Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13 09 2016

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2016

Price: $80

Herculean effort needed No. 104673

(Vat Inclusive)

- to right the wrongs done in the past, Ramjattan says

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Nereid’s calls again - braves storm on way over

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Yachts moored on the Essequibo River for the 4th Nereid’s Yacht Rally held here on Monday (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Baishanlin peeved over raid

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…wants GRA to explain removal of personal items

Executed Albouystown 10 taxi driver had brushes with law

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Man dies after hitting horse Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Muslims celebrate ‘Qurbani’

By Rabindra Rooplall MUSLIMS countrywide have, on Monday morning, commenced a three-day celebration known as Eidul-Adha; also known as the “festival of sacrifice”, “festival of feast”, or “Qurbani”.

Many Muslims from various masjids, including the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC); the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG); Kitty and Queenstown masjids; the Peter's Hall Mosque and the Alexander Village Old Mosque, celebrated with family members and friends, offering prayers and doing charitable acts. All these places of worship were filled with scores of people participating in the annual celebration.

This venerable event is held annually to remember the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God. A few traditions associated with Eid include sacrificing animals, as the Prophet Abraham had done; purchasing new clothes for the festival; and gathering friends and family members together for a feast.

According to President General of the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), Hakeem Khan, Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to the holy city Mecca. It is customary for every able Muslim (as prescribed in the Five Pillars of Islam) to go on a Hajj at least once during his lifetime.

Khan explained that the history behind Eid-ul-Adha follows the story of the faithful Abraham who was, in a dream, instructed by Allah to raise the foundations of the Kaaba, a black stone, the most sacred Muslim shrine in Mecca (Saudi Arabia), which Muslims face during their prayers (salat).

Immediately responding to the Lord's call, Abraham set off for Mecca, along with his wife and son Ishmael. Mecca was, at that time, a desolate and barren desert, and Abraham had to face a lot of hardships; however, he obeyed Allah's com-

Beef being prepared for distribution

Persons at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) waiting to collect their share of beef mands uncomplainingly. ul-Adha; and they give the ant to understand that the In a divine dream, he also meat to friends, neighbours, sacrifice itself, as practised saw himself sacrificing his relatives and the needy. Peo- by Muslims, has nothing son Ishmael for Allah's ple who are away from the to do with atoning for sins, sake. When he told this to holy pilgrimage, Hajj, also or using the blood to wash Ishmael, the latter imme- carry out this traditional sac- themselves from sin. diately asked his father to rifice; hence, Eid-ul-Adha This, he said, is a misuncarry out the Lord's com- is also known as the Feast derstanding by those of premands without faltering, of Sacrifice, or the Day of vious generations. “It is not and assured that he was Sacrifice. their meat nor their blood completely ready to give Dan Rahim of the Kitty that reaches Allah; it is your up his life for God. Masjid disclosed that Eid-ul- piety that reaches Him.” B u t , m i r a c u l o u s l y Adha is about remembering One Central Islamic enough, when Abraham was the Prophet Ibrahim and the Organisation of Guyana about to sacrifice Ishmael, dream he had about sacrific- (CIOG) official noted that Allah spared the boy's life ing the one thing he loved Eid- ul-Adha commemorates and replaced him with a the most -- his son. one of the greatest acts of lamb. And that was what “You see, he was an old sacrifice in the annals of huAbraham ultimately sacri- man longing for a child. man history, and should be ficed.

He prayed to God for an used as a time of reflection.

Khan noted that to com- obedient son, who will be “The most important memorate this outstanding God-fearing and kind.” part of this holy and ausact of sacrifice (qurbani) by Rahim continued: “Allah picious day is that it is a Prophet Abraham, people has given us power over day of reflection; it is a sacrifice a lamb, goat, ram, animals, and (has) allowed day of rededicating our or any other animal on Eid- us to eat meat, but only if [lives] to the service of the we pronounce his name at Creator and Sustainer of the solemn act of taking life. this universe. It is a day Muslims slaughter animals of understanding that in in the same way through- order to effect any change out the year. By saying the in our masjids, community, name of Allah at the time of society and the world at slaughter, we are reminded large, we have to start first that life is sacred.” by changing ourselves,” He said it is very import- the official said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Herculean effort needed - to right the wrongs done in the past, Ramjattan says

By Ariana Gordon THE Alliance For Change (AFC), a major stakeholder in the coalition APNU+AFC government, believes the partnership is “strong and cohesive”, even with what has been described as “missteps” committed over the past year.

AFC Leader, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, told reporters at that party’s press conference last Friday that, despite its challenges, the Government is united.

“Yes, challenges are indeed within Government,” he said. “Notwithstanding that, however, the coalition remains strong and cohesive.

We have our Cabinet meetings, and work to achieve at these Cabinet meetings a lot to enhance the lives here in Guyana, with the APNU Cabinet colleagues.”

Ramjattan noted that the coalition has been learning a lot about governance and governing since it took office in May 2015. He pointed to the country’s politics and scrutiny as other vehicles to enhance the work of the administration.

“We are pleased, though, that in relation to the collaborative manner in which we are working in this coalition Government, how it is operating. Indeed, it is doing -- quite frankly, in all the context of challenges and constraints -- it is doing wonderful,” he declared.

The AFC leader also said the coalition has learned lessons in relation to several incidents, and has been confronting its missteps. He said the lessons learnt are working to enhance the coalition’s performance.

Asked whether the AFC is pleased with what it has

Cocaine, gun, ammo found in Lusignan house

Three men have been arrested following a raid on a house at Lusignan East Coast Demerara early Monday morning during which a quantity of cocaine and an unlicensed pistol with ammunition were found.

In a statement police said during the early hours of Monday ranks of the Guyana Police Force, acting on information received conducted a search in a house at Market Street, Lusignan, E.C.D During the search the lawmen found an unlicensed 9MM pistol with 12 matching rounds and 180 grams of suspected cocaine. Three males are in custody, assisting with the investigation.

The 9mm pistol and ammunition found during the raid

thus far received from the coalition, Ramjattan said: “Absolutely! This Government is a united, cohesive Government. Even if it was a one-party Government, within that one-party Government you’d have people arguing the cases for certain things within the Cabinet, National Assembly; and so you’d have differences. And knowing very well that the coalition arrangement can ensure that you have even more differences and more disagreements, we feel that we are doing a real fantastic job of it thus far.”

The coalition, he said, is working to enhance the public’s interest. He noted that it is dealing “very, very well” with issues that are arising.

Ramjattan noted, too, that the consistent scrutiny of the coalition is evidence of democracy at work here.

“It is a good thing that, all across the country, wheresoever it is: regional, local authority, national level, those who want a better day are doing their research and finding out about those issues that can enhance a better Government and a better governance through their scrutiny of us – the Coalition Government,” he declared.

WILL LISTEN Notwithstanding the level of scrutiny, the AFC head said, the coalition has demonstrated that it will listen to the voice of the people on

AFC leader and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan all issues.

He posited that neither the AFC nor the coalition has violated any promise it made to the country, and said: “We are doing as best as possible to find out what were the wrongs”.

He said former Auditor General Anand Goolsaran has helped to point out critical issues with his critiques of the Government. “What Mr. Goolsaran must appreciate is that, with a lot of challenges and heavy bureaucracy, it (correcting wrongs) is not going to happen overnight.”

Ramjattan said the righting of wrongs done in the past need “a Herculean effort”, and stressed that mistakes will be made, as humans are the ones running the country.

HUMAN BEINGS “We are human beings, we are going to make errors,

AFC member and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Mrs. Cathy Hughes we are not angels, and we are going to make mistakes…

What is good about it is how we remedy these errors,” Ramjattan contended.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, AFC member Cathy Hughes, said being in Government has proven to be an “exciting time”, but it is not easy and is not without its challenges. She said that, while in Opposition, “we certainly thought we knew what went on in Government; but, coming from the private sector, I’d like to share that my experience is that Government bureaucracy -– that (which) has been created over the 50 years of our Independence -- is a huge and heavy bureaucracy, and in many parts it does not work, and in many areas it takes too long.”

Hughes called for a deeper analysis of why some systems are failing. “We

really need to analyse why so many things don’t work structurally; and it has been my experience that if you attempt to do one thing, there are at least ten things you have to do before.”

Minister Hughes believes it was “absolutely necessary” for the APNU-AFC Government to have forensic audits done after it had entered office. She said that knowing what was before them was critical to the way forward.

“If the system has failings, the only way is to thoroughly examine those and come up with new approaches and new ways of doing (things). I want to reassure the public that the audits have been done, (but) we cannot (tell) you on a daily basis the progress we are making behind the scenes.”

The former Minister of Tourism said it is important for the public to understand that, for a legal case to be made based on the findings of the audits, it has to go through a specific series of steps, which include the collection of information, processing of the information, and ensuring that the case can stand up to the scrutiny of the court system.

“It is not that nothing is happening, but we certainly do not want to go into a courtroom and have cases thrown out for want of proper evidence and the want of proper analysis,” she explained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Nereid’s calls again --braves storm on way over

By Michel Outridge

MINISTER of Business, Dominic Gaskin on Monday welcomed the Nereid’s International Yacht Rally, the fourth to date, to Hurakabra Resort on the Essequibo River where more than 14 yachts are moored after sailing thousands of miles.

He told the gathering that he hopes to see yachting mushroom into something even bigger here, as it has immense potential for our country.

Gaskin encouraged the

tourists to make full use of their time here, by soaking in as much of historic sights as they can, and enjoying our culture and foods.

The event was organised by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Business and Hurakabra Resort.

Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) Chairman, Gordon Bradford said he is pleased to see how the event has grown, and feels it should be nurtured for further enhancement where more yachts can sail into Guy-

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin chatting with yachters yesterday ana to the beautiful region.

Speaking on behalf of his fellow yatchers, Russell Alzendorff of the ‘Enterprise’, the largest yacht in the flotilla, said the voyage to Guyana was not an easy one, as they had to brave a storm on their way over.

He, however, thanked

Minister Gaskin, as well as Davide Matelicani, the Italian organiser of the voyage, for their hospitality and for making their stay safe and comfortable.

He also talked of Matelicani’s infectious enthusiasm in organising the rally and the bureaucracy involved in travelling to Guyana.

Some participants, he said, sailed thousands of miles just to be here, having left their homes and families back in

France, Germany, Switzerland and Britain.

He said the group also swapped their highly successful careers to take on the rally for a life of being their own plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanics, doctors and seamstresses all living and sailing on a yacht.

They accomplished all this, he said, in the most difficult of circumstances while at sea, at a rolling anchorage, with limited tools and even more limited

access to trustworthy help.

The journey, he said, also entailed wandering in and out of cafés looking for Wi-Fi connections, and hopping down busy shopping areas looking for SIM cards and stores to buy spares.

But, living on a yacht, he said,is not as insane as some may think, and is well worth the while to arrive in a country like Guyana where one gets the sense that a new adventure awaits.

