Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17 04 2017

City businessmen P1a7ge uphold Easter tradition

Happy

No. 104885

MONDAY APRIL 17, 2017

Price: $80

Easter

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Make it bigger and better

–– President charges at opening of 65th Bartica Regatta

$1M for Rupununi Rodeo

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–– Minister Harmon assures residents of continued support

A young cowgirl showing the audience her horse-riding skills in the ring at the Rupununi Rodeo on Saturday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Agricultural From the store, diversification into the frying way to go pan Page 13

––– President tells West Berbice Expo

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–– ‘Big Bird’ revolutionising the Essequibo fishing industry

No arrests yet

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–– in Ann’s Grove man’s murder in T&T

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

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Make it bigger and better –– President charges at opening of 65th Bartica Regatta

PRESIDENT David Granger has pledged the support of his Government to raise the profile of the annual Bartica Regatta and transform it into a truly national event.

He also urged the regional administration and the Bartica Regatta Committee to make it a region-wide event with participants and athletes from communities along the Upper Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers, and a wider range of sporting and novelty events such as canoeing, sailing, water polo and swimming.

The head of state made these remarks on Sunday at the Golden Beach Pavilion, where he declared open the 65th Bartica Regatta, which he described as an important Easter ritual in Guyana.

He explained that the Cuyuni-Mazaruni is bigger than The Netherlands, spreading all the way to Arrau and Kaikan and while this much-anticipated annual event is largely sponsored by Barticians, it must include more residents in other parts of the region.

“I do believe that the Bartica Regatta can fulfil not only the aspirations of a small group of people, but also of the whole nation… All three levels of Government, the municipal, the regional and central must come together with the support of the private sector to make this regatta event, a truly national one,” President Granger said.

He noted that the regatta has a long history, which dates back to the colonial period. It was started by

Wilton Anderson Angoy, a district commissioner, who is also credited for organising the Rupununi Rodeo, both of which are held at Easter.

The President expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of the Regatta Committee, the regional administration, the private sector sponsors and other stakeholders for ensuring this tradition is maintained.

DEMOCRATIC DIVIDEND “Bartica is enjoying the democratic dividend for being made a town. So today as we gather here, we beam with pride, because Bartica is finally coming into its own alongside New Amsterdam, Linden and other towns in Guyana,” he said.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford said he wholeheartedly welcomes President Granger’s pledge of support for the hosting of future regattas, noting that he will be working closely with the Mayor and Town Council to develop a budget for a much bigger event in 2018, which will include all of the activities that the President described.

Currently, he said approximately $35M-$37M is spent on hosting of the regatta and a bigger event will require about $50M. “The regatta is important to the life of Bartica and Region Seven… With central Government’s support, I am encouraged and I am positive that we could move this event to the next

President David Granger joins the children on the pavilion for a photo opportunity, after distribution of the kites level. Regatta belongs to us increase in business. were brought to Guyana by East Coast and at Muritaro in and we can no longer just This, he said, is an indi- Chinese immigrants over the Demerara River. look for handouts here and cation of the major boost that 150 years ago and is today Minister of State Joseph there… So in preparation the regatta provides to the enjoyed by citizens of all Harmon; Minister of Inof the 2018 budget, we will region’s economy. ethnicities and religions at digenous People’s Affairs, combine our ideas and efFollowing the opening Easter, which is the most Sydney Allicock; Minisforts and we will budget for ceremony, President Granger important Christian festival, ter of Social Cohesion, Dr the event,” he said. distributed kites to the chil- a release from the Ministry George Norton; Minisdren at the Bartica Commu- of the Presidency said. ter within the Ministry of GOOD BUSINESS nity Centre Ground. Kite-flyOver the past two weeks, Natural Resources, SimoSpeaking of the eco- ing he said, combined with the head of state distributed na Broomes and Minister nomic impact of the annual the Bartica Regatta and the kites at Friendship and Kabak- within the Ministry of Inevent, Bradford explained Rupununi Rodeo, is another aburi in the Pomeroon, Wake- digenous People’s Affairs, that all of the hotels are important Guyanese Easter naam, Leguan and Parika in the Dawn Hastings-Williams, booked, there is an upsurge tradition.

Essequibo Islands-West Demer- were also present at yesterin activities in the transporKite design and flying ara, Buxton and Lusignan on the day’s events. tation sector and shops and restaurants see a significant

President David Granger takes a walk on the beach with his grand-daughter Athena Gaskin and two of the contestants in the Miss Bartica Regatta pageant

A competitor getting ready for the Regatta

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 17, 2017

Turkey’s Erdogan declares referendum victory - opponents plan challenge

President Tayyip Erdogan declared victory in a referendum on Sunday to grant him sweeping powers in the biggest overhaul of modern Turkish politics, but opponents said the vote was marred by irregularities and they would challenge its result.

Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast and its three main cities, including the capital Ankara and the largest city Istanbul, looked set to vote “No” after a bitter and divisive campaign.

Erdogan said 25 million people had supported the proposal, which will replace Turkey’s parliamentary system with an all-powerful presidency and abolish the office of prime minister, giving the “Yes” camp 51.5 per cent of the vote.

That appeared short of the decisive victory for which he and the ruling AK Party had aggressively campaigned. Nevertheless, thousands of flag-waving supporters rallied in Ankara and Istanbul in celebration.

“For the first time in the history of the Republic, we are changing our ruling system through civil politics,” Erdogan

said, referring to the military coups which marred Turkish politics for decades. “That is why it is very significant.”

Under the changes, most of which will only come into effect after the next elections due in 2019, the President will appoint the Cabinet and an undefined number of vice-presidents, and be able to select and remove senior civil servants without parliamentary approval.

Erdogan himself survived a failed coup attempt last July, responding with a crackdown that has seen 47,000 people detained and 120,000 sacked or suspended from their jobs.

In Ankara, where Prime Minister Binali Yildirim addressed cheering supporters, convoys of cars honking horns clogged a main avenue as they headed towards the AK Party’s headquarters, their passengers waving flags from the windows.

But the head of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said the legitimacy of the referendum was open to question.

The party earlier said it would demand a recount of up

to 60 per cent of the votes after Turkey’s High Electoral Board (YSK) announced it would count ballots which had not been stamped by its officials as valid unless they could be proved fraudulent.

Kilicdaroglu has accused Erdogan of seeking a “one-man regime”, and said the proposed changes would put the country in danger.

In some affluent neighbourhoods in Istanbul, people took to the streets in protest while others banged pots and pans at home - a sign of dissent that was widespread during anti-Erdogan protests in 2013.

In Istanbul’s Besiktas neighbourhood, more than 300 protesters brought traffic on a main street to a standstill, a Reuters cameraman at the scene said.

In Ankara, scuffles between AK Party and opposition supporters broke out near the headquarters of the CHP. EUROPEAN UNEASE Turkey’s lira firmed to 3.65 to the dollar in Asian trade following the referendum, from 3.72 on Friday.

European politicians, however, who have had increasingly strained relations with Turkey, expressed concern. The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, said the close result meant that Ankara should seek “the broadest national consensus” in implementing the vote.

Relations hit a low during the referendum campaign when EU countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, barred Turkish ministers from holding rallies in support of the changes.

Erdogan called the moves “Nazi acts” and said Turkey could reconsider ties with the European Union after many years of seeking EU membership.

Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, who heads the liberal group of MEPs in the European Parliament, said Erdogan needed to change course, noting the result was very tight. “If Erdogan persists, EU should stop accession talks,” he said.

Manfred Weber?, leader of the centre-right grouping tweeted: “No matter the result:

with his referendum Pres. Erdogan is splitting his country.”

After the vote Erdogan repeated his intention to review Turkey’s suspension of the death penalty, a step which would almost certainly spell the end of Ankara’s EU accession process.

Further deterioration in relations with the European Union could also jeopardise last year’s deal under which Turkey has curbed the flow of migrants - mainly refugees from wars in Syria and Iraq into the bloc.

NATION DIVIDED The referendum has bitterly divided the nation. Erdogan and his supporters say the changes are needed to amend the current Constitution, written by generals following a 1980 military coup, confront the security and political challenges Turkey faces, and avoid the fragile coalition governments of the past.

“This is our opportunity to take back control of our country,” said self-employed Bayram Seker, 42, after voting “Yes” in Istanbul.

“I don’t think one-man rule is such a scary thing. Turkey has been ruled in the past by one man,” he said, referring to modern Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Opponents say it is a step towards greater authoritarianism. Erdogan and the AK Party enjoyed a disproportionate share of media coverage in the buildup to the vote while the leaders of the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP), which opposes the changes, have been in jail for months.

“I voted ‘No’ because I don’t want this whole country and its legislative, executive and judiciary ruled by one man,” said Hamit Yaz, 34, a ship’s captain, after voting in Istanbul.

Proponents of the reform argue that it would end the current “two-headed system” in which both the president and parliament are directly elected, a situation they argue could lead to deadlock. Until 2014, presidents were chosen by parliament.

The government says Turkey, faced with conflict to the south in Syria and Iraq, and a security threat from Islamic State and PKK militants, needs strong and clear leadership.

The package of 18 amendments would give the president the authority to draft the budget, declare a state of emergency and issue decrees overseeing ministries without parliamentary approval. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 17, 2017

Fugitive Mexican governor arrested A former Mexican state governor who has been on the run for six months was arrested on Saturday, police said.

Javier Duarte, the former governor of Veracruz state, is suspected of corruption, involvement in organised crime, and embezzling millions.

He was arrested in Guatemala in a joint operation between Interpol and Guatemalan police, Mexico’s attorney general said.

He is expected to be extradited to Mexico at a later date.

Guatemalan police said Duarte was found and arrested in a hotel lobby in the city of Solola.

He is suspected of having siphoned off at least

645 million Mexican pesos (US$35M; £28m) of public money that was put into a series of shell companies.

Duarte resigned his post to face corruption allegations - but then disappeared in October 2016.

When authorities raided a warehouse belonging to him, they discovered a wide array of valuable assets, including many paintings.

A search of his luxury ranch also found 17 paintings believed to be by famous artists such as Joan Miro, Fernando Botero and Leonora Carrington.

Under Duarte, Veracruz also became the most dangerous region of the country for journalists, with 17 killed during his

Duarte was arrested in a Guatemalan hotel term.

He was suspended from this party, PRI -

which is also the party of President Enrique Pena Nieto - before his disap-

pearance.

His political opponents from the National

Action Party won the election to fill his position in December. (BBC)

Mexico revives ancient ball game The finals of a revived 3,000-year-old ball game have been played in the Mexican city of Teotihuacan Organisers have been trying to bring back the game, known as Ullamaliztli in Mexico, because of its ancient cultural and religious significance.

The game was played across Central America before being banned by the Spanish conquistadors.

The tournament, only the second since 2006, is being played by ten teams from across Mexico.

According to ancient texts the ball game was

One of the best preserved ball courts can be found - with stone rings to throw the ball through - in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula

seen as a struggle between light and darkness and provided the energy to keep humanity going.

Today the game is played by teams of seven players, who knock a heavy solid rubber ball up and down a narrow pitch, using their hips rather than their feet.

Giant ball courts can still be seen in ruins across the region.

In ancient times losers of the game were often sacrificed to the Gods, but this year organisers opted for a knockout tournament instead.

(BBC)

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Editorial

THE State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) recently moved into the Enmore/ Hope Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and removed computers belonging to this local government authority. The story behind this issue is that the computers were reportedly given to the NDC by the Basic Needs Trust Fund, and at a statutory meeting, the decision was taken to have them sold. This story seems to be evolving, and like most, if not everything in this society where party politics is involved, all may not yet be known.

Suffice to say that the local government authority is a tier of government with the other two being national and regional governments. Whatever assets are possessed by these tiers belong to the state and should form part of the state’s inventory, regardless of where they are used. Our country must reach the stage

where citizens are concerned about how the state accounts for its assets. These assets belong to the people and any held view that such should not be of interest to the people, is to allow those elected by the people to manage their affairs as they like.

International efforts to improve accountability in governance played a role in the formation of SARU. In 2008 during the presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption which was passed by member-states in 2003.

As a member of the United Nations, Guyana carries a responsibility to effect laws, policies and programmes to realise the requirements outlined in conventions, declarations and agreements.

The focus that SARU should not have taken the computers because the NDC had voted to sell them, the fact that the chairman of the

NDC was the one who stood to benefit from the acquisition, or that the NDC is PPP/C-dominated, would lose sight of bringing accountability to state assets. The effort by SARU to do so could become blurred with the intervention of PPP/C Member of Parliament and Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall, who requested that the computers be returned to the NDC or SARU would face court action.

Politics has its place in society, but politics becomes dangerous when used to undermine the state and the legitimacy of its institutions.

The council has not denied SARU’s claim that a decision was taken at its meeting to dispose of the computers. It is important to note that the NDC’s reaction to the computers being seized is that they were donations. Whether the computers were given to the council as donations or bought by the NDC, they remain the property of the NDC.

A decision to dispose of any state asset has to follow the procedure for disposal which SARU is contending was not done. It is unfortunate from a political perspective that the NDC is PPP/C-controlled, given that in our polarised society it could carry connotations, one way or the other. At the same time the PPP/C under whose governance Guyana ratified the UN Convention on Corruption should vigilantly be seeking to ensure its effect is felt across the country.

It is in the PPP/C’s interest as it is in the interest of every political party to educate their representatives in government that they cannot do as they like with state assets and not following procedures can lead to criminal acts, i.e. corruption. Corruption is a crime that has morphed into a scourge in our society. It tarnishes the country’s image and its people’s reputation, it attracts stringent requirements

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 17, 2017

to access international loans and grants and it robs and deprives the people of what’s theirs.

The upper echelons of the political and governmental leadership should not want to be associated with or affiliated to crime. They should let it be known that corruption would not be tolerated, neither can those who engage in corrupt practices find protection in the party or government. Unfortunately, the PPP/C government did not find such approach valuable. Unless education against corruption and tough love are followed through with, corruption will continue to plague the society, threaten the credibility of political

parties, their leaders, and the effort to bring about good governance The yearly Auditor General’s Report remains proof that corruption is pervasive and work has to be done to stamp it out.

Guyana’s slight improvement in the Transparency International Corruption Index should serve as impetus to do better, not become complacent. SARU is a necessary department in government and it should have the support to enforce the law and conduct its business with the strictest of prudence, across party and government lines, and let the chips fall where they may.

GuySuCo responds to Dr Leslie Ramsammy’s letter Dear Editor, THE Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) wishes to respond to Dr Leslie Ramsammy’s letter that was published in the Kaieteur News on 5 April, 2017 and titled ‘ Pace of sugar industry’s closure is accelerating.’

