Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17 03 2017 by Guyana Chronicle

Suspension of parking meters awaits mayor’s return Page 10

Go after tax cheats No. 104855

FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–– GCCI wants tougher action against tax evaders

Social cohesion is key

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… to social, economic stability says President Scores turned out at the social cohesion workshop held at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday. Seated in front row are from left- First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan; Vice President Sydney Allicock; Minister of Social protection, Amna Ally;Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings,along with members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Conmen Capacity-building ‘Jackie Chan’ posing as GRA training for small jailed for Christmas VAT collectors … demanding $2,000 per head of cattle Page 11

contractors

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Day killing

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 17, 2017

Article 13 is your sword and shield –PM tells cohesion workshop

“THE principal objective of the system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” This, Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution should become the sword and shield of citizens against discrimination, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo told the closing session of a one-day Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-

2021 validation workshop held at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday. The Prime Minister said a society that is cohesive works towards the well-being of all its members, fights exclusion and marginalisation, creates a sense of belonging, promotes trust, and offers its members the opportunity of upward social mobility. The one-day workshop was organised by the Ministry of Social Cohesion with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Under the theme “Building a unified Guyana” the Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-2021 validation workshop ended with

many recommendations from stakeholders represented from Regions 1-10. The event was hosted at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel. “Social cohesion has to do with the re-examination of ourselves, much of the social cohesion has to do with us trying to re-enter ourselves and discover inside not a race,not an ethnicity, not a religion, but rediscovering the human in us…” the Prime Minister noted. He said if introspection is done within oneself it would be realised that the vehicle of the body is not who an individual is but it’s the consciousness and realisation that

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo,during his address at the closing ceremony.

Attendees of the workshop conclude by singing “Guyana the Free” (Adrian Narine photo) all are equal is what should always be understood. “We are all entitled to benefits and share the burdens in our coun-

try and communities… and article 13 in the constitution provides for social cohesion.” The Prime Minister explained that Article 13 of the Constitution underscores inclusiveness, decision-making based on consultation and the involvement of all sections of people in decision-making. “This is an article that you should know by heart, because it is in fact both a shield and a sword, you can use it against people who discriminate against you because the supreme law of your country gives you a benefit, gives you a right that no one should take away,” Nagamootoo said “And it also gives you that right as a sword to fight anyone who

try to take it away from you, it will defend you and (at) the same time allow you to wage a struggle using Article 13 as both the shield and as a sword.” He said Guyanese should not be haunted by fears of each other since the population is too small to tolerate conflict since the social cost can be devastating. People must learn to live together and share the earth together. “Social cohesion is our guarantee that our country can develop, can exist and can even prosper,” the Prime Minister said. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton,said his ministry is working to unite all Guyanese and the

aim is simple if the golden rule is followed by all persons “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Resident Coordinator UNDP Mikiko Tanaka said social cohesion cannot be done on paper but it revolves around actions and behaviours. “How do we treat other people, how do we think about other people, do we respect everybody around, do we really care for everybody, if we do then we should be mindful of others’ weaknesses and social cohesion will grow and children will copy and learn from what they see,” she explained.

Man on $500,000 bail for manslaughter – victim’s family wants justice By Nafeeza Yahya HARESH Persaud appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged with the offence of manslaughter. He was represented by Attorney Chandra Sohan and was released on $500,000 bail. Persaud was ordered to re-appear on March 20, 2017. He was previously charged with the offence of attempted murder of Aslam Gaffur of #77 Village on October 21, 2016. The 23-yearold Cane Harvester was severely beaten, allegedly by Persaud,and was hospitalized for 47 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).However,Gaffur died on March 8, 2017 after failing

to fully recuperate from his injuries. According to reports, Gaffur was the victim of a brutal assault from Persaud and two other friends, who struck him in the head with a lug spanner at a school sports in Skeldon. He was rushed to the Skeldon hospital, transferred to New Amsterdam hospital and then to the GPHC where he was treated for a fractured skull. Gaffur was subsequently discharged and spent a month at home but had to be re-admitted to the Skeldon hospital after he developed complications. During that period the accused and two friends were arrested but only Persaud was charged, since his friends implicated him as the main assailant.

FAMILY WANTS JUSTICE Meanwhile, the dead man’s wife, 22-year-old Farzana Nazrudeen alleged that before her husband died, he was constantly bullied by the accused, who threatened him several times. The mother of two alleged that the accused also destroyed her husband’s motorcycle. She is of the view that Persaud should have been charged with murder,since he threatened her husband and is said to be the main instigator in the fight which led to her husband’s death. “My husband suffered a lot before he died. About three weeks before he started having seizures, he lost his sight and his hearing and had to be fed through a tube. He had to be taken care of like a baby; he was in a lot of pain and it’s not fair

Dead: Aslam Gaffur

that his killer is walking the road freely after threatened and killed him,” the distraught wife said. She said that the threats were reported to the police who should have used that to build a case of murder instead of manslaughter. The wife is calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. Gaffur leaves to mourn his wife and two children, ages 1 and 2 years old.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 17, 2017

Go after tax cheats –– GCCI wants tougher action against tax evaders By Ariana Gordon

PRESIDENT of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Vishnu Doerga has called on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to go after tax cheats, even as he urged the administration place more attention on legislation and opportunities that will lift persons out of poverty and enhance their lives. Doerga was at the time speaking at the entity’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) stressed that the Private Sector was a key player in the value chain as it was the private sector that created lots of employment. The GCCI President noted the early preparation and presentation of budgets since the APNU+AFC coalition government took office in 2015 but made it clear that the presentation of early budgets without spending was of no use to the economy. “If the money isn’t spent then it doesn’t find itself back into the economy and it is of no use,” Doerga added. Recently it was revealed that a number of private schools and businesses were evading taxes and the GRA was urged to take steps to make these entities compliant. Doerga said the GCCI will ramp up advocacy for its membership and signaled that it will be extra vigilant so that those in authority can take corrective action when necessary. “We do want a tax structure that reduces burden and intensifies growth for the compliant,” Doerga stressed noting that often time, compliant tax payers, businesses are made to pay the price for the non-compliant. He believes

that the Meanwhile, at the 127th Annual General Meeting, the GCCI announced that the entity had growth over the past year with a recorded surplus of $5.7M. This represents a significant increase of nearly over 360 per cent, Doerga told members of the organisation at the AGM held at Duke Lodge, Kingston. According to Doerga, the entity has faced many challenges over the years and was lagging in a deficit in its financial operations for some time and noted that its executive had been tasked with finding ways to deliver more to its membership. In an effort to enhance its financial standing the Chamber’s president noted that some key areas were focused on while adding that the surplus generated will be used to operate the capacity of the organisation. “We have been able to move from that position of deficit two years ago. Three years ago also our membership was lagging around in the 120s to a position where we now added value to our organisation and we have returned to a position of financial soundness as you can see in the annual report.” There has been a 25 per cent increase in membership representing an increase of 38 members to the organisation. Doerga disclosed that notwithstanding the challenges facing the Chamber, it has continued to build its relationship with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and was able to secure two grants from the CDB. The grants are aimed at improving export readiness within local enterprises in the creative industries, and agro

Chairman of the Guyana Office for Investment, Patricia Bacchus

processing and also enhancing the capacity of business support organisation. Each one of these projects Doerga stated is geared at building capacity of local businesses. Most of the projects have started by. Additionally, the GCCI president said the organisation had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CUSO International, the Small Business Bureau and another entity for the establishment of a local business incubator which is geared at providing valuable support to start-up businesses. That project was currently awaiting funding to be successful. Moreover, the body is working with the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce on a trade mission scheduled for June “where we will be looking at linking our businesses with visiting busi-

Business School here and disclosed to the forum of mostly entrepreneurs that he was in receipt of the first draft of a feasibility study done by a team of experts four weeks ago. He said since receiving the document, he had traveled across Guyana to meet with stakeholders in their communities to get a feedback on the plans. He has since visited Port Mourant, Corriverton, Anna Regina and Linden. Meetings were also held in Georgetown. Professor Griffith stressed that in order for the “renaissance bridge” to be constructed there needed to be partnerships. He noted that Guyanese had grown too accustomed to the government’s pouring of resources, though inadequate, into the premier tertiary institution. “We cannot look to the government to be the most

Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith nesses …developing trade deals out of that.” Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) Professor Ivelaw Griffith continued his pitch to the private sector to invest in the University of Guyana. Professor Griffith since his return to Guyana to take up the post of Vice-Chancellor some months ago has been pleading with the private sector to do more for the institution. He described UG as an “educational sea with troubled waters” and noted that he was attempting to build a bridge to cross the sea. The bridge he called “the Renaissance Bridge.” The Vice-Chancellor noted that there was a great need for the establishment of a

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vishnu Doerga significant contributor…those days are gone,” he declared while adding that the business community ought to be a significant shareholder in the investment in education. The Vice-Chancellor said he intended to submit the first draft of the feasibility study to UG’s Council on March 30 with the hope of having all on board. He said too that he had already identified a Founding Dean and Assistant Dean for the institution and believes that when the institution gets started it is important for focus to be placed on needs and realities of the business environment. Those attending the School of Business will also be exposed to varying foreign languages, as Professor Griffith made it clear that in an ever-evolving society it is important to be able to communicate with those who speak foreign languages. Additionally, he said those attending will also be exposed to a business eti-

quette course but noted that the new venture would not be possible with only local talent. He reminded that Guyana has suffered tremendously as a result of brain drain and as such it would be necessary to “embrace the diaspora for talent.” A Diaspora conference is slated for July. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Patricia Bacchus outlined the historical performance of her entity while informing entrepreneurs gathered at the AGM that much has changed since the installation of new management in 2015. She said efforts have been made to ensure that the entity functions optimally and actions have been streamlined to ensure that it is investor friendly. Bacchus who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Container Inc. said all information necessary to activate the investment, has been posted on the agency’s website.

A section of the audience at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 127th Annual General Meeting on Thursday (Samuel Maughn Photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Simpson-Miller bids farewell LEADER of the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP), Portia Simpson Miller added her voice to others who have called on the Andrew Holness administration to reverse the J$13.5 billion (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.008 cents) tax package announced by Finance Minister Audley Shaw. Portia Simpson Miller “This is “tax-perity” gone wild, said Simpson Miller as she made her final contribution to the 2017/2018 budget debate as opposition leader on Thursday. She

accused the government of taxing group health insurance and fuel, among other things. “The people were promised no new taxes to implement the $1.5 million tax threshold. Yet in only 12 months the people have been devastated with over $29 billion in new and unnecessary taxes to finance the so-called give back,” adding that “the administration’s version of prosperity is a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained.” “It is the reckless political promises that were

made that has caused us to be at this point today. We warned that if the tax threshold was lifted, you would have had to impose new taxes on the backs of the people – that’s what we said. This is what is now happening. Now hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans will have to pay even though they will not benefit. They will have to bear the costs of your recklessness – this could have been avoided. It is the biggest political trick to have ever been perpetrated on the Jamaican people,”

she said. The former Prime also expressed disappointment at an election promise made by Holness that crime will be addressed. “I am disappointed that after one year in office, this Government has not delivered the promised crime plan, this is clearly not good enough. “I am expecting that when the Prime Minister speaks next week, he will announce more resources for our security and intelligence teams to outmatch, outwit and out maneuver the criminals.” She noted that social

Friday, March 17, 2017 Saturday, March 18, 2017 Sunday, March 19, 2017 Monday, March 20, 2017 Tuesday, March 21, 2017

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- urges gov’t to reverse tax package

Leader of the PNP, Portia Simpson- Miller issues are the “root cause” powering and uplifting of crime and violence and the people has been ceninsisted that “every single tral to me…from the poor Jamaican has a vested in- and dispossessed to the terest in the fight to defeat rich and the powerful. I the spiraling crime.” On the remain as convinced toissue of crime and women, day as I was 43 years ago the opposition leader called that beyond racial origins for the increased protec- we must believe in ourtion of women. “If neces- selves and our common sary, we need to establish destiny when we work a committee with persons together.” from both sides and meet The former Prime with security forces to see Minister who was laudwhat is causing so many ed, not only by members murders in the country. It of the opposition PNP, had seized, but it is rising but legislators from the again. Too many of our Jamaica Labour Party women are being murdered said that she will never and it’s disheartening…too stop believing “in the many have been victims of potential of the Jamaica domestic abuse, rape and people and their capacimurder. We are now at a ty for greatness…I have point of crisis.” always believed that it Simpson Miller who is the people who have also reflected on her leg- the ultimate power not acy, said the moment was us. It is on their behalf “bitter sweet”. and in their interest that “I’ve seen the good, we must always exerthe bad, the happy and cise power. She will step the sad, but above all I’ve down as opposition leadhad an incredible journey er on April 2, paving the of service to my beloved way for the ascent of Dr. people and country. Em- Peter Phillips. (CMC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Moves afoot to amend Amerindian Act A THREE- day seminar, aimed at reviewing the Amerindian Act (2006), opened on Thursday at Moray House in the presence of the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs,Sydney Allicock. The seminar is being coordinated by the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) in collaboration with the National Toshaos Council (NTC), with funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Corporation (NORAD). In addressing a wide cross -section of Indigenous leaders including the NTC Chairman,Joel Fredericks, APA Executive Director Jean La Rose explained that during the first two days of the seminar, the leaders with the help of Attor-

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs,Sydney Allicock,addressing Indigenous leaders during the opening of the three-day seminar on the Amerindian Act (2006) ney-at-Law,Nigel Hughes,will Act. examine the strengths and La Rose said prior to the weaknesses of the Amerindian revision of the Act in 2006,

indigenous leaders had long called for it to be amended due to its many inadequacies. It was explained that although the Amerindian Act was revised in 1976, Indigenous communities were experiencing encroachment on their lands as a result of mining and logging activities. “In the early 90s we started opening up and that’s when the Baramas and everybody started coming in, and the Golden Star… that’s where we had the realisation that we have issues concerning the security of our lands,” the APA Executive Director explained. It was clear that the Act had several deficiencies, and even though it was revised in 2006, some deficiencies remain. As such, during this sem-

inar, the leaders will carefully examine the key components of the act: land rights, mining, logging, protected areas, and decision- making and governance. Additionally, they are expected to compare the Amerindian Act with the Constitution and International Law, again with the assistance of Hughes. These discussions, La Rose said will help both the APA and NTC to chart a way forward at the conclusion of the seminar. Minister Allicock and the Chairman of the NTC underscored the importance of understanding the legislation. In applauding the efforts of the APA and NTC, the Indigenous Affairs Minister

said that he is pleased that the groups not only identified the weaknesses but are taking the necessary steps to have the loopholes within the legislation corrected. He noted that the Ministry in its 2017 budget has set aside $10M to aid in consultations such as the one currently unfolding. Minister Allicock posited that consultation is critical for people to have a clear understanding of the legislation and their roles in effectively managing the natural resources. Fredericks who echoed similar sentiments said he is pleased with the steps taken so far, noting that long before he had taken office in 2015, the issue of revision had been raised.

