Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 16 12 2016

Roraima Airways to the rescue 13

Page No. 104767

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

Price: $80

Bouterse on State visit (VAT Inclusive)

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–– Corentyne River bridge, ‘backtrack route’ on agenda

6 homeless after Wisroc fire Page

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Fireman brutally chopped fighting off bandits Page

Chase-Green still mayor Page

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Re-elected Mayor Patricia Chase-Green shakes hands with Deputy Mayor-elect Lionel Jaikaran following the mayoral elections at City Hall on Thursday (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

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One dead in Essequibo accident Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Chase-Green still mayor –– Duncan withdraws; Jaikaran new deputy mayor

By Telesha Ramnarine FOLLOWING the re-election of Mrs. Patricia ChaseGreen as mayor, and the election of Councillor Lionel Hanoman Jaikaran as deputy mayor, Councillor Welton Clarke said he is hoping that their “impeccable” styles of dressing yesterday is an indication of how their performance will be in 2017.

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan pulled out of the race against Chase-Green merely hours before the elections, and after Chase-Green was nominated by Councillor Gregory Fraser and seconded

by Oscar Clarke, nominations were closed for the position of mayor.

Chase-Green was then escorted to sit at the helm of the horse-shoe table in order to preside over the elections of the deputy mayor.

Councillor Malcolm Ferreira nominated Councillor Carolyn Caesar; Councillor Phillip Smith nominated Lionel Jaikarran; and Councillor Selwyn Smartt nominated Malcolm Ferreira.

Councillor Alfred Mentore declined the nomination by Councillor Carlyle Goring.

Three councillors voted

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen smiles on her re-election to office for Caesar, 17 against and eight abstained; 24 voted for Jaikaran, nine against him, and four abstained; while three voted for Ferreira, 14 against him and 11 abstained.

Councillor Jaikaran, who

represents Constituency One (Kingston/Queenstown), was then escorted to sit at the right of the mayor, while Duncan in turn took Jaikaran’s chair.

However, Duncan will remain in his capacity as deputy mayor until March 31, 2017, at which point Jaikaran will assume office.

Although this came as a “shock” to Duncan, Town Clerk Royston King noted that this was in keeping with the Municipal and District Council’s Act, Chapter 28:01.

“The persons who would be elected mayor and deputy mayor today would be mayor-elect and deputy mayor-elect because the term of office of the incumbent mayor and deputy mayor have not expired. That term will expire on March 31, 2017, and according to the law, the time is one year; and according to the interpretation of the law, one year in the law means 12 months,” King stated.

Therefore, the terms of office of Chase-Green and Duncan have not expired

as yet.

The methodology of voting used for the elections at City Hall was a show of hands after 21 councillors voted in favour of this and

Former Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan seven voted against.

The other proposal by Councillors Carlyle Goring and Khame Sharma was a secret ballot for which seven councilors voted for, 20 voted against, and two abstained.

“I will not let you down.

I will be the same person

I was yesterday that I will be on March 31, 2017. I’m not a politician and I’m not a magician. Things will not change overnight with me. I will still be to the same issues and the same guns that I had yesterday,” the new deputy mayor said.

Meanwhile, Duncan said he was forced to withdraw his candidacy for mayor because of “ministerial intervention” in the process.

He said it was his belief that councillors have been coerced to give their support in a particular direction to maintain the status quo; undermining the democratic process.

“This and the use of municipal resources to campaign for the incumbent does not auger well for our local democracy, and presents an unleveled playing field; a selection of mayor and not an election. These factors have caused me to reevaluate my candidacy for mayor. I therefore withdraw my candidacy for Mayor of Georgetown,” Duncan said.

He further noted that he will not be contending for the deputy mayorship “as this position requires someone more in tuned with the incumbent

Councillor Lionel Jaikaran speaks following his elevation to the deputy mayor’s chair mayor’s thinking and work ethic”.

“Serving the municipality of Georgetown as deputy mayor has been a rewarding experience for me and an education.

I have enjoyed the support of councillors across the political divide, the Coalition Government’s confidence, (the Government continues to have my unswerving support) and I am humbled by the support of the residents of the municipality of Georgetown.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Bouterse on State visit

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––Corentyne River bridge, ‘backtrack route’ on agenda SURINAME’S President, Desi Delano Bouterse will arrive here early today for a state visit during which the two countries are likely to discuss a proposal for the bridging of the Corentyne River and the regularisation of the backtrack crossing between Corriverton and Nikerie.

Other matters including trade, tourism and border are likely to feature during discussions between the two sides. The Surinamese leader’s visit follows a similar “working visit” by President Granger to Suriname in July. At their last meeting held on July 1 in Nieuw, Nickerie, Suriname, the two heads agreed to have a follow-up meeting on their discussions.

President Bouterse will be accompanied by his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Niermala Badrising, Minister of Justice and Police, Ms. Jennifer Van Dijk-Silos, Advisor of State to the President of

President David Granger (left) listens as Surinamese President Desi Bouterse makes a point during a meeting in Suriname earlier this year (De Ware Tijd photo) Suriname and Mr. Harvey H. Naarendorp. They will also be joined by Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ambassador Mehroen N.Kurban-Baboe.

The Surinamese President and his team are scheduled to arrive at the Eugene F. Correia International

Airport, where a Guard of Honour will be mounted by ranks of the Guyana Defence Force. Before he returns to Suriname, both Presidents Granger and Bouterse will host a press conference at the Marriott Hotel.

Meanwhile, the Min-

istry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said the two South American leaders “are expected to discuss areas of mutual interest in an effort to deepen relations between the two countries.”

President Granger had traveled to Suriname in July to discuss continen-

tal, regional and bilateral issues, relevant to both countries, as well as the Guyana- Suriname border dispute over the New River Triangle. “The Guyana/ Suriname Border issue is also expected to be on the agenda. The Head of State noted that he expects that the meeting will see some modalities being established so that the two countries can move forward,” a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency had said.

Additionally, the President had indicated that discussions with the Surinamese leader were to take place on three levels, as UNASUR (Union of South American States) members, CARICOM members and thirdly bilaterally. Following the July 1 meeting, Surinamese newspaper De Ware Tijd had reported that Presidents Bouterse and Granger met to revive their friendship, while continuing the integration process.

Guyana’s President was

quoted as saying that both countries with their combined economic resources are a “powerful economic element” within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

It was also reported that President Bouterse, like President Granger placed much emphasis on strengthening the bond between the two countries.

The Surinamese head of state noted too the many opportunities that exist between the two in the areas of agriculture and education. Such opportunities he said would be to the benefit to the entire regional Bloc.

The July 1 meeting was held on the heels of the 37th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, which was held in Georgetown days after.

Guyana and Suriname have shared bilateral ties since the Dutch territory became independent in November 1975.

Bartica Massacre trial ...

Prosecution calls police witnesses to the stand

THE Bartica Massacre trial continued in the High Court on Thursd a y b e f o re J u s t i c e Roxane George and a 12-member jury with two policemen being called to the witness stand.

On trial are Mark Royden, called “Durant” or “Smallie”; Dennis Williams, called “Anaconda”; and Roger Simon, called “Goat Man”, for the murder of nine civilians and three policemen at Bartica on February 17, 2008.

Royden is represent-

ed by Roger Yearwood, and Williams and Simon

by Saphier Hussain and Peter Hugh, respectively.

However, only Hussain was in court as Hugh was unavailable, and Yearwood had to attend to an urgent family matter.

The first witness was Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarrabo, who told the court that in 2008 he was a detective constable attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Squad at Eve Leary.

When led by the prosecution, he went into great detail about how,

between April and November 2008, he and then Detective Corporal Suraj Singh came to meet Simon, Williams and Royden while they were all in custody for the murders.

He was very specific that at no time were the three either forced to give a statement, or threatened or promised anything.

Next on the stand was Superintendent of Police Linden Lord, who is currently attached to the Presidential Guard as the officer-in-charge

for the Protection Unit assigned for President David Granger.

He, however, told the court that back in 2008, when the massacre occurred, he was stationed at the CID head office as a detective inspector.

He said that on June 18, 2008 at about 16:20hrs, on the instruction of the then crime chief, he put Royden on an identification parade with seven other men of similar height, complexion, age and race, and that of them all, he was the only one to be picked

out by the witness, in a matter of 15 seconds, as having been involved in the Bartica killings. Lord said when he apprised Royden of this, his response was, “Officer, I never went Bartica.”

In a similar parade on November 9, 2008 around 11:00hrs, Williams was also the only person identified by the witness, again in a matter of seconds, as having been involved in the crime. And his response when cautioned about this development was, “Officer, me ain’t got

nutten to say.”

Lord told the court that he lodged the original copies of the forms for the identification parades in the Property Book for both Royden and Williams, and that of the two, only the former affixed his signature.

Williams refused.

Lord said in 2010, he tendered said documents in the Magistrates’ Court, and that at no time did he assist the witness in the identification parade to pick out the two accused.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

One dead in Essequibo accident

Driver of the car (in cap) looks on as police conduct their investigation.

The ill-fated car that was involved in the accident

Samaroo’s motorcycle was badly damaged

Friday, December 16, 2016 Saturday, December 17, 2016 Sunday, December 18, 2016 Monday, December 19, 2016 Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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speed, came into contact with Samaroo.

“I was standing outside and I saw it pass at a fast rate. He hit the guy on his bike middle of the road from the back. Just before Jai Rum Shop,” an eyewitness told the Guyana Chronicle.

At the sound of the crash, scores of residents rushed out of their homes to see what had happened.

An ambulance that was travelling from Charity to Suddie with a patient picked up the injured man and rushed him to the Charity Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police later arrived on the scene and took the driver away. The dead man’s motorcycle was retrieved from a nearby trench.

05:00 hrs.

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DATE: 17/12/2016 D

AN elderly motorcyclist was killed on the Hampton Court Public Road Thursday afternoon when a car slammed into him.

Dead is Suresh Samaroo, 65, of Hampton Court Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

The accident occurred around 18: 30 hrs when a silver-grey car heading from Anna Regina, and reportedly travelling at a fast rate of

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

Putin turned election hacks in Trump’s favour: officials Russian President Vladimir Putin supervised his intelligence agencies’ hacking of the U.S. presidential election and turned it from a general attempt to discredit American democracy to an effort to help Donald Trump, three U.S. officials said on Thursday.

U.S. intelligence agencies’ conclusion that Russia tried to influence the election by hacking people and institutions, including Democratic Party bodies, has angered President-elect Trump, who says he won the Nov. 8 vote fairly.

Russian officials have denied accusations of interference in the U.S. election.

Separately, a senior White

House official said on Thursday that Putin was likely to have been aware of the cyber-attacks but he fell short of accusing the Russian president.

“I don’t think things happen in the Russian government of this consequence without Vladimir Putin knowing about it,” Ben Rhodes, the White House’s deputy national security adviser, told MSNBC. “When you’re talking about a significant cyber intrusion like this, we’re talking about the highest levels of government.”

The U.S. officials - who have knowledge of intelligence information on the matter - said on the condition of anonymity that the hacking of U.S. political groups and

figures had a more general focus at first.

“This began merely as an effort to show that American democracy is no more credible than Putin’s version is,” one of the officials said.

“It gradually evolved from that to publicising (Hillary) Clinton’s shortcomings and ignoring the products of hacking Republican institutions, which the Russians also did,” the official said.

By the fall, the official said, it became an effort to help Trump’s campaign because “Putin believed he would be much friendlier to Russia, especially on the matter of economic sanctions” than Democratic rival Clinton.

Democratic President Barack Obama said in an interview with National Public Radio that the United States

will take action against Russia.

“I think there is no doubt that when any foreign government tries to impact the integrity of our elections ...

we need to take action and we will,” he said according to excerpts of the Thursday interview released by NPR. (Reuters)

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

The iconic E. R. Braithwaite WHEN news broke that Edward Ricardo (E.R.) Braithwaite had passed away on Monday, 12th December in the United States at age 104, it created spirited conversations among Guyanese, at home and abroad. Different people remember this great son of the soil for different reasons. That he lived a rewarding life, serving Guyana and humanity around the world, is undeniable.

Braithwaite was many things-World War II veteran, diplomat, novelist, teacher, consultant, and by education a physicist. Though he was an acclaimed author of several books, fiction and non-fiction, right of the cuff many recalled his autobiography “To Sir, With Love” (1959) which was made into films and stage productions.

According to him, the title was derived from a monogrammed package of cigarettes presented him as a gift by his students.

The story of Braithwaite, an African-Guyanese living in Britain, having fought in World War II as a pilot alongside his white colleagues, was to discover on his return to civilian life such experience did not translate to him being considered equal in the socio-economic order.

In spite of putting his life on the line for Britain, coming from a financially well off background, educated at one of Britain’s prestigious schools (Cambridge University), he could not find employment commensurate with this resume. The lesson from Braithwaite’s story from the perspective that he refused to give up in the face of adversity is a lesson every Guyanese can learn from and emulate.

Braithwaite, who became a teacher as a matter of circumstance, refused to accept even in the face of this setback that he was lesser than. Though having to cope with white students of impressionable minds and socialised on the negative stereotypes of race, that very environment became a positive transformational experience for students and teacher. The essence of his experience in the school setting for nine years exemplified not only the character of the man, but also confirms that one can either become his environment or change his environment for the better. Evidently, it was this perspective through which Braithwaite dealt with racism, seeking not to become it, but rather crush it through knowledge which he imparted to his students and them to him. It might be recalled that when he suffered a slight injury, his students gathered around him, surprised that his blood was too red, which led to a conversation on race.

As Guyanese, where there remain strained relations on race, acts and allegations of racism (perception or reality), Braithwaite stands out as a role model of significance in how to deal with issues of race to create space and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

Opposition does not want Gov't to succeed Dear Editor LIKE many Guyanese I read the papers every day and listen to the news. As a result, I am forced to express my views on the matters affecting us all.

Firstly, I would like to point out that no one is perfect and we all make mistakes. There is good in the worst of persons and bad in those who are deemed to be good persons.

Secondly, when I read some of the comments of the opposition party I get the impression that they know everything that is right and the present government is doing everything that is wrong. In Monday’s Kaieteur News, there was a wonderful article which explains the President’s position as it relates to the appointment of judges as recommended by the Judicial Service Commission.

The explanation was so simple and logical that it shows how stupid and provocative the arguments put forward by the former Attorney General, “Mr Know all” that is right.

While I recognise the facts as stated that this current government like any other government would make mistakes and there is nothing wrong in pointing out those mistakes, so that

we could have good and proper government.

Thirdly, the way the opposition behave tend to establish that they are the only political party that can properly take care of the needs of the people of Guyana. Imagine they were in power for over 23 years and are now claiming that this current government which is not yet in power for two years has brought destruction in the sugar industry. Should the majority of Guyanese sit back and allow such remarks to go without comment?