Firstly, the corporation is disappointed that Dr Ramsammy would write a 798- word letter to the Editor without even bothering to verify that the information therein is accurate.

At his level, we find that to be unacceptable.

GuySuCo is a phone call away; this is if Dr Ramsammy is serious about exercising more prudence in his communication on the corporation.

Nonetheless, the corporation will repeat for the umpteenth time, GUYSU-

CO IS NOT GETTING OUT OF SUGAR! Re-organising does not mean ‘getting out of sugar.’

Dr Ramsammy stated that ‘Wales Estate is closed. The threat of closure in June 2015 has become a reality and 1700 workers and their families are in a struggle for survival.’ Dr Ramsammy would be relieved to learn that, a key challenge for the corporation currently, is not finding jobs for its employees, but rather convincing them that continued employment is the best option for them, their families and communities.

What he would find even more interesting, is that the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has been encouraging hundreds of employees from Wales Estate, specifically, the

cane harvesters and cane transport operators, to demand termination of their services for a one-off payment of severance, even though their services are needed to keep the doors of the Uitvlugt Estate open.

In another instance, the very union is encouraging the planters from the East Demerara Estate to refuse to accept work as harvesters, despite the fact that their estate is harvesting its First Crop 2017, and has a very low harvesters attendance rate of 59 per cent and therefore runs the risk of not achieving its targets.

With regard to the statement that the Providence cultivation is being closed, the fact that harvesting is ongoing and the ‘hundreds of persons employed as cane cutters at Providence have been unemployed since the first crop of 2016’

as Dr. Ramsammy claims, are actually engaged in harvesting for the Rose Hall Estate.

With regard to closing Skeldon Estate, it is unfortunate that the co-generation plant was deemed unsafe to operate, based on advice from Skeldon Energy Inc. (SEI).

As a result, the first crop at that estate has been suspended. However, this situation, like other aspects in Dr Ramsammy’s missive, has been twisted for the sole purpose of justifying his claim that the sugar industry is closing down so as to create unnecessary panic and anxiety.

Dr Ramsammy further stated that ‘the downgrading of sugar has already left a huge vacuum in the country’s foreign currency earnings’. Albert Einstein said that ‘we can-

not solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them’ or ‘no problem can be solved with the same consciousness that created them’. It would therefore be highly illogical for Dr Ramsammy to expect that things would remain the same, but get better. The problems of GuySuCo cannot be solved by using the same thinking or consciousness that created them, so no doubt there will be shifts as we adjust to the ‘new normal’.

The sugar industry has to be reorganized, GuySuCo has to be re-engineered. There is no question about that, if it will become and remain a competitor in the regional and global sugar industry.

The first thing that needs to be done for the survival of the industry

whether in the short or medium term, is the increase in productivity and in the final analysis, the union, workers, the management of the industry and other stakeholders need to work together.

Workers need to embrace the programme for reorganising the corporation and ensuring its transformation into a resilient entity.

We urge Dr Ramsammy to leave the company of naysayers and get on board, and become a part of the One GuySuCo Team; the Corporation is forging ahead and will evolve as the ‘New GuySuCo’.

Yours faithfully, AUDREYANNA THOMAS Senior Communications Officer

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 17, 2017

O’Toole continues to plug away against VAT on private education WITH so much coverage in the media over the past several weeks about the imposition of 14 per cent VAT on private education, is there anything more to say? I think there is.

At the very least, there are many unanswered questions. We are in the midst of Grade 6 assessments and the children of Guyana have to answer a host of questions. This letter is an attempt to pose some questions, not to children, but to Guyana’s decision-makers. This does not pretend to be a research study on the issues; rather, it is a summary of simple questions posed to about 30 of Guyana “leaders” in search of clear answers, re where they stand on this matter.

Some of the answers I received to the questions include the following: Minister Ramjattan was very candid in stating that he supports the VAT saying simply that “the government has to raise money” as they have a significant deficit. I should have asked him what other sources of additional revenue the Cabinet considered and why they were rejected. Another omission on my part, as an inexperienced “reporter,” was the failure to ask for an explanation on their ‘about face’ on VAT on private health services, how much they had expected to collect from that source and how is

the shortfall to be made up?

I then told him that already 10 per cent of our ABE students have dropped out of the course. He said he was “very sad to hear about that.”

By comparison, Marlon Williams, General-Secretary of the AFC?, was very clear that, in giving a personal not party response, that he was completely opposed to the 14 per cent VAT, saying, that “there should be no VAT on education…. the human capital in any country is its people, as such, there can be no such punitive tax on education. …… Guyana has fought for free education for almost 50 years and we simply cannot turn our back on it now.”

The Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Lionel Jaikarran, said, “I sincerely think that the 14 per cent VAT on private education should be rescinded. We are a developing country and the education of our young citizens is preeminent for our longterm growth and economic success. I give kudos to our public school system; however, it’s a known fact that it is hard-pressed to keep up with the demand for higher quality educational services. I myself happen to have three children in the private school system and therefore I’m well aware of the sentiments of other parents that are in my position. While I’m cognizant and appreciative that our

Government has to garner finances through taxation to run the country in an efficient manner, I do believe the private schools that are evading the tax net need to be brought into line and sanctioned, instead of the parents who choose to send their children to the above-mentioned institutions.

One of the leaders of the business community, Roy Beepat, said, “ On Behalf of the Giftland Group of companies, we urge the Government to repeal this tax on our students, apart from the marginal families who would have to drop their children from private education, somewhere inside there we may be depriving a future leader the opportunity to develop and achieve. This cannot be a better life for our people when it is so oppressively against our poor and aspiring, as the rich will not feel the effects of this tax. If the Government feels that there is unfairness in tax collections, do this against the offenders not the innocent.

This single Tax can and may be the difference between being re-elected and not, as when the 15,000 petitioners go to the polls they will

surely remember this.”

Christopher Ram shared the following in his interview, “As one who was “rescued” by private education offered by the privately owned Cambridge Academy which later became a victim of the failed no private education policy, I find the imposition of VAT on education to be disappointing, depressing and distressing at a national and personal level. I fear for the potential loss of opportunities for the children of poor parents across the country who might find that the VAT has stretched to breaking point their ability to find an additional 14% on a significant chunk of their meagre budget.

At the personal level, disappointed that a number of key political figures who privately claimed to oppose VAT on education could not convince their colleagues that the removal of the tax was not only the right thing to do, but the bright thing to do; disappointed at some of the uneducated excuses offered for the retention of the tax and the Government’s duplicity when compared with VAT on medical services; disappointed that the Education Minister from

the WPA was unwilling to take a stand on an issue which he and his party have embraced even before its foundation; and most of all disappointed at President Granger, who before this fiasco, could properly lay claim to be Guyana’s first Education President. “ Another prominent businessman, Peter Bouchard, stated, “The figures are quite simple - a $250 billion budget and $350 million expected revenue from private education VAT. Apart from the fact that VAT is not a service tax, this revenue is a very small portion of the total budget.

We all have to live within our means – in private life, in companies, in all walks of life. If the Government has to wring blood from the stone of education to meet its target, then I strongly suggest it revisits its target, lest the blood of education in Guyana should dry up and cease to flow and our future so-called ”good life” should prove to be empty electioneering words, words which will never again be believed when it comes time to vote.”

