Guyana Chronicle Epaper 13 07 2017

250 will return to Camp St Page 2

Breakout plot No. 104972

THURSDAY JULY 13, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

…cells were left open, canisters with gas found …fire hydrant disabled, pipes damaged

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Lula jailed for corruption Page 4

Plot to free Dataram forced transfer Page 8

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Karen Cummings and Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwyn Samuels on Wednesday visited Hubert Trim, one of the prison wardens who sustained injuries on Sunday during the Camp Street Prison unrest (DPI photo)

214 prisoners relocated

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$97M in contracts for seven projects Page 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

250 will return to Camp St …brick prison being prepped for intake AROUND 250 prisoners are likely to return to the Camp Street penitentiary to be housed in the recently constructed brick prison, well-placed sources have told the Guyana Chronicle. The newly-built brick prison is one of the only buildings still standing amidst the rubble at the Camp Street site. It was constructed at the cost of $80M following recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the March 2016 prison riots which claimed the lives of 17 inmates. The Guyana Chronicle was told that the inmates are likely to be transferred from Lusignan to the brick prison before the end of the week. According to sources, among those who will be housed there are persons on remand for murder and other serious crimes. “Basically it will be a remand centre and just for those who are on remand and have to attend trial and court,” the source who asked not to be named said. Only this week, retired Justice James Patterson told the Guyana Chronicle that Camp Street should be transformed into an emergency remand centre. Patterson who chaired the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the March 2016 riot said: “Perhaps the Government might think about clearing up the debris in Camp Street and making that an emergency

remand centre.” According to him, the prisoners on remand should not be sent to the various prisons across the country but should be held at the remand centre. “This is something Government may want to consider,” he said, until the required resources are acquired for the construction of a new prison. President David Granger on Tuesday said his administration does not intend to rebuild the Camp Streetbased penitentiary prison as it was prior to the fire. The President had led members of Cabinet on a tour of the gutted facility. He posited that the authorities will return to the drawing board “to determine whether it is appropriate to have a facility such as a prison at the centre of the capital city.” He said that the country’s three major prisons, Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Mazaruni Prisons were constructed by the British in each county. “So this is what was adequate maybe was 120 years ago,” President Granger said, noting that the authorities “definitely” will discuss what type of facility is needed following Sunday’s fire. “But we are not going to have the same type of facility here again,” he reiterated. He said the devastation at the site almost totalled the facility. The President said that the government was aware of the situation at Camp Street

prior to the blaze and, according to him the authorities were acting on recommendations made following the Commission of Inquiry (COI) after the riots at the prison last March. “We knew we had to strengthen Mazaruni (prison), money had been provided,” the President said. Government is in the process of expanding the facilities at the Mazaruni prisons. ”This was an accident waiting to happen”, the Head-of-State noted of the inferno. He explained too that the New Amsterdam prison was equally a “fragile structure”, noting that government is acting with the resources at hand. He assured that the Ministry of Public Security, at the end of the process, will have more secure prisons across the country, which he noted will not be susceptible to the cycle of breakouts which have been happening. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had said the “brick block” of the Georgetown Prisons will house high-profile prisoners. The brick prison can house more than 300 prisoners. During the sitting of the COI into the prison riots, Attorney-at-law Selwyn Pieters who represented the Guyana Prison Service had said Government needed to invest financially in constructing a brick prison, since the main prison is housed in the country’s capital city,

The Brick Prison at the Georgetown Prison being prepped for the return of 250 inmates (Delano Williams photo)

which is also the country’s business capital. Further, Pieters pointed out that Superintendent Kevin Pilgrim, Officer-in-Charge of the Georgetown Prison, in his testimony, had said the old wooden structures make it easy for inmates to hide contraband, and pose challenges for officers assigned to the living units. “Wood buildings at the Georgetown Prison… have their place, and their place now is ‘historic relics’; those are not places to house prisoners,” Pieters told the Commission at that time. EXPANSION OF MAZARUNI Meanwhile, Ramjattan said that the plans to expand the Mazaruni Prisons were

initiated after the completion of the COI last year. Noting that the 2016 National Budget was already passed when the COI was completed, the Minister said a request for the funds, for the project’s first phase was approved in this year’s budget. These plans will see the foundations for a state- of- the- art modern prison being built on the grounds of the Mazaruni Prison to the tune of 278 million dollars. The expansion will entail the construction of solid cast foundations, wall supports and internal fixtures such as wiring, utilities and other features being built over a one-year period. The new section, which will be adjacent to a part of the

old prison, will also feature automated locks, sprinkler systems and forced ventilation. Twelve concrete houses are also being built to accommodate prison officers stationed there, at a cost of $178 million dollars. Ramjattan explained that this is the first step towards building a maximum- security prison which will accommodate some 400 prisoners. He added that an engineer from Trinidad with prior experience in constructing similar facilities is a consultant on the project. When completed within the coming year, it will ease the problems of overcrowding at other prison facilities across Guyana.

Happy birthday Mr. President! Argentina Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Alberta Martino surprises President David Granger with a birthday cake at a reception Wednesday evening held at the Guyana Marriott to mark the 201st Anniversary of Argentina’s Declaration of Independence from Spain. In photo, the President Granger cuts the cake with the First Lady Sandra Granger as Ambassador Martino, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon look on. (Photo by Delano Williams)

President David Granger shares piece of his birthday cake with First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger during Agentina's 201st Independence celebrations reception held at the Guyana Marriot Tuesday evening. Also in photo is Agentine Ambassador to Guyana Luis Martino

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

TOP security officials have concluded that the Camp Street prisoners were up to something much bigger and evidence has pointed to elaborate planning, where underground steel pipes at the facility were damaged to make weapons; one of the main fire hydrants disabled and several canisters of gasoline were placed at strategic locations. Government is likely to conduct what one official described as the ‘mother of all prison inquiries’ regarding Sunday’s riot which resulted in nine prisoners escaping, a prison officer shot and killed and several other wardens injured. During the melee most of the buildings at Lot 12 Camp Street were gutted as well as the Senior Prison Officers’ Sports Club, which was used as a holding area for the evacuated inmates. “This thing was grand from what we have seen, there seems to have been something bigger that was planned,” the official told the Guyana Chronicle under conditions of strict anonymity.

SIX FIRES The Guyana Chronicle was told that a total of six fires were lit and Prisons Director, Gladwyn Samuels had confirmed Sunday night that the fire started when inmates lit them simultaneously in the buildings and holding hostage one officer. The prison director noted that around 16:45hrs on Sunday, he received two phone calls, one from the prison and one from a civilian, informing him of the situation at Camp Street. He said

…cells were left open, canisters with gas found …fire hydrant disabled, pipes damaged

Gordon” who is also facing two murder charges; Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander; Cornelius Thomas, a Trinidadian; Desmond James and Cobena Stephens aka “OJ”.

The Camp Street Prison was set alight on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

that he was told that an officer was being held hostage and following an exchange of gunshots, the prison’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) were activated. Samuels said the wooden sections of the prison at the corner of Durban and John Streets, as well as another wooden area close to the corner of John and Bent Streets, were set ablaze. Those areas, known as the strong-cell division and the condemned division,

were immediately attended to as evacuation of the prisoners commenced. Samuels said that from his observation, all the wooden buildings at Camp Street were damaged or completely gutted and the Prison Sports Club, which was used as holding area, was subsequently set on fire and destroyed. Samuels said that there were no signs of unrest prior to Sunday and according to him, based on reports, the fires

served as distractions which resulted in the break for freedom by the escapees. Up to press time Wednesday night eight of the escapees were still on the lam even as the Joint Services have launched a massive manhunt for them. Among them are: Mark Royden Williams aka “Smallie” who was sentenced to death for the Bartica massacre and is also facing charges for the Lusignan killings; Uree Varswyck aka “Malcolm

PLANNING Meanwhile, giving an insight into evidence of the prisoners’ planning, the official said it is clear that the intention was to burn down the prison and create further trouble in society. According to the official, the disabling of the fire hydrant was to render the efforts of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) powerless and also the inmates had blocked off access to the area where the hydrant was. Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle told the media Sunday night that the fire was unprecedented and noted that as the firemen battled the blaze with help from other members of the Joint Services, they were being constantly attacked by prisoners with large bricks. “There are a lot of issues that occurred“, he noted, adding that first responders would have made appropriate moves based on the situation on the ground. Gentle described the scene as “unprecedented”, a major incident where in less than an hour more than six buildings in the centre of Georgetown were razed. Asked to respond to criticisms of negligence on the

part of the authorities which resulted in the riot, the official said: “Those talks about negligence are uninformed this was a plan. We found that some of the cells were opened…so it means that persons inside might have allowed this and might have been part of what happened and so that is why there has to be a broader inquiry not so much on systems, but the criminal aspect of this incident,” the official told the Guyana Chronicle. President David Granger during a tour of the burnt out site on Tuesday said that Sunday’s incident”…was an accident waiting to happen.” He explained too that the New Amsterdam prison was equally a “fragile structure”, noting that government is acting with the resources at hand. He assured that the Ministry of Public Security, at the end of the process, will have more secure prisons across the country, which he noted will not be susceptible to the cycle of breakouts which have been happening. Government had injected over $350 million into expansion works at the Mazaruni Prison located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), to accommodate more inmates as part of efforts to address the overcrowding at the Camp Street, Georgetown, prison. Last year, seventeen prisoners in the capital section of the Georgetown prison at Camp Street died as a result of an unrest started by the prisoners that also resulted in damages to several sections of the prison.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Lula convicted; jailed for corruption Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been convicted of corruption charges and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison. The judge ruled he could remain free pending an appeal. Lula has rejected claims that he received an apartment as a bribe in a corruption scandal linked to state oil company Petrobras. He says the trial is politically motivated and has strongly denied any wrongdoing. The case is the first of five charges against him.

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

RUNNING AGAIN? Lula served eight years as president until 2011 and has expressed interest in running

again in next year’s elections for the left-wing Workers’ Party. On Wednesday, a judge found him guilty of accepting bribes from engineering firm OAS in the form of a beachfront apartment in return for his help in winning contracts with the state oil company. In a statement, Lula’s lawyers insisted he was innocent and said they would appeal. “For more than three years Lula has been subject to a politically motivated investigation. No credible evidence of guilt has been produced, and

overwhelming proof of his innocence blatantly ignored,” they wrote. The head of the Workers’ Party, Senator Gleisi Hoffmann, also hit out at the ruling, saying it was designed to stop Lula standing for office. She said the party would protest against the decision. The BBC’s Katy Watson in Rio says Lula remains a popular politician and the sentence will deeply divide Brazil. The charges Lula faces relate to the Car Wash scandal, the nickname for

came to office as the first left-wing leader in Brazil in nearly half a century. He was Brazil’s most popular president during his tenure - former US President Barack Obama labelled him the most popular politician on Earth. Unable to stand for a third consecutive term, he was succeeded by close ally Dilma Rousseff, who was later impeached. Current President Michel Temer also faces corruption allegations and is resisting calls for him to step down.

Brazil’s biggest ever corruption probe. ?What is Operation Car Wash? Operation Car Wash was launched three years ago amid escalating public anger over political corruption. The investigation centres on firms that were allegedly offered deals with Petrobras in exchange for bribes, which were funnelled into politicians’ pockets and party slush funds. Lula, a former steel worker turned union leader,

Report says more inclusive global value chains can advance productivity, growth in the Caribbean A new report says global value chains (GVCs) are transforming world trade but must be more inclusive if they are to deliver greater benefits to developing countries, such as those in the Caribbean, and smaller companies. The report was released here on Tuesday by the World Bank Group, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),

Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) and the Research Center of Global Value Chains of the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE). “GVCs create new opportunities for developing countries, increase their participation in global markets and enable them to diversify exports. But while global value chains have helped many developing countries to advance, some countries have benefitted more than others,

with some countries, smalland medium-sized firms, and workers in developed and developing economies still being left out,” the World Bank said. The Global Value Chain Development Report 2017, analyzes new data to help policy makers and others understand global trade’s increasing complexity and consider policies that can make GVCs more inclusive. “Global value chains are helping to advance the development process in many countries, including developing countries where they contribute to increased productivity, more international trade and faster growth, all of which benefit

entire populations,” said Anabel Gonzalez, Senior Director for the World Bank Group’s Trade & Competitiveness Global Practice. “Our report shows how countries can maximize the benefits of GVCs by moving to higher-value added activities, lowering trade costs and making GVCs more inclusive,” she added. Several factors determine how deeply a country participates in GVCs, the report finds. It says non-tariff trade costs, such as freight, insurance, fees, regulations, bureaucracy, or weak transportation links are a significant determinant of GVC participation. According to

Koopman, Chief Economist of the World Trade Organization. “Preferential trade agreements (PTAs) can also be very helpful as they often result in deeper commitments in particular areas.” The report, according to the World Bank, also finds that proximity to the world’s three major production hubs – the United States, Asia, and Europe – is highly important. The report says it also matters who a country’s trading partners are, how far the country is from high-income markets, and the degree to which partners are integrated within regional global value chains. (CMC)

the Global Value Chain Development Report, in some complex value chains, such as motor vehicles, computers or machinery, non-tariff trade costs are more than four times higher than tariffs. “Addressing these trade costs is a key factor to improving participation in GVCs and maximizing the benefits from that participation,” said Nadim Ahmad, Head of the OECD’s Trade and Competitiveness Statistics Division. “Multilateral agreements play a crucial role in lowering trade costs, and ensuring that all economies, particularly the poorest, benefit from trade cost reductions,” said Robert

Mitchell confident of victory in upcoming general election Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell says he is confi-

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dent that the ruling New National Party (NNP) , will be returned to power in the upcoming general election. Mitchell, who is also the current chairman of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) urged Grenadians to return the party to power to ensure that there is a smooth transition from one chairman of the CDB, to another next year. He informed the House that in May 2018 Grenada will be hosting the annual CDB meeting and hopes that Grenadians will understand why his Government needs to be the one handing over to the new chairman. “No changes should take place,” Mitchell

told the House. However a date for the general election, that is constitutionally due by March 2018, has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, during Tuesday’s post Cabinet briefing, Mitchell was asked if the ceremonial opening of Parliament which is traditionally held in October or November will see a new Government. “I cannot tell you if the next time we have a ceremonial opening it will be a new government but I know the NNP will be in office,” he said. The Parliamentary Elections Office which is responsible for executing a general election recently disclosed that it’s ready to

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ensure free and fear general elections. When questioned about the readiness of the Elections Office, Supervisor of Elections, Alex Phillip, in a written reply, said that his office had used the November 2016 referendum as a preparedness test. He also said that all the new staff and other persons who are required to ensure a free and fear election are participating in continuous training. The consolidated voter’s list as of July 7, contains more than 73,000 names. In the last general election held in 2013, it was a landslide for the NPP that won all 15 seats in Parliament. (CMC)

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FBI nominee: Trump probe not a witch hunt Donald Trump’s pick to lead the FBI has rejected the president’s depiction of a probe into alleged Russian meddling in the US election as a witch hunt. “I do not consider Director Mueller to be on a witch hunt,” Christopher Wray said about the former FBI director who is leading the special investigation. Mr Wray, 50, also told a Senate hearing he would quit if the president asked him to do anything illegal. The last FBI director, James Comey, was fired by the US president on 9 May.

