Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 16 06 2016

Mega Aruwai Plaza No. 104584

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‒ Revolving restaurant, 50-room hotel soon; to employ 200 persons

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More Chinese doctors ‒ 12th Medical Brigade arrives

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The 11th and 12th Chinese Medical Brigades pose with President David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, China’s Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin and his wife Liu Yue

Motive behind 10 Students to remain Parking meter Kaieteur News controversy at Brickdam 13 grenade attack was Secondary until end boils 2 ‒ King defends Mexico P.

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trip, Bulkan treads lightly

to instill fear

‒ Intellectual author still to be determined

of academic year

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Parking meter controversy boils ‒ King defends Mexico trip, Bulkan treads lightly TOWN Clerk Royston King feels people are “taking advantage of the absence of the Mayor to advance negative, divisive and completely untrue narratives.”

Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan, on the other hand, feels it’s “unfair” for councillors to endorse an arrangement they’re not fully au fait with.

The common denominator here is the now-controversial parking meter arrangement, which was plugged by city officials as a method for creating vehicular mobility around the city.

In an effort to advance the project, the Town Clerk is currently in Mexico with Mayor Chase-Green and Councillors Junior Garrett and Oscar Clarke ostensibly to run it by officials there.

Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, and Town Clerk Royston King check out the merchandise

MEXICO TRIP Other councillors were only made aware of this de-

velopment at last Monday’s statutory council meeting, where there was not only outrage, but many questions for Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan.

In his defence, Duncan, who is deputising for ChaseGreen in her absence, told the Council that he did have some reservations about the trip, and had raised them with both the Mayor and Town Clerk by way of electronic mail.

He told the Guyana

Chronicle yesterday that he could not confirm the nature of the Mayor’s visit to Mexico, but that he is awaiting the other side of the story when the Mayor and Town Clerk respond to the e-mail he’d sent them.

Duncan said he himself only learnt about the Mexico trip when the Mayor called him via telephone last Saturday to say that she will be out of the country. He said he would subsequently receive another call from her, ‘hinting’ that she will be accompanied by the Town Clerk.

He said, too, that had it not been for the Deputy Town Clerk, he would not have known that Councillors Garrett and Clarke were also part of the delegation.

A MOBILITY SOLUTION While in Mexico, the M&CC delegation expects to be presented with the final rollout schedule of the new parking meter project which, according to a release issued by the Town Clerk, “is actually more of a mobility solution for the city of Georgetown.”

Noting that other projects are being presented to the delegation by the Mexican officials, King said in his missive sent all the way from Mexico: “While it is unfortunate that certain individuals have taken advantage of the absence of the Mayor to advance negative, divisive and

completely untrue narratives, the Mayor and the travelling delegation plan to hold a press conference upon their return.”

King said everything will be made clear at the press conference, particularly the nature of the trip, which “engenders the City leadership’s duty of protecting and improving the lives and opportunities available to its constituents.”

King commended the “extensive due diligence” of the project, even as councillors spoke at the recent statutory meeting on the need for broader consultation on the matter.

One such councillor was Roopnarine Persaud, who said, “It is a monopoly that we cannot afford here. It is not fair; I will not be a part of it, to saddle my constituency with this type of bill. We cannot riddle them with bills and bills and bills.”

Meanwhile, Minister Bulkan, who has responsibility for the nation’s local government system in the absence of a Local Government Commission, said yesterday that while he endorses the traffic-management project, there is still need for greater public education, especially since councillors still need to be fully informed on how they will reap the benefits of the arrangement.

GHOST COMPANY Quite recently, it was revealed that the company selected to carry out the project, which will see parking meters being placed around the city, had listed a Manhattan address which was debunked by persons from another media house who

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More Chinese doctors

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

‒ 12th Medical Brigade arrives

President David Granger observes as First Lady Sandra Granger greets the Head of the Chinese Medical Brigade, Dr Wang Yongxiang

SIXTEEN Chinese medical doctors have arrived in Guyana to continue a programme started 23 years ago.

The doctors were welcomed last evening at a function to also celebrate the 11th Chinese Medical Brigade which treated 41,000 Guyanese. The new batch of doctors will be dispatched to the Georgetown Public Hos-

pital and the Linden Hospital Complex.

At the Chinese Embassy reception, President David Granger applauded the contributions made by the People’s Republic of China particularly in the area of health.

“The relationship between our two republics has flourished on many fronts since formal diplomatic relations were established on

27th June 1972. Cooperation in the health sector has been a distinguishing feature of human relations which emphasise the formal engagement between our two republics and, most particularly, the personal and everyday friendship between our two peoples,” the President said.

He added that the continued partnership in the field of health has fostered the

development of a healthy population and as a result has contributed to the wealth of the nation.

“The Medical Team, in the ensuing years made a significant contribution to the Guyanese health sector.

The teams have combined the efforts and expertise of more than 160 Chinese medical experts. They have specialised in the fields of acupuncture,

anaesthetics, gynaecology, nephrology, oncology, ophthalmology, pathology, radiology, urology, obstetrics, paediatrics, general surgery, plastic surgery and osteopathy,” President Granger told those present.

“Thousands of our Guyanese have benefited from the expertise of these specialists and from the equipment which was donated under the programme. Guyanese are extremely grateful for the work and contributions of the Chinese Medical Team,” he added.

In offering his gratitude on behalf of the people of Guyana, President Granger said his country values its relations with China and looks forward to expanding and deepening the ties of cooperation.

The President delivered the feature address in the presence of China’s Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin and his wife Liu Yue; Head of the Medical Brigade, Dr. Wang Yongxiang; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Finance Minister Winston Jordan, among other dignitaries.

The Head of the Chinese Medical Brigade said he has been touched by the hospitality of the people of Guyana.

“I was deeply touched first time when I saw the politeness and patience on the face of patients waiting at the clinic,” Yongxiang said as he reflected on his first

outreach.

In June 2014, Yongxiang arrived in Guyana with the 11th Chinese Medical Brigade to complement the doctors here. According to him, the Public Health Ministry, Georgetown Public Hospital and the Linden Hospital Complex have been nothing but helpful.

However, he underscored the need for more medical facilities. “In the meantime, we truly feel the people of Guyana need more medical facilities and more advanced medical service.”

Nevertheless, he said the 11th Chinese Medical Brigade was more than grateful to treat the 41,000 patients it attended to during the twoyear stint..

“Under the leadership of the Chinese embassy in Guyana, our medical team has carried out a lot of work.

The 11th Chinese Medical Team has treated 41,000 patients, giving emergency treatment to 3000 patients who were critically ill and performed 6000 surgeries,” he explained.

He said now that the 12th batch has arrived, he anticipates that more medical outreaches will be conducted.

The first Chinese Medical Brigade arrived in Guyana in 1993 following the establishment of a Medical Cooperation Agreement between the Governments of the Republics of Guyana and China on May 26, 1993.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Jamaican Attorney Boy’s body recovered general claims rainbow after gator attack at flag tweet ‘misconstrued’ Florida Disney resort (Reuters) Police divers on Wednesday recovered the body of a 2-year-old boy who was grabbed by an alligator in front of his family during a vacation at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The child was snatched by the alligator as he played at the water’s edge on Tuesday night and dragged into a lagoon despite his parents’ effort to save him.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said he and a Catholic priest had informed the family that the boy’s body was found near where he vanished and was completely intact.

An autopsy would be carried out, Demings added, but the presumption was that the child was drowned by the alligator.

“It was a tough message

to deliver,” Demings told a news conference. “Of course the family was distraught, but also I believe somewhat relieved that we were able to find their son ... so that they can come to grips with what has happened.”

The alligator was believed to be between 4 and 7 feet (1.2 and 2 meters) long.

Wildlife officials earlier caught and killed five of the reptiles from Seven Seas Lagoon to examine them for traces of the boy. But Nick Wiley, head of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said it was too early to say whether one of those five might be the culprit.

“There is a good chance we already have the alligator because we focused our efforts in that proximity, in that area where this incident occurred,” he said, adding that the probe would focus on results of forensic tests and bite marks on the child’s body.

The resort closed its beaches and recreational

(Jamaica Observer) ATTORNEY General Marlene Malahoo Forte, obviously stung by fierce public criticism of her tweeted objection to the US Embassy in Kingston flying the rainbow flag after Sunday’s massacre in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Tuesday sought to reverse her position by claiming that her tweet had been “misconstrued”.

Malahoo Forte published her opposition after the US Embassy, on Monday, tweeted that the American flag, as well as the rainbow flag, which represents the gay community, were being flown at half-mast at its Kingston mission “in solidarity” with the families of the victims of the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 49 people and left 53 injured.

“I strongly condemn #OrlandoNightClubShooting but find it disrespectful of Jamaica’s laws to have #RainbowFlag flown here. #MyPersonalView,” Malahoo Forte posted.

The attorney general’s post dominated social media discourse for much of yesterday and drew the ire of several users, with many calling for her resignation.

The embassy, in a subsequent tweet, asked Malahoo Forte to explain her legal reasoning. She did not respond.

However, when the Jamaica Observer contacted the attorney general she insisted that her post had been misin-

marinas on Wednesday while search teams had scoured the lagoon, a man-made lake reaching 14 feet (4.2 meters) in depth.

The family, who were on vacation from the Omaha, Nebraska suburb of Elkhorn, were named as Matt and Melissa Graves. Their son was named Lane.

There are signs prohibiting swimming at the lagoon but the boy was grabbed while his family relaxed nearby on the shore, authorities said.

The boy’s father rushed into the water and suffered minor cuts on his arm as he fought to wrestle his child from the alligator’s grasp, said Jeff Williamson, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said the boy’s mother tried to rescue him too. A lifeguard on duty also was unable to reach the toddler in time.

Alligators are not uncommon in the Seven Seas Lagoon, Wiley said. Alligators have killed five people in Florida in the last 10 years, according to official state data.

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Marlene Malahoo Forte terpreted.

“The second part of my tweet has been misconstrued.

The horrible act of terror which resulted in so many deaths can never be condoned. I condemn it unreservedly and repeat my expression of deep sorrow and sympathy for the victims and their families,” she said, adding that “the incident provides another opportunity for deep reflection and introspection”.

“Among the multiple issues are gun control, radicalisation, treatment of differences – be they religious, sexual orientation or otherwise. These are tough issues to handle.

“Here in Jamaica we have so much work ahead of us to reorder our society. We need everyone on board. Personally, I respect and celebrate our differences as peo-

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ple and see them as reflective of our humanity. Professionally, I’m sworn to uphold and defend the constitution and laws of Jamaica.

In both spheres I remain a sincere advocate for fair and proper treatment of everyone. And I will never condone the use of violence to deal with our differences,” she said.

Her peers described her comment as “insensitive” and “unwise”.

“There are no legal implications, but there are diplomatic implications, and I thought that in all the circumstances, whatever one may think in terms of the gay community, the fact is that it was insensitive to speak the way she did,” Queen’s Counsel and People’s National Party Senator KD Knight told the Observer.

“The US Government will be surprised that the attorney general of Jamaica does not know that the land on which the embassy is built or located is regarded as a part of US soil.

