Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13 05 2016

End ‘ethnic arithmetic’ No. 104550

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

…Granger says nation’s future depends on social cohesion

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GuyExpo GuyExpo opens opens …heavy focus on green economy, entrepreneurship 17 P.

President David Granger assists his wife, First Lady; Mrs. Sandra Granger as she cuts the ribbon to officials opens GuyExpo 2016.

Also in photo are: Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin and his wife Mrs. Han Gaskin. Events Coordinator, Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh is at (extreme right) (Adrian Narine photo)

IACHR condemns Harmon demands Holder seeks $13M from KN death of inmates ...for tax relief for 8 ‘libelous’ articles,

…urges action to end overcrowding 11 P.

newspaper likely to apologise, retract P.7

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rice farmers

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

OAA CARICOM Outreach Director Wesley Kirton addressing the team of businessmen and women in the presence of Global Seafood Distributors CEO Allison Butters-Grant

Local fish processor seeks partnership with Miami-based company REPRESENTATIVES from more than 30 overseas-based companies are here in Guyana on a Trade and Investment Mission.

The Mission was organised by ‘Outreach Aid to the Americas CARICOM Outreach’ in collaboration with the newly formed Guyanese-American Chamber of Commerce. According to its Director Wesley Kirton, CARICOM Outreach promotes Trade and Investment in the Caribbean. The interests of the companies span from agriculture to transportation to infrastructural development, food and medical production, and even jewellery.

“There is a company interested in processing marijuana here into medicine.

As you know, it has been claimed that medical marijuana is good for cancer and pain relief. There is also another company looking at industrial hemp. Industrial Hemp is used for the manufacture of fabrics and textiles,” he explained.

On Thursday, the team of investors paid a visit to Global Seafood Distributors in West Ruimveldt.

During that visit, the Chief Executive Officer Allison Butters-Grant discussed the possibility of a partnership with Harvest Valley Inc. Harvest Valley Inc, CEO, Tim Chao, explained that his

company which is based in Miami Lakes, is an importer, distributor and wholesaler of food. “This includes meat, poultry, seafood and shrimp,” he posited. Based on his investment, Chao said there is tremendous land space available here, but underscored the need to have requisite facilities in place to comply with international standards. Blue Crab – was among the seafood put to Butters-Grant due its high demand in the global market.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Butters-Grant said it is a privilege to have the team of investors visit the facility.

“We are at a time when we do need investors to come here in order to market our local products,” she posited. Butters-Grant also used the opportunity to launch her “Jubilee Take Back.”

During this promotion, seafood products will receive additional wrap for travel.

Global Seafood Distributors dries its fish using a solar fish-dryer, which forms part of its fish-processing plant. The company now does value-added processing of grey snapper, banga mary, trout and other wild-catch fish, producing such products as seasoned fish, fish fillet, nuggets, steak, headless and head-on fish.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

End ‘ethnic arithmetic’ …Pres Granger: nation’s future depends heavily on social cohesion

By Ariana Gordon STATING that social cohesion was key to this country’s moving forward, President David Granger told the Parliament on Thursday that Guyana’s future depends heavily on “deeper social cohesion” and stressed that the current generation has an obligation “to repair past damage, to restore trust and to rebuild the bases of a ‘moral community’.”

President Granger during what can be termed an Independence address to the House, told Parliamentarians that the celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary should be seen as a second chance to ensure the future is bright. “It is a moment when we can commit to ensuring that our children and generations to come could inherit a country that will allow them to enjoy a good life,” the Guyanese leader said.

He said with Independence came the establishment of institutions of pride, such as the National Assembly. Guyanese he said, can be proud of what has been achieved since Independence, while noting that the National Assembly must renew its Independence covenant with the citizenry and resolve to work together to re-unite the nation. “The National Assembly must take the first steps on the long road to social cohesion, to political inclusion and to economic resilience,” charged President Granger. Fifty years ago Guyana was born a broken nation under a state of emergency, said President Granger who noted that “Social strife, political disunity and economic stagnation prevented our nation from achieving its full potential.”

As such, the head of state demanded that better be done as the past 50 years were spent devoted to mending the social fabric, promoting peace and repairing the economy.

Those 50 years the President said, “were about overcoming a hostile international economic environment.”

TIME TO BE DIFFERENT He emphasised the need for the next 50 years to be “different.” “Let us use this special year to usher in an era of social peace, political collaboration and eco-

President David Granger addresses the National Assembly

nomic prosperity for this and all future generations.”

The President pleaded with representatives of both the governing and opposition sides of the House to “use the opportunity of Guyana’s 50th Anniversary to unite our people.” He believes that this symbolic observance ought to be used as a golden opportunity to “build bridges that will lead us forward in the future as a unified nation.”

DEEPER SOCIAL COHESION Continuing on the theme of unity, President Granger noted that Guyana’s future depends heavily on “deeper social cohesion” and stressed that the current generation has an obligation “to repair past damage, to restore trust and to rebuild the bases of a ‘moral community’.”

Greater social cohesion the President said will enable all Guyanese to co-exist and cooperate with each other for a common good. He said a more cohesive society can eliminate extreme poverty, eradicate the worst forms of inequality, especially gender inequality, ensure equal access to education for all, enable greater participation and inclusion at the political level and enforce employment and anti-discrimination laws in order to guarantee the health, happiness and safety of working people, women and children.

“Social cohesion is about fostering greater integration in our nation. Integration can increase a sense of belonging. It can give recognition to all groups and to allow them to freely practise their culture,” the President added. Granger noted too that Independence offered Guya-

nese the opportunity to work together to heal divisions and promote reconciliation.

But though independence offered a new beginning, an opportunity for national unity, that notion “has been elusive for most of the last five decades.” “The absence of national unity has impaired national development.

It has triggered a continuous trickle of migration. It has led to political and economic fatigue.”

POLITICAL INCLUSION Political inclusion, the President said, is also critical to the country’s stability and noted that the ethnic arithmetic of the past meant that only a minority could be excluded from a government by a majority, no matter how slim. He said confrontation characterised the ‘old politics’ while reminding that in the past ‘winner- takes- all’ jackpot was the prize of every election. He described the political landscape of the past as a “battlefield” not always filled with ideas but of “racial rivalry.”

“Communal conflict hampered human development. Mr. Speaker, that system belongs to the past. It is now dangerously dysfunctional,” President Granger

stated emphatically. The President noted that the holding of Local Government Elections (LGEs) after two decades have liberated communities, while stressing that the lack of LGE over the years had “constrained the economic participation of citizens within their neighbourhoods and municipalities.”

Local democracy is the lifeline of increased community involvement, he stressed, while stating that the creation of new ‘capital towns’ in the name of Mabaruma, Bartica and Lethem will improve the provision of services to those regions.

President Granger stressed the need for regular municipal and local elections so citizens can be afforded the opportunity to participate in their communities. “Our people have been deprived of local democracy for over 18 years, but this will not happen again. It won’t happen again,” a fervent President Granger said.

He noted too that the Constitution of Guyana is an “instrument of political inclusion” and as such mandates the State to establish an inclusionary system of democracy by providing opportunities for all citizens.

“Mr Speaker, the Gov-

ernment has initiated the Constitution reform process.

It must aim at strengthening this particular provision to ensure that the intended ‘inclusionary’ system is made to work. It must be extended, that is to say, the reform process must be extended to involve consultations with citizens in their communities in all 10 regions. Every eligible elector in this republic must be given the chance to be heard, so that our country could advance with a Constitution in which we all have confidence,” President Granger stated.

The President said too that Guyana remains committed to building a green economy. He said the country’s future economy depends on “speedier adoption of renewable sources of energy and on the environmentally sustainable exploitation of our natural resources.”

As such, the State as mandated by the Constitution has committed to sustainable development.

Making reference to Article 36 of the Constitution, the President said, “This is the

Constitution, not an option.

Economic change, therefore, is compatible with stewardship of the environment and measures for sustainable development.”

The Paris Agreement, approved by the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris on 12th December 2015, committed Guyana to a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, the President reminded. He said the high cost of energy for manufacturing and other industrial and domestic purposes has hindered Guyana’s efforts to produce more value-added products competitively, while noting that Guyana’s attendance at the US-Caribbean-Central American Energy Summit in Washington, DC, May 3 and 4 emphasised the need for a national energy security plan. Such a plan the President said will provide for the substitution of renewables for petroleum products for energy development.

“The transition towards renewable sources of energy as part of our ‘green’ development thrust must be accelerated. Investment in solar, wind, hydro and biomass sources of energy must be augmented.

The approach to a ‘green’ economy will wean this country from its addiction to fossil fuels, fuels which exact a heavy burden on the economy,” he added. Independence “was a necessity” said President Granger, who noted that since relinquishing ties with British colonial masters Guyana was able to make “rapid progress and substantial advances” during its post-independence years.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Election Day shooters to face trial

THE THREE persons who had allegedly discharged several round of ammunition in the air on Election Day to ward off an angry mob, which had torched several vehicles and attacked a pastor’s home were brought before the courts on charges of illegal firearm and ammunition possession.

The mob had allegedly raided the area after reports that an illegal polling station in ‘C’ Field Sophia, was being operated by PPP/C supporters.

Appearing before Sparendaam Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul on Thursday

Narine Khublall

was Narine Khublall and Poonadai Khublall both of Lot 588 Section C, South Turkeyen, along with Bibi Farida Prasad of Lot 589 Section C, South Turkeyen.

The Khuball’s were charged for having a 9mm pistol, along with ammunition in their possession when they were not the holders of firearm licenses on May 11, 2015.

It is futher alleged that on the same day Prasad had in her possession a .32 pistol, along with 24 rounds of matching ammunition when she was not the holder of a firearm license.

However the charges

Poonadai Khublall

were laid indictable, while Police Prosecutor Lance Corporal David Goodridge requested for the charges to be withdrawn, since they were filed under the wrong section of the Firearm Act. The Prosecutor requested that new charges to be laid against the trio on May 16, where the Administration of Justice is to be applied, whereby allowing the defendants to plea to the charges.

The defendants were represented by attorneys Priya Manickchand; Anil Nandlall; Moti Singh and Euclin Gomes, who expressed dissatisfaction at the prose-

cutor’s request to have the charges withdrawn.

According to reports, the PPP/C was using the property belonging to the Khublall’s as command centres for elections on May 11, 2015.

Crowds had stormed and burnt the place that night after rumours spread that the party was using it as an illegal polling stations.

During the riot, several gun shots were discharged from the command center to ward off persons.

Vehicle were torched and properties stoned, resulting in millions of dollars in damages.

Businessman on series of charges

FORTY-eight-year-old Gopaul Tiwari, a businessman of Craig, East Bank Demerara, appeared Thursday before City Magistrate

Judy Latchman to answer charges of fraudulent conversion, false pretense, conspiracy to commit a felony, and shooting at police offi-

DATE: 27/04/2016 J

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Sewnarine with the sum of $10.4M to pay the Deeds Registry, he fraudulently converted the sum to his own use and benefit.

The second charge alleged that on the same

cers to prevent his capture.

The first charge alleged that on May 28, 2015, at Georgetown, being solely entrusted by Ghardarie

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day, at Georgetown with intent to defraud, he uttered to Sewnarine a false transport.

The third charge alleged that Tiwari conspired with persons known and unknown to forge a transport purporting to show same was issued by the Guyana Deeds Registry.

Tiwari pleaded not guilty to the three charges and was granted $100,000 bail on each.

The accused also denied the two charges of shooting at the officers to

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prevent his legal apprehension. He was placed on $500,000 bail for each charge.

According to reports, police ranks acting on information received, stopped motor car PVV 2401, which was being driven by Tiwari.

However, it is alleged that when the cops approached Tiwari’s car the man discharged several rounds at the police officers, hitting two of them, while reversing down a one-way street. A few hours later the man was found in a yard hiding after he had ditched the car nearby.

The matter was adjourned until May 31.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13 , 2016

Taxi drivers protest eviction from Stabroek square Ravin Singh

SEVERAL taxi drivers who operate outside of the Stabroek Market on Thursday staged a protest in front of Public Buildings to express their dissatisfaction with the way the Georgetown City Council unceremoniously evicted them from that area.

Just recently, the Council made a decision to have unregulated commercial activities relocated in an effort to restore the Stabroek area that had become a scene of lawlessness. Among the groups removed from the area indefinitely, were taxi drivers, some of whom were operators for more than 2030 years. One such person is Allan Simon, who spoke to this newspaper during the protest which attracted the attention of the public.

Evidently upset, but composed, Simon related that he

believes his constitutional right, which is that he should be allowed to earn a living, has been violated. “My constitutional right has been violated. It has been violated rudely and bastardly. The constitutional right is not just for Guyana, it is [a] universal right, which is a man does not work, he cannot eat” the man said.

He expressed that he is now being forced to walk the road of starvation, since he is not able to earn. “My last son is four years old and I have a family to maintain. I’ve been working taxi in front of Demico for a little over 20 years and to be treated in this manner is not right,” he told this publication.

