Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15 07 2016

President orders investigation No. 104613

FRIDAY JULY 15, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

- into death of brothers at Drop-in Centre

Umana Yana handed over to Culture 2 Department

Page 8

The recently rebuilt Umana Yana, which was gutted in 2014, was officially handed over yesterday to the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture by the Public Infrastructure Ministry. Attending the short handing over ceremony at the landmark Kingston location were Ministers of Government, Permanent Secretaries, Toshaos and those who played a part in the rebuilding of the historical structure (Photo by Delano Williams)

Page

- solar panels to be installed soon

Page

20

Bandits attack Berbice family

11 strippers in protective custody

- after Rio Nightclub raid

Page

3

- threaten toddler, 12–year–old sister Page

11

UG students to pay graduation fee 16 from November Page

- impending salary increases for staff

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

Umana Yana handed over to Culture Department - solar panels to be installed soon

By Ravin Singh THE historic Umana Yana which was recently rebuilt was officially handed over

to the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture by the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

Having missed several deadlines for its completion, the historical landmark, which was gutted by fire in 2014, was successfully

rebuilt by May of this year at an approximate cost of $106M. Handing over the “Benab” to the Department of Culture was Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson , who boasted that all preventive measures are in place

in the newly rebuilt Umana Yana.

He expressed how satisfying it is to be part of such an event, given the fact that it forms part of a representation of Guy-

Please see page 3

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson (fifth from left), officially hands over the newly rebuilt Umana Yana to Junior Minister of Education with responsibility for Culture, Nicolette Henry. Also in photo: Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson (third left); Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock; and Junior Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe (second right).

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

11 strippers in protective custody - after Rio Nightclub raid

ELEVEN suspected victims of human-trafficking are now in protective care after the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit of the Ministry of Social Protection raided the Rio Nightclub Wednesday evening.

According to a source close to the operation, 15 women were removed from the strip club during the latenight operation and three men were arrested. However,

by Thursday evening three of the women were given clearance to leave the safe house while 11 remained at the facility.

This newspaper understands that all of the women are above the age of 18; however, they are not Guyanese and had no form of legal permits in the form of passports to be in

the country. It is suspected that these women, who performed as strippers in the club in exchange for cash, hail from The Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname. However, their nationalities have not been disclosed.

Reports reaching this newspaper also indicate that the ministry has shut down the club. During an anti-human trafficking forum last week at the Ocean View Hotel, Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, had said that government will spare no effort in its quest to bring human traffickers to justice.

“We have to ensure that we find these perpetrators, irrespective of who they are, rich or poor, high or low, we have to and we

must bring them to justice,” the Social Protection Minister stated as she addressed representatives from local and international, non-governmental and governmental organisations.

D James Bjorkman, the U.S. Embassy Political and Economic Section Chief said that though Guyana is making progress in its fight to combat human-trafficking, it remains a source and destination for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour.

“Women and children from Guyana, Brazil, The Dominican Republic, Suriname, and Venezuela are subjected to sex-trafficking in mining communities in the interior and urban areas,” he said.

Umana Yana handed over ...

From page 2 ana’s history.

“We are happy to be part of such an event and we hope in the future that Guyanese people, particularly indigenous people can benefit from it,” Minister Patterson said.

However, he revealed that solar systems will be installed next week to provide electricity for the building. This, a ministerial advisor had told this publication, was in

keeping with the Indigenous People’s Ministry agenda of sourcing renewable energy.

Receiving the monument was Junior Minister of Education with responsibility for Culture, Nicolette Henry. Like Patterson, she too expressed satisfaction with the completion of what she described as “an important architectural structure in Guyana’s history.”

“It’s one of the key pieces of architectural work that is in

An interior view of the newly rebuilt Umana Yana

the city that was done by our first people. We believe that it is important to our history and we are happy to have it back,” Minister Henry said.

Immediately, the building will be utilized by the government to host a cultural evening, tonight (Friday), as part of the Hague Conference currently being held in Guyana. The facility will also be utilized by the government and other entities to host other local, regional and

international events.

Last year, $38M was allocated for the rebuilding of the Umana Yana by the government. However, it was completed at a cost of $106M, which takes into consideration installation of solar equipment and the refurbishing of washrooms, a water system and the kitchen.

The foundation and floor of the new building were completed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure last year. Expertise from this ministry was also sought to

explore the option of having the structure exclusively powered by solar-generated electricity.

The Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry was responsible for the architectural design of the benab through the Wai Wais, with the guidance of local Toshao Paul Chikema.

Constructed by the Wai Wais in 1972, the 55-foot Umana Yana had been a conical, palm-thatched hut (benab) erected as a VIP lounge and recreation centre for the

Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in Guyana in August of that year.

The old Umana Yana was a much admired part of Georgetown’s scenery, and was constantly used as an exhibition and conference centre. The 55-foothigh structure was made from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines. The original structure was put up in just 80 days.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

Many dead as lorry hits crowd in Nice [BBC] - A lorry has struck a crowd after Bastille Day celebrations in the southern French city of Nice, killing at least 75 people, officials are quoted as saying by local media.

It happened on the famous Promenade des Anglais after a firework display. The driver was “neutralised”, and guns and grenades were found inside the lorry. One image on Twitter showed about a dozen people lying on the street.

Officials said it was “an attack”, asking local residents to stay indoors. Many people were injured, some critically, in the incident on Thursday evening. Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi said that “a lorry driver appears to have killed dozens of people”.

Prosecutor Jean-Michel Pretre said the lorry drove

two kilometres (1.2 miles) through a large crowd, the AFP news agency reports.

Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet denied earlier reports of hostage situations and said the driver of the lorry had been “neutralised”.

He added that officials were investigating whether the driver acted alone. French President Francois Hollande was returning back to Paris for crisis talks in the capital, his office said. Mr Hollande was in the southern city of Avignon on a private visit.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve was on his way to Nice. Some reports spoke of shots being exchanged between police and the occupants of the lorry but these have not been confirmed.

Social media video showed people running through the streets in panic following the incident. A journalist with the Nice Matin newspaper reported from the scene that there was “a lot of blood and without doubt many injured”. An AFP re-

porter said the incident took place as the firework display was ending, adding: “We saw people hit and bits of debris flying around.”

Another image on Twitter showed a white lorry stopped in the middle of the promenade with damage to its front, and four police officers observing it while taking cover behind a palm tree.

One eyewitness told BFM TV: “Everyone was calling run, run, run there’s an attack run, run, run.

We heard some shots. We thought they were fireworks because it’s the 14th of July.

“There was great panic.

We were running too because we didn’t want to stick around and we went into a hotel to get to safety. “ Another witness, Roy Calley told the BBC that there were “thousands of people on the promenade” when the incident happened.

US President Barack Obama condemned “in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice”, the White House said.

The president had been briefed about the situation “and his national security team will update him, as appropriate”, National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said.

A number of injured people were taken to local hospitals

Terrified residents were in state of shock

14/7/2016

08 14 21 22 25

14/7/2016

492

14/7/2016

02 11 12 16 17 18 20

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

Cuban Economy Minister sacked [BBC] - The Cuban Economy Minister has been removed from his post following President Raul Castro's warning last week that people would have to tighten their belts amid the con-

tinuing economic crisis in Venezuela.

The government says Marino Murillo will now have responsibility for spearheading market reforms. Cuba's economy is closely tied to that of its

socialist ally, Venezuela.

But Venezuela has been hit by oil prices remaining comparatively low. The BBC's Will Grant in Havana says the decision to transfer the economy minister to new duties adds to

Jamaican cops charged in schoolgirl shooting [Caribbean360] - The police officer who fired the shot that hit a schoolgirl in the head last month has been charged with wounding, while four other cops who were with him at the time have been accused of misconduct in public office.

All of them, Corporal Kirk Haye, Corporal Shawn Abrahams, Constable Warren Ramsay, Constable Damion Gillespie, and Constable Archibald Wright, were released on bail when they appeared in court. But they won’t be able to step foot out of Jamaica while the charges hang over their heads.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) charged the five officers who are all attached to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Mobile Reserve Division. Haye was charged with wounding with intent and failure to furnish INDECOM with statements.

The other four are also accused of failing to furnish the Commission with statements as well as failing to answer questions at an interview. Haye has been released on J$1 million (US$7,902) bail, while Abrahams, Gillespie, Ramsay and Wright were all granted bail in the amount of J$500,000 (US$3,951).

The officers had to surrender their travel documents and stop orders will be placed on them at all ports of entry and exit. They are also to report to the nearest police stations to their homes three days a week. INDECOM launched an investigation into the shooting, following the incident which occurred on June 30 at approximately 7:15 a.m.

Reports indicated that a man who was transporting students of Convent of Mercy Academy and St. Georges College in an illegal taxi was stopped by police and the lawmen opened fire. One of the students was hit in the head.

The girl had to undergo emergency surgery at the Kingston Public Hospital and is said to be recovering after being released from the Intensive Care Unit.

Mr Murillo will remain broadly involved in management of the Cuban economy the growing sense of economic uncertainty in Cuba.

For now, Mr Murillo will broadly remain involved in managing the communist island's economy.

President Castro has told Cubans to brace themselves for a tough second

half of 2016 as government institutions restrict their energy consumption while a joint Cuban-Venezuelan oil refinery in the city of Cienfuegos is temporarily closed.

For over a decade, Venezuela has supplied an es-

timated 100,000 barrels of oil a day to Cuba, largely paid for by missions of Cuban healthcare professionals to the South American nation.

Mr Murillo will be replaced by another veteran politician, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, who has overseen the country's recent debt restructuring.

President Castro has allowed much of Cuba's state-controlled agriculture sector to be made into co-operatives and legalised small and medium-sized private businesses since assuming power from his ailing brother, Fidel, in 2008.

With the restoration of relations with the US last year, Cuba is also opening up to foreign investment.

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

M&CC did not destroy the Luckhoo Park swimming pool

PLEASE refer to a letter which appeared in your Guyana Chronicle newspaper issued Tuesday, July 12, 2016 on the page: “The callousness of the M&CC

by James Mc Onnell.”

I have never read a letter that is so absurd than this one. However, it is the democratic right of everyone to express their views on any matter. I would make no further comment except to say two things: First, the Mayor and City Council did not destroy the Luckhoo swimming pool. In fact, that and other portions of lands in that area were forcefully taken from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for construction of the Marriott Hotel. The municipality was never compensated by those involved in taking municipal lands away from the city and its citizens

to construct that particular facility. I am in the process of finalising a report to table at the next Statutory meeting to obtain its fiat to obtain compensation for that space, which is collectively owned by all citizens of Georgetown.

Second, this City Council does not determine where young people will go and what facility they will use to swim or to do any activity for that matter. And who determines when an accident or disaster will occur! I am hard-pressed to see how anyone could predetermine where anyone will go for a swim. The logic of the letter is completely ridiculous.

Beyond that, given the pattern of writing by this individual, whom we know by a few other names, we must conclude that he is on a mission to draw attention

to the weaknesses of the Mayor and City Council. Our weaknesses as a municipality are publicly known and we have admitted them. We have been working on them and we are making steady and sure progress. Weaknesses in our general duties are not unique to this organization, but similar ones are replicated throughout the public and private sectors of our country.

Therefore, this writer could better use his talent to be more creative and constructive in his writings about the municipality and the city.

What is strikingly strange is the fact that the transformation of the city appears to have escaped the attention of this individual. That this city has not been submerged in storm water after a few hours of rains for more than a year, parapets and sidewalks not overflowing with rotten

garbage, streets are clean, there are new, green open spaces, bridges are being repaired, canals are clean, clear and flowing and generally the aesthetics of the city are pleasing to the eyes of all citizens seem to mean little if anything at all to this individual. We are not surprised.

Nevertheless, we will continue to do our best in extant circumstances of severe shortages of vital resources by providing municipal services to all citizens of Georgetown and beyond.

I call upon the goodwill, understanding and patience of citizens to support our collective effort at City Hall to make Georgetown the cleanest and greenest city in the Caribbean.

Georgetown and the horrible incident during the civil disturbances of the 1960s occurred as the launch was near Hurudaia, about 17 miles downriver.

What was noticeable about the two pieces in the state newspaper were several omissions. The first one was there had been an official Inquest into the tragedy, conducted after the PNC/UF coalition which took office

in Dec 1964. The Inquest

by P.M. Burch Smith and five jurors had 63 persons testifying between March 16-21 1965, but concluded it could not determine who caused the explosion. No one was charged. Yet Attorney at Law, Mr Llewellyn John was quoted in the article as “contending the explosion was an intention to punish the peo-

Ensuring equity and integrity in the system Fanning flames?

