Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13 07 2016

Be vigilant No. 104611

WEDNESDAY JULY 13, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

- Citizens must champion cause of nation in border dispute, says Belize Foreign Minister

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

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The scene on Dennis Street, Sophia, in the vicinity of ‘C’ Field, around midday yesterday where residents set up a barricade in protest of the dust pollution caused by ongoing road repairs

Police to analyse spike in auto theft at National 8 Stadium Page

Boat builder, apprentice accused of 21 murdering uncle Page

… buried body in shallow grave, court hears

22 Woman charged with attempted murder - inlovetriangular affair Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Guyana to test for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika soon - tests are currently done in Trinidad

TWO senior medical technologists from the National Public Health Reference Laboratory have completed, at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), training on operating equipment to test for vector-borne diseases.

And with the imminent arrival of the so-called “triple test” kits, the authorities say they will soon be able to test for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika.

Shemeza Ally-Sonoram and Johanna Vaughn, who completed the training, will work, along with a number of other specialist staff identified by the Public Health Ministry (MPH), to perform specific duties in helping to complete these tests, the

Government Information Agency (GINA) has reported.

CARPHA had been training Guyanese health care providers in a number of specialized areas, GINA stated. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud told GINA that the MPH took advantage of the training offered by the Trinidad-based agency.

“We had the intention to build capacity level at our National Public Health Reference Laboratory; but, of course, you know these lab tests are very specific and not only require special skills, operators and technicians, but also require special equipment,” Dr Persaud stated.

According to GINA, the public health sector will now be able to efficiently test and treat patients diagnosed with vector-borne diseases. Testing of samples for reported cases of these diseases are currently sent to CARPHA. In addition to acquiring modern equipment, the Ministry of Public Health is also awaiting the arrival of “triple kits” that would enable the lab to test for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika.

“What would happen here is that the National Public Health Reference Laboratory would be the principal testing site, and we will collect the samples from the peripheral sites and bring them in,” Dr. Persaud

explained.

The Guyanese public can expect local testing for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika in the public health sector to begin shortly. The Ministry of Public Health is working towards having this process started, and to also provide a service that will be effective

and helpful to the public.

Dr. Persaud also highlighted that reported cases of these vector-borne diseases have influenced the move towards facilitating local testing. There have been 5,375 reported cases of Chikungunya, with 264 confirmed cases; and 187 reported cases of Zika, with 13 confirmed cases, GINA stated.

It added that den gue has been a challenge throughout the Caribbean region, but Guyana has not experienced any serious cases of the illness. There are four types of Dengue fever; Guyana is affected

by the primary infection of type two.

The Ministry of Public Health continues to encourage citizens to protect themselves from being affected by vector-borne diseases by using bed nets, insect repellents, and by wearing longsleeved tops or long pants.

Persons can also prevent the breeding of mosquitoes by keeping water containers covered; disposing stagnant water from flower vases, old tyres and other containers that might serve as breeding sites; and by clearing all drains and waterways of garbage and debris.

Be vigilant

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

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- Citizens must champion cause of nation in border dispute, says Belize Foreign Minister

GUYANA’s citizenry must support the cause of the nation as it continues to seek resolution to Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory. More importantly, the local media must ensure that each citizen understands the importance of the issue.

The foregoing sentiments were expressed by Belizean Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, whose country’s territory is, like Guyana’s, being claimed by its neighbour; and the border dispute between Belize and Guatemala is similarly unresolved.

As small countries, the support of citizens is critical, since border disputes have become “existential issues” for Guyana and Belize, both of which are

pursuing peaceful means in defence of their sovereignty.

“Every Guyanese boy and girl; every Guyanese man and woman; every Belizean boy and girl, should know the dispute intimately, and should understand their responsibility to champion the cause of the nation. That is the only way we will survive,” Elrington urged.

He said diplomatic support for small states in border disputes is very important. “It is perhaps even more important for us that we get all the support from our local citizenry, particularly the media,” Elrington noted.

Equally important is the role of the media in informing the local citizens

on the issue.

“The media has a tremendous responsibility, both here in Guyana and in Belize, to make this information -- the whole dispute -- a common place, (the) most well-known issue in the country,” Elrington added.

Discussion of the border disputes was on the agenda of the recently concluded CARICOM Heads of Government Conference, held last week in Guyana. In a statement issued following the conclusion of the meeting, on July 6, the Caribbean Community “signalled their full confidence in the Secretary General to exercise urgently his authority under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, for

a choice of options that would bring the controversy to a definitive and judicial conclusion that would be beneficial not only to Guyana, but the Caribbean Community as a whole.”

In the case of Belize, CARICOM expressed its full support “for the Government of Belize as it enters the process of dialogue, and welcomed the decision of the Governments of Belize and Guatemala to engage in the design and development of a mechanism of cooperation for the Sarstoon River, which marks Belize’s southern boundary.”

(Government Information Agency) Guyana is seeking a juridical settlement of its

Foreign Affairs Minister of Belize, Wilfred Elrington border dispute with Venezuela through the office of the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Last year, Venezuela issued decree 1.787,

Britain to debate second EU referendum - after millions sign petition AN Online petition that calls for a second EU referendum will be debated in Parliament after it was signed by more than 4.1 million people.

The Petitions Committee said the debate would be on 5 September, as a “huge number” had signed it.

But the committee said the debate did not mean it was supporting the call for a second referendum, and it was “too late” to change the referendum rules.

The UK voted to leave the EU by 52% to 48% in the referendum on 23 June.

The petition, set up on 25 May before the referendum, states: “We the undersigned call upon HM Government to implement a rule that if

the Remain or Leave vote is less than 60%, based on a turnout of less than 75%, there should be another referendum.”

Those who signed it have already received an email that said the prime minister and government had “been clear that this was a once-in-a-generation vote”, and the decision “must be respected”.

‘RANGE OF VIEWS’ The referendum saw 17.4 million (51.9%) votes cast to leave the EU, compared with 16.1 million (48.1%) for Remain, with a turnout of 72.2%, according to the Electoral Commission.

In a statement, the House of Commons Petitions Committee said a debate on the petition would allow MPs to “put forward a range of views on behalf of their constituents,” and a government minister would respond to the points raised.

But it said: “A debate in Westminster Hall does not have the power to change the law, and won’t end with the House of Commons deciding whether or not to have a second referendum...

“It will be up to the government to decide whether it wants to start the process of agreeing a new law for a second referendum.”

The Online petition, set up by William Oliver Healey, gained more signa-

tures than any other on the parliamentary website in the wake of the EU referendum result.

Before the result was declared, just 22 people had signed it.

The petition was investigated for fraud last month, and 77,000 signatures that were found to be false were removed.

It was considered for a parliamentary debate by the Petitions Committee, because it had received more than 100,000 signatures. (BBC)

which was replaced by decree 1.859, which extended its maritime zone into the exclusive economic zones of Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and other countries in the Eastern Caribbean.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 13, 2016

Obama urges US to ‘reject despair’ PRESIDENT Barack Obama has urged the US to “reject despair” as he paid tribute to five police officers killed during a deadly sniper attack in Dallas.

He told a memorial service in the city the US must “try to find some meaning amidst our sorrow” and could unite.

His trip came amid

mounting racial tensions across the country.

Micah Johnson killed the Dallas officers at a protest held over the recent police shootings of African Americans in Minnesota and Louisiana.

Before he was killed by police, he said he was angry about the shootings.

Meanwhile, protests

Police Chief David Brown received a standing ovation when he was introduced

over excessive police force against black Americans have been held in cities across the US. But speaking at Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas on Tuesday, Obama urged the country not to despair.

Americans are struggling with what has happened in the past week, he said, and events appeared to have revealed “the deepest fault line of our democracy”.

“I’m here to say we must reject such despair. I’m here to insist that we are not as divided as we seem.”

He honoured the bravery of police officers and said fewer people were being mourned at the service because of the courage of the officers killed.

The service featured five portraits of the officers and five empty chairs.

Ex-President George W Bush, a Texan, praised the police: “Their courage is our protection and shield.”

And Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, who spoke first, said: “The soul of our city was pierced.”

First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, will

The city held a candlelight vigil to remember the slain officers also meet privately with the families of the victims on Wednesday.

Dallas police have ramped up security ahead of the president’s visit, enlisting help from the Arlington Police Department to work with Secret Security.

The US has been on edge

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officers and the communities they protect.

The president, who cut short a trip to Europe over the recent violence, is expected to host a similar meeting on Wednesday in Dallas with law enforcement as well as local leaders and activists. (BBC)

China defiant at South China Sea ruling CHINA has firmly rejected an international tribunal ruling that its claims to rights in the South China Sea have no legal basis.

President Xi Jinping said China’s “territorial sovereignty and marine rights” in the seas would not be affected by the ruling “in any way”.

DATE: 09/07/2016

in the wake of the recent string of violence, with protests over police reform and race relations roiling across the country.

Obama and Biden on Monday met with law enforcement officials to discuss police reform and how to repair relations between police

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But he insisted China was still “committed to resolving disputes” with its neighbours.

The Philippines brought the case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The tribunal, based in the Hague, ruled that there was no evidence that China had historic rights to the waters or resources that fell within its “nine-dash line”, and was violating the Philippine’s sovereign rights with its operations there.

The ruling was made by an arbitration tribunal under

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the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which both countries have signed.

It is binding but the Permanent Court of Arbitration has no powers of enforcement.

THE DISPUTE The Philippines has had diplomatic spats with China over the Scarborough Shoal and Spratlys in particular.

It says China’s “ninedash line”, which China uses to demarcate its territorial claims, is unlawful under the UNCLOS convention.

Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also have competing claims in the region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 13, 2016

Venezuelan army to combat food shortages Mr Maduro accuses rivals of waging an “economic war” VENEZUELA’S military has started monitoring ports and food processing plants, in a new effort to guarantee supplies of food

and medicines.

In a decree, President Nicolas Maduro has ordered the army to co-ordinate the production and distribution

of items.

Ve n e z u e l a i s g o i n g through a deep economic crisis, despite having the world’s largest oil reserves.

Basic products are increasingly scarce and many say they struggle to feed their families.

Maduro says the measure is to fight the “economic war” he claims is being waged against his Government by political foes and businessmen, with US backing.

But the opposition says the Government has mismanaged the economy, and has called for a referendum to oust the president.

Maduro created a Government initiative called Great Mission of Sovereign

Supplying, which will be headed by the country’s defence minister.

Among other things, it can establish how purchases and distribution of food, medicine and household goods are made.

Meanwhile, Maduro ac-

cused Citibank of mounting a “financial blockade” on the country, after the US bank decided to close the Government’s international payments account with it.

Citibank said the decision followed a “periodic risk management review”, but did

not explain further. It would be implemented within 30 days, it added.

Due to strict currency controls in place since 2003, the Venezuelan Government relies on Citibank for foreign currency transactions. (BBC)

Canadian officials seize ‘hot’ cargo from Trinidad BORDER officials in Canada found almost 20 kilos of cocaine in a shipment of hot peppers from Trinidad & Tobago recently.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced in a statement issued just on Monday that the discovery was made on June 23, in a shipment that arrived at the Toronto Pearson International Airport from Port of Spain.