Yachters at Hurakabra Resort

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Baishanlin peeved over raid

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

By Ariana Gordon

MANAGEMENT of Baishanlin International Forest Development Inc. (BIFDI) is calling on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to explain why, during its operations at Coomacka, Region 10 on Sunday, GRA agents confiscated “personal” items from the Baishanlin premises.

The seizure of Baishanlin’s property came days after the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) had announced it was moving to repossess concessions granted to BIFDI for its failure to deliver on agreed actions to introduce investors to the GFC, and failing to address its liability despite having been given time to prove that it had an acceptable plan to clear a debt of approximately Gy$80M. BIFDI Trade and Foreign Department Manager Eddie Wang said on Monday that several persons who identified themselves as GRA officers had entered the company’s Coomacka location and conducted what is perceived to be a raid. Those persons were reportedly armed as they conducted their operation. Wang said the officers related that they were at the location to remove specific items, but when a search was made of one of the loaded trucks, personal laptops, handbags and two cartons of cigarettes, among other items, were removed from the location.

The search, which took place at about 11:00hrs, left the Chinese nationals fearful for their lives, Wang told Guyana Chronicle.

He detailed what transpired: “In the morning, around 11, I received a call from Hongbo Chu’s watch-

man at Coomaca that a lot of people waiting outside, and came with heavy-duty trucks and most of them with arms -- short guns and long hunting guns. Due to language barrier, he was afraid to talk to the persons.”

Wang said he asked the watchman whether the vehicles were marked, and was told they were not. “He said ‘No look like a second hand vehicle… Call Mackenzie police to report; I think some person try to rob us’.”

Wang said he immediately contacted the Mackenzie Police Station to report what was transpiring, and was told that the persons were indeed GRA officers, who were instructed to seize machinery owned by Baishanlin.

Wang said the GRA officers reportedly took away the mobile device belonging to the watchman, and switched it off so that he could not make contact with his superiors. And when senior company representatives arrived, there was a heavy-duty machine blocking the entrance, and three GRA officers introduced themselves to them as being attached to the Enforcement Department of the GRA. “I asked if they have any paper, and they said ‘no’.”

Wang said he asked why the mobile device of the watchman was taken away. “They said because Chineyman call somebody…and I said ‘Of course he is afraid and called the Police’.”

Wang said the officers were not obstructed at any time, but were questioned repeatedly as to why they were seizing equipment without any formal documentation empowering them to do so.

“They start to load construction materials in their truck -- steel rods and so

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--wants GRA to explain removal of personal items

The Baishanlin destroyed storeroom at Coomacka, Region 10 on…they have been imported a couple years ago and duty was paid. I told them, and they said I have to prove it. I told them I didn’t walk with documentation, and they said if cannot prove then they will take it.”

Wang said the company’s officials watched helplessly as GRA officials entered the premises and did what they said they were instructed to do. He explained that an Afro-Guyanese man who was not a GRA official “pushed us in one line. I took out my phone and record, he threatened me to take away my phone. I told him if what he is doing is legal then he should not have a problem with me recording. He keep pushing us…I told him don’t touch me…we are cooperating with you.”

Shortly after, a GRA officer came out of the company’s building with a machine gun in hand, stating that it was illegal. Wang said he told them the company was licensed to have the firearm, but the officer refused to wait to see the document, and placed the firearm into the GRA vehicle.

“We went into the room

Personal items belonging to the Chinese watchman stationed at Coomacka, Region 10. Cage with parrots and laptop are visible in the photo

and showed them (the authorization), and they returned (the gun) to us,” he told Guyana Chronicle.

He said an examination of one of the rooms in the building revealed that a personal laptop, handbag and cigarettes were removed. “I told GRA officer, and they start to ask around and said they didn’t thief anything… as the truck was loading in the back of the yard, I told them to walk with us to check, and they agreed…

There (were) steel rods in the back…

“I sent one of the Chinese nationals in the back of the truck, and (he) found the laptop, bag, two cartons of cigarette, five drums engine oil, bird cage with two par-

rots…then the officer start to curse the truck driver,” Wang detailed.

Wang said the GRA is responsible for the action of its agents, and accordingly needs to explain why items that do not concern the operations of Baishanlin had been confiscated.

He said calls were made to the Mackenzie Police Station for assistance, and he was informed that a patrol had been dispatched, but none arrived after two hours of waiting.

“I suggested we close the gate and wait until the police come to search. They agreed. I closed the gate, we wait around one and a half hour, still no police came…

They (GRA officers) thought

we were wasting time… We keep calling Mackenzie Police Station, and Mr. Smith, 18525, told us that the patrol police (are) coming, but because of the distance and road condition it may take time…”

Wang said that because the police never showed up, he contacted the Mackenzie Police Station again, and he and Baishanlin General Manager Hongbo Chu were told that “no police patrol was coming…we need to take the case to court…

“I told him that it is a simple matter and there is no need to take the case to court, and he said he received instruction from senior officer… They didn’t take any statement or recording from us,” Wang explained.

Wang said GRA left Baishanlin complex and never provided Baishanlin personnel with any documentation relating to the seizure. “It was full of disappointment; they didn’t leave any paper to us…they loaded construction vehicle with steel rods etc…and they hit the storeroom, it is damaged.”

Attempts to contact GRA officials on the matter on Monday proved futile.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Resilience in the face of challenges

THERE is nothing wrong with Guyana that cannot be made right by Guyanese. Addressing or righting challenges requires acknowledgement that a particular issue is offensive, or has debilitating consequences for the people in a multicultural nation living in comity, where every individual or group can feel an important and valued part of the society.

One of the first things that have to be tackled head-on is the level of intolerance and hostility we show towards each other. This is not manifested only in the culture among road users, notably the everyday interactions among motorists, but also from least expected quarters. Civility -- respect for self and the other -- requires a level of decorum among citizens and officials, elected and appointed.

In the instance of citizenship, while it is not the intent to litigate when incivility started going downhill, it is time to arrest and restore it to where Guyanese were known for their courtesy.

At the governance level, intolerance towards citizens asking question of office holders ought not to be, given that citizens are exercising their civil duty.

Should the asking of questions be seen through its appropriate lens, holders of office would accept it as their responsibility to provide deserving answers in a respectful manner.

While the World Bank has this year elevated Guyana to an “Upper Middle Income” economy, there are still too many who are considered poor and deserving of being given opportunity to rise out of poverty. Targeted policies and ensuing programmes can address these in a systematic manner.

Where government has shown inclination in this direction, such is welcomed and more.

In the 21st century, where other countries of diverse demographics are openly having frank and honest national conversations about divisive issues -- such as race and gender -- Guyana cannot afford to lag behind. These can be addressed only by talking about them and instituting policies programmes and laws to ensure equality in treatment, complemented by requisite data-gathering to support efforts. At the same time, it ought to be said that issues like race and gender should not be used to condone wrongdoing or put square begs in round holes, lest such issues make a mockery of achieving equality, which is premised on justice and fair play.

Our internecine political conflict can no longer be blamed on the colonial authorities, or on Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham. While the enslavers and colonisers facilitated a system of ‘divide and rule’ to keep groups apart for their self-serving end, this country has been independent for 50 years. Both Burnham and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

The essence of who we are Dear Editor,

WAI Wai culture is another way of being human. What does Wai Wai culture have to offer Guyana and modern Westernized culture?

Wai Wai and other Native American cultures are not paper or text-based, but are based on oral and other non-text facets. Their culture is as fully legitimate, expressive, contemporary and valid as any other culture, and is another way of being human; that is, another valid expression of what it means to be human.

To be human, or of humanity, means to be involved in reciprocity: give and take, exchange, sacrifice, interdependence. Native American cultures are community-based. The people generally believe that they belong to the land, and not the land to them, as modern societies believe. Modern cultures have a concept of ownership of land and property in which the individual believes that he/she owns things, and that those things belong to him/her exclusively. Native American cultures believe that things are community-owned and are for the benefit of all, and all must care for those things.

The Earth is our Mother, we belong to her, so we must respect and care for her as she nurtures us.

Let us question the use of the term ‘modern’. What is modern? What is being modern? It begs the question of what is primitive. Should we use the terms ‘modern’ and ‘primitive’? The former means a higher stage of development, whereas the latter means a lower stage of development. What is development?

What does it mean to be developed? Is Wai Wai culture at a lower stage and so-called modern culture at a higher stage? Or is it the other

way around?

Wai Wai culture is another way of being human, and is no more modern or primitive or inferior or superior than European Western culture.

We separate the sacred from the secular, but they do not.

The Wai Wais do not have our notion of separation of church and state, the physical from the spiritual. For them all is spiritual; the physical and spiritual intertwine and are inseparable, and this gives them meaning. Even our culture depends on the sacred or divine, or something outside of ourselves to give our lives meaning.

In our society, the State is that something outside of ourselves. The State gives us a birth certificate that we belong to it, and we give the State its existence. Women give birth to children, and the State replicates the birth process in the registration process of birth by giving you a name, place, time of birth, race, region, district, country and sequence number.

The State gives you the birth registration process, making you a part of itself; and in so doing, giving itself existence. In today’s world, everybody MUST belong to some state and have a passport or travel documents to travel from state to state. The State is frightened of people it cannot control, or those whom it has no influence over, although they might be within the State’s territory.

But some states ignore native people until elections time, to get their votes. In Guyana the State demands a birth certificate, but gives Amerindians a hard time to get birth certificates! This is a contradiction!

A text-based society seeks to reduce our humanity to pieces of paper with text printed or written on them.

When we were born, the State gave us a piece of paper based on an original birth

Jagan have been dead for decades, and the fact that there continues to be conflict primarily based on race means the time is now for personal responsibility to dictate doing something to fix it.

Skepticism, restlessness and hopeless among the young and resignation on the part of the elderly -- societies two most vulnerable groups -- cannot be ignored. Whereas the former require opportunities to unleash their potential and serve their country, the latter desire to be treated with dignity and respect in their golden years. The historical culture of this society has shown our capacity and capability in regard to the foregoing requirements, and to this reservoir of experience we must return and apply.

Migration hurts efforts at indigenous growth and development, since very often our most skilled and educated are among those who leave, placing the country at a disadvantage in terms of needed human capital. Where opportunities for employment and economic advancement are not seen or known, hopelessness can step in and cause flight to take place.

registration book to certify our birth. Without a birth certificate, we do not exist in the eyes of the State! We then go to school to learn to make marks on pieces of paper. These marks represent oral sounds, ideas, concepts, beliefs, words, letters and numbers. We soon learn that if we make the right marks, we meet our teachers’, parents’ and society’s approval.

Upon writing various texts in examinations, we try to make the right marks; and if we have made enough of them, we are given more pieces of paper with more markings on them, certifying that we are able to make the right marks on paper.

The examination certificates open doors for us to gain employment, careers and acceptance where we live and work. At the end of the day or week or month, we are given pieces of paper with special markings, representing the value of our labour. With these pieces of paper, we go into shops and stores and exchange them (the value of our sweat) for things we really need: food, clothing, shelter, medicines, water, basic services; and things we want – luxuries. As proof of the exchange, we sometimes demand or are given pieces of paper certifying that the exchange took place; that we did indeed handed over pieces of paper and got goods and services in return.

