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––Veteran Legion gets ‘handsome raise’ at Remembrance observance

‘I am sorry’ Page

Fallen war heroes remembered A veteran being wheeled to the Cenotaph, Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, to lay his wreath in remembrance of the heroes who died in World Wars 1 and 11 (Samuel Maughn photo)

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Fisherman found in roof with firearm 2 Page

Bartica 11 pursuing ‘clean town’ status Page

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Fisherman found in roof with firearm

Illegal Firearm

A 23-YEAR-OLD fisherman and two females are in police custody after police discovered the man hiding in the celling of a Lot 1418, 17 Avenue Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara home on Sunday with a gun. According to reports, police acting on information went to the house in Diamond at 00:30hrs Sunday morning and conducted a search when they made the discovery. During the search, the fisherman was found in possession of an unlicensed .32 pistol with two matching rounds. He has since been taken into custody along with two female occupants who were in the house. Police said a ballistic test is being conducted to determine if the weapon was used in the commission of any crime. Investigations are in progress.

The house where police found the fisherman hiding in the roof with an illegal Firearm

‘I am sorry’

–– Pope Emmanuel apologises for sexual escapades

‘Pope Emmanuel’ Philbert London apologising to his congregation on Sunday By Ariana Gordon ONE week after a sex tape involving self-proclaimed ‘Pope’ Philbert London was widely circulated on social media, London emerged before his elated Beacon Ministries congregation on Sunday at midday to say: “I am sorry.” But before he issued his apology at his Joseph Pollydore Street church, he recognised the presence of the media and urged his church members to stream his apology for the world to see, as he said things are often misrepresented. “Take your phones out, stream, put it on live on Facebook… The press is here, and sometimes the pen slips and what was not said is written,” claimed the ‘pontiff’, who described the past week as the “saddest See page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

––Veterans Legion gets ‘handsome raise’ at Remembrance observance By Shirley Thomas THE Guyana Veterans Legion, at its annual remembrance observance held at Goghlan House on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, was able to amass a whopping $3,619,700 in pledges and donations in less than 15 minutes. Of that amount, the sum of $3,575,000 was pledged to be paid within a few days, while $44,700 were paid on the spot. The money received represented the committed and compassionate response to a segment of the programme, ‘Pledges of Support’ for veterans, which formed part of the agenda. An elated Guyana Veterans Legion Chairman, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Raymond Agre Saul, who chaired the programme, made the announcement at the end of 15 minutes. “We did well with our pledges, and that (amount) stands at $3,575,000. Donations received amounted to $44,700, giving a total of $3,619,700”, he declared. Expressing a hearty ‘Thank You’ and ‘Well done,’ he

Some Guyana Legion veterans being taken in wheelchairs to the Remembrance Day Ceremony held at the Cenotaph on Sunday (Samuel Maughn Photo) said, “I know (that) next year you will better that.” The chairman also invited persons within the gathering who were desirous of making donations to the Legion’s fund to come forward. Among those making donations were Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge,who gave $1M on behalf of President David Granger and

Brigadier George Lewis, who also pledged $1M to the veterans fund from the serving soldiers. The Joint Services Co-coordinating Council donated $200,000; Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken donated $200,000; the Guyana Prison Service donated $200,000; Derek Lawrence and Corps of Wardens do-

nated $200,000; Derek Lawrence personally donated $100,000; the City Constabulary donated $75,000; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, personally donated $150,000; Attorney General Basil Williams personally donated $150,000; Colonel Frank Bispham donated $50,000; Kalibur Security Service donated $200,000;

Romeo Mc Rae donated US$100; Vibert Parvattan of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade donated $25,000, and Justice Patterson donated $25,000. Joining the veterans in celebration of the occasion were Greenidge, currently performing the functions of President; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Attorney

General Basil Williams; British High Commissioner Gregg Quinn; Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux; Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam; representatives of the Guyana Police Force; Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken; Deputy Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels; Members of Parliament and other well-wishers. The money received will be used to provide sustenance for veterans. In an invited comment, Warrant Officer (retired) Gerald Gilbert wholeheartedly supported the initiative of raising funds for the veterans, saying it is timely. “It puts them in a state of comfort and makes them feel that there are persons out there who still care for all the sacrifices that they have made over the years. Now that they are no longer energetic as before, (it is fitting) to allow them an opportunity to feel comfortable in the knowledge that persons recognize their service, and now attention is given to them,” he said.

PANCAP calling for more Gov’t funding –– in face of diminishing int’l help to prevent, treat HIV/AIDS

By Shauna Jemmott WITH international funding slowly drying up, organisations here are calling on the Government for more budgetary allocations to help prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. One such organisation is the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), whose director, Mr. Dereck Springer, is pushing for stronger emphasis to be placed on ‘prevention’ in healthcare campaigns and education initiatives. Springer told the media recently that HIV campaigns are returning to their initial message -- that of advocating for “HIV Prevention”, despite the fact that international donor organisations are no longer as generous as they used to be in terms of providing the kind of funding needed for such projects. For PANCAP’s ‘back to

basics’ stance, he gave the decline of late in emphasis on prevention, given the success that treatment has been having on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). “When HIV was considered a death sentence in the early 80s and throughout the 90s,” Springer said, “the emphasis was on prevention tools such as condoms, abstinence, and having one faithful partner.” He gave the advent of HIV medication and the countless media stories about people living longer with HIV as the reason why the key message of using prevention tools has somewhat declined over the last few years. That being the case, Springer said, his organisation has taken the lead in revitalising awareness of HIV prevention methods through social media education campaigns and through its Knowledge for Health (K4Health) campaign.

in those countries access, share, and use family planning knowledge.

PANCAP Director Dereck Springer The aim of the project at reference, he said, is improving family planning and reproductive health services in low- and middle-income Caribbean countries, and it is sure to change the way persons

MAIN OBJECTIVE The main objective of the social media initiative, Springer says in a statement, is to inspire HIV prevention messages among key populations from PANCAP’s network of civil society organisations, partners, stakeholders, and all parties involved in healthcare. Those “communication products”, Springer says, are available for viewing at PANCAP.org, or by following @pancaporg on Twitter and ‘liking’ the PANCAP Facebook page available at: https://www.facebook.com/ pancapnetwork. “The objective,” he says, “is to reach the young generation in particular through the use of popular social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook.

“We believe they are a key population with regard to the urgent need for more prevention education,” he said. REALITY CHECK Springer said in the statement that an estimated 34 million people are living with HIV in the world. Since the virus was identified 32 years ago, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS. Scientific advances have however been made in HIV treatment, and laws to protect people living with HIV have been put in place. There is also a clearer understanding now of the virus, through experiments, research and awareness. “Despite this, each year, people are diagnosed with HIV, because they do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others,” Springer said in the statement.

He also pointed out that stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many infected with HIV and AIDS. The commemoration of World AIDS Day (WAD) on December 1st every year since 1988 is a reminder that, since HIV has not gone away, there is still a vital need for fundraising to increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education about the virus. According to UNAIDS in a report released recently, the world has seen a 35 per cent decrease in new HIV infections since 2000; a 42 per cent decrease in AIDS-related deaths since the peak in 2004; a 58 per cent decrease in new HIV infections among children since 2000; an 84 per cent increase in access to antiretroviral therapy since 2010; and 15.8 million persons on treatment were accessing antiretroviral therapy as at June 2015.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Trump makes two key appointments

US President-elect Donald Trump has awarded key roles in his incoming team to a top Republican party official and a conservative media chief. Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), will be his chief of staff. In this role, he will set the tone for the new White House and act as a conduit to Congress and the Government. Stephen Bannon, from the conservative Breitbart News Network, will serve as Mr Trump’s chief strategist. Mr Bannon stepped aside temporarily as Breitbart’s executive chairman to act as Mr Trump’s campaign chief. The Republican candidate defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in Tuesday’s presidential vote, in a result which shocked many, who had expected Mrs Clinton to win following favourable opinion polls. Mr Trump is due to take over at the White House on

Mr Bannon stepped down from the helm of Breitbart to become Donald Trump’s campaign CEO January 20, when Barack Obama steps down after two terms in office. “I am thrilled to have my very successful team continue with me in leading our country,” Mr Trump said

in a statement released by his campaign. “Steve and Reince are highly qualified leaders who worked well together on our campaign and led us to a historic victory. Now I will have them both with me in the White House as we work to make America great again.” Mr Priebus, 44, acted as a bridge between Mr Trump and the Republican party establishment during the campaign. He is close to House Speaker Paul Ryan, a fellow Wisconsinite, who could be instrumental in steering the

new administration’s legislative agenda. Elected chairman of the RNC in 2011, Mr Priebus has acted as the party’s spokesman and chief fundraiser, helping candidates running for re-election. He said it was “truly an honour” to join Mr Trump in the White House as chief of staff. “I am very grateful to the President-elect for this opportunity to serve him and this nation as we work to create an economy that works for everyone, secure our borders, repeal and replace

Obamacare and destroy radical Islamic terrorism,” he added. Correspondents say one of the big challenges of the new administration will be reconciling Mr Trump with the mainstream Republican

party, where sharp divisions emerged during the primaries. Both houses of Congress are under Republican control. During the election race, Mr Bannon, 62, saw it as his aim to “bolster the business-like approach of Mr Trump’s campaign”. A former naval officer, investment banker and Hollywood producer, Mr Bannon took over at Breitbart in 2012, when he promised to make it the “Huffington Post of the right”. Breitbart is the most-read conservative news website in the US, set up to challenge the power of mainstream media. “I want to thank President-elect Trump for the opportunity to work with Reince in driving the agenda of the Trump administration,” Mr Bannon said on Sunday. “We had a very successful partnership on the campaign, one that led to victory. We will have that same partnership in working to help President-elect Trump achieve his agenda.” (BBC News)

Reince Priebus is seen as a bridge-builder with the rest of the party

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

‘I am sorry’ From page 2

season” in his entire life. In his address, London apologised repeatedly for his actions, telling worshippers that he is only human. “I am sorry if I ever communicated to you by word or action that I could not fail in morality or social ethics or standing. If I did that, I am so sorry I made you feel that way,” he told about 50 members of his church, comprising young children and adults. The ‘Pope’, lovingly called “Father” and “Papa” by his followers, said: “I am here to tell you from the depths of my heart that I am sorry for any pain, sorrow, embarrassment or shame that many would have experienced, and in many cases are still experiencing as a result of what has happened.” As the Pope apologised, members of his congregation shouted: “We love you, Papa!” even as he sat on his wooden throne painted in gold and looked at them as if in remorse. “I want to say how sorry I am for this disappointment, hurt and anguish you felt, and I hope that you will find it within your heart to forgive me and allow me to be your Father,” the fornicating holy man said to shouts of “We forgive you!”, “We love you!” and “You taught us well”, mostly from the female members of his congregation. NEARLY DIED Looking dapper in an all-white suit with matching shoes and hat, a tearyeyed but lively London told his congregation that he nearby died ‘for real’ when the leaked sex tape went viral on the Internet. “ R e a l l y a n d t r u l y, I thought at one time it would be better to die than to continue preaching and teaching. And come to think of it, I died. I am only standing here before you by the grace of God,” London told his willing congregation. “Everybody makes mistakes!” one woman bellowed in reference to the busted playboy preacher, and this gained the support of several in the congregation. Aside from apologising, London warned his congre-

gation about documenting their sexual encounters. “When other ministers of the faith stumbled, I sympathised with them, but I had no idea the pain they would have felt; but now I do. Beloved friends, I cannot wish an experience like this on my worst enemy… so much I would advise that the two or three other persons who may have stored personal or highly sensitive material on your device to take note. It would be wise to desist, so that this never happens to you,” London sermonised. The ‘holy man’, caught proverbially with his pants down when the sex video surfaced, said the pain was “excruciating”, but he thanked his supporters for their words of advice. Reading eloquently from a prepared speech on his white Samsung tablet, the ‘Pope’ said thusly: “As you know, I always preach and teach everyone that the love, grace and mercy of God are available to them; but when this happened to me, I realised I needed someone else to remind me of God’s grace, mercy and love that was also available to me.” Citing several scriptures, the Pope, in low tone, said he can identify with Psalms 61:2, which says:

“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I”. He also noted that “amidst all the madness” he questioned God. “I asked God why He called me when He knows the end from the beginning and He knew me from my mother’s womb and the fleshly robe with which He sent me into this world -- the biological construct of it, with all of its desires and appetites.” London, who appeared some two-and-a-half hours after worship in the church, sought to reassure himself that it is ok to err, and likened his actions to that of the biblical characters Sampson and David. “I said, ‘Lord, you could have prevented the exposure of such damaging things; you could have destroyed it before it reached the public’.” EXPOSURE WAS NECESSARY According to him, the God he serves told him the exposure was necessary. To this his congregation said, “Amen!” “Hallelujah!” while clapping, jumping and dancing. “God is not mad at mankind, but rather He is madly in love with mankind,” London said. He

declared that believers in Christ ought to know that that which has been done cannot be erased. London said, too, that persons can never be “righteous enough”. “Again, from the depth of my heart, I am sorry for any pain, sorrow, embarrassment or shame that was experienced, and some are still experiencing…as a result of what has happened. If I ever gave you the impression through my teaching and preaching or my living that I was perfect and flawless, I am sorry. I am sorry if I ever indicated to you by word or action that I could not fail in morality or social ethics…. If I ever did that, I am so sorry I made you feel that way,” he said as he bent his head in apparent shame. But his apology was overcome by shouts of “Never!” London, who sat between two senior members of his church on a stage, also said he forgives the person(s) who leaked the sex tapes. “As for those who may have thought it was of God to do this, I have no option than to forgive them,” he said amid shouts of “Amen!” “I don’t know what

my sons will do, but I forgive them… I forgive all those who are in any way involved in acquiring, broadcasting, or sharing that which caused so much pain… And all those who embarked on an excursion of vindictiveness, I bless them; they don’t know better,” the playboy said sheepishly as he begged for forgiveness. ‘I LOVE YOU, PAPA!’ Meanwhile, Attorney Excellence Dazzell, who was born Oceia Parris but later changed her name on the behest of London, painted him as a man with a great heart. She said he helped her significantly while she was studying, and she openly expressed her love for him. “Papa, I love you! I love you, and where I am today is because of you. Papa, people don’t know, but now is the time for them to know: When I was going to UG (University of Guyana) and I needed money, a laptop, my first laptop, came from you. When I was going to study this law, you gave me a word that I would win Ms. Renaissance, and that is what gave me the scholarship to UG. When I was going to study law, I asked so many persons for help. Nobody gave me help, (but) this church came together because this man of God stood and said we are going to give into Sister Excellence’s education. The man of God paid rent for me when I needed it; the robe that I walked

down the High Court with, he is the one (who) paid for it, because I hadn’t money to pay for it. So I just want you to know that I love you. I love you, my father, and I love you,” the attorney said to shouts of “Amen! He is a true man of God!” Another member of the church said it was London who helped her, and she owed him all appreciation for what she has attained thus far. “Today I stand proudly with you. I love you. When my daughter was in high school…you called, she said she wanted a laptop, I couldn’t afford it -- you bought it for her. You told me she will finish and be a lawyer… Next year she will be in university because of you. Because of you, and I wanna say stand strong and see the salvation of the Lord.” Others in the congregation contended that the ‘Pope’ did not murder anyone, and as such should not be harshly criticised. Likewise, Bishop Guy Griffith, in endorsing the words of the congregation, said, “To me, there is no other man of God like you. Continue to be my father, sir; I appreciate you, I love you, man of God.” Even as London sat on his throne in a sorrowful disposition, his followers sang Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the best’ lustily as he looked on; and at the end of it all, the congregation shouted: “You are forgiven, Father!”

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Their sacrifices must not be in vain

YESTERDAY, Guyana commemorated Remembrance Day. This day (observed on the second Sunday in November) pays homage to the fallen in World War I (19141918) and World War II (1939-1945). Wars are the result of inequities or injustices, perceived or real, between and among nations, and between governments and citizens, in pursuit of domination or resistance to being dominated. In 1919 the International Labour Organisation (ILO) was established to address the conflicts that led to WWI. This was done on the premise that government, employers and workers’ representatives meeting as equals to determine future relationships based on agreed conventions was crucial to preventing another war. This organisation notwithstanding, the world went to war again. In 1948, in another attempt to prevent another war, governments established the United Nations (UN). This organisation’s mission set out to achieve worldwide comity based on the equality of man, where each deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. From this principle has sprung its declarations. It took two wars which resulted in the bestiality of man towards man, millions of lives lost, dislocation of millions and the destruction and confiscation of properties and businesses , to reinforce the necessitate of the benefits in mutual respect to man’s livelihood, his possessions and the right to call a place home. Ordinary men and women were injured and died in these wars along with our men and women in uniform, who were on the frontlines. As homage is paid to the uniformed fallen, the institutions established as the consequences of, must not only be seen as reminders not to repeat the past, but must also serve as extensions of their lives and the beacons that ought to ground, court, and maintain human relations. A troubling, though not un-resolvable fact, is that the world continues to see a volatile and dangerous Middle East, the jostling of new forms of dominance as with Russia’s alliance with Syria’s government in attacking Syrian citizens and its invasion of Crimea, terrorist groups and individuals attacking countries and citizens, and the unending war with the United States’ invasion into Iraq and Afghanistan, to name a few. Internally, citizens are in conflicts with their governments due to the denial of fundamental rights and freedoms which occur through domination by the elected class and supported by the well-connected. The eruption and continuity of these conflicts when

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

CoI urgently needed at IAST

An important element of this mismanagement was the fact that there was no formally signed agreement with the THE term ‘Commission of Inquiry’ has, since May 2015, DHB on this issue. In addition, the old tyre-mincing machine become very familiar to the citizens of Guyana. In fact, output could not compensate for the fuel it was consuming. since that time, Guyanese have been made aware of the This expensive mobile hot-mix cement pilot plant was never used at any time, and is presently sitting on wheels in the following: IAST compound. This entire fiasco represents a waste of over Gy$53M. 1. Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service 2. Commission of Inquiry into the murder/assassina Another example of the blatant misappropriation of taxtion of Dr. Walter Rodney payers’ money by the same senior IAST official: During the 3. Commission of Inquiry into the Education System 12 months of the calendar year 2014, (a) the IAST Current 4. Commission of Inquiry into the operations of CANU Budget for year 2014 was G$122,585,000. 5. Commission of Inquiry to examine conditions and circumstances facing b) IAST senior official’s first-class airfare from Canada veterans of the GDF, GPM and GNS to Guyana (return) reimbursement: G$4,699,738. 6. Commission of Inquiry into the Camp Street Prison disturbance and subsequent deaths c) IAST senior official’s housing allowance/rental of 7. Commission of Inquiry into the death of a his own house at East Bank Demerara: G$2,908,800. miner in the Konawaruk backdam 8. Commission of Inquiry to investigate d) IAST senior official’s housekeeping and mainte circumstances under which a foreign twin-engine nance of yard (his own at East Bank Demerara) and IAST Cessna aircraft was discovered near Yupukari, security guards travelling to and from his house at East Bank Region #9 Demerara: $777,260. 9. Commission of Inquiry into the Drop-In Centre fire; 10. Commission of Inquiry into conflict at GNBA. e) IAST senior official’s telephone & Internet bills: G$286,149 Speaking for myself, I believe that establishment of all of these Commissions of Inquiry is a good thing, because many f) IAST senior official’s electricity bills for his own improprieties have been investigated, and this is beneficial house at East Bank Demerara: G$288,195. for democracy in Guyana. I am now calling on his Excellency President David Granger to quickly establish another g) IAST senior official’s honorarium plus 22.5% graCommission of Inquiry, this time to investigate the conditions tuity: G$9,175,634. and circumstances into the shocking and outrageous mismanagement and criminal misappropriation of millions of dollars This IAST senior official therefore received from the of taxpayers’ money at the Institute of Applied Science and taxpayers of Guyana a total of G$18,135,776 during the 12 Technology (IAST), housed at the Turkeyen Campus of the months of the calendar year 2014, which is calculated to be University of Guyana, between 2006 and 2015, and continu14.8% of the IAST current budget for 2014. ing in 2016. I do not make these allegations lightly, because I The IAST work records reveal that this senior official have the necessary information to supply to this forthcoming visited the IAST for a total of 78 days, inclusive of weekends, Commission of Inquiry. in the year 2014. This IAST senior official joined the Board As an example of a mind-boggling, mismanaged IAST of CGX as a Director on 3rd January 2012, and then was project, in 2009, exactly G$28,787,658 was spent on an old appointed Chairman of CGX on 4th May 2012. During the rubber recycling plant and a generator, purchased from an calendar year 2014, this IAST senior official did not spend overseas-based friend of a very senior IAST official. This more than 50% of these 78 days at the IAST, because he spent plant was almost completely repainted at the supplier’s the rest of the time attending to CGX duties. warehouse in Canada, and a small amount of repainting was Between 2006 and 2015, particularly as a result of done at the IAST on arrival, following which the plant was improperly and carelessly drafted employment contracts, put into operation. this IAST senior official benefited from a cumulative This plant was to be used for cutting up old vehicle tyres, amount of at least G$150 million of taxpayers’ money the pieces of which were to be used to modify bitumen for for not more than 850 days’ work. This is equivalent to a mobile hot-mix asphalt cement pilot plant costing nearly a minimum of 170 working weeks or a minimum equivG$24.3 million in 2013, to produce rubberised asphalt to cover alent of G$44 million per annum (this last figure would nearly 1500 Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) deck plates as increase if weekend and national holidays are excluded a trial. If this had been successful, then the technology would have been marketed. However, this arrangement with the DHB, from the 850 days). which was supplying the deck plates, ended abruptly after only Regards, 300 plates were covered; these 300 plates were covered manDAVID SOOKRAM ually in the IAST compound. Dear Editor,

examined, invariably carry similar characteristics of WWI and WWII. This human failing, where in the absence of established institutions that hold all to the same standards and require of all to play by the same rules, war would be unending. In its efforts to keep our frailty in check, appreciation can be had for the principles of the ILO, the UN, their attendant arms and the laws in respective member countries. Conflict is an element in human interaction. Though man is a homogeneous being, our thoughts, desires, goals and actions are heterogeneous, and from this spring competing interests, foci, and prioritisations that spark conflicts. Conflicts, however, do not have to

be debilitating, leading to animosity, confrontations, struggles, wars, injuries and loss of lives. It means that paying homage to the fallen requires more than acts of symbolism; it requires of nations, governments, and citizens living up to the ideals that were birthed from their sacrifices. Should man respect the rules he put in place to regulate his behaviours and pursue actions in resolving differences, it would significantly help in preventing wars from within, between, and among. It continues to be proven that man’s peaceful and harmonious existence remain in respecting the principles ensconced by the ILO and the UN.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

The four Elite Clubs must be commended for their stance Dear Editor, THE collective decision taken by reigning champions Slingerz FC and runner-up Alpha United, along with Pele and GFC, with regard to non-participation in the second staging of the Stag Elite League is indeed commendable. Unless and until the GFF executive go the route of having a competent, efficient, and professional individual or individuals in place to arbitrate, mediate and resolve the ongoing existing impasse, football -the world’s most emotionally popular and largest spectator sport-- will continue to be the ultimate loser. A timely reminder to the GFF President, editor, is when the contract/ agreement was documented last year under the stewardship of Mr. Clinton Urling, Chairman of the

FIFA-appointed Normalization Committee. Mr. Wayne Forde was, at the time, President of the Fruta Conquerors, also an Elite League club. As a consequence, the individual would have had, or should have had, firsthand knowledge of the Elite League’s rules, regulations, laws, by-laws and statutes. If, for some strange reason, the GFF president isn’t aware of the existing conditionality, then he is unworthy of the position he now holds. Suffice it to say that by virtue of expanding the participants to 10 teams in the second staging of the competition, apart from being visionless and unprofessional, the expansion gives credence to “overt politicking”, albeit a likelihood of two additional votes come next year, when Forde’s two-year term of office comes to an end and he intends to seek re-election.

