Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14 12 2016

Elderly man collapses after jailed for ganja trafficking Page 24

No. 104765

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‘To Sir With Love’ author … E.R. Braithwaite dies at 104 Page

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11 held for Corentyne attack 15 Page

$50M cleared for immigration offices in NA, 16 Linden Page

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger on Tuesday joined the students and teachers of the President’s College at their Annual Christmas Party for Senior Citizens at the Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara location. In picture, The First Lady shakes hands with Ms. Ingrid Neil of Haslington, ECD (first left) even as she greets another guest at the party (MoTP photo)

Taxi driver dies in East Bank accident 25 Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

‘His life trumped hatred’ ––politicians reflect on Braithwaite’s sterling contribution to Guyana and the world

By Ravin Singh THE life of world-renowned writer Edward Ricardo

Braithwaite was reflective of love, triumphing hate during a time when challenges facing marginalised

groups – particularly blacks - were unprecedented.

It is not common for politicians from opposing sides

to agree, but when they do, it is usually on an undeniable fact. And the sterling contributions made to Guyana and the world by E.R. Braithwaite was one of those things that politicians in Guyana could have agreed on following his death at 104 years old on Monday.

Schooled in Guyana, the United States (US) and Britain, this international icon authored several books with thematic focus on racism and class, and the cultural difference between the First World and colonial societies.

He served as a diplomat and as Guyana’s first Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) in 1967; an educational consultant and lecturer for the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and was an academic. During World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot. His life’s story, though sounding like an implausible Hollywood script, would eventually become a bestselling novel and award-winning movie with the same title, “To Sir, With love.”

Describing him passionately as a “son of Guyana’s soil,” Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo offered that Braithwaite’s death should not go unnoticed in Guyana. “He has helped to put Guyana on the map with his book, ‘To Sir with love’, which became the subject of

their goal is to mould a new character. “It [the film] shows that those who despised him came to love him. Therefore, his life is one of triumph, of love, over hate”, a smiling Nagamootoo said.

Renowned author Edward Ricardo Braithwaite a movie; a very celebrated movie.

“Then there was the imperishable book ‘Homecoming’, dealing with his visit to South Africa. So, you have in one man a writer, a diplomat, an artiste, an intellectual; and it’s difficult to find those qualities in one person,” the Prime Minister said.

He said that if he could imagine what Braithwaite represented, it would be Sidney Poitier – the actor who played the role of the teacher (Braithwaite himself) in the movie ‘To Sir, with love.’

The Prime Minister related that Braithwaite was someone who had experienced discrimination as a teacher, but used his experiences to fight against discrimination, marginalisation and racism. He referred to the end of the film, which he says, shows that when someone is dedicated to their profession,

GREAT LOSS Former Minister of Culture, Frank Anthony, has also described the death of this international icon as “a great loss to all Guyanese.”

Anthony noted that Braithwaite’s work had made him a symbol for Guyana in the literary world. He said that which was narrated in his book ‘To Sir, with love’ was not only confined to the United Kingdom (UK), but represented what was happening in the world. And because of that kind of expose and expression by the late author, what was eventually experienced was a change of people’s minds and hearts.

“So, in a way, that work helped to humanise the world. I think he has made a sterling contribution not only to Guyana, but the world,” the former culture minister said.

He also reflected on Braithwaite’s momentous visit to Guyana in 2012, where the writer was able to sit and watch local actors dramatize ‘To sir, with love’ at the National Cultural Centre.

“I remember there was a very moving tribute. The show To Sir with Love’ was See page 3

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

‘To Sir With Love’ author

E D WA R D R i c a r d o Braithwaite, the Guyanese author, educator and diplomat whose years teaching in the slums of London’s East End inspired the international best-seller “To Sir, With Love” and the popular Sidney Poitier movie of the same name, has died at age 104.

Braithwaite’s companion, Ginette Ast, told The Associated Press that he became ill Monday and died at the Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Maryland. Schooled in Guyana, the U.S. and Britain, Braithwaite wrote several fiction and nonfiction books, often focusing on racism and class and the contrast between first world and colonial cultures. He was regarded as an early and overlooked chronicler of Britain from a non-white’s perspective, his admirers including the authors Hanif Kureishi and Caryl Phillips, AP said in a report.

President David Granger in a statement said that Guyana deeply mourns the passing of the late educator, author and diplomat. President Granger said that Mr. Braithwaite was an eminent Guyanese and distinguished diplomat and extends condolences to his family at this time. “Mr. Braithwaite lived a full and remarkable life, having authored ‘Choice of Straws’ (1965), ‘A Kind of Homecoming’ (1961), ‘Paid Servant’ (1962) and most famously, the 1959 ‘To Sir, With Love,’ which was made into the 1967 British hit film of the same title; starring Sidney Poitier and singer Lulu.”

Born in Georgetown on

June 27, 1912, Braithwaite attended the St. Ambrose Primary School in Alberttown, before moving on to Queen’s College, Guyana, and then the City College of New York (1940). He joined the Royal Air Force as a Pilot, during World War II, before leaving to attend the University of Cambridge (1949), where he earned a Master’s Degree in Physics.

Braithwaite later became a School Master in London, during the period 19501957, a Welfare Officer at the London County Council from 1958-1960 and a Human Rights Officer of World Veterans Federation from 1960 to 1963. He was the first Guyanese to hold the post of Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) in 1967. This led, subsequently, to his election as President of the UN Council for South West Africa in 1968.

He later served as Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela.

In 2012, as he celebrated his 100th birthday, he was bestowed with the Cacique Crown of Honour for his outstanding contribution in the field of literature and effective service as a diplomat. “President Granger, on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, extends heartfelt sympathy to his partner, Ms. Ginette Ast as well as other family members and friends of the late Mr. Edward Ricardo Braithwaite (E.R. Braithwaite), CCH even as the nation reflects, with gratitude on his contribution to the country,” the statement ended.

“To Sir, With Love,” his first and most famous book, was published in 1959. The autobiographi-

cal tale about how a West Indian of patrician manner scolded, encouraged and befriended a rowdy, mostly white class of East End teens, who in turn softened him, was an immediate success and a natural for film.

Poitier played Braithwaite (renamed Thackeray) in the 1967 release and the pop

light-hearted, AP reported.

PARENTS Both of Braithwaite’s parents went to Oxford University and he de-

Renowned author Edward Ricardo Braithwaite star Lulu was featured as one of the students. The title song, performed on screen and on record by Lulu, became a No. 1 hit. Audiences loved the movie, but critics found it too sentimental: Braithwaite agreed.

He criticized director-screenwriter James Clavell for downplaying the author’s interracial romance with a fellow teacher and said Poitier’s performance was too

‘His life trumped ...

From page 2

put on at the Cultural Centre and he was in the audience, and he shed a couple of tears when he looked at the performance,” Anthony recalled.

And because of his contributions and presence, Anthony said, he believes that the world has been made a richer place.

“He has had a long and productive life, and we truly mourn his loss. But in other ways we can celebrate his successes,” he added.

Also weighing in on the life and work of Braithwaite was Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who said that Braithwaite’s death is a matter for great sadness. “I think Braithwaite is going to be mourned, not only here in Guyana. He belongs to us in a special way, but he also

… E.R. Braithwaite dies at 104

belongs to the world. He was an important writer and educator. He has done an enormous amount of work, and we will miss him,” the minister said.

Like the other politicians, he believes that the late artiste lived a good, long and productive life, which he utilised to make invaluable contributions for the betterment of those with whom he had come into contact.

The minister revealed that he is inclined to consider branding some social or cultural element of society with Braithwaite’s name, but he said that would be done only after consultations.

“I think it’s a good idea, but I’ll have to consult with the President about it first,” he said.

scribes growing up with education, achievement, and parental pride surrounding him. His father was a gold and diamond miner and his mother was a homemaker.

He attended Queen’s College, Guyana, and then the City College of New York (1940). During World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot – he would later describe this experience as one where he had felt no discrimination based on his skin colour or ethnicity. After the war, despite his extensive training, Braithwaite could not find work in his field and, disillusioned, reluctantly took up a job as a schoolteacher in the East End of London.

The book To Sir, With Love (1959) was based on his experiences there.

While writing his book about the school, Braithwaite turned to social work and it became his job to find foster homes for non-white children for the London County Council. His experiences resulted in his second novel Paid Servant (1962).

Braithwaite’s numerous writings have primarily dealt with the difficulties of being an educated black man, a black social worker, a black teacher, and simply a human being in inhumane circumstances.

BAN ON BOOK In 1973, the South African ban on Braithwaite’s books was lifted and he

reluctantly applied to visit the country. He was granted a visa and the status “honorary white” which gave him significantly more privileges than the indigenous black population, but less than the whites.

He recorded the experiences and horror he witnessed during the six weeks he spent in South Africa in Honorary White (London: The Bodley Head, 1975). Braithwaite continued to write novels and short stories throughout his long international career as an educational consultant and lecturer for UNESCO, permanent representative to the United Nations for Guyana, Guyana’s ambassador to Venezuela, and academic.

He taught English studies at New York University; in 2002, was writer-in-residence at Howard University, Washington, D.C.; associated himself with Manchester Community College (Connecticut), during the 2005–06 academic year as visiting professor, also serving as commencement speaker and receiving an honorary degree. He turned 100 in June 2012.Braithwaite lived in Washington, D.C.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday,December 14 ,2016

Trump picks Exxon Chief for Secretary of State

[BBC] - President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed the chief executive of Exxon Mobil, Rex Tillerson, as his choice for US secretary of state. In a statement, Mr Trump praised Mr Tillerson, 64, as among the “most accomplished business leaders and international dealmakers” in the world.

Mr Tillerson is said to have a good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, alarming both Democrats and some Republicans.

The nomination needs Senate approval.

Days ago it emerged that US intelligence agencies believe Russia acted covertly to boost Donald Trump in the election race. Mr Trump has also selected former Texas Governor Rick Perry as his Energy Secretary, US media reported.

Mr Perry famously forgot the name of the energy depart-

“Rex Tillerson’s career is the embodiment of the American dream,” Mr Trump said

ment during a cringe-inducing gaffe at a 2011 Republican primary debate, when he said it was among the agencies he would eliminate if he was elected president.

The 66-year-old has also been a vocal critic of Mr Trump, calling him a “barking carnival act” and a “cancer on conservatism” before he dropped out of his second bid for the White House in 2015.

“Rex Tillerson’s career is the embodiment of the American dream,” Mr Trump said.

“His tenacity, broad experience and deep understanding of geopolitics make him an excellent choice for secretary

of state.” Mr Tillerson said he was “honoured” by the nomination, adding that he shared Mr Trump’s “vision for restoring the credibility of the United States’ foreign relations and advancing our country’s national security”.

The announcement had been widely expected, with Mr Tillerson favoured over high-profile Republicans, including the party’s 2012 presidential nominee, Mitt Romney. Although he has no formal foreign policy experience, as Exxon chief Mr Tillerson oversees a company with 75,000 employees and business activities in more than 50 countries.

He has warned of the “catastrophic” impact of unchecked climate change, although his company has been accused of deliberately misleading the public about the role of fossil fuels in global warming. But it is his connections to Russia that have drawn most flak.

He has forged multi-bil-

lion-dollar deals with Russia’s state oil company, Rosneft, spoken out against international sanctions imposed on Moscow and in 2013 was awarded an Order of Friendship by the Kremlin.

As rumours of his nomination gathered pace in recent days, one of Mr Trump’s rivals for the Republican nomination, Marco Rubio, said being “’a friend of Vladimir is not an attribute I am hoping for from” the next secretary of state. Another Republican Senator John McCain expressed concern over Mr Tillerson’s links to Mr Putin but promised he would get a “fair hearing” in the Senate.

Reacting to the nomination, Mr Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yury Ushakov, said all Russian officials and not just the president enjoyed “good, businesslike relations” with Mr Tillerson.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said his country was “looking forward” to working with the nominee.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Thurday, December 15, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Friday, December 16, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday,December 14 ,2016

Venezuelans queue to change Mexican Senator beaten money as banknote is pulled by men after road crash [BBC] - Mexican Senator Ana Gabriela Guevara, 39, is in hospital after being beaten up by four men following a traffic collision near Mexico City.

