go into farming will produce crop types to be decided by the GuySuCo and the Agriculture Ministry.

Should all the workers express interest, the new venture would have to cater to some 10,000 persons.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

COTED urged to address issues critical to CSME

SECRETARY General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin laRocque has the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to examine the slow place in which some member states are addressing elements that are critical to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

At the opening of the 44th meeting of COTED here on Thursday, CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said while the conference of Heads of Government has been reviewing the CSME and taken not of significant progress in implementation particularly with respect to the legal and institutional measures and mechanisms to support the free movement of goods, services, skills, and cross-border establishment of businesses – there are concerns.

“Our leaders, however expressed concern that some of their decisions had not been complied with. They lamented the fact that some of our Organs and Bodies have failed to meet, to consider critical aspects of the CSME. And items remain much too long on the agenda of the Councils. They also recognised the need for effective consultative mechanisms and addressing capacity constraints at the national level.”

The Secretary General said while they have been discussing issues such as Government Procurement and basic contingent rights – there are aspects of the free movement of skills regime and market access for specific products that require urgent decision. “Even as the Council seeks to address those issues, it faces the challenge of non-compliance with its decisions. The basis of our integration movement is its rules-based nature. Therefore, failure to adhere to the rules,

which includes compliance with decisions, poses a threat to the credibility of our Community.”

He said the onus is on COTED to make the required decisions, determine the actions to be taken to fulfill the obligations, and agree on timelines for implementation which we must adhere to. He said the council must send “a clear signal of your determination to make that difference by reaching agreement on the

CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque Regional Policy for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It is an opportunity to open the way for the small entrepreneur to benefit from our Single Market.”

He added that the consolidation and advancement of the CSME, apart from its role of enhancing intra-regional trade and economic growth, will also serve as the springboard for seizing our external trade opportunities. “It is important that this Council gives deep consideration to the various international developments that have taken place in recent times, which will have an effect on our major external trading relationships.”

The Secretary General said that one decision is the step being made by the United Kingdom to exit the European Union (Brexit). “Both parties

are among our major trading partners. This Council will need to take a decision which would allow us to seek, at a minimum, to ensure that our existing market access to the UK continues after the Brexit process is complete. This is important given that the UK market absorbs approximately 22 percent of our overall exports to the EU.” He said with global developments, the region must reassess the overall orientation of its external trade.

“The development of new relationships and increasing utilisation of our existing trade agreements assume even greater importance.”

Concerning trade agreements, LaRocque said the Community is party to a number of trade agreements, some of which have not been regularly serviced in recent years. He said in recent months talks been held with Cuba and the Dominican Republic in recent months to enhance these trade agreements.

“A decision will have to be taken on how to address the Region’s other trade agreements and negotiations, along with the resources that should be dedicated to doing so. As we seek to maximise trade opportunities both domestically and internationally, the provision and analysis of relevant data is an important element.”

He said COTED has been provided with a review of the performance of intra-regional trade in goods and this is an essential exercise. “It must be expanded to include our external trade. And it must become a regular feature of the COTED agenda.”

He also said the member states must assist in this regard by timely provision of the relevant trade data to the Secretariat in order for a thorough analysis to be provided so that it becomes even more meaningful as a tool for decision-making.

(CMC)

Expansive cordon around Parliament is to keep out terrorists COPY-CATTING fears of terrorist attacks, the Guyana Police Force has enhanced security arrangements around the confines of Parliament Building which has now extended into several streets.

These cordons are now extended to Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, and on the southern side to Leopold and Lombard Streets. This has resulted in severe traffic congestion.

The police in a press re-

sponse to an article carried Thursday in the Stabroek News newspaper, under the caption: “Barriers shifted to keep protesters away from Parliament -- Traffic Chief,” stated, “Please be advised that Traffic Chief Dion Moore is refuting claims that he told any reporter from Stabroek News or any other that the barriers around Parliament were in response to protesters.”

The statement further noted that “The Guyana Police Force wishes the public to know that

the barriers were directly related to the security of Parliament.

This enhanced security arrangement has a nexus to terrorists incidents occurring in various countries around the world, some of which are perpetrated by self-radicalised persons.”

In March, five people were killed and about 40 injured in London after a car ploughed into pedestrians and a suspected Islamist-inspired attacker stabbed a policeman close to Britain’s parliament.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

Five-year social cohesion plan launched … PM warns against all forms of division

By Zena Henry

A SOCIAL Cohesion strategic plan aimed at forging a unified state here was on Thursday handed over to Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo during a ceremony at the National Cultural Centre which coincided with Social Cohesion Day. The Prime Minister re-

ceived the document from Social Cohesion Minister,Dr. George Norton. Cohesion Day 2017 was held under the theme: “Beauty in Diversity;Celebrating Guyana.”

Speaking to other government ministers, members of the diplomatic community and citizens, Norton said that the Social Cohesive Strategic Plan is geared for imple-

mentation over five years; depicting the direction and initiatives of the ministry and its partners; which included assistance from the United Nations Development programme.

The minister explained that being able to achieve the new plan involved countrywide consultations with stakeholders and a further

Social Cohesion Minister, George Norton handing over the strategic plan to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo implementation plan which was constructed based on the feedback that was received from those stakeholders and other participants. The consultations revealed,however,five areas of concern:ethnic and political relations, social security, economic equality, community safety

advancing the Social Cohesion agenda.” He noted that it will also allow citizens to foster a socially cohesive country where diversities are embraced, conflict resolved, networking and collaboration for stakeholders and to promote equity, while advancing a decision making process

existing between the races.

He said it was commendable and ideal that President David Granger, soon after being sworn in, established the Social Cohesion Ministry.

Minister Nagamootoo warned against all forms of division. He urged citizens to not fall prey to devices being

Scenes from the Social Cohesion Day celebration at the National Cultural Centre [Delano Williams photos] and security,and political participation and governance.

The completed five-year strategic plan will be used for promoting and enhancing social cohesion. Norton said a number of activities will thus entail. These will include, among others, countrywide sensitisation sessions, diversity information and inclusion workshops.

The unification of the nation can be achieved, but it would require all citizens playing their role, Minister Norton opined. He charged that, “We now have a strategic plan which will allow us to have a more structured and systematic approach in

that results in equal opportunities that benefit all citizens.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nagamootoo expressed that within the short two years the Social Cohesion event has been running, it has risen to some “national significance.” He said that personally, it feels as if the event is becoming a national holiday or should be one where citizens come out in their numbers to promote and celebrate the ideologies and cultures of the different ethnic groups. The Prime Minister explained previous occurrences where after every general election, there are signs of social tensions

used to divide the country. He said Guyana is a great nation with a mixture of people which adds to the blessings of the country.

He continued that, “When the world is being pulled apart by social conflicts caused by religion, ethnicity and tribalism and most times politics, we in Guyana enjoy an existence that is not divisive at least openly…” He said that despite efforts being made on the contrary by some, it remains that Guyanese have gathered for another year, choosing to celebrate social cohesion together rather than apart.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

IDB providing critical support to CH&PA on housing strategy

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have begun discussions on the development of a National Housing Strategy and the IDB has committed to providing much need support in this regard.

It is expected that the Strategy when completed will address several critical areas including improving the institutional capacity of the CH&PA to design, manage and implement housing and Urban policy; Strengthen CH&PA’s capacity to manage and analyse territorial information and to facilitate multi-sectoral knowledge-sharing on housing and urban development topics. ?

According to the Government Information Agency

(GINA), the housing strategy will be built on the existing housing profile which was created by the United Nations (UN) Habitat in collaboration with the CH&PA in February this year.

The Housing Strategy is intended to form the basis on which the housing sector will advance while addressing the expansion of housing supply, improving affordability and access to adequate housing.

Last December, the IDB upon request from the Government of Guyana approved US$517,250 in support of the development of the National Housing Strategy.

Meanwhile, through the IDB’s Housing and Urban Development Division, the CH&PA will receive support to develop the Strategy as part of the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)

to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Wednesdays meeting saw IDB’s Housing and Urban Development Specialist, Patricio Zambrano-Barragan, meeting with CH&PA’s Chief Executive Officer, Lelon Saul, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities, Emile McGarrell and representatives from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Power and Light and Mayor and City Council.

Join the conversation about land in Guyana –– Land CoI urges COMMISSIONERS of the recently constituted Lands Commission of Inquiry (CoI) are urging citizens to “join the conversation about land in Guyana and to share in the life and work of the Lands Commission of Inquiry.”

In a statement to the media on Thursday, the commission which was appointed by President David Granger in March, said that by its Terms of Reference (TOR), it is required to resolve all issues and uncertainties surrounding the individual, joint or communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans in Guyana, on the claims of Amerindian land-titling in Guyana and on any other matters relating to land-titling here.