By the way, why aren’t all elite clubs given two votes, since with relegation the outcome of the vote for the relegated clubs becomes uncertain? Additionally, the expansion is counterproductive to development. The previous agreement placed the Elite League as a “pilot project in an embryonic stage, with two additional teams being added at the end of two years. Editor, the GFF executive is behaving as if cast in stone in the mould of “Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant, who sees everything for himself and absolutely nothing for anyone else. The GFF would likely continue to exist like the proverbial ostrich, with its head buried in the sand. Utilising constitutional statutes and articulations under the guise of being in conformity with the CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA is

simply being naïve. The relevant stipulation allows countries to be flexible with rules, in some instances to suit their own national club interest. Yellow cards, in some competitions, have a stipulation of receiving 3-5 before the player(s) misses the next match his team plays internationally; the ruling is two yellow cards! Since the demographics and economic circumstances prevailing in Guyana can’t be overlooked, which other country within the CFU, road transport, ground rental and other associated costs in relation to hosting/promoting a double-header is that expensive? And which clubs will be burdened with the responsibility? This is against the backdrop of the GFF incurring significant losses at the culmination of the competition’s first staging! Re-

alistically, most clubs do not have the administrative expertise, or marketing and promotional strategies to facilitate such an undertaking. At the end of the day, with sport no longer being sport, but rather business, it must make dollars and sense, definitely not cents, which are no longer in circulation! What would have been beneficial to the Elite League, and the sport by extension, was if the GFF in foresight had introduced a competition at a tier below, involving 14 teams drawn from all the Associations; play a League format over two rounds, with the top two securing automatic promotion to the Elite League. It would be unfair to amend the rules without first and foremost involving the relevant stakeholders (club) for their respective inputs prior to a draft amendment

being circulated for perusal and comment; which entails a written response forthcoming within a specific time-frame. What are clubs expected to do after compiling a “budget of expenditure” for the corresponding period/duration of the competition? Is it prudent to grant “automatic promotion” to two clubs after the closure of the Transfer Window, which places them at a significant disadvantage? With both Slingerz FC and Alpha United being the biggest spenders towards securing foreign-based players, and having expended huge sums, what must they do with the two extra players the specific rule has reduced? And who will provide financial compensation? Regards, LESTER SEALEY

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Coming back from the dead –– Lindener relives waking up in a morgue 20 years ago

By Vanessa Braithwaite LAWRENCE John gazes at the swaying branches of the coconut trees in his yard, his eyes carefully following their every movement. As the branches bend backward to the command of the wind, his thoughts go back 20 years to the time when he woke up in the mortuary of the Georgetown Public Hospital. It’s a memory that not only brings tears to his eyes, but is as fresh in his head as a hot pan of bread fresh out of the oven. Two days before he was declared dead, Lawrence, now 60, was an able-bodied maritime rank of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). As was their custom on Fridays, he and his ‘squaddies’ would wash away the tiredness of the week’s hard work with some cold beers. That Friday, however, two beers turned into cases of beer, and before he knew it, he was beyond intoxicated. BRADAM! “We were walking down the road reck lessly…and ‘bradam!’ a car come jus’ so and crash into we. I didn’t know anything after,” Lawrence told this publication. “In the morning when I wake up, I feel cold, cold. I tek meh hand and I raise it up; when I push, is a tray I fall out of. When I come out deh now, I sit down and I see people, so I start asking

them what happen. “Well, remember, I now trying to catch meself. Then I realise these people ain’t moving, so I touch one ah dem, and the lady fall down. Then I realise that this heah, this is not normal,” he detailed. The fear of being in a cold, dark room with dead people was more numbing than the cold piercing through the pores of his skin. So he sat in a crouched position at the mortuary’s door, pondering his next move. “I then see a fat man and I call him; he was the guard…and the man watch me and bruk out. So I try to free myself from this big freezer, but I couldn’t get out,” Lawrence recalled. “Like five minutes after,” he said, “I see the same fat man and two other man come back and open the door; but they just open and run away, so I run out too. All I had on and was a white gown and a tag pun me foot.” He somehow made his way to the Linden bus park, where he took a bus and headed home to Linden. But it was then that the real pain started. FAR FROM WELCOME N e w s h a d a l re a d y reached his family that he was dead, so his return home was far from welcoming. Everyone ran from him, thinking that he was a ghost. Even his four children took to their feet in fear. There was only this one

aunt who believed his story and stood by him; but her support was not enough to help him come to terms with the fact that he was now a condemned man.

me. I just went into hiding, because I couldn’t take it anymore,” Lawrence explained. “But the hard part was seeing these dead faces in

Mr. Lawrence John, the man who ‘came alive from the dead’ “I used to feel condemned, like a dead man; everybody used to run from

front of me, day and night; talking to me, laughing me, troubling me. It was like

I in this mortuary every single day,” he mumbled, voice trembling as the tears flowed down his face. It was as if he was no longer the Lawrence that everyone knew and loved, but a dead man; a mere ghost or ‘jumbie’. It was something he never imagined would happen to him. TIRED OF HIDING As time went by, he grew tired of hiding, tired of being a prisoner in his own home; so he decided to face society once again. Sorrow and pity were not going to feed him, he reasoned, so he decided to seek employment. He was subsequently employed at a security company, and little by little, Lawrence was again accepted into society. Though he continues to be affected mentally, day by day, seeing visions and hearing voices of dead people, his social life is better than it was back then. Most importantly, he said, he is now a servant of God, and a staunch, baptised church member. He attends church every Sunday, and tries to live in harmony with the Bible’s standards, as he is very confident that being alive today is because of the intervention of the Almighty. As he recalled, “You couldn’t tell me about God and church back then. I used to say, ‘Who is God?’ I didn’t want hear nothing ‘bout God; but now God is meh everything.” He revealed that when

he is troubled by the voices and starts seeing the faces, he prays ardently and reads his Bible, and would even joke with them and say, “Watch, y’all come and leh we gyaff!” CALL ME ‘FIRE!’ Lawrence is still of the belief that his body is dead, and that it is his spirit that is living on. He said he prefers to be called “Fire!”, as anything he does he does without fear, because God told him in a vision that he would die at the ripe old age of 109; so, no matter what he does, he has no fear of death. Lawrence now lives alone at Blue Berry Hill, Wismar, where he makes a living by selling coconuts and pointer (coconut branch) brooms. He is, however, calling upon medical doctors and practitioners to be completely certain before declaring someone dead, as he believes many persons are prematurely declared dead and placed in the mortuary, where they are killed by the cold. “Lil bit mo’ I woulda dead from the cold; and I know I am not the first to be in that position; so they have to be very careful,” Lawrence advised. He said he’d like to spend the remaining 49 years he has praising God for what He has done for him; and he said he knows that there is indeed a purpose for him being given a second chance at life.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

31 Lindeners receive Home Improvement Subsidy By Vanessa Braithwaite

THIRTY-ONE Lindeners have benefited from the Home Improvement Subsidy implemented by the Central Housing and Planning Authority of the Ministry of Communities. In a ceremony held on Friday in the boardroom of the Linden Enterprise Network, the 31 recipients each received a voucher worth $50,000 from the Minister of Communities, Valarie Patterson, who congratulated them and encouraged them to use the vouchers for their intended purpose: to improve the homes or living environs of the recipients. Minister Patterson said the project, embarked on by the Communities Ministry, must have a regional spur, as she is cognisant that poor living conditions precipitate the onset of other social issues, and thus it is the Government’s aim to give each Guyanese, once eligible, adequate housing. “Adequate housing speaks of adequate privacy, adequate space, physi-

cal accessibility, adequate security, homes that are durable, homes with adequate lighting and ventilation, homes with basic infrastructure…,” she explained. She also revealed that the Communities Ministry is working on a new housing initiative: to not only give house lots, but to create functional communities that are well serviced with electricity, water, and proper roads. Currently, she said, the Ministry is undertaking a project to construct modern duplex homes, given the unavailability of affordable house lots. For those who already have their homes, the minister said, the Government would continue to provide assistance for the improvement of those homes, so all can live comfortably. APPROVED Senior Community Development Officer Donna Best-Bascom reported that the CHPA Board had approved

Linden’s Deputy Mayor Waneka Arindell handing over a Home Improvement voucher to a recipient $15M for this programme, and 300 vouchers each worth $50,000 were to be distributed. Eligibility to receive the vouchers was based on income, eligible housing area, status of payment for house lots, occupancy of house lot, type of works intended to be done on the

home, and the applicant’s commitment to provide the labour needed to effect the improvement works. The vouchers would allow recipients to purchase hardware items at chosen suppliers within their communities. Due to poor responses, she said, and based on the

eligibility criteria, only 259 vouchers were approved. These were distributed in all regions except Regions Five and Eight. Linden, in Region 10, was the last area to receive vouchers. Sixty-five vouchers were distributed in Region 10, and 43 of those were returned, with

31 being deemed eligible, Best-Bascom reported. One of the recipients, Charlene Burnette, told the Guyana Chronicle that she was grateful for the opportunity to receive the voucher, and she would utilise it to paint her home. “I am very grateful, and I hope all who receive it will use it for the intended purpose. I want to say thank you to the Ministry of Communities for this venture,” she said. Mavil Skeete revealed that she would be using her voucher to construct a lavatory facility in her home. “I want a flush toilet, so that is what I will be doing with my own,” she said. The ceremony to effect handing over of the vouchers to the Linden recipients was attended by Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, Deputy Mayor Waneka Arrindell, and CHPA senior officers. The project was initiated in recognition of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary (Golden Jubilee) celebration.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

A VERY SPECIAL PERSON

A WOMAN who decided to foster a child did so with the best of intentions. She approached the Child Care and Protection Agency and went through the process that qualified her to become a foster parent. Soon she was matched with a four-yearold girl who had been severely neglected, and could barely talk. However, from their initial meeting, they seemed to bond. The foster mother didn’t mind that the girl wore ‘pampers’ at bedtime, as she realised it was part of her job to wean the child off ‘pampers’ and teach her how to use the potty during the night. This turned out to be a much harder task than she could have ever imagined. She tried many strategies, but the child still managed to ‘pee the bed’; she felt defeated. Every morning there were bed clothes to wash and a little girl who needed a ‘good’ bath with sweet soap. She decided the safest

bet was to continue using the ‘pampers,’ at least for the time being. Due to neglect, the child’s teeth were very weak, so before each meal the foster mother would either cut up or mash the child’s food with a fork. She took the child to a dentist to see what could be done to help the child’s second set of teeth come through healthily. When her foster mother was asleep, the child had a habit of taking food from the fridge and hiding it under her bed. The foster mother however, was adamant that with patience and in time, she could encourage the child to stop this unacceptable behaviour and also win the war on the night-time pampers scenario too. It came to an end the night the foster mother tied one end of a string to the child’s wrist and the other end on her own: this would alert her should the child get up

during the night, for any reason. The child did get up and she was alerted: stopping the child in her tracks as she headed for the kitchen, she took her back to the bedroom where she took off her pampers and placed her on the potty. Funnily enough after that night there were no more midnight jaunts and the child began using the potty during the night all on her own. Now who do you think is the very special person? Is it the neglected child who needs a lot of care, patience, attention, love and nurturing to get to a comfortable, confident place in life? Or is it the foster parent, who understands that the behaviour the child is exhibiting is due to the adults who failed her during the first few years of her life? The truth is they are both special. Fostering is about those who need special care and those are able to give it. Potential foster parents must realise that

children who have been abused or who have spent time in residential/institutional care need time and patience, nurturing and love. It can be a long or short journey, but the more love and understanding they receive, the more they tend to respond. This month is Foster Care Month and there are over 600 children living in institutional/residential care in Guyana. Most of them would love to spend time with a caring adult. Do you have what it takes to make a difference in the life of a child? Are you a very special person? If you would like to find out more about fostering a child, call the foster care team on 227-4082; 227-0138; and if you are concerned about the welfare of a child, ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Safety in aviation industry paramount GUYANA Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director General, Egbert Fields has underscored that safety in the aviation industry is paramount and the GCAA is doing all it can to raise its operation standards. He made the remarks on Friday at a GCAA consultation on Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Implementation with operators and pilots to bolster