The “family man” as he described himself, explained that the City Council did not tell the taxi operators that they would be removed and it was only until Wednesday when he showed up for work,

did he realise that they had been unceremoniously evicted from the area.

“I worked up to Tuesday last and came Wednesday only to be told by a rude inspector at City Hall that I cannot come in here [in front of Demico]. I asked her where to park and she said she doesn’t know and walked away” the man said.

Another operator, Joel Lewis, also supported this contention that the Council did not inform the drivers that they would be removed.

Plying that trade for over 15 years, Lewis noted that members of the City Constabulary “just came and installed no parking and no stopping signs” in the area. This, he went on to say, prevented the taxi drivers from accessing the area, which is the only central point of operation they know.

Further, he revealed that Constabulary officers had

Haslington man stabbed to death

A 54-year-old man, Terry Adams of Haslington, East Coast Demerara, was last night killed after being stabbed by another man during a fight over a woman.

Adams suffered multiple stab wounds about the body

during the fight that occurred near the Haslington Bus Shed Road.

According to information reaching this publication, Adams was involved in an altercation with a man, subsequent to which he was stabbed

twice to his chest and his throat was slit. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. A source from the hospital disclosed that Adams died mainly due to the slash to his throat.

Some of the protestors during Tuesday’s exercise outside the Public Buildings advised them to join taxi was one of the organisers of ful for the City Council to services. But according to the protest related that there interrupt the work of taxi Lewis, most of these ser- is in existence, the Stabroek drivers there. “Also, they vices in and around the city Taxi Service which has been haven’t said to us where are filled, and Stabroek Mar- one of the oldest taxi ser- they intend to place us. ket is where most of these vices in the country, operat- They have spoken to the minibus operators and the drivers have worked their ing for more than 50 years. entire lives.

Further, he explained vendors and we taxi drivers “They [City Council] that to his knowledge, Sta- are a part of the business didn’t hold any meeting or broek Park has been des- community that is being afanything; they just moved ignated and gazetted as fected” he said, adding that us without saying anything” a hire car parking zone. a system needs to be put in he added.

Therefore, he is of the view place for persons working Another operator who that it is illegal and unlaw- on Government reserves.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Education and job-creation PRESIDENT David Granger in this week’s “Public Interest” television programme noted that while he is satisfied with the government’s performance for its first year in office,he would have liked to see more done in education and job-creation. These two areas are of vital importance in society. The former creates an informed populace equipped to make educated choices and participate constructively in the nation’s welfare. The latter is important for development, personal and national.

Education comes in various forms and its overarching focus is usually set by government, through laws, policies and programmes. In the colonial era, education was designed by the Crown for the colonised to serve a foreign interest. With independence, government designed an indigenous system education to serve nation-building.

This was built on a universal and non-denominational programme, which at one time was free from nursery to university.

Guyana stood out in early education with nursery starting at 3 years 9 months. The field of psychology argues that what is learnt in the first five years of a child’s life is very important to social cognition and development of the mind. When Guyana at independence emerged from historical experiences of racial distrust, bitter conflicts and the divide-and-rule approach to governance, such shaped acceptance, rejection and treatment of the other. Thus, when government embarked on placing children into an educational environment where equality and respect for self and the other were nurtured, such should not be under-estimated.

Early childhood education has created a new generation to look at life through perspectives untied to an unsavoury past, which could have influenced socialisation and continuation. Where new ways of learning would have shaped perceptions of humankind and the environment in constructive ways, the child would recount the experiences in the home, influencing relatives, informing interaction with others and outlook on issues, and aid the nurturing of new families.

Post-primary education acknowledged the various stages and levels of education, thus denying none the right to pursue same based on preference and ability. This was a noticeable break from the colonial education system which left many behind and was nurtured on a system of elitism. Additionally, to established secondary schools, more were added and supported with the community high and multilateral schools. Community high education was technical and vocational driven, with students at the 4th Form allowed to sit an examination and based on results, entered the multilateral or secondary schools. The multilateral provided multi-layered education.

Post-secondary education was not only confined to college and university. It also included technical and vocational such as the Guyana Technical Institute, Guyana Industrial and Training Centre, Critchlow Labour

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Callous and unprofessional display by Court Marshal Dear Editor,

REFERENCE is hereby made to the above caption as it relates to an incident that took place on 09. 05. 16 at the Brickdam Cathedral.

At 17:05 hrs I was about to enter the church, since I was already late for the 17:00 hrs Requiem Mass, in memory of my late brother who was interred in Maryland, USA on 07. 05. 16.

An outstretched hand of a male individual greeted me, which I thought was someone that was expressing their condolence. However, the person duly informed me that he is a Court Marshal of the Supreme Court, whose presence was in relation to a petition from my wife, in pursuit of a divorce.

After a brief exchange of words, I accepted the Petition as a Respondent, with my wife as the Petitioner.

Editor, what was most disturbing, immoral, callous and unprofessional, was “when the Court Marshal entered the church 15 minutes later and proceeded up the aisle peeking into the pews.” Thereafter, in turning around I beckoned him to go outside, following him hastily. No bones were spared in advocating “your uncouth behaviour, disturbing the Mass, is a clear indication of disrespect to all and sundry, and I will be highlighting this publicly.”

While he did say he was “sorry,” that I partly accepted. It was indicated, “You have to sign for the document.” My, oh my, here we

go again! Seriously, what is there to celebrate, in 50 years of Independence, as it relates to the Judiciary?

Would this have occurred 50 years ago? Definitely not! On a serious note, in the traditional home of Catholicism, paying respect to the passing of a late “Don,” what would have been the outcome of the Court Marshal? By the way, would this despicable act be tolerated in a Mosque or a Mandir? Since, I am aware “the statutes/laws of the Judiciary permits a Court Marshal, in the execution of their duties to visit any place and time, irrespective of the occasion for the presentation of a document (s).” Nevertheless, the visit ought to be one-off in nature and definitely not twice, as was done on Monday! While I didn’t have the time to peruse the document immediately, this would have been unethical in a “place of worship”! However, in accordance with the statutes, does it not entail the Marshal producing some form of identification or disclosure of his full name, out of courtesy and mannerisms? Further,wasn’t the Petitioner present to identify the individual? Once again this wasn’t done!

Later in the evening upon perusing the Petition, much to my amazement, my last known address was again incorrectly stated. That 15 Louisa Demerara, Georgetown, never in Georgetown existed. Surely, this is in contravention of the city’s by-laws; an examination of a “Road Map” of Georgetown would indicate this, or the

College, and trade schools run by the telecommunications, sugar and bauxite sectors. It would be fair to say that post-independent education was an investment in the people in deference to personal interest, market value, and acknowledged diversity of skills needed for development. Those who had or didn’t have the benefit of earlier education were too factored into the national policy and considered important to nation building.

It is hoped that the Commission of Inquiry into the education system will take cognisance of the stated factors. At the same time, it may also be worthwhile for the responsible ministers to examine the inter-relationship of education and job-creation. An education approach that has an overarching national vision would factor in modernity, people’s ability, health and wellness, and interests at given times as playing a significant role in shaping the nation’s development agenda.

In a Green Economy, job-creation would examine

use of a smart phone, or a computer. For the record it’s Louisa Row! The stretch of roadway heading northward form Hadfield Street, to Brickdam, is Brummel Place, Stabroek. Under the given circumstance this feat of geographical failure that appears on the Petition with a signature affixed on behalf of the Supreme Court Registrar, along with that of Attorneys-at-Law, with the latter being the former Minister of Education, surely leaves much to be desired! As a consequence, is the Petition authentic/legitimate? By the way, a visit earlier in the day at the afore-mentioned address, in a taxi which had two females and two males, one of whom was the chauffeur, resulted in: “A disclosure by one to the resident, outlining that: “I would like to make contact with Lester, since I have a package for him from one of his brothers in the USA.” The generosity of the resident was extended by calling me, then handing over her mobile phone to the individual for a conversation.

Editor, much to my surprise the topic of: “An interview, photo shoot for a Supligen Promotion” was the subject. My response entailed “Unavailability, due to other pressing issues including preparation for the Requiem Mass, but can be entertained the following day”! With a negative response forthcoming, the conversation ended. I do hope the publication of this letter attracts the attention of the Hon. Basil

Williams, Minister of Legal Affairs; Hon. Carl Singh, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag); Registrar, Supreme Court, Women’s Lawyers Association, Guyana Bar Association and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Since the “integrity of the Judiciary is being compromised, due to the unprofessional conduct of the Court Marshal,” an inquiry ought to be undertaken, departmentally with the relevant sanction(s) being imposed, which should entail suspension or dismissal! Since “examples are always better than precepts,” and the individual could have been susceptible to a bribe. “Not everyone that says: Lord, Lord shall enter into the Kingdom.” Irrespective of the fact that my wife worships at Freedom Life Ministries, under the pretext of being a Christian, stooping to such a low level; “that walks in the counsel of the ungodly, stands in the way of sinners, sits in the seat of the scornful,” is contrite to the spirit, said the Lord!

Is this the teachings of her church, supportive of a “divorce” instead of counselling/mediation, contrary to the Gospel of St. Matthew?

With the Jehovah-God on my side, no weapon formed against me shall prosper.

“Weeping comes at night, with joy in the morning through Jesus the Christ; Amen”! My day in court would be rewarding!

Regards Respectfully Yours

the need for green collar jobs along with the traditional white and blue collar jobs. This would suggest that from the gravedigger, retro-fitter to the most certificated, all should be considered pivotal to development, given that the right to work is universal and nation-building is a collective responsibility. A development strategy will strive to leave none behind or unemployed. As the education inquiry does its work, a similar approach should be considered to address job-creation. The respective ministry/ ministries may want to examine bringing stakeholders together to conceptualise, develop and implement a Job Creation Policy. The government may need to look at engaging Labour and Employers’ representatives in this regard. It is not unreasonable expectation that come May 2017 when President Granger reviews the government’s performance, there would be positive movement in education and job-creation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13 , 2016

IMF plugs diversification of economy The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging Guyana to expand its economic diversification programme even as it said that the macroeconomic outlook here is generally positive for this year and projected a 4 percent growth to be supported by public investment and two new large gold mines.

The IMF’s statements are contained in a report by its Executive Board following consultations on the local economy. President David Granger had told Parliament back in January that 2016 presents a new opportunity for Guyana to “hasten economic development” by diversifying the traditional sectors and getting into more value-added enterprises. “It is time for a fresh start–a new beginning.

It is time to redouble our efforts to eradicate poverty.

Our government is committed to promoting sustained economic growth with enhanced distributive justice so that inequalities are reduced and opportunities are increased,” the President said, in an address to the Eleventh Parliament.

The Bank said that twelvemonth inflation is expected to remain low at around 2.1 percent by year-end. It said too that the 2016 budget reverses the fiscal stance, envisaging an overall deficit of 5.5 percent of GDP, driven by a 4 and a 2.1 percentage point increase in the shares of capital and current spending in GDP, respectively.” According to the IMF revenues are projected to

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan remain broadly flat, noting that lower oil prices improve the outlook for the current account deficit, which is projected to remain at about 4½ percent of GDP in 2016, financed by investment inflows and donor-supported investment. Reserve cover is projected to increase to 3.8 months of imports at end-2016.

The Executive Directors commended the resilience of Guyana’s economy, which continues to grow despite global headwinds. They noted, however, that challenges and risks remain, and encouraged the authorities to build up fiscal buffers, implement structural reforms, and strengthen the financial sector. Directors welcomed the positive medium term outlook underpinned by an environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive growth strategy.

Directors welcomed too what they described as the marked improvement in the current account, while noting that Guyana remains vulnera-

ble to changes in commodity prices due to its dependence on imported oil and the concentration of exports on a few commodities. They noted that the exchange rate appears to be broadly in line with fundamentals, and underscored that exchange rate flexibility should play a larger role in helping Guyana cope with external shocks.

Directors stressed the importance of fiscal consolidation in order to safeguard debt sustainability and preserve fiscal and external buffers while maintaining growth momentum. They also recommended that fiscal consolidation efforts focus on moderating the growth of current expenditures, in particular transfers to public enterprises, so as to preserve space for public investment while protecting social spending. On the revenue side, efforts to broaden the revenue base and strengthen tax administration were encouraged. Directors welcomed the efforts to reform public enterprises, notably the sugar and electricity companies, in order to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on government support.

Directors encouraged the authorities to move toward greater economic diversification by advancing reforms to promote competition and improve the business climate.

Given that the high costs of electricity, transportation and telecommunications have been longstanding impediments to growth, the IMF said it supported well targeted public investment and liberalising re-

See page 8

Let us find a way out of this quagmire Dear Editor,

IN my humble opinion, Guyana suffered a massive setback when the government gave in to the popular belief that lifting the restrictions on imports was what Guyanese believed would have guaranteed prosperity, but in retrospect, it was the catalyst that brought back the dependency syndrome.