According to the agency, CBSA officers were in the

under hot peppers.

All cargo on the flight was transferred to CBSA facilities for X-ray examination while officers carried out a search of the entire aircraft.

A sample of the packages in the box was cut open and tested positive for cocaine which was turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The CBSA statement did not disclose either the sender or intended recipient of the illegal cargo.

“The continued vigilance of our o ff i c e r s e nables us to successfully intercept the illegal importation of narcotics, fulfilling our commitment to protect the Packages of cocaine concealed in the safety of Caboxes of hot peppers from Trinidad nadians and and Tobago (Credit: Canada Border our communities,” said GoServices Agency) ran Vragovic, CBSA Regionoffloading area when they al Director General, Greater pointed out two suspicious Toronto Area Region after boxes. When the officers the seizure. opened the boxes, they found So far this year, CBSA 17 brick-shaped packages officers in the Greater To-

ronto Area have seized over 678 kilograms of suspected cocaine. (Caribbean360)

Queues are now commonplace outside the shops in Venezuela

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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 Is the economy sluggish?

THE World Bank, in its last updated report on Guyana (March 31, 2016), has projected that the economy is expected to grow by 4 per cent this year.

According to the Bank, “Most of 2016 growth is expected to come from continued rapid growth of gold production and rebounding performance in construction and wholesale and retail trade industries.”

At the time of writing this editorial (July 11), APMEX listed the price for an ounce of gold on the world market as US$1,357.30.

Aurora and Troy Resources have recently commenced mining, and are expected to significantly boost production. The construction industry has been most notable in the area of housing. The impact of the wholesale and retail industries can readily be seen in building and furnishing materials, agricultural products, and foods.

In the agricultural industry, notably, rice and sugar have been adversely affected by changing weather patterns. The sugar industry continues to haemorrhage from bad policies, and remains reliant on the injection of funding from the State to the tune of billions.

Unemployment remains a sore issue. Though the State lacks modern and reliable data-tracking technology, TradingEconomic.com has unemployment averaging around 21 per cent, and a recent Caribbean Development Bank report has placed youth unemployment at 40 per cent.

It should be said, for the accurate recording of Guyana’s history, that the APNU+AFC Administration has inherited this problem. That being said, the responsibility is now theirs to fix.

High unemployment has an impact on economic opportunities; in that where there is scarcity in disposable income, it negatively impacts purchasing power and the spin-off of direct and indirect employment and economic opportunities. In this sort of environment, people can hardly save; and those who can, out of fear, hold on to their money or move it abroad.

At the political level, Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, has made known that he has advised members of the business community to withhold their money; which, according to him, is to prevent these persons from being accused of engaging in illegal activities and being targeted by Government.

The informal economy is still here with us, to the extent that it sticks its neck out and competes and intermingles with the formal economy. In the circumstances, the activities of those producing or benefiting from the informal economy cannot be considered legitimate, and are not eligible to be counted.

Outside of formally gauging the strength of the economy through measurements such as growth rate,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 13, 2016

Beware when using social media apps Dear Editor, KINDLY publish my letter for the sake of public awareness when using social media apps.

Social media apps are useful for posting various forms of information, and, at the same time, are also very dangerous tools which can be used to blackmail individuals and organizations by sharing fake and distasteful information.

Here are some important things that an individual can do to avoid being blackmailed and prevent unwanted persons from gaining access to his/her accounts.

(1): Add only persons that you know. Hackers use fake profile names and pics to gain access to your account and its information.

(2): Every once in a while, scroll through your contacts and delete those whom you do not know. Persons might just be on your contact list to watch your every post.

(3): Unfriend or block an individual who is constantly disturbing you, and report to police if you receive threats, because they might be serious.

(4): Be aware that photo shopping and photo editing of pictures and adding them to another person’s

nude body is against the law, and you can be charged for so doing.

(5): Do not give out your personal information to persons you do not know (6): Change your passwords to avoid people hacking into your accounts.

Editor, I wish to thank you and your newspaper for publishing my letter, and I do hope that the public take my advice when using social media.

Yours faithfully DWIGHT LARSON Isseneru Village

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT (Regarding unscrupulous tenants)

Dear Mr. President, I AM a Guyanese living abroad for more than 40 years. My mother still owns property in Guyana; she has upkept the property and has rented it to a few tenants over the years.

The current tenant requested some repairs to the house, but my mother declined due to the excessive costs of said repairs, which she could not afford at the time.

The tenant immediately ceased paying rent, but has lived rent-free in my mother’s house, a 5-bedroom structure in one of the better neighbourhoods in Georgetown, for more than 10 years.

The tenant told the person responsible for rent collection that he

would hold the rent in escrow until the repairs were done. He could have chosen to leave, but he stayed with ulterior motives in mind. I have heard of similar cases done by Guyanese living abroad; tenants do this with the sole intention of stealing properties.

When we lived in Guyana, people still respected their own property and those of other people. It seems to me that a lawless generation has developed over the years, and has been allowed to do so by the authorities turning their backs on such situations. Surely the Government is aware of what is currently going on. If not, this letter serves to inform Government officials of the matter.

Mr. President, my family is

inflation, and stability of the dollar, the strength of the economy is gauged by employment figures. The mere idea that Guyana does not report monthly job figures and unemployment rate makes it difficult to scientifically track and interpret these indicators.

As the nation evolves, this is an area that the Government may find worthy of examination and rectification, given its scientific premium in national planning, which may also offer incentive and potential for skills training to meet present and future employment demands.

In the absence of scientific data-gathering on employment figures, the next best gauge is the compilation of expressions and feedback gathered from the people -- including the employed, wholesalers, retailers and investors.

Though this may not necessarily be accurate, and given the partisan politics that characterise this nation -– where it is considered taboo to give credit to a rival party or group, or to criticise the party or group supported -- there is a widely-held view that the economy is sluggish.

And it is this perception, real or perceived, that Government and its attendant economic agencies should seek to

counting on your government to crack down on these people who take advantage of us living abroad.

My mother is now 93 years old, and has been looking forward to spending some of her last years in the house she worked so hard to build.

Mr. President, I am asking that your government help Guyanese like us in whatever way you can and by whatever laws you need to enact. We support your government, and look forward to seeing Guyana prosperous and “beautiful” again. Congratulations!

Sincerely, LORRAINE BERNARD

address through assurances supported by evidence -- making known or rolling out its developmental plan, which may also include some form of stimulus or massive job creation projects.

In June last year, Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, in an address to graduates of the Nations University/ Australian Institute of Business MBA programme, had referred to the human capital flight, drawing on a 2009 World Bank Assessment Report citing that 89 per cent of tertiary graduates are fleeing these shores. Compounding this is the secondary schools that are churning out thousands of graduates every year, many of whom cannot find work.

Acknowledging the flight of our human capital, accompanied by a plan to retain it, may also present hope that not only employment and economic opportunities can be sought, but where confidence exists, people are inclined to invest; want to throw their support behind a plan; and stay and work for the development of self and country.

Where neither of the foregoing exists, people will continue to lose hope -- which can increase flight and the surfacing of Man’s most basic of instincts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 13, 2016

Govt will ensure overseas Gold miner companies adhere to labour charged with exporting regulations – Min Scott MINISTER within the Min- exist,” Minister Scott noted. istry of Social Protection, According to GINA, MinKeith Scott has noted that ister Scott said that the Rusgovernment will not condone sian-owned company has indiany local or foreign company breaching the laws of Guyana, nor will it interfere with the workings of the unions.

Minister Scott, who has responsibility for the Labour department, met with executives of RUSAL - owned Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) on Tuesday, where he noted that the aim is to engage employers, trade unions and stakeholders within the labour sector.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the intention is to ensure that both local and overseas companies understand the Constitution of Guyana and respect the labour laws.

The Minister said that the meeting was a success; however Minister within the Ministry the company has some concerns Social Protection, Keith Scott with the current dispute with workers and the unions, which cated its willingness to facilitate has been ongoing since 2009. trade unions.

“We had a very frank and open “Rusal has agreed to respect discussion with each other. The the laws of Guyana and to enteam put the cards on the table and gage with the unions. They have they have some concerns with the also said that at no point since ongoing dispute…but what we did, we have been meeting, that they we put aside those areas that are have had correspondence from very contentious and emotional any union, but they are open to and we discussed the principles in responding to any unions. They terms of respecting the Constitution are also not against meeting of Guyana, the laws of Guyana and with the unions to have negotithe trade union recognition that ations on the way forward,” he

explained.

While the company is cooperating with the Government of Guyana, Minister Scott said that it is important that it understands that trade unions are recognised in Guyana and that the constitution allows for persons to have the right to assemble and to be represented by a trade union body.

Tolpykin Igor, the company’s Human Resources Manager, explained that the company has been doing all in its power to ensure that workers are comfortable, and has ensured that they are paid above the minimum wage.

The Human Resources Manager said that the bauxite company is willing to facilitate trade unions and have amicable solutions to any issues affecting workers, and is also encouraging the Ministry to conduct inspections at any time.

In 2009, 57 workers who were engaged in strike action for increased wages and improved working conditions were dismissed by the company. The Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) spoke out against this action.

Earlier in the year, Minister Scott met with the company, and subsequently the GBGWU, since it is Government’s role to facilitate amicable discussions between unions and employers.

The passing of Mr. Walter Willis Dear Editor, I LEARNT, with great sadness, of the passing of Engineer Walter Willis. To speak of Willis can either be done in a few short sentences or in volumes. I choose the former.

I first met Walter on the Essequibo Coast, and I have had to interact with him on different levels and in different circumstances. Walter was extremely knowledgeable, and freely shared his knowledge and experience with both the young and old. He was a gracious general in his own department, and a super Guyanese patriot.

Walter’s passing is a great loss, not only to his wife, children and the rest of the fam-

ily, but to the Engineering fraternity and the people of Guyana as a whole. It will not be easy to fill the void created by his untimely demise. I will miss his candour and eagerness to help at all times.

On behalf of my wife, Jennifer, and family, we extend sincere condolences to his wife, Dolly, children, and the rest of the family. My sojourn in Texas may not allow my presence at his funeral, but I hope that he is put away with his traditional hat with which we all associate Walter as he moved around every part of Guyana.

HAMILTON GREEN, OR. Chairman - CH&PA Board

$3M in gold

GOLD miner Paul Persaud, who had over $3M in jewellery seized from him at the Ogle International Airport (now renamed Eguene Eugene F. Correia) in February, was Tuesday charged with exporting gold without a licence.

Persaud, 35, of Lot ‘J’ 9946 Jackson Street, Tucville, was granted $100,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to the charge before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that on February 5 at Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara, Persaud had in his possession 5.5 ounces of gold, valued at $3,111,600, without being the holder of an exporting licence.

H i s l a w y e r, Paul Persaud Peter Hugh in his bail application noted that Persaud is married and is the father of a 4-year-old child. The lawyer further contended that Persaud has been cooperating with police during their investigation ever since he was prevented from travelling out of Guyana.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Bharat Mangru made no objections to Persaud being released on bail. The matter will be heard at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s court on August 2.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Cases of domestic violence are not isolated events

By Akola Thompson

EVERY year, a considerable amount of women lose their lives, or some part of it, to domestic violence; and this year is no different.