The commission, which is located at the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Upper Hadfield Street, D’ Urban Backlands, Georgetown, said in conducting its work it is bound by the Laws of Guyana as well as international obligations to implement and provide for sustainable land use.

“It must be emphasised that the designated mandate of this commission is solely to make recommendations,” the statement noted, while adding that the commission will actively engage with the Guyanese public through periodic updates and press releases.

Notices will be issued as to the holding of public hearings and opportunities for direct involvement of stakeholders in its work. “The Lands Commission of Inquiry, as constituted by the President, is significant.

This CoI is a defining moment in Guyana’s history and presents an opportunity for open engagement and public conversation on the wide-ranging issues of land

in Guyana.”

Additionally, the commission said it is aware that land concerns and affects all citizens and as such, its goal is to listen and understand the issues relating to land here and examine same in a comprehensive and holistic manner. “Our commissioners, who bring an array of technical, academic, managerial, research, legal skills and competencies relevant to the issue of land in Guyana, commenced work with a period of rigorous research which is ongoing and will entail field-study to fully examine issues as mandated,” the statement to the media noted.

In the coming weeks, the commission intends to engage with communities to foster dialogue so as to be guided historically, legally and geographically. The information received will be used to add to the work done in the past geared at defining land and related issues since independence. The commission has until November 1 to submit its recommendations to the President.

Meanwhile, The National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) has condemned the establishment of the CoI as a means of addressing land issues relative to Indigenous Peoples here and demanded that the government recalls the CoI and establish two separate CoIs to address land issues here, a demand to which the government does not intend to yield. In fact, government, through Minister of State Joseph Harmon,has made it clear that issues relative to land will be examined in totality, as those issues touch and concern each Guyanese.

“The toshaos’ statement is a matter of concern, because we believe that all citizens of this country have a right to have their

issues addressed at whatever levels it needs to be addressed.

At the level of land, the authority for the issue of any land title is the President or any person so authorised by the President to issue titles,” said Harmon last week at his weekly post-cabinet press briefing.

He gave the assurance that “The issue of Amerindian land titles would be dealt with by the commission and is not mixed up with the ancestral lands, and they would deal with Amerindian land-title issues. So I believe we need to have some more engagements with the parties so that they understand this more carefully.”

The minister of state said no attempt is being made by the coalition Government to dilute any aspect of the Amerindian Act of 2006 or replace it with any intervention. “Everywhere I go, people are talking about land and it is up to us to ensure that we have an equitable way of addressing these issues,” he said, adding that the CoI was the proper way to do it and represented a fulfilling of a commitment made by the President at the National Toshaos Conference in 2016.

“We will find a way to move forward in the interest of all,” he stated as the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs also rejected outright the statements made by the NTC. The NTC which is made up of Toshaos of all indigenous communities, said they were never consulted on the establishment of the commission and as such will not respect the decisions of such a body.

The council, a body comprising all Toshaos of Guyana and a representative body of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana, said they were never consulted on the formation of such a body and cannot, with any degree of sanity nor confidence, respect such a body and will refuse to cooperate with it.

Stakeholders discuss the development of a National Housing Strategy on Wednesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

Teachers’ dorm for Mainstay

MINISTER within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams has promised residents of Mainstay that a dormitory will be constructed shortly to accommodate teachers from the coast.

The minister was responding to concerns raised by several residents during a meeting on Sunday in the Amerindian community. She was accompanied by Toshao of Mainstay, Joel Fredericks, and officials from the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI).

Minister Hastings-Williams noted that arrangements will be made through the re-

gional administration to ensure that the living conditions of government employees who are posted to the region are adequate. “If there is a need for teacher’s quarters then we will build one,” Minister Hastings-Williams assured the residents.

Several residents who attended the meeting complained that the quarters currently occupied by teachers are in an atrocious condition. One representative of the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) described the current living arrangement for teachers as “unfit for human habitation”.

“A head-teacher, who is a coast-lander has been appointed to the region and so there is an urgent need for living quarters,” one teacher pointed out.

The head-teacher was expected to take up her appointment as of May 8.

Political activist, Mary Williams explained that Mainstay has never had a teacher’s quarters but she had given permission to the village council many years ago to occupy a building which was used to house teachers sent to the community.

However, due to a lack of the necessary maintenance, the building fell into a state

of disrepair and is now in a deplorable condition. Another resident, Minerva Carter, made a request for a separate space for the nursery school which is currently being housed in the building at the primary school.

Minister Hastings-Williams also undertook to make representation to Minister of Public Security,Khemraj Ramjattan for an update on application for firearm licences made by residents,after complaints from farmers about wild animals destroying their crops.

Luciana Williams, a teacher by profession, disclosed that while she does subsistence farming to supplement her

income, she has not been able to secure the necessary licence for a firearm.

Among the other issues raised were the electricity coverage, the water supply and the quality and state of the roads. The Minister advised the residents to approach the regional administration to have the road works included in the next budget. A request was also made of the GWI to flush the lines in order to improve the quality of water and also to have an increase supply to outlying villages such as Redlock.

Minister Hastings-Williams promised to have a standpipe installed at Redlock

in an effort to ensure a regular supply of water to residents outside the catchment area.

She urged Toshao Fredericks to engage the residents through public meetings as this is required by the Amerindian Act. “Public meetings are really important to inform residents and keep them posted. This is the only way they can truly know what is happening,” the Minister said. She added that all regional officials including the health, education, executive and administrative officials must meet in order to adequately and accurately plan for the 2018 budget.

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ECD arch pegged at $20M

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

‌ Ansa McAl apologises for traffic hold-up

By Fareeza Haniff

COUNTRY Head of the Ansa McAl Group of Companies, Beverly Harper, has profusely apologised to motorists for the huge build-up of traffic on the East Coast Demerara highway on Thursday morning, saying that the company was rushing to install the In-

dependence Arch in time for a major event this weekend.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Harper made it clear that it was never the intention of Ansa McAl to cause such a huge delay to motorists, many of whom took to social media to vent their frustration with the traffic congestion.

The Guyana Police Force

had issued an advisory on Wednesday evening that the highway between UG Access Road and Ogle Access Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from Thursday to Friday between the hours of 8am -9pm, to facilitate the installation of the arch at the eastern entrance to Georgetown.

But the traffic did not flow as smoothly as the offi-

Workers installing the arch at Industry, East Coast Demerara, yesterday [Samuel Maughn photos]

Blind Society gets THE Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown Central has presented the Guyana Blind Society with 50 white canes, the main mobility tool for persons who are blind and visually impaired.

The canes, valued at more than $400,000, were handed over to the society recently at its office on High Street.

The club also donated one desktop computer and desk valued at $93,000 to the Ministry of Education, Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

An executive member of the Blind Society has said that the donation of the canes is a timely one, especially as the organization has none at the moment to give its members.

The club has been serving the society and the less privileged for a number of years.

Members of the Guyana Socie Central at the presentation ce

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017 cials had hoped and instead, persons were stuck in the chaos for hours which resulted in students missing CXC examinations at the various schools, along with those attending the University of Guyana (UG). As such, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure intervened and halted the installation for the rest of Thursday; works resumed late last night with the hope of completing the installation.

According to Harper, the arch was scheduled to be installed since last week, but due to circumstances beyond the control of the company, it was delayed. Many persons questioned why the arch was not installed in the night,

when there is less traffic, but according to Harper, given the height of the arch, the safety of the workers was taken into consideration. She also noted that the company had to source a 100-ft pole to accommodate the lighting for Thursday night’s installation.

Ansa McAl, Harper said, is aiming to commission the over $20M arch on Saturday, May 13, the same day that the company will be hosting the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence (ANSCAFE), billed for the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

Harper said this is the first time that the awards ceremony will be held in Guyana and the event is slated to have 45

s 50 white canes

ety for the Blind and the Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown eremony recently

participants from the Caribbean. The awards is now the English-speaking Caribbean’s leading recognition programme in the Arts, Sciences, and Public and Civic Work.

The ANSA McAL Foundation launched this Awards Programme in October 2005.

The Awards are made in four areas: Arts & Letters, Science & Technology, Public & Civic Contributions and Entrepreneurship.

This year’s awardees include: Winslow Craig, Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan – both from Guyana – Kwame Ryan from Trinidad and Tobago and Shadel Nyack Compton of Grenada.

Traffic was backed up for miles to and from Georgetown

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

Aspiring pilot, future ‘vet’ prevail --in quest for Ms St Joseph High Senior and Junior IT WAS one night but two queens, as aspiring pilot

Devya Singh and 14-year-old aspiring veterinarian Sha-

meeza Baksh were crowned Miss St Joseph Senior and Junior, respectively, when the curtains came down on the event two Sunday nights ago at the National Cultural Centre.