They are free to do as they wish there,” Knight added.

He also suggested that the attorney general “express some regret” at having made the statement. “I don’t kill people for these things. She’s new; she clearly has some strong views and so she has misspoke, but [sometimes] it goes that way,” he added.

Opposition spokesman on justice Mark Golding concluded that the comment represented “poor judgement” on the part of the country’s most senior attorney and advisor to the Government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Enmore Martyrs served as catalysts for change –PPP

THE BRUTAL killing of five sugar workers – now known as the Enmore Martyrs – on June 16, 1948, served as a catalyst for change and is today a genuine reminder to sugar workers and the working class to always be on their guard and demand what is rightfully theirs.

This was the contention of President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) who congregated with fellow members and supporters of the PPP at Robert’s Square, Enmore, on Wednesday to observe and reflect on the death of the five heroes.

The five heroes were Rambarran, Lall called Pooran, Lallabagie Kissoon, Surujballi called Dookie and Harry, all of whom lost their lives while on strike at Plantation Enmore, East Coast of Demerara (ECD). In mid1970 Enmore Martyr’s Day was made a national event.

“It is a significant event,” Chand said, adding that it was one of a series of killings of sugar workers during colonization. He explained that from 1872 to 1948, 54 sugar workers in Guyana were killed in similar fashion to that of the Enmore Martyrs.

They were killed because they were defending their rights and that of their fellow workers. This event is significant also because it turned out to be the last killing of sugar workers and many said that it marked the entry of Dr. Cheddie Jagan into the political life of Guyana,” GAWU’s President said.

He went on to explain that Dr. Jagan, who was a former President, was able to speak out against many of the injustices that sugar workers faced, and that ended up having checks and balances on the excesses of the sugar planters.

“The killings served as a catalyst for change and a genuine reminder for sugar workers and the working class to be on their guard and demand which is rightfully theirs,” Chand said.

The PPP event was well attended by supporters in Enmore - one of the party’s strongholds. The ceremony was an open-air one which was punctuated with cul-

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A relative of one of the Enmore Martyrs lays a wreath at Le Repentir cemetery Wednesday morning tural items. Speaking at the event were General Secretary of the party Clement Rohee, executive Gail Texeira; Former President Donald Ramotar and former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

The event preceded a wreath laying ceremony on Wednesday morning at the La Repentir cemetery at the graves of the five fallen heroes.

Meanwhile, the PPP in a statement on Wednesday sough to salute the martyrs, stating that their memory should serve as a reminder for all to recommit to fighting for the rights of sugar workers.

“The five slain sugar workers, now referred to as the Enmore Martyrs stand as a living monument to the struggles and sacrifices waged by sugar workers for a living wage and better conditions of work” the PPPS said in a statement.

The party said regrettably, sugar workers today face an uncertain future with the closure of the Wales Estate and the impending closure of the LBI estate. In addition, workers are denied production incentive bonus-

es, and collective bargaining agreements with their union GAWU have now been honoured in the breach.

As such, the party took the opportunity to renew its commitment to defend the rights of all sugar workers especially at this time when the industry is experiencing a period of “unprecedented crisis”.

The PPP called on all workers to unite and close ranks against this “onslaught” in honour of the heroic struggles waged by the Enmore Martyrs who paid the ultimate price of sacrificing their lives in defence of their rights.

Further, the party called on the government to instruct the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) to respect the collective labour agreement it has with unions operating in the sugar industry. According to the party, the disrespect and callous attitude displayed by GUYSUCO is a clear violation of industrial relations enshrined in the Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

“The PPP takes this opportunity of Enmore Martyrs

Day to serve notice on the APNU-AFC administration that it will not sit idly by and allow the rights of workers to be ignored and violated” the

statement added.

The government will today hold the official Enmore Martyrs commemoration event at the Enmore

Martyrs Monument from 17:00 h. A wreath laying ceremony will be held first at Le Repentir in the morning.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Remembering the Enmore Martyrs SIXTY-EIGHT years ago on this date, five sugar workers were shot and killed by police on Enmore Estate, East Coast Demerara. The victims were Lallabaggie and Dookie from Enmore, and Rambarran, Harry and Pooran from Enterprise/Non Pareil.

The story that led to this incident has to do with the workers’ demand for improved working conditions which is an element in workers’ struggle for self-determination.

On this fateful day about 400 workers were on strike to bring attention to their displeasure with the “cut and load” system which they wanted to be abolished.

Sugar workers were arguing that the “cut and load” system be replaced by the “cut and drop.” While the former entailed cane-cutters having to load the canes they cut, the latter would have allowed for division of labour, where one set of workers would cut, and another set load.

This struggle was against the backdrop of the desire of the workers to have the right to freedom of association respected and their choice to be represented by the Guyana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU), which is today known as the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU). GIWU was in 1946 co-founded by Cheddi Jagan and Joseph P. Lachmansingh, with the former departing from the Man Power Citizens’ Association (MPCA), which he joined in 1943 on his return to then British Guiana.

In that period, outside of the trade union movement, the struggles of workers for improvement in their conditions of work and standard of living were supported by the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), which was co-founded in 1946 by Jagan, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase and Jocelyn Hubbard.

Workers’ struggles of this period also included that of one-man-one-vote (universal suffrage) and internal self-government, among other socio-economic and political issues that became principles for the movement cemented at the 1926 Caribbean Conference for Labour Leaders, hosted in Guyana with the participation of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow.

It should be said that while the MPCA at the time represented sugar workers, the workers considered it a “company union” and doubted its quality of representation.

With respect to the right to freedom of association, systems should have been put in place for the workers to express their will in determining which of the unions they reposed confidence in. This fundamental principle was never applied until 1976, which led to the recognition of GAWU as sole bargaining agent for workers that were represented by the MPCA. Thus, the 1948 struggle carried with it both industrial and political intent and desire. Given the co-mingling of this relationship between Jagan and the sugar workers, one

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Broad support for a cultural policy Dear Editor,

I WAS happy to read the Peeping Tom column “Cultural industries vs. the industries of culture” (Kaieteur News, 14-Jun-16), wherein the writer makes some very sweeping pronouncements on what constitutes cultural/ creative industries, and puts forward the argument for the non-creation of a national cultural policy.

It is uninformed interventions like these that offer me the opportunity to educate the general public about the very complex area of cultural policy development and implementation. I will seek to address a few of its core points –- enough, I believe, to correct the misconceptions the writer so authoritatively seeks to promulgate.

“Cultural policies are about turning cultural products, which are but expressions of society’s culture, to the economic industries.” This shows a fundamentally poor understanding of what properly conceived cultural policies are, and what they intend to do. Policy-based interventions seeking to include cultural issues in developmental models have long been recognised as critical to the success of those models.

The paradigm shift that has been taking place over the past 10 years, however, has been the movement of culture from the periphery of development to a core component. What was essentially an aspirational model of mainstreaming culture, the 2005 Convention on Protecting and Promoting the Diversity of Cultural Expression, has now become one of the pillars of sustainable development in the agenda of most Millennium Development Goals.

A national cultural policy that adheres to best practices has sustainable development as its primary purpose. The policy framework that the Govern-

ment of Guyana, through my office, is developing looks, yes, at creative/cultural industries’ development, but also at heritage protection; and, most importantly, over the next five years, mainstreaming culture in sustainable development under three primary areas: education, environment, and citizenship.

With regard to heritage protection and preservation, while there are some aspects of cultural heritage protection that deal with economic sustainability in this area (tourism in natural heritage, adaptive reuse of built heritage, leveraging of intellectual property of intangible heritage), most of the funding under best-practice models comes out of national heritage fund mechanisms which allocate a percentage of revenue from some successful industry to heritage efforts. Had a national cultural policy been in place during the exponential growth of the gold industry, for example, a national heritage fund could have channelled part of the royalty revenues into heritage preservation.

My intention is that such a mechanism would be tagged to the pending oil industry, among others.

The concept of cultural industries is indeed about recognising and sustainably exploiting the economic value of cultural activity, though not necessarily by commoditising traditional culture, but in most instances by streamlining and adding value to cultural activities that are already being done for financial reward.

We can take what we refer to as Indian dance, for example, a form of cultural expression that functions as paid entertainment.

The cultural policy in development would not only seek to preserve and develop Indian dance forms, but ensure the environment offers adequate opportunities for educators, practitioners and entrepreneurs alike, whether it is financing, technical assistance, or fur-

can understand the union’s affiliation to the party. Outside of the political influence, sugar workers were prepared to challenge the estate owners for weeks, given that the strike had commenced on 22nd April, which speaks to an unflinching determination. When the estate authorities called in the colonial police, the workers did not relent, preferring instead to challenge and confront.

This led to an exchange between workers and the police who shot the latter, killing the five and injuring others. This massacre led to the rallying of workers and citizens across the country, in what evidently was seen as the wrong way to defuse the situation or resolve the conflict.

When the five were buried at Le Repentir, there was a procession that walked from Enmore to the cemetery. The demands by the people of the colonial authority to conduct a Commission of Inquiry into the event were loud and clear, and met with the needed response in the establishment of such

ther educational opportunities.

Inevitably, this would lead to optimizing of the economic returns on the practice of one aspect of cultural heritage, but one that would be a natural outcome of the creation of an environment conducive to the sustainable practice of the form.

Agro-processing of certain goods, cassava bread for example, represents an area of cultural industry growth with potential for local market expansion as well as export. The writer bemoans what he/she claims to be stasis or failure in cultural and creative investment, claiming, for example, “Guyana spent billions of dollars hosting Carifesta with the hope that it would have led to the development of Guyana’s cultural industries, including written, visual and stage works.”

On this latter point, I concede readily that purported investment in the creative industries over the previous 10 years, and particularly under the tenure of then Minister of Culture, Dr Frank Anthony, was fraught with poor vision and terrible accountability. In addition to Carifesta X (2008), which Guyana hosted, I can readily add the gross mismanagement of the Caribbean Press and the Sports and Arts Development Fund. Even as it is on the agenda of my office to properly investigate the extent to which there has been medium-term to recent mismanagement of culture, moving forward, the goal is to develop a framework for effective management in keeping with Goal One of the cur-

rent UN recommendations for cultural policy development: “Support Sustainable Systems of Governance for Culture.”

This means that we will not be faced with billion-dollar expenditure on cultural activities and programmes, with no oversight and no accountability, as was standard operating procedure.

Investment in culture will work as well as investment in any industry, as long as there is strategic planning as well as monitoring and evaluating processes involved.

Finally, the writer pronounces that “Guyana does not need a cultural policy.”

Not only has there been acknowledgement that this has to be a priority from the level of Government, but every single international framework in which we operate -CARICOM/ CARIFORUM, UNASUR/MERCOSUR, CELAC, UNESCO -– lists a national cultural policy as the fundamental priority step in collectively moving forward on culture. This philosophy that we don’t need a national cultural policy is precisely the sort of backward thinking that saw the former Government resist all attempts at formulating, circulating and seeking parliamentary commitment on a comprehensive consultation-based policy and strategy document.

