Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13 12 2016

Page 13

Over 250 children feted in Corentyne

Diamond shines No. 104764

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‌99,000 carats reported at the end of November

Page 3

Moraikobai the next tourist destination

Persons watch on as these ladies in Moraikobai, Region Five, compete to grate cassava on Monday (Navindra Seoraj photo)

Page 12

Secret ballot could dethrone Chase-Green

Page 2

Corriverton blitz ‒ 15 armed bandits rob businessman of millions $

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Cops who beat woman to be transferred Page 2

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

By Telesha Ramnarine

erative Republic of Guyana, (His Excellency) David Arthur Granger, has set his Government’s vision for capital towns as engines for economic development of the regions of which they are the nucleus. I am of the view that Georgetown, as our national capital city of Guyana, needs more than any other municipality to realign itself away from what President Granger calls the compound mentality towards a capital mentality and economic mentality”, Duncan also said.

Duncan has said that

Secret ballot could dethrone Chase-Green ‒ Councillors SOME City Councillors are of the view that a secret ballot for Thursday’s mayoral elections would result in current Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, defeating City Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen.

“What we’re pressing for is a secret ballot. If there’s a secret ballot, Sherod would win. This (secret balloting) is not unheard of; it was even done in Linden,” a source told Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

If, however, there is a show of hands, most of the councillors would be “scared” to vote for anyone else besides current mayor, Patricia ChaseGreen, the source explained.

“They (the councillors) would have already been told how to vote, but we truly need a breath of fresh air,” the source offered.

In a Facebook post earlier this month, Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan said if he were elected Mayor of Georgetown, one of his first orders of business would be the cutting of wasteful spending.

“A cash-strapped City cannot afford luxury vehicles and gas guzzlers. I would continue to (ride my) cycle, which is easy on the environment, (introducing cycle lanes where practicable) and when absolutely necessary, use a modest, fuel efficient vehicle,” Duncan said in the post.

In another post, Duncan said he felt humbled that he had the full support of his party and constituency as he pursues the leadership of the municipality.

“President of the Coop-

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan

he believes greater things are still to be done in this City, and he looks forward to continue engaging City residents and businesses.

Cops who beat woman to be transferred

…as commander opens probe

By Ariana Gordon THE ranks allegedly involved in the beating of 30-year-old Maxine Duncan-Seenauth at Ekereku, Region 7, between December 3 and 7, 2016 will be transferred pending an investigation into the matter, ‘F’ Division Commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram, told Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

According to Budhram, if the beating allegation proves to be true, it would amount to “complete lawlessness” by the ranks; and once found guilty, they would be disciplined.

“I have launched an investigation, but I am awaiting a statement from the victim, and (her submission of) a medical report.

If what she alleges is true, it is a great embarrassment (for the Guyana Police

Force),” the Divisional Commander told Guyana Chronicle.

Under the title “Drunken cop beats woman for money”, this newspaper published, on December 12, 2016, a story which detailed the alleged actions of two law enforcement officers stationed at Ekereku. The distraught woman, who has suffered several injuries to her body including to her head, eyes, hands, feet and back, is fearful for her life. She noted that other police ranks have threatened her, and she explained that the police stationed at Ekereku would constantly harass persons working in the backdam in their quest to obtain money or to have those persons purchase alcohol for them.

In her case, Duncan-Seenauth said, the harassment began approximately two weeks before she was badly beaten in full view of miners and other residents of the area. She detailed that while socialising in the vicinity of Ekereku Landing, two police ranks, whose names were provided, continuously harassed her for a “bless up”.

This, she said, is a practice

‘F’ Division Commander, Ravindradat Budhram

that is quite common at the location.

The traumatised woman told Guyana Chronicle that the two ranks would, almost on a daily basis, visit the room in which she was dwelling with the hope of receiving money and sometimes alcohol.

On the night in question, Duncan-Seenauth said, “I came out of my room. I had to pass all the shops to go to (the) birthday girl…I saw the two of them; they ask if they could drink something. I gave them $2000… is like they were haunted.”

According to the dis-

traught woman, even after she had walked away from the ranks and was talking to a friend nearby, they continued to harass her for a “bless up”.

“They were begging me all over… Me alone, me alone they were begging…I don’t know if it is because they know me or what,” she said. While talking to a friend, she said, one of the ranks, who was observing her closely, came up to her and started talking in her ear.

“I told him I don’t want to hear anything, and by the time I light a cigarette, I got one bottle in my head. I blacked out.

When I catch myself I was on the ground, spitting blood, head and skin swollen. I don’t know anything else about the beating,” she detailed.

When she regained consciousness, she observed the rank who had badly beaten her walking towards the Ekereku Police Station. Shortly after, she said, another rank who would usually accompany the one that beat her took her to the police station.

“I was very angry! I told them I don’t do anything illegal. I never violate y’all and I am not taking it like this!” The traumatised mother of three, who had been working at Ekereku since the end of June 2016, also recounted that the rank who took her to the Ekereku Police Station apologized for the incident and pleaded with her not to report the matter.

These same ranks provided the battered woman with money to fly out of the area. “They telling me (to) consider that I have sons, and they will get older.

The officer (rank) said he don’t know what ‘get to his head’,” Duncan-Seenauth related.

Diamond shines 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

…99,000 carats reported at the end of November

By Shauna Jemmott ALTHOUGH gold production has risen to greater prominence, reports from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have revealed that diamond production has been on the climb for the past five years, with some 99,000 carats being the latest production figure up to the end of November.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, disclosed earlier this month that for the first quarter of this year, Guyana’s diamond production and declaration were already 38% ahead of the expected target of 61,380 carats, being recorded at 99,000 carats.

With the industry experiencing a renaissance; with the Netherlands, Belgium and the Arabian countries remaining big buyers of Guyana’s diamonds; and with the country maintaining a clean slate in the industry, it is expected that more miners will develop an interest in diamond production even as Government moves to push production levels higher.

The Mineral Production records of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) show that Guyana’s diamond industry has been experiencing a steady climb over the past five years, after falling from

52,273 carats in 2011 to 40,764 in 2012. The year 2013 saw a declared production of 55,928 carats, while 99,950.50 carats were produced in 2014. By the end of this year, it is hoped, diamond production will surpass last year’s figure of 118,450.79 carats.

The diamond industry performed better between 2001 and 2009, when more than 2,558,000 carats were produced of the 3,555,270 carats produced between 1979 and 2015. The diamond industry was at its best in 2004, when in that year alone Guyana produced 444,940 carats.

The industry experienced a significant fall in production in 2010, when production fell from 143,982 carats to a mere 49,920 carats. According to the GGMC 2010 Mineral Review, the industry experienced a decrease in declarations, and diamond output had declined by 65.3 per cent. The report stated that though there was no fall in demand and price for diamond on the world market, there was a steady “reallocation of resources from diamond production to gold production, due to the attractive gold price.”

Diamond price had indeed increased by 4.7 per cent with an average value of US$156.09 per carat of Guyana’s rough diamonds in 2010, the same year pro-

Rough diamonds extracted from Guyana’s hinterland (photo credits of GGMC)

duction fell significantly and overseas trade in diamonds decreased significantly by 51.2 per cent: from 94,831 metric carats in 2009 to 46,253.21 metric carats in 2010.

Belgium and the United Arab Emirates have been faithful buyers of Guyana’s diamonds.

Guyana had since not been able to reach the 100,000 mark, until last year, when it produced

118,450.79 carats of the precious stone.

Guyana has been declared a model country in the Kimberly Process, producing some of the most trusted diamonds in the world; and it is believed that, should production increase significantly, the country may have a chance at reaping much greater economic rewards in the industry.

“The checks and balanc-

es are good, but the dealers who have to comply with the checks and balances of the Kimberly Process would always say that it’s onerous.

And part of the reason is that it takes a little time for us to confirm and to satisfy ourselves that what they have submitted to us is genuine,” a reliable GGMC source told the Guyana Chronicle.

The source said anyone exporting diamonds must produce documentation and

proof to show where the minerals came from, and GGMC officers would investigate to confirm.

“If where you said these diamonds come from there is no evidence that the operation has been going at the point and time when you said, that’s the end of your diamonds; because we’re gonna seize them,” the source told this newspaper.

He said that while Government is working to significantly raise production levels in the industry, and companies question why GGMC is undertaking to prove that diamonds are not ‘corrupt diamonds’ or ‘blood diamonds’ smuggled at the tripartite-border state, Guyana is also interested in preserving its ‘model country status by the Kimberly Process. The source said GGMC has this year seized small portions of diamonds from diamond producers on ground that it was not established that the diamonds came from the place mentioned by the producers. “We have seized on the ground of (their) not being able to establish (that the diamonds came from the place mentioned by the producer)… where we were unable to establish from the reporting that a certain amount can be established. And what we try to do is find some mechanism of extracting,” the source said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday,December 13,2016

Senate GOP leader backs Russian hacking probe

The Senate’s top Republican broke with President-elect Donald Trump on Monday over whether Russian hacking during the U.S. election merited closer scrutiny, a fissure between Trump and his party that appeared to grow as lawmakers pressed for a special investigation into the matter.

The divide raised the possibility of enduring clashes between Trump and Republicans during his presidency over how to handle Russian President Vladimir Putin, a leader long viewed by many in the party as a calculating, untrustworthy foe but whom Trump has repeatedly praised for his leadership.

“The Russians are not

Voters cast their votes during the U.S. presidential election in Elyria, Ohio, U.S. November 8, 2016. REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk/File Photo

our friends,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told a news conference.

Calls on Sunday by two leading Republican foreign policy voices, Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, to investigate Russia’s hacking were buoyed on Monday by McConnell, who said Russia’s involvement needed further investigation.

“Any foreign breach of our cyber security measures is disturbing, and I strongly condemn any such efforts,” McConnell said. “This simply cannot be a partisan issue.”

McConnell said it “defies belief” that Republicans would be reluctant to investigate Russian actions.

McConnell’s remarks contrasted with those of Trump and his staff, who scoffed at reports that the CIA had concluded the hacks and leaks of Democratic emails were carried out with the goal of helping Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump said the conclusion was “ridiculous.”

Some lawmakers have called for a special committee to investigate the hacking,

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday, December 14, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Thursday, December 15, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

but McConnell did not back that idea, saying he has confidence in the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees. Cory Gardner, a Republican, said the Russian hacking reflected the need for a permanent committee dedicated to cyber security.

It was not clear how the House of Representatives would respond to the hacking and calls for investigations.

House committees have not announced plans for hearings, and Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan issued a statement criticizing Russia but blasting what he termed “exploiting the work of our intelligence committee for partisan purposes.”

Though congressional Republicans support a probe of Russia’s involvement in the election, they have shied away from agreeing with the CIA’s assessment that the hacks were deliberately carried out to undermine Clinton.

“It’s obvious that the Russians hacked into our campaigns,” McCain said Monday in an interview with Reuters. “But there is no information that they were intending to affect the outcome of the election, and that’s why we need a congressional investigation.”

ELECTORS WANT BRIEFING ON HACK Separately on Monday, one Republican and nine Democratic electors led by the daughter of the House Democratic leader, Nancy Pelosi, wrote to James Clapper, Turn to Page 5

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Senate GOP leader... the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, requesting a briefing on the hacking reports before the Electoral College formally decides the election on Dec. 19.