Ms Guevara was riding her motorcycle on Sunday evening when a car hit her and caused her to fall, she said. Ms Guevara, a former Olympic medal winner, said the men in the car got out

and hit her in the ribs and the head.

She said the attack had been “cowardly and vile” and that the car had rammed her on purpose. She said the men had insulted her for being a woman and a motorcyclist.

Ms Guevara, an Olympic-medal winning athlete before entering politics, has reported the incident to the police. She posted a photo

of herself on Twitter looking bruised after having surgery on her face with the hashtag #bastadeviolence (#NoMoreViolence).

Violence against women is a major problem in Mexico and across Latin America, where there have been mass protests demanding authorities do more to protect women from aggression.

The queue snaked around the building in Caracas

[BBC] - Venezuelans have been queuing at banks after they were given 72 hours to deposit or change 100-bolivar bills before they stop being legal tender. President Nicolas Maduro announced on Sunday that the banknote, currently the country’s highest-value note, would be pulled from circulation.

He said the move would combat cross-border smuggling and hoarding of the banknotes in neighbouring Colombia. But many Venezuelans are angry they now face long queues.

Financial institutions were closed on Monday because it was a bank holiday so when banks opened on Tuesday morning long lines began to form almost immediately. According to the central bank, there are more than six billion 100-bolivar notes in circulation, amounting to almost half of the country’s currency. Many Venezuelans fear that they risk losing their money if they do not manage to deposit the soon-to-be obsolete bills within the 72 hours allotted.

While that period will be followed by another 10day grace period in which the 100-bolivar bills can be exchanged for new, higher denomination ones, this will only be possible at branches of Venezuela’s central bank, of which there are few.

Sunday’s surprise announcement by President Maduro was greeted by anger and mockery by many on social media. Venezuela is in the midst of a severe economic crisis and analysts say the move is likely to further worsen the cash crunch the country is already experiencing.

But President Maduro argues it will put powerful cross-border smuggling rings, who he says hoard the high-denomination bills, out of business. He also ordered the closure of the border with Colombia to prevent the smuggled notes from being brought back into Venezuela.

Critics of the government have argued that, while this may constitute a temporary blow to the smugglers, they are likely to start hoarding the new higher-denomination notes due to be released from

15 December instead.

Many Venezuelans commented on Twitter under the hashtag #ColaBancaria (#BankQueue) that their lives seemed to have been reduced to endless queuing as chronic shortages of basic goods mean that a simple shop often turns into a day standing in line.

Ana Gabriela Guevara posted a picture of herself after the beating

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Green State Development Strategy DURING 13th-15th December, the United Nations Environmental Programme, in partnership with the Guyana Government, will be proceeding with consultation towards developing “Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy.”

Funding for the project will come from Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), and it is expected that a document will be prepared within a four-week time frame. That Government is proceeding with appropriate action to realise a commitment it made -- that in 2017, mechanisms will be put in place for the building of a green economy -- is commendable. It also is of consequence that, inherent is the development of this strategy, Government is reaching out to stakeholders.

This action exemplifies the belief grounded in Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution: that involvement is required of groups and individuals in the management and decision-making processes of the state that impact their well-being. Embarking on a consultative process in our diverse society allows for wide-ranging participation, wherein ideas and perspectives can flow from varying groups, professions and communities. At the same time, it must be cautioned that for the nation to reap maximum benefit from ideas, it would require a clear philosophy as to what constitutes a green state.

The green economy has been much touted since the APNU+AFC Administration took the reins of Government. Public discussions on this economic model have not been without some level of uncertainty as to what it constitutes and how it can work. It is important, therefore, that these kinks be ironed out from the get-go, in order to make best use of the resources and time available.

What will not be to the country’s best interest is if, at the end of this consultative process, there is an absence of clarity and consensus on what constitutes the green economy; how its model can lead to the creation of a better state; and how the programme would redound to the growth and development of the people.

Similarly, it ought not to be lost sight of that the characteristics of development in each country will be unique, and must accordingly be pursued.

In pursuing any developmental strategy, it would help should recognition not only be given to the goals, but also how these will impact on humankind and society.

The term green state seems to be indigenous to Guyana, but embodies the components of a green economy.

Consequently, it would bring clarity and meaning to the process should the terminology be examined and a common understanding agreed on in regard to what the policymakers intended to achieve.

The green economy (or green state), according to its proponents, is a developmental policy grounded in the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday,December 14 ,2016

SCS says disappointed at PSC self-serving comments on metered parking

Dear Editor,

SMART City Solutions (SCS) is disappointed and surprised at a self-serving and wholly uninformed press release and a series of privately-paid-for advertisements emanating from the Private Sector Commission on the subject of metered parking for Georgetown.

Smart City Solutions has made every effort to engage the Private Sector Commission in the interest of transparency. Smart City Solutions met with the Chairman and a number of members of the PSC Executive in August, and informed them of the Company’s background and experience and its plan for implementation of the parking meter project.

We offered to present a comprehensive brief on the project to the full Council of the Commission. On 2nd September, SCS wrote the Chairman of the Commission, requesting a meeting with the Council “to present a full brief on the project and respond to any questions or concerns which the business community may have with regard to the implementation of the project.”

On 13th September, SCS was invited to meet the Council on 20th September, but only the Vice Chairman, Executive Director and one member turned up for the meeting, evincing little or no interest on the part of the Commission. Nevertheless, SCS made its presentation and responded to all the questions asked. It is less than honest for the PSC to now

claim that there is “secrecy surrounding the project” and ask “what really are the details of the contract?”

Interestingly, at the first meeting with the PSC, SCS was asked if the company would be interested in partnering with local investors, questioning the current motives of the Commission in attacking the project at the point of implementation. As the Mayor of Georgetown has pointed out, the proposal to introduce a metered parking system in our city is not a new proposal, came before the Council since 1995, and was accepted by both the previous and present councils.

It is a project which has been given extensive review by the City’s Town Clerk, Treasurer and Engineer. It is nonsense for the PSC to describe the project as “shrouded in secrecy.” In fact, the City Council entered into an agreement with National Parking Systems (NPS) late in 2015 for a parking meter project for Georgetown. This company sought the extensive experience, financial resources and skills of an international consortium which has pioneered metered parking in Mexico, Panama and in Peru.

As a result, the consortium established a special purpose company, Smart City Solutions Inc., to take over the project and enter into an expanded contract with the City Council involving a projected investment of some US$10M. The PSC asks why the City Council could not itself manage the project. The fact is that the City Council did not, and does not, have the

Human Development Index of the host country. In seeking to implement this policy, recognition has to be given to the various pillars therein, and what are required for adherence.

In preparing Guyana to transition to a green state, it cannot be ignored that in many instances the country has ways to go, and getting there requires will and commitment by the people and their leaders. For instance: the management of liquid sewage is yet to confirm to the Cartegena Convention to which Guyana is a signatory. In significant part, our forest requires sustainable management, and this may require new laws and stringent enforcement, public education, and technical support in the extraction and reforestation processes.

There will be expectations that our labour policies confirm to international labour conventions, charters, and laws.

Moving to a green state can reap dividends. There is no denying Guyana has prime and rich resources which, should they be exploited under a new policy, would put the people at the centre of development, there can be reduction/

financial resources nor the experience and skills to procure, install, manage and operate a highly specialized, capital intensive, high risk metered parking system such as the traffic intensity in Georgetown demands.

It is irresponsible and disingenuous for the PSC to suggest that it does. The City, in fact, did not have the resources even to finance a feasibility study for the project.

The fact is that Smart City Solutions committed its own capital and resources to conduct a feasibility study, and its findings have formed the basis for the contract entered into with the City Council and the company’s design of the project. The contract with the City Council, as it is well known, was shared with the Government and reviewed by the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s Office. At the time of these reviews, the critical terms and conditions of the contract were based on the general assessment of the parking project, and the rates proposed, though consistent with international norms, were identified at the maximum limit; and indeed, this was recognised by the Attorney General’s review.

As a result, the terms of the contract were generously amended to substantially increase the consideration paid to the city from 20% of gross revenues before profit, if any, to 25% and then to 30% over the life of the contract.

The Private Sector’s advertisements misleadingly imply that the revenues received by the city are net, that is, after profit of the total

revenues. These terms may be compared with similar parking meter concessions operational worldwide and are fair and reasonable. The revenue remaining to the company must first cover the full installation costs, the full operating costs of the system, the mobile security and enforcement costs, promotion and public awareness costs, amortization of the entire investment costs and administrative costs before any profit is realised.

The Company bears the full investment risk of the project. The City of Georgetown benefits, free of cost, from the appreciable revenue and the citizens of Georgetown benefit from the resolution of an increasingly chaotic traffic condition escaping thousands of wasted hours, wasted gasoline and wasted time searching for parking and from the significant security imposed by the policing of the project.

Further amendments reduced the parking tariff by some 60%, reduced accumulated charges for fines and booting by 73%, and reduced fees for towing by 67% and storage by 30%. All of these amendments were ratified by an overwhelming majority of the City Council.

All of the critical details of the contract are already in the public domain and have been widely published.

On 4th November the Town Clerk, Mr. Royston King and Managing Director of Business Development of Smart City Solutions, Mr. Amir Oren, hosted a Press Breakfast which was widely

Turn to page 7...

elimination of many social ills. These include poverty; less industrial conflicts; improved and enhanced productivity; improved health and longevity through less reliance on processed and chemically produced foods; better management of waste disposal and natural resources, which can bring about the protection of the environment.

“Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy” is a dream worthy of support. For quite some time, the country has been deprived of a development strategy, though there is a National Development Strategy that was compiled with the involvement of stakeholders in the 1990s, which has been placed on the shelves to gather dust. With clarity, vision, an indigenous programme, and enabling environment, Guyana is poised for transformation. This is our moment and time to charter a new course by bringing diverse talents, skills, and visons together for the growth and development of all the people and country.

Not a single report

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday,December 14 ,2016

-PM rails against Ramson’s non-submission of report

After intense scrutiny, the sum of $80M was approved at the level of the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly to initiate the process of constitutional reform and finance the Department of Governance and the Office of the Commissioner of Information.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo won approval of the House after being grilled by Opposition shadow Minister of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill, who was backed by People Progressive Party (PPP) Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira.

During the initial stage of consideration of the budget estimates allotted to the Office of the Prime Minister, Edghill enquired about the $80M allocated to the line item “Other” under Current Expenditure.

In response to Edghill’s request for a breakdown of the multi-million-dollar allocation, the Prime Minister explained to the Committee of Supply that the salaries, gratuity and vacation allowance for the Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Snr, amount to $36M. Ramson,

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

according to the Prime Minister, takes home a monthly salary of $1.7M. However, the Prime Minister complained that Ramson has not delivered a report on his work in recent years. “I have written him, he has given no report of his work over the years, and I understand that he has no

staff and no office,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

He noted that the remaining $44M will be used to finance the Department of Governance and to establish a Secretariat for Constitutional Reform, but he said that that secretariat would be established only after the tabling of the Constitutional

Kudos to 90.1FM

Dear Editor,

I SIMPLY love to listen to Mix 90.1 FM from Georgetown. As an avid listener of radio, I find their offering very appealing and suitable to my taste. They must also

be complimented for airing the much-loved Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 countdown, and developing a special app to listen to the station from anywhere: whether phone, computer, tablet, etc.

This is what being pro-

SCS says disappointed...

attended by the media and subsequently broadcast by a number of television stations.

All the questions regarding the project were openly and frankly answered. There is nothing secretive about the project.

The Private Sector Commission has accused the City Council and, by inference, Smart City Solutions, of “impropriety” claiming that the contract for the project “has a ‘status’ of bypassing national procurement legislation and procedures.” This is simply

not true and is unfounded.

The fact is that the National Procurement Act does not apply to the Mayor & City Council as a procuring entity which is governed under the Municipal and District Council Act. The M&DC Act does not address the issue of procurement with regard to the services being provided by Smart City Solutions.

It is unfortunate that the PSC should leap to public judgment before properly informing itself, and accuse the Mayor&

active and competitive in this technological day and age is about. Guyana needed a Top40 Hit music station like this for a very long time.