PUBLIC procurement for government goods and services, to all intents and purposes, must not only be conducted in a system that is fair and perceived to so be, but it must also be done mindful of protecting the integrity of the system.

One of the reasons individuals and companies are invited to bid for contracts is to avoid discrimination against any and to minimise or prevent claims of discrimination against any.

The Public Procurement Act (2003) Chapter 73:05 has it, guidelines as to how the process will be conducted to determine the awarding of a contract to the most appropriate bidder. This law makes provision for checks and balances at various points and the right to appeal whenever one is aggrieved.

In the absence of putting in place every element of the law, the system and its management are exposed to decisions that are questionable and will bring them into disrepute. Where polarisation-racial and political- exist in our society, the absence of respecting and enforcing laws and procedures risks claims of being discriminated against and accusations that preferential treatment being given to the privileged, connected, or those who can bribe their way.

Such perception, real or contrived, would compromise the integrity the system is designed to ensure.

Calls for the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission and its attendant arms ought not to be seen in any negative light by the policy-makers and current operatives involved in the awarding of contracts. These calls should be looked at as an opportunity to sanitise the process of public procurement and enhance the governance system. Most importantly, at a political level, it was a commitment which the APNU+AFC made during the campaign and is among the priority areas citizens have been clamouring for for years.

Failure to appreciate any or all of the foregoing would give rise to suspicion that the society is witnessing an exchange in the administrators of government, rather than the promised change to bring about good governance.

There are numerous allegations circulating in the society that contracts continue to be awarded on the basis of favouritism, curry-favouring, bribery and absence of due process and due diligence. In the instance of the Fedders

ROAR of Ravi Dev A LETTER in the Chronicle of July 10 by Sharma Solomon, “Remembering the Son Chapman Massacre,” was the second piece carried by the state newspaper during this month, on the identical theme.

Back on July 6, an article captioned “Son Chapman memorial needs national

recognition: say Lindeners at commemoration of tragedy”, elaborated on the “43 men, women and children who perished in the explosion that occurred on the Son Chapman 52 years ago”. The Sun Chapman was a launch that plied the route between what was then “McKenzie” and

Lloyd case in the awarding of the contract for the Speciality Hospital, there was an outcry that same was awarded under less than ethical practice.

This issue subsequently become an embarrassment for the Government of Guyana and the people of Guyana, given the image presented to international financial institutions (IFIs), when the World Bank made it known that the company is banned from any project funded by it between April 6, 2016 and April 5, 2020.

In the absence of adhering to due process and diligence as required by law, contracts can continue to be awarded at the society’s expense. An examination of the Procurement Act, Section 42(1) reveals that any tender identified as the lowest evaluated tender shall be accepted. This clause standing by itself, on every occasion, is being applied to determine who gets the tender. A sane approach in dealing with this clause, which there is confidence a Public Procurement Commission will seek to do, is for it not to stand in isolation from other factors such as engineering and other estimates.

This society has seen bidders deliberately submitting low bids in order to be awarded contracts. This has resulted in substandard work which not only fall apart, but inevitably cost the State and taxpayers more. Given this experience, the application of Section 42 (1) in the past was not neces-

ROYSTON KING Town Clerk City of Georgetown

See page 7

sarily applied to ensure quality consistent with Government Estimates, but used to justify awarding contracts to friends and cohorts.

Recently, a major contract was awarded using Section 42 (1) as a stand-alone requirement. The contract was awarded to the bidder who came in at a cost 32 percent less than the Engineer’s Estimate, which is approximately onethird of what the government official engineering estimate reflected. Off-hand, this matter raises a red-flag, questions, and concerns.

From an engineering standpoint, it gives rise to the question as to the quality of work that can be achieved at a cost significantly lower than what a professional feasibility study said it requires to execute the project. Where funding is sourced from IFIs, it has implications for the country’s credibility. From a societal level, it hurts the image of government and angers the people in that continuation of decried practices bring into question the commitment of government, elected and appointed, to govern in the people’s best interest.

These are some of the unsavoury spill-offs the society, including the people and government, are being confronted with. Consequently, it helps when efforts are made to avoid instances of such nature and the allegation that the people’s business is not being conducted in the people’s best interest.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

CMO advises public to get yellow fever vaccine

By Vishani Ragobeer GUYANA is currently working towards being certifiably free of yellow fever but is currently a “high risk” zone for the virus due to relatively recent cases of this disease in the neighbouring countries of Brazil and Suriname.

These vaccines, however, are mandatory only for travellers and for children under one year of age, but the entire public is advised to be immunized, Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud said.

Dr Persaud and Dr Omeka Scott from the Maternal and Child Health Department of the Ministry of Public Health at a press briefing on Thursday addressed a number of is-

Dr. Omeka Scott and Dr Shamdeo Persaud ironing out issues regarding the yellow fever immunization programme. sues regarding the recent card” can be uplifted from mandate for citizens to be the Public Health Office immunized against yellow at the Ministry of Public fever.

Health, the Public Hospitals The yellow fever vac- at Suddie, New Amsterdam cination, once given to a and Lethem, as well as St person, is valid for life, ac- Joseph Mercy Hospital, cording to the World Health which is the only private Organization, so once you hospital integrated in this have been vaccinated, you campaign. are immunized for life.

The yellow card is a cerby an official Commission 26 were precipitated by Currently in Guyana, tificate of validation that you of Inquiry into the atrocities the murder of an elderly which concluded: “This was African-Guyanese couple according to Dr Scott, these are immunized and allows a diabolical plot, ingenious- at the back of Buxton on vaccines are offered at all you to travel into countries ly planned and ruthlessly May 21 1964, during the health centres and once you that impose yellow fever executed... politically and “ethnic disturbances” that have been vaccinated, you regulations. racially inspired.” Follow- up to that point had been will receive a “blue card” Dr. Scott noted that this ing the sinking of the Son confined to the coast. And which does not authenticate vaccination cannot be adChapman, on July 7, three those murders were only you for travel, but validates ministered at the airport more Indian-Guyanese were the latest in a string of titthat you have indeed been before travel and citizens murdered in Wismar and 350 for-tat violence unleashed vaccinated. should not make such a deof them who had remained or after the PPP called a genreturned after the evacuation eral strike in the sugar However, a “yellow mand, as reported recently. were evacuated once again. industry - overtly for “recSharma Solomon also ognition” by the sugar prosaid piously in his letter, ducers, but actually a last“Many of us alive today ditch attempt to derail the never knew the men, wom- imposition by the British en, and children of the Son and the Americans of ProChapman Massacre, yet portional Representation we remember them and (PR) method of voting they reflect on their experience, knew would eject them out AFTER approximately Cuyuni-Mazaruni District because by their deaths we of office. two years of evading the but when it was time to efhave an example of what As I have said and police, Elizabeth Ann Hen- fect payment, the gold miner hatred and brutality can written before, I believe if dricks, a gold miner, was had refused. lead to: the senseless loss Guyanese are truly interarrested and placed before A report was filed at the of life, and endless suf- ested in peace and healing, the Georgetown MagisLabour Department in 2014 fering.” But the question I rather than disingenuoustrates’ Court. and an arrest warrant was have is: were not the more ly fanning the flames of She was wanted by the subsequently issued after than 3000 citizens Indians hate, they should propose police since 2014 after re- the matter had engaged the killed, raped, brutalized, a monument to all those portedly refusing to pay one attention of the police but and forced out of Linden 176 unfortunate souls who of her employees $300,000. Hendricks, though owning also Lindeners and victims were killed in the 1960s According to reports, Petal and operating a shop in of a tragedy who deserved madness.

Heyligar had laboured for Issano, had managed to to be remembered?

Hendricks in Issano in the elude the police up until The events of May 22RAVI DEV

Fanning ...

From page 6 ple of Linden by those who felt that they should not be discriminated against.” How could he positively know this “intention”?

The July 6 article instead said baldly, “Several theories were put forth as to the intent of the explosion and who orchestrated it. Some of the blame was placed on the PPP, the PNC, racial Indians seeking revenge for those Indians who were murdered, raped or had lost their properties to fires in Wismar.”

The last allusion, made in passing, was not even mentioned by Sharma Solomon. Yet on May 26 1964, 3,399 Indian-Guyanese men, women (1249 adults) and children (2150) had been evacuated from Linden (then called Wismar/McKenzie/ Christianburg) following the afternoon and night of May 25 when two Indian-Guyanese persons were murdered, dozens of Indian Guyanese women were raped and 198 of their houses and businesses were burnt to the ground,.

This was all described

Meanwhile, Dr Persaud explained that the vaccine is to be administered 10 days prior to travel, so as to stimulate the anti-bodies in your body to fight off any contact with the pathogens.

And if the cards are misplaced, persons can go to the centre where they received the vaccine in order to uplift replacement cards, as long as the centre has records of the persons being immunized.

The vaccines are free of cost, but a fee of $1,000 is required to obtain the certificate.

The shortage of these vaccines is not due to the lack of funds, but is a result of the global demand for these vaccines. All vaccines, Dr Persaud added, are procured by the government.

The recent requirement for travellers to be immunized before entry into some countries has come as a result of the outbreak of yellow fever in Angola, Africa. Guyanese citizens are required to be immunized 10 days prior to travel into certain countries such as Suriname and Brazil. However, this vaccine is not required for travel into the U.S., Europe and most Caribbean countries.

Guyana is internationally recognised for its highly impeccable immunization coverage for the yellow fever virus and other such viruses, Dr Scott added.

Woman miner charged --for not paying employee’s wages

this week.

The gold miner, who lives at Lot 55 Lime Street, Werk-en-Rust, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday, and is expected to return to court on July 26 for decision.

Guyana Chronicle was told that if Hendricks is unable or unwilling to pay the monies owed, she could be sentenced to prison.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

President orders investigation into death of brothers at Drop-in Centre

By Derwayne Wills ALMOST a week after a devastating fire at the Hadfield Street Drop-in Centre which claimed the lives of two brothers, ages 6 and 3, President David Granger has ordered a commission of inquiry into the July 8 tragedy.

Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon made the announcement on Thursday during a post cabinet media briefing, where he revealed that Colonel Windee Algernon will be appointed to serve on the one-person commission.

The terms of reference of the commission have not yet been released to the public, but Harmon said the President expects a full report by the end of this month.

Since the fire, government has taken full responsibility and is opting to pay for the funeral of the two boys.

The centre falls under the control of the Social Protection Ministry, which is headed by subject Minister Volda Lawrence.

“Anytime a Guyanese life is lost, some inquiry has to take place,” Minister Harmon told the press corps on Thursday.

“The life of those two children who perished in the fire, it is something which we deeply regret as a State,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

Joshua and Antonio George, now deceased, were taken into the State’s care along with their three other siblings on July 6, following allegations of unfit conditions at their Chapel and Norton Street home.

Since the fire, their mother Sonia George, 37, and her partner, Leon George, 51, have gone back and forth in an effort to be reunited with their three surviving children.

The parents were allowed to see their children briefly on Wednesday at the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Charlestown.

President Granger, following the news of the deadly fire, expressed sadness and has given a commitment to work with the Social Protec-

tion Ministry and other authorities to ensure that those affected by the fire were given psycho-social support.

Meanwhile, during his weekly recording of The Public Interest, the President noted that the children at the Hadfield Street home were not trained in how to respond to emergencies.

He justified the need for an investigation as he reflected on the physical and psychological conditions at the home, which housed 31 children at the time of the fire.

The President expressed his preference for children to remain with their families, adding that it was only because of extreme circumstances which lead to Joshua, Antonio and their three siblings being taken from their residence.

“The government doesn’t go around trying to separate children from their parents.

Children need the support and love and care which can come from a family,” the President said.

President David Granger His position was similar to that of the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) Guyana representative, Marianne Flach.

Flach said there is still work to be done, but “children in the first three years of life… are very vulnerable” since this phase is where the most development occurs.

She said this while stating that there are circumstances where placing small children into institutions in unavoid-

Gov’t awaits report on BK $800M steel allegations THE David Granger administration will soon receive a report following an investigation into allegations against controversial BK International boss, Brian Tiwari, who was reportedly ‘gifted’ some $800M worth in steel.

The allegations were levelled against Tiwarie by former President, Donald Ramotar. Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon told the press corps on Thursday that even as Public Health Minister Dr George Norton continues his investigation, yet another investigation has transpired in the public through a series of letters in the press by both Messrs. Ramotar and Tiwarie.

The vicious exchange between the former President and Tiwarie brought to the fore the shaky relationship between the former Donald Ramotar presidency and the construction boss.