Yours faithfully, RUEL JOHNSON Cultural Policy Advisor, Ministry of Education

Retraction

The Guyana Chronicle is apologising for a statement within an article published on the 14th day of June, 2016 which stated that “…Digicel admitted liability….” for an accident that occurred on the 6th day of June, 2016 in Albouystown. The accident was caused as a result of the negligence of the driver of vehicle PMM 2216, who has since been charged and is set to appear in court. The Guyana Chronicle regrets any undue alarm or inconvenience the said statements may have caused

a commission.

The determination of the sugar workers and the struggle that led to the demise of some have not been in vain and have been immortalised. In 1976, the Government of Guyana, based on the recommendation by the Inter American Organisation of Workers (ORIT), which the Guyana Trades Union Congress via then General-Secretary Joseph Pollydore pursued, the five became known as martyrs.

A monument was built at Emnore in these workers’ honour. The GTUC is on record as saying that this monument represents a covenant with the workers of Guyana that never, ever, again the guns of the State will be turned on them in their pursuit for self-determination. In this year, as the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, the pivotal role sugar workers played in the nation’s self-determination, some of which resulted in injuries and the loss of lives, is remembered.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Op-ed In observance of the 5th anniversary of ILO Convention No 189, the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011

Who cares for the carers?

- At last, some good news on protecting vulnerable workers in the home

By Guy Ryder Director-General of the International Labour Organization THEY care for our children, elderly, disabled, and homes – but are we doing enough to take care of them?

We estimate that domestic workers typically earn less than half of average wages – and sometimes no more than about 20 per cent. Their hours are among the longest and most unpredictable, and 90 per cent do not enjoy access to social protections, such as pensions and unemployment benefits.

At least 80 per cent of all domestic workers are women, which means that women are disproportionately affected by these decent- work deficits.

Domestic work also represents some 4 per cent of the female labour force. In Latin America

Gy Ryder for instance, 14 per cent of all female wage workers are domestic workers.

There is also an international dimension – recent ILO analysis indicates that 17 per cent of domestic workers are migrants.

At stake is the well-being of tens of millions of domestic workers, and that of the families for whom they work.

Recent UN estimates on popu-

lation and ageing confirm that demand for domestic work is likely to grow: with ageing populations, reduction of public- care policies, and an increasing number of women entering the labour force worldwide, families are increasingly turning to domestic workers to care for their homes, children, and ageing parents.

Though often hidden, domestic workers are a fundamental part of the care economy, delivering in-home care services in both the informal and formal economy. Concerned by cost and complexity of becoming formally employed, many avoid it, resulting in high levels of informal employment and undeclared work.

While these problems are not new, I am encouraged by the remarkably positive way global policy makers have stepped up to the challenge.

Five years ago today, the

ILO adopted the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) and its accompanying Recommendation 201. These were the first international standards on decent work for domestic workers, aiming precisely to extend fundamental protections and rights to the 67 million domestic workers labouring in private homes around the world.

That the Convention was adopted with near unanimity by the ILO member states signalled the global recognition that despite providing crucial services to homes and societies within the care economy, domestic workers were facing severe discrimination with respect to working conditions and human rights, The subsequent response from countries around the world has been impressive, with law and policy reform underway globally.

In 2010, the ILO estimated that only 10% of domestic

workers were covered by labour legislation to the same extent as other workers. Since 2011, over 70 countries have taken action to ensure decent work for domestic workers. Of these, 22 have ratified the Convention, another 30 have achieved law and policy reform, and at least another 18 are engaged in extending protections to domestic workers. The ILO has partnered with constituents in 60 of these countries, drawing across the Office’s full breadth of expertise to build their capacity across a vast spectrum of policy areas.

While these measures represent the first steps on a long path to redress a history of exclusion, they are not enough to meet the challenge of protecting domestic workers. Reports on the widespread abuse and exploitation continue to stream through the media. In many ways the statistics I cited at the

outset speak for themselves.

In adopting the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN pledged that no one would be left behind. On the right to decent work for domestic workers we’ve made a good start. But the task will require sustained attention to ensure real progress. If we are serious about the achievement of the sustainable development goals of poverty reduction, equality, and decent work for all, in particular for women then addressing deficits in domestic work is essential.

For its part, the ILO will continue to work in partnership with governments, workers, employers and the international community to build on the positive momentum and ensure that by 2030, the decent work to which all domestic workers have a right becomes the reality.

Nationalism must always take precedence over self-interest Dear editor, THE recent announcement by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council of the implementation/ installation of parking meters in certain sections of the city has been met with consternation, outrage and dismay by citizens who are already burdened with additional taxes and the constant enforceability of rules and regulations that have significantly weakened their daily incomes.

In his www.conversationtree blog, former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, charged that: “Coming so soon after the elections, the decision to install parking meters was clearly on APNU+AFC’s agenda prior to the elections. During the elections, APNU+AFC contestants had ample opportunity to inform the residents of Georgetown that parking meters were on the agenda, but they kept this plot a secret for obvious reasons.”

Democratic principles, respect and empathy for the public dictate that stakeholders should have been consulted before such a position was taken. Apparently, it appears as though City Hall has adopted the diktat position and unilaterally exercised its right to impose systems, which only places additional financial burden on citizens.

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, who has voiced his non-support of the project,

went on record to state that he has been provided with little information by the contracting firm, National Parking Systems/Smart City Solutions from which he can make a quality judgment.

The lack of verifiable information on the contracting firm itself raises eyebrows. There is no website for any company named National Parking Systems/Smart City Solutions and one prominent media house published an article, which stated that a visit to the Manhattan address was met with consternation by the building’s officials, who were emphatic that no space was rented to any such company nor were there future requests from the said company. Furthermore, Duncan said, in his independent research on Simon Moshevilli, who represents Smart City Solutions, he has found no one with said name connected with the said company. In fact, he said there is no evidence that such a company even exists.

“Again, the total lack of verifiable information on the company and its capacity to execute the scope of the project and the absence of a contract on the proposed project I cannot offer my support and reaffirm my grave reservation of such a venture.”

And for this, Deputy Mayor Duncan must be lauded for the unbiased, professional and inde-

pendent stance he has publicly taken. What is the rationale behind charging vehicle owners $500 to park in streets that are located in the prime business hub of the city?

Can you imagine a vehicle owner who has a mortgage, loan and other domestic expenses having to pay $4000 per day to park outside his/her place of work for the normal eight-hour work day?

And what about the much-touted tourism drive?

Tourists who stay at city hotels will be forced to pay exorbitant sums to not only rent a vehicle, but also to park outside the hotel (if parking is not provided within the compound of the said hotel). City Hall has also not provided any solid, detailed and well-researched supporting documentation/plan as to how the proposed project will ease the traffic congestion in the city.

On the contrary, this project, in all likelihood, will see a reduced number of persons using their vehicles to go to work and/or conduct business in the city.

The resultant domino effect will be evident sooner rather than later. The Mayor and her Councillors seem at a loss to identify the discrepancy between creating new revenue-collection ventures and identifying the factors that have influenced the current poor collection of revenue. Instead of trying to craft solutions that will remedy the issue of huge sums

owed in rates and taxes, they have sought to wantonly implement sophisticated systems that seek to stifle the small man. The removal of the Stabroek Market vendors is one such contentious issue.

Again, no consultations were held with those vendors before their forced removal.

Their bitter outrage at being treated like second-class citizens has fallen on deaf ears.

We are a small nation of less than one million people. With a rapidly declining economy and economic crises being experienced by nations the world over, do we need such sophisticated tax and other systems that are wantonly imposed on our citizens without the benefit of consideration of the burden it will place on their already weak income base?

The dogma that the proposed parking metre system will ease the traffic congestion in the city also lacks authenticity, since no feasibility studies have been conducted to prove how effective this would be. And the fact that the contracting company seems to be a dummy corporation also points fingers at another “get-rich-quick scheme.”

Or are we witnessing a case of nepotism and/or cronyism in full play?

The officials at City Hall’s propensity to continuously devise schemes to increase

their revenue base reeks of greed and self-interest. Their high- handed governance techniques woefully lack the great confidence and vision the electorate placed in them when they voted during the recent Local Government elections. Stand up and take a bow Mr Duncan. The professionalism you displayed in the execution of your duties is

commendable. Government officials, regardless of rank, if they are committed to the development of a nation, must always adopt and practise this principled, democratic stance. Nationalism must always take precedence over self-interest.

Regards VANITA MAHADEO

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Tied Local Gov’t Election results…

PPP pressing GECOM for run-off elections ‒ GECOM says it cannot now act THE Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has written the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for it to hold run-off elections in Local Authority Areas, including Mabaruma, which recorded equal votes in recently held Local Government Elections.

The letter to GECOM was written by attorney Bibi Shadick,who serves as one of the party’s commissioners on GECOM. Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday at the PPP’s Freedom House headquarters at Robb Street, Georgetown, Shaddick said she wrote the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowen-

field on May 31, reminding him of the six Local Authority Areas (LAAs) which recorded ties at the elections.

She said that she explained to him that these local government bodies have not been able to provide services to their residents due to the absence of a mayor in one area and five chairmen in the others.

The six LAAs include Mabaruma, where a mayor is to be elected, and five Neighbourhood Democratic Councils 9NDCs), namely Woodlands/Farm, Woodlands/Bel Air, Malgre Tout/ Meer-Zorgen, Gibraltar-Fyrish and Industry-Plaisance.

The Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan had

appointed a mayor for Mabaruma and chairmen for the NDCs, but a High Court judge quashed those appointments.

“I am seeking to formally inform GECOM that the Local Authority Areas have not yet elected a mayor or chairman due to an equality of votes cast in favour of two nominated councillors in each case. This notification seeks to trigger GECOM’s legal and constitutional responsibility to hold run-off elections in the six LAAs,” Shaddick said in her letter.

According to the law, if a tie is recorded in a LAA at LGE, a run-off election is held to determine the outcome.

According to the CEO however, this run-off election could only be initiated

after GECOM has received a written correspondence from the overseers of the respective areas indicating the status of those LAAs, as is stipulated by the law. ”We can only initiate actions if that sub-action on the part of the overseer is satisfied in accordance with the law,” Lowenfield said.

Lowenfield confirmed that he was in receipt of the letter sent by Shaddick and subsequently sought the advice of the commission. He was keen to note too that the issue had been engaging the attention of the commission even before he was written to.

“The matter was before the commission prior to the [PPP] Commissioner writing us. And the commission made a decision which

was to act in accordance with law. The law stipulates that GECOM cannot act unless the overseers write to GECOM,” the CEO said.

He further revealed that the overseers have not written to GECOM indicating the status of the NDCs. As such, he reiterated that no action can be taken by GECOM until they are written to.

With regard to the municipality of Mabaruma, Lowenfield explained that the issue is currently before the court, which means that the elections regulatory body cannot make a pronouncement or a decision on the issue until there is a ruling.

Two months after the stalemate following government’s decision to appoint leaders for the local govern-

ment bodies that saw a tie in votes at the elections in March, the PPP said it was willing to negotiate with the administration on a way forward.