A leading Educator from Trinidad, Ravi Ragoonath, simply observed, “It is truly an unfortunate time when

Government opts to tax education.”

There were about 20 others that I invited to comment, including a number of Cabinet Ministers. It could be that the contact information for them was incorrect, or they were simply too busy, but there was no response.

In preparing this letter I decided to re-read all 1,500 comments that have been published on our ipetition (see: www.ipetitions.com/petition/education-vat-free). It makes fascinating reading. On February 24th the petition was delivered to the President & Ministers Jordan and Roopnaraine.

There was no response until Gordon Mosley “reported” that the President was going to rescind the VAT decision. Two days later, after this mistake or “fake news” or change of position, it was reported that the President had “changed his decision.”

We continued with the petition, more persons signed and again it was ignored. (To be continued) Yours faithfully, DR BRIAN O’TOOLE Director School of the Nations

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

$1M for Rupununi Rodeo –– Minister Harmon assures residents of continued support

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon and Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, on Saturday handed over $1M to the Rupununi Rodeo Committee as Minister Harmon pledged the Government’s support for development of the Rupununi Rodeo and its facilities.

The minister, who was at the time delivering an address at the opening of the Annual Rupununi Ranchers Easter Rodeo at Lethem, said that the event is one of great significance, not only to the residents of that region, but to the country as a whole.

He noted that the event is one which attracts hundreds from across the country,the continent and farther afield.

As such, he said that the Government is committed to ensuring that the Rodeo Committee is supported in its expansion and improvement efforts.

To this end, he announced that the Government will be working with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) and the Rodeo Committee to earmark more space for a venue for the event.

“This event has grown to international stature with persons coming from Suriname and French Guiana to be a part of what is happening here. What we would like

Minister Harmon and Vice-President Allicock presenting the cheque for $1M to Rebecca Faria, executive member of the Rupununi Rodeo Committee to assure you is that the administration of [President] Granger gives full support to the development of these activities. I want to assure you that we are having discussions with the view of ensuring that more land is provided, so that we can

have a bigger venue and we can have international standards here at this rodeo.

When we celebrate rodeo, we celebrate the life that is Guyana, the life of the Rupununi. The hinterland of which the Rupununi is a part, is a part of our fabric and we want to ensure that every portion of that fabric is well stitched and mended together,” he said.

Minister Allicock, in brief remarks, expressed similar sentiments, noting that the event has now become a significant calendar activity and provides the ideal opportunity to showcase the talents of vacqueros in the region.

“This is our life this is us, we are the Rupununi.

We are riders, we are performers and I am so happy to see this here today. You can be assured that we are going to continue giving you our support as we seek to create the good life for all,” he said.

GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY Mayor of Lethem, Carlton Beckles, said that the event has grown significantly over the years and with the added support from the Government, it is expected that it will achieve further growth.

“I am proud that we are hosting rodeo this year with Lethem being a township.

Lethem is the home to rodeo and we will continue to be a part of this rodeo. This rodeo can only get better in the coming years,” a Ministry of the Presidency release quoted him as saying.

Rebecca Faria, an executive member of the Rupununi Rodeo Committee, in an

invited comment, said that this year the committee has decided to focus on and promote its female vacqueros, since the rodeo is usually seen as a male- dominated event.

As such, the organisers have raised the women’s prizes to equal those of their

male counterparts. Previously, the women received prizes which were far below those of the male participants.

Iyla Chenya, who hails from the Saddle Mountain Ranch, in an invited comment, said that she is pleased to see the committee affording women equal opportunities this year at the rodeo.

“This is a really good move by the committee because it shows that they are thinking about giving us equality with the men, even though some of us won’t be able to do the seconds that they clock, but its shows that we are brave and nothing can stop us,” Iyla said.

She encouraged Guyanese to come out and support the event as she noted, “it’s a different part of Guyana, a different culture and a different experience.”

Each year, the event kicks off on the Saturday before Easter and continues until Easter Monday, with daytime activities like wild-bull riding, horse-racing, wild-cow milking, wild-horse riding, a female barrel race and steer roping, among other exhilarating events.

In recent times, a Miss Rupununi Rodeo Beauty Pageant has been added, featuring beauties from the region and neighbouring Brazil.

Minister Harmon greeting vendors at the Rupununi Rodeo during a walkabout on Saturday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

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First Lady lauds pageants celebrating women FIRST Lady Sandra Granger has congratulated Negla Brandis, organiser of the Miss Guyana Renaissance 2017

Georgetown.

The Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant is for mature Guyanese women over the age of 30, which

First Lady Sandra Granger says she admires women who empower and celebrate the skills and talents of other women

Pageant, and others, who organise similar events that celebrate women, at a fund-raising Easter brunch held ahead of the upcoming pageant.

The brunch was held in the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel, Kingston,

aims to showcase their talent, creativity, professionalism and recognise their many roles in and contributions to society. “I think that it is a very good idea for women to continue to be empowered in some way and for wom-

en to recognise the skills and the talents they have.

We continue to learn about See page 11

First Lady Sandra Granger and Margaret Lawrence at the Easter brunch

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

Just those few words

SOME parents have no idea what ‘child protection’ means.

They give children the minimum amount of care and attention and expect them to get on with their lives.

There may be various reasons why parents lack the necessary skills to adequately care for their children. One of which could be, they are raising their children the way they were raised. It seems that some parents do not recognise the young fertile mind in every child that needs tender care and support.

Without the right care and sensible lessons in life, what is a young mind supposed to do? Today on 4 minutes 4 change we share Shona’s true story.

During my childhood no one in my family taught me any-

thing of purpose and there was no one at home that I could talk to or relate to. Children were teasing and harassing me at school; I was unhappy and hated going but at home I told no one. I had three big sisters a little brother and there was mum. I hardly got to see her because she was always at work. And even though she worked very hard she could just about make ‘ends meet’.

That meant there was never any extras, and as a family we just skimped by. I had holes in my shoes, very few clothes, hardly any underwear and nothing special to look forward to.

I must admit that I never went hungry and that was a good thing, but on the other hand I can’t remember any structure to my childhood. At the time I didn’t realise it because I was too

busy living it, but when I look back now all I could see is the fact that no one was there for me. No one to say, ‘Shona, you have a wonderful future; you’re good at maths; have you ever considered becoming an accountant?’ Or ‘Shona, if you work hard at school you can eventually get good grades and make something of yourself’.

I sometimes think that if someone, just one thoughtful person, had just taken the time to put their arms around me when I was growing up, and say ‘Shona, you are a special person, never forget that, never let anyone take advantage of you and never let a man hit you, you are worth more’. If someone had told me that, just those few words, it would have made such a big difference to the choices I made in life. I would have valued myself more and worked towards a goal. And I would have waited for the right partner and security, before I had children.

I am not unhappy about the adult I have become and I’m glad I had my children. But I know I would have done things differently if someone had the foresight to give me some good advice to use in times of need. I could have achieved so much more.

My advice to parents would be, talk to your children about everything in life: growing up, puberty, menstruation, sex, contraception, relationships, people, diversity, love, hate, religion, tolerance, ambition, education, goals, challenges, values, morals, confidence, just keep connected to them, tell them about you and the things you did as a child. Acknowledge the different stages of their lives and what they may go through.

