Guyana chronicle e paper 14 03 2016

WORRYING GAP No. 104491

MONDAY MARCH 14, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‒ GRPA says age of consent must allow for legal access to contraceptives

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BIGA ‘forced ripe’

-- says APNU+AFC representative P.2

Jagdeo sister dies 9

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Constable fished out of canal 7

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The Golden Arrowhead standing tall, fluttering gracefully over the clean, green and beautiful Capital City, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 14, 2016

Fire guts LBI house used as bond FIRE of unknown origin gutted a two-storey building at Lot 32 Housing Scheme, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara, on Saturday at about 23:45 hrs.

Reports reveal that the building had been used as a bond by the Panday family, owners of a chain of stores countrywide, including Avinash and Avishkar.

The fire, battled by ranks of the Guyana Fire Service from Campbellville, Alberttown and Headquarters in Georgetown, destroyed footwear and bales of cloth, among other valuables. According to a neighbour, Balram Singh, the building had no security guard or electricity, and was visited randomly.

“I was asleep and toss-

ing and turning. I hear window breaking and crashing like if it was falling, then I jump up and see my whole house with smoke,” the neighbour said.

Singh said that upon realising there was a fire, he sprinted downstairs and, minutes after, saw the fire engines arriving.

“All I can say is that the firemen really work hard, and they did a good job.

I help them out, and they prevented my house from catching fire. If the breeze was blowing loud, my house would have caught afire,” Singh explained.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle told this publication that investigators suspect the fire was a deliberate act; and, as investigations continue, a finding will be made.

Passenger busted with 17kg of marijuana

BIGA ‘forced ripe' ‒ says APNU+AFC representative

RANKS of the Police Narcotics Unit on Sunday arrested a Guyanese national who was an outgoing passenger at the Ogle Airport.

He had in his possession, according to a police statement, 17 kilogrammes, 572 grams of marijuana. The illegal substance was found in his baggage.

The passenger is in police custody, and charges will be laid shortly.

The bond that was gutted by fire

By Svetlana Marshall “BIGA is no match for the APNU+AFC,” Bartica Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Gifford Marshall has said.

The Bartica Green Independence Alliance (BIGA) is one of the groups challenging the APNU+AFC Coalition in Friday’s Local Government Elections in the emerging town of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to critics in Bartica, BIGA, which is being led by former Region Seven Chairman Holbert Knights,

group contesting the Local Government Elections under the umbrella of the APNU+AFC Coalition, in all nine constituencies in Bartica in both the First-Past-the-Post and Proportional Representation (PR) components of the elections.

“Our history will show that Bartica was failed by Barticians,” the IMC Chairman added, but declined from disclosing the names of the perceived failures.

Bartica IMC Chairman, Gifford Marshall

is proving to be a major challenge for the ruling coalition.

But during an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, Marshall brushed aside this assertion. “BIGA is not a threat to the APNU+AFC,” he opined, “and I don’t even see it being a threat to the People’s Progressive Party.”

Marshall is the Leader of Team Integrity – a local

SELF-INTEREST According to Marshall, “Several individuals had an opportunity to develop Bartica, but instead of fostering growth within the community, they pursued their own interest.” He said that, unlike those individuals, the APNU+AFC coalition, at the level of the IMC, has been transforming all the sectors of Bartica, in keeping with President David Granger’s vision to transform Bartica into the country’s first ‘green town’.

“When we entered office,

The Monument on First Avenue, Bartica was also restored

less than four months ago, the roads were in a deplorable state; but that has changed, because we would have repaired a number of roads in

Byderabo and other areas,” he pointed out.

Marshall added that, for many years, the Bartica Continued on page 3 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 14, 2016

‒ GRPA says age of consent must allow for legal access to contraceptives

By Shauna Jemmott

THE Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is calling on the Government to align the age of consent with the age of majority (age 18), because Guyana has the second highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the Caribbean, and teens below eighteen years old are prevented from legally accessing contraceptives.

GRPA Programme Director Renuka Anandjit made this call on Tuesday at a seminar hosted by the Women and Gender Equality Commission, in collaboration with the University of Guyana’s Institute of Gender Studies.

The seminar, held in observance of International Women’s Day, saw participation from various governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

It primarily focused on achievements, gaps, challenges and recommendations

in gender legislation; gender and development and SDG Goal 5; and mechanisms and examples of gender budgeting from the Caribbean Region and SIDS. Anandjit belaboured the point that, while the objective of civil society and NGOs is to create access, the GRPA is deeply concerned about the disparity between the age of consent and the age of majority in Guyana, a gap which increases vulnerability to teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

She said: “The fact that the age of consent is 16, and the age of majority is 18…to me, our gap is a very big gap.

We can have sex at 16, but I can’t access contraceptives without parental permission until I am 18.”

According to Chapter 109, Sections 2 and 3 of the Representation of the People Act, the legal age of majority is 18 years. In 2005, the National Assembly fixed the age of sexual consent at 16, changing an age-old Bill

BIGA forced...

Municipal Market had gone without a signboard, but this issue has been addressed with a sign being erected.

“We have restored the monument at First Avenue Bartica. We restored the parks, and within days we will commission the first playground in the West Indian Housing Scheme,” Marshall said, as he pointed to the many projects executed by the APNU+AFC-led IMC. In addition to those projects, the IMC continues to clear drains and parapets of unwanted vegetation. Garbage bags have also been distributed to governmental

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and non-governmental organisations, and garbage receptacles have been installed at key locations.

The Chairman and other local leaders were in discussion on Saturday with the Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Van West-Charles, on a possible solution to the challenges facing residents in Byderabo and Five Miles, Bartica. Residents in those areas have been without water for a number of weeks, and GWI and the IMC have agreed to supply those residents with water once per week, using water tanks until

which had made 13 the legal age of consent.

But then Minister of Labour, Dr Dale Bisnauth, reportedly told members of the House, in October 2005, that although a considerable number of stakeholders were in favour of 18 as the age of consent, the fact that 18 was also the age of majority was enough to convince the committee to decide against it.

The mere idea that someone aged 16 can legally consent to sexual intercourse but cannot legally access contraceptives, Anandjit argues, increases vulnerability for teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

INCREASING VULNERABILITY “That means (that) we, as a State, are increasing the vulnerability of our young people, and we are directly contributing to the teenage pregnancy rates and broken homes… And we’re looking at socio-economic indications of the existence of this a long-term solution could be put in place.

“The changes in Bartica are visible…and as an APNU representative, I am confident that we will win this election, because the residents of Bartica, I am sure, would like to see this progress continue,” the IMC Chairman said.

He added: “Putting aside political interest, putting aside personalities and all other issues, persons will recognise that Team Integrity is the best team to take Bartica forward”.

Knights, on the other hand, had told the Guyana Chronicle that BIGA was formed in November 2015 as a direct response to President Granger’s call for trans-

The area for the West Indian Housing Scheme’s first playfield being cleared of unwanted vegetation and covered with sand as part of the preparatory stage of its development

GRPA Programme Director, Renuka Anandjit

one,” she said.

Anandjit, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, called for the age of majority to be aligned with the age of consent, in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies. She said many other social issues arise as a result of teenage pregnancy, including early school leaving; economic hardship; teen parents being stigmatised by

their families and communities; and as a result relationships, too, being jeopardised.

According to Anandjit, a GRPA survey found that many young people are sexually active, even though the more educated ones are more likely to delay sexual activity.

She said, “The State has a role in protecting our young people,” and pointed out that there is need for a push for the National Policy on Sexual and Reproductive Health to be passed in the National Assembly next year.

Such a Bill, she said, should encompass the age of consent and access to sex education in a holistic manner where sexual reproductive health of the individual is concerned.

“It’s something that we really need to address urgently, especially looking at the fact that we have such a high rate of teenage pregnancy locally; but we’re also one of the highest in the region.

That should be of utmost

priority for us!” Anandjit iterated.

According to the 2013 State of the World Population Report, Guyana’s teen pregnancy rate is the second highest in the Caribbean region. With a birth rate of 97 per 1,000 adolescent girls, Guyana is second only to the Dominican Republic, which, with a rate of 98 per every 1,000 teens, is the highest in the Caribbean.

According to the report, “In every region of the world, impoverished, poorly educated and rural girls are more likely to become pregnant than their wealthier, urban, educated counterparts.

“Girls who are from an ethnic minority or marginalised group, who lack choices and opportunities in life, or who have limited or no access to sexual and reproductive health -- including contraceptive information and services -- are also more likely to become pregnant,” she declared.

A little boy playing in the park which was restored by the IMC after entering office

formation of Bartica into a ‘green town’.

During a recent visit to Bartica, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, cleared the air on this issue.

Minister Trotman told residents that in everything in life there is order.

“I accept that there is one Supreme God…and there is one Government; there is one President; there is one party in power; there is one Opposition against the party in power; and if there is any other group standing with that Opposition, it is against the Government,” the Natural Resources Minister said, as he set the record straight.

“Know who you are and what you stand for…” he told residents while stating that there is one vision, one team, and in the end there will be one victory.

“Those who believe otherwise, stand aside; join the forces of darkness, join the forces of division, join the forces of the Opposition, but don’t say that you are with the Government but you are with the Opposition,” Trotman said.

Minister Ally reminded that the coalition’s symbol is the hand in the key, and stated clearly that APNU+AFC is a national coalition with competent representatives in all regions of the country.

“I am proud to acknowl-

edge that our local leaders here are working assiduously to make Bartica a place where you are proud of. Already, you are seeing the transformation of Bartica from what it used to be…,” she pointed out.

She said that while it is a good thing to aspire for power and upward mobility, such aspiration must be done in unity.

“We extended the olive branch, for a little group who call themselves BIGA to unite with us, but it did not happen. But today, I call on all Bartica to unite, because in unity there is strength,” Minister Ally said, while imploring all to join the APNU+AFC.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

Egypt’s Justice Minister sacked for prophet remark

EGYPT’s Justice Minister Ahmed al-Zind has been sacked after boasting that he would jail Islam’s Prophet Muhammad himself if the prophet broke the law.

Mr Zind made the remark in a televised interview on Friday. He immediately said, “God, forgive me”, and apologised the following day.

He was sacked by the Prime Minister Sherif Ismail.

It was not immediately clear who would replace Mr Zind, an outspoken critic of the Muslim Brotherhood.

“Prime Minister Sherif Ismail issued a decree today to relieve Ahmed al-Zind… of his position,” a government statement said, giving no more details.

Egyptian judges issued a statement opposing Mr Zind’s removal over what the head of the Judges Club told Reuters was a slip of

the tongue that could have happened to anyone.