When we acquire enough goods and services, society looks up to us; the more we get, the better. Our names might even make it on pieces of paper circulated for the population to read.

Eventually, when our time comes to die, we make markings on a piece of paper, giving our assets that other pieces of paper got for us to our relatives and beloved ones.

When we die, others desperately rely on that last piece of

paper of our humanity to get what we have left for them.

When they get it, they have to go to a place called a court to get that final paper accepted. Then the assets become fully theirs, generating in the process more pieces of paper.

Our entire lives are governed, influenced, controlled, recorded and given meaning by pieces of paper. Our lives begin with a piece of paper – the birth certificate; and ends with a piece of paper – the death certificate, without which the will is not accepted by the court. Our entire humanity has been reduced to pieces of paper with markings on them. Without those pieces of paper, our lives have no meaning. We cannot live in today’s world without those pieces of paper.

Paper, paper, ink, ink for everything. Where is our humanity in all of that? We begin with a piece of paper, live for pieces of paper, even worship pieces of paper, slave for pieces of paper, and our lives end with a piece of paper.

To be human in today’s society means to make and find representation of oneself in pieces of paper with the right markings on them.

That is what we have become – pieces of paper with markings on them.

But long ago, before there was text, language was oral, verbal and aural and our humanity more peaceful, egalitarian, richer and fuller.

We are human not because of pieces of paper, but because we can reciprocate and exchange and interdepend like no other creature on Earth can. So we have to learn above all to reciprocate in the best manner, so that all will benefit and none will lose.

So what have we become? Paper, ink, markings. Is that all we are?

See page 7

In recognition of these pressing challenges, it is welcome news that the Ministry of Social Cohesion is today holding a workshop in Georgetown on what is said to be a series on “Regional Sensitisation and consultation on the development of a Strategic Plan for the Ministry for the period 2017-2021.”

Given that the planners’ aim is to provide an understanding of social cohesion and assist stakeholders to understand their roles in enabling the process, the nation would look forward to positive outcomes/results.

All Guyanese are important, and ought to be treated as such. Each demographic has unique and common needs. Finding those needs and conceptualising and developing policies and programmes to address them along with the stakeholders’ input can help the society confront its challenges. Guyanese have, by disposition, a determined and resilient spirit. Much of our talents and skills continue to be used for the development of other countries, and these can be turned inwards and be used for our collective development here. We must aspire and work together towards this end.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Jordan sheds light on actions taken on audit findings Dear Editor, I REFER to an article titled “Govt. must seriously commit to prosecuting those who abused laws, public resources - Goolsarran”, which appeared in the Kaieteur News of Friday, September 9, 2016.

On reading the article, I was struck by the audacity of the writer’s claim that “Anti-corruption advocates have also questioned whether the current Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has truly displayed an interest in seeing Brassington face the full extent of the law.”

I do not know who these “anti-corruption advocates” are. Do they include Anand Goolsarran who, in recent times, has set himself up as a transparency and accountability czar? At least he won’t “put all the blame on the Finance Minister, even though he [the Finance Minister] would have an influential voice at the level of Cabinet.” Should I be grateful for these small gratuities thrown my way?

Two things seem to have escaped these so-called “anti-corruption advocates”.

First, I am not a lawyer. Most of my professional life has been devoted to economics and finance. But even without the benefit of substantial legal training, I know that everyone is presumed in-

nocent until proven guilty.

Mr. Brassington facing the full extent of the law is a function of the outcome of police investigations and the judgment of the Director of Public Prosecutions, not the bleating of the anti-corruption advocates.

This brings me to the second issue. Even though it has been explained in detail repeatedly, these “anti-corruption advocates” appear to be unaware of the process established by Cabinet to deal with the forensic audits.

In March of 2016, a Sub-Committee of Cabinet was appointed, consisting of Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice President and Minister of Public Security, as Chairman; Hon. Basil Williams, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; and Hon. Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Ministry of Finance. The Sub-Committee was set up to scrutinize the forensic audit reports, to determine which of them dealt mainly with administrative irregularities and which entered the sphere of criminality.

The matters of an administrative nature, addressing issues of weak internal controls and disciplinary action against those at fault, will be forwarded to the respective Boards of Directors. Those of a criminal nature will be sent to the Commissioner of Po-

lice for further investigations.

In the specific case of NICIL, the Final Report of the Forensic Audit and Review of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) was submitted to Cabinet on December 7, 2015.

At its meeting of December 22, 2015, Cabinet directed that the Report and work papers of Forensic Auditor Anand Goolsarran be handed over to the Commissioner of Police and the Head of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) to determine whether there were any acts of criminality committed by those concerned.

On December 28, 2015, Hon. Jaipaul Sharma, who has oversight of the audits, met with the Commissioner of Police and handed over the Comprehensive Report of the Forensic Audit of NICIL, a review of the Comprehensive Report, and the working paper file of the Forensic Auditor. Copies of same were also handed over to Mr. Sydney James, Head, SOCU, on the same day.

Subsequently, Mr. Winston Brassington and Ms. Marcia Nadir-Sharma were both sent on administrative leave to facilitate the transaction audit. Mr. Brassington later resigned and subsequently left the jurisdiction.

In January 2016, a transaction audit was undertaken

by the Audit Office of Guyana. However, the Auditor General reported several challenges in accessing and analyzing records, since the records were stored at SOCU’s office. While the Auditor General wanted the records to be returned to NICIL, in order for his auditors to carry out their analysis and investigation, the ongoing investigation by SOCU precluded the agency from releasing the records.

Eighteen (18) issues from the NICIL audit have been

identified for further investigation. However, this will translate to a sizeable number of separate investigations.

It should be noted, too, that on June 7, 2016, the Chairman of NICIL’s Board of Directors (of which the Minister of Finance is not a member) was advised to commence examining the Internal Forensic Audit Report’s findings and report on actions taken/to be taken.

The Chief Executive Officer of NICIL responded on July 1, 2016, detailing actions tak-

en and those yet to be taken.

The above sequence of events and actions give a synopsis of developments to date, and nail the contention of the anti-corruption advocates that Government is not serious about pursuing those who might have been involved in, or have committed, criminal acts during their time in office.

Regards, WINSTON JORDAN Minister of Finance

The essence of who ...

From page 6

That is why a picture or a painting is said to be worth a thousand words. With the advent of the electronic information technology age and digitized data, our humanity will be reduced even further to electrical and magnetic forms to be recorded on tapes, discs and other means of electronic storage. We will then become an electronic-based society and our humanity will be further reduced to devices with electronic markings in or on them.

That is why we panic when we lose a computer, a storage device, or a mobile phone with our human-

ity impressed in electronic markings in it. Every time we reduce our humanity, we lose an essence of our being and become dehumanized.

So what are we really? What is the essence of our being?

Markings on pieces of papers? Markings on electronic devices?

Winston Churchill wrote volumes of books on pieces of paper, but he is remembered for his deeds and his spoken word, not so much for his written words.

Spoken words existed long before written words, and when the written words or electronic markings no longer exist, as will certainly happen one day, our spoken words will be eternal, and

the thoughts from which they spring will also be eternal.

For the words we speak into air and the thoughts we think from our minds (brains) will emanate throughout space and time long after we are gone, carrying the record of our humanity on and outward forever.

This is a physical uncontestable fact. So let us ensure we speak the right words, think the right thoughts, and do the right actions. This is the essence of our being: our thoughts, words and actions.

Yours faithfully, MICHAEL XIU QUAN BALGOBIND HACKETT

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Survivors in Corentyne smash-up discharged Avinash Gangram, 24, called “Rex”, Mahen dra Rampraskash called “Vishal” and Rameshwar Mangar called “Bai” who all suffered injuries in Sunday night’s smash-up that claimed the lives of two, have been discharged from hospital.

On Sunday night, around 21:30 hrs, Toyota Spacio PPP 4744 was allegedly being driven at a fast rate by Richard Ramnarine when it collided with a horse on the Number 50 Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

After hitting the animal, the driver lost control of the vehicle, toppling several times, flinging some of its occupants out before coming to a halt in a nearby trench.

Reports indicate that the driver and the passengers were ‘drinking’ prior to the accident, and were on their way home when the accident occurred.

Dead is Richard Ramnarine, 45, called “Desperado” who is a truck driver and Ramesh Preempat, 23, called “Dodee”, who is a porter.

Ramesh Preempat

Richard Ramnarine

Richard was the driver of the ill-fated vehicle. His mother-in-law Vimlawattie Ramdeen told the Guyana Chronicle that she received a call informing that her sonin-law was in an accident.

“I was too numb to go and check it because I have had to deal with so many tragedies, it was later they said that he died.”

Avinash Gangram, who was in the front passenger seat of the car told this newspaper that the driver and other passengers were drinking

and the driver was “high”.

“He was coming to drop me and the other guys home and he was driving really fast like over 100 when he knocked the horse. The horse was in the same lane and then the vehicle just toppled and it hit a couple other things and stopped.”

He related that after the vehicle stopped, he climbed out and there he noticed Richard’s motionless body and the others lying on the road.

They were helped by pub-

Man dies after hitting horse MOTORCYCLIST Deodat Singh, 32, of Cumberland Village, East Canje died on Monday of injuries he sustained after he rode into an unbranded horse on the Cumberland Public Road, East Canje last Thursday.

Singh died at the Georgetown Public Hospital, just after dawn on Monday morning, days after being admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

Reports indicate that the man was riding a borrowed motorcycle CD5674 along the Canefield Public Road when a brown unbranded horse ran into him, resulting in a collision.

Just seconds before the incident, Reliance Police Station Sergeant Hamilton was patrolling in motor vehicle PPP 4934 and was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane, heading towards his station, when the rider of motorcycle CD 5674 passed him in the vicinity of

Welfare Street, Canefield, East Canje, Berbice.

The rider, he said, was travelling at a fast rate.

Hamilton said soon after he heard a loud sound and on checking he saw the motorcyclist and the horse flat on the road.

The motorcyclist was picked up by Sergeant Hamilton and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was examined and admitted.

He was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He suspected that Singh fractured his skull in the accident. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on him shortly.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the motorcycle in the accident belonged to Beajie Singh of Highbury, East Bank Berbice.

Avinash Gangram

Mahendra Rampraskash

lic-spirited persons. When asked why he allowed the driver to the take the wheels, knowing that he (driver) was under the influence, Gangram said, “I didn’t had to go far, it was only the next village, we all lived close by.”

Gangram sustained injuries to his shoulder, while other two survivors sustained head injuries.

Meanwhile, the mother of Ramesh Preempat said her son had left home to go hang out with friends. She related that it was her birthday and

earlier in the day Ramesh spent some time with her.

“Last night me went home and one ah he friend call and tell me he deh in accident, me go down to the scene and see two body cover up and then somebody tell me meh son den under one of them sheet.”

In tears, the woman said she could not believe her son is no more.

“Just hours before me see am and he ask me to take out he food, I don’t know why this happen.”

Still hospitalised: Rameshwar Mangar The stepfather of Rameshwar, Basheer Haniff, said his son had left to go out with some friends and he received a call later in the evening saying he was involved in an accident.

