Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14 09 2016

Financing mission No. 104674

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

- European Investment Bank explores financing new projects in Guyana

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Dead: Two-year-old Mark Marvin Halley

The ill-fated car in which the family was travelling

Siblings killed

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…as car ploughs into other vehicles at Blankenburg 8

Ramayya Still underpaid quits AFC

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…says investment in party didn’t pay off

-PM says public servants owed a “wage debt”

Woman dies days after 13 being raped

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Still underpaid

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

- PM says public servants owed a “wage debt”

By Alava Solomon TRAINING, allowances and salaries are among the key factors which motivate public servants and the government is working to reinvent a culture that will ensure Guyana benefits from the “creative abilities” of career public servants.

Those were the sentiments of Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo when he addressed a gathering, which included visiting and local

described the programme as one which leads to motivation of public servants, which includes training. “This new government almost from day one has pledged that we would open the public service training college so that public servants can then go back to the drawing boards as it were to understand the importance of serving the public diligently, consistently of a high standard and to be dedicated to the mores of public service,” he said.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo greets Ms Jan Sheltinga, Counsellor Development Cooperation, who takes up office here on behalf of the Canadian government Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux, is at left while Mrs Sita Nagamootoo is partly hidden

Wages talks: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo engages GPSU President Patrick Yarde during Monday evening’s reception at the residence of the Canadian High Commissioner participants in the Caribbean Leadership Programme which commences this week in Guyana. The Prime Minister was at the time speaking during a reception at the residence of the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux in Bel Air Gardens on Monday evening.

The Prime Minister said that the leadership programme is a parcel of a process that has engaged administrations in Guyana, the Caribbean and elsewhere. He

He said that he believes public servants are “still underpaid”, a remark which brought chuckles from the gathering which included Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, other government officials an heads of state agencies among others. President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde, also stood in the audience.

The Prime Minister said that over the years one may be naive not to rec-

ognise that the Guyanese public servant has been owed a “wage debt”, but he noted that one has to be purposeful in approaching and fixing the situation in a year and a few months.

He added that in order to motivate the public service, training, allowances, salaries are important factors among others which has to be considered. “All important to help the public servant feel they can do their duties with dignity and not succumb to where from birth to death, one finds he or she has a hassle to acquire a certificate out of the public service”, he said. He opined that decentralization of the functions of the public service is important, as regards its ability to work with some level of satisfaction.

As regards the leadership programme, the Prime Minister told participants that they will find challenges here in Guyana but he noted that the country is also hospitable. The Prime Minister complimented Yarde on his efforts to improve the public service. He said that Guyana has come a far way in comparison to the days of the 5% across the board increases.

He said the government is prepared to recognise the efforts of public servants and even though this is done incrementally, that they benefit from “an exhaustive Commission of Inquiry.” We recognise much more has to be done in Guyana, he said.

The leadership project is supported by the Government of Canada and its aim is to train top level managers and Permanent Secretaries of Government in leadership and development and other functional areas. Twelve countries are participating in the project.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Financing mission - European Investment Bank explores financing new projects in Guyana

A EUROPEAN Investment Bank (EIB) delegation, led by the EIB Vice President responsible for lending activity in the Caribbean, will visit Guyana this week to explore opportunities for financing new projects in the country.

In his first visit to the country, from September 15-17 EIB Vice President, Pim van Ballekom and colleagues will discuss financing opportunities with senior government officials, private sector investors and project promoters with a view to providing loans to projects in the coming months, the EU Delegation here said in a statement. The European

Investment Bank has supported investment essential for private and public sector growth in Guyana and across the Caribbean, the EU said.

During his visit to Guyana, Vice President, Pim Van Ballekom will visit the ports of Georgetown and discuss opportunities for financing new projects in the country.

The visit follows meetings in Suriname, where further discussions have taken place with Surinamese officials.

“We are looking forward to discussions about future support in particular for projects in both in the public and private sector in Guyana. With our

diverse sector experience supporting projects across the world, we can bring technical and practical expertise to this region.

We have already been in contact with the Guyanese government concerning projects in the renewable energy, transport and private sector development sectors and hope that our visit would help to kickstart further investments in Guyana soon,” Pim Van Ballekom, EIB Vice President said.

Speaking on the EIB's visit Head of the EU Delegation in Guyana Ambassador Jernej Videti? said: "The EU Delegation in Guyana is de-

EIB Vice President, Pim van Ballekom lighted to welcome this important delegation from the European Investment Bank.

Investment and financing opportunities will doubtless

be most welcome, both in private sector development and in light of Guyana's Green Development Strategy. This is an opportune time for Guyana to diversify it's economy and prepare for the future. The EIB support would complement existing EU cooperation with Guyana and help deepen the long-standing political and economic ties between Guyana and the EU".

The EIB is the largest multilateral public bank in the world and 10% of its lending targets investments outside of the European Union. It is owned directly by the 28 European Union member states.

The European Investment Bank has supported development and economic activity in the Caribbean with loans and equity investment worth EUR 1,6 bn. In Guyana, the EIB has provided a total of EUR 26m to projects in the forestry, mining, water, and private sector development (SMEs) sectors.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the longterm lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

Ramayya quits AFC …says investment in party didn’t pay off

By Nafeeza Yahya THE Alliance for Change linchpin in the Corentyne Dr. Veerasammy Ramayya has tendered his resignation from the party for the second time - this time declaring that his protest against corruption is falling on deaf ears and that his investments in the fledgling party have not paid off.

It is the second time Ramayya has resigned from the party- the first time he had complained about the position offered him following the APNU/AFC victory at the polls. He was persuaded to stay on and then offered the post as Regional Executive Officer of Region Six- a position which he has resigned from.

In a letter addressed to David Patterson, General Secretary of the AFC and dated September 13th, 2016 Dr. Ramayya explained that “My contribution and investments did not resonate deeply into the party. Hereby my six years of constructive efforts and time spent rewarded those who are the beneficiaries. Today, I have no remorse to exit myself from the party, because I am self–assertive and strong minded-individual who always crusade with uncompromising principles because the party fails to deliver.”

He added, during the campaign season corruption was highly politicised and at present everyone has turned a blind eye. Dr.Ramayya told this publication, for all the years he had always stood against corruption and it was promised that the party would fight to eradicate it. He said it is happening presently and he cannot accept that. “Honestly I don’t think I was treated as an executive member of the party the five year plus that I have given them was a great sacrifice on my part financially and with my time and effort with the television programme and going door to door…”

Meanwhile, Dr.Ramayya said he is disappointed that the

Dr veerasammy Ramayya money he spent in 2011 and 2015 was not returned. He mentioned he spent more than $15M of which he was merely given $5.5. “Recently I have sent 6 letters out from the President downwards asking them if I would be reimbursed for the money I spent in 2015 three weeks and no one had the courtesy to acknowledge my letter and further to that in 2011 although I received $5.5 M the election cost Region 6 over $20M… Today I find that people who have not invested more for this new government are reaping the benefit,” Ramayya said.

“This election was not won in 2015 this election was won in 2011 and it happened because of Ramayya and I take pride in saying that …the twenty something years being on television and being out there warranted that victory today for this coalition to come on board it is very striking that when people make claims that they have done this and that I want to know if they come after 2015 they came from the moon.” He went on to question that the 40% that was promised based on the Cummingsburg Accord.

“Where is the forty percent and I ask our leadership to show me where is the 40% in Berbice? People who work so hard they can’t find a job and is left with no alternative but to tell the hierarchy in the party that Ramayyah had enough!...I have no malice. I am not a person who will compromise my principles because many times I was told people are complaining that they are not getting jobs and I even told the PM I don’t have to give anybody jobs they have to go through the tender board; there are evaluators and it has to go through that process.” He said however that there is still hope for the return of true democracy as he will continue the fight for such.

Dr.Ramayya is of the view that the coalition government is not fulfilling its promise to the people of the country, which is to work in their interest. He believes that they care more about themselves. “I don’t think the President knows everything that goes on so I want to shift blame to the party that I represent and with everything that was published not a day anyone made an effort to contact me to ask why this is so, or why this person is saying so …my stopping is not here; the ship is still sailing and the ship is well taken care of in that sense. I will continue to say it; I have determination; I have strong belief in my God that things will happen and I know Guyana will be restored to its true democracy that we gain in 1992.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Bill to take Hillary’s place FORMER President Bill Clinton will take his wife’s place at several campaign

‒ at upcoming campaign events

events in the next couple of days. Democratic nominee Hillary Clin-

Hillary Clinton in high spirits Sunday after taking ill earlier at a September 11 memorial service in New York

ton has been recovering from pneumonia at home after abruptly leaving a Sept. 11 commemoration ceremony in New York on Sunday, where her campaign said she became overheated and dehydrated.

Hillary Clinton was due

to appear at fundraisers in California yesterday, and make an appearance for a campaign event near Las Vegas today, where her husband will now go instead.

Clinton did tweet a message while at home in Chappaqua, N.Y., expressing her desire to return to campaigning quickly.

Speaking to CNN’s Anderson Cooper in the evening, Clinton said she was feeling “so much better.”

“I should have gotten some rest sooner,” Clinton said.

Her husband told CBS that the same thing had happened to her on “more than one occasion, over the last many, many, many years.”

Cooper asked Clinton how many times she had felt faint when she was dehydrated in the past five years, and she said she could only recall two occasions.

“It is something that has occurred a few times over the course of my life,” she said. “I’m aware of it, and can usually avoid it.”

Clinton will release more information about her medical condition in the next couple of days, her campaign says. Campaign spokesperson, Brian Fallon said the release is being done “to further put to rest any lingering concerns” about the Democratic nominee’s health.

Clinton’s physician released a statement revealing that the candidate was

diagnosed with pneumonia last Friday. Fallon said he “can attest” that there is “no other undisclosed condition. The pneumonia is the extent of it.”

Clinton, 68, has twice been diagnosed with blood clots in her legs. In 2012, a clot was discovered in her brain while she was undergoing treatment for a concussion.

The campaign has come under criticism for its handling of Sunday’s episode and a lack of transparency regarding Clinton’s health.

Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri acknowledged on Twitter that “we could have done better yesterday, but it is a fact that the public knows more about HRC than any nominee in history.”

Republican Donald Trump, 70, disclosed Monday that he underwent a physical last week, and that he’ll be releasing the results “when the numbers come in.”

(MPRNews)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Trio busted ‘Horny’ caregiver caught ‒ sexually assaulting bedridden granny with ganja THREE persons are currently in custody to assist police investigations after the car in which they were travelling was searched and 4,409 grams of ganja was discovered in the trunk.

Police say that on Monday, September 12, a traffic interception of motor car PRR 654 was made during routine police work on the Number 51 Public Road,

Corentyne, and the occupants of the vehicle: Tony Reid, 23, of Lot 10 Betsy Ground East Canje; Darnel Wills, 19, of Lot 71 Norton Street, Lodge; and Vivian DeConao, 21, of 138 Tucber Park, New Amsterdam were questioned and arrested because they were acting suspiciously. Thus the vehicle was searched.

The trio is expected to be charged shortly.

The intercepted marijuana

A 25-year-old man is expected to be charged and brought before a Port of Spain magistrate after he was allegedly caught in the act of sexually assaulting a bedridden 82-year-old woman.

According to police reports, at about 6 p.m. last Sat-

three of her siblings who were watching television. Police believe the gunshot came from criminal gangs in the community, and was not intended for Sumiyya. Anya said Monday she became frantic when she saw blood, and assisted her friend, who later died at the hospital.

Anya said Sumiyya displayed a spirit of philanthropy.

“Sumiyya is a person who would help anyone; she almost get ‘bounce’ crossing the road to give a vagrant a dollar,” Anya said. She said Sumiyya also assisted a single mother by giving the woman all of her travelling money, and had to be picked

caregiver.

The officers conducted enquiries, and were informed that the woman was bedridden as she had suffered from a number of ailments, including Alzheimer’s disease as well as Parkinson’s disease.

One of the woman’s grandchildren had gone to

Former Israeli President suffers stroke FORMER Israeli President, Shimon Peres has been rushed to a hospital outside Tel Aviv after suffering a stroke.