–– says Fields at GCAA consultation

GCAA Director General, Colonel (rt’d) Egbert Fields speaking at the consultation on Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Implementation safety in the aviation sector. The consultation which was held at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle saw Fields and Director of Air Navigation Services and operator from Air Navigation Services, Rickford Samaroo making presentations. Fields said the GCCA will be cooperating with operators. “I expect their cooperation in return because that is the only way to enhance safety. It is the only path that you and I can take to ensure that the business of aviation continues with Guyana in a safe light,” he said. The Director General pointed out that in order to enhance safety in the aviation industry, it is necessary for the GCCA to not only

listen to the operators, but also seek advice from them. He noted that the GCCA will use the feedback to provide a safe zone in the aviation industry. “We’re looking for your ideas to blend with ours, and that blend can only lead to one item, safety. We are moving onwards, we are moving technology to make this industry safe. The ADS-B system will be helpful in knowing where you are, to space you properly, and also in the event of emergencies we will be able to find you quickly,” Fields said.

He noted that the system being implemented is costly and urged the operators to learn as much as they can about it so that it can be utilised efficiently and effectively, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported him as saying. Meanwhile, Samaroo presenting on the ADS-B and PBN, told the operators that the system will help with better spacing (of aircraft) in the air. He said air traffic is growing rapidly and there is need to increase capacity of air space because the air space does not grow.

“While we can grow the airport on the ground we can’t grow the airspace so ADS-B or surveillance is technology that is used to separate and reduce the spacing of aircraft, and we hope to implement this in its full dimension so we can utilise all its potential and all its benefit that it offers.” Samaroo also noted that the system allows air navigation to have the traffic management system, (an alerting system) be used as a minimum safe altitude for short-term conflict resolution.

Aviation sector operators and pilots at the consultation on Performance- Based Navigation (PBN) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Implementation

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Bartica pursuing ‘clean town’ status

A MERE six months after receiving township status, Bartica has set its sights on realising another goal -- being the cleanest township in the country. Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall has revealed that the Council is partnering with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the town is highly regarded, not only for being picturesque, but also for its attention to the environment.

port to the initiative, and the Council is also anticipating much stakeholder involvement as a collective commitment to this desirable objective. To w n C l e r k P h o e be Wallerson has revealed that immediately following the sensitization campaign, a group of youths will be trained to keep up the momentum in regard to the township maintaining

Shell Service Station Manager Patricia Callender handing over the agreement to Bartica Mayor, Gifford Marshall In keeping with its objectives, the Town Council will, on November 28, launch an integrated solid waste management programme as part of a massive sensitisation campaign regarding sound solid waste management practices. The Ministry of Communities will lend sup-

commitment to sound solid waste management practices. The youths are already very willing and quite excited to participate in the process, she disclosed. “We will equip them with relevant identification badges; clothes; and, more importantly, the skills to deliver an

impacting interactive learning session with households,” the Town Clerk said. The sanitation programme is timely, since residents are high in praise for the work done to upgrade the landfill site. “We want to capitalise on the heightened awareness we are receiving to peddle the need for residents to take ownership and responsibility for their environment, and to add to our efforts,” Ms. Wallerson said. Mayor Marshall disclosed that $15 million were spent to rehabilitate the site, and an additional $5M will be spent on covering it with clay. “So we have the renovated site, which was funded by the Government of Guyana. In the last phase of the project, Government, through the Town Council, will cover the garbage with clay,” Mayor Marshall explained. He also revealed that works are in train to rehabilitate the Byderabo Back Road that leads to the landfill. The Council is already rallying support from residents and the corporate community in this regard. The proprietor of the Shell Service Station at Camp and New Market Streets in Georgetown, Mrs. Patricia Callender, has since pledged 45 gallons of diesel monthly from the Sol Bartica Depot as assistance to the Council’s sanitation efforts. The Callenders are residents of Bartica and owners of real estate along the Essequibo River in the vicinity of the town. They spend most of

Before-and-after photographs of the dumpsite their weekends in that part of Guyana, and have disclosed plans to retire there sometime in the near future. In a letter to the Town Council, the Callenders disclosed that they have always been very concerned about the garbage situation in Bar-

Re-establish the Labour Ministry –– GTUC urges Gov’t

THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) believes that labour issues in Guyana must be specifically represented at the level of Cabinet. Thus the body has reiterated its call for the Ministry of Labour to be re-established. The union said in a release that Government, on ascension to office in 2015, disbanded the Labour Ministry in a move unprecedented in the nation’s history, and workers do not now have a ministry or specific Cabinet representation. This action by the Government, the union has said, stands in contravention of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 87, which examines freedom of association and protection of the right to organise. The GTUC said it wrote President David Granger, expressing its concern over the absence of that Ministry and calling for its re-establishment. The Ministry of Social Protection currently handles labour issues, but the union has said that social protection is one of

the four strategic objectives of the ILO Decent Work Agenda, which the Government of Guyana embraced and has shaped the Guyana Decent Work Programme. The GTUC explained that social protection is part of labour, and not the other way round; that is to say: labour is not part of social protection. The reason for this, the union said, is because labour comprises a number of cross-cutting issues, which include youth, women, the elderly, National Insurance, job creation and protection, and child labour, among other issues. The union also registered its concerns regarding Guyana’s non-participation at the ILO annual conference. This year the conference was held in June in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Green Economy was on its agenda. “With the Government’s claim that it is pursuing said economic model, it would have been to Guyana’s interest and benefit to have input in the programmes ILO will put in place for regions and countries, such as capacity-building for actors in the state and non-state sectors,” the union has contended.

tica, and have installed Rubbermaid bins along First Avenue in an effort to alleviate Bartica’s garbage situation. “We had meant this to be (the) start of an effort to eventually install bins in most of the avenues…. It is our hope that Bartica will become clean and green, and we would like to partner with you in this mission,” the letter stated. Mayor Marshall ex-

pressed confidence that the contribution would be the first step in realising the goal of making Bartica ‘Clean and Green’, and a community that everyone can be proud of. During brief comments, the mayor said the timely arrangement would aid the council in its effort to make Bartica the cleanest town in the country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Minister proposes land survey for Lima Sands –– to prove ownership, obtain title

MINISTER within the Ministry of Communities, Mrs. Valerie Patterson, has proposed that a survey be done at Lima Sands, on the Essequibo Coast, to prove ownership of land there. The proposal follows her receipt of a number of complaints from villagers during a recent visit there. Many of those complaints had to do

with villagers’ inability to legally acquire land in the area, in spite of their having lived there for many years. One villager, who said she has been living at Lima Sands for more than two decades, told the minister that when she tried to acquire a piece of transported land, she was told that there are no lands available.

Several other villagers shared similar stories with the minister, among them a teacher who said it’s been a while since she has been transferred to Lima Sands Primary, but to date she has been unable to acquire a house lot. Persons have also alleged that the shortage of land in the area could be because a

Villagers engaging Minister Patterson

An elderly villager speaking about her problems

number of business persons and a certain former minister of the government own several house lots in the area. They claim that these persons at reference have “transported lands” that are registered in the names of their wives and even their underage children. Asked by the minister whether the accusations were true, Housing officers not only confirmed that they were, but also said that many persons who own several

pieces of land in the area have migrated, and have since been renting their land to interested persons for an exorbitant fee. That being the case, Minister Patterson has recommended that a survey be done to uncover other discrepancies in the system, as well as to figure ways in which the current situation can be arrested. “I can promise you that these issues will be solved.

However, it won’t happen overnight,” she told Lima Sands residents. “These things take time, but I assure you that we will resolve the issues that you are all facing,” she added. Meanwhile, villagers who are not yet homeowners were advised to apply for house lots, given that the Ministry will soon be constructing duplex houses at Onderneeming, also on the Essequibo Coast.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Fallen war hero Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge performing the functions of President reads the Remembrance Day message at the ceremony at the Cenotaph

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge (performing duties as President) has a warm moment with this little member of the gathering at the wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph, Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Acting Prime Minister Ramjattan lays a wreath at the cenotaph By Shirley Thomas

UNDREDS on Sunday assembled at the Cenotaph, outside the Bank of Guyana, to witness the Remembrance Day ceremony, and to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the two World Wars (1914-1918 and 1933-1945) so that others left behind might live in peace. Leading up to the 08:00hrs start of the ceremony, there was much fanfare as several contingents from the military and paramilitary, smartly attired in ceremonial uniform, and led by the Police Band, with the Guyana Defence Force and others in tow, marched south along the Avenue of the Republic taking up their positions around the cenotaph, at the base of which wreaths would be laid, with a sense of pride and purpose. Momentarily, Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice President and Minister of Public Security, performing the function of the Prime Minister made a ceremonial appearance at the site of the War Memorial, where he awaited the arrival of Carl Greenidge, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, performing the function of President.

Acting President Greenidge lays a wreath at the Cenotaph

US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway also places a wreath at the cenotaph

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

oes remembered Escorted by the Guyana Police Force mounted branch, Mr Greenidge arrived at the Square at 08:00 hrs and was given an impressive Presidential Salute, followed by the sounding of the Last Post (a Bugle Call), signaling the start of a somber process – the observance of two minutes of silence, and later, the literally hair-raising sounds of the Reveille, which painfully relived the memories of the horrific war periods. At 08:05hrs, the last post was sounded and all joined in observing the symbolic silence, in memory of those men and women who died during World Wars I & II. As the programme unfolded, there came the much anticipated item on the programme: the laying of wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph – done with pomp and ceremony. Throughout this activity, the Police Band softly rendered appropriate hymns. Then came the laying of wreaths by representatives of the distinguished gathering, specially identified for this purpose. Placing the first wreath was Mr Greenidge, on behalf of President Granger; followed by Mr Ramjattan performing the function of Prime Minister; Chief of Staff, Brigadier George Lewis; Guyana Veterans Legion Chairman (Lieutenant Colonel retired) George Gomes, accompanied by War Veteran, Mr Roy De Freitas - the only surviving member of the British Guyana Battalion of the South Caribbean Forces who served in Europe. They were joined by Heads of the Disciplined Services; Major of Georgetown, Ms Patricia Chase-Greene; Bishop Juan Edghill representing the Opposition; members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of regional and international bodies and organisations; the Red Cross; St John’s Ambulance Brigade and others. This was followed by momentous occasion – the reading of a statement from the President by Mr Greenidge. In his opening remarks, the President stated: “We are assembled at this War Me-

morial on this Sunday of Remembrance to call to mind and remember the sacrifice of all those gallant men and women who gave their lives in two World Wars.” He added: “We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom,” noting that “Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples.” And remembering with gratitude, those who through the years, have made similar personal sacrifices, the President also recalled with gratitude those who, through the years, have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice and freedom from all forms of oppression “Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples,” the President affirmed. He called on all assembled to also remember those Guyanese who, since Independence, have died in the service the nation. “Let us thank those who continue to defend our territory and our patrimony throughout our country,” he said. Representative of the Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities also offered prayers with each expressing gratitude to, and acknowledging the sacrifice made by those who gave their lives in order for those left behind to live at peace. Prayers were concluded with the lusty singing of the hymn, ‘O God our help in Ages Past’ and the National Anthem. On leaving the Cenotaph, the presidential entourage proceeded north along Avenue of the Republic where the presidential salute was taken outside of State House, followed by the laying of wreathes at the Policemen and Ex-service men’s Cemetery at Eve Leary. The day’s observances continued with a Remembrance Ceremony at the Guyana Veterans’ Legion, under the theme: “Lest We Forget”.