Regards, LEON SUSERAN

From page 6

City Council, to say nothing of a foreign private sector investor, of impropriety. The PSC advertisements make almost all of the ill-informed allegations that the PPP/C has raised, and which have already been extensively and directly answered in advertisements in all of the media.

Regards, SMART CITY SOLIONS (SCS)

Reform Consultative Bill, which is expected early next year.

In addition to the provisions in the budget, it was disclosed that $40M have been pledged by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to aid in the process of constitutional reform.

Turning his attention to the Department of Governance, Prime Minister Nagamootoo further explained that the department was placed under his watch following the dissolution of the Ministry of Governance.

“We haven’t been able to staff that department fully,” he told the Chair of the Committee of Supply, Dr. Barton Scotland, but noted that there is a Director of Governance.

That announcement sparked curiosity among the Opposition benches, with the Chief Whip asking the

Prime Minister to disclose the name of the Director of Governance and the person’s emolument. It was then disclosed that the Director of Governance is Tamara Khan, an attorney-at-law who was transferred to the department, which was previously headed by Minister Raphael Trotman.

“Is that person related to Imran Khan (the Director of Public Communication)?” former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall asked, as he jumped to his feet upon hearing the Prime Minister’s response. That question was not permitted by the Chair of the Committee of Supply, who contended that it was inappropriate. “I will not allow that question in the context of what we are doing,” Dr. Scotland told members on both sides of committee.

In search of more an-

7

swers, Edghill then turned his attention to the 31 contracted employees working with the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. In response to the PPP front bencher’s queries on Government’s position on contract workers, it was explained that the workers were inherited and were not taken off of the contract establishment.

However, the Ministry has started the process of transferring persons into the fixed establishment.

“Already there are five persons who have received public service training and are being transitioned into the Public Service,” he pointed out. After seeking the names of the top brass of the Office of the Prime Minister and their positions and emoluments, the Opposition members were told that the Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, is paid a monthly salary of $551,200.

8

$18B cleared for agriculture sector

THE Ministry of Agriculture’s 2017 budget has been cleared after consideration by the Committee of Supply.

More than $18Billion has been allocated to the sector for 2017 expenditure for administration, fisheries, crops and livestock and hydrometerological services.

Allocations under the Ministry of Agriculture are as follows: Administration, $ 16, 015, 698, 000; -Crops and livestock support services, $ 1, 346,550,000; Fisheries, $ 183, 163, 000 and Hydrometeorlogical services, $ 602, 894, 000.

A number of pump stations have been budgeted for construction along the East Coast of Demerara including at Lusignan ($ 162, 000, 047), Buxton/ Vigilance ($ 105, 152, 000), and Hope/Enmore ($ 186, 379, 000). These are just some of the budgetary allocations under the ministry’s Drainage and Irrigation programme which is aimed at reducing the risk of flooding.

Meanwhile, the livestock sector will see massive development with improvement of poultry and cattle breeds. The hinterland regions, more specifically the intermedi-

ate and interior savannahs have been targeted for the rolling- out of a number of capital expenditure projects. The fisheries sub-sector has allocations to promote inland fishing with the development of tilapia species.

Hydrometeorological services will see the construction of climatological stations in Kato, Hydrometerological stations at Chai Chai, Sand Landing and Amaila Falls.

As the estimates for each sub-sector was presented to the Committee of Supply for approval, attention was brought to a number of areas includ-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

ing increased budgetary allocations for training of staff, wages and electricity in some areas.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder explained that staff who previously served the ministry on contract were transferred to the permanent roster, thus increasing the number of staff for 2017 as is reflected in the estimates.

The increase in wages and salaries is as a result of increased salary scales that must be accommodated after the tax threshold would have been raised and deduction percentages reduced.

Additionally, Minister

Holder pointed out that increased electric utility is based on the fact that the ministry has acquired new electronic equipment and additional staff to operate within the ministry. Opposition chief whip, Gail Teixeira sought clarity on the conflicting figures of allocations for the agriculture sector. Teixeira pointed out that the Minister of Finance in his budget presentation said that $20.6B had been set aside for the sector, but only $18B was presented to the committee for approval. Minister Holder explained that the difference is outlined under regional allocations

for the Ministry of Communities.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the principal in this allocation is that sectoral programmes, such as those for Public Health, Education and Agriculture, implemented in each region and executed by the Regional Democratic Councils (RDC), and is therefore outlined in the budget of the regions.

However, these figures are still a part of the subject ministry’s budget. (GINA)

City Councillors agree to parking meter by-laws

By Telesha Ramnarine CITY Councillors yesterday perused a 71-page document containing the Georgetown Metered Parking By-laws, and a

majority of them voted that they understood the laws and are ready to have them implemented.

Seventeen councillors approved the by-laws, three abstained from vot-

ing, and two (People’s Progressive Party’s Bishram Kuppen and Khame Sharma) opposed them, when a Motion was moved by Councillor Heston Bostwick and seconded by Councillor Junior Garrett.

Town Clerk Royston King told this newspaper following the meeting that now that the by-laws have been supported by the majority, citizens can expect to see the machines

––$50 per rotation may attract VAT being installed on every street that is proposed, the boundaries of which are between South Road and Church Street, and Water and Camp Streets. Eventually, however, these boundaries will be extended to include many other areas.

According to the bylaws document, which still needs to be fine-tuned and corrected in some instances, $50 would be the cost for every 15 minutes, up to a maximum time purchase of six hours. These parking fees “may” be subjected to Value Added Taxes (VAT) or other taxes.

As for garage parking spaces, the cost will be $175 for every 15 minutes, up to a maximum time purchase of six hours per transaction. This, too, will attract VAT or other taxes.

In cases where parking wardens immobilise a vehicle, $8000 will be the fee; $12,000 for the towing fee; $7000 for the impoundment fee; and $7000 for the storage fee for every elapsed period of 24 hours.

These amounts will all be subjected to VAT or other taxes.

According to the document, any person wishing to park a vehicle in a metered parking space must first purchase a prepaid parking card or other permitted form of payment from a vendor.

Other methods of payment may include credit cards, debit cards, and smartphone applications with integrated payment methods. “Payment of the parking fees may be accepted from businesses, or from individuals though direct payment made monthly,” the document further said.

A city constable or parking warden, who must at all times display an identification badge with his photo and other necessary information, should not immobilise a vehicle where the driver is present and a fixed penalty notice is issued to him unless this driver had previously violated parking restrictions, and it was impossible to collect payment for penalties.

“Where a vehicle is causing a hazard or obstruction, the city constable or parking warden should remove it rather than immobilize it. If the vehicle is obstructing access to metered parking spaces or parked where it is prohibited, then the vehicle should be removed,” the document said.

If a driver returns to the vehicle while it is being clamped, or where removal is taking place, it is recommended that the operation be halted unless the clamp is secured or the vehicle

has all its wheels aboard the tow truck.

“If clamping or removal is halted, a fixed penalty notice (FPN) should be issued to the driver, provided that where the same driver or vehicle has previously violated parking restrictions and it has not been possible to collect payment for penalties, the city constable or parking warden shall be at liberty to immobilize and remove the vehicle.

“Where vehicles are removed, the city constable or parking warden should contact the acre police station and advise them of the time, place, vehicle registration number, and impoundment depot so the police can deal with queries from motorists who report their vehicle stolen.

“Where a vehicle has been immobilized or removed, the city constable or parking warden should seek to make it available to its owner within two hours of payment of all fees or fines. Before any vehicle is returned to any person claiming to be the driver or owner he must produce some form of picture identification or proof of ownership,” said the document.

Citizens will pay to park between 07:00hrs and 19:00hrs, and the meters will be suspended on Sundays and holidays.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

The problem with political correctness

By Akola Thompson DEFINED by the Merriam-Webster as an “idea that people should be careful to not use language or behave in a way that could offend a particular group of people”, the concept of political correctness (PC) has, over the years, been steadily gaining more detractors than supporters.

It has become something more concerned with imposing the idea of auditory purity on everyone and everything, which may “trigger” someone, because no one should be exposed to a bit of discomfort in their lives. I actually debated whether I should or should not write this, because I knew I would get tired of the PC defending brigade when they came.

While I am aware -and believe -- that PC was born with the best of intentions, like many concepts and ideologies put into practice, it has become somewhat dogmatic. At its core, one understands it is not trying to fix things, but rather mitigate the harm caused to victims; but I think that in trying to focus more on whose feelings we hurt rather than the root of the problem, we create a new problem, one in which we say PC things but have hate bubbling right below the surface.

I see it more now as a system of repression, not only to conservatives, but also to liberals such as myself. There seems to be the belief that the only way one can be seen as an ally to marginalized groups through the lens of PC is to adhere to every stringent rule being pedalled by the “safe space” enthusiasts, where meaningful disagreements are virtually killed in their ideological-ness. The

continuous extremes to which PC enthusiasts go are often so unfortunate that I have developed a theory that it was just created to uphold the barriers which have long been set up by having us run scared to even talk about it.

They are like buzzards: surrounding and analyzing your every word and joke for something they can be angry about. They pounce on you for using the wrong terminology, unaware that your level of privilege might not be as high as theirs -- to be able to learn all these things. They police literature, getting classics such as “To kill a mock-

ingbird” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” knocked off of school reading lists by saying the language is insensitive, given its commenting

to be sent to the Virginia School Board, will point out “each book enables readers to gain a historical understanding of race relations in America, and

“LET me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson. upon race and realistic portrayals of racism in the time it was written.

The NCAC, in a letter

invites them to examine race in the present day.

Although discomforting to some, the racial slurs

realistically depict American history, and should be addressed under the guidance of a teacher.”

I think one of the things we as liberals need to learn to overcome is our desire to have this ideological world we have created, and learn how to effectively deal with the actual world, without becoming abusive to everyone or everything we consider to be against it. There is such a presumption of moral supremacy in PC circles that many do not see the irony in it encouraging absolutist totalism. What is critical and denigrating is that we have become the same people that PC was first born to help us with.

We cannot continue calling every detractor xenophobic; homophobic illiterate racists when they hurt our liberal feelings, and expect them to even try to analyze themselves and see that their voices are as much needed in this as in any other. Because when we are intolerant of dissension, growth is made not through a process, but by fear. I think we need to take a step back from our over-protected points of view and wonder whether the change we are seeking can be possible if we are the ones now seen as oppressive to free speech, no matter how factual that is.

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Roraima to build ‘massive hotel’ at CJIA … cops Diaspora Chamber of Commerce award

By Shauna Jemmott R O R A I M A G ro u p o f Companies plans to execute an expansion programme in 2017, which includes the construction of a massive hotel facility near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Timehri.

This is according to Roraima’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Captain Gerald Gouveia, who told the Guyana Chronicle in an interview on Tuesday that “We are looking to expand our air operations and build hotel facilities near the airport.”

He said Roraima Airways is also gearing up for the year-end season, increasing several flights. While other flight improvements are on the cards, weekly flights to Cuba will increase from five to ten. Increase of flights to other destinations will be announced later this week.

“We are very optimistic about the future, the future for tourism and business and

we are moving full speed ahead,” Captain Gouveia told the Guyana Chronicle.

Meanwhile, for its admirable dedication in areas of Tourism and Aviation, Roraima Group of Companies was honoured with another business award, this time by the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) at a gala in Florida, United States of America.

Gouveia received the award Saturday night from Caribbean Central America Action Vice President, Jennifer Nugent at the Bonaventure Resort. In a statement, Captain Gouveia of Roraima Airways, on accepting the award thanked the GACC for the recognition given to his company’s dedication and contribution to Guyana’ tourism and aviation industry since 1992.

He said Roraima is dedicated to creating jobs, making Guyana better, helping people and promoting Guyana as a tourism and business destination. The company has saved hundreds

of lives this year through its collaboration with the

AS PART of the capital expenditure for 2017, a sum of $22.5M has been set aside to purchase several new vehicles for use at state functions, mainly involving visiting Heads of State.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, told the National

Assembly that the new vehicles would replace several aging one. He made the disclosure on Tuesday as the current and capital expenditures of the 2017 Budget were scrutinised by the Opposition.

Harmon said the fleet

comprises four cars and a land cruiser. According to him, the intention of the ministry is to have a fleet which can be used by visiting heads of state when on official events here. He said the move is to avoid the “uncertain situation of renting

Captain Gerald Gouveia displaying his award Ministry of Public Health for medical evacuation of

persons in the hinterland.