From the gruesome double-homicide of Vanessa Sookram and her two-year-old-son Joel Ganesh to the recent almost tragic incident of Selina Ramotar, who was stabbed approximately ten times about her body, there continues to be a worrying trend of total disregard for the lives of women and children.

With every death or maiming, society of course becomes outraged. The only problem with that is it seems to be the only time society becomes outraged, as society has learnt to view every case of domestic violence as an isolated occurrence, rather than merely a very small part of a very big disturbing picture.

We realise the extent of this belief through Sookram’s mother’s words when she stated that “everyone started to speak out” upon her daughter’s death. Details reported in certain sections of the media state that Sookram, aside from being constantly physically and verbally abused by her husband, was also constantly abused by his relatives. One was even said to have run after her with a knife after Sookram would have

scolded baby Joel.

If ever there was a clear-cut case of how we continue to fail the abused by our silence in the face of abuse -- and even our participation in it -- it is the case of Vanessa Sookram and her son. Those two lives were brutally taken away, not only by the actions of a very disturbed man, but also because we have all grown up in a culture which not only normalises domestic abuse, but also trivialises it.

While Sookram’s community and we, as a larger public, might not have been the ones to wield the weapon which ended two lives way before their time, our silence and encouragement of the abuse might well have done it; and we need to begin examining the role we have all had in Vanessa’s and Joel’s death.

John Public, for the most part, is perfectly content to continue not only hiding abusers under the shelter of community, ‘family matters’ and ‘man-and-woman story’, but even encouraging it in ‘his’ home, without realising its significance.

I remember recently speaking to a friend on the issue, and she related that her partner hits her sometimes. According to her, it is never truly licks; just a slap here and a cuff there every once in a while when she angers him.

This young woman is otherwise intelligent, but, for some

reason, she feels that her partner has valid reasons for occasionally hitting her, and she has even sought to defend him. That is the one thing I may NEVER understand about domestic abuse.

Over the years, there have been many suggestions as to how to properly deal with domestic violence. As different as many of the suggestions are, they are still eerily familiar, as they seek to deal with the effects rather than the root cause of the problem, which lies in the institutionalized belief systems that women, being the weaker sex, deserve what they are getting.

Domestic violence is often blamed on the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs or mental issues; and while all of those do have roles to play in various instances of domestic abuse, the problem remains larger than those reasons.

The cause of domestic violence remains a complicated mixture of psychological, social and cultural factors which cause a power imbalance between those who are in a relationship. Therefore, while campaigns aimed at encouraging sensitivity and the like among persons who would have witnessed abusive situations are good, no substantial changes would be made in the fight against domestic violence if ingrained cultural attitudes and behaviours are not challenged and changed.

Police to analyse spike in auto theft at National Stadium THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been tasked with analysing whether there is an increase in auto theft or theft of auto parts during major events.

The instruction came from Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan who said he found it “strange” that there seems to be a spike in auto thefts during major events, especially when they

are held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

“It is so strange that in that high kind of activity area, with so many policemen, there have been allegations of cars being stolen, and I’ve asked for an analysis,” Ramjattan is quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken

It was noted that at the CPL 20/20 cricket hosted over the weekend at the National Stadium, it is alleged that several vehicles were broken into during the matches and their stereos, other valuables and even batteries were stolen.

Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken told GINA that he was not aware

of any increase in reported incidents of stolen vehicles.

However, he pointed out that police were able to thwart two separate attempted car “break-ins” during last Sunday’s cricket match at the National Stadium.

Commander Hicken advised that persons attending major events park within the designated areas that are usually announced before

the event. Motorists are also advised to go to the events early so that they can park their vehicles in a suitably safe location.

Alternatively, patrons can make arrangements to be dropped off and collected by fellow drivers, at the end of the event, if they are uncomfortable with the parking facilities provided.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

NAREI encourages good pumpkin production practices

THE Ministry of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is encouraging farmers to engage in good pumpkin production practices.

Pumpkin is one of the crops that are targeted for expansion under the Agricultural Diversification Project (ADP).

Pumpkin, which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, (same as cucumber and melons) is a rich source of vitamin A and minerals and can be grown throughout the year. There are several varieties of pumpkin available locally including butternut squash. Pumpkins are distinguished from each other by skin colour and texture. In Guyana, mature fruits can weigh from 5 to 20 kilogrammes (kg).

LAND PREPARATION During an interview, NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Oudho Homenauth highlighted that pumpkins grow well on soil that is “high in organic matter, has good moisture retention capability and is easily drained.” He added that soil with pH levels that range from 5.5 – 6.8 is ideal for this type of cultivation.

Materials prepared by the institution advise farmers to “Start land preparation by digging a half metre pit, about 30 cm deep. Fill the pit with manure. Make mounds (creating raised areas) preferably for the sowing of seed. These should be about 15cm high. Plant seeds three centimeters or one inch deep with four or five seeds per mound. Allow two metres (six feet) between hills, spaced in rows, three metres (10 feet) to four metres (15 feet) apart. When the young plants are established, thin each mound to the best two or three plants.”

FERTILIZING According to NAREI’s experts, a soil test should be performed to provide precise recommendations for fertilizer applications. If the pH of the soil is less than 5.0 then limestone will need to be incorporated into the soil, at least two weeks before the sowing of seeds is the recommended guide for planting pumpkins.

A complete fertilizer 12:12:17:2 0r 15:15:15 should be used. This should be applied at a rate of 100 gm/mound about one week after germination. It may also be necessary to apply 200g of urea, as well, to each mound in addition to the 100 g of 12:12:17:2 or 15:15:15.

Further applications of 15:15:15 should be made at the third, sixth and eight week at the rate of 100 g per mound.

PEST CONTROL Pests that affect pumpkin includes crickets, cutworms, aphids, whiteflies, mites, thrips, fruit sucking bugs, striped cucurbit beetle and pickleworm.

Crickets cut the seedlings. These can be controlled by watering the soil with Basudin, or Vydate L at a rate of

A pumpkin plant

10 milliliters (mls) to 4500 mls of water while cut worms are surface feeders that cut seedlings at or slightly above the soil surface and can be controlled the same way as crickets.

White flies are bugs that feed by sucking plant sap. Soapbased products should be applied in the morning or late in the evening. Other chemicals that can be used to control these bugs include Ad-mire, Pegasus or Basudin/Vydate L at 10mls to 4500 mls of water.

For severe infestations of mites, miticides such as Abamectin, Newmectin or Vertimec can be applied at 5 mls to 4500 mls of water, while for Aphids, which attack plants at all stages of growth and are usually found in dense clusters on the under surface of the young leaves and young tender stems insecticide such as Fastac, Decis or Karate at 6mls to 4500 mls of water can be used.

DISEASE MANAGEMENT Pumpkins are usually affected by several diseases including Sclerotinia Stem Rot, Phytophtora Blight, Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Black Rot, Fusarium Crown and Fruit Rots, Bacterial Wilt and Viral Diseases.

Powdery Mildew can result in serious losses of pumpkin.

The white, powdery mold first appears on lower stems and petioles. As the disease continues to develop, the white moldy spots occur on the underside of leaves. Several fungicides are effective against powdery mildew. Systemic fungicides can be effective if applied at appropriate times during the season, even if symptoms are not obvious.

Downy Mildew is another fungal disease often identified on pumpkin crops. Yield loss associated with Downy Mildew is most likely related to soft rots after plant canopies collapse and sunburn occurs on the fruit. Broad spectrum protectant fungicides such as Mancozeb are at least somewhat effective in protecting against Downy Mildew infection.

For more control measures for both plant diseases and pest control farmers can contact NAREI or extension officers in their area.

HARVESTING AND STORAGE Pumpkins begin bearing 12-14 weeks or 80-140 days after planting. Fruits are ready for harvesting when the tendrils start turning brown and the skin becomes hard.

Pumpkins can be stored for about 60-80 days if harvested properly. They should be picked only when the fruit’s surface is completely dry. NAREI advises that when picking, the fruit should be carefully clipped from the vine leaving about 2.5 cm of the stem attached to it.

Pumpkins are used in a variety of Guyanese dishes; one loved by all is pumpkin pone. However, the fruit has great potential for revenue generation and can even attract foreign currency through export markets like it once did many years ago. (Government Information Agency)

Types of various pumpkin plant seeds

A pumpkin plant affected by powdery mildew

Black Aphids infesting a pumpkin plant

Guyanese pumpkin pone

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

New completion date for GPHC’s maternity ward

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) maternity ward will be open to the general public before the third quarter of this year.

“The construction…has been ongoing and I think its closing to the end, hopefully before the next quarter we

should be able to formally open that unit,” Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud is quoted by the Government Information Agency (GINA) as saying.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton is quoted

by GINA as saying that the delay in the completion of

the unit is due to a breach of contract by the contractors and the ministry is considering legal action.

“I have a document where the contractors are justifying the non-completion of the building because they are saying to us that they had to stretch their resources to

complete other projects and as a result have neglected this wing that they are doing.

“I don’t think that they are in the right path. I said it before, if not legal action, at least some form of sanctions should be imposed on them,” Minister Norton explained.

Dr. Persaud explained that, “The Georgetown Hos-

pital has been under tremendous pressure when it comes to maternal/child lives. Of course, maternal health is quite an area of concern for the ministry.”

The construction of the new wing is intended to assist in the number of referrals to the GPHC. On completion, it is expected to house 50 beds,

two operating rooms, the birthing room, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the top floor.

The project which started in February 2015 with $263M allocated by the previous administration, received $89M, which was allocated in the National Budget in 2016.

The new maternity wing to be completed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

Training room, ground floor, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s new maternity wing

Inside the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s new maternity wing (ground floor)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

PROTECT YOURSELF Minister Broomes urges women to get ‘registered’ before accepting ‘bush work’ -

By Shauna Jemmott GOVERNMENT is urging women who accept employment offers from dredge owners and businessmen in mining districts to protect themselves by obtaining a ‘Certificate of Registration’, a binding agreement made with the employers through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

This is another move by the Ministry of Natural Resources to eradicate exploitation and Trafficking in Persons in mining communities; and according to Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, some women are not aware that they need a ‘Certificate of Registration’.

Speaking on Monday to a woman who had turned up at her Brickdam office to complain of being exploited by her former employer at Omai, in the Potaro Mining District, Minister Broomes encouraged her to “take the right steps” in securing employment in the mining districts through a binding agreement.

Minister within the An adult individual going on his or her own to work Ministry of Natural in any mining district must obtain a ‘Privilege’ from any Resources, GGMC office at a price of $500; but a woman entering Simona Broomes the areas to work with others must obtain a ‘Certificate of Registration’, Minister Broomes explained.

The complaining woman told Minister Broomes she had worked for two months without receiving the promised monthly salary of $100,000. Her employer now owes her $200,000, and had allegedly abused her while flatly stating that she would not be paid.