Henry suspends staff over Phagwah planning issues THREE senior officials of the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture have reportedly been suspended for poor planning of a Phagwah celebrations activity last week at the department’s Main Street office. Among other issues, Minister Henry in her speech last week made reference to Diwali. The Guyana Chronicle understands that Deputy Permanent Secretary Steve Ninvalle, and two other officials of the ministry have been suspended for two weeks each however, one of the suspended officers reportedly resigned with im-

mediate effect. When contacted on Thursday night, Ninvalle declined to comment and referred this publication to

Deputy Permanent Secretary, Department of Culture, Steve Ninvalle

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry

the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Culture, Melissa Tucker. “Kindly contact the Permanent Secretary or the minister on

that matter, thank you,” was all Ninvalle was prepared to say. Attempts to contact, Minister Henry on the matter were unsuccessful.

Editorial

Cabinet’s intervention in parking meter saga AS with any society, Guyana is not without setbacks and conflicts amongst its people and the people and their government, irrespective of the tier. But as with any society where the people and government take interest in ensuring harmonious relations and the effective functioning of institutions of state, such are never achieved without being honest with self. It is not unfair to say that in our culture there is a belief that troubling issues will correct themselves, as though by a hidden hand, without playing a role to influence resolution. The other thinking is that people will grow tired of the issue, abandon it, or switch attention. These have never worked. Resignation to an issue does not bring about resolution or disinterest on the part of the people in their government, or the institutions established to manage their affairs. The initial rejection by the citizenry and business community of Georgetown to the installation of the parking meters, the essence behind their reaction is being missed by the City Fathers and Mothers. It is befuddling that after continuous rejection, calls to scrap the project and proffered opinions to listen to and treat the people with deserving respect, have eluded the Council. The sage advice that it is not what you do, but how

you do it is being ignored. City Hall has not only shut out the public’s view, but also the diverse views around its horseshoe table, litigations before the court, condemnation by the Alliance For Change (a member of the governing coalition), President David Granger’s concern, or input of the Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, who has responsibility for local government. While there is no intent to dwell on the aforesaid, it cannot escape attention that the only voice that seems to matter in the saga is that of Smart City Solutions (SCS), as though City Hall is beholden to it and a few in this body feel compelled to toe the line. Cabinet this week decided to have the Minister of Communities recommend to the Council a three-month suspension of the project and to use that time to consult with the people. It can only be hoped, given experience of the aforesaid, that good sense will now prevail. The city government has to realise that consideration needs to be given that Georgetown is the capital of Guyana and also the seat of the national government. Any decision being made that could incur the wrath of citizens, the input and consideration of national government to refocus attention becomes a requirement. It would help to know whether the Council before taking a decision on the project conducted a social- impact

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

analysis. None would deny the council has to source revenue to perform its functions and this could be a shared responsibility, but it helps if Council could see Georgetown as much more than buildings and roads. The city is also about people, those who are resident and those who come into it to work and transact business. Government’s decision indicates that it is no longer prepared to take a hands-off approach, but recognises the need to get involved in steering itself and the Council from a major collision with the people who represent the country’s largest demographic. Though the possibility exists that the investor may resent such intervention and this should not be ignored, it would help not to ignore that the consequences of soured relations between government and the people, the SCS will take no responsibility for. Government and the city council have to be firm in upholding their responsibility to the citizenry. This is a matter for the people and their elected representatives to work out and build a trustworthy relationship in a congenial atmosphere, which is necessary to arrive at consensus. In this the SCS should not be involved.

Police need to be given a chance to probe Pradoville 2 land scam Dear Editor: HANDLING of the issue of the Sparendaam Pradoville 2 investigation would best serve the society should it be dealt with from the position of the rule of law (i.e. universal principles) rather than who are involved (i.e. personalities). On the matter of arrest, the law grants the police the authority to arrest “any person.” Where the emotive position is taken that Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo should not have been arrested, the society ought not to lose sight of the fact

that prior to his arrest, he was invited by the police for an interview -- which through Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall he made public, but did not attend -- and two, where the law allows for “any person” to be arrested, the police cannot be faulted in the discharge of their duty. When President David Granger, after the fact, made known his view that Jagdeo should not have been arrested given the office he holds and held, outside of this being a subtle interference of the Executive into the work of the police, he ignored that Jagdeo falls within the pur-

view of “any person,” and the courtesy extended to him by the police prior to the arrest. The justification for arresting based on what is perceived the person did, and the treatment meted out to the person during the arrest can be addressed, but this should not mean that any person is above being arrested. Being arrested and the reason for being arrested are two different scenarios. There is disagreement with Minister Joe Harmon’s position that a former president should he continue in political life is subject to investigation. The law allows for every citizen,

providing he or she meets the qualifying conditions, to run for and hold office. Being a former head of government does not prevent one from being a Leader of the Opposition, providing the requirements are met, and the society has precedence of this. Harmon’s contention is lending credence to the PPP/C’s opinion that the pradoville investigation and arrest of their leaders are politically motivated. He is urged to revisit the Guyana Constitution, because it is evident from the statements he is making about the issue

that he doesn’t know this instrument, or hasn’t taken the time to read and understand it. The argument by Nandlall that Jagdeo is not subject to the court of the land, because presidential immunity so protects him, is tantamount to saying a president can order widespread killings of citizens or the sale of the country’s assets to foreigners and not be subject to criminal or civil proceedings. It need not be forgotten that the said Guyana Constitution allows citizens to pursue justice consistent with international conventions and the judicial branch of government to take

cognisance of this on matters brought before it. Advancing the position that the pradoville development is similar to other housing developments across the country where government subsidised them cannot withstand scrutiny. Nandlall failed to mention that that development was exclusive and not open to the general public the way other developments around the country were. Further, subsidising the development of the scheme is not the issue here; it is the process that was used for the acquiring and distribution of Turn to Page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Big companies must Declared public roads monitor their drivers under the MPI’s purview Dear Editor,

ON the 16th March, 2017, around 9:25am, I was heading to Georgetown via the Rupert Craig Highway and to my surprise, I saw a truck bearing the logo of a prominent company overtaking cars, travelling at approximately 110 K/PH. It was shocking and surprising that a vehicle belonging to a super corporate partner of our country would risk endangering the lives of other road users in such an unnecessary manner. It is well known that the company employs hundreds and by extension thousands of people throughout Guyana and the Caribbean, so I hold them higher with regard to work safety and road responsibility. The vehicle bearing a flammable code which was probably loaded with fuel could have caused a major catastrophe if

the driver were not cautious, since the truck was going above the speed limit. My point is that companies which have an international reputation to uphold should invest in a satellite tracking system, whereby they can monitor the speed, location, engine idle time and history of their vehicles at the click of a button. At this point, we would like to offer any reputable company in Guyana a free device with full installation for one complete month, so that they can test the viability of our system for their business. The undersigned is going public with this matter to bring attention to traffic safety , but also to alert the energy companies who transport gasoline, diesel and other fuels to put systems in place to ensure that these flammable trucks exercise extreme

Police need to... these lots. The Police Force needs to be given a chance, the support and space to do its work. We should be demanding of the officers that they follow the law,

including respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, adhere to standard police operating procedures, and produce the quality of work that can withstand scrutiny. Taking this ap-

caution and proper road ethics. As I suggested, big companies nationwide should consider the possibility of this GPS tracking system which would ensure accountability from their drivers, improved productivity, greater control on the operations of each vehicle and lastly, ensure that their vehicles use the roadways in accordance with the laws of our country. Whilst we appreciate these big companies for the contributions they give to our country, they must also ensure mechanisms are in place for safety and control. Regards Roshan Khan CEO/Chairman RK’s Guyana Security Services RK’s Dragnet GPS Satellite Tracking System

From page 6 proach would give true meaning to that blind lady holding in equal balance the scale of justice in her hand. Regards Lincoln Lewis

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure wishes to advise the general public that in accordance with the Roads Act, Chapter 51:01 of the Laws of Guyana, the following roads within the city of Georgetown, have been declared to be public roads and therefore fall strictly under the purview of the ministry: 1. Clive Lloyd Drive 2. Rupert Craig Highway 3. University of Guyana Access Road

4. Water Street 5. Battery Road 6. Sea Wall Road 7. Young Street 8. Barrack Street 9. Camp Road 10. Fort Street 11. Vlissengen Road 12. Irving Street 13. Station Street 14. Duncan Street 15. Thomas Road 16. Sheriff Street/ Kitty Avenue 17. Ruimveldt Avenue 18. Houston Bypass 19. Eastern Highway Further, the min-

istry wishes to clarify that it has not entered into any agreement neither has it given permission to the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown nor Smart City Solutions to erect parking meters along the aforementioned public roads. The public should therefore be guided accordingly. Regards Ministry of Public Infrastructure

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 17, 2017

Social cohesion key … to social, economic stability

PRESIDENT David Granger has said that the absence of social cohesion will inflict unbearable social and economic costs to this nation and that the Ministry of Social Cohesion holds the responsibility to support the development of an environment where diversities are embraced and conflicts resolved. He made these comments at the opening ceremony of the Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-2021 Validation Workshop at the Marriott Hotel. Speaking on the reasons behind the creation of a Ministry of Social Cohesion, the President said that its establishment was done with the specific objective of implementing the five-point programme, which had been discussed at the National Roundtable on social Cohesion in 2015. President Granger, at that time, had outlined that programme as including the elimination of income disparities caused by poverty; eradication of the worst forms of inequality; embracing inclusivity at political and social levels; enhancing social protection and reducing unemployment and ensuring equal access to education to ensure greater

equality of opportunity. This, the President said, is important, because Guyana still has some work to do to overcome past issues that have created divisions in the society. He said that Guyanese have been exposed to discord arising from ethnic, economic, political, religious and other differences, as seen

the sort of social erosion that degenerated into civil violence of the ‘Troubles’ in the recent past. We still see how easily the ranting of a few rancorous persons can rekindle racial animosity, a retrograde step, which has no place in modern society…Our nation has been scarred by violence, which left a lingering legacy

he said that social cohesion becomes even more important in order to weave social, economic and political strands into a community, so that everyone enjoys a sense of belonging and where differences are recognised and respected. “Social cohesion is essential for everyone’s existence. The absence of social cohesion

ety, institutions and the state. It is aimed at: encouraging greater equality and building bridges across the boundaries of class, ethnicities, gender and geography; enhancing increased access to public services such as education, health, housing, human safety and social protection; and ensuring goodwill, harmony,

President David Granger addresses the gathering at the Social Cohesion workshop (MOTP photo) in the ‘Disturbances’ period and the period of the ‘Troubles’ in the 2000s. “Guyana today still needs to stanch

of distrust with the threat of disorder…we have to work together to repair that damage, restore trust and rebuild the bases of a ‘moral community’ which enable us to trust each other,” he said. The President said that the ministry has a duty to ensure, also, that political and institutional authority is exercised in a manner that promotes equality and inclusivity. “The ministry’s mandate is to be measured not by the size of its budget, but by its accomplishment in harmonising social relations… The ministry’s task, also, is the effective management of our multicultural diversity. Our multicultural tapestry adds to our richness and uniqueness as a nation. It is a cause for celebration,” he said. Additionally, the Head of State said that the ministry has a duty to ensure that political and institutional authority is exercised in a manner that promotes equality and inclusivity. “Its achievement can be calculated in the economic dividend earned from reducing enmity and harnessing the energy of all our peoples,” he said. President Granger added that Guyana’s diversity is an asset not a liability. As such,

will inflict unbearable social and economic costs… The quest for order, peace and safety is eternal. Social cohesion is indispensable to human safety and public security,” he said. Guyanese, the President believes, are fortunate to live in relative peace despite the challenges to national unity that the country has faced. “Multiculturalism must not become an impediment to social cohesion. It must not be a source of discord, disunity and division…we feel a great sense of satisfaction that violent religious conflict and major racial riots do not erupt. We are pleased by the level of goodwill and understanding which exists among the social groups. We must build on this foundation,” he said. The President said that the Validation Workshop is part of the process of constructing and implementing a national strategy aimed at enhancing social cohesion, and he lauded the ministry for the work it has committed to this process thus far. The President said that social cohesion is concerned with enhancing cooperation and collaboration between and among citizens, civil soci-

peace, security, tolerance and understanding. It is with this view in mind that the Ministry of Social Cohesion set out to establish a Strategic Plan and the consultations for the plan focused on gathering feedback on five thematic areas: promotion of economic equity and opportunities for all; enhancement of citizens’ safety and security; promotion of social inclusion and tolerance; the strengthening of inclusive and participatory governance; and promoting harmonious ethnic and race relations. Programme Coordinator of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ms. Sharon Patterson, said that the countrywide consultations targeted stakeholders from Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, Regional Democratic Councils, Non-Governmental Organisations, Government ministries, special groups and other groups. “Of those 30 consultations we were very overwhelmed with the level of participation…they were well attended…From the commencement of the process, the thematic areas have remained constant. Our constituents still believe that those are the five main areas for addressing social cohesion

in Guyana,” she said. Ms. Patterson also commended the work of the Former Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally, whom she said made significant contributions to the social cohesion strategic plan process before being transferred to the Ministry of Social Protection. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, who is tasked with taking the process forward, said that a lot of hard work has gone into designing the draft Strategic Plan and commended all the participants across the country, who played an integral role in the process. He said that a strategic plan will chart the way forward as it sets goals and objectives for strengthening social cohesion in Guyana. However, he said that this would serve no purpose if it is not implemented effectively. “Advancing the social cohesion mandate in Guyana is not a task that the Government can undertake on its own. It requires all hands on board and I am happy that we also have representatives from the international community represented here at this workshop,” he said. The Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-2021 is being supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Resident Coordinator of the UNDP, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, said that the organisation has had many discussions with the ministry every step of the way with regard to compilation of the Draft Plan and commended the significant work that they have completed. However, Ms. Tanaka also said that social cohesion is not the ministry’s work alone, but it is a job for everyone in Guyana. “Guyana is an extraordinary country where many different cultures meet and despite difficulties, live one next to the other. Guyana has made developmental progress in many ways in middle-income and middle-human development categories, however, there is still some way to go in unleashing Guyana’s potential and achieving President Granger’s vision of a good life for all,” she said. Ms. Tanaka said that social cohesion is an important catalyst and glue for the 17 Sustainable Development See page 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 17, 2017

Zone of peace at risk if border Major road works for Region Six controversy not resolved – Greenidge

VICE-PRESIDENT and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, has emphasised that a zone of peace is at risk of destabilisation if the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy is not expeditiously resolved. Greenidge made these remarks during a lecture that he delivered at the University of Havana last Tuesday. “The challenge for Guyana as a small State is to encourage the international community to bring the matter to a conclusion, as it not only affects Guyana and Venezuela, but the surrounding zone of peace as well,” he stated. Noting that the inexorable demands of Venezuela have been continuous since the controversy restarted in 1962, Minister Greenidge said the ingenuity of Dag Halvor Nylander, the Personal Representative recently appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General under the Good Offices process of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, will be

tested in bringing the controversy to a resolution. Outlining the history leading to the definition of Guyana’s borders in 1899,

ther expressed his appreciation that Cuba had continued to play the role as an honest broker in maintaining a peaceful approach, facilitating dialogue towards ensuring a resolution. The controversy has been ongoing with Venezuela lay-

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge (centre), in discussion in Havana with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla (right). On the left is Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, His Excellency Halim Majeed the Foreign Affairs Minister pointed out that Venezuela’s claim that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void had never been justified. He fur-

ing claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. It was restarted in 1962, four years before Guyana became independent. Since 1982, Vene-

zuela has been expanding its claims to include Guyana’s maritime space. On 27 February this year, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, appointed Dag Halvor Nylander as his Personal Representative on the Border Controversy between Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Also present at Tuesday’s event were His Excellency Halim Majeed, Ambassador of Guyana to Cuba; Dr. Gustavo Cobreiro Suárez, Rector of the University of Havana; Dr. Antonio Romero Gómez, President of the Chair of Caribbean Studies at the University of Havana; members of the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives and the University of Havana faculty staff and students. The Guyanese Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister was in Havana to participate in the fifth meeting of Foreign Ministers of CARICOM and Cuba. He also had bilateral talks with his Cuban counterpart, His Excellency Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.