The 93-year-old has been sedated, and is breathing with the help of a respirator, his office said. He is now expected to undergo a CT scan.

He had been described as conscious and stable when he arrived at the Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Hashomer.

In January, he underwent successful minor surgery at the same hospital after suffering a small heart attack.

“Shimon, we love you and the entire nation is wishing for your recov-

Teen killed while doing homework EVEN though Sumiyya Davis lived a life of poverty, she was willing to give her last dollar to those who needed it more.

Davis, 16, a student of ASJA Girls’ College, in Charlieville, was killed by a bullet which pierced the weather-beaten plyboard of her home last Saturday.

She was helping her friend, Anya, with Spanish, while lying on her bed when she was shot shortly after noon at her Mandela Drive, Orange Field Road, Carapichaima. The bullet ripped through her hip and exited at her neck.

The gunshot startled her father, Herdis Taylor, and

urday, officers of the Besson Street Police Station received a report that an 82-year-old woman was sexually assaulted.

A team of officers visited the home in Laventille, where the report allegedly took place, and had cause to arrest an assistant to the woman’s

her room to check on her, and allegedly found the caregiver’s assistant sexually assaulting the elderly woman.

An alarm was raised, and the man was detained.

The responding officers took the suspect, said to be from Upper Laventille Road, into custody where he was questioned before being formally charged.

(TrinidadExpress)

up by a relative. Anya said she would like to get justice for her friend.

She said Sumiyya wanted to be a pediatrician, and to open an orphanage when she got older.

Investigators from Homicide Bureau, Southern Division were at the crime scene yesterday where they examined the house for bullet holes and removed a bloodstained mattress.

Sumiyya’s grandmother, Carol Devenish, described her granddaughter as a very bright student.

“I find the good ones die, and the bad ones continue to live,” Devenish said. (Trinidad Guardian)

ery,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted.

The veteran politician has held almost every major political office since Israel was founded in 1948, and was the architect of Israel’s secret nuclear programme.

He twice served as prime minister, and was president

from 2007 to 2014.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his role negotiating the Oslo peace accords with the Palestinians a year earlier, a prize he shared with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was later assassinated, and Palestinian leader, Yasser

Arafat.

Despite his age, Mr Peres has maintained an active public schedule, mostly through his non-governmental Peres Centre for Peace, which promotes closer ties between Israel and the Palestinians. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Climate Diplomacy Week

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Free movement not free of responsibility

THE recent incident in which a pregnant woman and her child were held at the Grantley Adams Airport in Barbados, and the reported treatment meted out to them by that country’s immigration authorities, has raised the ire of the Guyanese community.

This is not the first such occurrence under the current Government or the previous one, and it remains one that continues to dog the Guyanese community. Detention and deportation of Guyanese have been prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. In the case of Barbados, when the immigration matter flared up in 2009, rather than seek to engage the Barbados Government, the Bharrat Jagdeo Administration encouraged prominent Guyanese to use the issue of race as a major factor in widening the discord between the two countries.

Guyana lost an important opportunity, in the presence of a challenge presented to the integration movement, to find solutions that could reduce the embarrassment to Guyanese entering Barbados for whatever legal reason.

In the case of Trinidad and Tobago, Guyanese constitute the highest percentage of deportees, and according to reports, the treatment our citizens endure there is less than civil.

In every instance -- whether moving from one country to another or moving around countries within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) -- rights and responsibilities attend the traveller, and these ought to be known by the travelling and non-travelling public.

Guyanese must be commended for rallying around their countrymen anytime a wrong is perceived to have been committed by external forces against one of us. This camaraderie is absolutely important as Guyanese seek to build and weld a nation that may be divided internally by political and other issues.

Where the region has seen increased deportation of Jamaicans from Trinidad and Tobago, rather than allowing the issue to fester among and between the peoples of their two countries, the respective heads of government had, in July, thought it fitting to have official engagement to resolve this and other issues.

As Guyana is confronted with the deportation of its citizens, Guyanese cannot lose sight that efforts are made internally to have citizens of CARICOM respect the Laws of Guyana. Recently, four Haitians were placed before our court and were fined $30,000 each, with an alternative of six months’ imprisonment if the fine cannot be paid; they are to be deported after serving the sentence or paying the fine.

French-speaking Haiti is a member of CARICOM, and while many may not be reading the Haitian newspapers, it may be possible that the Haitian community is giving its nationals the same support Guyanese give each other in matters of this nature.

There evidently exists a problem with Guyanese entering countries like Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, and Haitians entering Guyana without satisfying immigration requirements, perceived or real. It may be to our national interest that the Guyana Government treats this matter as priority and engage the governments that are involved with a view to removing the animosity that has developed through this issue.

When taken into consideration, the intent of CARICOM in regard to free movement has to be tackled head on. When

OP-ED

EU, UK pledge closer partnership in climate change fight

By Jernej Videtic, Greg Quinn Ambassadors of the EU, UK LAST December, 195 countries gathered in Paris to negotiate a new global climate agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The result – the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal -– sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius (2oC).

To further underline their determination, countries also agreed to pursue efforts to limit temperature increase to one and one-half degrees Celsius (1.5oC).

Now, ten months on from that historic outcome, the European Union (EU) remains proud of that ambitious Paris Agreement, and Guyana should be, too.

However, there is no room for complacency after the success of the Paris Conference. For the vision of a global low emissions future to materialise, our attention needs to turn to putting our words into action.

Already this year, we have seen encouraging signs that our partners around the world are keen to maintain the unprecedented political momentum in support of climate action. More than 180 countries have now signed the Paris Agreement, and 22 have completed their domestic ratification procedures and become Parties to the Agreement.

We congratulate Guyana on the leadership shown in being one of the first countries to ratify the Agreement. Ratification is an important step towards implementation of the Paris

EU High Commissioner to Guyana, Jernej Videtic

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregg Quinn

Agreement, but ratifying the agreement on its own will not deliver the necessary greenhouse gas reductions, adaptation action, and financing. Equally important are the steps countries will take to meet the commitments made in Paris, starting with the policy and legislative frameworks required to develop robust national climate plans and international approaches.

The EU and its Member States are taking concrete implementation very seriously. We are moving forward with our ambitious domestic climate policies with new proposals that will help us meet our emissions’ reduction target of at least 40% by 2030 and further drive the transition to a low-carbon economy.

We hear and understand concerns that taking action against climate change can affect economic growth, but we have found that the opposite is true: our emissions have decreased by 23% since 1990, while GDP has grown by 46% in the same period.

During these years we have created new jobs, businesses, technologies and competitive advantages that prepare us better for the new climate compatible

economy.

The EU has more than two decades of experience in developing and implementing ambitious climate policy, but we know that many of our partners are doing so for the first time.

We stand ready to share our experience and lessons learned for the benefit of others. In fact, we already have extensive climate policy co-operation with some of our key partners.

We are committed to supporting Guyana and other climate-vulnerable nations to develop national climate plans and make the transition to low-carbon climate-resilient economies.

Climate change poses a special risk for Guyana, given that most of its coastline lies below sea level. The EU has been supporting climate change adaptation over the years, including through its ongoing 10th European Development Fund sea defence programme. The new 11th European Development Fund programme will see a doubling of funding to 30 million euros to address sea and river defences and storm water drainage. A pilot programme on mangroves reforestation was funded under the EU’s Global Climate Change Alliance, and

travel and migration are linked to other facets of the society, these influence the behaviours of Immigration officers in dealing with persons entering a country outside of enforcing laws.

And this is where CARICOM is put to the test. Early in the integration process, the people of the Caribbean embraced the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta), which speaks to harnessing our cultural, economic and political values to be used as a consolidated force for the benefit of all the people of the region. It may be opportune, in the presence of immigration challenges, to remember that the experiences gathered from Carifesta can be used to weld the people of the region together.

a new programme will build on this experience by promoting natural mangrove regeneration.

As well as developing long-term climate strategies, there are actions we all need to take now. In just a few months, countries will gather in Marrakech to start to add the technical details to the breakthrough political agreement in Paris. Building capacity to act, addressing loss and damage associated with climate change, and setting out a roadmap to reach climate finance targets are just some of the issues on the table. Before then, countries will also aim to reach multilateral agreements on limiting aviation emissions and phasing out highly climate warming gasses used in refrigeration and air conditioning.

We welcome the Guyana Government’s actions in this area; for example, the Low Carbon Development Strategy and the Green Development Strategy. However, it is not just governments taking action; businesses, cities and civil society all have a crucial role to play in delivering on the ground the action that would really make a difference; for example, the work of Conservation International, the various village organisations, or the City of Georgetown’s Green Conference and Expo.

Paris was a defining moment in the safeguarding of the planet for future generations. We must maintain that momentum in the months and years ahead, because the prize is worth it: lower emissions, greater energy security and energy efficiency, innovation-driven growth.

There is much work to be done, and we look forward to continued partnership with Guyana.

Problems at the various ports of entry require a twopronged approach, bilateral and regional. The idea of a single economic space needs to be pursued, not only by putting laws in place, but by working with stakeholders in determining what a single economy means and what it must physically look like. Free movement in CARICOM means that every citizen and government needs to operate within the confines of existing laws, be it at the time when a country is receiving a person from another country, or a citizen is going to another country. The laws are important and need to be respected by everyone.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Is Royston King a PPP agent?

Dear Editor, FROM the advent of the APNU+AFC Coalition, it would appear that the City Council has not been managed by all its elected officials, and governed by its statutory procedures.

The name of Royston King keeps being repeated, each time through independent acts of hostility and aggression against citizens who need guidance, rather than spasms of egomania. The presumption has to cease that there is a ‘Republic of City Hall’, independent of the livelihood of those who trade in this town.

King may very well be the extension of a partisan group whose members, directly or indirectly, operate as ‘agents of the PPP at City Hall’. Through their actions, they are continuously creating public embarrassment, which by now ‘John Public’ has come to recognise as a character flaw of the Republic of City Hall.

Perhaps it’s time that both the Ministries of Business and Communities pay serious attention to this state

within the state of Guyana.

This recent Alexander Street to Bourda Street onslaught was prompted by a legal complaint made by a certain Robb Street business against vendors’ untidiness.

What is curious is what entitles this business to the jurisdiction of an entire economic block – Alexander St to Bourda St. It was at the insistence of another business that the stalls of the Bourda St. vendors were destroyed, again without legal procedures adhered to.

Addressing Stabroek Market Square was necessary, but its handling was undoubtedly disastrous. The fact is that because I am a self-employed small business operator, I can empathise with those vendors regarding the negative consequences that disruption of the flow of business can have on their fragile economies and on their health. Royston King and his compatriots at the ‘Republic’ are salaried employees and lack empathy with this reality. They are incapable of comprehending that things are very, very difficult for the small business

economy today, and that for the last decade, Guyana has hardly had an economy.

This is where the Ministry of Business comes in -- to direct the ‘Republic’ towards meaningful strategies. Why? Because it is likely that changes in the employment sector will lead to growth in the small farming population, and this will require more display and trading space. Already there are indications of serious problems concerning the dangerous premeditative contamination of fruits and vegetables for economic expediency. This will need expertise beyond the ‘Republic’s’ capacity to handle when the authorities in Agriculture do wake up or are awakened.

It is time to shed the small-minded predatory nature of the Republic of City Hall and get them to serve, rather than what they have become. I am wondering where the voices of the New councilors are.

Regards, BARRINGTON BRAITHWAITE

Pandit Tillack apologises Dear Editor, PLEASE permit me space to offer an apology to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the Hon: Mr. Sydney Allicock, MP, and to the Indigenous people of Guyana.

Firstly, I take full responsibility for my presentation, and wish to offer my

sincere apology. However, words cannot adequately express how sorry I am for this rather unfortunate turn of event. Although the intent of my presentation was good, because I believe in the ideals for social cohesion, the message was negatively received.

Regards, PANDIT DEODAT TILLACK

GFC must be commended for action against Baishanlin The Editor, THE Guyana Forestry Commission must be commended for putting a halt to the massive rape of our natural resources.