Rameshwar suffered received serious trauma to the head and was bleeding through his ears.

The accident comes on the heels as police are intensifying efforts to curb road accidents, which has been on the rise.

‘Waste man’ to know fate today

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric VEDANAND Chander, 37, who is alleged to have attempted to murder Chabbidat Tejram during a ‘name calling incident’, at Number 71 Village, Corentyne, will know his fate today.

The jury is slated to return a verdict after deliberating on the evidence presented by State Prosecutrix Stacy Goodings and the defence.

Tejram in response to questions by Defence Counsel Mursulene Bacchus had said that he did not call the accused, “a waste man” but agreed that he was called a “Deportee”.

Tejram also denied pelting Chander with a concrete brick, and running to him with an instrument, or attacking him on the road.

However, Tejram told Justice Jo Ann Barlow and the mixed jury that after he was stabbed with a chisel, he fell to the ground.

Registered Medical practitioner Ryan Campbell, perusing the medical certificate in which his signature was affixed, said he saw a stab wound measuring four centimeters in the left auxiliary region (arm pit) on Tejram’s body.

He said the injury posed danger to life, if there was a lung perforation, or if the lung was exposed to outer atmosphere.

Responding to Bacchus, the Cuban-trained doctor noted that the injury was as a result of the use of a pointed sharp instrument measuring about 4 cm or 11/2 inches in width.

In responding to the jury, Campbell explained that some perforation allows air to escape while other perforation seals

the area. He agreed that if a nerve is damaged, the patient can experience consistent pain.

However, he was unable to say whether a nerve was damaged, as such, a finding can only be determined after the injury was healed.

Meanwhile, Police Detective Terry Cummings said the accused was at the Springlands Police Station when he put the allegation to him, and he responded, “Officer, I don’t know about that”.

Cummings recalled that the virtual complainant was also at the station, where he had gone to make a report, before been taken to the Skeldon Hospital and was later transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

The sleuth said he returned to the scene and questioned several persons including the victim’s mother Goomattie Tejram and one named Vejai.

On October 16, 2012, Neighbourhood Police Latchmanarine Ramsundar was patrolling within the Number 71 Village, Corentyne, when he was alerted to a gathering of person.

He observed that the alleged victim was holding under his armpit with a cloth, while, the accused had a chisel in his hand, which was handed over to him, before being taken to the Springlands Police Station.

According to the case, the alleged victim was tiling a bench at the front of his yard when the accused, who was riding by called him deportee. The accused went away and returned with a chisel, which he used to reportedly harm his victim.

9

A veritable death trap

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

- Regional councillors decry current state of Soesdyke-Linden Highway

By Vanessa Braithwaite REGION 10 officials are so disenchanted with the current state of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, they have taken to calling the 52-year-old 45-mile stretch of bituminous road “a death trap”.

The issue of the state of the highway was raised by several councillors during the recently held statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), and it was concluded that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) needs to put systems in place to make the highway safer to travel.

Among issues that were brought to the fore at the meeting were the lack of road markings and speed limit signs, and most importantly the lack of adequate road lights, which poses “a

ing through! When you hit Moblissa Road, you don’t know whether you in the corner or you in the middle!

“And if a light coming against you, you in trouble!

It’s just by the grace of God you hold yuh wheel straight, and you sail pass the vehicle!”

At this point, however, Regional Chairman Renis Morian interjected, saying that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure did commence placing lights on the bridges, but that they were subsequently stolen, as were the reflectors on the road.

But Sampson was adamant that road markings are enough to enhance one’s visual judgement while driving at night, and that lights are not a necessity. “Why can’t the Ministry mark the Highway!” he said. “You don’t need lights on the Highway!

drivers for breaking the speed limit, when there are no signs to guide them as to what that limit is. They say the same obtains for the roads in Linden, where there are limited road markings and signs.

SOIL EROSION Another sore point is the heavy soil erosion taking place on the highway, which because it worsened during the last May-June rains, saw the RDC, in collaboration with the MPI, having to do corrective work at Moblissa.

Noting, however, that there have been reports of more breakages along the way, councillors say the situation has resulted in water not only seeping into residents’ yards but also threatening the foundation of their homes.

At this, Regional Chairman Morian suggested that the MPI do an assessment of

Heading east on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway nightmare” during bouts of heavy fog.

A CRYING SHAME As Councillor Charles Sampson declared, “You see the Soesdyke-Linden Highway! It’s a shame; the road ain’t got nothing! If it’s raining and you coming through that Highway in the night, it’s just God’s mercy that does bring you through that highway!

“Apparently, dem ‘bigboys’ gotta come and drive lil bit more in the night; it’s a nightmare if you com-

Once the road is properly marked, you are going to see!”

On this he was roundly supported by Councillor Douglas Gittens, who said he knows only too well the nightmare driving on the Highway after hours poses.

"The Soesdyke-Linden Highway is a death trap,” he said. “You cannot see anything after a certain hour on that road... High beam; low beam, it doesn’t matter...”

But lights aside, the councillors also raised the issue of the police apprehending

the situation before arriving at a decision.

“The first thing I would recommend here is that the ministry do a walk-through survey; look at the stress points and threatening areas, so that we can do corrective work,” he said.

Concerns were also raised about the other responsible factors leading to the degradation of the road, such as residents removing sections of the highway’s curb walls to make driveways to their homes or pathways to their villages.

It has also been alleged that lumber trucks would drive over the curb walls to park off the road, which would, after time, destroy it.

In addition to the breakage of sections of the road, this newspaper observed visible dents and cracks along the way, which has been deemed a serious threat, as pressure from heavy-duty vehicles would soon cause the surface to cave in as the foundation of the road is becoming void.

HISTORY The Soesdyke-Linden Highway, which connects Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica) to 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), was constructed to the tune of close to US$17M in 1966, but was formally opened in 1969.

It was rehabilitated on several occasions, but a recent feasibility study has shown that the noticeable amount of lumber trucks that traverse it on their way to the interior has weakened its

foundation, which is of grave concern not only for residents along the highway, but for drivers and regional officials as well.

The Region 10 Road Safety Organisation has recommended that either an alternative road be constructed for the exclusive use of heavy-duty vehicles automobiles, or we go back to the days when logs used to be sailed down the Demerara River, as was done prior to the construction of the highway.

10

Police nab suspect in Bourda Market stabbing

POLICE have arrested the suspect in the murder of Bourda Market labourer Omesh Chetram who was fatally stabbed during an argument near the market on Saturday night.

Reports are that the suspect, who was identified by persons in the market area, was arrested yesterday.

The 34-year-old Chetram, formerly of Unity, East Coast Demerara, was fatally stabbed on Robb Street between Alexander and Bourda Streets, Georgetown, at about 23:30 hrs on Saturday.

Police said in a press release that Chetram and the suspect had been engaged in a heated row, during which he was stabbed in the lower region of his abdomen with a knife, and was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

The suspect, who was identified soon after the incident, made good his escape after committing the act.

Chetram had, sometime ago, left his home at Mahaica to seek work in Georgetown and while in the city, he developed an addiction for illicit drugs; and to accommodate this habit he began doing odd jobs for vendors in the Bourda Market area.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

2 held for teacher’s death

THE murder of Guyanese school teacher Marisha Bowen may have been the tragic result of a triangular love affair and two persons including a female are being questioned by The Bahamas police in relation to the incident.

According to a report in the Bahamas Tribune, police sources on the island are probing the love affair as a possible motive in the fatal stabbing of the 35-year old C W Saunders Baptist School teacher who was found dead with a single stab wound on Friday morning.

The woman was three months pregnant at the time of her death, the report stated.

The Tribune said that while police have confirmed that a man is assisting police

of Police (ACP) Leon Bethell said police were following a number of leads and had spoken to many people as they try to piece together evidence to bring the case to a close.

Bowen was found shortly after 08:00hrs on Friday in her apartment by other tenants of a complex on Read Sea Road, off Sumner Street, suffering from a single wound to the body. She was pronounced dead at the

Dead: Marisha Bowen in connection with the murder, the publication was told that a woman is also being questioned over the incident.

The man helping police is a native of Africa, the report said.

Assistant Commissioner

scene.

Neighbours reportedly heard screaming from her apartment and it is believed to have led to the discovery of her body.

The former Brickdam Secondary School teacher moved to the island from Guyana several years ago.

She joined the C W Saunders School in 2014 and was the mother of two children.

Executed Albouystown taxi driver had brushes with law OSWALD Rambarran, 42, called “Dungs” of Middle Road, La Penitence, who was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle around 21:30hrs on Sunday, shortly after he was called to the area to deliver food by a resident, had several brushes with the law.

Residents said the man’s death may have been the result of a hit since he had several misunderstandings with persons in the area. He was attached to the 007 Taxi Service.

Rambarran died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Police sources said that Executed: Rambarran has had sevOswald Rambarran eral brushes with the law, dating as far back as June 2008, when he was shot by the lawmen during a high speed chase.

Police said at the time that the man and an accomplice were seen forcing another man into a car trunk on High Street in the city. The accomplice escaped but Rambarran led the police on a high speed chase which ended at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.

Rambarran was hospitalised with gunshot wounds near his armpit but escaped from the GPHC. He was later recaptured and the rank who was guarding him was placed under close arrest.

Tuesday Setpember 13th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday Setpember 14th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Thursday Setpember 15th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Digicel hosts storytelling activity - in observance of Literacy Day

DIGICEL Guyana had, on Thursday, participated in a reading and storytelling exercise at the nursery school at St Cuthbert’s Mission, up the Mahaicony Creek in Region Five.

This gesture of the telecommunications company coincided with International Literacy Day 2016, and saw several children benefiting from books and back-to-school items, including backpacks.

“Today we are spending some time with these little ones to show them the importance of reading; the staff members (of Digicel) are here today to give back to the community by interacting with the students. And what better day to do this than on International Literacy Day? Digicel supports the notion of promoting literacy, since it is as an instrument to empower individuals, communities and societies,” Digicel’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Vidya Sanichara declared.

Sanichara also said the mobile company would be visiting other Indigenous communities during this month, and would provide those communities with books and school supplies. She noted that Digicel is the network of choice of most Indigenous communities, and said the company deems it important to give back in a meaningful way to its customers.

Ms. Helen Kattow, acting headmistress of the school, thanked Digicel for the gesture, and said, “Digicel always comes to visit and spend some time with us, and they always give. We are grateful as always; the children get very excited when they see the Digicel bus coming into the village. Thank you so much, Digicel”.

Mr. Lenox Shuman, toshao of the mission, was present at the event. He also thanked Digicel for “coming and supporting literacy in our community, which is a vital element in the way we progress. We appreciate initiatives like this; it shows a dif-

ferent degree of corporate responsibility, which is welcome in our community. The more corporations that do this, the better off we will be”.

Fifty years ago, UNESCO declared September 8 Inter-

national Literacy Day. Today this day is celebrated worldwide, bringing together private sector bodies, communities, teachers, students, learners, NGOs, and governments to actively mobilise and promote literacy.