John Podesta, chairman of Clinton’s presidential campaign, said in a statement that the campaign supported the electors’ letter, which raises “very grave issues involving our national security.”

Clapper’s office did not respond to a request for comment about the letter.

Charles Schumer, who will be the Senate Democratic leader next year, said he welcomed McConnell’s support for “a deep and thorough bipartisan investigation” with access to all relevant intelligence.

Trump and his staff have repeatedly dismissed the reports as “ridiculous,” blaming them on Democrats unhappy that Trump won.

“Can you imagine if the election results were the opposite and WE tried to play the Russia/CIA card,” Trump said on Twitter on Monday.

“It would be called conspiracy theory!”

A second tweet said, “Unless you catch ‘hackers’ in the act, it is very hard to determine who was doing the hacking. Why wasn’t this brought up before election?”

White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Monday pointed to a public statement from the intelligence community in early October that concluded the hacking had been authorized by “Russia’s senior-most officials” and was aimed at sowing discord in the U.S. election.

That statement stopped short of alleging that Russia wanted to help Trump. But Earnest suggested on Monday that may have been the intent.

“You didn’t need a security clearance to figure out who benefited from

From Page 4 Aries The holiday bustle is in full swing, which of course means your schedule is completely packed.

A mercurial Full Moon in your 3rd House of Communications shines a spotlight on what comes out of your mouth. This chatty Gemini lunation is set straight across from serious-minded Saturn, warning you to not only speak responsibly, but to consider the moral principles that motivate you to speak up in the first place. Buddha teaches, "Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace."

Taurus It's no secret that you enjoy the sweet comforts of life, but it's essential to keep a level head when it comes to your spending habits. The Gemini Full Moon illuminates your 2nd House of Money, prompting you to look at where your cash is coming from and where it is going. It's prudent to reassess your finances, but there could be concerns that go deeper than the surface. It's wise to consider how much you're giving away, both monetarily and energetically, as debts that aren't paid back to you can put a strain on your budget and your stamina.

US President-elect Donald Trump

malicious Russian cyber activity,” Earnest said. “The president-elect didn’t call it into question. He called

on Russia to hack his opponent. He called on Russia to hack Secretary Clinton.”

(Reuters)

Gemini The reflective Full Moon lights up your 1st House of Self, making this the perfect time to splurge on a few upgrades to your image so you can put your best foot forward. But who you associate with is even more important than your hairstyle or clothes. Be honest with yourself about the closest relationships in your life. Scrutinizing Saturn expects you to address your relationship concerns with honesty and respect; there's no reason to stoop to accusatory and deflective narratives. Out with the old, in with the new.

Cancer You are overdue for some serious rest and relaxation while the Full Moon casts a soft light on your 12th House of Privacy. During your downtime, reflect on your work obligations and the promises made to those you love.

You may want to lighten your load and let a few things fall to the wayside. Remember, it's okay to say no if you can't fit anything else on your plate. Draw your boundaries and stick to your commitments; don't allow stress to drive you to the low road. Honesty is the best route to happiness.

Leo The busiest season of the year is here and while you're enjoying the festivities, there are some pressing matters that are pulling you away from the fun. The flirty Gemini Full Moon shines a spotlight on your 11th House of Groups, inspiring you to mix and mingle. However, the fickle Moon is set in high contrast to the righteous Sagittarius Sun, which is reminding you to be yourself and not compromise your authenticity. Connections are valuable for creating a support network, but make sure you're not sacrificing who you are to make them.

Virgo The pace at work is picking up speed, and you're diligently focused on your goals. The Gemini Full Moon brightens your 10th House of Career, highlighting your stellar performance on the job -- but there are always two sides to one coin. You cannot reach great heights if there's nothing solid to push off from. Domestic concerns may undermine your aspirations at work, so don't neglect one for the other. A stable foundation supports your personal and professional success.

Libra Spirited discourse around moral and ethical principles is a familiar activity around the holidays. The inquisitive Gemini Full Moon enlightens your 9th House of Higher Truth, refocusing your attention to what it is you truly think. You might be challenged by those in your immediate environment, as disagreements are likely to arise when everyone feels strongly about their beliefs. Stand your ground, but do it honourably -- there's room for multiple views. Respect is a two-way street.

Scorpio Many people are strapped for cash around the holidays, and your pocketbook may be on your mind today.

It's natural to think about money owed and money loaned while the Full Moon illuminates your 8th House of Shared Resources. Scrupulous Saturn looks on from across the zodiac, requiring you to be realistic about how much you can afford, both financially and emotionally. Debts left unpaid can breed resentment, so the sooner you settle accounts, the better for everyone involved.

Sagittarius The fun and festive season is ramping up, but there are some stressors present which keep you from fully engaging in the excitement. The Gemini Full Moon occupies your 7th House of Relationships, throwing its bright light on the people closest to you. Observe what issues your relationships are reflecting back at you -- because how you respond is the most important part. Your philosophical nature combined with a strong dose of maturity from solemn Saturn is a recipe for progress, as long as you stick to your principles.

Capricorn Some days it can be difficult to persevere when you wonder if what you're doing even makes a difference.

The Full Moon's presence in your 6th House of Habits accentuates your duties and obligations, allowing you to evaluate if giving your all is worth it or a waste of your time and talent. Re-examine your motives and realign your priorities if necessary. Your greatest strength can also be your greatest weakness; carefully aim your ambition in the right direction and success will be yours.

Aquarius You may be in the thick of the workweek, but you find your thoughts turning to fun and fantasy today. A flirtatious Gemini Full Moon heats up your 5th House of Romance, but responsible Saturn warns you to not take things too far or too fast.

There are personal and professional ramifications to consider, and you want to do the right thing by everyone. Have fun, but err on the side of caution when it comes to matters of the heart.

Pisces Your nerves are jumpy as restlessness plagues you today, but potent realizations offer an unexpected wake-up call. The Gemini Full Moon in your 4th House of Roots exposes the extra baggage you bring home with you at the end of the day. It's perfectly acceptable to ambitiously strive for your goals, but when your work starts negatively affecting your personal life, it might be time for a realignment of your priorities. Do right by your career, but do right by your heart, too. You can't help one and leave the other behind.

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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

Peace and

Goodwill TRADITIONALLY, December is the season of peace and goodwill.

Yesterday, as our nation marked Youman Nabi, the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad, there were universal calls for peace and an end to violent conflicts, especially those being prosecuted falsely in the name of religion.

The Government of Guyana, on that occasion, urged the members of our Muslim community and all other Guyanese to emulate the worthy example of the Prophet Muhammad: to do good for all mankind.

In Guyana, as the month begins, both Government and Opposition leaders have fanned out to various communities to bring cheer and joy to elders, children, and persons otherwise-abled. The message is simple: “Guyana cares for all of her citizens, and encourages those who can afford to share their blessings with others.”

Though our political divide would not any time soon narrow, it cannot escape the conclusion of open-minded persons that our Government has set an example of care and kindness. The Opposition would not share this conclusion, and would wish that it were otherwise. But we have had eighteen months to observe a pattern that this Government decidedly has been giving more to those who have less, or are marginalized. No other areas dramatise this clearer than the raising of the minimum wage and the further broadening of the income tax threshold. For the lowest paid state employees, such as teachers and nurses, the increase in pay -- by 26% last year and a further 10% this year -- is a blessing. The “blessing” is multiplied by tax-free bonuses given last year and again this year. Old age pensioners and those benefiting from social assistance also continue to count their blessings, though incremental.

No Government has done so much so soon for its citizens, who had been beaten down and off the social ladder through many years of neglect, and who today welcome even small mercies. Parents know the difference when they see their children receiving breakfast and hot meals in some schools, or enjoy free rides in boats, buses, and on bicycles to and from school.

Government has assured that it is laying the foundation for the “good life”, though it has still been unable to remove the cobwebs that have been woven around this vision for many years. We believe that it may not be able to do so any time soon, as our political landscape is still littered with landmines of ethnic appeals and hate speeches, judging from the use -- during the Budget Debate -- of exaggerated and emotive epithets such as “economic genocide” and “murderation” to describe even the most harmless official policies.

Pursuing peace and achieving the good life have been

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday,December 13,2016

Oh, what a tangled web Dear Editor,

I REFER to a letter published in the Kaieteur News of Monday, December 12, 2016 under the name of one Sasenarine Singh, a selfstyled “liberal democrat”, and wish to debunk his false premises and wicked propaganda.

PREMISE ONE: That the salary of an average minister is $927,922 monthly.

FACTS: (a) Only 3 vice-presidents are paid $927,922, and this money is taxable. It was also the salary of the Leader of the Opposition, who opted not to accept it, but to take the higher taxfree pension of $1,500,000 monthly. (b) Ministers are placed in three scales of monthly salary: vice-presidents at

$927,922 (3); other cabinet ministers at $869,927 (13); and junior ministers at $695,541 (9). (c) The salary of a vice-president is LESS than that last paid to a presidential advisor under the former regime ($1,051,106). The salary of a junior minister is FAR LESS than that paid to a permanent secretary.

Based on a false premise, the “liberal democrat” concludes that the “average minister” will take home an extra $29,950 monthly, or $360,000 annually, as compared to an average teacher, whose take home pay would be reduced.

PREMISE TWO: That ALL Scale 2 teachers WILL pay VAT on use of water above $1,500.

FACTS: (a) GWI sta-

tistics show that there are 182,612 water users, of which 155,011, or 85%, pay $1,500 or less monthly. Only 27,601, or 15%, pay more than $1,500 monthly. The “average teacher” is NOT among them. (b) For persons living in the cities, water charges are fixed at $100 per cubic meter, or 220 gallons. VAT is payable when a person uses ABOVE 3,300 gallons per month or 330 gallons daily.

To pay VAT, that person has to use more than EIGHT 400-gallon TANKS of water each month.

PREMISE THREE: That ALL consumers, including lowly-paid teachers, have to pay VAT for use of power at $10,000 and above monthly.

FACTS: (a) GPL figures show that there are 165,115

paying customers. Of this number, 136,049, or 82.49% of customers, pay LESS than $10,000 monthly. Only 29,066 or 17.6% -- mostly commercial places -- pay more than $10,000 monthly. (b) Almost ALL teachers in the income bracket used do NOT pay more than $10,000 for domestic electricity each month. It should be noted that even if the “liberal democrat” wants to launch a paper war against the Coalition Government from Maryland, USA, he should still employ the truth as his arsenal. Old people say: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we set out to deceive”.

Regards, NAME PROVIDED

Lincoln Lewis responds to Min. Jordan

Dear Editor,

FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan was heard on Sunday on “Groundings” discussing the 2017 National Budget, in which he sought to get personal with me, given that the trade unions and private sector have sought audience with leaders in this National Assembly about the budget.

This opportunity is taken to remind Minister Jordan that, as a member of the Executive, elected under the Peoples Representative Act, he is in service to the people. This is our political system, and it ought not to be lost sight of by citizens, be they elected, appointed, and within the rank and file.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress, of which I am General Secretary, seeks audience with the Leader of the Government Business (Moses Nagamootoo); Leader of the Opposition (Bharrat Jagdeo); and the Speaker (Barton Scotland).

This audience is consistent with the tripartite nature of governance that exists in the International Labour Organisation, of which

Guyana is a member.

Further, for the GTUC, it is consistent specifically with Articles 13, 23, 38, 147, 149C of the Guyana Constitution.