Tiwarie was awarded a number of multi-million dollar contracts un-

Cabinet Secretary, Joseph Harmon der the former Jagdeo and Ramotar administrations.

It was Ramotar who had first made allegations that Tiwari, now a close affiliate of the David Granger administration, was given $800M in steel from the now-paused Specialty Hospital project at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown site.

BK’s boss struck back, accusing the former President of corruption and of gifting state assets to his affiliates.

He went as far as to proclaim

BK International boss, Brian Tiwarie he had distanced himself from the Ramotar presidency one year before the PPP lost the May 2015 election to the now-David Granger-led coalition government.

Ramotar still has not responded to those allegations but, instead, released a 2015 letter from BK aggressively pledging his loyalty to the PPP. BK’s response to the 2015 letter, now placed in the public by Ramotar, was that he pledged his loyalty

to avoid victimisation by the then PPP/C government.

But the March 2015 letter, according to Tiwarie, was not enough to “quell the anger of Mr. Ramotar. His rant continued with threats to evict my airline operations from the GUYSUCO hangar where we were conducting our operations.”

Tiwarie said his business never discriminated against political parties, but continued to be relegated by then President Ramotar for allegedly boosting the opposition coalition with millions of dollars in contributions.

Tiwarie has since professed a shift in his allegiance from the PPP, now in opposition, to the APNU+AFC, now in government. Since the release of the first letter, government maintained its only concern is with the allegations of the steel being gifted.

Minister Harmon said this represented a matter of a security breach which had to be investigated.

able. Flach believes that the best environment for children is within their own family environment. As it relates to Guyana, the UNICEF representative said “what is needed is legal systems that make sure children under three years are not put into institutions.”

The UN children’s agency in Guyana has been in contact with both the Social Protection Minister, and the Child Care and Protection Agency head, Ann Greene.

As pressure continues to mount from civil society organisations for the resignation of Minister Lawrence in light of the devastating outcome of the fire, neither President Granger nor Cabinet spokesman Harmon seems convinced of this pressure.

Minister Harmon stated that “there will always be pressure” as he responded to a question on the matter of the petition against Minister Lawrence.

When posed with the same question, President Granger said the commission of inquiry will look at the way forward. This way forward, however, does not involve the “rolling of heads.”

“We don’t investigate matters to roll heads, we investigate matters to solve problems,” the President said.

Just a few days before the death of the two brothers, the Guyana Government implemented, with the help of UNICEF, a standard for day care centres along the East Coast of Demerara.

Social Protection officials were since informed of the need for effective fire drills.

UNICEF is working along with the Granger administration to ensure those standards are put into effect.

Guyana is currently hosting the Hague Convention Conference, an international body which carries the rights of children at the core of its work.

Electrician remanded for discharging loaded firearm A 33-YEAR-OLD electrician was remanded to prison on Thursday by City Magistrate Judy Latchman for allegedly shooting at a shop-owner during an argument over money.

It is alleged that on July 6, at Oronoque Street, Pilbert McPherson of Lot 707 ‘B’ Field Sophia, Georgetown discharged a loaded firearm towards Ernes Barnwell with intent to main, disfigure, or disable him.

McPherson denied the charge while his lawyer, Euclin Gomes contended that the virtual complainant (VC) opted to have the matter withdrawn against his client; however Barnwell was not present in court to corroborate the lawyer’s claim.

According to Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, both men are known to each other since the VC operated a shop in the area. On the day in question, the two men had a heated argument over money which McPherson owed the shop owner.

It is alleged that the defendant became annoyed and discharged a round at Barnwell. The Prosecutor strongly opposed bail based on the seriousness and penalty attached to the charge. Bail was refused and McPherson was remanded to prison until July 16.

In another matter, a labourer was shot three times to his body following an argument with another man during a gambling spree at Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara on Monday.

Steve Benjamin, 30, of Canal Number One Polder, is nursing gunshot wounds to his upper back and is said to be in serious condition.

According to information received, Benjamin was in the midst of a few men when an argument broke out in connection with non-payments of bids. One of the men reportedly got annoyed, pulled out a hand gun and shot Benjamin three times before escaping.

The others reportedly scattered as the gunshots went off.

The injured man was picked up and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, and subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Police have launched an investigation into the shooting incident.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

Preserving our provincial history THE MIND of most youth, including the eternal devotees of Peter Pan [Big Youths], always feel that the time encircling their current references is all there is; that all that went before is of no consequence.

Each of us in that youthful age inculcated that very delusion, but our elders did sit us down and set us straight. With no TV, smart-phones or Internet distractions up to the early 80s, we were able to absorb mostly all oral history and explanations of custom practices, which enabled us much later to compare and appreciate the transition from then to now; to realise that in many areas, the human world has not changed severely; that just the theories and costumes have been upgraded.

New technologies have coerced us into new ways of interpreting our world, with specific reference to the world within the Republic of Guyana. Recently, a friend of mine lost her smart-phone, and, almost in hysteria, related the event that caused her to lose this very expensive gadget.

I soon came to realise, as we spoke, that the cost of

the phone was not her main peeve; that the source of distraught was the fact that she had lost all her human connections.

I tried to console her that it would only take an hour a day, for three days tops, to put back her directory, once she had written down everything clearly.

She paused, looked at me, and soberly enquired, “Wait Barry, you feel that I’s write down people phone numbers! People don’t do that no more!”

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT “I still write phone numbers down,” I quietly replied. We may have slipped into a mode of cultural adjustment similar to adolescent conceit, adopting practices we consider en vogue, while abandoning the proven and necessary.

These practices seem to include the reading of books, which, when done in the pursuit of most interests, also require cross-reading for better understanding, and to eliminate hidden interest agendas.

We do not yet fully understand that the Internet, in most cases, merely provides a précised insight into a biography or

event; that further reading is suggested through the many referred links that accompany these articles.

‘We’, especially, must be cautious about how we accelerate culturally, because we are not in the esoteric circles of the technologies that are transforming our thinking.

This brings me to the statement made by Elon Musk, engineer and inventor of IT products, as reported in The Economist.

In a speech in October 2014 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mr Musk described artificial intelligence [AI] as “summoning the demon”, and the creation of a rival to human intelligence as “probably the biggest threat facing the world.”

When this current administration curtailed the eternal nightclub bacchanal culture with its violent and upsetting by-products which had pervaded the human world of the townships across Guyana for too long, what was reined in was not only a moral and family-life hazard, but one of physical health also, which I am surprised that our medical people did not comment on.

As such, I am forced to present yet another quote to

elaborate what was at stake, this time from Jennifer Barone in the July-August 2009 edition of the science magazine, ‘DISCOVER’: “We live in a sonic world, immersed in vibrations that stimulate microscopic hair cells deep inside our ears.

“This unseen energy influences our mood, our learning, even our health.

We experience it as comforting music, as information-laden speech, or all too often as irritating noise, a by-product of our increasingly mechanised world.”

We understood those things before that scientific evaluation was made, in terms like, “Turn down the music; the children are doing homework.” Or “I have a letter to write,” etc.

Sunday mornings carried a certain kind of music.

Our suburban dancehalls were occasion-based; and punch-box ‘Beer Gardens’ closed off at about 1011pm, or closed the doors with final patrons.

OLD-SCHOOL The fact is the ‘oldschool’ might have been the wiser formula, in this respect, than what was allowed to develop over the past fifteen years and was

only recently intercepted.

Preserving ‘old-school’ has been proven to matter in many cases. I have a cousin whose potential to enter the nursing profession was derailed by a suitor whose financial gifts dwarfed sustainable ambitions or vision.

What followed were years of unnecessary trial and error.

The fact is, rebuilding the nation’s humanity has to be discussed, and sometimes the popular slogans waved by special interests have to be reviewed objectively.

However, the ‘oldschool’ secrecies of the past, of abuse and of close abusers is one past custom that has to be erased. ‘Don’t hang yuh linen fuh everybody to see” is no longer applicable. The community must protect its young; their mental and physical health is a serious responsibility, and the sick in our midst have to be acknowledged and regulated.

Preserving what was good in our heritage defeats another profound creole proverb, ‘Nah throw away de baby wid de bath watah.” I didn’t grow up with my father, but we spent more good days together than bad; he subscribed to

several magazines which he encouraged me to read.

Two that readily come to mind are the Reader’s Digest and Popular Mechanics. I liked the latter more, as it carried illustrations of WW2 tanks, ‘tommy guns’ etc. I took my father’s materials to make furniture for clients, and a state-of-the-art ‘tommy gun’ just like the ones in the movies. He was so angry, he ranted and railed at me for a long time; but didn’t hit me. I was banished for a while.

He later showed his friends my ‘tommy gun’ with extracting magazine and stock workings, and concluded that I would make an excellent joine r. B u t t h a t ’s a n o t h e r story. That reference is related to a current incident related to me by a friend, about some students complaining that a certain professor was failing their papers. He spoke to this professor, and explained to me, that this higher teacher was treating them less harsh, because they could be treated extremely for rampant plagiarism.

What kind of officials, if left unchecked, would they graduate to be?

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

New Haags Bosch contract signed with Puran Brothers Inc.

By Svetlana Marshall AFTER months of controversy, the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill will now be managed and operated

by Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. at a cost of $221.4M, but only for a period of one year.

The multi-million dollar contract was signed on Thursday in the conference room of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill site at Eccles, East Bank Demerara,

by Permanent Secretary Emil McGarrell and Managing-Director of Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., Lakenauth Puran in the presence of Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan.

The agreement comes months after a recent controversy ended with a US$5.7M settlement in January 2016 between BK International Inc., the previous contractor, and the Legal Affairs Ministry, which acted on behalf of the Ministry of Communities.

The original contract between the government and BK International was dis-

continued in December 2015, due to non-compliance with the Operations Management Requirements and the Environment Permit which was granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

That contract was for the period 2011 to 2021. “Essentially, the settlement was designed to allow for the contractor (BK International Inc.) to vacate the site so that arrangements can be put in place for a better and improved management of the facility,� Minister Bulkan told media operatives shortly after the signing of the new contract.

With that hurdle crossed, the Communities Minister is anticipating that the safety and environmental issues which have been plaguing the facility and neighbouring communities will be addressed through effective management on the part of Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. The new contract, he said, allows for new and improved features to be employed at the landfill facility, which will significantly enhance its abil-

ity to process and compact the waste, reduce the odour and combat fires.

FIRE In December 2015, a section of the landfill site was consumed by fire due to the contractor’s alleged failure to adhere to the operations management requirements as stipulated under Section 15.6 of the signed agreement regarding fire prevention and fire-fighting.

The Communities Ministry had also contended that poor management techniques and inadequate security measures were among the practices employed by BK International Inc., which could have also been contributory factors to the blaze which lasted for days.

The fire had resulted in a shift in operations from cell one to a temporary site. However, Minister Bulkan said that now that a new contract has been signed, operations will re-commence at cell one.

Head of the Sanitation Management Unit at the

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan addressing media operatives in the presence of his Permanent Secretary Emil McGarrell and Managing Director of Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., Lakenauth Puran.

Ministry of Communities, Gordon Gilkes, said Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., in the management and operation of the landfill facility, will be guided by the Operations Service Requirements embedded in

the contract.

These include but are not limited to the compacting of waste in order to increase the life of the site, providing daily cover to the waste, observing good health and safety standards, providing adequate equipment to manage the waste, adequate personnel to manage the site, and maintaining the facilities on site. These facilities include the administration building, scale and scale house, health post, leachate pump stations, internal roads and drainage systems. Other requirements include providing fire-fighting facilities and the maintenance of a contingency plan.

Gilkes told reporters that the new agreement will also pave the way for the utilization of the $90M landfill compactor, which was bought since 2014 by the then Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, but was never used.

USE OF COMPACTOR

The Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill site which will now be managed and operated by Puran Brothers Disposal Inc.

He explained that the "specialist" equipment, which is designed to compact waste to the required density, was procured in

October 2014 but was never handed over to BK International due to a number of concerns surrounding the possible management and maintenance of the multi-million equipment.

Gilkes noted, however, that persons have been trained to operate the compactor.

The landfill facility is expected to be open from 7.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Saturday and 8.00am to 2.00pm on Sundays and holidays.

Puran told the media that his company was committed to ensuring that the facility is transformed into a site which complies with international and environmental standards.

He noted that his waste disposal firm will work along with the Ministry of Communities towards enhancing the aesthetics and implementing regulations that are in accordance with the relevant health standards.