Abdallah Fath said: “Egypt’s judges are sorry that someone who defended Egypt and its people, judiciary and nation…should be punished in this way.”

Mr Zind, a former appeals court judge, has been publicly critical of the Islamist Movement which overthrew former leader Hosni Mubarak in 2011, and was itself removed from power by the army in mid-2013 and outlawed.

He has, in the past, denounced the revolt that ended Mubarak’s 30-year rule and ushered in the election that brought the Muslim Brotherhood to power. He has also been a strong defender of the judiciary and its powerful position.

Egyptian courts have been absolving Mubarakera officials while imposing long sentences on liberal and

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Mr Zind (left) was sworn in as Justice Minister by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in 2015

Islamist activists.

Egypt’s judiciary has faced criticism from rights groups in the past two years, after judges issued mass death sentences against Muslim Brotherhood supporters, locking up youth activists and sentencing writers and journalists.

Mr Zind’s predecessor was forced to resign last May, after saying the son of a rubbish collector was ineligible to serve as a judge.

(BBC)

Turkish President vows war on terror TURKISH President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to bring terrorism “to its knees” after an attack in the capital Ankara that killed at least 34 people.

Mr Erdogan said the suicide car bomb would serve only to strengthen the resolve of Turkey’s security forces.

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The explosion, in Guven Park in the Kizilay district, a key transport hub, wounded at least 125 people.

Interior Minister Efkan Ala said an investigation would conclude on Monday, and those responsible would be named.

No group has claimed

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responsibility for the attack, but government sources are casting suspicion on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The Kurdish rebels have carried out a series of attacks on Turkish soil in recent months. The so-called Islamic State group has also targeted Ankara recently.

Mr Erdogan said in a statement that terror groups were targeting civilians because they were losing the battle against Turkish security forces. Calling for national unity, he said Turkey would use its right to self-defence to prevent future attacks.

“Our people should not worry, the struggle against terrorism will for certain end in success, and terrorism will be brought to its knees,” he said.

According to Turkey’s state-run news agency, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has postponed a visit to Jordan following the bombing.

The United States condemned the attack. US State

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Department spokesman John Kirby said: “We reaffirm our strong partnership with our NATO ally Turkey in combating the shared threat of terrorism.”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also condemned the attack, saying there was “no justification of such heinous acts of violence”.

Turkey’s pro-Kurdish political party issued a statement condemning the attack.

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) said it shares “the huge pain felt along with our citizens”.

The HDP is frequently accused of being the political wing of the PKK, an accusation it denies, and of not speaking out against PKK violence.

Turkish Health Minister Mehmet Muezzinoglu told a news conference that 30 people were killed at the scene, and four died later in hospital. Two of the dead are believed to be the attackers.

Mr Muezzinoglu said 125 people were being treated at several hospitals in Ankara, of whom 19 are in a critical condition.

Last month, a bomb attack on a military convoy in Ankara killed 28 people and wounded dozens more.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

Mass anti-President protest in Brazil

HUGE crowds have taken to the streets across Brazil, calling for President Dilma Rousseff to resign.

Opponents blame Ms Rousseff for a severe recession and a corruption scandal also engulfing her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

She has said she has no intention of resigning, but her opponents hope a large turnout on the streets will lead to her impeachment. She faces charges over masking the budget deficit, which she denies.

Crowds in Sao Paulo, at the peak of the march, reached 1.4 million, the city’s state security office said.

Smaller marches took place in many cities across the country.

The demonstrations were peaceful, with tens of thousands wearing the national colours of yellow and green

Ms Rousseff said the Opposition had sparked a crisis which was hurting the economy

and holding banners that read “Dilma out” and “Stop with corruption”.

“I support her impeachment and new elections because the presidential vote in 2014 was financed with dirty money from corruption,” said protester Alexandre Cortes, a 39-year-old engineer in Sao Paulo.

Correspondents have described the crisis as the worst in Brazil for many years.

The BBC’s Wyre Davies says Ms Rousseff, leader of the governing Workers’ Party, has come under increasing pressure in recent months over a huge corruption investigation centred on the state-controlled oil company Petrobras.

So far, the Petrobras inquiry has implicated some of the wealthiest people in Brazil, and politicians from all parties.

Prosecutors say contractors skimmed billions of dollars from the company to illegally finance politicians, including those from the Workers’ Party and its allies - allegations the party denies.

Ms Rousseff was head of the Petrobras board at the time of many of the infractions, and opponents have accused her of involvement. She has denied any knowledge of the corruption scheme, and is not being investigated.

The demonstrators also directed their anger towards Ms Rousseff’s political mentor and presidential predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

In Sao Paulo, large inflatable dolls of President Rousseff wearing a sash saying “impeachment” and Lula in prison clothes were paraded through the streets.

(BBC)

ports the Government.

As a result, the MUD has placed special emphasis on protests as a way to force Mr Maduro’s resignation.

Correspondents say this is a potentially explo-

sive path after anti-government demonstrations in 2014 left 43 people dead. This led to the arrest of a number of Opposition leaders on charges of murder and inciting violence. (BBC)

Venezuela Opposition launches protests

Venezuela’s Opposition has held a day of protest to launch a new campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

Crowds marched in Caracas and other cities to express their anger at the country’s economic crisis, and called on the President to stand down.

Mr Maduro led a protest in the capital against the renewal of US sanctions on top Venezuelan officials.

The Opposition has made clear it intends to use street power to force Mr Maduro from office.

Saturday’s protests marked the launch of Venezuela’s opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD).

One opposition protester, Enrique Alvarado in Caracas, told Reuters news agency: “The people have come to the street and will not return to their houses until Nicolas Maduro re-

signs.”

Another marcher, Jose Zambrano, said: “I came because what we want is change, because we cannot continue standing in line to buy medicine, food, for everything, for car parts, for everything.”

Last week, the coalition announced it would use all options available to try to remove President Maduro, including a recall referendum and a constitutional amendment reducing the

presidential term from six to four years.

The opposition won a landslide victory in last December’s elections, but it has seen its authority hamstrung by the Supreme Court, which it says sup-

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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

The Local Government Elections campaign

THIS week, Guyana goes to the polls in its first Local Government Elections (LGE) in 22 years. The length of time since the last LGE cannot be underscored more, since it means that an entire generation of voters has not had the experience of voting in local government elections.

However partisan these elections on Friday, March 18, may turn out to be, the dynamics are starkly different from general elections. Whereas, in the latter, the country virtually becomes one constituency, in the LGE, we, in effect, have 70 different elections, each with its own particular characteristics.

After a relatively slow start to the campaigns, largely due to the intervening Christmas season and a seeming lack of interest on the part of the electorate, the pace has picked up considerably over the last couple of weeks.

The latter development is due to increased coverage in the media; a more robust education outreach programme

by GECOM and independent organizations, such as Cuffy 250; and the entrance into the campaign of the big parties.

For its part, the print media have given much more coverage to the platforms of the candidates and the organizations and parties contesting mainly in Georgetown.

There has been far less coverage of the groups in the rural areas, although there has been some coverage of Bartica and Linden. Certainly this is one area that needs tightening going forward.

The media have not done as good a job as they could in general coverage of rural Guyana. Many of the candidates have opted for house-to-house visits, as opposed to the traditional street corner public meetings. There has also been heavy emphasis on Social Media, where it is felt that that media hold the key to connecting with younger voters.

This downplaying of the public meeting format may well turn out to be a mistake in a Guyana which still seems to be wedded to that form of political campaigning.

In Georgetown, a public debate hosted by one of the NGOs seemed to have reached quite a large audience. There is another one planned for this coming week. One wonders whether these debates have not come a little too late to have the desired impact. Voter turn-out is going to be very key in these elections; it seems as though the group or candidate which is able

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

History should be our teacher Dear Editor, I DO not think that the entire Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the recent Camp Street Prison riots should be a public spectacle; neither do I think that Mr. Dale Erskine should be a sitting member of the commission.

And unless the inmates who testify will be placed in some kind of a witness protection programme, I think that their testimonies should be off camera, in the absence of Mr. Erskine.

I have visited and worked with prisons in several countries, and if there is one thing I believe I am expert in, it is criminology and matters relating to prison inmates and the offender population. I also know that if this CoI will get to the bottom of this issue in a way to remedy the situation, the following will have to happen: (a) Mr. Erskine will have to recuse himself from the commission (b) Parts of the hearing, especially the inmates’ testimonies, will have to be off camera; or (c) The inmates will have to be guaranteed their complete and protracted safety if they speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

I understand that an inmate has the option to request confidentiality of his testimony; however, if what he says in private is different or more in-depth from what the others say in public, the proverbial axe

will fall on him.

There are a few words and terms that are known for their standard meaning in any English-speaking prison around the world.

One is “conjugal visit”, which is where a spouse or loved one is allowed to enter the prison confinement and have intimate relationship with the incarcerated lover. Another is “prison mentality”, which is where the ex-offender behaves like an inmate even while he is free. Another word is “snitch” or “snitching”, which is the most universal of all the prison slangs.

Snitching is when a prisoner tells the authorities about the violations that happen in the prison.

What this CoI is asking the inmates to do is in essence snitching. The current inmates are being asked to finger prisoners or prison officers who allowed or committed offences behind the prison walls.

Snitching could have some very serious repercussions for an inmate, ranging for mild mistreatment to undignified death, depending on who is affected by the snitch. For example: If an inmate were to say to the CoI on camera that officer “X” takes money to allow matches, cell phones and drugs to enter the prison, the result could be that all those (officers and inmates alike) who benefit from the business of drugs, cell phones and matches entering the prison would seek to harm

to influence more turnout is likely to do better than the competition, but in the absence of any polling, these are mere speculations. What we do know is that, in the disciplined services voting, voter turnout was relatively low.

The entry to the campaign trail of the members of the ruling Coalition Government is of significance. While the PPP does not face any independent challenge in its traditional constituency, the Coalition parties are facing competition in their political strongholds. In Georgetown, Linden and Bartica, for example, the Coalition faces seemingly stiff challenges from independent groups and candidates.

In Georgetown, groups such as Team Benschop, Youth for Local Government and Team Legacy are campaigning vigorously to win voters who otherwise would vote for the ruling Coalition. The outcomes of these races will tell us the extent to which the popular masses would like to see the political parties stay out of LGE. The President has hit the campaign trail, and has re-

that inmate. Therefore, it is very unlikely that any inmate will tell the commission what the commission really needs to know while the cameras are rolling, or while the former superintendent is sitting there.