Teach them to value themselves and be themselves and don’t ever assume that your child ‘knows it all’ because even as adults, we never do.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child you can ring the CPA hotline 227 0979 or email: chilcaregy@ gmail.com A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

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First Lady lauds pageants celebrating...

Some of the women who attended the Easter brunch. Madam Justice Desiree Bernard, retired judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice, is first right From page 9 ourselves as we expose ourselves to more education and information; and I think that it is great that women are stepping forward more and more at different ages and stages of their lives,” the first lady said.

Mrs Granger also thanked the patrons for supporting projects she spearheads, noting that she wants women to see themselves as empowered. “[I want] to encourage women to see themselves as separate entities and powerful in their own ways, regardless of whether they bring home a salary or not.

They are contributing and that is what we need to recognise… and respect… and to honour in this country today.”

The eighth Miss Renaissance Guyana Pageant is planned for August 2017.

Nine of the 12 delegates introduced themselves at the Easter brunch.

The gathering was entertained with lively steelpan music provided by Ras Camo.

Simone Beckles presented the first lady with a bouquet as a token of appreciation for her attendance.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry; Madam Justice Desiree Bernard, retired Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice; Margaret Lawrence, Executive Director of Merundoi Incorporated; and Lorene Baird, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Protection, also attended the brunch.

Another section of the gathering at the Easter brunch held at the Pegasus Hotel.

Some of the delegates of the upcoming Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant are in the foreground

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

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Agricultural diversification way to go –– President tells West Berbice Expo

PRESIDENT David Granger last evening confirmed that the Blairmont Sugar Estate is among those that will likely be preserved, even as Government looks to ensure that the industry lowers the cost of production in order to produce sugar that is competitive on the world market.

The head of state was at the time delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s Expo and Trade Fair at the Bath Settlement Community Ground, West Coast Berbice, where he also called on the regional administration, the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, members of the business community and civil society to work together with central Government to ensure that the challenges to the region’s further development are solved.

Noting that Region Five has established itself as a bastion of Guyana’s food security, President Granger emphasised the importance of heeding the trade fair’s call through its theme to “Build a diversified economy,” as well as ensuring traditional sectors are maintained through lower costs of production.

“We have to produce our commodities more cheaply.

Otherwise, we will not be able to compete, whoever is in the Government…

We want to save the sugar industry, but it must be efficient and competitive… We are not working to destroy the industry. We are working to develop the industry and the industry has been contracting. Some countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, [and] Belize have seen their industries contract. Some have disappeared altogether, because the cost of production was too high. Guyana is trying to preserve its industry. That is why there will be a Blairmont and that is why there is going to be an Albion and

we will preserve as many of our plantations and estates as possible. Uitvlugt will remain, but we have to deal with the problems of cost,” he said.

President of the Chamber, Imran Saccoor, acknowledged that the sugar industry, which he described as the economic backbone of the region and by extension Guyana, in its current state, is a “threat to our national treasury”.

However, he commended the Government for preserving the Blairmont Estate, which is the single largest employer in the region.

CHALLENGES Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal also pointed to the challenges in the sugar industry, as well as a number of other challenges affecting farmers.

“Mr President, many of our residents and farmers of Region Five have heeded to your call to produce more and to develop cottage industries. However, they have been faced with many challenges such as climate change, increase in prices of agricultural equipment and machinery, increase in land rental and drainage and irrigation fees and in some instances their lands are being taken away.”

Echoing the President’s repeated calls for all branches of Government to work together, the chairman said that solving the economic and social problems of the region is only possible if policy makers work together in a sober political atmosphere.

President David Granger seized on this point and called on all elected officials to forget party loyalty in the execution of their duties and focus on the development of the region and the country for all Guyanese.

He declared that all stakeholders must work together to ensure the development and implementation of a Regional Economic Action Plan (REAP). This

plan, the head of state said, should be built on the pillars of an economy that is export oriented, buttressed by renewable energy generation and expansion based on economic diversification.

The President said, however, that its success depends on all arms of

go forward without speaking to each other and working together. It requires an inclusive and consultative approach. The region must collaborate. This is not a PPP [People’s Progressive Party] region or a PNC [People’s National Con-

them so that the entire country is improved,” he said.

Region Five boasts an area of 324,000 hectares under cash-crop cultivation, 42,000 hectares under paddy and 1,600 hectares under coconut cultivation, with large herds of cattle, goats

President David Granger makes a point to Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal during the opening ceremony of the Expo and Trade Fair at the Bath Settlement Community Ground, West Coast Berbice Government working together with the business community and civil society to come up with a plan that will work for the region.

WORK TOGETHER “In months to come, I look forward to seeing the RDC [Regional Democratic Councils] and NDCs working together with the Ministry of Communities and working with the NGOs [Non-Governmental Organisations] to draft this REAP. We cannot go forward without a plan and we can’t

gress] region. This is a West Berbice region... Once we take that oath in front of the President, we drop our political affiliation and think about our regional commitment. When I was sworn in as President of this country on the May 16, 2015, I said I’d be President for all Guyana… I go wherever Guyanese are and in this region, wherever residents of West Berbice are, they must receive the attention and support of the regional administration and wherever the regions are the Ministry of Communities and central Government must deal with

and pigs and sheep.

With its agrarian infrastructure, President Granger said its culture of husbandry is second to none anywhere in the country. He said that the region is well poised to lead the way as a hub for food security in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

“This region is an agricultural powerhouse. It produced nearly 247,296 tonnes of rice last year, accounting for 46 per cent of national production; it produced 28 million coconuts, nearly 1/3 of total national production; it produced 74.7 million

kilograms of poultry; 1.6 million kilograms of beef; 281, 000 kilograms of pork; 60,000 kilograms of mutton; 44 million litres of milk; 1,068 metric tonnes of fish and shrimp. No President could ignore such massive production, and let me make it clear, I am here to augment that production. To help you to produce more.

And anything that is good for West Berbice is good for Guyana,” the head of state said.

Saccoor supported the call for an export-oriented economy that takes advantage of technological advancements to lower production costs. Referencing reports of increased yields in paddy production of up to 40 per cent due to the incorporation of spraying and sowing of paddy using aircraft, he said, “We would want to encourage our farmers to look to see how they can advance technologically in farming. When you advance technologically and invent new initiatives, you end up yielding better results.”

He also called for support from Government for training in marketing and the provision of access to packaging plants, so that producers in the region would be able to reach international markets with their produce.

He also welcomed plans for the expansion of a dairy industry in the region by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Chamber President also commended the reduction in serious crime over the last months during his speech.

Following the official opening of the exposition, President Granger visited the stalls and interacted with the residents of the region. Booths included furniture production, solar energy services, craft, farm produce and supporting products and services as well as agro-processing. (Ministry of the Presidency release)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

From the store, into the frying pan –– ‘Big Bird’ revolutionising the Essequibo fishing industry

By Vanessa Braithwaite VERY soon, Essequibians will be able to visit the Pomeroon wharf in the village of Charity and grab a parcel of fish of their choice, take it home, fry and eat. No longer

will there be the hassle of scaling, cleaning, filleting and marinating for a little while before being able to fry.

Popular Charity businessman Kumar Lallashan, who goes by the alias “Big Bird,” owner of a fishery,

gas station, restaurant and food court/bar, will be launching a new fish service in August.

The service will be the first such on the Essequibo Coast.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Lal-

lashan explained that Essequibians can now access a service that will be very convenient to them.