The company is also planning on providing 520 new jobs for Guyanese, increasing its staff of 260 by 200 percent. “… That will mean we need to expand Roraima Airways to thrice its size.

We are investing more in the aviation sector with the aim of meeting the current and projected demands of passengers and cargo capacity.

Guyana is expanding and we are ready to grow with it. We will do it!” Gouveia told the diaspora.

According to the statement, Gouveia also pointed out that though Roraima’s contributions have been great since its launch 24 years ago, he believes that the company has not yet reached its full potential.

Gouveia “reiterated that despite its recent partnership with Easy Sky out of Honduras to increase Shopping Tourism in Guyana and two additional Aircraft this year, the company is now taxiing on the runway for take-off.”

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Captain Gouveia said the awards speak to the faithfulness and excellent performance of the Roraima staff and team members and their loyalty to Guyana’s development.

This he said has been recognized at home and internationally through the Year of Jubilee, as the company also received two other prominent awards locally, and its CEO, being honoured by President David Granger with one of Guyana’s highest National Award, the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement.

The company’s chief resort, Arrowpoint Nature Resort, has been awarded ‘Resort of the year’ by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) in June, while in November the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) bestowed the Tourism Entrepreneur of the year Award on Captain Gerald R. Gouveia, Roraima’s CEO.

be provided with details of the 142-fleet currently used by the Ministry of the Presidency. He said that several of the vehicles which the new administration inherited after assuming office in May 2015 were taken out because of the state of their disrepair.

Harmon said also that once the new vehicles are not in use, they will be “moth-balled” and placed in a secure place until ready for use by visiting leaders and persons on a similar level visiting Guyana.

New fleet of vehicles for visiting Heads of State vehicles for such functions”, and that the vehicles will be properly identified and maintained.

Opposition MP Juan Edghill asked for an inventory of the vehicles on the roster of the ministry, and Harmon noted that this can

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

State House staff gets training in table management

FIRST Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger on Tuesday held a simple graduation ceremony to mark the successful conclusion of a one month Instruction on Table Management and Menu Planning course for the staff at State House.

The course, which was a collaborative effort between the Office of the First Lady and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) saw 16 staff members being certified in hygiene rules, table etiquette, menu planning, hospitality, constituents of food and food groups, and the use of the multimix principles.

A release from the Ministry of the Presidency noted that this capacity building exercise was conducted from November 9 - December 9, 2016 and is the first of several training opportunities that the First Lady plans to offer to staff members of State House.

According to the release, Mrs. Granger said that it is always her hope to ensure that staff qualifies themselves in their field of work and that they are given recognised certificates.

“I believe persons must constantly upgrade their skills. Nobody is going to be forced to take part but we’re going to have discussions early in the year about what the staff think they might benefit from and we’ll see how we can provide short courses with recognised certification as we go along,” Mrs. Granger was quoted as saying by

the Ministry of the Presidency.

The First Lady, who is committed to building positive working relationships with her staff, noted that with qualifications come confidence and the ability

GDF, for affording her the ability to make this course available. “The Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, [Brigadier] George Lewis very kindly agreed to provide us the service of [Warrant Officer]

for providing that opportunity.

Custodian at State House, Ms. Jacqueline Dowlin said she looks at the First Lady’s initiative as a way of equipping her staff with much needed confi-

dence.

“It is a very good idea especially for me. They say you’re not too big to learn and I am not too big… One of the things that I like about her is that she motivates you; encourages you to go

Left to right: Course facilitator Warrant Officer, Weslyn Boodie, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger and Lt. Col. (ret’d) Ms. Yvonne Smith to build successful careers.

“I [always] encourage the staff to take opportunities for training… This will help them to be much more confident when they go about socially, when they do their jobs and give them the kind of skills that they need to take them through life. I also believe that the learning experience helps to build friendships… and this will add to the spirit of the staff of State House,” Mrs. Granger said.

She also thanked the

Weslyn Boodie, who trains staff in the GDF and she very kindly came along and conducted the course,” Mrs. Granger said.

Members of staff were high in praise of the First Lady’s initiative, which they deemed as a good learning experience. Lance Corporal Melinda Jones, who is assigned to Kitchen duties, stated that though the course was a bit challenging for her she has learnt a lot and she’s very grateful for the First Lady

ahead, not because you’re here for one thing means you can’t do more, but you can go ahead and do something more. I really appreciate it [all],” Ms. Dowlin said.

Additionally, Ms. Shavone Brutus, Receptionist at Office of the First Lady, said that she jumped at the opportunity since she loves the kitchen and added that she felt motivated by the fact that the First Lady always looks out for the best interest of her staff.

“She’s [First Lady] warm and she’s very concerned about every aspect of our lives even though we have different functions… and I’m there to grasp everything that I can [and] I am thankful to her,” Ms. Brutus said.

Mr. Kelvin Harris, Driver at Office of the First Lady, said though he did the course before at Carnegie School of Home Economics, he wanted to reapply some of the skills he learnt.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

Birth certificates now have security features … millions of GRO records now digitized

THE General Registrar’s Office (GRO) has this year issued a total of 300,000 birth certificates and is working to computerise its records -- a task which has so far seen 3.5 million records being transferred from paper to electronic format.

Records have been compiled for the period 1987 to 1997, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, told the National Assembly on Tuesday as the Committee of Supply perused the 2017 budget

estimates for the ministry he heads.

Felix said the ongoing exercise will see the unit carrying out similar works for the 100-year period: 1896-1986, after prospective contractors failed to meet the required stipulations.

The sum of $3.5M has so far been expended on the exercise, and the GRO internal staff will be tasked with undertaking additional volumes of work spanning the 18961986 period, Felix told the House.

“We have been calculating our progress by years,” he said, as Opposition Members of Parliament queried the sum of $194M which has been allocated for such works for the fiscal year 2017.

Following a period of back and forth in regard to questions and answers, Felix informed MPs that the sum of only $3M has been spent on the compilation of data for the 10year period. “The money is still with us; we will now mobilise internally to proceed with this proj-

ect”, he said, noting that the two entities which had indicated interest in the project did not meet the requisite standard.

He said the remaining $191M will be returned to the Consolidated Fund and the sum of $194M budgeted for 2017 will be utilised for the continuation of the computerisation process.

Meanwhile, persons have been receiving upgraded birth certificates, which are being produced with added security features, making the docu-

ment difficult to be replicated. As details of the current expenditure came in for perusal on Tuesday, Felix was grilled by the Opposition on the projected sum of $37.5M for 2017, as opposed to the $9.5M which were set for the funding of print and non-print materials for 2016.

“Mr. Speaker, the cost went up because there was need for us to provide or produce a birth certificate that is secure,” Felix said.

He told the House that the quality of paper used is of

a high standard and cannot be easily replicated, and the security features have also been upgraded.

Meanwhile, a sum of $4M has been set aside in the 2017 budget for a minibus which will aid the GRO to carry out its functions. Felix informed the House that, for many outreaches, the cost of moving staff using rental vehicles “is an expensive one.” As such, he noted the rental cost will be erased with the purchase of the agency’s own vehicle.

PPP renews call to withdraw 2017 Budget ––cites need for urgent dialogue to address concerns

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has signalled its intention to back other calls for a review of the National Budget for 2017.

Party General Secretary, Clement Rohee told a press conference yesterday that the PPP will be joining with the Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) of the Roman Catholic Church; the Private Sector Commission (PSC); the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC); and Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) in calling on the government to either engage in dialogue before the passage of the budget, or withdraw it altogether.

The JPC in a recent statement said, “The nation is on the wrong path, part and parcel because of the Hamilton Green Pension Bill 2016; the D’Urban Park accountability scandal; the controversial rental of the pharmaceutical bond; the audit reports for partisan and personal gain; the exorbitant salary increases for ministers; the melting down of GuySuCo; the Baishanlin-gate; and the manner in which the Dr Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry was initiated and concluded.”

The Commission further said in its statement that the issues at reference constitute “a threat to reconciliation and trust” of the Guyanese public.

And according to a Stabroek News report, the PSC, GTUC and FITGU had not only cited Article 13 of the Constitution as catering for the involvement of civil

society in decision making, but listed as well, a range of provisions in the 2017 Budget with which they have concerns, such as VAT, taxation on key services, and the proposed garnishing of accounts of delinquent taxpayers by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

And while the responsibility of addressing the situation comprehensively rests squarely on the shoulders of our political leaders, the organisations are calling specifically on the President and Leader of the Opposition to engage each other, and agree on a programme of healing that will relieve the nation of its pain and lead us to the promised land of trust in each other.

Rohee said yesterday that apart from the concerns raised by the JPC, the PPP is still holding strong to its call for an end to the alleged discrimination against and resuscitation of the Community Support Officers (CSO) programme; reinstatement of the water subsidy for pensioners, among other things they have continuously called for.

“The efforts made by the concerned parties are those of national unity on issues of grave concern,” Rohee said, adding: “People are of the view that the PPP is opposing the Budget for its own interest, but we are not alone in calling for a withdrawal; the budget measures are not solely about politics, but also about the livelihood of the nation.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

$20M budgeted for Wildlife Commission

THE Wildlife Conservation Management Commission is expected to come on stream in January 2017 with the anticipated assent of the relevant bill by President David Granger.

For 2017 a sum of $20M has been allocated for the body which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency and the relevance of the allocated sum was raised by the Opposition when the 2017 Budget estimates were scrutinised On Tuesday.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon in response to queries raised said that the

commission will be signed into law shortly - at least

by January 2017. “We are looking at all the provisions of the bill right now to see how best we can activate those mechanisms that are placed under it,” Harmon told the Committee of Supply, noting that the matter is within the immediate contemplation of the government.

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira questioned whether it is legal for a body to be budgeted for when a statute has not been assented to. However, Harmon noted that provisions

Woman, ex-cop held for Corentyne attack ELEVEN persons including a woman have been arrested as police continue their investigations into Monday’s robbery of a Corentyne businessman by a large gang of bandits carrying AK-47 rifles.

Some $20 million in cash, as well as over S1M in jewelry were stolen during the attack. On Tuesday police grilled the men held with the hope of cracking the case.

Commander of B Division, Errol Watts said he is optimistic of a breakthrough shortly. He has confirmed up to press time that 11 persons, including a female suspect and an ex-police officer are among those detained. Those in custody reportedly hail from the New Amsterdam/ Canje area, while the others were picked up from different locations in Berbice.

Commander Watts has also confirmed the arrival, as promised, of a highly-trained team from the city to assist with investigations and serve at the Springlands Police Station “to work towards a crime-free Christmas season.

At around 01:45hrs on Monday last gunshots rang out in Cambio Dealer, Devendra Churaman’s Lot 93 Albert Street, Kingston, Corriverton residence as 15 men armed with AK47 assault rifles, shot guns and cutlasses broke down a steel door to gain access into his home.

According to Churaman, five of the men entered his home while the others kept guard at the side of his house, on the street and on the fence while discharging several rounds in the air, and setting alight fire crackers. After gaining entrance into the home, the bandits used a sledge hammer to break a steel door, gaining access to

Businessman Devendra Churaman, called ‘Katak’ the businessman’s bedroom.

There, they held him at gunpoint and forced him to lie on the floor while the other bandits demanded cash and jewelry. According to the 48-year-old cambio dealer, he told the bandits he did not have money and one of the bandits rushed up to him, threatening him with a cutlass. And at this point, he handed over some money.

The bandits ransacked the home and took away jewelry worth over $1M and over $20 million in US and Guyana currency. The bandits also took away the surveillance footage from the home before making good their escape.

Crime scene investigators were able to recover eight spent shells (7.62 * 39), two spent shell gauge cartridges, one warhead, 21 live (7.62* 39) rounds and fire crackers at the scene of the robbery. When this newspaper contacted Churaman on Tuesday, he related that the incident has left him fearful as he has not been able to “sleep or eat”. He is however, thankful that his family was not at home at the time of the incident and that he was not harmed during the hourlong ordeal.

have to be made in anticipation of the body come into fruition. He reminded the committee that the bill has already debated and is now awaiting the signature of President Granger. He reiterated that the body will be made functional next month once the legislation is assented to by the President.