The Minister of Finance may refer to this civil request and constitutional obligation dismissively, but such is a reflection of his misunderstanding of governance, his role in the process, and outright contempt for the rule of law.

The two social partners (Employer and Workers’ organisations), in soliciting meeting with the third partner (Government), are not operating outside of their role and duty to society under the law and international conventions. Further, as citizens and stakeholders, where the right to freedom of expression -- including that of dissent -- is constitutionally protected, expressing concerns about the budget ought not to have attracted arrogance from a servant of the people, were he understanding of his role.

The minister may not like that the social partners are seeking audience with the leaders of the Nation-

illusory in many parts of the world. Here, in our own ‘America’, we note the remarks made by Colombian President Jose Manuel Santos as he accepted his Nobel Peace Prize: that “it is much harder to make peace than to wage war.”

In Colombia, conflicts between the state and armed insurgent groups have cost some 200,000 lives. The parties

al Assembly, but let me assure him that, in governance, gut feelings and name calling ought not to drive decision-making. Decision-making is driven by international conventions, charters, universal declarations, laws and time-honoured principles, all being applied within a given policy.

As an aside, note is taken that in the debate the minister was proud to promote a budget of conflicting economic models by saying he ‘cut his teeth’ under the leadership of Clarence Ellis, who was Chairman of the State Planning Commission. I know Ellis personally and in an intimate way. The Minister is being advised that Clarence F. Ellis would not have countenance lots of the measures he placed in the budget, and he would have known that a Green Economy-model is vastly different from the Gross Domestic Product-model, and mixing the two is not practical or wise.

Ellis was a progressive thinker who cared passionately about people and their development. He would not have supported any measure

designed to impoverish the people and put basic essentials out of their reach. Ellis would not have tolerated an increase in salary of 50 per cent for the ministers of government, president, and members of parliament. In his straight-shooting style, he would have told Jordan, “Not under my watch!”

It is expected that the constitutional leaders in the National Assembly would acknowledge their responsibility to the people under the law, and hold the meeting as requested by the trade unions and private sector.

This country does not belong solely to Jordan, and he must understand that once he holds a constitutional office and is paid by the people, he will be subjected to scrutiny by the people and their representatives. Prudent politics dictates that he takes note and acts accordingly. This is about understanding the principles of governance, which he has a responsibility to uphold.

Regards, LINCOLN LEWIS

have since laid down their arms and entered into a truce.

President Santos has stated that it is a paradox that the victims are the ones who are most willing to forgive, to reconcile, and to face the future with a heart free of hate.

We too, all Guyanese, should walk away from the path of hate, and embrace forgiveness, mercy and goodwill.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday,December 13,2016

Social cohesion is achievable

Dear Editor,

IN A COUNTRY like ours, which is racially divided, the need for social cohesion is essential for long-lasting stability and growth.

Long before the Ministry of Social Cohesion was established by the Granger Administration, I have been a strong advocate for the promotion of social cohesion. Years ago, while living in New York, I designed and printed thousands of bumper stickers with the words “My race does not matter…

I’m Guyanese and proud of it.” These were brought to Guyana for distribution.

Our two main ethnic

groups have historically been divided by racial conflicts and mistrust of each other, so uniting our people would be nothing short of a Herculean task that requires real commitment and dedication. It requires leadership that is perceived to be fair, objective, and truly understanding of the importance TRUST plays in bringing ethnic groups together.

For this reason, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) was established under the PPP/C Administration in 2003. It is a constitutional bi-partisan body established as an undertaking by the Herdmanston Accord and by Constitutional Amendment (#2)

Act of 2000. Its members require a two-thirds majority vote by Parliament to serve on that Board.

It is intended to serve all Guyanese and persons living or working in Guyana, including those who believe they were discriminated against based on their ethnicity and persons who believe others were discriminated against because of their ethnicity. It also has as its mandate the promotion of harmonious relations between races and the powers of sanction against persons who discriminate.

Unfortunately, this Commission has been destroyed by the PNC, and is now dormant. The establishment of a Ministry

Is there a racket at GWI Office in Fyrish, Corentyne?

Dear Editor,

I AM writing to bring to light an alleged sinister activity that is occurring within the offices of the Guyana Water Inc. located at Fyrish, Corentyne.

I believe that if a proper investigation were to be conducted at the GWI Office in Fyrish, Corentyne, it would reveal that an extremely disturbing and sinister racket is being conducted on the customers of that company.

Under the guise of an inefficient accounting system, the office is plainly robbing customers by having them pay the same water bill multiple times.

More troubling is that these acts are perpetrated on the elderly, poorly educated, and most times the already economically poor

sections of society.

The racket runs like this: Upon turning up to p a y y o u r b i l l , t h e c u stomer representatives will call an exorbitant amount for you to pay, usually word of mouth and not in writing. If you are not up to speed with the rates charged for water, and are not carefully monitoring your payment history (with copies of your receipts), you have no defense against being overcharged, and will end up paying the amount they call or face termination of this necessary utility.

However, if you have been keeping copies of your bills and you counter the rep’s amount with proof of payment from your receipts, he/she magically finds your payments in the computer and your bill amount is reduced.

I cannot believe that the GWI accounting system is so volatile and haphazard that your bill can fluctuate by thousands of dollars in a couple of minutes. This practice is systemic, and has been ongoing for years at this office. A survey of customers paying their bills at that office would substantiate the complaints listed here.

If deliberate criminal activity is not behind this practice, then criminal incompetence is; and either way, it must be rooted out. This kind of victimisation of poor people must be investigated. I can think of no other place more suited for an audit than that office.

Regards, YOGISTRA ANDERSON

of Social Cohesion allows the Granger Administration to secure recognition and grants through friendly International agencies to finance social cohesion programmes, and gives them the incentive to continue subverting the ERC. The distribution of buses, bicycles and boots to aid schoolchildren could easily have been done through the Ministry of Education.

Instead, taxpayers’ money is wasted on the establishment of a brand new ministry which many are convinced mirrors the infamous Ministry of National Mobilization that was setup by the PNC under the late Forbes Burnham as a slush fund to finance PNC

activities and garner public support for their re-election campaign.

In a similar manner, the APNU coalition government uses tens of millions of dollars of funds allocated to the Ministry of Social Cohesion to travel throughout the hinterland to promote the Local Government Elections under the guise of promoting social cohesion.

This seems to be the sinister ploy behind the creation of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, and putting a hard-core PNC faithful as the minister makes perfect sense.

For social cohesion to work, we must be colour-blind in the way we see each other: not as Indi-

an or black or Amerindian, but as fellow Guyanese.

We must develop a higher level of tolerance for each other’s culture and religion. We must learn to respect each other’s views and opinions, moreso when we differ. We must also be made to feel that despite our differences in ethnicity, we all have equal opportunities to realise our God-given potential to better ourselves and families without being discriminated against. How this is achieved is the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

Regards, HARRY GILL, MP (PPP)

Corriverton blitz 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

‒ 15 armed bandits rob businessman of millions $ A GANG of 15 armed bandits on Monday stormed their way into the home of Devendra Churaman called “Katak”, carting off an undisclosed sum of cash said to be in the millions and over $1M in jewellery.

At around 01:45hrs, gunshots rang out in Churaman’s Lot 93 Albert Street, Kingston, Corriverton residence.

The businessman, who is a Cambio dealer, said the bandits gained access to his home by breaking a fully grilled window in the upper-flat front bedroom.

He told Guyana Chronicle that five of the men entered his home while the others kept guard at the side of his house, on the street and on the fence while discharging several rounds in the air, and setting alight fire crackers.

At the time of the incident, Churaman said he was at home alone since his wife and children are on vacation.

After gaining entrance into the home, the bandits used a sledge hammer to break a steel door, gaining access to the businessman’s bedroom.

There, they held him at gunpoint and forced him to lie on the floor while the other bandits demanded cash and jewellery.

“Five of them come in the house with some big, big guns and one had a cut-

The Home of Cambio dealer Devendra Churaman

Damage done by the bandits using a sledge hammer

lass. They start fire shot and asking for the money; they tumbled the entire house and break up several item in the house while searching,” the businessman related.

According to Churaman, he told the bandits he did not have money and one of the bandits rush up to him, threatening him with a cutlass. And at this point, he handed over some money.

“I can’t say exactly how much right now because I have to check up,” he said.

The businessman’s home was equipped with surveillance cameras, but the bandits disabled them and took away the footage.

When this publication visited the home of Churaman, it was observed that his master bedroom and living room had many bullet holes.

He said while the bandits were breaking the window, he secured himself in his bedroom, but the bandits used a sledge hammer to break open the steel door.

While they were breaking the door, he said he called a policeman who then called the Springlands Police Station, but by the time they arrived, the bandits had already made good their escape.

According to the businessman, the bandits took

Businessman Devendra Churaman, called “Katak”

some 30 minutes to break the window and another 20 minutes to break the steel door and spent close to 20 minutes in his home.

A neighbour who spoke with this newspaper said he was awakened by the explosives.

“I hear like fire rockets going off and after a little while I tell my family this isn’t fire rockets, this is gunshots so we secured ourselves, my son peep out and saw about four men on the steps trying to break Katak door so we just stay low till everything ease up.”

The neighbour also recalled hearing constant gunshots for over 20 minutes, and informed the Springlands Police Station.

“While I was on the phone with the police, the gunshots were ringing out. I asked them if they hearing it and he say yeah but the police didn’t come till an hour after. Imagine when everything ease down people come out them house, go on the street and gone back in and then the police come. How can we be safe in this place.”

Commander of B Division, Errol Watts said an investigation has been launched

into the robbery, and a highly-trained squad from City will be placed at the Springlands Police Station to ensure a crime-free holiday.

He said on Monday the police received a call at around 02:05 hrs about the robbery, but by which time the bandits had escaped.

“On duty at Springlands Police Station were six members of the Force: one Corporal and five Constables while four ranks were on a patrol in between Number 51, 62 and Springlands District. So we had ranks on the road but the information was not relayed to us immediately for us to respond. We are concern about the safety of everyone so we want to assure them we will work to ensure they have a crime-free Christmas,” the commander said.

Crime scene investigators were able to recover eight spent shells (7.62 * 39), two spent shell gauge cartages, one warhead, 21 live (7.62* 39) rounds and fire crackers at the scene of the robbery.

Based on the findings, the commander said AK47 rifles and shotguns were used to carry out the high-profile robbery.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Man killed on Rupert Craig ‒ says Highway was bike lover mother FRANK Deflorimonte Jr., called ‘Junior’ of Lot 61 Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara (ECD) who died Sunday night in an accident on the Rupert Craig Highway (ECD) was a bike lover, his mother Jennifer Bowen said.

Bowen told the Guyana Chronicle that the 25-yearold, like his dad, loved motor bikes and perished on his white Kawasaki dirt bike CH 7805.

Deflorimonte Jr at the time of his death was reportedly with a group of bikers going to the seawall for the usual Sunday night lime.

Eyewitnesses had indicated that they saw the group of bikers speeding and when they reached Liliendaal they saw a body on the roadway and was told that it was a guy riding a bike.

It was then they recalled seeing the same young man trailing behind on his motorcycle with the group ahead, all of whom were going at a very fast rate of speed.

An eyewitness said, “The motorbike man (Deflorimonte) was speeding, and (he) run into the big man and all two of them pitch.”