Knowing this as a fact, I will tell you, Editor, that the current approach and construct of the CoI will yield only limited success. However, if the intention of this inquiry is to really get to the root of the causative factors that lend to the recent riots, and if the intentions are to prevent a repeat, then the format and the personnel of the CoI will have to be adjusted.

The perception is that this CoI is conceptually and unintentionally flawed, and in situations like these, perception is reality.

While the tax payers and the media are owed the courtesy of knowing the findings of the CoI, I am sure they will prefer that systems be put in place for the obtaining of tangible and substantive information that would solve the issues at hand.

Editor, personally, I would like this issue to go away. Coincidentally, I live just a few houses from the Camp Street Prison, so I am very concerned about what obtains there. I am also very interested in the safety of those living directly around the Prison. Several of them had expressed to me fear for their lives during the recent riots.

A matter of concern to me also is the financial losses to the businesses that have to close, or to which access is restricted every time the inmates act up. Additionally, this prison is in the Werk-enRust area, and I am vying to represent this Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust constituency in the upcoming Local Government Elections; so what bothers my constituents bothers me.

Editor, I have absolutely no problems with Mr. Dale Erskine. He has served both this country and the Guyana Prison Service with exceptional proficiency, and he continues to be an asset to us, even in his retirement. Mr. Erskine is obviously well intentioned.

However, because of my professional expertise and because I know how the average inmate thinks, I would strongly suggest that the conveners of the CoI take another look, both at the construct and approach of the commission.

Just by way of comparison, we just had the report from another CoI, the validity of which has been called into question by some, in part because of construct and the approach of that commission. History should be our teacher.

Respectfully, WENDELL JEFFREY, Pastor Independent Candidate Wortmanville/Werk-enRust Constituency #8

portedly called on voters to vote for candidates they trust.

That he and other Ministers are on the trail suggests that they are taking these elections very seriously.

Some have argued that the elections would be seen as a referendum on the government. While we do not share that view in its totality, it cannot be dismissed out of hand.

Coming so soon after the general election, the opposition PPP is expected to frame the LGE as such, and this should not be taken for granted by the ruling Coalition.

Whatever happens on Friday, one thing is certain: the country’s democracy would be better off. At a time when voter-interest is at an all-time low in the wider Caribbean, one should also pay attention to the turnout at the election.

The jury is out on whether the Independent groups and candidates are able to bring new voters into the mix. We shall see.

In the meantime, we urge citizens to go out and cast their votes, for it is one of a person’s more important civic duties.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

Constable fished out of canal

THE body of New Amsterdam municipal Constable Dovan Sheppard was fished out of the Republic Park Canal on Sunday afternoon, hours after she had left her place of employment to attend a wake house.

The divorced mother of two, who lived at Lot 23 Alexander Street, was found partially clad in her work attire. She also had a ring on her finger, a hand bag strung around her neck, and a black plastic bag containing peanuts and tortillas.

The snack may have been bought to be utilised at the wake house. The black plastic bag was on the handle of her red bicycle, which was retrieved from the canal.

Sheppard’s son, Akeem Shepperd, told the Guyana Chronicle that he was not at home when his mother left for work on Saturday, but he was told that she had gone to a wake house of a colleague’s relative. After his mom did not return home, he said, a search was carried out, and her body was found floating in the Republic Park Canal, in the vicinity of the Savannah Park Housing Scheme in Stanleytown.

Investigators took about two hours to arrive at the scene, much to the frustration of the crowd which gathered there. Friends and colleagues of the woman wept upon recognising the body pulled from the trench. The body was transported to the New Amsterdam Hospital, and a post-mortem is expected to be conducted shortly.

Sheppard was described as an easygoing person. Her workmates are of the opinion that she may have met her demise after experiencing a seizure while cycling home on the unlit road. This, they say, probably may have caused her to lose control of her cycle and end up in the trench.

Police are investigating the woman’s death.

A policeman with Dovan Sheppard’s bicycle, which was removed from the trench

Please engage the Wales Sugar workers Dear Editor,

ON MONDAY, January 18, 2016, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Noel Holder, announced the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate (WSE) with effect from end of the second crop of 2016. As an immediate step to ensuring that this decision is executed, the Ministry of Agriculture stated the following:

* No further land preparation and planting will be conducted in 2016 * With effect from 2017, farmers’ canes will be milled at the Uitvlugt factory. * Agricultural workers at Wales Estate will be absorbed by the Uitvlugt Estate up to the extent of suitable vacancies on that location. Surplus labour

would have to be made redundant.

As an outcome of the above policy actions, the large acreage of land at WSE will be retired. I am on record publicly stating that I am a firm supporter of the strat egy to close one of the West Demerara Estates to extend the life of the sugar industry. The lowcost sugar estates like Albion cannot continue to cross-subsidize Wales to their own detriment; every estate has to pull more of its own weight.

So my challenge is not with the decision, but the closure process.

On my visit to Guyana during February-March 2016, I deliberately visited the Wales Estate to have a first-hand download on

the socio-political situation. My strategy was to go straight to the source and speak to those directly affected by this decision -- front line workers. I was a guest of my diaspora colleague Rudy Jadoopat and two government officials. What I observed from my conversations with the front line workers was that they are ‘blue mad’ at how this decision is being communicated to them – from the studios of NCN. This clearly illustrates that those who are making the decision on WSE are making it in an ivory tower, with very little intellect being applied to the CLOSURE PLAN. The first act of any real closure plan is direct consultation and communication with the front line

workers, and this is not being done; so the entire process has been turned on its head. This must be corrected. All of the sugar workers that I have communicated with are calling for an immediate visit to the Sugar Estate by the Minister of Agriculture, as an important step to bringing greater normalcy to a very unstable situation.

We spoke to many workers, both in the field and at the factory, and every single one of them confirmed that they have not seen or heard from anyone from the Office of the CEO of GuySuCo, or from the Office of the Minister of Agriculture since the announcement of the closure of the factory.

I therefore humbly bring to the attention of the powers that be that they ought to listen to

the workers on this issue.

Unfortunately, the responsibility for this “anno horribilis” at the WSE must be borne fully by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Noel Holder; after all, the proverbial buck stops at that desk FOR NOW! Regrettably, because of the way Guyana is socially constructed, this situation at Wales is exposing His Excellency President Granger politically, and the quicker the Minister of Agriculture takes action, the better for the Coalition Government.

This socio-political situation has to be immediately de-escalated with a visit to this sugar estate by the Minister of Agriculture, to explain his plans for the geographical area. The workers must be engaged, not antagonized. The most

important constituency in facilitating a successful closure plan remains the front line workers.

My appeal is that immediate steps be taken to correct this grave policy indiscretion, so that this policy vacuum can be brought to a halt.

I have my opinions on what I observed and heard throughout the agriculture belt, but that is for another time. Right now, what is urgently needed is ministerial consultation with the front line workers of Wales Sugar Estate, to acquire broad agreement on the closure plan, so that we have a closure plan that is executed as seamlessly as possible.

Respectfully, SASE SINGH

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 14, 2016

Linden youths tutored on empowerment

By Vanessa Braithwaite APPROXIMATELY 40 Linden youths were on Saturday involved in a youth empowerment forum held under the theme ‘Caring for others’.

This forum saw presentations from prominent personalities in Linden, and government ministers, including Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valarie Patterson; Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry; Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira; Regional Chairman Renis Morian; Attorney-at-law Darren Wade; youth political activist Ryan Belgrave, and Linden businessman Selwyn George.

Each presenter had the opportunity to speak on topics related to the development and upward mobility of youths.

The programme was skilfully chaired by mayoral hopeful for the APNU-AFC group, Carwyn Holland, who supported each presenter while citing ways in which such advice had benefited him.

First to present was Attorney-at-law Wade, whose platform was youth and education. He underscored education as the most viable way of achieving social mobility.

RETOOLING Wade encouraged the youths to pursue tertiary

education, as it makes one more marketable in a diversified society. Alluding to the change in economic activity in Linden, as bauxite mining can no longer sustain the town, he said that education allows one to retool or redirect whenever these drastic changes occur.

He, however, cautioned that in pursuing tertiary education, one must pursue a field within one’s liking and capabilities.

“You cannot want to be an Olympic swimmer and can’t swim, or to be a doctor and you are not good at sciences; so you must look for something that you like, and it calls for dedication,” he posited.

He also referred to opportunity cost.

George, a successful entrepreneur, spoke of the benefits of entrepreneurship.

He encouraged the youths to consider such a path, but revealed that in becoming an entrepreneur, one must also prepare for failure.

“Failure is not failure; failure can be a great lesson for something greater, but you certainly have to prepare for failure,” he explained.

George said that to become a billionaire, all that is needed is an idea which can materialise. He articulated that entrepreneurship is not always about money, but it can be looked at broadly, since jobs can be created within the community.

Minister Valarie Patterson making her contribution at the youth forum. Also at the head table are APNU/AFC MP Jermaine Figueira, and Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry

“By creating a better way for someone, and by creating jobs, you are fulfilling to society your obligation to make the world a better place,” he advised.

Echoing similar sentiments in regard to entrepreneurship was Regional Chairman Renis Morian, who gave his presentation on ‘youths and the region’.

He told the youths that they should consider entrepreneurship, as not everyone is academically inclined, and many successful businessmen and women do not have “One grain subject at CXC.” BEING INFORMED He said that being educated is not only about being qualified, but also about being informed. He added that the challenge in the region is

that many young people are ill-informed.

“You are the persons that are going to replace us, so you have to be informed about what is going on; and that is the challenge facing our young people,” he articulated.

The Regional Chairman revealed that he is currently embarking on a $48M programme to have young people in the region benefit from programmes that will allow them to garner skills to function effectively in the world of work.

“You notice in the newspapers, yes we have jobs, but you have to get experience; so we found a solution, so we want to place 200 young persons at institutions around Linden to help with their education, and we will give

them a stipend,” he posited.

Speaking on youth and politics was MP Figueira, who encouraged the youths to take seriously their democratic right to vote, especially in the upcoming Local Government Elections, as it is a very important aspect of politics.

He said that voting exemplifies the democratic process, and is the best example of equality.

“Every man is entitled to one vote, making him equal to the rich man; making him equal to the rich woman; and when politics is involved, we are all placed on the same platform of equality,” the young MP posited.

Making an impressive presentation on youth development was Minister Patterson, who encouraged the

youths to associate themselves with those who would foster positive development.

She also urged them to adopt the five C’s of development: competence, confidence, compassion, connection and character.

The minister reiterated the Government’s mandate to partner with youths for their empowerment and development in education, sports and other avenues.

She disclosed that there are several strategic plans that will see the involvement of youths on several platforms.

Organiser of the forum, Devon John of the Linden Enterprise Network, said there will be follow-up sessions as a means of encouraging development and empowerment among the youths.