“Because of the same issue with women and all that, we have moved that you have to get a Certificate of Registration to go into the mining district. The Certificate of Registra-

‘Because of the same issue with women and all that, we have moved that you have to get a Certificate of Registration to go into the mining district… The Certificate of Registration is where the person that you’re going and work with has to apply for that; and they’ve got to state what you’re going and work with them as”

– Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources

tion is where the person that you’re going and work with has to apply for that; and they’ve got to state what you’re going and work with them as,” Minister Broomes said.

In many cases, employers against whom complaints were made have denied that the complainants were actually employed with them; but, Minister Broomes explained, the ‘Certificate of Registration’ is proof of employment.

“That is something that is binding, and they have to take responsibility of. For future reference, anybody want you to work with them in the interior, you just tell them that they have to get a Certificate of Registration; let them come to GGMC, and you come with them, and get a Certificate of Registration,” Minister Broomes said.

She said the Ministry of Natural Resources will no longer tolerate exploitation of women and girls in the hinterland region, and is drafting policy to address the issue.

“It will help you, because the situation with women and the exploitation of women going out and work… It has to change. We’re addressing it right now. We’re going to have something policy-wise on that.

“It’s not something I’m going to just sit down and take a cup of coffee over; it’s something that I feel strongly against, and that type of exploitation will not be tolerated,” Minister Broomes said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Renewed efforts to remove vagrants from outside Parliament Building

THE Ministry of Public Security is seeking technical advice on the permanent removal of vagrants who continue to squat around Parliament building. Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan told the Government Information Agency

(GINA) that to effectively remove these persons poses “a huge problem” to the Guyana Police Force.

According to GINA, Ramjattan pointed out that while on some occasions police have had to place some of the vagrants in holding

cells, they would always return to the area once they are released.

“We have a huge problem there…when you start taking them and putting them in the lock-ups because we don’t really have space for them,” Ramjattan said.

The Public Security Ministry is part of a committee established by the Ministry of Social Protection to address the welfare management of the homeless, mentally challenged and addicted persons on the streets. The committee also includes representatives from the Minis-

try of Agriculture and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

“We have to construct a half-way house, and we’ll have to get the funding from Social Protection Ministry for that purpose,” Ramjattan explained as one solution to address the problem.

Last month, the Min-

istry of Social Protection had indicated that it had identified a building in Region Five to house street dwellers where they will be evaluated to determine whether some of them can be treated externally, placed in a home or be referred to the National Psychiatric Hospital.

Vagrants outside Parliament Building

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

ARIES - You appear emotionally tougher than you actually are today, even if you’re scared by your own shadow. But it’s more likely that you’re frightened by unexpressed feelings. Nevertheless, you always retain the option of confronting your suppressed fears instead of running from them. Although this courageous strategy requires a healthy amount of self-esteem, you can draw upon the memory of previous successes to bolster your confidence. The way out is the way through.

TAURUS - You don’t like wasting time with anyone’s emotional drama, but you might not be able to avoid it now. Unfortunately, logically talking your way around the intensity only makes the situation worse today. It is said that you must fight fire with fire; accordingly, you need to drop all the rational strategies and come from a subjective heart-centred place when fighting water with water. Surrendering to your feelings is the only way to swim.

GEMINI - You’re ready to engage in a battle to defend your way of doing things today. However, your new approach may not be any more efficient than the old method. Nevertheless, sticking to one over-arching philosophy enables you to judge your progress with an objective eye. Don’t worry if you’re not moving along as quickly as you prefer. Give yourself plenty of time to establish a sustainable rhythm. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”

CANCER - You are struck by the lightning of inspiration today, but could have a tough time integrating your cosmic creations with your job duties. In fact, the more outrageous your behaviour, the less expressive you are. Don’t withdraw emotionally and alienate yourself from everyone else when you really need the human connection now. Before you initiate your great escape, remember the Beatles who sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends.”

LEO - Your opinions are so strong today that you can’t keep quiet. However, you’re concerned about coming on too strong because your current intensity has the potential to spiral out of control. But rather than worrying about how others might react, just let the loving energy of Mercury and Venus shine through your affectionate sign. Sometimes, heartfelt words need to carry extra weight. Fortunately, people expect you proud Lions to roar when you express your truth.

VIRGO - You’re a champ at setting your needs off to the side in order to maintain intellectual clarity. However, it’s not so easy to deny your emotions today, especially if anger bubbles into awareness. It’s unhealthy to ignore your feelings or try to bury them because they’ll only grow in strength and resurface at a less convenient time.

You can’t delete a thought in the same way you delete a message. Acknowledging your passions is the first step to transforming them into something positive.

LIBRA - You can’t separate your feelings from your material possessions today.

Everything you own has a story attached to it that adds to its unique value. But some things are associated with difficult experiences and bring up fear or regret.

Obviously, you can get rid of these offending items by giving them away or selling them. However, it takes extra work to fully process your emotions instead of just eliminating the objects. Embracing the associated memories starts the healing process of letting go.

SCORPIO - You are recycling an old feeling one more time, even if you thought you were already done with it. You have experienced some change in the past few weeks, but not enough; your frustration could reach a critical level today when you recognise your limited progress. But don’t let your concerns run away with your entire day. Step back from anything that feels overwhelming now. It’s as if you are putting a wide-angle lens on your camera. Once you see things from a larger perspective, it’s easier to release the past and proceed into the future SAGITTARIUS - Although you might create a little ruckus to let everyone know you’re serious, you don’t want to be in the spotlight today. Ironically, taking a stand could end up attracting the same attention you were trying to avoid. In the final analysis, your need for privacy will likely outweigh your desire to be understood.

It really doesn’t matter if people see the real you or not. Concentrate on finishing your tasks on time, rather than worrying about what others think. Quietly working behind the scenes may ultimately bring the deeper satisfaction you seek.

CAPRICORN - Engaging with others feeds your ambitions and brings your passions to the surface today. Competing on a team or participating in a group effort is a perfect way to express your commitment to your extended family or community.

But watch out for extreme feelings upsetting the delicate balance of interpersonal dynamics. Obviously, pulling someone down won’t ever help you reach the top.

Honour your feelings as you honour your friends, but don’t fuel either with irrational expectations.

AQUARIUS - Your career objectives are quite fixed now and you have very little desire to negotiate those things that are important to you. Although there’s no doubt about your goals, you’re still working on your plans to reach them. Trying to get anyone to join you on your next venture is not a wise strategy because it will only distract you from your quest. You don’t need to be carrying others who will only slow you down. If people aren’t actively supporting you, politely ask them to have the courtesy to get out of your way. Fortune smiles on those who create their own opportunities.

PISCES - You are excited about expanding your world view by taking up a new course of study or embarking on your own exploratory travels. However, you must be willing to open your mind to unknown experiences. If you try to cling to your current perspective, the opportunity for spiritual and emotional growth could be lost.

Don’t sit around for days fine-tuning your plans; get rolling as quickly as possible.

The cosmic energy is conducive for creating positive change.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

New leaders provide hope for integration movement

By Ravin Singh

THE entry of the new leaders into the regional bloc CARICOM breathes new life into the integration movement, the current chairman Roosevelt Skerrit said recently.

“You have new heads of Government coming in… who are bringing in fresh perspectives, new energies, a renewed commitment and you have some of us who have been there for some time 12 to 15 years unbroken,” Skerrit said at the conclusion

– CARICOM Chairman of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting here last week.

CARICOM has largely been described by political commentators as not having

achieved much, other than free movement in the region.

Over the last two years, seven new Heads-of-Government within the Caribbean Community have

been elected. These include: Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda; Brigadier David Granger of Guyana; Donaldson Romeo – Premier of Montserrat; Timothy Harris of St. Kitts and Nevis; Dr Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago; Andrew Holness of Jamaica; and Allen Chastanet of St Lucia.

In light of this, Skerrit, who has been serving as Dominica’s Prime Minister since 2004, reasoned that it is always good to have “fresh perspective” added to the existing ones, and to bring new energies to the integration process.

“People normally criticize CARICOM of not having achieved anything, but this is not true.” Skeritt opined that people tend to look at what they do not have and not what they have. To this end, he pointed to what he described as achievements and positive things the bloc has been able to do for the region.

“The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is a major achievement for us,” he said, adding that the region has been able to move from political independence towards judicial independence.

The CCJ, which was established in 2001, has both an original and appellate jurisdiction. But while most regional countries are signatories to the original jurisdiction, only Guyana, Barbados and Belize are members of the appellate jurisdiction of the court that also serves as an international tribunal, interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the regional grouping.

Skerrit also referenced the free movement of people in the region, where, no visa requirement is needed to travel between CARICOM countries. “People are able to move freely within the Caribbean Community and have an automatic six months stay,” he said.

Chairman of CARICOM, Roosevelt Skerrit Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, attending his first summit since assuming office in February, used his opening speech to lament the treatment some Jamaicans face when they try to go into Trinidad.

“Jamaicans have been expressing concerns of increased cases of denial of entry and treatment at ports of entry at other jurisdictions. This must be urgently addressed in a meaningful way,” he stated.

Following the Heads of Government meeting, it was announced that Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley will undertake an official visit to Kingston this week to deliberate further on the issue in an effort to resolve it.

Additionally, the CARICOM chairman noted that the security arrangement that the region has, which includes the sharing of intelligence and efforts to enhance security of community, are all achievements.

“All of those are progress that we have made,” he said, adding that there is always more that could be done, but that the speed at which the region moves is determined by what is done on a national level.

And according to him, at the conference level, CARICOM does not impose its decisions on member states, which means it is left to these states to implement decisions made by the conference of heads of government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Anguilla bars removal of aircraft ‘stolen’ from Ogle airport THE Eastern Caribbean High Court has barred the removal of one of two aircraft from the Caribbean island of Anguilla and the lawyers for the pilot and team who departed from Guyana while breaching a court order have until July 21st to respond. Their response will facilitate a hearing and will determine whether the injunction will be made absolute.

The two aircraft departed the Eugene F Correia International Airport (EFCIA) at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, without authorization three Saturdays ago, breaching a court order in the process.

According to court documents seen by this newspaper, local airline Domestic Airways, filed an injunction in the courts of the Eastern Caribbean High Court to restrict the removal of one of the two Cessna 206 model

aircraft bearing registration 8R-GMP from the Clayton Lloyd Airport, Anguilla.

The ex-parte application for an interim injunction was granted by Justice Cheryl Mathurin in chambers of the Anguilla Circuit against Munidat Persaud, Oxford Aviation and Daniel Frederick.

“The respondents are restrained whether personally, jointly, severally or by their agents, servants or assigns from interfering with, attempting or actually removing, relocating, flying, boarding, carrying out any mechanical work, refueling, dismantling, selling or transferring, carrying out any inspection of an aircraft currently located at the Clayton Lloyd Airport, Anguilla being a Cessna aircraft with registration mark 8R-GMP serial number U206-1117,” the court document states.

The interim injunction was granted after the court was presented with affidavits by Charles and Attorneys-at-Law Stephen Roberts and Nigel Mercurius. Domestic Airways and its director Orlando Charles are being represented by Samantha Wright of Wright and Company Solicitors in Anguilla.