“We are trying to do marketing on a local system, we will be filleting, seasoning it and everything so you just have to carry

Popular Charity businessman Kumar Lallashan it home to cook,” he said.

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder is expected to be at the launch of this new service.

According to the businessman, feedback from consumers prompted him to embark on this initiative.

“We have the market here, a lot of people using a lot of fish in Essequibo now and people take things to the interior also and it will be a benefit to every single person in the Essequibo Coast,” he said.

All kinds of fish will be available, including other seafood such as prawns.

Lallashan is also contemplating adding meat birds, lamb and duck among others to the list, but will be guided by the demand.

The construction of the outlet where the fish will be sold has already been completed and the processing plant will be completed shortly.

The business will create employment for a number of persons and will boost the young tourism industry in the Charity and Pomeroon areas.

Despite being an entrepreneur since 1997, Lallashan expressed some fear in whether the business will be successful, pointing out that he had to close down his supermarket after experiencing some difficulties with the taxation system.

“It was because of the tax system and I see that the Government stepping into this matter and I’m really

happy they are doing that, but people are crying out about that, because the previous administration didn’t do nothing towards that and that was our problem and that is why I had to close down the supermarket.”

His fishery, however, continues to be successful and he is also expanding same in terms of having available more fishing equipment and utensils.

The businessman said his main challenge is operating on a wharf that is in a state of disrepair. At times, he said, he had to use his personal savings to effect repairs to the wharf to keep his business in operation.

He said complaints have been lodged at the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, but it seems to fall on deaf ears.

“Nobody is fixing it; I have to fix it myself. No body isn’t paying a cent to do nothing on that wharf,” he said, as he blamed negligent fishermen for some of the damage.

“That thing has to be addressed by our Government, so I’m working towards that right now.”

Despite these challenges, the businessman who considers himself a patriot, is confident that he will continue to provide the needed services in his home county, since it is there he was born, grew and became successful.

“I truly love Essequibo, I am a true Essequibian and I born here and will die right here,” he proudly said.

No arrests yet GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

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–– in Ann’s Grove man’s murder in T&T –– body due to arrive Wednesday for burial

By Shauna Jemmott POLICE in Trinidad are yet to make an arrest in the April 6 murder there, execution style, of 22-year-old Guyanese youth, Raphael Collins.

And neither have they handed over his body to his relatives, the Guyana Chronicle has learnt.

Reports out of Trinidad say that Collins, who hails from Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was shot multiple times about his head and upper body two Thursdays ago at a house just opposite where he lived in crime-ridden Laventille in East Port of Spain, Trinidad, while he was having his hair braided.

His father, Jermaine Scott, told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that no one has yet been arrested for the murder of his eldest child, and that although a post-mortem was done just hours after his demise, the body has not yet been released to relatives in Trinidad.

The bereaved father, however, said that arrangements are being made to bring his son’s remains home for burial, and that it is expected to be released to the

family by Wednesday.

Collins had reportedly migrated to Trinidad in January 2016 with his aunt, Ms Holnie Scott and her children with the intention of making a positive change in the economic status of his family.

Before leaving, he’d even told his grandmother, Ms Volda Williams he was going to seek ‘a better life’ for them all.

While there, he had communicated with the family almost daily, and had made plans to visit for the Easter holiday.

PETER PAY FOR PAUL According to the media in Trinidad, Collins’ murder is a clear case of of the innocent paying for the guilty in a heated gang war between rival criminal factions in the area.

Collins is reportedly one of three men so killed in less than 24 hours.

Reports carried in the April 12 Online edition of the Trinidad Guardian say the three men at reference were Collins, and Trinidadians Kern Alleyne, a 24-year-old Chef, and Ayinda Williams, 20, a handy-man.

Collins was gunned down the Thursday night, and by

14:45hours the next day, Williams was shot dead just next door.

Another man, Kenno Barnum, was shot dead around 15:30 hours the Sunday before as he drove along Erica Street; and that murder is also linked to the war.

“The murders of Williams, Barnum and Collins all took place off the Old St Joseph Road, Laventille, which borders the two warring gangs,” the Trinidad Guardian reported.

It said, too, that the relatives of all four men were adamant that they were not criminals; that rather they’ve been caught in the middle of a deadly war between criminal gangs in Laventille.

Barnum’s even suggested it was a case of tit-for-tat, whereby innocent men from one area were being targeted for the killing of other innocent men in another.

At the time of Collins and Williams’ death, the murder toll in Trinidad stood at 141 in 100 days.

Here in Guyana, Collins’ relatives described him as a peaceful individual who worked hard for his money.

He worked as a baker at his aunt’s pastry-making establishment in Trinidad,

and according to his paternal grandmother, Ms Linda Scott, the best time of his life was the last 15 months he’d spent in Trinidad with his aunt and her family.

She also told the Guyana Chronicle that contrary to reports that her grandson was shot while sitting in front of the young woman who was braiding his hair, relatives later learnt that he received the first shot as he entered the young woman’s house.

She said that relatives were told by an eyewitness that Collins was walking into the house behind the young

woman when he met with a hail of bullets. She said she learnt that he tried to run back outside of the house but never made it farther than the patio.

The Guyana Chronicle was told, too, that investigators informed the family in Trinidad that their finding spent shells from two different weapons seems to suggest that there were two shooters instead of one. They also said that he was shot over 30 times, and not nine as was previously reported.

“He meet a cruel death; the best time in his life he

Dead: Raphael Collins ever had,” Collins’ heartbroken grandmother said.

“He was working; he didn’t have to do hard work! All he had to do was bake, go out there and sell and he get paid!”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

Police spread Easter cheer countrywide

IN THE spirit of the Easter holiday, ranks of the Guyana Police Force countrywide donated a number of kites to the children in youth groups within their respective districts.

The Felix Austin Police College ‘B’ Division (Berbice), under the command of Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Antonio Fredericks, recently donated kites to the youth group and youths in the villages of Kildonan, Friendship and Nurney on the Corentyne.

He was ably assisted in accomplishing the task by Corporals Dexter Brandt and Nykofi Austin, along with W/Constable Marcia Bagot.

And, as any father would, ASP Fredericks cautioned the youngsters to be careful when flying their kites.

“I want you guys to be safe when you are flying your kites,” he said, adding: “On the Corentyne here, we have the foreshore and open centre grounds that you guys can go at; don’t fly your kites next to the GPL wires, because you might want to try to get it, and you might end up putting yourselves in danger.”

Corporal Austin went further, as he took it upon himself to teach one of his young charges the secret to flying a kite.

The youths with their kites along with ASP Fredericks (back right) and other police ranks

Children who benefited from police kite donations on the East Coast of Demerara

Police ranks donate kites to children of the jetty squatting area, West Coast Demerara

Needless to say, the lad was overjoyed to have one of Guyana’s finest not only give him a kite but teach him how to fly it as well.

He said the simple gesture has made his day, as it’s his first time participating in such an activity.

Meanwhile, on the Essequibo Coast, some 30 children from the Henrietta-Anna Regina Youth Group received kites from ranks of the Anna Regina Police Station.

The kites were distributed by Sergeant 18348 Parris and other ranks. The children were happy to receive the kites for the holidays and thanked the police for the timely donation.

Another 20 children from the Onderneeming youth group were given

kites by ranks of the Suddie Police Station. The kites were handed over to the children by the Sub-Divisional Officer, ASP Cummerbatch and Sergeant 16ll8 Moore.