This is one of the reasons why I am expressing my views, because I would like to see Guyana not only prosper, but that all Guyanese benefit from its prosperity.

Fourthly, I get the impression from the writings that Forbes Burnham was a wicked man and Dr. Cheddi Jagan was the best politician Guyana has ever had. This fact caused me to look at what Burnham did for Guyana and what Jagan did. Last Friday I had to attend Wales Magistrate’s Court and when I was returning, the harbour bridge was closed and as a result, the traffic built up on both sides. As the bridge opened and traffic started to proceed from both ends of the bridge, I was surprised to experience that on both

sides, the traffic was vehicle behind vehicle and when I arrived on the East Bank of Demerara, I discovered that the traffic was still out on the public road.

I then quietly asked myself if the bridge did not exist what the traffic situation would have been. It is important for young Guyanese to know that it was Burnham who built the bridge and one could go on and on. On the other hand, Jagan was responsible for the setting up of the University of Guyana and that was something very good. As I understand the situation, the Supreme Power to run Guyana lies in the hands of the people. It is for convenience that the people have surrendered their rights and placed it in the hands of the politicians that are selected by the people at General Elections and they are placed to take care of business. Whomsoever the people select will have the power to make laws and run the country during the period in office and they ought to be given a chance to govern.

This does not say that the opposition does not have a right to ensure that the government in power acts correctly.

My observation is that the opposition does not want to see this current govern-

ment make progress for a good and green society, because if it succeeds as it appears it is doing, then their chance to get back in government would take years and they cannot take that, so they have come up with all sorts of frivolous claims trying to bring down this government.

Christmas is a time for the expression of peace and love and I wish to suggest that the opposition should try to ensure that peace and love prevail at all times and should assist in making Guyana a better nation and cause strangers to want to associate. The opposition has rights like anybody else, but those rights must be properly exercised. It is time that Guyanese try to work together so that all races could benefit.

President Granger, continue your good work.

You are the first President in Guyana that I have seen spending Christmas Day visiting the poor and elderly and ensuring that they have a proper Christmas meal. A happy Christmas to you and your family and your government and a prosperous New Year.

many examples of utter disrespect and contempt for the Office of the President.

It is imperative that we respect the Office of the President whether we agree or disagree with his political views. Sasenarine Singh in a letter recently in the Kaieteur News referred to the President as a ‘’Political Kangala.’’

That is unacceptable

from such an educated and intelligent young man. To honour our President does not mean we must agree with everything he says or does, or that we cannot speak out against the policies implemented by his government, but we must do so respectfully. To honour our president does not mean we can’t express where we feel he is wrong, but we must

do so respectfully. We as Guyanese must respect each other regardless of political differences and differences in opinions.

We must learn to engage in intellectual debates without assassinating and insulting the character of each other. One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

Regards Jonas Coddett

Respect the President

Dear Editor

GUYANESE have continuously disrespected the President since he was elected in May 2015.

The disrespect can be seen all over social media.

MP Nigel Dharamall uttered some distasteful and derogatory remarks on his Facebook page about the President’s physical make-up. That was one of

opportunity for mutual respect and admiration. Though his experience was specific to Britain, race relations are universal, likewise human nature, making his story still a valuable tool of learning and overcoming for us.

And what his passing hopefully reminds us is that his literary work could form part of the treasure in our formal education system. Where attention is being paid to national unity and social cohesion, informed by historical experiences of racial mistrust, division and discrimination, his autobiography is a valuable asset. Dave Martin, Guyana’s cultural icon, in his song “Where are your heroes?” reminds us in the Caribbean Region of this failing of ours. And where such a vacuum exists, it undermines our self-worth and growth.

It would not be unfair in saying that among us, many do not know Braithwaite and the work he did in placing Guyana on the map. This is not a fault of his, but rather an amplifi-

Regards Matthew Gaul

cation of our tendency to overlook the treasures within our midst, often only falling in line when they attract international recognition. Similarly, it would be remiss not to acknowledge much of what is being known about Braithwaite is coming from foreign reportage. This fact also reinforces the primacy that ought to be given in getting this aspect of our culture in order, as a matter of national policy.

Braithwaite was fittingly rewarded, and dare it be said belatedly, in 2012 with the Cacique Crown of Honour for lifetime achievement. He was among the first in newly independent Guyana that presented an image of us and advanced our foreign policy on an international stage, serving as Ambassador to the United Nations and Venezuela. In more than one way,Braithwaite was and remains a positive influence every Guyanese can be proud of and should seek to emulate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

GAWU wants justice for No increase for dismissed sugar worker NIS pensioners Dear Editor,

REFERENCE is made to a letter from the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) that appeared in the Guyana Chronicle on (Saturday) December 10, 2016.

Sugar worker, Dharamdeo Brijwala, a shop steward and an employee attached to Blairmont Estate, was summarily dismissed by letter of August 5, 2016, and the letter was signed by the estate’s Human Resources Manager.

Brijwala, aged forty (40) years, cut and fetched canes for nearly twenty-five (25) years, one of the toughest tasks in the sugar industry. On June 14, 2016, there was an altercation between Brijwala and another worker, Nizam Ally, while they were in a transportation lorry. The corporation contended that Bri-

jwala assaulted Ally during that altercation between the two men. On the other hand, Ally in a statement admitted that he broadsided Brijwala with his cutlass. Also, Ally requested that he wished to have the matter amicably settled. Nonetheless, Brijwala was dismissed from the employ of the estate.

Representation to GuySuCo at the central level by the union failed to persuade the corporation to reverse its decision to dismiss Brijwala.

The next stage of the grievance procedure, conciliation, was invoked by the union.

At conciliation, the presiding conciliator, Charles Ogle – Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer (CLOSH)–following the presentations by the union and the corporation on September 30, 2016, recommended

that the corporation review its decision. GuySuCo subsequently reported to the CLOSH and the union that it would not alter its decision.

Thus, the CLOSH summoned a meeting on December 2, 2016 and declared the dispute deadlocked. Mr Ogle, in concluding the matter at his level, advised that the parties seek to have the matter adjudicated by an arbitrator.

The union, in the circumstances, sought to obtain approval of the corporation to follow the course of action proffered by the Ministry of Social Protection. Unfortunately, GuySuCo, by letter dated December 6, 2016, refused to have the dispute considered at arbitration. The union is of the strong view that Brijwala was discriminated against by the corporation.

GAWU took into account that

Store owners must obey Labour Laws Dear Editor PURSUANT to an earlier release to the media, the Ministry of Social Protection wishes to remind shop and store owners that they are required to comply with the relevant labour legislation including the Shops (Consolidation) Act of 2012.

According to that Act, Shops, inclusive of stores and stalls in the municipal markets, can be opened for business between the hours of 7:30 am. to 10:00 pm, but it is not expected that employees will be continually employed for all those hours on any single day.

Employees in such businesses are required by the Minimum Wages Order of 2013 to work eight hours per day or 40 hours per week during a five-day work-week.

A meal interval shall apply on every day, and where the workday extends beyond eight hours, additional time for taking meals must be granted.

During the current Christmas season, when shops, stores, etc are inclined to be opened for extended periods and employees are called upon to work more than eight hours, employers are hereby reminded that the requisite overtime rates of pay shall apply.

Apart from paying employees the required basic pay and the overtime rates, employers are reminded that they are also required to make the necessary NIS deductions from the emoluments of employees and promptly remit same to the NIS. Finally, while business owners may wish to maximise their opportunities

during the Christmas period, they should not open or cause to be opened, their business premises beyond 10:00 o’clock in the night.

With respect to the payment of wages, the ministry has been reliably informed that some employers who may not necessarily be Shop Operators, have been withholding wages from employees for a number of reasons. The ministry wishes to advise that such an illegal practice must cease forthwith. All employers are respectfully reminded that any breach of any of the Labour Laws will be answered with forceful prosecution.

Regards Keith Scott Minister Within the Ministry of Social Protection

Former President mourns passing of E.R. Braithwaite

Dear Editor

I WISH to extend sympathy to the family of E.R. Braithwaite on his passing. He lived a long and full life and contributed to literature and education greatly.

I have always recognised him as a man of high principles who stood up for his beliefs. He was our first representative to the United Nations, where he stood up not only for Guyana, but for the interest of the Third World.

Indeed, he resigned from that position in disgust at the

fact that, as an independent country, we were being dictated to; that he could not take.

In an interview he gave after resigning from the diplomatic service, he said that he had resigned from the post as ambassador to the UN because while he was at the UN pursuing policies he thought were in the interest of Guyana and in solidarity with the Third World, in Georgetown, the U.S. ambassador was telling the Prime Minister what line and posture he should take.

That went against his grain. He was not prepared to be servant

to a neo- colonial state. Edward Braithwaite made a tangible contribution to the promotion of multi- culturalism in our world. His works as an author were major contributions to world literature and to greater understanding between different cultures. I felt great pleasure, when I bestowed on him one of our highest awards for his contribution to our country and to the world. May his soul rest in peace Regards Donald Ramotar Former President

the incident which occurred since June 14, 2016, resulted in summary dismissal until August 5, 2016. Moreover, the corporation’s dismissal decision was significantly influenced by Brijwala’s firmly holding that a price dispute on August 4, 2016, involving workers of his gang be settled with a certain level of payment. This view by the union has been strengthened by GuySuCo’s negative stance for arbitration.

Workers of the industry have been in recent months invariably pummelled by certain managerial staff.

And, Brijwalla’s case is yet another of GuySuCo’s anti-workers’ thrust. GAWU will certainly pursue this case and, needless to say, is in full support of the former shop steward and dismissed worker, Dharamdeo Brijwalla.

Regards Seepaul Narine General Secretary

Dear Editor

KINDLY permit me space in the letter column of your widely read newspaper to publish this my letter, which is of great importance to all National Insurance Scheme pensioners.

According to the National Insurance and Security Act, Chapter 36:01 of 1969 of the Laws of Guyana as amended, the minimum Old Age Pension payable to NIS pensioners should not be less than 50 per cent of the national minimum wage payable to public servants.

The minimum wage payable to all public servants is now $55,000 per month, this represents an increase of $5,000 per month over that which was being paid to public servants in 2015 and took effect on the 1st of January, 2016. It is now the 5th day of December, 2016

and no mention has been made as to any increase for NIS pensioners and the minimum pension still stands at $25,000 per month.

During the former PNC government’s term in office and under whose initiatives NIS was formed by founder-leader Forbes Burnham, as the salaries/wages go up for public servants, the NIS pension went up immediately. This did not happen under Dr Roger Luncheon as Chairman of the NIS Board.

I am now calling on the NIS Board and the Government to look into this matter and see to it that we the NIS pensioners get what belongs to us as provided for by the National Insurance and Social Security Act, Chapter 36:01 as amended.

Regards Affected Pensioner

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Guyana seeks Japan support in climate change fight

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday said that as Guyana pursues the achievement of a ‘green’ state, the country looks forward to the continued support of the Government and people of Japan as a strong partner in its climate change and sustainable development initiatives.

Speaking at a reception held at the Marriott Hotel (Guyana), thursday evening, in honour of the 83rd birth anniversary of His Imperial Majesty, Akihito of Japan, the President said that as Guyana joins with the people of the State of Japan in celebration, Japan remains, under his guidance, an important member of the community of nations and an important partner to Guyana.

Having established formal diplomatic relations on June 11, 1969, the President said that relations between the two countries have blossomed over the past 47 years.

“Japan is an important development partner for Guyana. Relations have been to our mutual benefit. Guyana has benefited from Japanese assistance in a wide range of areas, including education, empowerment of youth, the environment; especially flood control, renewable energy generation, public

health, public infrastructure, and water management.

Our relations have strengthened since the enthronement of His Imperial Majesty Akihito. We signed the ‘Joint Declaration on Enhanced Cooperation on Environment and Climate Change issues between Japan and the Republic of Guyana’ nine years ago. The Declaration identified climate change, sustainable forest management and water and sanitation as priority areas for cooperation,” the President said.

The President noted that since then, cooperation in the areas of electricity, conservancy management, disaster risk preparedness, skills training, solid waste management, water and youth development has been a cornerstone of relations between the two countries. As Guyana embarks on the pursuit of a ‘green’ state, the President said that Japan’s support would be welcomed. “[There will be] emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services and the promotion of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation. We are committed to placing an additional

President Granger shares a light moment with Non-Resident Ambassador of Japan to Guyana, Mr. Mitsuhiko Okada and Mrs. Okada at the reception on Thursday evening two million hectares of our country under conservation.

We are committed to a low carbon, low emission trajectory of development. Guyana looks forward to the support of Japan in defence of the principles of international law, particularly respect for

the territorial integrity and sovereignty of small states, non-interference, in the internal affairs of states and the right of all states to develop free from aggression and threats of aggresion,” he said.

Meanwhile, Non-resident Ambassador of Japan

to Guyana, Mr. Mitsuhiko Okada, in his remarks, said that the two countries, though separated by great distance, have shared common values such as democracy, the rule of law, the fight against climate change and respect for human rights.

President David Granger and Mrs Granger greet Non-Resident Ambassador of Japan to Guyana, Mr. Mitsuhiko Okada and Mrs. Okada at the reception. Also in photo at (right) are Consulate General for Japan, Mr. Kashir Ahamad Khan and his wife, Mrs Scheherazade Ishoof Khan (Samuel Maughn photo)

“Japan values its cooperative ties with Guyana, whose leadership in this region is amply demonstrated by its ability to successfully serve as host country to the CARICOM Secretariat.

Our ties have been evident in the robust human exchanges between Guyana and Japan. Over the years, countless Guyanese nationals have visited Japan through technical training programmes in the areas such as sustainable fisheries development, disaster risk reduction and water resource management… I have great admiration for Guyana’s exemplary role in the Caribbean. As the Japanese Ambassador to Guyana, I will make every effort to introduce to the Japanese people, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and abundance of natural resources of this magnificent country,” the Ambassador said.

The event was also attended by First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, former President, Mr. Samuel Hinds, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr. Keith Scott, Consulate General for Japan, Mr. Kashir Ahamad Khan and members of the diplomatic corps. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Central Bank maintains monetary stability THE Bank of Guyana (BoG) has maintained its monetary stability despite many challenges this year and looks forward to the implementation of many projects come 2017.

The bank’s Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga, told reporters on Thursday during a press conference that at the end of September, licensed financial institutions (banks and non-banks) remained liquid, capitalised and profitable.

He noted that the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) for all licensed, deposit-taking financial institutions surpassed the 8 per cent minimum requirement. The industry’s CAR stands at 27.1 per cent or 1.4 per cent above the December 2015 ratio, thereby indicating that the sector has “adequate buffer to support it in adverse times.”