The large multinational corporations in conjunction with the business elite proceeded to exert leverage in the country by bringing in massive amounts of tinned milk, processed foods, cheese and other goods to whet our appetites for the so-called good life of nice foods. Who suffered in that fiasco? It was the farmers in the rural areas, and they were hurting. The dairy industry collapsed, cash-crop farming perished, local produce was by and large ignored for the potatoes, apples, grapes and a host

of other items; the merchants and business class reaped the windfall of cash and the resulting prosperity. The nation reverted from a fledgling producing country striving to be self-sufficient to a nation of impoverished wage earners.

The working people had no choice but to abandon thousands of acres of farmlands, cattle pasturage, the coconut industry. They had to abandon the dream of an independent Guyana. The resulting closure of these operations caused a scramble for the few jobs available and fierce competition that was really a hustle for a living.

The only industry surviving is the fishing industry along with the dried-fish dealers. The closure of the Agriculture Bank by the last administration was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. The building that they tried to build for a rice flour mill and the plantain factory (in a flooded area) sounds

like a feeble attempt to clone Forbes Burnham’s plans in a development drive. The current David Granger Administration is caught between a rock and a hard place, for any moves to restrict imports to bolster local industries will meet with vigorous sanctions by the developed world to protect their lucrative trade with Guyana. The dairy industry which will save billions in foreign exchange will be red-flagged by businessmen and merchants, shippers etc. It calls for massive funding with plants for processing, cooler trucks etc. With the brilliant chess moves being manoeuvred by our President, I am sure he will find a way out of this quagmire.

Happy 50th anniversary to all of my Guyanese brothers and sisters.

Regards M. BACCHUS

Harmon demands $13M from KN

...for ‘libelous’ articles, newspaper likely to apologise, retract

By Ravin Singh MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon is seeking $13M compensation and an apology from Kaieteur News for alleged defamatory statements published in 13 articles, which appeared in the daily newspaper between March and May of 2016.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, following the adjournment of the National Assembly, the Minister revealed that a letter was sent to Kaieteur News by his lawyer Roysdale Forde. He disclosed that he is seeking “damages for libel,” which includes an apology, retraction of 13 articles and $1M compensation for each article. The money he said, if successful in his case against the newspaper, will be directed to the Veterans’ Foundation.

Questioned on whether he feels the case will be suc-

cessful, the Minister related that he is not “dealing with feelings”, but is dealing with facts. His lawyer, Forde, when contacted, confirmed that the letter was indeed sent to the media house, which was asked to issue the apology, retractions and $1M for each of the 13 articles published.

The articles are suspected to be those related to the Minister’s trip to China, a few months ago, which sparked criticisms against him.

Forde was keen to note too, that the financial compensation of $13M would not be for the Minister, but the Veteran’s Foundation.

He explained further, that if Kaieteur News was not willing to accede to these “reasonable” requests, then the matter would be taken to court to stand trial. Forde went on to suggest that from that point, the court would

make an assessment of the damages, which would incur financial compensation, subject to a decision by the court. He remains hopeful however, that the issue would not go to trial and that it would be resolved “amicably and maturely.”

But Editor-in-Chief of Kaieteur News, Adam Harris, when contacted last evening, told the Guyana Chronicle that the media house was not prepared to compensate the Minister financially.

However, Harris revealed that an apology and the retractions are likely to be forthcoming. He reasoned that the leadership of the newspaper is “tempted to agree with him [Harmon]” regarding the headlines in the stories published, and this would be the basis for the apology and retractions.

Holder seeks tax relief for rice farmers

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

…says Venezuela market not as bright as before

By Svetlana Marshall

AGRICULTURE Minister Noel Holder has pledged to press his government to review the taxation system with the hope of bringing much-needed relief to rice farmers.

Minister Holder made this commitment in the National Assembly on Thursday in response to a motion put before the House

by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali on “The State of the Rice Industry in Guyana.”

During his fiery presentation, the former Housing and Water Minister contended that if the Government fails to secure the continuity of the Venezuelan market, the impacts can be detrimental to the economy. President David Granger only on Wednesday assured that he had for some time now mandated two of his ministers and Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles to pursue the rice market in that country.

Minister Holder told the House that “it is a well-known fact that the contract with Venezuela was repudiated by Venezuela,” noting that efforts by the Government to resume shipments were not successful.

In light of the Opposition’s demand, the Agriculture Minister, in an effort to build his argument, painted a vivid picture of the financial struggles Venezuela now endures. “We are all aware of what has happened to the price of oil and the serious economic problems Venezuela as a nation faces. It is inconceivable that deals that are comparable in volume and price of the past are achievable again. Indeed, we are informed that the current arrangement between Venezuela and Suriname is at a price way below the US$760/ton received by Guyana,” Minister Holder said.

He said while Guyana stands to benefit from the reduction of oil prices, the same cannot be said for Venezuela. “Venezuela needs an oil price of US$120-US$140 per barrel to meet its Agriculture Minister Noel Holder responding obligations fully, including those to PetroCaribe. And given to the motion during Thursday’s session

PPP/C Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali defending his motion in the National Assembly on Thursday

IMF plugs diversification...

From page 7

forms to lower costs and raise productivity. Directors noted that the largely concessional nature of debt contributes to resilience and should be preserved. They also commended the authorities for taking a cautious approach in factoring in possible future oil income in their medium term fiscal plans.

Directors concurred that the monetary policy stance

should remain accommodative, as lower prices for imported goods, including fuel, continue to ease inflationary pressures.

Additionally, the Bank said while the banking sector appears well capitalised, directors recommended heightened vigilance given the rise in nonperforming loans, as well as tightening of provisioning requirements and close monitoring of related party lending. They looked forward to a

more granular analysis of financial sector challenges by the upcoming FSAP mission. Directors stressed the importance of strengthening the anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism framework. They noted that remaining deficiencies amplify the vulnerability to de risking, which will require greater international effort to address. They urged the prompt implementation of the action plan agreed with the Financial

Action Task Force.

Meanwhile, the IMF said real economic activity here expanded by 3 percent in 2015. It said lower export commodity prices and budget delays weighted down on activity, while the opening of two new large gold mines helped support growth. Consumer prices contracted by 1.8 percent in the twelve months ending in December 2015, reflecting lower import prices and a one-off increase in VAT exemptions. The overall non-financial public

that the days of $100 per barrel oil may be gone for decades, with current market prices at US$40-50 a barrel, then it must be deduced that even if the government does resume negotiations with the Government of Venezuela, it will be very difficult for Venezuela to pursue this deal since they are limited,” Minister Holder said, as he quoted an article written by Dr. Clive Thomas under the caption, “Guyana’s perspective: The basic contradictions of PetroCaribe.”

Under the Petrocaribe agreement which came to an end in 2015 after commencing in 2009, Venezuela received a total of 624,647 metric tons of paddy and 355,628 metric tons of white rice valued at US$595,918 265.

During this period, the rice industry was transformed with farmers and millers gradually increasing their investments over the years.

Meanwhile, while alluding to the taxation system, the Agriculture Minister acknowledged the fact that VAT is now being charged on imported machinery, equipment and spares, and as such committed to have the system reviewed.

“This can be re-looked at and I will ensure this is done so that recommendations, if considered feasible, can be made to the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

REMOVAL OF TAXES Ali, in his motion, called for the immediate removal of all forms of taxes and duties on fuel for the industry, and the removal of all taxes and duties on inputs for the industry including machinery, equipment and spares.

The Agriculture Minister posited too that, “it may be possible to attempt this if one can relate the quantum of fuel used for field operations on a per acre basis,” but emphasised that this is the responsibility of the Rice Producers Association (RPA).

The PPP/C Member of Parliament is also proposing that there be a review of the terms and conditions of loans with commercial banks to take into account the low prices farmers are getting for their rice. This, the MP explained, will soften repayment conditions.

Taking Ali’s argument into account, Minister Holder said his ministry will commence discussion with the Ministry of Finance and commercial banks with the hope of softening repayment conditions.

“There is much potential for this to benefit our farmers, since according to the Bank of Guyana, the commercial banks loans and advances to the private paddy producers were G$65,504 Million in 2015; whilst from January to March 2016 it was $17,222.

This is an increase of 19% for the same period (Jan-Mar) 2015,” the minister pointed out.

Additionally, the minister informed the House that the Government is prepared to import fertilizers and make it available to farmers at the lowest possible price. Former Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, former Education Minister Priya Manickchand and RPA General-Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj – all of whom now sit on the Opposition’s side of the House spoke to the motion. The debate on “The State of the Rice Industry in Guyana” will recommence on May 24, when the National Assembly is reconvened. sector deficit narrowed to 0.2 percent of GDP in 2015 from 5.7 percent in 2014. Despite the slowdown, revenues as a share of GDP increased by 4.2 percentage points, buoyed by fuel excises (which were raised as the international oil price declined), and one-off increases in non-tax revenues. Expenditures as a share of GDP declined by 1 percentage point, driven by a 30 percent decline in capital expenditures due to election-related budget delays. The current account

deficit narrowed from 10.8 percent of GDP in 2014 to 4.6 percent in 2015, as the steep decline in international oil prices more than offset lower commodity export prices. Gross international reserves stood at 3.6 months of imports at end-2015. Bank capital adequacy ratios appear comfortable (averaging 23.9 percent as of December 2015), but nonperforming loans have increased to 11.5 percent of loans at end-December 2015 from 6 percent at end-December 2013.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

The vendors of Stabroek, across time THIS year we are celebrating mentally and physically, the timeline of 50 years as an Independent nation.

All the memories of this year are going to embody where we are- weaknesses and strengths. This brings to focus the act of returning the Stabroek Market square to sobriety. This is a microcosm of where we stand before the mirror of preparedness for the higher culture of self-management in the future, beyond 2016.

The economics of survival over the last two decades had created the colony that constituted vending in that venue. There were numerous wrongs, remnants of the now demolished ‘Jurassic Park’ of the 90s had resurfaced, the lawlessness had to be curbed.

These vendors were even accommodated to serve political purposes in conflicts by this ‘Authority’ against that ‘Authority.’ I know vendors who admitted to the excesses of their Stabroek

colony. But the philosophies of ‘This day’ are a resurgence of order, order however that enhances livelihoods and not destroy that potential. What must become obvious to the vision of the Office of the President is that it must evolve the mentality of the old ‘Republic of City Hall' has been found wanting through compromising for gain, or exploding with extremes, again and again in its engagement with the citizens within their realm of authority. How can old City Hall be reborn? To learn to manage, rather than to antagonise, sow conflict, "up, extort and become the problem, rather than the solution.

Had a discussion begun in the context of using the Stabroek venue as a showpiece, exploiting its long history as a vending site, then, much more strategy would have been employed. Where the Stabroek Market now rests was next to the Kings Stelling of the 18th century, and where Demico House is,

was where the Sunday vending by the enslaved Africans was conducted. Back then the noise was so strong that the Court of Policy, [that existed where Public Buildings is today] Sunday segregated church was also held in the Court of Policy.

All of this was bordered by the Hadfield Street canal and to the north, the Croal Street canal at the south extended then to the seashore.

Yes, Georgetown has a long history of vending, which began from its inception; where do we think the enslaved got the money from to buy the villages? Days after the Stabroek vendors were removed, the venue is cleaned, they remain disenfranchised.

This should not be if some creative discourse had commenced. Tourism should get involved; the location identified for the vendors, the old Auto Supplies location should be where some of the rotating East Bank/short drop vehicles can operate from, while their present lo-

cation should accommodate the historically packaged enclave of vending, merging old Stabroek within 2016 Georgetown. Many features can be developed around this idea; economics wrapped in culture is always a winner.

The Stabroek venue presents an empty stage that can be dramatised constructively, using the values of economics, culture and education. Other private citizens have to get involved, and the Ministry of Communities and Tourism. The New Mayor and what new minds constitute the present City Hall must activate fresh possibilities for creative management, they must expand the fossilized old horizon.

This has to be done with collaboration and an aptitude to listen and embrace external views. The prospects of invoking the past as added ingredients to success in the present express the new frontier of Cultural Industries in practice. For an historical example, I quote; “Sunday

was market day, when many slaves came to town to sell the products of their gardens. At the marketplace, plantation slaves sold fruit, vegetables, fowls, and eggs, and town hucksters had stalls offering salt beef, pork, fish, bread, cheese, pipes, tobacco, and unquote: Crowns of Glory, Tears of Blood.

This narrative describes the 1790s to 1820s and onward, no doubt inspiring the construction of Stabroek Market, that rests next to the famous King’s Stelling. Stabroek was always a lively location of small, medium and large commerce. some years ago, I stood waiting on my younger brother at the head of Longden Street facing Demico, when a rootsy English traveller, who it seemed had traversed the Caribbean started a conversation on the values of tangerines as against oranges, then he said to me, “I like this Market, it’s the most alive market in the Caribbean you know,” I never forgot that. What he saw

had evolved over 200 years, through bondage, emancipation and independence, and should be celebrated as a symbol of its significance and as a backdrop of the history of Stabroek, now enveloped by Georgetown.

That it has to be brought to order is nobody’s problem, from the vendors I’ve spoken to, they understand. The confusion inserted into all of this is City Hall been found wanting.