The pedestrian, who was killed in the accident that occurred around 21:15 hrs, in the vicinity of Liliendaal, just outside of Yokohama

Jennifer Bowen told Guyana Chronicle that she last saw her son earlier on Sunday night when he left home to take his younger sibling to a relative’s wedding at Beterverwagting, also on East Coast Demerara.

She related that he was at the time wearing a safety

The motorcycle Deflorimonte was riding when he was killed. His helmet is close by

Trading, remains unidentified, police say.

At the home of the deceased, his grieving mother

Muslims observe Youman Nabi MUSLIMS countrywide celebrated the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad in a celebration titled Mawlid al-Nabi, or Youman Nabi on Monday.

Muslims recognise that Youman Nabi also represents the struggles for justice, peace and equality. The Prophet Muhammad, On Whom Be Peace (OWBP), lived and established a global and universal religious movement now embraced by millions of mankind.

Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger of God to mankind brought a message of total inoculation against the evil of society. He liberated women and provided a system to maintain stability in the home, society and the world. He taught mankind how to preserve their honour and property and infused in them the understanding of respect, compassion, love and concern for each oth-

er. He changed mankind’s way of thinking towards the recognition of God and His commandments. He influenced people’s behaviour and altered their evil inclinations.

He came as a Mercy unto Mankind and was emulated in his character and disposition that helped transform brutal men into sacred personalities.

Most Masjids will organise Youman Nabi functions and deliberate on the relevance of the Prophet’s message that include the moral teachings of the Prophet Mohammad. The prophet’s message of peace is particularly relevant today as humility and kindness are needed within society. The primary message of Prophet Muhammad encapsulates all that is necessary to become a good human being, as unless one is a good human being they cannot belong to the community of Islam, because

the Prophet exemplifies and characterizes the way a good human being should live.

Today all Muslims follow the teachings of the Prophet; but it is only the true followers of Prophet Muhammad will heed the lessons he imparted and treat with their fellow humans the way he instructed.

The Muslim calendar sets the time at the 12th day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal. Prophet Muhammad was born about A. D. 570 and died in A. D. 632. Tribalism was a way of life in the Muslim world before the advent of the Prophet, with much infighting, so he established Islam as a religion with the intention of replacing tribal loyalty with equality among all Muslims. The Prophet’s birthday was first observed during thirteenth century with month-long celebrations.

helmet as he did often and rubbished rumours that he did not have on a helmet on Sunday when he met his tragic and horrific demise.

The woman, between bouts of tears and loud sobbing, said she is still in shock at the loss of her fourth of seven children whom she

described as pleasant and peaceful.

Bowen told Guyana Chronicle that her son returned home from the interior, where he worked for about two weeks, because he was ill with malaria and had to come to town for treatment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

CADVA recommends gender sensitization for Police Force THE Guyana Police Force urgently needs to implement gender sensitizing training and workshops for police officers, Programme Director of Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA), Dianne Madray urges.

The CADVA head, during a recent press conference at Pegasus, said there were innumerable complaints from women pertaining to the way they were treated by members

Programme Director of CADVA, Dianne Madray, and Dr. Mark Constantine during the press conference

of the police force.

Offering her own experience recently she said: “I have had some challenges with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in reference to Officer Ceasar whom I felt compromised the Babita Sarjou case. My meeting earlier this week regarding Shawnette Savory’s case, the 37 year old female who went missing in August 30th, 2016, triggered some exchanges between Officer Ceasar and myself in the presence of the Crime Chief and I was accused of being unprofessional and it seems cases I am working on could be compromised once again.”

She explained that gender sensitizing is about changing the behaviour and instilling the empathy into the views that one holds about the sexes. It helps people in examining their personal attitudes and beliefs and questioning the realities they thought they know. There is a difference between sex and gender. Unlike sex which is a biological concept, gender is a social construction consisting of the socially acceptable and prescribed roles that men and women are supposed to follow.

Further, reflecting on her own experience with certain police officers, the CADVA head said she would not be cowered, compromised or silenced as all her actions were accountable and transparent.

“Gender sensitization is especially recommended for

lower ranking officers whose attitudes gets besides themselves and can be intimidating to advocates and families.

We need to ensure that police officers behave and act in a gender sensitive manner in cases dealing with violence against women,” Madray asserted.

She said 2016 was a challenging year and many lessons were learnt as an international organization doing work in Guyana for the past several years.

“Sometimes it seems as if we are stepping on some people’s toes. This especially comes along when my mouth steps in front of me sometimes,” she noted. “I refuse to apologise for my words, as my actions over the last 13 years doing work in Guyana, I have never killed, stolen or taken any bribes from anyone for the work I do.”

Madray said she does not want to see any families victimized because of her outspokenness as there needs to be trust and respect for the families who seek police professionalism in finding justice.

CADVA’s Representative, Dr. Mark Constantine said domestic violence and social problems in Guyana continues to spiral out of control. He said the problems exiting in Guyana could not be solved individually. It must be a collective effort on behalf of all stakeholders.

Turn to page 11 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Child undergoes third surgery ‒ after family initially told kidney removed

By Svetlana Marshall SEVEN months after undergoing surgery to have his ‘badly damaged’ right kidney removed, 13-yearold Jonathan Ashby is now being told that his kidneys are intact.

His parents and close relatives wept bitterly as he was rushed on Monday into the Operating Theatre at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) to conduct yet another surgery – this time to remove his appendix -- after reportedly suffering from appendicitis.

This is the third surgery the teenager has undergone in less than eight months. His family members are now in search of answers, after being given conflicting reports by the hospital.

Just outside of his hospital room, Ashby’s mother, Colleen Johnson, told Guyana Chronicle that on May 6, 2016 her son was hit by a motorcycle on the East Bank Public Road in the vicinity of the Diamond Housing Scheme, and was subsequently rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

Ashby, who was 12 years old at the time, was then transferred to the GPHC, where an emergency surgery was conducted for the internal injuries he had reportedly sustained.

Johnson explained that in addition to undergoing the surgery, her son was required to do an ultrasound and an X-ray, the results of which indicated that Ashby’s right side kidney had suffered a rupture. And according to his mother, doctors had indicated that, based on the magnitude of the injury, they may or may not have to do a surgery to have it removed.

“After couple days go by,

he start passing blood and crying for belly pain…and so they (doctors) said that they were trying to save the kidney, but it was beyond repairs, that it was badly damaged, and the only option was to take it out,” she explained.

Having listened to the doctors, Johnson opted to have her son undergo the surgery, and accordingly signed the required papers to have his right kidney removed.

After more than a month as an in-patient, Ashby was

Colleen Johnson

discharged from the GPHC on June 25, 2016, fully convinced that he now had only a single kidney.

“The bleeding had stopped, the pain and everything had stopped, so we thought everything was okay,” his mother posited.

PAIN RETURNED However, the excruciating pain returned last Thursday. Understanding her son’s medical history, Johnson, who resides in the Diamond Housing Scheme, rushed the teenager to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for a second time, and was shocked when the doctors conducted another round of x-ray and ultrasound.

“I was explaining to the doctor that he was involved

in an accident and he had a surgery done to take out his right kidney because it was badly damaged, but the doctor said, ‘Moms, your son get both his kidneys.’ I seh, ‘You meking joke’,” she detailed.

She was then told that Ashby was suffering from appendicitis, and would require emergency surgery at GPHC. At GPHC, it was confirmed that none of Ashby’s kidneys was removed.

“Now, if they didn’t remove his kidney when they took him into the operating room for the second time, what did they remove?” she wondered aloud.

In addition to telling his parents that his kidneys were intact, this batch of doctors informed them that Ashby has an abscess growing in the area of his pelvic girdle, and that it was unsafe for him to undergo a surgery.

Ashby has been placed on a five-day treatment plan, according to which the pain should have eased by today (Tuesday).

CRYING IN PAIN However, when Guyana Chronicle visited the GPHC Male Ward on Monday, Ashby was crying out for pain in his abdomen even as two doctors were attending to him. The doctors were overheard telling Ashby’s mother that he may have developed appendicitis, and that maybe the doctors had removed the lower part of his right kidney.

“I signed a document agreeing to have his kidney removed; now they telling us maybe it was the lower part (that was removed). I don’t understand what is going on.

They have to investigate this thing; this thing needs a thorough investigation, because I wouldn’t like for them to be

CADVA recommends...

He said the work CADVA has been doing over several years must be recognized and complimented. “Had it not been for the voice of CADVA speaking for those that are silent, many would not have known the truth behind many cases,” Dr. Constantine said.

Acknowledging that community policing groups also complement the work of the Police Force as the members stand as mediator in many cases countrywide, Dr. Constantine said the policing

groups also have not been recognized for their tremendous assistance given to the GPF. He said in 2017 CADVA will be collaborating with other organizations. He said the group should not be seen as a threat to the police force but one which assists and aids the police in doing their job professionally.

Meanwhile, Madray said CADVA’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence concluded Saturday.

From page 10

The event is an international campaign which takes place each year and runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).

Widely known as the ‘16 Days Campaign’, it is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Thirteen-year-old Jonathan Ashby minutes before he was rushed into the operating room to undergo a third surgery

treating my son for abscess and he has appendicitis,” Johnson said, as she fought back the tears.

Johnson was, not long after, told that her son was required to undergo an emergency surgery. At the time of this third surgery he was experiencing swelling to the back and to his abdomen.

His aunt, Janice Williams, told this newspaper that while she is thankful to the doctors who fought valiantly to save her nephew’s

life after the accident had occurred, she had a suspicion after the surgery. Williams recalled that Ashby was discharged on a Saturday, and to her surprise, the hospital did not issue a discharge slip to his mother.

“I told her, ‘Don’t move from that hospital until they give you a discharge slip’,” she said. Johnson never received that slip, nor was she furnished with any record detailing her son’s medical history.

Williams also said that, following the surgery, a young doctor had shown the family a photograph of what was touted to be the kidney that was removed. “It looked like mince. That doctor had explained that on the CTscan it didn’t look so bad, but it was not until they went inside him that they realised how bad it was,” Williams recalled.

Williams is now asking the same set of questions her sister had asked: “If (Ashby’s) kidneys are in place, what did the doctors remove when they conducted the second surgery?” and: “Was the third surgery necessary?”

Ashby’s mother is scheduled to meet with Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton, to vent her concerns. When contacted, Minister Norton expressed dissatisfaction over a Facebook post which was made by a family member, soliciting help from the public to reach Dr. Norton. According to the minister, the post gives the impression that he is not accessible to the public.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

By Navendra Seoraj

their seats and join in the festivities.

In addition, a competition to grate cassava was held to demonstrate the skills of the Moraikobai ladies. Skills in the area of cooking were also demonstrated, as team members were treated to a variety of delicacies, such as cassava bread, stewed Lukanani, and other mouth-watering dishes.

Villagers also harvested the Tacoma worm from the Ettai tree, to the delight of men, women, children, and even members of the team, who indulged in the resultant feast.

“Moraikobai’s culture is very alive and rich. They have what tourists are looking for, and we just need to tweak some areas to ensure better-

Moraikobai: the next prime Fact-finding mission tourist destination impresses GTA LUSH greenery, the rich Arawak culture, numerous activities and exciting trails caught the attention of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and tour operators who, over the weekend, sought to explore the tourism offerings of Moraikobai in Region 5 (Demerara-Mahaica).