Move them! ‒ Gov’t declares zero tolerance on abandoned vehicles

These pictures show the extent of the problem of vehicles being abandoned on the road shoulders of the Corentyne Highway

By Clifford Stanley NEIGHBOURHOOD Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) are being asked to take resolute action to rid the road shoulders in their villages of abandoned vehicles.

Abandoned vehicles include derelict motor cars, combine harvesters, even bulldozers and tractors and trailers left on the road shoulders. These vehicles pose a major threat to other road users, particularly motorists, who may have to take their vehicles off the road and onto the shoulders

in an emergency.

Concerned citizens are calling on the owners of these vehicles to place them where they do not pose danger to road users.

Representative of the Prime Minister in Region Six, Gobin Harbhajan, recently discussed this situation with a number of NDCs

in the region. Harbhajan said the situation is an ageold problem, and that many lives have been lost due to in use vehicles colliding with abandoned vehicles, which occur when motorists are forced off the road in emergency situations.

Harbhajan pointed out to the NDCs that, apart from

being road safety hazards, these abandoned vehicles give the villages an unsightly appearance. He said the Office of the Prime Minister is concerned about the apparent lack of will in dealing with the problem.

“We want to promote a clean and green Guyana; we want to promote tour-

ism. This issue has to be addressed,” Harbhajan told the meeting.

He called for a concerted effort by both offenders and village officials to ensure that the road shoulders of the Corentyne Highway are entirely rid of such traffic hazards and eyesores.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 14, 2016

North-West youths gear for PYARG 2016

BY Alva Solomon

SOME 80 youths from communities across the Mabaruma sub-region of the Barima-Waini Region One community marched across the dusty Kumaka stretch and on to the hilltop community of Koberimo last weekend, as they geared for this year’s President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) awards ceremony.

The group, which included three secondary schools in the sub-region, completed the 4 or 5-mile walk, deemed

via the Koberimo Creek, is undergoing infrastructural upgrade, with a roadway being built to connect the community to the Kumaka Stretch.

The students trekked across the narrow and tricky pieces of wood which were laid along the trail where the roadway is being built.

A few near misses made the journey exciting, as some tried desperately to avoid falling into the swampy lands beneath the wood trail. Later, they clambered up a hill on entering the populated parts of the predominantly farming community.

Participants walk along the Koberimo roadway, which is undergoing upgrade

Students walked into the trail leading to Koberimo Hill last Sunday

A student of the North-West Secondary School at Mabaruma prepares some green seasoning for the pot

as their first pre-expedition for the year for the new recruits of the Bronze level of the award. They were drawn from the North-West Secondary School unit as well as the Hosororo and Wauna Secondary school departments Team leader and Coordinator Renato Srikumar told the Guyana Chronicle during the walk that participants usually complete two pre-expedition exercises, and a final activity is set for the month of June. “This is to ensure that the participants qualify for the award in October,” he said. “I encouraged the youths to be involved in their community development; and after studying, they should return and try to build their communities,” he added.

He said that participants will undergo four stages of preparation for the award, including participation in community services, physical recreation, skills, and adventurous journeys, the latter seen as more exciting by participants. The entire process caters for youths between the ages of 15 and 24.

After completing those four stages, the participants will qualify for the award within a three to six-month period.

Last Sunday, after registering at the North-West Secondary School, the youths walked off in groups along the Kumaka stretch and on to Koberimo Hill. The community, accessible only by

Some students were in for a surprise, as another hilly section stood atop the initial ascent into Koberimo, and panting took full effect at this point.

On ascent into the community, the students rested briefly at the community centre ground, and were later grouped according to the schools they attend. Cooking activities in the form of “bush-cooks” then commenced as part of the exercise. They interacted with each other while the pots boiled; and lunch, made mainly of chowmein cooked with chicken sausage, was served. A motivational speech

by Nazim Hussain of the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) commenced after lunch.

Hussain, who was visiting the region, reminded the attentive students of the value of education, and what it entails to be a youth leader in every regard. He encouraged them to pursue their education goals and to grasp every opportunity which they encounter.

He also spoke on health-related issues which teenagers will encounter, and the students lent a listening ear to this aspect of his presentation.

Later, the group carried out a clean–up exercise on the sprawling community centre ground at Koberimo; and after washing the pots, pans and plates, the students

headed for their descent out of the community.

Another adventurous journey is set for next month, and a camp/craft training will be co-hosted by the Guyana Defence Force’s Camp Everad Base at Mabaruma as part of the qualifying process.

Participants in previous exercises have moved on to qualifying themselves

at technical and tertiary institutions in the capital city, and are said to be

contributing meaningfully to the development of the Mabaruma sub-region.

Jagdeo sister dies THE sister of Opposition ports, the siblings Leader and former Presihad shared a closedent Bharrat Jagdeo was ly knitted relationfound dead on Sunday at ship, and she had the Pradoville Two home even lived at State at Sparendaam, East House with him Coast Demerara (ECD), while he served as where she resided.

President. She had Ooma Jagdeo, 57, not been married. who was described by her Though the brother as a “second mothcause of her death er”, was said to have been is unknown, police found non-responsive on sources indicated Sunday morning by her to Newssource – children. an online media – The former President that investigators Ooma Jagdeo was reportedly leading the did not see any People’s Progressive Party signs of foul play.

(PPP) Local Government Elections The Opposition Leader himself (LGE) campaign in Region Three offered that although he could not (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) say immediately was what had when he received the sad news. caused her death.

Rallies in Wakenaam and Le“I don’t know what it is. I doubt guan at which he was scheduled to (foul play),” he told Demerara be present were cut short due to her Waves, another online media outlet. passing.

He subsequently shared the Ooma had lived at a house in the news via his Facebook page, statsame compound with her brother’s ing: “It’s with deep sadness I house in Pradoville. According to re- announce the death of my sister

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and his sister Ooma Jagdeo during their childhood

Shanta (Ooma). She was the epitome of a sister, she was a mother, my confidant and friend. She took care of me all my life, and I will miss her dearly.”

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 14, 2016

Remarks on Commonwealth Day 2016 AS COMMONWEALTH DAY 2016 is observed under the theme “An inclusive Commonwealth”, it is clear that the Commonwealth Secretariat is focusing on the issue of inclusivity. This has arisen as essential in the discussion on human and social development.

As Minister of Social Cohesion, I am committed to ensuring that the Ministry initiates strategic actions designed to develop partnerships for pursuing a social cohesion agenda in Guyana.

It is recognised that exclusion is a major contributor to poverty and its ill effects.

The role of the Ministry is to work with citizens to engender their willingness to

cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper.

Studies show that wherever social cohesion policies and approaches are applied, the willingness to cooperate is usually reflected in citizens’ freedom to choose partnerships. As a result of these partnerships, citizens have a reasonable chance of achieving goals, because they are willing to work together and equitably share the fruits of their endeavours. The Ministry would undertake those programmes and projects which are necessary to include citizens from all 10 administrative regions of Guyana in the processes for nation-building.

It must be noted that an

inclusive Commonwealth can only be achieved if all the countries in the Commonwealth, as a family of nations, achieve inclusiveness at the national level.

I recognise that, for our nation to be considered inclusive, we have to promote the inclusion of all Guyanese in the work of building sustainable communities.

This is not only essential in delivering equal citizenship, but is a potentially important contributor to improving life for all.

An inclusive society is a society that overrides differences of race, gender, class, generation, and geography.

It ensures inclusion, equality of opportunity, as well as capability of all members to

Float Parade route not yet finalised MNISTER within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, has announced that the route for the May 26 Float Parade has not yet been finalised.

The incumbent with responsibility for the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, in a statement, said that as soon as

determine an agreed set of social institutions that govern social interaction. This is the charge of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, and this is what I am committed to leading processes to accomplish.

Let us recognise that the theme (An inclusive Commonwealth) was not coined in isolation. Rather, it is consistent with several of the Sustainable Development Goals. In fact, the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals is predicated on inclusivity.

Goals 4,5,8,9 and 16, in particular, speak to inclusivity.

Guyana has ratified several international human rights conventions, and our Constitution also speaks to a

Hon. Amna Ally, MP, Minister of Social Cohesion

wide range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Every Guyanese has a right to be included in access to education, health, and all

social services; as well as decision-making processes.

As the fight against exclusion and marginalisation continues, the Ministry endeavours to continue to partner with other Ministries, civil society, the religious community, international and business communities to undertake those initiatives that are designed to create a sense of belonging, promote trust, and offer Guyanese opportunities for upward mobility.

Those of us who are eligible to vote should ensure that we are included in the decision-making process by participating in the Local Government Elections on March 18th.

An Enjoyable Commonwealth Day 2016 to all.

City wards commence environmental awareness programmes

the route is finalised, the information will be made public.

Head of the Mashramani Secretariat, Lennox Canterbury, had told another section of the media that a decision was made to re-route the float parade to the Rupert Craig Highway.

Solid Management Director Walter Narine (extreme left) briefing residents on composting practices and other waste management methods

A SERIES of environmental awareness programmes have been started in various wards of Georgetown.

The first programme was done in group six, which consists of Agricola, Mc Doom, Houston and Meadow Bank.

Facilitated by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the project, which commenced recently, has two components: providing information and training in waste reduction, and reaching the needs of those who are unable to acquire bins. Public Relations Officer (ag) Debra Lewis said the training is focused on helping residents to efficiently manage solid waste by employing the three Rs: reuse, reduce and recycle.

Residents of group six were provided with infor-

mation on composting, and a practical demonstration was given on how to make a compost box at home.

Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine explained that the method is simple, and can be used in urban areas where there is not much land space.

Narine, who spearheaded the session, said the group six areas generate approximately 42 tons of refuse weekly, and 21 tons consist of organic material, which is ideal for composting.

He encouraged the group to use the skill they have acquired to generate income.

“Money can come out of waste,” Narine noted.

The Solid Waste Director said if residents practise composting and other waste management methods, the

refuse collected would be reduced by 10 per cent, and money the Council expends on solid waste collection and disposal would be decreased significantly.

The Council had a community meeting with residents in the Agricola area during September 2015, and residents were enthused about solid waste management strategies.

The Solid Waste-Resource Management Strategy is premised on environmental education and protection, and maintenance of an efficient collection system that provides economic opportunities through waste collection.

In addition, the Council distributed 35 refuse bins to residents who did not have receptacles.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 14, 2016

Better policing, recreational spaces, street lights

‒ LGE candidates outline plans for Constituency 14

CANDIDATES of Constituency 14, considered the most competitive constituency in Georgetown, squared-off on national television last evening in another round of the Georgetown Local Government Elections (LGE) debate.