The past attitude of sharing to friends has resulted in the old Cooperative Bank belonging to God knows who, that space is now needed. It cannot be argued that we need to utilize all that we are to excite our own visiting citizens who don’t know and foreigners who would like to know. Let’s show our resilience from whence we came to where we stand today, celebrate Stabroek and its environs, as a historical show piece, if not now, when?

Parents picket Mae’s over broken agreement

By Michel Outridge MORE than 40 parents staged a picketing exercise outside the locked gate of Mae’s Under-12 School on Third Avenue, Subryanville, yesterday morning after they learnt that the agreement made with management for Grade 6 teachers to continue teaching that class was not met.

Robin Somar, a parent on the picket line, told the media that they are upset because management has refused to talk to them and has since told them, “Do whatever you want.”

He said that they pay $60,000 per term, per child, and that following a meeting two weeks ago after teachers threatened to down tools when they were told of an imminent pay cut, it was agreed that parents pay an additional $20,000 for the teachers to continue teaching Grade 6.

Somar explained that it was just before the sitting of National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) exams and

they even agreed to pay an additional fee of $10,000 to motivate teachers to remain in Grade 6, because they want the best for their children.

Somar, like many other parents, was upset that the agreement was broken, and the placards expressed their displeasure because they were promised that the teachers of Grade 6 would continue to teach Grade 6 pupils.

The Grade 6 teachers are really good, and that is why they agreed to pay an additional $20,000, since they were under the impression that the Grade 6 teachers would still be teaching their children in Grade 6.

He said that the management of the school was being dishonest, since parents had paid all fees and he deemed this as “bullyism, fraud and criminal.”

Somar said, “It’s wrong; you cannot take our money and tell us something and then give us something else.

We want the Grade 6 teachers.”

we pay 100%, why they cannot honour their obligations and let the Grade 6 teachers remain.”

Meanwhile, the media tried to get a comment from management of the school, but their requests were ignored.

Parents with their placards protesting outside Mae’s yesterday morning

Another upset parent, Wayne Halley, told the Guyana Chronicle that there is the view that after September, the Grade 6 teachers will no longer be there.

He said that during the last meeting with management, parents asked that the Grade 6 teachers remain to teach the Grade 6 class, because, a week before the NGSA, they wanted to remove those teachers.

BRUSHED OFF Halley said that when they asked for a meeting they were brushed off and told to do whatever they want to do, even after they would have

paid fees.

He noted that they were even told that if they do not like it, they have the choice to take their children out of the school and go elsewhere, but he considers this to be nonsense, since both his children have been attending classes at the school since nursery.

Halley pointed out that management is bullying them to accept their rules or leave and that is wrong, since they are paying all fees required following an agreement.

Cindy Pauls told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday morning that even after they had requested a meeting with the administrator, Stacy

French, they were locked out of the building and they then decided to mount a protest.

Parents told the media that they are all of the same view and if they have to take the matter to court they will do so, because Grade 4 or 5 teachers cannot teach the Grade 6 class.

They reported that the Grade 6 teachers are making the school look good, because the pupils are getting top grades as well, so management should treat those teachers well and make them comfortable.

Parents said, “Your child is at the door if you cannot come and pay the fees. So, if

WORK STOPPAGE On April 14, 2016, teachers called a work stoppage to protest a likely wage cut by the administration, but they were soon called to a meeting and the matter was resolved and classes resumed. The teachers were outspoken after they were shown a copy of a memorandum, which stated that an impending salary cut was on the cards.

However, parents said that the differences had been resolved because the students who are preparing to sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination would have been affected, so the memo was rescinded, as the administration opted to pay the teachers their full salaries.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

World Bank assessing draft SARU Bill ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, said Wednesday that the draft legislation for the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) is still being assessed by the World Bank.

Williams told reporters

that the legislation is “almost out of the pipeline,” and will soon be “perfected.”

The legislation, he said, is yet to be handed over to the Attorney General’s Chambers.

“It is not with the AG Chambers as yet, but the

information is that the World Bank hasn’t concluded, more or less, its examination of the relevant Bill,” the Attorney General said.

Williams could not specifically say when the legislation would be at the AG’s Chambers before being

placed before the National Assembly, except that it is presently with the World Bank and SARU. In January, representatives of the World Bank and the United Nations met with the Attorney General and SARU representatives to

discuss the operation and functioning of SARU, and committed to helping with the putting together of the draft legislation.

The draft Bill on the establishment of SARU, its functions, and its role in coordinating with other organisations were key areas identified and discussed during that meeting.

Attorney General Williams said SARU’s work is intended to be civil and not criminal and the passing of the bill will ensure that SARU has the capacity to request information about assets being held by bodies and will also be given the power to apply to the court for restraining orders and interim

orders relative to properties.

INVESTIGATIVE CAPACITY Williams said too that the legislation will serve to strengthen SARU’s investigative capacity by statutorily empowering them to do certain things that cannot be done currently. “The legislation will empower them to be able to request information lawfully and get it. Whoever they’re requesting it from would be lawfully required to hand the information to them, which is a big step in their process,” he explained.

SARU’s work, he explained, is based on the International Convention against Corruption.

Traffic chief decrees...

Vehicle owners must cease using LED, HID headlamps THE Police Traffic Department is calling on motor vehicle owners to desist from using LED, HID and coloured headlamps, since these types of headlight affect the vision of other motorists and may result in serious or even fatal accidents, according to Traffic Chief (ag) Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud.

According to the Traffic Chief, the use of such lights is also unlawful. It was noted that Regulation 34 (1) (a) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02 states that “Every motor vehicle the width of which does not exceed 7 feet, other than a two-wheeled motor cycle not having a side car attached thereto and an invalid carriage, on any road during the hours of darkness shall carry two lamps, each showing to the front a white light visible from a reasonable distance.”

Lights that affect the vision of other motorists such as LED and HID headlamps should not be used, especially the additional LED bars being placed on vehicles.

SPLASHING OFFENCE Meanwhile, it was noted that the present rainfall has resulted in puddles on the roadways and there have been instances where motorists drove into them and splashed water on pedestrians and other road users and went away without any consideration for the person(s) affected.

Traffic Chief (ag) Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud

Motorists are urged to show some courtesy and consideration for other road users in this regard, while at the same time they are advised that such actions constitute a breach of the law under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, which states that “if any person drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road he shall be guilty of an offence.”

The Traffic Department is again appealing to all categories of road users to use the roadways in a manner cognisant of the five Cs - Care, Consideration, Courtesy, Commonsense and Caution.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

IACHR condemns death of inmates …urges action to end overcrowding The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has condemned the deaths of inmates at the Camp Street Prison and has called on the State to ensure that the ongoing investigations be conducted with due diligence and without delays, and that urgent measures be adopted to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

In a statement, the IACHR- a unit of the Organisation of American States (OAS), based on information available to the public, seventeen inmates died and seven were injured as a consequence of a fire at the prison facility on March 3, 2016.

The IACHR said according to the national press, the incidents took place amidst a protest by the inmates against overcrowding, delays for prisoners awaiting trial, and other living conditions in the prison.

According to public declarations by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and State Minister Joseph Harmon, a meeting was held March 4, 2016, and a truce was reached between inmates and authorities, following which inmates agreed to cease disturbances in ex-

change for the improvement of their basic living conditions. According to available information, the government has also set up a Commission of Inquiry, independent from the police’s investigation, in order to clarify what occurred during these riots, and to issue recommendations.

According to the press, the inmates gave testimony before the Commission of Inquiry saying the fires began after a raid by police guards in the inmates’ cells. They also declared that when the fire began, the door to their prison block was locked. According to their testimonies, inmates called for the door to be opened, tried to break down a wall leading to another division in the prison, and attempted to douse the fire themselves, but there was no water coming to the facility.

Inmates claimed than rather than being assisted, canisters of tear gas were thrown into the burning prison block, forcing them to the ground and impeding them from escaping.

Press reports also indicate that when he gave testimony before the Commission on Inquiry, the Deputy Director of the Guyana Prison Service, Gladwin Samuels,

denied that he had issued an order for the prisoners to be locked inside the block that was on fire, and he said he instructed a worker to utilize a power cutter to get the lock on the door cut, but the heat was too much to operate in.

The IACHR urges the State to guarantee that the investigation is conducted with due diligence. States have an obligation to conduct serious, diligent and impartial investigations on events that take place in prisons when these result in persons being killed or injured, such as in the case of this fire. These investigations must clarify what happened and result in sanctions for all persons who according to the investigation have had some degree of responsibility. They must also constitute a way of reparation for the victims. In addition, the authorities have a duty to inform on the investigation of these facts to the families of the victims. The State must also offer psychological assistance to the families of the victims and to the survivors.

The IACHR also notes that what happened in the Camp Street Prison took place in a situation of overcrowding. It said public information indicates that the pris-

New tourism magazine hits newsstands today CHRISTA Marketing Solutions, owners and operators of the popular ‘Visit Guyana’ Facebook page, has announced the official launch of the inaugural ‘Visit Guyana: Lime, Dine and Unwind’ magazine.

The first issue will be available for free distribution at strategic locations throughout Guyana as of today, and at various Independence Golden Jubilee events, a press statement said.

The much-awaited magazine, with a circulation of 15,000, was developed in response to a need expressed by visitors and locals alike, to have an easy-to-carry, fullcolour magazine highlighting all the best places to eat, relax and socialise in the city of Georgetown.

The magazine, which will be an annual publication, offers rich and relevant content that reflects the diversity of Guyana’s food, the beauty of Guyana’s resorts and the vibrancy of Guyana’s nightlife. The ‘Lime, Dine and Unwind’ magazine will also be on the web at www.limeanddinegy.com and can also be accessed from the “Visit Guyana” mobile App, which can be downloaded from the Google playstore. The app will also be available in June in the iOS app store.

According to the publishers, Chris Rahaman and Stacey Dos Santos-Rahaman, a labour of love does not begin to

describe this inaugural edition. The fact that it was published so close to Guyana’s 50th Jubilee celebration was no coincidence, as they thought it a fitting time to showcase Guyana’s amazing resorts, nightspots, restaurants and hotels in a way never before seen. And in their own words: “We welcome you and we hope you enjoy liming, dining and unwinding in amazing Guyana.”

One of the badly injured inmates during the Camp Street Prison fire being lifted out of the facility on March 3, 2016

on was built to accommodate approximately 700 inmates, but the official in charge of the prison, Kevin Pilgrim, publicly declared that there were 1,014 persons housed there at the time of the fire. It is also reported that pretrial detention is largely resorted to and that inmates often are kept waiting for years prior to their cases being heard. In this context, the Inter-American Commission urgently calls on the State of Guyana to take steps to reduce overcrowding and the use of pretrial detention, through the

implementation of alternative measures. The use of precautionary measures other than pretrial detention is consistent with the exceptional nature of pretrial detention and with the right to presumption of innocence. Moreover, the use of alternative measures tends to be sustainable and effective as part of a comprehensive strategy to address prison overcrowding.

“The IACHR reiterates that States hold a special position as guarantors of the rights of persons deprived of liberty. Consequently, con-

finement entails a specific and essential commitment of States to ensure the lives and safety of inmates. This “duty to ensure” means that States must take all necessary measures to prevent situations of risk, such as the situation arising in this instance, from seriously jeopardising the fundamental rights of inmates. Along these lines, States have the obligation to ensure that prisons have adequate, safe structures and the appropriate measures, action plans, and sufficient, trained Turn to page 12 ►

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Telecoms Bill for House soon THE long-awaited and much-anticipated Telecommunications Bills should be laid before the National Assembly soon.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams told reporters Wednesday that the legislation is currently with the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“We are hoping to have the PUC Bill and the Telecoms Bill laid soon. We should take it to the next Cabinet, and hope to get it to Parliament shortly after,” Williams said.

Minister of Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes in April, said that the legislation would be taken to the National Assembly before the

end of this month.

SEVERAL CALLS Over the years, there have been several calls from Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), and Irish company Digicel for the passage of the legislation to liberalise the telecommunications market.

The APNU+AFC coalition, as part of its Manifesto, leading up to the May 11, 2015 national elections, had promised to free-up the telecommunications sector within its first 100 days of entering office. Unfortunately, the liberalisation of the sector is yet to materialised.

The government has also been called upon by the

Private Sector to open up the market, so that Guyanese could be exposed to competition and better telecommunications services.

In a statement to the media, the PSC said, “The fact is that Guyana’s economic advancement and growth is being seriously handicapped by the country’s limited access to bandwidth and affordable high-speed connectivity.

The PSC looks forward to a Telecommunications Bill that will ensure unrestricted and unfettered competition by our telecommunications providers.”

Additionally, the Private Sector body said the absence of affordable high-speed connectivity has left Guyana

behind the rest of the world.

“It prevents domestic and international investment in the creative innovation of ICT services, and the employment and productivity that this investment will produce in every sector of the economy,” the private sector said.

Earlier this month, both telecommunications companies, GTT and Digicel, announced that they are now offering 4G service to all customers. The government has approved licences, and allocated spectrum to both companies to offer 4G services.