GGDMA denies only big miners cashing in on concessions

THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on Thursday reminded all categories of miners that concessions being granted by the government is meant for all miners and not only one category. The Association sought to dispel what it considered to be rumours it believes are aimed at dividing miners,in a statement to the media. The

statement said, “All miners can have access to the various tax concessions offered by the Government of Guyana once their taxes are in order.” The GGDMA said that in order to benefit from the concessions, miners have to comply with the tributors’ withholding, and property taxes and must also maintain a registry of the names, addresses and Tax Payer Identi-

fication Number (TIN) of all employees. “The Association wishes to point out that there have been slanderous statements and rumors that have been peddled by persons who are bent on causing division in the sector, by giving the public the impression that only some selected miners have access to these concessions. This

is far from the Truth!” the statement said. Additionally, the GGDMA made it clear that all miners,once tax compliant,can access concessions for mining equipment, spares and fuel among other items. Miners who need assistance relative to the concessions are asked to visit the Association’s office located at 29 North Road Bourda.

From page 8 Goals (SDGs) and is a key to leaving no one behind. She said that the SDGs are also interconnected and that issues such as poverty, hunger, inequality, insecurity, unemployment and educational underperformance have deep and complex root causes. “Resolving these issues require coordinated actions between line ministries and other institutions nationally, regionally

and locally. The UN system will work together with the government to embed multidimensional approaches and development policies and as part of this commitment, the UN country team in Guyana will endeavour to promote social cohesion in its developmental work,” she said. The validation exercise will see stakeholders, who participated in the countrywide consultation process

conducted by the Ministry of Social Cohesion, coming together to give final comments and to validate the contents in the Draft Strategic Plan, which was released to the public on February 14. During today’s session, the participants discussed highlights of the Draft Social Cohesion Strategic Plan, and then participated in group discussions on intervention areas of the plan. The groups were then each given a chance to

present their findings based on their discussions. The opening ceremony also featured attendance by other officials including First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Vice-President, Khemraj Ramjattan; Vice-President Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Ms. Simona Broomes along with members of the diplomatic corps.

Social cohesion ...

THE Region Six Administration will be rolling out a number of road projects this year aimed at improving the lives of residents across the region. The region was allotted about $500M under its capital programme to execute several roads, bridges and drainage projects for 2017. During an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Regional Chairman, David Armogan,said that six major roads will be rehabilitated and constructed in the areas of Limlair, Manchester, Number 52 and 74 Villages, Crabwood Creek and Canje. “…So we are not trying to put all the projects in one particular area, we are trying to spread it especially with infrastructure, because we have a number of bad roads within the region,” Armogan said. Armogan explained that the regional administration is hoping to bring most of the major roads under asphaltic concrete. He said, “What we found is that the roads that we have been doing with

DBST (Double Bituminous Surface Treatment ) are not holding up and so that is the direction we want to go, it is more costly but at the end of the day you are getting value for money and it lasts longer.” Additionally, Armogan said that large sums of money will also be expended on drainage and irrigation, to ensure that residential areas do not suffer any great degree of flooding during the rainy season, and at the same time irrigation water is provided to farmers. “We (the region) have to keep our drainage and irrigation systems clean at all times to ensure that both residents in residential areas and farmers are comfortable,” Armogan pointed out. This year, money was allocated for bridge repairs including the Vibert Bridge, Calber Bridge, and New Vigilante, while a heavy-duty bridge at Whim and a foot-path bridge at Chesney, Albion will be constructed to benefit the residents in those areas.

Ex-cop accused of raping teen A FORMER policeman is in police custody following allegations that he raped a 14-year-old girl. Police said that the former rank was discharged from the Guyana Police Force since June 9, 2016. According to reports, the 26-year-old man and the teenager have been involved in an intimate relationship for close to two months. It is alleged that the rape took place in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown on March 9,but was only reported to the police on March 15. Reports indicate that the man would normally pick up the girl from a city school and take her to his home where they would engage in sexual acts. However, the young girl’s grandmother later found out about her relationship with the older man and questioned her during which she admitted to knowing the man. The former cop is being accused of rape, given the fact that the child is a minor and is below the age of consent.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 17, 2017

Suspension of parking meters awaits mayor’s return

DEPUTY Mayor, Sherod Duncan says the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be able to pronounce on government’s recommendation to suspend the parking meters project when Mayor Patricia Chase-Green returns to Guyana on March 25. Duncan explained that although he is equipped with the powers to make certain decisions, nothing can be done about this issue given that he and the Mayor share different views on the controversial project. Asked whether the metered parking system is still in effect, Duncan declined to make a comment, stating that he leaves that decision in the

protest on Thursday opposite City Hall, chanting, “Listen to the government” and “follow the rules.” “We will continue to protest until we get justice… the parking meter project must be revoked because Guyana is not ready,” said one of the protestors. Protests have been ongoing for over a month. At one point, the M&CC had resorted to consultations on the metered parking system with the hope of meeting the demands of the protestors. But the negotiations ended with no “significant” changes made. During a radio programme on 94.1 Boom FM

with Council officials following a Cabinet subcommittee meeting on the parking meter issue when several proposals were made to the Council. He said that the body had acted on some proposals while others, including a possible suspension of the parking meter project for broader consultations and a contract review, were ignored. The minister described the situation as an anomaly, saying that the, “concessionaire (Smart City Solutions) nor the City Council had any lengthy discussion with the ministry,” over the use of those roads. Patterson stated however that Water Street is among a num-

Some of the protestors mimicking the vehicular clamping. all parking meter erections on declared urban roads.

Boisterous protestors making sure their words are heard by the M&CC. hands of the Mayor and the Smart City Solutions (SCS). The Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) is in support of government’s call for the suspension of the metered parking project. The Movement continued its

on Wednesday, Minister Patterson made it clear that there are several legal implications in the metered parking project that could see his ministry taking legal action. According to Patterson, some three to four weeks ago, a team had met

ber of listed roads that come under the auspices of his ministry. The Minister pointed out too that in fairness to the City Council, they have confirmed to his ministry that instructions have been given to Smart City Solutions to cease

THE Private Sector Commission on Thursday met with officials of the International Monetary Fund currently on a mission in Guyana. In a release,the PSC said the discussion ranged over a broad spectrum of issues which currently engage the attention of the Commission. “The Private Sector Commission expressed their satisfaction with the Government’s operationalising of the Procurement Commission and facilitation of Local Government Elections, which had

not been held for many years, but expressed concern over instances of sole-sourcing of contracts which have occurred despite the existence of the Procurement Commission,” the PSC said. It added that the decline in the value of the Guyana dollar was also discussed with Fund representatives suggesting that a flexible exchange rate, which allowed the currency to revalue itself in response to market forces, was ideal. In response to questions from the Mission as to the cause of a loss of investor confidence,

the Private Sector Commission pointed to increased taxation and a degree of uncertainty as to the direction in which the economy is moving. The representatives of the Private Sector Commission expressed their willingness to cooperate with Government in the national interest and to assist in helping to right the economy. The IMF Mission observed that the private sector is indeed the catalyst of growth and plays a crucial role in job creation, the PSC statement read.

SECOND PAYMENT Meanwhile, the M&CC announced that it has received its second payment from Smart City Solutions for February 2017. “As was announced by the Council at previous media and other sessions, the earnings from Parking Meter project will be reinvested to construct new roads and upgrade existing ones, design and construct sidewalks, cycle lanes, foot paths, and to introduce a city transport system for children and senior citizens,” the council said in a statement. According to the M&CC,already its engineers have identified a portion of Charlotte Street to be upgraded using the money obtained from the Parking Meter proj-

ect. “This particular roadway-Charlotte Street-is one of the city’s busier roads but it is in need of urgent repairs to provide for safety and to ensure the integrity of the public health local communities in that area.” According to City Council in this year’s budget, it has anticipated, at the very least, over $120M and at the maximum projection nearly $400M from this project. “This revenue accounts for a substantial percentage of monies needed to fix roads, build new bridges and repair existing ones, install street lights and repair existing ones and settle our accounts with Guyana Power and Light, which, at the moment, is at the tune of one billion dollars ($1B).” In addition, the Council is notifying the public, particularly citizens in Albousytown

and Charlestown and those along the East Bank of Demerara,that the construction of the bridge at Barr and Sussex Streets is about 90% complete and it is anticipated to be completed within another two weeks. “The Engineer’s Department is in the process of examining and assessing a number of other bridges spanning the Sussex Street canal providing allowance for residence and others to carry out their daily chores in their local communities and neighbourhoods are involved. The Mayor and City Council remains committed to its mandate to deliver to all Guyanese a city that is green, clean, healthy, and safe,and to transform Georgetown to a modern city that can stand shoulder to shoulder with other great cities of the world.”

IMF officials hold talks with PSC

The PSC and IMF officials following their meeting

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 17, 2017

New appraisal instrument being developed to monitor teachers’ performance

THE Ministry of Education is moving to develop a new evaluation mechanism to monitor teachers’ performance. Chief Education Officer (CEO) acting, Marcel Hutson, said this will allow for greater accountability of teachers in terms of education delivery. The appraisal instrument is the measuring tool that is used to assess teachers’ performance competencies for decision-making, such as their possible promotion. The appraisal also works to ensure that all teachers have the skills and support they need to carry out their role effectively. Hutson in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), explained that the old instrument that the ministry inherited is inoperable. He said that it lacked specific-

ity in terms of spelling out clear guidelines for teachers’ evaluation. “If you talk about deportment, it [the old instrument] does not specify how a teacher should really dress…if you talk about professionalism, there is no specific behaviour that you can measure in terms of how the teachers should conduct themselves as a professional,” Hutson explained. The new instrument will incorporate variables that are more measureable, and will not only provide for fair, effective and consistent teacher evaluation, but also for across- the -board, quality education of learners in all public schools, Hutson said. He explained that with the new approach, the teachers would have to take “greater accountability” for the children under their care. “People said lots of things

about teachers in public school and sometimes you see the paradox in terms of behaviour pattern, because you might go into one school and you see a certain kind of behaviour that is not lending itself to quality delivery, and the same public setting you go to another school, and you see something totally different and you want to know if these teachers are from the same public system,” Hutson explained. The official added that teachers are pivotal to the system, but if “we are going to improve and have the kind of results that we are asking for at the different levels, we have to bring all our teachers at a certain level, so that they can be impacting in terms of their performance.” Through the Secondary Improvement Project, an education consultancy team has been hired to work with the

Conmen posing as GRA VAT collectors

… demanding $2,000 per head of cattle THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said it has received numerous reports from taxpayers across the country that a group of persons are visiting their communities posing as GRA/Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) officials. In a statement GRA said complaints have come from mostly Regions Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne). According to GRA the reports have indicated that while purporting to be conducting an official exercise comprising the counting of heads of cattle and number of pets owned by farmers and pet lovers, the group then demands an amount of $2,000

Value-Added-Tax (VAT) for each. “The GRA wishes to alert taxpayers and to inform them that the agency presently has no such exercise in place. Anyone who encounters these individuals is advised to request proof of identification since all staff of the GRA are required to carry identification during the course of their duties.” Additionally, GRA said that its officers are not authorised to collect monies from taxpayers since all payments should be effected at GRA’s Regional offices or its Headquarters. The revenue agency also said it has been taking measures through its Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) to address the issue. Taxpayers can be assured that the perpetrators, once located, will be dealt with.

Investors showing interest in sugar industry – Min. Gaskin MINISTER of Business Dominic Gaskin said there are many foreign companies that are interested in investing in Guyana’s economy- and more specifically in the sugar industry. While noting that a majority of these investors have not formally approached the government, the Minister highlighted that these investors would make enquiries and approach him from time to time. Nevertheless, he told THE Guyana Chronicle in an interview that, “Many investors are interested in Guyana’s sugar industry.” Gaskin highlighted that the only recent formal approach made by a company showing interest in Guyana’s sugar industry was a Trinidadian company, D Rampersaud and Company Limited (DRCL). He recounted that this company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

through the Guyana Office for Investment (Go- Invest) to conduct a feasibility study into setting up an integrated sugar processing facility in Skeldon, Berbice. This company, as said by the Minister, was interested in diversifying the industry since they signalled their interest in producing fuel-grade ethanol in addition to cultivation and harvesting of sugar-cane, sugarcane processing, producing bulk rum for local, regional and international markets, constructing a liquid bulk terminal, developing a solar power generation facility, among other things. Additionally, the minister confirmed that a firm based in India, the Srinath Ispat Limited, visited Guyana recently to engage with the government on investing in Guyana’s sugar industry but he conceded that he did not meet with the representatives of the company. (Vishani Ragobeer)

ministry on development of the new instrument. This is expected to be completed by January 2018. Hutson explained that Dr Marcia Stewart; a Manager of the Quality Assurance Operations

of the Joint Board of Teacher Education (JBTE), School of Education, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, is leading the team in development of the instrument. Dr. Stewart’s experi-

ence spans several levels of the Caribbean education system with major emphasis on teacher-education, programme evaluation and higher-education quality assurance. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday march 17, 2017

‘Jackie Chan’ gets 12 years for Kwakwani Christmas Day killing

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

JUSTICE James BovellDrakes has imposed a 12year prison sentence on Clinton Hart called ‘Jackie Chan’for killing a former policeman, Marlon Sam,back on Christmas

Day 2013. Hart was indicted with murder, but pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter which was accepted by State Prosecutor, Orinthea Schmidt. Hart was represented by Attorney at law Mootee Singh. It was during

the night of Christmas 2013, that the men, and their respective friends, were in separate groups imbibing at the One Foot Disco, Kwakwani, Berbice River. Hart, at the time of the incident, lived at Jones Town,a village within the Berbice River.