Hosted by Merundoi Inc, the debate explored issues affecting residents in the constituency, and provided the candidates the opportunity to unveil their plans should they be elected to serve as councillor.

Businessman Saiku Andrews, running under the group Team Legacy, expressed frustration at the way his community has been treated over the years. Describing the South Ruimveldt Park/Ruimveldt Industrial Estate locale as a “forgotten” area, he reasoned that it is in need of physical help and leadership.

Andrews explained that there are infrastructural needs in that area, and these, he said, should be done to last long-term.

Among them are roads and community centres.

“There should be no short-term (work). If they need sidewalks or roads, we will sit with Central Government and scrutinise persons who get contracts and ensure that they have a good track record to get these works done efficiently,” he said.

In terms of crime and security, he recommended the establishment of two more police outposts in the area. And this is needed, he said, because of the lack of policing in the constituency and weaknesses in the community policing groups.

Political activist Mark Benschop, who represents Team Benschop for Mayor, took several jabs at his opponents while unveiling his plans to foster development

Mark Benschop

in Constituency 14.

He was keen to state that his team plans to not only make a difference in this constituency, but the entire Georgetown, once elected to office.

The plans outlined by him for Constituency 14 are drainage, security, and lighting of the area. These, he said, can be addressed within a short period of time, should he be elected.

As it relates to solid waste disposal, he revealed that he would introduce more frequent collections in the area. To tackle security issues, he explained that there is need for street lights, police outposts and an active presence of police constabulary in the

area.

Independent candidate Juliet Julian also made her contributions, offering that a major issue in her constituency is recreational space, for which she has been in the fight since 2011.

Julian explained that community centres will allow persons the space to enjoy quality time with their friends and families.

“Boys and girls are now into Internet, and one of the causes is the lack of recreational facilities,” she said.

For her, to tackle crime in that constituency, there needs to be collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, and active policing groups in the neighbourhoods.

Businessman Bertrand Stewart, who is also an independent candidate, likewise highlighted the need for a recreational facility, while hinting at one he is currently in the process of establishing.

This facility, he said, is needed for social interaction, which could, in the short and long terms, significantly reduce crime in that area.

“Crime would be solved if we look out for each other,

and have more social interactions,” he said. He added: “Most residents don’t have

anything to do, and we have to have a place to have to meet,” he said.

Sherod Duncan of the APNU+AFC was absent from the debate.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 14, 2016

Number 8 Secondary to go ‘hi-tech’ ‒ with construction of state-of-the-art ‘Tech-Voc’ block

By Clifford Stanley A TECHNICAL block at the Number 8 Secondary

School in West Berbice is among capital works’ projects to be completed this year by the Regional

Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Five.

The proposed facility, comprising a state-of-the-art

laboratory and other facilities and workshops for imparting technical vocational skills, is projected to cost in

the vicinity of $16M. This sum will come from the $104M that have been allocated for education.

Another expenditure in the area of education is the purchase a 30-seater boat to transport, to and from school, children and residents from the upper reaches of the Mahaicony River. It is projected to cost $11M. In total, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) has been allocated $2.66B to carry out major developmental and maintenance works in 2016.

Of this sum, $390M will be used for capital works, while $2.72B are to be expended on the maintenance of buildings and infrastructure.

According to one regional official, in respect to capital expenditure, most of the $390M will be utilised for public works, such as roads and bridges, and land and infrastructural development.

The sum to be spent on such projects amounts to $120M, of which some $75M will be spent on road upgrades and other land development works, and $25M on bridges.

Eight community roads in West Berbice will be upgraded to asphalt-surfaced roads, and two such roads

in Mahaicony are also to be upgraded. Six bridges are to be constructed in six agricultural areas in the region.

Under infrastructural development, the region will be constructing a boat-house on the left bank of the Mahaicony River, at Central Mahaicony, at a cost of $8.5M. It will be used to accommodate riverine residents who travel out to the coast by boat for business and other activities.

A further $91M have been allocated to health services, the major project of which will be the construction of a diabetic foot clinic at the Mahaicony Hospital at a cost of $8M. The remaining amount will be spent on upgrading the buildings and the facilities, including laboratories at the two hospitals in the region, namely: The Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital and the Mahaicony Hospital.

The sum of $57M is to be spent on upgrading drainage and irrigation structures in the Mahaicony area, while the remainder of the budget will be spent on administrative activities of the regional administration.

Monday, March 14, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Tuesday, March 15, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Wednesday, March 16, 2016 - 11:00 hrs

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 14, 2016

Caribbean Voice invites nominations for awards THE Caribbean Voice, a non-governmental-organisation (NGO) involved in suicide prevention, is inviting nominations for its Second Annual El Dorado Awards, to be held in July 2016.

The date and venue for the event will be announced later.

According to a release, the El Dorado Awards were launched in August 2015 to recognise affirmation agents on Guyana’s social landscape.

Supported by Sueria Manufacturing, Gafoors Group of Companies, Cara Hotel, Metro Office Supplies, Galaxy 21 Commu-

nications, Office Resources (New York City) and a sponsor who prefers to be anonymous, the awards were very well received by stakeholders, attendees, and the general public; and a decision was taken to make the event an annual one.

Affirmation agents are individuals, businesses and organisations that give back to communities and causes; promote and support social causes; and/or engage in charitable work to empower and positively impact lives.

Those who give so much of their time, efforts and resources to make a difference are often unacknowledged, and even unrecognised. The

Two in custody over killing of teen TWO persons are in police custody following the stabbing of 18-year-old Sherwyn Lynch, whose body was found in a prone position at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday evening.

Reports are that one of the men was arrested after he was found in possession of the now dead man’s mobile phone; while the other had sustained a stab wound to one of his hands, which he reportedly received during an attack.

The teen, who hails from Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, according to his neighbour who wished to remain unidentified, was found face down on the Plaisance Railway Embankment.

Lynch’s neighbour had disclosed: “I was travelling home to Plaisance from UG when suddenly the bus stopped and everyone came out to see a body that was lying face down on the roadside. And when they turn

Sherwyn Lynch

him over, I saw it was Sherwyn.”

She said he had apparently suffered three stab wounds on the left side of his body.

Passersby took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, his sister Tomika Solomon said she was notified of the incident at about 21:00hrs, and rushed to the hospital, where she confirmed the sad news.

purpose of the Ed Dorado Awards is to ensure that the Guyanese nation becomes aware of the work of these sterling individuals and entities.

Award categories and eligibility criteria can be

accessed at www.caribvoice. org/el-dorado-awards.html.

Nominations, to include name, address, phone number, email and short bios or background information, should be sent via email to caribvoice@aol.com, bibi-

ahamad1@hotmail.com or deodatpersaud25@yahoo. com or via instant messaging (IM) on Facebook to Annan Boodram, Bibi Ahamad or The Suicide Epidemic page.

The Caribbean Voice is

also inviting sponsors for the awards. For inquiries or further information, please call 223-2637 or 621-6111(Guyana); or 718542-4454 (Canada, USA); or send email to any of the email addresses above.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

Corporate environment not friendly to women -- Beverly Harper relates her observations; recounts prejudices growing up

By Akola Thompson

IN GUYANA, very few women ever ascend to senior positions at large companies, and remain there. Serving her eighth year as Managing Director of ANSA McAL, the formidable Beverly Harper is one of those few women who have managed to break barriers and successfully work in what is seemingly ‘a man’s world’.

Born in a small town in Germany called Rinteln, to a Guyanese father and an English mother, Beverly, from a young age, developed a ‘thick skin’ and learned to read people well.

Being of mixed ethnicities in a predominantly Caucasian environment, Beverly was often subjected to both covert and overt racism, as were her other siblings. She being the darkest of the set, however, had more taunts directed at her.

Her father, who was in the army, was of the belief that small villages were better than towns, as towns tend to be more racial. He would often say, she said, that “once people got to know you, they no longer look at the colour of your skin.”

However, those things, she mused, only happen with adults, and not children. Also, her father did not consider that sufficient time was needed to form relationships with others. Almost every two years, the family would move to different areas or countries in which her father was stationed, so it was very hard to form lasting relationships with people. Despite where they went, however, Beverly and her siblings were taunted for their colour.

She amusingly recounted a story of when she was at the age of 13 or 14 and had borrowed her sister’s brassiere to go to the corner shop. Feeling very confident in herself now that she had breasts, Beverly, upon passing a group of boys who asked her if her name was Rachel, answered and said, “No, my name’s Beverly.” Immediately, they all began laughing and shouting racial prejudices, she said.

“I was devastated. I had gone out feeling good about myself, only to realise that they don’t even look at you other than for the colour of your skin,” she said.

Unfortunately, strangers were not the only ones whom Beverly knew practised racism; her grandparents had refused to attend her mother’s wedding. “Grandma would have attended,” she said, “but in those days a woman did what her man told her to do, and my grandfather was not approving of the marriage…It was not until the birth of my older brother that they rekindled their relationship with mom,” she disclosed.

In her teenage years, Beverly, for the first time, came to Guyana; and had a culture shock, but claimed that, within two weeks, she did not want to go back to England.

WOW On the first day of her now 15th high school, which would be her last - Bishops’, Beverly was greatly comforted that she would be normal here, as the first thought entering her mind was: “Wow, I don’t look different.”

After completing her A levels, Beverly, upon the recommendation of a friend, travelled to Germany and became an au pair to a Jewish family. The couple, whose families had moved them to Brazil before the war started, she said, were extremely kind and often would tell her stories of the things their families had gone through in Hitler’s reign.

“Remembering those stories now,” she said, “makes

the age.

TREMENDOUS DISADVANTAGE Women, she believes, face tremendous disadvantages in the business environment, even if they are more qualified than their male counterparts. This, she gathered, is a result of those in charge coming with their preconceived and often wrong notions regarding women.

While she values those who have an abundance of experience under their belts, she is of the opinion that there are too many senior men involved in the running of businesses, and not enough attention is being given to either age or gender, whereas the best boards pay attention to these.

“That’s why so many young women are not placed into high positions; their first instinct is to see whether she is of child-bearing age, and wonder if they’ll lose her for six months; and they don’t want to invest in her,” Beverly opined.

Despite her formidable and headstrong character, Beverly revealed that she knows of the issues facing many women, as she herself has been a victim of some.

During her pregnancy with her daughter, she said, her employers at the time, a locally based company, did not believe she could perform her duties anymore.

Due to childbearing difficulties, she had been ordered on bed rest, at which time the employers tried to terminate her employment. Having her lawyer write a letter, Beverly Beverly Harper sent it to them, who then decided to settle the matter rather me worry about all the silliness that’s going on here in than taking it to court. She resigned immediately after.