Students of St Cuthbert’s Mission listen keenly as a Digicel staff member tells a story on International Literacy Day 2016

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Mahdia youths learning employable skills THE Social Protection Ministry (SPM) has, through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), launched a Heavy Duty Equipment Operators’ Training Programme at Mahdia, for which thus far 30 youths have signed up to participate. They are expected to graduate in December.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, in delivering the feature address at last weekend’s launch of the programme, said youth empowerment forms part of President Granger’s vision for Mahdia and, by extension, the rest of Guyana; hence the programme would be crossing regional borders.

“Today, the time for Mahdia has come…. Let’s take this opportunity worth accepting… While we give to you this as a Government, your responsibility is to yourself and your region, to ensure you are successful,” she said.

Minister Lawrence also expressed pleasure that several women are among the trainees. “This is what Guyana is about:

gender equality. Let’s work together for a better Guyana. Step up to the plate, because you can do it. Don’t let gender be a barrier, go out there and take charge of your learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, because you are in the environment for learning,” she encouraged the trainees.

Minister in the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, told the trainees that their presence is reflective of the Government’s commitment to ensure “youths are at the front burner”.

“You are the front burners for those who are coming after you,” he declared. “You are future leaders who will give back to your community.”

Similar encouragement was given by Bonaventure Fredricks, Region Eight Chairman.

Among those present at the launching ceremony were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Maria Khelawan; Region 8 Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO) Shameer

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence addressing in Mahdia the trainees who are now participating in the Heavy Duty Equipment Operators Training Programme

World Bank team monitoring EDWC adaptation project A TWO-MEMBER World Bank team is in Guyana to monitor the progress of the East Demerara Water Conservancy’s (EDWC) adaptation project.

Team leader Armando Guzman, and Hydrology Specialist, Isabella Bovolo told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that they are here as a follow- up to phase one of the project.

Guzman, in explaining the reason for the visit stated, “Our presence here is precisely to identify how the bank can help the country to continue implementing the project. We expect to have actual works being executed later this year, we have the normal challenges we would have in implementation everywhere else.”

Meanwhile Bovolo said that they are satisfied that the main recommendations to fix the EDWC are being executed.

“The main recommendations are being carried out so the rehabilitation of certain sections of the dam which were deemed to be the most at risk of failure have been rehabilitated, and those are the pump stations alongside to that to increase the drainage, the East Coast drainage,” Bovolo explained.

The EDWC adaptation project is funded by the International Development Association (IDA) of the Word Bank and is being implemented in two phases.

Guzman explained that studies and analyses were carried out prior to the design and acceptance of the project which is intended to prevent flooding similar to that of 2005. “For the EDWC, we have a US $12M loan from the IDA envelope that we have for the country and for the Cunha Canal we have a US$ 3.5M from the Guy-

ana Redd Investment Fund (GRIF). That’s the financial contribution, but I think that the bank and many others have contributed to this because we have carried out the service and engineering analysis required for this, so it’s not only giving the money for implementing the works, but also doing the analysis,” Guzman explained.

The official added that “We invested a little more than three million to do all the base line studies and analysis to recommend the optimal solution for the flooding in the area.”

Bovolo who participated in phase one of the EDWC adaptation project explained that, “This is the implementation phase of the studies so we are looking at actually installing infrastructure whereas the previous conservancy adaptation project did a lot of modelling, a lot of studies to understand how the conservancy worked and hydraulically looking at the safety of the dam and those on the East Coast drainage systems.”

The Flood Risk Management Project, a component of the EDWC adaptation project seeks to upgrade critical sections of the conservancy’s dams and canals; significantly improve the drainage capacity in priority areas along the East Coast; and increase the institutional capacity by implementation of dam-safety measures and practices, including the installation of instruments to monitor hydrometerological data. The project also caters for acquisition of heavy equipment to facilitate the upgrading and increased pumping capacity of the critical drainage areas, and will see more than 300,000 citizens in flood-prone regions of the East Coast Demerara benefiting tremendously from reduced flooding and climate risk. (GINA)

Arjoon, and Tottil Saygon.

The Heavy Equipment Operators Training Programme has its genesis in the 2013 request made by the Guyana Sugar Corporation Limited of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) -- to address the corporation’s emerging crucial attrition needs, resulting from the exodus of its operators to the lucrative gold mining sector. The programme has since gained traction, and has quickly assumed the status of the premier skills-development activity among the other skill sets within the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTYPE) Project.

The programme is presently offered in five administrative regions. During 2014/2015, BIT trained 252 persons, most of whom are now employed. BIT plans to train 135 persons in 2016 and 300 in 2017.

BIT executes its training programmes in a manner that facilitates “training by doing”. Many of its graduates are school dropouts, youths from disadvantaged communities, and those who did not fare well in their secondary school examinations.

BIT’s graduates have been able to secure high-paying jobs in critical sectors, such as public infrastructure (construction of roads and bridges, and in the drainage and irrigation sphere); mining and quarrying; forestry; agriculture, and housing.

BIT has been conducting the Heavy Duty Equipment Operators Training for members of the Guyana Police Force as well.

Gov’t targets NOC for professional upgrade

GOVERNMENT intends to professionalise the programme at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, to ensure that young people leave that institution as better individuals and the NOC serves its mandate of being a corrective and rehabilitative institution.

In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, said that for young people to be rehabilitated, capacity building of staff at the institution is required.

“That speaks to the issue of HR, human resource; it might involve recruiting people, right-fitting people and that type of normal procedure that goes with human resource development,” the Minister said.

Additionally, there will be extensive collaboration with government agencies, including with the Ministries of Social Protection and Public Security, and with the Guyana Police Force. “They all have a role to play in ensuring the functions and operations of the New Opportunity Corps are in keeping with the objectives and mandate of that institution,” Minister Henry explained.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), among other agencies, is assisting in the development of a work plan geared at professionalising the NOC, Minister Henry added. A significant amount of time will, in 2017, be spent on creating a better cadre of staff at the NOC. Youths at the institution are currently receiving support through the Probation Department’s ‘Aftercare Programme’ to enable them to reintegrate into society. This programme seeks to ensure that the youths are going through a process of rehabilitation while in the institution. The youths are provided with technical skills training in the areas of electrical installation, mechanical engineering, tailoring, information technology, agriculture, and academics. When youths are released from the NOC, there are follow-up checks over a six-month period to ensure behaviour adjustments.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Paradise, Tuschen squatters urged to get off gov’t reserves SEVERAL squatters in the Region Four community of Paradise, East Coast Demerara and the Region Three community of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo have been urged to discontinue squatting following a visit to the communities on Friday by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams-Patterson, and officials of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), including members of its enforcement arms.

During that visit, the minister and team observed that a number of persons in the two communities -- warned against squatting on state reserves -– have recommenced squatting on lands in those communities.

Representatives from the two communities had, last week, visited the minister to complain about the poor state of the road, and bad drainage caused by persons living on

state reserves. Equipment used to effect drainage and road works would usually use the reserves.

“CH&PA had written them, telling them to stop squatting on the reserves.

Some of them moved, and have now moved back. That is defiance,” Minister Adams-Patterson noted. She noted that a number of these persons were issued with house lots.

Restating Government’s commitment to offering an alternative solution to those who would be removed from the squatting area, the minister explained that those persons would either be issued a house lot or benefit from easy access to low/affordable apartments or condominiums that Government would soon build. “We are going to give them first preference, and we are going to make it affordable,” the minister explained.

The minister explained that the CH&PA would again

write those persons who are squatting on the reserve. “If they do not want to move, the hammer will fall (on them),” she warned. “We are going to warn them again; and if they do not move, we are going to break their structures,” she said, adding: “I believe you can only give people a chance if they are willing.

We have to bring order to this country; and if bringing order means that we have to remove some of these people, then we have to.”

Minister Adams-Patterson has visited and inspected the communities, given that the schemes are yet to be handed over to the respective local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and as such, they are still the responsibility of the Ministry of Communities.

On the issue of roads, Minister Adams-Patterson promised, “What I have seen today will certainly be addressed.” (GINA)

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams-Patterson, listens to the concerns of a resident at Tuschen

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

ARIES - Your nerves are on edge and you may be caught off guard by surprising events.

However, it’s best not to overreact when tensions return from the past, perhaps stronger in intensity than before. You’re not interested in accommodating the needs of others today, but this conflict only reawakens deeper issues and makes matters worse. Express your feelings carefully, in a controlled manner, without giving anyone a reason to plot against you. Channelling this turbulent energy towards positive transformation isn’t easy; but if anyone can do it, it’s you.

TAURUS - You are swept up in a whirlwind of activity today, which may not leave you much time for yourself. As a result, you could strike out angrily in judgment against a friend, colleague or classmate -- even if the person doesn’t deserve it. Nevertheless, if you refrain from keeping score, you can step lightly through the emotional minefield without setting off any explosions or wearing yourself out with unnecessary concern. Taking the high road is the only solution that makes sense.

GEMINI - Deep bonds from the past can cloud a current relationship, so be mindful when clarifying the differences between your memories and current events. A Mercury-Sun conjunction squares pugnacious Mars in your 7th House of Relationships, creating discord with others that could result from projections of your inner turmoil. Facing your own ghosts minimises your tendency to fan the fires of a minor disagreement. Acting with kindness prevents misunderstandings and negativity from hijacking your day.

CANCER - You are acutely aware of exactly what you must do to get your needs met now.

An impetuous Sun-Mars square gives you the potential to surprise yourself and others by reacting before you consider the consequences. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to break out of your shell, this is your time to shine. Avoiding confrontation will only make you resentful of others and disappointed in yourself. After all, if you don’t take a chance now, you will never know what might happen. Remember, everything is less scary when cast in the light of awareness.

LEO - Although these are intense times for nearly everyone, your current challenges are centred around sharing your truth and the acknowledgment you want from others. The radiant Sun and communicator Mercury cross swords with macho Mars in your 5th House of Self-Expression. You might be tempted to shove someone out of their comfort zone to get a reaction from them. However, the response you receive may not be the one you expect. Act with caution, even if you’re mad, or you could upset the apple cart and will have to start over from scratch.

VIRGO - You’re passionate about realising your dreams, but your current progress isn’t going as smoothly as you wish. Unfortunately, you could be so annoyed that someone is working at cross-purposes to your goals that you’re ready to confront the person directly.

Although it’s wise to take action, the issue is more complex than it seems. Instead of thinking that employing logic will help today, channel your frustration into creating a new challenge for yourself. Use your intuition to solve problems with original solutions, and transform a hopeless situation into a productive one.

LIBRA - Although you don’t want to hurt or embarrass anyone, it’s still wiser to speak up than to clam up today. An irrepressible square between the Sun and insistent Mars drives you to say something you would normally keep to yourself. Unfortunately, you lack the patience now to wrap your message up in a pretty package. You’re not interested in covering up the truth, but you can still present it in a form in which it’s most likely to be understood. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.