By so doing, customers are now able to receive increased data speeds to live-stream and upload audio and video, as well as still images.

“Finally, we will bring you 4G. I know that you’ve waited a long time, and I am as happy as you to say that we have received approval from the government,” said GTT’s CEO, Justin Nedd.

“Our 4G mobile network will enable you to connect to the Internet much faster than ever before, whether to browse, watch videos or movies, download music or shop Online. All Smart phones sold by GTT are ready to experience the faster speeds,” Nedd added.

Similarly, Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin

Kelly said he looks forward to a liberalized sector. He noted that that development would bring many benefits to Digicel customers here, including cheaper international calls, Internet use in the home, and introduction of landline service.

It should be noted that the previous PPP/C government had talked about liberalising the sector for a number of years.

The Telecommunications

Bill was introduced in 2011 and revised in 2013 during the 10th Parliament. Last year Cabinet approved the hiring of two legal consultants to fine-tune and make adjustments to the Bill.

The Telecommunications Bill is aimed at creating a competitive regime in the telecommunications sector. Once assented to it will provide for an open, liberalised and competitive sector.

IACHR condemns...

From page 11

staff in place to maintain security in its prisons and to handle emergency situations, such as fires.” The IACHR believes that prison overcrowding not only constitutes in itself a form of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, but is a factor that jeopardises the life and personal integrity of those who are incarcerated in a particular facility.

Thus is it imperative for the national authorities to take all measures that may be necessary to ensure that prisons do not hold more inmates than they are equipped to house based on their real capacity.

A principal, autonomous body of the OAS, the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights.

The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area.

The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Three months for assaulting wife A MAN was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment on Thursday for assaulting his reputed wife.

Ali Mocoo appeared before City Magistrate Faith McGusty and pleaded guilty to the charge, which alleged that on May 9, at West Ruimveldt he assaulted Shamwattie Arjune.

The court also heard that on the said day, Mocoo made use of threatening behavior towards Arjune. He also accepted that charge and was fined $20,000 or 20 days’ imprisonment.

According to the police facts the two people live together and are parents of

three children.

However, on the day in question Mocoo, was at home intoxicated, threatened to kill Arjune and dealt her several cuffs to her mouth.

She reported the matter to the Police.

Arjune pointed out to the court that her husband was in habit of assaulting her whenever he drank alcohol.

The woman explained that the incident stemmed from her watching TV with the kids. “He said meh had my confederates to talk tuh and then he got up and cuff meh in my mouth,” she told the court.

From the prisoner’s dock,

Ali begged his wife for forgiveness telling her “ah beg yah pardon, leh we live cooperatively.”

However, the woman expressed her frustration, citing that he had threatened to kill her several times in the past.

“Madam, I is got passion but I does go church every day” Mocoo told the Magistrate to blunt the woman’s allegation.

Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman strongly opposed bail being granted on the grounds that Mocoo had ongoing matters before the court and had assaulted the woman in front of their kids.

Nine months for cellphone theft A BUS conductor was jailed for nine months on Thursday by City Magistrate Faith McGusty for the theft of a $100,000 cellphone.

Rico Persaud, pleaded guilty to the charge, which read that on May 4, at Georgetown, he stole Bibi Ghanie’s cellphone.

Police Prosecutor, Seon Blackman, explained to the court that the woman was a businesswoman and operated an ice-cream parlor. The

accused entered the woman’s shop to purchase a phone card and while Ghanie was installing the credit he swiped her cellphone off the counter.

When the woman returned, the phone and Persaud were gone. The court heard that when the accused was arrested some time later, he admitted stealing the phone.

“Your Worship I see the phone, I pick it up and tek it,” Persaud told the Magistrate

when she asked him why he stole the phone.

Persaud, who is no stranger to the court and Magistrate McGusty, since he had recently appeared before her on a similar charge, told him: “It’s just a series of unfortunate events for you and every time you come to court I look forward to your stories.”

The Magistrate sentenced him to 9 months for the theft.

Alleged serial robbers charged TWO young men of Rose Hall, Berbice, were on Thursday charged with a series of robberies committed in the community, police have reported.

Cort Batson, 20 years, of New Market Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, and Kelvin Bates, 19 years, of First Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, were charged with the following: armed robbery committed

on Anil Sooraj of $510,000 on 2016-05-09 at Rose Hall Town Public Road, Corentyne; possession of narcotics to wit 15 grams of cannabis, possession of 10 .32 rounds of ammunition and one .32 revolver without licence on 2016-05-09 at R&S Street, Belvedere, Corentyne.

Additionally, Batson was also charged with armed robbery committed on Vinesha Sheerkis-

soon called “Vannie” of a $1,027,000 cash and other articles valued $1,269.000 and unlawful wounding committed on Samuel Fernandes, of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, on 2016-04-30. They appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrates Court on Thursday before Magistrate Merissa Mittleholzer and were remanded to prison.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Bandit’s decomposed body retrieved THE body of a bandit who was killed in a botched robbery Monday at

Blackwater, in the Upper Cuyuni, will be buried in the same district after a

‒ after botched robbery at Blackwater

Eric Angel

post-mortem examination is done Saturday, police have said.

The bandit was identified as former Tactical Services Unit rank, Eric Angel, a father of two, who previously resided at Num-

ber 10 Village, West Coast Berbice.

Police visited the Upper Cuyuni to retrieve the body, but were stalled by bad weather.

A police source said the body had begun to decom-

pose, since there is no proper mortuary facility in the area, so after the autopsy the body will be buried.

According to reports, on Monday around 23:00 hours two armed bandits at Blackwater, Upper Cuyuni attempted to rob a Brazilian shop owner. The suspects attacked the shop owner and the man put up a fight.

During the scuffle, one of the bandits accidentally stabbed his accomplice in the abdomen before escaping.

According to reports,

the deceased bandit was previously employed as a security guard at a camp in the interior location. However, he lost his job after an argument at the camp and instead of returning home he partnered with others and executed a robbery in which he lost his life.

Meanwhile, a search is on for the second accomplice in the robbery.

According to police, the suspect is known by his call name “Ant” and the authorities are confident that he will be apprehended.

Top Cop orders probe into soldier, police clash THE police have launched an investigation into an alleged confrontation between a soldier and a group of policemen on the Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara Public Road last Friday night.

In a statement the police said that “cognisant of an article published in the Kaieteur News, Thursday May 12, 2016, under the caption “Police-Soldier confronta-

tion in Golden Grove,” the Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM, has instructed the Police Office of Professional Responsibility to conduct an investigation into the alleged incident.”

The commissioner has also informed the Chiefof-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force and has requested that the soldier allegedly involved cooperate with the investigators.

Friday, May 13, 2016 - 10:00 hrs Saturday, May 14, 2016 - 11:30 hrs Sunday, May 15, 2016 - 12:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Still bubbly at 95 ‒ and pleasant as ever

The evergreen ‘Aunty Baby’

By Michel Outridge ON Monday last, Babnie Major, called “Aunty Baby,” celebrated her 95th birthday, and she revels in this achievement.

From her favourite spot -- a couch by the window of her Little Diamond, East Bnak Demerara home -- she showed a keen sense of local and international happenings when the Guyana Chronicle visited, displaying her bubbly and ever-pleasant personality.

She was recently celebrated by the Little Diamond Mandir as the oldest villager and she treasures the token she received from the pandit and devotees as an indication of the respect and admiration she has gained.

Deeply religious, Aunty Baby would sit by the window overlooking the mandir to listen to the service whenever she is unable to attend.

She credits her long life to God and as a devout Hindu, she visits her altar every morning and prays constantly.

Aunty Baby has outlived her husband and her only son, but she has scores of relatives, including two great-great grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and four grand-children.

She originally lived at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, but left that village and

moved to Little Diamond when she got married at age 16.

VEGETABLES VENDOR She stopped vending vegetables about 30 years ago as it’s time to relax now, she says, content that she has lived a good and full life.

Moreover, she boasts about her travels to eight countries as an additional boost to her self-esteem.

This kind-hearted woman enjoys good eyesight and has no health complications, although a fall four years ago has made walking a bit difficult.Aunty Baby is a vegetarian and is cared for by a relative who is the live-in caretaker, who prepares her meals.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she is very thankful for the life she has lived thus far, even though she endured many hardships as a young woman. In celebration of her birthday, she has planned a puja at her home on Saturday.

Her favourite quote is: “Don’t covet what’s not yours and be contented.”

Despite her age, Aunty Baby still handles such routine matters as paying bills and has even supervised construction works at her home.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Unity Concert showcased depth of social cohesion

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, First Lady Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally flanked by scores of entertainers at the NCC Wednesday evening

By Navendra Seoraj A TROUPE of singers, dancers and scores of other entertainers on stage at the National Cultural Centre ( N C C ) We d n e s d a y evening captivated the diverse audience at the Unity Concert, as they celebrated social cohesion.

The true meaning of Guyana’s national motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” was fully expressed, as Guyanese of all walks of life gathered in their numbers to enjoy the exuberant performances from different cultural groups and individuals.

As one of the first major events on the calendar for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations this month, the performers spared no effort in making an exuberant start in the lead-up to Independence Day, May 26, 2016.

BUILDING SOCIAL COHESION While the celebrations continue, as touted by many officials and commentators, the Golden Jubilee celebrations is an ideal opportunity to build social cohesion, and derive a sense of togetherness among Guyanese of all ethnic

groups.

This approach was displayed as everyone shook to the sounds of drums, tassas and a number of other ethnic musical instruments, which were at one point played simultaneously, sending a lively vibe through the crowd, who could not hold back on their appreciation and applause.

Laughter became contagious as entertainers took the audience back in time, with skits demonstrating the colonial days and songs describing Guyana’s natural and manmade beauty.

Many distinguished guests, such as First Lady Sandra Granger, ambassadors and government officials appeared mesmerised with the way in which the organisers pulled off such a well co-ordinated event, which had almost everyone at the edge of their seats.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo told the Guyana Chronicle that it was indeed a major concert that brought the message of the historical development of Guyana, especially as it relates to cultural assimilation.

‘GUYANESENESS’ “It also depicted the difficulties which we face politically and the difficulties to overcome See page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13 , 2016

GuyExPo 2016

Green Development Strategy coming

…President says gov’t to invest in solar, wind energy

By Alva Solomon PRESIDENT David Granger last evening unveiled government’s intention to adopt a Green Development Strategy (GDS) and he highlighted this approach as being good for business.

The President also told a large gathering at the opening ceremony of the country’s premier exposition, GuyExpo 2016, at the Sophia Exhibition Complex, that the strategy will focus heavily on renewable energy sources and over time, all government buildings will transition to utilise such alternative sources of energy. “The Government of Guyana must lead the way in transitioning towards renewable energy use”, he said.

The President said that Guyana is heavily dependent on the extractive and agriculture industries. He said that the high dependence on agriculture and the exhaustion of natural resources place Guyana at risk of erosion of its natural assets. “Guyana therefore needs a sustainable model for its economy,” the Head of State said. He said that the country needs to rapidly transition to enable other forms of energy, adding that the government will invest in solar, wind and biomass sources of energy over the next five years. “Guyana needs a green development strategy and this is my task,

my mission,” he said. He told those gathered that a green economy is necessary to ensure the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources and assets. He posited that a green economy is needed as the country has an addiction to fossil fuels. According to the Head of State , the importation of fossil fuel products have exacted a heavy burden on the country’s finances, noting that in the year 2012 the country expended almost a quarter of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on petroleum-based products.

COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN According to the President, as part of its GDS plans, the authorities will create and operationalise a comprehensive coastal management plan to protect habitation. He said that the authorities will also implement a coastal eco-system and systems plan, create green enterprises and jobs. In addition, he said that a green education will be incorporated into the school system.

In addition, he noted that the country has the potential to generate hydroelectricity from more than 100 sites which are suitable for large or small projects. In addition to solar energy generation, he told those seated that the country has the potential to also develop wind energy projects along its 432Km

coastline. According to the President, the sugar and rice industries have the potential for producing energy from the manufacturing process.

Environmental security The strategy will examine environmental security.

According to the President, more than 80% of Guyana’s population resides on the coastland and those persons are engaged in agriculture, such as the sugar and rice industries, as well as in fishing. Noting that the coastland is low and flat, he said that it is prone to flooding and breaches of the sea defence structures. “Our sea defence system is fragile and it requires repairs”, he said. He said that as part of the GDS, the authorities will develop a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation and construction of all coastal sea defence , drainage and irrigation systems. He said that a green economy must also include the communities being free of litter and waterways must be protected from pollution.

To this end, he called on the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the municipal bodies to ensure that solid waste disposal plans are in working order.

ECOLOGICAL SERVICES According to the President, the forest provides ecological and environmental services to humanity, and he First Lady Sandra Granger is assisted by President David Granger and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, in cutting the ribbon to officially declare GuyExpo 2016 open.