Guyana, and worry about Trump becoming President.

Trying to climb the proverbial professional ladder with “I think its fear,” she added, “fear that you’re not su- a daughter, she believes, affected the amount of nurturing perior to someone, especially if you were brought up to she would have liked to provide to her daughter. think you are”.

Following her short stint as an au pair, Beverly, gaining CHALLENGING TIME her Marketing and Business Management degree, returned to the place she considered home, Guyana.

“It was difficult, as I was a single mother. As I was Newly qualified and entering the job market, Beverly going up the ladder, there were lots of times I had to travel claimed she made a mistake all young adults seem to make, a lot, but I had the most wonderful helper, ‘Sita’, and my and turned down jobs, as they were not what she was ex- family also,” she said. actly looking for.

Her daughter, she said, has grown into an extraordinary Eventually, she became a marketing assistant at the young woman of whom they are all proud.

Timber Export Marketing Board. She then moved to GPC, Despite all the challenges she has faced in her personal which was at the time headed by ‘Gussy’. “Gussy took ev- and professional life, Beverly is proud of her accomerybody coming back with degrees,” she laughed. “It was plishments, and believes those challenges made her into almost as if he was standing at the airport saying, ‘come, a better and stronger woman for her daughter and herself come, we have space for you’.” in general.

With every job she changed, Beverly climbed higher “What I wanted to do is show Chelsea how to do it, and higher up the ladder, reaching what she considers to and I know she’ll be able to do it when her time comes,” be one of her greatest achievements when she became she said. managing Director at ANSA McAL. Aside from her daughter, Beverly considers one of her Before securing her current job, she had been a Market- greatest accomplishments to be the “the new way”, she has ing Manager at Bryden and Fernandes. “I was called up by brought “to managing a company”. She stressed the idea my head hunters who said they had a job opportunity, so that business environments should always try to create I just wanted to see what I was worth,” she said jokingly. families, as ANSA McAL does. Aside from the policy of Halfway through the interview, she was asked what always having an open door, Beverly revealed, on everywould be her thoughts if she were offered the position of one’s birthday a lunch is done, other staff members are Managing Director. invited, and they “talk about all kinds of things”.

“I picked up my chin from the floor and then proceeded “It doesn’t matter if you’re the guy lifting the cases or on another footing, because this was interesting,” she said, a manager of a division, we all get together and celebrate,” adding: “You have to remember (that) there are very few she said. women in such positions. Right now, there are only two But while Beverly became one of few women to enter that I know of in the country: Colleen Patterson from Grace and succeed in ‘a man’s world,’ she believes that the Kennedy, and Patricia Bacchus.” only way for many more barriers to be broken down One of the few women currently holding a senior po- for women is for them to be mentored. “Let’s start sition in an international company, Beverly commented mentoring them,” she said, adding: “Tell them they can, on the need for the business community to catch up with tell them to find their passion, and work towards it.”

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Shiv Shankar Mandir restored

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

THE Shiv Shankar Mandir at Versailles, West Bank Demerara is once again ready to host satsangs and other holy events, after undergoing a facelift.

To celebrate the newness of the mandir, its members have organised a massive Phagwah Mela on Sunday, March 20. Everyone is urged to attend the mela and enjoy the festivities, which will include

The worshiping area of the mandir

dances from the Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Troupe and many other items.

Admission has been set at $300.

An external view of the rehabilitated Shiv Shankar Mandir

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

LGE candidate offers eating advice

By Ravin Singh ALFRED Park, a candidate in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), believes that Guyanese need to connect with nature, and children must learn to eat like the cows, sheep and horses.

Park, a herbalist, made this disclosure last week during a LGE meeting between running candidates and residents of Constituency Two (Kitty North, Central and South Subryanville). He is contesting for a seat on the City Council under the Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP).

Park says the school system in Guyana needs to be re-examined, given that children do not learn about plants, which he believes is necessary at all levels.

Should he be elected to serve on the City Council, Park has committed to restructuring the school curriculum to facilitate plant-related studies.

“Teach them about plant and grass,” he said.

“Once I’m elected, I’ll put for children to be taught about the green, so when they leave school, they will be scientists of the earth. We need to connect with nature,” he admonished.

The responsibility for policy adjustments in the education sector currently lies with the Minister of Education. However, for Park, it is not only learning and appreciating nature that matters; he is of the view that children “need to eat like the cows, sheep and horses”, which is “the natural way to go”.

TOXIC EATING And the current practice of eating meat, which he deems “toxic”, must be abolished, so people can leant about the “proper things”, and not be brainwashed.

He disclosed that he intends to push for the decriminalisation of marijuana, since “it is the only herb that could heal everything”.

Moving away from his

Alfred Park area of expertise, which is plants, Park unveiled his other plans for the constituency, which include the installation of more ‘sleeping police’, or speedbumps, in the area to combat reckless driving. This would be funded through the $20,000 rates and taxes paid per lot to City Hall annually.

He also intends to develop the community centre, which he said could facilitate recreational activities for people of all ages in the constituency.

As it relates to neighbours utilising each other’s parapets to park, while theirs is barricaded, according to one resident, the HTNTP candidate responded in a soft tone that one must learn to love one’s neighbour as oneself.

At the same time, he noted that councillors have a responsibility to speak to the residents to iron out issues.

And with several residents raising concerns over zoning code violations, which have led to bars being erected in residential areas, Park noted that there is a law about loud noise and zoning codes, and it is just a matter of the law not being enforced. Given this situation, he committed to ensuring that the law is enforced, once he is elected.

“People want to rest when they come home from work; so we need to listen and give respect to the people who live in those areas. And I will ensure that the issue of loud music is addressed,” he promised.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 14, 2016

Two in custody --items stolen in Port Mourant robbery recovered

TWO men are assisting police with their investigations into an armed robbery committed on a Port Mourant, Corentyne family on Saturday evening.

Reports are that two men entered the home of Harnauth Jaiprashad, 65, a retired security officer, and his wife Parmini, 62, a retired head teacher, and took away cash, jewellery and other items. At time of the robbery, several persons were at the Jaiprashad home, including their daughter Roshmine (only name given). Roshmine told the Guyana Chronicle that one of the robbers was armed with a shotgun and the other had a revolver and a cutlass. Family members were made to lie on the floor while the two unmasked men demanded money and jewellery.

“They tell us that they didn’t come to stay long, and that they didn’t come to hurt anybody; they just come for the gold and the money. They put everybody to lie down, and told me to give them the gold and all the money; so I give them the gold and the money,”

Roshmine related.

Roshmine said she was taken into one of the bedrooms and made to hand over her parents’ NIS money alone with an undisclosed quantity of gold jewellery.

“The one with the shotgun he remain in the room, and he continue to search the room. He tell me, ‘go and lie down, don’t look me in my face.’ When he came out, they asked whose car (was) parked out there, and I told them my husband.

And when he ask where my husband, I said that he gone out and he gone with the car key. My husband right there

lie down on the floor, but I know that they would want the car to get away with,” she said.

After the 10-minute ordeal, the men left, but not before picking up three cellular phones, two laptops and other items, along with the cash and jewellery.

Police at the Whim police Station arrived on the scene about five minutes after they were summoned.

On Sunday morning, action on information, they were able to recover two of the laptops and a cellular phone. Investigations into the robbery continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

Guyana Jaguars face uphill task GUYANA Jaguars were facing an uphill battle to save the ninth round match of the WICB/ Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day game against Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua.

At the close on the third day, the defending champions were 108-2, 132 runs behind, after they were forced to follow on.

Skipper Leon Johnson and Vishual Singh were the not out batsmen on 51 and 16 respectively at the close.

Openers Rajendra Chandrika (20) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (8) were the batsmen

dismissed in the Jaguars second innings.

Resuming the day on 61-3, the Jaguars were bowled out for 190.

In the other two matches: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force closed day three on

113-1, batting a second time.

In reply to Barbados Pride 396, the Trinidadians made 226 in their first innings.

And in the other match between Windward Islands Volcanoes and Jamaica Scorpions at Arnos Vale

Cricket Ground,Windward Islands Volcanoes closed at 245-4 batting a second time. Replying to Jamaica Scorpions first innings of 445, the Volcanoes were bowled out for 233 in their first innings

Mahadeo, Lynch stand tall ...

From back page trophy and the title of fittest man locally, while Mendonca collectedd $50,000 and Marino $20,000.

On the distaff end, Lynch (390) pipped Semonica Duke by five points (385), while Neesa Bhagwandin finished third.

For her win, Lynch also

received $200,000, while Duke carted off $50,000 and Bhagwandin $20,000.

On the team end of things, Life Gym finished first with 975 points, ahead of Elite Systems 969, Crossfit Bell-Air (866), and Fitness Paradise with 773.

The day’s sponsors included DeSinco Trading, Axe Apparel, Fitness

Express, Healing Water, Windjammer International Chinese and Comfort inn , Wings Investment, The Trophy Stall, Genesis Fitness Express, Wings Transportation Services and Baganara Island Resort, Courts, and Banks DIH through its Aqua Mist, Vita Malt and Powerade brands.

Tamim century sends Bangladesh ...

From back page Sarkar (12) struggling to middle the ball throughout his 22-ball stay in the middle.

Tamim’s wide range of strokes, which he underlined with 10 fours and five sixes, meant the southpaw (103 not out), who turns 27 later this month, could not be tamed.

Tamim’s aggression saw him race to fifty off 35 balls and he and Sabbir Rahman

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs Morrie 08:50 hrs Jaguar 09:20 hrs Misty Power 09:50 hrs Lord Casey 10:20 hrs Tanie ENGLISH RACING TIPS Plumpton 10:40 hrs Bawden Rocks 11:15 hrs Agincourt Reef 11:45 hrs Bells Of Allsworth 12:15 hrs Hope’s Wishes 12:45 hrs Kapricorne

(44) plundered 97 runs in nine overs to lay the foundation for a big total.

Tamim took 60 balls to reach his century, bringing up the milestone with a boundary off Bilal Khan before leaping in joy and gesturing to coach Chandika Hathurusingha.

“We were having this camp back home when Chandi asked for a hundred,” Tamim said at the innings break. “I put my hands up and said, ‘I will

give you a hundred in this World Cup’. It feels good that I kept my promise.”

Oman stuttered early in their chase, which saw two rain interruptions before Bangladesh completed a clinical victory.

Netherlands beat Ireland by 12 runs in the earlier qualifier, which was reduced to a six-overs-a-side contest following incessant rain in the north Indian city.