Clinton Hart aka ‘Jackie Chan’ Now aged 34, Hart worked as a chainsaw operator and in order to celebrate the festive season he had gone to the community’s disco where he drank alcoholic beverages and danced with his friends. In his caution statement, Hart told investigators that it was about 21:30hrs on December 25, 2013, while he was at the disco, that Marlon Sam approached telling him, “what happen the last time will not happen this time, as he will take the first chance.”But, I told him I did

not come for that. I came to enjoy myself, as it is Christmas and I don’t have time for you.” He said Sam continued “and came in front of me with a Guinness bottle and lashed me in my face and I held on to him and we scramble [fight]. “When I loosed Marlon, he ran in the corner of the disco. He was charging towards me and I took out a little black knife from my right side pants pocket and I gave him two ‘juks’ with the knife and I ran away to Jones Town Hill top, where police arrested me,” the statement concluded. Meanwhile, in her report,Senior Probation Officer Ms. Egla October, said that Hart had attended the Kwebanna Primary School in Region One and is the eighth of 10 children born to Cecil Hart now 79 years, a subsistence farmer and his wife Amy, aged 73 years, a housewife. He departed Region One, venturing into the world of work and leaving behind a life of poverty. Since his departure from home, he never made contact with his parents nor his siblings, but they became aware

of his whereabouts following his involvement in this matter. In the Kwakwani community, residents say Marlon Sam was very argumentative whenever he was under the influence of alcohol, whilst Hart was described as a person of quiet disposition when sober. However, when under the influence of alcohol, he was described as talkative. The Judge, while noting that the accused had defended himself, observed that the caution statement was consistent with the eyewitnesses’ testimonies. The Judge noted that Marlon Sam was the aggressor, which was unfortunate. However, from Sam’s academic life, he seemed to be a person of value having graduated from the Guyana School of Agriculture, which led to a teaching career at the Kwakwani Primary and Secondary Schools respectively. He later joined the Guyana Police Force where he spent eight months before leaving the profession as a Constable. “However, he apparently became a slave to alcohol. That’s unfortunate,” the Judge observed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 17, 2017

Bail for hospital Suspected mastermind in attempted execution of businessman released maid on drug charge A MAID at the New Amsterdam Hospital was granted $200,000 bail after pleading not guilty to a charge of trafficking in narcotics when she appeared before Magistrate Marissa Mithelholzer at the Reliance Court in East Canje. Suzette Samantha La Fleur, 39, of Cumberland Village, East Canje, had pleaded not guilty to a charge of trafficking in narcotics following an initial appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after allegedly being found in possession of leaves, seeds and stems of the suspected cannabis sativa plant for the purpose of trafficking. The narcotics weighed six kilograms, 216 grams. Police said the ward maid -- and not a nurse as was previously highlighted -- had the illegal drug wrapped in six taped parcels in her possession when ranks attached to ‘A’ division, acting on information, went to the defendant’s home where the suspected narcotic was unearthed from a table in the living room. Her 18-year-old was initially held, but was later released. Following her appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the mater was transferred to the Reliance court where it was heard on March 8, and again on Thursday. The mother of four was represented by Attorney, Charrandas Persaud, and is expected to return to court on March 29.

THE Jamaican man who is the alleged mastermind behind the plot to rob and execute a Corentyne businessman has been placed on $30,000 station bail pending further investigations into the matter. He was ordered to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters for further questioning. The businessman, who owns and operates a clothing and footwear store in Rose Hall Town, was also asked by police to report to CID headquarters in Eve Leary to assist with investigations. Meanwhile, the man who was reportedly paid to carry out the hit, Cordel Fraser, 24, was further de-

tained and will face charges for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of a stolen motorcycle and falsifying a licence plate on the motorcycle. Fraser was arrested on March 9 after an alert detective noticed him acting suspiciously and trailed him to Anamayah Street in Hampshire, Corentyne where he was arrested after he had disposed of a .32 revolver with four matching rounds in a nearby trench. During interrogation, he told investigators he had been hired by a Jamaican to rob and execute the businessman, who reportedly owed the Jamaican some money.

Cordel Fraser (on the ground) was arrested after police observed him acting in a suspicious manner

THE police are investigating an incident in which the guards at the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) head office at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, were robbed early Thursday morning.

‘B’ Division Commander, Ian Amsterdam, told the Guyana Chronicle that from initial reports the robbers carted off personal cash and cellphones from the security personnel on duty. He could not say more, since

sleuths were still interviewing employees of the MMA/ADA. The Guyana Chronicle understands that bandits gained entry to the compound, but their efforts to break into the said building were thwarted by the alert guards. However, the robbers pounced on

Bandits attack MMA guards

the guards instead, taking away valuables before they escaped. General Manager of the MMA/ADA, Aubrey Charles, could not be reached for a comment on the incident and employees were tight-lipped on Thursday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 17, 2017

SOL hosts workshop for miners, other businesses

SOL Guyana Inc., in collaboration with Shell Lubricants on Thursday hosted a Business Forum at the Guyana Marriott Hotel for

with fleet managers. Orlando Boxill, General Manager of SOL Guyana Inc, the Shell licensee in Guyana, welcomed participants to the

Marketing Manager for Shell Caribbean, Sergio Roldan. operators in the mining, commercial and agricultural business sectors, along

event, which he said was designed to enhance their knowledge of Shell’s lubri-

cant products and services, and to encourage greater efficiency in their respective operations. He added that the event was further evidence of SOL’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s business sector. “SOL’s longstanding partnership with Shell continues to be to the benefit of our customers, and we are proud of our continued association with the world’s leading supplier of high-quality lubricants. It is in keeping with this tradition that we will continue to support the industrial and transport sectors here in Guyana,” the SOL general manager said. He continued: “Events such as today’s business forum are designed to ensure that owners and operators can always make informed choices of the best lubricants available, and also make the most efficient use of /Shell’s world-leading lubricant technology.” Other speakers contributing to the forum included Ms. Rajdai Jagarnauth, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Business and Mr. Colin Spar-

man, Admin Coordinator of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association. Marketing Manager for Shell Caribbean, Mr. Sergio Roldan; Technical Specialist, Mr. Jose Hernandez and Lubricant Specialist, Mr. Douglas Mc Clean made presentations on behalf of Shell Lubricants and also fielded questions from the gathering.

The interactive event also featured a tour of the” Shell Lubricants Experience Centre,” where participants further familiarised themselves with the many Shell Lubricants Services. The Experience Centre was further highlighted by the Shell Video Check demonstration, where participants had the opportunity to explore the

inside of a used engine , using a microscopic camera. This piece of equipment can assist in identifying engine issues. The keenly enthusiastic group of industrial operators was encouraged to keep using high-quality Shell Lubricants which provide the highest level or protection available in the market.

Seated at front isGeneral Manager of SOL Guyana Inc., Mr. Orlando Boxill and fourth from left, is Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Business, Ms. Rajdai Jagarnauth (Cullen Nelson Bess photos)

Capacity-building training for small contractors … as gov’t levels playing field in regional procurement system

THE Ministry of Communities has begun a series of procurement and project implementation community workshops designed to build trust and confidence in the regional procurement process. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, said the workshops are in response to the cries of residents and contractors of discriminatory practices in the regional procurement system. He formally launched the inaugural workshop on the State House Lawns in New Amsterdam, Region Six, today. Present were Region Six Chairman, David Armogan; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Kim Stephens and Deputy Mayor of the New Amsterdam Town Council, Winifred Heywood. The procurement and project implementation community workshops are targeting small contractors, including community service providers and other suppliers. Many of these stakeholders had traditionally felt excluded from the public procurement system. Other participants

included evaluators and members of the Regional Tender Board. One of the aims of the workshop is to help guide small contractors in the preparation of project procurement documents. The workshop will also aid in the contractors’ submission of tenders, thereby enabling them to better participate in the procurement process, Minister Bulkan explained. He noted that, “For a number of years, too many of our small and community-based contractors were shut out of the procurement process.” Minister Bulkan added that, “We feel strongly enough, that the central Government and in particular the Ministry of Communities has a role to play, to provide support, to many of our smaller contractors, to allow for their participation in the distribution of this national and public pie.” The workshops also aim to reduce the number of unresponsive bids, widen the number of contractors as well as suppliers participating in regional contracts and

critically improve the quality of the work executed. “The procurement and project implementation community workshop is designed for your empowerment and to provide greater employment at the community level,” the minister told the workshop participants. “It is also expected that overtime, from among this pool of contractors, as well as service providers, will come a new generation of reputable and reliable regional and national contractors and service providers,” the minister added. He said that it is the ministry’s expectation that the workshop will aid the lowest levels of the communities by providing for greater local economic empowerment, as well as improving the quality of life within the communities. Speaking specifically to the evaluators and the members of the Regional Tender Board, Minister Bulkan noted that there has been “persistent and insistent cries” levelled at the process of public and regional procurement. He observed

Small contractors, evaluators and members of the Regional Tender board at the procurement and project implementation workshop on the State House lawns in New Amsterdam, Berbice that equally, there have been calls for greater equity, integrity and efficiency among the key personnel involved in the process of determination of the contracts. Minister Bulkan advised the evaluators and members of the Regional Tender Board, to always ensure that there is adherence to the criteria which would be established in the bid document. He

warned them against introducing foreign and extraneous considerations in the process of evaluating bids and for the awarding of public projects. “What we need are trusted evaluators in the regional system,” the minister said. Meanwhile, Armogan pointed to the need for contractors to ensure integrity of the procurement process

from their end. He stressed the need for contractors to ensure the integrity of the process by delivering value for money in the execution of projects that they are successfully awarded. In the coming months the ministry, with support from the regional administrations, will conduct similar workshops throughout the regions. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 17, 2017

Scotiabank donates US$36,000 to Guyana Foundation

SCOTIABANK Guyana Ltd on Thursday donated US$36,000 to the Guyana Foundation (GF) to be used in furtherance of the organisation’s humanitarian work in Guyana. The cheque represents the first tranche to be rolled out over a two-year period, with a second disbursement of a further US$36,000 in 2018. All told, the donation will be US$72,000, and comes with the compliments of Scotiabank’s Community Project. The symbolic handing over of the cheque was done

In presenting the cheque, Ms. Cipriani announced that the grant of US$72,000 to the Guyana Foundation was the largest ever donation made through the Bank’s community programme. She said Scotiabank was very impressed with the work and impact of the Guyana Foundation and so willingly approved the proposal. Phillips noted that the Foundation is at an historic juncture today, where the Bank of Nova Scotia, through their Trust, will support the Zorg Sunrise Centre for at

to be established at locations with a high suicide prevalence. Located at Zorg-enVlygt on the Essequibo Coast, the centre was opened to the public in October, 2017. It is open six days per week and offers confidential counselling delivered by trained professionals; skills training in a variety of areas; and has a close working collaboration with Churches, hospitals, and various community groups. Founder, Supriya Singh-Bodden who gave an overview of the project, via tele-conferencing, joined in

Addressing Journalists at the Guyana Foundation Press Conference (From left): Mr. Eric Phillips, Trustee; Ms. Jennifer Cipriani, Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Scotia Bank; and Guyana Foundation Managing Director, Susan Isaacs. tinue their humanitarian work. With some nine projects being executed countrywide to date, Singh- Bodden stressed: “We are extremely grateful that the Foundation is working.” She said that their aim is to set up Sun Rise centres in Charity, ParFaite Harmonie and others,

Scotia Bank’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Jennifer Cipriani, presents the cheque to GF Managing Director, Susan Isaacs. (Adrian Narine photos) following a media briefing at the Sicoibi Salon, Marriott Hotel, Kingston Georgetown. The cheque was presented to the Foundation’s Managing Director, Ms. Susan Isaacs by Ms. Jennifer Cipriani, Public Relations and Marketing Manager of Scotiabank in the presence of Trustee, Mr. Eric Phillips and other representatives of the Guyana Foundation.

least two years. Citing hurdles and developments realised, redounding to the benefit of the people of the various communities in which they operate, Phillips said that as an organisation, the Guyana Foundation has certainly moved from strength to strength. The donation is to be spent essentially on developing the Foundation’s first in a series of ‘Sunrise Centres’

expressing gratitude to Scotiabank for what she described as a ‘considerable’ amount of money with which to manage the Centre in Zorg. She said the Guyana Foundation community-based centres will be located in various regions with a high suicide prevalence. She is hopeful too that more organisations would reach out to help the Foundation, so that they would con-

in addition to the one at Zorg. The Guyana Foundation is a charitable trust that has been created to contribute meaningfully to the rebuilding of Guyana. Driven by the conviction that great changes can be made by people who are encouraged

and supported, the Foundation has conducted large and small-scale projects across the country in an effort to restore hope and purpose; rebuild lives; bring relief wherever it is needed, and create a better future for all Guyanese.