Government had said that an offer was made to the Opposition PPP, in which the latter would have had the right to elect the senior posts in local authority areas based on the plurality of votes, but this was rejected by them.

The PPP subsequently filed for the orders in the High Court quashing the decision on the basis that the minister acted contrary to and in violation of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap. 28:01.

Justice Diana Insanally granted an interim order quashing the appointments.

Towns get multi-purpose GEA installs tractors energy-efficient street lights in Timehri THE Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has installed energy- efficient streetlights along the Timehri highway, with the hope of better understanding different energyefficient ,street- lighting technologies.

The exercise, which cost $2M, saw GEA replacing 37 high- pressure sodium vapour (HPSV) street lamps with energy- efficient induction lamps between Bounty Farm and the Timehri Police Outpost, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure stated.

According to the ministry, the previous lamps were rated at 250 watts each, while the new lamps are rated at 120 watts each, resulting in lower energy consumption. The new lamps also come equipped with a timer- control relay to switch

the lamps off during the day.

The ministy quoted Timehri resident, Aktar Shaw, as saying that the new lamps are better than “the red ones [HPSV lamps].”

“I feel safer with this one; I no longer worry about my vehicle which I park on the bridge. The red ones were not as effective.”

Another resident, Angelina Richmond, was quoted as saying, “The energy- saving lights are far better.”

“It allows you to see better and you feel safer, especially when going to church and returning home at nights. The brightness allows the children to play in the yard on weekends after the sun goes down.”

Nalini Sukhal, a vendor operating along the highway, expressed thanks for the new lights. “I come out at 3PM

and sell up to 7PM, so it gives me a sense of security.

This one is much brighter than the red one. It is very good for my business.”

Mr. A. Khan, the manager of Khan’s Sawmill, expressed similar sentiments.

“These white lights are far better than the previous ones which were red. I feel far more secure with this one.”

The ministry said that information obtained from data- gathering and experience gained from the installation process will be used to guide decisions with regard to street- lighting.

“GEA will use the data gathered to compare the Induction Street Lamps with the Led Street Lights to determine which of the two technologies is better suited for use in Guyana,” the ministry stated.

TRACTORS were Wednesday handed over to all of the country’s towns by the Ministry of Communities; Mahdia, which has not yet received township status, will receive a tractor at a later date.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, handed over the tractors to the mayors of the towns at a ceremony on the tarmac of the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

He said that these tractors were provided mainly to aid the municipalities in solid waste management.

According to Bulkan, the tractors will aid in solid waste management in an “efficient, effective and friendly manner.” Bulkan mentioned that about $100 million was spent on the initiative and it is a part of the ministry’s plan to aid in development and foster cohesion with the municipalities.

Due to their versatile nature these tractors can also be used for a number of other purposes, such as assisting in the mowing of grass, main-

An employee of GENEQUIP applies the licence plate to one of the tractors

tenance of parapets, moving materials, etc.

S. Nauth, an engineer from the Ministry of Communities, highlighted the efficient design of the machines.

He said they are equipped with hook lift trailers and is especially designed for the management of solid waste through the use of skip bins (some of which will also be provided through this project) and these hook lifts can be detached to allow the tractor to be used for other purposes mentioned earlier.

In addition, four of the tractors are equipped with “Double Drive” capacities, which would allow for use in the hilly and difficult terrains

of towns such as Mahdia, Lethem and Maburuma.

Also speaking at the handing over was Mohamed Ally, Sales Manager of General Equipment Guyana Limited (GENEQUIP). GENEQUIP was the company contracted after the bidding process and this company has supplied John Deere tractors – an American company well known for its agricultural and other heavy duty equipment.

Ally reassured of the effectiveness and versatility of the machines and revealed that each machine came with complimentary equipment and a manual for their maintenance. (Vishani Ragobeer)

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

‘Housing’ shake-up...

Insider says CEO’s tenure raised many questions ‒ Board was unhappy with her performance IN THE wake of calls for her resignation, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Myrna Pitt has done just that.

According to chairman of the land allocation committee, Mark Jacobs, who confirmed that Pitt’s resignation will be effective July 13, the CH&PA Board was not at all happy with her performance.

For starters, he said, members of the Board, ever since its installation in October 2015, had raised concerns over the Remigrant Scheme, the 1000 Homes project at Providence, and the management of the houselot distribution programme.

In terms of the Remigrant Scheme, he said, several questions have been raised over the conditions under which persons benefited from lands at Providence.

Concerns were also raised over the recent announcement of an ambitious 50th Anniversary housing programme to have persons only pay half down

Myrna Pitt

on a houselot, and have the rest written off.

Board executives, Jacobs said, have been complaining that they have met stumbling blocks in receiving information requested from CH&PA staffers.

Those requests, he said, had to do with several transactions to the tune of billions of dollars that the

Parking meter...

entity had embarked on.

The contracts also included large plots of land along the East Bank of Demerara that were sold under questionable arrangements to 20-odd private developers.

Some of the plots were flipped for tens of millions of dollars more, without any work being done, in breach of CH&PA agreements.

Many of the developers were close friends of the previous administration.

The ministry had been in receipt of complaints from some owners about the poor quality and shape of buildings because of sloppy construction; however, the Ministry of Communities, which is charged with housing, has announced plans to spend monies to fix those defects.

Another concern of the board’s, was the questionable disposal of hundreds of acres of land on the East Bank of Demerara, with little monitoring to ensure that there is compliance by developers to meet deadlines.

From page 2

Police take part in Human Rights and Leadership Workshop

By Michel Outridge THE rights of children, the role of the police and their responsibilities in protecting children from abuse and neglect were highlighted Wednesday when the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Rights of the Child Commission (ROC) partnered to host a Human Rights and Leadership Workshop for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown.

UNICEF Deputy Resident Representative, Paolo Marchi said children are victims of abuse and neglect and the session is to engage members of the GPF to protect such children since it’s their obligation.

LAW ENFORCEMENT INPUT He pointed out that a UNICEF study showed that 70% of children are neglected and abused and law enforcement input is needed in preventing, identifying and protecting children.

Marchi stated that the workshop focused on a broader understanding of the practical and legal human rights as it relates to children since the GPF has a very critical role to play.

He is of the view that the engagement will boost capacity-building in strengthening children’s protection while incorporating the fundamental mechanisms of ROC. Marchi related that the

training dialogue was necessary to improve the way the police work with children, noting that they need to ensure children’s rights are better served.

In remarks, Force Training Officer, Paul Williams lauded the agencies for hosting the training session since the Force sees training as never enough to cope with the everyday changes.

He noted that members of the GPF are adequately trained because at every level they have training programmes for all ranks in capacity-building.

Williams told the gathering that the GPF has a Standing Order, which deals with juveniles so the Juvenile Offenders Act is in place so in cases where minors come into contact with the law they are placed separately from adult prisoners.

He spoke about the work of the Cops and Faith Network, where its members are present when juveniles are being interviewed by the police and they lookout for homeless and destitute children and render assistance.

As it relates to custody of children, Williams said they enforce the court orders and they will sustain their relationship with agencies and the ministry in this aspect. He said also that they have adopted best practices when dealing with children as a law enforcement body and police trainers are present for the training session, who in turn will train other ranks.

ROC Consultant, Queenla Abigail Cameron in addressing the participants on Wednesday, said it is important that the police apply human rights standards in their duties as she outlined the role of the police to protect children. She said that too often the fundamental rights of children are violated at their homes and at the courts.

However, Cameron called for the ROC Convention to be applied forthwith because the best interest of children must come first. In plugging her point, Cameron said children should not be compelled to give evidence in court and at no time should be tortured by the police. She also highlighted the plight of disabled children and urged the police to adopt the policies of ROC. Also making remarks was Chairperson of ROC, Aleema Nasir, who told the participants that they must continuingly seek to engage stakeholders since children need to be protected and their interest must be maintained.

She outlined ROC policies and noted that the arrangement with Legal Aid is limited and needs to be revised.

PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE Nasir called on the authorities to establish a Public Defender’s Office for children, who await lengthy trials without any legal representation and often they are proven guilty even before the end of the trial.

Common Entrance Results in two weeks THE National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results will be released within two weeks, according to the Chief Education Officer, Olatto Sam. Sam made this disclosure on Wednesday at the Education Ministry.

This year, approximately 14,500 students wrote the exams. English Language, Science, Social Studies and Mathematics were the four subjects written by the students in April.

Woman busted at Ogle Airport with three kilos of cocaine Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and City Councillor Oscar Clarke look on at a presentation by officials in Mexico City, Mexico

visited the Manhattan address and found that the company, National Parking Systems (NPS), was not registered at the location which they named.

NPS is collaborating with another company, Smart City Solutions, on the project.

When asked about the company now referred to as a “ghost company” that was awarded the city’s con-

tract, Minster Bulkan said he could not validate the claim since he has not yet met with Georgetown city officials.

He did say, however, that his Ministry has received reports of an allegation surrounding the possible “ghost company”, and that if what people are saying is true, then the municipality must be able to address this.

In his release, the Town

Clerk said, “The Mayor and City leadership continue with their hands-on approach in their overseeing of a project which began with extensive due diligence on a parking solution, and continues now with their involvement in consideration of other complimentary projects that can be offered by the Smart City Solutions consortium.”

CUSTOMS Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) ranks Wednesday apprehended a female Guyanese outgoing passenger who attempted to smuggle three kilos of cocaine out of the country.

The 21-year-old was heading to Barbados from the Ogle Airport, East Coast Demerara, when she was caught with the drugs strapped to her body.

She was taken into custody and is expected to be charged shortly.

Nine students arrested in house at Diamond NINE students – five females and four males were apprehended on Wednesday afternoon after Police descended on a building in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Police said none were caught in a compromising position, but they were identified as students from Central High School. They

were taken to the Diamond/Grove Police station where their parents and school officials were contacted.

Investigations into the reason the students were not at school and out of the city are being addressed by the relevant authorities.

The students were reported to have frequented a particular house in Diamond.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Motive behind Kaieteur News grenade attack was to instill fear ‒ Intellectual author still to be determined

By Rabindra Rooplall The motive behind a grenade thrown outside the office of Kaieteur News on Saffon Street, Charlestown tow Saturdays ago was to drive and instill fear, Acting Commissioner, David Ramnarine said on Wednesday.

Three men were charged with the attack Wednesday (see story below).

At his Police Headquarters, Eve Leary office, the acting Commissioner described the act as a cowardly and dastardly one perpetrated by criminal elements. The investigators deduced, based on statements that the motive was to drive fear.

He noted that this is not the end of the investigation as there is a wanted bulletin out and there are more per-

sons of interest that investigators are pursuing.

“They weren’t concerned about whether there was damage, hurt or injury to the person, cause of physical damage, but in essence, to drive fear.

“As we understand, this plan that was basically contemplated on the June 2, developed on the 3rd, and executed in the night of the 4th; it’s unfortunate that thus far we have not been able to zero in on the intellectual authors of this heinous crime,” he explained.