Dr. Ganga said too that Licensed Financial Institutions’ profit at the end of September 2016 amounted to $9,227M or 68 per cent above the 2015 cumulative profits. As it relates to liquidation, the levels remained high with the holdings of liquid assets surpassing the statutory minimum requirements.

“Reserves with the Bank of Guyana also exceeded the statutory minimum required level,” the Governor said.

He continued: “At September 30, 2016, total assets for the Licensed Financial Institutions amounted to %553B or 3.7 per cent above December 2015. The commercial banks accounted for 82.4 per cent or $455.5B of total assets, up from 81.3 per cent or $433.5B at the

end 2015.”

The Governor said too that the asset base were deposits of $433.9B representing a 5.6 per cent or $23B rise over the December 2015 level. “This continued to signal the high level of confidence in the safety and stability of the financial sector.”

Moreover, at the end of September this year, total investments were pegged at $152B and represented 28 per cent of the industry’s total assets. Foreign investment accounted for 33 per cent of the total investments, of which 92 per cent were in United States dollars.

Additionally, the aggregate credit portfolio of the credit-giving, Licensed Financing Institutions was $260.2B, while credit to the private sector recorded a marginal increase, growing by less than 1 per cent, or $0.8B to $215.3B. Credit to the real estate sector also rose by 3 per cent to $122.9B and accounted for 46.1 per cent of the total credit when compared to 45.9 per cent at the end of December 2015.

But the successes of the Central Bank did not come without challenges and Dr Ganga said non-performing loans proved a major challenge. He said non-performing loans were and continue to be a “major challenge” to the financial sector. In the past 18 months, the Governor said there have been elevated levels of non-performing loans, which were comparable to levels in the Caribbean.

“This was due in part to the decline in non-oil commodity prices and reclassification of exposures by a few

Governor, Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga banks,” he said, while indicating that non-performing loans represented 11.3 per cent of the industry’s total portfolio.

As a result, non-performing loans remain the focus of intense scrutiny by the Bank of Guyana as we continue to monitor and encourage financial institutions to implement measures to reduce same.

Another major challenge affecting the country is de-risking, which refers to financial institutions restricting or terminating correspondent banking relationships with clients or categories of clients in order to avoid risk. Dr Ganga said while foreign-owned banks operating in Guyana have not been subjected to de-risking, locally owned banks have been hard hit by de-risking, losing in aggregate, close to 37 per cent of correspondent relationships by the end of June 2016.

“The two affected were able to establish new correspondent relationships to cover about 75 per cent of those relationships that were lost. Each bank has at least one correspondent bank and we are working with the banks to establish other correspondent banks.”

He said too that a major concern with the spate of de-risking is that legitimate transactions may go underground, thereby encouraging the use of cash and increase other informal means. The result he said is likely to undermine the efforts to supervise and regulate the financial sector, fight moneylaundering and combat the financing of terrorism.

Additionally, “Guyana has enhanced compliance with the implementing of

recommendations by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Financial Stability Board. Along with our CARICOM counterparts and other financial institutions, we continue to advocate with commercial banks in the United States of America and other countries to determine an appropriate way forward.”

Come next year, the bank intends to embark on a number of projects, namely, the Financial Consumer Protection project which is aimed at developing a formal legal and institutional framework on market conduct or financial consumer protection.

That project which begun this year serves to educate and protect financial consumers, thereby building resilience against exploitation.

As part of the follow-up process, an action plan would be delivered with recommended reforms that are aimed at addressing the gaps and the drafting of financial consumer- protection legislation and regulations.

The BoG has taken a policy decision to bring the supervision and regulation of credit unions under the purview of the bank , while describing the area as a “supervisory blind spot.” In this regard, the entity intends to conduct an in-depth audit of the credit union sector with emphasis being placed on corporate governance, credit business, liquidity, solvency and performance. Agency banking and a new national payment system are also projects that the bank intends to work on next year.

Permission needed to vend THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has said that business persons cannot just come out to vend at any spot of their choice just because concessions are usually granted by the Council during the Christmas season.

In a press statement, the M&CC said business owners who operate within

the central business district should seek permission, in writing, to use Council’s pavements, parapets and other thoroughfares to display goods for the festive season.

The Council has observed that some members of the business community are occupying the Council’s space without the requisite permission from the

council.

“The Municipal District Council’s Act states that no person should occupy the Councils Thoroughfares without permission.” The Council is urging the business community to register with the City Council before occupying areas designed for vending, the statement said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Cabinet to examine oil and gas policy

By Ravin Singh A LOCAL-CONTENT policy, which will shape the operations of the oil and gas sector has been developed and will be examined by Cabinet later this month.

This is according to Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, who was at the time responding to questions on the budget estimates in his sector on Tuesday evening.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Odinga Lumumba, questioned the extent to which Government will incorporate small, medium and large-scale businesses to reduce existing inequalities between Guyana’s rich and poor.

Minister Trotman explained to the committee that the Government is in possession of a local-content policy, which Cabinet will examine later this month or January 2017.

He further explained that

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman a draft of the policy will also be made available to the public for contributions to be made before the final document is issued.

“We will share it in a matter of weeks with the House and the public,” he told the Committee of supply.

Delving into specifics, Lumumba quizzed the min-

ister on whether the draft document specifies potential for employment and business involvement on all levels, as well as training for the wider population on their involvement.

He was then directed by the minister to examine the index of the document, when it is released, since it has a list of all services of the surrounding oil and gas sector.

Minister Trotman also seized the opportunity to dispel rumours that the oil and gas sector will have enough space to facilitate all Guyanese.

He warned against citizens buying into this notion, referencing Uganda, where only 4,000 citizens out of a population of 18 million were directly involved in the sector.

“It is not true that everyone can be part of the sector,” the Natural Resources Minister said.

And with $200M approved for Petroleum Man-

agement in 2017, the minister also revealed that the Natural Resources Department will soon be establishing a Petroleum Division.

The division is expected to be staffed with 14 persons

and a building in Kingston rented at $1M per month will facilitate its operations.

Some $178M was also approved for the procurement of buoys for oil-spill detection, oil-spill floating detec-

tion, vault, radio systems, water dispensers and other equipment and tools.

The Committee of Supply also approved $789M for the Natural Resources Ministry.

Jamaica expresses confidence in Guyana’s rice –– after fake rice hits its markets

By Ravin Singh DESPITE temporarily suspending clearance of rice entering Jamaica, authorities will allow clearance of the product, but only those shipped from Guyana or Suriname.

On Tuesday, following reports of the distribution of ‘plastic rice’ in a sister CARICOM country,the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) announced that it would temporarily cease clearance of rice at all ports of entry.

According to an investigation done by Mathrubhumi News, there is a largescale production of rice made from plastic that is being shipped worldwide.

A major Asian giant was reported to have been one of the countries of origin. In this country, the rice is made by mixing potatoes, sweet potatoes and plastic. The rice stays hard even after being cooked and the soup forms a plastic sheath on its layer.

And with reports emerging in Jamaica, that the product has found its way

on shelves in shops and supermarkets, authorities ceased clearance of all rice.

However, according to the Jamaica Observer, the country’s Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Karl Samuda, has said that it is very important that Jamaicans are not denied this staple food.

As such, he announced that clearance will be given for rice imported from Guyana and Suriname.

Samuda was quoted as saying that the two countries are considered part of “our” market and a part of CARICOM and that Government has never had a reason to doubt either of them.

P r e s e n t l y, t h e E n glish-speaking CARICOM country imports rice from Trinidad and Tobago, the United States (U.S.), Guyana, Suriname, Thailand, China, Vietnam, and India.

According to head of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj, Guyana ships on average 47,000 tonnes of rice to Jamaica annually.

He said efforts are be-

RPA General-Secretary, Dharamkumar Seeraj ing made to increase this amount, and based on trends it is likely to increase to over 50,000 tonnes.

He further noted that Guyana should welcome the announcement and confidence expressed by the Jamaican authorities, even while the Government of Guyana seeks to engage them on the possibility of providing more rice to that country to reduce a reccurrence of fake rice entering their markets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

CPCE gets $1M to push STEM -principal vows to get Mathematics performance ‘right’

PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday handed over $1million to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) for emphasis to be placed on the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, as Principal Viola Rowe vowed to ensure that the approaches to these subjects are reviewed in the new year to ensure maximum results.

The President presented the cheque to the Principal , following his address to the graduating class of 2016 at the 82nd graduation ceremony of the college at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), earlier today. The Head of State said that as Guyana advances its ‘green’ agenda, teachers must be able to train a generation of professionals who are able to develop the nation’s resources and take advantage of opportunities that will become available.

“Guyana is on the way to establishing a ‘green’ state; one that emphasises the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services and the promotion of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

Teachers must understand this… The response to these global challenges requires scientific solutions, which provide the present generation of students with an opportunity to be part of the process of finding solutions to these challenges, promote solutions to national concerns and help us to navigate through an increasingly interdependent and technologically well-informed global environment and prepare students for the technological changes that will open opportunities for school-leavers to participate in a competitive economy,” President Granger said.

Noting that science is about energy-generation, solid-waste management and creating ‘green’ schools, compounds and communities, the President said that investment in these areas of education will create an efficient education system, which can train the future builders of the country. “It takes an efficient education system to train the architects, contractors and construction workers to build

our houses; computer scientists to enhance our knowledge and expedite our transactions; and medical doctors and technologists to protect us from epidemic disease or to cure our everyday disorder; train thousands of persons in manufacturing to fabricate machines to process foods and make utensils; miners to produce bauxite, diamonds, gold and manganese; train young people, to encourage them to be inventive and innovative and to provide them with the opportunities to develop practical solutions to the physical challenges we face; and train a generation of teachers to produce new textbooks to support the new teaching and to devise new techniques to transform our lives,” he said.

In this regard, the Head of State said that teachers must be more than mere tutors. Instead, they must be agents of socialisation; implanting knowledge, inculcating values and infusing the right attitude in them.

“Teaching can be improved in three ways: standards, skills and supervision. Principals, parents, teachers and students must be clear about what is to be expected in the classroom. These standards must be measurable and implementable and must be the responsibility of the principals and the educational authorities; teachers, through training, must be exposed to modern teaching skills so that they can be effective in transmitting knowledge to, and in building character in, students. Teacher- training must be a career-long exercise, pursuing professional development either in education or through specialisation in subject areas; and heads of schools have a vital role to play in ensuring that the full curricula are delivered, that teachers complete their assignments and that classroom time is not lost,” he said. Further, President Granger noted that training is essential for teachers.

It is necessary for them to upgrade their skills [and] acquire new knowledge so that they can master new pedagogies, techniques and technologies. He added that this administration is aiming towards a full cadre of trained teachers.

“The untrained teacher has no place in the future of our educational system. I like to use the

analogy about flying in an aeroplane. No one would fly in an aeroplane piloted by someone, who is not trained. So why should anyone allow an untrained teacher to be tasked with educating children? Trained teachers are essential to halting the decline in educational standards. We are facing a crisis in primary education with shockingly high drop-out rates and abysmally low pass rates at the National Grade Six Assessment. Improvement in educational attainment, countrywide, cannot be achieved unless we populate all of our schools with trained teachers,” the President said.

BETTERING MATH Meanwhile, Principal of the college, Ms. Viola Rowe, in her remarks, said that the college will be embarking on an evaluation of its approach to the subjects, particularly Mathematics and will be working closely with the Ministry of Education, to ensure that all weaknesses are addressed so that better results can be recorded in 2017.

“CPCE is also concerned about the overall decline in the performance of Mathematics in schools as is evident in, for example, the results of the 2016 National Grade Six Assessment. We intend to review our approaches to the delivery of the Mathematics programme and would like to take this opportunity to recognise our Ministry of Education’s Plan of Action to improve the performance of Mathematics, in this instance, at the Grade Six level. The college also acknowledges the force behind this initiative and would like to assure all stakeholders that we will not rest until we get it right,” she said.

The Best Graduating Student this year, Ms. Hirannie Persaud, received the President’s prize inclusive of the Plaque of Excellence, Certificate of Excellence and a voucher.

Over 400 teachers graduated with Associate Degrees and Trained Teachers Certificates in several programmes, including Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary Academic, Secondary Pre- Vocational and Technical Instruction.

Principal of the CPCE, Ms. Viola Rowe, receiving the $1M cheque from President David Granger, for boosting of Science and technology subjects and facilities at the institution (MOTP photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Roraima Airways to the rescue

–– Little Omkar off to Cuba for eye surgery

By Shirley Thomas TWO-YEAR-OLD Omkar Persaud of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, the child stricken with cancer in the left eye, was on Thursday winged out to Cuba where he is to have advanced eye surgery to the cancer cells spreading to the right eye.

Omkar is accompanied by his mother, Cassandra Persaud. The mother and son departed Cheddi Jagan International Airport on board air carrier ‘Easy Sky’ bound for Cuba around 15:00 hrs, compliments of Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerald Gouveia.

The gesture, which assures the child and his mother free return air travel to and from Cuba, is an extension of Roraima Airways’ continued commitment to the Medical Evacuation Service operated by that entity, Captain Gouveia said.

The infant, the second of two children to his parents, was born with a rare childhood cancer of the eye, known as Retinoblastoma. It was detected a few months after birth Cassandra said, and on being examined by

Dr. Neeraj Jane at the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital, it was determined that he had cancer of the eye.

Treatment was administered, but by October last the left eye had to be removed because of infection and the right eye was diagnosed with the rare cancer, Persaud told journalists who offered her moral support and prayers in the Roraima Airways Executive Lounge at the CJIA. With this medical emergency on hand, and on the advice of the ophthalmologist, arrangements were made to have the child flown out to either the US or Cuba to have surgery undertaken.

In the meantime, an appeal was thrown out to the public for help to raise the much-needed funds to finance the child’s surgery.

Attempts to have the child taken to the US did not materialise, but with time being of the essence, it was decided to take him to Cuba.

With God’s grace, the amount needed was realised, through generous donations from compassionate persons, Persaud said.

The major donor was ‘Shea Foundation’ - Saving Hands Emergency Aid Inc

(SHEA). Other notable donors included the Ministry of Public Health which gave $1M; and Roraima Airways whch contributed to the air travel. Several other persons also contributed to this worthy cause.

SHEA is a humanitarian organisation that provides financial assistance and coordinates free or low cost treatment to address the emergency medical needs of individuals in impoverished countries.

The organisation which was founded by New York– based Guyanese, Lori Narine has aided several Guyanese and Caribbean nationals. According to Narine, the organisation operates on public donations and was established because of many needs.