Led by Director of Tourism, Indranauth Haralsingh, members of the team, comprising the General Manager of Rainforest Tours and Coordinator of the North and South Rupununi Safaris, Frank Singh; Project Development Officer for Wilderness Explorers, Salvador De Caires; Birding Expert Leon Moore and other officials of the GTA, explained that the aim of their visit to that Indigenous settlement in the Mahaicony River was to check out information they had received regarding its potential for tourism, particularly the possibilities of introducing a Safari from Georgetown to Moraikobai.

The GTA team sharing a moment with some of the villagers

The trip from Georgetown to Moraikobai through the sand trail begins at the Linden/ highway junction and allows the visitors to enjoy an adventurous ride as they watch the terrain change from clay to sand while approaching the village. Added to that, the thrill of getting stuck and having to find alternative trails piques

the interest of those who are involved. And according to Haralsingh and Frank Singh, the overland trek (the trail) presents an opportunity for tourists to experience a different atmosphere from what obtains in the Rupununi Safaris, thus they would, in February, be seeking to take a group of tourists on a four-by-four sa-

fari to Moraikobai, given that the village can accommodate at least 20 vehicle loads.

However, persons who are not interested in participating in a safari can still be enticed to visit the settlement by another path, which involves a twohour boat ride down the placid Mahaicony river, later connecting to the Francois Creek which leads visitors straight to the landing at Moraikobai.

One interesting feature of the village is that tourists are welcomed therein by a sign which reads, “Welcome to our home paradise.” Based on its being labelled a paradise, Haralsingh has indicated, persons, after reading the sign, can expect the best from the village and its villagers. This has been proven in many ways: from the hospitality of the people, to the rich Arawak culture displayed by the more-than 1000 villagers, to the other natural aspects of the village.

In an effort to portray their village as a paradise, the villagers had, within hours, put together a cultural programme which included dancing, singing, and other cultural activities which had the members of the team ready to abandon

said, confirms that the Village has potential to be a major tourist attraction. “We are keen on diversifying Guyana’s tourism product, hence our focus on community-based tourism will grow as time goes by,” Haralsingh stressed.

Haralsingh also sees opportunities for employment, training, and even boosting the community’s income generation from its main economic activities: small-scale agriculture and logging. People, he iterated, are seeking a paradise with new things to offer; hence, in an effort to satisfy this need and promote “Explore Guyana,” the GTA, along with its partners, is seeking to develop the tourism products of other villages, such

A youngster attempting a back-flick off of a rock into the Francois Creek

ment in every aspect of its tourism product,” Haralsingh explained.

Besides the obvious impact villagers can make on tourists, the natural aspects, such as the creek, also present an opportunity for Caiman spotting, exploring other wildlife; and there is also potential for bird watching, owing to the fact that Moore listed over 50 species of birds during the visit.

This alone, Haralsingh

as St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Orealla.

Moraikobai Toshao Colin Adrian has welcomed the GTA effort to develop tourism, not only in the community but also nationally.

“This is the first visit of its kind to this village, and we are happy that we are being recognised… Recently, we had a group of bikers who expressed their interest in starting a trek to the community,” he explained.

One of the cultural dances being performed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Over 250 children feted in Corentyne

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Nagamootoo assist Santa Claus in the distribution of gifts to the children

THE Spirit of Christmas came alive in the Ancient County of Berbice on Sunday when Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo and the Ralph Joseph Charity hosted a party for more than 250 children at Courtland Village, East Berbice Corentyne.

former home of Mrs Nagamootoo and the children who were feted came from the neighbouring communities of Fyrish/Gibraltar/ Number 1/ and Courtland and also from the Port Mourant Roman Catholic Church and Church of the Nazarene.

In delivering brief re-

Mrs Sita Nagamootoo presents a Christmas gift to this lad at the party

The party was also graced with the presence of the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan and his wife, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and MP Charandass Persaud. They all joined in distributing the gifts to the children.

The two hour long programme was spiced with music, dances, carols and food for the children who also had their faces painted and played games while rocking to the beat of the sweet melodies from the Guyana Police Force Band.

The party was held at the

marks Mrs .Nagamootoo said Christmas is the time for kindness, generosity, warmth, love, peace and gifts and urged everyone to exhibit the qualities of Christmas not only at this time but throughout the year. She shared the story of the “Scrooge” who was mean and did not realise until the ghost of Christmas showed him in his dream what will become of him if he continues to be the same way. She then urged everyone not to be the scrooge but be the person he became afterwards.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nagamootoo thanked

Prime Minister Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo interact with the children

the Ralph Joseph Charity for making the Christmas party an annual event to give back to the community and urged everyone to be thankful for whatever small mercies are given while noting that “brighter things are in store for Guyana.” Minster Ramjattan echoed similar sentiments as the Prime Minister and urged everyone who is in a position to assist especially with spreading cheer to the less fortunate to do so.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Vendors ready to fix problems ‒ but need permission at Bourda Market from the Council

By Telesha Ramnarine

MOST vendors are willing to pool their resources and labour in order to fix the problems at Bourda Market that are hindering their businesses from flourishing, but permission from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is often not granted.

An M&CC team that included Assistant Town Clerk Michelle Smith; Chairman of the Markets and Public Health Committee, Lionel Jaikarran; and Clerk of Markets, Sherlock Lovell, visited the Bourda Market a few days ago and interacted with vendors.

Among the issues the vendors ventilated in regard to conducting business at the Bourda Market were a leaking roof, lack of security, insufficient lighting, proliferation of vagrants, unsanitary conditions, and no parking for vendors and customers.

The meat vendors, in particular, complained that there is often nowhere for them to offload their meat.

Vendors at Bourda Market have long been subjected to thieves breaking into their stalls, as well as steady flooding of the market.

“The toilets outside the market are horrible! Horri-

Vendors at Bourda Market are willing to come together and pool their resources in order to fix the problems that are hindering their businesses

ble! Horrible!” a source told this newspaper on Monday, adding that “vendors are willing to do things for themselves; they just need the permission.”

It could not be explained why the granting of permission is an issue, but all mat-

ters are said to be on Town Clerk Royston King’s desk.

As such, the Assistant Town Clerk has undertaken to raise with King the issue of permission as soon as possible.

Some vendors merely want to paint their stalls or to cobweb same, but would not

take the chance of proceeding without permission, for fear of the market constables.

According to the source, City Engineer Colvern Venture had given an undertaking to be present during the visit, or at least to send a representative. However,

despite numerous attempts to reach him, no one from that department was present.

As such, many of the questions that could have been answered on the spot had to be recorded.

Meanwhile, when vendors were allowed to air their

concerns at a recent meeting held at City Hall, one vendor, Dr. Roxanne Padmore, said she has been running her father’s business, which commenced operating some 50 years ago in Bourda Market, and the number of homeless persons in and around the market is a constant bother to her.

“They are cooking on the pavements. Their bathroom and toilet are on the pavements. They are washing and hanging their clothes (there).

It smells! It floods! It’s disgusting!” she remarked.

She noted that on one occasion when it rained, she observed four homeless persons bathing naked in the rain.

Dr. Padmore has said that had it not been for her father’s ‘loyal’ customers, her father’s business would have been closed. She also said that if she were not running her family’s business, she would not purchase anything from the Bourda Market.

She recounted an incident when a chain belonging to one of her customers was snatched in front of her. “I’m afraid (for) my safety every day. I have to be more conscious when I am walking in the market with my shoulder bag,” she declared.

Suicide prevention team completes US training EIGHT members of the volunteer group Prevention of Teenage Suicide Guyana (POTS-GUY) have recently concluded a two-week suicide prevention training workshop in New York, United States.

They also participated in radio interviews and were able to raise funds for the organisation.

In the near term, POTSGUY will be resuming their school outreach programme, particularly in Regions Two and Six. The new campaign is set to be launched in January 2017 and will be targeting East Berbice, Corentyne, Region Six communities.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an intensive, in-

teractive and practice dominated course designed to help persons recognise and review risks and intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide.

The trainers of this workshop are certified by Living Works INC as accomplished practitioners in suicide prevention, intervention and post intervention.

The New York Office of Mental Health Field Office also hosted a workshop themed safeTALK on November 18, 2016.

In addition to the training and workshop, Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Mr Draper also arranged for POTSGUY to visit and conduct a radio interview with NY

POTS-GUY representatives during one of their many discussions

WPAT, which enabled the organisation to raise approximately US$2000.00.

These workshops have assisted POTS-GUY members and volunteers in becoming more efficient and effective in undertaking their various duties within the organisation as they

try to eradicate suicide in Guyana.

Vice President Ruth English-Wilson described the overall experience as “wonderful yet challenging”.

Tour Committee Operations Advisor Ravindra Mohandeo said the training was a “tremendous one”, noting

that he gained a lot from the exposure and was truly grateful for the opportunity.

“I was given the opportunity to share some of our stories and experiences from victims we dealt with in the past and also share ways in which we dealt with these cases. In addi-

tion, I was also taught new ways on how to deal with these victims, apart from refreshing myself from the knowledge and information that was previously taught to me,” Mohandeo said.

POTS-GUY, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation, has made lifelong collaborations with various ministries and organisations across Guyana.

In the past, they have had great success in their journey, and through collaborations with these entities, it has received training in suicide prevention awareness, established a suicide prevention hotline and visited over 60 high schools across the country, raising awareness of this issue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Minister Henry lauds amateur boxers for outstanding performances at CDBT

… Ten gold medals, one silver and Best Boxer award

By Mike DaSilva MINISTER within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Sport, Nicolette Henry, yesterday lauded the performance of Guyana’s amateur team that contested the second Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament (CDBT) which concluded on Sunday in Barbados.

The 11-man Guyanese team and officials, returned to Guyana with 10 gold medals and one silver medal, while Christopher Moore, son coach Clifton Moore was adjudged Best Boxer of the CDBT. Addressing the boxers shortly after their arrival at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle yesterday, Minister Henry congratulated the boxers and officials for a job well done and said that the Government of Guyana is “really committed to the

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development of sport”, so much so that the government has budgeted twice the amount that was budgeted in 2016.

Athletes, she said, must go on and make their mark and with this in mind, the government will provide the opportunities as it will invest in athletes and young people. “It was a great experience for you (boxers) to make Guyana proud.”

The boxers and officials were met on their arrival at the Airport by Minister Henry, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, president of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle and president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) K. Juman-Yassin and shortly after they were introduced to members of the media.

Chairing the proceedings, Ninvalle noted that it was a historic moment for Guyana, since it was the most gold medals per South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:10 hrs Aviatrix 08:45 hrs Sea Pass 09:25 hrs Banner Hill 10:05 hrs Cream Soda Green 10:40 hrs Seattle Skyline 11:15 hrs Midtown Mahattan Turffontein 10:55 hrs Punta Cana 11:25 hrs Zante 12:00 hrs Jackman 12:35 hrs Miss Wales 13:10 hrs Vogue’s Wood 13:45 hrs Modjadji 14:20 hrs Will Pays 14:50 hrs Mr Mulliner 15:20 hrs Our Miracle American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Stompthegrapes Race 2 Dudes Rockin Lady Race 3 Henrietta Dubai Race 4 Kristinite Race 5 Union River Race 6 Toohottoevenspeak Race 7 Israel’s Dream Race 8 Seymourdini Race 9 Shopaholic

capita captured by a team from these shores.

Ninvalle reminded those present that it was a very difficult task to get sponsorship for the 11-member team plus officials to participate in the tournament.