This newspaper has seen documents filed in the courts here on June 20th in which Persaud , Oxford Aviation and Frederick were barred from removing or attempting to remove the two aircraft from the airport at Ogle. The matter was expected to be heard before Justice Roxane George on June 24th but according to reports , Persaud nor anyone connected to the his company, appeared in court.

T h e f o l l o w i n g d a y, around 04:00 h, Persaud and another pilot , known only as

“Vladimir “ used their airside passes to gain access to the two aircraft after indicating to security personnel at the airport that they were going to place equipment on board.

The two took –off and flew undetected until landing for refueling purposes on the

island of Grenada. They flew further north to Anguilla where they were detained.

One of the aircraft, registered as 8R-GTP, was allowed to depart for San Juan Puerto Rico while an absence of airworthiness documents prevented the other from

leaving. The principals of Domestic Aviation subsequently filed court papers preventing the departure of the other.

Locally, an inquiry has been launched into the incident to ensure the matter is not repeated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

GAWU mourns passing of manager

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has expressed deep grief over the passing of its treasurer and manager, Rooplall Persaud,

who reportedly had complained about feeling unwell on Tuesday morning, and succumbed on his way to the hospital.

A GAWU statement said

Persaud’s family had immediately sought medical attention for the 60-year-old who hails from La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD), but he

succumbed on his way to the hospital.

Persaud had been a member of the GAWU General Council, and Secretary of the GAWU Co-operative Credit Union Society Limited.

He had graduated into the GAWU leadership from the position of a union activist and shop steward in one of the cane cutting gangs of the GuySuCo LBI Estate.

The union said that, as treasurer, Persaud had strongly upheld strict and transparent accountability of the union’s finances and expenditure.

“GAWU, over the years, is proud of the fact that its financial records have been audited by the Office of the Auditor General, which observed that the Union’s finances have been managed in accordance with sound financial management and accountability procedures,” the statement noted.

GAWU, on behalf of its leadership and membership, has expressed its heartfelt condolences to Persaud’s wife, his two children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Rooplall Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

$20M for Bartica’s waste disposal plan

THE Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) of Bartica, the township in Region Seven, has secured $20M from Central Government to restore the overused Byderabo Dumpsite, after years of residents complaining about the environmental and health risks it poses.

Residents can now expect “real changes” when the multi-million-dollar waste management project takes effect.

In an exclusive interview, Mayor Gifford Marshall told Guyana Chronicle that the contract for the project has already been tendered, and is expected to be awarded before the end of July, being currently evaluated.

“We will have a holding pond. We will have to bury some of the garbage, and of course we would have to shape it and include two cells. There is a plan in place, and the site will be managed properly,” the Mayor said as he alluded to some of the features in the plan to restore the dump site.

However, given that the

Byderabo Dumpsite is located in a residential area, the Bartica Mayor and Town Council is eyeing a longer-term plan to relocate the dumpsite to 12 and 14 miles up the Potaro Road, while the present Byderabo Dumpsite will be converted into a green space.

Marshall said the Town Council is “big” on effective waste management. He noted that every effort will be made to transform Bartica into the country’s green town.

Since taking office, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has been pumping significant sums of money into municipalities across the country to curb the waste disposal problem that had gripped the nation.

Last December, the Ministry of Communities handed more than $60M worth of equipment and receptacles to the then Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Bartica Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), to assist with collection of garbage. One dump truck,

one excavator, 30 large plastic bins and 3,000 garbage bags were among the items handed over to the IMC. Additionally, the Natural Resources Ministry, last April, contributed close to one million dollars to clean sections of Bartica, particularly in the vicinity of the stelling, where hundreds of bottles, plastics and other debris have been visible in the river. The exercise had formed part of the Ministry’s “A Clean Environment” Project.

With continuous steps being taken to clean up Bartica, the Mayor said, there is greater need for a sensitization programme to be rolled out in the town. As such, he would have written the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, requesting additional funds to roll out a sensitization programme.

Marshall said that while garbage receptacles are in place, many residents are still disposing their garbage in a “reckless manner.”

“We have bins placed

The overused Byderabo Dumpsite, which will soon be restored into an environmentally friendly landfill site

in strategic locations, but persons are misusing them.

We have cases where persons would have dumped animals in the bins; they put old fridges or washing

machines in these bins -and these are plastic bins with wheels -- so what you will find is that, after a while, these bins will be destroyed,” Marshall ex-

plained.

In the interim, the Mayor is calling on residents to utilize appropriate garbage receptacles and to keep their environment clean.

Map highlighting 12 and 14 Miles Potaro Road, Bartica, where new landfill sites will be located

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Coconut Festival slated for October

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 13, 2016

- farmers want coconut water declared the ‘national drink’

AS the Ministry of Tourism prepares to host a major Coconut Festival this October, large-scale coconut farmers have proposed that government officially

declare coconut water the national drink of Guyana.

The Ministry of Tourism said while coconut farmers in Essequibo are excited about the festival which will be

hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, a Region Two Tourism Development Association is also in the making to promote the region as an official tourist destination.

A press statement signed

by Ministry of Tourism Director General Donald Sinclair, who is also Chairman of the Coconut Festival Planning Committee, said he, along with Raymond Trotz, Chairman of the National Coconut Stakeholders Platform; Agri-Tourism Specialist Gemma Wenner; and Norman Sukhu of the Guyana Tourism Authority, all members of the organising committee, visited the

prospects for immediate development.”

He said discussions were also held on the pollution of the Pomeroon River with coconut shells, and other issues related to maintaining the cleanliness and boosting the image of Charity to make it a tourism destination.

The main players from Essequibo, including the owners of Henvil Farms, Original Juice, Golden Brook Edible Oils and Ramotar Investments, have forwarded several proposals, one

Essequibo Coast “to assess the full scale of private sector investments in coconut plantations and production”.

The team visited the operations run by Alfro Alfonso (Golden Brook), Ramesh Ramotar (Rooster), Henry and Vilma da Silva (Henvil Farms) and Beni Sankar and Daleep Singh, and inspected coconut farms, coconut water and coconut oil producing facilities, fish and goat farms, and hospitality facilities.

“The Planning Committee shared with these stakeholders some plans for the upcoming Coconut Festival, and they participated in a lively discussion about the challenges facing the region, as well as the

of which is to have coconut water officially declared the national drink of Guyana.

The coconut entrepreneurs and product developers in Essequibo have also planned a “Speedboat-cade” which will be held on the Pomeroon River, and pledged also to set up a specially branded “Essequibo Zone” at the Coconut Festival.

The “Speedboat-cade” is slated for Sunday, October 16, the first day of Coconut Awareness Week 2016, with the objective of increasing awareness of the importance of the Pomeroon River to the livelihood of the community and the need to maintain it in a clean and healthy state.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 13, 2016

Eagle tries to carry off Australian child A WEDGE-tailed eagle tried to fly away with a terrified boy at a popular wildlife show in central Australia.

A crowd of stunned onlookers watched the enormous bird latch its talons on to the screaming boy’s head during a show at Alice Springs Desert Park.

Witnesses said the bird attempted to pick him up “like a small animal”.

The boy, believed to be between six and eight years old, escaped with a “superficial” gash to his face.

Christine O’Connell from Horsham in Victoria state was visiting the park with her husband last Wednesday when the attack occurred.

She told the BBC the eagle flew straight for the boy from about 15m away.

“A fellow who was sitting closer said the little boy kept running his zipper up and down,” said Mrs O’Connell, who caught the attack on her camera.

Distracted by the noise, the eagle grabbed the boy’s green hoodie

and attempted to lift him away before park staff moved in, Mrs O’Connell said.

The attack left the boy crying and bleeding, but his injuries were not severe.

A Victorian man who was in the crowd, Keenan Lucas, told the NT News the show was ended quickly after the attack.

“We’re at the bird show in the afternoon, having a great time and looking forward to seeing the wedge-tailed eagle come out for the finale,” he said.

“The bird then flew over the crowd, and tried to grab on to a young boy’s head. He screamed, the mother was distraught, and the presenters wrapped up the show very quickly.”

The park issued a statement to the media after being contacted about the event.

“On Wednesday, 6 July, an incident occurred at the Alice Springs Desert Park where an eagle made contact with an audience member,” the park said in a statement.

“A thorough investigation regarding the circumstances behind this incident is under way and the eagle will be removed from the show while this investigation is ongoing.” (BBC)

The eagle as it tried making off with the child last Wednesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Residents of ‘C’ Field Sophia stand along a blocked section of Dennis Street at about midday on Tuesday

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! - Residents protest dust pollution

from incomplete Dennis Street works

By Alva Solomon DURING rush hour traffic on Tuesday morning, residents of ‘C’ Field, Sophia placed several discarded materials -- including old chairs, tyres, wood and drums -- across a section of the Dennis Street roadway, restricting the flow of traffic from both ends as they cited dust pollution caused by incomplete works on the dry roadway.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, told this newspaper at the scene that the ministry is undertaking infrastructural works to the roadway, and a foundation issue is being rectified. “So works have been temporarily halted”, she explained.

Works to the entrance of Dennis Street, near the Sophia Exhibition complex, were undertaken earlier in the year.

Ferguson said the residents are not against development of the road, but

are negatively affected by the dust which emanates from the thoroughfare, especially whenever vehicles traverse at a fast rate; therefore they are protesting the dusty conditions.

She said the contractor was in the process of sourcing water from one of the canals in the area to wet the roadway. “It’s just to wet it, so the dust would not be so heavy”, she explained.

‘C’ Field resident Mr. Fortune noted that the dust has been affecting him for almost a month now. He said his bedroom is filled with dust, and he rubbed his hand against his bed frame then opened it to show the amount of dust it had collected.

Another resident, Christine, said that works to the road started early in May and the dust began to affect residents shortly after. “We started on Sunday [protesting], and Minister [David] Patterson went in and spoke to the residents, and he promised that ve-

hicles will go into there to wet the road”, Christine said. The roadway was wet soon after, she said, but the dusty situation returned on Tuesday.

Several policemen were in evidence as numerous young men and women stood around and vehemently disallowed vehicles from passing the blocked section of the roadway.

Minibus traffic to other sections of the area and to the East Coast of Demerara had to be rerouted through Sophia.

Several officials, including Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, visited the Sophia residents on Tuesday morning to ascertain the extent of the situation.

A request was made for the Guyana Fire Service to wet the roadway, and Minister Ferguson said she was advised by her technical team that work on the roadway should be completed within another two and a half weeks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Boat builder, apprentice accused of murdering uncle

…buried body in shallow grave, court hears TWENTY–FOUR–year old boat-builder Lennox Baharally and his 19-yearold apprentice Rondel Edwards, both of Region 2 addresses, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday, charged with murdering Mohammed Abdool Shameer on April 25 at Jack-

Lennox Baharally is accused of murdering his uncle low, Pomeroon.

They were not required to plead to the charge, and were remanded to prison until August 15, when the case will be called before the Charity Magistrate.

Shameer had been the uncle of Baharally, and Baharally and Edwards are accused of killing him and burying his body in a shallow grave

along the bank of the Moruca river in the Pomeroon.