Drunken, unlicensed cop charged POLICE Constable Joshua Ali appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weever at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and with breach of conditions of a provisional licence. A police release detailed that the Constable pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined a total of $37,500. According to the police force, the Constable has since been transferred from the Traffic Department to the General Duties Section of the

Guyana Police Force. According to reports, on Monday, March 13, the cop slammed into a businessman’s pickup, which was parked in the corner of the road at Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice. The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 10:30hrs, when the cop was driving motor car PFF 4473 owned by Mahadeo Dhamon. The vehicle was reportedly travelling at a fast rate of speed when it crashed into motor pickup, PLL 8801.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

She’s back! By Tamica Garnett

WAY back in the early 2000s, there was a hot soca track called “Rock Meh Body” that really had Guyanese grooving. And while that track was actually recorded in Trinidad, not a lot of people realised that the vocals behind the melody was 100% Guyanese. It was home-grown Guyanese Samantha Grant, who had taken a bold step and accepted an offer from a Trinidad producer to travel to the twin-island republic to do a CD. Shortly after it was recorded, Samantha moved to Canada even before the song really started to take off, never getting to promote the track, much less explore just how great it had become. But she’s back for a short while in Guyana now, and has been making the rounds, jogging memories about this hot little number. The recent Mashramani celebrations gave Grant the perfect opportunity to rebirth the song. She proved that she’s definitely still got it when she gave a performance at the Senior Calypso Monarch competition last month; she was also out and about at the Miss Mash Queen Pageant, and was not to be left out of being on a band at the Mash Costume and Float Parade on Republic Day. “Everybody thought like

that it was a Trinidadian singing,” Samantha laughed as she took herself back down memory lane to give The Buzz the 411 on how it all went down.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Samantha was in a band that regularly performed at the popular but now defunct Sheriff Night Club, when the band was approached to come to Trinidad and do a CD. Though the producer wanted to take the entire band, the others were skeptical. But where they saw skepticism, Samantha saw opportunity. “I felt like that was an opportunity to burst out on my own from Sheriff; an opportunity to say that someone great had burst out from our country; an opportunity to do something good and great,” Samantha recalled. The song was part of a six-song album called “Hot and Sexy”. Samantha still has

We Whine”, “Is Everybody”, “Give Me It”, “Wet” and, of course, “Rock Meh Body”. When it came to “Rock Meh Body”, she remembers down to the very last words. But that’s no surprise! It’s a hard song to forget! The song was reminiscent of the kind of catchy, easyto-love, summer Soca melody from songs like Natalie Burke’s “Do Weh Yuh Want Wid Mi” that famously rocked out at almost every “wedding house” back in the days. “When we were finished,” Samantha recalled, “I came back home; I came back with the CD. And the DJ at the Sheriff... we let him play the CD. And everybody liked it. “But he took that specific song, “Rock Meh Body”, and used to play it like every night; he would even come out and say, ‘One of our very own, Samantha Grant, is the singer.’ And I would smile.” Not wanting to appear

promote the song. And shortly after she migrated to Canada, leaving the CD behind. It was after she’d left that family members started calling and telling her that her song was blowing up on the radio. “Before it started playing over the radio, I had already left the country, so I didn’t know. When I left, it was still playing in the night clubs, but I didn’t know about it being on the radio,” Samantha told The Buzz. “It was when I was in Canada that my cousin texted me, and was like, ‘Guess what, cuz! Your song is playing; I just heard it over the radio!’ “And I was like, ‘Okay; that’s good!’ But deep inside, I felt very happy to know that it was being played.” SSIGNAL LINKUP Since she’s come back, Samantha has linked up with

‘I felt like that was an opportunity to burst out on my own from Sheriff; an opportunity to say that someone great had burst out from our country; an opportunity to do something good and great’ a hard time remembering the names of all the songs, but after giving it some thought, she recalled that there was “Leh

pompous, Samantha tried not to let the attention go to her head. Maybe she should have, though, as she did very little to

Bonny Alves and SSignal Records to do another recording of the song, and put out a video. She really wanted to

--Samantha Grant returns to ‘Rock Ya Body’

get the video out there; to put a face to the song that so many Guyanese had come to love, especially since the original plan was to have a video but never came off. “The plan was to put a video to the song, but I left before we got a chance to do that,”she said. As it pertains to continuing her music, Samantha isn’t completely sure of how far it will go, as she’s currently taking her time and savouring the moment as she re-familiarises Guyanese with the song. She does have plans of hopefully doing another CD, and has already began working

on other songs; “Private Dancer” is already out with a video. But whether she goes the whole hog or not, Samantha knows that music will always be a part of her. “For me, music is life; music is love; music is everything. From the time I could remember myself, I was always singing,” she said. “I actually start singing in church; I used to go to the Plaisance Church of Christ and I was always in the choir. I’d also started singing in school. I remember when I used to go to Eccles Primary School and they would have a show or anything, I’d always sing.”

Women of Kaieteur calling for submissions

WOMEN in business who are looking for some exposure, and wish to provide a record of their experience to advise other female entrepreneurs have a chance to do so by providing submissions of their stories on the “Women of Kaieteur” website for the upcoming publication, 60 Women, 60 Businesses. The publication is a spinoff of Women of Kaieteur’s 50 Women, 50 Years which was printed in honour of Guyana’s 50th Anniversary, and sought to tell the story of 50 influential women of Guyanese heritage. Women of Kaieteur’s co-founder, Roianne Nedd, has said that part of the organisation’s strategy is to raise the voices of women, while raising funds to achieve sustainable change. “In 2016, we launched the 50 Women: 50 Years project which brought together the voices of Guyanese women to illustrate ordinary women doing extraordinary things,” the organisation says on its website.

Women

The book which resulted in this project became the fundraising book for 2017. “This year, we wanted to build on the success of that project and launch 60 Women: 60 Businesses in association with ROI Jelly Ltd.

“This project aims to create 60 profiles of female business owners to be published as the fundraising book for 2018,” the organisation says. Business owners who are interested in having their profiles featured can submit their entries by answering an Online questionnaire form on the organisation’s website http://www.womenofkaieteur.org and emailing a high res logo file to founder@womenofkaieteur.org quoting your name and the name of your business.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

The culture of the politics CULTURE and the philosophies that are its sinews create the false but suitable gods and devils that are used to divide, oppress and justify genocide. The culture of a nation cannot be left dormant; it has to be nurtured and developed to grow with the imagination of its human sprout. We in the New World can be considered fragmented cultural populations, where a cultural fabrication was engineered -- and continues to be against the true grain of our reality -- and skilfully imposed on our confusion and mis-education by interest groups within and without that found themselves in the position of holding the reins of power. There’s no denying that laws are the foundation of culture; all our religious books revolve around laws. Laws that empower freedoms and rights such as “Thou shall not covet thy neighbour’s goods” and “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you” are profound and monumental in concept, but prove to be the most difficult laws for Mankind to uphold. All our problems seem to revolve around breaking those two laws that imply compromise and empathy.

MY CONDOLENCES I want to begin here by extending my condolences to the Commissioner of Police on the recent loss of his brother. Every conscious Guyanese is gripped by menacing shadows caste upon us by a cultural imbalance and decay and deflection of those very laws I referred to above; Whether by lack of character, or a callous release of the intoxication of social vices aimed at compromising all and sundry to govern over a proverbial crab barrel and gutters of market rats, rather than the egalitarian human voices of reason, demanding accountability, all evidence points to the latter.

A 15-year-old career criminal is most likely expected from nations that have endured the spiritual and physical devastation and trauma of war. What went wrong in Guyana cannot be swept under some shroud; we must; we HAVE to reckon with it. We endured a system that retarded our social fabric rather than progressed it. THE NEW NORMAL The 15-year-old from Sophia that confessed to murdering the Commissioner’s brother is not an anomaly; he is a new normal; the generation I referred to some five to six years ago in a letter titled, ‘Government has abandoned our youth’. The 15-year-old today was born in 2002; the “jumbie stories” the adults were talking about in whispers as they grew up were real. To them, the “Phantom” is not a cartoon or comic-book character; the “Phantom” is the people who took the neighbour’s son from his home and he was never seen again; or drove up in a car and shot a school friend’s uncle. How many shop owners were killed in Sophia? What were the images of success that dazzled these youth? At what age did they smoke their first “spliff”? For that matter, at what age were they encouraged to sell it to their school friends to get the “cheese” to buy the fake designer “proper threads”? Sophia is no different from other neighbourhoods across Guyana, so, how did it all happen? How did Guyana stumble? The answer is that for over two decades, callous, self serving, race manipulative, shameless people in the majority held the reins of government; the decent ones were the cowards who looked the other way so they could live well. Our condition that requires a social metamorphosis was created by a shape-shifting lumpen pro-

letariat who saw in politics an opportunity to exalt themselves with absolute no idea of what was expected of them; nor did most of them care. To corrupt a nation must begin with the cremation of the laws and all common principles, which must be replaced by a terrain of lawlessness and indulgences that must be allowed without interference.

THE ONLY ATONEMENT The newspapers today reveal the extent that this was allowed; the only atonement that can serve to inspire lies in holding the political law-breakers of the past regime accountable. The problem that will present itself, however, is that we do not know how many of those who feign social correctness today have benefitted from the droppings from the criminalisation of Guyana. With their dual loyalties, which shall prevail? A swift goodbye to poverty, or the ideal and support for all that must go with it to lift Guyanese collectively out of the shadow world? We are not the first nation to face this predicament; how we proceed has just begun. What must be remembered is that every current act, whether positive or negative, serves to develop the embryo of the Guyana we want to retire in; the hope rests in the fact that more than half of this population rejected the culture of malfeasance of the past regime. That Guyana is experiencing a depressing blue-colour grass-root cash flow crisis cannot be denied; the world we depend on is going through a recession: The USA, Trinidad, Suriname, Venezuela, so remittances are no longer that frequent. And, locally, how do some ministries spend only 50% of their budgetary allotment? Is there a need for a think-tank directory to

inspire obvious and necessary initiatives that will encourage those authorities to activate economic activities that would stimulate employment? Is changing PSs around enough to inspire that realisation? It is expected that the tightening on avenues of “runnings” will be met

with lamentations. SARU’s presence will tidy a usual extremely untidy income management system, with billions of “funny money” recipients contributing to the coffers meaningfully; that “funny money” that had created gods, financed the “Phantom” and closed doors and impoverished many

through money laundering and allowed tax evasion, while laughing at public servants who carried the main tax burden of this nation from 1966. The decriminalisation of Guyana will entail warfare for the “will” of the nation, but it has to be done.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Jumo to launch ‘promo’ company --to help market local talent overseas By Michel Outridge IN an effort to promote local and overseas-based Guyanese artistes and their music, Jumo Primo will be launching the 592 Movement which is an entertainment and promotional company. Jumo, who, unlike some of our local and upcoming artistes, has had the privilege of having international exposure, said the 529 Movement will create a space for our locals in music industry worldwide. The 592 Movement is expected to be officially launched in another two months, and is presently at the point where registration forms have been printed and are available for distribution at all local entertainment outlets and studios. Registration forms will also be available Online, as will a Facebook account; the company will also have a presence on social media

platforms such as Instagram. Primo said that all artistes desirous of joining the group are advised to put together their biography, which, along with a photograph, will be featured on the company’s Facebook page so people will get to know them. He said that so far, he has had an excellent feedback in terms of support in the formation of a contingent to promote each other through the 592 Movement. THE IDEA Asked how it all came about, Jumo said: “The idea dawned on me, because I know what it’s like to have the potential but not being promoted. “And, seeing that I have had exposure overseas, I want the same for our artistes; to give them that support to enhance their music career both locally and internationally.” He said that his music career would have been

“farther down the road” had he had overseas exposure earlier, which is what prompted him to develop himself. The local sensation, who has numerous hits under his belt, intends to take artistes on the international stage via the 592 Movement. He noted that our local music isn’t being circulated abroad, and that as such the 592 Movement will change that, whereby our music will be marketed in the Caribbean and further afield. He told the Guyana Chronicle that music is important in society and it is no different in Guyana where youths have the potential but doesn’t have the support and he intends to meet with the government to have music as part of the curriculum since he needs the backing of the current administration. HIS MUSIC He has released a series of songs such as “Jiggle It”,

“Stir the Pot”, “Stamma”, “Drop” and the newly released single “Jam It”. The video for “Jam It”, he said, will be filmed in Berbice, and that he will be going to Jamaica and Barbados for carnival and Crop-Over respectively to promote his music. He said he is marketing rhythms from the Caribbean and other islands to bring to Guyana, and they will have to get their own studio outfitted with a low-cost video team for artistes to utilise in the 592 Movement. The songbird also stated that he is reaching out to overseas organisations to support our local group of artistes in promoting their music, since it is time for Guyana to have a place in the music industry overseas and for youths to have a chance to build their music careers. Artistes desirous of uplifting registration forms to become a member of the 592 Movement can contact Jumo Primo on telephone numbers 600-2768 and 628-6324.

Local artiste Jumo Primo

Vybz Kartel to know fate soon VYBZ Kartel‘s freedom is no longer a far- fetched fantasy after an appeal court judge gave the Dancehall star the greenlight. On Wednesday, Justice Frank Williams handed down perhaps the most crucial ruling in the appeal process, giving the deejay’s attorneys the go-ahead to proceed with a full appeal. Kartel’s attorney, Thomas Tavares-Finson said that the judge read through all of the court documents, and feels confident that there are grounds to appeal the controversial conviction. “It’s the first but critical step in the appeal process,” Tavares-Finson said. “While this is only the beginning stages of the appeal, the ruling is an important step to boost the deejay’s morale and reinforce what his lawyers have been saying about the numerous problems with the murder case.” Thomas Tavares-Finson, the son of Vybz Kartel’s lead attorney, Tom Tavares-Finson, added that they will proceed with a full case in the Jamaican Appeal Court in

September of this year. “We will move on to a full appeal in September,” he said. “It is a limited victory, but an important moral victory for my client, as it reinforces the notion in his mind that justice will be served and he will be acquitted.” Other attorneys representing the other co-convicts echoed the same sentiments. Shawn “Storm” Campbell’s attorney, Miguel Lorne says that the four men stand a good chance of winning the appeal. Bert Samuels, another attorney representing Camp-

bell, is optimistically cautious, saying that the appeal will be just as difficult to prove as the trial. Attorneys representing the four convicts, Vybz Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer; Shawn “Storm” Campbell; Kahira Jones and Andre St John have until June 5 to submit their skeletal arguments, and by July to file authority. The prosecution has until July 17 to make their counter-arguments. This means that by the end of the year, the appeal trial should be in full motion.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

IT’S Saint Patrick’s Day today, and you certainly don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the celebrations. A number of top spots are setting the atmosphere for the celebrations tonight, and it’s free admission to all of them! Deck out in your green and enjoy the Guinness Specials! On Saturday, there’s DJ Akeelo’s birthnight bash, and rumour has it that several Smartphones are going to be on give away! If you get there before 22:00hrs, you can forget about admission and just stroll through! And if you’re in a Soca mood, then 704 might just be the place for you! Then on Sunday, it’s all about the races that’s going down at the South Dakota Circuit!

Do enjoy the weekend! TODAY Ladies! Naturalistas! Get ready for it tonight! From the people who brought you CurlFest comes “Curly and Boujee”, featuring the “Curl King”, Vincenzo, of LaModa Hair Salon in NY. It’s going to be a night of entertainment, fashion, cocktails and natural hair education at the Umana Yana, starting from 19:00hrs. Tickets cost $2000 Celebrate the Luck of the Irish and “jump around” at Palm Court for St Patrick’s Day celebrations! Take advantage of the Guinness Bucket Specials, and get free Guinness gifts as you party to the sounds of Selector Carl, DJ Ryan and DJ King Keev! Admission: EVERYONE FREE! Enjoy Green Beer and Guinness Wings all day long as 704 Sports Bar presents their St Patrick’s Day celebrations! Guyana, get ready for the Afterwork Caribbean Lime at Tower Suites Poolside! Eat, Drink and Lime, Caribbean Style! Take your taste-buds on a trip around the Caribbean, as you relax after a long week at work! Aura Night Club at the Pegasus Hotel is also getting on that Irish jam with their St Patrick’s Day Party. On offer will be a US$25 package that includes a Guinness, a cocktail, three finger foods and an Irish Coffee! TOMORROW The 94.1 Boom FM dejay, Akeelo is inviting you to help him celebrate his birthnight party called “Rock and Come In” at Palm Court! Colleague Boom FM dejay, Energy is also expected to be on the turntable, supplying the vibes. Everyone free before 22:00hrs! Anytime after is $2000! It’s Soca Saturday at 704 Club! DJ Tallest will be on board with the Soca vibes! Ladies free before 23:00hrs. Otherwise, admission is $1000. SUNDAY Reaction Part 1 is going down at the Timehri South Dakota Racing Circuit, where Guyanese dragsters will renew their rivalry with Suriname in a highly-anticipated battle for supremacy. The first race starts at 12:00hrs and admission for adults is $1,000; for children under 12, it’s $500. When you’re done at the races and not ready to go home just yet, you can head on down to Palm Court for the “After Races Jam”, and enjoy an opportunity to mix and mingle with the racers, as music from DJ Ryan and DJ Anisah set the perfect atmosphere! It’s Absolutely FREE!