And, on the East Coast Demerara, a total of 575 kites were distributed by ‘C’ Division ranks to children in Bareroot, Vigilance North and South, BV, Sophia and the Bosco Boys Orphanage at Plaisance.

Over on the West Coast Demerara, some 110 children from the “jetty squatting area” were the recipients of kites from Inspector Mahendranauth, Sergeant 18871 Clarke, and ranks from the Vreed-en- Hoop Police Station.

Children from the Henrietta-Anna Regina Youth Group received kites from ranks of Anna Regina Police Station

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

City businessmen uphold Easter tradition

OVER 2000 children were on Sunday treated to an Easter extravaganza by city businessmen in keeping with an annual tradition of theirs.

The event was held at “The Garage” on Aubrey Barker Road in South Ruimveldt, thanks to the owner of that facility and the proprietor of Dynasty Sports Bar. It marked the fourth consecutive year that children have been feted and treated to a day of fun and surprises at the South Ruimveldt eatery.

Owner of “The Garage”, Mr. Estwick Northe said that this year they prepared for 2000 children, as opposed to the past when preparations were made for only a thousand.

Kids received kites,

meals and other surprises and were entertained by music.

Northe told the Guyana Chronicle, “As a businessman, once you’re making money, you have to give back to the society in some way. And I believe by doing this, we can share happiness to the youths of today.”

Since the establishment of “The Garage”, Northe said he’s always, about this time of year, feted over 500 children.

That number, he said, has since grown over the years, and he now anticipates having to cater for more than 2000 children come next year.

Adults in attendance lauded the businessmen for what he is doing, and called on the rest of society to join in the

Up, up and away! One child tries his best to get his kite aloft (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

spreading of joy, not only at this time of the year, but also whenever the need arises.

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Owner of ‘The Garage’, Mr Estwick Northe (left) shares a moment with the boisterous children on Sunday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

STARR Computers offers Easter special on Lenovo tablet

IT’S no secret that mobile technology is here to stay, as it has opened up a world of possibilities for communication, learning and assisting users in many creative ways.

And what better way to kill two birds with one stone than to cash in on STARR Computer’s back-to-school Easter special on the Lenovo 7” Tab3 tablet?

As mobiles continue to grow and evolve throughout our school system, says STARR Computers Michael Mohan, education and learning are moving into a more

personalised and interactive learning realm, and tablets are a big reason why this is happening today.

In many countries where there are Smart Classrooms, Mohan says, tablets give teachers the ability to obtain instant feedback and personalised instruction for their students. They are also able to track student progression.

Depending on the type of system and products a school district chooses, there are specific capabilities within each. Teachers understand and support the usefulness of

The Lenovo 7” Tab3 tablet tablets in most cases almost immediately. They’re able to implement a wide range

of applications, and comprehend exactly what the system can do easily, effectively and

instantly.

As technology increases in the classroom, schools and teachers can also develop a digital curriculum that will centralise on supporting students throughout their school careers. School districts are even finding that tablets have the potential to replace desktop computers and thrive as a mobile teaching system.

According to Starr Computer sales and marketing supervisor, Penny Francis, the Lenovo 7” Tab3 tablet features a clear HD display and great visibility indoors

and out. It’s a perfect and affordable way to research educational content, and enjoy videos, music, games, along with your favourite apps.

With each purchase, she said, patrons will receive a free power protection device until the promotion ends on April 30.

“This uniquely designed power protection will automatically guard your equipment against power surges and brownouts associated with lighting or utility problems,” Francis said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

Police hunt armed bandits in separate robberies

POLICE are looking for a white, new-model Toyota Premio and an armed bandit who shot a man in his thigh Saturday morning before robbing him.

The incident reportedly occurred on Barr and Alexander Streets, Kitty, where the 20-year-old victim, after being incapacitated, was relieved of a gold band and two finger rings.

Reports are that the

youngster, who hails from suburban Prashad Nagar, was liming when he was attacked, and that after the suspect got what he wanted, he made off in a white car.

The victim, meanwhile, was taken to the Woodlands Hospital, where he was treated and sent away.

That same day, reports say, two men visiting the Meadow Bank squatting area to buy a car were

robbed of their valuables by an armed bandit, who later fled on foot.

The perpetrator reportedly walked up behind the men, while they were inspecting the vehicle and committed the robbery.

The bandit escaped with a cell-phone and a total of $175,000 in cash from the victims, identified as Bishram Latchman and Farouk Bacchus.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

Nokta is new GMSA president CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of Environmental Management Consultants, Shyam Nokta, had been elected president of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) when that body recently held its Annual General Meeting.

According to a release, CEO of Sterling Products Limited, Ramsay Ali, was re-elected first vice-president; Yonette

Jeffers of Laparkan Freight Forwarders was elected second vice-president and Autamaram Lakeram of NAMILCO retained the finance portfolio of third vice-president.

Nokta, in accepting the board’s confidence, indicated that his main objective over the year will be to consolidate and expand the organisation by strengthening relationship between the board and member

Shyam Nokta companies.

He indicated that an important area of focus will be facilitating the resolution of issues affecting members through closer collaboration with key stakeholders.

Nokta further indicated that emphasis will be placed on strengthening important sub-sector bodies covering agro-processing, services, chemical and pharmaceuticals, construction and engineering, forestry and wood products, fast foods, and minerals and related products.

The first-time president expressed his strong interest in seeing the GMSA establish strategic partnerships with other Business Support Organisations (BSO), which would position the business community to maximise opportunities from new and emerging sectors, such as the imminent hydrocarbon industry.

Nokta is highly skilled in the management of natural resources, the environment and climate change and has over 15 years of experience working as consultant.

He previously served as adviser and head of Guyana’s Office of Climate Change, where he was instrumental in the development and implementation of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and negotiating of the REDD+ partnership with the Kingdom of Norway.

Nokta holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Assessment and Management from the University of Oxford-Brookes, and he was the recipient of several academic awards, including the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.

First Vice-President Ramsay Ali held the reins of the GMSA following the passing

of its President, Eon Caesar, in December 2016.

In brief remarks, Ali outlined some of the association’s recent achievements and interventions, which included preparation of the organisation’s Strategic Plan 2017-2020; strengthened relations with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA); and facilitating members’ resolution of key issues.

These include GMSA’s successful negotiations with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Secretariat to expand the range of items exempt from the Common External Tariff (CET), and securing Government’s support and intervention with the United Kingdom to lift the UK Environmental Agency’s 2015 ban on Guyana’s Greenheart lumber.

“Guyana is beginning to attract more international interest, which could lead to foreign investments. In the GMSA’s opinion, Guyana has to rejuvenate the building and construction sector and really move into secondary and tertiary production of fruits and vegetables, wood, semi-precious gemstones, and coconuts, to name a few,” Ali said.

The GMSA has over 100 member companies covering the manufacturing and services sectors. The Board of Directors for this fiscal year 2017 – 2018 was also elected at the Annual General Meeting.

The board includes such companies as Sterling Products Limited, Banks DIH Limited; Edward B Beharry Group; Swansea Associates and Brass, Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF), which have kept the organisation strong and functional over many years.