The court heard that Shameer, a farmer, had left his home in a paddle boat, at about 19:30h on April 25, to visit a friend; and was reportedly returning home when his boat was run over by a larger boat captained

by Baharally, who had two

Dead: Mohammed Abdool Shameer other persons, including Edwards, in his boat.

It is alleged that after the collision had occurred, Shameer’s body was pulled out of the water and later buried in a shallow grave.

Lawyer for the accused duo, Attorney-at-law Jerome Khan, described the incident as a ‘boat mishap’ while

Wednesday July 13th, 2016 - 11:30 hrs Thursday July 14th, 2016 - 13:00 hrs Friday July 15th, 2016 - 14:00 hrs

criticizing a daily newspaper for pre-judicial reporting on the matter.

“The investigation process is being infected; this is a judicial system also,” he pointed out as he signalled his intention to file a High Court action and take any other course of justice.

According to the lawyer, Baharally was sailing the boat when the mishap occurred. He said his clients had rescued Shameer after the incident, but instead of taking the injured man to the hospital, they took him to a river bank.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers said the police file is still incomplete; the post-mortem report and several statements are still outstanding.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Alexis Tappin allegedly stabbed her reputed husband after he caught her in bed with another man

Woman charged with attempted murder - in triangular love affair

TWENTY-FIVE-year-old Alexis Tappin of Lot 3 Campbell Street, Georgetown, a cook attached to Demico Restaurant, was on Tuesday remanded by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly stabbing her reputed husband, Sherwin Johnson, with a crowbar on July 2.

The court heard that Johnson caught Tappin in bed with another man, and she unlawfully and maliciously wounded Johnson with intent to murder him.

Tappin appeared before the chief magistrate unrepresented by legal counsel, and was not required to plead to the indictable offence of attempted murder.

Police Prosecutor Denior Jones steadfastly opposed bail being granted to Tappin, noting that the victim remains in critical condition in hospital. Bail was denied, and she was remanded to prison until July 28.

Tappin and Johnson reportedly lived together with their child at the Lot 3 Campbell Street, Georgetown address; and on the day in question, Johnson came home and found another man in bed with Tappin. The woman and her lover allegedly then dealt Johnson several lashes about his body, then Tappin reportedly armed herself with a crowbar and stabbed him several times.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Man charged with attempted murder of ex-lover THIRTY–NINE-year-old minibus driver Uttanpad Sewnarine, aka “Umesh” and “Paddy”, appeared on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with attempting to murder 29-year-old Selina Ramotar, his ex-lover and mother of his child.

The father of three, who resides at lot 78 Sherriff Street, Campbellville, was not required to plead to the indictable offence, and was remanded to prison until July 29. It is alleged that on June 09, at David Street, Kitty, he stabbed Ramotar twelve times in an attempt to kill her.

M a r k Wa l dron, attorney-at-law representing Selina Ramotar Sewnarine, requested a speedy trial for his client, but police prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones disclosed that Ramotar is still hospitalized at a private hospital in the city.

Sewnarine had reportedly planned to kill Ramotar. He allegedly pounced on her as she was returning home from buying dinner, and he stabbed her with a small ‘skinning Uttanpad Sewnarine, knife’ more than 10 times. aka Umesh and Paddy However, Ramotar was rescued by several young men who witnessed the incident. They apprehended and tied up Sewnarine, and handed him over to the police.

“He told them that they could do whatever they want to do because he done kill she, and that is what he said he went there to do,” one of Ramotar’s siblings, Sunita, told this newspaper.

Recollecting on her sister’s relationship with the man, Sunita noted that the minibus driver had struck up a relationship with her sister some 10 years ago, at which time her sister was unaware that he was married and had children.

She said her sister had already borne a child for the man when she was informed that he was married. Sometime later, the affair became an “on and off” exercise, as her sister lost interest in the relationship.

She said the man would hit her sister at times, and her sister decided last year to cut all ties with him. This development put the man in a state of jealousy, but he was still allowed to visit the family to see his daughter.

Thus, on Saturday evening, when the man appeared at her mother’s home, “We took it for nothing, because he would come and see the child.” However, the man’s bloody attack has left the family in a state of shock.

The suspect’s immediate relatives have, over the weekend, made attempts to visit the injured Ramotar, but her relatives have since requested the GPHC to ensure that security staffers prohibit any of the suspect’s relatives from venturing near her bed.

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Matthews denies Sagan to win Mohammed, Lynn fire Warriors stage 10 as Froome stays in yellow

By Julien Pretot REVEL, France (Reuters) - Michael Matthews turned the page on years of bad luck in the Tour de France to complete his set of grand tour victories when he won the 10th stage after a royal breakaway yesterday.

The Australian, with three Vuelta and two Giro d’Italia stage wins to his name, outsprinted his breakaway companions after 197km from Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra, benefiting from the support of two of his Orica-Bike Exchange team mates.

World champion Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), who reclaimed the green jersey

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 08:40 hrs Nineteen Fourteen 09:15 hrs Royal Tree 09:50 hrs Ruby Gem 10:30 hrs Mighty Mississipi ENGLISH RACING TIPS Uttoxeter 08:45 hrs The Way You Dance 09:15 hrs Sand Blast 09:50 hrs Bermeo 10:25 hrs Copperfacejack 11:00 hrs Baraboy 11:30 hrs Arthur Mc Bride 12:05 hrs Hindon Road 12:35 hrs Matts Legacy LINGFIELD 08:50 hrs Jumping Around 09:25 hrws Sciarra 10:00 hrs Afjan 10:35 hrs Diamond Charlie 11:10 hrs Cape Cova 11:30 hrs Rainbow Pride 12:15 hrs Reckless Wave CATTERICK 09:05 hrs Queen Kindly 09:40 hrs Wotabreeze 10:15 hrs Sandra’s Secret 10:50 hrs Perfect Words 11:25 hrs Coronation Day 12:00 hrs Brockholes 12:30 hrs Toboggan’s Gift IRISH RACING TIPS Downpatrick 10:05 hrs Robin Des Mana 10:40 hrs Master Of Verse 11:15 hrs Genesta 11:50 hrs Magnetic Force 12:25 hrs Emma Beag 13:00 hrs Jack Slade 13:30 hrs Sweet Shirleen AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 Kundray Race 2 John Eddie Race 3 Vintage Matters Race 4 Tejana Race 5 Geaux Mets Race 6 Tapany Race 7 Uncle Youdge Race 8 Riot Worthy

for the points classification from Briton Mark Cavendish, took second place and Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) finished third.

Matthews missed the 2014 Tour after sustaining injuries in training and last year, he abandoned after breaking four ribs.

“And this year already I had crashed twice. I was almost giving up on this race, thinking maybe the Tour de France is not for me,” he said.

Briton Chris Froome (Team Sky) retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey after finishing safe in the main peloton 9:39 off the pace.

“The start was pretty full on, there was a lot of work for my teammates to control the race,” said Froome.

“But it was pretty straightforward from there.

However, it’s a good day to tick off.”

The stage got off to a nervous start on the category-one climb to the Port d’Envalira, as riders were keen to win places in the day’s breakaway which took its final shape after about 60 kilometres.

ROYAL BREAK It was a royal break as

six of the 15 fugitives had already worn the yellow jersey and nine of them were Tour stage winners.

With 24km left, Sagan’s

the Cote de Saint Ferreol close to the finish, forcing Sagan to make efforts that probably left the Slovak short of juice

Orica-BikeExchange rider Michael Matthews of Australia reacts on the podium. (Reuters/Juan Medina) brutal acceleration on a small rise split the group and only seven, including two of Matthews’ teammates, remained in front.

Matthews benefited from compatriot and teammate Luke Durbridge’s work to keep the chasers at bay and then stayed in Sagan’s wheel as his other teammate, South African Daryl Impey, led the group in the lead-up to the final sprint.

Impey also attacked on the short climb up

in the finale.

Matthews then delivered with an impressive burst of speed over the final 200 metres.

“I would not have won without Luke Durbridge, and Daryl Impey attacking in the climb and leading out the sprint,” said Matthews.

Today’s 11th stage is a 162.5-km ride between Carcassonne and Montpellier that should favour the sprinters before tomorrow’s trek up to the intimidating Mont Ventoux.

Shahzad and spinners help Afghanistan go 1-0 up HALF-centuries from Mohammad Shahzad and Najibullah Zadran set the base for Afghanistan’s 39run win in the second ODI against Ireland in Belfast yesterday.

Afghanistan, who were bowled out for 250 after being sent in to bat, overcame Ireland’s solid start to the chase - openers William Porterfield and Ed Joyce added 71 - to spin the hosts out.

Rashid Khan, the legspinner, finished with 3 for 28, while offspinner Mohammad Nabi claimed 3 for 45 as Ireland were bowled out for 211 in 48.2 overs. That meant Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series which started with a washout.

As many as seven Afghanistan batsmen got into double digits but most could not kick on. Shahzad, the opener, top scored with 66.

The visitors, who were cruising at 76 without loss, slipped to 125 for 4, before being rescued by 70-run

stand between Najibullah Zadran and Samiullah Shenwari. Zadran smashed six fours and two sixes in his 61-ball knock, before Barry McCarthy, the medium pacer, polished off the tail to finish with 4 for 59 - his best figures so far

Mirwais Ashraf’s two wickets in the space of four deliveries in the 27th over stalled the chase.

O’Brien kept Ireland in the game with a 27-ball 35, but the escalating asking rate meant escalated pressure too, which the hosts could not

Mohammad Shahzad, who top scored for Afghanistan, hit eight fours and a six in his 79-ball 66. in his fledgling ODI career.

Kevin O’Brien also chipped in with four wickets.

Ireland were on course as Joyce brought up a half-century. Then, medium pacer

withstand. O’Brien was fifth man out, before Ireland’s last five wickets fell for 22.

The third ODI will also be played at the same venue tomorrow. (ESPN Cricinfo)

to victory

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE Guyana Amazon Warriors capped off their HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) home fixtures on a happy note, beating St Lucia Zouks by eight wickets last evening at the National Stadium, Providence.

The crowd of over 10,000 certainly got their money’s worth after the home team first restricted the visitors to 138-6, and then easily reached the target in the 18th over.

The Warriors never found the going tough, and put on a superb run chase after Jason Mohammed and Chris Lynn continued their purple patches with sublime knocks.

Man-of-the-Match, Mohammed smashed his way to 43 off 29 balls, inclusive of a single four and four sixes while Lynn stroked 38 off 29 balls with a four and two sixes.

At the start of the game all speculation regarding the exclusion of Christopher Barnwell was laid to rest after the Warriors opted to field an unchanged team.

However, the visitors had got off to an awkward start after being put in under lights.

A double blow in the first over bowled by left-arm pacer, Sohail Tanvir (2-31) left the Zouks a start that really doesn’t merit any strong adjective.

Openers Johnson Charles and Shane Watson were sent packing in the space of three deliveries, with Charles holding out to mid-off without scoring while Watson, who got going with an extra cover boundary, was caught behind, the visitors with two new batsmen having to get settled on a tricky surface.

One of those was Michael Hussey, a veteran of 153 games together with Andre Fletched, as the tourists mustered only 28 runs in the powerplay.

