Cops to benefit from govt’s housing solutions
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THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017
No. 104854
Price: $80
‘Sugar won’t close’ – PM assures Berbicians
(VAT Inclusive)
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School girl critical after stabbing Page 9
The injured teenager of the Lusignan Secondary School being taken into a minibus by public spirited citizens after she was stabbed in the neck (Adrian Persaud photo)
No proof of vigilantism in Canal beating-police Page 4
‘Illegal meters’
– Patterson says SCS illegally Page placed parking meters on 3 gov’t-controlled roads
Four sites floated for new ‘Harbour Bridge’
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Guyanese cops Commonwealth Youth Award By Ravin Singh
GUYANA has once again received international acclaim after youth leader, Tricia Teekah copped the Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence in Development Work for the Caribbean and Americas region.
Tricia was honoured on Wednesday at a celebration ceremony at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth’s headquarters in London. She received the award for her contribution to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal number 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Presenting her with the award was Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland, who is also from the Caribbean. Other regional finalists included; Tamira Browne of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Michelle Thomas of Jamaica and Ishita Aggarwal of Canada.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland (centre) and regional winners of the Commonwealth Youth Award (L-R) Charles Lipenga of Malawi, Tricia Teekah of Guyana, Krystle Reid of Sri Lanka and Jacqueline Joseph of Papua New Guinea
After learning she had won the award, the youth leader said that she hopes it inspires young people, not only in Guyana and the Caribbean region, but across the Commonwealth, to be bold and to take ownership of the future of their communities and the world at large. The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work celebrate young people from Asia, the Pacific, the Caribbean and Americas, Africa and Europe who have had a significant impact on people and communities in their country or region. The awards, presented to Commonwealth citizens aged 15–29, showcase the work of outstanding young people who are leading initiatives ranging from poverty alleviation to peace building, promoting and enhancing democracy and development. A co-founder of the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC), Tricia, led the ‘Vote Like a Boss’ campaign, a youth voter education initiative, which used private sector partnerships to educate young voters in the 2015 General and Regional elections. According to her, the campaign reached more than 16,000 youths within a month and more than 1,300 young people participated in an online geo-mapping exercise on issues of concern to voters. She also pioneered the formation of a core committee for the establishment of a National Students’ Movement in Guyana and lobbied for student bodies in secondary and post-secondary educational institutions. Commenting on the ‘Vote Like A Boss’ campaign, the youth leader said that it helped to change the perception that young people are not interested in the political affairs of Guyana. She explained that the campaign sought to educate young people about the voting process, the importance of voting and to teach them about the electoral process in Guyana. Asked what some of the measured outcomes of the campaign were, Tricia boasted that there is a realisation that young people are willing to engage elected leaders and hold them accountable to
Tricia Teekah of the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC), after winning the Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence in Development Work for the Caribbean and Americas region
their commitments. “The impact from these campaigns has been phenomenal. We have realised that there is now a willingness for people to engage their elected leaders and hold them accountable to their commitments,” she said. She shared too that GNYC would have met with seniors who voted for the first time that year because of the campaign which shifted voting patterns. “…they were able to vote based on issues and commitments as opposed to social or cultural sentiments.” She also pointed out that her receipt of the award for a project crafted on the principles of democracy, human rights, youth political participation and engagement, is a reflection and commitment of the Commonwealth Secretariat to Article 13 of the Charter of the Commonwealth. “It promulgates the rewards and fruits of teamwork, partnership and private sector collaboration in light of the tremendous success of the project,” she said, adding that the award will increase awareness of the relatively new, youth-led group and GNYC. “It will be leverage to further engage all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships
and collaboration.” Other recipients of regional awards were; Krystle Reid from Sri Lanka, who won the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year and Commonwealth Asia Young Person of the Year Awards; Jacqueline Joseph of Papua New Guinea, who won the Commonwealth Pacific Young Person of the Year Award; and Charles Lipenga of Malawi, who copped the Commonwealth Africa Young Person of the Year Award. The Secretary-General in her remarks noted that throughout the Commonwealth, young people, like those who won the awards, are taking action as pioneers and change-makers. She said that their contributions are essential to achieving national and global development goals, from halting the human impacts of climate change to countering poverty and discrimination. This year’s winners were drawn from a shortlist of 17 finalists from 13 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malawi, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uganda and United Kingdom.
‘Illegal meters’ 3
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
– SCS illegally placed parking meters on gov’t-controlled roads – City Hall awaits notice on suspension
THE MINISTER of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, was one of the driving forces behind Cabinet’s decision to recommend the suspension of the controversial parking meters project in Georgetown, given the fact that there are severe legal implications. At Cabinet’s meeting on Tuesday, several government ministers, including Patterson, vented their frustration about the project, which is being implemented by Smart City Solutions (SCS) in collaboration with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). During a radio programme on 94.1 Boom FM on Wednesday, Minister Patterson made it clear that there are several legal implications that could possibly see his ministry ending up in a legal battle. According to Patterson, some three to four weeks ago, a team had met with Council officials following a Cabinet subcommittee meeting on the parking meter issue where several proposals were made to the Council. He said that the body had acted on some proposals while others, including a possible suspension of the parking meter project for broader consultations and a contract review, were ignored. Patterson continued that key government ministers felt that it would be best, “that the (parking meter)
contract be suspended for a minimum of three months to allow certain issues to be ironed out.” Patterson said his ministry and Cabinet were concerned about being entangled in legal issues since some persons were taking the parking meter matter to court. He related that among these legal issues is the fact there are “declared urban roads” in the city for which his ministry is responsible. The Minister said that before the implementation of the parking meters, he had cause to write the Council, informing them that they were putting parking meters on roads controlled by the ministry although there was no agreement between the Council and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. The minister described the situation as an anomaly, saying that the, “concessionaire (Smart City Solutions) nor the City Council had any lengthy discussion with the ministry,” over the use of those roads. Patterson stated however that Water Street is among a number of listed roads that come under the auspices of his ministry. The Minister pointed out too that in fairness to the City Council, they have confirmed to his ministry that instructions have been given to Smart City Solutions to cease all parking meter erections on declared urban roads. The Minister said having
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson
the Council adhere to the issue of declared roads is one less issue haunting the parking meter program, outside of the public’s call for consultations, reduced parking cost and the release of what was termed a “secretive deal” between Smart City Solutions and the Council. Minister Patterson said that the government would have addressed some of the legal issues with the contract after Attorney General, Basil Williams, and other authorities perused the document. The Minister noted however that the M&CC is an independent body, and even retains its own legal counsel who could have been giving different legal advice. He noted too that the government genuinely felt that it should have stayed out of the parking meter matter, letting representatives handle the issue at the local level.
Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan
He said it was for this reason that the Alliance For Change (AFC) faction of the Coalition government endorsed party member, Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, who is against the parking meter contract; but did not go further into Council affairs. Patterson noted however that while he does not believe government can order the Council to accept their recommendations, “we do hope that they will see with Cabinet… and that a decision from Cabinet can be adhered to.”
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Duncan revealed that he spoke with Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and was informed of government’s intention, but up to late last night, there was no official correspondence. The Deputy
CITY HALL YET TO BE OFFICIALLY INFORMED Meanwhile, the M&CC is yet to be officially informed of government’s suggestion to suspend the parking meter project in Georgetown, according to Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan.
Mayor is however optimistic that the M&CC will be officially informed today. “City Hall is awaiting formal correspondence from the government on the matter, and then the issue will be put to the councillors very shortly and we will move from there,” Duncan told the Guyana Chronicle, adding, “the correspondence should have been done during the course of the day [yesterday], but up until I spoke with him [Bulkan] it had not been done, so it has only been corresponded orally so far with myself and the Town Clerk.” Government’s suggestion will be discussed at the next council meeting, set for March 27, but according to the Deputy Mayor, an Turn to page 9 ►
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
No proof of vigilantism in Canal beating-police By Shauna Jemmott THE Guyana Police Force seems to have dismissed allegations of vigilantism regarding the beating of two men in Canal #1 Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD) Sunday night, say-
ing that these claims are unsubstantiated based on statements obtained from members of the public, some of whom were involved in this incident on the day in question. Dameion Gordon and Vernon Beckles were severe-
ly beaten by residents of the community who suspected them to be thieves. The Force in its first statement since the incident, warned media houses “which rush to publicise episodes given to them but which later turned out to be exceedingly erroneous.”
Vernon Beckles and Dameion Gordon
The Force also noted “that connotations of vigilantism were published in certain sections of the media but which are unsubstantiated based on statements obtained from members of the public, some of whom were involved in this incident on the day in question.” Police said it is not the first time that persons who are suspected of having committed an offence invoke the wrath of members of the public “and while we frown and warn against these behaviours as being unacceptable, the reality is that one cannot necessarily immediately determine what a spontaneous action will be.” In its statement, police also said investigations have so far revealed that the victims were taken from Georgetown to the home of Ewart Lewis, a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who lives at Two Brothers, Canal No. 1 Polder, WBD, by an in-law of Lew-
is’ reputed wife. Later, whilst at Lewis’ place, the family and the victims [Gordon and Beckles] decided to venture to Georgetown to seek further entertainment and while doing so, stopped at a shop at Two Brothers, where Lewis, his reputed wife and her in-law went into the shop leaving the two victims on the public road. Ewart Lewis claimed that while at the shop in Canal, a resident [name given] ran into the shop and shouted that two men were stealing the mirrors from his motor car and shortly after another resident [name given] told him that the men who stole the mirrors were the men he brought in his car. Immediately, several persons in the vicinity swarmed the two men and began questioning them and during this period [Gordon] fled and jumped into the canal and both of them denied stealing the mirrors.
The rear-view mirrors belonging to the vehicle where the two victims were seen standing, were later found by Lewis, under another vehicle which was parked in close proximity of the vehicle of which they were stolen from. Whilst in the trench, the alleged irate residents threw bricks and other objects at Gordon, while the other was detained by residents. A Rural Constable from the area took initial action and pleaded with Gordon to come out but he refused; by this time the police patrol arrived and Gordon came out of the canal. They were taken into custody and subsequently escorted to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where they were treated and sent away. Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner, Leslie James and a team of Officers have since visited the location and obtained statements. ‘WE WHOLE ALIBI CRUMBLE’ Meanwhile, the story of the two men has taken a new turn with Lewis denying that he had taken them to the community to check on a venue for an upcoming show. Gordon told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday that on Tuesday night they met Police with Police Commander James, who read the soldier’s statement. According to Gordon, this statement came as a shock. “The soldier said first time he saw us, he didn’t Turn to page 5 ►
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Red House ruling
Decision on High Court’s jurisdiction for next week A DECISION will be made by Chancellor (ag) Justice Yvonne Cummings-Edwards on March 24, on whether the court has jurisdiction to proceed with the Red House court challenge, brought on by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc. (CJRC). This was confirmed by former Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, who
is acting on behalf of the CJRI, following a hearing of the matter on Wednesday by the Chancellor (ag). The hearing, which lasted for a few minutes, was attended by the current AG, Basil Williams S.C., who is representing the State, which reclaimed a plot of land that houses the famous Red House where the CJRC is located. AG Williams, S.C., has
argued that the court has no jurisdiction to proceed with the Red House court challenge, since it was the President who revoked the lease of the facility. He reasoned that Article 182 of the Constitution states that no civil action can be instituted against the Headof-State for any decision made in the performance of the functions of his office. President David Grang-
er, late last year ordered that the controversial lease for Red House, which housed the CJRC be revoked and that the occupants vacate the property. The AG had detailed the history of the centre, noting that there was no valid lease agreement as former President Bharrat Jagdeo had refused to approve at least two applications for the lease of that land.
No proof of vigilantism in... carry we up… even before (Sunday) this man used to ask we fuh come up there… we ain’t know how we going and check out the place if he ain’t know we. We whole alibi crumble because of his statement,” Gordon said. He said he is to be blamed, noting that: “Before this incident, me circle was small. I ain’t supposed to go up there… it’s all on me (because) me just alter me plans,” Gordon told the Guyana Chronicle. Gordon lamented that diverting from his original plans to celebrate the Phagwah Festival in Georgetown and venturing with friends into a strange community landed him and his friend Vernon Beckles in trouble. He said he regretted following friends, after they hopped between entertainment spots in the Capital City and in Canal No. 1. The story of Gordon and Beckles was that they were in the company of five other friends when they were attacked by a mob which accused them of theft. The duo was stoned, bound with handcuffs and rope and beaten.
friend were arrested in their battered state and police at La Grange booked them for simple larceny before placing each of them on $5,000 station bail. Recounting the lead up to the tragedy, Gordon said he was home in Robb Street, Georgetown, watching a game of football Sunday and 83 minutes into the game, Beckles came and picked him up. The plan was that they hang out in Third Street, Alberttown, at another friend’s home. They then travelled to Second Street when a man named Clint, who was also in their company, had a telephone conversation with his brother-in-law, a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier. The two made other arrangements and that is when plans changed. In celebratory mode, they went to the soldier’s home, then visited his wife’s family, stopped by another female friend, who also headed out with them. As they approached another hang-out spot, he said the soldier suggested: “leh we tek a wash down” but Clint warned Gordon and Beckles to remain in the vehicle.
