Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 16 11 2016

COP22 in Morocco …

Pres Granger ups calls for 5 climate financing Page

No. 104737

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2016

Price: $80

Bandit shot dead (VAT Inclusive)

… suspect held, large cache of stolen items, guns found at wanted man’s home

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Brazilians seek land to plant rice, soya beans 9

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The large group of Brazilian investors who have expressed interest in doing business in Guyana (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

CoI report hammers GNBA chair Page

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... says Craig failed to act, self-serving

Five rescued from TIP ring Page

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PM urges 4 respect for human rights Page

… assails Venezuela’s aggression at World Chief Justices confab

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Five rescued from TIP ring …suspected female trafficker faces charges

FOLLOWING receipt of a tip-off about the whereabouts of a missing person who was said to be a TIP victim, the Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit of the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP) organized an impromptu

raid in the Omai mining area of Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) last Friday at about 16:00 hrs, and five alleged victims of human trafficking (TIP) were rescued in that operation.

A female perpetrator of TIP who has been wanted

by the police is now facing charges.

The C-TIP unit comprised officials of the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GG&MC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and the Community Policing Group of Linden.

The missing person -the only adult among the victims -- is one of four females who were rescued by the team. One alleged male victim had no iden-

tification document, and claimed to be underage, the MoSP said in a statement. Three of the alleged victims were reintegrated with their families, while the other two remain under the protection of the MoSP, and are assisting investigators.

The female perpetrator who was hiding from police was netted in the raid, and made her first appearance in a city court on Monday. She was remanded to prison until November 18.

Investigations have revealed that the fourth victim, a 15-year-old, is an alleged victim of human trafficking, since the two required elements of human trafficking as stipulated in the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005 are present in the statement.

The Omai Mine is one of the largest gold mines in Guyana. A GG&MC source has said that all current business operations in the once-thriving mining area are illegal.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

CoI report hammers GNBA chair … says Craig failed to act, self-serving LEONARD CRAIG, Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), has been found wanting in the performance of his duties by the Board of Inquiry estab-

Chairman of the GNBA, Leonard Craig lished by President David Granger to ascertain the veracity of allegations of corruption and misconduct made against two directors of that entity.

The inquiry has also chided the chairman for publicising the accusations to serve his own purposes.

The Board of Inquiry, chaired by Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh, has found that the GNBA

Chairman failed to act in accordance with established procedures, regulations and protocols.

Kenwin Charles, Essequibo cable broadcaster of Northwest TV Inc, had alleged that GNBA Directors Anthony Vieira and Vic Insanally had tried to improperly force him to stop doing business on the Essequibo Coast.

Charles’s allegations were made public via a press statement issued by Craig.

The charge by Charles was denied by both directors, and resulted in Vieira, the former owner of VCT Channel 28, accusing Charles of attempting to tarnish his reputation. He said, too, that he and Insanally explained to Charles that his service was illegal, and that he needed to stop transmitting and apply to the body to have it regularised.

Vi e i r a a n d I n s a n a l ly have also demanded an apology and compensation from Craig for comments they deemed defamatory.

Through their attorneys at the Satram and Satram law firm, the directors argued that Charles is an unlicensed operator, and a board committee had decided to meet with such operators and seek to regularise their operations.

The two directors said the allegation raised by Charles was not brought to their attention for a response at the last board meeting, and Craig’s repetition of the allegations made by Charles was malicious and was calculated to bring them into public hatred, contempt, and ridicule.

“There is no truth in the published allegations made by Mr. Charles, who is operating illegally and is in no position to sell his operation. You (Craig) are directly responsible for the circulation of these false allegations, which will be deemed to have originated from you,” the directors contended.

ALLOWED TO FESTER The Inquiry also found See page 8

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Bandit shot dead

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

… suspect held, large cache of stolen items, guns found at wanted man’s home

By Jeune Vankerick A PERSON suspected to be a bandit has been fatally shot during a confrontation with police early on Tuesday morning, and another has been arrested following a major police operation conducted in the West Canje area of Region Six (East Berbice/ C’tyne).

An assortment of stolen articles and guns has also been recovered at the home of a wanted criminal, who has been on the run since 2011.

Theman man waswhen shot The waswho shot dead dead responded lost his life police to awhen reportpolice of responded to aat report larceny of sheep Vryheidof larceny ofWest sheep at Vryheid VilVillage, Canje.

Following lage, West Canje.

Following that encounter, police were led to that encounter, police were the home of Raymond La Fleur, a led to the home of Raymond convicted murderer who has been Lathe Fleur, a convicted murderon run since 2011, when he er who has been on the run escaped from the New Amsterdam since 2011, when he escaped Prison. There they arrested a man from the New Amsterdam and seized a number of items Prison. There they arrested a suspected to have been stolen, as man and seized a number of well as a firearm. items suspected to have been stolen, as well as a firearm.

Uptoto evening, Up latelate last last evening, the the body theman, deadofman, of body of theof dead African Africanremained descent, remained descent, unidentified at identified at the Home Arokium the Arokium Funeral in Funeral Home Police, in New New Amsterdam. in aAmsterdam,said and in a statement, the police, unidentified statement, saida loaded the unidentimale had drawn firearm fied male drawn a loaded at ranks whohad were responding to a firearm report of at ranks who were responding to a report of

larceny of sheep ongoing at a farmhouse at Lochaber Village, West Canje, Berbice at about 06:20hrs.

Investigations have revealed that on November 12, 2016, a cattle and livestock farmer from Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice reported that a flock of 29 sheep

The unidentified dead bandit was stolen from his ranch at Calabash Creek, East Canje.

Based on information received, the victim and three police ranks, one armed with a service weapon, proceeded on Tuesday morning to a location at Lochaber Village, West Canje, where the victim positively identified twelve of his sheep tied at the back of a farmhouse.

The ranks then proceeded towards the entrance of the farmhouse, and were immediately confronted by a male who rushed into the house, armed himself with a handgun, and attempted to shoot the armed policeman who had followed him indoors.

The rank discharged his firearm several times at the suspect, and he fell. He was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at Arokium Funeral Home, awaiting identification prior to a post mortem being done.

An unlicensed silver-coloured Taurus pistol and six live matching rounds were retrieved.

The house was searched and the following articles were found: One Plum phone, two silver finger rings, one silver chain, one Compaq laptop computer and several electronic gadgets. The first four items were positively identified by one Ravendra Bipram, 27 years, of Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice as his property. He was allegedly robbed at gunpoint on November 11, 2016 at about 19:30h by a male fitting the description of the deceased. This had occurred on the Smythfield Access Road in New Amsterdam, Berbice, where the robber had brandished a silver handgun and had discharged a round in his direction.

The farmhouse is allegedly owned by La Fleur, whom police described as a known convict who lives at Mount Sinai, Greater New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Police said a team of ranks consequently went to La Fleur’s Mount Sinai home and arrested 28-year-

These were all taken into custody, but La Fleur was not at home.

Van Lewin reportedly told police ranks that he had attended a function the night before and had gone to La Fleur’s residence to rest.

Commander Adonis told Guyana Chronicle that the

Two Taurus weapons were recovered from the suspected dead bandit’s home old Mark Van Lewin of Sand Hills, Berbice River after an unlicensed Taurus pistol with ten (10) live matching rounds was found on his person.

The house was searched and the following articles were found: one (1) laptop computer, seven (7) cellular phones, a pair of binoculars, two (2) motor cycles, a motor car and a lighting plant.

men, including the deceased, were part of a criminal network headed by La Fleur, which will be destroyed.

Police are inviting members of the public who were recently victims of robberies and breakages in New Amsterdam, Berbice to visit the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam in an effort to identify property

that was stolen and recently recovered by the police.

UNMARKED VEHICLES Meanwhile, recounting details of the police operations, residents said they had observed several marked and unmarked police vehicles in the area just after 06:00hrs, and heard gunshots shortly afterwards.

They said they were prevented from going close to the scene, but they observed the slain man’s body being wrapped in a sheet. Further, residents said the deceased was a stranger to the community, and was observed in the community about a week or so before his death.

La Fleur was one of four prisoners who escaped from the New Amsterdam Prison back in June 2011. A convicted felon, La Fleur had been charged with murder only a few days before he escaped. Known as Rickford Williams, La Fleur had been in jail for drug trafficking when he allegedly murdered another inmate, one Cleto, at the New Amsterdam Prison. He has a number of matters before the court, including robbery, possession of arms and ammunition, and throwing marijuana over the prison wall.

High-seas piracy hits five-year low –– thanks to collaboration between Guyana, Suriname law enforcement

JOINT exercises involving Guyana and Suriname law enforcement authorities have paid off tremendously, in that just one instance of piracy has been reported so far for the year.

That’s according to Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, who reported on Monday that the figure at reference is a significant improvement on what obtained in the last five years, with 2012 alone having as many as 22 reported cases of local fishermen being attacked while trawling in the open waters off Guyana.

Addressing a forum to launch the police Christmas Policing Plan at Eve Leary, Blanhum said since the resuscitation of the anti-piracy task force, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has embarked on a number of counter-piracy initiatives, one of which is the deployment of what is called a floating patrol base.

And, in order to cement closer ties with Surinamese law enforcement, Blanhum said

members of the GPF earlier this year paid a visit to neighbouring Dutch colony to discuss important issues relating to crimes affecting both countries, inclusive of piracy.

The Guyana delegation, he said, included himself, Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud; Assistant Commissioner ‘Operations’, Christopher Griffith; Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Dale Alves; Head of Special Branch, Lindon Denny; and Commander of ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commissioner, Ian Amsterdam.

That of Suriname comprised Commissioner Agnes Daniels, and Commander of the District of Nickerie, Widejai Kumar Oedit, along with twelve other senior police officers.

Among issues discussed by the two sides was the sharing of information/intelligence and other assistance regarding organised crime, inclusive of drug and human trafficking, money laundering, as well as piracy.

As a result of that meeting,

Blanhum said, a number of decisions were taken to enhance collaboration between the two police organisations, one of which was the establishment of points of contact to pursue specific matters. Another was that they would meet annually, and that each country would take turns in hosting that meeting.

Blanhum said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the relationship with Suriname which is testimony in the arrest and handing over of the notorious fugitive and drug baron, Barry Dataram.

Back in June, five men accused of high-seas piracy, were charged with murder.

The men are accused of murdering Hemchand Sukdeo, 46, a father of five of No. 55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice during an act of piracy.

The pirates, all fishermen and from the Corentyne, are Ramchan Latchman, 23, a father of two of Number 65 Village; Ganesh Naidoo, 41, of Number 71 Village; Ramesh Singh, aged 53 and a father of two of Liverpool Village;

Stephen Leon Leacock, 19, of Number 77 Village; and Leon Sammy, 29, father of one of Number 75 Village.

They’re all accused of committing the dastardly act between May 27 and 28 on the Corentyne River.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

PM urges respect for human rights … assails Venezuela’s aggression at World Chief Justices confab

ANY challenge to the 1899 Arbitral Award must be settled by juridical means and not by military intervention, threats and bullyism, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said as he addressed the World Conference of Chief Justices and Judges in India.

Guyana, a country with an area of 83,000 square miles, faces many challenges, but the greatest of them is the security of its territory from Venezuela, Prime Nagamootoo told the world leaders. Venezuela is claiming five-eights of Guyana.

“We firmly believe that our borders have been defined and settled under Treaty that goes back to 1899, and any challenge to it must be settled by juridical means, not by military intervention, threats and bullyism,” the Prime Minister said.

He said that, for this reason, binding judicial decisions are needed in addition to strict enforcement of international law, to curb aggression.

The Prime Minister delivered his address in the presence of Founder and Convenor of International Conference of Chief Justices of the World, Dr. Jagdish Gandhi.

Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana, Justice Carl Singh; Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Lady Jugnauth; former Presidents of the Republics of South Africa, Mauritius, Croatia and Sudan were among the officials present.

In acknowledging Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, Prime Minister Nagamootoo recalled that he was just 14 years old when he had joined the struggle for the country’s independence -– spending almost three decades fighting for “majority rule and restoration of democracy in Guyana through free and fair elections.”

“My fight was against many violations of law and justice; but here, in Lucknow (India), the fight is for some specific goals, primarily world peace,” he told his esteemed audience.

He said that while much has been said about the consequences of wars and violence, similar emphasis should be placed on the local or native sources of conflicts and violence, such as corruption by

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public officials, meagre allocations for social sectors, the plunder of natural and national resources, destruction of our environment, denial of human rights, subversion of the free press, and interference with the judiciary.

“It is my submission that many governments that could potentially become

diversity of plants, animals and eco-systems.”

In Guyana, he said, significant steps have been taken in the protection of children and women. It was pointed out that Guyanese benefit from a free public education from nursery to university, where, at the level of the university, students are able to access

“Only this year we passed legislation to establish a Public Procurement Commission that will review the procedures, processes and practices in the award of contracts for public works and services. We are ending the unacceptable practice where Government Ministers approved contracts, which had become a source

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Sita Nagamootoo, at the 17th International Conference of the Chief Justices of the World. members of a ‘world parliament’ or ‘world government’ are guilty of crimes against their own peoples. Therefore I urge that the fight for peace should be taken to national governments: to get them to walk the talk about freedom and security for their peoples, including children, which is the essence of domestic peace,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo stated.

THE MEANING OF PEACE He added: “At the world level, if peace means the preservation of our planet Earth, then it presupposes not only the absence of war, but the cessation of the destruction of our ecosystems; the unmitigated pollution of our atmosphere; the reversal of climate change; the combating of the narco-trade, trafficking in persons, and other serious problems that have been identified at this Conference.”

He said Guyana is fully committed to these goals, embedded in Article 36 of the Constitution of Guyana, which states that the wellbeing of the nation depends on “preserving clean air, fertile soils, pure water and the rich

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loans with a payback period of 15 years.