The US president earlier on Wednesday tweeted: “This is the greatest Witch Hunt in political history. Sad!” Mr Wray told the Senate panel on Wednesday: “Anybody who thinks that I would be pulling punches as FBI director sure doesn’t know me well. “I will never allow the FBI’s work to be driven by anything other than the facts, the law, and the impartial pursuit of justice. Period.” The nominee said he was “very committed to supporting” the work of special counsel Robert Mueller. Mr

Mueller, who was described by Mr Wray as “a straight shooter”, is a former FBI director who is now leading the special inquiry into alleged Russian attempts to influence the 2016 US presidential election. Mr Wray also faced questions about emails belonging to Donald Trump Jr - the president’s eldest son - arranging a meeting with a Russian lawyer linked to the Kremlin. The nominee told senators he was unfamiliar with the emails. Senator Lindsey Graham read out the text of the emails to

him and asked if Mr Trump Jr “should have taken that meeting”. “I would think you’d want to consult with some good legal advisers before you did that,” said Mr Wray when pressed by the South Carolina Republican. “Any threat or effort to interfere with our elections from any nation state or non-state actor is the kind of thing the FBI would want to know”, he continued. Mr Wray added that he has “no reason to doubt” the assessment by US intelligence agencies that Russia sought to influence the 2016 elec-

China dissident Liu’s condition critical, breathing failing, hospital says Chinese Nobel Peace Prize-winning dissident Liu Xiaobo is in critical condition and his breathing is failing, the hospital treating him said on Wednesday. Liu, a prominent participant in the Tiananmen pro-democracy protests of 1989, was jailed for 11 years in 2009 for “inciting subversion of state power” after helping to write a petition known as “Charter 08” calling for sweeping political reforms. He was recently moved from jail to a hospital to be treated for late-stage liver cancer. Liu’s kidney and liver functions are failing, and he suffers from blood clots, among other ailments, the hospital in the city of Shenyang said on its website. However, Liu’s family has declined the use of intubation machinery to help him breathe with the aid of a plastic tube in his windpipe, the hospital said. “The patient is in a critically ill condition, the hospital is doing all it can to save him, and his family members understand the

situation and have given their signatures,” it added, without elaborating. The announcement suggested a significant deterioration in Liu’s health since early on Wednesday, when the hospital said he was being treated for worsening liver function, septic shock and organ dysfunction. Rights groups and Western government have urged China to allow Liu and his wife, Liu Xia, to leave the country to be treated abroad, as Liu has said he wants to. But the government has warned against interference in its internal affairs and has said Liu is getting the best care possible and is being treated by renowned Chinese cancer experts. Liu’s international counsel Jared Genser told Reuters that getting him out of China for treatment was a realistic possibility if approval was granted soon. “But time is of the essence,” he said. “Every moment that passes makes that possibility more difficult. But even a person who is extremely sick can be transported

by Medevac, which has state-of-the-art life support systems.” Genser said the United States has been engaged on the issue “up to the highest leaves of the government,” but declined to elaborate. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders repeated a call for Liu to be free to travel abroad for treatment. “We remain concerned that Mr. Liu and his family are unable to communicate with the outside world and that he is not free to seek the medical treatment of his choosing,” she told a regular news briefing. China’s state-backed Global Times tabloid said the “confrontational tone” of those in the West voicing their

opinions on Liu failed to focus on his illness. “China has already taken the feelings of relevant Western forces into consideration, and has no obligation to meet their unreasonable demands,” it said. The government allowed two foreign doctors, from the United States and Germany, to visit Liu on Saturday and they later said they considered it was safe for him to be moved overseas, but any move should be done as quickly as possible. After the doctors’ Sunday statement, China released short videos of their visit, apparently taken without their knowledge, in which the German doctor appeared to praise the care Liu had received.

tion in Mr Trump’s favour. Last month, Mr Comey told a congressional hearing that Mr Trump had requested a pledge of loyalty to him, which Mr Comey said he had refused to give. Mr Wray declared: “My loyalty is to the constitution, to the rule of law, and to the mission of the FBI. “And nobody asked me for any kind of loyalty oath at any point during this process and I sure as heck didn’t offer one.” Mr Comey had also told senators he was worried about meeting one-on-one with Mr Trump, because he was concerned the president might lie later about their discussion. When Mr Wray was asked how he would respond to a private invitation from Mr Trump, he said such a meeting would be “highly unlikely”. But he added it would depend on the circumstances and if national security was involved. Mr Wray also said he would attempt to work with the justice department

to ensure “it’s not a one-onone meeting”. “I think the relationship between any FBI director and any president needs to be a professional one, not a social one,” he said. “And there certainly shouldn’t be any one-on-one discussion between the FBI director and any president about how to conduct particular investigations or cases”. Mr Wray, a longtime justice department official who most recently has worked as a private criminal defence attorney, also noted his opposition to torture as an interrogation tactic. Democratic senators, who have harshly questioned other Trump nominees during their confirmations, signalled approval for Mr Wray, indicating that he will probably be approved for the 10-year term. If the president ever asked him to do anything illegal, he told senators, “first I would try to talk him out of it, and if that failed I would resign”. (BBC)

Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 05:00 hrs Friday, July 14, 2017 - 08:30 hrs Saturday, July 15, 2017 - 09:00 hrs

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Editorial Education without strong values

THE saying ‘when it rains it pours’ seemed to have confronted the security sector last week with the occurrence of two dramatic events in downtown Georgetown that had the citizenry on the edge. First, it was a daring attempted robbery of Republic Bank’s Water Street branch by three educated youths, one of whom was an employee of the bank; second, the burning down of the Camp Street Prison by inmates there. Regarding the first incident, it was not the first time that bandits tried to lay siege on a bank here, which on every occasion, captivated the public’s attention. But from what obtained previously, most of the

persons involved belong to a known gang or are known robbers. Last Tuesday’s incident was quite unique in the sense of the type of persons involved—educated young men. Of course, there were a few incidents were educated young men here were involved in armed robberies and shootouts with the police, but these cases are few and afar. In most cases, crooks with advanced formal education tend to engage in white collar crimes that involve fraud, embezzlement and related acts. Armed robberies of banks here by these persons are unheard of; so too is gainfully employed youths embarking on such dangerous schemes. It was for this very rea-

son that the suspected robbers, notably Elton Wray, an agronomist trained in China on a Guyana scholarship and who was killed, received so much attention, both in the mainstream media and social media. From what has happened, the question was repeatedly asked, ‘why would educated people arm themselves with firearms and try to rob a bank, of all places, in Guyana?’ Many in answering the question, say that the attempted robbery was an act of greed, with some contending that society over the past two decades has deteriorated to the extent that it has created an environment for such activities. None of these two contentions can be discounted but the discourse seem

more at laying blame rather than offering concrete solutions to a serious problem. Greed is a cancer that is difficult to cure when developed and greater attention is needed very early to dissuade young people from becoming the Elton Wrays, Jamal Haynes and Keron Saunders in society. This is an issue that should be dominating the discourse, and from all indications, it can only be overcome through cultural change, starting in homes and through indoctrination of positive values in the education system. Our education system seemed to be heavily centred on academics and passing examinations with less emphasis on building and promoting strong value systems.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

It goes without saying that an education without strong values could lead to the likes of the three suspected bank robbers, or those who engage in white collar crimes. Failure to meaningfully propagate a culture of honesty, integrity and hardwork would result in many of our young turning to self-destructive pursuits in the prime of the lives, which is a detriment to their families and society. Sociologist Patricia Shreerattan-Bisnauth hit the hammer on its head when she told this publication that youth molded in values and ethics will be less motivated to in-

volve themselves in a life of crime. Crime knows no race, religion or political persuasion; it is a setback to society and a strain on government to advance its developmental agenda. It is unfortunate that before the dust from the bank robbery could have settled, the Camp Street debacle emerged, claiming the life of a diligent serviceman and resulting in injuries to a number of others. It is a situation no government would want to encounter but the law enforcement officers must be commended for bringing the situation under control.

Sase Singh has allowed Remembering Wismar and Sun Chapman himself to be blinded by the ethnic blinkers Dear Editor:

Dear Editor: I WAS disappointed in Mr Sase Singh, who should know better, for alleging “racism” in the appointment of senior public servants such as permanent secretaries. Over the past 50 years, and before independence, the public service (Government service) comprised an overwhelming majority of Afro-Guyanese. The police and Army had and continue to have some 90% plus who are Afro-Guyanese. The PPP administrations, especially during the tenure of Cheddi Jagan, did not change the ethnic balance probably out of respect for (a) traditional composition and (b) fear that the party/government would be guilty

of racial discrimination. During the presidencies of Jagdeo and Ramotar, several Indo Guyanese were made permanent secretaries, not to bring ethnic balance or better qualified public servants to the top, but to impose political control and manipulation. Several of the PPP Permanent Secretaries such as Mitra Devi Ally, Collin Croal, Dharamlall, and Omar Sharief were PPP central committee members and had been candidates for previous elections. The politicisation of the civil service under the PPP was worse than any infusion of racebias. This was evident in the elevation of Dr Roger Luncheon to the position of Head of the Presidential secretarial ( HPS). Though he is Afro Guy-

anese, his role was that of PPP strongman over the public service and he would resign his post to contest elections for the PPP and would be reinstated after as if nothing had happened. That farce was a blemish to the tradition of the public service. In a sense, the PPP did nothing to improve the work or image of the public service. It imposed its own brand of racism which was political nepotism on the service. Sase Singh has allowed himself to be blinded by the ethnic blinkers and stoking this poison to please his new friends who once described him as ‘Thunderbolt Singh” Regards EARL HAMILTON

I REFER to the letter “Remembering the ‘Son Chapman’, by Solomon Sharma published in your July 7th edition. Mr Sharma noted, “TODAY (6th of July), 53 years have passed since that fateful day when more than 40 of Linden’s own were massacred on the Demerara River as they travelled home on the Son Chapman launch at 1600 hours on Monday, July 6, 1964…. We must take the lessons taught by tragedies such as these to guide our actions in the here and now.” But the “lessons” will be incomplete if parts of the story of Linden are silenced. The PNC, since 2004 have been annually commemorating the Sun Chapman tragedy but not once have they mentioned its precursor - the pogrom at Wismar on May 25-26. Yet on those two days, 220 Indian homes were razed, three Indians were murdered, several women and girls raped, almost the entire Indian population of 3000 were forced to flee. The killing of five more Indians in July who had returned

or stayed behind at Wismar after the destruction of the Sun Chapman was almost an anti-climax. This is also Linden’s history. In 2013, the PNC moved the commemoration from Hurudaia upriver to the centre of Linden. Dr Alissa Trotz and Red Thread have interrogated the purpose of this commemoration and queried the silencing of the preceding tragedy of the violence and ethnic cleansing of Wismar. They interviewed many of the refugees from Wismar, living on the east Coast of Demerara. Like the survivors of the Sun Chapmen, their loss is also palpable. As I have written, when we “look back at history” we can only do so from our present in which questions are posed for answers sought. For me, one question has been how and why the history of the Indians of Wismar with its denouement of May 26, 1964, has been so completely “silenced”, in the sense of the word used by Rolph Trouillot: “…the presences and absences embodied in sources (artifacts and bodies that turn an event into fact) or archives

(facts collected, thematized, and processed as documents and monuments) are neither neutral or natural. They are created. As such they are not mere presences and absences, but mentions or silences of various kinds and degrees. By silence, I mean an active and transitive process: one “silences” a fact or an individual as a silencer silences a gun. One engages in the practice of silencing. Mentions and silences are thus active, dialectical counterparts of which history is the synthesis. “ But we simultaneously, from our present, have our eye on our future - a future we hope to create, with the knowledge gleaned from the past. For me it is a future in which all Guyanese can live in peace to create their progress and not be manipulated to a return of that past. We cannot create such a future based on selective silencings. I have recommended at least a monument to all the 176 victims that perished during the “disturbances” of 1964. I do so once again today. Regards RAVI DEV

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Dear Editor: OVER the past few months, we saw for the first time since 1992 real time representation being given to sugar workers. Between the years 1992-2015, we saw a sleeping PPP and GAWU killing the sugar industry, be it by fooling the workers or by not representing them and mismanagement of Guysuco. I was amazed yesterday (July 9th, 2017) when I was watching a PPP propaganda program on LRTVS called “Insperspective” hosted by PPP’s Zufikar Mustapha, MP. This man dictates what he wants to hear from the callers. He disconnects callers that tell him the truth. Well, the man maybe doing that to protect himself because of the lies he has been peddling amongst Berbicians and Sugar Workers. Firstly, this MP needs to educate himself, the leader of the PPP and its MPs, because the Sugar Industry will not be closing down. The PPP has been spreading the lies amongst sugar workers and their families that the APNU+AFC government will be

closing down the sugar industry by the end of 2017. There will be a few estates that will be closed so as to make Guysuco and the sugar industry profitable again. It is really a sad thing to see the way PPP and its associates are lying to the workers that the Industry will be closed. Readers, we need to understand that it is the PPP and GAWU that brought the industry to this state. They are the ones that failed the workers since 1992. Between 1992 to May 2015 let GAWU (which is a PPP arm) tell the nation and the sugar workers how many strikes did they call?. GAWU must tell us why they sold out the rights of sugar workers during those years?. The PPP is so mischievous and wicked that they are using the sugar workers for their personal gains in politics. The MP on his program said that the PPP never closed any estate during their time. Well this MP’s memory is failing him or he set out to lie because, under the dictatorship of Bharrat Jagdeo, the doors of Diamond and LBI Estates were closed. During that time GAWU never called out workers to

protest. GAWU did not fight for those workers. Today GAWU barefacedly telling the sugar workers we care. To hell no, GAWU just care for their union dues every week, even if the poor worker works for one day. The PPP knew that the Industry would one day fall to its feet because they were mismanaging its affairs. They knew of the cut in sugar prices. They knew that the industry was running at a loss. But what did they do instead of starting a diversification program in the late 1990’s and early 2000 that will see the industry survive?. They took billions upon billions of dollars and built a factory at Skeldon and call it the Skeldon modernization project. They tell the nation that this project will see the turnaround in the sugar industry and that electricity will be generated there also. They fooled the people of this nation, as they have been doing since 1992. How can you modernise something for the future that has no future? The PPP was playing games with the workers because they knew that if they tell the sugar workers the

Much has been done by this gov’t on prison reform Dear Editor: IN HIS column on July10, Mr Freddie Kissoon referred to “overcrowding” at the Georgetown prison and concluded that nothing has been done about this. The issue of overcrowding is as old as the prisons in Georgetown. Remember the “Prisoners on the roof” episodes, and the 2002 Jailbreak? Well, when the PPP left or was removed from office, there were in excess of 1300 prisoners in the Camp Street Jail that was made for 600

inmates maximum. The new Government engaged the Judiciary to hold nights courts. Then the acting Chancellor appointed some eight magistrates and the courts functioned to clear up overcrowding in the remand section of the prisons. I am told that some $80 million was spent. Then, some prisoners were relocated to Mazaruni and Timehri and a new prison is now under construction in Mazaruni for convicted prisoners. To say that this Government did nothing is misleading. More

could have been done, I admit, and the law should have been changed to make possession of Marijuana of up to 15 grams non-custodial. The motion by AFC’s MP Carrington gives a good lead in this direction not to decriminalise Marijuana, but to change the sentencing guidelines. Mr Kissoon must add ideas to debate for reform, not throw up his hands in disgust and pessimism. Regards GEORGE BAYNES

truth about the industry they will lose votes and support from mainly the sugar workers who are Indians. The MP said that the PPP can’t allow the industry to close its doors because our foreparents are the ones that toiled and laboured on the plantation when they came to Guyana. Well the MP need to understand that our foreparents would have never allowed PPP and GAWU to ‘eyepass’ the rights of workers. Instead of the PPP spending hundreds of billions on Skeldon Modernization Project, they should have started a sugar worker dependent fund or a revolving fund for the workers; so that they could have started their own little business knowing the industry will one day fall to its knees. But no, the PPP and GAWU didn’t want that; if that was done they would have empowered the workers to be self-sustainable and then those said workers would not have sticked to their (PPP & GAWU) lies and deception. So the aim and objectives of the PPP and GAWU was and presently is to keep the workers under their palms so that they can use them when

the need arises. And that has been happening since 1992 to date. When I call into the TV program the PPP’s MP quickly jump and started to say that he will not listen to me and cut me off. On my second call, he disconnects the call and ends the program. Well, let me say to the PPP and GAWU that workers are getting to know the facts and they are now feeling betrayed by both of you very day and one day will call a spade a spade. Stop calling protests, marches and rallies and allow the workers to work and earn, so that their families can have a better life. GAWU need to stop taking union dues from the workers knowing that they help and work hand-in-hand with PPP to kill the industry.The PPP need to accept that the EU monies could have been used and done more better things than the PPP’s failed SKELDON FACTORY. I call on sugar workers and their families to educate themselves as to the people that brought this downfall on sugar. Guysuco has a future but sugar is bleak and we must remember although the PPP

is saying that sugar has a future the EU announced lately that they will not give more monies to the ailing Sugar Industry. So, where would the PPP find monies as they are claiming to turn around the sugar industry if they get bcak into government?. They had 23 years and all they did was to turn a blind eye on sugar workers and the industry. People, we must not be fooled by the PPP and GAWU. Here is a challenge to the PPP and GAWU if they so care for sugar workers, as they announced of a rally in Berbice. This will be another rally of deception. I challenge the PPP to announce at that rally, that their MPs will be giving up all their parliamentary salaries from July to December 2017 towards the sugar workers. I challenge GAWU to announce at that rally, that they will not be collecting union dues from workers during July 2017 to July 2018. Let’s see if the PPP and its partner GAWU care about the welfare of the workers and their families. Regards ABEL SEETARAM

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Five charged with Plot to free Dataram attempted bank robbery forced transfer

Jamal Haynes

Keron Saunders

Dead: Elton Wray

FIVE suspects, including three who will be identified for the first time, will appear in court today charged in connection with the botched Republic Bank Limited (RBL) robbery on July 4. Bank employee, Jamal Haynes and his gang members, Elton Wray (now dead) and Keron Saunders had reportedly planned on getting their hands on the night’s deposits since it was a threeday weekend and companies would have deposited millions of dollars in cash. Wray, a 25-year-old agronomist who studied in China on a government scholarship and was employed at the National Agriculture Research Extension Institute (NAREI), was shot in the chest during the rob-

bery. He died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He had recently secured a loan from the same bank to purchase his Nissan Juke car, which he had parked in South Ruimveldt prior to attacking the bank. Reports indicate that the robbery on the bank was planned three months before and the men even hijacked a car the night before. Jamal Haynes of Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, was treated at the GPHC for gunshot wounds to both legs and is in police custody. Haynes and Elton Wray were best friends and lived together in Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

It was reported that on the morning of July 4, the three armed men entered Republic Bank, Water Street Branch before it was opened to the public. The perpetrators wore masks, gloves and carried handguns and opened fire on the RBL personnel inside the building. Professional Guard Service security personnel, who were on site, immediately raised an alarm and an armed response teams proceeded to the location. Arriving shortly after the alarm had been raised, the teams assessed the situation and took up defensive positions with their police counterpart. Police said three firearms, including two 9 MM handguns and one .40 gun were found at the scene.