Adam Zampa’s spell was eventful. Fletcher (16) was trapped leg before wicket to give the leg-spinner his first wicket, and the Warriors their third scalp. At half way through the innings, the Zouks could only hit their way to three boundaries.

However, the left-handed, Hussey then broke the boundary drought, hitting Zampa for his second four in the 12th over before David Miller got hisinnings going with the first six two overs later also off the leg-spinner.

The experienced duo brought up the three figures, with Hussey reaching his half century off 39 balls, with three consecutive boundaries off Rayad Emrit in the 16th over which yielded 18 runs.

But Zampa (2-30) signed off by having Miller caught at deep mid-wicket for a 22-ball 23.

Darren Sammy joined Hussey and the pair took a liking to Tanvir, with the West Indies T20 captain smashing consecutive fours while the Australian helped himself with his seventh, , an over which cost 18 runs.

Both batsmen then lobbed catches straight down the ground after being deceived by Emrit’s change of pace in the penultimate over, with the visitors managed 54 runs in the last five overs.

Martin Guptill lofted left-arm spinner Delorn Davis for a straight six to get the run chase going, but Sammy spilled two relatively easy chances, allowing Guptill and fellow opener Dwayne Smith to manufacture a healthy run rate to finish the Powerplay with the Warriors 46 without loss.

Soon after Davis returned for a second spell, and immediately jolted the home team strong start with the wicket of Guptill for a 22-ball 19.

Sensing the opportunity, off-spinner Shane Shillingford was pressed into service and he too provided his side with a crucial breakthrough, removing Smith a 24-ball 32.

Chris Lynn and Jason Mohammed continued the onslaught, putting on 81 in 9.2 overs which eventually guided them over the line with 14 balls available.

The Warriors will now move to Jamaica where they will play the Tallawahs on Friday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 13, 2016

New Amsterdam‘s Clinton Moriah awarded 6th Dan black belt

Students and officials at the grading ceremony held at the YMCA. KARATEKA Clinton Orville Moria, of the New Amsterdam Shotokan Karate Dojo, was last Sunday awarded the 6th Dan black belt by Founder of the International Karate Daigaku, 9th Dan Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, who promoted a total of 94 students at a ceremony held at the YMCA Thomas Lands.

A total of eleven students were promoted to black belt (DANs), while 13 to yellow

(8 KYU), 14 to orange belt (7 KYU), 25 to green belt (6 KYU), 9 students to blue belt (5 KYU), four students to purple belt (4 KYU), six students to brown belt (3 KYU) and nine students to brown belt (1 KYU).

Moriah was the only black belt promoted to 6th DAN, while YMCA’s Trvon Miller and GFK’s Mahadeo Ramotar were elevated to 2nd Dan. Advancing to 1st Dan were YMCA’s Keyah Barker,

Aaron Persaud, Mahendra Singh, Joshua Seedharie, Eton Whyte, and Jalen Chancellor, while the set also included Land of Canaan’s Ethon Persaud.

Woon-a-Tai was assisted by his wife and 8th Dan Shihan Maureen Woon-A-Tai, and 7th Dan Shihan Bernice Hughes, 6th Dan Sensei Janice Pike, 6th Dan Amir Khouri and 4th Dan Sensei Roger Peroune.

Shihan Maureen Woon-

A-Tai presented the successful Dan students with their instruments of Dan ranks.

Students graded were from Shotokan Karate-Guyana Dojos all across Guyana - Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Albion, Blairmont, Land of Canaan, Canal #1 and Linden.

The students were commended for their outstanding performances while instructors of the varying Dojos were also praised for their

Ban match-fixers for life, says Pietersen BANNED Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir would not have the chance to return to the sport on Thursday after serving a fiveyear ban for spot-fixing if former England batsman Kevin Pietersen had his way.

He believes any player caught fixing the outcome of matches or incidents within a game should be given life bans.

“People always deserve a second chance in life but sport is different,” the 36-year-old wrote in his column in the Daily Telegraph yesterday.

Former England Test batsman Kevin Pietersen

We are paid to play a sport we love and are damn lucky to lead the life of a professional cricketer.

There can be no way back.”

Amir returns for Pakistan in the first Test against England at Lord’s after a five-year exile imposed after he admitted deliberately bowling a no-ball in the fourth Test against England in 2010.

Pietersen, who played in that match, which England won, said spot-fixing revelations dampened the mood in the victorious dressing room.

“The story broke on the

India schedule in the West Indies (All matches start at 10.00hts daily, weather permitting) JULY 9 to 10: Tour Match – WICB President’s XI vs Indians – Warner Park, St Kitts 14 to 16: Tour Match – WICB President’s XI vs Indians – Warner Park , Thu 21 to Mon 25: 1st Test – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua 30 to August 3: 2nd Test – Sabina Park, Jamaica AUGUST 9 to 13: 3rd Test – Darren Sammy National Cricket Ground, St Lucia August 18 to 22: 4th Test – Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad

Saturday night and we all felt sick on the final day of the game. We felt empty when we took the wickets to win the match and did not celebrate,” he added.

“The relationship between the two teams was fractured because we all knew the damage it would do to cricket.”

Pietersen, who last played for England in 2014, said there was no excuse for cricketers.

“In cricket the education players receive is so thorough. I have sat through so many (anti-corruption lectures) that I could probably give my own, so ignorance of the rules is no defence,” he said.

“I understand that in the sub-continent cricketers come from villages where there is poverty and deprivation.

“They get the chance to play international cricket and earn massive sums of money and are exposed to temptation. But to bowl a no-ball to earn more money is just greed.” (Eurosport).

instructions and guidance in assisting the students in their achievements.

Those commended included Amir Khouri and Roger Peroune from YMCA, Clinton Moriah from New Amsterdam, Hazrat Ali from Albion and Blairmont, Laurence Lowe and Mahadeo Ramotar from GKF, Parmeshwar Persaud from Land of Canaan, and Nathalie Gibson from Linden.

Special thanks also went

out to all the visiting instructors from Canada.

Meanwhile, Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai will be holding a special Brown and Black Belt and Instructors training session today at the Guyana Karate College (GKC) and tomorrow at the YMCA from 18.00hrs to 20.00hrs.

These training seminars are to prepare black belts for their Instructors Certification Examinations.

Pacer Roach in squad for second tour match against India DISCARDED West Indies pacer Kemar Roach gets a shot at forcing his way back into the West Indies squad, as he has been named in a President’s XI squad to play India in a three-day tour match starting tomorrow at Warner Park in St Kitts.

The 28-year-old Roach, who has played 37 Tests in which he has claimed 122 wickets at 30.23 runs apiece, headlines seven changes to the side that played the twoday tour match which ended Sunday at the same venue.

Roach, who last played a Test for the West Indies against Australia in January, going for 29 runs in the four overs he bowled, comes into the squad along with John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Chemar Holder and Gudakesh Motie.

Shai Hope, who scored KEMAR ROACH a century in the match that ended Sunday, has retained his place in the President’s XI. SQUAD Leon Johnson (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jason Dawes, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach and Vishaul Singh, Team Management Unit: Rayon Griffith (manager/coach), Henderson Springer (coach), Ariane Mangar (physiotherapist).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 13, 2016

La Penitence, Broad Street, Tucville, Sparta Boss advance in futsal tourney LA PENITENCE, Broad Street, Tucville and Sparta Boss are all through to the next round of the Petra-organised Ministry of Public Health Stop Gender-Based Violence-sponsored fustal tournament.

Continuing on Monday evening at the Independence Park (Parade Ground) those teams will move on to the semi-final stage of the tournament.

In game one, Sophia and North East La Penitence played to a one-all draw after Devon Charles’ 29th minute goal cancelled out Dwayne Lowe’s 21st minute shot, sending the game to penalties.

It was North East’s night to shine however, as they came out on top, winning 3-1 on penalties.

In the second game of the night, the Broad Street side were too much for their counterparts Kitty Weavers with score line ending 3-1.

Part of the action during the quarter-finals of the Petra-organised Ministry of Public Health Stop Gender-Based Violence fustal tournament at Independence Park on Monday evening. (Samuel Maughn photo) Eon Richardson’s brace (12th and 16th) coupled with

Jamal Cozier’s 28th minute strike ensured that Weavers’

Colin Clark 24th minute strike was cancelled out and ultimately overturned.

In the third game, a 5-all draw ensued between Tucville and Globe Yard, leading to the latter winning 6-5 on penalties.

The regulation time scorers for Globe Yard were Delon Lanfeman (3rd, 12th and 27th) and Andrew Murray Jr (9th and 20th) while the Tucville scorers were Denis Edwards (19th and 23rd), Kareem Knights (25th and 28th) and Tefon Daly (22nd).

The final game of the evening saw Sparta Boss trump Queen Street Tiger Bay 5-0 with strikes from Gregory Richardson (8th and 24th), Devon Millington (9th and 20th) and Denise Edwards (30th).

Meanwhile, semifinals action pits Tucville against Broad Street while Sparta Boss will have North East La Penitence to deal with.

Trophy Stall, Banks DIH on board GAWP, Rising Sun Turf Club horserace meet is also on the card and the winner will receive $160 000.

Horses classified `K’ will battle for the first prize worth $140 000 while the winner of the race for `L’ class horses will receive $120 000.

The day’s activity will close off with a race for Guyana-bred two-year-old horses and the winner will collect

$100 000.

Other sponsors alre a d y o n b o a r d a re : Jumbo Jet, Peter Lewis Associated Construction, BM Soat Auto Sales, Sheriff Racing Stable and Business Entity, Colours Boutique, P&P Insurance Brokers, Bunny Shivraj and Shano and Sons, among others.

WICB Chairman not hiding from subjective choices NEWLY appointed West Indies Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne, wants consistent performance to be central to the selection process, with the aim of ensuring that players understand that outstanding performance in first-class cricket will be rewarded.

His comments were made in the wake of scathing comments directed at him by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, who said Browne told him he was dropped from the West Indies squad for the upcoming Test against India because his 25.87 Test average was simply not good enough.

R a m d i n ’s c o m ments were subsequently deemed to be in breach of the WICB policy and the terms of his retainer contract.

As a consequence, Ramdin has since been sanctioned.

Ramdin was a member of the one-day-international squad which placed second in the recently concluded Ballr Tri-Nation series with Australia, South Africa and the West Indies. Newly appointed WICB Australia were the even- c h a i r m a n C o u r t n e y Browne tual winners.

Browne, however, has not wavered from his initial position which he thinks will serve West Indies well in the future.

“The selection panel is looking to create a competitive environment where players are fully accountable for their performances, while meeting the standards consistently in each of the three formats of the game,” he said.

The subjective matter of selection is not new to cricket, Browne emphasised.

He, however, noted that “the methodology of selection will be further enhanced by the increased use of statistical analysis along with fitness standards. The players will be monitored closely for all regional and international competitions”.

Browne wants not just to carry on the procedures former chairman Clive Lloyd used, but to build on the methodologies used to get the best performing team on the pitch at all times. Browne thanked Lloyd for his service and acknowledges the advice he continues to receive.