10 years time, while still growing, will be the envy of noted that Guyana’s recogniEnterprise and employthe region.” tion of the responsibility for ment He said that this year’s the global effort to combat “Green development is event has a hefty price tag climate change was demon- good for business,” the Presattached to it. ”Making Guystrated when he signed the ident noted and to this end Expo a successful event Paris Agreement on April 22 he said that the “green revodoesn’t come cheap”, he at the United Nations head- lution” can spur a wide range noted.

He said dozens of quarters in New York. He of businesses, while creating contractors were engaged to said that the country commit- employment opportunities. provide the various services ted at that signing to improve He spoke of organics foods, and supplies to ensure the its timber management to recycling plants, sustainable exposition’s success. Gasmaintain a high level of tim- agriculture and green-financkin said the importance of ber legality as the nation also ing options which can foster foreign inputs in business increases its value-added this aspect of the strategy. should also be considered. products. The President also Earlier, Minister of BusiHe said that in order for the called for the establishment ness Dominic Gaskin noted sector to develop, there is of protected areas in each that GuyExpo 2016 presents need for foreign and local administrative region, noting an opportunity this year, collaboration. that they must make a con- being the Golden Jubilee President of the tribution to environmental year of Independence, for Georgetown Chamber of conservation. He noted the Guyanese to take stock and Commerce and Industry government’s commitment refocus. GuyExpo 2016 proPresident David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger receive a (GCCI), Vishnu Doerga, to placing an additional two vides a baseline from which practical demonstration from Digicel Guyana Marketing Manager noted that the event highmillion hectares of land and we must progressively deJacqueline James during a tour of the booths at the Sophia ExhiSee Page 21 waterways for conservation. velop an economy that in bition Complex last evening.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Unity Concert showcased depth ...

From page 16 colonialism… however, in the end it was trying to bring a fusion to show that we can be of different ethnicities, cultural patterns, but in the end if we embrace

the ‘Guyaneseness’ we’ll find oneness,” said the Prime Minister, who himself was unable to control the excitement and took to the stage to showcase some of his dance moves among the many performers.

Dancers proudly showcasing their talent and culture

Young Bill Rogers singing along as the actors sway to his tune

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13 , 2016

Jubilee Theatre Festival...

Featuring the talented Tashandra Inniss

THE Jubilee Theatre Festival kicks off today and showcases 17 plays from over the past 50 years, all written by Guyanese playwrights.

The festival’s planning committee has ensured that theatre fans will be in for a treat over the coming days, as the films delve into significant themes and social issues in our society.

Among the group of playwrights are a significant number of young, talented artists who have more than just script writing under their belt.

One such artist is 30-yearold actress, producer and director, Tashandra Inniss, whose eight years in the theatre industry has earned her several awards and theatre-related certifications.

Tashandra’s play, “Til Death”, will be staged tonight at the Theatre Guild at 19:00hrs.

“Til Death” happens to be the first play she has ever written, and has also won several awards at the 2012 National Drama Festival including, Best Guyanese Stage Play, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Production.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE The play delves into issues of domestic violence, and the lives of persons who experience it.

“I tried to show how domestic violence can be taken for granted, not only by your family, but also those around you. Persons just ignore it, or try to say that everything will be alright, when really it is a serious matter,” Tashandra said.

Being part of the Jubilee Theatre Festival brings Tashandra much satisfaction, especially knowing that she is part of the majority of youth that occupy the team. “It’s a great experience,” she said.

“There aren’t a lot of the older veterans who are taking part; and it’s not that that is a bad thing. But having the young

Keon Heywood (left) and Tashandra Inniss performing a piece written by Tashandra for the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, Performance pieces Emotions (Photo by Kojo McPherson)

Tashandra Innis at Carifesta 12 (Photo by Keron Bruce) other theatre personnel have been voicing for quite some people involved in the plan- time now. ning and organising; that is Most times, contracts great. And we are seeing are not drawn up for jobs, a lot of young playwrights which lead to a lack of proof and actors in the forefront of or obligation for payment. this festival; and it is good Tashandra says that in order that we get to showcase our to protect herself, she now talents.” ensures that she makes her own contracts to be signed STRICTLY LOVE when being hired.

And, like most other artConflicts and shortcomists, Tashandra will tell you ings aside, Tashandra is, that her participation in the nevertheless, optimistic Arts in Guyana is strictly out about the outcome of the of love, as there is much to Theatre Festival, as it will be desired as regards remu- provide exposure for local neration and representation playwrights, as well as bring for artists. “It’s never for back into the spotlight plays the money; it’s just for the by well-known playwrights love. Even if, at the end of that have not been staged for the day, you might complain some time. if you haven’t gotten paid Tashandra is also the on time or something, you recipient of the 2015 Best still keep going back for Actress Award, and has more, because you love it,” under her portfolio two she said. other plays. She graduated Tashandra believes that from the National School there should be some sort of of Theatre Arts and Draunion or association which ma; is a member of the Nacould guarantee that the inter- tional Drama Company; ests of actors are adequately and is also a member of represented; it’s a suggestion the Executive Committee that more seasoned actors and of the Theatre Guild.

Mark Kazim (left) and Tashandra Inniss performing a skit for the ReActors (Photo by Troy Parboo)

Expectations run high

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By Navendra Seoraj

IT was a spectacle to behold last evening as competitors, consumers and Guyanese all were enthralled by the multitude of displays exhibited at the opening of GuyExpo 2016.

Despite the heavy showers of earlier in the day, persons defied the odds and turned out in their numbers to browse and explore what is available on the local, regional and international markets.

Hosted this year under the theme, “50 Years: Guyana means Business – Promoting Enterprise, Driving Productivity”, GuyExpo is but a part of a series of activities being held to mark Guyana’s 50th anniversary as an independent nation.

As such, over 300 companies are making full use of the opportunity to market their products to the Guyanese populace. One such company is GTT+, which has a number of promotions on high and low-end phones, a visual

display section, which allows gamers to enjoy the latest in virtual games, as well as a host of other attractive offers.

Then there are entities such as Digicel, Gizmos and Gadgets, Sueria Manufacturing Guyana, and Comfort Sleep, which also have attractive deals to entice the public.

Also taking part in the event are the Bank of Guyana, Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry Ltd, Sterling Products Ltd, and a host of other companies, as well as independents, who pulled out all the stops to capture the attention of the spectators.

Asked about their expectations for this year’s edition of GuyExpo, many persons said they have high hopes, given the event’s success in the past, while booth holders expressed confidence in getting maximum mileage for their products in the remaining three nights.

Some newcomers to the line-up of exhibitors were also excited about the turn-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

--as GuyExpo kicks off in a flurry of activity

Members of the public utilising the services offered by booth holders

exposition back in March, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin had said that the event is in line with the objectives of his ministry and the economic development priorities of the government.

GuyExpo is designed to nurture and promote business growth and development in Guyana, he’d said.

“One of the areas of focus for the Ministry of Business, is on the development of micro and small enterprises.

“This level of enterprise accounts for almost 30 per cent of our country’s GDP, and employs tens of thousands of people,” the minister said.

President Granger, who also spoke at the time, had underscored the importance of the event: “GuyExpo is placing more emphasis on the local manufacturing sector to help revitalise the economy, which has too long now been dependent on the exportation of raw materials.”

Being one of the biggest commercial events, GuyExpo opens an avenue for economic development and commercial exposure.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo examines one of the many booths (Photos by Adrian Narine)

The GTT+ booth with its attractive offers

out, in spite of the inclement weather.

Among officials present were President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, am-

bassadors and a host of other distinguished persons, and they too seemed excited and at times at a loss for words as they visited the various booths.

At the launch of the

Brand ambassadors showing off products offered by Sueria’s (Photos by Delano Williams)

President David Granger testing GTT+’s Visual Display section

Green Development ....

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13 , 2016

A section of the audience at the opening ceremony of the exposition.

This Guyanese songstress gave a splendid rendition of the national song “O Beautiful Guyana “ last evening.

From Page 17 lights the abundant business opportunities Guyana possesses. He said that the risks of doing business are varied and according to him, it is important that strategic planning receives the attention it requires.

He said that over the past few years the business

sector has experienced the simultaneous drop in prices in many of the major traditional exports. He said that these drops have exposed the over reliance of trading in commodities in raw or minimally processed form. Jamaican entrepreneur Valerie Grant of GeoTech Vision, called on those gathered to work

on various aspects of business enhancement as she noted that collaboration as an entrepreneur is of great significance. “Let’s showcase to the rest of the world that Guyana means business and is open for business“, an optimistic Grant noted to rounds of applause from those in attendance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

‘Imagine a world without nurses’

Health Minister applauds those who protect our health A section of the audience at the GPHC observance of International Nurses Day 2016

GEORGETOWN Public Hospital Corporation on Thursday held a simple appreciation ceremony in the hospital compound in observance of International Nurses’ Week 2016, held under the theme: “Nurses: A Force For Change: Improving the Health System’s Resilience.”

Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Green; Chairman of the GPHC Board, Dr. Max Hanoman and Chief Nursing Officer - Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Tarmattie Barker, all gathered to celebrate with the nurses.

Public Health Minister, George Norton said that if we considered a world without nurses then we would realize how vital their services were in hospitals and health centers, both in urban and rural areas. “Wherever the need exists they are working diligently to serve and protect the health of our people.”

He went on to state that,

“Every day, nurses provide leadership, innovation and advocacy to meet the health care needs of our citizens. I can also safely say that they also help in making the lives of our doctors easier.”

Minister Norton pointed out that in addition to their technical skills, nurses bring to their duty posts a generous dose of compassion in dealing with patients who are severely ill and in need of not only constant care but also of emotional support and encouragement.

He stated: “We have recognized that nurses are an essential part of the healthcare workforce, and as such we want to give our nurses attractive career opportunities and pathways, so that they can fulfill their aspirations. The Ministry of Public Health will continue to advance its training opportunities in the areas of professional nursing and midwifery.”

He also encouraged them to

follow up their careers.

Meanwhile, Director of Nursing Services at the GPHC, Ms. Collene Hicks stressed that nurses were a vital force for changes that the health system needed.

Ms. Hicks stressed on the growing pressure which nurses face, including coping with changes to service delivery and models of care, financial pressures and enhanced expectations.

According to her, nurses have the responsibility to look after themselves and develop strategies which will help them to recover from their own difficulties Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, Mr. Allan Johnson urged the nurses to use the occasion to do some introspection.

He applauded those who have been doing well and urged those who have not done so well to step up their game.

Training for drivers, dispatchers AS GUYANA makes preparations to welcome visitors and persons from the Diaspora for the country’s Independence celebration, the Guyana Tourism Authority has collaborated with Guyoil

Mr. Indrnauth Harlsingh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority addressing the participants at the training in holding a two-day training for taxi, minibus drivers and dispatchers at Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

The training session, which began on Wednesday was aimed at improving the customer service practices for drivers and dispatchers as Guyana’s

Independence Day draws near.

At the end of the training the participants were expected to improve the quality of service they provided to their customers as they were reminded of the critical role they can play in showcasing Guyana.

The participants listened to lectures by Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh , Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, who dealt with customer service; Health and Safety Officer of Guyoil, Sauid Husain, who spoke on Health and Safety at the gas stations; and Assistant Traffic Chief, Boodnarine Persaud, who addressed defensive driving.

Mr. Haralsingh stated that the training was organized to help the participants deliver exceptional service during the country’s Independence celebrations.

Marketing Manager of Guyoil, Eric Whaul, in his brief address to the participants, stated that he felt privileged in representing the Guyana Oil Company in such an important event. He also encouraged them to use what they had learnt not just for the upcoming celebrations but also for after the celebrations, as the training would not only be beneficial for them for the celebration but they could apply it to their every day life and it would benefit them in the long term.

The company’s Sales Man-

ager, Jacqueline James stated that safety and customer service were very important to the company.

Participating in such an event was one way the company gave back to the community and the persons who had sup-

Marketing Manager of Guyoil, Erick Whaul addressing the participants at the training ported them through the years.

Guyoil has also launched a promotion, “Fuel up for Gold.” Persons can enter the competition by purchasing $3000 worth of fuel to have a chance to be one of 50 persons to win one of the 50 Golden Jubilee coins. The computation runs until June 16.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Delhi sink Sunrisers

(SPORTSMAX) - Delhi Daredevils are up to third in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after getting the better of leaders Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Delhi Daredevils brought Sunrisers Hyderabad’s four-match winning running to a juddering halt with a seven-wicket victory over the IPL leaders yesterday.

The Sunrisers would have all-but sealed a playoff spot with a win in Uppal, but collapsed from 98-1 to 146-8 after captain David Warner (46 from 30 balls) had become the second overseas player to score over 3 000 IPL runs.

Daredevils wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock top-scored with 44 off 31 deliveries, setting the platform for Sanju Samson (34 not out from 26) and Rishabh Pant (39 n.o. off 26) to secure a first win in three which moved them up to third.

Delhi must have anticipated a big run chase when Warner got Sunrisers off to a blistering start with support from Shikhar Dhawan (34 from 37) in an opening stand of 67.