City to purchase own garbage truck

– as private garbage collectors end strike

By Rabindra Rooplall GEORGETOWN’s major garbage contractors, Puran Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management resumed collection Wednesday even as the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) aims to purchase their own garbage truck. This is according to Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, who explained that the move will see an end to contracted services in the years ahead. “I have asked that we look at purchasing our own garbage truck so we don’t find ourselves in this dilemma in the future. I know we have to move gradually to make sure that our workshop is equipped to do repairs,” the mayor said. She added: “A team has been set up to look at all the details of a new plan even if we have to start with at least

Solid Waste Management Director, Walter Narine

two garbage trucks in 2018.” Chase-Green said last Friday, the services were withdrawn from the M&CC because of a $300M outstanding debt owed to the garbage disposal services. She noted that in the interim, there were two small contractors working to ensure there was no buildup of waste around the City.

“Within those amount of days, there might have had been some amount of garbage thrown around the place, but there were no large heaps of garbage at our markets and generally around the City,” she said. She said no money was paid to the contracting agencies yet, but through discussions an agreement was met. The issue of payment is being ironed out and the situation is being rectified, the mayor told reporters. Solid Waste Management Director, Walter Narine, said the contractors will meet soon on the way forward and the M&CC will be looking to give each household in Georgetown a bin to store their refuse a little longer. “We will give each household one bin and some plastic bags too, and we intend to start this very soon,” he said.

PRISON authorities earlier this year had moved drug lord Barry Dataram from the Camp Street Prison to Mazaruni after reports had surfaced of a plot to spirit him out of that correctional facility. Dataram, a self-confessed drug lord is currently serving a five-year sentence at the Mazaruni Prison for cocaine possession, and an additional 48 months for forgery. He was also sentenced to three years after he was found guilty of possession of ammunition. He was found guilty of being in possession of a quantity of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking by Magistrate Judy Latchman last year September and sentenced to 60 months imprisonment and fined GYD$164,268,000. He had fled the jurisdiction prior to the sentencing, but was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname and brought back to Guyana. “Yes we had heard that a plot was hatched around him and he and some others were moved,” a senior security official told this newspaper.The Guyana Chronicle was told that Dataram was transferred sometime between February and March this year. Shortly after he was moved there his wife Anjanie Boodnarine was charged with smuggling contraband into the Mazaruni Prison. The 21-year-old of 79 Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara on March 31, 2017 had allegedly smuggled a pack of cigarettes for Dataram. Reports were that Boodnarine was reportedly in the process

Drug Lord, Barry Dataram

of attempting to sneak in a quantity of cigarettes in a sealed packet of ‘cheese stick’ when she was caught by prison officials during a mandatory check of the contents. On April 16, 2015 at Dataram’s house located at 661 Silver Dam, Fourth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, 33 parcels of cocaine substance were found in an upstairs bathroom, 180 pieces in a blue baby tub and 92 pieces in a black garbage bag in the downstairs dining room, and 142 pieces in a freezer with shrimp in the outer yard area. The cocaine amounted to 129.230 kilograms, which is equivalent to 284 pounds. In addition to the cocaine find, Dataram was sentenced to three years

imprisonment and fined $60,000 for the illegal possession of 180 rounds of .223 ammunition on April 16, at Lot 661 Fourth Avenue, Block ‘X’ Diamond, East Bank Demerara, when he is not the holder of a firearm licence. He was charged jointly with his wife, Anjanie Boodnarine; however the case against her was discharged. The three-year sentence for Dataram will run concurrently to the 60 months jail time. Boodnarine and Dataram were caught by authorities in Suriname and handed over to the police at Springlands. The two had departed Guyana for Suriname via backtrack route at Springlands, pending the decision in their trial for the cocaine trafficking case.

South Ruimveldt man gets bail on damage to property charge A 25-year-old man of South Ruimveldt was on Wednesday placed on $25,000 bail after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with damage to property. The allegation stated that

on July 2, 2017 at Georgetown, Clive Clift unlawfully and maliciously damaged the car mirror of motor car PVV 2828 worth $62,000, property of Collin Hover. Clift denied the allegation when it was read to him by city Magistrate,

Fabayo Azore. The Police prosecutor did not object to bail.The facts of the matter were not stated,however, the prosecutor stated that the file is incomplete. The matter was adjourned until July 25.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Lawmen search Buxton, Victoria for escapees …wanted bulletins issued for three Members of the joint services on Wednesday kept up their search for the eight prison escapees and searches were conducted in several East Coast Demerara villages including Buxton and Victoria. Sources in Victoria told the Guyana Chronicle that a party of policemen went to the backlands of the village to an area called the ‘Blacka’ after they had received information that the men might have been hiding out there. Meanwhile, across at Buxton sources said one man has been arrested after a search operation was

carried out by ranks. The Guyana Chronicle was told of ‘shootings’ occurring in Buxton at around 12:30h, but this could not be confirmed by Commander of ‘C’ Division Calvin Brutus. According to residents, the shooting occurred on Webster Avenue, Buxton. When this newspaper visited, residents of the area related that the armed forces took away one mentally-ill man. Brutus confirmed that the armed forces were carrying out a search operation in the area. During the operation, one resident who was sitting outside of his yard said that he was warned to

Name: Desmond James Ethnic Origin: Amerindian Age: 24 years Last Known Address: Hotoquai Creek, North West District Date of offence: 2017/07/09 Place of incident: Georgetown Prison, Camp Street

go inside his home by police patrolling the area. Soon after, he heard gunshots close by and police vehicles as well as army vehicles drove by his home soon after. Meanwhile, also on Wednesday police issued wanted bulletins for three additional prisoners who escaped from the Georgetown Prisons on Sunday. The three are Desmond James, Cornelius Thomas and Cobena Stephens aka “OJ”. They are wanted by police for questioning in relation to murder and escaping from lawful custody (Georgetown Prison). Three other men have

Name: Cornelius Thomas Date of birth: 1985/12/23 Race: African Last known address: Lot 36 Guyhoc Gardens, G/Town and Trinidad & Tobago Date of offence: 2017/07/09 Place of incident: Georgetown Prison, Camp Street

been identified by police after they escaped from the prison during Sunday’s prison unrest. They have been identified as Mark Royden Williams aka “Smallie”; Uree Varswyck aka “Malcolm Gordon”; and Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Desmond James, Cornelius Thomas and Cobena Stephens aka OJ are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-8196, 225-2227, 2271149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence The men’s particulars are as follows:

Name: Cobena Sephens Alias: OJ Date of birth: 1991/02/16 Race: African Last known address: Lot 82 Gope Street, Middle Walk, Buxton, ECD Date of offence: 2017/07/09 Place of incident: Georgetown Prison, Camp Street

Man in court for allegedly stealing cellphone ON Wednesday a barber was released on his own recognizance when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore charged with robbery with aggravation. Kenroy Alicock 33, denied the allegation which stated that on July 8, 2017 in Georgetown, he stole one cell phone valued $ 14,000 and

$14,000 cash belonging to Troy Armstrong and before or just after he used violence on Armstrong. The police prosecutor objected to bail based on the seriousness and nature of the offence and the gravity and penalty the offence attracts. However, the prosecutor did not mention the facts to the court, but

stated that the file is incomplete. Alicock was placed on $20,000 bail but in tears he told the Magistrate that he cannot afford to post bail since he does not have money. The magistrate then placed Alicock on his own recognizance. The matter was adjourned until July 26.

Many of the CoI recommendations implemented or ongoing – capital investment needed for completion

Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwyn Samuels

DIRECTOR of Prisons, acting, Gladwin Samuels has refuted claims that there has been no follow-up on the recommendations, arising out of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), into the last fire and unrest at the Georgetown Prison at Camp Street in 2016. The Director of Prisons said that the steps have begun to address issues such as staff shortage that was identified by the COI. “As it relates to some of the recommendations made, we have gone on a recruitment drive where our entry level is filled in terms of recruiting persons to assist in manning the prison,” Samuels noted. The Director of Prisons(ag.) stressed that “a lot of the recommendations are a work in progress and we have several consultancies going on right now that will serve to guide the implementation of some of the recommendations.” He, however, explained that finances have been a major challenge to the implementation of some of the major recommendations coming out of the COI. “There are some 40 odd recommendations that came out of the last Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and a lot of the major recommendations that came out require capital investment which we are currently working on,” Samuels pointed out. The CoI report cited the

combination of overcrowded, uncomfortable and unhygienic confinement at the prison, created the ideal conditions for epidemics, for gangs to prosper and to propagate discontent. The CoI recommended reducing numbers in the prison to manageable levels as the single most important priority for establishing, a safe, humane and purposeful environment. Towards meeting this recommendation, the government have commenced work to expand the Mazaruni prison in Region Seven. Government had injected over $350 million into expansion works at the Mazaruni Prison located in Region Seven, to accommodate more inmates as part of efforts to address the overcrowding at the Camp Street, Georgetown, prison. Last year, 17 prisoners in the capital section of the Georgetown prison at Camp Street died as a result of an unrest started by the prisoners, that also resulted in damages to several sections of the prison. Most of what was the Georgetown Prisons has been gutted by the fires on Sunday, July 09 after several fires were simultaneously started in multiple locations in the prison in a coordinated attack by the inmates. The prisoners initially set fire to two locations of the prison, the Strong Cell Division and the Wooden Prison/ Condemn Division but the fires quickly spread to other parts of the prison compound and eventually gutted all the wooden sections of the facility. Officials have confirmed that the fires were orchestrated by Mark ‘Royden’ Durant who wanted to escape and were meant to be distractions for his escape bid. Following the fire, the authorities were forced to relocate the prisoners to the Lusignan Prison. Some of the prisoners were later moved to the Mazaruni and New Amsterdam Prisons.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Police force under scrutiny – as CoI set up to probe assassination plot against President By Ravin Singh THE GUYANA Police (GPF) Force will come into sharp focus over the next couple of weeks as a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) seeks to probe the actions and responses of the force in an alleged assassination plot against President David Granger. On Tuesday morning, Chairman of the Commission, retired Assistant Police Commissioner, Paul Slowe, was sworn in by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. After he was sworn in, Slowe said that he will commence work immediately, and this includes identifying his support team. He said that he has already identified some persons who have expressed their willingness, but he could not disclose who those persons were at this

time. He estimated that his team will comprise five other persons. Asked what he expects to come out of this CoI, the chairman said: “I’m expecting that the truth will be revealed. What really transpired? How was the matter handled? And all incidental matters therefrom.” According to the Terms of Reference (TOR), the Commission will investigate the circumstances and events surrounding an alleged plot to kill the President. The Commission will have to investigate and review the “full range” of the GPF’s actions and responses to the reports and whether these responses were executed with due diligence. All actions, if any, taken by the police force or any officer, after the reported plot, will also be investigated. Further, the Commission is mandated to determine

whether any person or officer had information before and after reports were made about the assassination plan. In addition, evidence of failure, neglect or omission by the police to thoroughly investigate the alleged plot will be examined. After the Commission would have determined the blameworthiness for failure of officers involved, it is asked to recommend steps that can be taken in order to prevent a reoccurrence. Identification of systemic issues, if any, in the competence of the force to investigate matters of this nature, was also asked of the Commission. The Commission has until August 18, 2017 to submit its report to President David Granger. In April, an investigation was launched by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the police

legal advisor into an alleged plot to shoot President Granger while he was on one of his outreaches. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had disclosed that the administration had been provided with some information by the police about an ongoing investigation of this nature. Harmon noted that the security of the president has been increased and made it clear that while the president was popular there were some “misguided people,” and as such extra measures had to be put in place. Meanwhile, in an interview on Nightly News, a man said he was approached to carry out the act spoke of a $7M bounty that was offered to him to shoot at President Granger during one of his outreaches. The $7M it was said was offered by a prominent individual. The whistleblower in the interview stated that the businessman told him “… President Granger, we have to have him assassinated before he moves from where he is

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe, taking his oath at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning

living, before of course if he moves his security will enhance and you can’t get to him.” The informant shared that the businessman entered the latter’s house and brought out a large weapon which he collected and minutes later returned. He explained that he had approached the businessman to conduct a business worth $6M when the proposal

was made to find someone to assassinate the President and he would be paid $7M. “The next day I go back to he and said watch, me ain’t deh in them thing yo know, me aint even want you tell me back about that,” the informant said, claiming that he never killed anyone before and was just a businessman.