The National Assembly green-lighted the Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill 2016 in August this year paving the way for the better management of the country’s flora and fauna while bringing the country into compliance with its

international obligations. In August, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman told the National Assembly that the Bill has its origins in the International Convention on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and can be traced back several years.

“This is its third attempt at being passed…its third incarnation. There have been some changes made to it and I wish to recognise that this is not a new Bill but one which has passed this way before though

it has never made it this far where it is likely to be passed into law,” Trotman said at the time.

Guyana is a signatory to CITES, and as such member states are required to carry certain responsibilities, including having appropriate laws and regulations to safeguard that flora and fauna and to curb the illegal trade of wildlife. The member state is also expected to have mechanisms to ensure the safe and regulated movement of wildlife both within and without of state parties.

As part of its respon-

sibilities, the Wildlife and Conservation Management Commission is tasked with the enforcement of all wildlife laws, regulation of international and domestic wildlife trade and the body is also expected to conduct research. It will also develop and execute management and conservation plans, ensure protection of endangered species, assist with the development of wildlife-based initiatives, as well as assist local communities to develop and manage their wildlife resources.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

MET Office predicts more heavy rain ––following Tuesday’s downpour which left parts of Georgetown inundated

Cars traversing the flooded Quamina Street

FOLLOWING heavy rainfall yesterday, parts of the capital city were left inundated, and persons and vehicles had to battle high levels of water while traversing the streets.

The Guyana Chronicle discovered in a drive around town that streets such as Quamina, Albert, and even parts of South Ruimveldt were heavily flooded, and persons had to hitch up their pants to exit their yards. Commuters indicated that they expected this level of rainfall at this time of the year. They said the water levels are usually higher, but thanks to the

constant efforts of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to clean and desilt drains, the amount of water is not as high as was the case in previous years.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact the M&CC for a comment on the flash flooding proved futile. Nonetheless, forecasts from the Guyana Meteorological Office (MET Office) has indicated that more rain and thunderstorms are expected over the next three days, with today’s amount of rainfall expected to be between 0.0mm and 40.0mm.

A Street in South Ruimveldt following yesterday’s heavy rainfall (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

$50M cleared for immigration offices in NA, Linden AS THE authorities work towards decentralising public services in 2017, immigration offices are expected to be opened in New Amsterdam and Linden.

As the estimates of the 2017 National Budget were considered in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, said the sum of $50M has been set aside to cover the cost of constructing two buildings to be used as immigration offices in New Amsterdam and Linden.

He said the immigration offices would initially be manned by members of the Guyana Police Force, as obtains at the Central Immigration Office in the city, but eventually civilians will man the two facilities.

Stating that contracts are yet to be awarded for the projects, Felix noted that the two immigration offices would be equipped with closed circuit televi-

sion cameras, air conditioning units, desktop computers, printers, several cubicles, and waiting areas with adequate seating for members of the public.

During his address to the National Assembly in October, President David Granger had said that public services must be accessible to every citizen in every town in every region. He said no citizen should have to leave her or his region in order to access public services.

“We will accelerate the decentralization of public services alongside the development of ‘capital towns’ in 2017”, the President said. In addition, he said that provision of quality public services is associated with enhancing the ‘quality of life’ of citizens. He said Government is cognizant of the need to improve public administration to make public services more accountable, accessible and affordable.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

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Over 115 fatal accidents recorded

… more than 60,000 persons charged STATISTICS released by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have revealed that there is an 11% increase in fatal accidents, with 115 fatalities recorded at the end of November, compared to 112 for the same period last year.

However, there were decreases in serious and minor accidents, but damage accidents have increased.

“Enforcement is continuous countrywide,

with special emphasis on driving under the influence of alcohol; speeding; music/ breach of condition of road service licence; overloaded mini-buses, and use of cellular phones,” a statement from the Force noted.

A total of 65,357 persons have thus far been charged with traffic offences for this year, and about 55% of those persons have paid their fines. A breakdown of the cases follows:

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Norton denies instructing F&D Director to release Sueria shipments PUBLIC Health Minister Dr. George Norton has denied instructing the Director of the Government Analyst Food and Drug (F&D) Department, Marlon Cole, to release all consignments belonging to Sueria Manufacturing Incorporated.

A statement from the Public Health Ministry noted on Tuesday that a December 12, 2016 article in the Stabroek News, headlined “Norton instructs Food and Drug Director to release Sueria consignments”, is contrary to Minister Norton’s stated position.

The Stabroek News’ article has said that Minister Norton also instructed the Food and Drug Director to “first seek clearance from him before any decision to seize or withhold any imports.”

According to the statement, following allegations by the manufacturing company about being victimized by Mr. Cole, Minister Norton, along with Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, and

other senior Public Health officials, met with the Director on November 28, 2016. The Public Health Minister then met with officials of Sueria Manufacturing on December 1, 2016 to discuss the matter.

The statement noted that

Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton consequent to these meetings, it was the “intention” of Dr. Norton to communicate two courses of action to Mr. Cole, but the correspondence to that effect was “never” sent. These courses of action were: establish a Drug

Advisory Committee and a Food Advisory Committee, in accordance with Section 26 (a) of the Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:03; and pending the establishment of the committees, the Director must first inform the Minister of Public Health of any intention to cease/withhold consignments being imported by companies whenever such action is being contemplated.

“The meeting with Mr. Cole might have left some doubt in the minds of the MoPH officials. However, Minister Norton has acknowledged that in all fairness to Mr. Cole’s actions, the F&D is a regulatory body, and he would not want to be involved in influencing the body in any way,” the statement explained.

“Minister Norton has insisted that he will not undermine the F&D in its operations. While it is his desire to resolve the situation amicably, he stated that the court remains an avenue which the disgruntled party can use to seek redress,” the statement concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

Cops haul in 96 illegal guns -say crime down by 16%

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a 16 percent decrease in serious crimes at the end of November 2016, a release on Tuesday noted. According to the force, the continuous monthly reduction in serious crimes is testimony to the excellent collaboration among the many stake-

holders and the public at large, coupled with the strategies employed by the force.

According to the statistics provided by the force, there was a break-even in reports of murder, with a clear up rate of 64 percent; a 6 percent decrease in robbery under arms where firearms

were used with a 15 percent clear up rate; a 17 percent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used by the perpetrators with a clear rate of 23 percent.

It was also revealed that there has been a 25 percent decrease in robbery with violence with a 27 percent

clear up rate; a 9 percent decrease in robbery with aggravation with a 32 percent clear up rate; a 14 percent decrease in robberies where no instruments were used with a 8 percent clear up rate along with a 32 percent decrease in larceny from the person with a 24 percent clear up rate.

Additionally, there was a 21 percent decrease in rape with a 31 percent clear up rate; a 20 percent decrease in break and enter and larceny with a 20 percent clear up rate and a 12 percent decrease in burglary with a 18 percent clear up rate.

The statistics also re-

vealed that ninety-six unlicensed firearms were taken off the streets by the police for the reporting month.

These include 42 pistols, 28 revolvers, 24 shotguns and two rifles. In November, Head of State, David Granger had dismissed concerns about the spate of criminal activities, noting that the situation is being exaggerated and Guyanese will have a “safe and comfortable Christmas.”

The President pointed to mounted patrols in Black Bush Polder and in the Rupununi with the hope of reducing violent crimes. He also spoke to the increase in

policemen on the ground, a move which began on November 15, 2016 and will run until January 15, 2017.

During the Christmas season, more ranks of the Force are placed on the streets, given the hive of activities that take place.

Government had said that the Guyana Police Force and the Joint Services will continue to “scale up security activities in targeted areas to ensure the security of residents and visitors across Guyana as the country enters the holiday season and in light of the uptick in criminal activity.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

Ogle Airport denies putting down dogs … says Customs has been seizing animals recently

By Svetlana Marshall

THE Management of the Eugene F. Correia International Airport said it was not involved in the euthanising of animals brought to the port from hinterland locations. “ O g l e A i r p o r t M a nagement has absolutely no knowledge of, nor is the Ogle Airport Management involved in anything to do with animals being stopped or flown in,” Kit Nascimento, the Public Communications Consultant for the Airport said on Monday.

In an article carried in the December 11 Edition of the Sunday Chronicle under the headline “Ogle airport officials ‘put down’ dogs from interior,” it was reported that several passengers had expressed shocked at the action of authorities “there” who would have euthanized and burned several dogs brought to the port from hinterland locations.

While the management of the airport is not involved in such actions, Nascimento said in recent times it would have received complaints from aircraft operators that the customs officers were seizing animals flown into the airport.

“We passed that com-

plaint onto the Aircraft Owners Association, which has sought a meeting with the Commission for Inland Revenue responsible for Customs on a number of matters including this complain,” the Public Relations Consultant said.

He made it clear that the Management of the Eugene F. Correia International Airport has no responsibility or authority over the Customs and Immigration Department at the airport.

However, following the report, the management of the airport enquired from the customs officers there about the reported cases. “They told the airport management that their protocol is that they take possession of any animal coming from the interior which may have come in from across the border,” he said, while noting that based on information received the responsible Ministry and Animal Health Authority are informed and would take possession of the animals.

“No animal, according to the information given to us by customs, has been euthanized or in any way harmed at the airport,” he emphasised.

However, a passenger told this newspaper that several days ago the author-

ities operating out of the airport “cruelly” killed and burnt three dogs which were brought out from the border location of Eteringbang to Ogle.

Reports are that the passenger had presented the relevant documents which indicated that the animals had been inspected across the border in Venezuela, but the officials at Ogle informed the passenger that there was no other option but to “putdown” the animals. The action was taken since the papers presented were written in Spanish and could not be translated and the passenger was informed that the documents were not issued by a veterinary doctor at Eteringbang. It remains unclear if there are any such health inspectors at any hinterland airstrip, including those near the country’s borders.

On Saturday, officials at the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) on Robb Street expressed surprise at the information. It was noted that the “cruel” measures adopted by the management of the airport did not conform to a 72-hour time period within which the owner of domesticated or terrestrial animals are given to provide the necessary documentation

on the health status of animals. In that time period, the animals are expected to be quarantined.

According to the Animal Health Act 2011, under Import Permit and Border Inspections, upon inspection by an authorised officer, where he/she is satisfied that the import of the shipment would result or is likely to result in the introduction or spread in Guyana of a vector or a prescribed disease, or where the documentation accompanying the shipment

fails to meet the prescribed requirements, several measures are implemented at the expense of the importer.

These include the taking of samples for submission to an official laboratory for analysis, transfer of the animal to a quarantine station or any other location identified by the Authority for testing or disinfection, return to the country of origin; or destruction. The Act also states that by order of an authorised officer, any terrestrial animal (any mammal, bird or bees)

may be placed under quarantine in a quarantine station where the authorised officer suspects that the animal is suffering from a prescribed disease.

In addition, the Act states that every terrestrial animal which is imported, unless exempted by virtue of regulations or subject to a different order of the Authority shall upon being landed be placed in quarantine for such period and be subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

‘Killer’ charged with possession Elderly man of illegal gun, ammo collapses after EON Ward, also known as ‘Killer’ was remanded to the Georgetown Prison by Magistrate Clive Nurse on Tuesday following his appearance at the Linden Magistrate Court, where he was charged with the illegal possession of a gun and ammunition.

The court heard that on October 3, 2016, he possessed a 9mm Ruger

semi-automatic pistol with seven matching rounds, when he is not the holder of a license. The gun and ammunition were found at his Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden home by ranks who conducted a search after being tipped off.

The unrepresented 25-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge and is expected to return to be-

fore the court on January 28, 2017.

He is also serving a five year jail sentence for robbery under arms and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition. Ward is described by police ranks as a serial armed robber who began his criminal career at a very young age. He served multiple jail time in the pass.

jailed for ganja trafficking

Eon Ward, also known as ‘Killer’

A 50-year-old man on Tuesday collapsed at the Christianburg Magistrate’s Court in Linden after he, along with his friends, were each jailed for three years and fined $4M for cultivating marijuana.

Conrad Hackette, 50, of 360 Toucan Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown; Paul Coleman, 49, of ‘E’ Field, Sophia and Dexter DaSilva were jointly on trial for cultivation and trafficking of marijuana.