Solid Waste Director of the Georgetown municipality, Walter Narine, said he was extremely delighted that new measures were being put in place to ensure the effective disposal and recycling of waste.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

Bandits attack Berbice family … threaten toddler, 12–year–old sister

By Nafeeza Yahya THE owners of a recently opened grocery parlor at 195 Nigg South, East Berbice, Corentyne are second guessing their investment after five armed men pounced on them as they were about to close for the day on Wednesday According to Nandeshwar Karamalall, known as ‘chill’ at around 19:00h on Wednesday evening, he was about to close the shop, which only opened its doors four months ago, when the masked men, who were armed with guns and cutlasses stormed the shop and attacked him.

He said the bandits demanded cash and jewellery.

ellery. Me tell them ok me guh give you everything me get,” the still visibly shaken woman said.

In tears, she recalled handing over a quantity of phone cards, approximately 60,000 in cash and cigarettes as the men held on to her three-year-old daughter threatening to hurt her if she does not comply with their demands.

“Them chuck up the lil baby and say if we nah give them everything, them guh hurt she… me give them everything and explain that only lately we open suh we nah get much money but them want more,” the woman said.

According to her, even after handing over the

Nandeshwar Karamalall “We about to close and five man run in the shop, them had guns and cutlass and as soon as them run in, them start fuh broadside me and me fall down and start fuh bleed from me nose,” the distraught man said.

His visibly traumatized wife Dharama Devi Karamalall said three of the gunmen jumped over the counter and one of them gun-butted her to the head while demanding money and jewellery; the other two remained on the other side with her husband.

“Three ah dem jump ova the counter one lash me head with a gun and demanded money and jew-

items, the bandits demanded more but her 12 - year – old got on her knees and pleaded with the men not to hurt her sister or parents.

The bandits gave up after the young girl held onto the feet of one of the bandits and pleaded with them. They collected a few items from the shop and made good their escape through the front entrance and left in the direction of Rose Hall Town on bicycles.

Meanwhile, Karamalall called the Albion Police Station, which is a mere five minutes away only to be told that there were no patrol vehicles available at the time.

The police reportedly showed

up approximately 45 minutes after the call was made.

The Karamalalls said they are rethinking their investment because they are fearful bandits will strike again.

The home of the Karamalalls

12

Former Dipcon employees owed $38M - Company also indebted to suppliers, other entities

By Ravin Singh Employees and suppliers of construction company Dipcon Engineering Services Limited are currently owed millions of dollars, while the state has also been losing revenue from its non-compliance with tax regulations.

This ongoing issue, which was last reported on by this publication in September of last year, has reached a stalemate, with former and current employees expressing uncertainty regarding outstanding payment of salaries.

Naresh Goocool, a former supervisor at Dipcon’s Coldingen Industrial estate revealed that the engineering company presently owes 34 former and current employees in excess of $38M. This amount is due for unpaid wages, salaries and severance. He also noted that upon enquiry, it was discovered that the company had not renewed its registration license and as such, was virtually nonexistent, although it was still operating locally.

And despite the non-payment of outstanding salaries, it was revealed that some employees, more specifically guards, are still working for the company, with the fear that if they leave, they will not receive severance. Goocool said too that others were forced to leave the company due to their obligations and may not receive severance payments.

In addition, the former supervisor disclosed that suppliers of the company are still owed amounts in the millions. National Hardware Limited and Best Buy Auto sales are reportedly owed an undisclosed amount, while sand suppliers are owed close to $20M and the company’s concrete cylinder supplier is owed 5.6M. But according to Gocool, these are not the only entities owed by the construction company which had provided services for the Government in the past. He explained that Dipcon reportedly owes the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) over $40M while no National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions were made for workers by the company since 2014.

And this was confirmed by Manager of Dipcon, Parmeshwar Ramkarran who is still in the employ of the company.

When contacted by this publication on Wednesday, Ramkarran agreed that Dipcon does owe staff in excess of $38

million but that the company cannot pay the money at this time.

“Yes, it [the amount] is somewhere around $38 million,” he said.

He explained that the company ceased operations last year and currently does not have any source of income. As such, he said that they are not in a position to pay staff at this time. Ramkarran also confirmed that guards are currently still employed with the company to protect assets, despite them not being paid.

The manager said that he is aware of the matter and has supplied all relevant information to the Ministry of Labour, and that earlier this year the parent company in Trinidad allocated $1.5M to begin paying workers.

Additionally, he noted that last year, the company was able to win a court case against the Government of Guyana, where the latter is mandated to pay the company approximately US$3M. The court matter reportedly had to do with a dispute between the company and the Government regarding the Mahaica-Rosignol road project.

But this could not be immediately confirmed since the Attorney General (AG), Basil Williams who represents the state in all legal matters, was unavailable for a comment.

Ramkarran assured this publication however, that when this money is received, the company will begin paying employees immediately, as was promised by the Director of the parent company.

This is not the first time the company has failed to make payments to employees. Last May, workers together with sub-contractors, engineers, operators and labourers had demanded money owed to them for some five months. During that encounter Ramkarran stated that payments will be made in portions.

Back in September 2015 the local company had agreed with the Labour Ministry to pay retrenched workers a sum of GUY$5 million over the span of three months.

The then Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes had stated that the company would have made a first payment just over $1 million since the company was not in a position to pay all debts in full. The payments were to be made at the Ministry and employees would have been called in to uplift their money.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

ARIES - It’s as if you lost the ability to tell the difference between enough and too much. You may be reflecting on your own personal version of the global meltdown where all signs are blindly pointing down the Road of Excess. Nevertheless, you might want to limit your indulgent proclivities before finding yourself in an awkward predicament. But don’t worry about losing face; as a human, you are full of shortcomings and inconsistencies like everyone else. Before you judge anyone else, just remember compassion works both ways.

TAURUS - It makes you nervous when your adrenaline heats up your blood.

You normally seek freedom by creating practical plans, but now they only bore you. You might surprise your friends with your new outlook as you strive to squeeze more into your weekend. Although others see you in a different light, you’re not as comfortable with all the fanfare as you seem. You don’t need to impress anyone else; slow down and enjoy where you are without striving to be something you’re not.

GEMINI - You have slipped into a cosmic grace period when people seem to enter your life just to make it better. Naturally, there’s no resistance on your part; you like the idea of participating in activities just for the fun of it. But you might need to make some tough choices because you can’t say yes to everything.

Take cues from your environment; the flow of events will lead you in the right direction today. Luckily, answers come easily now as long as you observe the signs and pay them heed.

CANCER - Your big plans for the weekend might sound like a dream come true, but first you must make it through today’s list of chores. Unfortunately, piles of work prevent you from jumping into play mode too soon. Nevertheless, you can’t stop your brain from planning for the good times to come while the Moon influences your 6th House of Logistics. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself; counting chickens before they hatch is never a smart idea. One foot in front of the other will get you to your destination on time.

LEO - You’re eager to finish up your chores because the Moon’s shift into your 5th House of Fun and Games is inviting you out to play. Although you might not be free to call your own shots until you finish your work, nothing can stop you from imagining all the fun that’s just around the corner. But don’t make your move too soon or you’ll mess things up before they even get off the ground.

A magical time awaits you if you have the good sense to stay focused on the present moment until your obligations are fulfilled.

VIRGO - Fighting the temptation of inflated thinking is one of your recognised skills, but today it will require a consistent high level of concentration. Thankfully, you’re up for the task while your key planet Mercury challenges bombastic Jupiter in your sign. You are walking a fine line between optimism and realism now. Keep in mind that “practical” is not a dirty word. It just takes a little more creativity to imagine castles in the air while your feet are on the ground.

LIBRA - A sweetness of spirit permeates your day but it can quickly turn sour if you are too greedy. Indulging your senses is a well-earned luxury now as long as you know when to stop. Although Mae West said, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful,” it’s just not true for you today. Basking in a lovely experience is fabulous, but pushing your limits too far leads to disaster. Get ahead of the curve by practicing moderation before it’s too late.

SCORPIO - You’re anticipating some overdue downtime, yet still may need to juggle work and play today. Performance art takes on an entirely new meaning now as you share your ideas about the future. But knowing your audience is absolutely crucial or you could ramble on endlessly about something that isn’t even of interest. Your steady vigilance and your acute sense of timing enable you to decide when to stop talking and when to swing into action.

SAGITTARIUS - Although the weekend is quickly approaching, you might be required to reverse your priorities by indulging yourself early in the day and settling down to work later in the evening. Nevertheless, you’re restless and on the lookout for your next adventure while the Moon is visiting your expansive sign.

Additionally, prosperous Jupiter is in the spotlight, inspiring you to reinvest in an idea or a person. Give yourself plenty of time; you could grow disappointed when you realise you can’t arrive at a destination the very same moment you leave.

CAPRICORN - Your external success is dependent upon your internal housekeeping today. For someone who likes to keep your world orderly, it might be more constructive if you let some corner of your domain remain completely chaotic now. This uncharacteristic behaviour is a metaphor that gives you permission to leave your imagination raw and wild. An unrestrained fantasy life leads to new ideas and the potential of an ingenious breakthrough if you’re willing to take a risk.

AQUARIUS - You’re enjoying the company of your friends and colleagues so much today that it’s difficult to get back to unfinished business. But it’s absolutely imperative that you live up to your professional commitments now because your forward progress will be inhibited until you do. Nevertheless, your enthusiasm can work in your favour if you imagine the fun times ahead as a reward for a job well done. As Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The future depends on what we do in the present.”

PISCES - Everything at work is flowing so smoothly today that you might begin to wonder if you’re missing something. The truth is you could easily overlook an important piece of information that will be crucial later on. Don’t assume you have all the answers. Asking a friend or colleague for advice gives you the perspective you need to can turn a pretty good day into one that rocks your world.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

Alumnus donates medical journals, books to UG

By Vishani Ragobeer THE University of Guyana Learning Resource Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, was yesterday the recipient of approximately US$30,000 in up-to-date medical journals and books from an alumnus of the institution and ‘son of the soil’, Dr. Keith Cummings.

These books were donated to boost the resources as they are all very recent publications, and the journals contain “highly reputable” documents, according to Dr. Ronald Aron, Director of the School of Medicine. The journals contain research from 2013 to 2016 and Dr. Aron noted that they will be

of use to students as well as teachers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cummings said that he made a herculean effort to secure the most recent journals so that the Guyanese students and teachers will be able to have access to the same updated information that is used by any US physician.

He noted that he endeavored to obtain “top leading journals that any US physician would use,” since it should be a priority to have high quality, evidence-based information through such publications.

A partnership with UpToDate, a software system that allows the user to access the latest research online, has

also been established through the stewardship of Dr. Cummings.

This, he said, will allow Guyanese to gain the ability to access any information that top schools have. He noted also that he will be paying for this service for the next five years as another of his contributions to the University of Guyana.

He disclosed to the Guyana Chronicle that this will cost some US$7,000 a year. However, a few more technical matters need to be ironed out between the IT crew at UG and the software provider before the software can be integrated into the faculty’s system.

He gave 1st September,

2016 as the projected date for the startup of this project.

In addition to his donation on Thursday, he informed the Guyana Chronicle that in another two and a half weeks, another shipment of books for the Research Centre worth some US$15,000 will be brought to his alma mater to aid in further developing the centre’s resources.

UG Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande, described the donation as “seminal” since it is important to keep abreast

with current medical developments.

And acting UG Librarian, Ms. Debra Lowe noted that the university is grateful for such donations and the Research Centre which was opened in 2016 has “lived primarily on donations.” She said also that this donation came in a timely manner as they are trying to connect the university’s main library to the Research Centre and training for journal entry to allow for easier access will commence shortly.

Remarks were also given by Dr. Carl Max Hanoman, Chairman of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Dr. Evin Cohen, a colleague of Dr. Keith Cummings and Dr. Emanuel Cummings, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, who chaired the presentation. Dr. Keith Cummings’ mother and his proclaimed “biggest supporter”, Ms. Florence Walcott was also present at the presentation along with UG PRO, Ms. Paulette Paul.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

Linden man commits suicide A FIFTY - year - old resident of Amelia’s Ward, Linden on Wednesday evening became the latest suicide victim of the mining town. Dead is Walter Layne, of 5175 Central Amelia’s Ward, who was found hanging from an electrical wire from the ceiling of his home around 20:30hrs.

He was discovered by his 18 - year - old son Trevor Layne, who had just returned from church. The younger Layne cut the wire and took his father down before informing relatives.

According to Police Inspector Chabanaugh Singh, who is attached to the Mackenzie Police Station, there were no signs of foul play.

According to a relative, the man was suffering from a thyroid infection and was also

recently fired from Rusal.

His son revealed to police that lately, his father had been speaking strangely, warning them that they will no longer see him. A post-mortem is expected to be conducted soon. Walter Layne leaves to mourn his wife Carla Layne and four children. This is the second case of suicide that has rocked Linden for the year. Less than two months ago, 25 – year – old Tabitha Small leaped to her death from the Wismar Mackenzie Bridge.