White paper for improving the country’s drainage A COMMITTEE comprising personnel from the Ministries of Communities, Agriculture and Public Infrastructure are currently working on recommendations to craft a white paper that will aid in addressing the critical drainage issues throughout Guyana. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, said that six weeks ago the President entrusted the three government ministries to craft this white paper, since the drainage issue across Guyana has become a critical one. The committee has already started working and so far, a preliminary paper has been prepared by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) which listed several options, including an expanded role for the NDIA. The Minister noted that this initiative is necessary since Regional Democratic

Councils (RDC), Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) and Municipalities do not have the capacity and are challenged to effectively manage drainage in their respective areas. “I engaged all the RDCs putting the policy paper before them and inviting their responses to the actions and all of them favoured this recommendation, and it is clear because they recognise they don’t have the technical skills, capacity, resources and machinery to otherwise address the drainage in their regions,” Bulkan said. Minister Bulkan noted that this lack of resources by RDCs, NDCs and Municipalities is resulting in hardship and misery for many people, especially when there is severe flooding and no systems is in place to deal with it. He emphasied that the option recommended is

one that would allow for an expanded role for a central authority to be properly resourced by the Central Government to discharge this responsibility. Several communities including communities along the Pomeroon River and communities in Regions Six, Seven and Eight have experienced severe flooding. This resulted in destruction of homes, farmlands and other livelihoods. Minister Bulkan said the government is working assiduously to ensure that this chronic drainage issue is resolved and flooding is a thing of the past. A white paper is an authoritative report or guide that informs concisely on a complex issue. It is meant to create understanding about an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

214 inmates transferred ‌198 to be released from Lusignan By Vishani Ragobeer

A TOTAL of approximately 214 prisoners have been transferred to other locations, while another 198 are scheduled to be released, both in an attempt to reduce the overcrowding plaguing the prison system. The Guyana Chronicle understands that since the prisoners that were displaced from the Camp Street prison which went up in flames are being housed in a now overcrowded Lusignan Prison, many of them have been transferred while others are scheduled to be released. Though the officers remained tight-lipped about whether all prisoners have been identified and accounted for at the Lusignan Prison, the Guyana Chronicle understands that some 214 inmates have been transferred to the Mazaruni, New Amsterdam and Timehri prisons. In addition to this figure, prison and judicial authorities have assessed the charges of many prisoners and some 91 inmates imprisoned for non-violent crimes who were unable to pay their bail previously have been sent on their own recognizance; 50 prisoners who were charged for the possession of small amounts of marijuana have qualified for bail and another 57 who were scheduled to be officially released within the month are expected to be sent on early release by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. All in all, a total of 198 inmates should be released. The Guyana Chronicle

found on Tuesday that 33 prisoners were already discharged. These prisoners were those who were scheduled to be released from the Camp Street prison shortly. A majority of those released were scheduled to be released within the month. Additionally, it was disclosed by a reliable source that those released were all well-behaved and cooperative inmates. Prison service officers related that the remaining number of prisoners will remain in the Lusignan prison on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD); reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle indicate that some 60 inmates are confined to the ECD prison. Family members of the prisoners have been congregating in the environs of the Lusignan Prison in an attempt to verify whether their loved ones are being housed at the facility, transported to other locations or remain unidentified or unaccounted for. In response to this, members of the GPS have been able to create a list of some of the inmates housed there. Upon hearing that their family members were inside the prison, they were able to send through food and clothing items to provide some comfort to the inmates. A number of prisoners displaced after the fire at the Camp Street jail joined Lusignan inmates on July 9, but due to the overcrowding at the building, persons were placed in a pasture within the perimeter of the prison. On July 10, 22 inmates

Another prison service officer reads the names of the inmates transferred to the New Amsterdam, Timehri and Mazaruni prisons to persons waiting to have food and clean clothes delivered to their family members housed in the Lusignan prison

were released on bail after magistrates were dispatched to the Cecil Kilkenny Prison Officers’ Training School in Lusignan, where a temporary court was set up. The Guyana Chronicle understands that among the inmates who were granted bail are persons who were remanded on charges of embezzlement; obtaining false documents; uttering false information; threatening language; larceny; fraud; perjury, damage to property; smoking illegal substances or in possession of improvised smoking utensils; being in possession of cannabis below 50g; possession of cocaine below 25g and dangerous driving. Some were remanded while others were granted bail, but could not post the amount.

One prison service officer (left) tries to confirm whether this woman’s relative is being housed at the Lusignan Prison

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Jagdeo shortlists 10 for GECOM LEADER of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday disclosed that 10 persons have been shortlisted for the Chairmanship position at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), but one has already declined. “We have just gotten about ten names that we have shortlisted from different organisations,” the Opposition Leader told reporters at his Church Street Office, while explaining that from 10, six persons would be nominated

for the position. However, one person has already declined. “One of the 10 already said to me ‘no! I don’t want to be subjected to public humiliation,’” Jagdeo claimed. In moving the process forward, he said one on one interviews will be held with the remaining nine. This, he said, will be done over the course of the next “few days.” However, Jagdeo was unable to say when the list of nominees will be presented to President David Granger,

stating that it is not a process that should be shortcut. This is the third time the Opposition Leader is presenting a list of nominees for the Chairman’s position at GECOM to the President. The first two lists were considered by the President to be “unacceptable.” None of the persons from the previous lists has been included on this third list; however, it includes a mixture of persons some from the legal fraternity and others who call within the “fit and proper category.”

The second list comprised retired justices BS Roy and William Ramlal, attorneys Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, Nadia Sagar and Kashir Khan and businessman Gerry Gouveia. The first list comprised chartered accountant Christopher Ram, governance specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh, business executives Ramesh Dookhoo and Norman McLean, author Ryhaan Shah and historian, Professor James Rose. President Granger had deemed both lists “unacceptable.” Back in March, the President had detailed the qualities that the nominees should have. “Among the requirements were, inter alia, that the individual must not be an activist of any form (gender, racial, religious, etc); that the person must have no political affiliation; and that the person should have the general characteristics of honesty, integrity, faithfulness, and diligence,” the President stated. Jagdeo had submitted the second list to the President on May 2, after his first list of nominees was also rejected in January. Jagdeo reiterated that the President

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

is bent on unilaterally selecting a person of his choice in violation of the letter and spirit of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution and the Carter Formula. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing legal matter involving businessman Marcel Gaskin. Through his Attorney, Glen Hanoman, Gaskin wants the High Court to declare whether the list of nominees to be submitted by the opposition leader must include a judge, a retired judge or a person qualified to be a judge. Jagdeo said what-

ever decision is made it will inevitably affect the process of choosing a nominee for the GECOM chairmanship. Additionally, the Guyana Bar Association has expressed concern over the delayed in appointment of the chairman. “It is of paramount importance that this constitutional office be urgently filled, since the position has been vacant since November 2016,” the Bar Association noted in a press statement. The association added: “It is the considered view of that Bar Council that the power created by Article 161(2) of the Constitution to decide the selection or non-selection of a person for appointment is a public law power, subject to the standards applicable to judicial review of such power.” Further, the association acknowledged that the matter is before the Chief Justice for interpretation, but expressed optimism that the meeting between the Opposition Leader and the President will lead to a speedy resolution of the matter which is of urgent national importance.

PPP applauds lawmen on stellar performance THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is in full support of the Joint Services, and is pleased with their ability to avert what could have been a major disaster, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said on Wednesday. “We are in full support of our security forces to restore normalcy to our country in these difficult times. It was by their action, quick action that we averted what could have been potentially an even bigger disaster,” Jagdeo told reporters during a press conference at his Church Street Office. Jagdeo’s comments come at a time when the country is still dealing with the aftermath of the Georgetown Prison Riot, which resulted in the 133-year-old prison being reduced to rubble, and the tragic death of a Prison Warder, Odinga Wickham, on Sunday. Eight high profile criminals, including the notorious Mark Royden Williams, had managed to escape. Despite the prevailing situation, the security forces skillfully relocated the more than 1000 prisoners under heightened security to the Lusignan Prison on the East Coast of Demerara. The Opposition Leader, on behalf of the PPP, also expressed condolences to the family of Wickham

while wishing the other hospitalised prison officers a speedy recovery. Wickham was shot multiple times about the body and succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The injured prison officers are Hubert Trim; Simeon Sandy, who has injuries about the body but was treated and discharged; Peter Gonsalves, who received chop wounds and is still hospitalised; Jason Maltay, who was shot in the right leg and is still in hospital; Earl Bathness, who was shot to the left shoulder and was treated and discharged. The injured prisoners have been identified as Keron Cummings, who is nursing a gunshot wound and remains hospitalised, and Marcus Anthony, called “Wild Buck”, who was shot in the left foot and is also hospitalised. Jagdeo told reporters that the Opposition has no intention of politicising the tragic event, events thereafter but is disappointed in the Government’s response to the situation. “Photo opportunities, press conferences, public statements are meaningless unless they are backed by substance,” he posited. The Opposition Leader complained that while the Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, has indicated that Government

had acted on some of the recommendations listed in the 2016 Prison Commission of Inquiry (COI) that report is still to be made available for public scrutiny. “At this point in time, no one with the exception of a privileged few has access to that report, so they had a Commission of Inquiry, they had several recommendations arising from the COI but they have not been implemented.” Additionally, Jagdeo expressed concerns that the Government is setting a precedence that may cause harm in the future. He emphasised that government is creating a moral hazard. According to him, the situation was further compounded when the Government announced that its emergency measures include the implementation of legal measures to immediately reduce the prison population. “If government felt that there were some people who were in prison that should not have been there, they should have implemented these measures before we had the fire.” “I don’t know if the executive is giving instructions to the judiciary now, so we have to find out where the instructions to the magistrates came from,” he added. These questions the Opposition Leader emphasised ought to be answered.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Agricola pensioner hit by bullet hospitalised – residents call on police to operate more professionally

By Rabindra Rooplall A 63-year-old pensioner of Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who was accidenally shot during a shootout between police and a bandit on Tuesday, is hospitalised at a private medical facility in the City. Residents in the area are calling on the Police Force to remind ranks of standard operational procedure when operating in residential areas. The pensioner, Parmaldai called “Galo” is a housewife of 124 Ceasar Street, Agricola, EBD. She was resting in her hammock when she was hit in the buttocks by a stray bullet. Parmaldai was shot in the aftermath of a robbery/murder that occurred when 32-year-old bus driver, Tedroy Neil James, was killed after a passenger stopped the bus on the McDoom Public Road, lower East Bank, where a man was sitting on the sidewalk. The man attempted to rob all the passengers. The Route 32 (Georgetown/Parika) minibus driver, also called “Six Head” of Suddie, Essequibo Coast, was en route to Georgetown when he tried to save the passengers by driving off. He was however shot by the bandit and later succumbed to his injuries. Police later intercepted and arrested an armed suspect in Agricola after an exchange

next to where the shooting occurred, was grazed by a stray bullet. Police said she was taken to the East Bank Demerara Public Hospital (Diamond) where she was treated and sent away. However, her relatives

Dead: Tedroy Neil James

of gunfire. Residents said the alleged bandit scaled the pensioner’s fence and police followed in hot pursuit amid rapid exchange of gunfire. “When this woman get shot she was in the hammock bleeding out and none of the police gave her any attention or even acknowledged she was shot,” one eyewitness said. Another resident explained that persons from a neighbouring house moved out and locked up their premises after the shootout because bullet holes were found on their building. “Is about six policemen, some with big guns that started shooting crazily, they even search some homes and ransacked them, and a man cell phone even get thief after the ordeal. When they done, they pick up all the spent shells and went away,” the resident said. Another resident noted that the police involved in the shooting were taken away

Injured pensioner: Parmaldai called “Galo”

from the scene in a separate vehicle. “The police who do the shooting put his rifle in the vehicle and came back out with a hand gun. Persons can identify the police that shoot her,” another resident said. Meanwhile, police in a press statement said acting on information, ranks went to 4th Street, Agricola at about 15:15hrs Tuesday and on arrival they were confronted by two armed male suspects. One was in possession of a shotgun with its barrel sawn off and the other with a handgun. “They opened fire on the lawmen who adapted tactical positions and returned fire. During the exchange, the suspect with the shotgun was injured. He was apprehended and the weapon retrieved; the other suspect managed to elude the ranks,” the press statement noted. It also noted that Parmaldai called “Galo”, 63, of 124 Ceasar Street, Agricola, who was resting in a hammock

The Agricola house where the alleged bandit entered and was cornered by police

took her to a private hospital where she was admitted. “The Police Force wishes her a speedy recovery. The injured suspect is wanted for discharging of a loaded firearm at Grove, EBD, on July 5,2017,” the statement said, as it pointed out that

investigations continue. Meanwhile, James leaves to mourn his wife and two young children. “He does stay in town to work bus so that he could get money to send back to his family in Suddie,” said one of his relatives.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

$97M awarded in contracts under CIIP By Vishani Ragobeer THE Ministry of Communities has signed seven contracts to the tune of $97M under the Community Infrastructural Improvement Project (CIIP) for rehabilitation and construction of community facilities. The CIIP focuses on projects fostering the green agenda, that is, creating green spaces and green pathways, among other things. The works to be executed according to the contracts signed include construction of Belladrum Multipurpose Centre in the Mahaica/ Berbice Region, awarded to R. Kissoon Contracting Services for the sum of $8,937,126; construction of Sanitary Block at Hosororo Community Ground, Barima/Waini Region by AAV Ragobeer General Construction at a cost of $7,419,962; construction of

Tabatinga Approach Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo Region by Kurt Cumberbatch Contracting Services for $10,810,250; construction of Hosororo Green Space, Mabaruma, Barima/Waini by Aruca Investments for $13,235,882; and construction of Golden Beach Boulevard, Bartica, Cuyuni/ Mazaruni by Ivor Allen for $40,874,295. Apart from these, the Maria-Johanna Ground in Wakenaam, Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara Region will be rehabilitated by Khan Contracting and Transportation Services Inc. This project is valued at $12,434,202. The Arthurville Ground, Wakenaam, Essequibo Island/West Demerara Region will also be rehabilitated by Khan Contracting and Transportation Services Inc to the tune of $3,894,000. Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the

Ministry of Communities, Permanent Secretary, Emile McGarrell said the contractors are given between two to three months to complete their project. They also have a sixmonth retention period. McGarrell urged the contractors to complete the projects within the stipulated timeframe and to employ persons from within the community in which the projects are executed. Initially, nine projects were bidded for in February. However, several administrative errors arose and in May 2017, the ministry invited several small contractors to discuss their missteps in the tendering process after most of the previous bidders were found to be non-responsive. The two bids that were responded to prior to now were the upgrading of Paradise Playfield, Paradise Village, East Coast Demer-

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan (centre) with six of the seven contractors who were awarded contracts under the Community Infrastructural Improvement Project (CIIP)

ara and the rehabilitation of Children’s Playgrounds at Blairmont and Shieldstown The group met with the permanent secretary and Procurement Manager, Michael Blackman. McGarrell urged the contractors to build their capacity to perform not only small contracts but much larger ones. However, he noted that the work must be of a very high standard and must be done accurately. He further implored the contractors to set their own standards and core values that would guide their company during the tendering process. During the tendering process, three contractors who have never worked on

projects for the Ministry of Communities were given an opportunity to bid. According to a statement from the ministry, the process also resulted in more responsive bids and satisfied contractors who felt that they were given a fair chance to participate in the government procurement system. However, some of the contractors failed to submit a valid registration, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) compliance while others did not complete the tender documents or failed to attach a signature to the bid declaration form. Other tenders were deemed non-responsive due

to a failure to indicate whether they were engaged in litigation, whether they are involved in ongoing projects and for failing to provide a list of equipment. He explained the tender process and answered questions from all of the contractors. They were informed that the law requires the ministry to give notification of the responsiveness of each bid and they also have a right to request the reason for their lack of responsiveness. The permanent secretary stressed that there was no question as to the technical capabilities of the contractors but all the hiccups were avoidable and of an administrative nature.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

ECLAC urges Caribbean to focus efforts on gender equality In the current world context, the countries of the Caribbean must focus on closing the structural gaps they still have, particularly with regard to gender equality, financial and fiscal sustainability (due to their high debt level), and mitigating the effects of climate change, in order to meet the commitments adopted under the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its 17 Goals (SDGs). This was pointed out by Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary for the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) during an event held in New York. The international senior official was the keynote speaker in the “African-Caribbean Cross-Regional Exchange” this Wednesday at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) taking place through July 19 at United Nations Headquarters. “The current development model is unsustainable in that it has led to a decrease in trade and growth, greater inequality, excessive financialization, and has fallen into the greatest market failure of all: climate change. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have thus come about as an aspirational response with a view to the long term,” remarked Bárcena. “In order to meet the SDGs, ECLAC proposes a great environmental push, a change in productive structures via industrialization, innovation and the incorporation of greater knowledge,” she added. The event was focused on dialogue around proposals of heterodox and feminist policies related to debt, climate change and gender equality in Africa and the Caribbean presented in several academic studies. It was organized by the initiative Regions Refocus (of the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, with headquarters in Sweden), the German political foundation Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and the Jamaica Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Participants in the dialogue included Ambassador Courtenay Rattray, Representative for the Jamaica Permanent Mission to the UN; Ambassador Pennelope Beckles of Trinidad and Tobago; Ambassador Keith Hamilton

Lewellyn Marshall of Barbados, and other Caribbean and African Ambassadors to the United Nations; Anita Nayar of Regions Refocus; and Caecilie Schildberg of FES, among other figures. In her remarks, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary said that in order to implement the 2030 Agenda, develop their national institutional frameworks to follow it and mainstream the SDGs into their plans and policies, it is essential that the countries of the Caribbean know the challenges they face in the current global context in terms of trade flows and accords, access to financing and mobilization of resources, and technology. “We must equalize to grow and grow to equalize, fostering investment and gender equality,” said Alicia Bárcena. On this last point, she stated that the main issue is assuring women’s autonomy in its three dimensions: economic, physical and political. In the Caribbean, women tend to be overrepresented in the lowest sectors of the labor market – especially in the service sector – and underrepresented in areas that require higher qualifications, she explained. Furthermore, the unemployment rate is higher among women, who also suffer lower levels of social protection and have lower salaries compared to men (in similar positions). “Much more needs to be done to completely capitalize on women’s potential, requiring methods that encompass their access to education and quality training, to economic resources and financial services, and to new forms of financing,” Bárcena underscored. “We must move from a culture of privilege to a culture of equality,” she remarked. With regard to climate change, the ECLAC senior authority asserted that the small island States of the Caribbean are more susceptible than other continental areas to the severe consequences related to increasing sea levels and natural disasters. She pointed out that in the past 40 years, it is estimated that such disasters have cost nearly 5% of the sub-region’s GDP. Moreover, macroeconomic conditions have led many countries of the Ca-

ribbean to considerably increase their debt levels in the 2012-2016 period, with some cases surpassing 100% of their GDP. “For this reason, ECLAC has launched a debt-relief proposal for the English-speaking Caribbean through the creation of a prevention fund for mitigating the consequences of climate

change in their economies,” she said. Bárcena emphasized that any debt-relief situation that avoids contractions in social spending and allows for responsible fiscal adjustments will be beneficial toward reducing the persistent inequalities in the sub-region, especially in terms of gender.