ARRESTED IN BATTERED STATE Gordon said he and his
THE BEATING Not long after, Beckles exited the vehicle and headed
across the street to urinate when he heard a man shouted, “tall man duck down” and observed the mob moving towards Beckles. The men accused his friend of stealing mirrors from the vehicle but Beckles even raised his T-shirt and allowed the men to carry out a search on his person. The men eventually found the mirrors elsewhere but still began to beat Beckles. Gordon said he, too, exited the vehicle after realising his friend was in trouble and explained to the mob that the man had only left the vehicle about a minute before to ‘pee’. Instead, another man charged at him and a battle ensued. “Then I geh rush…we end up scuffling, he push me in the canal.” He said at one point he was lashed to his
Chairman of the Management Committee of the Centre, Hydar Ally subsequently moved to the High Court, requesting Conservatory Orders to restrain or prevent the government from taking possession of the building. He contended that the lease was valid and that President Granger’s revocation order was illegal. When the matter came up before Justice Cum-
mings-Edwards, who was then Chief Justice (ag) in February, AG Williams S.C., made submissions in LIMINE (motion made by a lawyer before the trial actually begins), submitting that the court’s first duty is to determine whether it had jurisdiction to proceed to hear the matter before it. The ruling on this is set for March 24, 2017.
sand and into a yard after the men continued beating him, and was thankful when the police appeared. The two were handcuffed and taken to La Grange Police Station before being transported to West Demerara Regional Hospital where they were treated and discharged into police custody again. In a statement Tuesday evening the Ministry of Social Cohesion said it has taken note of the horrendous act of violence committed against Gordon and Beckles. “The Ministry takes note of the seriousness of those reports and urges that a thorough investigation be conducted into the incident. Additionally, the Ministry reiterates the position stated by President David Granger
that while citizens have a right to protect themselves and property, this must take the form of Community Policing Groups. Vigilantism, especially when it results in injury or death, will not be tolerated”. Even as the Ministry awaits the report following the conclusion of police investigations, government said it is important that all Guyanese remain committed to co-existing in an environment of unity and peace as we strive to deepen social cohesion. “The Ministry of Social Cohesion calls for calm even as the Guyana Police Force investigates the circumstances surrounding the incident with a view to ensuring that justice is served,” the statement read.
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head with a piece of wood and the soldier man shouted to the mob that “if anything happen to them is y’all,” he related. He said after receiving the lash he ran but the men still pursued and the fight continued. They dragged him in some sand and members of the Community Policing Group handcuffed him, leaving him to the mercy of the violent men. He said after Beckles received the first beating, he ran and jumped into a trench for his safety but one of the men threw a ‘lasso’ around his neck and dragged him out of the trench. They used the same rope from which the ‘lasso’ was made and tied Beckles further beating him. Gordon recalled that while he was yet handcuffed, he dragged himself out of the
Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 05:00 hrs Friday, March 17, 2017 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, March 18, 2017 - 08:30 hrs
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Editorial
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Editor-In-Chief
Nigel Williams Editor
Godfrey Wray
ARSON is a criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. Within the past few months there have been a series of alleged arson to homes and businesses with estimated damage worth billions of dollars. Arson has a negative impact whether it is committed against commercial enterprises or residential properties. At the commercial level it brings about economic dislocation and impact on the financial wellbeing of those who are affected. Such losses also adversely impact the community within which the businesses are located and the dependency of those who rely on its service. For the residential properties arson brings
with it displacement and separation of family, where some may have to seek refuge at different locations. Such acts also result in the loss of material possessions, the achievements of which came through sacrifices and accumulation overtime. On Monday yet another building (house) was razed in a suspected act of arson. Arson brings about setbacks. Every property that suffers from arson impacts on societal wellbeing. For instance, the alleged arson that took place at Gafoors Enterprise last October, which was said to have been rebuilt to the tune of US$2M and contained $US2M in stocks, had direct and indirect impact on the economy, employment
and economic opportunities, however temporary. In the case of the Buxton bakery which was razed last month, the owner was counting over $10M in damage and 30 workers would have become unemployed. Outside of financial loses the emergence of speculation as to who was or were behind these acts, the quiet naming of persons, and the deepening of rift among competitors in the business community could not have helped positive relations. Every case of arson is an act of not only threatening the economic existence of business, family or person, but also the foundation of the rule of law, which society is built on, and must
be safeguarded at all times. Given that such acts result in the destruction of property, it threatens each and every one and needs to be treated from this perspective. The individual who owns the property cannot be allowed to make the decision as to whether such matter ought to be prosecuted. For such act did not only threaten his or her life and property, or those residing in the immediate environment where it was committed, but also respect for the rule of law. Arson is not a civil act against a person but a criminal act which must be pursued by the State. Criminal acts are acts of intentional harm against individuals, but which in a larger sense
Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com
Editorial
are offenses against all of us. For instance, the neighbour’s property during the time of the fire also stood the risk of being destroyed, and in trying to secure his property, also had to work to help save the property that was been targeted. Every time there is a fire the Guyana Fire Service is called upon and expected to respond. This requires the use of manpower, water, and equipment which are unnecessary costs borne by the State, given that the act was deliberately committed with the aim of bringing
destruction to property. This type of wastage impacts all. It is important that the State sends a strong signal to those who contemplate or utilise arson to resolve differences or any other matter; that such is never the proper approach. Sending such a signal could aid people in understanding that their dealing with issues must be confined within the parameters of the law. No person should think vigilante justice is the best approach or will find acceptance in our society.
Is this a hostile takeover of Berbice Cricket (Part 11) Dear Editor,
MY recent article on the above mentioned subject was published on February 28th, 2017, in Kaieteur News, Stabroek and Chronicle and again in Kaieteur News on March 1st, 2017. However, recent events have compelled me to write a Part II for publication. In my first article, I had mentioned the resignation of Anil Beharry as President of the BCB in January 2017 and the assumption to the Presidency by 1st Vice President, D. Somwaru without a meeting being held, his efforts to have a few clubs request a Special Meeting, his creation of the letterhead of the BCB, referring to himself as President, signing letters as President, sending out mails and dismissing executive members of the BCB by sending them these letters which he has signed as President . Since then, Somwaru and three others have made a trip to Georgetown. Upon their return he has again sent
out letters to a few chosen clubs inviting them to a Special Meeting on March 19, 2017. On this occasion he has signed as Acting President and has attached a letter signed by David Black and Godwin Allicock- two individuals representing the West Berbice Cricket Association and the Port Mourant Cricket Club respectivelywho had injunct the BCB in March 2015, giving him –Somwaru- permission to perform as Acting President and stating that they would drop the injunction against the BCB if that Board drops its injunction against the Guyana Cricket Board. In a recent letter to Dennis D’Anrade of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and Hilbert Foster, the brother of the recently dismissed former President Keith Foster, Somwaru, signing as acting President, invited them to join his group and gave them 72 hours to respond. His agenda for the March 19, 2017 meeting includes a no confidence motion against BCB Secre-
tary; Adoption of Audited Financial Report; Removal of Non-functioning Clubs from membership of the BCB; Acceptance of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Young Warriors Cricket Club and Tucber Park as members provided they apply for membership; Removal of all legal matters against Guyana Cricket Board and Amending clause 4 of BCB Constitution – Rules concerning membership. During the absence of then President Beharry from Berbice for more than a year, Somwaru never showed any leadership. Instead, he attended several meetings of the illegal Guyana Cricket Board in breach of the injunction filed by David Black and Godwin Allicock, and appears to have become radicalised. He has suddenly started to harass and bully the Administrative Secretary Angela Haniff with demands that she drop the BCB injunction against the Guyana Cricket Board and immediately supply him with a list of spon-
sors of Berbice cricket. She has not complied, hence his main reason for his motion. After the Guyana Cricket Board injunction of the Attorney General and the Minister of Sports, the Guyana, Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo Cricket Boards were unable to hold Annual General Meetings to elect office bearers because the Cricket Ombudsman was not authorized to supervise these elections in keeping with the Cricket Administration Act. All four boards have since been in a ‘Holding Position.’ The March 2015 injunction of the BCB has made it even worst for Berbice, due to the fact that the executives are prohibited from meeting. In addition, all elected and appointed members of the Board had their term ended constitutionally on 31st December, 2015 and not 31st December, 2016, leaving the employed Administrative Secretary as the only authority. In view of all the facts, Somwaru has no legal authority to summon meetings
and sign and send out mailswhich are the responsibly of the elected and employed Administrative Secretaryassume the Presidency or Acting Presidency, hire or fire members or individuals, get rid of existing member clubs or admit new clubs, amend the constitution or drop a pending injunction. He certainly has no authority to create the BCB letterhead, refer to himself as President or Acting President and sign letters as such! It is a forgery to make or write a false document in order that it may pass as genuine. It should be noted that the Guyana Cricket Board receives US $54, 000 monthly from the West Indies Cricket Board. They have not given the BCB a blind penny for eight years, instead they have been making numerous efforts to gain control of the BCB. Their offering to some disciples of G $2M subvention each year out of their yearly receipt from the WICB of approximately G$130 M is an example. What a deal!
A G $2M would not even be enough to run a First Division 3 Day competition; especially seeing that they have discontinued both the First Division 3 Day Case Cup competition in Demerara, the 3 Day Davson Cup competition in Berbice since 2010 and have also discontinued the 4 Day Inter County competition for the Jones Cup in 2015. Yet we wonder why our standards have not been improving. I respectfully call on the Attorney General and the Minister of Sports of Guyana- if they have not done so- to submit in a timely manner their response to the GCB injunction concerning the implementation of the Cricket Administration Act. It is of enormous importance that this matter be concluded in the Court in the best interest of our beloved game, but more especially our cricketers. We need to have free and fair elections as early as possible. Regards, MORTIMER GEORGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Teen reportedly commits 2 years jail for suicide in Corentyne Charlestown woman …found guilty of marijuana possession A RESIDENT of Charlestown, Georgetown was sentenced to two years and eleven months imprisonment on Wednesday and fined $159,000 after she was found guilty of the possession of narcotics by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Tiffany Sultan, 23, was accused of having in her possession106 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, on January 9, 2017 at Broad Street, Charlestown. According to the facts, on the day in question at Sultan’s residence, she was approached by police ranks and gave them permission
to conduct a search on her premises. She also admitted at the time, she was the only occupant of the house. Following the search she was asked about the possible existence of illegal items in the home. She eventually admitted to marijuana being hidden in the house and she later pointed it out to the police ranks. During the trial, by way of a caution statement, Sultan admitted that she was involved in the sale of marijuana, for a man she only knew as “Ants man.” In her ruling Magistrate McLennan stated that she was satisfied that
Tiffany Sultan
the evidence provided to the court by the Police prosecutor proved all essential facts that Sultan was guilty of the offence.
White Paper on plan for GuySuCo Dear Editor, REFERENCE is made to KN article of March 4th, 2017 “Sugar’s future to be considered by National Assembly” which speaks to a “white paper” or plan for GuySuCo to be presented to Parliament. Editor, this is pure political theatrics being displayed by Government because a plan for the Corporation is in implementation stage at this moment. The plan being implemented was formulated by GuySuCo’s CEO and fittingly nicknamed by GuySuCo’s Chairman, the “Errol Hanoman’s scalpel.” Essentially, it is to shrink GuySuCo to a produce of 150,000 tonnes sugar per annum, divest Skeldon and grow other crops and rear livestock at Wales, East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates. This is exactly what is being implemented at this moment and GuySuCo’s ceremonial Board of Directors is charged with monitoring the progress of the
implementation of the plan. From announcements made by GuySuCo, GAWU, Government and the Opposition, and from daily realities, it is confirmed that Hanoman’s scalpel is fully at work. His scalped has already sliced the livelihoods of 1,700 employees and 850 cane farmers at Wales and is being sharpened to slit another 3,500 to 4,000 livelihoods at East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates. While my fellow citizens of Wales are faced with a survival crisis and a similar one looms for East Demerara and Rose Hall, GuySuCo’s CEO pocked approximately $5.2 million per month in salary plus other benefits. In just 20 months of his management, GuySuco’s CEO delivered to Government (1) lowest annual production in twenty-five years; (2) a high-cost executive team from the Jurassic era; (3) increased unemployment; (4) volatile industrial relations climate, (5) highest operational cost in recent times, and (6) an embarrassment
for diversification at Wales. In 2013, our Honourable Vice President and Minister of Public Security made these comments (KN, May 24th 2013) “It is time to turn the Board of GuySuCo on its head since it is clear they do not know what it takes to lead GuySuCo. The AFC demands the firing of the entire GuySuCo Board forthwith. It is clear that the Board of Directors at GuySuCo has zero sympathy for the industry and the plight of the workers. Among them are greedy and self-interested persons who believe that because they are friends of the PPP, they can live the high life off the sweat of the poor man and abandon the one thing that would turn around GuySuCo… good quality cane.” I now ask our Minister of Public Security, how does reality in 2017 aligns with his comments in 2013? Regards Sookram Persaud
AN EAST Berbice, Corentyne family is in a state of disbelief after a mother found her 16-year-old son hanging from a rope in her house on Wednesday. This newspaper understands that Shamar Hunte reportedly took his own life after he and his mother, Jennifer Henry had an argument Wednesday morning, before she left for work. When Henry returned from work to her Williamsburg Village home, she enquired about
her son but did not see him, as her calls to him went unanswered. Henry decided to check the young man’s bedroom, where she made the gruesome discovery. “The door was closed and when she pushed it open, she see Shamar hanging,” a relative disclosed. The incident has left the family in a state of disbelief as they are still trying to come to grips with his death.
Dead: Shamar Hunte
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
School girl critical after stabbing By Rabindra Rooplall
A 14-year-old student of Lusignan Secondary School, East Coast Demerara (ECD, has been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital after she was stabbed in the neck by another student during a fight in close proximity of the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station, ECD, on Wednesday afternoon. Police said that the aggressor was identified as a 14-year-old female student of the Beterverwagting Secondary School. Reports indicate that the injured teen was taken to the Beterverwagting Health Centre before being shuttled to the Georgetown Public Hospital in a minibus with police escort. She was later admitted
to hospital. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, students of Beterverwagting Secondary school related that the altercation between the two young ladies stemmed from a fight that occurred last year and it has been an ongoing feud since then. This newspaper understands that the injured student travelled with her ‘crew’ from Lusignan to confront the BV student during which a fight ensued and the BV student, in an attempt to defend herself, stabbed the young lady from the Lusignan Secondary. “They (Lusignan Students) ganged up on her [BV student] and beat she up last year, so she [BV student] decided to deal with them one at a time when they were walking alone, but this
time when the fight happen is the girl that bank she [Lusignan student] start the fight and she end up getting cut in her neck,” one student told this newspaper. Another student related that a woman tried parting the fight but was cuffed to the head. “The one who slash the other one in her neck don’t have any gang to represent her so she get desperate,” another student related. Reports indicate that the BV Secondary student was initially taken into custody but was handed over into her parents’ care as investigations continue. Residents in the area are calling on the Ministry of Education to intervene as violence escalates in schools.