Since the middle of the 20th century, former colonies and leaders of the underdeveloped and developed world have made it clear that their God-given resources must no longer be exploited for the benefit of a few, and in particular non-nationals.

As a country, we must always have foreign investments. It must be to create jobs, transfer skills and sustain secondary industries.

Some years ago, I looked in awe and disbelief at huge

trucks transporting to the waterfront raw logs owned

by BiaShanlin. The shape of those logs suggested that some were just yanked out of the ground. That means that with the compliments of the likes of BiaShanlin, we would inherit swamp lands inhabited by reptiles and infested with harmful insects.

Every patriot, irrespective of political persuasion and station in life, should applaud this move and end this disrespect for our country. And perhaps we should start a fund, however small, to support the so-called legal battle and send a strong message to our courts that this matter is beyond legal niceties.

As a people whose ancestors are our Indigenous people, slaves and indentured labourers, we should want to say we’ve had enough of this exploitation.

Finally, I hope similar action is taken against the many alien operators who are exploiting our gold and mineral resources; polluting our lakes and rivers; and, in many instances, changing the course of those rivers and creeks and mercilessly destroying the natural habitat of our marine life and our flora and fauna.

Regards, SHIVAUGHN LACHISH

Sunken ‘draga’ continues to take toll on Mazaruni residents Dear Editor,

I AM a concerned gold miner from Bartica, who has a work force of over forty (40) persons currently. I am writing to highlight a situation that is happening with a pontoon that sank in the channel of the Mazaruni River.

Approximately three months ago, a ‘draga’, as this pontoon is called by the owner of Crown Mining supplies, ran aground just at the top of the Piremap Falls in the Mazaruni River.

Initially it was out of the channel, but after efforts were made by Crown Mining Supplies to remove it from its position, it shifted into the channel. That is when the problem started!

The Crown Mining Company just left it there for weeks at a time, and then would make a half-hearted effort to salvage it, before

once again retreating and not being seen for a while.

All the time, workers and supply boats that work for, and service, over fifty mining operations located above the falls had to use whatever means they could to gain access to their mining camps -- which includes manually fetching supplies over rocky and dangerous terrain, and in some cases in waist deep water, just to survive.

I am concerned about the non-action by this company, which seems to be above the law, as they daily continue to totally disregard the inconvenience that their sloppiness has caused to so many miners.

Let me also mention that the operations of the two jet boat services that ply the locations have been completely halted, putting almost sixty workers out of work and causing second-

ary school children who normally use the jet boat service to be stuck at their school at Bartica.

I call on the relevant authorities: the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Education, the Maritime Administration, and even the Ministry of Health, to please do something. If, God forbid, we should get some sort of medical emergency, what would we do?

One suspects that because the main principal of Crown Mining Supplies is a national sportsman and carries a lot of clout in Government and the mining associations, he is being allowed to do as he feels. Once again, I do hope this situation would be looked at urgently by the relevant authorities.

Regards, NAME WITHHELD

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Siblings killed …as car ploughs in vehicles at Blankenburg

By Rabindra Rooplall A two-year-old boy and his seven-year-old sister were on Tuesday morning killed when the car they were in crashed into two parked vehicles along Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara Public road.

Dead are: seven-year-old Christine “Tina” Halley and

two-year-old Mark Marvin Halley of Lot 33, Public Road Covent Garden East Bank Demerara. The 32-yearold driver, Mark Halley and the mother of the children, Michel Miguel and a police constable, Casper Carter who were also in the vehicle were injured. The parents and the children were taken to the West Demerara Regional

Hospital where the children were pronounced dead and later taken to Ezekiel Funeral Parlour. The parents were then transferred in an unconscious state to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were admitted. The police constable was taken to the Lenora Cottage Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

Reports reveal that Halley who is a mason and part-time taxi driver was driving a Toyota Primo PVV 38 heading to Parika, East Bank Essequibo to drop off a police constable who is stationed in Bartica.

He was carrying his family along for the drive.

According to police, there is a section of the road in Blankenburg which is presently under construction, 200 yards into that section which has “crush and run” building materials. It was there that Halley lost control of the vehicle resulting in him crashing into two other vehicles before landing in a nearby drain at 02:45hrs Tuesday morning.

The two other vehicles damaged in the process were a Tundra pickup GLL 1610 and a minibus that was converted into a goods van PJJ 9883. “Is like the man car sandwiched its way between the two vehicles before crashing into the drain,” one resident noted.

Reports disclosed that residents in the area immediately assisted by tying a rope on the badly damaged vehicle’s door and ripping it off with the assistance of another vehicle. Mark Halley sustained internal injuries to the head and stomach and Michel Miguel received cuts to the head and other injuries about the body. They were unconscious for several hours while undergoing treatment at the medical institution.

Tuesday morning accident comes one day after a two-vehicle collision at the corner of Garnett and Sheriff Streets in Campbellville, Georgetown claimed the life of 4-year-old Abiola Providence of Newtown, Kitty. Reports indicate that Providence and two of her relatives were in the back seat of the vehicle as it proceeded south on Sheriff Street; and as the car stopped at the centre of the junction preparatory to turning west, motor vehicle GPP 3500, which was proceeding north, collided with the left of

Injured: Mark Halley and partner Michel Miguel the car, resulting in the infant being flung through the window and onto the roadway.

Rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), she was pronounced dead on arrival. Her two relatives, Abiola Trotman and Cheryl Williams, suffered injuries and have been admitted as patients at the GPHC. Then on Sunday night two other persons succumbed to injuries when the vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a horse on the Leeds Public Road, Corentyne. The impact of the collision caused the Toyota Raum in which they were occupants to turn turtle and catapult off the road.

The men were allegedly seen imbibing earlier in the evening and after the driver had reportedly lost control of the vehicle and hit the horse, the vehicle landed on the bridge of a nearby resident, and persons rushed to the scene to assist the men.

Only last week police reported that “unfortunately the Guyana Police Force has yet again seen an increase in road fatalities. Eighty-seven fatalities have been recorded at the end of August this year, which are seven more than the same period last year.”

According to the police there was a reduction in serious and minor accidents but again an increase in damage accidents. Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and inattentiveness continue to be the main causes of fatal accidents.

Police said that traffic enforcement is continuous countrywide, with special emphasis on driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, music/breach of condition of road service licence, overloaded minibuses and use of cellular phones, the Force said. Also the lecture to schools programme, and visible patrols at school areas are ongoing.

The Guyana Police Force said too that it has charged 48,585 persons with traffic offences so far this year. This includes 18,053 for speeding of which 7, 133 have been fined; 1,168 for driving under the influence of alcohol of which 268 have been fined; 1,108 for unlicensed drivers of which 631 have been fined; 2, 016 for overloaded minibus of which 872 have been fined and 476 for using cell phones whist driving, of which 268 have been fined.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

The Renata Burnette saga

By Akola Thompson

I SAW, a few days ago, a video that was posted by University of Guyana student Renata Burnette. In the video, Renata chronicled through poetry her inability to get a job despite being sufficiently qualified, and her concerns about how young people -- a substantial number of whom helped the ruling administration into office -- have seemingly been discarded since the 2015 elections’ results were announced.

The video connected with me, as I’m sure it did with many young persons who would have, at some point, been told that they cannot work while pursuing higher education, or that they were not experienced enough for positions they might have applied for.

Honestly, I can understand the position of employers who may not want in their employ a university student or someone who is fresh out of school; because, as an employer, you want to ensure the person has enough time to focus on the job they were hired to do, or is experienced enough to carry out those tasks.

But there of course came along President David Granger, who in recent

times commented upon the possibilities of youth employment and stated that it is not the government's responsibility to provide employment; youths should try to become more entrepreneurial.

President Granger ’s comment, to me, represented Government's disconnect with the poor and working class. I can understand where he was coming from, but one cannot at one stage say one cares for youths and will be there to provide jobs, and then turn around and state that it is not one’s responsibility to provide employment. It is easy for one to sit in an ivory tower and tell the masses that they need to help themselves now that one has reached a position of power on account of the sacrifice and hopes of the poor.

I know politicians are not known for keeping the majority of the promises they make during election season, and that no matter how strong their institutions are, they are not infallible.

So, of course, it was expected that they would fall short on several of their promises; but, for some reason, it was honestly believed that they would at least stick to their major selling points, such as youth jobs, and accountability and transparency in their

actions.

I remember that shortly after the election results were announced last year, a friend told me he was happy that I had gotten my wish for the PPP/C to no longer be in power, and that 'my people' were now there and he hoped they would be the change we really needed. I responded by saying that I hoped the same, but even if they fall victims to the dangers often seen in those who become ethically and morally bankrupt in the pursuit of power, there will be a second, third or fourth wave of change; because while many may see me and think I voted for race, I voted for visions that are able to make our country and the lives of its people better.

So that was the conversation I thought back to when I saw that video by Renata. Because whether the Government realises it or not, the same people who championed and went out in their numbers to vote are the ones that have become disillusioned. It would be easy to blame all the current issues on the past administration, but the people are constantly becoming more vigilant and perceptive of the wrongdoings of the current administration, as their public gaffes and intentional wrongdoing increases seem-

ingly by week.

I know the government of the day cannot provide all a country needs, as there will of course be hindrances in their way. However, there

should at least be some amount of effort on the Government’s part to put in place programmes and comprehensive reforms that would benefit not only the youths, but

also every single person in the country. Because at the end of the day we don’t want lovely speeches about jobs for the poor and working class, we want actual jobs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

New UNDP Representative calls on GECOM chairman NEW United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, has paid a courtesy call on Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally.

During their cordial discussion, Dr. Surujbally gave Ms. Tanaka a background of the Guyana Elections Commission and how the elections management body is constituted and functions.

According to a release from GECOM, the United Nations has, over the years, always provided support to GECOM, notably in the areas of civic and voter education, Information Technology and Logistics.

The new UNDP Resident Representative explained that while she acknowledges the Chairman’s point on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral processes, she could not, at this point in time, commit to any specific assistance from the UNDP, since this would require strategic discussions with the Government of Guyana as part of defining development assistance priorities in coming years.

Dr. Surujbally took the opportunity to apprise the UN Resident Coordinator about the just concluded 8th Cycle of Continuous Registration, and indicated that the Claims and Objections period would commence on the 17th October, 2016.

Dr. Surujbally and Ms. Tanaka both agreed that GECOM plays an integral role in the nation’s democratic development, and thus both institutions remain committed to achieving greater success in the electoral processes.

GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally in talks with UNDP Representative Ms. Mikiko Tanaka

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Region 9 boat operators get training THE Maritime Administration Department of Guyana (MARAD) has collaborated with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Conservation International Guyana (CIG) to conduct a boat captain’s training and certification programme for boat operators.

In a release, MARAD said the programme, conducted at Caiman House in Yupukari Village, Region Nine, commenced on August 10, 2016. Participants were drawn from Yupukari, Massara, and Toka villages; Karanambu Eco-lodge, and the Protected Areas Commission in Central Rupununi, and 28 boat operators have since been each awarded a Certificate of Competency to operate as a boat captain under the Licensing of Ships Regulation 2001. They are now appropriately equipped to operate safely on the rivers within the region.

The training is one of the initiatives undertaken by MARAD, with support from partners, to expand the outreach where maritime services are needed but are very difficult to access financially and logistically.

The GTA continues to lend support to MARAD, as its standard operating procedure is to improve the safety and professional standards of river tours offered by various operators, based on Guyana’s growing nature-based tourism products; and to ensure that operators are licensed to operate on the rivers.

Training in this respect was conducted previously in July 2014 in Annai, and 21 boat operators had benefited.

Participants of the training programme pose with MARAD officials

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Missing Montrose pensioner found dead at airport SEVENTY-four-year-old pensioner, Hedley Williams, of Third Street, Montrose, East Coast Demerara who was recently reported missing was found at dead at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

According to reports, the man and some relatives had gone to the airport on

Sunday to receive a family member who was coming into the country.

It has been confirmed that he was found dead yesterday some 400 feet from where the minibus he and his relatives used to take them to the airport was parked.

He was found in a garbage heap in the vicinity

of the CJIA’s maintenance building.