She stressed that this is exacerbated by the “graduation” problem of many Caribbean countries, which are of middle income and thus limited in their access to preferential financial and trade measures. “Proposals such as the one by ECLAC to establish a prevention fund to stimulate “green” investments

and shore up competition and productivity in the Caribbean will deliver much needed diversification as a means for reducing economic vulnerability, and will spur economic growth by putting the Caribbean on a sustainable path to achieving the SDGs,” stated Bárcena in closing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Too much procrastination – Ramjattan calls for action on recommendations on youth, violence and crime By Alva Solomon CITING procrastination regarding various reports, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has called for more action on recommendations relevant to youth, violence and crime. At the same time, a call has been made for the authorities to place emphasis on youth involvement in the decision-making process of the country’s policies regarding the nation’s youth. Speaking to a packed room at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday night during the University of Guyana‘s (UG) Turkeyen & Tain Talks, Ramjattan noted that there have been a number of reports which form part of the government’s strategy which centres on youth, crime and violence. These include the United Nations Report on Violence Against Children in the Caribbean as well as the 2010 UNDP Citizens Security Survey, among others. Noting that they are all major reports, he said such reports would remain on the shelves over the years. “We have to start utilising recommendations of these reports to immediately walk the talk,” he said, noting that if such is not undertaken, the results can be detrimental. Ramjattan told the gathering that from such reports, there is a correlation cited between young people and drugs or alcohol, noting that if someone is going to be a standout from the youth ages, that person can be affected

such programmes have proved to be effective since they have impacted positively in communities which in the past had high crime rates. He said having received the recommendations, the priority ones are addressed and funding is sought for such programmes

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan addresses the gathering during the forum on Wednesday night

by factors such as unemployment or poverty. Touching on the recent Georgetown Prison unrest, he informed the gathering that information from the prison hierarchy indicated that out of every five prisoners, only one can read. He said this is relative to the entire prison population across the country’s prisons. “It’s very serious,” he said, noting that the government has a number of findings and recommendations which will be effectuated. He said the issue of skills training is being addressed, noting that in each police division across the country, the commander of the division has been tasked with developing social programmes which integrate children into progressive projects “especially those who may have come from dysfunctional families”. The minister noted that

WORKING WITH GANG MEMBERS Pastor Eworth Williams of the Heavenly Light Church in Cooper Street, Albouystown noted that the church has been working with gangs for a number of years. Speaking on the subject of youth and violence, he

said the church is not only about the four walls, but rather an avenue which persons can turn to in difficult situations. He spoke also of the prison population and posited that all prisoners would have had experiences in the church, temple or masjid. However, according to him, the reality is no one would have noticed such persons and this would have led to such persons choosing a life of crime. “So what has happened is that they would have turned to things that would make them noticed,” Williams said. He informed the gath-

church,” Williams said. Youth advocate Derwayne Wills, who spoke at the event, called for more youth involvement in the decision- making process. He said there are many questions which demand answers. He said when the government changed in 2015, many anticipated the setting up of a Ministry of Youth. Wills suggested that this should be reviewed by the authorities. He noted that there is a national youth policy while legislation relative to youth is being addressed. However, he called for accountability of various constitutional bodies which have oversight

A section of the gathering at the forum. Registrar of the University of Guyana, Dr Nigel Gravesande is seated (front right) with Dr Paloma Mohamed next to him

ering that in Albouystown, there are approximately 48 main gangs, of which 26 are said to be notorious. The church, he said, has a good relationship with the gangs, noting that from time to time, he would meet and have discourse with the gang members, “because we believe that if we don’t touch them, then someone else will”. He also said it has not been an easy task, noting that at times the church officials would wonder if the persons engaged would really change their lives. He noted, however, that there are examples of those who have worked to change their lives. “We have a part to play, especially as a

over the nation’s youth. “What we need is action, to fix the system’s short-comings,” Wills said as he called on the authorities to meet the youth half way. University of Guyana Health Sciences student, Patricia Gittens, spoke on the issue of mental health. She said there is need for the authorities to place prevention of crime and violence on the front burner. Gittens said the good news is that there is hope in that direction. The forum, which was moderated by Professor Ivelaw Griffith, Vice-Chancellor of the university, attracted a large turn-out. It concluded with a discussion between the panel of presenters and the audience.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Disaster Risk Management team challenged to develop national drainage plan

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon in Wednesday announced during the quarterly meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinating Committee, held at the headquarters of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), that Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh, at the request of President David Granger will join that body, given his wealth of knowledge and experience in disaster risk management. Dr. Carl Niamatali was also introduced as a new member, who has offered his services at the disposal of the CDC.

Major General (Ret’d), Joe Singh during a meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinating Committee held at the Headquarters of the Civil Defence Commission

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Colonel (Ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup during the quarterly meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Coordination Committee

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Colonel (Ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup during a meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinating Committee

Noting that both men bring a wealth of experience to the table, the Minister challenged the team to look at developing a strategic national drainage and irrigation plan, which will result in a more efficiently managed drainage network countrywide, since though the individual systems are interconnected, they are currently managed by separate agencies. “We are in a constant disaster preparedness situation… You really need to have a national authority to be able to say this is what we will do, having regard the concerns and the livelihood of all the persons involved,” Minister Harmon said. The Minister discussed with the committee several

pertinent issues related to natural disasters, particularly the risk of flooding countrywide, which likely due to the effects of climate change, is affecting all the administrative regions. “We have to organise ourselves as a platform and all of the structures which fall beneath the platform to ensure that we can, if not prevent these things from happening, at least do some type of amelioration when they occur,” Minister Harmon said. Minister Harmon said too that the President has mandated him to carefully look at the country’s preparedness and to determine if more national resources need to be allocated to adequately address incidences of natural disasters.

Representatives from the Ministry of Social Protection, the Ministry of

Communities, the University of Guyana, the Hydro meteorological Office, the

United Nations, the Environmental Protection Agency and several others

were present at the meeting.(Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Bartica youths benefit from job-readiness training By Vishani Ragobeer

YOUTHS across the town of Bartica have benefitted from a job-readiness training held jointly by private customer service solutions company, Sure-Gig; the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders. At the St. John the Baptist Primary School in Bartica, some 63 youths attended the job-readiness workshop where they were given career coaching and other skills training, such as the creation of cover letters for their curriculum vitae (CVs). ThE workshop was initiated by Sure-Gig, and is part of an over-arching programme designed to allow assessments to be done in the each region, so that projects will be implemented based on the needs of the youths in the regions. While the programme began in Bartica, it will be extended across Guyana. Founder of Sure-Gig, Felisha Duke-Campell, related that the company knows Guyana is plagued by un-

Some of the youths gathered for the job-readiness workshop held in Bartica recently

employment issues and has decided to reach out to several stakeholders to tackle this problem. According to the founder, the unavailability of jobs is not the only factor attributed to youth unemployment, contending that youths generally are not adequately equipped. “What we are offering is job-readiness and self-de-

velopment training through a two-year project,” Felisha said, and added that the programme targets youth unemployment, budding entrepreneurs and school-dropouts. The Sure-Gig founder related that her intention is to make Guyanese youths marketable on the global level, since according to her, Guyanese have not been making a great impact there.

Bartica Mayor, Gifford Marshall, said the people of Bartica welcomed the initiative as it will go a far way towards positively impacting the town. The mayor bemoaned the many social issues affecting the town and pointed out that the programme brings new opportunities for youths. “What we intend to do for the rest of the year is to work with government and non-governmental organisations to build the capacities

of our youths since there is no tertiary institution here.” Since having a tertiary institution established in Bartica would have to be a long-term goal, the mayor highlighted that capacity-building workshops and scholarships for the youths are the short-term goals. Project Officer within the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Jermaine Watson, also related that the ministry opted to collaborate with Sure-Gig because the ministry has no direct pres-

ence in the region. “We’d like to let young Barticians know what opportunities they have available,” Watson said and noted that the ministry welcomes making youths marketable in local industries. Watson also highlighted that the ministry has made the programme part of its calendar of activities and it has the support of the Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael- Haynes and Education Minister, Nicolette Henry.

Tucville man gets bail for attempted murder A Tucville man was on Wednesday placed on $150,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, after he was charged with attempted murder. It is alleged that on June 18, 2017 at the Tucville ball field, Kurt Joseph unlawfully and maliciously wounded Tavil December with intent to murder him. According to Police Prosecutor Mansfield, Joseph and December are known to each other and they were engaging in a friendly game of football which turned out not so friendly when the two got in

a heated argument. Joseph then took out a knife which he used to stab December. December was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and a surgery was carried out. The Prosecutor also stated that the matter was reported and Joseph was arrested and charged. Reports are that December received several 3cm stab wounds which are not life threatening but have the potential to cause death. The defendant, a father of two, was represented by two attorneys namely: Hewley Griffith and Michael Somer-

sall. Somersall stated that his client has no previous matters and requested bail. Prosecutor Mansfield did not object to bail but stated that conditions must be attached to the bail if granted by the Magistrate. The father of two was placed on a sum of $150,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lenann under the condition that he stays 50 feet away from December and must not make any contact with anyone concerning the matter. The matter has been adjourned to August 7, 2017.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Linden youths go into Super Nova mode - for second year running SECONDARY school students from the mining town of Linden are now making waves in the local music industry as they make full use of the opportunity to showcase their ability to sing and perform in the second annual Super Nova Competition. Super Nova, which means ‘shooting star’, is a music-producing competition coordinated by several Linden artists, producers, designers and studio owners, and has attracted scores of young singers across Linden, who are now given the opportunity to write, record and produce their own music thus opening a window of opportunities of being artistes. According to the Public Relations Officer of Super Nova, Dexter Copeland, the 2017 competition saw over 50 students across Lin-

den auditioning, and out of these, there are now 13 finalists that are currently in the motion of recording and producing their own original songs, along with its video. At the finals, which is tentatively slated for September, the finalists will have their debut performance of the song that they wrote and produced. “The main purpose of Supa Nova is to get local talent in Linden out there,” Copeland sauid, adding: “We are a body of persons creating a gateway for the kids to produce music and showcase their talent in the form of music videos and promotions.” The 13 finalists are: Jada Henry, Gabrielle Allen, Shamar Francis, Andrea Newton, Hollanee Cambridge, Shelsie Miller, Sherifa Edwards, Sunita

2016 winner, Melcah Garraway of CWSS

The 13 finalists that are presently recording their music videos

Vivieros, Tavia Philander, Sa Yoor Headley and Shaquana Gibson.

In 2016, the competition garnered huge attraction not only in Linden but countrywide, and social media was abuzz during the weeks leading up to the finals as the videos were uploaded. Many were amazed at the high level of talent the children portrayed, and the superb quality of the videos. “It was like our own little Linden Idol,” one Supa Nova fanatic pointed out. Young Melcah Garraway of Christianburg-Wismar Secondary emerged winner of the competition with her song, ‘Never gonna Stop’. While the competition has shaken up its management somewhat this year, the atmosphere is similar to last year, with high anticipation of who will emerge

winner. “The finalists went through vocal training for like a week,” Copeland said, “and then they were taught how to compose a song, not fully, but a synopsis on how you go about composing a song. “After that, persons that made the finals had to perform on stage, and were judged based on clarity, vocal range and performance in general. They are competing by the use of music videos, so each competitor had to do their music videos and put it on social media.” The videos were produced by Elevate Studios, which is also manned by Copeland who boasted of their high quality. “The songs were vetted to see what story line

should be used, while some videos are promotional. Each day we worked with two students; then there is the shooting and then the editing process. The quality is really good,” he said. The winner of the competition, as well as some of the well-received finalists, will commence their music career after the finals. “They will be given access to studio time, and they will be given a platform to be booked on shows. They will be doing covers and being kept active,” Copeland said. While the team is basically funding the entire competition, sponsors and support from the corporate community is being sought as the days running up to the finals draw near.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Major overhaul for Christianburg-Wismar Secondary

THE Christianburg Wismar Secondary School is set to undergo major rehabilitation work during the latter part of 2017, which will be the first of two phases that will be completed over a two-year period. The monies allocated in the 2017 Budget to the first phase of the repairs is $18.5M, and will see substantive work being done in several departments of the school. According to Regional Education Officer Marcia Paddy, the 41-year-old school is in need of major repairs, even though the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has been conducting minor repairs on the building over the years. Departments to bene-

fit from this project are the Home Economics, Science,

ies have also been allocated for the purchase of equipment

CWSS Headmaster, Mr. Cleveland Thomas

Industrial, Visual Arts and Technical Departments. Mon-

for the foregoing departments, including the Woods

Department which has been suffering over the years despite being one the school’s major departments. Regional Chairman Renis Morian said that among machinery that will be purchased for the Woods Department is a lathe. “We are looking to bring back what was enjoyed at the Multilateral School over the years,” Morian said. The CWSS was once the top performing school in Linden, but some years ago lost its status at both academics and sports. Many blamed the previous administration for deliberately neglecting the school because it was built by Forbes Burnham, and because it was also located in a perceived People’s National

Congress (PNC) stronghold. The school’s headmaster, Mr. Cleveland Thomas had, in a previous interview, expressed disappointment at the deplorable conditions under which both students and staff were forced to operate, but opted not to comment on the proposed repairs this time around. Thomas, a renowned educator in the Linden community, took up the position of headmaster at the Christianburg Wismar Multilateral School back in 2004, and since then, despite the poor environment, the school’s academic and extracurricular performance have skyrocketed. In 2015, for the first time in many years, the school copped seven of the top 10

places in Region 10 at CSEC, and continues to acquire places in that top bracket. The school’s pass rate has also increased to 67%, while the institution has also managed to extend its curriculum by adding Spanish, Economics, Theatre Arts and Physics to the list of subjects being studied. CWSS has also been making the headlines of late for the prowess of its football team that has been repeat champions at the annual Digicel’s Schools Football Competition. Thomas said that while the school will be pushing to be given Sixth Form status, the focus will be on vocational studies so as to cater for the many technically-inclined students in attendance there.

Many miss Mackenzie - At this year’s NGSA High by one mark REGION 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has done exceedingly well at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), copping eight places among the country’s top one-per-cent achievers, seven of whom will be attending Queen’s College in the new academic year.