In the senior category, Form IV Arts’ Ruth Wilson placed first runner-up, Form V Arts’ Elizabeth Baptiste second runner-up, and Tibina Deen third runner-up.

For the juniors, placing after Baksh were Kizza McLeod, Leah Alves and Chrislene Persaud respectively.

Before an audience of arguably the largest attendance in pageantry here of late, Singh

and Baksh each prevailed over seven other young ladies in their respective categories, progressing through their talent, evening/cocktail wear and final questions segments before making their way to their crowns.

The adorable Baksh was all smiles when her win was announced, but it was a look of utter surprise that crossed Singh’s face when it finally dawned on her that she had triumphed over first runner-up Ruth Wilson.

“Everyone was a queen in their own way, so I was Turn to page 20

MOMENT OF TRUTH! The moment 16-year-old Devya Singh (centre) realised that she was the new Senior Miss St Joseph High. With her, at right, is first runner-up Ruth Wilson, and second runner up, Elizabeth Baptiste

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

The lingering taint of poverty MOST of the domestic murders that occur in our country ricochet from the toxic social barrel of needs and wants.

The photographs revealed in the newspapers of the location of these tragedies outline domiciles that shout of survival struggles, where traditional incomes are found wanting before the devastating onslaught of a modern world.

You would have to be over 50 to debate what may have facilitated contentment forty years ago as against the demand quest for the ‘things’ that are the symbols of progress of today. Technology was restricted to the radio and the newspapers; who couldn’t read didn’t even buy the newspapers.

The radio had selective listening: ‘Dr Paul’, ‘Portia Faces Life’, or music programmes, so the flow of life remained rudimentary and provincial to a great extent.

Though pre-Independent Georgetown had a busy social life, where social lines were drawn in respect to ‘who’ got the better jobs, how, who went to the celebrated schools were to be entitled and perceived.

Housing was always a problem.

A third of Georgetown’s population lived in the ‘Nigger Yards’ of Martin Carter’s immortal poem. So, ambitions were self censored, and dreams curtailed to comparable limitations; frustrations expressed itself through street fighters and dominance in the yard culture.

CULTURE OF POVERTY Though physical poverty has its woes, the wretched wings of the Culture of Poverty lay at levels far deeper than the stereotype concept of the haves and the

have-nots.

The television is no longer an exotic item in the homes of our time; its programmes are viewed with a subconscious devotion to the First World that is obvious in the mimicked names of local businesses, and even copied expressions of entertainment.

Whether viewing “sitcom” or movie props or advertising layouts of interior designs and real estate, these are consumed by devotees before the idol of his favourite manmade God, and we manifest them here; we construct temperate-zone designed homes in our tropical paradise.

Recently, the Minister of State was urging home builders to use our kilndried woods for building, other than the cement pill-boxes compounded with walls of glass that the Minister of Education was some time ago warning was heat attractive.

The sum of the matter is that the “Harpy” of poverty exerts a mental state that does not morph when the status changes, thus the local term, ‘neva-see-comefuh-see’.

A classic example is the recent debacle that enveloped the former Attorney-General Anil Nandalall over the ‘Law Books’.

When at the court facing a larceny charge, he sought to negate the importance of the charge to the media, not by debating to the media the inculpate matter; instead, he opted to compare the value of his ‘wrist watch’ and ‘cell-phone’ as of having more worth than the Law Books. The logical atmosphere of the incident was transformed to the incriminating embarrassment of the creolese ‘Neva-see-comefuh-see.’

DEEP-SEATED

The wings of poverty is deep-seated, depriving those tainted by its phosphorous touch of the ability to separate character from the elusive importance of having ‘things’. This stereotype is confronted by the child from the underprivileged area that passes the exams, and so defies expectations. But whose expectations, when it is the atmosphere created of a small family library, with discourses that develop values and a realistic philosophy of self- confidence and the constant example of the parental pursuit to earn and spend finances sensibly, without subjecting the family to the deprivations of all luxuries.

Every family had its genesis of humble beginnings that was transformed by its pathfinders. Whether its descendants were grounded in their evolution, or were tainted by the wings of poverty to become pretentious substance-less caricatures or well-grounded personalities does not depend entirely on what was taught, but also on genes.

As I’ve indicated in a past article, and as we often say, “De child ent tek after he or she mother or father; he or she just like he or she great uncle/aunt, duh scamp.” Except in cases from the Old World, where deprivations were imposed through dominance cultures, where after a hundred generations those dominated developed cultures based on impulses of survival dishonesty; where children are deformed at birth to live as beggars, and prey upon the sympathies of strangers, especially from other cultures.

The culture of poverty cannot be exclusively regulated into districts of obvious economic limitations, but can be defined by the religious person

that fails to realise that religion transcends just going to church and singing the loudest while conspiring with everyone around them; or the businessman who loses sleep because his competitor has bought a sizable piece of real estate across the road, while

both of them are making reasonable profits while underpaying their staff, depriving them of their NIS benefits. Life at times summons the primordial hunter gatherer. At times we break rules to survive, but never convert breaking rules to the philosophy

we live by, or the Harpy of the Culture of Poverty will certainly be our Dream Maker. And nature has a way of making good on the overall vibrations we attract, as against the character-building life challenges we encounter along the way.

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Aspiring pilot...

surprised,” Singh said moments after taking the title. She however said she was particularly worried about how things might have gone during her final question.

“Even though I answered my final question,” she said, “I was still somewhat skeptical about my answer not being good enough.

“But look where I am!

I was extremely, extremely proud, because I know my mother won a pageant in her teens, and I wanted to make her so proud!

“Also, winning this pageant helps me to promote my platform in many ways; it helps me to be a good influence for everyone in my school as well.”

But winning the crown was not the only feat that Singh would accomplish that night, as she also copped the prize for “Best Talent”, and was voted “Miss Congeniality” by her pageant sisters. However, it was Wilson who would take the senior “Ms Intellect Prize”, while the junior one went to Leah Alves.

INTO THE NIGHT The night started with the 16 young ladies going through their introductions, before moving into the casual wear, and their platform questions.

Quite early on, Baptiste and Wilson were singled out as crowd favourites. The girls were scored from a total of 30 points for their introduction, and 25 apiece for the casual and platform questions.

The talent segment was worth a maximum 20 points.

Obviously a talented singer, Devya won best talent off her satisfactory performance of Emeli Sande’s “Read All About It”. For her talent piece, Shameeza did a dramtic performance that spoke to suicide prevention.

The final segment before the top-four were selected was the cocktail wear for the

juniors, and evening wear for the seniors, both of which went for 25 points.

The top-four then had to endure the worrisome final question. But even that was, for the most part, easy work for these smart young ladies.

The top four juniors were each asked the same question, while a different question was put to the seniors.

For the juniors the question was, “Explain how you felt on your first day at St Joseph High School,” and came from the evening’s host, Wasim Khan.

To this Baksh by far gave one of the most assertive answers of the evening.

“Well, let me start from the beginning!” Baksh immediate-

ly declared to hoots of encouraging laughter from the crowd.

Then, without skipping a beat, the well-poised Form Three ‘D’ student continued: “I was chosen to go to Christ Church Secondary, so I was really sad; but then I wrote the transfer exam and realised that I overcame defeat. And when I heard that I had to come to St Joseph, I was happy.

“My first day there, I was filled with so much confidence in myself, thanks to the teachers, because they told me that even though I came in at Second Form, I am now part of the St Joseph family. And that made me feel as if I will always be at home at my school.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

From Page 18 For the seniors, the question was: “St Joseph High has a proud 120-year legacy. What one thing makes you most proud to be a student at the school, and why?”

In her short but sweet winning answer, Singh said: “It would be the relationship the teachers and students have.

It’s phenomenal, I must say.

Teachers and students have a connection at St Joseph like no other.

“You can tell the teacher anything, and they would have the best advice to give you in return, so I strongly believe it would be the relationship that the students and teachers have at St Joseph High.”

Nicki Minaj fuels Nas dating rumours

NICKI Minaj has fueled more Nas dating rumours after posting a photo of her and rapper Nas on her Instagram.

The Young Money Barbie and the New York rap legend have been rumoured to be dating following her breakup with Meek Mill.

There were some talks back in March that Nicki Minaj is falling in love with Nas. There were also some rumours that Nas was angry that Remy Ma used his “ETHER” beat on her diss track for Nicki Minaj “ShETHER” without his permission.

Nevertheless, seems there is a thing going on between the PinkPrint rapper and the rap icon.

Nicki posted the pic after having dinner with Nas at the Sweet Chicks Life restaurant in Brooklyn. The two could just be talking business, but they looked too cozy not to be dating.