It was noted, too, that children in early childhood and education access free meals, books, and uniforms. “Buses, boats and bicycles are being made available to transport school children. And in order to boost education, a television Learning Channel was set up and all teachers are provided free lap tops to held kick-start ICT education in our schools,” the Prime Minister added.

Gender equality, with equal pay for equal work, is another concept being fostered in Guyana, he said.

“One-third of Parliamentarians and Ministers are women; Most of our magistrates and judges are women.

In fact, the positions of Chief Justice, Solicitor General and Director of Public Prosecutions are filled by women,” he further pointed out.

The country, he explained, is sparing no effort in its attempt to guard itself against acts of terrorism and corruption. He noted that legislative measures are being put in place, such as the enforcement of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act of 2016.

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of cronyism, corruption, and bribery,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said as he referred to actions being taken to combat corruption in the country.

Environment and issues linked to Climate Change are also key on the country’s agenda he said, while noting that there is a current push to generate a green economy.

The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to applaud the Founder and Convener of the Conference, Dr. Gandhi, for his progressive and pioneering vision and work. “…the world owes him gratitude for his consistent and unwavering advocacy of a new peaceful world order based on the Rule of Law,” he said.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said Dr. Gandhi reminds him of another visionary – Cheddi Jagan, late President of Guyana, whose Resolution for a new human global order has been adopted by the United Nations.

He said Jagan’s global order was premised on cuts in military expenditures and redistribution of funds for the socio-economic and ecological advancement of developing countries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

COP22 in Morocco…

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Pres Granger ups calls for climate financing, support for small States PRESIDENT David Granger has supported the call for increased climate financing, particularly for adaptation, and based on vulnerabilities of countries and not their economies measured by their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Head of State made these remarks, during his address at the High Level Session (HLS) of the 22nd Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 22) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in Morocco.

He said that as a small state, Guyana has made conditional and unconditional commitments to contribute to achieving this goal of reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment. “Guyana calls for consideration to be given to the particular vulnerabilities of Small Island developing states and low-lying coastal states, especially those of the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Ocean… Guyana supports global partnerships in order to ensure implementable actions to keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius… We support the appeal of small states for partnerships to realise their respective Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),” the President told world leaders.

Guyana, being the seventeenth state to deposit its instrument of ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change, to the United Nations plans to honour its obligations through the development and implementation of a comprehensive Emissions Reduction Programme. This programme will see the establishment of a ‘Green State’, characterised by a low-emission pathway by economic development, conservation of an additional two million hectares of territory and preservation of the country’s rainforests in order to contribute to 48.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, to the global climate mitigation effort through avoided deforestation.

In addition, President Granger informed of Guyana’s decision to position itself to move more quick-

ly towards full renewable energy use by 2025 and to protect its biodiversity and ecosystems and partner with other countries to establish an international institute specialising in education and research in biodiversity. King of the Kingdom of Morocco and host of COP22, H.M. King Mohammed VI’s led the call for tangible change and financing to support the implementation and advancement of the Paris Agreement.

He said, “I urge all parties to work on translating our commitment to the values of justice and solidarity into actions, by providing the countries of the South, especially the least developed, as well as insular states, with such urgent financial and technical support as will enhance their capacities and enable them to adapt to climate change [and] advanced countries honouring their commitments and mobilising $100 billion at least, by 2020, which was the key to the Paris Agreement.”

Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, while noting that the current International Nationally Determined Contributions will not get the world out of the danger zone advanced that progress is critical to the safety and security of many of the most vulnerable in the world.

“The mechanisms within the Paris Agreement to continuously raise ambition based on the best available science [are] critically important. We need to get on a global emissions pathway that limits warming this century to well below two degrees Celsius and as close down to 1.5. This means that global emissions need to peak by 2020 and decline rapidly from then on. 2015 was the warmest year on record. This year is virtually certain to be even hotter. Today, more than 150 million people live on land that could be submerged – or suffer chronic flooding – within this century, possibly causing massive waves of migration and instability. The choices we make today and in the coming decades could lock in catastrophic climate impacts for thousands of years to come.

President François Hollande of France, seeming to reference questions about the policy position of the incoming United States’ ad-

ministration, called for respect for the commitment made at COP21. He said, “I salute the commitment of Barack Obama, which was crucial for agreement in Paris, particularly in the context of those that were taken with China. It is essential that the United States, the leading economic power and the world’s second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, respect the commitments that have been made. It is their interest that of the population, which is hit by climate disturbances, is the US companies that are engaged in the transition.”

President of the United Nations’ General Assembly (UNGA), Mr. Peter Thompson noted that defining a clear roadmap for meeting the $100 billion target by 2020 is critical. He said, “To achieve the scale of transformation needed, much more needs to be done, including through the mobilisation of resources from a broad range of investments, and from public, private, blended and alternative sources. Balancing financial support to both mitigation and adaptation efforts are critical, particularly to enhance developing countries’ resilience to the impacts of climate change, including the loss of life and infrastructure, to address loss and damage, and to improve disaster risk reduction.”

M r. S a l a h e d d i n e Mezouar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco and the President of COP22 called on the leaders, who attended the meeting to clearly define direction for the success of the Paris Agreement. “Today we need to highlight the models of Innovations that are transforming all the economies of the world. The world looks at us and asks us for clarity on initiatives,” he said. The Paris Agreement was aimed at limiting the emission of greenhouse gases. It represented a collective global effort to safeguard the environment and secure a better life for future generations.

Guyana is one of a few countries, which are net carbon sinks. Its rainforests cover more than 85 percent of its land space.

Those rainforests sequester more carbon than the country’s human activities generate. (Ministry of the Presidency)

President David Granger and Minister of Finance Mr. Winston Jordan participating in the High Level Segment (HLS) of the Twenty-Second Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Immediately behind the President is Head of the Department of the Environment, Mrs. Ndibi Schwiers-Ceres

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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

IT should not be seen as credit to Guyana for having the longest Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in the world. This programme, which started under the Desmond Hoyte administration in 1989, has seen our economic plans determined by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. In fact, the decisions as to how the State can pay government workers is determined in Washington not Georgetown.

President David Granger in his address to the Guyana Trades Union Congress’ 4th Triennial Conference last Thursday reiterated to the workers and nation that his administration is pursuing a green economy. What this is confirming is the Government’s intent to bring an end to a programme that has outlived its usefulness.

The green economy as adumbrated internationally speaks of a policy that is premised on three pillars- Sustainable Development, Environment and Labour Policies.

The GTUC’s conference theme, “Labour Policies- a prerequisite in the creation of a green economy” suggests from the trade union’s focus and the president’s address that a synergy is being established between the two stakeholders in pursuit of this economic model. This augurs well for national growth and development.

Whereas the SAP measures growth and development using the Gross Domestic Product, the green economy measures same using the Human Development Index with the ultimate aim of eliminating poverty.

Moving from one model to the other where the measurement tools are dissimilar means that the time has come for bold decision-making in abandoning the SAP. Equally, it requires bold decision-making in putting the structures in place for the realisation of the green economy.

In the Social Partner relationship, where the other partner is the employer, though this group has yet to speak out definitively on the green economy, Government could invite the business sector/employers and Labour to start the process. The meeting of minds will give the three partners opportunity to crystallise what the green economy means for Guyana and the role each stakeholder has to play in ensuring the benefits to be derived for all.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 16, 2016

OP-ED

Safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed oceans

By Jernej Videtič Head of EU Delegation in Guyana

OCEANS are our lifeblood; our living standards, our economy, even our health depends on them. Oceans are fundamental to the very essence of life: they absorb 25% of the world’s CO2 and produce 70% of the oxygen we breathe. A billion people depend on seafood as the main source of protein. Algae are used in products from cosmetics to medicine. 90% of the world’s trade is seaborne.

Energy from the oceans keeps our lights on and our homes warm.

Yet, all is not well. Pressures from climate change and marine pollution are putting our oceans under severe stress. Fish stocks are being depleted because of illegal fishing. Over 10 million tonnes of litter enter the ocean every year – and every single plastic bottle takes centuries to decompose. International waters risk becoming safe havens for criminal activity, whether it’s piracy, human trafficking, smuggling or illegal fishing.

It is time to stop taking our oceans for granted, and start taking better care of this precious resource.

We all share a responsibility to keep our oceans healthy. Action is needed at a global level to stop destroying precious and delicate eco-systems that have taken millions of years to

form.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 include a goal, SDG 14, on conserving and sustainably using the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources. And the European Union is tackling this challenge head on. This week, we launched an initiative to improve the management of the world’s oceans.

Over the past year, we have taken a close look at where the European Union can lead the way. The result is an agenda for the future of our oceans: a to-do list of measures we can take to ensure better managed oceans around the world.

The goal? To ensure that our oceans are safe, clean, secure, and sustainably managed by taking action in three priority areas: First, improving the institutional framework for managing the world’s oceans. Two-thirds of the oceans lie beyond the reach of national law. While the international rules framework itself goes a long way, the sheer vastness of the oceans means enforcement can be weak and patchy.

We want to strengthen the rule of law at sea, and we want fair rules that work for all -- large countries and small. This means convincing more of our partners to sign up to existing treaties and instruments, and closing legal gaps – making sure everybody sticks to the agreed rules. It means working together with our partners

A mechanism available to the Government is to work towards the Social Compact/Contract which President Granger, since during his leadership in the Opposition, has been trying to steer the nation towards as an important tool in development. On the 10th June, 2015 in his address to the opening of the 11th Parliament he offered commitment that “We will wage war against poverty under a social compact characterised by an inclusionary process. Such an approach would boost national confidence and allow for the mobilisation of the material and human resources needed for the tasks at hand.” In an address to the Rotary Club in February this year, the president reiterated the interest in the nation pursuing this compact.

In the circumstances where a social compact is deemed essential to the war against poverty, the Government may see utility in advancing the process to invite

to make oceans safer and more secure, free from piracy or human trafficking, maritime accidents and environmental disasters.

Second: reducing the effects of human pressure on the oceans and creating conditions for a sustainable blue economy. We want to use our oceans for economic gain, but without destroying them in the process.

Today, 15% of fish are caught illegally in a global industry worth billions.

The European Union already monitors vessels and allows only traceable fisheries products to enter the European market. But there is more we can do, for instance using big data monitoring technologies, or strengthening the role of international control and enforcement agencies in detecting illegal fishing. In the race against unchecked global – and ocean – warming, we will seek joint international action to mitigate climate change: to protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems which play a vital role in trapping CO2.

The European Union has committed itself to setting aside substantial parts of its waters – 10% by 2020 – as protected ocean parks. Through twinning projects, research funds and exchange of best practices, we will push to expand such marine reserves worldwide.

And we will fight pollution and the “sea of

plastic” by updating the rules on waste disposal for vessels, by adopting a new strategy on plastics in 2017, and by seeking global partnerships to identify and implement effective strategies against both plastic litter and micro-plastics.

Third: we plan to invest in ocean science. If we want to take effective and sustainable action, we need to improve what we know about the oceans. Developing international scientific partnerships is one way to do so. Collaborative EU initiatives, like a network of scientific data systems, have been great successes.

Our next aim is to create a worldwide marine data network that is open to all.

Today, a large proportion of the seabed remains unmapped, meaning we know less than we could.

These proposals are not just an action plan for the European Union; they are an open invitation to our partners around the world, including Guyana.

The EU will be hosting the 2017 edition of the international “Our Ocean” conference in Malta in October next year. This will be an excellent opportunity for the global ocean community to come together, take stock of where we stand, and commit to ensuring that the world’s oceans are safe, clean, secure and sustainably managed – and how we tackle the challenges ahead.

the other stakeholders for engagement. The approach in working towards a compact stands to realise two goals: creating the green economy and reducing poverty, while the second will be the development of an indigenous programme that will bring an end to the SAP. 50 years of independence must see Guyanese not only engaging in merriment, having broken the yoke of bondage of far distance power, but by now should have realised greater economic independence. Being in the SAP, while it came as a result of shifting economic focus in response to economic downturn-that was influenced by internal and external factors and forces- it was never intended to have an independent nation tied to the dictates of foreign financial forces.

There is nothing wrong with Guyana that cannot be made right by Guyanese in the presence of determination and application of ingenuity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 16, 2016

NDC shuts down Mon Repos Market - so vendors can ‘clean up their act’ THE Mon Repos Market has been shut down for a week due to the illegal disposal of garbage in and around the market, particularly by some vendors who sell meat and fish at the East Coast Demerara facility.

Overseer at the Lusignan/Mon Repos Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Mr Parsram Ramkissoon told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday

used for vending, especially ‘wild meat’ for which that particular location is famed.

The nauseating stench of rotting garbage, particularly the head and intestines of fish and unused parts of other animals, is noticeable from as afar off as Agriculture Road, located almost a block away.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the area Tuesday, the stench was almost unbearable, yet for

suffered, she said.

“Oh God! Meh cyan tek this smell, baby! Dis t’ing get meh sick, sick, sick!” she said, adding: “Dis place suh stink it mekkin yuh upset... Yesterday, whole day meh vomit.”

She noted that while the strewing of garbage has been going on for years, it has now become so overbearing that the stench is affecting even persons passing the area in vehicles.

At the Mon Repos Market Tarmac yesterday that even though the Council has contracted the services of Cevon’s Waste Management to collect garbage there, persons still persist in indiscriminately disposing of their refuse at nights.

Garbage is dumped on the roadways in the vicinity of the bank, the taxi park and along the tarmac across the way from the market proper, which is also

all this, the place was a hive of activity because, as one stallholder observed, “We have to make a living; we got to survive.”

A HEALTH HAZARD One woman who operates a store and lives just behind the tarmac, where all the ‘wild meat’ is sold, said her business has suffered tremendously because of the stench. Even her health has

And what is even more perplexing, she said, is that one is forced to put up with this inconvenience in silence. “Yuh cyan talk! Dem a cuss yuh!”