Enthusiastic parents bring their children out to be part of the observance

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Sugar, dairy and cereals

THE FAO Food Price Index averaged 172.6 points in October, up 0.7 per cent for the month and 9.1 per cent from a year earlier, with the staple grains’ index rising for the first time in three months. The Food Price Index, which has risen continuously throughout 2016 except for a brief dip in July, is a trade-weighted index tracking international market prices for five major food commodity groups. October’s rise was driven primarily by jumps in sugar and dairy prices. The FAO Sugar Price Index rose 3.4 per cent in October amid reports of production shortfalls in Brazil’s Centre South region and India’s Maharashtra state. The FAO Dairy Price Index rose 3.9 per cent from September, led by rising prices of cheese and in particular butter, as a result of sustained internal demand in the Eu-

ropean Union after a period during which stocks were drawn down. By contrast, the FAO Oils/ Fats Price Index declined 2.4 per cent from September, largely linked to weaker palm oil quotations as a consequence of sluggish global import demand. The FAO Meat Price Index also fell, dropping 1.0 per cent in October, with the drop largely driven by slacker demand for European pigmeat from importers in China. The FAO Cereal Price Index, meanwhile, rose 1.0 per cent in October, buoyed by tightening supplies of high-quality wheat even as the overall prospects for global wheat harvests have improved. World cereal production for 2016 should amount to 2 571 million tonnes, up marginally from FAO’s October forecast and 1.5 per cent above the 2015 output.

The updated figure, released in the Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, reflects a substantial upgrade of the outlook for world wheat production, which is now expected to rise to 746.7 million tonnes, a 4.3 million increase from FAO’s October forecast. The Russian Federa-

––lift FAO Food Price Index in October tion’s wheat output is now anticipated to set a new record, while favourable weather is also boosting yield prospects in Kazakhstan.

The FAO Sugar Price Index rose 3.4 per cent in October amid reports of production shortfalls in Brazil’s Centre South region and India’s Maharashtra state RICE UNCHANGED The increase in world wheat and barley production more than offsets the expected 4.8 million tonne

decline in the 2016 global maize crop due to weather-induced yield downgrades for Brazil, China, the European Union and the United States of America. The forecast for global rice production was largely unchanged. Early signs from the planting of the 2017 winter wheat crop in the northern hemisphere indicate that US farmers are reducing the area because of low price prospects and a subdued export outlook due to a stronger US dollar. However, wheat plantings in the Russian Federation and Ukraine are ahead of last year’s pace. Meanwhile, sowing of summer 2017 cereal crops is underway in southern hemisphere countries, and conducive weather conditions are leading to expansion in South America. The maize area planted in Argentina is expected to expand by 6.0 per cent from last year’s high level. Total cereal utilisation for the 2016/17 season is now forecast at 2, 562 million

tonnes, up slightly from October and 1.7 per cent higher than a year earlier. A primary driver of increased utilisation of cereals is global feed use, which is likely to expand by 2.7 per cent. The use of wheat for animal feed, buoyed by ample supplies of lower-quality wheat, is anticipated to grow by 6.1 per cent to 146.6 million tonnes, an all-time high. Global food consumption of cereals is forecast at 1 106 million tonnes, up 1.3 per cent from a year earlier and sufficient to maintain a broadly stable per capita consumption level globally. World cereal stocks will likely increase to nearly 662 million tonnes by the end of the 2017 seasons, driven by growing wheat inventories, especially in China, the US and Russia. Coarse grains stocks are projected to drop by 1.7 per cent, led by reductions in China, Brazil and South Africa. World rice inventories are expected to fall slightly to 169.8 million tonnes.

Nov. 27-Dec. 3 is Disability Week IN celebration of Disability Week slated for November 27-December 3, the Guyana Council of Organisations for persons with disabilities, hosted another essay competition recently aimed at raising awareness. In Queen’s College auditorium, Chairman of the Council, Mr Leon Walcott, told this publication that the best essays are selected, after which the writers are asked to present them orally. “We call it a disability symposium for school children. This is about the fifth or sixth year that we’re doing it,” he offered, adding, “And we have been fortunate to have the Ministry of Education support us all the time.” Some 30 schools were invited, but only a handful responded positively, such as Graham’s Hall Primary, Queen’s College and St Joseph High, along with two special needs centres namely, Open Doors Vocational Centre

and David Rose Special Needs School. The essays are based on disability issues. “It’s really about raising awareness and you get fresh ideas on what can be done to make life easier for people with disabilities. Some creative ideas are often put forth,” Mr Walcott explained. For instance, some persons with disabilities are often bullied, and this is an issue that was brought to light thanks to someone’s essay. Commenting on one of the benefits of having the essays, Mr. Walcott observed: “While it’s good to have the best academic qualifications as teachers, you must also have people who are caring. So as far as I am concerned, academics should come second and attitude should come first.” This initiative was brought forward in view of the fact that Disability Week clashes with end of term exams and so forth.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Coordinated approach needed –– to tackle issues in vulnerable communities, says First Lady

GUYANA’s First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, has contended that an inter-ministry approach should be fostered to give effective support to teenage girls and mothers by targeting young females of particular communities and educating them on sexual and reproductive health. Working with the various ministries to roll out different projects, the First Lady has started a number of programmes. However, she said a collaborative effort is needed to strengthen the foundation among these target groups and communities. “I started to think that maybe (the) Communities Ministry can get involved, so that they can have the centres where young people can learn about sexual and reproductive health, learn life skills, get some educational training…. Social Protection, Social Cohesion and Public Health, all these ministries can plan how they can strengthen communities, so you will have less vulner-

ability,” the First Lady told the Government Information Agency (GINA). Government ministries play an important role in implementing policies and systems that can lay the groundwork for empowerment of women and young girls. Additionally, teenaged mothers would be able to benefit from new programmes and support systems put in place by these ministries. These individuals usually depend on extensive support. “When you think about these young people with their lives before them, what they are going to be and how this mother will impact her child, she can’t do it if she is working (for) a minimum wage. Maybe she goes to work as a guard, she works at three (pm), ‘Oh, X didn’t turn up, so you have to stay until tomorrow morning,’ so what is happening to her kids? You know, we have to be realistic,” the First Lady explained. The First Lady is a patron of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Women

mothers who may not have completed their education. “Some of them want to go back to school to finish their education, and we help them with that. Some of them want to do Cosmetology, Child Care and Care for the Elderly, and we facilitate that as well,” the First Lady explained. She said the Self-Reliance and Success in Busi-

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger Across Differences (WAD), and is an advocate for its Mothers for Change programme for adolescent mothers. She has been working with NGOs that target these young mothers, creating support groups within the respective communities as well as obtaining donations to help mothers who struggle to find jobs and other sources of income. The NGO also helps

ness certificate programme is another avenue from which these young ladies benefit. The Government Information Agency (GINA) has said that, at the end of the programme, participants should know how to run a business, how to keep records, and how to examine the business market, among other principles. The First Lady has rec-

ognised that Guyana has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), while that grouping carries the second highest rate in the world. “The largest concentration of teenage mothers is in the Sophia area, so we really have to see what we can do to help these girls,” Mrs. Granger said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Alleged killer of Kamarang farmer to be charged A MAN who confessed to the killing of a Kamarang farmer is expected to be charged this week, police said. The partially decomposed body of Dexter Edwards, 27, a farmer of Pariuma River, Kamarang, was on November 5, 2016 discovered in the Ochi Top River in Kamarang by a group of campers. Police said after the body was fished out a post-mortem revealed that Edwards died from multiple injuries. Three males, one of whom has confessed to the murder are in custody. Divisional Commander Senior

Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram said the police worked tireless behind the case to apprehend the suspect and obtained a confession because of the evidence found. Meanwhile, three male labourers from Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, will soon be arraigned before a magistrate to answer to a charge of break and enter larceny, which occurred between November 9-11, 2016 at Henrietta Village, Essequibo Coast. Stolen and recovered are two flat screen television sets, one camera monitor, other articles and cash.

Monday November 14th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Tuesday November 15th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday November 16th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Guyhoc Square gets recreational ground

RESIDENTS of Guyhoc Square now have a recreational ground, thanks to the intervention of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport of the Ministry of Education (MoE), which financed the project to the tune of $1.5M and executed same under its Ground Enhancement Programme. In brief remarks at the

She explained that close to 50 grounds countrywide are being rehabilitated so they can be made available for community recreational purposes. During visits to two other grounds on which work is ongoing -- at Freeman Street and at East Ruimveldt -- Minister Henry said the MoE wants to “ensure that the grounds we work on meet

The Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport is open to collaboration with any ministry or agency that aligns with its mandate of providing green recreational spaces for communities. The ground enhancement project is aimed at providing the platform for athletes’ development in

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, with residents during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Guyhoc Square area handing over ceremony, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, said the project aims to enhance and develop community grounds which can be used by children and elders.

the minimal acceptable standard of what is required of a recreational area”. The grounds will be outfitted with stands and light-emitting diode (LED lights).

communities across Guyana. This is part of the MoE’s plan to promote development of quality athletes by ensuring they have the necessary facilities.

The recreational area in Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown

Bandits pounce on Chinese chef A CHINESE chef who works at the Kamboat Restaurant on Sheriff Street, Campbellville Georgetown was shot and robbed by three bandits in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Reports reveal that the chef had exited his car, PPP 2288, to open his gate when three bandits pounced on him; the bandit with a handgun relieving him of his cell phone, a silver chain and $80,000 in cash. In process of the robbery, the chef

was shot in his right leg, while minutes later the perpetrators jumped into a dark-coloured vehicle and made good their escape. Following the robbery, the chef contacted a colleague, who assisted him in getting to a private city hospital, where he was admitted. The police recovered a 9mm spent shell at the scene of the robbery as they commenced investigations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Windies Women ...

From back page

the score on 23 for one in the fourth over. Thereafter, however, India Women were never in danger of losing as captain Mithali Raj top-scored 45, opener Smriti Mandhana chipped in with 44 while Deepti Sharma got 32. Mandhana struck six fours and a six off 62 balls and put on 63 for the second wicket with

Deepti who counted four fours in her 63-ball knock. West Indies Women enjoyed a strong period when three wickets tumbled for 39 runs but Raj erased any hopes of a comeback with stellar innings which came from just 51 deliveries and included six fours and a six. The final day game of the series is set for Wednesday at the same venue.