Some of her fans are already calling her new relationship an upgrade from the last.

Kanye goes off-grid Shameeza Baksh, left, and Devya Singh being crowned Miss St Joseph Junior and Senior 2017 respectively two Sunday nights ago at the NCC (Photos by Adrian Narine)

The top four junior and senior finalists in the Miss St Joseph Pageant. They are, from left: Chrislene Persaud, Leah Alves, Kizza McLeod, Shameeza Baksh, Devya Singh, Tibina Deen, Elizabeth Baptiste, and Ruth Wilson (Photos by Adrian Narine)

KANYE West has deletef his Twitter and Instagram accounts and gone off the grid to work on his new album.

For weeks now, the G.O.O.D. Music chief has been missing from the public eye, leading some folks to believe that he is in hiding.

Turns out Kanye West has been in the mountains at a Wyoming retreat enjoying some peace and quiet while working on his new album, TMZ has reported.

He had been there two weeks prior, and has now gone back for another week, where he hopes to find more creative inspiration.

The last time we saw Kanye West in public was around Valentine’s Day when he took his wife, Kim Kardashian, on a dinner date.

Even at his Yeezy fashion show in New York in February, he was hardly seen. He was also missing from the Met Gala last week, where Kim Kardashian attended the event solo. This absence from the public eye has led many to believe that there are problems at home, but sources are saying that that

is not the case; that he is just staying away from the public eye to work on his project and spend some quiet time with his family.

Kaye West also scrubbed his Twitter and Instagram clean, leaving some to believe that something is going on.

His last album, the Life of Pablo, was released last year when he also promised that he would be releasing at least three projects for the year.

But that didn’t happen, and in the middle of his Saint Pablo tour last November, he had a mental breakdown and was briefly hospitalised. That marked the beginning of his withdrawal from the public domain.

We look forward to getting some new music from Kanye West sometime soon, as he gets ready to drop his new album on us.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

WITH Sunday being Mother’s Day, this weekend it’s time to put mom in focus! And there’re several events that you can take mom out to and spend some quality time!

It all climaxes with the annual Mother and Daughter Pageant at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday. Leading up to that there’s afternoon tea at Herdmanston Lodge on Saturday, while Food for the Poor will celebrate mothers at the Promenade Gardens on Sunday afternoon!

And if you’re just not in the mood to do the cooking, but still want to give mom that special lunch, Palm Court is willing to do it for you! You can stay in for the brunch or pick up one of their baskets!

Outside of our mom-centred outings, there’s a lot that’s making this weekend a really lively one! The postponed Sinach concert is finally here, and it’s on Saturday under the open skies at the National Park (Let’s just hope the rain holds)!

Over at Palm Court, Pulse is having a party and it has a lot to do with hookahs and tequila, so if that’s your fix, then head on over!

Vintage Wine and Cheese has a few things going on this weekend that you might be into! And the weekly Tower Suites afterwork lime is offering Corona specials!

TODAY

It’s Latin Night at the Vintage Wine and Cheese Lounge! Get two Desperados Tequila Beers for $1000! Admission: Free.

Head on down to the Tower Suites for their “Corona Friday After-work Lime”! The sexy Corona girls will be there to serve our bucket specials: Six Corona Beers for only $3,600! You can also choose from any of their succulent platters for only $2,000 per serving! Live DJ music with lots of vibes!

TOMORROW

The Herdmanston Lodge is hosting “Mom & Me: An Afternoon Tea Party in the Garden” for mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts and their daughters!

Looking to create lasting memories and put these loving relationships in focus?

Come and enjoy fashion displays, live music and lots of entertainment and fun.

Make a “fuss” over mom this Mother’s Day! Tickets: $3,000.

Guyana! It’s finally here! The long anticipated “Sinach LIVE in Concert: Open Heaven Worship Experience” at the National Park!

World-renowned singer/songwriter SINACH and her band will be coming to these shores for a remarkable night of praise and worship!

Tickets: $2000; children under 12 FREE!

It’s Party Saturdays at the Vintage Wine and Cheese Lounge! SO go party the night away with music by DJ Doc AND enjoy a few Cocktail Specials!

Do you love Tequila? Do you love Body Shots? Do you love Hookahs?

To be honest, we all do! Pulse Entertainment presents TBH: “Tequila, Bodyshots, Hookah” at the Palm Court! To be honest, it’s a party you don’t want to miss!

Tickets $2,000; more at the door.

SUNDAY

Food for the Poor is hosting “She is My Cup of Tea: A Celebration of Mothers” at the Promenade Gardens!

Enjoy an afternoon of tea and treats, craft exhibition, fashion displays with Storm Talent Angency, and live musical renditions by Ms. Leanna Allen.

Come and be serenaded by Mr Roy “Sweet Sax” Stewart as we celebrate mothers, with the kind patronage of First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger!

Tickets are available for a contribution of $5000, INCLUSIVE of a free GIFT plus special door prizes to be won.

Sunday Brunch and Mother’s Day Lunch Baskets are waiting for you at the Palm Court!

Enjoy brunch at $6000 per person, or grab those baskets which are going at $10,000 per basket and serves three!

The 26th edition of the Mother and Daughter Pageant is billed for the National Cultural Centre, and the theme this year is ‘Rhythm of Love’!

Tickets: $3000, $2500 and $2000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 12, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

‘Green Machine’ ruggers off to Barbados … kick off RAN 15s South Zone title defence tomorrow

THE Green Machine, Guyana’s National rugby team, will depart Guyana today via the Eugene F. Correira International Airport on the first LIAT flight out to the Land of the Flying Fish, where they will face the ‘Bajan’ ruggers tomorrow in their opening game of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s Championship.

Set for the Garrison Field, Guyana are the reigning RAN 15s South Zone champions, and, according to head coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart, the 23-man squad will be heading to Barbados confident of coming out on top.

Guyana defeated Barbados 48-17 last year when the Guyanese were on their way to clinching another title, but this time around, Grant-Stuart is prepared for a tougher time against the ‘Bajan’ side.

Grant-Stuart told Chronicle Sport that the team is made up of the familiar faces who helped Guyana to become one of the most feared rugby

nations in the Caribbean, especially in the shortest format of the game (Sevens).

Guyana will then face foes, Trinidad and Tobago, at the National Park Rugby Field on June 10 in a rematch of last year’s South Zone final. The last time the two countries met, Guyana walked away 23-18 winners.

The Green Machine are the current runners-up to Mexico in the Regional RAN 15s Championships as well as current RAN 7s Caribbean Champions.

Squad: Ryan Gonsalves (captain), Richard Staglon (vice-captain), Avery Corbin, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Godfrey Broomes, Dwayne Schroeder, Sean Phillips, Vallon Adams, Ahmed Isaacs, Rondel McArthur, Jason Tyrell, Allain Crawford, Kevon David, Jamal Angus, Troyton Braithwaite, Patrick King, Joseph Rahaman, Cyon Kitt, Toby David, Osie Mckenzie, Rickford Cummings and Blaise Bailey.

NACAC rejects world-record wipe proposal

THE North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) has rejected a proposal by the European Athletics Council, recommending the wiping of world records set before 2005.

Head of European Athletics Arne Hansen made the proposal recently calling it “revolutionary”.

“Not just because most world and European records will have to be replaced but because we want to change the concept of a record

and raise the standards for recognition to a point where everyone can be confident that everything is fair and above board,” he said.

But NACAC president Victor Lopez is not having it and has called on the IAAF not to include the proposal on the agenda of the IAAF Council Meeting in London.

“As the Area Representative and President of NACAC, I am calling for the IAAF not to entertain such a proposal in the upcoming IAAF Council Meeting in London, as that will take away the positive media attention from the great World Championships that London will be delivering with Usain Bolt saying goodbye to the most significant career of any sprinter in the history of our sport,” said Lopez.

“After discussion with our Council, the NACAC AA position is that this is just one IAAF Area proposal to create a new set of European records, but at this point there is no plan by the IAAF to reset world records. If and when any such proposal is on the table at the level of the IAAF, we will ensure that the interest of the athletes who hold bona fide records and whose status as clean athletes is well established will be protected,” he added.

As an alternative, Lopez proposes that the IAAF Integrity Unit work alongside the International Olympic Committee (IOC), to ensure that clean athletes are protected. (Sportsmax)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 6, 2017

Infantino hits out at ‘FIFA bashing’ and ‘fake news’

By Simon Evans

MANAMA, (Reuters) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino took aim at critics of world football’s governing body yesterday, saying the organisation had reformed and was now a victim of “fake news” and “FIFA bashing”.

Speaking to the organisation’s 67th congress in the Bahraini capital, Infantino, who replaced Sepp Blatter as head of FIFA in 2016, said it was truly transforming itself.