Dead: Walter Layne

Females charged for overstaying time in Guyana - to be deported

THREE Dominican Republic nationals were fined by Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday for failing to comply with the conditions under which they were allowed to stay in Guyana.

Fiordolizza Tejeda, Keila Perez and Wilaun Caldoror accepted the charge which stated that they overstayed their time permitted in the country.

The trio were permitted to stay in Guyana from February 23 to March 18, but remained until July 13. The Dominican Republic nationals spoke to the court with the aid of a Spanish interpreter and were represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat. The court heard that both women had arrived in Guyana as tourists at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and were granted one month’s stay.

However on July 13 at Bartica River Front, police officers stopped the trio and asked them to produce their identification and passports. Upon checking the passports, ranks observed that they had breached the conditions under which their permits were granted.

They were each fined $30,000 with an alternative of four weeks in prison. After paying the fine, the three nationals will be deported to their homeland.

Friday July 15th, 2016 - 14:00 hrs Saturday July 16th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Sunday July 17th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

GuySuCo labourer kills self

THE partly decomposed body of a 47-year-old labourer attached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was found hanging from his bedroom ceiling, in what appeared to be an act of suicide.

The lifeless body of Mohanlall Udairaj of Hope-West, Enmore, East Coast Demerara, was discovered on Thursday morning by relatives who visited the house to collect documents.

His sister-in-law, Tuladai Raj, explained to this newspaper that several calls to Udairaj went unanswered within the space of Sunday afternoon to Wednesday evening.

As such, relatives decided to visit the house, where they found the doors and windows opened.

“We had to collect the phone bill from my brother-inlaw and also check on him…so now when me and my son reach the place things looked , because the front door and windows were open, but nobody was answering,” bemoaned the distressed Raj. Subsequently, they made their way upstairs when the gruesome discovery was made. It appeared as though the man had committed the act a few days ago.

According to the sister-in-law, Udairaj was reportedly grieving since he and his wife separated about four months ago.

Mohanlall Udairaj in happier times “Some days when he gets home from work he would come across to our house and talk about how everything is over and he has no hope left and so…we tried talking to him a lot, but he would still say things like that,” the woman said.

Following the separation, his three children also moved out to live with their mother. This, she explained, had added to his already depressed state.

His nephew, Heeralall , said that two weeks ago, the man had said he was contemplating suicide, but he told him that there was still hope.

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

UG students to pay graduation fee from November -impending salary increases for staff

FOLLOWING deliberations among several bodies associated with the University of Guyana (UG), the institution will be introducing a $10,000 graduation fee effective November of this year.

In a statement on Thursday, the university said that its Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GPC) met with the Student Society, the University’s Council, and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) at a statutory meeting on Monday where the decision was made.

“All eligible graduating students attending the ceremony will be required to pay a graduation fee of G$10,000, while students not in attendance will pay a fee of $7,000,” the statement said.

According to officials at the institution, this new fee will cover the provision of gowns to the relevant students; rental of chairs and public address system for the ceremony; the Chan-

cellor’s reception for students; the provision of diplomas; and the publication of graduation programmes and convocation booklets, among other things.

Additionally, it was noted that for the first time, graduating students will be provided with diploma covers to safely store their certificates. The statement indicated that the institution has been financing graduation exercises from its scarce resources throughout its life. As tuition fees can be used only for instruction costs, the officials said that expenses incurred for graduation had to be funded from elsewhere, and the expenditure associated with the ceremonies has been increasing over the years.

UG Bursar’s Office has revealed that Convocation-related expenditure for 2013 was estimated to be $3,036,052; for 2014, it rose to $5,158,510; and in 2015, it grew further to $8,340,766.

Speaking at the meeting on Monday, UG Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande, stated that a recent survey of institutions of learning locally, regionally and internationally, revealed that a Graduation Fee is mandatory.

He said that graduation fees are paid at all levels in Guyana, from nursery to secondary, and they range from G$3,000 at the nursery level to $5,000 at the secondary level.

Further, a survey of the Caribbean showed that fees range from US$55.32 for non-Degree Awards, Certificates, Diplomas and Associate Degrees to US$86.92 for a Bachelor’s Degree and US$94.83 for a Master’s Degree and US$213.36 for a Doctorate Degree.

The second major decision made by the F&GPC deals with the perennial problem of the non-submission of grades by some lecturers at UG.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016 Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Ivelaw Griffith

It was pointed out at the meeting that the failure of some lecturers to meet the official timeline for the submission of mark sheets has been an issue for several decades now, and has resulted in the Examination Division being unable to post grades on time.

Accordingly, this is reported to have had several negative

impacts on students, including the delay in finalising prospective graduates’ profile; students being unable to matriculate from one programme to the next; unnecessary delays in processing official transcripts for students; delays in student course registrations; and delays in the sitting of supplemental/ re-sit examinations.

To remedy this, the bodies, at which a representative from the staff union was present, agreed on a regime of sanctions for non-compliance by lecturers.

These sanctions, the statement said, include, but are not limited to, non-renewal of contracts, disqualification from receiving salary increments, and the inclusion of the timely submission of grades as an integral part of performance appraisal. Letters will also be sent to all defaulting faculty members urging them to submit all outstanding grades by July 15, 2016.

“The Vice-Chancellor voiced his commitment to ending this disservice to and disrespect for students, and he pledged to implement fully the decision of the F&GPC. The sanctions take immediate effect,” the statement noted.

Finally, it was revealed that the F&GPC endorsed a recommendation from the administration to settle an outstanding labor-management dispute over salaries and benefits.

The decision entails paying the relevant staff members as follows: 23 percent increase to the nine employees over whom there was a dispute related to their already being paid at market rate; traveling allowance increase for UA category workers to $17,000 per month for all those workers who have been receiving less than $17,000 per month; traveling allowance increase by 90 percent for UB category employees; and the increase of uniform allowance to $10,000 per year for all female UG employees to assist with the preparation of uniforms.

It was also agreed that all payments will be retroactive to January 1, 2016 and will be made during this month.

“The Vice-Chancellor indicated his strong support for improving the salaries and benefits of academic and non-academic employees at the university but he also shared his expectation of respectful and efficient service to the students and the other constituencies of the university.”

Meanwhile, the institution’s officials sought to point out that as part of the pursuit of greater transparency at UG, major decisions of the F&GPC now will be published at the end of each meeting.

Vice-Chancellor Griffith also proposes to recommend the same course of action to the University Council, the governing body of the University of Guyana.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

Omar Shariff monies could be more than $10B - police call for accounts from President’s office

THE Ministry of the Presidency is expected to submit accounts information to police investigators on the case of that ministry’s former Permanent Secretary, Omar Shariff, who was arrested after some $10B was uncovered in his personal account.

It is being speculated that Shariff’s account could have way more than the indicated $10B, a position which Minister of State Joseph Harmon has refused to comment on.

“I cannot say now at this point in time what is the physical state of the investigation or to confirm whether it is $10B or $20B as the case might be,” Harmon said.

Harmon is the government official with current responsibility over the Ministry of the Presidency.

“The police have asked us for information from our accounts section and we have provided them with the information that they have asked for,” Harmon told the press corps on Thursday during his weekly post-cabinet briefing.

The minister appealed for full cooperation by all entities that might come into contact with the investigation of the police.

Harmon said the administration “will be guided by what the police say and at the end of the investigation, what course of action they choose to take, we will just follow that.”

Earlier this month, this newspaper was informed that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) visited the former permanent secretary’s home and removed documents and a safe.

In a letter dated June 30, 2016 to Shariff, Minister Harmon told him to proceed on his annual leave effective Friday, so that he could cooperate fully with SOCU during the investigation.

“This is [a] money-laundering and tax-evasion matter, since it’s large sums of money Omar Shariff that he has in his personal accounts,” Harmon told online news agency Demerara Waves some time ago.

Harmon said that SOCU’s investigations had nothing to do with Shariff’s role as permanent secretary at his ministry.

“These matters which came up are of a personal nature and they have to do with his own personal, private arrangement and have nothing to do with his actual office of permanent secretary,” Harmon said.

Shariff worked under the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government and is a former senior member of the now-opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Shariff has long-standing ties with that party.

While the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force has been helpful in the apprehension and investigation into Shariff, that agency is still under public scrutiny.

There have been calls for the release of the mandate and protocol of the agency, now part of the police force.

Harmon defended the operations of the agency, saying it is not only headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, but that the powers of the agency’s ranks are those powers conferred on other police ranks.

The Minister of State went on to say that it would be up to Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, to outline the powers and parameters of SOCU.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

Local designer eyes regional market

Mwanza Glenn

Now, with a new store location about to open on Regent Street, and with his designs currently being sold at the recently launched Makeda’s Boutique while he is also in negotiations with three other boutiques interested in featuring his clothing, it seems as though the next step for Mwanza is within arm’s reach.

TOUGH DECISION Upon reflection, Mwanza says that it was tough at first when he first quit his job as at Qualfon to focus on his fashion designing.

“When I sent in my resignation... that was in August, and Guyana Fashion Week was in October, and I knew I had to be a part of it.

“So I had just about one month to get everything together,” he said.

The young designer soon found out that getting sponsorship as a young artist now starting out was harder than he imagined. “I remember calling sponsors, and people just kept telling me to call back. Everywhere I turned, they would tell me something different.

“But this one business; I’ll never forget. It was the proprietor of Classic Styles who gave me US$20.

“And it might not seem like a lot, but that was the only sponsorship I received. And, honestly, I can’t thank him enough,” Mwanza said.

Luckily, he was able to launch the line that year. ‘Blaque Buzz’ was a collaborative effort with another designer, and despite the lack of sponsors, it was launched; and so was Mwanza’s name, by extension.

THOUGH an all-round artist, versed in the art of dance and theatre, for 24-year-old Mwanza Glenn, it is fashion that truly fuels his passion for life.

Now, after almost six years of building his brand, Wanza’s Designs, locally, Mwanza is ready to branch out into the regional markets.

“I believe that my brand is known; I no longer have to do SIGNATURE DESIGNS fashion shows to present a collection. So, locally, I am now Since then, Wanza’s Designs has grown in popularity and focusing on getting into retail. When that is settled and I start repute, and Mwanza is well known for his signature custom-made getting income coming in, then I can invest in branching into African designs. regional markets,” Mwanza told The Buzz.

And while he embraces this niche, he is also interested in exThat would mean hosting fashion shows, and getting his panding his line, and he has, so far. name recognised abroad, of course, a journey that Mwanza is “A lot of my styles, people tell me that they still see an African eager to embark on.

Mwanza receiving his award from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York

A piece from Mwanza’s collection flair in them, even if it isn’t African wear.

“So, it is almost as if it’s embedded in my work. In fact, people see me as an African designer up to now; people still come to me for custom-made African wear. So I am branching out into broader fields.

“And sometimes that is met with skepticism, because people always want what they know. But I want to show them what I can be, and other qualities I possess. “So, it’s kind of hard getting there, but it’s a journey,” he said.

Over the years, Wanza’s Designs has been recognized on various platforms, having been a finalist in the 2009 Facts 3 Student Designing Competition, second runner up in Sonia Noel’s Designer Portfolio 2012 and a representative at Mission Catwalk in Jamaica in 2013. Mission Catwalk is the Caribbean version of the critically acclaimed reality TV show Project Runway. In 2015, Mwanza was the recipient of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York Youth Award for his participation in various types of the Arts, including fashion designing. “I didn’t even know there were people looking at what I was doing, so it was very honourable to know that my work was recognised,” he said.

OTHER ASPECTS As he embarks on other aspects of development in his own craft, Mwanza says that he is interested in providing support to younger designers, to help them in ways he wishes he’d done when he’d just started. “I want to host a three-day workshop, where up-and-coming designers can meet and get support from those who have a bit more experience in the industry.

“I think that if I had something like that when I had just started, I would have been so much better off. But I want to do something like that in the near future,” he said.

Of course, that, too, will call for sponsorship, but Mwanza has learned a lot from when he first began, and is sure that he will be able to pull off such a venture, so as to make a meaningful contribution to the local fashion industry.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

Take me to the ‘Prom’ IT’S PROM season, and hundreds of students will be attending this highly anticipated annual event.

Young people have been donning tuxedos and dresses to eat, dance and have a good time as a formal means of bidding farewell to high school. Some of my best memories from secondary school are from my ‘prom’.

When it comes to

‘prom’, there is generally one big question: What to wear? Both guys and girls share the same concern; however, the guys always need the most help. ‘Prom’ can be a fun and memorable night, or it can be a big letdown.