SCOREBOARD

WEST INDIES WOMEN H Matthews lbw b Goswami 6 S Quintyne lbw b Pandey 9 *S Taylor b Bisht ` 15 Kycia Knight run out 15 D Dottin b Goswami 63 +M Aguilleira b Bisht 25 S Campbelle c Bisht b Gayakwad 5 A Fletcher not out 5 Extras (b2, lb6, w2) 10 TOTAL (7 wkts, 50 overs) 153 Did not bat: S Selman, A Mohammed, T Smartt. Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-20, 3-45, 4-58, 5-128, 6-139, 7-153. Bowling: Goswami 10-2-28-2, Pandey 7-0-19-1 (w2), Bisht 10-218-2, Sharma 10-1-19-0, Gayakwad 10-2-31-1, Kaur 3-0-20-0. INDIA WOMEN

S Mandhana c Dottin b Matthews 44 T Kamini obstructing the field 2 D Sharma c Matthews b Mohammed 32 *M Raj c Matthews b Selman 45 H Kaur st Aguilleira b Fletcher 6 V Krishnamurthy not out 8 S Pandey not out 1 Extras (lb3, w11, nb2) 16 TOTAL (5 wkts, 38 overs) 154 Did not bat: J Goswami, RS Gayakwad, +S Verma, E Bisht. Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-86, 3-111, 4-125, 5-150. Bowling: Smartt 1-0-16-0 (nb2), Selman 7-1-18-1 (w4), Taylor 5-0-20-0, Matthews 10-1-26-1 (w1), Fletcher 6-0-22-1 (w2), Mohammed 6-0-31-1, Dottin 3-018-0 (w4)

Jamaica ...

From back page Scorpions with a battle to spinner Veerasammy Per- avoid defeat on the final maul for three, to leave day.(CMC)

SCOREBOARD

JAGUARS 1st Innings 298 Scorpions 1st Innings 208 Jaguars 2nd Innings (overnight 26 without loss) R Chandrika run out 34 S Hetmyer c Miller b Jacobs 47 *L Johnson c Dawes b Blackwood 69 V Singh c Miller b Blackwood 71 Extras (lb6, nb2) 8 TOTAL (4 wkts decl., 81 overs) 238 Fall of wickets: 1-73, 2-89, 3-222, 4-231. Bowling: Mindley 14-1-54-0, Dawes 12-0-35-0, Green 14-2-46-0, Miller

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs Justash 08:50 hrs Jellyorum 09:20 hrs Il Palio 09:50 hrs On The Right Path 10:20 hrs Fly Rebecca Fly English Racing Tips Musselburgh 08:50 hrs Mitcd 09:20 hrs Halcyon Days 09:50 hrs Bassarabad 10:20 hrs Proud Gamble 11:20 hrs Harleys Max 11:50 hrs Jonny Delta Plunpton 09:05 hrs Boudry 10:10 hrs Sudfden Wish 10:40 hrs Earls Fort 11:10 hrs Like Sully

15.3-5-28-0, Jacobs 17-2-43-1, Campbell 6-0-14-0, Blackwood 3-0-12-2. SCORPIONS 2nd Innings (target: 329) J Campbell b Joseph 1 T Griffith not out 4 D Thomas lbw b Permaul 3 J Dawes not out 0 TOTAL (2 wkts, 9 overs) 9 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-8. Bowling: Hooper 6-1-6-0, Joseph 2-1-1-1, Permaul 2-1-2-1. Position: Scorpions require a further 320 runs for victory with eight wickets intact.

11:40 hrs Black Mischief Newcastle 10:00 hrs Dominating 10:30 hrs Alsacienne 11:00 hrs Dubai Elegance 11:30 hrs Volition 12:00 hrs Jordan Sport 12:30 hrs Compas Scoobie 13:00 hrs Noble Star 13:30 hrs Indian Pursuit American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Sweets Galore Race 2 Roquerey Race 3 Harlan’s Bear Race 4 Lucky Meeting Race 5 Mc Kenzies Way Race 6 Germaniac Race 7 Runs for Luck Race 8 Delicate Lady Race 9 Too Much Drama

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Defiant Kohli takes India to safety in opening India test By Sudipto Ganguly RAJKOT, India(Reuters)-India captain Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on a defiant 49 in a tense final session to deny England victory and claim a draw in the opening Test of the fivematch series on Sunday. England captain Alastair Cook notched up his 30th test hundred and declared his team’s second innings on 260 for three in the second session, to set India an improbable target of 310. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who picked up four wickets in the first innings, took another three as the hosts were reduced to 71 for four shortly after tea. With the spinners getting the ball to turn sharply and bounce on the wearing pitch, Cook surrounded India’s batsmen with close-in fielders in an effort to force a victory. Kohli, India’s best batsman, then frustrated the touring side with a fifth-wicket stand of 47 with Ravichan-

Alastair Cook celebrates his sixth century against India in Tests. dran Ashwin, who made 32. But Kohli added another The pair batted out over crucial unbeaten stand of 40 15 overs to take India closer in 10 overs for the seventh to the draw before Ashwin wicket with local boy Ravindrove left-arm spinner Zafar dra Jadeja, who remained Ansari straight to Joe Root in unbeaten on 32, to deny the the covers. tourists. Wicketkeeper WridThe hosts reached 172 for dhiman Saha did not last six when the captains shook long as India were reduced hands for the match to end in to 132 for six with enough a draw. overs still left in the match The result, however, for England to force a win. could have swung in En-

gland’s favour had they managed to hold on to their catches. Vijay, India’s highest scorer in the first innings with 126, was dropped on 13 by Ansari, who failed to hold on to a powerful return catch. The batsman went on to make 31. Ansari was the unlucky bowler again in his next over when Stuart Broad dropped a much easier catch from first-innings centurion Pujara at point with the batsman on 10. Pujara was dismissed on l8, given out leg before off Rashid with replays showing the ball had pitched outside the leg stump and the decision would have been overturned on review. COOK HITS TON Earlier, Cook brought up his sixth hundred against India, with five of them having come while touring the country Resuming on his overnight score of 46, the lefthander looked unperturbed against the turning ball and

was equally comfortable against India’s pacemen, who got the ball to reverse swing. Cook hit 13 boundaries in his knock of 130, which came to an end when he was caught off Ashwin. Mishra broke England’s best opening stand in India with his third ball of the day when the 19-year-old Haseeb Hammed (82) hit a flighted

delivery straight back to the spinner. Mishra also picked up Root (4) in his second over of the morning. England promoted the hard-hitting Stokes up the order to score quick runs and the left-hander hit 29 in as many deliveries in a 68-run stand with Cook for the third wicket.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings 537 (B. Stokes 128, J. Root 124, M. Ali 117) India 1st innings 488 (M. Vijay 126, C. Pujara 124, R. Ashwin 70; A. Rashid 4-114) England 2nd innings (Overnight: 114-0) A. Cook c Jadeja b R. Ashwin 130 H. Hameed c&b Mishra 82 J. Root c Saha b Mishra 4 B. Stokes not out 29 Extras (b-11 lb-3 nb-1) 15 Total (for 3 wickets declared, 75.3 overs) 260 Fall of wickets: 1-180 H. Hameed,2-192 J. Root,3-260 A. Cook Did not bat: B. Duckett, M. Ali, J. Bairstow, C. Woakes, Z. Ansari, A. Rashid, S. Broad Bowling: M. Shami 11 - 1 - 29 – 0, R. Jadeja 15 - 1 - 47 – 0, R. Ashwin 23.3 - 4 - 63 – 1, U. Yadav 13 - 2 - 47 – 0, A. Mishra 13 - 0 - 60 - 2(nb-1). INDIA 2nd innings (Target: 310

runs) M. Vijay c Hameed b Rashid 31 G. Gambhir c Root b Woakes 0 C. Pujara lbw b Rashid 18 V. Kohli not out 49 A. Rahane b Ali 1 R. Ashwin c Root b Ansari 32 W. Saha c&b Rashid 9 R. Jadeja not out 32 Extras 0 Total (for 6 wickets, 52.3 overs) 172 Fall of wickets: 1-0 G. Gambhir,2-47 C. Pujara,3-68 M. Vijay,4-71 A. Rahane,5-118 R. Ashwin,6-132 W. Saha Did not bat: M. Shami, U. Yadav, A. Mishra Bowling: S. Broad 3 - 2 - 8 – 0, C. Woakes 4 - 1 - 6 – 1, Z. Ansari 8 - 1 - 41 – 1, M. Ali 19 - 5 - 47 – 1, A. Rashid 14.3 - 1 - 64 – 3, B. Stokes 2 - 1 - 1 – 0, J. Root 2 - 0 - 5 – 0.

Australia players cannot Steyn out for six months complain about preparation - CA after shoulder surgery

(REUTERS)-Cricket Australia (CA) boss James Sutherland has put the Te s t t e a m ’s s t r u g g l e s firmly at the door of the players and rejected suggestions they were unprepared for the series against South Africa. Australia were thrashed by 177 runs in Perth in the series opener and trail by 86 runs in the second test in Hobart after they were skittled out for 85 on day one on Saturday. Cricket Australia boss Rain washed out the James Sutherland second day’s play, but South Africa for a one-day South Africa can hope to international series. shut the door on Australia But Sutherland said the with a match-winning lead players had no cause for comwhen they resume on 171 plaint. for five at Bellerive Oval “I’ve heard a little bit of yesterday. commentary around prepaMedia pundits have ration and I think it’s inblamed a crammed schedteresting,” Sutherland told ule for Australia’s travails, ABC radio yesterday. with the players having had “I don’t think the prepaonly one domestic Sheffield ration is anything that AusShield match to prepare for tralian cricket can complain red-ball cricket after touring

about because South Africa have had the same schedule. “We have both played each other in one-day matches in October, came through here, had various forms of long-form or other preparatory matches. “If you draw that comparison the team we are playing against hasn’t had any different preparation. “Ideally you might have a different preparation but the fact of the matter is you can’t.” Selectors rested frontline pace bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood from the tour of South Africa to keep them fresh for the Test series. Australia played their most recent test series in Sri Lanka in July and August, and were white-washed 3-0. Sutherland reiterated his board’s call for less international cricket, not more, calling the current regime of

scheduling “difficult. At ICC (International Cricket Council) level it’s something we’re working very hard on,” he said. “To try and get more structure to refine the way in which international cricket is played and to be honest, ultimately play less international cricket, so that it’s more valuable and there’s not these random series that crop up all the time.” Australia’s selectors have also worn flak for a number of contentious decisions, prompting calls for panel chairman Rod Marsh to step down immediately, rather than wait until after the India tour next year as previously announced. Sutherland, however, said Marsh would not be rushed out the door. “The selection panel clearly have got their job to do and it’s challenging times,” he said.