Taking due cognizance of the various levels and degrees of concerns of society, government, business community and from member of the diplomatic corp., the acting Commissioner said many calls were made to the police force and there were

expressions of doubt as to whether or not that police were capable of solving the matter.

He said the investigation epitomizes consciousness, diligence and resilience of criminal investigators.

“Time and again we have been criticized for only going after certain type of crimes and being unable to solve other crimes and a whole host of things….there is a very high and effective degree of collaboration between investigators in ‘A’ Division, Brickdam and CID headquarters…,” he said.

Acknowledging the contributions of persons with various levels and degree of expertise, who worked diligently with the police force behind the scenes, Ramnarine said the advice aided investigators and their

“We can’t solve all the crimes since we don’t know what’s in a person’s mind... what matters is the response and bringing perpetrators to justice that would really bring a high measure of satisfaction to the people whom it matters most to,” he explained.

Expressing gratitude to

“They weren’t concerned whether there was damage, hurt or injury to the person, cause of physical damage, but in essence, to drive fear.” - David

Acting Commissioner David Ramnarine

roles were invaluable and their names will obviously remain unknown.

Adding that there was impatience and a host of questions towards the Guyana Police Force (GPF), he thanked those who offered support, it was in training, equipment, or technology.

He said the police force is on the road to making the kind of progress to ensure citizens can feel comfortable.

presently the amount of support and trust given to the force has changed that perception.

He also indicated that he is satisfied with the investigation and it is left up to the judiciary and prosecution to execute their duties.

“This is not a simple matter and work is continu-

Ramnarine, Acting Police Commissioner the ABC countries and Russia, China, Italy and a host of other countries, the acting Commissioner said sponsored training from these countries is paying off in much needed dividends for the police force.

He said in 2013 the public trust in the police force was very low. However,

ing, we will and are working diligently to bring the other persons on the run to justice.”

Meanwhile, Ramnarine expressed condolences on the passing of Kaieteur News Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, whom he described as a “friend; a confidant.”

Trio remanded over Kaieteur News grenade attack THREE MEN who allegedly threw a grenade outside Kaieteur News two Saturdays ago were Wednesday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Leroy Williams, 25, of Durban Backlands; Janiel Howard, 20, a trader of Norton Street; and Alfie Garraway, 20, a Labourer of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown were not required to plead to charge.

It is alleged that on June 4, at Saffon Street, Georgetown, they unlawfully and maliciously conspired together with persons to cause a grenade to explode, which could have endangered lives or cause damage to property.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones strongly opposed

Janiel Howard

Wanted: Shemar Wilson, called ‘Abdue’

bail being granted to the men based on the gravity and penalty attached to the charge.

The three men were unrepresented and were remanded to prison until July 07.

Howard surrendered on June 13, shortly after a

wanted bulletin was posted for his arrest. Police are, meanwhile, still looking for 20-year-old Shemar Wilson, called ‘Abdue’, in connection with the same incident.

According to reports, three persons, including the driver, were in a silver-grey Toyota Spacio from which

The trio in a police vehicle

the grenade was thrown.

Prior to the attack, the occupants were seen parked in James Street, Albouystown.

When the device was tossed at the publisher’s vehicle, a security staffer had heard an unusual sound near the Lexus SUV which was parked on the western

side of Saffon Street. Upon checking, the staffer spotted the grenade lying near the right front wheel.

Staffers were, at the time, participating in a wake for Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, who had passed away earlier the same day.

Video footage from

a Kaieteur News CCTV camera showed the grey Spacio heading north, but slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The vehicle then accelerated after the device was thrown, but later crashed in the vicinity of Norton Street and Mandela Avenue.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

RK guard charged ‘Wild buck’ charged in in staged Demerara another house lot scam Bank robbery A SECURITY guard attached to RK’s Security Service was today charged for stealing one of the firm’s service revolvers which he allegedly used in a staged robbery at Demerara Bank’s Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara branch last month.

Security guard Dameion Pearce, 30, of Sophia Squatting Area, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was remanded to prison.

Pearce was charged for stealing a .32 revolver along with five matching rounds of ammunition valued $151,430, property of RK’s Security Service between May 20 and May 25, 2016.

The unrepresented man denied the charge and was remanded to prison until June 29 for statements.

On May 30, Pearce along with his reputed wife, 29year–old Eulesie Stephen and his co-worker Cleaveland Pyle of Lot 337 #9 Village, West Coast Berbice, were charged for robbery and firearm offences.

The two guards, who

were tasked with making a night deposit, claimed that they were attacked by a gunman who took away a bag containing cash and two handguns before escaping in a motor car driven by an accomplice.

The first charge read that the trio stole $148,840 property of Church’s, while the second charge alleged that they also stole $4.3M, property of Courts.

The third charge stated that they also stole two .32 revolvers along with 10 live matching rounds valued $302,860, property of RK’s Security. Lastly, the trio was accused of stealing over $3M, property of SSS supermarket.

Pearce however was charged separately for having a .32 revolver with five matching rounds of ammunition in his possession on May 25, at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, without being the holder of a firearm licence. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to reports, on May 23, 2016, Stephen allegedly met the security

Dameion Pearce

guards along the East Coast of Demerara and collected $3M, along with a revolver, which was stashed in her backyard at Sophia.

The guards had told the police that they were robbed by bandits, which resulted in Pearce being shot to his leg before the “alleged bandit” made good his escape.

Investigators became suspicions of the men from the inception and immediately began questioning the security guards to ascertain the real circumstances surrounding the incident.

Pearce confessed and this led to the others being arrested. The magistrate remanded the trio until July 5.

ALMOST two weeks after being remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on fraud charges, Floyd Primo called “Wild Buck” was Wednesday slapped with another charge.

Primo 31, of Lot 80 D’Urban Street, Georgetown is accused of obtaining the sum of $5M between May 1 and May 31, 2015 from Karen Persaud.

“Wild Buck” reportedly obtained Persaud’s money by pretending that he was in a possession of a plot of land at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara, which he could have sold to her.

The businessman denied the charge. His attorney George Thomas, in a bail application, told the court his client was not the one whom the complainant had the agreement with but that

it was one Marjorie Edinboro, who was also fingered in the fraud probe.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones made no objection to bail but requested that it be set at a substantial amount with reporting conditions.

Magistrate McLennan granted Primo $500,000 and adjourned the matter until June 29.

However Primo is currently on remand for swindling Persaud for over $13.7 M in another house lot scam.

On June 3, Primo was charged for obtaining over $13.7 from Karen Persaud in May last year by pretending that he was the owner of a piece of land located at Lot 40 Public Road, Kitty, Georgetown. He had denied this charge.

The matter was heard

Floyd Primo

before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan who remanded him after the prosecution strongly opposed bail on the ground that Primo has pending matters in court and more importantly a wanted bulletin was issued for him in 2015 and he had failed to turn himself over law enforcement officers.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Hinterland faced ‘info’ neglect too long ‒ Gov’t justifies airing of GINA, other programmes on the Learning Channel THE OFFICE of the Prime Minister (OPM) Wednesday justified the airing of programmes produced by government on the Learning Channel, saying that it corrects the information neglect the hinterland faced over the years.

OPM said that “programmes of national interest” such as President David Granger’s weekly “Public Interest” interview programme

and the Government Information Agency’s magazine news briefs, along with other national programming, will be broadcast on the Learning Channel to the 16 locations to which it broadcasts.

Eyebrows were raised when a programme titled “APNU+AFC First Year in Government” was aired.

“It is regretted that some of the video content provided had been mistakenly branded.

All of the video content which was mistakenly branded has been recalled and video content provided will be of a national nature and properly and appropriately titled,” OPM said in a statement.

According to the release, the OPM continues to be in receipt of constant complaints from residents of numerous hinterland villages about not being able to access public information and reports on the

work of the Legislature, the Judiciary and the Executive.

It was the OPM which claimed it negotiated with the Ministry of Education for broadcast time on the Learning Channel for public information.

“Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo met with Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine and TLC coordinator, Dr. Sita Roth and an agreement was reached to provide time during non-primetime, late night, hours during weekdays and on midday and afternoon hours at weekends,” the OPM stated.

The timeslots provided are 22:30hrs to midnight on weekdays and 12:00hrs to 13:00hrs and 18:30hrs to 19:30hrs on weekends.

The OPM asserted that the timeslots in no way dis-

rupt TLC’s core educational programming designed for schoolchildren. During weekdays, the late night timeslot is after traditional bedtime hours for children. At the weekends, many children are engaged in sports and recreational activities during the day and early evening.

The OPM added that these timeslots represent a small fraction of the full programme time and amount to less than 7% of the total weekly programme time of 168 hours.

“The Office of the Prime Minister treats the constitutional right of access to information for all citizens most seriously and will continue to pursue arrangements and endeavours, which will ensure that all citizens have improved access to information and are not left insolated

and uninformed on national issues.

“The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring that no longer must citizens in our hinterland regions be taken for granted and be shut out from the national information network and suffer from information neglect.”

The government has pushed the setting up of community radio stations, which have thus far been set up at Lethem and Mabaruma and the OPM said there are plans for every region to eventually have its own community radio station, with priority being on hinterland regions.

It is also the plan of the Coalition Government that community television stations will follow community radio stations, the OPM stated.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Students to remain at Brickdam Secondary until end of academic year ‒ following hours of negotiations

Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam addressing reporters at the Education Ministry in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Brickdam Secondary School, Nicolas Yearwood, President of the Parent-Teachers’ Association (PTA), Eric Benjamin and Cheryl Sampson, an advisor to the Ministry

By Svetlana Marshall AFTER hours of negotiations, a decision was made to have students remain at the Brickdam Secondary School until the end of this academic year.

STATE-OF-THE-ART SECONDARY SCHOOL The agreement was reached on Wednesday following the assurance of the Education Ministry that a new location will be identified to accommodate the school for the new academic year as a medium-term solution. But in the long run, the Ministry is expected to construct a state-of-the-art secondary school to accommodate approximately 1,000 students of the school.

Already, the process of acquiring a plot of land to construct the building that will house both Brickdam Secondary and Central High School has commenced.

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Olato Sam disclosed details of the decision made during a press conference held at the Education Ministry, in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Brickdam Secondary School, Nicolas Yearwood; President of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Eric Benjamin and Cheryl Sampson, an advisor to the Ministry – all of whom participated in the negotiation.

“The teachers have formally agreed to this…,” the CEO said as he addressed reporters. Last Friday, more than 28 teachers attached to the Brickdam Secondary School staged a sit-in to protest the deplorable state of the school.

By Monday, the CEO had ruled that the “Brickdam (Secondary) is no more,” and as such students and teachers would have been relocated to a number of schools in Georgetown as a short-term solution. However, this decision was sternly rejected by the teachers and even parents, who continued their industrial action up until the agreement was reached on Wednesday afternoon.

In chronicling the situation on behalf of the Education Ministry, Sam explained that on June 9, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine received a letter from the teachers of Brickdam Secondary, in which they requested an audience with him to discuss a number of issues.

According to the CEO, the Education Minister had agreed to meet with the teachers on June 10 at 10:00hrs.