“We are rebuilding FIFA’s reputation after all that happened. We took over the organisation at its deepest point,” said Infantino, adding that there was no room for anyone who wanted to enrich themselves by “abusing football”.

Several dozen football

FIFA president Gianni Infantino

officials, mainly from Latin America, were indicted in the United States in 2015 on corruption-related charges, sparking the worst crisis in FIFA’s history.

Infantino said criticism of the organisation under his

leadership had not been fair, given improved transparency, controls and ethics procedures.

“There is a lot of fake news and alternative facts about FIFA circulating,” he said. “FIFA bashing has

become a national sport in some countries”.

But at the post-congress press conference, Infantino said he was not referring to the media.

“It is not by the media that I was meaning. There are a lot of people who are spreading a lot of wrong and false information.

“Maybe sometimes you (should) question those who are giving you information.

“Sometimes we have seen that the information given is not the right one but is provided just to harm the organisation,” he said.

Asked if he could give any examples of fake news regarding FIFA, Infantino said: “No. But generally, it is my feeling” The Swiss administrator also made some barbed comments about some of his crit-

FIFA has not changed since Blatter era, says Prince Ali

By Simon Evans MANAMA, (Reuters) FIFA president Gianni Infantino has failed to change the way the organisation is run, according to Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, a former candidate for world football’s top job.

Infantino replaced Sepp Blatter at the helm of the sport’s global ruling body in February 2016, with Prince Ali among the defeated candidates.

At FIFA’s annual congress yesterday, Infantino declared “New FIFA is a transparent organisation ... it is a deeply honest organisation”.

But shortly after the end of the congress, which included little debate about a series of issues and unopposed electoral slates of committees elected by over 95 percent of the delegates, Prince Ali told reporters that the organisation remained in deep trouble.

“I think it is fairly obvious that a lot of things have not changed,” Prince Ali said.

“I am not going to judge anyone but what I will say

is that the system, the way business is conducted is the same. I don’t see the refreshing change, the openness, the transparency that everybody talks about really taking effect on the ground,” said Ali, who is the Jordanian Football Association president.

On Tuesday, the FIFA Council opted against renewing the mandate of its two leading Ethics officials who had handled the expulsion of a series of officials involved in corruption allegations.

The pair were replaced at congress with two nominations made by the FIFA Council, headed by Infantino.

Prince Ali said that move had been a mistake.

“Obviously, their term ran out but, having said that, they are in the middle of conducting their cases and what this is going to do is delay the process.

“To be honest, if it not broken, don’t fix it. There seem to be many reasons we are hearing about why it is done but we were not given an explanation and that is the basic right of congress to know what the reasons

Former FIFA candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein.

are behind the changes – that reminds me of things that have happened in the past,” he said.

Asked whether, with U.S and Swiss authorities still investigating the body, Infantino’s actions represented a danger to FIFA, Prince Ali said: “I think so. It has already lost the battle of public opinion; we had a good chance to rebuild that and we need to, this is the world we live in. Things cannot be conducted behind closed doors,

everyone wants to know what is going on.”

Prince Ali is also concerned about the tone taken

by Infantino over the Ethics case and other issues.

“We are in a crisis, you can’t have a FIFA president who says everything is fine, as we have heard before, when obviously it is not,” he said.

“Every other week something new comes to light and there are very serious allegations.”

ics among governance experts after a week in which FIFA’s Ethics heads were replaced.

“In the past many highly-paid experts, paid millions, have been hired by FIFA to help reform FIFA. Let me ask you, what did they do? They simply rubber-stamped a sick and corrupt system,” he said.

“Where were all these self-proclaimed gurus and experts? They all miserably failed. I will, we will, not accept good governance lessons from any individuals who miserably failed to protect football.”

While suggesting FIFA’s internal experts had failed, he offered praise to outside investigations, thanking “courts all around the world” who had prosecuted corruption cases.

“We need your help and we count on your help,” he

added, saying there was no place in his organisation for any wrongdoing.

“If there’s anyone in this room or outside of this room who still thinks he can enrich himself, that he can abuse football, I have one clear and strong message to tell him: Leave football and leave football now. We don’t want you.”

FIFA’s budget plans for 2018 and their auditor’s report and financial statements for 2016 were all voted through without any questions being raised in the congress hall.

New heads of several committees were elected including a new ethics investigator and judge with Infantino describing criticism of the replacement of the existing team as “a storm in a teacup”.

CONCACAF fully behind Canada, U.S., Mexico joint World Cup bid FOLLOWING its XXIV Extraordinary Congress in Manama, Bahrain, on Wednesday, CONCACAF held a press conference in support of the joint proposal by three of its member associations – Canada, Mexico and the United States – to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani joined U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati, Mexican Football Federation president Decio de Maria, and Canadian Soccer Association president Steve Reed in addressing the upcoming bidding process.

“CONCACAF is ac-

tively supporting Canada, Mexico and the United States in this ambitious bid to bring the FIFA World Cup back to the CONCACAF region,” said Montagliani. “With their pooled resources and experience hosting World Cups at all levels, these three countries are uniquely qualified to host the first 48-team World Cup in 2026.”

In addition to the sporting benefits of organising the 2026 World Cup, president Montagliani has committed CONCACAF to extending the potential of hosting a FIFA World Cup into promotion of development throughout the region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

KEVIN STEPHENS – LIVING THE DREAM “This was the best thing that ever happen to me in my refereeing career, that is, officiating in the CONCACAF U-17 playoff. I did six games, the most games in the tournament. At first it was a little hard, competing with the other referees from the different countries but after the first game, I relaxed and did my job.”

Those were the words of Kevin Stephens, who is one of Guyana’s FIFA referees and recently returned from international duties in Panama City, Panama.

Stephens officiated in the finals of the CONCACAF U-17 playoff between the United States of America (USA) and Mexico on Sunday, 7th May, the first for him at that level.

The Linden-born match official, who has been a FIFA referee for three of the nine years of his refereeing career emphasized the importance of fitness in the life of a referee.

“It all starts with training, educating yourself on the Laws of the Game, self-discipline and applying yourself. Fitness is the key.”

In addition to fitness, in response to what is required of a referee to excel at the FIFA level and beyond, Stephens said: “Performance on

Kevin Stephens with Refereeing Team For the CONCACAF U17 Finals

the field is very important, consistency in games and excellence in the classroom at both exam and trivia.”

The former Wisburg Secondary School student, who in 2016 also officiated in a World Cup Qualifier match in Guatemala (Guatemala vs Saint Vincent), hopes his last appointment positively influences the national referees. He underscored personal investment in the sport for progressive advancement. To this end, he actively engages

Kevin Stephens In Action

in self-study and independently participates in the annual Disney Cup held in Florida, USA in addition to the formal training sessions held by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). The Disney Cup is an expanding and open tournament with over 20 participating countries.

The optimistic Stephens who dreams of one day officiating in a World Cup offered words of encouragement to his fellow referees: “We all can do the same things, achieve the same goals. We just have to work hard and dream; dreams are for real. So you have to dream and work; you just can’t dream alone but work towards the dream and it will come through.”

In providing final thoughts, Stephens said: “The key they (FIFA) are looking for now is excellence. As long as you strive for excellence and they see you really need it, they will push you and give you the encouragement.”

For the complete interview, listen via www.soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation

RUPUNUNI FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION TO HOST REFEREES BEGINNERS COURSE

The Rupununi Football Association (RFA) in collaboration with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will host a Referees’ Beginners’ Course at Lethem, Region 9, from the 12th – 14th May, 2017.

This event is scheduled to have the participation of forty (40) persons, both male and female, from five villages as well as some from central Lethem and will be held from 10:00hrs – 17:00hrs daily.

This is the second course facilitated by the GFF for the RFA and will cover both classroom and field sessions including the Laws Of The Game, filling match forms, report writing, the role and

Stanley Lancaster

functions of referees as well as that of the Fourth Official.

It will be facilitated by Stanley Lancaster, Head of the GFF Refereeing Department.

Additionally, Lancaster said that an oversight referees’ body for the region will be installed and a Ref-

eree Development Officer appointed. “The initiative is part of the new structure for referee development across the country and aligns well with the new direction of football management as implemented by the Technical Department. This new structure will enable better development and management of referees. The Referee Development Officer (RDO) will be responsible for appointing and training referees as well as reporting to the department.”