SCORPIO - Feelings run strong as the passion of attraction and the potential for conflict battle with one another. Words spoken with insensitivity quickly turn simple comments into personal attacks. Remember, retrograde Mercury and the Sun are dynamically squaring combative Mars, possibly tricking you into thinking this is a fight to the finish when the only actual casualty might be your ego. Reconsider your options before firing off your rockets; make love, not war.

SAGITTARIUS - It doesn’t take much to get your motor running now, whether you’re heading off for a rendezvous with someone new, initiating changes at home, or reshuffling your priorities. The emotional temperature is rising, making it more crucial than ever to channel your powerful energy productively -- or at least playfully. Just be cautious when engaging in physical activities, because you could push yourself past your limits today. As motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, “Take care of your body; it’s the only place you have to live.”

CAPRICORN - Your wishes may be denied today, and you’re ready to undertake a valiant struggle for your cause. Unfortunately, acts of aggression are totally counterproductive, and will only bring unhappiness and stress. Instead of duelling with your opponents now, it’s smarter to focus on the long-term victory. Meanwhile, reduce the pressure in the moment by finding ways to express your energy physically, so it doesn’t bottle up inside.

Creating a healthy outlet for your emotions is the best tactic to eliminate the potential for any unnecessary ego skirmishes.

AQUARIUS - A clash of strategies between you and your co-workers might end up in a deadlock today. Nevertheless, you could perform miracles if you redirect your energy and focus the intensity of your feelings on manifesting your dreams, instead of living up to other people’s expectations. In fact, your current nemesis is likely an internal saboteur that you must tame by finding the creative key that unlocks your full potential. But don’t wait for divine inspiration or a better time. As Sufi poet Rumi wrote, “If all you can do is crawl, start crawling.”

PISCES - You could run into a rough patch today if everyone takes extreme positions in a disagreement. Even if you know what you want, you might be sorry if your ambitions drive you too hard now that the Sun squares aggressive Mars in your 10th House of Social Status. Ultimately, traversing the current unstable emotional terrain requires you to discuss all the various points of view with everyone involved. Defuse the tense situation any way you can, and apply your resolve to harmoniously moving forward, rather than battling over the past.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

GBA/Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate C/ships

Soldiers overpower Prisons to retain national intermediate title

By Michael DaSilva BOXERS from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) overpowered their arch-rivals Guyana Prison Service (Republican Gym) to retain the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)/Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate champion gym title when the curtain came down on the three-night championships on Sunday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Going into Sunday night’s finals, the Army had 15 representatives in all 10 weight divisions that were contested and despite having to settle for the runner-up places in four of the divisions, it was evident before the start of the night’s proceedings that the soldiers would successfully defend the champion gym title, as six of the 10 weight divisions were all-GDF affairs.

Prior to the start of the championships, the Republicans had issued a strong warning to the soldiers stating emphatically that they (Republican) would lift the 2016 championship honours from them (GDF).

But this was not to be as the Republicans had a mere three finalists in three different weight divisions and they won three finals which, incidentally, were against GDF opposition.

The fourth final which they lost was one against Rose Hall Jammers of Berbice whose Julius Kesney won the bantamweight title and was subsequently named the Best Boxer of the championships.

The soldiers’ march to championship honours started from the first fight of the (Elite) category.

(Point to note is that there were three fights in the Youth category that preceded the Elite class and had no bearing on the points standing for championship honours).

Anil Chitraj (GDF pounded out a unanimous points decision win over his gym-mate Royden Nicholson in a junior flyweight contest.

The eventual champions made further inroads when Don Cumberbatch (GDF) is his flyweight contest against his fellow soldier, Reeaz Jahurali, recorded a second-round technical knock-out win.

It was the third fight of the Elite category that saw a change in fortunes for the soldiers as Kesney pounded out a points decision win against Courtney Lynch (GDF).

Kesney started to feel out his opponent from the first

round with occasional onetwo combinations and Lynch started to get aggressive from the second round, but Kesney countered well while on the retreat and started to take the fight to Lynch, scoring with body and head combinations that staggered the soldier.

In round three, Lynch launched an attack on Kesney with combinations, but the Berbician was equal to the task and connected with overhand left hooks and straight rights and at the end of the bruising contest was declared the winner on points.

Jemol Brisport (GDF) then secured a points’ decision win against his gym-mate Triston Browne to win the lightweight title.

The next bout saw Republican Gym secure their first of three victories as Delroy Nero outpointed Shondel Douglas (GDF) to take the light welterweight title after three rounds of aggressive boxing by both boxers.

The Republicans chalked up their second victory through Joshua Joseph who, despite being more aggressive than his opponent Orlando Norton (GDF), landed far more punches but

failed to stop his man and had to settle for a unanimous points win in the welterweight final.

The army boxers then ran off two consecutive victories in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions as Joshua Fraser (middleweight) and Aluko Bess (light heavyweight) both recorded points decision victories over their army gym-mates Darren McPherson and Marvin Williams respectively.

The Republican then recorded their third and final title as Bryan Leitch (Republican) was far too good for GDF’s Ryan Roberts in their heavyweight final.

Leitch’s power shots had Roberts holding on for dear life throughout the contest and received some mercy from the referee, who refused to warn Roberts or even deduct points from the soldier for consistent infringement of the rules.

The final fight on the night’s entertaining card was one between Renee Lewis and Floyd Cato, both soldiers and at the end of the brawling but clumsy affair, Cato was adjudged winner of the super heavyweight contest.

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:50 hrs Gold Status 09:25 hrs Spring Wonder 10:05 hrs Donny 10:40 hrs Bally Swiss 11:15 hrs Hawaii Sun

09:20 hrs Textured 09:50 hrs Vanity Queen 10:20 hrs Point Of View 10:50 hrs Pleasure Dome 11:20 hrs Outback Traveller 11:50 hrs Port Issac 12:20 hrs Emjayem

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Irish Racing Tips Listowel 09:25 hrs Ensign 09:55 hrs Ecoeye 10:25 hrs Marvellous Ways 10:55 hrs Girl Of The Hour 11:25 hrs Ball D’ Arc 11:55 hrs Swamp Fox 12:25 hrs Bargy Lady

Chepstow 09:10 hrs Tobrave 09:40 hrs Bobby Vee 10:10 hrs Jazz Cat 10:40 hrs Manton Grange 11:10 hrs Desert Tango 11:40 hrs African Showgirl 12:10 hrs Agent Gibbs Yarmouth

American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Blue Chat Race 2 Pollard’s Girl Race 3 Whistling Straits Race 4 Patricias Princess Race 5 Thump Race 6 She Loves Leather Race 7 M’Lady Penny Race 8 Third Brigade Race 9 Honeymoon Spring

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

New champions add fresh look to US Open

By Steve Keating

NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - A new roof was all the rage when the US Open began two weeks ago but it was the crowning of a new world number one and two first-time champions that left their mark on a tournament that came to an emotional close on Sunday with a tribute to victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

At a tournament where trainers had nearly as much court time as weary players, Germany’s Angelique Kerber and Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka were the last two standing in their respective draws as they each captured their first US Open titles.

Wawrinka played with energy and desire as he tamed defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic 6-7(1), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 in a victory that was a testament to his will as much as his skill and earned him his third grand slam title.

Djokovic, contesting his sixth US Open final in seven years, benefited from one of the easiest passages to a grand slam final as he was

Germany’s Angelique Kerber and Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka capture their first US Open titles handed a walkover and two retirements but it was the Serb who was ultimately worn down by Wawrinka.

The nine hours Djokovic spent on court to reach the final were half the 18 hours logged by the battle-hardened 31-year-old Wawrinka, who added a US Open title to a grand slam collection that also includes French Open and Australian Open trophies.

Kerber, another player with a deep well of stamina, tapped into those reserves on a sweltering Arthur Ashe Stadium court to defuse big-hitting Czech Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to capture her

second grand slam title.

And while Kerber may be a new U.S. champion, the 28-year-old German is hardly a new face in the world of tennis.

She has become one of the game’s most recognisable figures in a season that has included an Australian Open triumph, a run to the Wimbledon final, an Olympic silver medal in singles and ending Serena Williams’ 186-week reign as world number one.

While the buzz at the start of the US Open was about the $150 million retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium it was the Flushing Meadows wall

that Williams ran into for a second consecutive straight year that drew the most attention.

A year ago, on the cusp of a rare calendar-year grand slam, Williams was felled by 300-to1 longshot Roberta Vinci.

This year her quest for a record-breaking seventh US Open title was again undone in the semis, this time

by Pliskova, who arrived at Flushing Meadows as a grand slam underachiever who had never been beyond the third round of any major.

Flushing Meadows did not exactly witness a passing of the torch this year but the

winds of change did blow through the Billie Jean Tennis Center.

Djokovic was the only member of the so-called ‘Big Four’ in men’s tennis to reach the semi-finals while the women’s draw produced a first-time champion for the second straight year following Flavia Pennetta’s magical run in 2015.

Since 2005 when Rafael Nadal won his first French Open title, the Spaniard, Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray have accounted for 42 of 46 grand slam titles.

There were fresh faces like 18-year-old Croatian Ana Konjuh, who upset

fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska, but it was another false dawn for U.S. tennis.

At the start of play, 39 Americans were in the main draw, one fewer than the record set by local players in 2005, but by the second week all were gone except the ageing Williams sisters, Madison Keys and Jack Sock.

The American flag, however, did wave proudly over Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday as the US Open staged a remembrance for the victims of the September 11 attacks on the United States.

With 9/11/01 stencilled onto the Arthur Ashe Stadium court, American Bethanie Mattek-Sands paid her own tribute by wearing Stars and Stripes knee-high socks and wristbands.

“It is an emotional day,” said Mattek-Sands, who won gold at the Rio Olympics in mixed doubles with Sock. “I was going to retire my American flag socks after the gold medal match.

“I said, You know what? For the final of the US Open, 9/11, have to bring them out.

India keep faith with Rohit and Dhawan for New Zealand series

By Sudipto Ganguly

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - India retained opener Shikhar Dhawan and middle order batsman Rohit Sharma yesterday for their three-Test home series against New Zealand beginning in Kanpur later this month.

The selection committee reposed faith in 15 of the 17 players picked for the tour of West Indies with all-rounder Stuart Binny and seamer Shardul Thakur being the players to miss out.

The 29-year-old Rohit is an automatic choice in India’s limited-overs sides but has failed to replicate that form in the five-day format, averaging 32.62 with the bat in 18 Tests.

“Rohit is a fabulous player and has got immense talent but he hasn’t got a longer run in Test cricket,” chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil told reporters.

“He is picked for one Test match then rested for say entire season and then picked again.

“So we feel that whoever - I am not saying only Rohit - will be picked will be given

India’s Rohit Sharma (L) plays a shot past South Africa’s wicketkeeper Dane Vilas during the second day of their third Test cricket match in Nagpur, India, November 26, 2015. (REUTERS/Amit Dave) a fair amount of chances here onwards.”

Rohit scored nine and 41 in the third Test in West Indies at Gros Islet and did not get a chance to bat in the final match of the series at Port of Spain, which was washed out

with the visitors winning 2-0.