Reports are that Williams was left in the minibus, while his relatives went into the airport’s arrival lounge to await the visiting party.

Based on footage from the airport’s CCTV camera, Williams was last seen exiting the minibus and

proceeding north where several stands are situated. He was seen headed in that direction until he was well out of the cameras’ range.

Said to be a diabetic, Williams was reportedly in the habit of wandering off, and losing sense of time.

Word is that based on preliminary investigations, Williams’ body bore mark of violence, and the police have not ruled out foul play.

A post-mortem is expected to be carried out today.

Dead: Hedley Williams

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Woman dies Infrastructure Ministry to days after launch road safety campaign being raped

By Sherah Alleyne POLICE are investigation the circumstances under which a 21-year-old mother died after it was alleged that she was raped days before she succumbed.

Reports are that the young woman who resides at a village on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway had left with her family to attend a wedding ceremony in Soesdyke on September 4, 2016. When she returned home early hours of the morning she realised that her fiancée was not at home and she went in search of him. After her search was unsuccessful, she boarded a bus at the Soesdyke junction, where she headed to New Diamond Housing Scheme to see her son, who lives with this father.

Following this it is reported that the woman then returned to the Soesdyke junction and boarded a bus with two male passengers to return home. However, instead of taking her to the location on the highway the driver turned the bus in the direction of Georgetown and proceeded in that direction.

After putting up a fight with the driver, it is alleged that he choked and cuffed her and then threw her out of the bus in the vicinity of Pearl, East Bank Demerara.

Reports stated that the driver then reversed and pick her up and took her with the other two passengers to a lonely area in the Land of Canaan community where it is alleged that the driver raped the woman.

After losing consciousness the young woman then found herself on the public road at Land of Canaan in front of a gas station. She was then assisted by public-spirited citizens who took her to the Diamond Hospital. She was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she died. A postmortem would be conducted on Wednesday to ascertain the cause of death.

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure, will shortly be initiating a road safety public media campaign in a further effort to reduce road accidents.

Teachers, police and students from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie, West Coast Demerara, Region Three had benefitted from road safety training under the West Coast Demerara Road Improvement project. Road safety is a major component of the US$46.8M project that is ongoing.

The Ministry’s Senior Traffic and Safety Engineer, Kester Hinds told the Government Information Agency (GINA) on Tuesday that the campaign was decided on because of the increase in road fatalities in recent times.

“We have recognised that there has been an increase in accidents on our roads. This weekend alone (last weekend) we had a few accidents and so we’re looking to sensitise persons on proper use of the road,” Hinds explained.

The engineer pointed out that the public awareness campaign which was intended for the West Coast Demerara region will explore other measures of sensitisation to include the general public, and will utilise newspapers, television, and the internet.

“The campaign when it was initiated was conceptualised to target drinking and driving so those messages will also be included in the campaign,” Hinds pointed out.

The campaign is expected to

be launched before year end and will utilise excess funds from the West Coast Road Improvement project.

Meanwhile, the road project is 40 percent completed to date. Hinds explained that currently the contractors are constructing concrete drains and sidewalks, repairing culverts, overlaying the existing surface, marking the road, and installing street lights and

traffic signs among others.

“All of those are items that are part of the contract.

Of course many of them are phased because you can’t mark the road until it’s completed. There are also some sections where we are moving utilities so we are working on all these items, some of them in a simultaneous manner,” Hinds explained.

The project which began in January 2015 will cover a length of 30.7 kilometers of the West Coast road, Region Three and has a completion date of December 2017. The project is funded by the Government, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) among others. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Deflowering of children must stop - Ministry plans anti-child abuse rally for Child Protection Week

CHILD Protection Week is being observed in Guyana from September 18th to 24th under the theme “Children’s Safety and Security Our Priority”.

Activities to be undertaken in this regard come under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Protection, through the Childcare & Protection Agency.

The Social Protection Ministry has said in a release that the main activity for the week is a rally to be held under the theme “Breaking the Silence on Child Sexual Abuse”. It is scheduled to

be held at Wismar in Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice), and subject minister Mrs. Volda Lawrence and other distinguished speakers will highlight the programme.

The Social Protection Ministry has made known its deep concern about the pervasive silence on childhood sexual abuse in our society: “Incest and underage sexual activity in childhood (are) also of grave concern to the Childcare & Protection Agency (CPA), an arm of the Ministry. This deflowering of our children

must stop.”

Lindeners are encouraged to attend the rally, in order to be able to stand up and be counted as being against childhood sexual abuse.

Child Protection Week is observed annually as a national project intended to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of primary prevention.

It is held in a bid to reduce child abuse and neglect in our society.

The CPA has said it would continue pushing the Ministry’s core principle that “child protection is every-

Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence one’s business.” All systems must work, and all must be involved. Persons at the community level must understand that they have an important part to play in the protection of children; the Agency, the

Ministry or the Government cannot do it alone; child protection is a shared responsibility.

Individuals, local communities and groups, including religious bodies, are encouraged to take action to ensure that children’s rights are not violated, and that they can live in communities where they are free from harm and abuse. This is in recognition that much more is to be done by all in keeping children safe.

There must be effective collaboration involving key stakeholders and civil society organisations, including religious organisations; but there can be no true collaboration without the involvement of the family. The family must be strengthened if it is to ef-

fectively discharge its protective role of children. A number of families are without the necessary social network support, and here community help is paramount.

Communities can help a family under stress by lending a hand; and further, can organise community events and activities to keep neighbourhoods safe for children.

If you see something, say something. Reporting your concerns may protect a child and get help for a family who needs it.

Child Protection Week is observed in more than 120 countries around the world, but at different times of the year and under various themes. Child Protection Week has been observed in Guyana since 2004.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

$103M pact signed to net illegal fishing …FAO to provide technical, monitoring assistance

By Ravin Singh GUYANA’S fisheries industry is expected to be improved within the next two years following the signing of an agreement to implement a five hundred thousand US-dollar project (US$500,000) which will be spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN).

The agreement, worth more than one hundred and three million Guyana dollars (Gy$103,601,391), was signed on Tuesday morning between the Ministry of Agriculture, through its Permanent Secretary George Jervis, and FAO Country Representative Reuben Hamilton Robertson.

Termed a Port of State Measures Agreement (PSMA), the project will see, inter alia, Guyana benefiting from immediate implementation of measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in Guyana’s waters.

According to the FAO Representative, the international body recognises the impact of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, primarily in small development states where a large proportion of the population depend on the fishing industry for their livelihood. The fishing industry is one of the

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis (left), and FAO Country Representative Reuben Hamilton Robertson, sign the agreement for the US$500,000 project to support the local fisheries industry most important contributing sectors to Guyana’s revenue, as the country exports more than 60% of its catch. This industry is responsible for the livelihoods of approximately 15,000 persons and their families.

Robertson noted that the project was introduced in 2007 to support the industry after it was recognized that a significant number of women and children rely on the fishing industry for sustainability. Earlier this year, during his 2016 budget speech, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder revealed that, in 2015, the marine sub-sector produced 35,835mt of seafood, raised revenue to the sum of G$25,426,250; and recorded exports

of 21,568mt or US$71M (Gy$14.7Billion).

Guyana is one of 25 countries which has signed on to the agreement, which will execute a US$500,000 project to support the industry by ensuring the country maintains its fish stock and integrate and coordinate fisheries- related port State measures with the broader system of port State controls.

With the implementation of agreement, this sub-sector is expected to increase its financial input to the economy.

The project also includes a technical assistance and a monitoring and evaluation process upon completion. As it relates to technical assis-

tance, Robertson explained that support will be provided to address shortcomings in policy, legislation and regulation at the country level. Secondly, it will address weaknesses in the institutional and operational frameworks for allowing for compliance with the port State measure agreement.

And finally, it will also look at the coordinating and cooperating mechanism between various stakeholder agencies.

It was disclosed that during a capacity-building workshop, which was held in April of this year, local stakeholders recognised that there was a piece of legislation regarding the fishing industry – the Fisheries Act No. 12 of 2002 - that needed strengthening.

“It was during this workshop that participants were able to identify key gaps in the national legislation and regulations of the provisions of the PSMA.” The FAO

Representative said.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture was Permanent Secretary George Jervis, who expressed gratitude for such a timely intervention by the FAO. Jervis pointed out that it is important to note that Guyana has a series of systemic closed fishing seasons during which trawlers are prohibited from fishing to allow the fish stock to mature. This, he said, is done to allow for a sustainable fishing industry.

But according to him, despite these regulations, there are those who refuse to abide by the rules, and this threatens the survivability of the industry. “The fact is that it is quite common all over the world that persons do not abide by these rules and regulations. If we do not take control of this, it will get out of control. They may harvest the fish stock at a time when Guyana’s industry does not consider it mature,” Jervis said.

As such, he underscored the need for such a project to protect the industry, which he said plays a critical role in the livelihood of many Guyanese.

Chief Fisheries Officer Denzil Roberts expressed similar sentiments, pointing out that the fishing industry is a very important industry to Guyana.

“This is a very important industry and it has to be properly sustained so that it can be preserved for future generations. Signing this agreement is another step that will assist in this process” he said.

With implementation of this agreement, the institutions directly involved in the project activities will see staff benefiting from technical support in undertaking a mapping of the current country’s context and needs, as well as formulating regulated strategies and action plans to protect and develop the industry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Region 10 farmers heed president’s advice - lobbying for training in agro-processing

By Vanessa Braithwaite REGION 10 farmers are excited about heeding the advice of President David Granger and becoming involved in agro-processing, thereby adding value to their primary produce.

But to be able to do this successfully they are now seeking help with training in the relevant fields so as to be able to

master the skills needed to invest in such a venture.

Leading the charge is chairman of the group’s agricultural committee, Mr Douglas Gittens, who noted that there is currently an agro-processing training programme being done

by The National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI), and that he will be petitioning for the farmers to benefit from this.

The farmers he represents include those cultivating coconuts, ground provision and citrus fruits in communities such as West Watooka, Dalawalah, Moblissa and Block 22.

LONG GONE Cognisant that bauxite is not doing as well as it used to years gone by, President Granger, during his last visit to Linden, encouraged residents there to pursue agro-processing and value-added production rather than upping roots and going in search of work elsewhere.

“Right now,” he said, “the bauxite industry is facing challenges, and is not providing the sort of employment it provided 50 years ago; it means that people have to look for new sources of employment.”

He does not subscribe to the view abroad that unemployment in Linden and by extension Region 10 is high. He is of the opinion that employment can be created and that Linden has the potential to make it happen.

“Employment is right here in Region 10, and if you had the education and the opportunity, you will be able to seek employment; satisfying employment and profitable employment right here,” he said, adding: “You can do this by agro-processing; you can do this by value-added production. You can produce citrus; you can produce soursop; you can produce guava, but make those products into guava jam and guava jelly and guava cheese; into soursop drink, into passion fruit drink... You can stay right here in Region 10 and get rich.”

VIRGIN COCONUT OIL One farmer who’s taken the president up on this challenge is Mr Owen DeSouza. A coconut farmer of Block 22 Wismar, DeSouza started adding value to his coconut by producing virgin coconut oil for both the local and export markets.

With this move, he’s testified at being able to adequately provide for his family, and even hiring someone to help out in the process.

“I started grating like five coconut... and then 10, 15 coconut. And then I employed someone, and together we grated like 30,” DeSouza said.

“And then we realised that we can grate more, so we grate 50; and then we grated a hundred. And then I get to realise that this grating thing is too strenuous and too much concentration, so I went to Nabaclis on the East Coast and took photos of the factory we grew up in, and returned to Linden and made my own machine.”

With the availability of the machine, De Souza now produces more bottles of coconut oil to supply the growing demand.

JAMS AND ‘FRUITS’ Another Moblissa farmer named Sonia started adding value to her citrus produce by turning them into jams and ‘fruits’ for making cake.

"Rather than just get the five-finger and cashew wasting on the ground ‘cause people ain’t buying it so raw, I decide to make fruits and jam, and I ain’t regret it,” Sonia said, adding: “Now people does come to order to carry outside all.”