“The Ministry received information approximately 9:15hrs on Friday, June 10, 2016 that despite their appointment to meet with the Honorable Minister, the teachers of Brickdam Secondary were engaged in a sit-in,” he stated.

Upon learning of the situation, the Chief Education Officer said he made a visit to the school and engaged the teachers during which he pointed out that such “extreme action ran contrary to established procedure in getting matters resolved.”

Later that day, the CEO along with the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Pulandar Kandhi, the advisor, the Chief Buildings Engineer and officers of the Georgetown Department of Education met with the teachers

and representatives from the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to address the issues.

According to the CEO, the parties involved had agreed to allow the engineer to address the more immediate issues that had been raised, while allowing the Ministry to devise a plan of

action for the relocation of the school at the commencement of the new academic year while a more long-term solution was being sought.

During that meeting the teachers were asked to complete the term at the current location to allow the MinisTurn to page 16 ►

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Mega Aruwai Plaza for next Sept. opening

By Vishani Ragobeer

PROMINENT businessman Chunilall Baboolall has put September 2017 as the opening date for the Aruwai Plaza on Sheriff Street, Georgetown, revealing that it will include a revolving restaurant and a 50-room hotel.

The building, opposite Royal Castle, has been under construction for years, but Baboolall said that the construction is in its final stages and would be completed for opening next September.

Baboolall six months ago wowed Guyana with the opening of the state of the art Aruwai Resort: White H2O resort off Bartica.

He was speaking at the opening of the resort’s Georgetown Office when he revealed plans for Aruwai Plaza.

Apart from the revolving restaurant and hotel, he said the property will feature another restaurant, along with a supermarket, a line of clothing, and other amenities.

Baboolall said Aruwai Plaza will employ some 200 persons and will target the local community, the diaspora and tourists in general.

The Georgetown office of the resort was opened at 49-52 Sheriff street, where the Plaza is under construction.

Since its opening six months ago, the Aruwai Resort has been highly regarded. The resort boasts 50 rooms and has luxuries and is seen as a trend-setter in the Guyanese tourism market as well as the wider Caribbean.

Bookings and payments for stay at the resort were previously made at the resort itself; however the marketing team stated that the Georgetown office will now make it possible for visitors to make their bookings and gain information on the resort’s special deals and packages.

The team gave the reassurance that all special deals (such as the ongoing Father’s Day package) available at the resort could be accessed at the Georgetown office.

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- To include revolving restaurant, 50-room hotel

A model of the Aruwai Plaza which will be opened next September

Iftar, in remembrance of victims of the Orlando massacre

Muslim attorney Kashir Khan and his wife Scheherazade last evening hosted a special Iftar (the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast), in association with the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) to remember the victims of the Orlando massacre, in which a gunman killed 49 people at a gay nightclub. In photo, Mrs Khan has the attention of outgoing US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt and US Ambassador Perry Holloway

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

GWI to do ‘water quality’ analysis Students to remain in city ‒ pump operators suspended for breaching procedures at Brickdam...

From page 13

GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI) on Wednesday apologised to its customers in Georgetown who were affected by the poor quality of water delivered through their taps during the June 11 to 12, 2016 weekend.

Following a report that there was a compromise with water quality at the Shelter Belt, an investigation was launched by the Regional Operations Manager in Georgetown, Curtis Niles

to ascertain the cause of the issue. GWI’s management has since taken action to suspend the pump operators, who were in breach of the company’s procedures, a press release stated.

GWI said upon investigation it was revealed that the pump operators were negligent in their duties, since they had failed to follow the proper standard operating procedures required for the monitoring of the water

quality. This negligence has contributed to the poor service received by customers of Central Georgetown.

GWI’s Chief Executive, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles stated that: “Remedial measures have been put in place so that this act of carelessness will not be repeated and more stringent safety measures are to be followed. Water quality is of prime importance to the management of GWI, hence the

residents can look forward to better quality service.”

Meanwhile, GWI has apologised for any inconvenience caused and expressed thanks to the customers for consistently highlighting the issues which affect them.

The improvement of the existing service and enhancement of the quality of water which GWI provides, remain at the forefront of the company’s objectives, the release concluded.

Parents, teachers and students of Brickdam Secondary School patiently awaiting the outcome of the negotiations on Wednesday morning

try to institute the new plan.

“Rehabilitation work commenced on Saturday June 11, 2016 at Brickdam Secondary and the Head-teacher engaged the Ministry on the morning of Monday June 13, 2016 to devise strategies to facilitate the completion of the term at the location. Unfortunately, the teachers failed to honour the agreement arrived at and continued their industrial action, refusing to teach until they were placed in a completely new environment,” he said.

Sam also stated that as a result of the position taken by the teachers, the Ministry was forced to devise another plan of action to facilitate students completing their end-of-year assessments, while meeting the demands of the teachers.

“As such, teachers were assigned to other schools in Georgetown, while students were assigned to the following List A schools: North Georgetown Secondary, Christ Church Secondary and North Ruimveldt Multilateral as a temporary measure, until a more permanent solution could be devised,” he further explained.

And given the most recent decision to have the students remain at the school until the end of the term, Sam assured that the Ministry is doing its best to meet the medium and long-term plans identified.

However, the teachers on Wednesday morning had a different story to tell about the reason behind their industrial action. Besides requesting a single building to house both teachers and students of Brickdam Secondary, the teachers said they had grown tired of the situation having complained bitterly about the issues for

many years.

LONGSTANDING ISSUE One of the teachers pointed out that since 2013, the Education Ministry had promised to construct a new school but three years later this plan is yet to be made a reality.

“This has been an issue for more than 20 years. There are teachers at this institution who were students and are now teachers, and this poor state of the school was always a problem. Under the other administration, we met, they made a decision and they said to us that they would have relocated us, this was since 2013,” the teacher said as she complained bitterly.

According to this teacher, who received the backing of her colleagues, Brickdam Secondary School has been neglected by the Education Ministry.

But Sam, who started his stint as CEO under the previous Administration, refuted the claims made.

“As I mention we have been trying to address this issue for some time, the major stumbling block was the availability of land in Georgetown to facilitate the state-of-the-art school that is going to house well over a thousand students, that is the major stumbling block in this process.

There has been no lack of political will or interest in moving these two institutions, but one has recognized that finding land in Georgetown to erect such a structure has been a challenge for us,” the Chief Education Officer said.

Although the Ministry is in the process of acquiring a lot of land to construct a new school, Sam was unable to give particulars, such as the location or when construction will commence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Huge ganja bust…

Container owner assisting with probe arrived in Guyana on May 16 on board the vessel “MC Fouma” from the United States.

Since then, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officials had been monitoring movement of the vessel.

The vessel made one stop in Jamaica before proceeding here. Investigators believe that the container was tampered with while in Jamaica or en route to Guyana.

From all appearances, the source noted that the narcotics may have been shipped by persons familiar with the drug trade here.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

A quantity of the marijuana which was discovered on Monday

THE owner of the container found with 1,276 pounds of compressed marijuana at the John Fernandes Wharf, Water Street, is assisting with investigations.

Anti-narcotics agents on Monday unearthed the marijuana in the container which was shipped to these shores with heavy-duty machinery last month. The container

Thursday, June 16, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Friday, June 17, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Saturday, June 18, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Tahir’s seven-for blitz spins out Windies after Amla’s 110 SOUTH Africa’s exuberant leg-spinner Imran Tahir routed the West Indies batting line-up last night at Warner Park, St. Kitts with a seven-wicket haul that puts the Proteas on top of the Caribbean tri-series.

The West Indies were skittled for just 204 in 38 overs, falling to a 139-run defeat in response to South Africa’s 4-343 that was powered by Hashim Amla’s 23rd one-day international century.

Tahir claimed a new career-best with 7-45 from nine overs, while the Proteas emerging leggie Tabraiz Shamsi also picked up two wickets.

Johnson Charles topscored for the Windies with 49, but the next best from the hosts was Marlon Samuels’ 24 as all but two players reached double figures but none were able to push on after making starts.

In contrast, South Africa blasted the highest score of the one-day international tri-series on the back of Amla’s masterclass and an explosive hitting display from Faf du Plessis.

The West Indies bowlers had no answers as du Plessis sparked a stunning boundary blitz, with 105 runs coming from the final 10 overs to set the hosts a target of 344 at Warner Park.

After being sent in by Windies captain Jason Holder, Amla and Quinton de Kock set about laying the type of platform that had been largely missing from their campaign so far.

Amla began to free his arms after a cautious start under the St Kitts sun as de Kock sat back and let his opening partner continue a growing love affair with the Caribbean opponents.

The 33-year-old batsman was untroubled on his way to a sublime century from 89 balls, taking his average against the Windies to 87.25 with five tons among his career total of 23. He is now

just one ODI hundred behind teammates AB de Villiers for the most by a South African.

Amla’s departure for 110 was soon followed by the obliteration of de Kock’s stumps, as IPL million-dollar man Chris Morris was catapulted up the order to No.3.

The experiment worked as the allrounder blasted a rapid 40 from 26 balls, however the real fireworks were still

to come.

The West Indies attack began to apply the brakes heading to the conclusion of the innings, until du Plessis began to unleash at the end of the 44th over.

No bowler was safe with de Villiers stepping in for the odd lusty blow, but it was du Plessis doing the bulk of the damage on his way to an unbeaten 73 from 50 balls.

Even Kieron Pollard’s wicket of de Villiers – which was celebrated in a fashion that would draw scorn from Cristiano Ronaldo – failed to slow down the rampaging Proteas on their way to 4-343.

A bonus-point victory for South Africa would ensure they take top spot from the Australians heading into the Barbados leg of the tournament.

Green Machine plotting ‘revenge’ against Trinidad and Tobago

By Stephan Sookram GUYANA’S ‘Green Machine’ will go up against their arch rivals Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday at Hasely Crawford Stadium with one thing on their minds - revenge.

Revenge for last year’s Rugby America North (RAN) South Zone final where Guyana were the recipients of a 22-20 beating, primarily because they failed to successfully convert kicks, something that will not be the case this time around according to president of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Peter Green.

“This year, we find that Ryan Gonzalves our kicker has been in fine form. That is the major man we are depending

on to kick. His kicking has given us tremendous points. He’s been kicking well this year and that’s one of our secret weapons,” contended Green.

Briefing the media yesterday morning, the GRFU boss added that there is no doubt about his side and this country’s chances of crushing the Twin Island Republic.

“We are winning this game! When we come back, we are looking for the reception and the accolades that we deserve as hardworking rugby players,” he added, reminding that “this game coming up is very important not only to national pride or revenge.”

In fact, should Guyana beat Trinidad, they will rise up the

rankings in both the world and the Americas. Guyana are ranked 10th in the Americas and 53rd in the world while Trinidad sit eighth and 45th respectively.

The team will depart this morning from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and will return on Sunday.