Persaud and her family would like to express profound gratitude to SHEA Foundation and all others who so kindly and generously contributed to the noble cause, aimed at the recovery and improvement of her son’s right eye, and moreover, of eradicating the cancer cells which are prone to spreading.

“It’s amazing to know how many Guyanese reached out,” said Captain Gouveia.

Cassandra Persaud with her two-year-old son Omkar (in need of surgery) seated in the Roraima Airways Executive Lounge at CJIA shortly before boarding the flight en route to Cuba. With them is Roraima Airways, Marketing Executive, Dellon Murray But through it all, Om- in keeping his distraught will return home to Guykar, when not experienc- mother buoyed in times of ana via ‘Easy Sky’, a few weeks after the surgery is ing pains, is jovial - attri- despair. butes which go a long way The mother and child completed

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Around the Court

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

By Clestine Juan

Lethem ‘Fifty’ in court Lethem youth gets bail on wounding charge for ganja possession A 37-YEAR-OLD Lethem businessman was on Wednesday placed on $70,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for maliciously wounding another man.

Lawrence France called ‘Fifty’ pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on December 9, at Tabatinga, Lethem Central Rupununi he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Shawn Bru-

tus.

France attorney, Jerome Khan in his application for reasonable bail explained that his client was the victim of an attempted assassination and that the police had held Brutus as a suspect. “The matter has gained the attention of the crime chief and also investigation into the matter is currently being done by ranks in the Lethem area,” Khan pointed out.

The lawyer further explained that the allegation by Brutus is an attempt against France for him to d ro p t h e c h a r g e a n d investigation. Police P r o s e c u t o r, S i m o n Payne made no objection to bail which was granted by the Chief Magistrate to the sum of $70,000. The matter was transferred to the L e t h e m M a g i s t r a t e ’s Court for March 7, 2017.

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday released a first-time offender on $40,000 bail after he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court on a drug possession charge.

Anthony Atkinson, 22 of Saint Ignatius Mission, Lethem pleaded not guilty to the

charge which alleged that on December 13, at Tabatinga, Lethem he had 10 grams of cannabis in his possession.

Atkinson lawyer, Jerome Khan explained to the court that the young mechanic suffers from malaria and was given the substance by someone to help with the pain.

Khan pointed out that

Atkinson didn’t know what the substance was, since the person failed to tell him.

Police Prosecutor, Simone Payne made no objection to bail. The Chief Magistrate released Atkinson on $40,000 and transferred the matter to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for March 7, 2017.

A DELIGHT Travel Service Consultant was on Thursday released on $75,000 bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for airplane

ticket fraud.

Adriana Onoja, 27 of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charge which

stated that between October 10 and November 1, at Georgetown with intent to defraud Okooko Konoke, she obtained $630,000 from him by falsely pretending that she was in a position to get him a two-way ticket from Lagos, Nigeria to Georgetown, Guyana knowing same to be false.

Police Prosecutor, Simone Payne made no objection to bail but explained to the court that the defendant and the victim are known to each other. Payne also noted that the police file is still incomplete. The Magistrate released Onoja on $75,000 bail with the condition that she report to the Golden Grove Police Station every Friday until the completion of trial. The matter is adjourned until January 16, 2017.

Travel agent accused of defrauding Nigerian

Adriana Onoja

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

6 homeless after Wisroc fire

A FAMILY of six of lot 101 Wisroc, Linden now have a bleak Christmas as they are counting losses in the millions after their three-bedroom concrete home went up in flames Wednesday night.

Matriarch of the home, Renee Bridgelall is nursing severe burns to her hand that occurred while narrowly escaping from the back room with her four young children.

“I just wake up and see the house in flames because I was trapped in the back bedroom with the kids, cuz they were sleeping and I was sleeping and was fire all over, so I had to grab them to come out through the window,” Bridgelall said.

The fire occurred a little after noon and her husband Dwayne Fraser was not at home at the time. When he returned he saw his home flattened but was happy that

no one lost their life.

The house belonged to Fraser’s mother who lives overseas. Nothing was saved and even the butcher shop that the family operated at the side of the house was burnt. By the time fire tender reached the home, it was already badly burnt. According to one of the firemen, the origin of the fire is unknown and investigations are ongoing.

CG bandits positively identified

The two bandits who were apprehended by police THE two CG bandits apprehended Wednesday after robbing an accountant at Tower Suites, Main Street, Geogetown were Thursday positively identified during an ID parade.

A 63-year-old security guard, who was grazed on his abdomen from a shot fired by one of the bandits, was admitted to a City Hospital.

The two robbers are in their 20s.

Reports reveal that the duo traced the accountant from a city bank where he made a withdrawal of almost $3M. According to an eyewitness, one of the bandits was on foot running towards the taxi which had stopped at Tower Suites car park. He then discharged his gun, ran up to the taxi and smashed the windscreen on the passenger’s side before grabbing the bag containing the cash from the accountant.

“Since the taxi stopped at Hotel Tower, a man with a gun run up to the taxi and

lash the windscreen and grab a bag and run,” the eyewitness said.

The bandit then ran towards his accomplice and jumped onto an unregistered CG motorcycle before fleeing to East La Penitence, Georgetown.

A prompt response by the police resulted in the men being cornered at Front Road, East La Penitence, forcing them to jump into a nearby trench where they decided to toss the gun and cash.

However, the bag containing the cash was recovered, but the firearm was not found.

Police also retrieved the ID card of the accountant, which was inside the bag filled with cash.

The men were found hiding in a nearby yard and a search of the house in the yard revealed that there were stolen items being stored there. As such, a woman was also taken into police custody.

What’s left after fire struck the Lot 101 Wisroc, Linden home

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

US$8B IDB loan to cut prison overcrowding

A US$8 million project approved by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will help Guyana overcome prison overcrowding, by reducing pre-trial detentions and increasing the use of alternative sentencing, among other measures.

The objective of the loan is to contribute to the high concentrations of prison populations in the country, which stands at 256

per 100,000 of the national population, well above the world average of 146 per 100,000. The Guyanese criminal justice system tends to use incarceration as the default sanction.

However, high rates of imprisonment have been associated with an individual’s future proclivity for crime and difficulties in securing employment, among other negative factors. Building or expanding prison facilities can be a

short-term fix for overcrowding, but if root causes are not addressed, the new facilities will eventually be filled.

The project is divided into two components. The first component seeks to reduce the use of pre-trial detention, especially for individuals accused of minor offences. The idea is to provide better legal assistance to individuals accused of non-violent offences, improve prosecutors’ ability

to handle cases according to the seriousness of the offence, strengthen the judiciary, and design and implement a restorative justice programme. A second component seeks to increase the use of alternative sentencing by the criminal justice system in Guyana.

This includes strengthening the country’s legal-drafting functions, modernising probation services and implementing a pilot project at the level of Magistrates

Courts to apply alternatives to imprisonment to non-violent offenders.

The programme is designed to complement a previously approved citizen security programme targeting high-crime neighbourhoods. The US$8 million loan is divided in two parts. Four million dollars is financed via the IDB’s ordinary capital, has a 30year amortization period and an interest rate based on Libor. The remaining US$4 million is through the IDB’s subsidised lending arm. It has a 40-year amortization period and a fixed interest rate of 0.25 percent.

During his recent budget debate presentation, Attorney General, Basil Williams, had disclosed that pending approval of the IDB loan, the ministry will set up a project execution unit to spearhead implementation and monitoring.

Earlier this year, top officials of the executive and the judiciary had met to craft a strategy to reduce the huge backlog of cases that has bogged down the court system here for years and created overcrowding in the prison system. The meeting came days after a deadly riot broke out at the Georgetown Prison, resulting in deaths of 17 prisoners. Surviving inmates have mainly blamed the riot on poor conditions at the prison, including delays in their trials and long periods of remand.

President David Granger had instructed that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) be held into the deaths of the 17 inmates of the Capital ‘A’ Division of the Camp Street jail. In their report, the commissioners revealed that as at February 29th, 2016, the Georgetown Prison housed 979 inmates and this is estimated to be 448 or 84% over the maximum accommodation capacity.

According to the report, the prison should house a maximum of only 531 prisoners. It was noted that of the 979 detainees, 55 are living in dormitories five times smaller than the recommended standard prescribed for that number; 61 are living in areas four

times smaller than recommended; 123 are living in areas three times smaller than the recommended standard; 311 are living in spaces two and a half times smaller than the recommended areas and 205 are living in areas half the recommended size.

“In overall terms, only 79 of the 979 inmates live in areas that meet international standards with respect to space. Almost half of inmates (47%) are living in enclosed spaces with three times as many people as is recommended for minimum standards of physical and mental health, to say nothing of human dignity,” the CoI concluded. According to the report, considerations of air, light, absence of regular running water and inadequate waste-disposal facilities need to be taken into account, pointing out that food quality deteriorates as the prison budget stretches to cover more meals than originally calculated. The personal hygiene of prisoners deteriorates as well.

“As the problem gets worse, inmates spend more and more time locked down in these harsh conditions, unable to move to work stations, recreational facilities, educational classes and other activities, because such activities are sacrificed to the need of overworked prison officers to complete the basic tasks of supervising meals and ablution schedules,” the report noted.

Moreover, the CoI found that reducing numbers in prison to manageable levels is the single most important priority for establishing safe, humane and purposeful prisons. It was further noted that repeat offenders have increased by over 100%, “indicating not only a waste of taxpayer dollars but also the need for a more comprehensive and structured partnership within the wider justice system.”

Chairman of the commission was Justice James Patterson and the other commissioners were Dale Erskine, a former prisons director, and Merle Mendonca, a human rights activist.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Fireman brutally chopped fighting off bandits A WISROC, Linden fireman is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was brutally chopped about his body by bandits on Wednesday night.

Masimba Sampson, 30, is now being hailed as a brave man, since he put up a fight against the four bandits who were also armed with a gun.

Reports indicate that the perpetrators called Sampson out of his house. Despite being outnumbered, he managed to get the gun from one of the bandits, but was unaware that they were also armed with cutlasses and before he knew it, he was chopped several times about his body, including his face and head.

The bandits then escaped and Masimba made his way to the Wisroc Police Outpost, where he

that the incident occurred around 22:00hrs on Wednesday and he had heard the commotion but did not take it seriously. “I hear the

Masimba Sampson is in a critical condition at the hospital was subsequently rushed to the Linden Hospital but was later transferred to the GPHC. He was bleeding profusely when he was admitted to the hospital. Ranks from the Wisroc Outpost made their way to the home, but came up-empty handed as the bandits had already made good their escape.

A neighbour of the man told this newspaper

noise last night, but me aint know is chop the boy getting chop up.”

Masimba was off duty at the time the incident occurred. Another neigh-

bour revealed that the fireman recently sold a piece of land and perhaps the bandits went after the money. “Hear wah happen, he sell

out a set a land behind there, I know he sell two lands to one person, so it got to be dah money them man went after,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Banks DIH cops prestigious Coca Cola award BANKS DIH Limited has won the prestigious “Coca Cola Excellence Cup” for Performance excellence (small markets), winning the award ahead of other leading bottlers of Coca Cola within the regional Latin Centre Business Unit (LCBU).

The Cup was awarded at the recent LCBU Bottlers meeting held on No-

vember 17th, 2016 in Miami, Florida, USA, Banks DIH said in a release.

Receiving the high accolades in Miami were Mr. Clifford Reis – Chairman/Managing Director, Mr. George McDonald – Co-Managing Director/ Marketing Director and Mr. Andrew Carto – Human Resources Director.

In commenting on the win, Mr. Reis expressed

Requirements and maintaining compliance certifications in FSSC 22000 (2014) – Food Safety System Certification, ISO 22000 (2005) – Food Safety Management System, ISO 9001 (2008) – Quality Management System, ISO/TS 2200021:2009 – Prerequisite programme on Packag-

pride and gratitude on behalf of all at Banks DIH Limited who contributed to the company’s success. Mr. Reis said: “Our Company has over the years built a quality system which today has been recognised with this award. Our staff remains committed to quality in the production of Coca Cola products and all other products made by Banks

ing manufacturing, ISO 14001 – Environment and ISO 18000 – Occupational Health and Safety among other measured parameters.

This is only the second time that the Excellence Cup was awarded.

Banks DIH Limited is the local bottler of Coca Cola since 1990.

Mr. Clifford B. Reis, Chairman/Managing Director of Banks DIH Limited DIH Limited. I am also proud that we as a Guyanese Company can win such an important award.”

“It puts us on the map and says to all that worldclass quality can be and is produced right here in Guyana and by Guyanese.”

Bottlers in the LCBU and across the world compete in several categories of Sales, Health, Safety and Environment. The classifications include Sales Growth, Package quality, Product Quality, Personnel safety measured by the Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR), passing the unannounced Coca Cola audits of Core

The Coca Cola Excellence Cup on display at Thirst Park

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Unemployment in Caribbean highest in decade – ILO

THE unemployment rate in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 8.1 per cent in 2016, the highest level in a decade, amid an economic contraction that has also affected the quality of employment, the International Labour Organisation said on Thursday in its annual report on the Region’s labour market.

That rate is 1.5 percentage points higher than in 2015, when it stood at 6.6 per cent, and it means that some 5 million people joined the ranks of the unemployed, a figure that now stands at about 25 million workers, according to the “2016 Labour Overview of Latin America and the Caribbean”, which the ILO Regional Office has published at the end of every year for more than 20 years.

“The labour scenario in the Region worsened in 2016: there has been a sharp increase in unemployment, informality is increasing and the quality of employment has deteriorated,” said the ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, José Manuel Salazar. By the end of the year, there was “a worrisome series of setbacks and negative impacts in multiple indicators,” he said.

“Although there are significant differences between countries and sub-regions, on average for the Region this is the worst year in a decade, in terms of

both economic growth and the unemployment rate”, the ILO Regional Director warned. “The economic contraction reduced job creation.”

Of particular concern, he said, is that if forecasts of slow growth for 2017 hold true, unemployment will increase again next year to 8.4 per cent. The ILO report notes that the increase in unemployment comes as an economic contraction of -0.6 per cent or -0.9 per cent is projected by the IMF and ECLAC, respectively, for 2016.

The average economic growth rate for the Region reflects diverse situations, the report notes, because Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico are seeing positive economic growth rates, while there is a contraction in South America, especially in Brazil, where nearly 40 per cent of the Region’s economically active population lives, and which has a strong impact on the average for South America and the Region as a whole.

Although unemployment rates also reflect diverse national situations, in 2016 “a region-wide phenomenon was detected”, as the rate increased in 13 of the 19 countries with data available as of the third quarter of the year. The increase in unemployment affected women more than men. The increase in women’s unemployment was 1.9 percentage points, raising

the rate to 9.8 per cent, nearly in double digits for the first time in a decade.