Left-handed opener Dhawan’s place was also under scrutiny after he was dropped for the fourth Test against West Indies following scores of 27, 26 and one in his three previous innings in the Caribbean.

The emergence of Lokesh Rahul, who was named in the 15-member squad, as an opener has put further pressure on Dhawan to perform after the 24-year-old right-hander scored two hundreds and a fifty in four innings against West Indies in Tests and a Twenty20 international.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who also scored two centuries against West Indies after being promoted in the batting order, will lead India’s slow-bowling attack, aided by leggie Amit Mishra and leftarm spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav were the three pacemen in India’s squad.

“India had a good series in West Indies and it’s not that we have not discussed the other names,” Patil said. “But we have stuck to the combination which has done very well abroad.

“Not many times we see the Indian team doing well when we tour ... we were of the opinion that this is the best combination against New Zealand.”

The series will mark the start of a bumper home sea-

son for India during which they will play 13 Test matches.

The second-ranked Test side in the world will next host England for five Tests before Australia tour the country for four Test matches. Bangladesh will also play their maiden Test in India next year.

Kanpur hosts the first match from September 22, followed by Tests in Kolkata

(from September 30) and Indore (from October 8).

Squad: Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli (captain), Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

New Zealand in India 2016 SEPTEMBER 16-18 v Mumbai, Delhi (05:00 BST) 22-26 1st Test, Kanpur (05:00 BST) 30-4 Oct 2nd Test, Kolkata (05:00 BST)

OCTOBER 8-12 3rd Test, Indore (05:00 BST) 16 1st ODI, Dharamsala (d/n) (09:00 BST) 20 2nd ODI, Delhi (d/n) (09:00 BST) 23 3rd ODI, Mohali (d/n) (09:00 BST) 26 4th ODI, Ranchi (d/n) (09:00 BST) 29 5th ODI, Visakhapatnam (d/n) (09:00 BST)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

How could ECB possibly sack England ODI captain?

By Jonathan Agnew EOIN Morgan’s decision not to captain England in the one-day matches on the tour of Bangladesh because of security concerns has certainly come in for some heavy criticism.

England’s director of cricket Andrew Strauss suggested there would be no impact on future selections for players who chose not to tour. I think that was a mistake because you cannot give guarantees in sport - who could possibly say what is going to happen?

But how can England even think of replacing Morgan as captain because of this decision, having said positions would not be compromised?

Morgan has followed his own course, with the assur-

Jos Butler to captain England’s one-day team ance ringing in his ears that nothing is going to happen, and I don’t see how they can now sack him.

There has been a lot of knee-jerk stuff about players not respecting the captain anymore but I don’t think that is true.

All-rounder Ben Stokes has publicly backed him, and the players all know each other well and understand

that different people have different views on things.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) must have received assurances from at least 25 people - the whole Test squad, some oneday specialists, management, coaches, medical staff - and only two people have said ‘no’ to a tour that six weeks ago looked likely to be off because of that awful terror-

ist attack in Dhaka in July.

To get all those people on the plane is a pretty good effort.

There has been a lot written about Morgan that has been rather unpleasant. He’s a quiet, insular fellow, not one of these gregarious types.

He’s quite calculating - as he is when batting - but the thought that he doesn’t care about the team is just nonsense.

Two weeks ago he was being hailed from the rooftops when England won seven out of eight ODIs this summer and made the highest total in ODI history.

England have 14 scheduled ODIs before they begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh at The Oval on June 1. Are they going to ditch the captain who has just led them on one of their best runs?

DANGERS of TRAVEL In my 25 years with the BBC we have been on lots of tours that all start off like this - are they going to be on or off? We happen to go to some parts of the world that can be dangerous.

I understand the modern brand of terrorism is different but I also think the security is much more organised than it was.”

England’s security expert Reg Dickason has got a massive responsibility - not just to the players but to the media and the supporters. If you make a decision about somewhere being safe to travel, that is a go-ahead for everybody, but Dickason is very well connected, and a very, very thorough individual.

Lancashire’s 19-year-old

opener Haseeb Hameed is the one everyone is talking about to replace him in Bangladesh.

He’s scored four Championship centuries this summer and has got a lot of promise - and Bangladesh is not a bad place to make your debut.

I think Jos Buttler will do very well as captain of the one-day team out there.

I’ve had it in my mind for some time that he was potential captain material.

He’s a very innovative cricketer who thinks a lot about the game, he’s a decent bloke, the players like and respect him and he’s obviously got a nous for one-day cricket.

The most important thing about one-day cricket is momentum and the object of this tour for England will be to keep that going.”

(BBC Sport)

Klitschko obsessed with regaining heavyweight crown

By Martyn Herman LONDON, England (Reuters) - Former champion Wladimir Klitschko said he is obsessed with regaining his world heavyweight crown and he would wait for as long as it takes for his re-match with Britain’s Tyson Fury.

The fight has been fixed for October 29 in Manchester, after it had been postponed in July when Fury suffered an ankle injury, although doubts have been raised about whether it would go ahead after Fury was charged with an anti-doping violation.

Fury, who denies the allegations, caused a huge shock when he deservedly took a unanimous points victory over Klitschko in Dusseldorf last November to dethrone

Wladimir Klitschko poses with an image of Tyson Fury during the press conference. (Action Images via Reuters/Peter CziborraLivepic) the Ukrainian who had ruled the heavyweight division for a decade.

Klitschko, who has since turned 40, said that defeat by the 28-year-old so-called

Gypsy King had motivated him to get better.

“It was actually a great experience for me,” he said at a news conference in London at which Fury failed to show.

“I always say that when one door closes another opens. I’ve gained out of it and have great motivation and I’m obsessed with the goal to get my titles back.

“I’m patient. Even if it doesn’t happen in October, I will wait. Time will eventually run out for Fury,” he added.

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren said there were no “contractual” problems surrounding the fight and that it would go ahead -- saying UK Anti-Doping’s independent tribunal into allegations of Fury testing positive for a banned substance would take place after the re-match.

“The only problem today is Tyson’s car,” Warren said.

Klitschko, who will be fighting to reclaim the WBO and WBA belts after

Fury was stripped of his IBF crown because he did not fight a mandatory challenger, laughed off Fury’s no-show.

“Maybe he’s here as the Invisible Man,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter to me whether he shows up singing or as Batman or the Invisible Man, I’m ready for everything. I have my goal and I’m obsessed with that. I’m preparing well and just hope that he shows up in the ring in October.”

He suggested Fury would be a better opponent second time around, even if he is clearly not a fan of the Britain whom he described as a “lunatic” for homophobic, sexist and anti-Semitic comments he posted in a video posted online this year.

“I expect him to be better this time and I’m going to be

better and going to be different,” Klitschko said. “We fought previously and know each other well. I hope he’s training well because I want to fight the best Fury.”

Unbeaten Fury, who has courted controversy throughout his career, was charged with a doping offence by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) on June 24 after a urine sample taken nine months before he beat Klitschko showed traces of banned substance nandrolone.

However, Fury’s legal team said the result of tests on the samples in March and May 2015 were contradictory and launched High Court proceedings against UKAD. A provisional suspension was lifted pending the result of an independent hearing.

Banned Platini to address UEFA meeting MICHEL Platini has been given permission to address European football’s governing body UEFA when it meets this week - despite the former president being banned from all football activity.

Frenchman Platini, 61, was head of Uefa until his ban for breaching ethics rules over a £1.3m “disloyal payment”.

UEFA is meeting to select the former France midfielder’s successor.

It asked FIFA for permission for its ex-leader to attend

Michel Platini

the gathering.

“The FIFA ethics committee has informed UEFA that Michel Platini will be allowed to address the 12th Extraordinary UEFA Congress in Athens on 14 September,” it said in a statement.

“A request for Mr Platini’s attendance had been recently made by UEFA and we welcome this decision,” it added.

The ethics committee of world governing body Fifa handed down an initial eight-

year ban for Platini and Fifa’s then-president Sepp Blatter last year.

It related to a payment of 2m Swiss Francs Blatter made to the Frenchman in 2011.

The two have always denied wrongdoing and said the payment was made for consultancy work Platini had carried out for Blatter between 1998 and 2002, and that they had a “gentleman’s agreement” on when the balance was settled.

But the ethics committee

felt the pair had demonstrated an “abusive execution” of their positions.

Charges included conflict of interest, false accounting and non-co-operation, with investigators submitting a file of more than 50 pages.

The bans were later reduced to six years on appeal to Fifa, then four years in a further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The issue is still under investigation by Swiss prosecutors.(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Lukaku scores 11-minute hat-trick in Everton win

By Neil Robinson

(REUTERS)-Everton’s Romelu Lukaku ended his longest goal drought in English football with an 11-minute hat-trick to power the visitors to an emphatic 3-0 win over Sunderland yesterday and

third place in the Premier League table.

The Belgian international had not scored a league goal in 13 matches covering more than 15 hours but said he should have scored more goals at the Stadium of Light as Everton posted their most impressive start to a season

Middlesex batsmen prosper against Lancashire on day one COUNTY Championship leaders Middlesex controlled day one of their penultimate match against struggling Lancashire, while nearest challengers Yorkshire struggled at home to Somerset.

Sam Robson made 77, Nick Gubbins 69, Nick Compton 56 and Dawid Malan was 49 not out when bad light ended play six overs early with Middlesex on 258-3.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire were bowled out for 145 by thirdplaced Somerset.

Lancashire, battling relegation, opted to field but bowled poorly.

In grey conditions at Old Trafford and on a surface that offered movement throughout, the home side struggled with their control of length.

New-ball pair Kyle Jarvis and Tom Bailey did make things difficult for Robson and Gubbins early in the morning but, after that, both openers played attractive cover drives in a stand of 127.

Gubbins miscued a hook off Bailey to be caught at short mid-wicket before Robson edged spinner Simon Kerrigan to slip.

But Kerrigan struggled for the most of the day, serving up a mixture of long hops and full tosses and leaking almost four

Nick Gubbins runs an over.

He was punished by Compton in particular, who regularly worked the ball through mid-wicket and danced to hit one six over long-on.

Compton offered one tough chance down the leg side to Jos Buttler, who was untidy with the gloves in his first red-ball cricket since October 2015.

Compton was bowled by Jarvis, the pick of the Lancashire attack, with the second new ball but Malan remains in the company of Stevie Eskinazi, with Middlesex well placed to post a huge first-innings score.

If they win and Somerset beat Yorkshire, Middlesex - who began this round of matches with a one-point lead at the top of the table - will probably only need a draw in their final match against the Tykes to secure a first Championship title since 1993.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday September 13, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 189 (181 catches; 8 stumpings) (2) 204 (183 catches; 21 stumpings) Today’s Quiz: (1) Wicketkeeper Desmond Lewis played three Test matches. What was his batting average?

(2) How many times wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs and fast bowler Jerome Taylor played together in ODIs? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal as Pickford looks dejectedReuters / Phil Noble Helping his cause were a pre-season heel injury. “I for 10 years.