Alkaline ready for Jamaica

WITH just two weeks to go before Dancehall deejay Alkaline performs for the first time in Jamaica in almost three years, the organisers of Magnum New Rules are preparing themselves for what they are projecting will be a major event. “This will be the biggest show in Jamaica. We have a great line-up, which includes Tarrus Riley, I-Octane, Mavado and Jahmiel,” said Sandra Malcolm of Brownstone Marketing and Entertainment Management. Tamika West of the sponsors, Magnum Tonic Wine said that her product just had to be a part of the event. “Magnum New Rules is the single most highly-anticipated moment in Dancehall,” West said, “and we couldn’t see the show happening without the drink of Dancehall, Magnum Tonic Wine. “With a powerful lineup of international dancehall heavy-hitters like Shaggy and Mavado, this show is a major pull factor.” Alkaline is also ready

to perform for his local audience. “It’s been a while since I’ve graced a stage in Jamaica, so I’m definitely looking forward to a great show, and performing for my fans who have been supporting me throughout. Bless up!” Alkaline said. Alkaline, whose given name is Earlan Bartley, made headlines recently after being sought for questioning by detectives in relation to the murder of Rohan Morris. He was

questioned and later released. New Level Unlocked, his 15-track 2016 album, was executive-produced by DJ Frass, and is ranked by Billboard as the third best Reggae album of 2016. It features hits like Conquer the World, City and Champion Boy. Magnum New Rules, first advertised in January, is being promoted for March 25 at the National Stadium car park. Gtvibes.com

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 17, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

RAN Level One coaching ... where we start off.” He noted that the same applies for the referee course, being a world rugby course and in addition to that, the duo will be working on a union review and strategic plan for the sport locally. Meanwhile John, who was here last August commented, “We were really happy that some of the teachers

(from last year) have taken up the sport and will be a part of the Level one coaching course and it’s really about providing that additional support that they will need with this visit.” President of the GRFU, Peter Greene, contended that the Union is happy for the review, adding, “Right now, the base is purely volunteers.

From back page We can’t afford to pay people as much and we are hoping that with the love in their heart, that some people take the training to the regions.” The coaching programme will be held today, while the refereeing courses will be done tomorrow. Both will take place at the YMCA ground on Thomas Lands commencing at 09:00hrs.

Eight teams confirmed ... higher is the fact that the teams will also be battling for a spot in the 2nd Pan American Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships scheduled for the USA in September of 2017. Only the top four Caribbean teams will move on to the Pan-Am Championships, where they will meet with the top four teams from Central American and the top four teams from South America. Taking advantage of home ground advantage, the Guyana is expected to field a team of 32 players. The GTTA has already shortlisted the squad who are already undergoing training in preparation of their fierce encounter. At the tournament last year in the Dominican Republic, Guyana, because of financial restrictions fielded only a male

team of five players: Shemar Britton, Kyle Edghill, Miguel Wong, Nickolus Romain and Elishaba Johnson. Notwithstanding the small size, however, the team represented Guyana well. They were able to secure a silver medal finish in the Boys’ 18-and-Under team event, while Johnson and Edghill collected gold in the Boys’ doubles. The team’s silver had secured the boys a spot at the inaugural Pan American Junior and Cadet Championships in Canada last year June. This opportunity, however, because of financial constraints, fell by the wayside. Nevertheless the opportunity is coming around again for Edghill, Wong, Romain and Johnson, who are again part

Rupununi League gives ... were also competing in the finals of the National Women’s Development League in Georgetown. The teams finished second and third, respectively, in the inaugural season of the league, underlining the strength and future potential of women’s football in the Rupununi. St Ignatius take on Tabatinga tomorrow as the Central Division continues. The East Central Division gets up and running on March 19, with Flash

FC taking on Kanuku Harpies and Kanuku Warriors challenging United Warriors in Nappi. Below is a list of the 16 teams competing for the title, including newcomers Mahdia Gold Getters from Region Eight. 1. Titans United FC (deep South Rupununi) 2. Shiriri FC (South Central Rupununi) 3. St Ignatius Sports Club (Central Rupununi) 4. Tabatinga FC (Central Rupununi) 5. Gladiators FC (Central Rupununi) 6. Snatchers FC (Central Rupununi)

Arab Emirates Racing Tips Jebel Ali 08:30 hrs Ejbaar English Racing Tips Lingfield 09:10 hrs Ms Gillard 09:45 hrs Gold Flash 10:25 hrs Here And Now 11:05 hrs Petite Jack 11:45 hrs Bless Him 12:25 hrs Mia Cara Cheltenham 09:30 hrs Defi Du Seuil 10;10 hrs Mick Jazz 10:50 hrs Augusta Kate 11:30 hrs Outlander 12:10 hrs On The Fringe 12:50 hrs Battleford 13:30 hrs Dandridge Fakenham

From back page

of this year’s line-up. Unfortunately for Britton he has aged out of the category. The junior boys’ team provides a very formidable line-up to covet the Junior boys team title. The team also includes Tyriq Saunders, Terrence Rausche, Yeudistr Persuad, Kaysan Ninvalle, Brandon Jaikarran, Navindra Persaud, Jeremey Singh, Isaiah Layne Niron Bissu, Khalil Ninvalle Jonathan Van Lange, among others. On the Girls side Priscillia Greaves will lead Guyana’s challenge in the Girls 18 years-and-Under. She will form alliance with young Neveah Clarkston, Salenas Jackman, Jamali Homer, Abidale Martin, Onieka Philips, Davona Bess, Thuraia Thomas and Christie Lopes, among others. From back page 7. Kanuku Rockers FC (Central Rupununi) 8. Flash FC (East Central Rupununi) 9. Kanuku Warriors FC (East Central Rupununi) 10. Kanuku Harpies FC (East Central Rupununi) 11. United Warriors FC (East Central Rupununi) 12. Paiwomak Warriors FC (North Rupununi) 13. Surama FC (North Rupununi) 14. FC Strikers (North Rupununi) 15. Sun Parakeets FC (South Pakaraimas) 16. Mahdia Gold Getters FC (Region 8)

10:00 hrs Sailors Warn 10:40 hrs Master Jake 11:20 hrs Capsy De Mee 12:00 hrs Highland Fling 12:40 hrs Rear Admiral 12:15 hrs Tra Mac Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 09:50 hrs Jack Dillinger 10:30 HRS Graphic Legacy 11:10 hrs Bearly Legal 11:50 hrs Crest 12:30 hrs Roi Des Francs 13:05 hrs Maple Mons 13:35 hrs Simone South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 12:20 HRS Show Me Your Rosie

12:55 hrs Kings Empire 13:25 hrs Raes’ Dyna Jet 13:55 hrs Roy Is Second 14:25 hrs Selvan’s Jet 14:55 hrs Inyati 15:25 hrs Out My Way 15:55 hrs Ahrodeity’s Rain American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Hawk Race 2 Stableford Race 3 Cowtown Spirit Race 4 Big Handsome Race 5 Sir Hannoun Race 6 Flying to Honour Race 7 Grand Nene Race 8 Cl;ass and Cash Race 9 Love and Lemons Race10 Papa Pig

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Smith, Maxwell dominate day one in Ranchi By Amlan Chakraborty RANCHI, India (Reuters) - Australia captain Steve Smith struck a cultured unbeaten century to steer Australia to 299 for four wickets in the third Test against India yesterday, signalling he has put the review controversy at Bengaluru behind him. Smith’s 117 not out is only the second century in the spin-dominated series following his 109 in the first Test in Pune - as the 27-yearold joined the 5 000-run club in his 53rd Test. Teammate Glenn Maxwell celebrated his return to Test cricket with a career-best 82 not out, his burgeoning partnership with Smith already worth 159 runs on the opening day of the contest. Home captain Virat Kohli injured his shoulder while diving to save a boundary in the 40th over and missed the rest of the

Steven Smith celebrates his second century of the series on the first day in Ranchi. shaw’s first 24 runs came day’s play. Smith won an important via boundaries as the tourtoss and had little hesitation ists cruised to the 50-run in batting first, something mark in the 10th over. Left-arm spinner Ravinof a ritual on India’s lowbounce tracks, and Matt dra Jadeja got the breakRenshaw led their brisk through in his first over scoring with a boundary when David Warner slapped a juicy full toss back to the binge. With an extremely fast bowler to depart for 19. Renshaw looked good outfield at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association for his third fifty in the (JSCA) Stadium hosting series before edging Umesh its first Test match, Ren- Yadav to slip, having

played and survived an identical shot on the previous delivery. Renshaw’s fluent 44 included seven elegant boundaries. “I thought we all got starts but just didn’t get on with it and make a big score like Steve did. He showed us how to go today,” Renshaw said, admiring how his captain managed to return his focus to the game after the review row. “ H e ’s h a n d l e d t h e whole situation really well and just showed that we’re here for a cricket series and showed how to do it today.” Australia were reeling at 89 for three when Smith and Peter Handscomb (19), protagonists of the review controversy in Bengaluru, joined forces for a half-century stand. Handscomb had advised Smith to gesture towards the dressing room in Bengaluru for advice on whether to review a leg-before-wicket

decision, a move that drew explosive response from Kohli resulting in considerable acrimony in the middle of the four-Test series. DISCIPLINED MAXWELL Yadav trapped Handscomb (19) lbw with an inswinging yorker but Smith found an able partner in Maxwell, who eschewed his natural aggression, and played judiciously to justify his selection, replacing the injured Mitchell Marsh. Known for his destructive batting which makes him a limited-overs asset, Maxwell showed tremendous self-restraint, taking 57 deliveries to hit his first boundary. There were glimpses of his natural aggression as well, as when he hit Jadeja for the first of his two sixes to bring up his maiden Test half-century. Maxwell surpassed in his very first innings of

the series the 48 runs that Mitchell Marsh had totalled in his four during the first two Tests and the all-rounder is not done yet. Australia also brought in paceman Pat Cummins, who is playing his second Test after more than five years in the wilderness, to replace the injured Mitchell Starc. India welcomed back opener Murali Vijay, who missed the tempestuous Bengaluru Test with a shoulder injury.

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings M. Renshaw c Kohli b U. Yadav 44 D. Warner c & b Jadeja 19 S. Smith not out 117 S. Marsh c Pujara b R. Ashwin 2 P. Handscomb lbw b U. Yadav 19 G. Maxwell not out 82 Extras: (b-4, lb-11, nb-1) 16 Total: (for 4 wickets, 90 overs) 299 Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-80, 3-89, 4-140. Bowling: I. Sharma 15-2-46-0 (nb-1), U. Yadav 19-3-63-2, R. Ashwin 23-2-78-1, R. Jadeja 30-3-80 -1, M. Vijay 3-0-17-0.

Another milestone for prolific Smith AUSTRALIA skipper is third-fastest in Baggy Green to reach 5 000 Test runs

during day one in Ranchi. Seven years ago Steve Smith was a leg-spinning

all-rounder yet to wear the Baggy Green. Today, he is the world’s No.1 Test bats-

man and the third-fastest and youngest Australian to score 5 000 Test runs. Playing in his 53rd Test, Smith reached the milestone in 97 innings, only two innings more than second-placed Australian Matthew Hayden and a whopping 41 knocks behind the incomparable Don Bradman. Overall, Smith is the equal-seventh fastest to 5 000 Test runs and only the 11th player to get there within 100 Test innings - a feat greats of the game like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting failed to achieve. Entering the third Test, Smith needed 76 runs to arrive at the milestone, ticking off the 5 000th run from his 8 765th ball on the stroke of tea on day one of the third Test in Ranchi. I t ’s a r e m a r k a b l e achievement when you consider Smith started his Test career as a leg-spinner batting at No.8 against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010. It took the fidgety righthander 12 Tests to post his maiden century, against England at The Oval in 2013, but since then he’s added 17 more hundreds to his glowing record In fact, Smith has averaged 70 since that first Test ton three-and-a-half years ago and has risen to the top of the official ICC Test batting rankings. So prolific has Smith been

FLASHBACK! Ricky Ponting (R) presents Steve Smith with his baggy green in 2010 in recent times that only five other batsman in the history of Test cricket – Bradman, Sir Len Hutton, Sir Jack Hobbs, Ponting and Peter May – have achieved a higher batting rating than Smith’s 939 after the first Test against India in Pune. Ponting presented Smith with his debut Baggy Green in 2010 at the Home of Cricket, while it was Ponting whose record Smith yesterday broke as the youngest Australian to reach the 5 000-run landmark, the 27-year-old achieving the feat about a year earlier than his ex-skipper. The Tasmanian is widely considered to be Australia’s best batsman since Bradman, but Ponting says Smith has what it takes to one day finish second only to The Don. “If Smithy keeps maintaining what he’s doing now for another 100 Tests then he probably will end up being a better player than me,” Ponting told News Ltd in February. “He’s not doing much wrong at the moment, is he? “I know he’s got great passion and got great drive to be

the best player he can be and probably the best player the world has ever seen, which is a great attitude to have. “I wanted to be the best player in the world as well and I wanted to be able to sustain it for a long period of time. “And that’s what really separates the great players; how long you can actually sustain a high level of excellence.” Fastest Australians to 5 000 Test runs 1. Don Bradman – 56 innings 2. Matthew Hayden – 95 innings 3. Steve Smith – 97 innings 4. Neil Harvey – 105 innings 5. Greg Chappell – 106 innings Fastest overall to 5 000 Test runs 1. Don Bradman – 56 innings 2 . Jack Hobbs – 91 innings =3. Garfield Sobers – 95 innings =3. Sunil Gavaskar =3. Viv Richards =3. Matthew Hayden

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Nicholls hits maiden Test century in New Zealand’s 268 (REUTERS) - Tim Southee and Colin de Grandhomme grabbed a wicket each to reduce South Africa to 24 for two in response to New Zealand’s 268 at the close of the first day’s play of the second Test at the Basin Reserve yesterday. Southee had Stephen Cook caught at second slip by Jimmy Neesham for three before de Grandhomme, a surprising choice to share the new ball, had Dean Elgar also snapped up by the same fielder for nine, to reduce the Proteas to 12 for two. Nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada was on eight with Hashim Amla yet to score at the close after the hosts had earlier been bolstered by