He noted also that GOA president Juman-Yassin has a special place in his heart for the sport, having served as president of the-then Guyana Amateur Boxing Association years ago.

The GBA president, who was recently re-elected unopposed said he is extremely elated with the boxers’ performance which tells him Guyana is going in the right direction where boxing is concerned and stated that once given the support things can only get better for the sport locally.

He said winning the Caribbean championship is the first step but there are many more steps to be made. The next he said is dominating the Latin American region, then the World Championships and finally, the Olympics.

GOA president K. Juman-Yassin in his remarks also lauded the performance of the boxers stating that he is heartened by the results and is glad to see a young bunch of boxers performing so outstandingly.

“Once you continue in this vein, we (GOA) and the government will ensure you have funds to participate in different championships,” Juman-Yassin assured.

Yassin declared that the GOA stands ready to revisit a system of providing stipends to selected boxers and called on Ninvalle to urgently commence discussions on the way forward.

The GOA boss further

stated that the GOA would like to do more for the sport by making the boxers full-time boxers, but there are certain things that will have to be worked out, since some of the boxers are still attending school while others are working with different organisations and companies.

Juman-Yassin had a special word of congratulation for the team’s head coach, Sebert Blake, who was the last Guyanese coach to attend a coaching programme through the GOA and the Olympic Solidarity Movement which was held in Hungary some years ago.

After bagging four gold medals during the first four nights of competition in the CDBT in Barbados, the Guyanese boxers added a further five gold medals and a silver to their overall tally, assuring them of overall championships honours.

On Saturday evening Christopher Moore contested the lightweight division of the Youth Division and secured a 3-0 points verdict against Grenade’s Nelson Cyrus and Joel Williamson,

fighting in the final of the lightweight division in the Elite category, forced the referee to stop his contest against Jamaica’s Ricardo Carter, to win gold medals.

Guyana’s lightweight Colin Lewis contesting the light welterweight division of the Elite category caused the referee to stop his fight against Barbados’ Derek Hymer during the first round.

Desmond Amsterdam then added another gold medal to Guyana’s tally as he secured a third round TKO win over Jamaica’s Jonathan Hanson in their middleweight contest of the Elite category.

Guyana’s Elite category super heavyweight boxer Jason Bakker then crowned the evening off with a 3-0 points win against Jamaica’s Ricardo Brown.

But Guyana’s other Elite boxer, Kevin Allicock, who was on show on Saturday and from whom much was anticipated had to settle for a silver medal, as he lost on points in the second round in his flyweight contest against Barbados’ Jabali Breedy.

Dowlin appointed...

Browne, Lockhart Sebastien and Eldine Baptiste.

Dowlin played six Tests for the West Indies between July 2009 and June 2010 scoring 343 runs at an average of 31.18 and a highest score of 95 against Bangladesh.

He also played 11 One Day Internationals during which he scored an unbeaten century also against Bangladesh in Rosseau.

Dowlin was thrust into the Test squad when the

From back page

senior West Indies players went on strike over a contracts dispute before the St Vincent Test against Bangladesh in 2009.

That season he was the second-highest run-getter for Guyana with 580 runs in the regional competition.

Debuting in 1996-97, he played for West Indies A and was named in the provisional squad for the 2007 World Cup. He was also a part of the Stanford Superstars squad in 2008.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

India claim series after Ashwin blitz

By Sudipto Ganguly

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin blew away England’s lower order resistance to spin India to a crushing series-clinching victory on the final day of the fourth Test at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday.

The touring side, who resumed the final day on 182 for six, were able to add only 13 runs to their total as Ashwin (6-55) took all four remaining wickets in a little more than half-an-hour and the hosts won by an innings and 36 runs.

The five-wicket haul was the 24th for the world’s topranked Test bowler and his seventh 10-wicket haul, after the 30-year-old also took six wickets in England’s first innings and inspired India to an unassailable 3-0 lead.

England had beaten India in their last three Test series including a 2-1 triumph on their last visit to

us convincingly the last two times, it feels really good.”

Trailing by 49 runs entering the final day, England’s hopes of making India bat again rested on a pair of wicketkeeper-batsmen -Jonny Bairstow, who was unbeaten on 50 overnight, and Jos Buttler.

Bairstow, however, misread Ashwin’s ‘carrom’ ball, a finger-spinner delivered with the knuckle, to be struck in front of the wicket after adding just a run to his overnight score and was unable to overturn the leg-before decision on review.

Ravichandran Ashwin the South Asian country in 2012 but the tourists have been thoroughly outplayed by the hosts since drawing the opening match in Rajkot.

“This series win is probably the sweetest of all we’ve won so far in the past 14-15

months,” India captain Virat Kohli said at the presentation following his side’s fifth series victory in a row. “It could not get any better.

“To win at Wankhede, going three-nil against a top quality side that has beaten

for his third double-century of the year, leads the run-scoring list with 640 at an average of 128.

The fifth and final Test will be played in Chennai from Friday.

ANGRY EXCHANGE Ashwin then claimed a wicket in each of his next three overs to bring about a quick end to proceedings as England’s lower order capitulated meekly.

There were some angry words exchanged between James Anderson and the India players when the England number 11 walked in to bat with the umpires

forced to intervene to prevent the incident from escalating further.

On what has been a generally dismal tour for England, they also picked up an unwelcome statistic of becoming just the third side in Test history to compile 400 in the first innings and still lose by an innings.

“Historically on this ground 400 is a good score in the first innings and in the second innings, we had our chances,” rued England captain Alastair Cook. “We’ve just not taken those chances.

“We were in the game for three days but not good enough to take those opportunities and that’s what cost us.”

Ashwin, who has won the man-of-the-series awards in each of India’s last four Test series, took his tally to 27 wickets from the four matches against England.

Man-of-the-match Kohli, who hit 235 in India’s massive first innings total of 631

On Monday, the contretemps between Ashwin and Anderson threatened to boil over with England captain Alastair Cook saying it was unnecessary and left a “sour” taste.

“It was a bit of a sour end

really. A disappointing end in terms of how well the spirit’s been between both sides,” Cook said.

“It was clearly reference to what Jimmy said yesterday which has kind of been blown out of all proportions,

which it can do here. He was just stating a fact which if you asked Virat is probably quite true. “But yes it was obviously just sticking up for their captain which I thought was slightly unnecessary.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings 400 (K. Jennings 112, J. Buttler 76, M. Ali 50; R. Ashwin 6-112, R. Jadeja 4-109) INDIA 1st innings 631 (V. Kohli 235, M. Vijay 136, J. Yadav 104; A. Rashid 4-192) ENGLAND 2nd innings (o/n 182-6) A. Cook lbw b Jadeja 18 K. Jennings lbw b B. Kumar 0 J. Root lbw b Yadav 77 M. Ali c Vijay b Jadeja 0 J. Bairstow lbw b R. Ashwin 51 B. Stokes c Vijay b R. Ashwin 18 J. Ball c P. Patel b R. Ashwin 2 J. Buttler not out 6 C. Woakes b R. Ashwin 0 A. Rashid c Rahul b R. Ashwin 2 J. Anderson c U. Yadav b R. Ashwin 2 Extras: (b-15, lb-2, nb-2) 19 Total: (all out, 55.3 overs) 195 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-43, 3-49, 4-141, 5-180, 6-182, 7-185, 8-189, 9-193.

Bowling: B. Kumar 4-1-11-1, U. Yadav 3-0-10-0, R. Jadeja 22-363-2 (nb-1), R. Ashwin 20.3-3-556, J. Yadav 6-0-39-1 (nb-1).

Kohli turns peacemaker to douse Ashwin-Anderson fire

By Sudipto Ganguly

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Virat Kohli adopted an uncharacteristic role as peacemaker yesterday when the India captain acted to pacify an angry exchange between off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and England paceman James Anderson on the

tested on the docile pitches in India after he hit 235 at the Wankhede Stadium for his third double-hundred of 2016.

England’s record wicket-taker in Tests dismissed Kohli four times during India’s tour of England in 2014 but the batsman has flayed Anderson and his bowling partners this time, already amassing

know about it. He told me on the ground.

“So I didn’t know what to make of it, I was laughing about it, Ashwin wasn’t too impressed and he let him know without using any bad words, honestly,” Kohli added.

“I think he (Ashwin) told me he was pretty disappointed

R. Ashwin and James Anderson chat after India’s victory in Mumbai on the fifth day.

final day of the fourth Test.

The incident occurred when England number 11 Anderson walked out to bat and was greeted by a volley of angry words by Ashwin, whose views were echoed by his teammates in the inningsand-36-run victory for the hosts.

Ashwin appeared irked

by Anderson’s comments on Sunday that Kohli’s technique was not being thoroughly

640 runs in the ongoing series at an average of 128.

“For the first time I was trying to calm things down in the middle at a time when James Anderson is involved,” a grinning Kohli, who is often very demonstrative on the field, told reporters after India moved 3-0 ahead in the fivematch series.

“Ashwin wasn’t pleased with what he (Anderson) said in the press and I didn’t even

with what he said and it is important to accept defeat as it is. Later on, I told James these things happen and let’s move on.”

Anderson has a history of disputes with India and the team filed a charge against him for pushing Ravindra Jadeja during the Trent Bridge Test in 2014.

He was later cleared by the governing body International Cricket Council (ICC).

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Ronaldo’s golden year rewarded with fourth Ballon d’Or

Cristiano Ronaldo, chasing greatness, wins fourth Golden Boot award.

By Julien Pretot | PARIS, France (Reuters) Cristiano Ronaldo capped a remarkable year by claiming a fourth Ballon d’Or award yesterday after leading Portugal to an emotional European Championship title and Real Madrid to a record-extending Champions League crown in 2016.

Ronaldo is one short of the record tally of five awards won by Barcelona’s Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who was second with the pair having taken the first two spots since 2011.

“For me it’s a great honour to receive my fourth golden ball. The emotion is like for the first one, it’s a dream come true again. I never thought to win four

times. I’m so happy,” said Ronaldo, who won the award in 2008, 2013 and 2014.

“It’s probably the best year of my career collectively, with Real Madrid and Portugal.

“Real are used to winning titles while Portugal had never won a major title so this (Euro 2016) title is special. I don’t want to lack respect to the Champions League but the title with Portugal is a level above.”

The Ballon d’Or, which merged with the FIFA World Player-of-the-Year award from 2010-15 to create the FIFA Ballon d’Or, returned to France Football magazine this year.

A total of 173 journalists voted but not national team coaches and captains who were also polled for the FIFA award.

CUT ABOVE France and Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, who lost to Ronaldo’s Portugal and Real in the Euro 2016 and Champions League finals respectively, took third place.

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez was fourth and Brazil’s Neymar fifth, giving Barcelona three players in the top five.

Ronaldo was a cut above the competition, though.

He scored 51 goals in 54 games for club and country, albeit his lowest tally since 2008, claimed another Champions League winners’ medal and lifted the European Championship trophy.

Ronaldo limped off midway the first half of July’s Euro 2016 final, which Portugal won 1-0 after extra time against hosts France, but he hobbled back onto the pitch to celebrate his country’s first major football title.

Six weeks earlier, after a fairly anonymous performance against local rivals Atletico in the Champions League final, he scored the decisive penalty in the shootout to hand Real their 11th European Cup. It was, therefore, hard to see past 31-year-old Ronaldo for the winner of the Ballon d’Or, even if the trophy is designed to reward individual performance rather than team results.