The BV Police Station, where the incident occurred
Four sites floated for new ‘Illegal... ‘Harbour Bridge’
Mr. Mol (second right) highlights location info to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson (second left), Ministerial Advisor, Mr. Kenneth Jordan (right), and DHBC General Manager, Mr. Rawlston Adams
Four locations have been identified to site the new Demerara Harbour Bridge with lengths ranging from 580 to 2,000 metres long, the Dutch firm that is conducting a feasibility study into the structure has submitted. The Demerara Harbour Bridge (a floating bridge) was opened on July 2, 1978 and has a length of the 1851 meters (1.15 miles). The bridge has been under constant maintenance over the years. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, along with a team from the Ministry and General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Mr. Rawlston Adams, on Wednesday met with Lievense CSO to discuss the feasibility study for the new Demerara River crossing. Mr. Arie Mol of the
Dutch company led a presentation of the concluded first phase of the feasibility study, which commenced on January 15, 2017. The entire feasibility will last six months, and will conclude in July. In his presentation, Mr. Mol touched on a number of points, including river/marine traffic, river modelling, and economic and environmental considerations. He also highlighted a number of possible locations for the new River Crossing, including New Hope, Peter’s Hall, Eccles, and Houston, with lengths ranging from approximately 580 metres to just under 2,000 metres. A more detailed presentation of the feasibility study is expected to be made at a later date. Additionally, draft reports will be made to Cabinet
and then open to consultation by the second week of April. A pre-feasibility study was done by the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in 2013. That study concluded that a new, high level, fixed bridge was the best option to be pursued. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure had advertised for suitable consultants to conduct the feasibility study that would lead to the construction of the bridge through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had told a news conference last year November that the administration was in no position to state where the bridge was likely to be located but he explained that during the feasibility study, which
followed the pre-feasibility done under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) administration, a limited area would be considered. “As I did say they have to consider the PPP model, tender documents, look at various sites that would have been in the pre-feasibility and to determine whether in fact this is something we can go forward with. This is the final stage of feasibilities before we get to construction,” he explained. According to Leivense CSO’s website, the company is an engineering consultancy which specialises in the fields of infrastructure, environment, construction and pipelines. “We specialise in engineering, underground piping, environmental and environment, spatial planning and the built environment. Human activities in densely populated and or sensitive areas bring specific infrastructural and environmental issues along with it,” the company said. Moreover, the company has more than 200 professionals operating from seven offices in the Netherlands, offices in Saudi Arabia and in St Maarten. “In addition to our Dutch home market we do a lot of projects from abroad, independently or in collaboration with other parties in the Netherlands and abroad. The international focus is in particular ports, water and flood protection, dredging and land reclamation and pipelines.”
emergency statutory meeting could be put in place. “It is the council that okayed the contract in the first place, and so it must be put back to the council for the suspension so that will be the process that we’re going to use,” Duncan asserted. Up to late Wednesday, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, could not be contacted for a comment on the issue, while Town Clerk, Royston King, was also unavailable to comment, however, Duncan says he and King are “on the same page.” The Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green is currently in the United States on a business trip; she is expected to return on March 24. SCS SAYS WILL CONTINUE PROJECT Smart City Solutions (SCS), which is responsible for implementing the project, however noted that the company is yet to be officially informed by the M&CC on the proposed suspension and will continue enforcing its rules and regulations. “SCS confirms that it has received no instruction
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or any official word in respect to taking any action to suspend the geoPark project from the Mayor and Councilors of the City of Georgetown. Smart City Solutions will continue to operate and enforce the geoPark project,” a statement from SCS noted. In response to this, Duncan, who has been a strong opponent against the parking meter project over the past months, said that the company was in their right to be offended that reports were in the media, when they were still yet to be officially contacted. Meanwhile, in a statement, the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) noted that they were “heartened” by government’s recommendation for a suspension. “While we feel this is a good first step, the MAPM will continue our public call to revoke the contract and bylaws in their current forms,” the MAPM statement noted. The Movement has been holding regular protests in front of City Hall, against the parking meter project.
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killed in Tuschen Social Cohesion Toddler accident draft strategic plan nearing completion – female driver in custody
By Vishani Ragobeer
WITH more than 30 consultation exercises completed, the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s draft strategic plan 2017-2021 has moved one step closer towards being completed. This is according to Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, who announced at a press conference on Wednesday that stakeholders will meet today at Marriott Hotel to validate contents of the documents. The Minister revealed that 1,485 stakeholders would have participated in the 30 consultations which were held in all ten administrative regions in the country. The document examines five thematic areas which include: promoting harmonious ethnic and race relations, promotion of social inclusion and tolerance, promotion of economic equity and opportunities for all, strengthening inclusive and participatory governance and enhancement of citizen safety and security. Development and implementation of the plan is being supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Minister Norton explained that those consultations would have garnered tremendous support and much input was made. Media consultations were also con-
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton and Programme Coordinator at the Ministry, Sharon Patterson
ducted via radio and social media. However, the Minister noted that the validation exercise which will be held today is to provide an opportunity for further fine tuning of the document. According to the Minister, once the validation exercise is completed, the Ministry will move to finalise the plan, then have another round of engagement with stakeholders, after which they will move towards implementation of the document. Programme Coordinator at the Ministry, Sharon Patterson, also pointed out that once validation is achieved, the Ministry will move towards capacity building for regional and municipal officials and other persons who are going to be involved in a closer way with that Ministry.
She stated too that the Ministry will also examine programmatic actions at the community level to build a unified Guyana. “…we will be working with communities so barriers can be removed and we can work toward building a unified Guyana.” According to the Social Cohesion Ministry, the Strategic Plan was released to the public on Tuesday last to allow for national input. It was pointed out that lead Consultant, Dr. Theo Gittens, who is responsible for the compilation of the plan, has reviewed the comments received following the publication of the draft document. Those comments which were provided to the Ministry before March 10, are also reflected in the Draft Plan.
A FAMILY was plunged into mourning on Tuesday when 4-year-old Ramkaran Mohan, known as ‘Ram,’ was struck down by a motor vehicle on the main road of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo. The toddler was rushed to the Leonora Diagnostic Centre and subsequently transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he succumbed a few hours later. This newspaper understands that Ram and his 7-year-old brother were accompanied by an older relative to a shop obliquely opposite their Lot 1088, Tuschen New Housing Scheme residence, to purchase a ball to play a game of cricket when he was struck by a silver Toyota Premio bearing the number plate PVV 5084. The car was driven by a woman from the same area.
According to Ram’s grandmother Bibi Khan, around 11:30hrs on Tuesday, the boy, his elder brother Komal Lall and another relative, Michael Plass, were waiting to cross the road and the young boy was holding onto the uncle’s hand when the car turned from the corner and “hooked” him out of the uncle’s hand, dragging him several feet away before coming to a halt. “The road was very, very clear,” the grandmother attested and noted that there wasn’t any traffic for the female driver to avoid. The driver upon realizing that she had struck down the child, quickly transported him to the Leonora hospital for emergency medical attention. The child was then transferred to the West Demerara Hospital, but unfortunately he succumbed at around 15:30hrs; he sustained a fractured skull and other internal injuries.
Dead: Ramkaran Mohan
The grandmother also recounted that she was engaged in a recent altercation with the same driver for her dangerous driving. Meanwhile, the older relative Plass, recounted that they saw the incoming car and waited at the road’s corner before crossing, but the car was speeding. He highlighted too that the driver did not initially realize that she struck down the boy until she was flagged down. Also, when the Guyana Chronicle visited the grieving family, the mother of the child was inconsolable and it was explained that she fainted as a result of shock several times and had to be rushed to the nearby hospital. The car has since been impounded at the Leonora Police Station, while the female driver is in custody at the Den Amstel police station. Ramkaran attended the Tuschen Nursery School.
The car which struck down the child
PPP files police complaint against Eric Phillips EXECUTIVE Member of the PPP, Anil Nandlall, has formally written acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine on behalf of other PPP members, who believe they are at risk of being killed or harmed because of comments made by Eric Phillips – an employee of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU). In a two-page letter, Nandlall explained to the Commissioner that Phillips’ comments, which were made on Facebook, have caused his clients to now be “exposed to being killed or suffer grievous bodily harm”. Phillips has been critical of the former PPP government, which he has ac-
Former Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall
Eric Phillips
cused of being corrupt. Just recently he said that 15,000 ounces of gold was stolen from the country under that government. This prompted Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo to respond to Phillips at a public outreach in Berbice – one of the PPP’’s strongholds. Subsequently, Phillips shared on his Facebook profile, sentiments which did not sit well with members of the opposition. He indicated that Jagdeo has been pushing a narrative which makes him (Phillips) appears to be racist and that could put him (Phillips) and his family at risk of being harmed. The post was made on March 11. In light of this, Nandlall, filed a formal complaint with
Commissioner Ramnarine, whom he asked to thoroughly investigate the matter and institute charges, if necessary. Nandlall stated that Article 146 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression of every individual, but pointed out that it predicated on the following caveat: “Freedom of expression in this article does not relate to hate speech, or other expressions in whatever form, capable of exciting hostility or ill-will against any person or class of persons”. The letter was also sent to President David Granger, Public Security Minister and 14 other persons, including foreign dignitaries.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Syndicates to curb exploitation of foreign nationals FOREIGN nationals who are living and working in the country’s mining districts are not permitted to own lands but are allowed to be part of mining syndicates, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes said on Wednesday. Broomes in an interview with Guyana Chronicle, made it clear that her government will not tolerate illegal foreigners working in the hinterland but recognised that in the case of Brazilians, many are being exploited by locals. The Minister has received numerous complaints from Brazilian miners, alleging exploitation and she believes that through syndicates, those miners would be in a better position to resist exploitation. “Foreign nationals cannot own mining properties…it is important for us to make that clear. Brazilians have lots of
skills but there is a lot of exploitation…but the fact they can’t own properties, they use Guyanese to own land and invest heavily but then most times they are robbed.” Broomes added that foreign nationals and more particularly Brazilians, who operate within the mining communities are often times charged more to operate on lands than locals. She explained that as a result of that level of exploitation, many of those foreign nationals return to their native land. “Many of them have left their equipment and returned to Brazil…what they usually do is raid lands and so they go deep within the mining communities so it would be difficult for you to hear their machines and so on,” the Minister who was a former miner noted. She made it clear that it is not a case where all foreign nationals operating in the mining industry are
Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes
stationed in Guyana illegally, but noted that they have many challenges. In a bid to ensure that all in the industry can benefit, the Minister said, foreign nationals can be part of syndicates. “They are being allowed
to work on syndicates, but it doesn’t mean they can own the property. They will be subject to the same terms and conditions that currently exist for local miners. It will be an equal playing field,” Broomes added, while stressing that syndicates will open an avenue for the elimination of exploitation. According to her, prior to now, Brazilians who represent the majority of foreign nationals operating in the gold mining industry, were fearful because of the level of harassment they received from local miners, who apparently were threatened by their presence. “The language barrier is also an issue, and the lack of communication can also lend to other situations. There are instances of Trafficking-in-Persons (TIP), as well as Labour Trafficking. Within the syndicates, they have to be compliant, they have to follow the rules and
regulations established and you’d see that barrier being broken,” the Minister stated. Last Saturday, Brazilian miners operating within the Puruni mining area, CuyuniMazaruni, Region Seven called on Minister Broomes to provide equal opportunities for them to benefit. At a forum geared at informing miners in that area about the benefits of syndicates, Minister Broomes said the opportunities being made available to smallscale miners are not limited to local miners but also to foreign nationals who have the requisite documentation to work here. “Syndicates make provision for all…. This is not only for local miners… you too as Brazilians, or Venezuelans or wherever you are from can benefit. Once you are part of a syndicate; you will be treated equally,” the minister said as she explained that small miners in the Puruni area have been struggling for a number of years to access lands to mine. She urged the Brazilians present at the forum to join the Puruni Mining Syndicate,
while informing them that it is a safe way to prevent exploitation. “… all must be treated equally; I am not here to hurt you, I don’t like the exploitation,” the minister said. According to the Brazilians, some of whom have been living and working in Guyana for a number of years, they applied to the Ministry of Public Security, Department of Citizenship for work permits and all other documentation to work here, but the documentation is not provided though monies would have been paid. “We go, we pay but we never get it…we get receipts from them but no permit is given to us. We don’t want to work here illegally, we want to follow the laws but they are giving us a hard time,” said the Brazilian national, who was supported by other Brazilian miners. But Minister Broomes in response to the plea of the miners made it clear that syndicates would be able to ensure that all needed documentation is processed according to the regulations provided.
Bartica grapples Toshao breaks silence on Facebook video with rape cases By Ravin Singh
– Commander embarks on awareness sessions with students
REGION Seven continues to battle with increased reports of rape cases and according to Police Commander, Rabindranauth Budhram, there were over 40 cases reported in Bartica for 2016. The Commander said that most of the cases involved a relative being the perpetrator and police have taken steps to address this scourge, by going to the various schools to conduct educational sessions with students. “We try to tell them that this must not happen, and if this happens, you must report it. Tell the teachers and the teachers will call the police, and we are going to take some action,” Commander Budhram said. The awareness sessions are being held in collaboration with the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Social Cohesion. Meanwhile, aside from the rape, Bartica did not record any serious crimes; the Commander credited this to increased police patrols and the relationship the police fostered with members of the public following the launch of the ‘team policing’ programme. “The team policing actually identifies who is operating where and what they are respon-
Commander of ‘F’ Division, Rabindranauth Budhram
sible for. For example, if two persons cover the arcade, they have to know all the persons there, interact with them, share their numbers, if they got a problem they call them and so on,” Commander Budhram said. The aim of the programme is to raise the public’s confidence in police officers. “You can call and share information; we do not want to know who is calling, just the information we need.” This move will aid in the intelligence-led policing efforts to prevent and solve crimes.