Henry Nicholls’ maiden Test century of 118. Nicholls combined for 116 runs with BJ Watling (34) for the sixth wicket after the hosts had been reduced to 21 for three in the 11th over and then 73 for four at lunch. Nicholls combined with opener Jeet Raval for 52 after New Zealand struggled after being asked to bat by Faf du Plessis. He brought up his milestone when he hooked a Rabada delivery to the mid-wicket fence. The 25-year-old, who chopped a delivery onto his stumps on 98 against Bangladesh in January, raised his arms in the air before the ball crossed the rope for his

a Rabada delivery squared him up and caught the outside edge of the bat. Jimmy Neesham was the only wicket to fall in the middle session for 15, before Nicholls’ dismissal sparked a collapse of three wickets for five runs after tea with part-time off-spin-

SCOREBOARD Nicholls sweeps on his way to a maiden Test century in Wellington. 12th boundary. Rabada captured two Nicholls and Watling’s wickets, including that of partnership, built on rotating New Zealand captain Kane the strike with quick singles, Williamson (two), whom halted the early momentum du Plessis had targeted as South Africa had built in the key to exposing a raw the first session through batting line-up shorn of the their pace attack of Morne injured Ross Taylor.` Morkel, Vernon Philander Neil Broom lasted just and Rabada. four balls on debut when

Sri Lanka keep Bangladesh in check with late wickets … Chandimal hits eighth Test century

SRI Lanka kept a Bangladesh fightback in check with three quickfire wickets at the end of day two in the second Test in Colombo after Dinesh Chandimal had scored a century for the hosts. Bangladesh ended the day 214-5, 124 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first-innings 338 all out, but they may rue a missed opportunity, having advanced to 192 for the loss of just two wickets. Imrul Kayes (34) and Taijul Islam (0) fell in consecutive deliveries, however, although Lakshan Sandakan’s (3-65) hat-trick ball was belted for a boundary by Shakib Al Hasan. However, Sabbir Rahman (42) perished in the next over to Suranga Lakmal (1-32) as the tourists failed to stem the bleeding with Shakib also dropped and nearly chopping on in the final two overs of the day as Bangladesh’s gungho approach cost them. They had earlier made a positive start through Tamim Iqbal (49) and Soumya Sarkar (61) who combined for 95 runs until Rangana Herath (1-34) called for a review and Tamim was given out lbw the delivery before tea. Soumya passed 50 for the third time in a row before falling to a Sandakan delivery that went the other way and Imrul, nursing a

Dinesh Chandimal celebrates his century on the second day in Colombo. toe injury, battled through already perished and Sri 78 balls before his wicket Lanka were all out when prompted the late collapse. Chandimal was caught Chandimal resumed for 138 off the bowling of the day on 86, and took Mehedi Hasan (3-90). Sri Lanka lead the little time to bring up his eighth Test hundred, two-Test series 1-0. (Omalthough Herath (25) had nisport)

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st innings (o/n 238-7) D. Karunaratne c M. Hasan b M. Rahman 7 U. Tharanga c Sarkar b M. Hasan 11 K. Mendis stp. Rahim b M. Hasan 5 D. Chandimal c Mosa. Hossain b M. Hasan 138 A. Gunaratne lbw b Roy 13 D. de Silva b T. Islam 34 N. Dickwella b Al Hasan 34 D. Perera c Sarkar b M. Rahman 9 R. Herath c Sarkar b Al Hasan 25 S. Lakmal c Sarkar b Roy 35 L. Sandakan not out 5 Extras: (b-1, lb-13, nb-2, w-6) 22 Total: (all out, 113.3 overs) 338 Fall of wickets: 1-13 D. Karunaratne, 2-24 K. Mendis, 3-35 U. Tharanga, 4-70 A. Gunaratne, 5-136 D. de Silva, 6-180 N. Dickwella, 7-195 D. Perera, 8-250 R. Herath, 9-305 D. Chan-

ner JP Duminy capturing all three. Jeetan Patel and Southee then blasted a quick-fire 44 runs before Morkel dismissed Southee for 27 then Duminy captured the final wicket of Neil Wagner for two to wrap up the innings and finish with 4-47.

dimal, 10-338 S. Lakmal Bowling: M. Rahman 21-6-50-2 (w-1), S. Roy 17.3-2-53-2 (nb-2, w-1), M. Hasan 21-2-90-3, T. Islam 17-2-40-1, S. Al Hasan 334-80-2, Mosa. Hossain 4-0-11-0. BANGLADESH 1st innings T. Iqbal lbw b Herath 49 S. Sarkar b Sandakan 61 I. Kayes lbw b Sandakan 34 Sa. Rahman c D. de Silva b Lakmal 42 T. Islam lbw b Sandakan 0 S. Al Hasan not out 18 M. Rahim not out 2 Extras: (b-4, lb-4) 8 Total: (for 5 wickets, 60 overs) 214 Fall of wickets: 1-95, 2-130, 3-192, 4-192, 5-198. Bowling: S. Lakmal 11-2-32-1, D. Perera 19-5-50-0, R. Herath 12-1-34-1, A. Gunaratne 4-0-250, L. Sandakan 14-1-65-3.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings J. Raval c Amla b Maharaj 36 T. Latham c Elgar b M. Morkel 8 K. Williamson lbw b Rabada 2 N. Broom c de Kock b Rabada 0 H. Nicholls b Duminy 118 J. Neesham stp, de Kock b Maharaj 15 B. Watling c de Kock b Duminy 34 C. de Grandhomme c Amla b Duminy 4 T. Southee c Philander b M. Morkel 27 J. Patel not out 17 N. Wagner lbw b Duminy 2 Extras: (lb-4, w-1) 5 Total: (all out, 79.3 overs) 268 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-13, 3-21, 4-73, 5-101, 6-217, 7-221, 8-222,

9-266. Bowling: M. Morkel 18-3-82-2, V. Philander 15-7-29-0, K. Rabada 19-6-59-2 (w-1), J. Duminy 11.32-47-4, K. Maharaj 16-4-47-2. SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings S. Cook c Neesham b Southee 3 D. Elgar c Neesham b de Grandhomme 9 K. Rabada not out 8 H. Amla not out 0 Extras: (b-4) 4 Total: (for 2 wickets, 7 overs) 24 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-12. Bowling: T. Southee 4-1-18–1, C. de Grandhomme 3-1-2-1.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

STAG ELITE LEAGUE (SEASON 2) RESTARTS THIS SUNDAY

Intense preparations underway as development of a football brand takes centre stage The second half of Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) premiere league – Stag Elite League (Season 2) – is scheduled for Sunday, 19th March, 2017 at the Guyana Defence Force Ground, Georgetown. The double-header will feature Top XX vs Fruta Conquerors FC and Victoria Kings vs GDF FC, and is scheduled for 16:00hrs and 18:00hrs respectively.

FABULOUS PRIZES WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT EVERY GAME! • • •

family meals compliments of Church’s Chicken jerseys / caps compliments of Jialing, Impressions and the Guyana Football Federation cash vouchers and Gilette hampers compliments of Ansa Mc Al. GRAND PRIZE: JIALING 250cc motorcycle compliments of Automobile Power Products.

Admission to each game is GYD$500.00

HOW DO I JOIN THE ACADEMY TRAINING CENTRES (ATC)? Join a football club. The best players as identified by Youth Development Officers will be invited to be part of the academies in the various Member Associations.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES: DATE: Sunday, 19th March, 2017

MEMBER ASSOCIATION FEATURE: CONGRATULATIONS Fruta Conquerors!! Fruta Conquerors FC celebrated its 35th anniversary on the 14th February 2017 and has conducted a number of activities to commemorate this wonderful milestone. Below are some of the key activities • Tuesday 7th March – Coastal cleanup together with the Guyana International Volunteer Effort (G.I.V.E). Members of the U-17 team and club coaches participated in this event. The club donated two (2) boxes of disposal gloves, as well as a number of garbage bags to aid the execution of this event

VENUE: GDF Ground, Camp Ayanganna

• STAG ELITE LEAGUE (Season 2) GAME #1: Top XX vs Fruta Conquerors FC @ 16:00hrs GAME #2: Victoria Kings vs GDF FC @ 18:00hrs Lucky patrons will win prizes compliments of Church’s Chicken, Jialing, Impressions, GFF and Ansa Mc Al

ADMISSION: $500.00 • Saturday 11th March – Women's Developmental Workshop held at the conference Room of the National Resource Center. This workshop was organised for the female members and players of the club, but had participants from the Guyana Girls Guide, the Guyana Scouts Association, The Guyana Referees Council and also the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Presentations were given by several distinguished women of our society including Ms. Helen Browman, CEO of St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital; Dr. Karen Butters; the Honourable Justice Roxanne George Wiltshire (Chief Justice Acting); Dr. Jewel Thomas, Lecturer University of Guyana and Ms. Lavern Fraser Thomas, Guyana National Sports Commission and the University of Guyana.

•GUYANA vs MARTINIQUE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY DATE: Tuesday, 28th March, 2017 VENUE: MSC Ground – Linden @ 20:00hrs ADMISSION: $1,500

NEXT EDITION: Friday, 24th March, 2017

PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Ahmad ends Hayatou’s 29-year reign as CAF president By Mark Gleeson

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Reuters) - Winds of change gusted through African soccer yesterday as Ahmad of Madagascar was voted in as the new Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, ending the 29year reign of Issa Hayatou in an election in the Ethiopian capital. The 34-20 vote was a decisive rejection of the 70-year-old incumbent from Cameroon, who had been seeking an eighth term to take his leadership of the African game into a fourth decade. Ahmad, 57, a former government minister who goes by just a single name, emerged as a surprise candidate late last year and was initially given little chance of unseating Hayatou, who has ruled over African soc-

four years. Ahmad gave a rousing speech before the lengthy voting process began, while Hayatou did not take the opportunity to address the congress.

Madagascar Football Association chief Ahmad is elected the new CAF president. viously served as minister cer since 1988. “With much emotion I of sport and of fisheries in thank all those who have be- Madagascar, was borne on lieved in the change. Thanks the shoulders of boisterous to you who were always be- supporters after the rehind me. We have done it. sult was announced, while This victory is ours. This is a tired-looking Hayatou a victory for Africa,” Ahmad seemed stunned. However, following on posted on his Facebook page (Ahmad CAF 2017) from his radical changes in FIFA seat on the podium shortly over the last year and with a growing number of younger after being voted in. Ahmad, who has pre- presidents of African soccer

Issa Hayatou had been seeking an eighth term as CAF president. federations, there has been an increased desire for a fresh face at the helm of the African game. Ahmad had promised an increase in financial support for African associations, business class travel to future Congresses for all delegates and to be more open to suggestions from member associations. His term is for

OVERLY CONFIDENT Hayatou’s allies, also stunned by the result, suggested he had been blindsided by many of his former close colleagues but had also been too confident of victory. “Too many people told him he’d win easily and he believed them,” a senior CAF official told Reuters. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also in Addis Ababa to witness Ahmad’s upset win. Infantino made no public pronouncements ahead of the contest, though he had emerged as a potential king-

maker when he attended a function in Zimbabwe last month in what was seen as a sign of support for Ahmad. Infantino has quickly won favour in Africa by increasing the size of future World Cup and financial grants to member countries. As an immediate consequence of Hayatou’s defeat, his senior vice-president Suketu Patel of the Seychelles pulled out of his bid to win re-election to the organisation’s executive committee, leaving CAF without its influential financial chief. Some other powerful committee figures were voted off the executive committee, including Mohamed Raoraoua of Algeria and Amadou Diakite of Mali. Danny Jordaan of South Africa, who ran the 2010 World Cup, was elected to the committee.

Shields elected president of Lusignan Golf Club NINE years after serving as president of the Lusignan Golf Club, veteran golfer Hilbert Shields has once again been given the mandate to head the club. Shields and his team of experienced executives are hoping to “guide the club out of its administrative rough”, according to newly elected PRO William Walker. The new executive members were elected at

the club’s Annual General Meeting last Saturday in the East Coast community. Brian Hackett, another former president, will serve as vice-president, while Brian Glasford was elected as captain, a position he previously held. Guy Griffith has agreed to stay on as secretary to assist in the transition, while the experienced Esau Sham-

Lefkaritis to leave UEFA executive committee after 21 years (REUTERS) - Veteran soccer official Marios Lefkaritis will end his 21year stint on UEFA’s executive committee in April after European soccer’s governing body said the Cypriot had withdrawn as a candidate for re-election. The 70-year-old, who will also leave the decision-making council of global soccer body FIFA in May, joined UEFA’s executive committee in 1996. UEFA said Lefkaritis “informed all 55 national associations of his decision in a letter sent on Thursday”. Lefkaritis had previ-

ously decided not to stand for re-election on the FIFA Council, previously known as the executive committee, where he has been a member since 2002. Lefkaritis was previously on the board of Cypriot club Apollon Limassol from 1972 to 1977 and was president of the Cyprus FA for a decade from 1991. He is the latest of the so-called old guard of officials to leave FIFA and UEFA and the announcement came on the same day that Issa Hayatou was ousted as president of the African soccer body CAF after 29 years at the helm.`

shudin will serve as the assistant secretary/treasurer. Anand Persaud was elected as treasurer with Deanand Bissessar set to serve as ground superintendent. In his official address, Shields encouraged the players to get involved by joining committees which he plans to establish in the coming months. He also thanked outgoing president Oncar Ramroop for his service.

New president Hilbert Shields, third from left, pose with the other executive members of the Lusignan Golf Club.

Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Under-18 football

Champions Wisburg crush Private Schools 5-0, New

Silvercity edge Mackenzie High 3-2 FIRST-half goals were the order of the day when defending champions Wisburg Secondary blanked the Private Schools (Marcia Craig’s Institute and School of Excellence) 5-0, while New Silvercity Secondary edged the 2016 runners-up side Mackenzie High School 3-2, as the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Linden Schools football championship continued Wednesday afternoon at the Wisburg Secondary School

ground. Playing at home, Wisburg, who were crowned the 2016 champions last Monday, cruised past the slight challenge put up by the Private Schools Combined. Shannal Samuels led their charge with an opening goal scored in the 3rd minute and his second in the 8th minute, while in-between Joel Isaacs netted in the 6th minute. The other two goals were from the boot of Jonathan Copeland in the 13th minute and Omai Williams in

… Two more matches on today

the 35th minute. In the other game, New Silvercity Secondary were winners by the odd goal as they beat Mackenzie High 3-2. Their goals came from the boot of Malachi Todd in the 11th minute, Ojahi Whittington in the 13th and Jude Forrester in the 30th minute. The competition continues this afternoon at 14:45hrs when Linden Foundation face Christianburg/Wismar Second-

ary. The other at 16:15hrs is between Linden Technical Institute and Wisburg Secondary at the same venue. When the 2017 championship began last week Wednesday 2015 champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary (Multi) nailed Harmony 6-0 and in the other opening match Linden Technical Institute and Linden Foundation Secondary played to a nil-all draw. (Joe Chapman)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Kennard’s Phagwah horse race meet

DDL to sponsor feature event BEVERAGE giant Demerara Distillers Limited has for the 45th year come on board to sponsor the feature event of the 45th staging of the Annual Kennard’s Memorial Phagwah Horse Race meet which is set for Sunday at the Kennard’s Turf Club, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, beginning at 13:00hrs. Yesterday, DDL’s Wines and Spirits Brands Manager Maria Munroe presented Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority and former Chief Justice Cecil Kennard with the sponsorship cheque as well as the trophy for the winner of the `C’ Class and Lower event over one mile which will carry a first prize of $900 000. The second-, thirdand fourth-place finishers

In this Cullen Bess-Nelson photo, DDL’s Wines and Spirits Manager Maria Munroe (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque and trophy to Justice Kennard at his Brickdam, Georgetown office.