AB de Villiers stands down as South Africa Test captain (REUTERS)-AB de Villiers has resigned as South Africa’s Test captain, opening the way for childhood friend Faf du Plessis to take over on a permanent basis.

De Villiers, 32, has been struggling with an elbow injury for six months and is out of the three-match home test series against Sri Lanka that starts on Dec. 26.

“The interests of the team must always outweigh the interests of any individual including me,” he said in a Cricket South Africa (CA) new release yesterday.

Du Plessis was praised for leading South Africa to a 2-1 Test series victory in Australia last month in the absence of De Villiers but was found guilty of tampering with the ball in the second test in Hobart, a verdict he will appeal against on Dec. 19.

De Villiers was appointed captain in January following the resignation of Hashim Amla but led the side in just two tests against England at the start of the year, and also missed a home series win over New Zealand in August.

“It was a fantastic honour

South Africa’s AB de Villiers for me to be asked to captain the test side but I have missed two series,” said De Villiers.

“Following the squad’s outstanding performances in Australia, it is clearly in the greater interests of the team that Faf du Plessis should be confirmed as permanent test captain.

“I have known Faf for almost 20 years, ever since we played in the same school side at Afrikaans Hoer Seunskool, and he will have my unequivocal support.”

De Villiers is not targeting a return to the side for the one-day series against Sri Lanka that starts at the end

of January.

“AB’s left elbow is much improved but he is still regaining the last few degrees of straightening,” said team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

“Fitness to play requires a full range of elbow movement and this may take another three to four weeks to achieve. He will be unavailable for the test series against Sri Lanka and will target a return for the ODI series.”

Du Plessis will be the third permanent captain for South Africa since the retirement of long-serving Graeme Smith in March 2014.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Thomas receives Salcah Youth Federation Awards

By Daniel Haynes

IN Guyana, the name of Colts guard Shelroy Thomas has been linked with outstanding basketball play from the moment he burst onto the basketball scene.

From school tournaments to local club tournaments to representing Guyana at the national level, Thomas has always let his game do the talking.

It is this high level of performance night in and night out that has led Thomas to become the 2016 recipient of the Salcah Youth Federation Sports award.

The Salcah Youth Federation, which started in 1981, is the joint youth arm of five Seventh-Day Adventist churches in Georgetown, Guyana - Smyrna in Kitty, Mizpah in Newtown, Olivet in D’Urban Backlands, Shiloh in Campbellville and Sophia in B Field Sophia.

The Federation’s criteria for choosing a recipient included being between ages 16 and 35; being a member of any of the Federation’s churches in good and regular standing with consistent attendance, involvement in church activities in a leadership position or any other

significant capacity.

The final requirement was being a youth with notable, outstanding and consistent performance in any recognised sporting activity at the national level over the past 5 to 10 years. Alternatively, being a youth with consistent outstanding performance at sports within the Salcah Youth Federation; with a good character and integrity and who can serve as a role model for others.

According to the Federation, “This year, the recipient of the Salcah Youth Federation sports award is Shelroy Thomas who has become a

recognised face in the sports world through his outstanding performance in national basketball games.

He has also made his country proud by being among the top picks to represent Guyana at regional basketball competitions.”

The Federation also stated: “While the award is for sports, the Federation is ultimately concerned about the spiritual growth of its youths and Shelroy has proved that he deserves the award since he serves as a Deacon at his church, Olivet Seventh-Day Adventist Church.”

Thomas was also elect-

Shelroy Thomas

ed recently to serve as the Sports Coordinator for the Executive Committee of the Federation where he will help to shape the development of sporting activities for other youths within the federation.

Past recipients of this award included Jevina Sampson, an outstanding female national athlete who has represented Guyana in places inclusive of Singapore, and Cleveland Forde who is the undisputed long distance champion in Guyana who has represented Guyana internationally.

sen against Atletico Madrid, whose respective coaches Roger Schmidt and Diego Simeone were involved in an ugly touchline spat when the sides met two seasons ago.

On that occasion, Atletico went through on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

Arsenal may feel this could be their best chance to beat Bayern, whose domestic and European form has not been as dominant as in recent seasons. ` “We are through to the knockout stage for the 14th consecutive season, which is testament to Arsene Wenger and the teams throughout that time,” club secretary David Miles

said.

“The fans will think we have got the rough end of the draw again - at some stage the tide has got to turn and we will beat them.”

Serie A champions Juventus were drawn against Porto in a repeat of the 1984 European Cup Winners’ Cup final which the Italian side won 2-1.

Sevilla and English champions Leicester City will meet for the first time as will Manchester City and AS Monaco.

Benfica and Borussia D o r t m u n d w i l l re n e w their rivalry after a 52year wait, the sides having previously met in the 1963-64 European Cup.

Arsenal get Bayern again, Barcelona meet PSG (REUTERS) - Arsenal will have another chance to beat Bayern Munich in a Champions League knockout tie after the sides were paired yet again in the round of 16 following yesterday’s draw.

The teams met at the same stage in 2005, 2013 and 2014 with the German champions winning on all three occasions - 3-2 on aggregate in 2005, on away goals after a 3-3 draw in 2013 and 3-1 in 2014.

Paris St Germain will also try to break a jinx when they face Spanish champions Barcelona, who knocked them out in the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2014.

Holders Real Madrid,

Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal and Gabriel Paulista in action with Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller. (Action Images via Reuters/John SibleyLivepic)

who like Bayern finished as runners-up in their group and will therefore

play the first leg at home, were given a tricky clash with Serie A side Napoli.

The draw also produced a potential grudge match as it pitted Bayer Leverku-

Isinbayeva urges IAAF to reach compromise on Russia ban (REUTERS) - The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) must reinstate Russia as soon as possible to prevent the country’s athletes from stagnating, Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) chair Yelena Isinbayeva has said.

The Russian Athletics Federation was banned in November 2015 after an independent World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) study exposed widespread state-sponsored doping and the IAAF confirmed last week that the ban will run into next year.

“I want to believe soon they will find a compromise. We have done everything they asked -- we did it

Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia waves from the tribune.

(REUTERS/Michael Dalder)

even before Rio 2016,” the Russian former pole-vaulter told insidethegames.biz, a sports website focused on the Olympic Movement.

“I hope soon that we can compete internationally otherwise we will have

no chance to develop the sport in Russia, we lose visibility otherwise,” the double Olympic champion and world record-holder added.

The suspension was upheld following an appeal earlier this year, ruling all

but one Russian track and field athlete, long-jumper Darya Klishina, out of the Rio Olympics.

“We must find a solution as the worst thing has happened already -we missed the Olympic Games. Russia must be allowed back,” the 34-yearold Isinbayeva said.

“A line needs to be drawn under the situation, otherwise it could go on for years.”

In the latest blow to the country, an independent WADA report said on Friday that more than 1 000 Russian competitors across more than 30 sports were involved in an institutional conspiracy to conceal positive drug tests.

Isinbayeva, who also

won three world championship gold medals and set 28 world records, also lashed out at IAAF president Sebastian Coe and called for any doping investigations to be expanded globally.

“How could IAAF consider athletes who have been suspended twice for doping clean and allow them to compete while I was not?”

Isinbayeva said in a separate interview with French sports daily L’Equipe, referring to American sprinter Justin Gatlin.

“When Coe asked my support at the beginning of his campaign to become IAAF president, I gave it to him without asking questions. Then he put me on the list with everyone else.

“He did not take into consideration who I am, my history, the absence of doubts (on my performances) ... Sebastian Coe has had no respect for me and it hurt me.

“Yes, Russia is poisoned by doping ... but to focus the investigations on one country is a political act. I hope that Mr McLaren’s investigation will be extended worldwide.”

As well as her role with RUSADA, Isinbayeva was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission during Rio 2016 and has also been appointed to the Executive Board of the Russian Olympic Committee.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Sebastien bowls Volcanoes to first win of the season ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC)-Resurgent Windward Islands Volcanoes marched confidently to their first victory of the Regional Four-Day Championship when they overwhelmed Leeward Islands Hurricanes by 94 runs on the fourth day of the fourth round match at Windsor Park here yesterday.

Captain Liam Sebastien grabbed four wickets in a destructive spell that threw Hurricanes run chase into turmoil as the visitors were bowled out for 273, significantly short of the 338 winning target set by the homeside.

Volcanoes victory ends a winless streak and overshadows Jahmar Hamilton’s third first class century which represented the main resistance to the rampaging Volcanoes.

Earlier, powerful half centuries from Tyrone Theophile and Sunil Ambris propelled the windwards to a mammoth second innings total of 333 for eight and a huge target for the Leewards.

Resuming from their

overnight score of 311 for six the Windwards lost two more wickets before declaring 22 runs later with the clear intention of pressing for

Liam Sebastien was named man-of-the-match

an outright win.

Theophile departed on the third day for 96 but Abris, who was 84 overnight, inched seven runs closer to his century before becoming the first of Gavin Tonge’s two victims of the day.

Abris, who only hit three fours, faced 108 balls in an innings which lasted for 197 minutes.

Chasing the 338 target set by the Windward, the Leewards were given a solid start with an opening stand of 52 between Kieran

Powell and Montcin Hodge.

However Kyle Mayers removed Powell for 43 and shortly after dismissed Akeem Saunders cheaply as Leewards stumbled to 62 for two.

Hamilton, meanwhile, was batting through the innings as wickets tumbled around him.

He scored 125, hitting 12 fours and three sixes in his 200 minutes at the crease.

Hamilton, dominated an 86 run partnership for the fourth wicket with Chesney Hughes who scored 42 and looked on as Sebastien carved through the middle order by claiming his four wickets in successive dismissals.

Sebastien, who was voted man-of-the-match, finished with figures of four for 67 including seven maidens, removing Rahkeem Cornwall for 18, Jacques Taylor for the same score, Hayden Walsh for four and Tonge for seven as Hurricanes imploded.

Mayers and Shillingford picked up two wickets each.

SCOREBOARD

VOLCANOES 1st Innings 293 Hurricanes 1st Innings 259 Volcanoes 2nd Innings 333-8 (overnight 311-6) D Smith c Powell b Cornwall 22 T Theophile c Walsh Jr b Tonge 96 J Charles c wkp Hamilton b Cornwall 28 J Robinson c Cornwall b Powell 9 +S Ambris c (sub) Louis b Tonge 91 T Gabriel c Saunders b Taylor 30 K Mayers b Cornwall 12 S Shillingford c (sub Louis) b Tonge 28 D Johnson not out 1 Did not bat:L Sebastien, M Matthew.

Extras: (b7, lb2, w7) 16 TOTAL: (8wkts) 333 Fall of wickets: 1-68, 2-121, 3-153, 4-171, 5-245, 6-277,7330,8-333.

Bowling: Joseph 13-1-65-0(1w), Tonge 10.1-1-48-3 (5w), Cornwall 29-3-105-3(1w), Walsh Jr 11-1-42-0, Powell 6-0-29-1, Taylor 13-0-35-1.