Jayant Yadav bowled Warner after the Australia opener had joined Chris Gayle in the 3 000 club, tormenting the bowlers with strokes around the park, and the Sunrisers innings fell apart after Dhawan departed.

Deepak Hooda was out hit-wicket as one of two dismissals for Nathan Coulter-Nile, while Amit Mishra (2-19) also made an impact with the ball and Chris Morris (1-19) caught the eye. de Kock flexed his muscles with two sixes and five fours before he was given out caught behind, when the noise appeared to come from his helmet falling off, but Samson and Pant produced some lusty blows as Delhi won with 11 balls to spare.

Quinton de Kock clips the ball into the leg side, Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2016, Hyderabad yesterday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

NOTABLE DATES Curry wipes the court with Blazers DILLON Carew collected his 18th professional victory when he stopped Ike Ezeji of America, on May 13, 2005 at the Puritan Hill in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Referee George Chip pulled the plug on the American’s chances in the fifth round (fight scheduled for 6) of the junior middleweight fight after Carew dished out too much punishment.

The technical knockout victory (TKO) was the 12th stoppage for Carew who represented Guyana at the 1992 Olympic in Barcelona, Spain. He joined the professional ranks soon after returning from the Olympics and was crowned Guyana lightweight champion in October 1994.

One year later, the southpaw Carew secured the junior welterweight title after defeating Barrington Cambridge. His fight with undefeated De Marcus `Chop Chop’ Corley at the Convention Centre in Atlantic City in December 1998 was labelled a technical draw after three rounds.

In a career that spanned 15 years Carew battled the likes of Ricky Hatton, Meldrick Taylor, Diosbelys Hurtado and Leonard Dorin all of whom were or had turned world champions.

During 2007, at the age of 36 Carew waved goodbye to the fistic sport after suffering a second-round TKO at the hands of American middleweight Elvin Ayala. He is now a respected trainer at the world famous Gleason’s Gym in New York.

(THE Sports Xchange) Stephen Curry bombed in a 3-pointer with 24.9 seconds remaining on Wednesday as the Golden State Warriors held off the Portland Trail Blazers 125-121 to seal the Western Conference semi-final playoff series 4-1.

The Warriors, who advanced to the Western finals for the second year in a row, await the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder-San Antonio Spurs semi-final.

Should the Thunder eliminate the Spurs in Game 6 the best-of-seven Western finals would begin on Monday in Oakland.

The fifth-seeded Trail Blazers gave the Warriors a battle in Game 5, leading early by as many as 11 and hanging within 118-116 with the basketball inside the final 50 seconds.

However, Klay Thompson harassed Damian Lillard into a miss from 17 feet, and Curry, freeing himself above

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) the top of the key, nailed a 25-footer for the backbreaking hoop that put Golden State up 121-116.

Curry capped a 29-point game with four free throws in the final 18.2 seconds, helping Golden State record their

eighth victory in 10 playoff games this year.

Thompson led the Warriors with 33 points, hitting 13 of 17 from the field and six of nine 3-point attempts.

Curry’s 29 points were a result of 10-for-20 shoot-

ing, including 5-for-11 on 3-pointers.

In his first start since spraining a ligament in his right knee during the firstround series against the Houston Rockets, he went 36 minutes and found time for a game-high 11 assists.

Draymond Green added a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Shaun Livingston added 10 points for the Warriors, who have won seven straight at home over the Trail Blazers.

Lillard topped Portland with 28 points, but he shot just 7-for-24. He also had seven rebounds and seven assists.

Backcourt mate CJ McCollum came alive in the fourth quarter to finish with 27 points on 11-for-23 shooting.

Allen Crabbe (20), Al-Farouq Aminu (16) and Moe Harkless (13) also scored in double figures for Portland, who were playing their first-ever playoff series against Golden State

Everton have sacked manager Roberto Martinez after three years in charge (BBC) Martinez’s side, 12th in the Premier League, were beaten 3-1 by champions Leicester on Saturday and lost 3-0 at Sunderland on Wednesday.

The Toffees lost in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and League Cup this season.

The club praised the Spaniard, 42, for his “utmost integrity and dignity”, describing him as a “great ambassador” who played a “key role” in

developing young players.

A statement yesterday confirming the decision said Everton “would like to place on record their thanks for the dedication and commitment Roberto has shown during his three seasons”.

They have won just five league games at home all season and are guaranteed to finish with their lowest points tally at Goodison Park since the introduction of three

points for a win in 1981.

Everton’s annual awards event scheduled for last evening - where protests against Martinez had been expected before his dismissal was announced - has been postponed.

The club said it wanted to “reciprocate” Martinez’s “commitment and dignity” by rescheduling the event, adding a “planned celebration would be inappropriate in the circumstances.”

12:40 hrs West Drive

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:30 hrs Sherry 09:05 hrs Crescendo 09:40 hrs Paulus 10:15 hrs Gogetthesheriff 10:50 hrs Shamal ENGLISH RACING TIPS Newbury 08:30 hrs Spiritous 09:00 hrs Oceanus 09:35 hrs Carolinae 10:10 hrs Mullionheir 10:45 hrs Chess Master 11:15 hrs Ulysses 11:50 hrs Against The Odds

12:20 hrs Merry Dancer NEWMARKET 09:10 hrs Lexington Sky 09:45 hrs Weather Front 10:20 hrs Song Of Norway 10:55 hrs Shakopee 11:25 hrs Gloryette 12:00 hrs Secret Art 12:30 hrs Honcho YORK 09:20 hrs Udontdodou 09:55 hrs Boater 10:30 hrs Nemoralia 11:05 hrs Second Step 11:40 hrs Oasis Fantasy 12:10 hrs Azagal

IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 12:50 hrs Shukhov 13:20 hrs Live Twice 13:55 hrs Restive 14:30 hrs Danequest 15:00 hrs Catwilldo 15:35 hrs Cry Me A River 16:05 hrs Drillmaster AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 Daves Gone Bananas Race 2 Afleet Martini Race 3 Fast Retailing Race 4 Son of Oahu Race 5 Castaway Race 6 Conquest Lucknlove Race 7 Sympathy Race 8 Swell

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

Shashank Manohar elected unopposed as independent ICC Chairman (ICC Release) - Mr Shashank Manohar has been elected by the Board unanimously and unopposed as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) following the ICC Full Council’s approval of constitutional amendments proposed by the Board following its April meeting.

Manohar, who on Tuesday resigned as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is the first elected independent Chairman of the game’s governing body and will commence his two-year term with immediate effect.

According to the election process, ICC directors were each allowed to nominate one candidate, who had to be either a present or past ICC director. Nominees with the support of two or more Full Member directors would have been eligible to contest the election, which

was scheduled to have been concluded by May 23.

SHASHANK MANOHAR However, given that Manohar was the sole nominee for the position and the Board has now unanimously supported his appointment, the independent Audit Committee Chairman, Adnan Zaidi, who has been overseeing the election process, has

declared the process complete, and Manohar the successful candidate.

Manohar is a prominent Indian lawyer who served his first stint as the BCCI president from 2008 to 2011. Following the passing of Jagmohan Dalmiya, Manohar was re-elected as the BCCI president in October 2015 and, by virtue of that position, has held the role of ICC Chairman since then.

Commenting on his election, Manohar said: “It is an honour to be elected as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council and for that I am thankful to all the ICC directors who have put their faith and trust in my abilities. I also take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues in the BCCI who have supported me during my recent time as the BCCI’s president.

“These are exciting

times for international cricket as we are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of the 2014 constitutional amendments which is aimed at improving not only governance structures, but also cricket structures. The ultimate objective is to grow our sport and engage a whole new generation of fans and I look forward to working with all stakeholders to shape the future of cricket, which has a proud history and rich tradition.”

In order to accommodate the new position of an “independent” ICC Chairman, on Monday the Full Council unanimously approved various amendments to the ICC’s constitution. The amendments also included the abolishment of the president’s post with effect from the 2016 ICC Annual Conference in Edinburgh, which has become redundant.

Guinness Greatest in the Street Linden leg on today FOOTBALL action in the Guinness Greatest in the Street Linden leg will commence today at the Mackenzie Car Park.

The tournament, which will feature 32 teams competing for the championship, will coincide with the celebrations of Linden’s anniversary spectacle, its Linden Town Week and Guyana’s 50th Independence Jubilee

celebrations in the mining town.

The championship will see seven matches as Classic Six face Trend Setters, ½ Mile/1 Mile Combined oppose Exodus, Trainline Warriors come up against Royalty Youths, Scheme and Constabulary collide, Unruly Shots take on Eagles, Hi Rollers clash with Coomacka and Cherokee Park meet Main Street

Panthers.

The championship will continue tomorrow with several more matches and continue next Tuesday with the quarter-finals next Thursday, the semi-finals the following Monday (May 23) and the final set for Tuesday May 24 at the Mackenzie Market Park. (Joe Chapman)

Doping programme behind Russian medals at Sochi Olympics: Report (REUTERS) Dozens of Russian athletes who competed at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, including at least 15 medal winners, were part of a state-run doping programme, the New York Times reported yesterday.

The report is broadly consistent with revelations by an independent World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) commission last November of widespread state-sponsored doping in Russia, which led to a ban on the country competing in international athletics competitions.

Unless that ban is lifted, Russian athletics competitors will miss the Rio Olympics in Brazil, set to run August 5-21.

According to the New York Times report, which is based largely on evidence from Grigory Rodchenkov, the director of the country’s anti-doping laboratory during the Sochi Olympics, those involved

included some of Russia’s biggest stars of the Games, including 14 members of its cross-country ski team and two veteran bobsledders who won two gold medals.

The newspaper said it could not independently verify Rodchenkov’s account of the doping operation. Reuters was not able to verify details of the New York Times report.

Russian anti-doping experts and members of the intelligence services secretly broke into tamper-proof bottles to replace urine samples tainted by performance-enhancing drugs with clean urine collected months earlier, the New York Times reported, citing Rodchenkov, who ran Russia’s drug-testing lab.

By the end of the 2014 Olympics, as many as 100 dirty urine samples were expunged, Rodchenkov told the newspaper.

Rousseff’s trial will not affect Olympic preparations (REUTERS) - Preparations for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, which begin in less than three months, will not be affected by the Brazilian senate’s vote to put President Dilma Rousseff on trial, the International Olympic Committee said yesterday.

The first South American city to host the Olympics, has been racing to get ready for the August 5-21 Games - its second global sports event in two years - in the face of political turmoil, health scares and the country’s worst recession since the 1930s.

“Preparations for the Olympic Games have now entered into a very operational phase and issues such as these have much less influence than at other stages of organising the Olympic Games,” IOC president Thomas Bach said in a statement.

“We have seen the great progress being made in Rio de Janeiro and we remain confident about the success of the Olympic Games in August.”

Brazil’s Senate voted yesterday to put leftist Rousseff on trial. The historic decision follows the recession and a massive corruption scandal that will now confront her successor, centrist Vice-President Michel Temer.

Brazil’s first female president, the 68-year-old economist and former Marxist guerrilla is unlikely to be acquitted in a trial that could last as long as six months.

Only days ago, she had welcomed the Olympic flame in the capital Brasilia and marked the start of the nationwide torch relay.

As its economy shrinks after a decade of prosperity, Brazil is fighting an outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus that threatens to keep some athletes and tourists away from Rio. Federal investigators also told Reuters recently they were probing alleged corruption in Olympic projects.

Rio organisers are also facing criticism for the polluted waters of the venues that will host sailing and open-water swimming events among other things.

The IOC has supported the Brazilian organisers in their efforts and said they would deliver on their promises of successful maiden South American Games.

“The Brazilian people will deliver a memorable Olympic Games full of passion for sport for which they are world renowned,” Bach said.

“It will be a moment for Brazil to show to the world its determination to overcome the present crisis.

These will be Brazil’s Games.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

E-Networks fulfils promise to RSTC’s Health Walk and Fitness Run E-NETWORKS has made good on its promise to part-sponsor the Rising Star Track Club’s (RSTC)/Office of the President Health and Fitness Walk as well as 5K and 10K runs scheduled for May 22 around the D’Urban Park outer circuit.

Yesterday, the company (E-Networks) handed over the sponsorship to former national track athlete Lorrie Ann Adams at the company’s Camp Street office in the presence of the organising committee member Avril Black.

According to the organisers, the activity is being staged in recognition of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations and all aspects of the event will start at Square of the Revolution.

There will be a 5K health walk for all age groups and gender and is open to sports associations, clubs and anyone who wants to be a part of it.

There will be a 5K run as well as a 10K run and all interested persons are invited to take part especially athletics clubs

throughout Guyana.

The route for the walk as well as the 5K and 10k runs is: start in front of the 1763 Monument, move south to Hadfield Street east up Hadfield Street, North on Mandela Avenue, west down Homestretch Avenue to finish at the place of origin.

To date the organisers have received pledges of support from a number of local businesses including the following Banks DIH Limited, GTT, Real Value, BK International Inc, Star Party Rentals, S&L Electrical, Toucan Industries, Antarctic Maintenance, Payless Variety Store, Bran’s Security, Kevin Jeffrey, Ming’s Products and Services, Corona Beer and Cummings Electrical.