A national roll-out of the new structure will be announced with a RDO appointed for every Member Association.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

STAG ELITE LEAGUE (Season 2) DATE: Sunday, May 14, 2017 VENUE: GDF Ground, Camp Ayanganna ADMISSION: $500.00

GAME #1: Victoria Kings FC vs Monedderlust FC at 16:00hrs GAME #2: Top XX FC vs Buxton United FC at 18:30hrs GAME #3: GDF FC vs Fruta Conquerors FC @ 21:00hrs Lucky patrons will win prizes compliments of Church’s Chicken, Jialing, Impressions, GFF and Ansa Mc Al The grand prize of a Jialing 250 cc motorcycle (GY5 bike) will be drawn Start of the GFF-Pele Alumuni Frank Watson Intra-Association National U-15 Tournament – May, 2017 Restart of GFF-NAMILCO ThunderBolt Flour Power National U-17 Tournament – May, 2017 NEXT EDITION: Friday, 19th May, 2017

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

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

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

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 6, 2017

Thompson leads Caribbean United cling on against Celta to reach Europa Rio champions in League final Shanghai showdown SHANGHAI, China (CMC) - Reigning Olympic sprint queen Elaine Thompson will chase her second win of the new Diamond League series here when she lines up in a solid field in the women’s 100 metres here tomorrow.

The Jamaican opened her season with a comfortable victory in Doha last week and will now headline the Grand Prix here in her first 100 metres.

Thompson will lock horns with Olympic 200m silver medallist, American Tori Bowie, in a race which also sees former World champion Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica and Trinidadian Michelle-Lee Ahye in action.

The 24-year-old Thompson, who dominated the 100 and 200m at last year’s Rio

Reigning Olympic sprint queen Elaine Thompson

Olympics, clocked 22.19 seconds last week in Doha and is favourite to take the line first here.

Jamaican Omar McLeod, the reigning men’s Olympic sprint hurdles champion, will be the star attraction in that

event, in his first appearance of the season.

He will take on countryman Hansle Parchment who missed out on the Rio Olympics due to injury but is now back to full fitness.

Former World champi-

on David Oliver and fellow American Aries Merritt will also both feature.

Another Caribbean Rio gold medallist, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, will also be in action in the women’s 400 metres, when she takes on the likes of Jamaica’s Stephenie Ann McPherson in what is also her season debut.

The 23-year-old Bahamian is the defending champion in Shanghai after narrowly beating McPherson last year.

She went on to produce a dramatic finish to win Olympic gold, diving across the line to edge out American world champion Allyson Felix in 49.44.

Jamaicans Novlene Williams-Mills and Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby are also in the line-up.

Lone female in race for Canada Cricket presidency

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Ontario’s Women’s Cricket Development Advocate Abigail Rajkumar whose work involves promoting cricket development within the communities while still being an executive of the Superstars Sports Club, women’s, junior and youth teams manager, cricket tournament host, public relations officer and coordinator, is aiming to be the first woman to head Cricket Canada.

The Trinidadian-born Rajkumar, who migrated to Canada just over 30 years ago, is among the four eligible nominated candidates for the election to Cricket Canada’s Board Of Directors (BOD) at the 2017 Annual General Meeting, set for Saturday and Sunday here.

S h e w i l l , h o w e v e r, face stiff challenges from long-standing and current president Ranjit Saini, Bilal Syed and Manzoor Chaudharry. Rajkumar has also thrown her hat in the vice-presidency race.

Currently the Registrar/ Statistician of the Scarborough Cricket Association and also a qualified Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA) Level One umpire, Rajkumar is credited solely with providing endless opportunities for both the women and young male

Abigail Rajkumar poses with her CCUA Level One umpiring certificate.

members of Superstars, always striving to promote development at both levels through her passion and impeccable leadership, organisation and management skills.

Along with president and head coach Frank Persaud, the two have been in the forefront of the club’s success in the field of coaching and mentoring since 2009.

Rajkumar is not just con-

tent with playing cricket but is also an International Cricket Council (ICC) Level One coach and holds the National Coaching Certificate Programme (NCCP) coaching certificate. She is also a Cricket Canada volunteer school coach and was the Toronto 2015 official cricket coordinator for PanAm/Parapan Am Games.

In 2012, Rajkumar served as the victorious

manager for Cricket Canada women’s team at ICC Americas women tournament in Grand Cayman Islands, and is the women’s coordinator on Mississauga Cricket League.

Between 1995 and 1997 she was the team sponsor, manager, scorer and treasurer of GTA Warriors Windball men’s cricket team in the Scarborough softball league and earned the best scorer trophy from the league each year.

In November 2009 Rajkumar had the opportunity to visit Delhi and Mumbai, India for three weeks, for cricket training with the Madan Lall Cricket Academy and also had the chance of embracing the culture, history, cuisine and people of India, an experience she describes as a lifechanging journey.

Rajkumar was hired as Cricket Canada women’s team manager/coordinator for the 2012 ICC Americas women’s tournament in Cayman Islands, a tournament Canada won among competing teams from USA, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Argentina.

Rajkumar firmly believes “there are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or out. There is no such thing in life as in-between,” and she has been quite exemplary in fulfilling those options.

Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic

(REUTERS) - Manchester United survived a fraught finale, featuring an ugly brawl and a red card for each side, to draw 1-1 at home to Celta Vigo and reach the Europa League final yesterday.

United, who won 2-1 on aggregate, will face Ajax Amsterdam in Stockholm on May 24 after the Dutch side overcame Olympique Lyonnais 5-4 on aggregate after a 3-1 defeat in Lyon.

Leading 1-0 from the first leg of the semi-final in Spain, United thought they had killed off the tie when Marouane Fellaini headed them in front after 17 minutes.

United sat back and allowed Celta to dominate possession but looked comfortable until Facundo Roncaglia headed the visitors level, in the 85th minute, meaning another goal for the Spaniards could have put them through on away goals.

Tempers flared shortly afterwards with Roncaglia and United defender Eric Bailly sent off after a melee near the centre circle at Old Trafford.

John Guidetti had a chance to win the tie for

Celta with the last kick of the game but failed to control the ball six metres from goal.

Celta, whose fans made most of the noise, were lively from the start but United went ahead when Fellaini got ahead of his marker to head in at the far post after Marcus Rashford drifted out to the left and delivered a perfect cross.

The hosts were then happy to sit back and contain Celta, making the game strangely subdued.

The visitors moved the ball around nicely but failed to make the most of their chances.

The game changed dramatically when Roncaglia headed home Theo Bongonda’s cross.

That was followed by a brawl in which Bailly lashed out at Guidetti, who fell to the ground, before Roncaglia got involved.

United managed to keep Celta at bay during the six minutes of stoppage time until the very last kick of the game when they were given a huge let off due to Guidetti’s poor control.

The Celta players sank to their knees in despair as the whistle blew seconds later.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

Guptill screamer helps keep Kings XI Punjab alive MARTIN Guptill took one of the all-time great IPL catches before Kings XI Punjab fought off a potential record chase to keep their play-off hopes alive with a stunning seven-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

Kings XI needed to win at the iconic venue to stay in the play-off hunt and Wriddhiman Saha’s magnificent 93 not out, after being promoted to opener, set the tone.

Guptill (36 off 18 balls) and captain Glenn Maxwell (47 off 21) provided explosive assistance to the wicketkeeper as Kings XI thundered their way to a massive 230-3.

Lendl Simmons looked

Martin Guptill took a stunner to account for Lendl Simmons’ wicket./ (BCCI photo)

like mounting a response in kind by smashing five fours and four sixes for 59 runs

before he was caught on the long-on boundary one-handed by a flying Guptill to wrest

momentum back Kings XI’s way.

And although Kieron Pollard (50 not out off 24) and Hardik Pandya (30 off 12) threatened something truly great late on, the visitors clung on to move within a point of fourth-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad with one round of group games to go.

The West Indian almost outshone Saha, but the India international’s effort was ultimately a match-winner.

Saha and Guptill brought up the Kings XI fifty in just 22 balls and the glovesman kept the pedal to the floor once Maxwell joined him at the crease.

The Australian took Harbhajan Singh for three sixes in a brutal opening over from the veteran spinner, but was bowled just shy of a half-century, attempting to flick Jasprit Bumrah behind square.

Shaun Marsh (25) and Axar Patel (19 not out) gave Saha able partnership as Kings XI racked up the highest total of the season, but Mumbai returned in kind through Simmons’ masterful innings.

Simmons and Parthiv Patel (38) put on 99 for the opening wicket, but a crucially sticky union between Rohit Sharma (five off seven) and Nitish Rana (12 off 12) that added just 13 runs in 15 deliv-

eries ultimately proved costly.

Pollard did his best to yank the contest back as he and Hardik smashed nine maximums between them, while Karn Sharma’s six-ball 19 helped take things to the last over.

There was controversy as Pollard appeared to deliberately run short as Maxwell closed in on the ball in the deep, getting back on strike at the cost of a run before belting the next delivery over midwicket for six runs.

But Mohit Sharma (257) kept his head to limit the powerful batsman’s angles and keep Kings XI alive.