According to Regional Educational Officer, Ms Marcia Paddy, the cut-off point this year for MHS was 464, but those pupils who missed it by a margin will be placed at the nearest secondary school within their catchment area. As Paddy told the Guyana Chronicle, it would be unfair for the ministry to overlook

NCN’s Linden Branch Manager, Reycia Nedd

The region also saw a significant increase in the number of students being awarded places at top high schools in Georgetown and the region’s own top school, Mackenzie High (MHS). But while celebrations may be in order, one needs to spare a thought also for those students who did not make it to the top schools, many of them missing MHS by just one mark.

the one less mark and still place those children at MHS, since some 140 students were awarded places there. “We also still have to keep places for those children who would have gotten top schools in Georgetown, but opted to go the MHS,” Paddy said. For those children residing on the Mackenzie shore, they were awarded places at the Linden Foundation Secondary School (LFSS), while

those residing on the Wismar Shore will either attend the New Silver City Secondary School (NSSS) or the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS). Children attending the St. Aidens Primary and the Christianburg Primary are placed at CWSS, which is also given high rankings, sporting a CSEC pass rate of 67%. Many parents, however, have over ther years cheated the system by submitting addresses close to CWSS in the event their child does not make it to MHS. Parents, also, not pleased with the performance of the other schools sometimes beg for their children to attend CWSS in spite of the distance from where they live. One parent, Malika Carryl whose child gained a place at LFSS despite living in Amelia’s Ward, prefers that he attends CWSS. “Yes! I prefer for him to go there! I don’t mind the passage; I feel that there has better programmes for him... His big sister is already going there and is doing well,” Carryl said. One child who missed Mackenzie High by two marks said that it is heart-breaking for her, as she really had her mind set on going there. “I feel very sad, because I only got 462; I really wish if I could get in,” the young child said, adding that she should have taken her teacher seriously when she warned them time and again, “Every mark counts!”

STILL A SECOND CHANCE Despite the disappointment many children may have suffered, the Department of Education has put systems in place to have them transferred to MHS if they gain over 70% each term during the first year at their respective secondary schools. Many children have taken this second chance seriously and attend their awarded schools, but so excelled during the first year, they were able to attend MHS after all. One such student was Timika Bayley who attended LFSS for one year, but was later transferred to MHS. And when she sat CSEC in 2011, she gained four Grade

Ones and four Grade Twos. What Timika’s performance has proven is that when you keep your eyes on the prize, it always ends up safely in the palm of your hands. Many other students would eventually go on to attend Mackenzie High at the Sixth Form (Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination) level, after being successful at the secondary schools they were awarded. One of those students, Reycia Nedd, was awarded a place at LFSS after only gaining 468 marks, two marks shy of MHS’s cut-off point. “But I still went MHS eventually to write CAPE; went to UG for four years, and earned a Bachelor’s De-

gree before I was 22 years old,” Reycia say in a Facebook post, adding: “I said that to say the school you went to doesn’t determine where you will end up. LFSS wasn’t a privileged school; we had to do a shift system because of inadequate space. “And every time it rained, our school used to flood... No science lab; just a few beakers to work with... But we pushed through; we didn’t let that stop us from learning. NGSA is not the deciding factor.” Today, she is the manager of the National Communications Network (NCN)’s Linden Branch, and has proven that the race is not for the swift, but for those who endure to the end.

MHS students at a science and technology fair back in 2013

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Heritage watch...

The Christianburg Water-wheel AMONG the many heritage sites in Linden, the Christianburg Water-wheel continues to hold its own at the waterfront of the little community of Christianburg, one of Linden’s first stable wards. History has it that Christianburg was the first of the municipality’s three wards, the others being Mackenzie

and Wismar, since it was the first stop when travelling by river, which at the time was the only mode of transportation there was to get to Linden. In 1855, a Scottish engineer, Mr. John Dagleish Patterson, installed the large red iron wheel to “hydro-power” his sawmill from the Katabuli Creek,

which is a tributary of the Demerara River. And despite the sawmill has since been dismantled, the water wheel still remains to this day, and is being renovated, since it is a part of the Linden Heritage Trail. The National Trust of Guyana, through research, has revealed that John Dagleish Patterson had ac-

The iconic Christianburg Water-wheel

quired a small number of vessels from the Indigenous Peoples and commenced the production of logs. But because of limited technology, processing the logs was quite difficult in those days since they had to be tied together, strung alongside a punt and floated downstream. Patterson quickly put on

his thinking cap and identified the Katabuli Creek as the ideal point of operation for the production of timber. The force of water flowing through that creek from the savannahs into the Demerara River was strong enough to permit the construction of a hydro-powered sawmill. The water-wheel was then in-

stalled and proved successful until the 1950s, when it just became a monument after the sawmill became non-operational. Many locals, schoolchildren and tourists visit the national monument from time to time to get a glimpse at what used to power the main economic activity in Christianburg.

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Linden well on the road to recovery The famous standoff between protesters and the Joint Services at the Kara Kara Bridge back in July 2012

- from the ravages of the 2012 unrest SIX years ago, Linden was famously known as ‘The Baghdad of Guyana’, as pandemonium rocked the streets, while fear stalked the homes of many who decided to stay indoors. It was nothing short of a battlefield on the ‘Wismar Shore’. The sound of gunshots, screaming protesters and breaking bottles; the acrid smell of tear gas; blood and gore every which way; buildings being gutted by fire; and a prolideration of law enforcement officers pretty much sums up what the scene was like on July 18, 2012 around the Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge and its environs. Unfortunately, three lives were lost, and to date, those fallen heroes, Ron Somerset, Allan Lewis and Shemroy Bouyea are remembered every year around this time and continue to live on in the hearts of all Lindeners. Dozens of protestors were also shot and injured as they took to the streets to demonstrate their disagreement with a proposed electricity hike by the previous administration. It was a catastrophe like no other that

rocked Linden. In its wake, the economy plummeted to the ground, and bauxite mining and business on the whole ground to a halt. Road blocks put paid to any attempt of getting to interior locations, and for those who had to move, the transportation cost was in some instances up to four times higher than normal. It was a mini-rebellion that rocked the small, hilly township and tarnished its natural beauty with blood, anger, death and destruction. CLEANED UP AND REHABILITATED Despite these unfortunate events, Linden rose to the occasion, and today stands tall as a rehabilitated town. Many strides had to made to clean up the town, rebuild infrastructure, reboot the economy and remove the stigma attached to the town as one in which resides not warriors and bullies, but a people who are ready to fight for their rights, no matter the cause. Anf as Linden gets ready to commemorate the 6th Anniversary of the 2012 unrest and to host a memorial of the slain heroes, residents can do

so in sight of new buildings and infrastructure, with leaders whom they have put into office, and most importantly, a light bill that remains subsidised. Among buildings that were destroyed back in 2012 were the One Mile Primary School, the Guyana Revenue Authority, and the Linmine Secretariat. Those buildings have all been rebuilt. Roads and bridges that were destroyed, including the Kara Kara Bridge and Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge and its toll station, have also all been repaired. The One Mile Primary School was one of the first buildings to be rebuilt, and while the residents of Linden commenced its reconstruction by means of self-help, their efforts were somewhat unsuccessful and the project was taken over by the then government and completed in 2015. For the three years, the children were separated into different venues, which made supervision very difficult. Learning and teaching also posed a problem, as the children were crammed into small spaces. Despite this, the school continues to be ranked an ‘A Grade’ school,

and puts out excellent performance at the National Grade Six Examination. This year, the school copped three of the region’s Top 10 places, and two in the country’s top one per cent. The rebuilding of the Linmine Secretariat, which also houses the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI), was completed in October 2016, and the spanking new cream two-storey concrete building neatly covers the old building that was burnt down in 2012, though the charred structure remains behind. Former Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat Horace James, had revealed to the Guyana Chronicle that the many historic and important documents and records of bauxite production were burnt in the fire, but the Secretariat had to pick up the pieces and commence operation, which was temporarily housed at the Watooka Complex, while LECI rented various buildings across Linden. HONOURING THE 2012 AGREEMENT The signing of the 2012 agreement, which occurred on the August 21, 2012,

between former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and former Region 10 Chairman, Sharma Solomon brought an end to the 2012 unrest. It was agreed that the town will continue to pay $5 per kilowatt of electricity which government continues to subsidise. Among other major terms agreed were the establishment of a Regional Land Selection Committee; the granting of a broadcasting licence to Region 10; the establishment of a technical team to investigate the electricity situation in Linden with specific terms of reference for the committee; and the establishment of an economic committee, with specific terms of reference for the committee. To date, Linden has not seen the materialisation of the other aspects of the 2012 Agreement, despite the fact that the government has put systems in place for the granting of the broadcasting licence. The land selection committee was formed, but is currently null and void. Former Regional Chairman, Sharma Solomon during the 2016 memorial made public calls for the current adminis-

tration to honour that agreement, since it was inked in blood and sweat. Said he: “Those were the struggles and the inking of an agreement that those young men died for, and we must ensure that those are remained and maintained and eventually fulfilled; that this community does not only see not an increase in electricity, but our economic programme developed; that we see our access to information and our right to our television station be handed over forthwith. Those are things that were inked in an agreement with blood, sweat and tears, and we as a people must ensure that they are maintained.” Regional Chairman Renis Morian, however, is of the belief that the economic and technical committee has been honoured in the form of the five-year Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD). He revealed that an economic committee has been established to man PARD, which will see infrastructural, technical and technological developments in Region 10. The execution of PARD, however, has not commenced.

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Kittel wins Tour de France stage Iqbal denies leaving English 11, Froome retains overall lead county because of hate crime MARCEL Kittel won his fifth stage of this year’s Tour de France with victory on stage 11, as Britain’s Chris Froome retained the leader’s yellow jersey.

Quick-Step Floors rider Marcel Kittel of Germany celebrates his win on the finish line.

Poland’s Maciej Bodnar was caught in the final 300 metres in Pau, having led for the rest of the 203.5km route.

German Kittel surged past his rivals, with Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen second and Edvald Boasson Hagen third. Froome leads by 18 seconds overall from Italy’s Fabio Aru and is 51 seconds ahead of Romain Bardet in third. Britain’s Daniel McLay finished fifth in the stage, with compatriot Ben Swift in ninth. “It’s perfect at the moment,” said Kittel. “The race (for the green jersey) is not over but I’ve used all my chances that I’ve got so far.” ‘I’m seeing sprints like Tetris’ - Kittel Quick-Step rider Kittel was the firm favourite to win in Pau, having claimed his fourth stage in imperious fashion on Tuesday.

Once again the 29-yearold German had enough time to raise his arm aloft, signifying his five stage wins, as he coasted over the line, his rivals only able to draft in behind him. Kittel’s teammates Jack Bauer, Philippe Gilbert and the particularly impressive Julien Vermote all did extended turns at the front of the peloton late on to reel in Bodnar and hold off rival sprint trains. “When you’re on your top level as a sprinter, it’s like playing Tetris and you’re just trying to find the gaps,” said Kittel. “I’ve not made a mistake and again I could just jump from wheel to wheel. “It’s really nice to give the team a victory because my team all worked hard

- they’re champions and they’re killing it for me.” Kittel is now just one behind the six stages won in 2009 by Britain’s Mark Cavendish - who crashed out of this year’s race - and could surpass that tally, with three of the remaining stages potentially ending in a sprint finish. Although riders in the breakaway will look to take victory on stages 16 and 19, both of which feature several categorised climbs, it is tough to see anyone beating Kittel on the final stage sprint down the Champs Elysees. He also holds a likely insurmountable lead in the green jersey points competition, with a total of 335 so far, 133 ahead of Australia’s Michael Matthews. (BBC Sport)

Leewards whip Jamaica in CWI U-17 tournament LEEWARD Islands upstaged Jamaica and registered an emphatic five-wicket victory in their Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-17 50-Overs competition first round encounter at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva om Tuesday. Jamaica batted first and were bundled out for 96 in 31.4 overs. Ricardo McIntosh

hit four fours off 3 balls and emerged as the top scorer with 24. Michael Thompson and Roberto Simpson scored 17 (3x4 off 46 balls) and 11 respectively. Zawandi White (3 wickets for 18 runs), Elroy Francis (2 for 18) and Michael James (2 for 20) were the main wicket-takers for Leewards. Leewards raced to a commanding victory when

they replied with 97 for 5 in 27.5 overs. Uri Smith led the way with an attractive 36 that was decorated with five fours off 56 deliveries. Elroy Francis hastened the triumph with three fours off 10 balls and was undefeated on 17 when they celebrated an important milestone. Summarised Scores: At National Cricket

Centre, Balmain, Couva: Jamaica 96 all out in 31.4 overs (Ricardo McIntosh 24, Michael Thompson 17, Roberto Simpson 11; Zawandi White 3 for 18, Elroy Francis 2 for 18, Mandre James 2 for 20) lost to Leeward Islands 97 for 5 in 27.5 overs (Uri Smith 36, Elroy Francis 17 n.o., Carlon Tuckett 10; Romaine Jacobs 2 for 31). (Brij Parasnath)

Foreign Ministry Sports Organisation Summer Time KO Tapeball 11-a-side on Sunday TROPHIES, medals and cash will be up for grabs this Sunday when the Foreign Ministry Sports Organisation hosts a Summer Time KO Tapeball 11-a-side workplace cricket competition at the National

Cultural Centre tarmac on Sunday from 09:00hrs. Registration for the event is scheduled to close on Friday July 14, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Registry Department, with registration fee being $6 000 per team. Teams can contact James Lewis on 628-1656 or 666-

5857. All teams must have their own flannel balls to last them throughout the competition. The organiser will only be providing the prizes and the umpires. There will also be prizes for the best dressed team, the bowler with the most wickets

and the batsman with the highest score in the final. Any batsman scoring five or more sixes in one over and any bowler who takes a hattrick in a single over will also be in for a treat. There will be man-toman matches for spectators to win cash prizes.

Leewards whip Jamaica in CWI U-17 tournament

LEEWARD Islands upstaged Jamaica and registered an emphatic five-wicket victory in their Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-17 50-Overs competition first round encounter at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva on Tuesday. Jamaica batted first and were bundled out for 96 in 31.4 overs. Ricardo McIntosh hit four fours off 3 balls and emerged as the top scorer with 24. Michael Thompson and Roberto Simpson scored 17 (3x4 off 46 balls) and 11

respectively. Zawandi White (3 wickets for 18 runs), Elroy Francis (2 for 18) and Michael James (2 for 20) were the main wicket-takers for Leewards. Leewards raced to a commanding victory when they replied with 97 for 5 in 27.5 overs. Uri Smith led the way with an attractive 36 that was decorated with five fours off 56 deliveries. Elroy Francis hastened the triumph with three fours off 10 balls and was undefeated on 17 when

they celebrated an important milestone. Summarised Scores. At National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva: Jamaica 96 all out in 31.4 overs (Ricardo McIntosh 24, Michael Thompson 17, Roberto Simpson 11; Zawandi White 3 for 18, Elroy Francis 2 for 18, Mandre James 2 for 20) lost to Leeward Islands 97 for 5 in 27.5 overs (Uri Smith 36, Elroy Francis 17 not out, Carlon Tuckett 10; Romaine Jacobs 2 for 31). (Brij Parasnath)

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has denied media reports that his abrupt departure from English county cricket was prompted by a hate crime against his family. The 28-year-old left English side Essex after one match on Tuesday, just four days after joining to play eight matches in the T20 Bash. Yesterday media reports in Bangladesh and Britain said the opener’s wife, who wears a hijab, and child had been chased out of a local restaurant and had acid thrown at them. However, Iqbal said

on his Facebook page the reports were “really not true” and said his departure was for “personal reasons”. “England is one my of favourite places to play cricket and Essex have been entirely gracious even though I had to leave early.” Essex refused to comment on the reports and echoed Iqbal’s comments. “Essex County Cricket Club can confirm that overseas player Tamim Iqbal has left the club with immediate effect due to personal reasons,” a brief statement read. The left-hander has scored nine ODI centuries for Bangladesh and eight in Tests.