The stench got so bad over the weekend that seven-year-old Yusuf Hack has been vomiting since Sunday. His mother said because she had to go out urgently, she’d left him with his uncle at a meat stand at

the tarmac for the day. He fell sick shortly after, and hasn’t been able to attend school ever since. “Like he pick up some bacteria and he ah vomit,” his mom said.

FINANCIAL LOSS Most of the vendors

complained of the financial loss they have suffered over the years because of the stench. One man who sells mutton, chicken and duck said he has lost many a customer, as they all believe that his meat cannot be healthy given the environment in which he’s operating.

“Dem corking dem nose and saying, ‘Ah wha stink suh?’ And when me seh, ‘Aunty, is garbage,’ dem seh, ‘Boy, watch, I cyan buy.’ Suh, I losing sale.”

He said all day Monday and up to around 14:00hrs on Tuesday, he had not made a sale.

Another meat vendor expressed anger and disgust at the situation, and suggested that those who are culpable be must be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, some fish vendors, upon whom most of the blame is cast, said

sons who cleaning the market suppose to collect the garbage but they’re not.”

She explained that the NDC has closed the market since Monday, ostensibly to accommodate rehabilitation, so fish vendors now have to sell on the tarmac.

However, the NDC Overseer disputes this, saying that the reason the market has been closed is because

Oh yeah? Who cares? they are paying daily rentals to the NDC, and expect the council to clean the area properly, even if they pile their garbage on the tarmac and roadways.

One said that she, too, is fed up with the unhealthy conditions under which they are forced to ply their trade, but feels they do their part every day.

“We washing we stand; we putting we garbage in bag. We putting we garbage one place,” she said. “It means, then, that the per-

of the stench and the illegal disposal of garbage by the vendors.

“They dumping all over the place, and what the Council do is they took a decision to close the market for the week; so they gon do a general clean up,” he said.

But the fish vendor made an important point, in that the garbage is not picked up in a timely manner; that it is only picked up once a week, and that is on Sundays.

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BUDGET 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

– early presentation, efficient execution

ON Monday, November 28th Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan will present his third budget in 18 months. It will follow Budget 2015 which was a four-month budget, covering September to December for that year and the 2016 budget. Thus far Minister Jordan has presented to the National Assembly budgets totaling $551BILLION ($221B in 2015 + $230B in 2016).

The themes for both the 2015 and the 2016 budget presentations focused on setting the foundation for the attainment of the good life for Guyanese. On August 10th, 2015, Minister Jordan laid out the government’s economic vision in a presentation themed ‘A fresh approach to the good life in a green economy’ and followed this up on January 29th, 2016 with a full 12-month economic forecast, which he titled ‘Restoring growth, stimulating confidence: the good life beckons”.

The themes are indicative of an approach of strategic economic planning geared towards achieving the Coalition Government’s manifesto commitment of a good life for all Guyanese.

He then followed up five months later by anchoring Budget 2016 in five pillars – National Unity, National Infrastructure, National Institutions, National Security and Public Services. Described by the Stabroek News as having “an ambitious public infrastructure programme as the centerpiece,” Budget 2016 indeed focused heavily on national infrastructure, the second of the five stated pillars.

meet the needs of the country and our regional and international partners,” Jordan summarised.

The Finance Minister noted that national and regional food security mandated that the Guyanese agricultural sector diversify into non-traditional crops and that new agricultural lands in non-flood prone areas be opened up. “The promotion of non-traditional agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing, alongside the commodities that have traditionally dominated our agricultural landscape, must bear fruit in coming years.

The Government, therefore, remains committed to the promotion of agricultural diversification initiatives, while also restoring the competitiveness of the traditional agricultural sectors.”

It would not be unreasonable therefore for the Guyanese public to expect, in the budget presentation for the coming year that the Minister will further advance the Coalition Government’s vision for the agricultural sector even as the sugar industry, a historical foreign earning heavyweight continues to present a burden to the national coffers which had seen increases in revenue collection.

Minister Jordan reported in January of this year that for 2015, tax revenue totaled $142.9BILLION, an increase of some 5.2% over 2014. This, he explained, was principally driven by personal income taxes collected which rose by 11.1% while noting that there was a “low (level) of compliance by self-employed individuals (which) continued to be the main factor why this category lags behind other areas of income tax collection.”

The movement of the personal income tax threshold to $55,000 per month is widely known and heralded as was the minister’s piloting of the movement of the minimum wage from $39,540 in May 2015 to $55,000 where it currently stands. Equally commended were measures to increase the electricity rebates and lowering of fuel prices.

These gave considerable economic relief to the working class.

AGRICULTURAL SECTOR It however committed $20.3BILLION to the agricultural sector, which the minister earnestly spoke to at length. “Guyana’s vision for agriculture by 2020 is to promote the sector as a wealth generator and entrepreneurial enterprise, producing food and non-food commodities to

BOLD MEASURES Overall the Minister demonstrated no aversion to bold and progressive measures. Minister Jordan underpinned his thinking in this regard with a quote from Jesse Owens, the trailblazing American athlete who said, “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into

VISION 2020 In his maiden presentation Minister Jordan, presented the ‘Vision 2020’ plan which, he outlined, “Is a reflection of our Government’s confidence in our people to function with a One Nation mindset and build this great land of ours to the benefit of all of us. It envisions sustainable socio-economic development, good governance and human safety within a green economy.”

reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” The Minister’s determination shone through in measures, such as the ones addressing the importation of used tyres and vehicles into Guyana. It took guts to present these measures which, though initially somewhat controversial, have been vindicated with a mountain of substantiating evidence relating to improved safety and better long term investments in newer vehicles and tyres versus older, less efficient ones.

EDUCATION INITIATIVES Both budgets 2015 and 2016 heavily favoured education initiatives in an effort to strengthen the education system to allow our young people to benefit from a high quality of nursery, primary, secondary and subsidised tertiary education. This investment in our people and more specifically, the future of our young people is captured in another quote which Minister Jordan alluded to in 2015.

It was from the turn of the 20th Century American sociologist, historian and civil rights activist W.E.B Du Bois, “now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.”

Two Mondays from today, Minister Jordan will plant the third plank of the Coalition Government’s economic vision for Guyana as we continue to advance steadily towards the good life for all Guyanese in this season of preparation and foundation building. An early start, with a presentation in November, well before the Christmas holidays will certainly allow for a more efficient execution starting January 2017.

CoI report hammers GNBA ...

From page 2

that Craig “allowed the situation to fester (in order) to serve his own purposes.” According to the report, which was submitted to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at the end of October and was seen by the Guyana Chronicle, Craig, though in receipt of both oral and written allegations by Charles, failed to establish the facts.

He also “failed to convene a meeting of the Board to deliberate on the matter; failed to observe the protocol relating to disclosures to the media; publicized without any preliminary investigation the allegations of Mr. Charles.

As a result of the GNBA Chairman’s

actions, the Board of Inquiry found that he allowed the media to highlight the allegations by identifying both Vieira and Insanally as the directors against whom the accusations were made, and that amounted to Craig impugning their characters.

On August 26, 2016, Charles, at a meeting for which the Board had given approval, alleged that Vieira and Insanally demanded that his business -Northwest TV Inc. -- be relocated from the Essequibo Coast to somewhere in the Mahaica/Berbice area.

“He further alleged that Director Vieira has indicated to him that he (would) not issue two cable licences in

the same region, but in the same Berbice area there was already a cable operator named Carib Atlantic,” the report stated.

Additionally, it was alleged that Director Vieira “bullied and demanded” that Craig take his offer; and according to the complainant, he was given no chance to speak and explain himself unless he agreed to relocate to Berbice.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who has direct responsibility for the broadcast sector, has expressed much disappointment with the performance of the board. He told Guyana Chronicle recently that instead of getting down to its work, the board’s minutes were being leaked and its work stymied.

The Board of Inquiry was appointed on October 4, 2016 on the direction of President David Granger following media reports arising from allegations made by Charles against directors of the GNBA. As such, the Board was required to investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations, determine the veracity of Mr Charles’s allegations contained in statements, and make recommendations to improve transparency and efficiency at the GNBA. Twelve interviews were conducted with all stakeholders before the findings and recommendations were submitted to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

Brazilians seek land to plant rice, soya beans

By Shirley Thomas

A HIGH-LEVEL mission from the State of Roraima in Brazil is currently in Guyana meeting with Government officials with a view to exploring opportunities for investment here and for the IDB launch of a marketing study on the

groups represented.”

Meanwhile, relative to their interest in trade and investment here, the mission yesterday met with Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Mr. Owen Verway, at a meeting convened at the Brazilian Embassy on Church Street.

Addressing reporters at the embassy following the meeting, the GO-Invest CEO stated: “Their (the mission’s) primary interest here is that they are looking for lands; lands on a large scale for rice and for soya beans, mainly because on a scalability it has to be at that level for them to be efficient and for them to

The investment meeting with GO-Invest CEO Mr. Owen Verwey in progress yesterday Guyana/Brazil Road.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, First Secretary and Head of Trade Promotion of the Brazilian Embassy in Georgetown, Counsellor Ronaldo Vieira, has said the mission comprises three big groups: The Government of Roraima, the Parliamentarians of Roraima, and the Business sector.

Counsellor Vieira said: “The people who are here today are discussing the possibility of investment; possibility of trade promotion, and also importing things from Guyana. We are doing some survey, and there are three big

compete on the world market with prices.”

Verway said that during the discussions, most of the questions asked were about how to acquire lands; the amount of lands available; the types and suitability of land; the process to establish a business in Guyana; the process by which lands can be repossessed, and the security of lands for investors in Guyana.

The team was also apprised of incentives for investors, among other things.

With them appearing largely enthusiastic about what had come out of the discussions, the CEO said it does seem very likely that the mission would be here again in the near future, and that there would be more negotiations in looking at the opportunities here.

“This is just an advance or pre-feasibility measure.

They are also looking to talk to existing players in

Head of Trade and Promotion at the local Brazilian Embassy, Ronaldo Vieira, making a point at the investment meeting yesterday (Cullen Nelson photos)

Seven detained for alleged murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt SEVEN persons were on Tuesday detained in connection with the death of Faiyaz Narinedatt, a young father of two whose lifeless body was, on November 1, found on the Number 70 Public Road in Upper Corentyne, Berbice.

These persons are being questioned by ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from Georgetown.

Police had initially labelled the case a ‘hit and run’ accident, but Narinedatt’s Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt

relatives have always been adamant that his death was staged by persons known to them. After numerous appeals for justice and calls for an independent investigation to be mounted with ranks from outside of Berbice, the police have decided to take a second look into the case, and the family has expressed relief in this regard.

Police divisional commander Kevin Adonis has confirmed that, based on investigations, several persons have been detained for

questioning and are being grilled by CID ranks from Georgetown, who have now taken over the investigation.

Commander Adonis also met on Friday with Narinedatt’s family members, and a source has confirmed that the police have managed to get from an eyewitness a statement giving details of the matter. This statement has reportedly corroborated the family’s account of events that led to the alleged murder of Narinedatt.

Chief Executive Officer of GO-Invest, Mr. Owen Verwey, addressing the visiting Brazilian delegation at the Brazilian Embassy yesterday the agricultural industry to determine what partnership opportunities are available.

But it does seem as though they are interested in Government of Guyana opening up new lands in the various locations,” Verway said.

During those discussions with the CEO of Go-Invest, an energy-related subject was broached, with the Brazilians wanting to know of the potential for alternative energy mainly. While being primarily focused on solar, with limited interest in the area of wind and hydro-power, they seemed keen on knowing the

potential for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Government of Guyana.

On an optimistic note, the CEO responded: “A framework is in development, and should be available very soon, so that there is potential. Definitely, there is potential for players to come and operate within that industry.”

A power purchase agreement (PPA), or electricity power agreement, is a contract between two parties -- one which generates electricity (the seller) and one which is looking to purchase electricity (buyer).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

Discussing racism, bias

By Akola Thompson

LIKE many Guyanese and other nationalities around the world, the U.S elections brought things such as bigotry, racism and sexism into sharper focus for me.

Ye s , I h a v e s e e n some of these same traits among leaders in our country’, in cases such as Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo with his Queens, New York speech; former PPP/C Information Liaison

Kwame McCoy regarding allegations of child solicitation; and Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, comments of an alleged child rape case by labelling it as “a family matter”.

But I think we, as a people, (but I will speak for myself) tend to not realise the enormity of our own problems at home, until some seemingly progressive nations show us their problems. So I want to examine the concept of race relations here in

Guyana, and the politics which surround it; because, above all else, the U.S. election taught me something about race that I never really saw before.

I like to call this phenomenon the “third dimension of racism”, or, as it is often succinctly put, “implicit bias”. To be clear (because many have a habit of misconstruing my words), I am not suggesting that racism was the sole reason behind the Trump win.

I am not even suggest-

ing that things such as homophobia and Islamophobia were behind it. While these things did add to it, largely, I believe his win was prompted by a people who were tired of the establishment they had; a people who were tired of political correctness, and who were tired of the little the Obama administration did for them.

THREE DIMENSIONS This theory purports the idea that there are basically three dimensions to racism, with the first being active racism, which sees one not wanting to eat from the same plate as another ethnicity or tolerate their presence in the same room, and things like that.

The second would be those who know they are racist but try to tone this down in the presence of people; unless, of course, they are in the presence of other racist friends.

Then, finally, there is the third dimension in which the racism is so latent that persons do not even know it exists. It is not something they actively think about unless it is pointed out to them; and it is for this exact reason that I find third dimension persons more dangerous.

With the other two, one has something to work with -- one is able to reason and challenge opposing viewpoints because we know their position. But with those twice removed, there is really nothing one can fight.