HURRICANES 2nd Innings 273 K Powell c D Smith b K Mayers 43 M Hodge c J Charles b Shillingford 22 A Saunders c J Charles b Mayers 5 C Hughes c and B T Theophile 42 J Hamilton+ c J Robinson b S Shillingford 125 R Cornwall c (sub) Cato b LSebastien 7 J Taylor c D Johnson b L Sebastien 1 H Walsh jr c (sub) Cato b L Sebastien 9 G Tonge c J Robinson b L Sebastien 7 A Joseph not out 0 N Bonner absent 0 Extras: (b10, nb2) 12 TOTAL: (10wkts) 273 Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-62, 3-99, 4-185, 5-199, 6-201, 7-241, 8-273,9-273,9-273 Bowling: Johnson 6-0-27-0, Matthew 7-1-23-0,Shillingford 27.2-10-105-2 (2nb), Mayers 7-2-12-2, Sebastien 22-7-67-4, Theophile 11-1-29-1

Garrett impresses but will have to wait

By Daniel Haynes

F O R J e re m y G a r re t t , Monday was a bittersweet one in Portugal, as he found out that despite impressing while on trial for Sporting Clube de Portugal, he would have to wait until next July to rejoin the club.

The 17-year-old central midfield defender of Fruta Conquerors FC has been on trial for the past two weeks and according to his club president Alex Bunbury he has performed exceptionally well.

“He (Jeremy) did well enough that they want and like him, unfortunately because of the FIFA ruling about international players under 18 they could not keep him and what they’re offering is for him to return in July for preseason work on his visa,” stated

Jeremy Garrett

Bunbury.

He also added that if everything goes well Jeremy could be signed in January of 2018.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) ruling Bunbury is referring to is Article 19 of FIFA rules and regulations which relates to ‘Protection of Minors’. The arti-

cle states that “International transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18”.

The article does, however, allow three exceptions to the rule: a) The player’s parents move to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football; b) The transfer takes place within the terri-

tory of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) and the player is aged between 16 and 18; and finally the player lives no further than 50km from a national border and the club with which the player wishes to be registered in the neighbouring association is also within 50km of that border.

The maximum distance between the player’s domicile and the club’s headquarters shall be 100km. In such cases, the player must continue to live at home and the two associations concerned must give their explicit consent.

S o f o r J e re m y, t h e future is bright and the youngster has from now until July of 2017 to improve his game, but for now, he has already made Guyana and himself proud.

St Angela’s to play West Ruimveldt in Smalta Girls Under-11 final ST Angela’s and West Ruimveldt will contest the final of this year’s Smalta Girls Under-11 Pee Wee football competition.

In yesterday’s semi-final action, St Angela’s overcame the South Ruimveldt side in fine style with two goals to one, thanks to strikes from Nikasie St Jules (18th) and Carletta Ross (32nd) although it was South who ) opened the scoring through Raven Jacobs (15th).

In the second semi-final West Ruimveldt squeezed past St Pius 1-0, thanks to Shaqwana Wright (15th) and have booked their place in the final billed for

next weekend.

Meanwhile, in the 5-8 division Enterprise went down 1-0 to St Stephen’s through Odelli Straughn’s 26th minute strike while North Georgetown won via walkover from St Agnes.

In the 9-12 zone Aliyah Beverney (9th and 24th) and Tranisha McPherson (2nd) were on target for Smith Memorial as they overcame Winfer Gardens 3-0 while F.E. Pollard won via walkover from Tucville.

In the 13-16 section, the St Margaret’s vs St Gabriel’s game was a no-contest while Stella Maris benefited from a walkover from Redeemer.

Root ready for

England captaincy,

admits steadfast Cook

ALASTAIR Cook says Joe Root is ready to captain England, despite saying he will not be surrendering his role as skipper in the wake of the Test series loss to India.

England were hammered by an innings and 36 runs in the fourth Test in Mumbai, India, convincingly taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

India have dominated throughout the series, but – speaking after the defeat at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday – Cook insisted his position has not changed.

He did, however, talk up Root, who is seen by most as the natural successor to Cook following a magnificent start to his international career that has seen him score 11 centuries in 52 Tests.

“I think Joe Root’s ready to captain England,” Cook said of the 25-year-old batsman.

“You never know until you actually experience it, because of everything that goes with the England captaincy. You’re thrown in at the deep end and you either

sink or swim. Nothing can really prepare you for it.

“But he’s ready because he’s a clued-on guy and he’s got the respect of everyone in the changing room. He hasn’t got much captaincy experience, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a very good captain.”

Cook remains hopeful of ending the series on a high with victory in the final match in Chennai, which starts on Friday.

“Being captain of England is a huge honour, a huge privilege,” Cook added.

“You are at the forefront of the team and it comes on to your shoulders when you win or lose. In the heat of the battle you make those decisions.

“You go to bed at night and you have to live with making good or bad decisions. I am very proud to do it and we will go to Chennai as a group of players and it will be tough with momentum against us but if we can just grab every opportunity we have got a chance.”

(Omnisport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday December 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) Evin Lewis-45 (DD) (2) Farhad Reza 4-0-28-3 (RK) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs in the BPL 2016?

(2) Who took most wickets in the BPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 13, 2016

CL 4-Day Tournament…..

Rain spoils outright result in Jaguars/Pride clash

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE last day of the Day/ Night Fourth round Regional Four-Day Championship fixture between Guyana Jaguars and Barbados Pride had promised so much, but rain brought a premature end to the game last evening at the Guyana National Stadium.

The Jaguars suffered a sensational batting collapse in their second innings to set the visitors 161 for victory.

However,fiery opening

The Guyana Jaguars celebrating the dismissal of Shai Hope.

Jonathan Carter held on to one of his five catches, and in the process saw the dismissal of Raymond Reifer off Jomal Warrican.

spells from pacers Keon Joseph and Raymond Reifer saw the hosts struck three times before rain forced the players off the field, and play could never resume after that.

The Barbados Pride were 23-3 at that point. Reifer had taken 2-13, while Joseph had 1-12.

Earlier, off-spinner Royston Chase and leftarm spinner Jomal Warrican shared eight wickets in 20.2 overs, and were the chief destroyers of Guyana’s batting.

Chase finished with 4-41,

and Warrican ended with 4-12 as the Guyanese, who started the final day at 32-2, suffered a batting meltdown in the morning session, and were bundled out for 137 in 35.2 overs.

After being at 79-3 at one stage, the hosts’ last seven wickets fell for a meagre 58 runs as the batsmen failed to read the visitors spin duo.

Former West Indies Under-19 captain Shimron Hetymer top-scored for the Jaguars, with an entertaining knock of 67, his third half-century. He smashed nine fours and a six in

his 83-ball knock, which spanned 126 minutes.

At the start of the day’s play, Hetymer and Gudakesh Motie kept the visitors at bay for 70 minutes, and in the process added a further 47 runs.

The 19-year-old Hetymer was his usual aggressive self, hitting Kemar Roach through the extra cover region before spanking Justin Greaves for another boundary through the leg-side.

He then smashed Roach for another extra-cover boundary, and got to his free-flowing half-century

with a single off Stoute,off just 62 balls, with eight fours.

Hetymer continued in his aggressive manner, lofting Greaves for a maximum over mid-on, but the right-arm seamer responded by ending the promising 51run partnership, when he had Motie taken at the wicket for ten.

Thereafter, the visitors’ spinners broke the backbone of the hosts batting.

It was during that phase when the hosts played some poor cricket that led to their down fall. You would have expected more commitment from a team that has been a

dominant force for the past two seasons.

Warrican spilled a return offer from Vishual Singh but the diminutive West Indies ‘A’ team batsman failed to make full use of the opportunity, and was taken at first slip off Chase, five balls later.

At 110-4, the situation called for a calm head and steady hands, but the remaining batsmen could not provide any of the two.

The spinners began to exploit whatever bounce and turn was on offer from the pitch, and in the process looked in complete control of proceedings.

Warrican removed both Hetymer and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, while Chase had Christopher Barnwell, all in similar fashion, edging to first slip.

Bramble was trapped leg before wicket to Chase, while Warrican claimed the final two wickets of Reifer and Keon Joseph.

An early breakthrough was vital, and the hosts got exactly that from their opening bowlers. Joseph, who continued to impress with his pace and accuracy, trapped Anthony Alleyne leg before wicket with the third ball.

Minutes later Shai Hope was undone by a superb delivery from Reifer, which took the edge through to Bramble. Both batsmen fell without scoring, and after three overs, the visitors reached 11-2 at the interval.

Soon after Kraigg Brathwaite edged Reifer low to second slip, where Barnwell juggled the ball before Bramble completed the catch on the rebound.

Shamarh Brooks joined Chase, but the rain soon followed.The Jaguars will host Trinidad and Tobago Red Force from Friday.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Jaguars 2nd innings (o/n 32-2)

R Chandrika lbw b Roach 0 S Hetymer c Carter b Warrican 67 L Johnson c Brooks b Chase 13 G Motie c Dowrich b Greaves 10 V Singh c Carter b Chase 12 S Chanderpaul c Carter b Warrican 4 C Barnwell c Carter b Chase 1 R Reifer c Carter b Warrican 7 A Bramble lbw b Chase 8 V Permaul not out 5 K Joseph b Warrican 0 Extras: (nb-6, b-4) 10 Total: (all out; 35.2 overs) 139 Fall of Wickets: 1-0, 2-28, 3-79, 4-110,

5-110, 6-115, 7-115, 8-126, 9-137, 10-137 Bowlers: Roach 9-1-44-1, Chase 13-2-41-4, Greaves 4-0-23-1, Stoute 2-0-13-0, Warrican 7.2-2-12-4 Barbados Pride 2nd innings K Brathwaite c wk Bramble b Reifer 7 A Alleyne lbw b Joseph 0 S Hope c wk Bramble b Reifer 0 R Chase not out 5 S Brooks not out 11 Extras: (nb-2) 2 Total: (for three wickets; 8.1 overs) 23 Fall of Wickets: 1-1, 2-6, 3-11 Bowlers: Joseph 4.1-1-12-1, Reifer 4-1-13-2

CL 4-Day Tournament...

Rain spoils outright result in Jaguars/ Pride clash 23 P.

Minister Henry lauds amateur boxers for outstanding performances at CDBT P.18

… Ten gold medals, one silver and Best Boxer award Minister with responsibility for Sport Nicolette Henry (centre) strikes a pose with Guyana’s successful amateur boxing contingent. Standing third from right is GOA president K. Juman-Yassin. GBA president Steve Ninvalle is at extreme right, while head coach Sebert Blake is second from left (Samuel Maughn photos).

Dowlin appointed Windies selector …CEO, Head Coach to be revealed this week THE West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has selected a new Chief Operations Officer and a new head coach during its board of directors meeting held between Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 in St Maarten.

Sources tell Sportsmax. tv that the names will be revealed later this week.

The West Indies team have been without a head coach since September when Phil Simmons was fired just prior to the team’s

Travis Dowlin

departure for a Test series against Pakistan in Abu

Dhabi. He was in charge of the senior squad for 18 months during which the West Indies won the ICC T20 World Cup in India in April.

It was also in September that it was announced that current CEO Michael Muirhead would be stepping down as soon as a replacement could be found.

Once he leaves office, Muirhead will be in charge of managing the Sticky Wicket facility that is currently being upgraded and

is to be the new home for the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Academy.

Meanwhile, our sources say that former West Indies and Guyana batsman Travis Dowlin has been appointed to the selection panel of the West Indies Cricket Board.

The 39-year-old former right hand batsman fills a vacancy that had been created following the departure of former West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh.

He will now serve on the panel comprising Courtney Turn to page 18 ►

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Best Boxer of the second CDBT Christopher Moore TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016