(Omnisport)

Four categories contested NSC Commissioners throw full support behind Christopher Jones on opening day Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior squash

Chronicle Sport Adrian Narine was on hand to capture the action last evening at the Georgetown Club Inc.

THE Guyana Squash Association (GSA) on Wednesday night served off its second junior tournament for 2017, the Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior National Squash Championships, at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts.

Four of the ten categories were contested on opening day. There were several exciting matches as players vied to register victories in their matchups.

Results in the respective categories were as follows.

BOYS’ UNDER-11 Louis Da Silva trounced Chad De Abreu 11-0, 11-0, 11-1.

Nathan Rahaman whipped Shiloh Asregado 11-0, 11-4, 11-3.

BOYS’ UNDER-13 Ethan Jonas overwhelmed Liam Carpenter 11-1, 11-3, 11-1.

Michael Alphonso defeated Zachary Persaud 11-3, 11-3, 11-2.

Demetrius De Abreu beat Nicholas Verwey 11-3, 11-2, 11-3.

BOYS’ UNDER-15 Samuel Ince-Carvalhal overpowered Osmond Mack 11-0, 11-1, 11-2.

Shomari Wiltshire conquered Jason Gomes 11-1, 11-1, 11-1.

Gianni Carpenter bettered Mikhail Persaud 11-4, 11-2, 11-4.

Lucas Jonas defeated Dominic Collins 11-4, 11-4, 11-3.

GIRLS UNDER 15 Makeda Harding the better of Kirsten Gomes 11-3, 11-4, 11-9.

Abosaide Cadogan crushed Teija Edwards 11-0, 11-0, 11-1.

Madison Fernandes trounced Jahcinta Adams 11-0, 11-0, 11-1.

Kirsten Gomes got past Aliyah Persaud 11-9, 11-3, 11-2.

Makeda Harding thrashed Teija Edwards 111, 11-1, 11-1.

The tournament continued with a series of matches last evening.

IN a signed statement issued yesterday, the eight commissioners of the National Sports Commission (NSC), collectively pledged full support for Director of Sport Christopher Jones, in light of several allegations levelled against him and his modus operandi at the constituted entity.

“We, the Commissioners of the NSC, have read in the print media a report that seeks to bring the reputation and character of the Director of Sport Mr Christopher Jones into disrepute.

We wish to inform the Nation that we repose every confidence in Mr Jones and his ability to perform his responsibilities with integrity, steadfastness and fairness,” the statement said.

Attorney-at-Law James Bond, Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist Aliann Pompey, along with former West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan are joined by Guyana Amateur Swimming Association president Ivan Persaud, Lavern Fraser-Thomas, Inga Teague, Seon Erskine and Edison Jefford as commissioners at the NSC, which is governed by the December 3, 1993 National Sports Commission Act. “The incidents so described (with specific ref-

Christopher Jones

erence to the matters relating to the Inter-Guiana Games 2016) are within the knowledge and part of the remit of the NSC. To be abundantly clear there was an Inter-Guiana Games Committee (established to manage and oversee these Games) which was headed by member of the NSC, commissioner Ms Lavern Fraser.”

Jones, in an article published in the Tuesday May 9 edition of the Kaieteur News, was accused of allegedly ostensibly instructing the accountant of the NSC to pay his Personal Assistant, Brian Smith, over $3M by way of cheque for works that were allegedly done by three companies that provided cleaning and other services to the commission during the 2016 Inter-Guiana Games.

However, the Commissioners pointed out that they are “extremely disheartened that allegations of corruption are

being raised when everything was done above board. All Guyana must remember what a tremendous success these Games were. All Guyana must remember the high quality of service rendered to athletes and officials both foreign and domestic.”

They continued, “All Guyana must remember the magnificent state our facilities were put into for these Games. This was a collaborative effort between Government of Guyana, the National Sports Commission, the Private Sector and most of all ordinary Guyanese who played their part in getting the job done.”

Jones and his assistant Smith were again fingered in several allegations, this time by Deputy Director of Sport Melissa Dow Richardson, who told Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Reginald Brotherson, in an April 27 letter, but in

yesterday’s statement, the Commissioners, regrettably, said that they found cause enough to document the full nature of the behaviour and conduct of Ms Richardson and if an inquiry were to be launched into her overall conduct many persons will be alarmed.

“Notwithstanding, we welcome an investigation into any allegation of mistreatment to women at the workplace as this ought never to be condoned. In conclusion, sport in Guyana is now at a good place where we are seeing results, where we are seeing tax dollars at work,” the eight-member commissioners said.

The commissioners urged the nation and all stakeholders of the sport sector to remain focused, adding, that with support of the Ministry of Education, the NSC “will be delivering a synthetic track in Linden, the ‘light it up project’ for grounds countrywide, scholarships for athletes, the installation of a coolair venting system at the National Gymnasium, a multi-purpose facility in Bartica, completion of the athletes’ database and upgrades to the National Aquatic Centre among other projects in 2017.”

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

Banks DIH to sponsor Caribbean Schoolboys Boxing championships BANKS DIH Limited has teamed up with the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) for this weekend’s second Annual Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing championships at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

The local beverage giant will sponsor the regional championships under its Rainforest Waters brand.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle received the sponsorship cheque from the Brand Manager, Clive Pellew, during a simple presentation ceremony yesterday.

Ninvalle expressed gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for the timely sponsorship of the event which is being hosted for the second time by

the GBA. Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters, said the tournament continues to support the development of boxing in the Caribbean and his company was very supportive of this initiative.

He extended a warm welcome to the visiting teams and officials and made a call to the Guyana team to win the title.

Six countries including Guyana will compete in the tournament which opens this evening and runs until Sunday at the National Gymnasium.

The other competing countries are Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica and St Lucia.

Fight time each night is 19:00hrs.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle receives the sponsorship cheque from Clive Pellew, Brand Manager (Water).

Pollard backs Tridents to bounce back from disappointing 2016 BARBADOS Tridents captain Kieron Pollard has backed the team to recover from a disappointing 2016 campaign that saw them achieve their lowest finish in the competition’s history.

The Tridents finished in sixth place last season, missing out on the competition’s playoff round for the first time in four editions.

Pollard, however, believes last season’s campaign was heavily impacted by injuries to key players and the loss of South African batsman AB de Villiers as the team pushed to secure a place in the next round.

“Last year we struggled

team. In 2017, we intend to return to our winning ways with the team we feel will

win it all,” Pollard told Nation News.

The all-rounder, who has hit a purple patch of form with Indian Premier League’s Mumbai Indians, has also encouraged the home fans to come out in full support of the team.

“The CPL may be the biggest party in sport, but with the support of the Bajan fans, the Tridents will be the only ones partying after the matches this year.

The Tridents intend to play a fierce brand of cricket which will be make it very uncomfortable for anyone we face, especially at The Mecca.” (Sportsmax)

THE Rupununi Football Association (RFA) in collaboration with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will host a Referees’ Beginners Course at Lethem, Region 9, May 12-14, involving over 40 persons, both male and female.

A release from the GFF states that five villages as well as persons from central Lethem will participate in the course to be held from 10:00hrs to 17:00hrs daily.

This is the second course facilitated by the GFF for the RFA and it will cover both classroom and field sessions, including the laws of the game, filling match forms, report writing, the role and functions of referees as well as that of the fourth official. It will be facilitated by Stanley

Lancaster, head of the GFF Refereeing Department.

Additionally, Lancaster said that an oversight referees’ body for the region will be installed and a Referee Development Officer will be appointed.

“The initiative is part of the new structure for referee development across the country and aligns well with the new direction of football management as implemented by the Technical Department.

“This new structure will enable better development and management of referees. The Referee Development Officer (RDO) will be responsible for appointing and training referees as well as reporting to the department” Lancaster said.

Tridents captain Kieron Pollard

with multiple injuries and the departure of key players at inopportune times for the

GFF to host referees’ beginners course in Rupununi

St Lucians confident ahead of Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships THE St Lucian five-man contingent that arrived here in Guyana for the second edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors boxing championships, which gets underway tonight at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, expressed confidence of doing well at the Caribbean championships.

This much was disclosed by the St Lucia Boxing Association’s coach, Conrad Hunte, as well as the association’s president, David `Shakes’ Christopher.

The three-day event which concludes on Sunday will see boxers from St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Suriname, Barbados and Guyana matching gloves each of the three nights and according to coach of the St Lucia contingent, the team spirit is very high and, he, being a Guyanese by birth and having been a local (Guyana) amateur champion some years ago, he knows what to expect from the Guyanese boxers and have trained his charges with the requisite technical and tactical aspects to counter the Guyanese.