Sir Leon Lessons ... Continued from back page After several failed attempts, Masters Academy took the lead, which came off the cleats of Angel Smith in the 43rd minute. The goal sent their supporters into frenzy and, given the way Sir Leon Lessons were attacking, a victory was in sight for Masters Academy. Smith later had another opportunity at goal that could have put the game away and place Masters Academy in the quarter-final, but he seemed too anxious and his shot sent the ball over the crossbar. But, as time ticked away, Masters Academy became untidy in the defence and in the 62nd minute, referee Maurice Skeete was in the perfect position to spot a handball in the penalty area and quickly pointed to the mark. Tyrese Forde stepped up to the penalty spot to take the kick for Sir Leon Lessons, and the player made no mistake in tucking the ball nicely past

the goalkeeper who had chosen the right side, but the ball was hit too hard and too high out of reach. With the scores level at one, and time elapsing, the game was sent straight to penalty shootout as per tournament rules. Sir Leon Lessons were flawless from the penalty spot, while Masters Academy missed their second kick and fell 5-3. Last year, Sir Leon Lessons were booted from the tournament at the semi-finals stage, falling 2-1 to the Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (Multi). One hundred and fifty schools, drawn from the ten administrative regions of Guyana, are vying for what is considered as the country’s ‘Holy Grail’ of schools football. One million dollars will go the winning school for a project of their choice, while second through fourth will pocket $700 000, $400 000 and $350 000 respectively.

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PMTC record 2-0 win over Vryman’s Erven Training Centre By Colin Bynoe ARGUABLY the most entertaining and skilful game of this year’s Digicel Schools Nationwide Football, Region 6 leg was played on Tuesday at the Skeldon Back Centre ground, The two teams Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) and Vryman’s Erven Training Centre showcased their determination and skill, making use of on-target passes and eye-catching goalkeeping. For both teams, goalkeeping was outstanding. At the end of the 70 minutes’ regulation time Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) were the better team registering two well-executed goals. The game commenced at 15:30hrs under clear skies at a frenetic pace, which continued throughout the 70 minutes. PMTC received a golden opportunity in the 4th minute to score their first goal, as Vryman’s Erven committed a terrible defensive error in the 18-yard box resulting in a penalty kick for PMTC. The chance to score off the penalty was squandered as the ball landed straight in the goalkeeper’s lap,

The victorious Port Mourant Training Centre team

giving him an easy save. Neil Hutson gave PMTC the lead in the 17th minute with a blast from the left of the 18-yard box into the back of the net, leaving the Vryman’s Erven goalkeeper visibly shocked. PMTC pushed for their second goal and pierced the net, courtesy of Joleel Roberts, in the 21st minute. By halftime the score was 2-0.

A determined Vryman’s Erven Training Centre rekindled their strategy in the second half by replacing their first-half goalkeeper. As a result, this move brought some pride for Vryman’s Erven as they displayed more courage in the second half. In the second half, multiple goal-scoring moments highlighted the skilful nature of the goalkeepers - leaping, diving and effortlessly saving goals. By

the end of regulation time the score remained 2-0 in favour of the well-oiled PMTC. The competition continues today with quarter-final action at the Skeldon Back Centre. The first game starts at 13:30hrs. Siparuta Secondary will come up against Skeldon High and at 15:30hrs Corentyne Comprehensive confront JC. Chnadisingh Secondary.

Murray dethroned in painful Wimbledon exit LONDON, England (Reuters) - Andy Murray’s Wimbledon title defence evaporated on Centre Court in a painful five-set demise to Sam Querrey yesterday as the hip injury that has dogged the world number one throughout the tournament finally got the better of him. Murray’s hopes of becoming the first Briton to retain a grand slam title since Fred Perry in 1936 were shredded as he hobbled helplessly to a 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-1 quarter-final defeat. The encounter ended in almost brutal fashion, as Murray struggled to move freely around the court in the final two sets and the big-serving Querrey ruthlessly put him to the sword, wrapping up victory with his 27th booming ace.

Despite the best efforts of the Centre Court crowd to cajole a miracle recovery from the limping Briton, Murray’s troublesome hip proved beyond help and he was swiftly dispatched, with the final two sets taking just under 47 minutes. Querrey can now lay claim to the title of Wimbledon’s chief giant-killer, after slaying then champion Novak Djokovic last year. He becomes the first American man to reach a grand slam semi-final since Andy Roddick at Wimbledon in 2009. “I’m still in shock myself,” he said after setting up a semi-final encounter with Marin Cilic. “I didn’t start my best but kept with it and kept swinging and I hit my groove in the fourth and fifth sets.

Majestic Federer outclasses Raonic to reach semis

Chandimal, Tharanga to lead Sri Lanka after Mathews departs COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Dinesh Chandimal was named skipper of Sri Lanka’s Test team yesterday, while fellow batsman Upul Tharanga has been tasked with leading the limited-overs squads after Angelo Mathews relinquished the captaincy across all formats a day earlier. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Thilanga Sumathipala said the board had accepted Mathews’ resignation following a shock one-day series defeat by Zimbabwe, which the all-rounder described as one of the lowest points of his career. “As a captain, I can’t turn a blind eye to the failure of the team in the past several months,” Mathews told a news conference where the new captains were named, referring to the team’s struggles since the 2015 World Cup. “There is sufficient time for Sri Lanka Cricket to choose a captain and prepare the team for the 2019 World Cup in England. “I wanted to take this decision back. But I had to

stay because of the team. Now Upul and Dinesh are capable of carrying the duty.”

Dinesh Chandimal

Sri Lanka’s new captains have little time to adjust to their roles as the side host Zimbabwe in a one-off Test starting tomorrow, before welcoming India for a full series from July 26, featuring three Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 match. The 1996 world champions, currently ranked seventh in Tests and eighth in one-dayers, are also vying with West Indies for the last available automatic place in the 2019 World Cup. Chandimal said he

looked forward to receiving guidance from Mathews as he begins his tenure against Zimbabwe in Colombo before taking on the topranked team in Test cricket. “I thank Angelo for leading the team and it is not an easy task,” the 27-year-old said. “We have lots of ups and down in the last two years, but we have a lot of

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talented young and senior players in the team. “I am happy about being entrusted (with) this post. I am going to put my heart and soul to put the team in the right position.” Mathews marks his return to the Test side against Zimbabwe after missing the previous home series against Bangladesh through injury. Newmarket 08:50 hrs Desert Skyline 09:25 hrs Sound Of Silence 10:00 hrs Victory Angel 10:35 hrs Poet’s Word 11:05 hrs Spring Cosmos 11:35 hrs A Moment Of Madness 12:05 hrs Forest Ranger Irish Racing Tips Downpatrick 10:05 hrs Mr Showtime 10:40 hrs Super Bowl 11:10 hrs Delayed Eloquence 11:40 hrs Aurora’s Dream 12:10 hrs Carleon Kate 12:40 hrs TB Broke Her 13:10 hrs Anytime Now American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Correjon Race 2 Cool as You Like Race 3 Kantune Race 4 Miss Mystique Race 5 Knarsdale Race 6 Tasunke Race 7 Hollywood Cat Race 8 Downtown Mama

Roger Federer

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Roger Federer says the key to winning majors is making sure his average is as high as possible - every round. There is nothing average about Federer, though, as he proved again yesterday by turning his 100th Wimbledon match into an exhibition of his magic, outclassing Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(4) to reach the semi-finals for a record 12th time. The Swiss maestro, 36 next month, played his best tennis of the tournament to dismantle the big-serving Canadian - avenging last year’s semi-final defeat in stunning fashion. With defending champion Andy Murray losing earlier on Centre Court to Sam Querrey and Novak Djokovic retiring with an injury against Tomas Berdych, Federer is now overwhelming favourite to become the first man to win the title eight times. “I can’t believe it’s 100 matches; it’s a lot but I’m very happy my body has kept me going all these years,” said Federer who will face Berdych in tomorrow’s semi-final. “You have to make sure your average is as high as possible every day and I think I’m doing a great job this week.” Raonic might have had the 140 mph serve in his locker, but Federer owns a magic wand that he used to make the world’s sixth best player look like a lumbering also-ran. It was hard not to feel sorry for Raonic at times. Usually when a player is taking the kind of beating Federer was handing out on a sunlit Centre Court, the crowd throw their weight behind the underdog.

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Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Hockey Championships

THE annual Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Hockey Championships got off to an exciting start on Tuesday at the National Gymnasium with reigning champions Pepsi Hikers posting the most emphatic performance of the evening with 19 unanswered goals. The tournament, which follows the unique concept of teams being awarded goal handicaps at the beginning of the tournament, allows junior sides to compete against the more mature and experienced sides. The top-ranked Pepsi Hikers entered their match against Old Fort Gosh with a 14-goal deficit due to the handicap given to the younger side. Hikers dominated possession and made it a long night for Gosh, as they were subjected to chasing the ball around the floor and taking it out of the back of their own net.

Old Fort Gosh captain Dominic Alleyne under pressure from Pepsi Hikers’ Robert France and Andrew Stewart.

The Hikers side had scored eight goals by the half to make it 14-8 in favour of Gosh, and would go on to net 11 more in the second half against a tiring young Gosh team to come out with the 19-

14 victory. National striker Aroydy Branford led all scorers with eight goals, Jamarj Assanah, Shane Samuels and Andrew Stewart each had hat-tricks while Devin Munroe and

Robert France scored one each, all for the Hikers. The most exciting women’s match of the evening saw GCC Spice (+2) try to hold off Woodpecker Hikers (+4). This match seemed to

be a foregone conclusion as Hikers scored three unanswered goals in the first seven minutes of play to make up the deficit and take the lead by 5-4. A Nicole Eastman penalty corner in the third minute, a Kenisha Wills finish off a Maria Munroe pass from the right in the 5th and a Latacea Chung goal in the 7th seemed certain to assure the Hikers an easy victory. Spice finally found the Achilles heel of the Hikers, however, in the 16th minute, as Tiffany Solomon managed to squeeze past Latacea Chung on the goal line with a low penalty corner flick to even the score at 5-5. Spice managed to neutralise the potent Hikers attack of the first half and threw the game out of balance once again with a second penalty corner goal by Solomon 8 minutes into the second half. The final 12 minutes of the match failed to produce any

goals, leaving the GCC Spice the victors by 6-5. The youngest men’s side in the competition, Old Fort Warriors (+20), suffered an opening defeat to senior counterparts Old Fort Damn (+8) with the latter securing a 2420 win. With the Warriors starting the match with 20 goals in their favour due to the handicap, they were the only side to score with seven in the first half and nine in the second for the win. SHC Old Dogs (+12) managed to overcome the HHC Recruits (+14) by 17 – 16 in the final men’s clash of the evening while the Old Fort Shooting Stars upstaged the youthful GCC Spartans by 14-13 in a ladies’ matchup. The tournament continued last evening and games will also be played tomorrow and Saturday of this week with the final scheduled to begin at 18:40hrs on Saturday.

Yadram, Royal salvage win for Young Windies England, Australia and South Africa book ICC World Cup semi-final places PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (CMC) – Opener Bhaskar Yadram struck a critical half-century but West Indies Under-19 were forced to overcome a late innings slump before pulling off a two-wicket win over South Africa Under-19s in the second Youth One-Day International here yesterday. Set a modest 208 for victory, the Young Windies were coasting along at 165 for three in the 39th over but suffered a collapse where five wickets tumbled for 35 runs in the space of 31 balls. Tottering on 200 for eight in the 44th, the Caribbean side were rescued by the lion-hearted Jeavor Royal who ended unbeaten on 31 off 17 deliveries, to take the team over the line. Yadram had earlier topscored with 81 off 116 balls while captain Emmanuel Stewart chipped in with 45 off 69 balls. Sixteen-year-old fast bowler Gerald Coetzee led the attack with two for 55. The South Africans had been limited to 207 for eight off their 50 overs, after opting to bat first at City Oval, with wicketkeeper Wandile Makwetu top-scoring with 53 and openers Matthew Breetzke (37) and Jiveshan Pillay (36) playing supporting roles. Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop claimed two for 30 from his 10 overs while Royal, also a left-arm spinner, laid

the groundwork for his eventual all-round display with two for 34. The hosts got a healthy start from Breetzke and Pillay, the pair adding 81 for the first wicket before Royal’s introduction triggered a collapse where four wickets perished for nine runs in the space of 38 deliveries.

five fours in his knock. They were separated when Stewart was run-out in the 31st over and nine balls Cephas Cooper was lbw to Coetzee for two, to leave the Windies on 122 for three in the 33rd over. The right-handed Yadram found an ally in Kirstan Kallicharan, who made 21, to add

Opener Bhaskar Yadram

Rocking on 90 for four, South Africa’s innings was repaired by Makwetu who faced 68 balls and counted four fours, while adding 38 for the fifth wicket with Hermann Rolfes (19), 25 for the seventh with Coetzee (7) and 23 for the ninth with Kenan Smith (19 not out). The 17-year-old Yadram then gave the visitors a solid start, putting on 43 for the first wicket with Keagan Simmons (14) and a further 75 with Stewart for the second wicket. Yadram struck eight fours and a six while Stewart counted

43 for the fourth wicket and put Windies on course again. However, once Yadram perished in the 39th over, the innings went into a tail-spin before Royal arrived on his rescue mission which included five fours and a six. He lashed leg-spinner Jade de Klerk for a four and a six in the 44th over which cost 10 runs and punched two boundaries in the 45th from Coetzee, to finish the game emphatically. The five-match series is tied 1-1, with the next game scheduled for tomorrow at the same venue.

ENGLAND, Australia and South Africa booked their places in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 with a game to spare after convincing wins yesterday. England continued their good form with a 75-run victory over New Zealand, Australia bounced back from defeat against the hosts to score an eight-wicket win over India, while South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets. England and Australia are now both on 10 points with England placed at the top of the points table owing to a better net run-rate, while South Africa are third with nine points. India and New Zealand are on eight and seven points respectively, with the winner of their last match on Saturday set to make the knockouts. Meg Lanning inspired Australia to victory with an excellent 79 not out with seven fours and one six, and that was after Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry had taken two wickets each to restrict India to 226-7 from their 50 overs. Lanning and Perry then saw Australia home with just under five overs to spare. Natalie Sciver scored an excellent 129 from 111 balls as England beat New Zealand by 75 runs in Derby. Sciver hit 11 fours on the way to her quick-fire century. Tammy Beaumont hit 93 as England scored 284 from their

50 overs. Alex Hartley was the pick of the England bowlers as she took three for 44 as no New Zealand batter scored a half-century. Captain Suzie Bates topscored with 44 as New Zealand were bowled out for 209. In the other game, South Africa booked their place in the semi-final with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. Dane van Niekerk starred with the ball. She took her third four-wicket haul as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 101. South Africa made that in just over 23 overs for the loss of just two wickets. SCORES IN BRIEF: England beat New Zealand by 75 runs at The County Ground, Derby. England 284-9 in 50 overs (Natalie Sciver 129, Tammy Beaumont 93, Amelia Kerr 4-51, Leigh Kasperek 2-49) New Zealand 209 all out in 46.4 overs (Suzie Bates 44, Katie Perkins 43 not out, Amy Satterthwaite 35; Alex Hartley 3-44, Anya Shrubsole 2-19, Jenny Gunn 2-32) Player-of-the-match - Natalie Sciver (England) Australia beat India by eight wickets at Bristol County Ground, Bristol. India 226-7 in 50 overs (Poonam Raut 106, Mithali Raj 69, Harmanpreet Kaur 23; El-

lyse Perry 3-27, Megan Schutt 2-52) Australia 227-2 in 45.1 overs (Meg Lanning 76 not out, Ellyse Perry 60 not out, Beth Mooney 45) Player-of-the-match – Meg Lanning (Australia South Africa beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets at The County Ground, Taunton. Sri Lanka: 101 all out in 40.3 overs (Chamari Polgampala 25; Dilani Manodara 25; Dane Van Niekerk 4-24; Shabnim Ismail 3-14) South Africa: 104-2 in 23.1 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 48 not out; Mignon du Preez 38 not out) Player-of-the-match Dane Van Niekerk (South Africa)

Nat Sciver celebrates her second century of the World Cup against New Zealand.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Paul replaces Shimron Hetmyer in Guyana Amazon Warriors squad THE Management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors has disclosed that West Indies Under-19 World Cup Champions player Keemo Paul has been selected as a replacement for Shimron Hetmyer ahead of this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Hetmyer, who was initially selected by the Guyana Amazon Warriors as the West Indies Youth Player will be on West Indies Senior Team duties and as such Paul has been chosen as his replacement. Paul, who was Hetmyer’s deputy when the West Indies Under-19 team won the Youth World Cup in 2016, made his List A debut in January 2015, playing for the West Indies Under-19s in

Trinidad and Tobago. In March this year, the 19-year-old right-handed all-rounder’s First Class debut was overshadowed by injury

Meanwhile, Operations Manager, Omar Khan, said, “We welcome Keemo to the Guyana Amazon Warriors team for this year’s CPL.