In the case of young people, the ILO Regional Director said the increase of nearly 3 percentage points is “of extreme concern.”

That increase raised the youth unemployment rate to 18.3 per cent, the highest in a decade. The unemployment rate for young people is 3.1 times that of adults over age 25. This edition of the annual ILO report also includes the most recent informality data. In 2015, a slight increase was seen, from 46.5 to 46.8 per cent in informal employment.

The report warns that this trend toward greater informality continued in 2016.

“We estimate that some 134 million workers are in informal employment, a persistent phenomenon in our Region, which poses a major challenge for policy makers”, said Juan Chacaltana, ILO regional specialist on employment, who coordinated the preparation of this 2016 Labour Overview.

In the report, the ILO says that other indicators of deterioration in the quality of employment are the decrease in registered employment, which dropped by -0.7 percentage points in 2016, and the increase of 0.5 percentage points in self-employment “associated with lower-quality working conditions”.

The report also notes that real average wages in

the Region decreased by -1.3 per cent in 2015. According to data available for eight countries as of the third quarter of 2016, that trend could continue this year, as there are indications of a decrease in wages in the registered or formal sector.

Meanwhile, real minimum wages increased by an average of 4.4 per cent.

In 14 of the 16 countries with information, as of the third quarter of 2016, an increase was seen as a result of efforts to raise minimum

wages above the inflation rate. Indicators collected in 2016 show that “in the past two years, there has been a reversal in some of the labour-related progress achieved in the Region in the previous decade”, Salazar said.

“Although with different combinations and degrees of urgency, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean face a dual challenge: on the one hand, to design short-term responses to mitigate the negative social and labour

impacts of the deceleration and return to a growth path, and on the other to take action to address the structural problems of low productivity and the lack of productive diversification”, Salazar said.

The Labour Overview is prepared by the Regional Office using data from official sources in each country, which are gathered and processed by the Labour Analysis and Information System for Latin America and the Caribbean (SIALC-ILO).

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Consultations on regional reform begin next year

By Rabindra Rooplall

GOVERNMENT is moving to empower the administrative regions and part of it will include possible name-changes, as well as the installation

of flags and emblems to ensure their respective identities, Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan said.

This process, which will begin next year, will see widespread consultations

under the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), targeting key stakeholders.

“When our regions were created in the 1980s, the names given or assigned to regions weren’t meant to be permanent and one of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and Minister responsible for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson with regional officials at the meeting at Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown on Thursday the things we have found is that in many cases the majority of our regions are not referred to by their names but were referred to by numbers,” Bulkan said.

He continued: “It is felt a key reason for this is the fact that many of the names are too long and in some cases too cumbersome, hence, it is easier to identify the regions by numbers.”

According to him, residents cannot have a bond with a region when it is referred to by a number as this is counterproductive to regional awareness, as well as their and pride.

“So the opportunity will be afforded to persons within each region to decide if the names they currently have for their regions are the ones they want to retain or if they would like to have a new name,” the minister said.

It was noted that if a poll is carried out, there would be a high probability that many persons are not aware of the official names for the various regions.

Minister Bulkan stressed that even though this new development will come on stream, Government will not interfere with the role of the regional administrations.

“The administration has stated its commitment to rebuilding both local democracy and the system of Local Government. We have said that in relation to governance that there are three strata or layers of governance: Central, Regional and Local. For there to be effective governance, each of these pillars has to be functioning for there to be proper national administration,” Bulkan explained.

In Budget 2017, total regional allocations increased by $2B, but in Regions Two, Six and 10, there were marginal decreases in capital allocations.

“We are aware that there have been some challenges in the implementation and the execution of the 2016 budgetary allocation and it is our fervent hope that we can learn from those lessons. Given that the budget will be approved prior to

the start of the fiscal year, it means that we have a full 12-month to guarantee a smooth, efficient and complete execution of all of our projects,” the minister said.

And on this note, he appealed for a harmonious and not an adversarial relationship between political elements of the various councils.

“It is not the desire of this administration to have a situation where the administrative component of our council is given prominence at the expense of the political element of the council which is the real authority.

These are democratically-elected institutions and councils and we are committed to respecting the democratic will of the people and to allow for the exercise of the authority where it properly resides which is in the political elements,” Minister Bulkan said.

Region Seven Chairman, Gordon Bradford thanked the Government for the sums allocated to the region and said it would allow for residents to benefit from improved services.

The region is hoping to have a full-fledged hospital in the near future, and will be building living quarters for teachers and health care providers.

For Region 10 Chairman, Renis Morian, significant attention will be given to infrastructural projects.

The first phase of the Linden-Lethem Road will aid in job creation since Lindeners will be given first preference in employment opportunities.

Morian also said that the region will be encouraging aircraft owners to invest in a regional airstrip and will also seek to employ retired Math teachers to boost performance in this subject area.

Meanwhile, Chairman for Region Nine, Bryan Allicock said the tender system must be activated as early as possible since inclement weather has been affecting timely completion of infrastructural projects.

He also called for more investment into Guyana’s largest region.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

ARIES After confronting some rather major emotional challenges, you step out of your door, ready to crank up the volume on life today. The Moon proudly marches into lively Leo, setting a boisterous tone for the day. However, there might be a cosmic noise complaint coming from strict Saturn’s direction, reminding you to not go overboard when it comes to indulging in pleasurable pursuits or outrageous behaviour. Orson Wells said, “The enemy of art is the absence of limitations.”

TAURUS Happily, the insecurity of yesterday fades away as the Sun rises to create a bright new day. The bold Leo Moon grounds you in the quiet certainty that you are doing everything it takes to achieve your dreams. Be wary of your pride in your work turning into haughtiness while sobering Saturn is on guard to check your ego at the slightest provocation. Humility is the balloon, confidence is the hot air -- your balloon must be intact for the hot air to send you skyward.

GEMINI You’re excited to jump back on the proverbial track again after an unexpected emotional detour yesterday. In fact, you can’t wait to tell people about your fascinating new idea, and everyone is eager to gather around and listen. However, speak responsibly and without hyperbole today, because your enthusiasm is under the watchful eye of stern Saturn. Methodically pace yourself and modify your trajectory so you don’t derail your plans before they even get off the drawing board.

Cancer The mood has lightened immensely today, allowing you to breathe a sigh of relief and let down your guard. The passionate Leo Moon inspires you to feel generous in all directions, but make sure you don’t completely ignore the clock or your wallet. Although you have more energy to put into the things that really matter to you now, your obligations still loom in the shadows and it’s unwise to go to extremes to prove your invincibility. Stick to your schedule so you can end your day without regret.

LEO The King of the Jungle is proud to make his presence known, and you Leos are no different when you are ready to roar. The Moon returns to your expressive sign today, pumping up your passionate exuberance. This cosmic ego boost could blast you with such a shot of confidence that you might sound cocky if you exaggerate your abilities. You may need to make a few hasty adjustments after running into a sobering speed bump or two placed in your path by karmic Saturn.

Proactive measures prevent problems from spinning your day out of control.

VIRGO You might have hit a rough patch yesterday, but today you’re feeling more like your calm and collected self. Your sense of humour is back in action, and any problems you encounter now don’t seem quite as dire as they would have just a few days ago. Although you may believe you’re capable of accomplishing all you set out to do, make sure not to overextend yourself or bossy Saturn will punish your mistakes. Small steps are the secret to your success.

LIBRA You may have been questioning the motives of your heart yesterday, but now it’s time to lighten up and have some fun. The generous Leo Moon inspires you to feel sanguine and social; creating special memories with your friends hits the spot. However, you could experience some friction from pragmatic Saturn, requiring you to enjoy responsibly because your to-do list still has plenty of items which need to be crossed off. Moderation is your friend if you want to earn the respect of others.

SCORPIO Thankfully, your doubts and fears dissolve into the past as you approach the day with renewed fervour. You feel a reinvigorated sense of purpose and are anxious to pursue your goals as the audacious Leo Moon strides into your 10th House of Career. Luna fuels your bold ambitious and colourful dreams, but utilitarian Saturn tempers any excessive zealousness with a quick burst of karma. Stay humble as you conquer the world.

SAGITTARIUS You’ve spent more time than you wanted coming to grips with some emotional revelations recently, but today you’re ready to put your heart into something productive again. The vibrant Leo Moon energizes your 9th House of Higher Truths, harmonizing with your natural big-picture mindset and encouraging you to reach for your dreams. However, stable Saturn solidifies the energy and demands that you speak with integrity. A perfect balance between passion and practicality wins the prize.

CAPRICORN It’s a welcome relief to get back to business after a brief stop to attend to some worrisome matters of the heart. The self-directed Leo Moon adds subjectivity to issues pertaining to shared resources, which may have you feeling possessive about certain assets, or insecure about the longevity of the partnership. A tense aspect from imposing Saturn can prompt you to overreact, but it’s prudent to simply make the needed alterations to alleviate tension as soon as time permits.

AQUARIUS The unwavering power of love outshines the emotional rollercoaster ride of yesterday. The ardent Leo Moon heats up your 7th House of Relationships, infusing your personal interactions with an enticing magnetism. As wrapped up as you might be in adoring your partner and being adored right back, don’t get carried away by romantic illusions. Somber Saturn steps in to warn you to keep a larger perspective, even when it’s hard to tear your gaze from what’s right in front of you.

PISCES Yesterday’s emotional turbulence fades in the dawn of a new day and the icy waters of doubt recede to be replaced with hope and warmth. There’s an optimistic filter over everything now, and you approach your duties and obligations with extra enthusiasm. Stoic Saturn still lurks in the shadows to remind you that while dedication is important, attaching your ego to your work can turn passion into fanaticism. Less is more is a motto worth striving for in today’s climate of excess.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Collaborate, not fight

By Rabindra Rooplall

MINISTER within the Ministry of Communities with responsibili-

ty for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson has stressed that Guyana will only advance when differences are set aside

and all serve without discrimination.

She expressed these views on Thursday during a meeting with regional

–– Housing Minister tells regional officials chairpersons in Committee Room 2, Public Build-

Housing Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson ings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

“I think this nation is at a point where we need to move forward and therefore we have to put our political differences aside and consider the people who have elected us to serve them; we serve without discrimination,” the minister said.

She added: “We cannot discriminate depending on where we are located against our people, the people expect us to deliver.”

Reflecting on the performances of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) in 2016, Minister Adams-Patterson said more could have been done, and hopefully, these shortcomings would be addressed with the early presentation of budget 2017.

“It’s not all about how

much money we receive from the Government coffers, but it’s how we spend it and if we spend it, we expect as a Government that whatever monies are appropriated to the regions by the end of 2017 will benefit the people,” the minister told the officials.

She also emphasised the need for collaboration in the new year, underscoring that the interest of the people should be placed on the front burner.

“Our young people are on social media following everything we do and they are cognisant of what we have not done and they are putting pressure on us, so let’s include them in the process and let’s work together,” Minister Adams-Patterson urged.

The Government, she noted has a mandate to serve the people, and is dependent on the RDCs to deliver.

“I want to encourage you that yes, we are aware that our councils are made up of several political parties, but the bigger picture here is the people whom we serve and if we are to effectively and efficiently serve the people, it means that there must be working together of all the political parties in their particular council.”

Any disjointed affairs between officials will be counterproductive to the regions and the country as a whole, the minister warned.

Robbery suspects nabbed in West Ruimveldt SIX men in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown were arrested Wednesday night after police got wind of information that they were planning a robbery.

According to a police source, ranks in ‘A’ Division swooped down on a fruit stall in the community where the men were liming and arrested them, including the stall owner.

They were arrested after a .38 Taurus pistol with one live round was found under a piece of wood on the ground next to the men.

“Is like they stash it when the police come,” one resident said.

Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan confirmed the arrest of the men, and informed Guyana Chronicle that they are in custody pending investigation and ID parade.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

Whose holiday is Christmas?

WHOSE Holiday is Christmas? It’s not a religious question this time, because we all celebrate the intrinsic values that it captures, regardless of our religious backgrounds.

And, whether we recognise it or not, the season is grounded in human harvest-renewal celebrations rooted in solstitial observations ancient to the religious events that are related to our Christmas.

The flashback that prompted this column occurred to me while walking through Sixth Street, Alberttown a few evenings ago. A group of pre-teens were excitedly gathered around the corner of a trench, and from the exchange, I realised that some creature was being killed; that the victims were either water snakes or frogs.

BOYHOOD DAYS

I intervened on behalf of the poor hapless creatures and succeeded in dispersing their tormentors, but for a moment my thoughts strayed to my childhood days in the countryside where, with the onset of the rainy season, such creatures abounded, and one could hear the crapaud choir among the ‘bizi-bizi’ grass or from the trenches round about.

And there was this one fellow who took pleasure in killing frogs and pelting cats and dogs; and the adults were always after him, scolding and making some pretty dark predictions about his future.

Then in his early young adult years, he went into the “gold bush”, and someone murdered him. The other side of the coin was the direction in which children were pointed back then around that season, which was a fun preoccupation and mind de-

veloping.

Children played ‘board’ games. The challenges of Draughts, Chinese Checkers and other games; card games like ‘rummy’ and ‘trip-trawl’, most likely local terms, were exciting family fun when not outdoors, pretending to be gun-slingers etc. Exciting, too, were those model kits that challenged close friends, and encouraged the nexus between plan reading and the juvenile engineer.

CHILDISH EXPECTATIONS The life of Christmas revolves around the expectations of children. From the ancient world, there were celebrations that exalted the toy-maker; evidence of sculpted toys rests in the first dawn of our historical memory, throughout the human timeline, as well as children having their pet animals.

From a personal experience, living with my godparents, it meant a new pack of incredible toy soldiers, a ‘Cisco Kid’ cap gun and local leather holster. There was a lady in Stabroek Market who stocked this merchandise, made as real as any western movie replica, replete with with leather laces.

This menu was not quite fulfilled without the ‘boys annual’ of the day, be it TIGER, VALIANT or LION. Of course, they were designed for a Euro-centric audience.

But compared to what? We enjoyed them.

The experience with playtime is sacred and unforgettable; neither my parents nor my godparents were rich or well-to-do folks, but they prioritised what was necessary, not entirely from an adult’s point of view, but from the perspective of bringing

real joy to the young in their care.

And with my children and grand-child, I have tried to do the same. If we take the mundane interpretation of Christmas, it revolves around the birth of a special child.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY In the Christmas story, children suffer; a child is saved; animals witness his birth; and Kings give him symbolic gifts.

Okay! So we’ve added on Dionysus and his bacchanal. The positive spin-off there is that there is much to eat and drink, and this at times eclipses the realm of the childhood rite of stimulation, which, if not embellished in its proper period may manifest later into darker cravings.

Books must be inclusive in gift giving; gift wrapping has a magic all of its own.