Gittens, the farmers’ liaison man, is also lobbying for a Department of Agriculture to be established in the region, with sub-divisions in aquaculture and livestock.

He is of the opinion that the establishment of such agencies will bring an end to some of the challenges being faced by farmers within the region, as more money will be granted to the sector.

“This will bring a budget to the Region; this will enhance our department because they cannot deal with certain things, and they cannot report to the Region,” Gittens said, adding that the department will be able to budget for specific things needed to boost agriculture in the region.

The farmers are also seeking an audience with the Minister of Agriculture so they could discuss other burning issues with him.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Royston King must go - APNU Councillor stages protest against Town Clerk

By Telesha Ramnarine CONSTITUENCY Six Councillor Andrea Marks yesterday staged a one-person protest at City Hall to show her disapproval of the manner in which Town Clerk Royston King suspended selling near the Bourda Market.

Holding two small placards aloft for the entire statutory meeting to see, Marks left no-one in doubt as to how she felt over the matter.

One of the placards read: “Has Royston King take up from where Sooba left off?”, the other simply said: “Royston King must go.”

King and his team had swooped down on vendors who ply their trade on Robb Street, between Alexander and Bourda Streets, last Saturday, and terminated the businesses that vendors were conducting on the basis of having to clean the area. Frustrated and angry, the vendors turned up at Councillor Marks’s home, quarreling and urging her to intervene.

Councillor Marks does not mind the City Council having to clean the area, but she is upset that the vendors had not been given prior notification. And that is why she did not mind being the only one to protest at yesterday’s statutory meeting. And

neither did her hands grow weary, it seems, as she held her placards high from start to finish.

HURT Asked how she felt about being the only councillor to do what she did, Marks said, “I have to do what I have to do, because I represent a large community. I need to keep my community together. If this is the way to comfort my people, then that’s it.

That’s why I come here and picket today, because I am hurt and upset.”

Marks said that if she had been informed of the City Council’s decision to clean the said area, she would have ensured that she had warned some of the vendors there in good time, so as to save them from purchasing goods. Many of their items, including their fruits and vegetables, went to waste, she said, as she recalled how one vendor took her bananas to her house to show her the plight she was in.

“I woke up with two vendors in front of my gap; they were frustrated,” Marks said, adding: “My problem is I know the city has to clean, but let’s do it in the right way. You know you going on Saturday to clean Bourda Market, give these people a day notice.

SYMPATHETIC BUT UNYIELDING

Councillor Andrea Marks stance at yesterday’s statutory meeting But if you turn up and they don’t obey, then you do what you have to do; I am in full support of that; people have to get time.”

UNSANITARY CONDITIONS But the Town Clerk is adamant that he took an administrative decision, and hence did not need to inform the mayor’s office. This is in response to Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan’s complaint that King did not inform him of the move to suspend the vending.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen had been out of the jurisdiction at the time of

the incident.

King detailed that vending operations were suspended on the basis of environmental integrity, road safety, reduction of criminal activities, food safety, and public health.

“A visit to that area revealed that a number of the vendors were carrying out their activities in breach of

vendors were sprinkling their vegetables with water that had a terrible colour and smell. “We’re not sure where they got their water from,” King said. “They were also dumping in the vicinity where they were selling; and what was very disturbing was that they had a noticeable mini-dumpsite at the entrance of Mike’s

“I have to do what I have to do, because I represent a large community; I need to keep my community together. If this is the way to comfort my people, then that’s it; that’s why I come here and picket today, because I am hurt and upset”

– City Councillor Andrea Marks

Town Clerk Royston King explaining the basis on which the vending was suspended

the Municipal and District Councils Act as well as the Public Health Ordinance Chapter 145,” King said.

“Quite a few of the vendors were selling over stagnant, dirty drains in the vicinity of a defective sewerage system; and their produce -- vegetables, fruits and other things -- were stored on the ground just on a dirty old cloth. This is against the law.

The law says three feet above ground,” he added.

He also contended that

Pharmacy.”

With regard to road safety, King said the vendors were encroaching on the roadways on both sides, and in spite of City Hall’s efforts, they continued to come out on the roadways, thereby preventing the smooth movement of traffic.

On a third point, the Town Clerk observed how, over the past few months, there has been an increase in criminal activities within that same vicinity.

Mayor Chase-Green has noted that the Town Clerk, as Chief Executive Officer, has a right to stop all works and transactions immediately if he finds any conditions that are unsanitary.

“We all know that the vendors at Bourda Market agreed that they will spend one day per month to have the area cleared and cleaned,” the mayor said, adding: “They did it (for) two months and stopped. There is a series of complaints from business people, where vendors have taken it upon themselves that they can occupy legitimate business premises from the entrances, starting as far as Alexander Street, from beyond the alleyway and going to where Continental paint company is; coming right down in front of the church, blocking legitimate businesses to the point where some of them are saying they have to close because there is no entrance or exit for customers.”

Chase-Green said the same vendors had a meeting at City Hall, after which they agreed to sell only at certain points and not block businesses in the area, and to operate in accordance with the public health laws.

“You cannot have for sale vegetables and foodstuff literally thrown all over the ground; where you have human faeces all over the place; the pigeons; water; overflowing drains; sewerage,” she said. “As to the irresponsible remarks made by the Deputy Mayor and others that the Town Clerk must go, must go on what basis? He closed off that section in the best interest of the city.

“We are sympathetic towards them, and we understand their need for selling, and that they have to care for their families; but must we allow them to sell in unhealthy conditions?” she asked rhetorically.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Night Cap hosts

OVERSEAS-based Guyanese artist George Simon in collaboration with the management of the Night Cap restaurant last Friday launched a two-day art fair at the establishment’s Pere Street Kitty location.

Rena Rufino, assistant manager at Night Cap, in an interview described the project and how it took shape from idea to actual event featuring works from more than fifteen artists and craft producers attached to various groups including the Main Street Artists, Guycraft Deborah Mathias and her jewelry

Guyanese artist who goes by the name Godlyn sits in front of her paintings

and the Guyana Women Artists’ Association. “Before George came back from Paraguay we were talking about having an exhibition here at Night Cap because we wanted to help promote Guyanese artists and their work.

We were in communication about this project for two months while he was still in Paraguay and we weren’t even sure if it would’ve happened. When he came here we showed him the space and he said ‘Let’s do it!’ That was two weeks ago so it was very short notice.”

Although Rufino acknowledged that they were unable to connect with all the artists and craft producers, she stated that by making it a monthly art fair they are hoping to have a rotating list of exhibitors since there is a twenty-five-person capacity at the venue. Persons interested in participating in their next event are asked to contact Rena Rufino on telephone number 670-4986 or email rufino_rena@ yahoo.com.

Bracelets by Deborah Mathias

Jewelry by Juliana Hughes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

two-day art fair Anna Correia displays one of her ceramic plates

A section of jubilee dolls on display at the Night Cap restaurant

Henry Rodney benefit a huge success

By Tamica Garnett OVER $100,000 was raised to assist local actor/comedian Henry Rodney and make-up artist Corin Gibson, with the successful hosting of yet another “Style Mission” fashion show last Sunday at the Pegasus Hotel.

Organised by Sonia Noel, local designer and close friend of both Rodney and Gibson, the event was not the first of its kind, but was definitely one that was worth attending, as gifted models exhibited striking clothing in what could be described as nothing less than a smoothly executed show.

Noel, who also featured a number of her pieces in the lineup, was particularly pleased with how the show went off.

WELL RECEIVED Though turnout could have been better, the event was well attended and well received.

“I really feel this was one of our best presentations. The flow of the show was exceptional,” she

said, adding: “We had some nice support; a delegation from the European Union was there. We could have had some more people, but I thought the support was good.”

Now in its sixth edition, Noel has been hosting the event over a number of years, always in the benevolent spirit of raising funds for one charitable cause or another. Her assessment of this hosting was substantiated by the show’s Creative Director, Richard Young.

Not usually one that is easy to please, this time around Young was very much satisfied with how the show came off.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle following the show, he said: “This was one of our best shows; it was absolutely

smooth and tight. We had Mondale Smith and Feliz Robertson, Ms. Talented Teen; they came to endorse the event. The execution ran smoothly; we utilised the space in a very interesting way, and the music was planned to perfection. The musical score for the show was very diverse.”

One of the pieces on display at last Sunday’s Style Mission (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

AUCTION The fashion show was also complemented with an auction, which saw a pair of paintings by visual artist, Devina Detutron going for over $30,000; one of Noel’s creations going for $44,000; and a beautifully-crafted pair of earrings from King’s Jewellery World going for $26,000.

But nothing capti-

vated the audience like the pieces being strutted down the runway by the models.

The event, which featured 20 designers, two of whom were from Suriname, also doubled as another prelude to the upcoming Guyana Fashion Week event in November.

The designers listing included works from Linden’s Crystal Lam, as well as industry veterans Neilson Nurse, Paula Evans, Paul Burnette, and Isiah Luther.

The two-hour affair also included a touching address

by Tamara Rodney, Henry’s daughter. Noel also took the time to express heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors of the event, among them the Pegasus Hotel, The New Breed, Caribbean International Distribution, National Communications Network, NTN, 93.1FM, Hits and Jams Entertainment, Guyana Times (TVG), the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts, Guyana Fashion Week, and Niketa Hussain, the official makeup artist of the event.

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Region 7 Head Teachers during the COI at the Kamarang Primary School

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

From right: Commissioners Ramesh Persaud, Jennifer Dewar, Ed Caesar, Clayton Hinds and REO Charles Homes

Teacher-pupil ratio too high in Region 7 education COI hears

HEAD TEACHERS, teachers, parents and officials from the Region 7 Department of Education from several schools in the Region had their say as the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the education system continues.

Representatives from several schools across the Region were present at the meeting on September 02 to make their contributions to the COI. A release from the Ministry of Education noted that the consultation was held at the Kamarang Primary School. Some of the schools and communities represented included Phillipai, Kako, Jawalla, Waramadong, Quebanang Wax Creek, Paruima, and Imbamadai.

It was noted that a number of issues affecting the delivery of education in the Region were raised with the Commission and several speakers stated that the pupil-teacher ratio ‘was too high’ and did not allow for effective supervision.

“A recommendation was made for the Nursery level that the teacher-pupil ratio should be 1:15; Primary 1:20; and Secondary 1:30. Calls were made for the Ministry to bring secondary schools in the Region up to par with those on the coast by ensuring that the curriculum included technical subjects such as Home Economics, Wood Working, and Information Technology,” the release stated.

It was further noted that other recommendations included the need for welfare officers to cater to the needs of both teachers and students; disbursement of benefits before retirement age; introduction of Amerindian languages in the school’s curriculum; more support to address the high cost of living in the Region; need for special education teachers and opportunities be presented to allow persons to pursue studies at the University of Guyana via the distance mode.

This is the first Hinterland Region that the COI has engaged so far.

Meanwhile, Regional Education Officer, Charles Holmes, in highlighting a few of the successful initiatives implemented by the Ministry, said that the hot meal programme has been successful in the region. He said that 11 of 16 schools have access to computer labs and plans are ongoing to ensure that the remaining schools have access by the end of 2016. Teachers in the Region are encouraged to utilize Information and Communication Technology to aid their work especially as it relates to the timely completion of reports and lesson plans.

Additionally, Ed Caesar, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry, in his opening remarks, briefed the gathering, which also included the community’s doctor and law enforcement officers, of the significance of the COI to the strengthening of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan, also referred to as the Education Sector Plan.

“We have to hear from our brothers and sisters about how the education system affects them. Nothing is too small or too big to talk about,” Caesar stated. Explaining the link between an effective education system and the role of all and sundry, Caesar said that, “We want the country to prosper but it cannot happen unless the education system so facilitates.”

Public consultations are scheduled to be held in Region 1—Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, and Moruca from September 14-17, 2016.