The difference doesn’t come from the ‘prom’ itself, but what you make of it. Special nights don’t just happen; you create them.

So, to help the guys plan and carry out a successful and memorable ‘prom’ night, I’ve engaged with some of the most stylish teens from various local schools.

My first choice would be the tuxedo, and these days, life gives you very few chances to wear a ‘tux’. So, enjoy it!

I suggest keeping it classic and simple. You can’t go wrong with a sin-

gle-button jacket and traditional tuxedo trousers. You want something where you can look back at pictures 20 years later and think, “Man, I looked dapper! And look how much hair I had!”

Just remember, ‘prom’ is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so I do hope these ‘prom’ tips will help to make it a fun and stressfree night that will be remembered long past school days.

The sharp, modern lines of the five-button vest refine any look. Pair with our tie and pants for a complete look; or you can use it casually to dress up a graphic ‘tee’ and jeans.

This expertly tailored suit is just right for so many occasions, including ‘prom night’: Not too slim; not too relaxed. The cotton fabric is not too casual; not too dressy. Cool navy blue never goes out of style. Paired with a sleek, modern, slim-fit pants, it offers a universally sharp look for any gentleman.

This is an impeccably sharp combination, with a touch of class, for the handsome young man. Just because you’re going to the ‘prom’ doesn’t mean you have to lose your personal sense of style. Slim-fit pants with a shirt and tie will still turn heads.

A handsomely rich, gray tailored suit is essential for ‘prom’ season. Rendered in a cotton blend, its smooth, lustrous feel will make you feel like royalty.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

Ma Lottie’s Farewell

By Neil Primus MA LOTTIE was the oldest person in our village of Buxton; she was 103 years old. She was kind, generous and good-humoured.

Everyone loved and respected her. Ma Lottie lived alone in a cottage at the very end of the village.

All of her five children had left the village for the brighter lights of the city.

None of them even visited her anymore. She was left to fend for herself.

Although she missed them, she was not lonely; the villagers saw to that. Every day, the women would take turns to cook and wash for her. She insisted that she be allowed to clean the house herself. She was happy when active, or so it seemed.

The children had to pass her house on the way to school, or on the return journey. We were all trained to show respect for our elders, and Ma Lottie was special among them. Whenever we passed by, we would shout at the top of our voices: “Morning Ma Lottie!”

We had to shout to be heard, because she was going deaf.

Without looking out, she would reply in a strong voice that belied her age: “Morning sweetheart!” I loved it when she called out, “Sweetheart.”

One rainy day in December, a week before Christmas, Ma Lottie passed away. News of her sudden death spread quickly, and as shocked as we all were, plans commenced immediately for her wake and funeral. Urgent messages were sent to all of her children, who turned up with her grandchildren, whom

she had never met. The women cooked and cleaned for the wake that night. The men saw about the building of the casket and all other funeral arrangements.

We had no electricity in the village, so she had to be buried the next day. That evening, the entire village gathered at her home. There were so many people there, that the majority of them were forced to remain outside. That suited me fine.

The wake was a hum of activity. Inside the house, some of the women were busy preparing meals for all those present. Pastor

Barker had gathered about ten hapless villagers, and was expounding on the evils of sin; needless to say, they endured this with some resignation, because they were the older folks, and were not nimble enough to flee.

On the veranda, two groups of men were involved in animated games of cards and dominoes. Rum was passed around, and this helped to give their activity much-needed impetus. They were quite oblivious to what was going on around them.

In the yard, under a bright moonlight, some other men danced the limbo and drank rum. My mum and three other women were sharing out coffee, biscuits and juice. The smaller children sat in a group, chattering and playing. I was not among them. Papa John told stories to the teenagers who seemed to be enjoying it.

Girls clung to boys at scary parts of the tale, and seemed only anxious for them to arrive. The yard was lit up by a number of flambeau lamps made by pouring kerosene oil into a bottle and using a piece of cloth as a wick.

Logs made adequate benches for some.

The huge oak trees that surrounded the house cast a large shadow that seemed menacing and alive. The thump! thump! thump! thumping of the bongo drums mirrored my racing heart as I sat apart from everyone, wide-eyed and fascinated, absorbing everything.

What really struck me as odd, however, was the fact that some of the most unlikely people in our village were smiling and speaking to each other. Pastor Baker was in deep conversation with Papa Cuffy, who was his sworn enemy. He had admonished Papa Cuffy on a number of occasions for leading his flock astray. You see, Papa Cuffy was the village healer and witchdoctor. The Pastor hated the fact that when his faithful went to him for help and got none, they would go to the village healer for his assistance. There had always been some animosity between them. Now they seemed to be buddies.

Jane, our next-door neighbour, was chatting with my mum while they worked.

Only yesterday Jane had employed the foulest language to give my mother ‘a piece of her mind’, as she described it. She accused my mother of stealing one of her fowls to feed her nine ‘hungry-belly children’.

In tears, mum denied it, and vowed never to have anything to do with her again.

It was later discovered that Jane’s teenage son had stolen it to cook with his friends. Jane had refused to apologize. Yet, here they were, like long-lost cousins.

When all the rum and food was finished, those not too drunk to walk went home. Some slept where they were. At mid-morning the next day, Ma Lottie was quietly laid to rest. The whole village turned out to pay their last respects to one of their own. Pastor Baker did a part of the ceremony, and then gave way to Papa Cuffy, who ended it with a traditional chant and blessing.

Somehow or the other, even in death, Ma Lottie was able to bring an entire village together. It seemed like a fitting farewell for her.

‘Brother Bob’ makes UK’s ‘top-60’ list REGGAE King Bob Marley has garnered another accolade, 35 years after his death.

In commemoration of 60 years of existence, the United Kingdom’s Official Albums Chart has compiled its top 60 best-selling albums of all time in Britain.

Marley’s Legend, released in 1984 by Island Records, has captured the number 16 slot.

This is not the first such recognition for this popular compilation project by the late reggae act. Widely regarded as the best-selling reggae album, with more

Bob Marley than 15 million copies sold in the United States, and an estimated 25 million sold globally, Rolling Stone mag-

azine in 2003 named Legend among the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, placing it at number 46.

The album contains tracks which have become anthems for Marley.

Among the works on the 14-track set are: Is This Love; No Woman, No Cry; Could You Be Loved; Three Little Birds; Get Up Stand Up; Exodus; Jamming; and Redemption Song.

The ‘60 at 60’ list also forms the centrepiece of an in-store retail campaign, which sees Official Charts team up with the three major record labels and outlets, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Amazon and Morrisons to promote and sell some of the UK’s big-

gest-selling albums this summer.

Topping the all-time best sellers list is Queen’s 1981 Greatest Hits, which stands alone as the first and only album to have sold more than six million copies in the UK (6.1 million sales to date). Queen’s Greatest Hits II also makes it into the top 10 at number 10, with almost four million albums sold.

Commenting on this list, Official Charts Chief Executive, Martin Talbot said: “In celebration of 60 years of the UK’s Official Album Chart, it is fantastic that we can crown Queen as the

kings of the Anniversary Top 60.”

The top 10 albums are named are: Gold — Greatest Hits by Abba (2); Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band — The Beatles (3); 21 — Adele (4); What’s The Story Morning Glory — Oasis (5), Thriller — Michael Jackson (6); The Dark Side of the Moon — Pink Floyd (7); Brothers In Arms — Dire Straits (8); and Bad - Michael Jackson (9).

There are no other Jamaican or Caribbean acts on this list of 60. (jamaicaobserver.com)

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

From pageantry to making sweet music

HER name is oftentimes affiliated with pageantry, having most notably borne the titles of Miss Guyana Universe 2012 and Miss World Guyana 2013.

But now, former pageant queen and business owner Ruqayyah Boyer is adding music to her official list of career endeavours, with the

recent launch of her debut single, “Sunshine”.

The upbeat, happy-golucky tune is the first track to be released off of her upcoming Extended Play (EP), foreshadowing a promising music career for this talented young woman.

In an interview with The Buzz, Ruqayyah revealed

--Ruqayyah Boyer’s got it goin’ on that the song was inspired by a burning desire to come up with the perfect birthday present for her boyfriend.

Though at first, being

an extremely private person on all matters relating to the heart, she was skeptical about being so public about her love life, she agreed to release it after her boyfriend seemed to be okay with her public display of affection.

“Originally, this number was supposed to just be recorded and given to my boyfriend privately, but then I decided that, ‘You know what, this is about my version of a love story, and the world could use some more love,’” she said.

With a free studio session presented to her as her own birthday present from Kross Kolors’ Melissa Roberts, Ruqayyah went to work with Simeon Browne of Wondamang Productions on producing the song.

The song also features the lyrical talent of Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, which brings a welcomed balance to the otherwise pop/jazz compilation.

Having worked with Kwasi Ace on the Unity Embassadors’ track, ‘Together we can have it all’, Ruqayyah said she had always been a fan of his, and thought that he would be a fitting addition to the song.

“I wasn’t sure how Guyanese would respond to my not singing what they were accustomed to, so, as part strategy to introduce this new sound, I figured why not give them my love with a little bit of what they know and enjoy

already. Which is where Ace came in,” Ruqayyah said, adding: “It was just my luck that Kwasi and I were already friends long before any of these ideas started morphing, and I’m very grateful to him for his reception to being on board with a song that meant a lot to me.”

OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE The song also features an extended version, where Ruqayyah enlisted some collaboration from former Miss United Kingdom and close friend, Kirsty Heslewood.

“The idea was to go a bit further, and fuse my sound with her English/British influence, and to use Ace’s style to create a unique product.

“And it seemed to work out well, because, thus far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m just looking forward to what new adventures this step brings,” she said.

And while it may come as a surprise to some that this beauty is a singer as well, Ruqayyah admits that singing has been part of her life for quite some time, having been actively involved in the performing arts since the age of seven. “In my hometown, Linden, I was a part of choirs and acting groups in and out of school. However, in my family, it was sort of forbidden to be engaged in the arts, and rather focus on

academics.

“So, I had stifled those passions once under parental care,” Ruqayyah said.

“However, by the time I turned 19, I couldn’t stay away, and decided that before I jumped straight into music or acting, which are my first loves, I’d first try pageants, which seemed to be a good jumpstart platform. “And I needed to build my stage experience… So, I guess you can say I’ve just been waiting for the right moment, too, because, as much as I know I love music, I have a deep-rooted apprehension of getting into a recording studio, and just laying it all out.

“I’m gradually overcoming those challenges, and am encouraged by my peers to push forward. I still have so much to learn, and much training to do to improve upon my vocal delivery and transfer of emotions.

“I am sort of a perfectionist when it comes to anything artistic, so it’s all still a work in progress,” she said.

WHAT’S NEXT With her EP close on the horizon, and music now officially under her belt, the question now is: How much more music we can expect from Ruqayyah?

She admits that her myriad life’s goals demand much focus, and that her love for both business and entertainment can be very demanding.

“Music does fall under the natural scheme of things, however, I’m still working out the balance of it all, because I don’t want to limit myself, and make not having the time an excuse. After all, we only get one life and one shot to serve our purpose.

I’ve every intention to serve mine, positively so,” Ruqayyah said.

She revealed that she is also working on a music video for the song, which is scheduled to be released later in August, and is also continuing to work on other tracks for her EP. “Those will be released over a period, which should give me ample time to develop and grow both businesses under the PROVOTIQUE umbrella,” she said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 15, 2016

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

Jamaica lose ground on FIFA rankings chart JAMAICA’s recent stint in the Copa America Centenario seems to have hurt their rankings on the FIFA chart.

According to the latest release, Jamaica, dropped nine places from last month’s high of 46, but at 55, still remain the Caribbean’s highest ranked side.

The Copa America Centenario was not so harsh on other CONCACAF teams like the United States, who made it all the way to the semi-final, and are now ranked 25 in the world, up from 31.

The six-place jump for the United States was still not enough for the country to upstage reigning CONCACAF kingpins Mexico, who are 14th in the world, and have moved up two places.

That is despite their 7-1 thumping at the hands of eventual Copa champions, Chile.

Costa Rica are next on the list of CONCACAF teams at 27, having fallen four places in the FIFA rankings.

Panama, who acquit themselves well at the Copa America Centenario, despite not moving out of the group stage, have moved up five places to rest at 51 in the world.

Trinidad and Tobago, who missed playing in the Copa America after losing 1-0 to Haiti in a playoff game

have also benefit from their latest results and moved up six places to trail Jamaica by just two positions at 58.