These little things add up to the joy in young faces on Christmas Day, which young parents will find irritating if they purchase those battery-operated toys that keep noise throughout Christmas Day. I have learnt that from experience.

We in Guyana have not developed our children’s world; our politics is so exhausting that politicians seem to have forgotten or don’t know, from their own vacant childhoods, what children dream of.

We have seen the deprived child-play manifest into the darker cravings for excessive wealth, and to possess subordinate souls as toys.

Imagination is a tremendous ingredient for development. My daughter has a cat that has colonised her; I watch that cat and her mother play, as I watched puppies play in my childhood. Nature magazines and programmes cover

the values of animals at play extensively.

As creatures of the animal world, we no less require that type of nurturing. Childhood can easily be narrowed down to the essential needs of housing, food and clothing, but if we teach children that that is all they need, they may very well grow up to become like politicians locally and worldwide who are being dragged daily before the courts for excesses, possibly to fill myriad empty spaces that have morphed into obsessions with abundant ownership for ownership sake.

SYMBOLISM The Christmas symbolism is also decorated with a once German devil, remade and merged with the benevolent Saint Nicolas, the kindhearted Bishop from Myra [Turkey], whose alter ego is Krumpus the horned creature that predates Christianity, who carries away bad children.

Thus, we have Santa Claus and his African toymaker, the controversial Zwarte Piet (Black Peter).

From that combination, we are presented

with the option to place the wager of good behaviour for the reward of gifts, as it is necessary to demonstrate to children that bad behaviour has regrettable consequences, a profound lesson that will be an essential guideline as they grow into adulthood, or we risk abdicating a crucial Christmas obligation, with far-reaching effects on the nature of the society we must strive to rebuild.

If re-interpreting Christmas can be a positive tool, and you didn’t realise it before, then 2016 is a good time to start.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

'EUPHORIA' does it!

-as curtain comes down on ‘The Spotlight’ EUPHORIA Dance Crew is now going be looked upon as the ‘go-to’ dance group in Guyana after the trio put some respect on their name by dancing their way to the $2.5M million inaugural win of the E-Networks/ RED Entertainment talent show, ‘The Spotlight’ in the season finale last Wednesday night.

After starting off with hundreds of acts from all across Guyana, the Euphoria trio of Carlus Persaud, Jemal Ellis and Seon Douglas bested their competitors, and, week after week, continued to stay on top in the competition to finally emerge as the show’s ultimate winners.

In Wednesday’s final episode, the dancers came up against, and outperformed singers Delisha Wright and Trevaun Selman.

stage one last time for a collective performance of Bob Marley’s “One Love”.

Some of the acts even managed to perform better than they ever did while they were still in the running in the show. It would seem they all really did save the best for last.

The night also saw a performance by the sexy dreadlocked ‘Phillip 7’ out of Barbados. For anyone who cares to remember, Phillip 7 is one of the acts that performed at the ‘Back to the Future’ Concert in May of this year. Outside of that, we don’t know who he is either.

Each of the three finalists got to perform twice; first in an act where they each paired off with one of the three judges, and then they returned to do their solo numbers.

FAIR AS ALWAYS The judges were fair as

One last group performance

RUNNERS-UP

For her performance of Beyonce’s Dreamgirls’ classic, “Listen”, Delisha finished as runner-up, walking away with $500,000 in cash, and a trip to Jamaica, compliments of Fly Jamaica Airlines.

But not before giving everyone a fright, and adding to the night’s drama, when she collapsed on stage just after her strenuous performance.

Trevaun was not too enthusiastic about placing third, but was nonetheless grateful that he was walking away $250,000 richer. If nothing else, his prize trip to the Baganara Resort will help him get over this loss.

The night saw one of the show’s more energetic episodes, and gave all of the eliminated acts from the top 15 finalists a chance to grace The Spotlight’s polished

always, and hardly anyone could argue over Euphoria’s meriting their win. Alana did take the opportunity to tell both Trevaun and Delisha that they have a far way to go in their careers.

From the outset, it seemed that the fight for the top spot was going to be between Delisha and Euphoria.

Euphoria was paired with Alana, and Alana fit so well in the boys’ dance number you could hardly believe she wasn’t always a part of the group.

The Bollywood/Hip Hop medley was very well put together, and the moves flowed nicely.

When the boys came back out in their all-white matching outfits, you could tell they meant business, and were gunning hard for this win.

Earlier into the night, Delisha got the ball rolling

when she partnered with judge Russel Lancaster for a duet cover of John Denver’s “Perhaps Love”.

After Russel hinted that the song was his choice, one could understand why the delivery flowed so smoothly: The man knows his music. Delisha, however, could use some work on her song choices.

A BIT SHAKY Things were a bit shaky when Delisha returned for her solo performance. Delisha went hard on the high notes as if hell-bent on screaming her way to a win. The song itself was an impassioned appeal to self-liberation, but Delisha seemed to be arguing her song a little too strongly.

She later revealed that the song meant a lot to her because, as a singer, she felt the need to let persons know that they can’t dictate things for her.

By Tamica Garnett

Trevaun’s performance with Christian was a noisefilled ‘throw down’, when he came back. Decked out in a formal suit, Trevaun gave a better performance, singing “I Put A Spell On You”.

The song was definitely better suited to his voice, but some of the judges did not believe it was the best that Trevaun could give.

All in all, the finale was a fitting close to what will unquestionably go down as the best locally-produced talent show Guyana has ever seen.

The Remix Chick (right) hands over the $2.5M cheque to the Euphoria boys, from left, Carlus Persaud, Seon Douglas and Jemal Ellis

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AFTER weeks of reports of severe exhaustion and ensuing hospitalisation, Kanye West walked into Trump Tower on Tuesday morning.

Journalists who caught a glimpse of the musician entering the tightly guarded building in Manhattan took to Twitter to document the strange spectacle.

Mr. West’s appearance occurred shortly before former Governor Rick Perry of Texas was named as President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick to lead the Energy Department, the same agency that Mr. Perry said during the 2012 presidential race that he wanted to abolish.

For Mr. Trump, the visit was another headline-grabber stuffed into a series of more consequential events, including the possibility of a showdown with Republicans in Congress over intelligence reports that Russia may have interfered in the election.

Once Mr. West returned to the lobby with Mr. Trump, he didn’t provide much information about the reasons for his visit.

“We’ve been friends for a long time,” Mr. Trump told reporters. Asked what he and Mr. West talked about,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

he responded: “Life; we discussed life.”

WELCOME VISIT Mr. West’s visit was probably a welcome one for the president-elect. It came hours after Mr. Trump’s late-night announcement on Monday that he would refrain from any new business deals with his real estate company while in the Oval Office.

In addition, the focus this past week has been on Mr. Trump’s potential conflicts of interest as president, which would include the growing cadre of billionaires and multi-millionaires he wants to install in his Cabinet. There is also substantial interest around his choice for secretary of state: Rex W. Tillerson, the chief executive of Exxon Mobil, who has friendly ties with the Russians.

For his part, Mr. West dodged questions about the possibility of performing at Mr. Trump’s inauguration in January. The rapper only smiled at reporters and said, “I just want to take a picture right now.”

It is unclear why the musician and sometime fashion designer stepped out from a reported recovery and into

NICKI Minaj has surpassed Taylor Swift, and is gunning for the top spot as the female artiste with the most Billboard Hot 100 singles.

The Young Money rapper scored her 70th entry on the chart this week with her new single, “Black Barbie”.

This is some good news for the Trinidadian rapper who is going through some relationship drama with her boyfriend, Meek Mill.

Nicki is currently vacationing with her

the centre of the media circus at Trump Tower, but Hope Hicks, Mr. Trump’s spokeswoman, said in an email that Mr. West had requested the meeting.

KANYE’S REQUEST “The meeting was requested by Kanye, and we were delighted to host him,” Ms. Hicks wrote, adding, “They had a very positive and productive conversation.” She did not elaborate, but later in the afternoon, Mr. West said on Twit-

mother and some friends in the Turks and Caiacos Island in the Caribbean after flying down there for her 34th birthday.

The single, “Black Barbie”, is a remix of the sort or a response to Rae Sremmurd’s chart topping single, “Black Beatles” which has become the soundtrack for the Mannequin Challenge.

The Mike-WiLL Made-It-produced single made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week at No. 65. She is now only behind soul legend, Aretha Franklin

ter that he wanted to meet with Mr. Trump to discuss “multi-cultural issues” that included “bullying, supporting teachers, modernizing curriculums and violence in Chicago.”

He added: “I feel it is important to have a direct line of communication with our future president if we truly want change.”

Much about Mr. West’s public presence has been a mystery of late. He abruptly cancelled his Saint Pablo tour in November after a

series of unsettling concert appearances. He was hospitalised in what was characterised in first-responder dispatches as a “psychiatric emergency”.

MID-CONCERT RANT In one mid-concert rant a few weeks ago, Mr. West voiced his support for Mr. Trump, and ended the performance, much to the shock and disappointment of his fans.

“Yeah, I’m taking his lead,” Mr. West said of

Mr. Trump, after spending some time railing against the news media, and praising Mr. Trump’s policy against political correctness. His statements, some of which targeted his contemporaries in the music industry, including Jay Z and Beyoncé, came weeks after his wife, Kim Kardashian-West, was robbed at gunpoint in a Paris apartment.

Mr. West has expressed interest in politics before, declaring in a rambling speech last year that he wanted to run for president in 2020. He has also been an outspoken critic of politicians.

In 2005, he lashed out at a sitting president on live TV, declaring during a fund-raiser for Hurricane Katrina victims, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.”

Mr. Bush later called Mr. West’s criticism a “disgusting moment” for his presidency.

On Tuesday, Mr. West’s relationship with the Trump administration seemed to be off to a rosier start. When the two said their goodbyes, Mr. Trump leaned in to say something to Mr. West, then headed back into the elevator with his daughter, Ivanka.

who holds the top spot with 73 Hot 100 singles.

Elsewhere on the chart, Rae Sremmurd still holds the top with the original, “Black Beatles” while The Weeknd holds No. 2 with “Starboy”, off his new album of the same name.

The Chainsmokers and Halsey duet, “Closer”, is at No. 3; Bruno Mars’ “24K Magix” at No. 4; and Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj’s “Side To Side” rounded out the top five.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 15, 2016

‒‘Growing Pains’ Alan Thicke

THIS weekend will be packed with Christmas Parties, but after you’ve mingled with your workmates, you may want to get away from them a bit and enjoy a party or two from the following list.

TODAY

Do you love karaoke? Do you love charity? Then come out to Vintage Wine and Cheese Lounge from 21:00hrs and get the best of both worlds at Karol-oke!

Enter and sing; make a pledge and get a chance to win prizes!

The Guyana National Women’s Hockey Team presents ‘Winter Wonderland’ at the Palm Court from 21:00hrs.

This annual party is one which will certainly help to get the season going! Come out and enjoy!

Tickets available from members of the hockey team.

TOMORROW

ALAN Thicke suddenly passed away on Tuesday, December 13, his ‘rep’ confirms to Us Weekly. He was 69.

According to a source, his son, Robin Thicke, rushed to be by his side.

According to TMZ, he reportedly died of a heart attack after being transported to Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center. He had been reportedly playing hockey with his 19-year-old son, Carter.

The actor was most recently in Whistler, British Columbia, on Monday, December 12, and tweeted about Fuller House Season 2 early Tuesday afternoon.

The veteran actor was best known for his role as Jason Seaver on the sitcom, Growing Pains.

The Canadian-born star composed music, and served as a producer before making a name for himself as a talk-show host in Canada, starring on The Alan Thicke Show from 1980 to 1983.

Thicke, who received his first Emmy nomination for The Barry Manilow Special in 1977, went on to host popular shows in the 90s such as ‘Pictionary’ and ‘Three’s a Crowd’.

The actor also starred in the films, ‘The Growing Pains Movie’ and ‘Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers’. He recently made an appearance on NBC’s hit new show, ‘This

Is Us’.

He leaves behind his wife, Tanya, and adult children Brennan, Robin and Carter Thicke. He was previously married twice before to Gloria Loring and Gina Tolleson.

Local rockers ‘Feed the Flames’ will treat you to a merry rock ‘n’ roll Christmas with ‘Rocking around the Courtyard’ at the Courtyard Mall on Robb Street from noon ‘til 20:00hrs.

Come and enjoy your favourite tunes with a Christmas spin!

The Palm Court brings you ‘Trinity’, its Mash 2017 launch party.

Soon as Christmas is over, they know you start itching for Carnival, so this party will help you to cope!

“TRINITY” will feature live performances by Queen of Bacchanal, “Destra”; Guyana’s Soca King, “Jumo Rubber-waist”; and Guyana’s female dancehall and soca artiste, Timeka Marshall, who will be launching some of her new hits.

Witness the unveiling of our six 2017 Male and Female Costumes, and learn how you can be a part of the Palm Court’s “TRINITY” Band 2017!

Admission’s $2,000; everyone’s free before 22:00hrs.

All you Rave fanatics, here’s your chance to catch one of the last EDM Parties of the year.

‘GUSTIVAL’ will be the biggest EDM event of the year, and is being hosted at the Everest Cricket Club Ground from 19:00hrs. Admission’s $2,000. Come on out and rave in the open electric wave atmosphere.

We’re sure you must’ve heard of the Mannequin Challenge, and though we thought it was no longer a ‘thing’, 704 will prove that it is, with its very own Mannequin Challenge Party.

Come and put your best pose to the test from 21:00hrs.

SUNDAY

If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway, then Pandama Retreat is the

place to go.

This Sunday, they will host Jazz, Wine and Pizza. Enjoy a day of good food and music, featuring Surinamese jazz/folk group, Maya. Wine and pizza will be on sale, but your coolers are very welcome. Event begins at noon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday December 16, 2016

Gayle makes shock move to St Kitts ...

From back page and management who have been brilliant to work with, my teammates who always gave me 100 per cent support, and of course, the Jamaican fans who made Sabina Park such a special home ground for me.”

Gayle is the biggest box office draw in the shortest version of the game, with his 9 777 runs for West Indies, Tallawahs, Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and other teams around the world, the most of any player in the format.

“Moving to St Kitts is a move which hugely excites me at this time,” he said. “As with all franchise leagues, there is always the opportunity to move from one team to another and I am looking forward to joining the Patriots for the upcoming season.”

No doubt his move to the self-titled ‘Sugar City’ of Basseterre, the capital of the island federation of St Kitts & Nevis, has the owners of the Patriots cock-a-hoop.

“We are overjoyed to have Gayle join the franchise,” said Uday Nayak, part owner and team principal of the Patriots.