The Guyana Teachers’ Union, representatives from Religious Organisations, private education institutions, the University of Guyana, Cyril Potter College of Education, and a number of individuals have made recommendations to the Commission. The COI commenced in April of this year and is expected to conclude in December 2016.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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ARIES You act as if you are a free-spirited being today, but once you swing into motion you are confronted with unexpected resistance. At first, you’re certain that your allies will applaud whatever you choose to do. Nevertheless, you see signs that your support system isn’t as strong as you expected. Although you might be annoyed that your friends aren’t standing by you now, consider the possibility that you are simply pushing the limits too far. Sometimes, when others can’t keep up with you it’s best to slow down.

TAURUS Don’t be concerned if your friends and associates appear to be a bit aloof today. It’s a mistake to take their coolness personally, since chances are it’s really not about you. Instead of counterbalancing the awkward tension by trying to close the emotional gap, allow it to widen without resistance. There is a normal process occurring that’s like the inhalation and exhalation of your breath. The Aquarius Moon encourages independence and allowing it to flourish ensures that interdependence will follow.

GEMINI Try as you might, you can’t get rid of a crazy idea about embarking on a journey of a lifetime. It could begin with something you learn about another culture or a philosophy from a different civilisation.

In any case, a passing curiosity can turn into a full-blown obsession. Don’t try to overpower it with logic; instead, surrender to the excitement. Whether or not your adventure ever materialises is not important at this time. Continue your explorations by mentally pursuing every possible avenue until Mercury turns direct later this month.

CANCER Big ideas and high hopes capture your imagination at work today. Although emotions may fully envelop you like water, you can approach your feelings from a detached intellectual perspective now.

You might seem as if you’re not fully engaged in the moment, but a more cerebral mindset gives you the ability to analyse all the nuances of interpersonal dynamics before committing to a specific plan. Don’t be in such a hurry to set your agenda in stone. Giving yourself some leeway in how you react improves your chances for success.

LEO Don’t be concerned if your friends and associates appear to be a bit aloof today. It’s a mistake to take their coolness personally, since chances are it’s really not about you. Instead of counterbalancing the awkward tension by trying to close the emotional gap, allow it to widen without resistance. There is a normal process occurring that’s like the inhalation and exhalation of your breath. The Aquarius Moon encourages independence and allowing it to flourish ensures that interdependence will follow.

VIRGO You have ingenious new ideas that you want to bring to the workplace today, but you’re not sure how others will react to your out-of-the-box concepts. Luckily, you might be quite surprised with the positive reactions you receive. It’s as if everyone is rooting for you because they know that your success will ultimately benefit them, too. But don’t worry about their motives now; just free up some time and space to begin working on the realisation of your dreams while you are lucky enough to have the support of the universe on your side.

LIBRA You’re attracted to the concept of going deeper in a current relationship or starting up a new romance.

However, stern Saturn can be a bit of a spoiler now, demanding that you manage your life in the three-dimensional world before taking your search for meaning into more irrational realms. It’s not wise to ignore Saturn’s cool-but-effective approach to life by trying to do an end run around your responsibilities. As Gandhi said, “Action expresses priorities.”

SCORPIO You might choose to stay at home today on the assumption that you can still accomplish your fair share of work. Nevertheless, it’s quite difficult to get motivated now, especially if you like the quiet comfort of your own familiar surroundings. And although this sweet serenity may sound enticing, you’ll likely grow bored once you settle into a contemplative state of mind. Don’t get trapped by your expectations of a perfect life. Martin Luther King said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

SAGITTARIUS The road ahead appears unobstructed today, but you instinctively already know that this heightened clarity won’t last. However, you can learn an important lesson as you realise the milestones you use to measure your progress are created within your mind. Although you’re given a reprieve now, budget your time wisely. Instead of scattering your energy, pick a goal and make it happen. Focus on whatever you want to do and don’t let the bright lights distract you from your true destiny.

CAPRICORN You might think that distinguishing yourself at work will be easy, but it seems as if others are angling to be major players, too. Luckily, you have an uncanny ability to combine original thinking with a cautious conservative approach. Your current uncharacteristic eclectic style is right on point now, even if you are overly concerned that someone will judge you by your appearance. But don’t let your worries about the approval of anyone else stop you. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf wrote, “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”

AQUARIUS Your easy-going nature is your greatest strength now while the receptive Moon is camped out in your social sign. But you’re not interested in wasting time; there are too many responsibilities weighing on your shoulders and you want to get to work before you lose your chance. Don’t slow down to make apologies when you could be using your talents to actually finish up an incomplete job. There will be plenty of opportunities for fun in the days to come if you stay on track and fulfill your promises.

Work now, play later.

PISCES You may be caught in a web of complicated emotional dynamics that make your interactions with others a bit awkward today. You might even pull off a disappearing act that would make Houdini look twice while others wonder where you went. But your work is not about satisfying anyone else’s curiosity now; your job is to take care of your own well-being by setting limits on your accessibility.

A lack of boundaries invites a lack of respect.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Heavy rains bring floods to Bartica A THUNDERSTORM lasting for more than two and half hours on Sunday night caused major flooding in Bartica, with the mayor reporting millions of dollars in losses.

Gifford Marshall, Mayor of Bartica told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that about 21:00h Sunday it began to rain heavily accompanied by strong winds, heavy thunder and lighting.

He added that when they made the first check around midnight in the township

they observed that some areas were flooded, noting that they have had problems with the koker and the sluice door. Marshall explained that they however, managed to get the sluice door opened to release some amount of water from the inundated area from First Avenue to Sixth Street, Bartica.

The Mayor stated that with the opening of the koker the water receded to some extent but it also shows too, that we have

Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall

some challenges with the internal drains in the community especially, the alleyway drains because the water is still high there. He pointed out that that in an effort to appease affected residents a group consisting of councilors visited several families on Monday.

Marshall added that the flooding is severe and more than a dozen families are affected suffered major losses in household appliances etc. The mayor disclosed that mostly the lower flat of

the houses were completely flooded while, people slept.

He related that they have since informed Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and they are awaiting a response to see what support can be given to the flood victims. Marshall said they have since created a register of those affected and their losses quantified.

He explained that about 50 experienced minor losses while, a dozen are severely affected and they are looking forward for assistance

from central government to assist the flood victims. The mayor stated that they are also speaking with Ministry of Communities to see how they can have the drains cleaned.

Marshall disclosed, too, that when the thunderstorm hit, there was a power outage in Bartica, which he said, was a blessing in disguise. He said that their blackout woes started about two weeks ago when scheduled power outages rocked Bartica.

Wednesday Setpember 14th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Thursday Setpember 15th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Friday Setpember 16th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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‘We’re unable to make money’ - Parliament View vendors

A HANDFUL of vendors from the Parliament View vending area staged a peaceful picketing exercise outside the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) (Vlissengen Road entrance) on Tuesday, to register their concerns in regard to vending at Parliament View.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Veronica Granville told the Guyana Chronicle that they walked with their small prams filled with fresh fruits from the Parliament View site, seeking to have an audience with President Granger.

The vendors displayed placards as they stood outside the MoTP, hoping some high official would speak with them,

since previous meetings with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) had not yielded favourable results. Granville said the situation has reached boiling point for them because the location at which they currently ply their trade is unsuitable for vending, and they are unable to make any money.

She explained that some vendors ply their trade outside of the Parliament View site, and customers who come to Parliament View make purchases from those vendors. Thus legitimate vendors go home empty-handed many days, and suffer the loss of their perishables.

She also said that Parliament View vendors would some

Fruit vendors protesting outside the MoTP on Tuesday

days sling oranges on their shoulders to sell on the roadside, but they would be accosted by City Constables and would be locked up and fined $10,000 for unauthorised vending.

In addition, Granville pointed out that their fruits would be taken away by a certain City Constabulary officer [name provided] who has plantain chip and music carts on the roadside at the Croal Street location.

Granville said, “We are crying out for help, because we are suffering and this is our livelihood.” She related that the vendors would continue the protest until their concerns are addressed; and that, hope soon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Windies parts company with head...

From back page

the ODI team."

His reinstatement, the WICB said in a statement, was "conditioned upon" two criteria: "issuance to him of a letter of reprimand for his inappropriate public comments", and his "making a public apology to the WICB and persons whom he may have offended".

The recent Test series against India finished in a 2-0 defeat and under Simmons, West Indies played 14 Tests which brought only one victory although that was enough to secure

a shared series against England last year.

They showed glimpses of promise against India but ultimately fell to two heavy defeats - three of the nine losses while Summons has been coach were by an innings, two more by nine wickets and two by more than 150 runs.

It has been suggested that former West Indies captain and current Kent coach Jimmy Adams is the replacement the WICB wants, but sources close to Adams told ESPNcricinfo he is not interested.

For the Pakistan series, the WICB said the team would be under the supervision of former West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner, who is the team manager.

He will work alongside the

pair of assistant coaches Henderson Springer and Roddy Estwick.

In less than six months since West Indies won their second World T20 title, the WICB has parted ways with three influential members of the team management with Simmons following the pair of Darren Sammy and Curtly Ambrose.

Immediately after the World T20, the WICB relieved Ambrose of his bowling-coach role which caught him by surprise.

Then ahead of the two T20Is against India in Florida, the new selection panel led by Courtney Browne decided to remove Sammy as T20 captain and replace him with Carlos Brathwaite. (ESPN Cricinfo) Yarmouth 09:15 hrs Via Seren-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

UEFA elects new president today

By Brian Homewood ATHENS, Greece (Reuters) - UEFA elects a new president today whose main task will be to stop what European officials say is an inexorable slide towards a breakaway soccer Super League open only to wealthy clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Aleksander Ceferin, a lawyer from Slovenia, and Dutchman Michael van Praag, an experienced football administrator, are the only candidates for a job which will essentially involve keeping European football intact in its current form.

The election, which will be held in Athens, has been called after former president Michel Platini was banned last October as FIFA's ethics committee investigated allegations of unethical conduct.

Platini, banned for four years, finally resigned in May after exhausting the appeal process and the power vacuum allowed the big clubs to negotiate changes to the flagship Champions League in their favour.

Those were finalised last month when UEFA opened up more places to teams from Europe's biggest four leagues -- effectively Spain, England, Germany and Italy –- in the

Dutch FA president van Praag is one of two candidates for the top UEFA job.

competition’s lucrative group stage and cut those allocated to the rest.

Faced with the possibility of the big clubs forming their own Super League, UEFA said it had managed to "keep it in the family" but the move infuriated many clubs and leagues from outside the main countries.

Both candidates criticised the way in which the Champions League changes were made.

However, as so often happens in the secretive world of soccer politics where officials like to keep their options close to their chests, they were cagey on whether they would try to reverse the

changes if elected.

"There needs to be a far stronger balance between sporting merit and commercial pressures, otherwise we risk an inexorable slide towards an NFL-style closedshop system," said Neil Doncaster, CEO of the Scottish league.

"UEFA has a duty to act on behalf of the entire game, not just a few select clubs and leagues and it must take that duty far more seriously if it is not to risk presiding over a harmful fragmentation of the game."

Dutch league director Jacco Swart even predicted a worldwide league in the next few years, driven by "TV markets, huge sponsors, branding and marketing".

The gap between the richest clubs and the rest has continued to grow over the last few years, fuelled by a revenue distribution system which dishes out larger sums to the bigger clubs and creates a snowball effect.

During the last European transfer window, Manchester United spent more on midfielder Paul Pogba -- 100 million euros -- than the combined transfer expenditure of Portugal's 16 first division clubs.

Both candidates in the election, hailing from smaller

World number one Kerber says she has nothing left to prove (REUTERS) - Newly-crowned world number one Angelique Kerber has nothing left to prove after clinching the U.S. Open for a second grand slam this year and securing a place in the record books, the German said yesterday.

The 28-year-old became the oldest player to rise to that rank when the new list was published on Monday, capping a memorable summer that also included the Olympic silver medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and a Wimbledon final appearance.

Her success in Rio was followed up by a final defeat in Cincinnati to Katerina Pliskova, whom she then beat in the U.S. Open final.

"In Cincinnati, that is where the questions about number one started coming

up and that is where the additional pressure started," she said.

Kerber had started the year by winning the Australian Open but said her triumph in New York on Saturday, coupled with the number one ranking, had now taken off any pressure.

"Winning the second grand slam, it was a bit different," she told a news conference in Munich following her return to Germany.