13:15 hrs Bolister TAUNTON 10:20 hrs Ozzie The Oscar 10:50 hrs bOscar Jane 11:25 hrs Forgiving Glance 11:55 hrs Benvolio 12:25 hrs KoniG Dax 12:55 hrs Ballyegan 13:25 hrs Lamanver Odyssey

13:05 hrs Analyse That 13:35 hrs Stolberg 14:05 hrs Broken Soul

IRISH RACING TIPS Cork 11:05 hrs Summerhill Lewis 11:35 hrs Stowaway Shark 12:05 hrs Tennis Cap 12:35 hrs Dallas Cowboy

AMERICAN RACING TIPS Philadelphia Park Race 1 Superside Race 2 Burden Of Proof Race 3 Mason’s Dream Race 4 Wicklow Grey Lady Race 5 Tachiello Race 6 Bake Shop Race 7 Salty’s Hero Race 8 Model Citizen Race 9 Elita

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

Flat pitches, big bats to test World T20 pacemen

(REUTERS)-THE combination of India’s flat pitches and cricket’s most trigger-happy batsmen is certain to produce some torrid moments for fast bowlers during the World Twenty20.

Pacemen have rarely been the stars of the T20 show, a format which tends to have master-blasters like Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers hog the headlines as they smash cricket’s sacred balance between bat and ball out of the park.

Feared fast men like South Africa’s Dale Steyn have complained T20 threatens to turn pace bowling into an anachronism, pointing to the riches lavished on those who can reverse sweep rather than conjure reverse swing.

The statistics at the last World T20 in neighbouring Bangladesh make grim reading for quicks, with four of the five top wicket-takers spinners. Unheralded Netherlands seamer Ahsan Malik was the sur-

prise exception.

With T20 permitting only one bouncer per over, compared to two

DALE STEYN allowed in one-dayers, fast bowlers have long complained they are operating with one hand tied behind their backs.

The big bats of the modern game, which can send mis-hits flying over boundaries, add further reason for them to feel aggrieved, said former India

batsman Rahul Dravid.

“I think the balance between bat and ball needs to be addressed,” Dravid said last year.

“Scores around 160-170 make an exciting game in T20. Some rules can surely be changed.”

Since none have been, much will depend on the whims of the groundskeepers at the seven venues from Dharamsala in the Himalayas to Bangalore in the tropical south.

Not all of them should prove a fast bowling graveyard, according to former Australia paceman Ryan Harris, who also played five IPL tournaments from 2009-13.

“Although they’re quite flat to bowl on, slow and low, most of the wickets are really good one-day and Twenty20 wickets,” Harris told Reuters.

Mohali, in the northeastern state of Punjab, may even offer something for Australia’s seamers who play group matches there along with New

Zealand, Pakistan and the hosts.

“Mohali actually had a bit of grass and actually re-

LASITH MALINGA minded me of an Australian wicket,” Harris said. “That was probably the best one in relation to conditions close to what I was used to.”

DECISIVE IMPRINT Fast bowlers have not

Twenty three Berbicians benefit from two-day volleyball workshop TWENTY three Berbicians benefitted from a two-day workshop organised by the Berbice Volleyball Association and held at the Port Mourant Community Centre.

The workshop was facilitated by former National captain and current national coach and BVA President ,Levi Nedd.

According to a release, the workshop was held under the theme: “Live Up don’t Give up with Suicide”

During the sessions also, the participants were taught techniques, tactics, physical conditioning and did a good amount of psychology training.

The participants were taken through a full regiment of practical drills which include techniques training.

They were taught how to warmup without the use of a volleyball, how to prevent injuries, and further preparation.

They also learnt to warm-up and warm down with the ball, attack from different positions:left, centre, right, defence: including blocking moves, learning court positions, different attacks. planning different types of setting-simple, complex and tipping among other plays, along with the planning and execution of a training programme: weekly, daily and long term, and they were also given a brief history of the game.

Martial keeps United’s FA Cup hopes alive (REUTERS)-MANCHESTER United striker Anthony Martial kept their FA Cup hopes alive when he struck eight minutes from time to salvage a 1-1 draw with West Ham United in yesterday’s quarter-final tie at Old Traffordy.

West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet looked to be sending the 11-times Cup winners tumbling out of the competition with a wondrous, curling free kick in the 68th minute.

But with time running out, United’s young French starlet Martial hooked Ander Herrera’s cross back into the net from the narrowest of angles.

Just like holders Arsenal’s exit earlier on Sunday in a 2-1 home defeat

by Watford that heaped more pressure on manager Arsene Wenger, a United exit would have raised more questions about the future of boss Louis van Gaal.

With United 2-0 down from the first leg of their Europa League lat 16 tie against Liverpool and 13 points adrift of Leicester City in the Premier League title race, Martial’s strike has offered blessed relief for Van Gaal.

United will now have a replay at what will be the last Cup tie to be staged at West Ham’s Boleyn Ground in the Londoners’ final season there before they move to the Olympic Stadium.

won the World T20’s Man of the Series in its five editions but a few have made a decisive imprint.

Sri Lanka’s explosive Lasith Malinga leads the all-time wicket-takers with 38 while other yorker specialists have made notable cameos.

Pakistan quick Umar Gul was the first bowler to notch a five-wicket haul when he destroyed New Zealand with 5-6 in a devastating three-over spell in England in 2009.

He summarised the art of T20 fast bowling simply.

“You have to be able to bowl the yorker, bouncer and the slower ball,” he said.

Quicks who can execute such variation consistently, while not losing their heads when being blasted to all corners of the ground, are most likely to prosper in India, Harris said.

They will hope to do the bulk of their wicket-taking in the first few overs or face serious punishment later in an innings.

“Getting wickets with the new ball is important,” said Harris. “It can last a few overs or six overs. As a bowler you’ve got to accept that you’re going to get hit but to slow the run-rate you’ve got to take wickets.

“You’ve got to make sure that early on, although you bowl different lines and lengths to certain players, you’ve got to give yourself a chance to get as many opportunites to get them out.”

They also need to charge in with at least two deliveries in mind and then execute based on the slightest movement of the batsman at the crease, he added.

“It seems unfair at times, the batsman can turn around and slog it left-handed where a bowler can’t come in and bowl left-handed.

“But they’re things the bowlers are thinking about, trying to get that step ahead.”

Watford dump holders Arsenal out of FA Cup

LONDON (Reuters)-ARSENAL’S bid to win the FA Cup for a third successive year ended yesterday when they lost 2-1 at home to Watford in a pulsating quarter-final tie.

The defeat ended the holders’ hopes of becoming the first club since Blackburn Rovers in 1886 to win the FA Cup three times in a row.

The result appears to have condemned Arsenal to end the season without a trophy as they face elimination from the Champions League next week, unless they manage to overturn a two goal DANNY WELBECK deficit against Barcelona, and they trail Premier League leaders Leicester City by eight points with only nine games left.

Arsene Wenger’s men were left to rue a host of missed chances as Watford opened up a 2-0 lead in the second half with goals from Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura.

Danny Welbeck pulled a goal back for Arsenal in the 88th minute but it was too late to change the result.

Watford go into the semi-finals alongside Premier League sides Everton and Crystal Palace.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

Regal Masters exit Florida Cup in dramatic style ––Floodlights Masters through to the final

Nazim Ali after his tournament high score of 157 not out against Regal Masters.

HOST, South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) knocked out pre-tournament favourites Regal Masters out of the Florida Cup 2016 with a clinical batting performance in the semi-final.

South Florida Softball Cricket League set up a meet in the grand final against the Guyanese outfit, Floodlights.

Regal Masters set the host, SFSCL a challenging 242 to win from 20 overs for a spot in the final and Nazim Ali made it a one man show.

Ali opened the batting

and had to score 12 runs per over to put his team in the final. He took his team over the line with seven wickets in hand and three balls to spare.

The hard- hitting Ali took the game away from Regal Masters with a 66 ball unbeaten 157, with 14 sixes and eight fours. Sadick Mohamed, 19 (2x4) played the supporting role.

At the half way stage of the match, Regal Masters were high in confidence of a place in the final, having scored 241-2 from their 20 overs.

The opening pair of Eoin Abel and Mahesh Chunilall added 178 in 17 overs which laid the foundation for Rudolph Baker to hit six sixes in the final over of the innings.

Chunilall hit a top score of 94 (50 balls, 6x6’s & 7x4’s), his third consecutive half century in Florida, while Abel made 77 from 54 balls with six sixes and five fours.

Baker then blazed 51 from 12 balls with seven towering sixes and two fours.

Kaiume Mohamed, 1-30 and Joey Ragunandan, 1-32 were the wicket takers for

the home team, who will now face the only Guyanese team standing in the tournament, Floodlights.

Floodlights (144-7) defeated Regal Masters (107 all out) in the teams’ final preliminary match by 37 runs in a one-sided affair to set up their semi-final clash with Orlando Softball Cricket League Masters.

South Florida Softball Cricket League All-Star booked their place in the final of the Open category with a convincing semi-final win over Untouchables of New York City.

Warriors, Spurs come from behind to record wins The San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors had to come from behind to record wins in the NBA on Saturday.

The Golden State Warriors extended their regular-season home winning streak to 48 games with a 123-116 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Warriors stretched their record streak thanks to a 3721 fourth quarter at Oracle Arena as Stephen Curry (35 points) led them to their win.

Marreese Speights had 25 points off the bench and Klay Thompson finished with 20 in the Warriors’ win.

Brandon Knight looked to be leading the Suns to a shock win as he finished with 30 points, but the hosts

fought back late.

The San Antonio Spurs rallied past the Oklahoma City Thunder 93-85 to maintain their perfect home record.

Spurs made it 41 straight home wins thanks to Kawhi Leonard (26 points) and LeMarcus Aldridge (24) at the AT&T Center.

Kevin Durant had a game-high 28 points for the Thunder, but his team were outscored 27-17 in the fourth quarter.

The Charlotte Hornets recorded their seventh-straight victory by charging home for a 125-109 win over the Houston Rockets.

DeMar DeRozan had a huge double-double of 38 points and 10 rebounds to guide the Toronto Raptors

to a 112-104 overtime win over the Miami Heat.

A 73-point second half saw the Detroit Pistons past the Philadelphia 76ers 125111, while the Denver Nuggets had 41 in the fourth to beat the Washington Wizards 116-100.

Anthony Davis (29 points and 11 rebounds) was unable to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a win as they went down to the Milwaukee Bucks 103-92, while the Portland Trail Blazers thrashed the Orlando Magic 121-84.