“I would like to welcome

one of the world’s greatest batsmen to the Patriots squad for the forthcoming CPL season. This is a transfer I am certain will capture the imagination of our many fans in St Kitts, the Caribbean and beyond.

“Chris’ record is phenomenal, not just in the West Indies, but across the cricketing world. He has a reputation that is revered everywhere and is the kind of player who will drive our team forward.

“This is one of the biggest transfers in CPL history and I know from speaking with Chris that he is motivated to do well for his new franchise. Success has followed Chris throughout his career and we as owners will give him and the team our full support to achieve similar success for the Patriots in 2017.”

The next CPL season is scheduled for between June and August next year.

IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 13:30 hrs Duplication 14:00 hrs Ellaria 14:30 hrs Cresendo 15:00 hrs Captain K 15:30 hrs Turn On The Tears 16:00 hrs Chosen Rock 16:30 hrs Chiclet 17:00 hrs Zanjabeel

Race 8 Wait Your Turn Race 9 Source Control

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:30 hrs Minnariim 09:10 hrs Crown Of Gold 09:45 hrs Jet Explorer 10:30 hrs Omega Onslaught 10:55 hrs Peregrine King AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Indygo Tigress Race 2 In Equality Race 3 Chief Lion Race 4 Control GFroup Race 5 Northern Screamer Race 6 Investigator Race 7 Still Krz

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Uttoxeter 08:05 hrs Thisonetime 08:35 hrs Court Dismissed 09:10 hrs Annie Alainn 09:45 hrs Glimpse Of Gold 10:20 hrs Special Wells 10:55 hrs Another Frontier 11:30 hrs Dead Right NEWCASTLE 08:25 hrs Mums The Word 09:00 hrs Bruny Island 09:35 hrs Dubawi Fifty 10:10 hrs Thello 10:45 hrs Canford Belle 11:20 hrs Intibaah 11:50 hrs Poppy In The Wind ASCOT 08:45 hrs Topofthegame 09:20 hrs Dubawi Island 09:55 hrs Lough Derg Spirit 11:05 hrs Ballyarthur 11:40 krs Claimantakingforgan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

Benzema, Ronaldo steer Real into Club World Cup final (REUTERS) - Real Madrid reached the Club World Cup final by beating Club America 2-0 on Thursday but FIFA’s new video technology was again the talking point after Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury-time strike caused confusion.

Real will meet Kashima Antlers of Japan in Sunday’s final in Yokohama, looking to become world champions for the second time in three years and earn a record 21st international title.

The Spanish giants have already won 11 European Cups, three European Super Cups, two UEFA Cups, three Intercontinental Cups and one Club World Cup. Karim Benzema’s classy one-touch finish put Real ahead in first-half injury time, easing nerves after they had toiled against the Mexican side.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo scores their second goal.

(Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon Livepic)

New Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo rounded off a much stronger performance for Real after the break with a powerful low finish in the 93rd minute.

“The first half was a bit difficult for us on a hard pitch and we couldn’t move the ball as we wanted to, so scoring just before the break was great for us,” said coach Zinedine Zidane.

Ronaldo’s goal appeared to be ruled offside by Paraguayan referee Enrique Caceres before, in consultation with the video official, he eventually gave the goal.

“We have to adapt to what (governing body) FIFA wants.

The situation at the end was a bit messy. If they want to improve things with technology that’s great but it has to be clear,” added Zidane.

Real initially struggled to break down the CONCACAF champions and the only oppor-

tunity before Benzema broke the deadlock was a Ronaldo header that struck the post.

Zidane’s team took full control in the second half, producing a series of attacks.

Benzema wasted a free header and Ronaldo saw a stinging effort saved by goalkeeper Moises Munoz.

Substitute Alvaro Morata also spurned a late chance to kill off the Mexicans before Ronaldo’s stoppage-time strike.

“We’re prepared for the final ... it’s an important trophy for us,” said Zidane. “We’ve come a long way and the change in time zone meant we struggled to make a good start to the game.

“We’re professionals, we didn’t come here to think about other competitions.

We’ve got two days to rest and on Sunday we have a vital game.”

as Japanese team Kashima Antlers beat Colombians Atletico Nacional in the semi-finals.

Kashima benefited after the video assistant referee (VAR) called the referee’s attention to an infringement by Atletico’s Orlando Berrio.

The decision, and the time it took to reach it, provoked anger from fans.

Atletico coach Reinaldo

Rueda said his team were “victims of this innovation”.

FIFA is using the technology on a trial basis at the Club World Cup. It involves off-field VARs monitoring the action and calling the referee’s attention to “clear mistakes in match-changing situations” such as goals, penalty decisions, red cards and mistaken identity.

Modric, Zidane critical of FIFA’s new

video technology

By Chris Gallagher

YOKOHAMA, Japan FIFA’s new video review system is struggling to win supporters after the technology sparked controversy for the second straight match at the Club World Cup yesterday.

Real Madrid reached the final by beating Club America 2-0 but the review system was again the talking point after Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury-time strike caused consternation.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane The goal appeared to be ruled offside by Paraguayan

referee Enrique Caceres before, in consultation with the video official, he eventually allowed it to stand.

“It’s a new system and I don’t like it very much.

I think it can cause confusion and it wasn’t explained to us in much detail,” said Real midfielder Luka Modric.

Leagues in 12 countries have confirmed they will participate in a two-year experiment with VARs. “If you ask me, my personal impression it can cause

IOC, USOC and NBC join forces on U.S. sports channel (REUTERS) - The International Olympic Committee, United States Olympic Committee and NBC Universal have joined forces to bring year-round Games to the United States.

The new partnership complements the Olympic Channel that was launched as a worldwide digital platform following the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

During the second half of 2017 the partnership will start a U.S. television network under

the ‘Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA’ brand that will offer fans year-round programming with an emphasis on American athletes and teams.

“The launch ... marks an exciting opportunity to promote and celebrate Olympic and Paralympic sport,” said Scott Blackmun, USOC CEO said in a statement yesterday.

“Launching in conjunction with the inaugural Team USA Winter Champions Series broadcast is a great way to

serve the fastest-growing fan base in American sports.”

An earlier effort by the USOC to create a network was undone following objections from the IOC. The USOC had originally wanted to launch its project in 2010 with Comcast Corp agreeing to carry the channel in its cable lineup.

The move, though, sparked the ire of the IOC which said it had not been consulted.

confusion,” said Real coach Zinedine Zidane.

“We don’t have the power to decide. If that’s decided, then we need to get used to it.”

“My first impression was it’s not a very good system.”

The previous day, video evidence was used to award a penalty for the first time in a competition run by soccer’s governing body FIFA,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

Superb Smith shines under Gabba lights … Aussie captain records 16th Test century

(REUTERS) - Australia captain Steve Smith shone in the Gabba floodlights with a sparkling century to put Australia in a commanding position on day one of the first Test against Pakistan yesterday.

Smith’s unbeaten 110 drove Australia to 288 for three at stumps, as Pakistan bowlers toiled on a hot day in the field and enjoyed little relief in the cool of the evening as the pink ball made its Brisbane debut.

Peter Handscomb, who shared in an unbroken 137-run partnership with

Steven Smith scores his first Test century against Pakistan in Brisbane, yesterday.

Smith, was 64 not out with Australia well placed to build a big first-innings total on day two.

“You’d take 3-288 any day of the week,” said Smith. “They’re all special, I love getting hundreds, I love batting out here at the Gabba.”

Smith won the toss and sent his team in to bat on a wicket that offered little for the bowlers until the new ball showed some movement late in the final session.

Misbah-ul-Haq’s side

took two quick wickets before tea to have the match delicately poised at 75-2 but Smith and rookie opener Matt Renshaw (71) steadied the home side with a 76-run partnership.

Middle-order batsman Handscomb struck his second half-century to continue his positive start after his debut against South Africa in the day-night dead rubber in Adelaide.

Smith was dropped on 53 in the final over before the dinner break, with part-time spinner Azhar Ali coaxing an edge to Sarfraz Ahmed but the wicketkeeper put it down.

When the skipper was on 97, the ‘Hotspot’ technology also picked up a nick off his bat off seamer Mohammad Amir but none of the Pakistan team noticed it and the possible caught-behind chance went a-begging.

After a nervous wait on 98, Smith smashed a four past mid-off to raise his 16th Test century, featuring 16 boundaries bashed to all corners of the ground.

Leaping into the air and ripping off his helmet, Smith brandished his bat with relish

as the Gabba crowd roared.

Renshaw, who had batted superbly with Smith in his second Test, was earlier removed by a swinging delivery from paceman Wahab Riaz.

It was to be the last highlight for the touring side who were defied by Smith and Handscomb for the whole third session.

David Warner and Renshaw put on a 70-run opening partnership before Amir struck to remove Warner lbw for 32.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah, recalled after missing the second Test in New Zealand, had number three batsman Usman Khawaja caught for four when he spooned a simple catch straight to Misbah at short midwicket.

SCOREBOARD

AUSTRALIA 1st innings M. Renshaw c S. Ahmed b Riaz 71 D. Warner lbw b Amir 32 U. Khawaja Misbah-ul-Haq b Shah 4 S. Smith not out 110 P. Handscomb not out 64 Extras: (lb-2, nb-4, w-1) 7 Total: (for 3 wickets, 90 overs) 288 Fall of wickets: 1-70, 2-75, 3-151 Bowling: M. Amir 18-6-40-1, R. Ali 19-4-69-0, Y. Shah 31-597-1, W. Riaz 15-3-52-1 (nb-4, w-1) Az. Ali 7-0-28-0.

DCC congratulates Dowlin THE Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) has offered congratulations to former Guyana and West Indies batsman Travis Dowlin, who has been appointed as a West Indies selector with effect from January 1, 2017.

DCC is the home club of Dowlin, who is also a former Guyana and West Indies-A captain. Below is the full text of the message issued by the club.

“It is with a feeling of consummate joy that the President, Executive and Members of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) express congratulations to Travis Dowlin on his preferment as a Selector of the West Indies Cricket

Travis Dowlin Board.

Travis served as a captain of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Guyana First-Class National captain and West Indies ‘A’ Team captain on tour to Bangladesh just before his retirement.

He also represented West Indies Team at Test level, One Day Internationals and in T20 format, and will no doubt use the experience gained in his selectorial role.

For our part, it is all the more gratifying when one considers that the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) was the foundation of his cricketing nurture and as fellow members of his ‘alma mater’ we feel a distinct sense of pride, honour and achievement of one of its protégés.

Well done, Travis Dowlin. You continue to make Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and all Guyana proud in this new career path.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

UDFA GT Beer Cup wins for Kwakwani Strikers and Botofago

By Joe Chapman

K WA K WA N I S t r i k e r s joined Silver Shattas in their group to lead on six points when they outhustled Net Rockers 3-2. Botofago won for their second straight to also be on six points in the other group. They closed out Amelia’s Ward Panthers 3-0, as the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) GT Beer Christmas football championship continued in group play at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Wednesday night.

In the first game Kwakwani Strikers kept their hopes alive after three games in their group of five and now have six points from three games, winning two and losing one.

Handel Crossman got the Strikers off to a good

start after receiving a corner from Dellon Duke for a 1-0 advantage in the 7th minute.

However, the Rockers found the back of the net as DaShawn Young netted in the 30th minute and then took the lead in the 35th minute from a strike by Shane Luckie, as they were 2-1 ahead and were looking good at half-time whistle.

Bu the Strikers were not to be denied and they came through to level the scores 2-2 after Norville Adrian was fouled just outside the 18-yard box.

The shot taken by Shane Adams was through the wall from the right to the ever-pressing Dale Sauers, who was able to complete the scoring act just around the six yards box in the 58th minute.

The two teams battled for

Botofago scorers, from right, Shawn Haynes, Kellon Primo and Jashawn Moore.

the tie-breaker which came in the 90th minute of the game through a corner taken by Dellon Clinkett. Defender Eon ‘Bully’ Pluck was there to plant a header to score the

winning goal and hand his team a 3-2 victory.

The second game was all Botofago who smashed their way past Amelia’s Ward Panthers 3-0. They remain

unbeaten like Winners Connection on six points, to head that group, as Jashawn Moore opened their scoring in the 19th minute from a through pass 1-0. The first half ended

with the Botofago looking composed and leading 1-0.

The second goal was achieved after the defenders were unable to clear in the mouth of the goal, where Kellon Primo sneaked through and scored in the 49th minute of the second period.

Shawn Haynes then to register another for Botofgao – with Panthers defence in disarray - in the 83rd minute for a 3-0 lead which never changed.

This evening Eagles United will look to get their first win after drawing their game against Net Rockers. They face Milerock who must win to have any chance of coming out of their group.

This game at 18:00hrs will be followed by the clash between unbeaten Winners Connection and winless Amelia’s Ward Panthers.

European clubs oppose World Cup expansion plans

By Brian Homewood ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Europe’s powerful football clubs have told soccer governing body FIFA that they are opposed to plans to expand the World Cup from its current 32 teams.

Gianni Infantino, the president of the FIFA Council, has said he wants to increase the quadrennial tournament to 48 teams from 2026 and the FIFA Council is expected to reach a decision at its next meeting in January.

However, the European Club Association (ECA), itself criticised recently over recent changes to the Champions League, said it was against any expansion.

Gianni Infantino

“The number of games being played throughout the year has already reached an unacceptable level, in particular for national team players,” said an ECA statement.

“The ECA Executive Board therefore rejects such initiative and has today sent

a letter to Gianni Infantino calling on FIFA not to increase the number of participants at future World Cups.”

ECA chairman KarlHeinz Rummenigge added: “We have to focus on the sport again. Politics and commerce should not be

the exclusive priority in football.

“In the interest of the fans and the players, we urge FIFA not to increase the number of world cup participants.”

The ECA represents more than 200 clubs across the continent although it is dominated by the big clubs who have greater voting rights within the organisation than their smaller counterparts.

Earlier this year, the ECA supported controversial changes to the Champions League club competition which critics said put finance before football.

UEFA rearranged the group-stage slots in favour of its four top-ranked leagues - Spain, England,

Germany and Italy - by guaranteeing them four places each.

Places for the winners of the 11th- and 12th-ranked leagues were cut and the number of places reserved for teams from the remaining leagues, who play their way through a qualifying competition, was reduced from five to four.

UEFA’s decision to create a subsidiary to manage its European club competitions also raised fears that power was being handed over to the big clubs.

According to UEFA, the subsidiary will have an equal number of managing directors from UEFA and ECA, who each appoint half of the senior representatives on the board of the company.

The FIFA Council will consider four possible formats for the World Cup when it meets in January.

The first possibility is to keep the current 32-team format with eight groups of four following by a knockout contest.

A second option would be for a 40-team tournament with either eight groups of five or 10 groups of four.