The charge read that, on September 19th 2015, they were cultivating 53 of the prohibited plants at Yaruni, Demerara River, and also had eight grams of the same substance in their possession for the purpose of trafficking.

At the sentencing on Tuesday, Magistrate Clive Nurse told the defendants, who initially pleaded not guilty, that having considered the evidence brought before it, the court found them guilty. The evidence included the equipment used for cultivating, and the substance that was being cultivated.

Their attorney pleaded for the minimum penalty to be enforced, as they are first time offenders and have families that they provide for, but Magistrate Nurse said the court does consider their situation and therefore the minimum penalty of three years for each offence would be served concurrently.

Dexter DaSilva was, however, charged in absentia, as he has escaped from lawful custody.

Woman convicted of $48M fraud granted High Court bail CANDACE Marshall of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for converting more than $48M in credit from Digicel (Telecom Solutions (Guyana) Inc), was on December 7th granted $500,000 bail by Justice Roxane George following the lodging of an appeal and a successful petition made by Attorney-at-law Kim Kyte.

Justice George ordered that the bail can be paid in cash or surety, and Marshall is expected to report to the Brickdam Police Station every other week on Friday at 17:30 hrs. Her failure to comply with the order would result in her immediate arrest and return to custody.

Candace Marshall, Melissa Naughton and Oladara Christian were, in 2011, charged with fraudulently converting more than $48M in credit from Telecom Solutions (Guyana) Inc. They were each sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly in October this year, after being found guilty of conspiring with other persons to embezzle in excess of $48M in credit from the company. The women were all employed with the company.

Naughton and Christian were employed as cashiers, and were responsible for selling large amounts of Digicel credit via a computerised system. The women invalidated several transactions which were written off, after which they revalidated the transactions and sold them to persons to receive the proceeds for themselves.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

Alleged wife killer further remanded … as trial continues

CLARENCE Carter, the Linden man who allegedly killed his wife and stabbed her daughter on January 18, 2016, has objected to his caution statement being tendered into evidence.

Carter told Magistrate Clive Nurse on Tuesday at the Linden Magistrate’s Court that the caution statement shown to him is not the one that was written in his presence. The one showed to him in court was written on sheets of paper while he claims that the one written in his presence was done in a diary.

Clarence objected after evidence was given by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Inspector, Chabinaught Singh, who under sworn testimony, told

the Court that he followed all protocols in collecting statements. He said he wrote the evidence after Carter indicated to him that he prefers for it to be written and that he does not wish for any relative to be present while orally giving the statement.

Singh also told the Court that the next day he visited Carter at the Mackenzie lock ups and showed him a knife to which Cater had responded, “That is the knife I stab Leolyn and stab Shemeka with.”

The unrepresented defendant however refuted these claims, alleging that he was forced to give the statement and that he was denied his requests of having a relative be present while he gives his

Taxi driver dies in East Bank accident T H I R T Y- Y E A R - O L D Trenton Dazzle, a taxi driver, died at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, East Bank Demerara, shortly after crashing his car on the East Bank public road.

The Guyana Chronicle

Georgetown, and resided at Lot 124 ‘B’ Field, Sophia with his mother and six siblings.

At Dazzel’s home on Tuesday his brother Kennard Dazzel said that at about 17:00hrs he received a telephone call stating that his younger sibling was involved in an accident after which he made checks at the Georgetown hospital and other health institutions.

Kennard told the Guyana Chronicle that he then visited the Lyken’s Funeral Parlour where his worse fears were confirmed when he saw the lifeless body of his brother. He related The mangled car after the that Trenton looked as though he was accident asleep, with his legs crossed and his understands that Dazzle of hands at the side of his pants.

Sophia, Greater Georgetown, According to Kennard, was driving motor car PKK the only physical injury 9165 at Den Heuvel, East his brother had was a cut Bank Demerara on Monday, above the eye and there when he lost control on the was a tube in his mouth. wet road, slammed into a He said a post mortem will utility post and then into a be conducted on the body parked car. He was rushed to on Wednesday. the hospital but died while Trenton’s wife, who rereceiving medical attention. sides overseas has since The accident occurred at ap- been informed of his demise proximately 15:15hrs. and is expected to travel to According to reports, at Guyana. His death on the the time of the accident, the roadway has tallied the father of 3 was returning to fatality figure in 2016 to the city after dropping off a 124, eight more than last passenger. He operated his year, for the corresponding taxi outside Demico House, period.

Clarence Carter

statement.

“Your honour, on the said day I was critically ill, I had a lot of stab wounds and I was forced by Inspector Singh to give a caution statement. I was also denied my requests to have a family member who was present at the station to be there while I give my statement,” Carter claimed.

He dismissed the evidence given by Inspector Singh that he was shown the murder weapon.

Given the revelation, Magistrate Nurse decided that the statement will not

be taken into evidence but will be tendered for future identification. Clarence remains on remand as his trial continues.

It is alleged that Carter, 50 at his Wisroc residence murdered his common-law wife, Leolyn Sullivan and stabbed his step-daughter Shemeka about her body.

It was reported that Carter stabbed Sullivan about 15 times and then slit his own throat in a suicide attempt. Carter however claims that he was stabbed

by Sullivan who attacked him first.

Dead: Leolyn Sullivan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

Porter charged with robbing cops, businessman A 21-YEAR-OLD Albouystown resident was remanded to prison on Tuesday by City Magistrate Dylon Bess, for the offense of armed robbery, which he allegedly committed against two police officers and a city businessman.

O’Neil Ally, a porter, pleaded not guilty to the three counts of armed robbery when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate Court unrepresented. The first charge alleged that Ally on December 9, at Georgetown while being in the company of others, armed with guns, robbed Gary Gordon of a cellphone, his identification card and wallet, total value of $113,170.

It is further alleged that while being armed with a gun on the same day, Ally robbed Eon George of a car key and remote valued $25,000. He is further accused of robbing city businessman, Elvin Parkinson of two cellphones, a wallet

and $20,000 cash – total value $77,000.

P o l i c e P r o s e c u t o r, Christopher Morris did not disclose the facts in court but strongly opposed

O’Neil Ally to Ally being released on bail, citing the seriousness and penalty attached to the charge. He also pointed out that Ally was positivity identified by the victims during an identification parade.

Bail was refused and he was remanded until Decem-

ber 27.

According to police reports, on December 9, at about 11:55hrs, two ranks of the Guyana Police Force were at a Georgetown business location to retrieve surveillance footage in an ongoing investigation of a recent crime.

However during that process, two identifiable males approached and relieved the two unarmed ranks and the proprietor of a number of valuables, inclusive of their cellular phones and a wallet, after which they escaped on a motorcycle.

Shortly after the incident, other police officers acting on information apprehended a suspect on Middle Dam, East La Penitence, with a haversack. Upon examining the bag, the ranks found two cell phones belonging to the proprietor, as well as a bank card, an identification card and a wallet belonging to one of the officers who was robbed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 14, 2016

Army’s supreme Elite ...

From back page

a half this season.

It was the first loss for Conquerors but they retained 2nd position on ten points while the soldiers stretched their lead at the top with their 5th consecutive win from as many games for a maximum 15 points. In a post-game fracas on the sideline three players received red cards from referee Johnson - Junor and Dwayne Lindie of Conquerors and the Army’s captain, Delwin Fraser.

The second game produced a solitary goal that came just before the halftime whistle and assured Victoria Kings of three vital points to move to 8 and third in the points table.

The decisive strike came

off the right boot of Seon Robinson coming in, unchallenged, at the far side to meet a determined and well calculated cross, inches from the goal line on the left, by the evergreen Aubrey Gibson.

It was the fourth defeat for Monedderlust FC as they occupy second place from the bottom on 3 points.

The ‘nightcap’ resulted in the home side’s 2nd win and a place in the final four after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Linden’s Topp XX. A brilliant tip over the crossbar by Buxton custodian Darren Marks, who was fully extended as he leapt to his left ‘V’, to deny a direct free-kick from Travis Wa-

terton about 25 metres out, in the 14th minute, was an inspiration to his side and the several hundred fans.

In the very next play, Nixon Robertson worked his way down the left flank and drew goalkeeper Jamal Caster off his goal line, as he crashed into a teammate. Robertson found an unmarked Dillon Wright in the right place, at the far post, at the right time to give the home side the lead in the 15th minute.

Captain Denvor Dennis made it 2-0 in the 37th minute as he blasted a direct free-kick from just outside the penalty arc into the roof of the net before Caster knew what passed him. Caster left

the game after the goal and was replaced by Carlous Brown.

In the 60th minute 16-year-old Robertson ran onto a fine through pass from midfielder Clive Andries and his attempted shot on goal took a deflection before hitting the far post and ending up in the ‘onion bag’ for his first goal of the season and the 50th of the competition.

It was 13th goal scored on Topp XX and the most conceded by any side. The defeat was the 4th and left the Lindeners at the bottom on one point while Buxton moved to 4th position with 6 points.

The ‘Big Four’ playoff will match GDF against Conquerors with the winners advancing to the final while the losers will confront the winners of the Kings versus Buxton match-up for the other place in the championship game.

The ‘Big Four’ will be played next year February, ahead of the start of the second round of the Elite League.

WICB congratulates Clive Lloyd on his 50 ...

From back page at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

He played 110 matches; scored 7 515 runs (average 46.67) with a top score of 242 not out among his 19 centuries.

He also played 87 One-Day Internationals, scoring 1 977 runs (average 39.54). His top score of 102 came in the 1975 World Cup final against Australia at Lord’s and earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.

He led the West Indies in 74 Test matches and won 36. He was at the helm when the West Indies won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975 and 1979.

Commentators world over have described that “during his playing days he was a powerful left-handed batsman with an awesome array of strokes. He changed the way the game was played and totally transformed the landscape”.

“We all agree that his vision and leadership led to one of the greatest periods in West Indies cricket as he captained and bonded the regional side into one of the greatest sporting teams the world will ever see,” added Cameron.

Since his retirement in 1985 Lloyd has contributed at all levels as a coach, selector, mentor and adviser.

“He also earned great respect as an ICC match referee and Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee. In all he did, both on and off the field, the former captain gave all he had. He is one of the greatest cricketers of all-time,” Cameron said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Pakistan primed to end Australia drought

By Nick Mulvenney ` SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Pakistan have never won a series in Australia and last claimed a Test Down Under more than two decades ago but Mickey Arthur’s squad are confident they can end at least one of those droughts over the next four weeks.

That the three-match series commences with the first day-night Test at Brisbane’s Gabba tomorrow adds an element of unpredictability to the start of the contest that the tourists will hope to exploit against an Australian side in transition.

For their part, the hosts will be hoping to maintain Brisbane as the fortress it has been since they last lost a Test there in 1988 and for the extra pace and bounce of the home wickets to confound touring batsmen and bowlers alike.

Pakistan coach Arthur knows plenty about Australian conditions having coached the men in the baggy green from 2011 to his sacking in 2013 and is convinced he has the weapons at his disposal to hurt the hosts.

“If we can adapt to conditions quick enough we’ll be fine,” said Arthur, who

Pakistan pacers Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir also led South Africa to their first tour triumph in Australia in 2008.

“I constantly remind the players if we can be getting 270, 280, 300, we’re in the game because we’ve got the ability to take 20 wickets.

“If we can use the new ball particularly well against Australia, we’ll be good. And seven lefthanders in their 11 makes our left-armers even more potent.”

Frontline left-arm quicks Wahab Riaz and Mohammad

Amir, the latter now rehabilitated after a spot-fixing ban, will be hoping leg-spinner Yasir Shah is fit enough to offer his support.

Yasir missed the warmup match in Cairns because of a back injury but took a five-wicket haul with the pink ball in Dubai when Pakistan played their maiden day-night match against West Indies in October.

BATTING TOUCH Pakistan’s batting showed some fragility in the recent

Taxing questions spoil Ballon d’Or win for Ronaldo (REUTERS) - Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo feels unable to celebrate his fourth Ballon d’Or award as much as his previous triumphs due to recent allegations of tax evasion.

The European Investigative Collaborations (EIC) media consortium reported in early December that Ronaldo and several other clients of soccer agency Gestifute had used tax havens to handle tens of millions of euros in earnings.

Gestifute denied the accusations last week.