St Kitts and Nevis, who have been playing in the early stages of the Caribbean Football Union Championships, are the next best placed Caribbean side at 80, while Antigua and Barbuda have remained steady at 83.

Haiti chime in at 100, having been the team to suffer the most from their games at the Copa America tournament, dropping 26 places. (Sportsmax.com)

Harper admits to tough ...

From backpage washed out.

Chris Gayle quickly moved on from registering a golden duck against Guyana and looked in ominous form and it goes without saying that if Guyana can remove him cheaply, they’ll be far more likely to win than if he gets in and makes them pay.

Not that Jamaica are a one-man team, as Kumar Sangakkara, Shakib Al Hasan and Imad Wasim have all played their part with bat and ball so far.

They also have Andre Russell back for this clash, which is good news.

For all the talk of Gayle and Russell, Guyana have their own big hitters that have powered their way to some impressive scores in the tournament so far.

Chris Lynn has been in fine form, so as captain Martin Guptil and Jason Mohammed so even if Jamaica do get going, Guyana have the tools to either chase down or set a big score themselves.

Perhaps though, as we focus on big sixes and fast half-centuries, it might be time for a bowler or two to step up and change the course of the game with a four-wicket haul?

Only Sohail Tanvir has managed one of those so far and another one in this match could turn things decisively.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

Froome retains Tour lead despite Ventoux chaos

By Julien Pretot

MONT VENTOUX, France (Reuters) - Defending champion Chris Froome retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey on the Tour de France after an incident involving a motorbike left him without a bike in a farcical finale to the 12th stage yesterday.

The Briton’s bike was broken in a pile-up close to the finish

and the Team Sky rider began running up the slopes of the Mont Ventoux before grabbing a service bike which did not work.

Froome was then given a spare Team Sky bike on which he completed the 178km stage, losing over a minute to his main rivals, only for the race jury to rule that he would be credited with the same time as the two riders he was with when the incident occurred.

“Chris Froome and Richie Porte have been given the same time as Bauke Mollema due to the incident in the finale. Froome retains the yellow jersey,” organisers said in a statement.

BMC rider Porte, who was leading Froome and Dutchman Mollema (Trek Segafredo), crashed into a TV motorbike that was held up by the crowd on the road.

Quintana (Movistar) of Colombia is third, 54 seconds behind, with fourth-placed Mollema 56 seconds off the pace.

Froome had been the strongest of the top favourites in a stage shortened because of violent winds at top of the Ventoux, dropping main rival Quintana with about 3km left as only Porte and Mollema could follow his pace.

“The motorbike could not progress and there was a pileup in which Chris’s bike was broken,” said Team Sky sports director Nicolas Portal.

Yellow jersey leader Team Sky rider Chris Froome of Britain (R) falls on the road.

(Reuters/Bernard Papon/Pool) Mollema and Froome also tumbled and the Briton’s bike was broken in the incident.

The overall lead was first handed to Briton Adam Yates (Orica-Bike Exchange) before the standings were updated and Froome was handed the yellow jersey on the podium.

“I’m very happy with the commissaires’ decision, I think it was the right thing to do, thanks to the jury and thanks

to the organisers,” Froome told reporters.

Yates added: “I’m happy with the decision, I would not want to take the jersey like that. I wanted to take it with my legs.”

Yates now trails Froome by 47 seconds in second place.

“It’s a fair decision,” said Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford.

Froome’s main rival Nairo

“IT WAS A NIGHTMARE.” Portal added he was also held up behind the race stewards and could not drive up to his rider so that his mechanic could hand him a spare bike.

“It’s an incident created by the event. There are more and more people lining up the road. It’s got nothing to do with sport,” the Frenchman said.

“It was crazy. On a 200-metre portion there were hundreds of spectators blocking the road.”

Former England batsman Carberry diagnosed with cancer (REUTERS) - Former England batsman Michael Carberry has been diagnosed with a cancerous tumour, Hampshire county cricket club said yesterday.

The 35-year-old lefthander saw a specialist on Tuesday after missing a championship match against Warwickshire because he had felt unwell.

Hampshire said in a statement that following the diagnosis “further tests would be undertaken before the relevant treatment commences.

“Michael has been part of the Hampshire Cricket family for 10 years and on behalf of everyone at and associated with the club, I would like to send him and his family our very best wishes at this very difficult time,” said chairman Rod Bransgrove. “‘Carbs’ has taken on and beaten serious illness before and we will be doing all we can to make sure he does the same again this time.”

Carberry has previously suffered from blood clots on the lung, missing the start of the 2011 season.

The batsman played for England at Test, One-

day and Twenty20 with his last appearance in a

one-day series against Sri Lanka in May 2014.

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:30 hrs Shawl 09:05 hrs Oriental Tiger 09:40 hrs Varlotone 10:15 hrs I Am The Law 10:55 hrs Sherry

09:10 hrs Athlon 09:40 hrs South Seas 10:15 hrs Dutch Destiny 10:50 hrs Elusivity 11:55 hrs Fastnet Tempest 12:25 hrs Anton Chigurh

English Racing Tips Nottingham 08:50 hrs Tafaakhor 09:20 hrs Fancy Day 09:55 hrs Caitie 10:30 hrs Duke Cosimo 11:05 hrs To Eternity 11:35 hrs Mujazif 12:05 hrs Wakame 12:35 hrs Frozon

Irish Racing Tips Kilbeggan 12:50 hrs Airlie Beach 13:20 hrs William Du Berlais 13:55 hrs Floral Fantasy 14:25 hrs Oisin James 14:55 hrs Daisy’s Gift 15:30 hrs Carriganog 16:00 hrs Barra Hooley

Newbury 09:00 hrs Asaas 09:30 hrs Partitia 10:05 hrs Girling 10:40 hrs Miss Infinity 11:15 hrs Vive Ma Fille 11:45 hrs Good Luck Charm 12:15 hrs Pandar

American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Borbaala Race 2 Heartbreaker Girl Race 3 She’s Incredible Race 4 Tetradrachm Race 5 Long Distance Race 6 Puparee Race 7 Lago Lindo Race 8 Fortune Heir Race 9 Liberty Lunch

Haydock

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

Pakistan veteran Misbah hits unbeaten 110 on opening day at Lord’s

(REUTERS) - Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq became the oldest player in 82 years to score a Test century as the 42-yearold hit an unbeaten 110 to put his side in a strong position on the first day of the opening match against England.

Pakistan, who also had Asad Shafiq (73) to thank for digging them out of a spot of early bother, closed on 282 for six after choosing to bat and making England toil in the field for much of the day.

Yet two late wickets from Chris Woakes, who ended yesterday’s play with figures of 4-45, lifted the hosts’ spirits.

Misbah celebrated his landmark by dropping to the Lord’s turf and doing press-ups.

… becomes oldest player in 82 years to score Test century

Misbah-ul-Haq marks his hundred with a set of push-ups.

“We had an army camp before the tour and every time we had to get down and do 10 press-ups. Those in my celebration can’t count because my arm was bent,” he said after becoming the oldest player at 42 years and 47 days to reach three figures since England’s Patsy Hendren achieved the feat at 45 in 1934.

Misbah was playing his first Test in England and rode to his side’s rescue, coming to the crease with Pakistan on 77 for three.

Woakes had removed Mohammad Hafeez and Shan Masood, while Test debutant Jake Ball, drafted into the side in place of the injured James Anderson,

trapped Azhar Ali lbw.

That brought Misbah together with the 39-year-old Younus Khan in a veteran partnership that lasted until the latter flicked a Stuart Broad delivery straight to Moeen Ali at mid-wicket for 33.

Misbah enjoyed a fine partnership of 148 with Asad

Shafiq until the stand was eventually ended by Woakes three overs before the close as Shafiq edged an attempted leave behind to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

Woakes then claimed the wicket of night watchman Rahat Ali for a duck when he played on with the final ball of the day.

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN 1st innings M. Hafeez c Bairstow b Woakes

S. Masood c Bairstow b Woakes

Az. Ali lbw b Ball Y. Khan c Ali b Broad Misbah-ul-Haq not out A. Shafiq c Bairstow b Woakes

40 7 7 33 110 73

R. Ali b Woakes

0 Extras: (lb-9, nb-1, w-2) 12 Total: (for 6 wickets, 87 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-51, 3-77, 4-134, 5-282, 6-282.

Bowling: S. Broad 21-9-44-1 (w-1), J. Ball 19-5-51-1 (w-1), C. Woakes 18-6-45-4, S. Finn 21-286-0, M. Ali I7-0-46-0 (nb-1), J. Vince 1-0-1-0.

Antigua, Suriname record Barbados women first CBC U-16 wins remain undefeated after

By Daniel Haynes

ANTIGUA and Barbuda recorded their first win in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Female Championship in remarkable fashion.

The team, trailing by 12 at one point of the game, gutted out a comeback to beat the British Virgin Islands by 3 points 29-26.

The BVI looked as if they would have run away with the game in the first quarter of the low-scoring encounter. scoring 14 points to the Antiguan side’s 2. The Antiguans looked in danger of dropping behind in their second game of the tournament while the BVI looked as if they would continue their dominance.

However, at the start of the second quarter, the BVI girls were unable to find the basket and made none of their shots.

The Antiguans bounced

back by scoring 11 points in the first five minutes and 2 in the last 5 while keeping BVI from scoring in the entire period to take the lead by 1 point at halftime.

The half ended 19-18 with Antigua ahead.

More missed attempts saw the BVI team fall behind by 1 point at the end of the third quarter while turning over the ball to Antiguans who never relinquished the lead. More of the same in the fourth quarter saw Antigua finish 29-23, giving them their first win after losing to Barbados by 3 points in their first game.

For Antigua it was captain Briana Gore who led them and finished with 11 points. BVI captain Shauliqua Fahie finished with 12 points in a losing effort.

Meanwhile, the second game was decided from the first quarter with Suriname taking on Trinidad and Tobago

and beating them convincingly.

The first half of the game saw Suriname dominate the game from the word go, from jump shots to inside lay-ins, Suriname looked like a welloiled machine, scoring 18 points in the first quarter with beautiful passing as well as finishing to take an 18-6 lead. The second quarter saw Suriname score Trinidad and Tobago’s combined first-half score of 13 to push their lead to 31-13.

It was Suriname’s size as well as game preparation having played the Bahamas the night before - that showed the difference.

However, a slow third quarter from both teams saw Trinidad score 4 points while Suriname scored 12, taking the lead.

Suriname simply rode the momentum into the fourth and finished the game on top giving them their first win in two games, 59-26.

Suriname’s Anita Tolud attempting a shot. (Daniel Haynes’ photo)

beating Guyana 40-29

By Daniel Haynes

THE Guyana girls lost once again in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Female championship. This time they fell to Barbados who, with the win, extended their winning streak.

The game finished with Guyana losing by 11 points, 40-29.

It was the defensive presence of the Barbados side as well as the inability of Guyana to hit shots that led to the visitors victory.

The first quarter of the game saw both teams struggle from the floor on the offensive end. Barbados scored eight points to Guyana’s 4. The quarter showed improvement for Guyana who had not scored in the first quarter against the BVI. In the second quarter Guyana managed only 2 points while Barbados collected 10 points taking the total to 18-6 in favour of Barbados.

The second half saw Guyana clamping down on their defensive matchups while managing to convert

Part of the action in the Barbados, Guyana clash on some attempts. However, the surge was too little too late since the Barbados team had done their work early on.

Guyana lost the match but took solace in Jada Mohan’s 18-point performance.

For Barbados Tower Lorde was instrumental with a double-double of 14 points and 14

rebounds.

Tower stated it was just about doing what she had to for her team that made the difference.

“Our team chemistry is also very high and right now we are confident that we can make the final,” the young athlete concluded.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

Under-15s, U-19s start preparations for regional tourneys

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE national Under-15 and Under-19 squads began preparations for this year’s regional cricket competitions with a 12day preparatory camp.

The camps are being held simultaneously at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence Hostel and indoor facility at La Bonne Intention on the East Coast of Demerara.

Under the watchful eyes of coach Adrian Amsterdam, the U-19 squad was revealed to the Guyana Chronicle yesterday afternoon by Amsterdam and captain Travis Persaud.

There were no real surprises in the 14-man squad, with Persaud (Travis), Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Ronaldo Alimohamed and Akinie Adams, returning from last year.

The other members of the squad are: Ronaldo Renee, Malcolm Hubbard, Keshram Shabodan, Joel Seitaram, Looknauth Chinkoo, Bhaskar Yadram, Joshua Persaud, Sylus Tyndall and Raymond Perez. The manager is David Black.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Amsterdam said he will be trying to identify areas of weakness in the players so that those areas can be worked on as preparations for St Vincent continue. Amsterdam expressed satisfaction with the level of fitness of most of the players so far.