Their racism has become so embedded into the fabric of their lives that while they can scoff at the idea of racists, they don’t see

how opposing the marriage of a child to their partner, or how forming beliefs about someone based on ethnicity, constitutes racism.

The depth of this phenomenon was realised when, in trying to make sense of it all, I began reading dozens of articles and blog posts of those who would have voted for Trump. These persons were not what one thinks of when they think of a Trump supporter; they were intelligent people with strong, reasonable points.

It is one of the problems I think the U.S has, and it is definitely a problem Guyana has.

Those articles brought to mind a recent visit to No.1 Canal on the West Bank of Demerara. I was doing a research project, so in trying to get as much data as possible, I spoke to several people.

The more people I talked to, however, a prevailing theme began to show itself. Let me be clear: These people were exceptionally nice; they offered fruits, drink and food, and were very conversational and open.

However, while it was not the focus of the research, the issue of race came up several times, to which they all seemed to proudly declare their neutrality; but in their careless speech, another truth was told.

ANOTHER TRUTH Here were people who spent their entire lives in one place, and who, despite having interactions, formed no real bonds with people of other races. While they did not complain about a lot, they men-

tioned how the integration of races close by had managed to cause a breakdown in the social order of things in and around their community.

I could understand their concerns, even if those concerns were not necessarily rooted in fact, because I knew that they believed what they were saying was true, and it bothered them.

One of the problems I think we, particularly us liberals, have is painting everyone with the same brush. When someone has an opposing viewpoint, we are quick to label them as bigoted, transphobic or backward, without giving their views much thought.

This, of course, does not solve anything; all it does is make us feel as if we are the only progressive ones out there, and it further alienates us from conservatives and those whose implicit biases are unknown to them.

Race is, in itself, a sensitive topic; and given its sensitivity, many do not want to address it, due to the fear they may unintentionally offend some group or the other.

As I look back at that now, I wonder what my implicit biases are, and how I can even begin to change something that I have become conditioned to believe but not recognise. I wonder how it is that one can even begin to challenge long-held notions of race relations and beliefs that are stereotypical and oppressive without throwing the blanket term of racism out there; because often this just stilts the conversation when what we need is dialogue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

Texila Providence campus to be completed by yearend

CONSTRUCTION of a new state-of-the-art campus for Texila American University (TAU) is due to be completed by the end of this year, a senior official of the institution has said.

Texila is investing a sum of US$20M to build a new campus, hostel and hospital.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday Vice-President of International Relations at the TAU, Ashok Kumar, noted that the TAU will be spending a total of US$20M on a threephased investment project to develop the University’s own campus, hostels and hospital in Guyana.

This, he highlighted, is “a huge investment” into Guyana’s education sector.

Last year, it was reported that the TAU had embarked upon constructing a University Campus in Guyana at Block 2442, Plantation Providence.

Kumar said this campus is likely to be completed before the end of this year and in addition to catering for some 1600 students, the campus will be outfitted with state-ofthe-art medical labs and other facilities. And for the construction of this facility, Kumar estimated that about US$11M will be spent.

This university will also seek to be accredited

by the National Accreditation committee and later the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). Kumar also disclosed that after the campus is completed, the University will then seek to build “hostels” to accommodate some of the international students who are students of the university.

He also disclosed that some money will also be used for the creation recreational facilities (such as an auditorium and sports centre) within the campus. “What we are trying to do is to give our students the best overall

experience with us,” the Vice-President noted. He also estimated that the cost of both the hostels and recreational facilities will be about US$3M. Also within this investment project in Guyana, will be the construction of a hospital which will serve the community as well as the rest of Guyana. He said that about US$6M is expected to be used for the construction and establishment of this 150-bed hospital.

While unable to pronounce a definitive date for the commencement of construction of this hospital, Kumar did disclose that once phases one and two of the project are completed,

the construction of this hospital will begin soon after. He said too, the hospital will not be a specific speciality hospital as per say. “We will have some of the (speciality) facilities, but not all, he said. He disclosed that diabetic care will be one of the specialities provided however.

The Texila American University is part of a global conglomerate, Texila American University Limited, Hong Kong (TAU-HK), which also owns Texila Education Management Services (TEMS), USA; Texila Global Consulting Services, United Arab Emirates; and SAKSHI Education and Consulting and

Training Limited in India.

The university began operations in Guyana in 2010 with a class of seven students at the Critchlow Labour College, Woodford Avenue, Georgetown, before moving to establish a campus at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, due to a growing student population. Today the university accommodates some 600 students with the student population growing on an average of some 150 students each year.

Students studying locally also do clinical rotation at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Berbice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

Top Cop backs limiting gun licences … says about 10,000 legal guns in the system

By Ariana Gordon POLICE Commissioner Seelall Persaud has backed calls for the issuance of limited firearm licences here, arguing that there is evidence of less gun crimes in societies that have refrained from issuing gun licences to private citizens.

He pointed to China, where he said no private person is allowed to have a firearm licence; and he also cited the United Kingdom, where the issuance of gun licences is very limited.

Citing the United States as a diametrically contrasting society that has enshrined in its constitution the right to carry firearms, the Top Cop said: “So, in the societies where there are less licensed firearms, there are less gun crimes; and that has been the trend.”

The Police Chief’s comments, made during an interview with the Ministry of the Presidency’s Press and Publicity Unit last week, also support similar obser-

vations made by President David Granger. Gun crimes have soared here in recent months, and the authorities have been trying to figure out ways to control the situation.

Disclosing that approximately 10,000 legal firearm licences are in the system, Persaud asserted that licences are not granted on a will-nilly basis. He said thorough checks are done by the Force, along with some level of scrutiny from the Ministry of Public Security.

GUN FOR SHOW But even as the Police Commissioner made it clear that serious crimes here have in fact declined, he noted that many persons apply for firearm licences not for security purposes, but for status.

“In Guyana, a lot of people who apply for firearms apply because firearms give them a social status. It doesn’t give them a higher sense of security, because, 95 per cent of the time,

when a licensed firearm holder is attacked by a thief, his gun is stolen.”

Persaud attributed the holder’s inability to use guns to the lack of training, or to their not being security conscious and therefore being surprised by an attacker. He noted that, in many countries, firearm holders are killed with their own firearms.

A local security firm is currently being investigated for allegedly “renting” its guns to unlicensed persons. One such incident has allegedly resulted in the rented firearm being used in a murder.

Persaud said: “We have information that security companies that are inherent to business entities are involved in unlawful purposes. Right now we have a murder investigation going on, and one of the lines of enquiry is that a licensed firearm holder for a number of firearms for his security company is renting those guns to persons who are not authorised to carry firearms;

and one such incident (has) resulted in the murder of a person — which we are investigating.”

Persaud also said: “We have heard about this happening in many other instances, and the Commissioner of Police is authorised under the Private Security Act to conduct audits. We have been doing that; however, I think we would need to provide more resources into it, so that we can do these audits more frequently and spontaneously, so that we get evidence of what is happening.”

The Police Commissioner noted: “If the evidence -- and I think from my readings so far it is showing -- that societies with less guns have less gun crimes, it means we won’t be an exception.”

The Police Chief said that if such a system (less licences issued for firearms) were to be employed here, then the country may very well see less gun crimes being committed.

Disclosing that his office

sees hundreds of firearm licence applications monthly, Persaud stressed: “It is more of that social status thing than security. All of those (firearms) can get into the wrong hands, or can be in the hands of someone at the wrong moment.”

President Granger has made it clear that his administration intends to see less guns on the streets by limiting the issuance of firearm licences to private persons.

On his weekly televised programme, ‘The Public Interest’, earlier this month, the President said he believes weapons should be used by law enforcement agencies, and not private citizens. He said, too, that there are licensed holders of firearms who rent their weapons to criminals, and as such, efforts are in train to curb such activities.

“So we would like to see fewer weapons in the hands of private citizens; it is my personal view that weapons should be used by law enforcement agencies -– the Guyana Police Force and

the Guyana Defence Force,” the President said.

President Granger said continuing efforts are being employed to detect persons entering Guyana with illegal firearms, and a plethora of measures will be implemented. The President said he is not oblivious to the fact that Guyana’s problem is its 1100km border shared with Brazil, one of the largest producers and exporters of arms in the world.

Like the Police Commissioner, President Granger said a number of illegal firearms in circulation here have been traced to Brazil.

“So we will, in the fullness of time, reduce the issuance of legal firearms by enforcing stricter border control through aerial surveillance, through mounted police, and eventually through drones.”

At the end of last month, the Guyana Police Force recorded a 17 per cent reduction in serious crimes. However, over the past month, there have been several armed robberies across the country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

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Body of man found on Lamaha Street

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

Police ranks awaiting arrival of the hearse to remove the body from next to the Lamaha Street canal THE lifeless body of a man thought to be a destitute was discovered Tuesday morning in the parking lot of 704 Sports Bar, Lamaha St, Georgetown.

The body, which appeared fresh, was clad in shorts next to the canal.

The body appeared to have no marks of violence.

Residents in the area said

they did not pay attention to the body since they knew vagrants would randomly sleep in the area.

Police said that investigations are being conducted into the circumstances surrounding the death of the man. A post-mortem examination is to be conducted shortly and the body is at the Lyken’s Funeral Home.

Gun crimes soar in ‘A’ Division – Crime Chief

BETWEEN January 1st to October 31st, 2016 ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) has recorded 64% of all gun robberies, according to statistics revealed Monday by Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum.

Blanhum was addressing a forum to launch the police Christmas Policing Plan at Eve Leary. According to the statistics this year 383 reported cases of gun robberies occurred on the streets, this figure superseded previous years, 2012 being the lowest with 188 cases. For the same period 41% of the arms seized were pistols while 30% of these guns originated from Brazil and 26% from the United States.

On the issue of solving crimes, Blanhum said the main challenges the police force faces in their operations surround the reluctance of witnesses to attend ID parades and giving statements; insufficient consideration for arrangements in establishment and operations of business, lack of cooperation to facilitate extraction Crime Chief of CCTV crime footage Wendell Blanhum and the poor quality of images retrieved from crime scenes and citizens not securing their homes and buildings properly.

Further, Blanhum added that police corruption, lack of public trust and porous borders also facilitate crimes.

Meanwhile, the Crime Chief said the police force has solved a number of cold cases, but perhaps the most impacting of them all, was the murder of David Ramcharran, a little over 17 years ago at Seven Miles, Mahdia.

Thirty-eight year-old miner, Philbert Edwards confessed to murdering Ramcharran on May 03, 1999 reportedly over cigarettes. He also listed several other open cases that the police were able to close and prosecute.

However, statistics show that disorderly and domestic murders have continued to pose a problem. For this year, these two types of murders accounted for half of all the murders in the country. To avoid this, the Force is urging members of the community to be more vigilant and report street and rum shop brawls along with drug yard fights and cases of domestic abuse before they escalate and result in death.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

More than 3000 laptops for distribution across country

MORE than 3,000 teachers from Regions One, Three, Four and 10 are in line to receive laptops through the eGovernance programme, the Education Ministry said on Monday.

According to the ministry, in the coming weeks, distributions will continue with some 300 laptops set to be delivered to teachers in Region One; 1000 in Region Three; 1300 in

Region Four and 500 in Region 10.

Already over 5000 laptops have been distributed to teachers in Regions Two, Five, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine, in addition to those in Santa Rosa and Georgetown. Laptops were also given out to teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

Laptops, the ministry said, are being given to

teachers with a minimum of 2 to 3 years of service remaining (before retirement), trained Teachers (Assistant Master/Mistress), Senior Assistant Master/Mistress, Senior Master/Mistress, Heads of Departments, Deputy Head Masters/Mistresses, Head Masters/Mistresses, Untrained Graduates, Specialty Teachers and every teacher in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.

Additionally, teachers living and working in Karamat, Biaboo, Pomeroon River, and Bara Cara, Orealla, areas considered hinterland such as Kwakwani in Region 10 are also entitled.

The Information Communication Technology (ICT) Unit of the Ministry of Education, headed by Dr. Marcia Thomas, has assured that teachers will utilise the laptops from the inception noting that each system is preloaded with Circulars, Curriculum Guides, Phonics Packages and the like.

Additionally, the ministry has successfully trained 5,500 teachers in Basic Computer Literacy and 50 schools are running SuccessMaker successfully. It was noted too that some 180 Secondary School teachers competent to deliver CSEC syllabi – number of students writing subjects have tripled in 2 years, and 150 Primary schools have been trained in the use of low cost technology. “The policymakers within the

Education sector, recognizing that in order for the government to achieve its objectives, emphasis had to be placed on teacher professional development in the areas of ICT in education and looked at ways to contextualise and implement the process,” the Education Ministry said.

The distribution of

laptops and training, the Ministry emphasised, are in keeping with Government’s plan to equip educators the education delivery in the 21st Century.

The first batch of laptops was handed out last October by President David Granger in celebration of World Teachers’ Day.

Laptops have been delivered to teachers in the following Regions:

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

Bill to give Green PM’s pension coming

MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan will today table a Pension Bill to the Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs with the intention of securing benefits for Guyana’s former Prime Minister Hamilton Green.

The Prime Minister Hamilton Green Bill, which is Bill No. 23 of 2016, has been crafted to provide a pension, benefits and other facilities to Green to enable him to live in keeping with the high office he occupied.

Green served as Prime Minister of Guyana from 1985 to 1992 under the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration.

In March 1993, Green reportedly sued the People’s National Congress for violation of his constitutional rights when he was expelled from the party. Following this he formed his own party, Good and Green Guyana (GGG).

It was while campaigning under the Good and Green Guyana in the

Former Prime Minister and City Mayor Hamilton Green

1994 Local Government Elections that Green was elected Mayor of the City of Georgetown–a post he held up until March 18, 2016.