A VIDEO which went viral on social media recently, has prompted a response from the individual involved – Toshao Lenox Shuman - who sought to provide clarity on the circumstances which led to him being partially undressed in the compound of a police station, evidenced in the video. The video was reportedly recorded by a police officer at the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Police Station with the use of a cell phone. In the video, the officer alleges that the Toshao was withholding evidence in the form of a sim card, from the police. The sim, he said, was from a stolen cell phone. The rank then goes on to state that Officer 21879 Cadogan, requested of Shuman to hand over the sim, which he [Shuman] refused to do. Pointing to the Toshao, who was dressed only in his shorts, the officer said, “I did not authorise this, the stripping of his clothing. I did not ask him to search him.” The officer claimed that he only asked Shuman to enter the police station so the police could continue with their investigations. “This is the condition of the Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission at the police station in the presence of juveniles…
So Mr. Toshao kindly put on your clothes,” the officer tells Shuman, who then proceeds into the police station and occupies a seat. However, on Wednesday, in a Facebook post, the Indigenous leader sought to provide details of the series of events which led to him being videoed. Shuman explained that two “strangers” showed up and began harassing members of the community. “I say strangers because one was dressed in an armless T-shirt, short pants and flip flops claiming they were there to show us who is boss and to arrest anyone who gets in their way,” he said in his post. The village leader explained that as Toshao, he enquired and was told by said individual, who failed to identify himself as a police officer, “I don’t care who is Toshao and who is not!” He also alleged that the officer was not in police uniform. Subsequently, a report was filed at the Cove and John Police station. Shuman said that after claiming that he will be arrested for withholding evidence, he submitted his clothing and belongings to be searched, willingly. “I did not assault, kill, maim, rape, traffic, nor utilize prohibited substance, nor did I resist arrest. It was done in
Toshao of St. Cutbert’s Mission, Lenox Shuman
protest of continued police misconduct,” the Toshao said, adding that an obviously “tainted” investigation is ongoing, and if he has broken the law then he will submit himself to the charges. He said that complaints have been made about ranks smoking marijuana, discharging their weapon while intoxicated and potentially after smoking, harassing community members, dressing in uniform and going to the secondary school to target young girls in the community. These reports, the village leader said, was greeted with, “Toshao, next time you ask for assistance you will not receive any support from me.” Against this backdrop, he hinted at the video and questioned rhetorically, “what logical outcome can one expect?”
With the video gaining much traction on social media, and with insults being hurled at him, Shuman pleaded with persons to “please save the personal insults and measure your character by your words, and please do not kill civility.” “I will also make it clear that the entire Force should not be painted with such a brush as I know a lot of ranks markedly above par in their profession,” the Toshao added. He also urged persons to not take things at surface level and question why evidence of an ongoing investigation was in the public domain and social media; why was the officer recording instead of attempting to diffuse the situation while other ranks are clearly sitting by doing nothing; and why was the video leaked to coincide with a report that is due on a petition against him. Last month, Shuman stepped down from his post as village leader to facilitate investigations by the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs for several allegations levelled against him. Reports are that several matters, including financial accountability, administrative matters and general conduct within the village were brought against him.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
‘Sugar won’t close’
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
– PM assures; urges union to be part of solution By Nafeeza Yahya PRIME Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, on the occasion of 104th Death Anniversary of the Rose Hall Martyrs, told those gathered that the “sugar industry will not be closed” and called on the trade unions and everyone to work together to be part of the solution, not the problem. “In the World today sugar estates are closing down very rapidly and we have to ensure that Guysuco does not come out of sugar, it must at least be able to manage a few factories and produce at least 150,000 tonnes that we could sell on the international market for the best price. We cannot give up the efforts to transform the sugar industry, to modernise the sugar industry and to deal with workers,” Nagamootoo told those gathered. The Prime Minster said he hears and understands the cries of the workers and the unions for not wanting to close the industry down and assured them that won’t happen. “We understand when workers and their unions put up the slogan that they do not want closure of sugar. Sugar will not be closed. I do not see that ever happening in my lifetime and I can tell you this that sugar is in my blood, it has perhaps been my single obsession since I entered politics… So today I would like to invite the trade union GAWU to be part of the solution not part
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Mrs Sita Nagaootoo ,Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, along with Dr. Fred Sukhdeo, grandson of Nibur Singh one of the 15 Rose Hall Martyrs along with other relatives
of the problem, to join us to help how we can transform the sugar industry and make the life better for our sugar workers. I invite them to sit with me ,with Mr. Ramjattan ,with the Agriculture Minister around the table to work out solutions.” He urged the union to not be afraid of joining the discussions and be part of the solution. “For me the role of the union is not to collect union dues and not to go against factory closures / estate closure because you think you will lose members. They are fearful any worker who goes into fishery or who goes into planting orchards, fresh fruits and participating in agro-processing in Guyana that they will no longer be
member of the union, wherever these workers are they are entitled to be unionised and I do not see why this should become a problem in the way of the union joining us as we try to resolve the major problem in the sugar industry,” Nagamootoo stated. MARTYRS Meanwhile, in reflecting on the struggles of the plantation workers, the Prime Minister stated that through the struggles of the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice, the foundation was laid for a better life for future generations and this should not be in vain. He noted that all resources that are available should be put
to work for the betterment of the sugar workers and the nation. “While we cannot return to the past where there was so much misery, so much oppression, we learn about the long bitter history of sugar and yet we say sugar cannot die; too many workers depend on sugar for a living. But how do we ensure the living and livelihood be better than that of our fore parents? We have to use science and technology, we have to transform the work in the sugar industry that converted human beings into mules fetching canes on their heads, walking in the back dams barefooted and falling in punts and breaking their limbs and their bodies. We have to transform them to
workers in a modern industry where even if you have fewer sugar factories, fewer estates, that you can make their work less burdensome, that you can convert that sugar industry that is a burden on this nation; it is bankrupted.” Nagamootoo continued: “We could only do that in their memory if we all join in supporting the efforts to transform sugar and to make it into a viable industry and to use the resources of the estate to involve more workers in the productive process, to create wealth for our country so as we go down the future we hope, as we look before us we can see oil and gas resources coming to Guyana, we can always say that sugar workers have participated in the process of not only ensuring that sugar industries survive but it remains a basis for a green economy…” Meanwhile, in delivering brief remarks, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Rmajattan stated that the heroic sacrifice made by the 15 workers on March 13, 1913, laid the foundation for the enjoyment of greater dignity by workers and this must never be forgotten. “The martyrdom of March 13 epitomises the resistance of Indians on plantation, it was part of the chronicle of struggle for improved living and working conditions. A grateful nation never forgets those who give their lives in the field in the pursuit of dignity and freedom; a grateful nation honours its martyrs.” March 13 each year has been designated as Rose Hall
Martyrs Day; this declaration was made by President David Granger. The day is designated to honour the 15 sugar workers who lost their lives in the struggle for betterment. They were 14 male and a lone female Gobindei, the males were: Nibur, Badri, Hulas Bholay, Roopan, Durga, Gafur, Jugai, Juggo, Lalji, Motey Khan, Sadulla, Sarjoo and Sohan. Also making remarks was Regional Chairman David Armogan, who reflected on the struggles of the martyrs and called on the government to ensure that despite poor performance in the sugar industry that the interest of the people of Rose Hall Estate would be paramount in whatever decision they choose to make. “Today because of the poor performance of the sugar industry we have been hearing talks of closure and downsizing but these are things we read in the press. So far we have not heard anything definitive as to what is going to happen but the thousands of people who depend on Rose Hall for a living we pray that the people will be considered first in any decision regarding the sugar industry and Rose Hall in particular,” Armogan said. Dr. Fred Sukhdeo, grandson of one of the Martyrs, Nibur Singh, who lived in the logies at Rose Hall Estate, gave a brief history of the events leading to the death of the martyrs and reflected on the living conditions that the indentured labourers were subjected to.
Police ranks to benefit from gov’t housing solutions SEVEN hundred and sixty eight (768) families are expected to be housed in the first phase of the implementation of government’s new housing programme. Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are among those targeted to benefit. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson and a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), on Wednesday engaged police ranks, stationed in Region Four on the government’s Housing Solutions for state employ-
ees. The sides met at the GPF’s Training Centre at Camp and Young Streets, Eve Leary. The minister’s team comprised CH&PA’s Operation Director, Denise Tudor-King and acting Project Director, Omar Narine. The Minister said the government will be maximising the use of its available lands to offer a range of housing solutions that will cater to their needs, and those of other low, moderate and middle income persons. Adams-Patterson stated that the CH&PA’s focus right now is to build duplexes
Ranks of the Guyana Police Force at the Ministry of Communities’ housing engagement at the Officers’ Training Centre at Camp and Young Streets, Eve Leary
and townhouses. She explained that these types of houses will accommodate a larger number of families, as compared to giving house lots. Meanwhile, the ranks heard from Narine that initially 265 buildings will be constructed and that these will be divided into 768 units, each housing a family. He further explained that each duplex will house two families and each townhouse, six families. He said that the townhouses’ dimension will be 22 x 26 square feet (sq. ft.) and the duplexes, 20 x 40 sq. ft. He added that both housing options provide for units,
comprising two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen and indoor toilet and bath. The engagement with police ranks is part of an on-going exercise organised by the CH&PA, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Association. The exercise is in fulfillment of a commitment made to the association to address, with urgency, the housing needs of policemen and women. As per this commitment, CH&PA in 2016, met with ranks in Regions Three, Five and Six and allocated house lots at prices ranging from $92,000 to $1.5M. (GINA)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Gov’t to grant scholarships in skillset elevation
GOVERNMENT will move to grant scholarships to elevate its human resource skillset as Guyana prepares for a boom in the oil and gas sector, Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott said. He was at the time speaking at the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) Ltd workshop hosted at the Pegasus Hotel Wednesday. The one-day seminar focused on understanding issues of productivity and exploring ways of improving. Minister Scott encouraged stakeholders to be prepared for the oil boom. “We are going to move towards granting of scholarships to the young people of this country so that Guyana within 4-5 years will not have to so much import skills, but we will have our skillset elevated,” the Labour Minister noted. He underscored that Guyana is on a new cusp with the discovery of oil and new skills will be needed to develop the sector. “Our economy is poised
Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott addressing stakeholders at the seminar
to take off… we don’t have intentions of pursuing an oil refinery; we have learnt from other experience and one refinery in the region can process all the oil, our wealth must be shared to all in Guyana and throughout the West Indies,” the Labour Minister said. He explained that staff training and development interventions are essential requirements for the successful operations and maintenance of viable enterprises. Such training interventions are designed to ensure that business en-
terprises have competent and well-trained staff for their various operations and services; develop staff capabilities to meet current and future demands relating to their job responsibilities; and provide the opportunities for personal growth and career development in the business enterprise. According to Minister Scott, the private and public sector enterprises, the economy, and industry require adequately trained technical, supervisory, managerial, and professional staff with the ability for
independent thought and creativity, analytical and problem-solving skills and initiative. He explained that middle and senior level managers will require broader training and knowledge to cope with new developments and the changing demands of the business environment and their impact on the enterprise. Staff development initiatives aim at improvement of supervisory and managerial skills, preparation for greater responsibility, and developing top leadership skills.
He said absenteeism in the workforce and presentism severely affects the overall output and production of the workforce as a whole, especially companies. Senior specialist of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on employment activities, Vanessa Phala indicated that the seminar will aim to cover aspects of productivity and competitiveness, data requirements and availability. She said discussions will surround measures to improve productivity at
organisational level, while looking at productivity of small business enterprise in Guyana. Under the theme, “Productivity Improvements – understanding issues of productivity and exploring ways to improve,” the one day seminar was conducted by local and international resource person and facilitators. The event was in collaboration with the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) under a European Union project and in association with the ILO.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
GWI to drill new well in Mahdia
(L-R) Regional Democratic Councillor, Region Eight - Mr. Mohamed Naieem Gafoor; Executive Director of Finance -Mr. Jaigopaul Ram; Managing Director of GWI - Dr. Richard Van West-Charles; Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Implemention - Mr. Ramchand Jailal; and Hinterland Manager, Mr. Osei Manifold
THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) intends to drill a new well in the community of Mahdia to increase access to potable water. This announcement was made by Managing Director of the utility agency, Dr. Van West-Charles during a visit to Mahdia, Region Eight on Saturday. The visit was made after residents called for improved and increased access to water in the community due to a growing population. A call was also made for GWI to establish a permanent presence in the mining community to address issues which surface from time to time. According to GWI in a release, residents explained that they endure constant disruptions and low level of service due to pipelines being broken during road works, clogged lines and
unauthorised connections by miners. They specifically mentioned that the dry season also impacts heavily on the community, and that the catchment area at the Salbora Creek and the existing reservoir has become insufficient to supply the increased population. After hearing these concerns, the Managing Director told the residents that providing improved water supply is part of the mandate of GWI. He then announced the agency’s plan to drill a new well in the community so as to ensure adequate access for all. However, he was keen to note that community’s involvement is integral to moving forward and that residents must share their knowledge with GWI’s engineers for the development of the water distribution system.
“I would like to have a representative group from the community to meet with engineers to agree on the design of the system… Those of you who have technical and community knowledge, come together and decide on a suitable design”, Dr. Van WestCharles said. The Managing Director then instructed residents to identify representatives to form a committee that is capable of making recommendations to the engineers for the design of a system that can respond to the needs of Mahdia, while taking into account other existing sources of water. Representatives will be drawn from Central Mahdia, Campbelltown, Seven Miles, Danjou Hill and the Airstrip – all of which make up the entire community. The release states that they are expected to provide
GWI’s Hinterland Manager, Mr. Osei Manifold with the list of names by March 17, 2017, after which they are to produce a draft design by
March 31. Another community meeting will be held on April 8, with the view of reviewing and reaching a
consensus on the new design and plan. It was noted that residents are of the belief that the setting up of an office and having engineers stationed in the village will see their concerns being addressed in a timely manner, while at the same time ensuring the efficiency of contractors. However the Managing Director revealed that this is already a plan-inthe-making. He said that GWI officials will look at the feasibility of establishing the office within the next two months. Executive Director of Finance, Mr. Jaigopaul Ram also pledged GWI’s commitment to the materialisation of the office.