After four games, they the pinpoint crosses from think it was all about fitness are level on 10 points with Idrissa Gueye and Yannick levels,” he said. “I’m happy second-placed Chelsea and Bolasie, a constant threat for the team.”

Everton manager Rontwo behind leaders Man- all night, as Everton exploited the full width of the ald Koeman thought Luchester City. kaku deserved much of the “I could have had five,” pitch.

The striker scored again credit for a shrewd tactical said Lukaku, who was the focal point of almost every in the 71st when he latched switch in replacing Enattack. “I have to be more on to Kevin Mirallas’s gland midfielder Ross Bar(ruthless) if I want to help the through ball to slot the ball kley with Gerard Deulofeu past goalkeeper Jordan Pick- at halftime team fulfill its objectives.”

The Spaniard made an It looked like it might be ford with a cool left-foot another night of frustration finish for his third career immediate impact in creating for Lukaku as he snatched hat-trick, and second in the attacking width that Sunderland could not deal with. at a couple of chances but Premier League.

Koeman has had a after the break he proved MATCH FITNESS huge impact at the club unstoppable, powering home Lukaku put his lack of since arriving from Southtwo far-post headers from the right and then the left in the goals down to a struggle ampton in the close seafor match fitness following son and the Dutchman is 60th and 68th minutes.

Sunderland’s Jordan clearly not afraid to make changes if his players fail to produce.

Sunderland manager David Moyes, who spent 11 years at Everton, acknowledged his side gave away soft goals. “When you step up to the big league there are no excuses,” he said.

After four games without a win, Sunderland have one point from four games and are facing another relegation fight. “We have to stop conceding goals,” said Moyes. “Lukaku is a big threat and we knew that tonight. We needed to pick him up.”

Coe says Mo Farah’s Rio golds should not be devalued (REUTERS)-Mo Farah should be respected for winning two golds at the Rio Olympics despite his coach Alberto Salazar being under investigation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), IAAF President Sebastian Coe said.

American Salazar, who has worked with Farah since 2011, was accused of violating anti-doping rules in a BBC documentary last year, including allegations he had given 2012 Olympic 10,000m silver medalist Galen Rupp the banned anabolic steroid testosterone.Farah became the only the second man to retain the 5,000m and 10,000m Olympic titles at Rio last month but his association with Salazar led to a taint of suspicion.

Olympic Stadium - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 20/08/2016. Mo Farah (GBR) of Britain celebrates winning the gold. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson “There are some systems where you can’t have that presumption of innocence any more, but Mo — and I am not here as his spokesman or his defender — has made

all his readings public,” Coe, who won 1500 m golds at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics, was quoted as saying by the Times newspaper.

“He is subjected to all

the tests that anyone is subjected to, and if he has had issues with his coach then you have to assume he has asked some pretty tough questions which have been answered satisfactorily to his way of thinking.”

Salazar issued a lengthy and detailed denial of the allegations last year. USADA has been investigating him but is yet to release a finding.

Farah has been exonerated by UK Athletics who found no impropriety on his part after receiving the initial findings of a review into his relationship with Salazar.

He also agreed to release blood test results going back to 2005 - against the advice of governing body the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Saywack urges participants to utilise knowledge as BLUSC/RLRS academy concludes

Best Emerging Batsman Brandon Arjoon receives his trophy from NSB Rosignol Branch Manager Ameena Jagnarine.

WDFA/STAG Senior League

Pouderoyen remain unbeaten after 1-0 win over Golden Warriors … Eagles maul Veggae Boys 10-1 in latest action POUDEROYEN continued their unbeaten run in the West Demerara Football Association’s (WDFA)/ STAG Senior League with a 1-0 win against Golden Warriors last Saturday at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara, while Eagles mauled Vergenoegen (Veggae) 10-1 at the same venue.

Playing the feature match on a double-header card, Pouderoyen registered their fourth victory from five matches when Quessey Alleyne squeezed in an eighth-minute goal at the near post to beat a surprised Golden Warriors’ custodian.

The once powerful team (Pouderoyen) from the West Side defended their 1-0 advantage for the remaining 82 minutes of

the game and the win propelled them to 13 points two points adrift of leaders Den Amstel, in the points standing.

In the opening encounter, Veggae Boys found the going too tough to handle as two of Eagles’ players registered hat-tricks, while another netted a double.

Orlando Henry shook the opposition’s net in the 4th, 59th and 68th minutes; Chris Macey was on target in the 21st, 55th and 71st minutes.

Colin Henry struck his double in the 25th and 29th minutes, while Daniel Clarke and Stephon Griffith scored one each in the 30th and 50th minutes respectively.

Veggae Boys pulled on back in the 73rd minute through a Shamar Marcus goal.

PRESIDENT of the Bush Lot United Sports Club/ Bush Lot Rising Stars, Rabindranauth Saywack, yesterday urged participants of the Bush Lot United Sports Club/Bush Lot Rising Stars annual cricket academy to take advantage of the opportunities being offered to them during the two -week programme.

Saywack was at the time delivering the feature remarks at the closing ceremony for the sports club’s 7th annual cricket academy for aspiring cricketers at the Lachmansingh Primary School Annex.

“You the participants must continue to practise and make good use of the knowledge gained during the two weeks. From the knowledge gained you can become better persons.

“I would like you to take this very seriously; take full advantage of the academy. You will benefit in the long run,” Saywack said.

Saywack spoke of the benefits of the academy and stressed that in addition to the technical aspects of cricket, the youths were

Participants with Bush Lot United Sports Club/Bush Lot Rising Stars executives, coaches and sponsors.

Prasad was awarded the involved in other import- youths in the various com- Rockaway Roti Shop/Taxi munities, and to assist them Service Award of Excelant aspects of life.

He thanked the parents in realising their dreams lence as he was part of the national Under-15 team for allowing their children and achieving their goals.

Fifteen participants com- last year. to participate in the propleted the programme, with Each participant regramme.

Saywack also commit- Clayton Grant winning the ceived a certificate of parted to working with the best improved bowler award. ticipation, which was doNine-year-old, Brandon Ar- nated by the Hugo Chavez june and Joel Lall were ad- Centre for Rehabilitation judged the best emerging and Re-Integration. batsman and best cricketing The function was prospect respectively. graced by representatives Devak Singh won the from the sponsors, parbest emerging all-round- ents, well-wishers, coaches er prize, while Nivendra and resource persons.

UGSS presidential candidate outlines Sport Development Blueprint

THE University of Guyana Student Society presidential candidate Brian Smith has outlined his blueprint for the Development of Sport and Recreation at the University.

The plan, according to Smith, will not only be one and done in nature, but will focus on continuous development that will help to ensure the University becomes the premier sporting venue in the area.

“Some of our major challenges include the northern ground on the facility, as well as the underutilised ground which suffers from issues of drainage and maintenance, and finally the lawn tennis court,” Smith stated.

“The plan of action focuses on what already exists, and with the support of the University of Guyana student population, the University of Guyana will be equipped to satisfy the sporting ambitions of our student population,” Smith added.

Among other plans on the

Brian Smith blueprint, there is one for a collaboration between the Guyana government and the private sector.

“What we propose is a modern facility that becomes the home of UG Wolves rugby team; a facility with a multi-discipline court - volleyball and basketball, a maintained cricket pitch and outfield with proper and adequate lighting” Smith finished.

It is hoped, if he is successful, he can walk the walk and not only talk the talk.

Wawrinka seals spot in ATP World Tour Finals

(REUTERS)-Stan Wawrinka’s stunning defeat of topranked Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open final on Sunday booked the Swiss his place at the ATP World Tour Finals in London at the end of the year.

Australian Open and French Open winner Djokovic, Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and Wawrinka are the first three players all confirmed for the season-ender at the O2 Arena.

Wawrinka, 31, claimed his third grand slam title by defeating Djokovic in four sets, adding to the 2014 Australian crown and 2015 French Open.

It will be his fourth appearance at the Tour Finals where he will be looking to better his three semi-final runs.

“At the beginning of the season, it is always my goal to be in the top eight and qualify for London,” said Wawrinka.

“It is great to be able to secure a spot once again this year after a fantastic two weeks in New York. I look forward to returning to The O2. I love playing there.”

Wawrinka has won four titles this year having also won in Chennai, Dubai and Geneva.

Saywack urges participants to utilise knowledge as BLUSC/RLRS academy concludes (See Story on page 23 )

GBA/Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate C/ships

Soldiers overpower Prisons to retain national intermediate title … RHJ’s Julius Kesney named Best Boxer (See Story on page 19 )

GBA’s National Intermediate Best Boxer, Julius Kesney (left), of the Rose Hall Jammers’ gym gears up to throw an overhand right to GDF’s Courtney Lynch during their bantamweight final at the National Gymnasium on Sunday night.

Republican gym’s Bryan Leitch (right) connects to the head of a ducking Ryan Roberts (GDF) during the final of the GBA’s National Intermediate heavyweight final at the National Gymnasium on Sunday night.

Eight Guyanese in WI ‘A’ squads for Sri Lanka tour EIGHT Guyanese cricketers have been included in two separate squads announced yesterday by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the ‘A’ team tour of Sri Lanka next month.

West Indies will play three four-day games and three one-day games on the tour which runs from October 1 to November 1.

Five Guyanese: Opening batsman Rajendra Chandrika, middle-order batsman Vishaul Singh, winning Under-19 World Cup captain Shimron Hetmyer, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and fast bowler Keon Joseph have been named in the 14man first-class squad, while three others, Assad Fuda-

Gudakesh Motie

Shimron Hetmyer

Vishaul Singh

din and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul along with fast bowler Ronsford Beaton were included in the 14-man List-A squad.

Former Guyana fast bowler and current chairman of senior selectors, Rayon Griffith, has been appointed assistant coach.

Barbadian Shamarh

Brooks will lead the Firstclass squad, which includes batsman Kieran Powell, who last played international cricket in 2014.

Fast bowler Delorn Johnson and leg-spinner Damion Jacobs are the only two players to feature in both squads.

Windies A four-day squad: Shamarh Brooks (capt.), Vishaul Singh (vice-capt.), Rajendra Chandrika, Kieran Powell, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Jahmar Hamilton, Damion Jacobs, Rahkeem Cornwall, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Keon Joseph, De-

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lorn Johnson and Reynard Leveridge.

Winddies A one-day squad: Jason Mohammed (capt.), Andre Fletcher (vice-capt), Rovman Powell, Kyle Hope, Chadwick Walton, Andre McCarthy, Assad Fudadin, Veerasammy Permaul, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Damion Jacobs, Delorn Johnson, Ronsford

Beaton, Kesrick Williams and Kyle Mayers.

The management team reads: Dwain Gill (manager), Graeme West (coach), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach), Vernon K A Williams (physiotherapist), Dinesh Mahabir (Data Analyst) and Zephyrinus Nicholas (Strength and Conditioning Trainer).

Schedule October 4-7: 1st 4-day - R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium October 11-14: 2nd 4-day - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium October 18-21 3rd 4-day - Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium October 24: 1st One-day Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium October 27: 2nd One-day Kurunegala Welegedera Cricket Stadium October 30: 3rd One-day R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2016