In the absence of a Government pension, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council last August passed a motion to have the services of the City Constabulary Department extended to Green. The motion was moved Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green and seconded by Councillor, Heston Bostwick at statutory meeting.

The councillors had said that until a package becomes available from government, they would want Green to benefit from the services of security guards at his residence. Chase-Green

said the former mayor served for 20 years in a succession and that his is a unique case. “At the end of this period, it will be up for discussion for any other mayor,” Chase-Green noted.

Bandit nabbed in high speed chase has links to BM Soat shooting POLICE have identified a possible suspect in the October 25, 2016 robbery and shooting of B.M. Soat manager Rameez Mohammed.

This suspect was identified after being held with three other suspects following an attempted robbery and high-speed chase in Georgetown on Monday.

Reports reveal that the 28-year-old Mohammed was leaving his office at B.M. Soat Auto Sales on Croal Street, Georgetown when he was accosted by a lone bandit. When the individual attempted to take Mohammed’s bag, which contained the day’s earnings, a scuffle ensued and the bandit pulled out a gun and shot him in the left thigh. The banRobbed and shot: dit then made good Rameez Mohammed his escape on a CG motorcycle ridden by an accomplice who had been waiting for him.

Last Monday, two policemen on a motorcycle chased down a “suspicious” car, and later arrested one of their former colleagues along with two other men after the vehicle in which they were travelling ended up in a ditch at Lamaha and Republic streets in Newtown, Georgetown.

Police recovered a 9mm Taurus pistol and 10 live rounds in the silver grey Toyota Premio which bore the fake registration number HB 7412. The original registration number of the car is HC 7294.

Police found a number of other fake number plates in the vehicle. The trio, two of whom are brothers, all hail from the East Coast of Demerara, police have said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

‘Win Christmas cash and groceries’ –– SOL launches Christmas Promotion

SOL Guyana Inc. launched its Christmas Promotion called “Win Christmas cash and groceries,” in which customers can win a grand prize of $500,000 alongside numerous weekly prizes and giveaways.

At the launch held on Monday at the Shell gas station on Regent and King Streets, Retail Sales Executive of SOL Guyana Inc., Renee Armstrong disclosed that the promotion will continue for 10 weeks until January 20.

Sol Inc., the licensed operator of the Shell Service Stations, has remained committed to giving back to its customers who supported the company throughout the year, Armstrong said.

“Christmas for us, is a time for giving back, and for our customers it’s their time to stock up with cash and groceries, which happen to be two of the main ingredients of a very merry Guyanese Christmas.”

On the promotion’s end in January, there will be a grand drawing where customers will be able to win the grand prize of $500,000, then second and third place prizes of $300,000 and $200,000. Weekly drawings of a $100,000 shopping spree at any selected supermarket

A lucky customer, Vickash Panday, receiving his winnings from the ‘Cash Machine’ in the SOL Christmas promotion and giveaways of kitchen appliances will also be done.

To be eligible for any of the giveaways, customers must purchase at least $3,000 in Shell V-Power or Shell Diesel.

Additionally, persons who spend $5,000 or more in

fuel will be able to win up to $100,000 in the ‘Cash Machine’ during weekly happy hours. During yesterday’s launch, one lucky customer, Vickash Panday, was able to score a trip into the cash machine where he managed to grab $15,500.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

Chinese Embassy street to be renamed Fuzhou Road

CHINESE Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin has asked to adopt the street on which sits the Chinese Embassy in Guyana and to have it renamed “Fuzhou Road” in honour of the great relationship between the cities of Georgetown and China’s Fuzhou.

The greenlight has already been given by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for the renaming of the street as Mayor Patricia Chase-Green yesterday announced that works have already started there.

Chase-Green was speaking at a simple ceremony that was organized at City Hall to receive a donation of 60 garbage receptacles from Ambassador Limin.

“The Chinese Ambassador has asked to adopt the street where the Chinese embassy is now and they have sent to us a draft of what that street should look like. Some works have already started - the

revetment of one side of that street – and it will continue on the other side with street lamps that are either solar panel or energy savers…and an arch. One of the model streets of Fuzhou will be an example of what will be there,” the Mayor informed.

In brief remarks, through a Chinese interpreter, the ambassador thanked the M&CC for its willingness to have the street remodeled and renamed.

He observed how Guyana and China have a long existing relationship since the first set of Chinese settled here more than 165 years ago. The two countries have, however been collaborating for the past 45 years and China has since been making steady donations to the country.

“I really appreciate the efforts to beautify and clean the city. The Chinese Embassy is also in the City of Georgetown and thanks to you we enjoy the clean

air and beautiful environment.”

Meanwhile, according to Solid Waste Management Director, Walter Narine, the garbage receptacles represent a timely donation as during the Christmas season, more waste than usual is generated.

The bins will be placed in the avenues in Georgetown, like on Camp Street, Thomas and East Streets, and on the seawall bandstand. “We have received many cries from residents for more receptacles to sustain the clean-up works we would have already done,” Narine noted.

He also disclosed that the municipality will be saving some $600,000 a day because of the donation, and that the receptacles will be cleared daily by his department.

Town Clerk, Royston King also attended the meeting yesterday, which was chaired by Councillor Junior Garrett.

Linden appoints new deputy town clerk

RETRIEVE resident Orleena Obermuller has been appointed Deputy Town Clerk of the Linden Municipality.

The 25-year-old, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and has working experience in the field of accounting, commenced serving the Linden Municipality on Monday.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she was motivated to apply for the position as she saw the need for accountability and transparency in the Council, in addition to the need to embark on projects to increase the Council’s income and thus liberate it from its cashstrapped state.

“I believe that with my qualifications and experience, I can bring some of these ideas to the table so that they can bring in more money, not just from rates and taxes, but from other means,” she said.

Obermuller has said that based on her trajectory, the

Council would be debtfree in the next five years, would have more professional staff, and would see revolution in the entire way in which the office is being

Orleena Obermuller managed.

“I want to move away from the traditional way of doing things…and moving towards the more IT sector,” she said.

The young woman is hoping to build a favourable relationship between the Mayor’s Office and the

Council, as she is cognizant that the only way to move forward is for all involved parties to do so together. She is currently reading Chapter 28:01 of the Guyana Constitution, so as to acquaint herself with the laws governing the municipality.

Obermuller is a former student of the Mackenzie High School, and besides being an executive member of the Linden Youth Leaders Organization, is a Sunday School leader of her church.

She describes herself as a quiet and simple individual who is determined to make a difference in her community.

Her appointment comes months after Town Clerk Janellor Bowen has been sent on administrative leave on the basis of inappropriate conduct; and Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland has said he is happy with the appointment of a young Lindener with whom the Council would work to develop Linden.

Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Limin (at left) hands over the garbage receptacles to Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Solid Waste Director, Walter Narine

Beware of those promotional scams –– GTT warns customers

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) is again warning the public against being duped by scammers claiming to have promotional phone or top-up cards for sale.

“Be Alert! GTT does not have any promotion which requires you to buy phone cards or top-up to win prizes. All such calls are scams; Say No!” Company Public Relations Officer, Nadia De Abreu warned Tuesday.

The company had earlier in the year sent out similar text messages to their clients stating, “Don’t be fooled! GTT does not have any back-to-school quiz or any other ‘promo’ requiring you to top up anyone’s phone to win prizes. Report calls to the police… Any such call is a scam.”

Reached by telephone yesterday, several persons admitted receiving calls from persons claiming to be representatives of GTT and to have won themselves a trip to the Kaieteur Falls, and that in order for one to participate in the process, they would need to send credit to a specific number.

Ms De Abreu said when such cases are reported, the company de-activates the delinquent numbers after investigations.

Guyanese across the country have been victims of the scam that has defrauded many of huge sums of cash as the wave of cell-phone scams continue.

One customer, who asked to remain anonymous, said her sister was called

early one morning and told that she was the winner of $600,000. The woman said that the person on the other end of the line, a man, indicated that in order to claim the prize, her sister would need to purchase $10,000 in credit and message

the number from the cards to a specific telephone number.

That done, the man said she would receive two messages; one to confirm that the credit was received, and another to provide a code to uplift the prize money.

The caller also asked for the woman’s national identification number.

Other victims reported that they also received calls from Digicel-assigned numbers and sold similar promotions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

West Dem. cops to tackle noise nuisance –– promise stepped-up traffic, anti-crime patrols

POLICE on the western shores of the Demerara River (‘D’ Division) have launched a new campaign against noise nuisance; and divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Leslie James, has promised

POLICE Commander of ‘D’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Leslie James robust enforcement of laws and relentless prosecution of lawbreakers.

A resident within the division who attended the Monday launching of this new campaign complained to the divisional commander that noise nuisance is one of the greatest challenges in his neighbourhood.

He said a man visits his neighbours with a bicycle that is equipped with a stereo set, the noise emanating therefrom being extremely loud and disturbing; and whenever he complains about it, he gets no satisfactory response.

Commander James, advising the man to contact the police at the next repeat of this occurrence, said it is known that vehicles -- especially public transportation minibuses -- play music that is not only loud, but contain lewd lyrics. He vowed to correct this situation, declaring that ‘D’ Division is taking a very serious stand about such “lawlessness.”

Police Inspector Chabinauth Singh, who is responsible for crime in the division, said the police have been successful in solving several crimes

on the West Bank of Demerara and the East Bank of Essequibo. He said that some 4376 grams of cannabis and 312 grams of cocaine have thus far been seized; and among other illegal items seized are: one 9mm pistol, one .32 pistol, and several rounds of ammunition. Moreover, 12 persons have been arrested and charged for those crimes.

Four wanted men have also been arrested and charged in connection with 14 counts of robbery-under-arms committed in Vreed-en-Hoop, and police have solved the murder of a man whose body was discovered earlier this year at the foreshore at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara.

Police have revealed an intention to combat crime in all areas, thus there will be day and night foot patrols by police officers, neighbourhood police ranks and community policing groups. Bicycle, motorcycle and mobile patrols will also be made, and there will be concentrated focus on crime hot spots and traffic black spots (which are geographic areas in which major criminal and traffic offences are committed).

There will also be increased marine patrols, particularly from Wales to Parika; monitoring of the Demerara Harbour Bridge; and collaboration through sharing of information with various police divisions and police headquarters.

Even as Guyana commemorates ‘Road Safety Month’, Traffic Commander Assistant Superintendent Forbes Browne has credited Operation Safeway for the reduction of major traffic crimes in ‘D’ Division. He has, however, said that thus far for 2016, some 124 persons have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, while 80 drivers have been charged with speeding and 100 others have been

charged with other traffic offences.

The main focus of the intensified police campaign is to reduce traffic accidents, Browne said, explaining that with massive road rehabilitation on the West Demerara, it is projected that speeding and reckless driv-

ing would be increased, possibly resulting in an increase in road accidents.

“Traffic control enforcement exercises will be intensified. Special arrangements will be put in place on Christmas Eve and Old Year’s Night to deal with traffic control and congestion,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Com-

mander James has said he is concerned with the building up of traffic, causing traffic jams along the West Demerara Public Road, even as vending along the parapet continues to be a major contributor to the congestion.

He said he understands that vendors have met with Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure,

Annette Ferguson, and agreed to be placed at an alternative business venue, but have asked for an extended stay even as the Christmas season approaches.

He said he has visited an area at Vreeden-Hoop that has been demarcated for the vendors, and is satisfied with its size.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 16, 2016

GAWU calls for transparency over future of Skeldon … believes grounds being ‘fertilized’ to sell factory THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has voiced its objection to reports of the Government’s plan to divest the Skeldon Sugar Factory; the union is calling for a transparent approach to this development.

GAWU had, in the past,

called for the temporary closure of this factory. The union noted in a statement on Tuesday that its representative on the Board of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is unaware of the plans put forward regarding this factory, and has expressed the view that the grounds are

being ‘fertilized’ to sell the Skeldon factory.

GuySuCo Board Chairman Dr. Clive Thomas was quoted last weekend in the Stabroek News as saying that the authorities have already spoken to potential buyers, and are awaiting the go-ahead from Government to continue

those discussions.

According to GAWU: “Neither has he been requested to express his view on these ‘options’. Apparently the Board’s name is being used to illustrate that consultation is taking place and a democratic procedure is followed”.

The union questioned whether all board members are aware of the proposal.

“Most certainly, the workers of Skeldon and their unions are left in the dark”, the union said.

In response to reports that Skeldon estate is in a “deplorable” state, GAWU has said that such reports carry no merit. The union pointed to GuySuCo’s 2015 Annual Report, which said that the Skeldon factory’s sugar production of 39,158 tonnes surpassed the 2014 actual production, and was the highest production since the new factory was commissioned in 2009.

GAWU said the report

GuySuCo Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas noted that the factory’s performance improved considerably, and questioned the maintenance of the factory overtime as a means to justify its proposed sale.

GAWU questioned GuySuCo’s move to engage Wartsila in the discussion regarding the future of the factory, “especially since its known area is power generation, and we are unaware of any track record of its credible knowledge with respect to sugar factories”.

It also called for a breakdown of the $12B sum which was mentioned as the money needed to fix the factory.

“GAWU does not support the divestment of the Skeldon factory and its rich and arable land – a part of our patrimony”, the union said. It said that the move must entail knowledgeable and responsible evaluators, consultations with the workers and their unions, as well as discussions involving the relevant agencies of the country.

GAWU pointed out that an important element to Skel-

GAWU President Komal Chand don’s success relates to the return of the co-generation plant and the adoption of an appropriate power purchase agreement (PPA), as was recommended by the commission of inquiry (CoI) and sent to be approved by the Government.

“But no action has been taken to return this important asset to GuySuCo for the past eighteen (18) months, yet another puzzling factor”, the union said.

GAWU has said that divestment of the Skeldon factory will have negative repercussions for the industry, the country, and relevant stakeholders, as it called for the move to be discontinued.