The third choice is for a 48-team tournament consisting of a preliminary round of 16 knockout ties with the winners joining 16 more teams in a 32-team group stage.

The fourth proposal, currently favoured by Infantino, is for 48 teams divided into 16 groups of three.

Latapy to give new Soca Warriors coach full support ... TTFF anoounce Latapy and Jamaal Shbazz appointments

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Assistant coach Russell Latapy said newly-appointed Trinidad & Tobago Soca Warriors Tom Saintfiet will have his full support as the team continues to battle for qualification to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The T&T Football Federation announced yesterday that Latapy, a former Soca Warriors captain and star midfielder, and Jamaal Shabazz, a former Soca Warriors and Guyana head coach, would form part of

Russell Latapy believes new coach Tom Saintfiet has a great opportunity to move Soca Warriors forward.

Saintfiet’s technical staff.

“I would like to make it clear that I am going in to lend a helping hand to the head coach and the team,” he told TTFF Media from Portugal, where he is currently. “(Saintfiet) has his ideas and philosophies, and I will assist wherever possible,” said Latapy.

Saintfiet was appointed head coach of the Soca Wa r r i o r s a f t e r S t e p h e n Hart left the position on November 24. He indicated Latapy and Shabazz were preferred to other

candidates, due to their knowledge of the sport in T&T and the wider region.

“I was not expecting to be in this situation,” s a i d L a t a p y. “ T h e f o cus has to be on the new coach and his ideas and his philosophies, and we need the players to pull together just like the nation.

“We need to come together to do the best that we can to move forward and give the team the best possible chance.”

Latapy added: “I have been asked to assist and I

Jamaal Shabazz

will never turn my back on T&T. The new coach and the president of the TTFF asked me to come in and I will go in and put

my best foot forward as it is and from where it is at this time and see how far he can take it forward.

“He will have my fullest support. I also want to also keep focusing on the youth teams, which is one of my main focal points right now having gotten back involved in T&T football.”

The Soca Warriors are currently fifth in the final hexagonal of CONCACAF qualification for the 2018 World Cup – and preparing for two international friendly matches against Nicaragua on December 27 and 30 in Managua.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

Guinness Greatest of the Streets Georgetown final

Sparta confident of three-peat; Tucville relish underdog tag WITH the hype around this year’s Georgetown leg of the Guinness Greatest in the Streets Football tournament, both teams are raring to capture for championship honours.

Tonight’s action will feature the two-time champions Sparta looking for the three-peat and they are confident of moving past their Tucville-based opponents, according to team representative Sheldon Shepherd.

“That’s easy for us. We gonna wrap that up easily.

We confident enough, gonna beat them at least 4-1.

We giving them at least

one or a chance at one,” he said.

He continued, “Our defence is proper and we defend properly; we have a proper forward and how it looks, it looks as though our other forward, a national forward (Devon Millington) will be here. We know our strengths.”

“We are coming to win; this is we again. There is no other thing we could be thinking. We can’t draw it nor are we going to penalty kicks. If nothing, we are sure of it,” Shepherd reminded fans.

Meanwhile on the oppos-

Action in the earlier rounds of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets Georgetown leg.

ing end, the Tucville players are not feeling any pressure, according to captain Delon Williams.

“Yes, we know they are the number one road ball team in the country but we are not pressured in any way; but in the same way we won’t take them lightly,” he added.

The skipper noted, ‘We didn’t enter this competition to compete, we entered it to win and that’s what we are going to do,” saying too that his team plan to approach the game as though it is any other game.

To the fans that have supported his team, Williams reminded them to come out and support their team, as they will require the full fan support to lift the trophy.

He also declined to predict a score line but predicted a victory in his team’s favour.

All in all, both teams will have a shot at the $500 000 grand prize on centre stage come this evening with the other having to settle for $150 000.

Back Circle and Broad Street Bullies will play for third and fourth and prizes of $100 000 and $75 000 respectively.

Shortlists announced for Fourth Annual CONCACAF Awards THE Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced yesterday the shortlists and the opening of fan and media voting for the fourth annual CONCACAF Awards, to honour the year’s standout performers and achievements from across Confederation events.

The awards, which will be presented for the fourth time, have been designed to recognise the top players, coaches and referees in women’s and men’s events from the CONCACAF region.

The CONCACAF Awards honour players and achievements in CONCACAF-sanctioned tournaments and competitions involving the Confederation’s national teams at all levels, including FIFA World Cups and World Cup qualifying for both genders, in all age categories.

Performances also eligible for recognition include those achieved in professional club football leagues under CONCACAF’s stewardship in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, as well as the

Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.

Players, coaches and referees of any nationality were eligible to be nominated for the awards, as long as they meet at least one of the following criteria: Have played/coached/ refereed in an official CONCACAF tournament at club or national team level OR Have played/coached/ refereed for a CONCACAF member national team in a FIFA-sanctioned international competition OR Have played/coached/ refereed in a domestic league within CONCACAF’s territory: A player/coach/referee

from the CONCACAF region, who does not meet the above criteria (i.e. a player whose only performances in the past year came in a European or Asian league etc.), would not be eligible; Goal-of-the-Year applies only to goals scored during CONCACAF or FIFA official competitions or a league game disputed within the CONCACAF region; Voters should base their judgments solely on performances in the above categorised competitions from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016.

This year’s award categories are: CONCACAF Male Play-

er of the Year CONCACAF Female Player of the Year CONCACAF Male Goalkeeper of the Year CONCACAF Female Goalkeeper of the Year CONCACAF Male Coach of the Year CONCACAF Female Coach of the Year CONCACAF Male Referee of the Year CONCACAF Female Referee of the Year CONCACAF Male Best XI CONCACAF Female Best XI CONCACAF Goal of the Year Fans and media will also be able to vote for the

Male and Female Best XIs. In each category, a list of nominees has already been determined through voting of Technical Directors from each of CONCACAF’s 41 Member Associations and the CONCACAF Technical Study Group, which analyses tactics and rates performances at all official CONCACAF tournaments.

The lists have now been submitted for final voting among three important stake-holding segments of the Confederation: Member Associations’ men’s and women’s national team coaches and captains, media and fans.

The national team coaches and captains from across the Confederation will account for one third of the

final vote, and accredited members of CONCACAF’s media circle will contribute another third of the tally. Fans from around the region and the world are invited to vote online for the final one-third segment of the vote.

Fans can have their say by visiting the fan voting page on CONCACAF. com, available here. Media should cast their ballot via the dedicated link to be sent separately to media members on CONCACAF’s distribution list.

Voting is open through 11:59 EST, Sunday, January 8, 2017. Final votes in each of the 11 categories will be tallied and the winners announced via CONCACAF.com.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday December 16, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) SA 2; AUST 1 (2) NZ 2; PAK 0 Today’s Quiz: (1) Which team headed the points table after the fourth round of matches in the current WICB PCL Regional four-day tournament?

(2) Who had taken most wickets at the end of the fourth round of matches in the WICB PCL? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 16, 2016

STAG Nations CUP KO Football

NA United down Golden Stars, Flamingo needle Mahaicony

… Double-header for Leonora ground today TWO more teams will walk the line while two will book their places in the round of 16 of the STAG Nations Cup knockout when action continues today at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, Leonora, West Coast Demerara with a double-header.

East Bank’s Kuru Kururu Warriors will battle West Demerara’s Den Amstel in the feature match at 20:30hrs with the curtain-raiser between another West side team, Young Achievers, and City side Northern Rangers, from 18:30hrs.

Matches will continue tomorrow at the #5 ground in West Berbice when round-of-16 action commences seriously. Cougars will match skills with Riddim Squad in opening play from 19:00hrs with the main attraction being between Police and Rosignol United.

In opening day rivalry at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara last Wednesday night, New Amsterdam United (NAU) staved off the early onslaught from Golden Stars of East Demerara to prevail in sudden-death kicks from the penalty mark, while City side Flamingo needled Mahaicony Thunderhawks.

Battling in the feature match following the official kickoff of the tournament

by Director of Sport Christopher Jones, on field rivalry commenced in earnest with teams battling to get into the round of 16.

Enjoying good home support, Golden Stars ventured out in confidence and were all over the New Amsterdam side who were playing their first competitive match for the year. They (NAU) showed signs of lethargy but as the match progressed they began to settle in and hold their own.

Golden Stars have only themselves to blame as they set up shop in the NAU half of the field for a greater part of the first half; created a plethora of chances but failed miserably to finish. Their lapses certainly came back to haunt them later as they flopped in crunch time, allowing the team from the East to prevail, much to the disappointment of the home fans.

The second half saw NAU showing more signs of competitiveness and as the

match wore on the momentum swung their way. After regulation and 15 minutes of extra time failed to separate the two teams, kicks from the penalty spot was the next option.

NAU scored their first three kicks through captain Leonardo Adams, Graham Thomas, and Steffon Boucher but missed their fourth shot whilst the fifth was saved

by Golden Stars custodian Akomo Jack.

Jack scored his team’s

in seeing Thunderhawks goalie Mark Roberts just off his line, as he worked his way into the attacking third.

With the goal about 25 yards in sight, Porter let loose a ripping left-foot dagger that sailed and curled past the outstretched hands of Roberts to settle at the back of the net. It was a goal that had all and sundry in the ground applauding and was a fitting way to start the tournament.

In remarks before offi-

He said that the National Sports Commission (NSC) and by extension the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport will continue to support in any way possible tournaments of this nature to ensure young footballers have every opportunity to showcase their skills.

“We note the current rehabilitation work that is being done at the Golden Grove ground and this ground is testimony to the fact that

Official kick off - Director of Sport Christopher Jones (on ball) about to kick off the tournament officially in the presence of tournament officials and the New Amsterdam United Team (right) and Golden Stars.

first goal, NAU’s goalie Jovano Dos Santos punched away their next shot on goal which was taken by Carlos Kingston who also threw away a sitter from inside the box early in the match.

Their next goal was scored by Rundel Liverpool, after which Stephon Walcott hit the crossbar and their fifth was clinically put away to leave the score tied at 3-3 after the first five kicks.

The home team, under pressure, threw away their first sudden-death kick which was taken by Calvin Lilly who made way for NAU’s Shakeel Grant who made no mistake in slamming the ball past Jack to send the home team packing whilst booking a date with Grove Hi Tech in the round of 16 on December 23 at the Diamond ground, EBD. Flamingo sealed a memorable victory early in the clash with a tough Mahaicony Thunderhawks and owed their passage and date with fellow City side Western Tigers on Sunday at the GFC ground, to their inspirational captain, the indefatigable Shemroy Porter.

Thirteen minutes into the match and during a period when the Thunderhawks were all over the Flamingos, Porter was smart

cially kicking the tournament off, Director of Sport Christopher Jones complimented the organisers for bringing together five of the GFF associations.

the NSC and the Ministry of Education are committed to sports development. This Golden Grove ground would have benefited from the community ground enhancement

Delivering victory for NA United: From left, Leonardo Adams, Graham Thomas Jovano Dos Santos, Steffon Boucher and Shakeel Grant.

fund.”

“This is just one ground and we want to pledge that those of you who are participating in the tournament from New Amsterdam, from Region 3, from the East Bank and other areas rest assured that in 2017 similar facilities would be coming in your direction, because from the 2017 budget allocation we can now boast that similar facilities like these would be erected in every region across the length and breadth of the country.”

Jones noted that this is all reality because of a commitment that was made to the people of Guyana by His Excellency President David Granger and the APNU/AFC Administration.

“We intend to fulfil those promises that we made to you and we want you to rest assured that in 2017 you will see the reciprocity of your votes that you would have cast in 2015 being made a reality.”

Jones told the teams that the only way they can be number one is by working hard: “So note that this tournament is not just about games. This is about competition and of course from the ultimate squad that comes out successfully, we would be scouting to identify those footballers who we would want to be a part of a national squad to represent the red, black, gold, white and green. Play hard and may the best team win.”

Gayle makes shock move to St Kitts Patriots Guinness Greatest of the Streets Georgetown final

Action in the earlier rounds of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets Georgetown leg WITH the hype around this year’s Georgetown leg of the Guinness Greatest in the Streets Football tournament, both teams are raring to capture for championship honours.

Tonight’s action will feature the two-time champions Sparta looking for the threepeat and they are confident of moving past their Tucvillebased opponents, according to team representative Sheldon Shepherd.

“That’s easy for us. We gonna wrap that up easily.

We confident enough, gonna beat them at least 4-1.

Sparta confident of three-peat; Tucville relish underdog tag

We giving them at least one or a chance at one,” he said.

He continued, “Our defence is proper and we defend properly; we have a proper forward and how it looks, it looks as though our other forward, a national forward (Devon Millington) will be here. We know our strengths.”

“We are coming to win; this is we again. There is no other thing we could be thinking. We can’t draw it nor are we going to penalty kicks. If nothing, we are sure of it,” Shepherd reminded fans.

Meanwhile on the opposing end, the Tucville players are not feeling any pressure, according to captain Delon Williams.

“Yes, we know they are the number one road ball team in the country but we are not pressured in any way; but in the same way we won’t take them lightly,” he added.

The skipper noted, ‘We didn’t enter this competition to compete, we entered it to win and that’s what we are going to do,” saying too that his team plan to approach the game as though it is any other game.

To the fans that have supported his team, Williams reminded them to come out and support their team, as they will require the full fan support to lift the trophy.

He also declined to predict a score line but predicted a victory in his team’s favour.

All in all, both teams will have a shot at the $500 000 grand prize on centre stage come this evening with the other having to settle for $150 000.

Back Circle and Broad Street Bullies will play for third and fourth and prizes of $100 000 and $75 000 respectively.

Chris Gayle has cut ties with the Jamaica Tallawahs.

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ASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – St Kitts Patriots announced yesterday their stunning acquisition of Twenty20 batting sensation Chris Gayle from the Jamaica Tallawahs for the next season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The transfer means that the talismanic left-handed opener has cut ties with the Tallawahs, the CPL franchise based in his native Jamaica, which he has twice led to the title, including last year.

It is a move that is likely to shift the balance of power in the fledgling T20 league and gives the Patriots the competitive edge they have lacked since they replaced the Antigua Hawksbills in the league two years ago.

There was no hint that such a seismic shift was about to happen, as Gayle was essentially billed as the heart and soul of the Tallawahs over the previous four seasons and he expressed his gratitude to the franchise for the support it had given over the last four years.

“I am a proud Jamaican and I loved representing the Tallawahs,” said Gayle. “I would like to thank the owners See page 30

Guyana Under-15s off to French Guiana

A HAPPY and confident-looking Guyana Under-15 football team and coaching staff pose for a picture, just before leaving the Signature Hotel early yesterday morning for French Guiana where they will participate in an International tournament between December 17 and 22. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016