Ronaldo, who led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in July after helping Real Madrid clinch the Champions League, expressed his disappointment at the timing of the charges against him.

“Of course it (allegation) has spoiled it a little bit. I would be lying if I said it hadn’t. I’m not a hypocrite,” he told soccer magazine France Football.

“I wasn’t pleased. The whole process in itself is hard and not only for me,

but also for the people alongside me: my family, my son, all those who work with me.

“All that irritates me because I try to do things correctly, be transparent.”

In their denial, Gestifute stated that Ronaldo, who moved to Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, is compliant with his tax obligations in Spain.

The 31-year-old Ronaldo, who beat Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann to world football’s top individual prize for 2016 at a glitzy ceremony on Monday, insists he has nothing to hide.

“You just have to type ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’ on the Internet and you know everything about me,” the Portugal captain said. “I don’t have any reason to lie.

“What came out troubles me because it’s not true. The lie is troubling. I have done things correctly There are a lot of innocent people in prison. And

Cristiano Ronaldo I feel a little bit like that.

You know you have done nothing wrong, and they say you have done something reprehensible. No one likes that.

“But the truth always comes out. Sooner or later.”

R o n a l d o , w h o p re viously won the Ballon d’Or in 2008, 2013 and 2014, is currently with Real Madrid in Japan preparing for tomorrow’s Club World Cup semi-final against Mexican side Club America.

2-0 reverse in New Zealand but their line-up is at least far more settled than that of the hosts.

Australia overhauled their side after losing the first two Tests of their recent series against South Africa and having returned to winning ways in the third Test at Adelaide Oval, have retained the same squad for Brisbane.

For all the inexperience, though, they have plenty of proven performers on home tracks, not least the world class pace attack of Josh Hazlewood and left-armer Mitchell Starc.

Opener David Warner and skipper Steve Smith were in sparkling batting form in Adelaide as well as in the one-day series against New Zealand squeezed

in-between the two Test series and left-hander Usman Khawaja has also been in good touch.

Islamabad-born Khawaja scored a brilliant 145 in the third Test against South Africa and is determined to cement his place in the Australia side against the land of his birth on his adopted home ground.

“We obviously have a really good record here so hopefully if we can get off to a really good start we can drive the game from there,” he said yesterday.

“But, lesson learnt from the first Test against South Africa, you can’t take anything for granted and we’re going to have to respect the opposition and play our best cricket.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 14, 2016

STAG Nations Cup football kicks off today at Golden Grove … Teams from GFA, Berbice & East Coast to battle; NSC on board THE STAG Nations Cup knockout, five-association football championship is set to kick off today at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara, with teams from Georgetown, Berbice and East Coast aiming to stake a claim for the top prize of $2M. There is no room for mistakes in this format of the game and each of the four teams on display tonight will be harbouring thoughts of winning as the minutes tick down to kick-off time.

Facing off in the feature match will be home team Golden Stars against New Amsterdam United of Berbice. Home advantage might give the Stars the edge in this match but the lads from Berbice will be as confident as the host team tonight.

Golden Stars will look to the likes of Akowo Jack, Derick Thomas, Calvin Lilly, Victor Solomon, Stephon Walcott, Peter Wilson, Kelvin Glasgow, Collis Josiah, Alex Mahaica, Lloyd Daniels, Malcolm Walcott, Jamal Woodman, Roundel Liver-

pool, Carlos Kingston, Mellon Semple, Dequan Douglas, Shamar Kingston, Cevon Montrose, Jeffrey Charles, Andy Stephen, Ottis Wright and Randy King to deliver a win for them tonight.

NA United will hope to spoil the home team’s party and will unleash the following players in their hope to achieve same: Adrian Adams (captain), Leonardo Adams, Jason Drakes, Quinn Hazel, Rei Joseph, Delroy Dean, Jamal Butts, Jeremy Samuels, Dexter Allen, Julian Success, Garfield Millington, Shakeel Grant, Ron Lyken, Omari Bentham, Jovano Dos Santos, Keon Williams, Dwayne Alleyne, Graham Thomas, Joshua Wilson, Ray Reddock, Sion Bacchus and Steffon Boucher.

The opening match between City side Flamingos and Mahaicony Thunderhawks will be an interesting affair, as the teams are not familiar with each other but the experienced Flamingos with chief tactician Shem Porter at the helm will start with that advantage, to get into the round of 16.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left) hands over footballs to EBFA president Franklin Wilson.

There to back up Porter will be another elder statesman Leon Yaw, Quincy Bourne, Deshawn Wills, Chad Rodrigues, Matthew Fletcher and Isaiah Thomas among others.

The Thunderhawks will be aiming to soar to victory and will depend on the following players to see them through. Delbert Wilson

(captain), Ozese Halley, Leroy Halley, Shaka Drennon, Mark Roberts, Tyron Tappin, Burton Shepherd, David Belgrave, Sheldon Toney, Troy Semple, Sherwyn Wills, Cleyton Roberts, David Cameron, Renrick Bynoe, Keion Sobers, Davendra Thuknauth, Ruel Chester, Fitzpatrick Chester, Wayne McKenzie, Alestear Bovell, Kenroy Do-

The Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors tournament and the Inter Guianas competition to be held in April and October respectively are in need of funding. AIBA president Dr Ching Kuo Wu was recently in Barbados where he pledged assistance to St Lucia in order for that country to stage the third

edition of the Caribbean Development Tournament in December 2017.

Part of the upcoming Congress agenda is a vote to fully accept India back into the AIBA fold. India was sanctioned by the world governing body and only recently was granted provisional approval.

Ninvalle for AIBA Congress

COMING off the high of just having won the Caribbean Development tournament, president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle will travel to Montreux, Switzerland on Friday to participate in an Extraordinary Congress organised

by AIBA.

The December 19-21 Congress will be held at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Hotel in Montreux, a 90-minute drive from Geneva. The GBA president declared that he would use the opportunity to solicit support for two International tournaments that his association will host next year.

guyar and Newt Mahaica.

Meanwhile, Director of Sport Christopher Jones has made a contribution of footballs to the organisers in the interest of the continued development of the players and the game.

Jones, who is expected to officially kick off the tournament later this evening at the Golden Grove ground, noted

that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is very happy to see five (East Bank, East Demerara, West Demerara, Berbice, Georgetown) of the affiliates of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) coming together to match skills over the next three weeks culminating with the final on New Year’s Night at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. ”I would like to wish the teams every success but only one will come out victors on the final night and walk away with the top prize of $2M. To my mind however, every team is a winner. I would like to see very competitive matches and I also applaud the fact that matches are going to be played at multiple venues which will afford many of the teams’ fans to cheer them on at home.”

Jones also noted that the NSC and government are committed to the real development of not only football but sports across the board and this fact is evident in the increased allocation for sports in the recently presented National Budget.

GBA president Steve Ninvalle

G.F.F. – Stag Elite League Season ii, first half (2016 - 17) TEAMS G.D.F. CONQUERORS VICTORIA KINGS BUXTON MONEDDERLUST TOP XX

GDF Xxxxxx 1-3 1-7 0-4 1-3 1-4

CON 3 -1 Xxxxxx 0-0 1-2 0-4 0-3

V.K. BUX 7-1 4-0 0-0 2-1 Xxxxxxx 2 - 1 1-2 xxxxxx 0-1 1-2 1-1 0-3

MFC 3-1 4–0 1-0 2-1 Xxxxxx 1-2

TOP XX 4-1 3-0 1-1 3-0 2-1 xxxxxx

P 5 5 5 5 5 5

W 5 3 2 2 1 0

D 0 1 2 0 0 1

L 0 1 1 3 4 4

Key…P: Matches Played; W: Wins; D: Draws; L: Losses; GF: Goals For; GA: Goals Against; GD: Goal-difference A grand total of 50 goals were scored from the 15 games played with the

G.D.F. accounting for 21, while TOP XX conceded the most goals, 13. The

G.D.F. remains the only unbeaten team with a perfect record of 5 – 0. The

first goal of the season was scored by the Army’s Delroy Fraser and the 50th goal

GF 21 10 05 07 04 03

GA 04 04 09 09 11 13

was scored by Buxton’s 16 year old Nixon Roberston and ironically it was the

GD +17 +06 -04 -02 -07 -10

POINTS 15 10 08 06 03 01

last goal of the first half of the season in the final game.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Massy Industries, Gas Products share honours MASSY Industries and Massy Gas Products shared honours in the Roy Prasad whist and dominoes tournaments for teams within the Massy Group which were played at the Staff Facilities at Ruimveldt.

Massy Industries amassed 79 games to win the dominoes final with Massy Gas securing second position on 72 games while Massy Technologies ended in the cellar spot on 70 games.

Trideo Ramroop and Javid Muneshwar were declared joint Most Valuable Players (MVP) of the final.

Other consolation prizes were presented to Philip Persaud who recorded the first love in the final, best female player was Savitri Chalilall, D. Clementson scored the first double love in the pre-

liminary competition while V. Roopnarine recorded the first love in the preliminary.

Massy Gas Products emerged winners of the whist tournament when they defeated Massy Distribution ‘B’ in the final by 315 games to 270.

The Most Valuable Players of the final were Hemrattie Sooknanan and Sadesh Ramdeen.

Other awardees were A. Tiwari and R. Lall with 13 tricks, best female pair Yolanda Persaud and Naleni Persaud and MVPs of the Preliminary N. Kishore and I. Boodram.

The tournament was held in honour of outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Massy Distribution/Trade Roy Prasad and organised

by Rodnew McDonald and Stanley Fung-a-Fat.

Mr Roy Prasad and Massy Group Country Manager Mr Deo Persaud pose with the winners of both tournaments.

First day-night Ashes Test confirmed for 2017 Murray, Kerber named ITF players of the year

By Nick Mulvenney |

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australia and England will play the first day-night Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval in December next year, adding a bold new ingredient to one of cricket’s oldest and fiercest rivalries.

Australia has already staged two day-night Tests at the Adelaide Oval, while the Gabba will host a third against Pakistan starting tomorrow.

“I want to acknowledge the ECB for their support and indeed our players for supporting the day-night Test match,” Cricket Aus-

James Sutherland

The pink-ball Test from December 2 to 6 will be the second match of the 2017-18 series with Brisbane’s Gabba hosting the opener from November 23-27, Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said yesterday.

tralia chief executive James Sutherland told reporters in Brisbane.

“I know there are some people who don’t necessarily view the day-night Test match as something that is needed for Ashes cricket.

“But we think that there

is going to be more and more day-night Test cricket coming up and the success of Adelaide at the last two matches is for all to see.”

Perth will host the third Test from December 14-18 either at the new Perth Stadium or, if the 60 000-seater arena is not ready in time, back at the 15 000-capacity WACA. “We’re optimistic about it being played at the new Perth stadium,” Sutherland added.

“There are matters out of our control in that regard but by scheduling it for mid-December, we’ll give ourselves the best opportunity for that third Test match to be played in the magnificent new stadium.”

Melbourne and Sydney will stage the traditional Boxing Day (December 26-30) and New Year’s (January 4-8) matches respectively to round out the series.

The tourists will also play one-day internationals in the same five cities in January 2018, while New Zealand will co-host a Twenty20 series involving all three countries in February.

Sutherland, who has been a major proponent of pink-ball cricket, said consideration had not been given to playing two daynight Ashes matches and that Adelaide had been the natural choice after the success of the first two Tests there.

England are to host their first day-night Test next August at Edgbaston against West Indies.

Alastair Cook, the England captain, said earlier this year he was against playing an Ashes Test under lights, in comments echoed

by Australia counterpart Steve Smith.

Both felt the traditional rivalry generated enough interest.

Smith came around during last month’s match against South Africa, played with an improved Kookaburra pink ball on a modified wicket, which allowed more of a contest between bat and ball than the maiden day-night Test against New Zealand in 2015.

England hold the Ashes after beating Australia 3-2 on home soil in 2015.

(REUTERS) - Briton Andy Murray and Germany’s Angelique Kerber were named ITF World Champions yesterday, capping stellar years for the men’s and women’s world number ones.

Angelique Kerber

Andy Murray

Murray, whose brother Jamie was named doubles World Champion along with Brazil’s Bruno Soares, won Wimbledon in July before becoming the first player to win two Olympic singles gold medals when he retained his crown in Rio de Janeiro in August.