The Skeldon factory, touted to produce 110,000 tonnes of sugar annually, has been riddled with costly problems from the inception. The US$200M factory has been struggling to perform since its commissioning in August 2009, and has never being able to grind the promised 350 tonnes of cane per hour.

Instead, it has demonstrated that it can grind no more than 200 tonnes of cane per hour.

The factory was built under the previous administration as part of a wider plan to reverse the fortunes of the industry. Soon after its commissioning, GAWU had criticized the PPP Administration over the factory, as it called on the then Bharrat Jagdeo government to come clean on the operations of the factory.

In 2010, GAWU called for the closure of the factory until its defects were fixed, and noted at the time that its low annual production was far below its intended target.

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Wednesday November 16th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Thursday November 17th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Friday November 18th, 2016 - 08:30 hrs

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Trinidad and Tobago crowned ...

From back page became popular for its Honda Civic entrants.

Going into the final round, Luke Bhola was leading but slipped back to third with 135 points.

In Group Four, fight as he may, Guyanese Kristian Jeffrey, who returned to All Wheel Drive (AWD) glory with two wins on Sunday, could not impede Jamaican Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore’s title. Gore, over three rounds of action, amassed 163 points in the series while Jeffrey, had only 50.

On the Two Wheel Drive (2WD) end of things, the three-way battle involving Jamaican Peter Rae, Barbadian Mark Maloney and Trinidad’s Franklyn Boodram had pundits on their calculators, back and forth weighing the possibilities.

However, a flag-to-flag day for Maloney easily gifted him the title in the series - 173.5 points ahead of the Trinidadian (147) and Jamaican Rae (108).

The bright spot for

Guyanese, however, came through Matthew Vieira who copped that elusive title. Vieira, who returned after a tough crash on Friday, is testament to the fact that combined consistency can win titles and surely, the rest of his competition will be taking note.

His race-day may have been overshadowed by Team Mohammed’s Enterprise Duo of Bryce Prince (CMRC Super-stock) and Matt Truelove (Superbike Outlaw), both of whom took the chequered flag on all three occasions in their respective races, but they did not ultimately affect his championship.

All in all, this year’s Championship proved a learning lesson to some, a refresher to others and the possibility of an intense 2017.

IRISH RACING TIPS Fairyhouse 08:10 hrs Aussie Reins 08:40 hrs Asthuria 09:10 hrs Logical Song 09:45 hrs Whitber’s Choice 10:15 hrs Jo Go 10:50 hrs Lake Takapuna 11:25 hrs Windy Millie 11:55 hrs Chmpagne Classic ENGLISH RACING TIPS Warwick 08:30 hrs Asum 09:00 hrs Aces Over Eights 09:35 hrs Which One Is Which 10:40 hrs Royal Plaza 11:15 hrs Yanmare 11:45 hrs Cockney Wren CHEPSTOW 08:50 hrs Utility 09:20 hrs Copain De Classe 09:55 hrs Bindon Mill 10:25 hrs Court Frontier 11:00 hrs Top And Drop 11:35 hrs Azert De Coeur 12:05 hrs Bramble Brook KEMPTON 12:10 hrs Top Diktat 12:40 hrs Fire Brigade 13:10 hrs Leshlaa 13:40 hrs Espirit De Corps 14:10 hrs Shenanigans 14:40 hrs Sovereign Debt 15:10 hrs Higher Power 15:40 hrs Southern SAtars SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Kenilworth 08:40 hrs Come On Inn 09:20 hrs Summer Sky 09:55 hrs Elusive Wave 10:30 hrs Tribal Fusion 11:05 hrs Gimme Six 11:40 hrs Bon Bon AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Katie Ice Race 2 Jemmabelle Race 3 Wine Not Race 4 Rimanisempreforte Race 5 Our Caravan Race 6 Mav Race 7 Roll Tide Roll Race 8 Almanaar Race 9 Wish Upon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Australia on brink of Should Jimmy Adams be the next Test rankings slide West Indies Director of Cricket?

THE third-ranked Aussies could slip to fifth with a loss in the third Test against South Africa in Adelaide.

Australia are on the verge of dropping out of the topfour of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test rankings for the first time since 2013.

counter and suffer a second consecutive 3-0 series whitewash, Australia will be leapfrogged by South Africa and fall out of the top-four for the first time in over three years.

Australia last dropped out of the top-four following their 4-0 series loss to India in 2013, a tour mainly remembered for the ‘homework-gate’ saga, and their subsequent away Ashes series defeat at the hands of England.

But they soon bounced back to the No.1 spot in March 2014 after resounding victories in the 2013-14

home Ashes and then the ensuing away Test series in South Africa.

Smith received the ICC Test mace for clinching the No.1 ranking for the first time under in his tenure as captain in February this year after Australia’s series win in New Zealand But Australia were dethroned in August following their disappointing 3-0 series whitewash at the hands of Sri Lanka, with India and Pakistan rising above them.

Australia now face a tough road back to the top of the Test rankings, with

a three-Test series against No.2 ranked Pakistan beginning next month, before travelling to India for a fourTest tour.

Virat Kohli’s side are the current No.1 Test team but could be overtaken by England, who drew the first Test against India in Rajkot, if they fail to prevail over Alastair Cook’s side.

Pakistan too could ascend to No.1 in the coming months should they secure series wins against New Zealand, where they begin a two-Test tour tomorrow, and Australia this summer.

Steve Smith South Africa completed a resounding 2-0 series victory over Steve Smith’s men in Hobart yesterday.

The hosts lost 8-32 in their second innings to crumble to an innings’ defeat in the second Test, which follows on from their 177-run loss in the series-opener in Perth.

Regardless of the result of the dead rubber day-night Test in Adelaide beginning November 24, Australia will squander third spot in the rankings to England when the ICC’s Test rankings are updated following their three-Test series against the Proteas.

Should Steve Smith’s men lose the pink ball en-

Australia’s worst five

By Brydon Coverdale

AUSTRALIA faced only 558 deliveries in losing the Hobart Test to South Africa, their fourth-lowest tally ever in Tests they have lost at home. Here is a closer look at their worst five.

360 balls 1904 v England, MCG Monty Noble’s Australians were bowled out for 122 and 111 in this match, in which England’s Wilfred Rhodes not only took 15 wickets but had a further eight catches dropped off his bowling. But these were the days of uncovered pitches, and Wisden’s report made clear that the weather was responsible for this outcome: “The significance of the (England) win, however, was altogether discounted by the

fact that before the Australians had any chance of batting, rain had ruined the pitch.”

429 balls 1888 v England, SCG Again, this was a match - and a pitch - badly affected by rain. Australia were dismissed for 42 in the first innings and 82 in the second, with England bowlers George Lohmann and Bobby Peel proving impossible to handle in the conditions.

457 balls 1928 v England, Brisbane Exhibition Ground England won this Test by the monumental margin of 675 runs, though Australia lost both Jack Gregory and Charles Kelleway mid-match to injury and illness. The match was also notable for

being Don Bradman’s Test debut, Wisden describing the situation thus: “Australia relied largely upon tried men, Bradman being the one youngster to secure inclusion”.

And in the final innings, having been set 742 for victory, heavy rain rendered Australia’s task utterly hopeless.

“Woodfull, batting splendidly, received no support at all,” Wisden reported, “nearly everyone who joined him hitting out wildly immediately on going in.”

558 balls 2016 v South Africa, Bellerive Oval Australia could not use uncovered pitches or midmatch injuries as an excuse here. Outplayed in every way

by South Africa, the Australians simply lacked the ability to handle the swinging and

seaming balls delivered by Kyle Abbott, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander. Skittled for 85 and then 161, it consigned Australia to a third consecutive home series loss to South Africa.

611 balls 1984 v West Indies, WACA On the list of excuses for poor batting, there have been few more understandable in recent decades than facing Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Joel Garner and Courtney Walsh at the WACA. Pre-match rain left the pitch “under-prepared and unpredictable”, in the words of Wisden. Little wonder, then, that Australia were rolled for 76 and 228.

Still, it took only one more Test for Australia captain Kim Hughes to resign in tears. (ESPN Cricinfo)

By Rudi V. Webster SOMEONE recently told me that Jimmy Adams, a former West Indies captain, might be returning to West Indies cricket as coach of the West Indies team.

If that’s true and Jimmy is in fact contemplating that move, I would beg him to immediately scrub the idea from his mind. Soon after assuming his duties as coach he would find himself at odds with the Director of Cricket and the leadership of the WICB and, like Ottis Gibson and Phil Simmons, would be fired within a period of two or three years, if that long.

Jimmy can be a great asset to West Indies cricket, not as the coach of the West Indies team, but as the Director of West Indies cricket.

Performance is not only influenced by our history, past experiences and track record but also by our needs, goals and vision of the future.

In the appointment of foreign coaches and cricket experts we place too much emphasis on the experts’ promises, goals and strategies and too little on their history, experiences and track record - we do not do a thorough due-diligence. Consequently, we are bamboozled by the experts’ clever interviews and power point presentations.

These things are important but strategic plans by themselves can only take the team or organisation so far.

Plans and goal charts do not accomplish performance.

It is people who breathe life into the team or organisation’s vision, plans and mission. It is competent, well-trained, highly disciplined and highly motivated people who are the key to the organisation’s success.

How important then are the people-skills of our cricket leaders? A U.S. army general once said that the greatest leader in the world could never win a campaign unless he understood and motivated the men he had to lead. This is so true.

To get an inkling of how the foreign cricket expert might relate to West Indies players and coaches we should take a close look at his history, past experiences and track record, as well as his motivational profile - the things that make him tick.

What do we know of our cricket director’s past?

Did the WICB check out

his international coaching record? Did the board find out why he only stayed with Bangladesh and Middlesex County Club for just a few months? Did the board check out his relationships with the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan team members?

Did the board find out if he understood and adapted to the culture of the players from Bangladesh and Pakistan? Did the board do a psychological evaluation? If so, what was his motivational profile? Was it dominated by his need for power and control? This is important because if this is the case his interpersonal and people skills will be poor and his leadership style will take on a strong flavour of autocracy.

The cricket director had some success in South Africa in domestic cricket. But what do we know about his relationship with white players and players of colour? How did he interact with players of colour and how did they interact with him. The answers to some of these questions could be enlightening.

Vince Lombardi, an American football coach, once said: “Coaches and sports directors who can outline plays on a blackboard are a dime a dozen.

The ones who win get inside their players and motivate.” Where on WICB’s list of most important priorities is the motivation of the players? The leadership of the WICB appears to be trapped in a mindset that stifles and kills the spirit of its players. Its latest attempt to motivate its best batsman, Darren Bravo, whose best days lie ahead of him, by giving him a C instead of a B contract, is a good example of this. Sometimes when people fail or make mistakes it is better to reward than punish, especially if they have talent and ability.

The board’s naïve attempt to motivate Darren reminds me of the following story.

There was an old man who lived in a rundown part of town and every afternoon some children would beat their drums and make a tremendous amount of noise in front of his house.

This annoyed the old man who devised a clever plan to deal with them. He told them that he would pay them twenty dollars each time they performed for him. The children returned the next afternoon and performed with gusto.

The old man paid them.

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Ron Dennis forced out of McLaren after 35 years (REUTERS) - Ron Dennis has been forced to stand down as chairman and chief executive of McLaren, bringing to an end his 35-year involvement with the Formula One team.

The 69-year-old relinquished his duties at the team, who are the sport’s second most successful despite not having won a race for four years, following a decision by the majority shareholders to place him on gardening leave.

“I am disappointed that the representatives of TAG and Mumtalakat, the other main shareholders

Ron Dennis in McLaren, have forced through this decision to place me on gardening leave, despite the strong warnings from the rest of the management team about the potential consequences of their actions on the business,” he said in a

statement yesterday.

“The grounds they have stated are entirely spurious ....”

Dennis owns 25 percent of McLaren Group, while Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat owns 50 percent and Saudi-born businessman Mansour Ojjeh, the CEO of TAG, holds the remaining 25 percent.

Dennis, who has been involved with former champions McLaren since 1980 and is one of F1’s biggest names, stood down as team principal in 2009 but returned as group chief executive in January 2014.

Gunners beat Walton Hall to secure Balgobin Memorial trophy

By Elroy Stephney

IN the inaugural tournament, played in memory of the late Chunilall Balgobin last Sunday at the Walton Hall cricket ground, Gunners shot their way to victory.

Balgobin served as vice-president of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee prior to his death in 2014.

In the presence of a large and vociferous gathering, Gunners, winning the toss in the final against Walton Hall and batting, amassed 123-6 in 15 overs.

Captain Grayson Paul led the way with 33 (2x6, 2x4) and received valuable support from former national Under-19 opener Herell Green 31 (5x4) and national Under-17 all-rounder Joshua Jones 30 (3x6, 1x4).

Left-arm orthodox spinner Suraj Sookdeo was Walton Hall’s most successful bowler, claiming 2-14 from three overs.

In reply, Walton Hall toiled on a wearing pitch

and never enjoyed any fluency during their innings.

At the end of their 15 overs they were restricted to 108-7, losing by 15 runs.

Opener Suresh Persaud topscored with 31 (3x6) but his effort was not enough to deny Gunners’ grasp of $100 000 and the winners’ trophy.

Essequibo inter-county Under-19 leg-spinner Sidique Mohamed with 3-16 from 3 overs mesmerised the hosts into submission.

The presentation of prizes was done by the daughter of the late Sports Administrator and in the presence of other relatives, including his wife and two of his sons, who are also members of the Walton Hall Sports Club.

The best batsman’s prize went to Vishwanauth Lall while the best bowler was Suraj Sookdeo. Gunners skipper Grayson Paul was adjudged man-of-the-match in the finals.

Earlier Gunners staged a dramatic self- defence against Devonshire Castle

to earn an exciting 4-run triumph en route to the final.