"I don’t have anything to prove anymore. I am at the top, number one. I waited for this moment all my life," she said. "Melbourne was different as it was my first grand slam. I had to deal with a lot of things off the court after that."

Kerber, who beat Pliskova in three sets in New York, having secured the top spot days earlier follow-

ing Serena Williams' exit, said her improved fitness and mental strength had been key to her success.

"This year everything came together. The experiences, specifically dealing with pressure. I am even fitter now than earlier this year. I am more positive and can deal with things even if they do not go that well."

"This mental strength was a life-saver when I was trailing 3-1 in the third set," she said. "At 28, I am now at the peak of my career and can enjoy it."

Kerber said she would now put her tennis racquet to the side for a few days and would treat herself to a special gift with some of her $3.5 million prize money.

"It will probably be in the direction of jewellery.

But exactly what it will be I do not know yet."

nations, have experienced the differences first hand.

Ceferin’s homeland has been represented in the Champions League group stage only twice since 1992 -– both times by Maribor.

The 48-year-old appears to be the favourite, although he is little known outside Slovenia.

Van Praag, now head of the Dutch FA, is a former chairman of Dutch club Ajax which used to be a major European power but can no longer compete with the fi-

nancial might of clubs from bigger leagues.

Like other once mighty clubs such as Benfica, Ajax has effectively become a feeder club for the big leagues, supplying young talents such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Luis Suarez, who both played there earlier in their careers.

Insiders say that the new incumbent, who will be in the post until 2019, will need the courage to stand up to the big clubs if he wants to keep the

traditional pyramid system, where teams can rise and fall according to their sporting results.

Lars-Christer Olsson, head of the umbrella group representing 24 European leagues, said that ultimately sponsors were likely to shy away from a sport which was splintered.

"The last thing they want is a split in the market," he told Reuters. "I think UEFA was afraid for no real reason."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Kiwis to bank heavily on reverse-swing to escape India's spin trap

By Amlan Chakraborty |

NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - New Zealand will bank heavily on reverse swing to emerge from the

trial by spin that awaits them in the Test series in India, coach Mike Hesson said yesterday.

Last time they hosted a team, India rolled out turn-

ing tracks and flexed their spin muscles to crush South Africa 3-0 in the four-Test series last year.

Kane Williamson and his men can look forward

to a similar treatment in the three-Test series beginning in Kanpur on September 22 but Hesson sounded upbeat.

"It's a huge component of playing cricket overseas," the bespectacled coach told reporters.

"On surfaces that aren't responsive in terms of seam movement, and they are abrasive and they lose their shine very quickly, you need to find another way.

"Hence overseas teams are pretty keen to find ways to get the ball to reverse, obviously in a legitimate fashion."

Hesson conceded it would be a different ball game for his side, literally.

"The challenge for us is firstly adjusting to the different ball," he said. "The SG balls (to be used for the series) can be different to what we have been operating with - the Kookaburra."

New Zealand have picked three spinners -Mark Craig, Mitchell Santner and Indian-born Ish

New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson

Sodhi -- in their squad and Hesson said they could prove quite a handful on the turning tracks.

"All three ... are keen learners of the game and certainly we're going to put a lot of faith in them in the coming weeks."

Captain Williamson was confident his team would prove equal to the task against the world's second-ranked Test team.

"It's a tough place to play, particularly in recent years," said the 26-year-old who will need to lead from the front with the bat if they

are to succeed in the series "The pitches have been very tricky and you throw in world class spinners, the challenge is very tough.

"At the same time, we see it as a very exciting opportunity .... You want to be playing the best in their backyard and the guys are excited and looking forward to the challenge."

The series, which also includes matches in Kolkata and Indore, was to feature the first day-night Test in India before the proposal was shelved.

"There's no doubt that the pink-ball Test was discussed," said Hesson, whose team played the first-ever day-night Test against Australia at Adelaide in November, 2015.

"Having played one, we were obviously quite happy to play one but for some reason, it was deemed not appropriate.

Certainly was not something that came from our camp."

Wins for Dartmouth and Charity in NAMILCO Under-17 football A HELMET-TRICK by striker Ridley Williams highlighted the latest round of the NAMILCO-sponsored Under-17 football tournament played last weekend in Essequibo.

The double-header fixture was hosted by the Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association (ECPFA) last on Saturday at the Anna Regina Centre ground.

In the first encounter which started at 14:00hrs, Dartmouth Dominators FC hammered Good Hope FC by 5-0. They were led by

a helmet-trick from Ridley Williams who found the net as early as the fifth minute of the game. He followed up with other impressive strikes during the 20th, 42nd and 75th minutes to register his other goals.

Another in the 83rd minute by his teammate Javin Boston yielded an emphatic 5-0 margin victory for Dartmouth.

Charity Extreme FC skilfully outplayed hosts Henrietta United FC to gain a 3-0 victory in the second match which commenced at 16:30hrs.’ Piercing the net in the

first half of the game was Vivian James in the 32nd minute and this was quickly followed by another from Anthony Singh in the 40th minute. During the second half Gavin Duke found the net in the 76th, minute to seal a 3-0 triumph against the hosts.

Meanwhile, Charity Extreme FC gained a walkover from Queenstown FC on Sunday after the latter failed to arrive for the lone fixture.

The tournament will continue this weekend with matches set for Mainstay, NOC and the ARCCG. (Elroy Stephney)

Sharapova appeal verdict to be given in first week of October MARIA Sharapova will find out in the first week of October if her two-year doping ban will be overturned, says the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The five-time Grand Slam winner was banned by

the International Tennis Federation after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.

The Russian, 29, who said she had been taking the drug since 2006 for health problems, appealed against

the ban.

She maintains she had "not tried to use a performance-enhancing substance".

Meldonium became a banned substance on January 1 2016. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Enterprise brimming with confidence as playoffs loom

The victorious Enterprise team after Sunday’s victory over Restoration Warriors

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada -Enterprise Sports Club are brimming with confidence after a dream debut season in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 2016 season, playing unbeaten in their 13 preliminary round games which ended last Sunday at the Woburn Number Two ground here.

Competing in Conference B, Enterprise went unscathed in the regular season (20 overs); their only blunder being a loss to GTA

Storm in the final of the Norman Sue Bakery-sponsored 15-over tournament.

They ended the season with 85 points, three more than rivals GTA Storm with 82.

Enterprise, however, salvaged some revenge when they defeated GTA Storm in the penultimate game of the regular season last Saturday at the Ashtonbee Number Two ground, both teams being unbeaten at that stage.

And with the playoffs set to start on Saturday, the feeling around is that these two teams will clash once more in the Conference

final which promises to be a grand showdown.

Both teams are supremely confident they are capable of getting past the other but they must first get to the final after contesting quarter-final encounters against lesser opponents. Enterprise are scheduled to play 3 Counties EDB in Saturday’s quarter-final while GTA Storm oppose Cougars.

Enterprise sent a clear message to their opponents in their final game, recording a massive 108-run victory over Restoration Warriors at Woburn.

Middlesex move closer to title against Lancashire COUNTY Championship leaders Middlesex dominated Lancashire on day two to move closer to a first title since 1993.

Lancashire were reduced to 6-4 and 32-5 before recovering to 102-5, still 225 behind, when rain and bad light ended play 28 overs early at Old Trafford.

Middlesex earlier lost seven wickets for 65 runs to be bowled out for 327.

If Middlesex win and Somerset beat Yorkshire at Headingley, Middlesex will need four points from their final game against Yorkshire to become champions.

Whereas the visiting batsmen benefited from some loose Lancashire bowling on the first day, the Middlesex attack made perfect use of the new ball and the movement offered from the surface to rip through the home top order.

Toby Roland-Jones, constantly asking questions with a full length, had England prospect Haseeb Hameed caught at second slip without scoring, before Tim Murtagh induced an edge to gully from Luke Procter.

Roland-Jones then had Alviro Petersen held down the leg side, despite the batsman's protests, and yorked Steven Croft two balls later to leave the hosts in disarray at 6-4.

Jos Buttler briefly sparkled, but when he was brilliantly caught down the leg side by John Simpson to give Roland-Jones a fourth wicket, Lancashire were 32-5.

It was left to Rob Jones, in only his third first-class match, and Liam Livingstone to rebuild in an unbroken stand of 70, occasionally aided by light only good enough for Middlesex

to bowl their spinners.

When the weather intervened for the final time, Jones, solid in defence, was unbeaten on 42 and Livingstone 31 not out.

The collapse came after an improved bowling display by Lancashire, with Kyle Jarvis and Tom Bailey making inroads with the second new ball and spinner Simon Kerrigan running through the lower order.

Overnight pair Dawid Malan (53) and Stevie Eskinazi were bowled by Bailey and Jarvis respectively before Bailey had Simpson caught at second slip.

Kerrigan, who struggled on the first day, showed a greater consistency of length to find turn and some uneven bounce, removing Ollie Rayner, Roland-Jones and Steven Finn in figures of 4-80.

(BBC Sport)

Vice-captain Seenarine Narine poses following his unbeaten knock of 88.

Led by boundary-studded innings of 92 from Sharaz Hamid and an undefeated 88 from vice-captain Seenarine Narine, Enterprise piled up 235 for three in their allotted 20 overs before limiting Restoration Warriors to 127 for eight in 20.

Hamid clobbered eight sixes and three fours while Narine’s knock contained seven sixes and six fours.

For Restoration Warriors, former Guyana Chronicle sports reporter

Ravendra Madholall was unbeaten on 40 while Navin Misir hit 23.

On Saturday, Enterprise batted first and scored 124 for seven and restricted GTA Storm to 96 all out. Skipper Rabindra Diaram led from the front with 30 while Hamid (30) and Avinash Singh (25) lend supporting knocks. Diaram also came back to capture three for 14, Terrence Van Sertima two for 14 and Imtiaz ‘Crasher’ Ali two for 17.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

GLTA and GBTI host successful tennis camp THE partnership between the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) and Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry (GBTI) has resulted in another successful tennis camp.

Despite the rainy weekend, the camp ended with excitement at the GBTI Tennis Courts in Diamond.

In his opening address, the President of GLTA, Mr. Jamal Goodluck, praised GBTI for their collaborative efforts and expressed his gratitude to the scores of tennis enthusiasts for their zeal and willingness to participate in the camp.

The association will be working on maintaining a programme in the the community. Parents were encouraged to continue making tennis a key part of their children’s development, while the adults were congratulated for their endurance throughout the camp.

Mr. Surendra Samdass, Manager of GBTI Diamond Branch, conveyed the commitment the financial institution has made in supporting the development of tennis in the Diamond community and in Guyana

Participants in the recently concluded Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) and Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry (GBTI) sponsored summer camp.

as a whole.

He stated that GBTI will continue to foster a relationship with GLTA, by not just sponsoring the annual GBTI Tennis Tournament, but through the Diamond Tennis Camp as well.

Samdass encouraged the participants of the camp to take advantage of the opportunities available to utilize the bank’s tennis courts, so that they can develop their skills learnt over the pass few weekends.

Immediately following his address, the Bank Manager presented the players with certificates of participation in the three-weekend tennis camp. Outstanding players won trophies in their respective categories. Those

categories and their winners are: In the Adult class, Saeed Gopie took the win ahead of Runner-up Andy Jafer, while Donnie Anderson beat Renaldo Alexander in the Intermediate division.

The junior class saw Johnny Dick and Kevon Aaron finish winner and runner up respectively while Noah Persaud was the winner in the beginners category with Paul McKenzie as the runner-up.

Messi sets hat-trick record Wallace first-half double lands GPF Mayor’s Cup title as Barca hit seven … Ann’s Grove edge Winners Connections for third place

By Richard Martin |

BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar combined to devastating effect as Barcelona swatted Celtic aside 7-0 at the Nou Camp to lay down a marker in Champions League Group C yesterday.

Messi produced a stunning display, hitting a record sixth hat-trick in the competition.

He smashed home a pass from Neymar in the third minute and the Argentine maestro struck again in the 27th after Celtic's Moussa Dembele had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Neymar curled in a free kick to stretch Barca's lead in the 50th minute before crossing for Andres Iniesta to volley the fourth.