The full squad reads: Kevin McKenzie, Richard Staglon, Ronald Mayers,

Claudius Butts and Peabo Hamilton, Jason Tyrell McArthur, Rickford Cummings, Kevon, Jose Felicien, Dwayne Schroeder, Jamal Angus, Delroy Gordon, Ryan Gonsalves, Avery Corbin, Lancelot Adonis, Patrick King, Godfrey Broomes, Osie McKenzie, Cyon Kitt, Triton Brathwaite, Grantley Williams and Toby David.

Slovakia make life difficult for Russia with 2-1 win

By Philip O’Connor

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:35 hrs Fort Meyers 09:10 hrs Crown Of Roses 09:45 hrs Trip Tease 10:20 hrs Barbel Run 10:55 hrs Amber Flash English Racing Tips Chemsford City 08:50 hrs Scudding 09:20 hrs Eurato 09:55 hrs Cape Icon 10:30 hrs Burcan 11:05 hrs Golden Reign 11:45 hrs St Michel 12:20 hrs Roy’s Legacy Ripon 09:10 hrs Zamjar 09:45 hrs Fast Shot 10:20 hrs Isharah 10:55 hrs Gulf Of Poets 11:35 hrs Van Mildert 12:10 hrs Flash City 12:45 hrs Janaab Royal Ascot

09:30 hrs Global Applause 10:05 hrs Abdon 10:40 hrs Even Song 11:20 hrs Order Of St George 12:00 hrs Folkswood 12:35 hrs Lovell Irish Racing Tips 12:55 hrs Istan 13:25 hrs Californiadreaming 13:55 hrs Pinwood 14:25 hrs Ceol Na Nog 14:55 hrs Kwlinni 15:25 hrs Pirolo 15:55 hrs Don Vincenzo American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Geaux Mets Race 2 Leah’s Dream Race 3 Tizthefastlaine Race 4 Emerald Pond Race 5 Two Down One to Go Race 6 Prairie Stone Race 7 Bag Of Tricks Race 8 Sympathy

LILLE, France (Reuters) - Slovakia deepened Russia’s woes with classy first-half goals from Vladimir Weiss and Marek Hamsik in a tense 2-1 victory in Euro 2016 Group B yesterday.

Just 24 hours after UEFA told Russia it would be expelled from the tournament if their fans caused more crowd trouble, the Slovaks outplayed them for large parts of a match contested under a closed roof because of forecasts of heavy rain.

Slovakia, who lost their opening clash with Wales 2-1, took the lead in the 32nd minute when midfielder Hamsik hit a superb long ball to Weiss who cut inside the left-hand side of the box and curled his shot inside the far post.

Just before halftime Hamsik picked up a short corner on the left and struck his own superb curling shot across the goal and inside the right-hand post.

The Slovaks appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory but the game changed direction dramatically in the last 10 minutes.

Substitute Denis Glushakov threw his side a lifeline when he reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, heading home Oleg Shatov’s cross. Suddenly Slovakia were on the back foot and the Russians looked capable of grabbing an equaliser.

Glushakov had a chance to pull his side level late on but fired just wide, and an injury-time corner for Russia was headed clear as the final whistle went.

The result left Russia with just a point from a draw with England at the weekend when their fans were involved in violent clashes with opposition supporters.

Slovakia top the group on three points ahead of Wales on goal difference. The Welsh take on England in Lens today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Chile beat Panama 4-2 to book Copa quarter-finals place EDUARDO Vargas and Alexis Sanchez fired Chile through to the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals in a thrilling clash with Panama, despite Claudio Bravo’s best efforts.

The Barcelona goalkeeper and Chile captain made two horrendous errors for Miguel Camargo and Abdiel Arroyo’s goals, but was helped out by his team’s forwards, who finally showed up in this tournament.

Sanchez and Vargas are the first Chile strikers to score at this Copa, netting two each at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with the only previous scorers Jose Fuenzalida and Arturo Vida Chile displayed fragility at the back but their typical swashbuckling vim going forward was too much for Panama to handle.

Alexis Sanchez celebrates his goal for Chile as they beat Panama 4-2 to reach the Copa America last eight. smashed a low strike towards The minnows were miss- starting in spectacular fash- Bravo’s near post, from over ing four of their best players, ion, with Miguel Camargo 25 yards out.

The Barcelona goalkeepwith Blas Perez, Armando pushing them ahead after just er and Chile captain should Cooper, Anibal Godoy and five minutes. have kept it out but only Felipe Baloy all suspended.

After Gonzalo Jara gave managed to push it into his It didn’t stop them from the ball away the midfielder

own net.

Chile responded well though, and 10 minutes later they were level. Sanchez wriggled away from his marker and fired towards the far corner, but Jaime Penedo made a good save from his effort, with the ball spilling to Vargas.

The Hoffenheim striker was sharp and fired home from close range, before adding another just before the interval.

Chile had been frustrated

by Penedo, who made some fine saves from Vidal and Sanchez, before eventually Vargas managed to beat him again.

This time Jean Beausejour carved out a perfect cross from the left and Vargas headed home to send Chile ahead.

Panama came out flying in the second half and Arroyo smashed a strike just

wide of Bravo’s far post as they looked for an equaliser.

But it was Chile who got the next goal, with Vargas turning provider, flighting a ball across the box for Sanchez to volley home spectacularly, rocketing his strike past the helpless Penedo.

Panama pressed, determined to go down swinging at least, and they did just that. Gabriel Torres zipped past a man then fired a crossshot wide, before seeing Bravo block his close-range strike.

The goalkeeper then made another atrocious error when Arroyo’s angled header into the ground, from a flicked-on free-kick, bounced up and surprised him, with Bravo batting the ball behind him, then into his net as he tried to claw it out.

That turned the heat up on Chile, but Sanchez cooled the situation by heading home late on from Jose Fuenzalida’s cross, to send his team through to a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with Mexico.

Argentina beat Bolivia to secure top spot in Group D ARGENTINA brushed aside Bolivia 3-0 to finish as Copa America Group D winners on Tuesday night.

Erik Lamela, Ezequiel Lavezzi and defender Victor Cuesta were all on target in the first half before the second became a training exercise for the Albiceleste.

Argentina’s 10 goals in the group stage equalled the

record for the competition, in its centenary edition, and they will face surprise package Venezuela in their quarterfinal in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Argentina were on the front foot from the outset and took the lead in the 13th minute when Edward Zenteno crudely brought down Lavezzi and Lame-

la’s free kick went in via a deflection off Yasmani Duk in the wall.

And almost immediately it was 2-0 when, from Facundo Roncaglia’s cross, Gonzalo Higuain’s header was only parried and Lavezzi pounced right-footed.

Duk was forced off with a bizarre injury when teammate Luis Gutierrez robust-

ly blocked Roncaglia and he clashed heads with the Bolivia frontman, who was replaced by Diego Bejarano.

Half an hour elapsed before the crowd began chanting for Lionel Messi, who was left on the bench, though they broke off to cheer a third goal when Bolivia failed to clear a setpiece and Lavezzi’s cross-

shot was diverted in by Cuesta for his first international goal.

Bolivia keeper Carlos Lampe saved from Higuain in first-half stoppage time.

Messi was introduced at the break but Bolivia’s Jhasmani Campos tried to steal his thunder by going for goal directly from the kickoff, his side’s first attempt.

Messi whipped a free kick just wide, nutmegged Lampe having been flagged offside and then shot just over from long range with the keeper off his line, but the match had long since dissolved into an exhibition.

Argentina finished, having had 82 percent of possession, completing 757 passes to Bolivia’s 61.

India crush woeful Zimbabwe for series sweep

(REUTERS) - Unbeaten half- centuries from Lokesh Rahul and debutant Faiz Fazal earned India a clean sweep of their three-match One-Day International series in Zimbabwe after a crushing 10-wicket victory yesterday.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat at the Harare Sports Club but their woeful form continued as they were bundled out for 123 in 42.2 overs.

India made light work of their reply and blasted

Faiz Fazal marks debut with unbeaten half-century

their way to their victory target from 21.5 overs as Rahul (63 from 70 balls) and Fazal (55 from 61 balls) pummelled the bowling.

Zimbabwe sacked experienced coach Dav Whatmore on the eve of the series and have since been trounced by an under-strength Indian side, who have won their three matches by eight, nine and now 10 wickets.

Zimbabwe’s top score with the bat in the series was 168 in the first game,

and only four players managed double-figures on yesterday as Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah returned career-best figures of four for 22 in his 10 overs.

Vu s i S i b a n d a w a s top-scorer for the hosts for the second match running with 38 and for the second time in as many games middle-order blaster Elton Chigumbura got a first-ball duck.

The teams will now play a three-match Twenty20 series in Harare starting on Saturday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

France strike late to beat Albania and go through

By Mitch Phillips MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - A 90th-minute header by substitute striker Antoine Griezmann and a stoppage-time special

by Dimitri Payet secured France a heartstopping 2-0 win over Albania yesterday that sent the hosts through as the first team into the last-16 of Euro 2016.

France had struggled to make any impression on a determined Albanian defence and as the clock ticked into the last minute neither team had managed a single shot on target - though both had hit a post.

France had needed an 89th-minute Payet goal to beat Romania in their first game and it was even later this time when centre back Adil Rami swung in a hopeful cross that Griezmann guided expertly home.

The 67 000 Stade Velodrome crowd - minus 20 000 stunned Albanians - erupted in a wave of noise, which was repeated five minutes later when Payet cut inside to smash in the second.

With six points France are guaranteed to finish in the top two of Group A, with Switzerland, on four points after drawing with Romania earlier, favourites to join them in the knockout phase.

Once the euphoria of the moment had elapsed, Payet was able to take a broad view. “It would be good if we could avoid that type of crazy scenario,” he said after picking up his second successive man-of-the-match award.

France’s Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring their first goal.

(Reuters/Eddie Keogh) “What we have to do is start matches the way we started the second half. With Paul (Pogba) and Griezou (Griezmann) coming on and a different system, it worked a lot better.”

It needed to.

France were hesitant and risk-averse in a forgettable first half as the ploy of using the speed of Kingsley Coman and Anthony Martial out wide failed to come off.

Albania, desperate to make their mark in their first major tournament after an early red card scuppered their chances in their opening game against Switzerland, defended with gusto and almost went ahead early in the second half when French full back Bacary Sagna bundled the ball against

his own post.

With the halftime introduction of Pogba and then Griezmann, France eventually got moving as Olivier Giroud sent a header wide then thumped another against a post.

However, with Albania taking every opportunity to slow the game - half the team taking it in turns to go down with cramp - it was looking as if France were going to have to settle for a point.

Griezmann, however, who had a fantastic season for Atletico Madrid, showed Giroud how to connect with a header, with Payet capping another enterprising display by adding the icing after a quick-fire break.

Relieved France coach

Didier Deschamps accepted his original approach had not worked but was pleased that the tactical switches paid off.

“We didn’t do enough in the first half but the second half was a lot better,” he said.

“The players who came on made a difference. We are not stuck with one format we can switch things, we had a much better balance in the second half.

“The big teams here are having problems. There are no easy opponents, as you could see again tonight.”

That was certainly true of Albania, who grew in confidence as the night went on.

“We didn’t just defend we had clear-cut chances,” said their coach Gianni De Biasi. “But if you don’t score, you don’t win.”