The earlier matches were reduced to ten overs.

Batting first Gunners produced 54-4 in their allotted overs then reduced Devonshire Castle to 50-6 when their overs expired.

In the earlier game, Walton Hall enjoyed a comfortable 27-run victory against Pomeroon Oil Mill. Batting first, they posted 116-8 from their 10 overs then ensured that Pomeroon Oil Mill managed only 89-3 at the completion of their 10 overs.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed by the relatives that the Chunilal Balgobin memorial tournament will be played annually with more than four teams expected to participate over a longer period of time.

Balgobin was the brother of former national umpire Dasroy Balgobin and hailed from the village of Walton Hall on the Essequibo Coast.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 16, 2016

GCB NSSCL 2016

Gootiprasad’s 98 powers Patentia to victory

…West Demerara enjoy big win over I’fluenture PARMANAND Gootiprasad narrowly missed out on a century (98) but helped Patentia Secondary register a crushing victory over Endeavour Secondary while West Demerara Secondary walloped La Venture Secondary as the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary Schools Cricket League (NSSCL) continued.

Playing at Belle Vue ground in a West Bank Demerara zone fixture, Patentia batted first and amassed an

Parmanand Gootiprasad was dismissed for 98.

imposing 193-7 in just 20 overs.

Parmanand Gootiprasad fell two runs short of a cen-

tury when he was dismissed for 98. Hemraj Persaud was the other main scorer with 30. Bowling for Endeavour, Jairam Parasram took 2-33

Aftab Basir claimed four for 9. and Alex Raul 1-26.

Endeavour Secondary could muster only 78 in their reply off 10 overs.

Calvin Durgh top scored with 26. Bowling for Patentia, Wazim Rohaman claimed 3-21 and Satesh Basdeo 2-10.

In another match at Belle Vue, West Demerara Secondary walloped L’Venture Secondary by 178 runs to book a place in the semi-final of the West Bank Demerara zone.

Batting first, West Demerara amassed 223/7 in 30 overs with Mark Wong scoring 37

and Daneshwar Kowlessar chipping in with 33. Bowling for La Venture, Aron Singh and Rajkumar Ramroop had 2-6 and 2-45 respectively.

T h e We s t D e m e r a r a bowlers completed the one-sided match by dismissing La Venture for 45 in 11.3 overs. Souran Moonsammy was the only batter to reach double figures with 11. Aftab Basir claimed 4-9 while Jason Comacho took 2-12 bowling for West Demerara.

The NSSCL continues today with matches in Demerara and Berbice. In the East Coast Demerara zone, President’s College will take on Enterprise Secondary at Enterprise ground from 12:00hrs while the New Amsterdam/Canje zone will begin with New Amsterdam Secondary battling Vryman’s Erven Secondary at Rose Hall Canje ground, Canje Secondary taking on Berbice Educational Institute at Cumberland and Berbice High playing hosts to Tutorial Academy at BHS ground.

The matches start at 13:00hrs.`

France held 0-0 by Ivory Coast in lacklustre friendly (REUTERS)-Euro 2016 runners-up France, with a largely revamped side, were held to 0-0 draw by African champions Ivory Coast in a dull friendly at Lens’s Stade Bollaert yesterday.

After Friday’s 2-1 win over Sweden in a World Cup qualifier, France coach Didier Deschamps made seven changes, handing Paris St Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Stade Rennes goalkeeper Benoit Costil their first international caps.

With forward Antoine Griezmann ruled out due to a foot injury, Les Bleus struggled to get into their stride as the game failed to ignite on a cold evening in northern France.

The crowd booed at the

end of the match, obviously disappointed with France’s performance.

“We struggled, that’s not what I want to remember from 2016,” said Deschamps.

“We could have won that game but we could have lost it. We made too many errors, especially in the second half.”

Ivory Coast had the best chance in the 11th minute when Adama Traore’s 20-metre half-volley crashed against Costil’s post and Salomon Kalou, who followed up the shot, poked the ball into the net but his effort was disallowed for offside.

France’s best opportunity in the first half came six minutes before the break when N’Golo Kante’s fierce 20-metre strike was blocked by

Australia’s worst ...

Next day the old man told them that he only had 15 dollars but would add on the five dollars to their next payment. The children were disappointed but returned the next afternoon. The old man then told them that he only had five dollars and promised to make up the deficit on next day. The children became very angry and left. The old man outsmarted them and they never returned. How well did the old man’s plan

kill their spirit? Is the WICB doing the same thing to Darren Bravo?

The WICB must do two things to revive West Indies cricket. First, it must change its structure and leadership.

Second, it must replace the current director of cricket with someone like Jimmy Adams. Will these changes happen? Probably not since the president and vice-president are likely to be re-elect-

goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo.

Moussa Sissoko also had a good chance after the interval but his header from Lucas Digne’s cross went just wide.

Eight days before PSG’s potential Champions League Group A decider at Arsenal, Rabiot limped off with a muscle injury in the 77th minute before Costil made a superb save to deny Nicolas Pepe from point-blank range in the last minute.

Adrien (Rabiot) picked up a thigh injury,” said Deschamps, without elaborating.

France, who lead World Cup qualifying Group A by three points, next visit Luxembourg on March 25 when the battle to reach the 2018 finals in Russia resumes.

from page 31

ed because of the strong support and blind obedience of their fellow directors, and because of the unwillingness of CARICOM prime ministers to speak with one voice and the institution’s weakness and its failure to act as a cohesive body to save West Indies cricket.

In the meantime, the chaos and madness in West Indies cricket will continue and the autocracy of the board will flourish.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Triumphant du Plessis lauds ‘relentless’ Proteas attack (REUTERS) - South Africa captain Faf du Plessis lauded his “relentless” bowlers for their matchwinning performance against Australia in Hobart yesterday and dedicated the series win to absent Proteas Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers.

80-run defeat before lunch on day four at Bellerive Oval.

Kagiso Rabada took 4-34 in Australia’s second innings while Vernon Philander laid the platform for victory with five wickets in the first when Australia were bundled out for 85.

South Africa took a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.

“I thought yesterday we were exceptional, we didn’t get the rewards we wanted but to come back this morning, just make sure we were relentless in our areas ... we knew if we could do those things the wickets will

Kyle Abbott completes his five-for with the wicket of Mitchell Starc

Kagiso Rabada undoes Callum Ferguson and Peter Nevill with seam and bounce Kyle Abbott, who replaced pace spearhead Steyn, was Man-ofthe-Match after taking 6-77 in the second innings to complete a nine-wicket haul as the home side crumbled to an innings and

“When you play three seamers in attack they all have to stand up at different times,” du Plessis, standing in for regular captain de Villiers, said at the trophy presentation after

come and they did.

“We’re just relentless, we don’t let the pressure go as a bowling unit, we’re there all the time and in the field we back it up.”

Although grey skies hung

Djokovic digs deep to

repel Raonic onslaught

By Martyn Herman |

LONDON,(Reuters)-It has been missing for a while but Novak Djokovic re d i s c o v e re d h i s w a rrior spirit to tame Canada’s Milos Raonic 7-6(6) 7-6(5) in a rivetting duel and guarantee progress f ro m h i s g ro u p a t t h e ATP World Tour Finals yesterday.

The 29-year-old Serb’s recent malaise has cost him the world number one ranking he held for 122 weeks but when backed into a corner by an inspired Raonic, he responded in the belligerent manner that has earned him 12 grand slam titles.

World number four Raonic threw the kitchen sink at the elastic-limbed Serb for more than two hours but Djokovic, bidding for a fifth consecutive title at the year-ender and a possible return to top spot, was equal to

everything -- just.

Having edged a high-intensity first-set when Raonic double-faulted on set point down in a

a missed forehand of extending the match into a late-night decider.

Djokovic looked mightily relieved when Raonic’s

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his round robin match with Canada’s Milos Raonic Action Images via Reuters / Tony O’Brien Livepic

tense tiebreak, Djokovic looked to have broken the shackles in the second to lead 4-2.

Raonic, serving 140mph bombs, stormed back to rock Djokovic on his heels and came within

backhand flew wide on match point and he can now look forward to a semi-final on Saturday, whatever the outcome of his final group match against Gael Monfils tomorrow.

over Hobart, it was a golden morning for 29-year-old Abbott, who has had the misfortune of bowling in the era of Steyn and Philander, managing only seven further Tests since his 2013 debut at home to Pakistan.

He knocked over four of Australia’s top six batsmen in the second innings and broke a stubborn partnership between Usman Khawaja and Australia captain Steven Smith with a masterclass of swing, pace and bounce.

“It’s been a case of that, over the last few years, waiting for

an opportunity. It’s nice to get one and make the most of it,” Abbott said.

“That’s always a challenge when you don’t play so much, to stay match-fit and keep that form in games, but when I get that opportunity, I try my heart out and make the most of it.”

South Africa have now won their last three series in Australia, following victories under Graeme Smith in 2008 and 2012. du Plessis, who scored an unbeaten century on debut to save South Africa in the Adelaide Test four years ago,

said yesterday’s triumph also belonged to Steyn and de Villiers.

“Enjoy it, celebrate it with us,” he said in a greeting to the players.

“They’re experienced guys.

They know coming to Australia is one of the hardest places to come and win.

“So to come here and do it 2-0 is special for us as a team but we share that specialness with great players in our side like Dale and AB, who have been here lots of times and worked really hard to try to win games of cricket.”

Raonic will face Austria’s Dominic Thiem with the victor joining Djokovic in the semis after debutant Thiem claimed his first win at the tournament with a 6-3 1-6 6-4 defeat of Monfils earlier at the O2 Arena.

“I managed to hang in there mentally and stay strong and believed that the opportunities would come and that I could take them,” Djokovic, who needs to better Andy Murray’s performance here to return to the summit, said

on court.

“Milos was hanging in there and only one or two points separated us in the second set. It could have gone either way this match. He’s such a strong player and has got firepower.”

Bolt joins forces with CFD broker XM

WORLD’s fastest man Usain Bolt has signed a deal with forex and CFD broker XM Group which will see the athlete become the company’s brand ambassador for the next three years.

Founded in 2009, the Cyprus headquartered company reported trades in 196 countries, with over 700,000 clients. It became the latest in a long line of corporations to be associated with the Jamaica sprint star, which includes sporting goods giants Puma, Gatorade, Hublot, Virgin Media, Enertor, All Nippon Airways and Optus.

The sprinter has expressed delight at landing his latest corporate endorsement.

“I’m happy to enter into a partnership with award-winning Forex and CFD broker XM,” said Bolt. “XM and

I have similar brand values and aim to be the best at what we do. Their reputation has helped them to become an in-

“Usain Bolt is XM and XM is Usain Bolt. From the day of our foundation we have been repeating and

Usain Bolt dustry leader. Similar to XM, my focus has always been to be the fastest.”

Chris Anthony Zacharia, marketing director of XM Group was pleased to have the sprinter onboard.

arguing that what matters in trading is execution speed. We have put endless resources to build our trading infrastructure to offer the trading speed we have today.”

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER, 16 2016

OSCL celebrates 21st in grand style … Dant take lion’s share of awards

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Dant were once again the centre of attraction when the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) held its glittering and radiant 21st annual Presentation Dinner and Dance at the Estate Banquet Hall, Scarborough here, last Saturday night.

Following their all-conquering dream debut season in 2014 and a somewhat disappointing performance in 2015,

overs) conference winners, Division A playoff champions, T10 tournament winners and 15-over victors, in the process copping the Twilight Family Restaurant, Remax All Stars Realty, DTE Industries and the Norman Sue Bakery trophies.

Newcomers Enterprise enjoyed a fantastic season in the B Division, playing unbeaten in the regular season to capture the conference title, winning the B Division

and the Norman Sue Bakery runner-up trophy while GTA Storm collected the winners’ prize.

After an obviously disappointing year, Caribbean Sensation had to settle for the T10 Consolation trophy, sponsored

by DTE Industries following their win over East Coast who took the runner-up prize.

Among the Most Valuable Players recipients were Dant’s Shaun Deonandan and Sunshine’s Avinash Sukhdeo

Sponsor and businessman Nirad Lall hands over cash incentive to Dant’s Hemnarine Chattergoon.

Dant stormed back to make a clean sweep of all the major titles in 2016 while several of their players were rewarded for outstanding performances.

Dant were crowned Division A regular season (20

playoffs and being runners-up to GTA Storm in 15-over Consolation final.

For their efforts, Enterprise walked away with the I Saw That on TV and Fundex Investment winning trophies

in the Conference A playoff final; Rabindra Diaram (Enterprise) and Rawl Scott (Carr Tec) in the Conference B playoff final; Satrohan Balkarran (Dant), Imran Ali (Sunshine), Seenarine Narine (Enterprise)

FORMER West Indies captain Darren Sammy said it is hard for players to show respect to the leadership of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) because of the way they have been

Sammy was speaking with host Alex Jordan on the SportsMax Zone aired on Caribbean sports network, SportsMax on Monday in response to questions concerning the WICB sending home batsman Darren Bravo for calling WICB president Dave Cameron an idiot in a tweet last Friday.

The batsman’s tweet was i n re a c t i o n t o comments Cameron made on the SportsMax Zone last Thursday.

The WICB president said Bravo was offered a ‘C-rated’ retainer contract valued at US$100 000 because he had been underperforming over the last two years.

During that time Bravo averaged well below his career average of 40.00. However, reacting to Cameron’s statements, Bravo tweeted, “You have been failing 4 d last 4 yrs. Y don’t u resign

and FYI I’ve neva been given an A contract. Big idiot @dave51.”

He was subsequently sent home from the tour of Zimbabwe and replaced by Jason Mohammed.

Sammy said the 27-year-old Trinidadian was only paying back what he has been suffering at the hands of the WICB. “When I saw that tweet from Darren Bravo, I immediately called him ’cause I knew that tweet would probably raise some eyebrows,” he said.