Messi then grabbed his third goal, overtaking Real Madrid greats Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas to reach six European Cup trebles.

Neymar laid on the sixth for Suarez and the Uruguayan completed the rout with his second strike in stoppage time.

Barca coach Luis Enrique reverted to an almost full-strength team after his rotation policy backfired in Saturday's shock 2-1 La Liga defeat at home to Alaves.

The hosts quickly asserted themselves as Neymar slid the ball into Messi's path following a short corner and the Argentine took a touch in the area before scoring.

Barca continued to exert early pressure but were almost undone when ter Stegen tripped visiting striker Scott Sinclair.

Despite scoring a hattrick against arch-rivals Rangers at the weekend, the 20-year-old Dembele looked short of confidence as he took the penalty and ter Stegen dived to his right to beat his shot away.

The German international has now saved three out of four penalties in the Champions League for Barca.

Luis Enrique's men showed no mercy with their next attack, Neymar and Messi cutting Celtic's defence to ribbons.

Neymar played a onetwo with Messi before cutting the ball back for the Argentine to score.

Neymar got the goal his superb display warranted early in the second half, fizzing a free kick beyond Celtic's helpless goalkeeper Dorus de Vries.

A FIRST-HALF double from Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Ashton Wallace was all it took for the lawmen to secure their first-ever senior knock-out title when the final of the 22nd Annual Mayor’s Cup football tournament concluded on Sunday night at the Tucville ground.

Wallace opened his account after a strike from inside the box rebounded off Western Tigers custodian and fell into his path and he finished well.

Thirteen minutes later, Wallace completed his brace after his teammate Dwayne Charles took a freekick from the right side and Wallace, who was lurking in the area, rose above his marker and directed a header into the far corner.

It was the seventh goal Western Tigers had conceded from four matches in the tournament.

The lawmen earned for

themselves $700 000 and the Aruwai Resort trophy as well as hampers from Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Limited, while Western Tigers will receive $300 000 and the Ansa McAl trophy.

Meanwhile, Ann’s Grove (East Demerara) edged Federal Winners Connections 1-0 through a Nkesi Denny 35th minute strike and for the victory they earn the $200 000 third prize, along with the John Fer-

nandes Limited trophy.

Federal Winners Connection for their part will receive $100 000 and the Ministry of State trophy.

Western Tigers’ Dwayne McLennon with six goals to his name was the highest goalscorer of the tournament and for his achievement he will receive a threepiece suite, compliments of A.H & L Kissoon Furniture Store.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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) 86.33 runs per innings (2) 1 time (WI vs SL, Arnos Vale, St. Vincent, 2003) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two WI wicketkeepers were each stumped twice in a Test?

(2) How many ODIs West Indian wicketkeeper David Murray played?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 14, 2016

No need for a forensic Den Amstel trounce audit of WICB ‒ Cameron Beavers 2-0 … former Board presidents directed to windiescricket.com GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U-17 League

PRESIDENT of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Dave Cameron has come out swinging at the appeals of former presidents and officials of his organisation who have asked that CARICOM do a forensic audit on the organisation.

According to the president, there is no need for a forensic audit because the finances of the WICB are a matter of public record.

Cameron says anybody who wants to look can go to windiescricket.com.

“Since Dave Cameron has become president of the West Indies Cricket Board, we have strengthened our internal audit process and governance so we have now a committee called an audit

Ken Gordon

Pat Rousseau

risk and compliance.

“We have the services of PricewaterhouseCoopers and we have quarterly meetings with our auditors KMPG so all of our accounts are on the website

for full viewing for everybody and that’s my response to that,” said Cameron.

Former presidents Ken Gordon and Pat Rousseau have said the future of West Indies cricket is in jeopardy

WICB headquarters set to move next year THE headquarters of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will be relocated by early next year.This is according to President Dave Cameron, who said plans are in the pipeline to move the St John’s offices to the Stanford Cricket Ground at Coolidge.

The move, he said, will come following the joint acquisition of the Grounds by the WICB and the Antigua & Barbuda government.

The Stanford Cricket Ground is set to house the WICB from early 2017.

Cameron anticipates that by early 2017, the acquisition would have been complete, but hints that work could start at the facility long before then.

“Whether we acquire the stadium, and irrespective of the timeline, we are looking at starting to improve the park so that we can use it next year. It will become the home of West Indies cricket,” he said.

“We will lease the restaurant, because that’s not the business we’re in, and the

idea is to create a cricket experience upstairs for tourists and of course, our islanders from Antigua & Barbuda and surrounding islands . The head office will be re-located there and we ideally want to make that our home within Antigua & Barbuda,” he added.

News of the planned acquisition broke in late May when Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the country’s partnership with the WICB while addressing a gathering celebrating the WICB’s 90th year of recognition by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Antigua.

Browne said they were in negotiation with the Stanford liquidator receiver to acquire the Stanford Cricket Ground, Sticky Wicket and other amenities valued at US$6million. His government, he said, will underwrite up to 50 per cent of that amount. (First Published In The Antigua Observer).

if things are left unchecked, the former going as far as calling the present board 'untouchable'.

However, Cameron insists that his organisation has been more transparent and open to change than any previous body.

“When we took over three years ago we went to CARICOM and we asked CARICOM to play a bigger role and have us come and report to CARICOM on a quarterly basis and they have not seized the opportunity but we are always here.

“We think CARICOM is a very important partner, government in particular, and we continue to believe that and we operate in that manner,” he said.

DEN AMSTEL joined Slingerz as the latest winners of their respective matches as play in the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) leg of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra-Association league continued at the Den Amstel Community ground last Monday.

By the end of the first half, the home team was well on their way to taking full points as they were 2-0 up against Beavers. Edward Dash dashed past the Beavers defenders before slotting past their goalkeeper in the 12th minute.

It did not take Den Amstel long before they doubled the advantage; two minutes later Murtland Peters had the nets rocking even as Beavers from that early seemed not to have an answer to the home team’s offensive ambitions.

For the remainder of the opening half Beavers stepped up and kept Den Amstel at bay. It was in the early stages of the second half that Den Amstel were able to fire in their third and final goal of the match.

Reuben Dainty it was who did the honours nine minutes into the half - 54th minute. While the home side were not able again to hit the back of the net, they had done enough to walk away comfortable 3-0 winners.

Matches will continue this weekend at the same venue.

JDF captain not surprised

by Leveridge pick DAMION Grey, the captain of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) cricket team, says he is not surprised that teammate Reynard Leveridge has been called to the West Indies A team tour of Sri Lanka, starting next month.

The six-foot five-inch tall quick bowler Leveridge, who turns 26 tomorrow, has never played first class cricket.

However, the Jamaican caught the attention of West Indies head coach Phil Simmons and others in the regional side’s management set-up while bowling in the practice nets ahead of the recent Test match versus India at Sabina Park in Kingston.

Former West Indies fast bowling ace Ian Bishop, who now commentates on air, was also impressed.

“I think it’s justified because he has been putting in the work over the course of recent seasons,” Grey told the Jamaica Observer

yesterday.

“West Indies coach Phil Simmons saw him, and Ian Bishop as well. They liked the real, raw talent when he bowled in the nets.”

Seen by some as a n unknown, Leveridge was the big surprise pick in the 14-member four-day A squad named by the West Indies selectors yesterday.

Usually making the most of his height to get steep bounce combined with sharp pace, Leveridge has been a success for the JDF in local club cricket, taking bags of wickets.

He was on the verge of making the Jamaica Scorpions team for last season’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) before a side muscle strain ruled him out at the last hour.

“During those trial matches he was on top of his game. Amongst the pace bowlers he was leading the wicket-taker but he got injured,” said the JDF skipper.

Leveridge, who has rep-

Fast bowler Reynard Leveridge doing fitness work in Barbados at the Usain Bolt Complex.

resented Jamaica in hockey, is an ordinary seaman in the JDF coast guard.

The other Jamaican in the four-day squad is leg-spinner Damion Jacobs.

The slow bowler is one of four Jamaicans in the one-day squad. The others are batsmen Rovman Pow-

ell and Andre McCarthy and wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton.

West Indies-A are scheduled to play their Sri Lankan counterparts in three four-day matches October 4-21, and three one-day games October 24-30.

No need for a forensic audit of WICB ‒ Cameron P.35

Windies parts company with head coach Simmons

WEST INDIES head coach Phil Simmons has been sacked due to "differences in culture and strategic approach", the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has confirmed.

Simmons, who move into the role after last year's World Cup following a spell with Ireland, was informed about the termination of his contract yesterday by WICB CEO Michael Muirhead, shortly before the T20 squad was due to fly to the UAE and just six months after West Indies won the World T20.

Despite the sudden nature of the announcement, in a statement confirming the news shortly after it was revealed by ESPNcricinfo, the WICB said the decision to drop Simmons was taken at the board of directors meeting last weekend.

"Effective immediately, the WICB today announced it has separated from the head coach Phil Simmons.

In a meeting of the Board of Directors on Saturday, September 10, this decision was taken."

As for the reason behind the sacking the WICB statement did not go into specifics. "In recent times, based on the public pronouncements of the coach and the approach internally, we have identified differences in culture and strategic approach.

“The WICB would therefore like to thank the coach for his contribution and wishes him the best in his future endeavours."

However, the lack of common ground between the parties had been clear for some time. Simmons' journey as West Indies coach was never smooth once he made

Former Windies batsman Phil Simmons was appointed head coach on a three-year deal in March last year.

Turn to page 30 ►

Surinamese inspection for IGG in two weeks PLANS for Guyana’s hosting of the 2016 edition of the Inter-Guiana Games are picking up steam, with a delegation from Suriname expected here in the next two weeks.

Speaking to the media recently, Sport Director Christopher Jones contended that all systems are in place for the visiting delegation which arrives in just under a week.

“We are expecting a Surinamese delegation to be in the country by September 21 to do last inspections of the facilities. They would have already done so and that would have been done by the Director of Sport for Suriname last month,” Jones said.

He continued, “Based on their assessment of all our facilities we are ready for play.”

Meanwhile from the Guyana end, he noted that logistically speaking, things are being finalised.

“Preparation for the hosting of the Inter-Guiana games is well apace, very productive. In fact just yesterday we concluded nine meetings with the seven disciplines that we will be participating in as well as the persons to provide food etc,” He said.

The selected disciplines for the 2016 event are badminton, basketball, athletics, volleyball, table tennis and swimming with Futsal being

his thoughts public soon after not being allowed to pick what he felt was the best squad for the ODI series in Sri Lanka last year.

Consequently the WICB suspended him briefly before allowing him back to his role once both parties resolved to sort out matters amicably.

In September last year when the issue of selection reared its head again Simmons said: "The disappointing fact is that you can lose 3-2 in a vote-off but there is too much interference from outside in the selection of the ODI squad and it's disappointing for me to know that in any aspect of life … (people would use) their position to get people into a squad; or in this case, get people left out of a squad. It is wrong and I don't like it and that is my beef with the selection of

Director of Sport Christopher Jones

added to the pool as well.

Meanwhile, French Guiana has opted out of the 2016 edition of the event which was the brainchild of former President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, as a means of building good relations between the three counties.

More trials for Beach footballers THE Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) will stage trials this coming Sunday to select the national training squad to prepare for next year’s CONCACAF Preliminary World Cup qualifiers.

According to the president of the GBFA, Rollin Tappin, “due to the unavailability of some of the players selected for the trials, last Sunday we only had 15 out of 25 in attendance and we feel it is important to hold other trials this Sunday after which the squad of 20 will be announced”.

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The GBFA has appointed Abdullah Hamid as the head coach of the first national selection of Beach footballers and are awaiting ratification from the GFF on the proposed assistant. The GBFA is expected to meet with the GFF and the NSC shortly to finalise plans for Guyana’s participation.

Tappin added that in addition to training preparations the GBFA is also tasked with raising G$3.5M to cover the cost for 12 players and three officials to participate in Florida next January 29 to February 5.

GBFA president Rollin Tappin

The final of the FIFA World Cup Beach football is set for the Bahamas in April of next year.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2016