He won nine titles in a milestone year that end-

ed with him beating rival Novak Djokovic to win the ATP Tour Finals and seal the year-end rankings top spot.

“It means a lot to me to be named ITF World Champion.

I have had such a memorable year,” Murray said in a statement.

Kerber enjoyed an equally impressive season, winning the Australian and U.S. Open titles as well as an Olympic silver medal in Rio. She becomes the first German to win the award since Steffi Graf claimed the last of her seven in 1996.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Eleven medals for Guyana Swim Team in Suriname

E I G H T- y e a r- o l d A r i el Rodrigues and Trumaine Cole topped the list of Guyanese medal-takers at the De Vos End of the Year Swim Meet in neighbouring Suriname which concluded last Sunday.

Guyana swimmers carted off a total of 11 medals, including five g o l d , a n d f o u r s i l v e r.

Other medal winners were Shaqueel Amin and Leon Seaton.

Swimming out of the

Girls’ 7–8 age category Rodrigues brought home a gold medal in the 100 Individual Medley, 50 freestyle and 50 backstroke, improving her times in all three events.

In the 100 IM she entered with a time of 1:34.84 and finished with a time of 1:33.87s. She clocked 35.16 seconds, beating over 20 other swimmers. In the backstroke she touched the wall at 43.71 seconds,

The Guyanese swimmers who medalled, from left: Leon Seaton, Ariel Rodrigues, Trumaine Cole and Shaqueel Amin (at the back)

again trouncing a host of other competitors.

H o w e v e r, t h e m o s t improvement in times c a m e f ro m Tr u m a i n e Cole, who competed in the 18-and-over category. Cole medalled in all of his events finishing with two gold medals, two silver and a bronze.

His best performance came in the 100 breaststroke, where he shaved 8 seconds off his entry time of 1:29.77s to finish in 1:21.22s.

In the 100 IM it was another improved swim, after he clocked 1:00.34s after entering with a time of 1:16.04s.

Amin, who also competed in the 18-ando v e r c a t e g o r y, e n d e d with silver medals in both the 100 breaststroke (1:22.95s) and 50 freestyle (25.46s), while Leon Seaton who competed in the Boys’ 11-12 category took home a bronze in the 50m freestyle (27.65s).

UDFA/GT Beer Christmas Cup football Win propels Scorpions to top of Regional Four-Day table Williams, Drakes help Shattas THE Jamaica Scorpions’ win over the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Sabina Park last Saturday has propelled them from fifth to the top of the table following the conclusion of the fourth round of matches of the Digicel Four-Day Regional Cricket Competition on Monday.

Following their 132-run win over the Red Force, the Nikita Miller-led Scorpions now have 46.8 points. The win was a nice boost for the Jamaicans whose batsmen have been struggling for form so far this season but depended on the bowling of their captain to secure victory.

Nikita Miller took 12 wickets in the match and 9 for 41 in the second innings to become the first bowler in the regional four-day competition to take 400 first-class

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Jamaica Scorpions captain Nikita Miller wickets.

The Scorpions cannot afford to rest on their laurels after notching their second win of the competition, because the Guyana Jaguars are not far behind following their draw with the Barbados Pride at the Guyana National Stadium. The Jaguars have 44

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points. Two of their matches have been incomplete.

The Barbados Pride are next with 43.2 points.

Meanwhile, the Leewards Hurricanes have 36.6 points after their 94-run win over the Windwards Volcanoes at Windsor Park in Dominica.

The Volcanoes lie fifth with 35.2 points.

The Red Force are currently at the bottom of the table with 32.4 points after their loss to the Scorpions.

The next round of matches begin on December 15 when the Hurricanes host the Scorpions at Warner Park.

Elsewhere, the Red Force travel to Guyana where they will face the Jaguars at the Guyana National Stadium on December 16. The Pride meantime, will take on the Volcanoes at Kensington Oval.

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beat Milerock 2-0

GOALS by Damian Williams and Colwyn Drakes ensured full points went to Silver Shattas with a 2-0 win over Milerock and three-time champions Federal Winners Connection also gained maximum points via a walkover from Hi Stars. The wins kept both teams at the head of their group from two wins, when the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) 4th annual GT Beer Cup Christmas football tournament continued its preliminary round at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Saturday night.

Playing in the second game after match officials ruled the walkover when Hi Stars failed to show for their match against Winners Connection, Shattas, last year’s runners-up got their lead through Williams when a corner was awarded to them.

Then Jashawn Freeman, their defender sent a high ball from the right and Williams rose to head home for a 1-0 advantage in the 41st minute.

The Shattas then continued to look the better side as their defence stood up to maintain their advantage at the break.

The heavy conditions continued to make play a bit tough but the Shattas were determined to come away with another victory and they doubled the score in the 75th minute after Dexter Garraway was able to send Drakes through for a neat shot, which gave them a 2-0 lead. When the final whistle

came their second win was assured.

The competition continues today with two matches. Amelia’s Ward Panthers face Botofago in the first game at 18:00hrs and Net Rockers come up against Kwakwani Strikers from 20.00hrs.

(Joe Chapman)

Silver Shattas scorers: From left Colwyn Drakes and Damian Williams CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday December 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) Tamin Iqbal- (Chittagong Vikings) (2) Dwayne Bravo-21 wickets (DD) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who made the highest individual score in the BPL 2016?

(2) Who had the best bowling figures in a BPL game in 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 14, 2016

First pieces for Sports Museum donated

By Daniel Haynes THE first pieces of memorabilia bound for the sports museum were yesterday donated to the National Sports Commission (NSC) during a small presentation ceremony at the Sports Commission building on Homestretch Avenue.

The presentation party was a small one, where legendary cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and NSC Chairman Ivan Persuad were present.

Opening the ceremony was Persaud, who spoke about the value of sports museums around the world and the value of such a centre in Guyana.

“This bodes well for our sports tourism, you can go all around the world and see such centres set up; also youngsters could go and see the history of the various disciplines in Guyana,” stated Persaud.

Persaud also congratulated Perreira, who recently resigned from cricket com-

(L-R) Ivan Persaud, Christopher Jones and ‘Reds’ Perreira display the pieces of memorabilia donated. mentary, on the feats he accomplished during his commentating career.

Also speaking at the conference was Perreira himself who spoke about where the idea for such a museum set-up came from.

“Guyana has produced two presidents of the West Indies board, we have produced many world class and world respected cricketers and the hope is that in this resource centre we can display a blazer, a cap, a bat that these cricketers have,” stated Perreira.

Perreira added that the potential for such a Resource Centre is limitless, when the number of players Guyana has had is taken into consideration.

“We can reach out to these cricketers’ families to get contributions for the centres, regardless of what is, and this could be a really good quality memorabilia for cricket in Guyana,” he said.

According to Jones, the Resource Centre in Thomas Lands was already selected to house the memorabilia centre and the works towards

Adams is new WICB Director of Cricket as Pybus steps down … Aussie Stuart Law is new head coach

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Former West Indies batsman Jimmy Adams is the new director of cricket for the West Indies Cricket Board, according to regional media reports.

Jimmy Adams

Adams, who represented West Indies as player and captain during his career, replaces Englishman Richard Pybus who did not seek to renew his contract, the Trinidad Guardian reported.

There are also reports that a new head coach, Australian Stuart Law, has been appointed to fill the position left vacant

by Phil Simmons who was fired in September.

The decision to fill the two positions were reportedly taken at the weekend at the WICB’s final quarterly meeting which took place in St Maarten.

Jamaican Adams resigned as head coach of English county side Kent earlier this year after serving five seasons between 2012 and October 2016.

Pybus is expected to remain for a while to ease Adams into the position.

Law, 48, is the former coach of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh who played one Test and 54 one-day internationals for Australia.

His first assignment will be to lead the regional team in February when

Stuart Law

England visits the Caribbean for a series of three one-day internationals.

getting it ready were already on the way.

“We’ve reached out to the folks at the National Museum to have the proper lights to display the pieces without them being damaged and as soon as we’ve received word we can proceed,” stated Jones.

T h e f i r s t p i e c e d onated by Perreira was a specially brewed can of beer from 1980 when the West Indies became the

first team to win a Test match against Australia in Adelaide. Meanwhile the second piece was a cricket stump from Perreira’s 100th Test match at Sabina Park when West Indies defeated England.

“These two pieces of memorabilia are to jumpstart the donations,” stated Perreira. Also going to be donated by Perreira is the jersey signed by the Guyana Jaguars four-day cricket

team on Sunday after his last match.

“I’m going to take this home and show my family and then bring it back for the collection,” he stated.

The Resource Centre would be open to members of the public who would be able to see tangible pieces of history from Guyana’s cricketing legends. When the centre is set up it will be the fourth of its kind in the Caribbean.

Army’s supreme Elite march above the rest … to be joined by Conquerors, Kings and Buxton in top four

By Ras Wadada THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) completed an unblemished run on the final play-day of the first round of competition in the GFF-STAG Elite League with another convincing victory, while there were

also wins for Victoria Kings and home team Buxton United in last Monday’s triple-header.

Led by an early brace from forward Jeffrey Perreira and one by Eusi Phillips in the first half, the Army dominated the young Fruta Conquerors who were

non-existent and disorganised in defence during the first period.

The 6-foot tall Perreira first ran onto a perfectly measured pass by Phillips that dissected captain Delon Williams and Cecil Jackman down the middle as early as the 7th minute

of the game.

A hesitant Derrick Carter left his line, but Perreira kept his composure as he made inroads into the box before hitting low to the custodian’s left as he advanced.

Perreira broke free again in the 11th minute, but clearly this time he was off-side,

Eusie Phillips of the GDF dives forward to head past Derrick Carter for goal number 3 against Fruta Conquerors last Monday.

Eusie Phillips being pursued by right back Rishaun Ritch of Conquerors. to beat the advancing Carter and double the score while the Conquerors’ players appealed for off-side as referee Sherwin Johnson pointed to the spot.

Eon Alleyne then muffed a golden opportunity to reduce the lead as his effort from close up, in the 13th minute, was denied by the boot of goalkeeper Enoch Carmichael. The Army’s attack in the meantime were having things their way against a Conquerors defence in disarray.

Coach Sampson Gilbert replaced left back, Lennox Cush in the 16th minute with Steve Nelson but the Army still dominated. Against the run of play Conquerors were awarded a penalty kick after the referee blew against Phillips for handling the ball in the box. Jermin ‘Pankey’ Ju-

nor then placed the spot kick hard and along the ground to the keeper’s far right corner.

The GDF regained the two-goal cushion four minutes before the interval, thanks to a diving header by Phillips from a rebound off the far post. Captain Williams and Reshaun Sandiford then each picked up a yellow card as the game heated up towards the end of the first period.

The Tucville-based unit gave a much improved and spirited performance after the break, but still found it difficult to breach the Army’s defence, solidly marshalled by Jerome Richardson and Aubrey Greene. In the end they got some consolation as they became the first side to hold the Army score-less in See page 30

WICB congratulates Clive Lloyd on his 50 years of service THE West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) yesterday congratulated Clive Lloyd on his 50 years of service to the game.

The legendary former West Indies captain made his entry into international cricket on December 13, 1966 – when he played in the first Test against India at the famous Brabourne Stadium in Bombay.

WICB president

Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron praised Lloyd for his unswerving commitment to the game of cricket in general and West Indies cricket in particular.

He hailed Lloyd as a true pioneer and the man of vision; an outstanding ambassador and one of the game’s greatest leaders.

“We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Lloyd on this, his

golden anniversary on the international stage. We say a whole-hearted ‘thank you’ to a man who gave all he had to the sport and to the people,” Cameron said.

On December 13, 1966 Lloyd stepped onto the international stage for the first time in a West Indies cap. He made scores of 82 and 78 not out as West Indies won the match by six wickets.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

Half a century later he remains a true standard-bearer for our great game. In 1975, he lifted the Cricket World Cup for the first time – a signal moment that takes pride of place in the hearts of all West Indian supporters.

Lloyd made his debut at the age of 22 and retired in 1985 at the age of 40 – his last Test against Australia See page 30

Clive Lloyd captained West Indies in 74 Tests and won 36.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016