Keemo Paul

Shimron Hetmyer

at the Queen’s Park Oval but he came back with a tournament-winning six-wicket haul at Providence for the Guyana Jaguars.

He is a very talented and promising player with lots of potential and his all-round ability brings more value to our team. This is another

way of giving young Guyana players opportunities to be part of the biggest party in sport, the CPL, and showcase their skills and talent to the world.” The fifth edition of Hero Caribbean Premier League opens on August 4 in St. Lucia and the final is set for September 9 in Trinidad. Guyana Amazon Warriors full squad: Martin Guptill, Rayad Emrit, Sohail Tanveer, Chadwick Walton, Christopher Lynn, Rashid Khan, Jason Mohammed, Steven Taylor, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshon Primus, Gajanand Singh, Assad Fudadin, Steven Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Steven Katwaroo, Keemo Paul and Muhammad Ali Khan.

Rowley eager for CARICOM to act on legal advice to challenge CWI PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley says CARICOM could proceed with a legal challenge to Cricket West Indies’ right to manage the sport in the Caribbean, in an unprecedented test of the body’s longstanding authority. Speaking on local radio here, Rowley said CARICOM had already sought legal advice and had been assured there was a case to be argued on the basis of CWI, as a private entity, continuing to manage cricket, which constituted a public good. In fact, Rowley indicated that he would soon be speaking to St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves – the chairman of CARICOM’s subcommittee on cricket – to also get him to engage the matter. “The CARICOM Secretariat was told by the CARICOM leaders, ‘go and get legal advice on this very fundamental point: where did West Indies Cricket Board or whoever it is get this asset called West Indies Cricket Inc and who really owns West Indies cricket,” Rowley said. “And until we are prepared to address that issue, what is going on now will continue and get worse and worse until what I predicted (West Indies’ relegation into a Division Two) is likely to happen.” He continued: “We got a legal view. The Secretariat indicated that one of our Trinidad lawyers gave a legal opinion that there is an argu-

able case that West Indies Cricket is a public good and therefore there is a role for the region’s leadership to get involved because the game is destroyed and that could be argued in any court of law. “I think the CARICOM has that position. The Secretariat has indicated to me that the advice indicates that CARICOM proceed

Dr. Keith Rowley

along that line and I expect that when Prime Minister Gonsalves gets over his current personal difficulty (bereavement) at home and we focus on this issue, we will be able to look at some focused response to the existing hijacking of West Indies cricket.” CARICOM has sought to intervene in the sport ever since the controversial abandoned tour of India in 2014 which resulted in CWI being slapped with a US$42 million claim in damages by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI). The body subsequently commissioned a study by a Governance Review panel of eminent persons, headed by UWI Cave Hill Principal Professor Eudine Barriteau, which found the CWI

structure to be “antiquated”, “obsolete” and “anachronistic” and recommended the “immediate dissolution of the West Indies Cricket Board and the appointment of an Interim Board.” CWI, then named the West Indies Cricket Board, subsequently resisted the move, with Rowley noting that the main tenet of their argument as the fact they were a private body. Mr [Dave] Cameron (CWI president) and his people told us to our face they are not accepting that [recommendation] because West Indies cricket is really West Indies Cricket Inc, meaning a corporate body incorporated and they are beholden to their shareholders and not to any CARICOM leadership,” Rowley charged. The impasse between CWI and CARICOM has dragged on since, resulting in the resignation last year of Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell as chairman of the subcommittee on cricket and Gonsalves assuming the post. In the interim, controversy has continued to plague West Indies cricket. Last September, highly successful head coach Phil Simmons was unceremoniously axed on the eve of the away series against Pakistan and leading Test batsman Darren Bravo has since been barred from any competitive cricket under the CWI’s auspices, for a tweet critical of Cameron. On the field, results have also continued in a downward spiral with the Windies

winning just two of their last 10 Tests, four of their last 21 ODIs and six of their last 13 Twenty20 Internationals. Rowley, who along with Mitchell raised the crisis of West Indies cricket at last weekend’s CARICOM Summit in Grenada, said it was critical that his colleagues pressed the matter of CWI’s right to manage for the sake of the region. “In the Caribbean, I think we have an opening that we should focus on. The focus should be on trying to answer the question: who owns West Indies cricket and from whence does this authority come, that some quasi-democratic arrangement across the region could result in this intractable problem which is destroying the game,” Rowley contended. “My preference is that we head towards a situation of answering that question and the longer we take to do that, the more of what you saw happening in Grenada [at the CARCICOM Summit] where one Prime Minister offends another Prime Minister, that is likely to become the future.” He added: “There ought to be some serious challenges to the status quo and let the people explain themselves and defend themselves, preferably in a court of law because there must be some legal rights here for the West Indies population who are feeling the pinch of the collapse of this game. “And that pinch is just not emotive as [Prime Minister] Gaston Browne says from Antigua. The pinch is also hugely economic.”

Darren Bravo

Offending Bravo tweet deleted - Report

MEDIA reports have emerged suggesting that West Indies batsman Darren Bravo has finally deleted a tweet in which he called the president of Cricket West Indies Dave Cameron ‘an idiot’. The move could pave the way for his return to the West Indies lineup following his dismissal from the West Indies tour of Zimbabwe 10 months ago. However, the player still has a lawsuit pending against the CWI for lost earnings following his dismissal from the November 2016 tour after the offending tweet went out. CWI had requested that the tweet be deleted but the player refused. In a recent interview he suggested that someone else posted the tweet which was made following comments made by Cameron during an interview on the Caribbean cable sports network show, The SportsMax Zone. Cameron had said that Bravo was downgraded to a ‘C’ retainer contract because his batting average had dipped over the previous two seasons. “It’s explicit that if your averages are not above a certain level, it tells you what contracts you get. His averages over the past two years have been declining,” Cameron said. “So what do we do, reward poor performance or do you encourage him to get better?” In response, a tweet went from Bravo’s twitter account which read: “You have been failing 4 d last 4 years. Y don’t u resign and FYI I’ve neva been given an A contract. Big idiot @davec51.” While the tweet remained online for the past few months, Bravo had not been considered for selection to the West Indies team. A check on his Twitter timeline yesterday, however, revealed that the tweet had been removed, the Nation said.

Wins for Kamwatta and Karaburi Secondary in Region 1 playoffs KARABURI and Kamwatta Secondary Schools recorded contrasting victories when the Digicel Schools Football Championship made its way to Region 1 (Barima-Waini) with action at the Santa Rosa Community Ground yesterday. Playing in the opening game of the double-header, Kamwatta Secondary made light work of Kwebana Secondary 3-0, thanks to a double from Dexter Jose (24th and 56th minutes) and a

lone strike from Wesley Domingo in the 46th minute. In the day’s second game, Karaburi Secondary edged Waramuri Secondary 2-1. Keowon Booker (45th) and Roddy John (53rd) were the goalscorers for Karaburi Secondary, while Waramuri Secondary’s lone goal came from Denzil Williams who found the net in the 23rd minute. Matches are expected to continue tomorrow at the same venue and culminate over the weekend.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday July 13, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Evin Lewis (WI) (2) Ajinka Rahane (IND) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who top-scored for India in the recent WI/IND T20 International? (2) Who was declared Man of the Match at the end of the recent fifth & final WI/IND ODI? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 13, 2017

Abdullah Hamid Summer Camp turns 29 … Former national player/coach vows to continue tradition Popularly known as ‘Zico’, a nickname given to him because of his love for former Brazilian great Arthur ‘Zico’ Coimbra, Hamid made reference to the Chris Bowman-led Youth Basketball Guyana and his former teammate Lugard Mohan, stating that “they have done a fantastic job with the youths and we need more like them.” “Basketball needs more

Chris Bowmans and Lugard Mohans, because if people like we don’t step up, what would happen to the future of basketball in Guyana,” said Hamid. He continued, “There’s no help coming to me for this over the years. It’s just myself and a few very close friends would pitch in and I’m always grateful for their support.”

To his credit, Hamid would’ve helped to mould the skills of several of the country’s top players coming out of Linden, thanks to his summer camp. Meanwhile, Hamid said this year, the programme will culminate with a skill challenge and an East versus West contest, allowing the players to showcase their talent to their parents.

Abdullah ‘Zico’ Hamid is in full demonstration mode with one of the participants of his summer camp.

By Rawle Toney IT’S considered one of the country’s oldest Basketball summer camps and this year the programme, carried by former national player and coach Abdullah ‘Zico’ Hamid, will be celebrating 29 years of existence. “Well, someone needs to look out for the game and preserve the future of the game for the youths, so even if I have to do it alone, I will.” Hamid told Chronicle Sport

yesterday. The programme is held this year under the banner, “Teach them now, not later”. This year, Hamid said he’s catering to approximately 50 players at various ages, but at present, his register stands at 32, adding, “even though I say I’m only accepting a certain number, sometimes I end up going way over, because parents will reach out to me and I wouldn’t say no.” Hamid started this year ’s programme last weekend and will hold

his clinics Monday to Fridays, involving various age groups. Why continue? Hamid was asked. He replied, “Somebody has to do it. When I look around Linden, and the number of players that I would’ve helped to teach the game or either help their game over the years. I often say if I wasn’t there, what would’ve happened to those players? Twenty-nine years is a long time and as long as I have life, I would continue.”

Some of the participants go through their drills at the Mackenzie High School basketball court.

Inter-county softball takes centre stage Saturday

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – With Toronto Cup 11 just three weeks away, several players are aiming to use Saturday’s big Inter-county tournament as a form of dress rehearsal for the Caribana weekend extravaganza here. Of much significance is the fact that Saturday’s inaugural event, set for Keele Top, North York here, featuring Demerara, Berbice, Essequibo and a selected All Stars combination, is being contested with the white ball, similar to what will be used in the Toronto Cup. The brainchild of former Guyana captain and Canadian national Damodar Daesrath, in association with Dent Wizard and PGI Limited, the 20-over affair, which is set to get underway at 10:30hrs, is expected to provide much excitement and spectacular performances. According to the released fixtures, Berbice will clash

with Essequibo while Demerara and All Stars battle simultaneously on adjoining grounds. The two winners will then meet in the grand final.

his Dant counterpart and skipper Loaknauth Ramsuchit and includes former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 player Hemnarine Chattergoon, former Canadian player Aftab Shamshudeen and Riaz Kadir.

Farouk Hussein. While not possessing many big names, Essequibo will feature burly all-rounder and Canadian player Dillon Heyliger, former national player Trevon Garraway in the capable hands of Abdool Azeez.

Restaurant, 24 Hrs Glass System, Canadian Surplus, Hawaiian Arctic, I&R Constructions and T&S Enterprise. The winners are set to take away Cdn$2 000 and a trophy while the runners-up will take home Cdm$1 000 and a trophy. Several other cash incentives and trophies are also up for grabs.

Damodar Daesrath

Organiser Daesrath, who pointed out that a lot of planning has gone into the tournament, is quite confident of its success and intends to make it an annual affair. He disclosed that most of the players are quite eager to play with the white ball since it’s the preferred version used in all international tournaments in Guyana, Florida, New York and also in the Toronto Cup. Daesrath himself will be part of the strong Berbice lineup which is being led by

Mahendranauth Parasnauth

S e a s o n e d c a m p a i g ner Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth takes charge of Demerara with the likes of former Guyana Under-19 players Eyaaz Mohamed, Troy Gobin and Zaheer Haniff featuring in the squad. Among the big names in the All Stars squad are Guyana and former West Indies One-day player Royston Crandon and former Guyana Under-19 players Harrienarine Chattergoon and

Trevon Garraway

It should also be noted that several of the players were part of the Essequibo team who carted off the recent Ontario Masters Cricket Clubs Softball (OMSCC) Inter-county tournament. The tournament, which follows closely on the heels of the Apollo Super Bash, has as its main sponsors, Caribbean Heat Restaurant, JDG Tooling, Caribbean Lyme

Farouk Hussein

The teams will be selected from: Demerara: Bobby Parasnauth (captain), Avinash Sookdeo, Anil Mahadeo, Eyaaz Mohamed, Shaun Deonadan, Surujpaul Deosarran, Zaheer Haniff, Azam Haniff, Krishna Deosarran, Satrohan Balkarran, Troy Gobin and Sunil Ramkissoon. The manager is Zanil Jumarally with

Orin O’Neil as the Technical Director. All-stars: Royston Crandon, Harrienarine Chattergoon, Farouk Hussain, Rawle Scott, Rakesh Dyal, Anil Ramotar, Zakir Khan, Bholonauth Sukhu, Anand Gurdial, Rabindra Diaram and Randy Roopnarine. Manager is Pramchand Punwasi and his assistant is Archie Mohan. Berbice: Looknauth Ramsuchit (captain), Muniram Karran, Hemnarine Chattergoon, Yadram Bogh, Riaz Kadir, Aftab Shamsudeen, Damodar Daesrath, Jeetendra Beharry, Linden Persaud, Davindra Sukhdeo and Daven Parsram. Essequibo: Azeez Baksh (captain), Wasim Parasram, Dillon Heyliger, Rabindra Persaud, Javed Gaznabie, Abdool Azeez, Andy Monasar, Ahmed Bradshaw, Javed Mohammed, Trevon Garraway, Rickey Bradshaw and Ravi Madholall (manager/player). Bobby Ramlagan (assistant manager).

Sir Leon Lessons win South Zone title in dramatic fashion … advance to Digicel schools football quarter-final

Sir Leon Lessons’ Tyrese Forde (#11 second from right) scores the equaliser from the penalty spot against Masters Academy. (Samuel Maughn photos)

By Rawle Toney IT was high drama at the Tucville Community Centre ground yesterday, when Sir Leon Lessons clawed their way from being down 1-0 late in their contest against Masters Academy, to clinch the Georgetown South Zone title in this year’s Digicel Schools Football Championship, winning 5-3 via penalty. With the win, Sir Leon Lessons received $100 000, a new set of uniforms and have also booked a place

Trevor Williams hands over the new set of uniforms to Sir Leon Lessons, who won the Digicel Schools Football Georgetown South Zone title. (Samuel Maughn photos) ANDREW King and Bryce Prince are expected to headline Team Guyana for the second round of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) 2017 in Trinidad and Tobago at month-end.

Andrew King According to a report from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, King will represent Guyana in the Group four class while Prince will lead the Super-stock team at the Championship in two weeks’ time. Danny Persaud also rejoins the team for competition in Groups three and four

after missing the Jamaica leg, while Rameez Mohamed will be competing in both Groups two and three with two separate vehicles. In the two-wheel end of things Kevin Persaud joins John Bennett to take the team total to six. According to Mohamed, who is also the president of the GMR&SC, the team is not a large one but has the strength to bring home valuable points in the Caribbean Championship. “The team to Trinidad is not a large one but is one that I think we can rack up some Country points as well as Individual points and it’s going to be an interesting outing for some of the guys.” “I think this is going to be the maiden voyage for Azad (Hassan) and Bryce (Prince) and we’re always glad to see new guys get the experience and exposure of racing on a different track.” Vehicles are expected to be loaded tomorrow for shipping the following day. (Stephan Sookram)

in the tournament’s quarter-finals, set for July 25. Their opposition is not yet known. Meanwhile, the level of play wasn’t anything to cheer about, as the two sides failed to properly put together solid combinations and run on goals. Maybe, the wet outfield at the Tucville venue could be blamed, but for the supporters of the two sides, they were certainly entertained from the opening minute.

Turn to page 26

King, Prince to headline Team Guyana for second round

Flashback! Bryce Prince participates in Jamaica.

CMRC in Trinidad and Tobago

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THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2017