Residents: Some of the residents of Mahdia at the meeting on Saturday
Councillor warns of dangers at Albouys Street CONSTITUENCY Ten Councillor, Malcolm Ferreira has warned the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of impending danger that can result from the current state of the Albouys Street Bridge in Albouystown. Since the Barr Street Bridge has been out of existence for about a year, motorists are forced to divert and use surrounding bridges. “That Albouys Street bridge; an old, clay-brick type structure is cracked in the middle. At any moment, God forbid, it could collapse. We wouldn’t want that to happen. It could be dangerous,” he expressed at the
The Albouys Street Bridge in Albouystown
statutory meeting on Tuesday afternoon. “There could be a danger-
ous precedence if we leave such a bridge to be opened to the public. It has a big split in
the middle of it. We ask that you check it out for us so we can move forward with the
proposals,” he continued. The Barr Street Bridge has reportedly been complet-
ed but needs to be tested. It should be available for use by month-end, Ferreira told Guyana Chronicle. Town Clerk, Royston King observed that all of the bridges along Sussex Street has to be looked at. He responded to Councillor Ferreira that there are other areas that are in desperate need of support as well. “There are many other areas. There are some areas that we have completely neglected, while we’ve been giving support to others,” he stated. Cummings Lodge and Lodge are among the areas that work has to be concentrated, King pointed out.
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Recycling and repurposing - the secret to keeping Linden clean, ‘green’ THE mining town of Linden continues to grapple with garbage collection, solid waste management and effective garbage disposal. Linden Mayor, Carwyn Holland has often alluded to this issue, describing the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC) as being ‘handicapped’ in this regard, with limited garbage compactor trucks, bins and other necessary equipment and resources, human and otherwise, to satisfy the solid waste management needs of the entire town, much more the communities gazetted under the Council. The situation got a little better when the private garbage disposal and solid waste management company,
of residents are benefitting from this private service, many who cannot afford it are still left to depend on the Council, which, according to one resident, is “totally unreliable”.
Geranne Rhius Cevon’s Waste Management, commenced operations in Linden. Since 2014, the company has been charging households $1600 per month to effectively dispose of their garbage; and while hundreds
ILLEGAL DUMPING As a result of this perceived unreliability, several illegal dumpsites have begun to spring up across Linden, thereby creating a negative impact of the municipality, where cleanliness is concerned. And while Cevon’s may be doing a fairly decent job of collecting the garbage, there is still some amount of worry as to its mode of disposal, since the company has been directed by the
local authorities to use the Dakoura dump site, which is in close proximity to the Dakoura Creek. This practice recently came to the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other environmental organisations, since the Dakoura Creek has long been a source of water, potable and otherwise, for some communities on the Wismar shore. Residents of the communities at reference have time and again voiced their concerns about leaching and other environmental hazards associated with waste disposal. Granted, the authorities have been making measured strides to put an end to dump-
ing at Dakoura, but precious little has been achieved, since the deplorable state of the road to the Kara Kara dump site is making access to that facility difficult. And whilst work on the access road has commenced, according to Mayor Holland, residents have been very vocal about the situation, especially in light of the pollution they’ve had to endure over the years because of the bauxite dust, which in turn has caused many to suffer from respiratory diseases. Said one West Watooka resident: “For years we already had to deal with dust from the bauxite company, and while things have gotton better, we still dealing with it. “Now, why do we have to deal with water pollution because of garbage dumping? We need to stop this!”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE Rather than to sit and complain about the foregoing issues, some residents have been making strides to better the situation and are encouraging others to do likewise. “One, one dutty build dam,” posited Amelia’s Ward resident Martha James, who has been taking a different approach to garbage disposal and solid waste management problem. This septuagenarian has been practising effective waste management by separating the biodegradable waste from the non-biodegradable ones. Biodegradable wastes, which consists of things such as vegetable peelings, meat trimmings and left-over food,
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A Fun Day Out - at one of Linden’s famous ‘blue lakes’ THE mining town of Linden has recently been categorised as a prospective world tourism destination by the United Nations. One of the hallmarks of this categorisation is the myriad aqua-coloured lakes nestled amongst the partsand-part-clay hills of the mined-out remains of once bauxite-rich areas. These “blue lakes”, as they’ve been called from time immemorial, have always been highlighted as one of Linden’s main attractions, but to the minds of many, they have not been properly marketed, and their potential for tourism development in the mining town has not been fully exploited. Being a resident of Linden all my life, I have always admired the “blue lakes” from afar or via photographs. Then again, I’d grown so accustomed to catching a glimpse of them on my daily sojourn to and from Amelia’s Ward that I never really fully appreciated them, to the extent that I’d want to
lakes”.
A couple uses one of the lakes as background during their pre-marital photo-shoot get up close and personal. Until now! So, camera in tow, I
decided to take a trip to one of the mined-out areas where there are several “blue
EUREKA! To my surprise, I was assailed on arrival by such an overwhelming feeling of tranquility, that my appreciation for this untapped source of tourism potential was instantly awakened. The journey took no more than 20 minutes by bus, but because of the ambience, the smell of fresh air, the captivating sandy-clayey feel of the hills, I needed to pause a bit so I could stare my fill at the scenic vista before me. It was too surreal to take in all at once, and in so short a time. The Man-made, vegetation-strewn hills are as a result of the stripping of the overburden to get to the bauxite below. Standing a stone’s throw from the lakes made me realise that such unique beauty cannot be found anywhere else in Guyana; that we have our very own little Caribbean-like beaches right here in Linden; that the only unfortunate thing is that one cannot
swim in the water, given its high chemical concentration. Linden Mayor, Carwyn Holland had previously recommended the commencement of “air-tour” operations in these areas, which would allow tourists and visitors to take in the beautiful scenery below. The ‘blue-lake’ areas can also be used for photo-shoots and movie settings among other options in the film industry. A few months back, a couple took the gamble of hosting their wedding ceremony in these locations, and it was indeed a wonderful sight to behold. There were no regrets in doing so. Of late, many photographers have taken to utilising the ‘blue lakes’ for pageantry, pre-marital and maternity photo-shoots. TOURISM POTENTIAL President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Deyoung during a recent interview alluded to the need to develop Linden’s tourism potential and the economic
benefits to be derived from doing so. “Linden is blessed with blue-water lakes; there are people from all around Guyana who have never seen this sort of thing,” Deyoung said. ]He, however, alluded to that fact that the major stakeholders in Linden need to work in unison for this development to take place. He believes that they are working in isolation, and this is stymieing progress in Linden. “The RDC, MTC, NGOs, Linden Enterprise Network, banking institutions and large companies need to collaborate more for the betterment of Linden,” Deyoung affirmed. In addition to the “blue lakes”, Linden also has beautiful valleys, other lakes, fresh-water springs, black-water creeks, flora and fauna among other natural blessings that, if exploited, can help develop Linden’s tourism industry, and Linden can indeed become a world-rated tourism destination.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Making an honest living - from the humble coconut tree
SHE sits in her wooden two-bedroom shack, staring at the six little ones before her to feed, clothe and send to school. As she stares, a little spunk steals up her spine, and as they stare back at her, eyes alight with hope, her strength mounts and she gets up. The innate desire within her as a mother to provide for her young, no matter the circumstances, led her feet to the coconut tree. The humble coconut has, for decades, been popular for its plethora of uses and health benefits. For Rhonda Blair, the coconut tree has been providing for her family ever since she was a little girl, and now that she is a grown woman, it continues to play a key role in her life and the lives of her young children. Rhonda has acquired the skill of picking the green branches of the coconut tree and stripping them, so as to expose the pointers within the leaves. Leaf by leaf she strips, day by day, until she gets enough spines to bundle into what Guyanese call a “pointer broom”. When she’s done, she makes her way around the community, seeking out customers to buy her brooms. The mining town of Linden is known for its proliferation of dust because of bauxite mining, so her brooms are always in demand. As is the old saying, “New brooms sweep clean”, and so, after months of using the same old pointer broom, a housewife soon tosses it aside. And Rhonda is always there to her rescue. ‘ME AND MEH SON’ Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday Rhonda told of her journey to the coconut farms aback Amelia’s Ward, commonly known as ‘Back Road’, to access the branches. “My son does climb the tree,” she said. We does go over the river with a boat, and on the farm, we does cut the branch. I does sit and strip them; I don’t really take long because I get accustom to it. I have been doing it since I was a little girl.” She averages taking about an hour to an hour-anda-half to complete the stripping and bundling process to make two brooms, and would try to do at least 10 or more per week, if she receives the orders from customers.
She sells one broom for $500, and if she has about 10, then she’s likely to make about $5000 per week. And that, she said, really assist with the needs of her young children. “Yes! I does enjoy doing it; it does be fun for me! We does also use the coconut to make oil sometimes, but not to sell; just for home,” she said jokingly. Besides selling brooms, Rhonda also does odd jobs around the neighbourhood to augment the selling of the pointer brooms. “Sometimes I does find it difficult; that is the reason I does do other jobs,” Rhonda said, adding: “If I know people want their yard clean and suh, I would go and do it; I does weed yard and also I does clean house.” ‘BACK-ROAD’ LIVING As to what life’s like living on the ‘Back Road’, which is a squatting area, Rhonda highlighted the many challenges of living without such basic amenities as running water and access roads. “Every day, twice a day, we does go at the spring and bathe, because we don’t have water,” she said. “We does have to depend on rain; if not, we have to fetch from the spring.” She gets whatever little electricity she needs from a solar panel that was gifted to her by government officials during the election campaign. But with her small, wooden home not being as secure as she’d like it be, she sometimes lives in fear, as it was only recently that her neighbour’s house was broken into. Somehow, she feels a whole lot safer when her teenage sons are at home. Her eldest child is 17, while her youngest is two. Despite having to raise six children on her own and finding it difficult to make ends meet, Rhonda is very humble and content. She quite likes the simple life. “I like behind here; it is nice and quiet and breezy; everyone is happy,” she said, as there’s not a day that she or her children go hungry. She doesn’t encourage them to stay away from school either, because, as she says, “As long as there’s the coconut tree, there’s always hope for another day.”
Single-parent Rhonda Blair stripping the fronds off a coconut branch preparatory to making a “pointer broom”
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Linden Town Week 2017...
10 days of culture, fête and fun! LINDEN Town Week 2017 has been officially launched, and the calendar of activities has already created a buzz of excitement in the mining town. From April 23 to May 1, Linden will come alive: The hair and nail salons will be packed to capacity; the watering holes and bars will be lively; boutiques and clothing stalls will be stocked with the latest in fashion and brands; Republic Avenue will be alight with with iridescent colour; the clubs will be pulsing with music; and, most importantly, the foreigners will be the talk of the town. Since its commencement 21 years ago, the celebration of the town of Linden has always been the time of the year to look forward to, and franchise holder, Vybz Entertainment, promises this year to bring culture, fête and fun to the event. LTW 2017 was launched under the theme, “Reflect, refocus: Moving forward with unity and strength for our community’s development”. TEAM SPIRIT Vybz Entertainment Executive Mem-
a wide age range, so that from the youngest to the oldest can find something that caters to their needs. Chief among the activities will be the ever-popular Bigand-Bold Pageant, the Wismar Big Lime, and the Vybz Regional All Black, set for April 26, 28 and 30 respectively. This year, Vybz will also be collaborating with the Region 10 Tourism Development Association to hosts river tours along Linden’s heritage trail.
Vybz Entertainment LTW 2017 logo
ACTIVITIES GALORE! Other activities include a Gospel Concert on April 24; Open Stage and DJs Night on April 25; and a Day of Sports on April 26. The Bikers Fete
and Colour Party are slated for April 28. The party-fever continues on April 29 with the “Soca Fête”. The nine-day event will culminate with a Wash-Down Party on May 1. “I am so, so excited about this year’s town week!” gushed Linden resident, Marcia Gray. “I saw the calendar of activities, and I have that feeling of excitement within me! “I know it will be fun, fun, fun! And I like the way they didn’t focus on partying all the time; that they catered for the kids, the adults, the Christians... “Everyone has something to look forward to!” Marcia said. With the thousands of visitors set to swarm the town during this time of year, Vybz wants to assure them all, especially those coming in from overseas, that strict security systems will be in place to ensure their safety.
ber, Damuka Ngqondo says the team is working extra hard to promote this year’s activities, because the event is going to be bigger and better than ever, as the town will be celebrating 47 years of existence. Lindeners are going to be treated to nine days of non-stop festivities, including educational, cultural, and sports activities. These genres of activities will cater to
A section of the Mackenzie Market last LTW
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Recycling... are divided into two. “I normally take one set and put it in the compost heap, which helps with my little kitchen garden,” Ms James said, adding: “The other set I normally take and give a neighbour, who has pigs, as feed; in that way, I don’t have to throw away anything that is biodegradable.” The non-biodegradable waste that cannot be recycled she gives to Cevon’s, but those that can, such as empty bottles and containers, Ms James makes a special effort to deal with them herself. She does so by either storing household items in them, or giving them to those in need of an empty bottle or two to put pepper sauce, seasonings and other condiments to sell or send overseas. “I think it is a great initiative, and it has been working out fine for me,” Ms James said. “I encourage every other resident, not only in Amelia’s Ward but all over Linden, to do likewise, rather than to dump illegally or burn their garbage,” she added. TAKING THE CREATIVE PATH Another resident that is also keen on the environment is Geranne Rhius, who is using her creative skills to produce beautiful works of art out of sturdy glass bottles and containers rather than throw them away. Geranne has been creating decorative ornaments out of these materials, and while she currently does it only as a hobby, she is hoping to soon begin making a business out of her creative and unique art work. A teacher by profession, Geranne always knew she had a knack for art and craft, and seeing a way to put it to good use, she’s decided to help our already ailing environment. So, when she is finished drinking a bottle of wine, champagne or cider, she uses other raw materials that can be found around the home to create beautiful decorative designs on the bottles, which are then used for ornaments in the home. Many of her friends and relatives’ living room have sported Geranne’s creations, which have saved them thousands of dollars. This publication has seen similar products selling in department stores for a minimum $10, 000. “It doesn’t take me long to create,” Geranne said. “I would get the images, spray paint and sprinkles; I would use old music CDs, wall paper, appliqués from old clothing and other things around the house to do the designs.” She has a “thing” for the environment, Geranne said, so it pains her to see the very materials that can be used to create beautiful art work being discarded indiscrimi-
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Amelia’s Ward resident, Ms Martha James who practises solid waste management techniqes nately. “All it takes is a little creativity; rather than discard it, we can recycle it,” she said. As a teacher, she recommends that more emphasis be placed on art and craft in schools, and this can have a ripple effect on saving our environment. “The curriculum is merely academic-based; I don’t think we are giving enough time to enrichment subjects, and the students are not really tested on creativity so to speak,” Geranne said, adding: “So I think it is very important for our children to learn these skills.” Though craft is a hobby for the young mother-of-two, she is contemplating starting
a small business with her décorative pieces, but fears that the support may very well not be there. Geranne is of the opinion that Lindeners, and Guyanese by extension, do not value local art work, and would only purchase ornaments if they have a brand or tag on them. “If it is made locally, they expect you to give it to them for free, because they do not think it has a lot of value,” she opined, but is hoping that this mindset would soon change, and Lindeners support their own more, as it would not only aid in the town’s economic development, but in restoring the environment as well.