Jamaican discus thrower Jason Morgan to appeal Olympic non-selection before CAS Jonathan Sunich, Canadian-born son of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, is with Police Inspector Cynthia Kelly, chairperson of GAWP, as the trophies to be won at the Rising Sun Turf Club one-day horse race meet are displayed.

THE Guyana Association of Women Police (GAWP)/Rising Sun Turf Club one-day horserace meet, planned for Sunday, has received a boost with Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and beverage giant Banks DIH Limited being the latest to join the list of sponsors to support the event, which will have over $2M in prize money and other incentives on offer.

Trophy Stall has contributed trophies for the top jockey of the five-race meet as well as trophies for the best

trainer and best stable.

Banks DIH, on the other hand has contributed cash prizes for one of the events.

The one-day meet will be staged at the club’s facility, Arima Park, Rising Sun, West Coast Berbice and will get underway at 13:00hrs.

In what is anticipated to be a thrilling day of horse-racing, the feature event carries a first prize of $500 000 and a trophy and is open to horses classified `E and Lower’.

A race for `J’ class horses

LAWYERS representing Jamaican discus thrower Jason Morgan have written a letter to the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association advising them of the intention to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) his non-selection to the national team to the Olympic Games in Rio. Morgan, the 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, was excluded from the team despite being only one of two Jamaican throwers to have met the qualifying standard.

Reliable sources have informed Sportsmax.tv that the lawyer - Dr Emir Crowne - intends to file the appeal by Wednesday, July 13 (today0, and have the matter heard by

video conference before a sole arbitrator either on July 16 or 17 with a decision to be

Blake had said that the JAAA’s selection committee decided not to select

Jamaican discus thrower Jason Morgan made by July 18.

On Monday, Dr Warren

Morgan because of his inconsistency even though he

had achieved the required standard.

“Jason was fourth and it was the wisdom of the selection committee not to put him in even though he has the qualifying distance because Jason’s history is that he throws the qualifying distance at one meet and he never repeats and he never even comes within the zone,” Dr Blake told Sportsmax.tv on Monday.

Morgan had told media Monday that he was still hopeful he would be selected but expressed anger and disappointment when it was revealed that he was not.

Morgan is the Jamaican national record holder, having set the mark of 68.19m in 2015.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 13, 2016

CBC Female U16 championships

BVI Girls whip Guyana 54-18 on opening day HIGH powered offence, stifling defence and a comedy of errors led to Guyana’s first loss on the opening day of the Caribbean Basketball Federation (CBC) U16 Female Championships. The Guyana girls suffered at the hands of the British Virgin Islands, falling to them 54-18.

The Guyana girls never got their feet under them and fell behind early in the first quarter failing to score any points to the BVI’s 11.

The second quarter saw Guyana managing to put together 9 points to the BVI’s 25.

Commanding the stat sheet for the BVI was their captain,Shauliqua Fahie, who in the entire game had 24 points, 21 rebounds and 7 assists to go with 2 blocks and 6 steals.

The Guyana girls looked out of sorts and in the first half seemed in danger of calling it quits.

The Free throw shooting that had plagued the Guyana men, seemed to have beentransferred into the female side and the team went 2 of 10 from the line in the first half. However it was Guyana’s turnovers woes that caused them to lose the game.

The BVI steamrolled to a win in the second half without any sign of being stopped.

For Guyana it was Jada Mohan who had led the charge for them before retiring injured in the last quarter of the game. She finished with 11 points and was the only one in double figures for the Guyana girls.

The game leaves Guyana with much to think about in moving forward.

Meanwhile, Suriname fell to Bahamas 54-59 and Barbados beat Antigua and Barbuda 39-36 in the other matches (Daniel Haynes).

Huddled together the Guyana girls talking it over after their heavy loss to BVI last night.

Guyana crush Barbados by six-wickets Stories by Brij Parasnath in Trinidad and Tobago GUYANA continued their impressive performances in the West Indies Cricket Board Regional Under-17s 50-overs-a-side tournament and registered a convincing six-wicket over Barbados in their second-round match contested at the Inshan Ali Park, Preysal, yesterday.

The Barbadian batsmen had absolutely no answer to the spinning wiles of the Guyanese bowlers and were humiliated in dramatic fash-

ion as they were bundled out for a paltry 59 all out in 34.3 overs.

Kevin Sinclair (10-3-194), Kelvin Umroa (6-4-5-3), Kevlon Anderson (5-1-9-1), Ashmead Nedd (6-4-6-1) and Alpheus Bookie (5-1-11-1) did the damage for the Guyanese.

Only Shian Brathwaite offered dour resistance and mustered 15 runs off 70 balls while extras provided a healthy portion of 17 to the total on a pitch that had the ground staff using the heavy roller to get it in shape for the one-hour delayed start at 10:30hrs.

BHASKAR YADRAM Guyana’s vice-captain and wicketkeeper Joshua Persaud was magnificent behind the

stumps and effected three smart stumpings and held a brilliant catch which allowed the bowlers to perform their magical spells against the flat-footed Barbadians, who were totally clueless of how to negotiate the Guyanese off-spinners who wreaked havoc on the placid pitch.

Facing such a small total can instil complacency but skipper Bhaskar Yadram and his vice-captain added 20 for the second-wicket stand after opener Sachin Singh (3 runs off 10 balls) was dismissed with the score at seven for one.

Yadram, after playing out 26 balls, was deceived and offered Jamali Lynch a catch off the bowling of Camarie Boyce. Persaud soon lost Alpheus Bookie for zero, caught Nico Reifer off Joshua Bishop, who finished with two wickets for 22 from 9.1 overs.

Guyana were in some trouble at 23 for three but Persaud and Steve Deonarain averted disaster and added 16 for the third wicket before Persaud was adjudged lbw to Boyce for 17 that was scored off 47 balls and included one boundary.

Deonarain (18 not out, 2x4, off 37 balls) and Sagar Hatharami (4 not out) rallied Guyana to victory and shared an unbroken 17-run fifth-wicket stand.

Wicketkeeper Joshua Persaud who effected three stumpings and one catch plus the 17 runs was voted Playerof-the-Match.

Guyana won the opening round match against Leewards and need to keep up the winning momentum and stay in contention to win the regional Under-17 title.

T&T maintain winning ways in WICB Under-17s TRINIDAD and Tobago crushed Jamaica by eight wickets at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva and maintained their winning ways in the West Indies Cricket Board Under-17 50-overs-a-side tournament second-round match yesterday.

Talented all-rounder Navin Bidaisee emerged as Player-of-the-Match with a brilliant all-round performance of 67 runs plus five wickets for 19 runs that

sealed Trinidad and Tobago’s comprehensive victory, made it two out of two matches and took them on the path to regain the regional Under-17 crown.

Jamaica batted first and were restricted to 153 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Dorell Thomas 35, Andre McCarthy 30 and Dominic Samuels 51 were the main scorers while Bidaisee who was the eighth bowler used by skipper Kirstan Kallicharan; finished as the chief wicket-taker with

an analysis of 8-0-19-5. Brandon Singh (3-0-11-1), Justyn Gangoo (8-0-1-20-1) and Nathaniel McDavid (9-2-192) shared the other wickets.

Bidaisee put his stamp on the match with a sterling contribution with the bat and featured in two significant partnerships that allowed the Trinidadian to keep alive their chances of lifting the trophy once again, having won it in 2013.

The left-hander topscored with 67 that contained three

fours off 94 balls and together with Leonardo Francis (31 off 83 balls) posted 85 for the first wicket stand. Bidaisee and Cephas Cooper who dominated the second-wicket partnership; added a further 55 for the second wicket and the 140 for 2 after 36.2 overs.

Cooper slammed four fours off 49 balls and was undefeated on 34 to follow up on the match-winning 57 he recorded against Windward Islands in the opening round at Gilbert Park

on Monday. Kallicharran (7 n.o.) was together with Cooper when Trinidad and Tobago triumphed with 11.4 overs remaining.

Defending champions Windward Islands defeated Leeward Islands by 42 runs at Gilbert Park, California, Couva.

Batting first, Windwards amassed 164 all out in 44.5 overs with Dave Edward 31, Johann Jerimah 46 and skipper Johnel Eugene 39 being the successful batsmen. Jer-

rellious Louis and Uri Smith claimed four for 21 and three for 29 respectively.

Leewards were bowled out for 122 in 32.5 overs with Louis 46 and Elroy Francis Jr 29 being the main scorers. Jerimah won the Player-of-the-Match award with his topscore of 46 and five wickets for 35 runs. Eugene picked up three wickets for 28 runs.

The tournament continues tomorrow with three third-round matches.

BVI Girls whip Guyana 54-18 on opening day See story on page 35

Mohammed, Lynn fire Warriors to victory

See story on page 32

Victory lap! The Guyana Amazon Warriors after their final home game last night. (Adrian Narine photo)

National U-17 assistant football coach axed ... Team departs today for USVI

By Ras Wadada ON the eve of departure for Group 4 action in the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) U-17 preliminary competition, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) announced the removal of assistant coach Vurlon Mills from the team travelling to St Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) today.

Coach Mills will also face the GFF’s Disciplinary Committee along with nine members of the squad for breach of instructions handed down by the GFF.

Yesterday, the Executive Committee of the GFF was summoned to an emergency meeting at the Federation’s office to address the gross insubordination of the coach and players and after hours of evaluation it was agreed to put the matter into the hands of the Disciplinary Committee.

According to the president of the GFF, Wayne Forde, the team will now travel without an assistant coach but Mills’ will be replaced by Sampson Gilbert who will accompany the team in the capacity as a Youth Development Officer.

Reports are that coach Mills and the nine players ignored the instructions of the GFF and went ahead and played in a game of a schools competition last Monday, despite team manager Carlos Bernard advising them that the GFF has instructed that no player must participate.

Chronicle Sport was reliably informed that during a conversation last Monday with an official of the GFF, the Headmaster of the school in question threatened to terminate the scholarships of the players if they are not al-

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

Assistant coach Vurlon Mills. lowed to play. The nine players implicated will also

go before the Disciplinary Committee on their return from the USVI. In an invited comment manager of the team Carlos Bernard indicated that the squad is upbeat and ready to play but admitted that coach Mills will be missed, “The boys are all eager to go out and represent the country. I must say coach Mills’ presence and input will be missed, no doubt”.

The full 19-man squad selected reads: Goalkeepers Jonathon Copeland and Sefe Norville; Defenders Jeremy Garrett, Cecil Jackman, Akiel Forde, Kevin Padmore, Cosmos Dos Santos, Javier Smith and Alwyn Franklin; Midfielders Ron-

dell Peters, Lorenzo Miller, Tyrel Khan, Nicholas McArthur and Canadian-born Roberto Case and Forwards Maleki Adonis, Joshua Ferreira, Kobe Durant, Daniel Floy and Omari Brewley.

Head coach of the team is Anthony Stephens and the support staff includes Goalkeeper/coach Gavin Browne, Goalkeeper Development coach - Eon Deviera, Physio/trainer Lindley Langhorne and Equipment manager Devon Winter.

Guyana will begin their campaign on Friday against Jamaica and two days later take on the hosts while the final encounter will be next Tuesday versus Antigua and Barbuda.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016