Already on board are; E-Networks, Wartsila, Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and Office of the President.

Interested persons can register their names at the Michael Parris Gym in the National Park, at E-Networks or Fitness Express on Sheriff Street.

St Lucia Zouks announce home fixtures … Sammy welcomes return of CPL to St. Lucia

THE St Lucia Zouks have announced their fixtures for the forthcoming 2016 HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign which will open the home series of matches with a clash against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on July 21.

The Zouks, who will once again include West Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy, Johnson Charles as well as another local favourite Keddy Lesporis, will also feature Australia duo Michael Hussey and the world’s leading international ranked all-rounder Shane Watson.

The Australian stars will join South Africa pair David Miller and Morne Morkel, while ICC Under-19 World Cup winning off-spinning all-rounder Gidron Pope is also included.

The St Lucia based side will be coached by Stuart Williams, who was part of the West Indies backroom team that lifted the ICC World Twenty20 in India recently, while Caribbean great Sir Andy Roberts and former England, India and Sri Lanka assistant coach Trevor Penney will also feature in the support staff.

The Zouks will take on four opponents in a combination of day and night time games in a big month for the island with the hugely popular Lucian Carnival set to attract big numbers to the island once more.

The opening match against

the Patriots is sure to attract a large following and is one not to be missed as it will mark the launch of the newly renamed 12 400 capacity Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet.

That stadium was previously known as the Beauséjour

DARREN SAMMY Stadium.

Fans will also get to be a part of history for the opening of the newly-renamed Johnson Charles Stand.

Welcoming the return of CPL to his native St Lucia, Darren Sammy said: “I am hugely excited by the opportunity to lead the Zouks once more this year. We have assembled our strongest squad of players to date and we will aim to be competitive this season.

It’s encouraging to see such a blend of youth and experience and I have no doubt that the team is best-placed to reach the playoffs.

“Of course, I will be huge-

ly honoured to step out at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium and it will be a special moment for me and my family when we take on the Patriots in that opening game. I have a lot of happy memories playing in Beauséjour Stadium and hopefully this will mark a new and exciting era for St Lucia. The fans who travel will really enjoy their time there. They will really savour the hospitality off the field, so if fans come for the Carnival, they can stay to see top quality cricket. On the field we’ll be gunning for points and to put on a show for our home support.

“There’s a lot of excitement across the island already and this will be a crucial leg of matches before we move on to the back-to-back games against Jamaica Tallawahs in Fort Lauderdale the following week. We’ll be ready and motivated to position ourselves for the crucial final few weeks of the CPL.” The remaining fixtures will be confirmed over the next week and tickets for all confirmed fixtures in the Caribbean and Fort Lauderdale are on sale now from www.cplt20.com.

St Lucia Zouks fixtures (all times local): July 21 – St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots (18:00hrs), July 23 – Barbados Tridents (12:00hrs), July 24 – Guyana Amazon Warriors (17:00hrs), July 26 – Trinbago Knight Riders (18:00hrs). (CPL Release)

Former national track athlete and double CARIFTA Games gold medallist Lorrie Ann Adams (centre) accepts the sponsorship cheque from E-Networks’ accountant Shivanan Singh while race committee member Avril Black looks on.

CPL, GCB, RHTYSC saddened by the passing of Tony Cozier HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S have all expressed their sadness at the passing of legendary cricket writer and broadcaster Tony Cozier. He was 75.

In separate condolence messages, Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer of the CPL said “It was with great sadness that we learned of Tony’s passing.”

“To many fans across the Caribbean and beyond he was quite simply the voice of West Indies cricket. His love of cricket was a positive influence in telling the story across a golden era for West Indies cricket and he was hugely respected and loved, in equal measure, by fans of the game.

“For more than 50 years Tony’s voice has resonated through television, radio or the written word in homes across the cricketing world and he was admired internationally for his passion, insight and enthusiasm.

“Most recently Tony was kind enough to share some of his hopes and thoughts on the forthcoming CPL in a way that was typically Tony; full of insight, forthright opinion and, above all, humour. He spoke at length about his beloved Barbados, St Kitts & Nevis and the soon-to-bepublished Jamaica. Though

this series will now remain unfinished, like his legacy, they will live on and no doubt endure for all-time.

“On behalf of the CPL I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his wife Jillian, children Craig and

TONY COZIER Natalie and his family and friends at this difficult time.

May he rest in peace!”

The GCB in a release stated that “Cozier was one of the most respected cricket journalists, analysts and historians in the world and was among the best that came out of the Caribbean.

“His name goes simultaneously with West Indies cricket as he covered almost every series they played in since 1962. His passing is a great loss to the cricket

fraternity across the world.

It is safe to say that in many years to come, stories would be told about his exemplary and stalwart work,” the release stated.

Meanwhile, the release from the RHTYSC indicated that Cozier was not only a Caribbean icon, but the voice of West Indies Cricket.

“West Indies cricket, in its correct stage cannot afford to lose such a stalwart, Cricket to some was a passion, but for Cozier it was life, and with his sudden death, the West Indies has lost an honest, hardworking and highly knowledgeable servant of the game,” the release stated.

The release added, “The commentary box in the Caribbean will never be the same as most listeners always looked forward to Tony Cozier and for most of us; his voice would always remain in our ears. Long before the advent of television, it was legends like Cozier, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, Henry Bolfeld, Brian Johnson and Fred Truman, who teased our imagination over the radio.”

“For the passionate cricket readers, the Sunday Stabroek News will not be the same again as we all looked forward to his weekly articles which were well researched, to the point and quite passionate about the future of West Indies Cricket,” the release concluded.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 13, 2016

CASH undergoing transformation for CBC U-16 AS GUYANA prepares to host the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championship early in July, the premier playing facility of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) is being upgraded in time for the start of the championships.

On Tuesday, the CASH facility was inspected by the Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) president Nigel Hinds and other Commissioners of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Prior to this inspection two weeks ago, the CBC Executive Evaluation Commission, which included CBC president, Glyne Clarke and his vice-president Patrick Haynes had also inspected the facility when they visited Guyana for talks.

Clarke was confident the

L-R CASH manager Bashur Khan, GABF president Nigel Hinds and Director of Sport Christopher Jones.

works would be completed for the championships.

Meantime Jones also expressed satisfaction that the necessary upgrades would be finished in time to host an international tournament.

Currently, work is being done on the players’ locker rooms, the installation of working showers and washrooms as well as interior repainting.

Additionally, fixing of all interior lights and fans were completed.

The washrooms for patrons, playing floor, media and VIP rooms are also to undergo rehabilitation with the venue’s entrance and exit porticoes also changed.

The Sports Hall basketball goals are also being changed and two new basketball goals will be imported while the old ones will be moved to the practice venue at the Gymnasium.

The focus of this upgrade/ rehabilitation is to ensure the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is up to the standard of other facilities that host international contests.

The upgrades, however, come at a price, since according to an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rule the markings for other sporting disciplines have to be removed.

The Sports Hall currently houses badminton, volleyball and futsal on some occasions. However, for the CBC U-16 Championships the only markings that are to be visible on the playing floor are those related to basketball. This rule is one of the pre-requisites to be the host country.

The male competition of the Caribbean U-16 Championships begins on July 3 while the female contest starts on July 12 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

WICB coaching programme worthwhile

By Rajiv Bisnauth TWENTY-FIVE regional coaches recently completed a ten-day high-level coaching programme at the West Indies High Performance Centre at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados.

Among the coaches

COLIN STUART who participated in the Level III programme for Guyana were former West Indies fast bowler Colin Stuart, former First-class players Rayon Griffith and Esaun Crandon along with former youth player Julian

Moore.

The sessions were staged by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in collaboration with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and formed part of a crucial component to the coaches’ education programme regionally.

Upon their return, this publication spoke to two of the Guyanese participants, Stuart and Moore, who acknowledged that the programme will definitely enhance the standard of cricket in the Caribbean.

“I personally feel that the course is a worthwhile one, since it provided some new concepts which can be used to carefully identify the natural abilities of players upon which addition and suitable information may be filtered to the players to ensure their growth.”

“In short, the course placed emphasis on individuality, the incorporation of technical and tactical approaches to coaching, the relevance of psychology in cricket and the importance of building structural relations among team members so as to ensure productivity,” said Stuart, 42, a former West Indies cricketer who played six Tests and five ODIs.

naments, and I think this investment in coaches and coaching could not have come at a better time as we look to sustain and promote the development of cricket in the Caribbean,” Moore pointed out.

The full list of coaches

JULIAN MOORE He added, “We were also exposed to effectively assessing suspect bowling actions, discussing possible alternatives or solutions and exploring a variety of drills suited for remediation of bowlers.”

Moore believes that the programme is a step in the right direction, adding that he was extremely pleased to be part of it.

“I think the course was good, and I must compliment the WICB for taking the initiative to invest in our coaches in the West Indies. There has never been a Level III in the West Indies before so I am elated to be a part of it.

“In 2016 we have won three World tour-

who participated reads: Samantha Lynch, Colin Stuart, Rayon Griffith, Esaun Crandon, Julian Moore, Glen Dwarika, John Pollard, Tony Gray, Rydell Ramsarran, Robert Samuels, Cleon Smith, Junior Bennett, Gibbs

Williams, Irvin Warrican, Fernix Thomas, Clifford Thomas, Steve Liburd, Pernel Whatley, Courtney Walsh, Winston Benjamin, Philip Service, Dexter Toppin, Ezra Moseley, Rohan Nurse and Henderson Bryan.

Lake to fight Corley in Jamaica

CONCACAF elects Montagliani as president

VICTOR MONTAGLIANI

(SPORTSMAX) Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) president Victor Montagliani has won the CONCACAF presidential election.

Montagliani defeated Bermuda Football Federation (BFF) president Larry Mussenden in the association’s Ordinary Congress in Mexico City yesterday.

The recently re-elected CSA president triumphed by a result of 25-16 and will hope to bring to an end a period of instability for the scandal-hit region.

Montagliani succeeds Caymanian Jeffrey Webb, who is currently detained in the United States fac-

ing charges of corruption.

Webb’s arrest in Zurich last year crowned an embarrassing period for the region, which has seen its last three presidential representatives face corruption charges.

As part of his plans for the region Montagliani has promised a focus on developing the smaller nations of the Caribbean and Central America, as well as transparent governance and a corporate structure.

The 50-year-old has also targeted bringing the 2026 men’s World Cup to the region, with his home country of Canada looking to be part of any bid.

Demarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley GUYANESE Revlon Lake is scheduled to tackle former world champion Demarcus `Chop Chop’ Corley in what would be his fourth fight for the year. Lake is down to fight the American in a junior welterweight contest on June 25 at the Chinese Benevolent Association auditorium in Kingston, Jamaica.

Lake, 37, last entered the ring in March when he fought Anthony Woods at the same venue. He defeated Woods by a majority decision. Corley, a former World Boxing Organisation super lightweight champion would also be making his fourth appearance in the ring this year.

He won the vacant WBO title in June 2001 after knocking down Felix Flores twice. In his prime the southpaw American battled Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Zab Judah and Junior Witter to name a few.

Corley, 41, also had two bouts against Guyanese Dillon Carew and one against Iwan `Pure Gold’ Azore.

The June 25 clash would be Lake’s third appearance in Jamaica and at the same venue.

GBTI joins the Jaguars THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) officially joined the list of key sponsors of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the May 15, 2016 International Friendly between Guyana’s Golden Jaguars and the Canada Olympic Team.

This was formalised yesterday at a brief presentation ceremony at the Bank’s High Street, Kingston headquar-

ters.

The Public Relations and Marketing Manager of GBTI, Ms Pamela Binda, expressed her company’s optimism about this partnership.

“This is the first time that GBTI has partnered with the GFF and we do hope this is one of many partnerships that will come forth. We are especially proud, since this is our 50th Jubilee anniversary and we can be a part of this his-

Rousseff’s trial will not affect Olympic preparations See story on page 29

toric International Friendly,” she said.

In response, First vice-president of the GFF, Brigadier Bruce Lovell (Rtd.) expressed the GFF’s satisfaction at this partnership saying, “We at the GFF are indeed grateful for the support that GBTI is giving to us for this International Friendly match.

“Guyana vs Canada and we see it as a harbinger of things to come in the years ahead where we can develop a more fruitful and long-lasting relationship. We are indeed happy that they have chosen football to get involved in sports,” the VP continued.

Lovell issued a call for more corporate involvement in football and outlined opportunities: “We certainly hold the view at the Guyana

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

In picture (L-R): Ms Pamela Binda hands over sponsorship cheque to Mr Bruce Lovell.

Football Federation that there is a role for corporate and civic Guyana to play in the development of football.”

“In fact we see it as a

three-fold role where we are hoping we can engage corporate Guyana in what we call the corporate/social responsibility collabora-

tion, social issues advocacy and the third role is where we would like them to be engaged in commercial and investment sponsorship.”

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016