(REUTERS)-South Africa’s fast bowler Dale Steyn has undergone surgery and will be out for at least six months after breaking a bone in his shoulder in the first Test in Australia earlier this month, Cricket South Africa said yesterday. The 33-year-old Steyn returned home for the operation in Cape Town, which was performed on Thursday, and had a screw inserted in his right shoulder blade. South African team manager Mohammed Moosajee said he will be out for a minimum of six months before he can even attempt to bowl again. “It is crucial to give the injury enough time to heal and to make sure that he is completely pain-free before he starts bowling again. He will begin with his rehabilitation programme once the satisfactory bone healing has taken place. This is expected to be in a few weeks,” he said. “We are positive that he will make a successful return to international cricket.” Steyn, who is just four

wickets shy of Shaun Pollock, South Africa’s most successful test bowler, suffered the fracture while bowling on the second morning of the first test win over Australia in Perth. “I felt this pop or thud in my shoulder and I was in a lot of pain... and went for an MRI and I’ve got a clean fracture in the bone that is inside my shoulder. It’s not pretty,” Steyn told Australia’s Channel Nine the day after suffering the injury. I just felt something go. I did something very similar against England in December in a similar area but it wasn’t as bad. That was a stress reaction which is like a very hairline fracture, a small crack.” Steyn missed almost all of the series defeat against England after injuring himself in the first test in Durban last December. He returned to play in March’s World Twenty20 and took eight wickets in August’s test win over New Zealand. He has 417 test wickets at an average of 22.30.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Hamilton wins Brazilian Grand Prix to keep F1 title race alive LEWIS Hamilton produced a masterful performance to win a wet, chaotic, crashstrewn Brazilian Grand Prix and take the title fight to the final race. His ninth win of 2016 came in a race with several high-speed accidents, two stoppages and five safety cars. The victory cut the lead of his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg, who finished second, to 12 points. Rosberg will secure the championship if he finishes third in Abu Dhabi on 27 November even if Hamilton wins. Hamilton legendary, whether he is champion this year or not As one of the most dramatic races for years unfold-

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton of Britain raises his trophy during the victory ceremony after winning the race as second placed finisher and teammate Nico Rosberg of Germany (L) and third placed finisher Red Bull’s Max Verstappen of the Netherlands look on. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

ed, Hamilton was supreme at the front in treacherous conditions, lapping consistently faster than anyone. After each re-start Hamilton cruised easily away from Rosberg - building at one stage an 18-second lead in 14 laps before another safety car cut his lead to nothing. His victory is the 52nd of his career, making him the second most successful race winner of all time ahead of Alain Prost (51). Michael Schumacher is way ahead on 91. Not too bad, huh,” said Hamilton. “I was generally just chilling up front. When it rains it’s usually a good day

for me. It was tricky for everyone. There were definitely opportunities for aquaplaning, which everyone did. “No mistakes, no issues, no spins. It was kind of interesting to hear how many people were spinning, but I didn’t have that problem. “I have always wanted to win since I watched Ayrton [Senna] win here in 1991. It has taken me a long time to get here and it is a historic day for me. To stand on the podium in Brazil where Ayrton was so loved was really special.” Rosberg said: “Didn’t go my way today. Lewis just did a great job. It was very difficult conditions

Pakistan team ‘safe’ after NZ earthquake ALL members of the Pakistan cricket team are safe in Nelson after an earthquake of high intensity hit New Zealand, their manager Wasim Bari has confirmed. Pakistan were in Nelson to play a three-day tour game before the first Test, scheduled to begin in Christchurch on November 17. The epicentre of the quake was 200km away,

Pakistan manager Wasim Bari

also on the South Island, but it was so strong - 7.4 on Richter Scale - that tremors were felt across the country. The Pakistan women’s team, who are also touring New Zealand, was even closer, staying on the 13th floor of a hotel in Christchurch. Basit Ali, their manager, told Geo News that they were all safe but “still scared”. The earthquake struck late on Sunday evening. “We felt the first tremors around

11.30pm,” Bari, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper, told ESPNcricinfo. “Some of the boys were in prayer, some were watching the India-England Test on TV when we felt the windows shake. The whole room began to shake. We were on the sixth and seventh floor, and evacuated immediately. The hotel staff was very helpful. We are all safe.” By around 1am on Monday morning, having walked

around outdoors for a bit, the team moved back to the reception. They had not yet got the clearance to go back up to the higher floors. “There have been aftershocks too,” Bari said. The east coast of New Zealand’s South Island is on a tsunami alert with people being asked to move either inland or to higher buildings if they can’t travel inland. Nelson is at the northern tip

of the South Island, but the Pakistan team remains aware of the tsunami risk. Pakistan were supposed to travel to Christchurch today, but their plans are now uncertain. This being the middle of the night, there had been no communication between the Pakistan team and the NZC, but NZC’s liaison officer has been with the team through the ordeal, Bari said. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Red Force puts Volcanoes under pressure with late wickets PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Opener Tyrone Theophile stroked a better than run-a-ball half-century but his enterprise was not enough as Windward Islands Volcanoes found themselves under pressure ahead of yesterday’s third day of the day/night first round game in the Regional Four-Day Championship. On Saturday’s second day at Queen’s Park Oval, Volcanoes got the worse of the exchanges, conceding a first innings lead of 100 runs and then losing late wickets to end on 135 for four in their second innings – only 35 runs ahead. The right-handed Theophile carved out his 12th first half-century with an attractive 55 and Jerlani Robinson chipped in with 33 but both perished after they were well

Tyrone Theophile set, to leave Volcanoes needing a massive effort in order to win the contest. Earlier, Jason Moham-

med struck his 10 th first class half-century as Red Force, resuming the day on 139 for five, were dismissed for 242 just over an hour after lunch. The right-hander, unbeaten on 30 overnight, made 70, and received support from the enterprising debutant Roshon Primus who followed up his six-wicket haul with an unbeaten 36. Mohammed faced 95 balls and struck ten fours, spearheading a 74-run, sixth wicket stand with wicketkeeper Katwaroo whose 30 came from 84 balls and included a four and a six. Once Mohammed fell, however, Red Force lost their last five wickets for 50 runs, even as Primus eked out precious runs at the end with two

fours and a six in a 76-ball knock. Shane Shillingford failed to add to his tally, claiming three for 53 while fellow off-spinner Liam Sebastien (2-27), along with seamers Mervin Matthew (2-47) and Delorn Johnson (2-61), all finished with two wickets each. Volcanoes then got a strong start from Theophile and veteran left-hander Devon Smith (19) as they reached the tea interval on 39 without loss. The pair put on 55 for the first wicket before Smith fell in the fourth over following the resumption, bowled by a full length delivery from left-arm speedster Sheldon Cottrell. Theophile, who faced a mere 48 deliveries and counted

ten fours, added a further 23 with Robinson before eventually departing, bowled by Primus. Still, the visitors were 91

for two on the stroke of the final hour but the wickets of Narsingh Deonarine (5) and Robinson, saw the advantage tilt Red Force’s way.

SCOREBOARD

VOLCANOES 1st Innings 142 T&T Red Force 1st Innings (overnight 139 for five) K Hope c Ambris b M Mathew 56 J Solozano c Robinson b Johnson 9 Y Cariah c Hodge b Shillingford 17 J Mohammed c wkp Ambris b Peters 70 *Y Ottley lbw b Shillingford 10 Imran Khan c Hodge b Shillingford 0 +S Katwaroo lbw b Sebastien 30 R Primus not out 36 M Richards lbw b Sebastien 0 J Jagessar c wkp Ambris b Johnson 6 S Cottrell lbw b M Matthew 3 Extras (b2, lb3) 5 TOTAL (all out, 83.4 overs) 242 Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-74, 3-96, 4-118, 5-118, 6-192, 7-203, 8-203,

9-218, 10-242. Bowling: Johnson 18-5-61-2, Mathew 20.4-4-47-1, Peters 174-49-1, Shillingford 17-3-53-3, Sebastien 11-1-27-2. VOLCANOES 2nd Innings D Smith b Cottrell 19 T Theophile b Primus 53 J Robinson lbw b Imran Khan 33 N Deonarine c Hope b Jagessar 5 +S Ambris not out 16 K Hodge not out 6 Extras (b1, lb2) 3 TOTAL (4 wkts, 36.4 overs) 135 Fall of wickets: 1-55, 2-78, 3-91, 4-119. Bowling: Cottrell 7-0-31-1, Richards 5-0-21-0, Imran Khan 6-1-20-1, Jagessar 12.4-4-32-1, Primus 6-028-1.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Ronaldo scores twice, misses penalty in Portugal 4-1win

(REUTERS)-Cristiano Ronaldo converted one penalty, missed another and also scored from open play as Portugal beat Latvia 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier yesterday. On a typically dramatic night for the Portugal captain, Ronaldo fired the European champions ahead from his first spot kick of the evening in the first half, but missed a chance to double their lead when his second effort struck the post. It looked a costly miss when Arturs Zjuzins equalised for Latvia in the 68th minute but William Carvalho headed Portugal back in front two minutes later, Ronaldo volleyed the third and Bruno Alves completed the win. Portugal stayed second in Group B with nine

points from four games, three behind leaders Switzerland. Portugal survived an early scare when a corner landed at the feet of Igors Tarasovs but he failed to connect cleanly and Rui Patricio saved. After being restricted to long-range shots, Portugal broke the deadlock when Nani was tripped by Gints Freimanis and Ronaldo fired low to Andris Vanins’ right in the 28th minute. Portugal won another penalty when Glebs Kluskins tripped Andre Gomes in the 58th minute but this time Ronaldo, who also missed a penalty in the Euro 2016 match against Austria, saw his shot hit the inside of the Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo kicks to score a goal. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes post and roll across the goal.

Ten minutes later, Latvia, who had barely got out of their own half, equalised when substitute Zjuzins scored with his second attempt from the edge of the area. But midfielder Carvalho came to the rescue two minutes later when he headed his first international goal from Ricardo Quaresma’s cross. Another Quaresma cross led to the third as it found Ronaldo at the far post and Portugal’s all-time leading scorer volleyed home his 68th international goal. Ronaldo then missed an easy chance for his hat-trick from Renato Sanches’ pass and also headed against the crossbar before Alves headed in Raphael Guerreiro’s chipped cross at the far post.

(REUTERS)-Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium destroyed Estonia 8-1 to seize top spot outright in World Cup Group H qualifying yesterday. Coach Roberto Martinez’s men also struck through Thomas Meunier, Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco and an own goal from Ragnar Klavan, with the first three coming inside the opening 25 minutes. Estonia replied just before the half-hour through Henri Anier but it was a lonely highlight for the Baltic nation who are second from bottom with three points. Meunier’s first international goal after eight minutes began the deluge as he timed a run to the back post perfectly to head home Carrasco’s cross. Mertens’ shot from out-

side the area took a wicked deflection for the second goal after 16 minutes and Hazard made it 3-0 with a powerful drive after a swift attacking move. A rare defensive slip then allowed Anier to turn and beat keeper Thibaut Courtois before the break. Belgium added three more goals in six minutes soon after the hour mark as they claimed their fourth group victory. Unmarked Carrasco finished off a square pass from Lukaku before Klavan steered a centre by Mertens into his own net. Mertens then grabbed his second goal with a chip over the goalkeeper after Lukaku’s effort had been well saved. Lukaku was rewarded for his contribution when his 83rd- minute shot took

a deflection to leave goalkeeper Mihkel Aksalu with no chance. The Everton striker was then fed five minutes later with a clever ball from midfield and he raced towards goal before shooting into the corner of the net. Belgium have 12 points from four games, two ahead of second-placed Greece and five in front of Bosnia who are third. Greece were held 1-1 at home by Bosnia yesterday.

Belgium destroy Estonia 8-1 to seize top spot

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 14, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) George Headley-176 (vs ENG, Barbados, 1930) (2) Desmond Haynes-148 (vs AUST, ATG, 1978) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first WI to make a ‘pair’ on Test debut? (2) Who is the first WI to score a century in an ODI game? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Belgium’s Dries Mertens celebrates with teammates after scoring against Estonia. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Hurricanes keep healthy lead despite losing two late wickets BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican grabbed two late wickets to keep Barbados Pride in the hunt but Leeward Islands Hurricanes kept their noses in front, heading into today’s pivotal final day of their first round game of the Regional FourDay Championship. After securing a healthy first innings lead of 140, Hurricanes were cruising at 65 for two before Warrican picked up two of three quick wickets to fall, to leave the hosts stumbling on 89 for five at the close at Warner Park. Montcin Hodge was propping up the innings with an unbeaten 36 while English County pro Chesney Hughes made 28, helping Hurricanes to an overall lead of 229. Test bowler Warrican has so far claimed two for six from 11 tight overs. Earlier, Pride were dismissed for 237 an hour before tea after resuming the day on 102 for three.