Beautifully decorated bottles created by young Geranne Rhius
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Manohar resigns as ICC chairman citing personal reasons SHASHANK Manohar stepped down as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) with immediate effect on March 15. The former Board of Cricket Control in India (BBCI) president cited personal reasons behind his decision to resign from the top job. The 59-year-old was elected unopposed as ICC’s first independent chairman in May 2016 and had signed to serve a two-year term. However, Manohar decided to end his time with cricket’s governing body and offered his resignation to chief executive David Richardson. In his resignation letter, he thanked all the directors, the management and staff
for supporting him during his tenure as ICC chairman. “I have tried to do my best and have tried to be fair and impartial in deciding matters in the functioning of the Board and in matters related to Member Boards along with the able support of all directors,” Manohar wrote, according to ESPN Cricinfo. “However, for personal reasons it is not possible for me to hold the august office of ICC Chairman and hence I am tendering my resignation as Chairman with immediate effect. I take this opportunity to thank all the Directors, the Management and Staff of ICC for supporting me wholeheartedly. I wish ICC all the very best and hope it
achieves greater heights in future,” he added. Manohar’s role as the ICC chief saw him being responsible to reduce the influence the Big Three – the BCCI, Cricket Aus-
Shashank Manohar was elected unopposed as the ICC chairman in May 2016.
Gillette on board with 12-second ... and Gamble co-coordinator Diana Ally contended that the company is proud to be a part of the team, adding, “We’d sponsored last year and we were a part of the team last year and we are going to be a part of the Gillette car (team).” Meanwhile, team leader Ramchand contended that “the 12-second is the biggest class there is; the last time it was tough but
tralia (CA) and England a n d Wa l e s C r i c k e t Board (ECB) – had on the governing body. He served as BCCI president from 2008 to 2011 and was re-elected in October 2015, following the passing of former president Jagmohan Dalmiya.
we are going again and the beautiful thing is that the mechanic drove the 12-second car and we hope to see him do it again.” He noted that apart from the Levin in the 12-second class, they will also be in the 10-second class with a Mitsubishi evolution six, as well as the 11- and 13-second classes with a Toyota Celica and a Nissan Pulsar GTIR.
From back page The team, which has been known as a dark horse both in the Drag and Endurance racing world, is hoping to pick up more than one title, when the lights go green at the South Dakota Circuit. Sunday’s event, which will feature six cars from Suriname and eight classes of action, is expected to begin at 09:00hrs with free runs.
Sammy makes himself available ... selection. The selectors have a job to select the team. We have a series coming up
South Africa Racing tips Turffontein 08:50 hrs Banking April 09:25 hrs Pivotal Pursuit 10:00 hrs Dreamuponadream 10:40 hrs Western Warrior English Racing Tips Towcester 09:20 hrs Daytime Ahead 09:55 hrs Riddlestown 10:35 hrs Celestial Magic 11:15 hrs Socksy 12:35 hrs Viking Mistress 13:15 hrs Toby Lerone Cheltenham 09:30 hrs Yorkhill 10:10 hrs Presenting Percy 10:50 hrs Empire Of Dirt 11:30 hrs Uknowhattimeandharry 12:10 hrs Starchitect 12:50 hrs Let’s Dance 13:30 hrs Southfield Royale Hexham 09:45 hrs Hurricane Rita 10:25 hrs Sunset Marquis 11:05 hrs Allez Cool
against Pakistan, (I’m) available for that and wherever my services are needed.”
11:35 hrs The Bishop 12:25 hrs Settledoutofcourt 13:05 hrs Floramoss 13:40 hrs Knockanamona Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:25 hrs Mezajy 14:00 hrs Ligeti 14:30 hrs Free State 15:00 hrs Remember The Days 15:30 hrs Try Again 16:00 hrs Wingingit 16:30 hrs Shannon Soul 17:00 hrs Arlecchinino’s Rock American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Bama Hound Race 2 I Will Be Free Race 3 Street Brilliant Race 4 St. Louie Race 5 Bellamy Torch Race 6 Cinder Race 7 I’m Thirsty Race 8 Fact Check Race 9 Erasmo’s Dream Race10 Shaft of Light
From back page
At the same time, Sammy hoped the recent appointments of new chief executive officer Johnny Grave, new director of cricket Jimmy Adams and new head coach Stuart Law would cool the strained relations between the West Indies Cricket Board and several senior players over a controversial selection policy, as well as terms and conditions of engagement. “I had some conversations with Jimmy,” Sammy said. “He has some good ideas for cricket. It’s all about everyone heading in the right direction because if Jimmy and Stuart don’t have the support to implement these ideas then it will still be a back and forth. “Everyone has to buy in and West Indies cricket has to be the No.1 priority, not any personal agenda … I want what’s best for West Indies cricket.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Chandimal frustrates Tigers in landmark Test THE resurgent Dinesh Chandimal’s unbeaten half-century frustrated Bangladesh in their 100th Test after Sri Lanka made a poor start in Colombo yesterday. Needing a victory in their landmark Test to draw the two-match series, the Tigers took four wickets in the morning session at the P Sara Oval before Sri Lanka recovered to 238-7 when bad light stopped play late
Asela Gunaratne (13) leg-before in a fruitful first session for the Tigers - who handed a debut to Mosaddek Hossain after Liton Das was ruled out. Chandimal was successful with a review on 38 after he was given out when Shakib Al Hasan struck him on the pad and brought up his 12th Test half-century after lunch - having also made one in the second innings of the first Test.
Dinesh Chandimal strikes his 12th Test fifty. in the day. Chandimal showed great resolve and was still there on 86 off 210 balls at the close, scoring just four boundaries as the Bangladesh bowlers applied the pressure after Rangana Herath won the toss and elected to bat first. Mustafizur Rahman (2-32) and Mehedi Hasan (2-58) claimed two wickets apiece on a promising opening day for the tourists, but they were unable to dismiss Chandimal - back in form after losing his one-day international spot in South Africa last month. Mehedi took a fine catch at gully to send Dimuth Karunaratne (7) on his way after the opener was tempted to drive a Mustafizur delivery and the spinner struck a big blow when he had first-Test centurion Kusal Mendis stumped for only five. Sri Lanka were 35-3 after teenager Mehedi got rid of Upul Tharanga (11) on a track that offered seam and turn and Subashis Roy (1-47) trapped
The recalled Dhananjaya de Silva (34) offered support for the gritty Chandimal before Niroshan Dickwella also added 34 at almost a run a ball, but Sri Lanka were struggling on 195-7 when Mustafizur removed Dilruwan Perera (9). There were no further inroads for the Tigers bowlers, though, as Dinesh and veteran standin captain Herath dug in on a testing track for the batsmen. (Omisport)
SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings D. Karunaratne c M. Hasan b M. Rahman 7 U. Tharanga c Sarkar b M. Hasan 11 K. Mendis stp. Rahim b M. Hasan 5 D. Chandimal not out 86 A. Gunaratne lbw b Roy 13 D. de Silva b T. Islam 34 N. Dickwella b Al Hasan 34 D. Perera c Sarkar b M. Rahman 9 R. Herath not out 18 Extras: (b-1, lb-12, nb-2, w-6) 21 Total : (for 7 wickets, 83.1 overs) 238 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-24, 3-35, 4-70, 5-136, 6-180, 7-195. Bowling: M. Rahman 15-5-32-2 (w-1), S. Roy 15-2-47-1 (nb-2, w-1), M. Hasan 15-2-58-2, T. Islam 14-2-34-1, S. Al Hasan 20.1-3-43-1, Mosa. Hossain 4-0-11-0.
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Chanderpaul hails JCA for recognising invaluable contribution to cricket By Sherdon Cowan
FORMER West Indies batting star Shivnarine Chanderpaul expressed gratitude to the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) for recognising his invaluable contribution to the game globally during a polished career spanning over two decades. The Guyanese player was awarded a plaque bearing his image by JCA’s president Wilford “Billy” Heaven following the Jaguars seven-wicket win over Jamaica Scorpions in the Digicel Regional Four-day competition at Sabina Park on Monday. Known for his unorthodox stance, the left-handed batsman, who has played some 164 Test matches for the West Indies — 14 of which he led as captain — retired from international cricket last year as one of the region’s finest players at the age of 41. Now 42, Chanderpaul has scored over 20,000 runs in international cricket during his decorated career, with his 11,867 runs rating him as the second-highest West Indian scorer and seventh highest in the Test format. He was a mere 86 runs shy of Brian Lara’s 11,953. “I am very happy about
it (the award) and I am very thankful that the JCA has recognised me. It is always special when, at the back end of your career, you get something and people recognise you in and around the Caribbean. “You have done over 20 years of service for the people of the Caribbean and it is only fitting you can get something to show for it,” the veteran batsman, who is only the second modern-day player, after Sachin Tendulkar, whose career stretched over two decades, told journalists. With 30 Test centuries at an average of 51.37 in the format, complemented by 22 Twenty-20 International and 268 ODI appearances comprising 8,778 runs at 41.60, there can be no dispute that Chanderpaul was one of the strongest pillars of West Indies cricket. When quizzed about not getting any recognition from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Chanderpaul, recollecting the circumstances leading up to his retirement, believes that the opportunity to feature in the series against Australia at the time would have been even more fitting. After not playing for the West Indies for quite some
time, Chanderpaul, though entertaining the chance of a comeback prior to the Australian series, was overlooked by the selection panel headed by former West Indies Captain Clive Lloyd. “I was hoping to play the last series against Australia would have been the right way to go, saying thank you to everyone who has supported you throughout your career. So playing another series and coming out like that would have been the fitting way to go,” he noted. He continued: “[But] there is nothing I could do; the president (Dave Cameron) explained to me what was happening and I told him I didn’t want to cause any confusion and if anything changes, he should let me know. “He put me back in the team and then the guys were threatening mutiny on him and I didn’t want that [confusion] because that is not what I play West Indies cricket for and that is not what I want for West Indies cricket.” Meanwhile, Heaven explained that the tribute was befitting to the outstanding cricketer “as he nears the end of an illustrious career”. “He brought to the game
JCA President Wilford Heaven (right) presents a plaque to former West Indies batting star Shivnarine Chanderpaul at Sabina Park on Monday. (Photo: Michael Gordon) not only in skills and prowess, but a high level of dedication, commitment and resilience, and throughout he has played with such level of maturity and professionalism. “Those attributes and qualities cannot be lost on the game and he has contributed a lot of times to the defeat of the Jamaican team, but we still recognise that contribution within the wider context of the game of cricket and its development,” Heaven told reporters.
“I can’t speak for the WICB; I am in charge of the Jamaica Cricket Association and I am doing it in that capacity what I believe is reasonable to recognise the great contribution to the great man of the game,” he added. Refuting any negative comments that critics might have, Heaven, who has been at the helm of the JCA for over two years, argued that his association will be looking at putting a system of recognition in place for other players, particularly local players.
“We are of the view that this would have been the best time to recognise Shiv; we are not even sure if there will be another such occasion, so we want to capitalise on this occasion. “It doesn’t mean that we are forfeiting other occasions and we are not going to recognise other players as they come along, because we will. But, perhaps, we may want to say we have fast-forwarded this one to suit the occasion,” he declared. (Reprinted from the Jamaica Observer)
Shehzad, Akmal earn recalls for West Indies tour PAKISTAN have turned to Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal for the tour of the West Indies, ending the pair’s international exile. Shehzad’s year-long exile from Pakistan’s limited overs sides will come to an end in the West Indies later this month after he was named in the national team’s Twenty20 and one-day international squads. Shehzad has not featured in an ODI since January 2016 and he was dropped from the T20 side after the World Cup last March due to disciplinary issues. However, he is back in favour after an impressive campaign in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and could make his return in the opening T20 on March 26.
Khan could earn a first cap after impressing in the PSL but Mohammad Irfan, Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif are out of the reckoning due to an ongoing Pakistan Cricket Board investigation into alleged corruption. “We have given more chances to the young players who are doing well at the domestic level,” said chief selector Inzamamul-Haq.
Ahmed Shehzad The 25-year-old is joined in both squads by Kamran Akmal, who has also been on the fringes for Pakistan since 2014. Seamer Mohammad Amir has been rested for the four T20 matches, but is included in Mickey Ar-
Kamran Akmal
thur’s squad for the three ODIs that follow in April. There is no place for former ODI skipper Azhar Ali, though, as he continues to be overlooked, meaning wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed will lead the side in both formats. Youngster Shadab
“The squads were also weighed on fitness and that’s why Umar Akmal failed to get a place, due to a lack of fitness.” Pakistan T20 squad in full: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain) Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz,
Rumman Raees, Usman Shinwari. Pakistan ODI squad in full: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Asif Zakir, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Asghar, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Fahim Ashraf, Junaid Khan.