Meanwhile, Christopher, the Island’s association president said his team is well prepared and ready to do battle with not only the Guyanese, but all of the other countries that will be participating.

The St Lucia team is made up of Nathan Ferrari who was declared Best Boxer at the inaugural event here in Guyana last year and was named St Lucia’s Best Boxer for the year, Kareem Boyce, Kimlyn Martie, and Jwevel Martie.

Julie Bonnet who recently received an AIBA One Star Referee/Judge badge as well as Christopher will also be accom-

panying the team.

During last month, St. Lucia defeated Grenada to win the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) invitational championships after which the Island sent a team to Guadeloupe for an international tournament and based on the results, Christopher said his team is well prepared and raring to go.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Boxing Board has named Joshua Forrest Davidson (69Kg) and Daniel Hylton (60kg) with Robert Napier (coach) as their representatives.

Hylton would be on his third trip to Guyana, having fought here in 2015 when he contested the first Caribbean Development tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and the following year (2016) he participated in the inaugural Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors tournament.

Trinidad and Tobago will field and eight-member team and their association’s president, Cecil Forde is beaming with confidence.

The team includes Abdul Taylor, Tyrique Hosien, Blessing Waldropt, Denzil Massy, Meshack Thomas, Nyrell Hosien, Juan Rodriguez and Edwin Felix.

The event which is the brainchild of Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) president Steve Ninvalle will this year see a rise in the number of countries participating in this the second edition of the tournament. Last year only three countries (Guyana, St Lucia and Suriname) participated.

According to Ninvalle, all plans are well in place and fight fans can expect three entertaining nights of boxing.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 12, 2017

Azhar hits 127 but Windies persevere to bowl out Pakistan for 376

ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) – West Indies defied opener Azhar Ali’s 14th Test century and Pakistan’s attritional batting with sheer perseverance, to leave the decisive third Test at Windsor Park well poised on the second day here yesterday.

The Caribbean side were forced to toil on a lifeless pitch but did so manfully to dismiss Pakistan in their first innings for 376, an hour before the close.

Azhar, starting the day unbeaten on 85, carved out 127 – his second successive hundred following his 105 in the first innings of the Barbados Test last week.

Captain Misbah-ul-Haq struck 59 playing in his final Test while wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed produced a breezy 51 down the order.

Part-time off-spinner Roston Chase was the best bowler with four for 103 while captain and seamer Jason Holder claimed three for 71 and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, two for 61.

Left to navigate 11 tricky overs at the end, West Indies openers Kieran Powell (9 not out) and Kraigg Brathwaite (5 not out) endured little horrors

Azhar Ali does the salute again after reaching his 14th Test century, in Dominica.

to reach the close unscathed on 14 without loss.

The Caribbean side trail Pakistan by 362 runs heading into the pivotal day three of the match.

Rsuming the day on 169 for two, the visitors inched their way painfully through an extended opening session, adding a mere 58 runs from 30 overs sent down.

The lone casualty of the morning was veteran outstanding right-hander Younis Khan, like Misbah in his final Test of a glittering

career, fell lbw to Holder 45 minutes into the day after adding just eight to his overnight 10.

He was adjudged to be struck in front by one that came back and he failed to get a reprieve after resorting to DRS. Azhar, however, reached his century an hour before lunch when he turned Holder to fine leg for a couple and was unbeaten on 122 at the interval with Pakistan crawling to 227 for three.

He had put on 64 for the

fourth wicket with Misbah when he finally perished halfhour after lunch, bowled missing a wild swing at Chase with the runs having dried up.

All told, the 32-year-old faced 334 balls and struck eight fours and two sixes, and is now just 35 runs short of 5 000 runs in Tests.

Misbah then took control of the session, adding 33 for the fifth wicket with Asad Shafiq (17) and 37 for the sixth with Sarfraz, as he strolled to his 39th half-century.

Shafiq tried to push the scoring along, showing urgency with two boundaries off 38 balls before he fell to a catch in the deep by Vishaul Singh off Chase, 33 minutes before tea.

Dropped by wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich off Holder before he had scored to the sixth ball he faced before lunch, Misbah emerged from ultra-cautious start to hit six fours and a six in a 148-ball knock.

He was unbeaten on eight at lunch from 60 deliveries but upped the tempo as tea approached and reached his landmark by crashing the ineffective Bishoo over mid-off for four, in the penultimate

over before tea.

Misbah then cleared the ropes with Chase off the first ball of the final over before the break but his ambition got the better of him and he top-edged a reverse sweep off the next ball and was taken by Dowrich.

On 311 for six at the interval, Pakistan were further rocked in the third over after the resumption when Holder produced a double-wicket maiden, bowling Mohammad Amir for seven and then having Yasir Shah caught

by Powell at first slip off the next delivery.

But Sarfraz, unbeaten on

eight at tea, provided the late flourish for Pakistan in a busy innings that needed only 73 balls and contained four fours.

Significantly, he posted an invaluable 45 with Mohammad Abbas who made only four, as the tail wagged for Pakistan.

Bishoo, though, then struck a decisive blow when he removed Sarfraz to a catch at slip by Shai Hope, with the fifth delivery after the drinks break and Dowrich, who had earlier mis-stumped Abbas, then made amends by claiming the batsman in similar fashion in Bishoo’s next over.

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN 1st innings Azhar Ali b Chase 127 Shan Masood c Holder b Chase 9 Babar Azam c Powell b Joseph 55 Younis Khan lbw b Holder 18 Misbah-ul-Haq c wkp. Dowrich b Chase 59 Asad Shafiq c Vishaul Singh b Chase 17 Sarfraz Ahmed c Hope b Bishoo 51 Mohammad Amir b Holder 7 Yasir Shah c Powell b Holder 0 Mohammad Abbas stp. Dowrich b Bishoo 4 Hasan Ali not out 8 Extras: (b-4, lb-6, w-3, nb-8) 21 Total: (all out, 146.3 overs) 376 Fall of wickets: 1-19 (, 2-139,

3-177, 4-241, 5-274, 6-311, 7-322, 8-322, 9-367.

Bowling: Gabriel 32-9-67-0 (w-1, nb-7), Joseph 27-9-64-1, Chase 32-5-103-4, Holder 32-9-71-3 (w-2, nb-1), Bishoo 23.3-3-61-2.

WEST INDIES 1st innings K. Brathwaite not out 5 K. Powell not out 9 Total: (without loss, 11 overs) 14 Bowling: Mohammad Amir 5-25-0, Mohammad Abbas 3-1-2-0, Yasir Shah 2-0-4-0, Hasan Ali 1-0-3-0.

Position: West Indies trail by 362 runs with all 10 wickets intact.

Azhar hits 127 but Windies persevere to bowl out See page Pakistan for 376 31

Elliot Vieira ‘privateering’ in Canadian Superbike Championship

By Stephan Sookram

ELLIOT Vieira will join the band of racers who are stepping out of the Caribbean in search of new hunting grounds this year as he seeks to advance his race craft and international ability.

The 2015 Caribbean Champion and 2016 runner-up will join the big leagues this year in the Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) aboard his Kawasaki ZX6-R and he is already upbeat about the challenges.

The young Vieira, who sat down with Chronicle Sport for an exclusive interview recently, said “At the moment, I’m heading to the Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) to gain experience.”

“I’ve been around the Caribbean for the last two years and it was a great experience. I’ve learnt a lot of different corners and different tracks but I want to expand even further and learn new things,” Vieira added.

The bike has already been shipped to Canada and will be rebuilt and refitted with new suspension and engine and a few other things ahead of the series which begins later this month.”

Why this was done, according to the former

Elliot Vieira

Caribbean champion, was to first see what the series holds before investing more heavily, though he is confident of managing the pace.

He noted that as it is, he is the newcomer entering a field which is unfamiliar to him, and plans to rely on his dexterity and smooth riding style as the determining factors.

“Well, I know I’m going to be going up against some of the best that series has to offer and I only can see it as a learning curve for me and my career. It’s a lot that I have to learn but I’m up for the challenge,” the 19-year-old said.

He added, “From the information I’ve been gathering, the first track that we are going to is one of the more difficult ones of the season. It’s in Shannonsville and has a really long straightway, almost like Jamwest, in Jamaica.”

“But I’m not getting ahead of myself, when I get some practice and see what the track is about, I’d be better able to give an assessment. For the moment, I’ve just been looking after my personal fitness, swimming every day and doing light work to keep my stamina levels up.”

His sponsors for this venture are Adventura Gold and Fly Jamaica.

Guptill screamer helps keep Kings XI Punjab ‘Green Machine’ ruggers alive off to Barbados See page 25

Guyana head coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart during Wednesday’s practice session at the National Park. (Samuel Maughn photo)

… kick off RAN 15s South Zone title defence tomorrow

See page 29

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017