Kenroy Williams topscored with 45, Justin Greaves got 41 while captain Kevin Stoute chipped in with 24. Burly off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall finished with five for 117 while seamer Gavin Tonge picked up three for 27. Pride suffered two early setbacks, losing both overnight batsmen Shamarh Brooks (29) and nightwatchman Warrican (15) inside the first seven overs of the morning, to slide to 119 for five. Brooks added just one before departing to a catch at the wicket off Tonge in the fourth over and Warrican, starting the day on one, was caught and bowled by Cornwall. Williams then anchored two stands to help Pride past the 200-run mark, putting on 35 for the sixth wicket with Stoute and a further 67 for the seventh wicket with Greaves. The right-handed Williams produced a patient knock, lasting 101 deliveries and three hours and includ-

ing four fours while Greaves faced 75 balls and counted six fours. Pride were 171 for six at lunch and pushed on strongly afterward to be well placed at 221 for six before losing their last four wickets for 16 runs, with Cornwall and Tonge sharing the wickets to fall. In their second turn at the

crease, Hurricanes lost both openers Kieran Powell (2) and Kacey Carty (1) to slump to 13 for two but Hodge and Hughes put on 52 to rescue the innings. Leg-spinner Nikolai Charles broke the stand by removing the left-handed Hughes, and Warrican then weighed in to further stymie the Hurricanes progress.

SCOREBOARD

HURRICANES 1st Innings 377 Pride 1st Innings (overnight 102 for three) O Phillips c Bonner b Cornwall 24 A Alleyne b Cornwall 19 S Brooks c wkp Hamilton b Tonge 29 R Chase lbw b Taylor 22 J Warrican c and b Cornwall 15 *K Stoute c Bonner b Boatswain 24 K Williams b Cornwall 46 J Greaves c Hodge b Cornwall 41 M Rampersaud b Tonge 5 K Roach c wkp Hamilton b Tonge 2 N Charles not out 1 Extras (b2, lb1, nb6) 9 TOTAL (all out, 84 overs) 237 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-61, 3-99, 4-111, 5-119, 6-154, 7-221, 8-234, 9-234, 10-237. Bowling: Tonge 19-7-27-3 (nb2), Boatswain 12-6-29-1, Cornwall 35-5-

117-5 (nb4), Walsh 6-1-25-0, Taylor 11-2-34-1. HURRICANES 2nd Innings *K Powell run out 2 K Carty lbw b Roach 1 M Hodge not out 36 C Hughes c Stoute b Charles 28 N Bonner st Rampersaud b Warrican 11 +J Hamilton b Warrican 0 R Cornwall not out 3 Extras (b8) 8 TOTAL (5 wkts, 44 overs) 89 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-13, 3-65, 4-82, 5-82. Bowling: Roach 5-0-12-1, Chase 4-0-15-0, Williams 7-1-19-0, Charles 12-4-25-1, Warrican 11-7-6-2, Stoute 5-2-4-0. Position: Hurricanes lead by 229 runs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 14, 2016

Polo jerseys for boxing referees and judges

THE Guyana Boxing Association(GBA) recently handed over a set of Polo jerseys with emblems to the Referees and Judges Commission. The donation is part of a plan to have officials properly uniformed, a requirement of world governing body AIBA. In accepting the donation,vice-chairman of the Referees and Judges Commission Elton Chase thanked the GBA executive for the timely presentation since three referees are set to travel to Suriname in the near future for an international competition

In this photo Mr. Chase (left) receives the jerseys from GBA President Steve Ninvalle.

Soesdyke Falcons suffer mixed fortunes as GFF/NAMILCO Nat. Under-17 League continues

SOESDYKE Falcons suffered mixed fortunes last Saturday when the Guyana Football Federation/ NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power national Under-17 League continued at the Grove Playfield, East Bank Demerara. In their first match on Saturday, the Soesdyke side went down by a 1-3 margin to Circuit Ville Jaguars, but bounced back in game two and edged Kuru Kururu Warriors 2-1. When Soesdyke and Circuit Ville met in a firstround fixture of the tworound league, the former won by a huge 10-1 margin, but the organisers subse-

Circuit Ville Jaguars Dodson and Desmond quently awarded the game to the latter as Soesdyke was found guilty of fielding

scorers from (right) Bruce Forde ,Isaiah Cheater Club. In that game, Benjamin a player – Kelsey Benjamin had scored a hat-trick in – who is a registered player Soesdyke Falcons’ victory. of the Georgetown Football

However, on Saturday last, Circuit Ville made their intentions known from as early as the 19 th minute as Prince Forde opened the score line.The score was doubled 20 minutes later by Issiah Dodson. With a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the second period, the jaguars came out clawing at their opposition and tightened their stranglehold two minutes into the second period as Desmond Chester found the back of Falcons’ net.The Falcons,however,pulled one back as Dannet McLennon was on target in the 74th minute. Playing in the opening game of the double-header

card and cognizant of the fact that they had to give up their win to Circuit Ville, Soesdyke was placed under tremendous pressure by Kuru Kururu warriors who took the lead in the 25 th minute of play through a Ricardo Grant goal. Behind by one goal going into the second session, Soesdyke’s captain Tyrone Khan levelled the score in the 73rd minute. Three minutes later, Junior Williams gave Falcons the lead for the first time in the match. The two-round league will continue on Saturday with another double-header at the same venue.

Macorp 10th annual golf tournament a success THE Lusignan Golf Club was the place to be for fans of golf when the Macorp Annual Classic Golf Tournament was contested last Saturday. The tournament,which was played in the Flights format,gave golfers who did not perform well in the Guyana Open,the opportunity to redeem themselves. The tournament was played in the 19-36 handicap, 10-18 and the Championship Flight 0-9 categories. In the 19-36 category,Pastor Balgobin Ragnauth continued his fine form winning 67/26.

Maurice Solomon came second with 70/24 while Carlos Adams and Laksmana Ramroop finished with 70/26 and 71/23 respectively. In the 10-18 handicap, Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud and his brother Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud finished first and second with 66/13 and 66/16 respectively. Finishing behind them were Richard Haniff with 69/15, Roy Cummins with 70/13 and Hilbet Shields with 71/15. The Championship Flight 0-9 handicap saw Lusignan Golf Club Vice President

Patrick Prashad edging out former Guyana Open champion Mohanlall ‘Santo’ Dinanauth with a score of 67-9 to Santo’s 69/7. Balgobin Ragnauth (67) finished fourth, Patrick Prashad finished third with 67. In second was ‘Pur’ Persaud with (66) while his brother ‘Max’ Persaud (66) finished first. Prizes were also awarded for best net scores from first to fourth overall. According to Max, “I played one of my best games today. I did so well I had

several birdie plays, missed a few but did get some. I made a few mistakes but I recovered quickly from them, kept focus, and so I brought it home.” Nearest to The Pin (6’) was ‘Max’ Persaud, while Best Gross was a challenge between Prashad and Dinanauth, with Dinanauth winning on the back-nine count. Club President Oncar Ramroop expressed gratitude to Macorp for their continued support of golf in Guyana.

‘Max’ and ‘Pur’ Persaud pose with their trophies.

Polo jerseys for boxing referees and judges

(See Story on page 27 )

Windies Women lose ODI series to India

V I J AYAWA D A , I n d i a , (CMC) – Deandra Dottin’s 17th One-Day International half-century was in vain as West Indies Women slumped to their second straight loss of the three-match series against India Women, with a five-wicket defeat here yesterday. Once again, the Caribbean side failed to mount a serious challenge when they batted, posting an inadequate 153 for seven off their 50 overs, and the hosts had little trouble overhauling the target with 12 overs to spare at the Mulapadu Cricket Stadium. With the defeat, West Indies Women remained agonisingly shy of automatic qualification for next year’s 50-overs ICC World Cup in England, as they still require another two points to cross that line

The Indian women’s team cruised to an easy 5-wicket win over West Indies

Jamaica Scorpions face uphill task on final day

Leon Johnson JAMAICA Scorpions found themselves against the ropes yesterday after half-centuries from Vishaul Singh and Leon Johnson led a dominant Guyana Jaguars effort, on the penultimate day of their opening round game in the Regional Four-Day Championship. Set 329 for victory at the Guyana National Stadium, Scorpions were tottering on nine for two at the close, still

requiring an improbable 320 on today’s final day to win the contest. They were virtually batted out of the game by Vishaul who stroked a top score of 71 and captain Johnson who made 69 as Jaguars, resuming their second innings on 26 without loss, declared on 238 for four. Shimron Hetmyer struck a breezy 47 and opening partner Rajendra Chandrika, 34.

Part-time off-spinner Jermaine Blackwood was the best bowler on a difficult day for Scorpions with two for 12. With a lead of 90 on first innings, Hetmyer and Chandrika extended their side’s advantage by pushing their opening partnership to 73 before being separated. Hetymer, the successful West Indies Under-19s captain, faced 72 deliveries and counted seven fours while Test batsman Chandrika struck four fours in an 81-ball innings. Both perished before lunch to leave Jaguars on 109 for two at the break with Johnson on 17 and Vishaul on 11, and the pair dominated the second session to put Scorpions on the back foot. Both left-handers, Johnson faced 172 balls and hit six fours while Vishaul’s knock required 149 balls and included seven fours, as they added 133 for the third wicket.

Vishaul Singh Blackwood accounted for both in the end as they searched for quick runs with the declaration approaching. Any hopes Scorpions had of making an assault on the target were dented when first innings top-scorer John Campbell was bowled by pacer Keon Joseph for one in the second over. And in the day’s penultimate over, Devon Thomas was lbw to left-arm See page 23

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Sent in, West Indies Women were struggling at 58 for four in the 26th over before Dottin stroked a typically fluent 61 to pull them out of trouble. She found an ally in former skipper Merissa Aguilleira who made 25, but no other Windies Women player passed 15 in another disappointing outing. Both openers Hayley Matthews (6) and Shaquana Quintyne (9) went cheaply with just 20 runs on the board in the sixth over before captain Stafanie Taylor and Kycia Knight, both of whom scored 15, repaired the innings somewhat with a 25-run, third wicket partnership. When both fell within 13 runs of each other, it left

Windies Women to rebuild from scratch and they did so through Dottin and Aguilleira who added 70 for the fifth wicket. Both right-handers, Dottin counted six fours and a six in a 101-ball innings while Aguilleira faced 52 balls and notched two boundaries. Aguilleira was eventually bowled by left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht (2-28) at 128 for five in the 45th over and Dottin fell to the last ball of the innings, bowled by seamer Jhulan Goswami (2-28). Defending their small total, West Indies Women got the early breakthrough they needed when opener Thirush Kamini was dismissed for two in the unlikeliest of manners – obstructing the field – with

See page 23

Bravo could face more sanctions

WEST Indies batsman Darren Bravo is likely to face more sanctions after failing to remove a disparaging tweet relating to West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron from his timeline. Bravo was dropped from the Windies tour of Zimbabwe after calling on WICB president Dave Cameron to resign and referring to the WICB boss as a ‘big idiot’. However, in addition to dropping the player from the squad WICB director of cricket Richard Pybus in a letter from the board on Friday had informed the Bravo that he had 24 hours to apologise and remove the offending tweet or face further disciplinary action, including referral to the WICB disciplinary committee”. The player had until the time of the deadline reportedly failed to do either, which could now result in further punishment . Bravo had responded to WICB president Dave Cameron’s comments that he had only been offered a Grade C

Darren Bravo retainer contract because of his “poor performance” and declining averages. Bravo’s response triggered a formal letter from the WICB, which pointed to a breach of contract. “We would expect as a senior West Indian cricketer that you would recognise that your decision to vent your frustrations online, as well as to denigrate the president of the WICB, was inappropriate and unacceptable, as well as contrary to your contractual obligations to the WICB,” the letter reportedly stated. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016