Pakistan to West Indies 2017 SCHEDULE OF MATCHES
MARCH Sun 26 - 1st Twenty20 International, Kensington Oval, Bridgetown Thu 30 - 2nd Twenty20 International, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad APRIL
Sat 1 - 3rd Twenty20 International, Queen’s Park Oval Sun 2 - 4th Twenty20 International, Queen’s Park Oval Fri 7 - 1st One-day International, National Cricket Stadium, Guyana Sun 9 - 2nd One-day International, National Cricket Stadium, Guyana Tue 11 - 3rd One-day Inter-
national, National Cricket Stadium Sat 15 to Mon 17 - Tour Match, Trelawny Stadium, Jamaica Fri 22 to Tue 26 - 1st Test, Sabina Park, Jamaica Sun 30 to Thu, MAY 4 - 2nd Test, Kensington Oval Wed 10 to Sun 14 - 3rd Test Windsor Park, Dominica
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Monaco overturn two-goal deficit to shock Man City
Monaco’s players celebrate after the game (Reuters/Eric Gaillard Livepic) (REUTERS) - Monaco stunned Manchester City to reach the Champions League quarter-finals yesterday, overturning a two-goal first-leg deficit with a 3-1 victory in a pulsating clash to go through on away goals. French prodigy Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho and Tiemoue Bakayoko scored for Monaco on a memorable European night for the principality club, who underlined their growing status as one of the continent’s most exciting sides. City, who won the first leg 5-3 in Manchester, were completely overwhelmed in the first half and fell two goals behind, but reacted after the break and
Leroy Sane reduced the arrears as Monaco seemed to run out of steam. Bakayoko, however, headed home in the 77th minute to ensure the Ligue 1 club were celebrating at fulltime after the tie finished 6-6 over two enthralling encounters. Monaco, who were without the injured Radamel Falcao, are the only French side left in the competition after Paris St Germain were knocked out by Barcelona. Leonardo Jardim’s team started brightly and pressed high as Mbappe’s pace forced City to sit deep. The 18-year-old then opened
the scoring, turning in Silva’s low cross from the left from close range after eight minutes. City barely set foot in Monaco’s half and in the 29th minute, Fabinho fired home from Benjamin Mendy’s inch-perfect centre. City were looking to hit Monaco on the break, but the hosts managed to keep wingers Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling in their own half. The visitors, who failed to have a shot in the first half, gained some control early in the second as they played higher up the pitch and pegged their opponents back. Andrea Raggi made a cru-
cial interception to deny Sergio Aguero, who had been teed up by Sterling, and Subasic then produced a superb save to deny the Argentine striker in a oneon-one. Monaco were suffering before City reduced the arrears in the 71st minute when Sterling’s shot was parried by Subasic into the path of Sane, who fired into the roof of the net. That put City in front on aggregate, but Monaco turned the tie back in their favour six minutes later when Bakayoko headed home from a Thomas Lemar free kick.
Referee Richardson meets Kohli, Smith
RECENTLY appointed ICC match referee and former West Indies captain Richie Richardson has met with India captain Virat Kohli and Australia’s Steve Smith separately in an attempt to diffuse tensions between the teams ahead of the third Test match. The ongoing series, between the world’s top two Test teams which is tied at 1-1, has seen plenty of flashpoints in fiercely competitive affairs. Richardson has been appointed for the final two matches and replaces former
ICC match referee Richie Richardson English cricketer Chris Broad. According to ICC regulations captains are required to meet with match referees ahead of a series
and in the case of a change of referee must also meet with the new official. Australia captain Smith confirmed that Richardson has cautioned that cricket
should be the winner. “I spoke to Richie Richardson and the other umpires just now. Basically, they said cricket is the winner in the Test. Both teams will play within rules of the game. We always know that a series between Australia and India is fiercely contested,” Smith told the media. “It’s between number one and two sides in the world. They understand that, it’s just about playing within the boundaries of the game and making sure that cricket is the winner.”
FIBA’s ‘New Competition System’ could have serious consequences for the Caribbean By Peter Haynes
F O RT Y- O N E c o u n tries representing the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC), the territories from Central and South America, along with the USA and Canada will be sending delegates to Puerto Rico next week – March 23 to 25 - for the Regional Congress. Also attending will be delegates from FIBA Americas Executive Council and the Central Board of CONCENTRABA (Central America and CBC). This Congress will have far-reaching consequences on the future of Basketball, particularly the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC), as the main focus of the discussions will be the revision and adoption of the Group’s Constitution. The revision is intended to bring them in line with FIBA’s Constitution. During the three days, there will also be a session for FIBA’s Regular Congress, which will review among other matters the governing body’s recently implemented ‘New Competition System’. The new system will provide for countries playing in two groups and each team playing home and away matches in a round-robin league to decide the final four top teams. Currently, evaluations are being conducted by a FIBA team to member territories in the Caribbean, to determine whether they satisfy the international body’s regulations for members to host competitions. The Home and Away Competition system is initially intended to provide greater exposure to aspiring players. The Home and Away matches will begin in November this year and will continue in February and June 2018. However, participation will be extremely expensive, placing serious financial and organisational pressure on the member associations. Satisfying the financial aspect of hosting a FIBA-sanctioned tournament is a must to be granted to host a tournament. The major constraint to be presented to potential hosts is the requirement that host countries
must have “indoor” facilities – FIBA is not flexible with this requirement. Of greater concern for member countries will be financing accommodation, ground and air transportation, both for themselves and the visitors, if they do not have an indoor facility. Some of the requirements to be in place at the indoor facility will be adequate locker rooms, showers and bathrooms and medical arrangements. Also, the accommodation must not exceed a certain mileage from the playing venue. It will be recalled that the Guyana Basketball Federation and the Ministry of Sport spent millions of dollars on the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to ensure approval for this country to host the Under-16 Championships last year. In fact, it must be noted that the evaluative team made preliminary and follow-up visits before Guyana received the green light to host the Championships. In the Caribbean, Guyana is rated as having one of the best indoor facilities apart from Cuba and Puerto Rico. It is understood that FIBA is not flexible on its regulations for granting approval for a tournament. From the outset, a significant percentage of Caribbean territories will not satisfy the required regulations, particularly the “indoor” facility, hence they could be eliminated from the competition by default. The alternative or a possible arrangement for these non-compliant Caribbean territories would be to meet the cost for their opponents on their scheduled “home” game by making arrangements and paying for the game to be played in a nearby island with the required indoor facility. The majority of the CBC members are known to not be in strong financial position and may have to withdraw from the tournament. Unfortunately, it is understood that the cashstrapped member territories cannot expect financial assistance from FIBA.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Sir Garry urges Windies players East Bank Essequibo crush to follow Root’s example Leguan by 160 runs GCB/DMLAS/MoE/NSSCL
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Legendary West Indies all-rounder Sir Garry Sobers has urged the current crop of West Indies players to follow the example set by England stroke-maker Joe Root. The 80-year-old Sir Garry, Barbados’ only living National Hero and widely considered the greatest cricketer to have played the game, said Windies players lacked motivation and application – qualities which he identified in the new England Test captain. “I think the English are more adapted and I think that they are more concentrated and they seem to be well on top of their game. They seem to work situations out very well,” Sir Garry told a media throng last weekend. “I love Joe Root. I think he’s a wonderful player and I think he works it out. You can see when he goes in and pulls a ball, he tries to get himself in and he’s got all the shots in the world. “When he gets on top, he’s on top and I think that
Joe Root scored 102 in the final ODI at Kensington Oval. that is what we need to see years ago. In fact, Root has domour West Indian players doing – getting in, understand- inated all three formats ing the situation, not taking of the game and averages too much risk early, par- 47 from 83 One-Day Inticularly if the bowlers are ternationals and 40 in 24 bowling well or if the wicket Twenty20s. Root was a key member is doing anything unusual. “Just try and work it of the side which whiteout just like how Joe Root washed West Indies 3-0 in the and a lot of other players recent One-Day Internationals, scoring an unbeaten 90 do.” The 26-year-old Root in the second game and 101 has emerged as one of the in the final on at Kensington finest players of his gen- Oval. Sir Garry, who witnessed eration, and has already gathered 4 594 runs from the 186-run humbling at the 53 Tests at an average of 52, Oval, last Thursday, said since making his debut five there were definite question
marks over the team’s commitment. “I would say that I believe that we have a lot of good young players coming up,” the icon said. “I don’t know what motivates them at this stage, but as a cricketer myself, I always felt that when you are playing for your country it doesn’t matter what cricket you’re playing – you should always be motivated and trying to do your best. Whether it is Test cricket or Twenty20. You shouldn’t have to pick out one from the other.” He added: “(From) watching them in these last three games, they certainly look out of all sorts. The English probably played well and you can’t take that away from them, but I don’t think our boys showed the kind of talent that I have seen, particularly in Barbados, watching Barbados play against Trinidad and Jamaica and the like. “You see a different kind of cricket and I haven’t seen any real application of our players when they go in to bat.”
AS THE 2016/2017 Guyana Cricket Board/Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society/Ministry of Education/National Secondary Schools League (GCB/DMLAS/MoE/NSSCL) continued, East Bank Essequibo Combine crushed Leguan Combine by 160 runs. Leguan Combine, having won the toss, decided to field first. Their decision to take to the field seemed somewhat insignificant. Their opponents amassed an attractive score of 206 all out, off just 38 overs of their allotted 50 overs. In fact, at one stage East Bank Essequibo appeared set to make an even bigger total than that eventually accumulated, but their efforts were thwarted by Leguan bowlers of Shaquille Trim and Malcolm Caesar who respectively grabbed 3 for 17 off 5 overs and 4 for 63 off 10 overs. Batting for East Bank Essequibo, Joel
Gill made 34, Safraz Khan 34 and Bashkar Baldeo 31. In reply, Leguan were bowled out for a meagre 46. Bowling for East Bank Essequibo Azim Mohamed took 3 for 13, Joel Gill 2 for 8, Sukhdeo Singh 2 for 9 and Onassie Kingston 2 for 17. Action in the Combine phase of the league, continues today with East Bank Essequibo-Leguan battling Bartica-Wakenaam at the Tuschen ground from 09:30hrs. Meanwhile, the GCB/ DMLAS/MoE/NSSCL Inter-School national semi-final between Chase Academy and Lower Corentyne will be played today at the Albion ground from 11:00hrs. West Demerara Seco n d a r y h a v e a l re a d y booked a place in the Inter-School final, which is scheduled to be played on March 24, 2017 at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.
Coach hails Jabloteh’s advance in Regional CFU club championship Portmore United, Puerto Rico KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – Head coach of San Juan Jabloteh Keith Jeffrey said his side’s advance to the final round final hexagonal of the Caribbean Football Union Club Championships was evidence of the quality of play in the Trinidad & Tobago Pro League. Jeffrey was reacting after his side landed a 1-0 win over Group E host team System 3 Sport Academy last Sunday at Victoria Park to earn a place in the final hexagonal of the Caribbean Football Union Club Championships. In the previous two seasons, Central FC defeated fellow T&T Pro League club W Connection in both CFU Club finals and Jeffrey said he wanted to make it a third straight all-T&T decider.
“We want it to be an allT&T final (again), and we hope to continue doing well in the tournament and we want to wish Central the very best also in the final round,” said Jeffrey. “Both Central FC and Jabloteh being in the final round tells the rest of the Caribbean that the T&T Pro League is the place to be. Our league is very competitive and we have the best players in the Caribbean.” Jabloteh finished the group with a maximum nine points, three more than Guadeloupe’s Club Sportif Moulien which finished three ahead of System 3 with Flames United of St Maarten ending at the bottom of the table without a point. Jabloteh, winners of the CFU competition in 2003, join
Russell appeal hearing set for May 8 THE appeal brought against West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) is set to be heard by an Anti-Doping Appeal Tribunal on the 8th of May. Russell was issued with a one-year ban in February of this year after a specially convened tribunal ruled that the cricketer was guilty of being negligent in filing his whereabouts on three separate occasions within a
12-month period in 2015. The violation equates to a failed drug test under World Anti-Doping regulations. The player was, however, not given the full sanctions which could have resulted in a two-year suspension after his attorney urged the tribunal to keep in mind the player’s history of complying with testing protocols in the past. JADCO, however, earlier this month signalled its inten-
FC kick off with victory
San Juan Jabloteh head coach Keith Jeffrey two-time reigning CFU Club season set to start in May and champions Central FC, along we must compete with the Cawith Racing des Gonaives of ribbean’s best-of-the-best for Haiti, Cibao of the Dominican the regional crown and a place Republic and Antigua & Bar- in the CONCACAF Champions buda’s Grenades in the six- League,” said Jeffrey. team final round from May 14 The CFU Club Chamto 21 in Trinidad and Tobago. pionship has been contested “My work has only just annually since 1997 (with the begun with the new Pro League exception of 1999 and 2008). tion to appeal for a tougher sentence for the player, citing sufficient evidence being presented for the maximum penalty being issued. The members of the appeals tribunal will be Justice Karl Harrison (Retired) – Chairman, Justice Marva McIntosh (Retired) – Vice Chairman Dr Kurdell Espinosa – Member, Dr Audley Betton – Member, Dr Maria Smith – Member. The hearing will be held at the Jamaica Conference Centre. Russell is once again expected to be represented by attorney Patrick Foster.
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell
BAYAMON, Puerto Rico, (CMC) – Portmore United and Puerto Rico FC launched their bid for the Caribbean Football Union’s Club Championship title with contrasting victories on Tuesday. Portmore stopped Scholars International of Cayman Islands 2-0 and the home team prevailed 1-0 over SV Transvaal of Suriname in the Group D matches at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium. Kareem Manning struck twice in the firsthalf to secure the victory for Portmore – the only Jamaica side left in the competition – following the exit of Montego Bay United. Manning struck in the fourth and 21st minutes from open play to give the Jamaica Premiership side a winning start to the group. In the other match, a first-half penalty converted by Hector ‘Pito’ Ramos was sufficient to see Puerto Rico FC to the win and three points. PRFC is owned by New York Knicks basketball
Kareem Manning star Carmelo Anthony and play in the North American Soccer League in the second tier of the sport in the United States. The group play continues today, when Portmore face Transvaal before PRFC tackle Scholars International. The CFU Club Championship is the qualifying tournament for the CONCACAF Champions League. All matches are being played at PRFC’s home ground, Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Atletico march into quarters as Oblak shines (REUTERS) - Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak was the hero as the Spanish side reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the fourth year in a row after drawing 0-0 with Bayer Leverkusen in an open last16 second leg yesterday. Slovenia international Oblak made an outstanding triple save to deny Julian Brandt and Kevin Volland in the second half and he made further impressive stops late in the game to shut out the Germans and secure a 4-2 aggregate success. Atletico had the better of the first half and it took a top-class save from Oblak’s opposite number Bernd Leno to prevent Angel Correa giving the Spaniards the lead before the break, flying to his left to tip away a goal-bound shot. The impressive Correa nearly crafted an outstanding
goal in the second half but could not find the target while top scorer Antoine Griezmann also came close to putting Atletico out of sight, sending a classy chip just wide. Atletico’s ruthless counter-attacking in Leverkusen meant the second leg was always going to be less tense than the last time the sides met at the Vicente Calderon in 2015, when the Spaniards sneaked through to the last eight after a penalty shootout. Playing their first European game under new coach Tayfun Korkut, Leverkusen sought an early advantage and had the chance to do so when Volland broke into the area but flashed a shot beyond the far post. The Germans had more wayward efforts but Atletico came closer at the other end, first Koke drawing a save from Leno then Correa forcing the Germany international into
action. The most stunning intervention between the posts, however, came from Oblak who made himself big to deny Brandt before getting up immediately to dive in front of Volland’s shot and blocking the German forward’s follow-up. Oblak then thwarted Karim Bellarabi on two separate occasions, keeping an exciting end-to-end spectacle goalless. “It feels great for Atletico to reach the quarter-finals four years in a row, it’s very important for us and we have had to fight to get there,” said Oblak, who was on the losing side in last year’s Champions League final with Atletico against Real Madrid. “It hasn’t been easy at all to get this far four years in a row and I hope we continue to grow as we have done in those years.”