CBC referees named for U-16 championships

THE referees that will officiate the games at the 2016 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Championships for Men and Women have been announced.

Twelve referees, inclusive of 10 males and 2 females, come from nine countries across the FIBA Americas continental zone. They range in age from 29 to 49 (average age of 36.4) and have between two and eleven years of experience as FIBA referees (average of 6.8 years).

... Selection spans 9 countries The nominations on the male side of the tournament include Referee Manager: Mr Geraldo Miguel Fontana (FIBA) and commissioners: Mr Frederick Brown (Bahamas), Mr Ian Lawson Yearwood (Cayman Islands).

The referees are Gilbert Bognot (U.S. Virgin Islands), Gregory Ferdinand Hamilton (Cayman Islands), Jennifer Nakeisha Joseph Hackett (Barbados), Jose Antonio De Maria

Gomez (Panama), Kendell Christopher Henry (U.S Virgin Islands).

Also nominated were Lefred Gaitor (Bahamas), Michael McLawrence Peniston (St Vincent), Mr Nathanael Andy Charles (Trinidad & Tobago), Norval Alfanscio Young (British Virgin Islands), Rene Batson (Barbados), Sherwin William Henry (Guyana) and Terez Verona Conliffe (Bahamas).

On the female side: Referee Manager: Mr Geraldo Miguel Fontana (FIBA), commissioners: Mr Frederick Brown (Bahamas), Mr Ian Lawson Yearwood (Cayman Islands).

The referees remain the same from the male side with the exception of Rene Batson (Barbados) The CBC U-16 Championships will take place from July 4 to 9 for Men in Georgetown, Guyana, while the Women’s event will be staged from July 12 to 16.

GCC, Hikers record LUCOZADE hockey wins on opening night CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday June 16, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Alvin Kallicharran (2) 13 Today’s Quiz: (1) In which Tri-Nations game one player was ‘run out’ for 98 and another, on the opposing side, was ‘run out’ for 92?

(2) How many ODI centuries South Africa’s Hashim Amla has scored to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

BOTH GCC and Hikers sides recorded wins on Tuesday in the opening evening of the Guyana Hockey Board-organised LUCOZADE Indoor Hockey Tournament at the National Gymnasium.

The first match between Bounty’s GCC and the Old Fort Knockers showed real promise initially, but ended up being a one-sided affair in favour of GCC. The final tally was 20-0 and critics say that this was attributed to the Knockers playing without a goalie. The stars for the winning team were National junior player Daniel Hooper (7 goals) and Kevin Spencer (6).

Hooper scored 4 of the 7

goals at halftime and that set the Knockers back on their heels. However, rumour has it that the Old Fort Knockers are not swayed, and are ready for battle again.

The second contest saw the Old Fort Stallions face up against the Hikers. The Hikers managed to clinch a 7-5 win but the Stallions showed that they were no pushovers, despite not having a goalkeeper as well. Hikers captain Robert France opened the scoring in the 4th minute and Aroydy Brandford netted a double in the 11th and 12th minutes.

Old Fort’s Aderemi Simon responded to the Hikers’ lead

with a FG (field goal) in the 18th minute, but Hikers’ Andrew Stuart then netted a PC (penalty corner) in the 20th minute, just before the halftime buzzer, bringing the score to 4-1.

In the second half, Chris Low-Khan of the Stallions came out with fervour and scored a double in the 22nd and 25th minutes bringing the game to 4-3.

National junior player Andrew Stuart then netted his second goal at 32 minutes coming in the form of a PS (penalty stroke).

However, Old Fort’s Asokfu Simon made sure the game stayed within striking dis-

tance by scoring a 35th minute FG to end scores to 5-4.

Just when patrons were on the edges of the seats with half-bitten finger nails, Randy Hope of the Hikers put the final gap between the teams after netting his double in the 36th and 38th minutes, respectively.

Aderemi Simon’s second goal on the buzzer came only as a mere consolation since the Hikers were already standing proud at the game’s end.

The LUCOZADE League action continues tomorrow with Saints Men vs GCC Vintage and GCC Pitbulls versus Hikers Men. The first game begins at 17:00hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 16, 2016

Big wins for President’s College, St Rose’s in YBG quarters ST Rose’s High, Marian Academy, the Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) and President’s College (PC) have all reached the semi-finals of the National Schools Basketball Festival, Georgetown and East Coast Regionals.

The games continued on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with St Rose’s High defeating Tutorial High by 40 points in a game which finished 73-33.

Shamar Huntley had 15 points, four rebounds and four steals and Leon Ross had 10 points and six rebounds as the main cast for the winning team while Dequan Manning registered 18 points and five rebounds for Tutorial in a losing effort.

The Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) beat Bishops’ High 51-40 behind a 16-point effort by Nathan Saul who was

supported by Kelvin Griffith and Roger John who turned in 12 points, 8 rebounds and 8 points, 11 rebounds respectively.

As usual Timothy Thompson stood alone for Bishops’ with a poor performance by his standards with nine points and

eight rebounds.

In a highly anticipated game Marian Academy crushed Plaisance Academy 50-38 with Jonathan Mangra recording 15 points and six rebounds in the win while CBC U-16 Select Jordan Alphonso supported with 10 points and

THE bids for the preparatory work on the site for the FIFA Goal Project were opened yesterday at the Boardroom of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in the presence of a representative each from the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).

While four bidders were shortlisted, only two companies in Courtney Benn Construction, and Dwain Ferdinand and Home Designs and

Engineering Associates submitted bids.

This paves the way for an evaluation committee to commence the evaluation of bids and submit a report to the executive committee.

This process is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2016 when the successful bidder will be publicly announced.

The Goal Project will be situated in Providence, East Bank Demerara, following the acquisition of a 30-year lease

of 8.5 acres of land from the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

This will provide a FIFA-approved home for the Federation, which will, among others things, facilitate the national team’s training sessions and host international matches.

GTI Roger John throws down dunk.

Two companies submit bids for GFF Goal Project

Guyoil Father’s Day 50-mile cycle road race set for Sunday THE Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club in collaboration with Guyoil will stage the 17th annual Father’s Day 50-mile cycle road race on Sunday in the West Demerara area.

According to coordinator of the event, Hassan Mohamed, the event will wheel off from in front the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara, proceed to Schoonord where the cyclists will make a left turn into the village and circle the main road before exiting on the West Demerara public road and journey to Uitvlugt before turning back to finish at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, a distance of 50 miles.

The first six overall finishers will be rewarded for their efforts as will the top three finishers in each of the following categories; Juniors, Juveniles, Veterans Under-50 years Ladies.

The first cyclist over 60 years of age will also be rewarded.

The defending champion of the event is Team Evolution’s Orville Hinds who completed the distance in one hour 55 minutes 50 seconds.

Jamal John is the defending champion of the Juniors while Junior Niles won the Veterans’ category last year.

Deeraj Garbarran won the Boys’ 12-14 years category and Toshwana Doris won the Ladies’ category.

seven rebounds while Akili Haynes netted nine points.

For Plaisance Academy, Andrew Johnson registered 19 points and three steals in a losing effort.

In what was a hard-fought battle, President’s College edged St Stanislaus College

41-38. Kadeem Peterkin topscored with 11 points while Jaleel Duke scored 10 points and Akeem Crandon six points and 12 rebounds.

Travis Belgrave stood alone with 26 points and 13 rebounds for St. Stanislaus.

In the Boys’ Under-14 quarterfinals, Marian Academy demolished Tutorial High in a game which finnished 55-19. Jether Harris, 17 points, Corey Graham 14 points and 10 rebounds and Tyrese James, six points and six rebounds led the Marian side to victory.

For Tutorial High, Jaden Moses scored 10 points and grabbed four rebounds.

Registering the biggest winning margin of the night was President’s College who blew away Plaisance Secondary 50-5. Lamon Friday scored 15 points, four rebounds and four steals while Akinyelle Derrell recorded eight points, eight rebounds and five steals.

For Plaisance Secondary, Ishmael Chapman was the lone scorer with all five points and four rebounds.

In the only closely contested match of the Under-14 quarter finals, St Stanislaus College bettered Bishops’ High 15-11. Jarell Troyer scored seven points and three rebounds in the win while Timothy Richmond scored six points and had three steals for Bishops’ High.

In the final fixture, St Rose’s High won by a walkover when Queen’s College failed to show up.

The tournament is sponsored by Digicel Guyana, Edward B. Beharry (Champion) and Company Ltd and Banks DIH LTD (Powerade).

The NSBF Regionals’ semi-finals and finals will be contested in all divisions on June 25 and 26 respectively at the same venue.

Rawlston Adams, GFF’s Second vice-president, opens bid in the presence of representatives from NSC, GOA and the bidding companies.

National female U-19 squad continue intense training

By Rajiv Bisnauth

AS part of their preparation for the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) regional Under-19 T20 competition, the national female Under-19 cricket squad continued their intense training yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, under head coach Julian Moore.

The tournament in billed for June 22 to 25 in the Twin Island Republic, and is organised by four territories interested in developing their young female cricketers.

The other participating teams are hosts Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Windward Islands.

Currently 22 players were selected and are part of a six-day encampment

Assistant coach/manager, Devita Gobin (centre) is seen with national female Under-19 cricket squad as they are about to commence training yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground. which commenced last Monday at the Guyana Cricket Board’s Training Facility at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara.

At the end of the camp on Saturday the squad will be cut to 14 members and

will leave Guyana on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, at the conclusion of training yesterday, Moore told this publication that turf practice remains a major setback.

However, Moore indi-

cated that the players are making full use of the LBI indoor facility.

Moore is being assisted by coach Michael Hyles while Devita Gobin has been appointed assistant coach/manager of the team.

Two companies submit bids for GFF Goal Project See story on page 27

Tahir’s seven-for blitz spins out Windies after Amla’s 110

Player of the Match Imran Tahir became the fastest South African to 100 ODI wickets during his 7 for 45. See story on page 24

Green Machine plotting ‘revenge’ against Trinidad

Rugby team manager Robbie Roberts sits with coach Lawrence Adonis, GRFU president Peter Green and senior player Avery Corbin. (Stephan Sookram photo) See story on page 24 Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Hashim Amla scored his 23rd ODI hundred and brought up 1,000 runs in the format against West Indies.

Decision yet to be made on CPL final

THE location of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is yet to be finalized with Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Guyana all still in contention to host the event.

It had previously been announced that Guyana had secured the rights to host the final months ago, however, it was later reported that Trinidad have intervened at a late stage in an attempt to secure the event.

All three teams have now submitted bids to host the final, which will take place on August 7. Trinbago Knight Riders Colin Borde remains optimistic that the twin island republic will secure the rights to host the event.

“From what we have heard things are coming along,” Borde said.

“Certainly we don’t know the end result just yet, we are hoping obviously from a Trinidad and Tobago point of view that we get it,” he added.

“It was brilliant last year for those who were here.

The atmosphere is perfect in Trinidad but certainly the negotiations have been continuing and we are hoping it will come here; if it does even better for TT.”(Sportsmax. com) THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016