GBA congratulates Ramdhani as he moves up in British Columbia rankings G U YA N A’ S S u n b u r s t champion and national men’s champion, Narayan Ramdhani, moved up to the number 3 spot in the men’s singles of the Badminton British Columbia Senior Rankings in Canada, where he is currently training and studying with Shuttlesport Badminton Academy, in Vancouver. Ramdhani was among the top three on a list that included 24 players, when Badminton Canada released the Week 12 rankings. Ramdhani was number 3, with 878 points on the list which is headed by Antonio Li with 1 348 points. Li ranks seventh in Canada’s overall ranking. Canada’s overall ranking is topped by Jason Ho-Shue

of E Badminton Training Centre. Ramdhani’s latest ranking marked a move from number four in Week 11, and being at number 10 in Week 8. His upward performances come after playing in only three tournaments so far; reaching the semi-finals and bringing third place in all three and also winning one consolation tournament. In a statement issued yesterday the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) extended congratulatory remarks to Ramdhani, noting that the body “is extremely happy with his progress after just coming out of the junior category and playing in the senior circuit as of 2017”.

Cup quarter-finals on Monday, then Rostov and must next visit Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Sunday. “We have lots of enemies. Normally the enemies should be Rostov but we have a lot of enemies,” Mourinho said after a 1-0 win over the Russians sent United through 2-1 on aggregate.

classified `L’ and Lower three-year-old Guyana-bred horses and the winner will receive $150 000. Horses classified `E’ and Lower will also contest a six-furlong event with the winner pocketing $400 000. A $110 000 first prize is up for grabs for horses classified `L’ Open over six furlongs, while three-yearold Guyana-bred maidens will also do battle over six furlongs for a $200 000 first prize and horses classified `J’ and Lower will battle over six furlongs for a first prize worth $140 000. The other event on the day’s card is open to top horses classified `H’ and Lower and they will battle over seven furlongs for a first prize worth $250 000.

GCA tournaments resume this weekend THE Georgetown Cricket Association 2016-2017 Cricket season is scheduled to resume on Saturday, with the second semi-final of the New Building Society second division 40-over cricket competition. According to the GCA, the Carib Beer T20 1st Division cricket will also start at venues in the city. In second division fixtures Everest will host Transport from 11:00hrs. The Carib Beer T20 tournament fixtures as follow: On Saturday ZONE-A D.C.C vs UG at Queenstown Police SC vs GNIC at Eve Leary ZONE-B GCC vs GDF at Bourda Malteenoes SC vs GYO at Malteenoes

Sunburst champion and national men’s champion Narayan Ramdhani

Man United have lots of enemies - Mourinho

(REUTERS)-Manchester United have lots of enemies, manager Jose Mourinho said after they scraped past Russian side Rostov to reach the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday. The Portuguese did not say who the club’s enemies were but he was clearly angry that his team had to play at Chelsea in the FA

will receive $450 000, $225 000 and $112 000 respectively. One five-furlong race as well as five six-furlong races are also on the day’s card, which gets underway at 13:00hrs. The five-furlong race is open to non-winners of the class `L’ division and the winner will pocket $100 000 while the other top three performers will earn $50 000, $25 000 and $13 000 respectively The five-furlong race is for horses classified `L’ who are4 non winners and the winner will receive $100 000, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will earn $80,000, $25,000 and $13,000 respectively. The first six-furlong race is open to horses

“It’s difficult to play Monday with 10 men (after Ander Herrera was sent off at Chelsea), it’s difficult to play now, it’s difficult to play 12 o’clock on Sunday. “A lot of people might say we should have scored more goals (against Rostov). But a lot of things are going against us. The boys are amazing boys. We will

probably lose the game on Sunday. Fatigue has a price.” Mourinho explained that Marcos Rojo ate a banana during the match because he was “at the limits.” “The player asks for a banana. It is not to laugh at all. It is to respect the players and their limits, they give everything.”

On Sunday ZONE-A DCC vs GNIC at Queenstown Police SC vs Transport SC at Eve Leary ZONE-B Everest CC vs GYO at Camp Road Malteenoes SC vs GCC at Malteenoes CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday March 17, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Marius Fernandes (WI vs ENG, Bourda, 1930) (2) Rohan Kanhai (WI vs ENG, The Oval, 1973) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first WI captain to score a century in a Test match? (2) Who is the first WI captain to register a century in an ODI game? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 17, 2017

Kwakwani, Mackenzie High to defend titles as 12th YBG launched

KWAKWANI and Mackenzie High will defend their respective title during the twelfth edition of the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF), which was launched yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). At the Under-14 and Under-16 levels, the defending champions are Mackenzie High while Kwakwani have the Under-19 and Females division. Both teams will be hard-pressed to retain their titles. This year’s tournament is expected to feature more than 50 schools and begins on March 31 with four teams. They are New Am-

sterdam, Corentyne, Region #10 and Georgetown Combined. Following the conclusion of the conference round, the national championship will start in July. D u r i n g y e s t e r d a y ’s launch, YBG director Chris Bowman contended, “We started with one sponsor and because of Digicel, Banks DIH and Beharry Group of Companies we have grown into the tournament you see today, that spans several districts and touches over 600 students.” The first two will not be a part of this year’s tournament. However; Beharry remains, signalling its intention for

the ninth time on Monday with Brand Manager Trainin Monique Tewari stating that they are happy to stick around with the tournament Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) vice-president Kendrick Thomas, in his address said, “We at the federation, GABF, endorse this festival,” adding, “we see it something that people could use as a stepping stone.” Meanwhile, the Department of Physical Education, through its head Nicholas Fraser, gave its blessing. Fraser said, “We believe that this is in keeping with our vision for sport in schools.”

YBG Director Chris Bowman (3rd from left) collects the symbolic trophy from Monique Tewari, of the Beharry Group of Companies while other members of the launch party inclusive of GABF vice-president Kendrick Thomas (left), Director of Sport Christopher Jones (2nd from left), Ministry of Education representative Nicholas Fraser (2nd from right) and YBG co-Director Rayad Boyce (right) share the moment

Beware of dangerous Jaguars, Hope warns Anderson stars in shock win PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Newly appointed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force captain Kyle Hope says last weekend’s comprehensive win in the Regional four-day championship has lifted the confidence levels of his side but has warned them to beware of the dangerous Guyana Jaguars whom they clash with starting here today. Red Force trounced a hapless Windward Islands Volcanoes by 172 runs to break a run of poor form and haul themselves off the bottom of the standings into fourth spot. But Hope, who led Red Force for the first time last weekend, said he was under no illusions about the size of the task coming up against Jaguars. “The team is in high spirits after the win against the Windward Islands Volcanoes, but we understand that the Guyana Jaguars will be a completely different challenge,” the Barbadian pointed out. He added: “I am expecting another competitive game. Guyana are currently

Red Force captain Kyle Hope on a high and have been playing good cricket in the Four-Day format for quite some time. “However, a few of our guys have been coming into form with the bat and ball and once we execute on the field we will give ourselves the best chance of winning.” Not only did Hope make a winning start to his captaincy tenure but the victory also coincided with the righthander’s maiden first class hundred. The innings - an unbeaten 105 in the second innings - helped Red Force set Volcanoes a massive 375 to win.

Hope said the handsome victory spoke volumes about how the squad had embraced him as the new captain. “The team has been responding well to me being named skipper. I think the game against the Windward Islands is a good indication of the team’s response to my elevation as captain as well as the unity of our squad,” he noted. “Coming from the position we were in at the beginning of that game and to pull off such a victory speaks well for our dressing room. “After not having the best first half to the season, getting a win under our belt was a great confidence-booster. All praises must go to the team.” Tw o - t i m e d e f e n d i n g champions Jaguars, who trounced Jamaica Scorpions in Kingston, top the standings with 84.8 points with Scorpions second on 73 points. Barbados Pride’s win over Leeward Islands Hurricanes in Bridgetown left them third on 68 points with Red Force fourth on 53.6 points.

Elaine Thompson heads list of stars for Jamaica International Invitational ORGANISERS of the Jamaica International Invitational have released the names of some of the world’s top athletes set to compete at the IAAF World Challenge meeting on May 20.

Jamaica’s double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson leads the charge. At last year’s meeting she clocked a wind-assisted 10.71 to win the 100m, which set the pace for the rest of her season. This

year she will contest the 200m, the event at which she is also the world silver medallist. World 100m hurdles record-holder Kendra Harrison will be making her first trip to Jamaica. Apart

… Lower Corentyne Secondary end Chase Academy title hopes

A victorious Lower Corentyne Secondary team after they defeated Chase Academy yesterday. (Photo by Rajiv Bisnauth) LED by an all-round performance from Kevlon Anderson, Lower Corentyne Secondary School whipped Chase Academy by six wickets to reach the final of the National Secondary Schools Cricket League. Playing yesterday at the Albion Sports Complex, Anderson led from the front in an excellent bowling effort to first restrict the City-based team to 107-8 off their allotted 30 overs. Invited to bat first, Chase Academy batsmen could not adapt to the pitch and condi-

tions, with only Dwayne Dick (32) and Garrick Persaud (27) offering any meaningful support. Anderson picked up 2-11 from his six overs, while Vijay Gopilal took also had 2-26. In reply, Lower Corentyne were led by Anderson, with an attractive 61 from 76 ball, while Junior Sinclair contributed 33. Lower Corentyne will now meet West Demerara Secondary in the final next Friday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground from 11:00hrs. Meanwhile, at the Tus-

chen ground Bartica-Wakenaam Combine batted first but could muster only 113 all out in 27.5 overs of their allotted 50 overs. Bowling for East Bank Essequibo-Leguan, Azim Mohammed grabbed 4 for 24 off 7 overs, and Chandrashakar Narine 3 for 10 from 4 overs. In reply, East Bank Essequibo-Leguan Combine reached their target in 23.1 overs to end with 116 for 6. Batting for East Bank Essequibo-Leguan Sukhdade Singh made 23 and Malcolm Caesar 22.

from the U.S. Olympic Trials, Harrison won all of her 100m hurdles races last year en route to winning the Diamond Race in her event. U.S. compatriot and fellow sprint hurdler will also be making his first appearance in Jamaica. Allen won NCAA titles indoors and out in 2016 before winning the U.S. 110m

hurdles title in a PB of 13.03. He went on to finish fifth at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Olympic 200m silver medallist Andre De Grasse will take on world 400m silver medallist LaShawn Merritt over half a lap of the track, while former world 100m record-holder Asafa Powell will be joined by Mike Rodgers of the USA

in the 100m. World and Olympic bronze medallist Shericka Jackson takes on fellow Jamaican Stephenie Ann McPherson in the 400m, Olympic finalist Christania Williams will contest the 100m, and Javon Francis will lead the Jamaican charge in the 400m.

Kwakwani, Mackenzie High to defend See story titles as 12th on page 31 YBG launched

RAN Level One coaching and referee courses on today … Regional Development Manager lauds GRFU work By Stephan Sookram

L-R GRFU Development Officer Troy Yhip, ‘Get into rugby’ Coordinator Kwanieze John, GRFU president Peter Greene, RAN’s Regional Development Manager (RDM) Scott Harland and GRFU Pro Daniel Anderson. (Adrian Narine photo)

TRAINING and management aid for the discipline of Rugby will take centre stage this weekend when Rugby America North (RAN) lends its expertise to develop the sport locally. RAN’s Regional Development Manager (RDM) Scott Harland who is in Guyana along with ‘Get into rugby’ Coordinator Kwanieze John yesterday met with Director of Sport Christopher Jones before later hosting a press conference at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters on High Street.. According to Harland, their visit is to assist the continued development of the sport locally and to build on the performances of the national team by exposing more youths to the game as well as structural assistance to keep

talent in the sport. “We’re here to help the union address the structure behind that (development of the sport), the foundation of the game, the youths who are playing, the coaching and refereeing that is delivered to the broader programme here in Guyana,” Harland told Journalists From today, RAN through the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will commence Level one courses for both coaches who are interested in the sport as well as referees. The RDM continued, “That’s a world Rugby coaching course that will prepare people for coaching contact rugby the full game, the XV aside game. We know VII is the model in the Olympics and a popular one here but VX is the fundamental game that we play and that’s

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Rupununi League gives equal Eight teams confirmed for upcoming platform to women’s football Caribbean Junior TT Championships

Paiwomak Warriors FC from (North Rupununi go through their paces at a training session

THE Rupununi Football Association is embracing gender equality in its football competitions through double-header match-days for its 2017 Champions League that will give equal prominence to men’s and women’s football. The League, which began earlier this month, is split into sub-regions across the Rupununi with 15 out of 16 clubs fielding both men’s and women’s teams as standard for matches in Region Nine.

The sub-regions fielding teams are: Central Rupununi – five; East Central Rupununi - four; North Rupununi three; and deep South Rupununi, South Central Rupununi, and South Pakaraimas each fielding one team. History has also been created with a team from Mahdia in Region Eight competing for the first time. “Our aim is to capture the entire Rupununi,” said RFA president Ken Grant. “We want

the whole of the Rupununi to play organised and structured football, for both men and women.” On Saturday March 11, at Snatchers ground in the Central Rupununi Division, Gladiators women’s team beat Snatchers 2-1 and Gladiators men’s team overcame Snatchers 4-2. Last weekend, Paiwomak and St Ignatius women’s side

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Guyana team at last year’s Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships, from left: Elishaba Johnson, Miguel Wong, Shemar Britton, Nickolus Romain and Kyle Edghill By Tamica Garnett EIGHT Caribbean countries have confirmed their participation for next month’s Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships, which will be held in Guyana at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) April 13-19. The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) on Tues-

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day issued a release announcing that in addition to the Guyana side, the competition will see the participation of athletes from Barbados, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Jamaica, St Vincent, Suriname and French Guiana. The contingent is expected to comprise the Caribbean’s crème of the crop in junior table tennis. Players will con-

verge on the land of many waters and battle for regional supremacy, in the Under-15 and Under-18 age categories. Competition will be contested in Boys’ and Girls’ singles, doubles and mixed doubles in both age categories. Upping the stakes even

Turn to page 25 FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017