Dant players in celebratory mood, as they show off part of their hardware with Norman Sue Bakery sponsors Natasha Sue and Nyssa Naraine. and Winston Forrester in the the way with 295 runs and The annual Independence Norman Sue-sponsored 15- he was followed by Kenny Cup, sponsored by Trophy over tournament and Hem- Girdharry (Scarboro An- Stall (Guyana), was won by narine Chattergoon (Dant), gels) and Richard Rossan Team Jaguars with Kumar Jairam Ramoutar (Better (Ramblers) with 285 and 277 Doodnauth emerging as the Hope), Rakesh Dyal (East respectively.

MVP. Coast) and Reyaz Prahald The OSCL President’s The four top bowlers in (Caribbean Sensation) in the Conference A were Zakir awards went to vice-president DTE Industries-sponsored Khan (Caribbean Sensa- Terry Mathura and secre10-over competition. tion), Mahendranauth ‘Bob- tary/Public Relations Officer Former Guyana and West by’ Parasnauth (Sunshine), Frederick Halley for their Indies Under-19 player Chat- Pradeep Singh (Rems) and “outstanding dedication and tergoon, with 380 runs, led Anil Mahadeo (Sunshine). contribution to the OSCL.” Conference A with the most Khan topped with 27 wickets The Norman Sue Spirit runs while Krishna Deosarran while Parasnauth and Singh Awards, given annually to (East Coast) and Davendra took 26 each and Mahadeo worthy individuals who have Ramkissoon (Better Hope) 20. played big roles both on and were second and third reThe B Conference saw off the field, were presented spectively with 360 and 352 Rossan (21 wickets), Suren- to teenager Avlin Budhram respectively. dra Beepat (GTA Storm with (Cougars) and Dant’s manIn the B Division, former 17), Vydnand Sookram (Rob- ager Zanil Jumarli. They Guyana Chronicle sports jour- bies with 17), Ashok Ramjas were presented by the late nalist Ravendra Madholall (Carr Tec with 17), Dinan- businessman’s granddaughter (Restoration Warriors) led auth Mangru (Cougars with Nyssa Naraine and daughter 15) and Naresh Budhram Kim Sue respectively.

A feature of this year’s (Cougars with 15) being the ceremony was the introductop bowlers.

Centuries were record- tion of cash incentive prizes, ed by Harrienarine Chatter- compliments of businessman goon (Carr Tec), Rawl Scott Nirad Lall who is also the (Carr Tec), Ryan Bhup (GTA marketing director of GTA Storm), Krishna Deosarran Storm.

Dant received Cdn$1 000 (East Coast) and Troy Go“Firstly I will say the bin (Rebels), while there for winning the 10 and 15 president of any organisawere five-wicket hauls for overs tournament while Cation is the most respected Ian Gonsalves (3 Counties ribbean Sensation and GTA person of that establishEDB), Khemraj Bhowan (3 Storm collected $500 each ment, but you know I have Counties EDB), Shameer for copping the T10 and always learned that respect Latiff (Better Hope), Raja 15-over consolation respecis not something you dePooran (GT Bannas), Donald tively. MVPs for the A and B mand. You earn that by Harriprashad (GTA Storm), Division playoffs were also your attitude, by the things Nirad Lall (GTA Storm), rewarded with $50 each. Lall you do, by the way you Ashok Ramjas (Essequibo), pledged to make it an annual portray yourself; you autoBobby Parasnauth (Sunshine) affair. matically earn that respect and Ansar Ali (Wakenaam). from your peers.”

He asked why would someone who has never had any disciplinary issues tweet something of that nature.

(Wednesday November 16, 2016) “I think it’s a lot of frusCOMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda tration. I know Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Bravo has turned AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, down many contracts because he Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) wants to focus Answers to yesterday’s quiz: on Test cricket,” (1) 110 Tests; 19 centuries Sammy said.

(2) WI vs PAK, Albion, 1977 “He has a lot of aspirations to Today’s Quiz: play Test cricket (1) Which two played only one Test match apiece? and win matches David Holford, Tony Howard, Raphick Jumadeen, Rangie for the West InNanan, Jack Noriega dies. He was not (2) What is Alvin Kallicharan’s highest score in ODI offered a contract that he thinks cricket? he deserves.”

Answers in tomorrow’s issue (Sportsmax.com)

Sammy believes Bravo’s frustration is understandable

Darren Sammy treated by the board and its president over the past few years.

“From what’s been going on over the past few years, it’s just hard to give them that sort of respect that the position deserves. We have seen the history of the president of the West Indies Cricket Board,” he said.

Darren Bravo

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 16, 2016

GFF/STAG Elite ‘Super-Six’ - a balanced mix

... New champions to be crowned

By Ras Wadada

THE long-awaited and much-maligned Season Two of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/Stag Elite League will eventually kick off this coming Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground albeit minus the top two teams of the inaugural season as well as two others.

After over two months of tolerance, exercised by the governing body while being guided by CONCACAF and FIFA, the demands of four aggrieved clubs for arbitration to settle their grievances have been turned down.

The clubs, GFC, Pele FC, runners-up Alpha United and champions Slingerz FC, have all written to the GFF signalling their withdrawals from the season

FLASHBACK: Guyana Football Federation Stag Beer Elite League Genesis winners Slingerz FC celebrate following their 3-2 triumph over Alpha United at the Leonora facility in June two and with them go the top Elite players of the first season.

The original four of Con-

querors FC, GDF, Buxton United and Monedderlust FC will be joined by newcomers Victoria Kings of East Coast

and from the mining town of Linden, Topp XX FC in quest of the top prize worth $6M. The runners-up will carry

away $3M, 3rd placers $2M and fourth-placers $1M. In addition there will be a KO competition among the top four teams at the end of round one of the two-round League.

The winners will earn $1.5M and the runners-up $700 000. Third- and fourth-placers will pocket $500 000 and $300 000 respectively.

City-based teams Fruta Conquerors and the Army must be among the top three contenders, along with Topp XX, a side with rich football pedigree and success. The bottom tier will be just as exciting and evenly contested among the teams from the Eastern coastline: Kings, Buxton and Monedderlust.

No doubt they will provide stern opposition and surprises for the top half.

An explosion of new talent will be off-loaded with their eyes on the League’s valuable MVP award of one Honda XR 150cc, compli-

ments of Marics Honda.

The biggest prize is the coveted championship of Guyana’s top flight football and with fans being gifted a 50 percent reduction to admission, their support can be pivotal in determining the final outcome.

The GFF has informed that a double-header and a march past of the teams will highlight Sunday’s opening of the season. Victoria Kings will begin their campaign against the GDF and Fruta Conquerors will confront Linden’s Topp XX in the matches set for the kick-off.

Never has there been such a level playing field among the contenders where anyone of the Elite Super Six can be crowned champions. What is certain is that new champions will be crowned since the doors have been closed on the disgruntled four and the way is now clear for the ‘Beautiful Game’ to unfold.

Reggae Boyz celebrate tenth entry into Gold Cup K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a , (CMC)- Jamaica are celebrating their tenth entry into the prestigious CONCACAF Gold Cup after a narrow one-nil win over Suriname at the National Stadium last Sunday.

The Reggae Boyz third round victory over Suri-

don from the left side of the box.

“Qualifying for the Gold Cup was a priority.

As a new player in the n a t i o n a l p ro g r a m , m y aim is to try getting more games and getting on the plane to the Gold Cup is next on my agenda,”-

Despite the lost, runner-up Suriname remains in contention for a Gold Cup berth, but will have to contest a playoff between three of four best second-place teams.

Jamaica, the defending champions, played most of the match with only

nine men, we had to remain composed and secure the win,” said Jamaica goalkeeper and Captain Andre Blake.

“This is a delight for us and we dedicate this win to the fans and now we concentrate on 2017 with the (Caribbean Cup) semifinals and the Gold Cup down the road.”

Jamaica’s head coach Theodore Whitmore, says extensive work was done in preparing goalkeepers and midfielders and as such

he was always confident of victory.

“I feel we were prepared. Our goalkeeping coach Warren Barrett worked on penalties with the keepers. I worked on the passing with the midfielders, so going into this game we were confident,” said Whitmore, the only person to win the Caribbean Cup as a player and a head coach.

“It was all about execution. We accomplished our goal and now we turn our

attention to a busy 2017.”

Curacao, French Guiana and Martinique have already secured Gold Cup spots, while the Caribbean’s last possible berth will be decided in a round-robin playoff between Haiti, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago – three of the four best second-place sides.

The Haitians captured second place in Group 2 with a two-nil extra time win over host St. Kitts & Nevis at Warner Park Stadium, also on Sunday.

Farfan and Mendes junior squash begins today

Cory Burke name in the CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup also gave them the Group 1 title and earned them a place in the semi-final stage of the competition.

Cory Burke converted the winning goal in the 16th minute after receiving a pass from Owayne Gor-

said Burke, who opened his goal-scoring account against Guyana in Jamaica’s 4-2 extra-time victory in Guyana last month.

“I believe we played well as a team, but we can still improve on our finishing. I am sure in time all things shall fall into place”.

10 players after defender Damion Lowe was shown a red card for violent conduct.

“We kept calm despite being a man down. There were a few tense moments, but I made it clear to my backline that victory is a must and even if we had

THE Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with Digicel will run off the annual Farfan & Mendes Junior Squash tournament at the Georgetown Club Inc. squash courts.

This will be the final junior tournament for 2016 and concludes another successful year for Guyana’s junior players.

The tournament will commence today and will conclude on Sunday when the finals will be contested.

Most of the country’s top junior players will be participating in this tournament.

Fifty players have en-

tered the tournament and have been divided into nine categories with players of equal skill levels in each of the categories. Caribbean Girls Under-19 runner–up Taylor Fernandes is the top seed in Category A and will be challenged by Boys Under-13 Caribbean Champion Shomari Wiltshire, Alex Cheeks and the Islam twins Daniel and Anthony.

Category B has Makeda Harding, Rebecca Low, Maya Collins, Sarah Lewis, Samuel Ince-Carvahal and Gianni Carpenter contending for the title. Category C comprises Demetrius De Abreu, Michael Alphon-

so, and the Jonas brothers Lucas and Ethan, while Category D has Makison Fernandes, Kirsten Gomes, Abosaide Cadogan, Aliyah Persaud and Jason Gomes.

The other five categories will be equally as competitive as the top four.

A few of the players will use this tournament as a warm-up as they will be leaving Guyana shortly to participate in the Canadian and U.S. Junior Squash Open tournaments scheduled to be held December.

Matches will be played from 18.00hrs daily with the finals set to commence at 11:00hrs on Sunday.

Caribbean Motor Racing Championships

Trinidad and Tobago crowned Country Champions … Matthew Vieira takes maiden Super-stock title

Matthew Vieira hoists his CMRC Super-stock trophy

By Stephan Sookram

A dominant Trinidad take this year’s Country Championship.

AFTER losing by seven points last year, Trinidad and Tobago rebounded in fine style to win this year’s Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) by a margin of more than 700 points to second-placed finishers Barbados.

Following the final tally of points after Sunday’s Final Round of racing, the Trinis were miles ahead of the pack, mathematically securing victory even before the final round got going last weekend in Guyana.

However, the win still did not limit the team size which consisted of 11 cars and one bike. Its commanding total of 1481.5 eclipsed second-placed Barbados 688.5 and Guyana’s third place 648 total with Jamaica scoring 492, the Cayman Islands 60 and CAMS (United States/Canada) 15.

Guyana’s third place finish was due primarily to a lack of registration for the final leg of the series and they could have challenged for the second spot which they missed by exactly 40 points.

Trinidad’s dominance was partly due to back-to-back Group Three champion Paul Vieira, who scored 275 country points. The group also won by 225 points after four rounds of action.

His nearest competitor, Guyana’s Danny Persaud was more than 100 points off the money with Ronald Wortman also of Trinidad finishing in third.

On the Group Two end of things, it was a battle to the finish with the title race having multiple possibilities heading into last weekend, though when the dust settled, Mark Thompson retained the title he had lost last year to Marc Gill.

His tally of 177 points was garnered off just three legs, while Marc’s 141 points could only place him second.

While the spoils were shared in Barbados between the two, ultimately it was Thompson’s three commanding wins on Sunday that completed the job. He was crowned the best in the group that rapidly See page 30

Jaguars off to hunt PCL glory ... Shepherd replaces Hooper

AFTER thumping Jamaica Scorpions in the opening round of the WICB PCL 4-Day 2016-17, defending champions Guyana Jaguars departed yesterday to hunt glory against the Leeward and Windward Islands teams.

Jaguars take on Leeward Islands Hurricanes from November 18 to 21 at Warner Park before moving to the Darren Sammy Cricket ground to face the Windward Islands Volcanoes from November 25 to 28. Thereafter, they will return home to challenge Barbados Pride in a day/night encounter.

The defending champs overcame a frustrating evening session after rain accounted for more than a session’s play on the final day to inflict Scorpions a 181-run defeat. It was the 18th time the Guyanese

Romario Shepherd has replaced off-spinner Eon Hooper have gone undefeated since the 2013/2014 season. All the key batsmen and bowlers excelled and looked in top form.

Jaguars opted for a paceman instead of a spinner for the tour. Hence, the very impressive Romario Shepherd replaces Eon Hooper. Hooper had replaced Devendra Bishoo who was called up for West Indies tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

The off-spinner went wicket-less against the Scorpions but bowled economically and showed good signs for the future.

The full squad reads: Rajendra Chandrika, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Leon Johnson (captain), Vishaul Singh (vice-captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Christopher Barnwell.

Esaun Crandon is coach with Rayon Griffith assistant coach/manager).

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

A happy Guyana Jaguars squad before departure yesterday.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2016