Atletico Madrid’s hero Jan Oblak
Bolt wanted for Commonwealth role off the track
Boxers to undergo testing for world title fights - WBA
PANAMA CITY, Panama (CMC) – The World Boxing Association (WBA), one of the four major organisations that sanction professional bouts, officially launched its programme to combat the use of prohibited substances in the sport, on Monday. Fair Boxing is organised by the WBA in conjunction with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association and will integrate all boxers in the WBA world rankings. “This is made possible by the WBA Medical Committee, who met in Panama to make Fair Boxing a reality,” said WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza. “This is also the product of a meeting with Mauricio Sulaiman (president of the World Boxing Council) in which we talked about how pre-competition anti-doping testing is much more important than post-fight testing, because there are substances that aren’t detected afterwards.” Mendoza added: “The solution is not in punishing the athlete, but to educate them so this doesn’t
WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza happen. This is why we’ll they want to be able to fight implement seminars and for world titles. courses, so that we can ofIn addition to typifer a complete programme. cal anti-doping methods “Also look for our med- around fights, boxers will ical team to give advice on also be randomly tested to what medication can be tak- ensure better monitoring en to avoid inadvertent mis- and fair competition. takes that could jeopardise The programme bethe careers of athletes.” gan last Saturday in the From now on, all of the fight between Demetrius WBA’s world-rated fighters Andrade and Jack Culcay must enrol in the Fair Box- for the WBA super-weltering programme, especially if weight crown.
Games organisers are still hoping Usain Bolt will make an appearance of some sort. JAMAICAN sprint great event.” The sport’s great enUsain Bolt has already The 30-year-old world tertainer competed in Melruled out competing at record holder, who complet- bourne last month at the next year ’s Common- ed a “treble treble” of 100m, first Nitro Series meeting wealth Games in Austra- 200m and 4x100m Olympic with a team of international lia’s Gold Coast but or- titles at the 2016 Rio Games, ‘All-Stars’. ganisers are still hoping he said in February he had no Bolt is also contracted will make an appearance plans to extend his career to bring his All-Stars to of some sort. beyond this year’s world Australia for the next two “He won’t be competing, championships in London. years. you all know that, but we are CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 16, 2017) trying to get him to come in some capacity,” Gold COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The Coast organising committee City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & chairman Peter Beattie told CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) reporters yesterday. “(GOLDOC chief execuAnswers to yesterday’s quiz: tive) Mark (Peters) has met (1) Karl Nunes (WI vs ENG, Lord’s, 1928) with the (athlete’s) manager (2) Rohan Kanhai (WI vs ENG, Leeds, 1973) on a couple of occasions and we will continue those Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first captain to lead the WI to victory in a Test? discussions. (2) Who is the first captain to lead the WI to victory in an ODI game? “We will do everything we can to get Usain Bolt ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE to the Gold Coast for this
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 16, 2017
Baird breaks men’s javelin record; Lynch and …Bright clears impressive McKenzie qualify for CARIFTA 12.52m in triple jump By Tamica Garnett
NATIONAL men’s javelin record-holder Leslain Baird is one other Guyanese athlete whose 2017 season is really picking up. The 29-yearold Guyana Defence Force athlete upped the men’s javelin record to almost 70m last weekend at the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Developmental Meet at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. The productive weekend also saw distance runners Matthew McKenzie and Samuel Lynch add themselves to the list of CARIFTA Games qualifying athletes. Linden’s Chantoba Bright, Daniel Williams and GDF’s Kenisha Phillips qualified for more events. Last Sunday, Baird took first place in the men’s javelin throw after he cleared 69.97m, an entire metre ahead of the 68.96m record that he himself set two years ago when he
Leslain Baird participated in Trinidad. He was over 10m ahead of the second-place finisher Troy Lewis who had just 59.70m for second place. Baird’s accomplishment also gave him a national record on home soil, something he describes as a “dream come true”. “It was very exciting;
I enjoyed it more than the records I’ve broken before. That is something I had always wanted to do, break a national record in front of home crowd.” Baird said. Now Baird has his sights on taking the record even further. He’s hoping to clear 77m by year end, which will definitely be an uphill task for him in an event where the world record is a staggering 98.48m. Currently, the 2017 season is being led by Germany’s Julian Weber with a massive 85.85m toss. Baird, a member of the Army, is currently training at home. This comes after he was offered a scholarship at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education in Jamaica, but could not attend. According to an official from the AAG, Baird was denied leave from the Guyana Defence Force to allow him to take up the offer. The venture was being backed by an annual US$5 000 commitment
from the Guyana Olympic Association, but the opportunity was squandered. Meanwhile, the Guyana’s list of athletes to qualify for next month’s CARIFTA Games in Curacao continues to grow, with at least 10 athletes having already clinched qualifying marks, including nine locals and one overseas-based athlete. The AAG is expected to make a final decision on the list this weekend. Lynch now joins Anfernee Headecker in qualifying in the Boys’ Under-20 800m, after he clocked 1:54.57s last Sunday. Lynch’s time only just made it past the 1:55.00s CARIFTA qualifying time in the event. The performance was also just enough to see him end third, as Headecker continued in fine form and took the second place win in 1:54.40s. The race was won by senior Quacy Morian in a time of 1:54.19s.
A 16.28.00s clocked by McKenzie in the men’s 5000m was only good enough for second place in the race, but it still managed to surpass the 16.30.00m CARIFTA QT and give him a spot on the team. In the women’s triple jump, Bright flew an impressive 12.52m across the sand to take the win. If sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), that jump would place Bright fifth among the female youth 2017 season’s best jumps. It completely clears the 11.8 CARIFTA female Under-18 qualifying standard. In the long jump, for which she has already qualified, she won with a leap of 5.85m. Another youth female, Phillips, cleared the 24.5 seconds CARIFTA QT in the 200m, after she won the event in 24.47 seconds, ahead of Police’s Alita Moore who clocked 24.86
seconds. Phillips won the 100m in 11.96 seconds. Williams cleared 1.92m in the high jump, while Christianburg’s Compton Caesar improved on his 200m performance clocking 21.41 seconds to overcome Williams’ 21.81 seconds. In the men’s 100m, Caesar overwhelmed GDF’s Rupert Perry, flying past the finish line in 10.54 seconds, while Perry followed in 10.60 seconds. Tyrell Peters placed third in a time of 10.74 seconds. CARIFTA qualifying standards continue to elude Running Brave’s Claudrice McKoy, but just marginally. Last Sunday she won the women’s 800m in 2:18.34s, four seconds outside of what the QT stands at. Prior to that she had almost touched the qualifying time in the Girls’ Under-20 1500m but she finished in 4:48.79s when the qualifying time (QT) was a flat 4:48.00s.
Demerara prevail in low-scoring thriller Six more matches on … Essequibo beat GCB President’s X1 by 59 runs
By Rajiv Bisnauth DEMERARA capitalised on a dismal Berbice batting display to win their second consecutive game in this year’s Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-County Under-15 tournament, played yesterday at the Enmore Community Centre ground. It was a complete performance by the Demerara bowlers, especially left-arm spinner Chanderpaul Ramraj (4-21), as they defended their total of 1099, to win by ten runs. In reply, Berbice never got going, and after losing wickets at regular intervals, they eventually folded for 99 inside the final over of the game. The hosts’ bowlers were spot on from ball one in the run chase, and were particularly effective in tandem, to put the brakes on the scoring, and in the process the visitors’ batsmen panicked. Earlier, left-arm spinner Gourav Ramesh, in particular, discovered the turn available on the pitch, and was the main threat to the hosts’ batting line-up. He claimed 3-18 in his 10-over spell, while off-spinner Abdur Ramsammy (1-8), Daniel Dharamdat (1-21), and Marvan Prashad (1-10) were the other successful spinners. After Demerara won the toss and decided to bat, scoring quickly wasn’t easy and the openers Shoaib Shaw, who topscored with 36, and Mahindra Dindyal were visibly scratchy and nervous from the start. They could put together only 37 for
tonight in Petra Futsal
Left-arm spinner Chanderpaul Ramraj collects his man-of-the-match award. the first wicket in 18.4 overs before Dindyal was dismissed off Ramsammy for 10. Shaw, who continued to struggle, was joined by Chad Shivrattan, but the spinning combination produced another frustrating period for the hosts, despite the pair adding 41 for the second-wicket. When Ramesh removed both Shaw and Shivrattan (17) off separate overs, and with the cream of the batting gone, the rest of the batsmen could not handle the pressure and also failed to make any impact. Berbice then received an early jolt, losing opener Sarwan Chaitnarine (2), at the start of the fourth over to medium pacer Negusa Walters. However, Ricardo Ramdial (15) and Dharamdat (2) added 22 before both were run-out, while Prashad (0), Anthony Williams (4) and Farouk Subhan (1), all failed to impress. Ramraj accounted for Prashad and Williams,
while Andre Seepersaud claimed the wicket of Subhan, at 50-6. The Berbician then rallied through a seventh-wicket stand from Reyad Karim and Ramsammy, which was worth 26 runs before both departed, with the score at 76-8. Akash Heralall (4) was then dismissed, and with 12 runs needed off the last over Saif Amoi was bowled off the third ball, which sealed the nervy win for the defending champions. Meanwhile, in the other second round game played at Everest; Essequibo defeated the GCB President’s X1 by 59 runs. Scores made available to this publication indicated that Essequibo made 177-9. In reply the GCB President’s X1 were bowled out for 118 in 48.2 overs. In tomorrow’s penultimate round Demerara take on GCB President’s X1 at Everest, while Berbice will play Essequibo at Police.
Part of the action during Monday night’s opening round SIX matches are carded this evening when action returns in the Petra-organised Futsal tournament at the National Gymnasium. In the first game Hustlers will take on Tiger Bay, West Front Road play Camp Street All Stars and Albouystown oppose Campbellville in the first half of the evening. After a brief break, the action resumes with Alexander Village meeting Sophia, Bent Street challenging Stevedore and Back Circle facing Show Stoppers.
This year’s event will feature 24 teams playing for $400 000 first prize and trophies. Second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will collect $200 000, $100 000 and $50 000 respectively along with trophies as well. Petra’s co-Director Troy Mendonca is reported as saying, “We will continue to run programmes that we set out on a yearly basis and this is one of them. We are going ahead because this is one of our core events.” The organisers contended
that they are in talks to secure a title sponsor. T h e f i r s t ro u n d o f matches will be an elimination round, with the resulting 12 teams being divided into three groups of four. Upon the conclusion of the round-robin stage, the top two finishers and the best two third-ranked teams from the respective groups will progress to the quarterfinal phase. The event is scheduled to conclude on April 15 and the defending champions are Bent Street.
Manohar resigns as ICC chairman citing personal n See story o 5 2 pge reasons
Gillette on board with 12-second champs team Wrecker By Stephan Sookram
ANSA McAl, through the Proctor and Gamble brand and Gillette, has thrown its full support behind the team Wreckers for the upcoming Reaction Drag Race meet of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC). The team, headed by Anand Ramchand, will be in four classes this Sunday with the company providing sponsorship for three, including last year’s 12-second class winner’s Toyota Levin. At a handing-over ceremony yesterday, Proctor
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Anand Ramchand collects a sponsorship package from Proctor and Gamble co-coordinator Diana Ally.
Neymar scores early goal in tax fraud case in Brazil (REUTERS) - Brazilian tax appeals court ruled yesterday that Barcelona forward Neymar could cede his image rights to family businesses and dismissed charges by federal auditors that they were front companies set up to dodge taxes. Neymar still faces other rulings by the court on charges of evading Brazilian taxes on his controversial 2013 transfer to Barcelona. The initial ruling, however, will halve the penalty of 200 million reais (52.42 million pounds) in fines, back-taxes and interest that Brazil’s tax office had slapped on the soccer star, his lawyer Marcos Neder told reporters. Brazil’s federal tax office charged the soccer player in 2015 with evading 63 million reais in taxes due on income earned from Santos and Barcelona soccer clubs and sponsors between 2011 and 2014. Neymar appealed last year. Auditors failed to prove their case to the appeals court
Sammy makes himself available for Windies limited overs formats … leaves decision up to selection panel
Darren Sammy has not played for the West Indies since the World T20 final.
Barcelona forward Neymar Once the tax office case that Neymar should have paid individual income tax of is decided, federal prosecu27.5 percent on the earnings tors are expected to charge instead of the lower corpo- Neymar and his father in rate tax rate he used in tax criminal court for tax evasion and fraud. returns.
HONG KONG, (CMC) – Darren Sammy is leaving the decision about whether he plays again for West Indies up to the selection panel. The former West Indies captain said he is available for selection for the West Indies team in the limited-overs
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formats for the upcoming series against Pakistan which features four Twenty20 and three One-day Internationals – in addition to three Tests. Sammy has not played for West Indies since their stunning victory over England in the final of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup last
April – but has indicated he would relish the opportunity to put on the burgundy strip once again. “I’m only retired from Test cricket,” he said. “I’m not retired from limited-overs cricket … I’m available for
Turn to page 25 THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017