Dirk Nowitzki finished with 30 points but his Dallas Mavericks went down to the Indiana Pacers 112-105, while the Atlanta Hawks claimed a 95-83 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

(Sportsmax.com)

Lumumba reads Riot Act to Alpha United

Stephen Curry notched up 35 points for Golden State Warriors

Notable Dates

SUPER welterweight (junior middleweight) Tony `The Tiger’ Marshall won an eight round contest against American Edwin Curet on March 14, 1997. Marshall won

by Technical Knock Out (TKO) at one minute and 50 seconds of the sixth round, for his first victory of that year.

The Guyanese was 26 years at the time, 10 younger than his opponent and improved his record to 23 victories against seven defeats and six draws. The fight card was held

at the Pepsi Arena in Albany, New York, and had another Guyanese appearing in one of the preliminaries.

However, featherweight Forbes David did not share the same luck of compatriot Marshall, as he was Knocked Out in the third round

by Carlos Navarro. David, the elder brother of former Guyana welterweight champion Pascal David, had relocated to the USA in 1996 but never won a fight there.

Marshall turned pro in April 1991 and returned home in 1995

to provide glove work for Anthony `The Pearl’ Andrews who was preparing for a world title fight with Argentine Jorge Castro. Marshall would make two unsuccessful challenges for world titles.

The first occurred in November 1994 when `The Tiger’ tackled Argentine Julio Cesar Vasquez for the World Boxing Association (WBA) version of the crown.

After 12 rounds, Vasquez was adjudged the winner via unanimous decision. Marshall’s second attempt ended in similar manner.

The Guyanese travelled to Madrid, Spain in July 2000 to do battle with World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Javier Castillejo.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday March 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) 2010 (2) 23 matches

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who has the distinction of scoring the first ICC T20 World Cup century?

(2) Who is the only man to register an ICC T20 World Cup century at Providence?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 14, 2016

Benjamin, Hackett fire defending champs to Milo semi-finals ––South Ruimveldt, Lodge Secondary and Queen’s College also advance

repeat as champions.

Hackett scored in the 16th and 48th minute, while Benjamin netted in the 62nd minute to seal the one-sided win for Chase Academy.

In the opening game, Cecil Jackman found the net twice (23rd and 35th minute) while Leon Charles’ goal in the 47th minute secured South Ruimveldt’s 3 – 0 win over Christ Church Secondary.

The Lodge Secondary/ Dolphin Secondary game

Part of the action in yesterday’s Milo Schools’ football tournament.

A DOUBLE from Ryan Hackett and a Kelsey Benjamin strike was enough for defending Champions Chase Academy to advance to the semi-finals of the Petra Organisation, Milo Schools’ Football Tournament, following their 3 – 0 win over North Georgetown Secondary yesterday.

Playing at the Ministry of Education Ground on

Carifesta Avenue, South R u i m v e l d t S e c o n d a r y, Queens College and Lodge Secondary also chalked up impressive wins to book their spot in Wednesday’s semi-finals at the same venue.

Based on their current form and as compared to the level of play by the other teams, pundits believe that Chase Academy seems set to

had to be decided by penalty after the two schools ended regulation and extra time levelled 1 – 1.

Leon Richardson had given Dolphin Secondary the lead in the 13th minute, but Shemar Dover (52nd minute) equalised for Lodge Secondary, forcing the game into penalty.

Dolphin Secondary was miserable from the penalty spot as Lodge Secondary’s players kept their composure to earn a 3 – 0 win for their

school.

By far the most entertaining game of the day, Bishops’ High School fell short on 4 – 2 on penalty against rivals Queen’s College.

There was much hype surrounding the game, given the rich history the two share both on and off the football field.

It was Queen’s College who got the go-ahead in the 23rd minute, thanks to Stephon King, but Bishops’

High School pulled one back when Tyrese Souvenir fired home in the 43rd minute.

However, the Bishops’ High players could not have kept their equanimity and fell short in the penalty shootout.

On Wednesday, from 15:00 hrs, Chase Academy will play South Ruimveldt, while Lodge Secondary is down to face Queen’s College at 17:00 hrs.

The final is set for Saturday March 19.

Sammy seals Windies win after Hazlewood hat-trick A JOSH Hazlewood hattrick was unable to prevent Australia from defeat as Darren Sammy’s unbeaten half-century sealed a three-wicket World Twenty20 warm-up win for West Indies.

It seemed there could only be one winner in Kolkata yesterday after Hazlewood (3-13) dismissed Jason Holder, Marlon Samuels and Dwayne Bravo in a sensational fourth over to reduce

the Windies to 18-3, chasing 162 to win.

West Indies were in the mire on 72-6 when Andre Russell was sent on his way, but captain Sammy smashed 50 not out from only 28 balls and Carlos Braithwaite made a brisk 33 to pull off an unlikely win with one ball to spare.

Shane Watson hit four sixes and as many fours in an impressive knock of 60 from 39 deliveries, while Aaron

DARREN SAMMY

Finch (33) and skipper Steve Smith (36) chipped in to get Australia up to 161-9 but that did not prove to be enough.

Bravo (4-21) was the pick of the bowlers for a West Indies side who start their World T20 campaign against England in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Australia take on trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in Dharamsala two days later. (Omnisport. com)

Australian High Commissioner pays courtesy call on GCB AUSTRALIA’S High Commissioner to Guyana, John Pilbean, paid a courtesy call on officials of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Friday last.

Pilbean engaged a high level delegation of GCB executives in wide-raging discussions on the upcoming ODI tri-series, featuring West Indies, South Africa and Australia.

The GCB delegation was headed by president Drubahadur,vice-president Fizul Bacchus, Secretary Anand Sanasie, Marketing Manager Raj Singh, Competitions Chairman Colin

GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie handing over a token of appreciation to Australia’s High Commissioner to Guyana, John Pilbean.

Europe and TDO Colin Stuart.

The series will consist of ten matches, slated for June 2016. The first leg will be played in Guyana at the National Stadium at Providence.

In game one, Australia will play South Africa on June 3.

West Indies will then play South Africa on June 5 and Australia on June 7.

The second leg is slated for St Kitts while the final four ODIs, including the final, will be held in Barbados.

Australia’s last limited overs matches in the Caribbean came in March 2012 when

they played five ODIs The two sides split the ODI series - with two wins each and a tie in the third ODI at St Vincent.

The gathering had fruitful and wide ranging discussions surrounding the logistical and security arrangements and other pertinent issues regarding the Australia team stay while in Guyana.

The GCB is eager to host Australia, South Africa and West Indies teams and is confident that Guyanese will come out and support the matches.

Narine will be irreplaceable for Windies ––Bravo

WEST Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo says the absence of mystery spinner Sunil Narine will be a major hurdle for the team to overcome if it is to claim a second ICC World

T20 title.

A crucial part of the team’s triumph in the 2012 edition of the tournament Narine has had a difficult couple of years after being called three times for an

illegal action. The spinner currently undergoing remedial bowling was suspended from bowling in international cricket late last year.

“Narine’s absence is a big loss for us and any team. His four overs is crucial, he’s one of the best bowlers in the world. He is

someone who can’t really be replaced. The team will miss him badly,” Bravo told OneIndia.

“I personally wish him all the best for his return to International Cricket. We have to look beyond that and back his replacement Ashley Nurse. He’s not that

big turner but he’s handy as a batsman. We still have a good position as a team.”

Narine currently will be one of three high profile players missing for the West Indies, the others include the powerful hitting Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo.

“Our chances is just as

good as other teams. What happened four years ago is past. We have to focus on this tournament. We lost some key players but we still feel have the right balance. Our aim is to get top four then it will be anybody’s game,” he said.

(Sportsmax.com)

Mahadeo, Lynch stand tall at E-Networks Fitness Challenge

Candace Lynch cops the ladies division after a rough day of gruelling action in the E-Networks-sponsored Fitness Challenge.

By Stephan Sookram DILLON Mahadeo and Candace Lynch stood tall when the dust settled in the second edition of the E-Networks sponsored Fitness Challenge at the National Park yesterday.

Mahadeo, who finished runner- up in the inaugural competition last year, dominated the field this time around after amassing 395 points to leave his nearest competitor and second place winner Carlos Mendonca, who made his debut appearance, 63 points off the pace.

Jeffrey Marino finished third with 328 points, as renowned powerlifter Osmand Mack finished fourth with 326 points.

For his win, Mahadeo picked up $200,000 , the first place

Fittest man locally! A determined Dillon Mahadeo pushes his way to the finish line in the final round of the E-Networks-sponsored Fitness Challenge. (Samuel Maughn photos)

See page 24

World Twenty 20 ... Tamim

Pele down GFC 2 – 0 in STAG Elite clash

century sends Bangladesh through to main draw

Monedderlust, Buxton United in 1 – 1 draw PELE FC coasted to a 2 – 0 win over bottom of the table Georgetown Football Club (GFC), while Monedderlust and Buxton United played a 1 – 1 draw, when action in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) STAG Elite League continued on Saturday evening at the #5 Ground in Berbice.

Playing in their second match without star striker Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Pele FC, having played to a goalless first half, scored first, with the goal coming off the boot of Rayon Morrison in the 55th minute, and then Omallo Williams fired home the night’s second in the 85th minute.

The loss was GFC’s fourth as their miserable showing in the league continues.

Meanwhile, with Monedderlust chasing their first win in the STAG Elite League (Finale), the Berbicians had to settle for one point, after failing to build on their 25th minute lead after Sean Jackman found the net for the home team.

The lead lasted through the first half but Denvor Dennis equalised for the East Coast Demerara club in the 57th minute.

GFC will have a chance of redemption in their attempt to secure a win, when they come up against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Wednesday at the Tucville Community Centre Ground in the opening game of a double header from 18:00 hours.

Fruta Conquerors, whose only loss was handed to them by league leaders Slingerz FC, will look to outclass Pele who will have Richardson in their line-up.

Tamim Iqbal is pumped up after reaching his maiden T20 international century against Oman in Dharamsala, yesterday.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9

NEW DELHI, (Reuters)-Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal kept his promise and struck the first century of this year’s World Twenty20 tournament to help secure a place in the main draw with a 54-run victory over Oman in their rain-hit match yesterday.

The opener, who had told the team coach he would hit a ton, became the first Bangladesh player to score a hundred in a Twenty20 International as his side proved they are too good to jostle with associate nations to qualify for the Super 10 stage.

Put into bat, Bangladesh posted an imposing 180-2, which proved too much for Oman’s limited batting resources as the associate nation, chasing a revised 120-run victory target in 12 overs, managed 65-9 to lose via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

The victory sees Bangladesh join India, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan in Group Two of the Super 10 stage.

Bangladesh got off to a slow start, especially with Soumya See page 24 MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016