Further, the coach revealed how pleased he was with the squad selected.

The Regional U-19

Boys’ tournament will take place between July 27 and August 21, giving the region’s best young players their first opportunity to showcase their talent and impress the West Indies selection panel.

Guyana are the defending champions in both formats. They won the previous three-day competition which was played two years ago here, and have won the 50 overs-a-side title over the last two years at home and in Jamaica.

This year, the tournament will comprise three rounds of three-day matches, which take centre stage over the first 11 days, and the Youth Super50 which fields seven teams – the six territorial sides from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago and Windward Islands – along with a composite side from ICC Americas.

Each of the teams will play the other once in a round-robin competition, featuring seven rounds of 50 overs-a-side matches, with the two teams accumulating the most points qualifying for the Final to determine the tournament winner on August 21 at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

The Guyanese will depart for St Vincent on July 24.

U-15 Squad On the other hand, Sachin Singh will lead the Under-15 squad which was disclosed by manager Andy Ramnarine yesterday.

The other members of the squad are: Seon Glasgow, Yeudistir Per-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday July 15, 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) Dwayne Smith (2) Dale Steyn Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two teams will first be engaged at the Darren Sammy Stadium in Hero CPL 2016?

(2) Against which team Trinbago Knight Riders lost their first match in Hero CPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

… Sachin Singh, Travis Persaud to lead respective teams

Travis Persaud saud, Mohamed Shoaib Shaw, Jarron France, Lance Roberts, Gevon Schultz, Amos Sarwan, Dwaine Dick, Nickeen Noble, Sheldon Charles, Leon Swamy, Nigel Deodat and Daniel Paul.

The squad will be

Sachin Singh coached by Julian Moore.

Grenada will host the tournament from July 27 to August 3.

The Guyanese captured the title last year on home soil by topping the points table, following victories over Leeward Islands, Ja-

Adrian Amsterdam maica and Windwards, and in spite of no-results against Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados.

The tournament – in its 21st year – will be contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of matches with the team ac-

cumulating the most points being declared champions.

The Regional Under-15 tournament commenced in 1996 with then hosts T&T taking the inaugural title.

They hold the record for the most titles with seven, also winning the title in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2010 and 2013.

Reigning champions Guyana have claimed the top prize four times comprising back-to-back titles twice – in 1998 and 1999, and again 2014 and last year.

Jamaica have won the title on four occasions (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011) and Barbados have won three times (1997, 2004, 2012).

Windwards emerged champions eight years ago, leaving Leewards yet to win the title.

AB de Villiers’ 82 delivers second win for Tridents AB de Villiers’ second h a l f - c e n t u r y i n t h re e matches helped Barbados Tridents beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 25 runs at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown and register their second win this season.

A superior net run rate meant they moved to second spot in the points table, ahead of Jamaica Tallawahs.

Patriots were a batsman down in the chase because Kieran Powell had to be stretchered off the field and then taken in a wheelchair to hospital after a nasty collision with JJ Smuts in the 19th over of Tridents’ innings.

Patriots were restricted to 155 for 8.

The win was set up by de Villiers, who forged two vital partnerships with Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard during his 54-ball 82 to take Tridents to 180 for 6. Tridents had slipped to 29 for 3 in the sixth over, after being sent in, with Sheldon Cottrell, Alzarri Joseph and Samuel Badree doing the early damage. de Villiers, who walked in at

Kieran Powell is stretchered off the field after a nasty collision with JJ Smuts.

No.4, found ample support the grandstand. Sheldon sion as Patriots were reduced from Pooran, who injected Cottrell, the left-arm pac- to 59 for 3 in the eighth over. momentum into the innings er who broke the 83-run Tridents then choked the with three sixes off Smuts, stand between Pollard and runs by not conceding a sinthe left-arm spinner, in the de Villiers, finished with 3 gle boundary between overs for 25.

11th over. seven and eleven.

Lendl Simmons gave PaAlthough Pooran fell When du Plessis struck soon after for 38 off 19 triots a trigger upfront by David Wiese for a boundballs, de Villiers was com- hitting three fours off Akeal ary to find some breathing plemented by Pollard, who Hossain, the left-arm spinner, room, Patriots needed 99 made a 21-ball 27, as Tri- before being stumped in the off 52 balls. Carter was redents scored 88 off their same over. By then, Patri- prieved on 25, and went on last eight overs. de Villiers, ots had raced to 35 in three to add 21, but his dismissal who was dismissed in the overs. Faf du Plessis, the two overs after du Plessis last over, hit nine fours captain, walked in at No.3 had fallen for 42 helped and three sixes, including and saw Smuts and Brad Tridents close out the game. one that hit the roof of the Hodge fall in quick succes- (ESPN Cricinfo)

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 15, 2016

India spinners strangle WICB President’s XI batsmen A DOMINATING display by the spinners helped India bowl out West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s XI for 180, before the hosts fought back with three wickets in the final session on day one of their second warmup game at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts, yesterday.

Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin picked up three wickets apiece while Amit Mishra bagged two as the Indian spinners ensured that they did not let the home team off the hook at any stage.

While Ashwin bagged a wicket in each of the sessions, Jadeja’s three scalps came in the postlunch period before Mishra wrapped up the innings early in the final session.

In reply, India lost Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay after a steady start, before Pujara and Rahul raised a half-century stand to bring down the deficit. However, Pujara departed in the final over of the day, leaving the visitors trailing by 87 runs.

Shardul Thakur and Stuart Binny were among the thirteen (11 to bat and 11 to field) selected

R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja pickup three wickets each.

for the game, along with Jadeja, Ashwin and Vijay, while Mohammed Shami was the lone Indian seamer from the previous game to feature in the second match.

While Shami erred in his line and length, there weren’t any such problems with Thakur, who brought about the dismissal of skipper Leon Johnson with a short delivery. Fellow opener John Campbell, despite living dangerously, was contributing to the scorecard before Ashwin sent him back for 34, while Shai Hope, the centurion of the previous game, fell to

Binny soon after.

Jadeja, who had bowled only two overs in the morning session, came into his own after the lunch break, picking up three wickets in quick succession to leave the hosts reeling. Vishaul Singh became Jadeja’s first victim when he handed a catch to Cheteshwar Pujara at bat-pad.

Jermaine Blackwood, who took on the spinners in a bid to counter-attack, was bowled around his legs for 36. Rahkeem Cornwall walked in at No.6 and didn’t allow the spinners to dictate terms to him, as

he dealt a flurry of boundaries. However, the procession of wickets continued as Montcin Hodge was trapped in front by Jadeja for a 41-ball 6.

Jamhar Hamilton joined Cornwall in a bid to halt the slide. But his dogged stay at the crease ended when he pulled a Mishra delivery straight to Shami. Cornwall’s entertaining innings of 41 was soon brought to an end

by Ashwin after the batsman hit one straight to Pujara at cover.

Kemar Roach and Jason Dawes, who took the hosts past 150, came up

with a defiant stand to prevent the Indians from bundling them out before the tea break. However, they fell off successive overs soon after the break as India put to rest any hopes of a rearguard action for the home team.

The Indian openers got the team off to a solid start as they negotiated the first ten overs without much problems. Murali Vijay played a couple of pleasing shots while Shikhar Dhawan too looked in control as they added 34 runs in the first 10 overs.

However, the visitors

suffered quick setbacks after that as Dhawan and Vijay fell in successive overs, getting out to Dawes and Chemar Holder respectively, in their attempt to cut deliveries that were close to the body.

KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara began rebuilding the innings and were happy to play the waitand-watch game. When the spinners were introduced, they managed to up the ante, raising a half-century stand before Pujara was bowled by Cornwall, in what turned out to be the last ball of the day.(Cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD

WICB President’s XI 1st innings

J. Campbell st †Saha b Ashwin 34 L. Johnson* c Binny b Thakur 3 D. Hope c Ashwin b Binny 11 J. Blackwood b Jadeja 36 V Singh c Pujara b Jadeja 3 M. Hodge lbw b Jadeja 6 R. Cornwall c Pujara b Ashwin 41 J. Hamilton† c Mohammed Shami b Mishra 1 K. Roach not out 11 J. Dawes lbw b Mishra 18 G Moti-Kanhai c †Saha b Ashwin 8 Extras: (b 4, lb 2, nb 2) 8

Total: (all out; 62.4 overs) 180 Did not bat: CK Holder, K Joseph Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-49, 3-57, 4-81, 5-98, 6-119, 7-135, 8-143, 9-171, 10-180 Bowling : Mohammed Shami 5-019-0, S.Thakur 10-1-24-1, R Ashwin

19.4-5-62-3, S. Binny 5-3-8-1, RA Jadeja 13-9-16-3, A Mishra 10-245-2

INDIAs 1st innings M Vijay c †Hamilton Holder 23 S Dhawan c Hope b Dawes

9 K Rahulnot out 0 C. Pujara b Cornwall 28 Extras: (lb 1, w 1, nb 1) 3

Total: (3 wickets; 25.3 overs) 93 To bat: V Kohli*, AM Rahane, WP Saha†, R Ashwin, RA Jadeja, A Mishra, Mohammed Shami, STR Binny, SN Thakur Fall of wickets 1-34, 2-34, 3-93 Bowling: K. Roach 5-1-12-0, K Joseph 4-1-21-0, JO Dawes 5-1-151, C Holder 5-2-8-1, R Cornwall 3.30-17-1, G Moti-Kanhai 3-0-19-0

India spinners strangle WICB President’s XI batsmen (See Story on page 31)

Digicel National Schools Football Championship

Chase Academy maul Bishops’ High 13-0 for North Zone title

By Stephan Sookram CHASE Academy will move on in the Digicel National Schools Football Championship after they mauled the Bishops’ High school 13-0 in the final of the North Georgetown Zone yesterday.

The Guyana Defence Force ground hosted the demolition of the Carmichael Street-based secondary school by their South Cummingsburg counterparts with goals coming as early as the 6th minute off the boot of Kelsey Benjamin.

That strike seemed to set off an individual goal-scoring competition among the Chase players, as two minutes later, Ryan Hackett slotted home his first before doubling up

The Chase team collect their spoils from Digicel representative Matthew Budnah after winning the North Georgetown Zone. They beat the Bishops’ High School 13-0.

(Stephan Sookram photo) by now in the driver’s seat at in the 48th before Hackett in the 14th. and Benjamin in the 32nd to 5-0 by the half. and Benjamin both comJob Caesar netted the complete ‘the old one two’ On the return, Joshua pleted their hat-tricks in the fourth in the 30th minute for the Chase side who were Williams joined the party 53rd and 64th minutes while

Caesar added his second and the team’s ninth just four minutes later.

Hackett took the lead in his personal goal-scoring battle with Benjamin when he added his fourth in the 70th before Stephon Reynolds’ 75th minute shot made it 11-0.

Timothy Alberts 76th minute goal, coupled with Williams in the 79th, ended the slaughter of the Bishops’ High side.

Finally it was Hackett’s four goals that won the internal battle of goalscorers as Benjamin ended with three goals and the Bishops’ High ended with a broken heart.

They will take on the winners of the South Zone final between Sir Leon’s and Lodge Secondary set for today at the Guyana Defence Force ground.

Harper admits to tough game against Tallawahs

By Rajiv Bisnauth HEAD Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Roger Harper admitted that tonight’s game against the Jamaica Tallawahs will be a tough assignment, but believes once the team continue to do the basics and execute their plans efficiently and effectively and continue to play good cricket, the local franchise can come out victorious.

The HERO Caribbean Premier League moves on to Jamaica where the Tallawahs take on the high-flying Warriors in game 15 at Sabina Park from 20:00hrs (21:00hrs Guyana time).

“Of course we are looking forward to for Friday’s game. We always have tough encounters against the Tallawahs and we doesn’t

expect it to be different, but our boys have been playing some good cricket and we expect them to continue.

“Our game plan is just to do the basic things and try to execute our plans efficiently and effectively and continue to play good cricket. We have to adapt to the conditions and follow the process,” Harper told www.cplt20.com.

While Guyana are sit-

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will be hoping that left-arm pacer Sohail can stop dangerman Chris Gayle. The last encounter between the two teams, Gayle made a first-ball duck after he was trapped leg before wicket to Tanvir.

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

ting pretty at the top of the table, Jamaica have been bumped down to third after AB de Villiers inspired Tridents to victory over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the previous game.

The last time Jamaica were in action was against Barbados, and they reached 116 for two in 10 overs before the match was See page 27

Jamaica lose ground on FIFA rankings chart (See Story on page 27)

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016