Brass Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry, Swansea Industrial Associates, Tropical Shipping Agents, Sterling Products Limited, JTW Associates Management Institute Inc, National Milling Company, The Edward B Beharry Group, Environmental Management Consultants, Banks DIH Limited, Bosai Minerals Group, Laparkan Freight Forwarders, Guyana National Industrial Company, Guyana Pawnbroking and Trading Company, New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation, Safeway Security and Cummings Wood Products all have a presence on board for 2017-2018.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

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Easter a time for reflection

EASTER is widely celebrated around the world

by Christians. Guyana celebrates Easter with a long weekend from Friday and a national holiday on Monday.

There are outdoor activities which bring persons from all walks of life fulfilling selflessly the “purpose of the sacrifice on the cross,” Bishop Francis Alleyne of the Brickdam Cathedral told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Easter Sunday which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is considered the most important and sacred Sunday of the entire year by Christians.

It is the biblical principle to honour the day of Christ’s resurrection. According to the Bible, God established a command that the Passover should be observed annually to honour Christ’s death.

when one experiences a loss it leads to something new.

Bishop Alleyne said that Easter is the central feast and the theme of Christianity relates to the resurrection, new life, hope and starting afresh.

“My encouragement is to live the Easter message; it is not just a story that’s related to us in scripture, it is how you take that story and make it our own.”

Bishop of World Vision New Testament Church of God, Joseph Inniss, said his church does not observe Lent, but celebrates the week of passion which begins on Palm Sunday and finishes on resurrection Sunday.

The Easter Holidays are celebrated four non-working days – Good Friday to Easter Monday. Guyana’s kite flying is the major activity and attraction.

Schools are closed for two weeks for the Eas-

a representation of Christ’s resurrection.

Hot cross buns are traditionally baked and shared among relatives and friends in time for Good Friday, is also a feature of Easter.

This special bread is sweet and baked with fruits and displays the symbol of the cross.

Skillful kite makers create a variety of board, box and bird kites to cash in on their seasonal market.

These traditional hand-crafted kites, along with the manufactured plastic kites in the form of Batman, Spiderman, Ben Ten, Sponge, and Barbie are just some of the varieties available that bring much joy and excitement to thousands of children and adults flying kites for Easter.

Kite-flying at the Number 63 Beach (file photo) Today, Christians celebrate the New Testament Passover.

According to the Bible, Jesus’s death was a sacrifice for the sins of others, but his resurrection represents eternal-life salvation, and renewal of faith.

This is why Easter celebrations are preceded by Lent (a time of abstinence and reflection), the Easter Vigil (when new believers are baptised), and the sacrament of confession.

After the season of shedding bad habits and resisting temptations, Easter is the opportunity for Christians to recommit to their beliefs.

It celebrates Christians’ belief in the divine power of Jesus and the hope that

ter vacation, and children work with their parents and friends to prepare for a unique Guyanese tradition- kite-flying.

TRADITIONS Christians and other believers attend church on Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. On Easter Monday there is the Easter tradition of kite flying.

Along the coastland: Georgetown, East Coast of Demerara; East Bank of Demerara and other areas; the sky teems with kites of all sizes, colours and designs.

It is believed that flying of kites signifies soaring towards the heavens and is

TYPES OF KITES There are several types of kites which include the Star Point, Pointer Tip, Cartoon Characters, Bird Kites, Box Kites, Heart Kites, Patch Work, Singing Engine and ‘Caddy ole punch’. The kites also come in varying sizes which can range from one inch to 50 feet. Prizes are often given for the largest and smallest kites which are ‘raised’ and can fly.

Easter is also a time for picnics at the beaches and creeks.

Recently, egg-decorating and hunting for colourful Easter eggs, mainly by the children are being promoted in Guyana.

Kites were invented in China; they were used mainly for military purposes. These early kites were large wooden kites called Muyuan. They were used to spy on enemy positions, for signalling and dropping propaganda leaflets over enemy forces.

Kites were even used to catch fish by early natives living in the South Sea Islands.

Minister within the Ministry of Education who holds responsibility for culture, Nicolette Henry, said that here in Guyana, this event brings ‘all our people together consistently year after year, demonstrating emphatically that ‘we are one people, one nation with one destiny.’

“I take this opportunity to encourage all to remember that as we look beyond our differences, to

A guy with a very big kite (file photo) be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. Look out especially for the children who may want to go flying their kites unattended in areas with overhanging electrical wires, thus causing injury to themselves,” she said.

Every year during the Easter weekend, two other traditions that generate much excitement are the Bartica Regatta and the Rupununi Rodeo at Lethem.The Bartica Regatta offers a variety of entertaining activities which include water sports with speed boats and jet boat

races, cricket, boxing, soccer, talent shows, a street parade, and a Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant.

The Rupununi Rodeo brings thousands by bus, SUVs, and even motorbikes or by plane from savannah country to jungle.

The event begins on the Saturday before Easter and continues until Easter Monday, with day-time activities such as wild-bull riding, horse-racing, wildcow milking, wild-horse riding, a female barrel race, and a Miss Rupununi Rodeo Beauty Pageant.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

Construction of new MoTP fence on schedule

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon has defended the new concrete walls securing the Ministry of the Presidency (MoP), contending that it must be consistent with security features of a high office such as one of the President.

The previous chainlink fence has been dismantled for a more than 12-foot high concrete wall that also provides now, for very little view into the premises.

Addressing reporters at his last press briefing, Minister Harmon said the MoP has to be a safe zone.

“We have to ensure that, whatever physical facilities that we put in place, can guarantee the physical security of this premises and the physical security of the persons who enter and leave this premises.”

Harmon pointed to the 2002 shooting that left two persons dead after they had stormed the then Of-

fice of the President (OP).

Persons were pro testing against the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government’s treatment of the people of Kwakwani and other Berbice bauxite mining areas when they barged into the presidential compound and were shot by guards.

“We have to put in place security arrangements that will prevent us from using maximum force as was done in the previous administration,”

Harmon said, adding: “It is important for us to ensure that we have proper facilities. This is the office of his Excellency the President… we have to ensure that all of the security arrangements that are put in place are consistent with that high office which the president holds, and the fact that it is located here.”

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was Guyana’s President at the time the protesters were shot.

He had recently ridiculed

the new security feature, calling it the “Great Wall of China”.

“The Opposition Leader is entitled to give his opinion on several matters which he expresses very easily these days,” said Harmon, who also pointed out that Jagdeo is enjoying more media attention as Opposition Leader than when he was President.

Rehabilitation was announced last year by Harmon after it was found that the then Office of the

President was in a dilapidated state and needed urgent repair.

His concerns also influenced the decision to move Cabinet meetings to Camp Ayanganna.

The minister had pointed to several rooms in the building that needed immediate repairs, including the Cabinet room and the press room.

Harmon said the general work at MoP is on schedule and coming along fine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

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Fine, stern warnings for Dynamic

THE United States Department of Transportation (DoT) has ordered a financial penalty and issued stern warnings against Dynamic International Airways, LLC (Dynamic) to cease and desist from what they say are violations against passengers.

The airline reportedly failed to inform passengers of flight cancellations and refunding them in a timely manner, among other issues.

Dynamic is an American air carrier that provides charter services between the U.S. and many destinations, including Guyana.

Local passengers have had their share of bad experiences with the flight, but it would appear that not only Guyanese were having a hard time with the service.

In a DoT consent order issued and served on April 13, 2017, it was related that based on a significant increase of consumer complaints filed with DoT’s

Aviation Consumer Protection Division against Dynamic in 2016, the department’s Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office) conducted an investigation of these complaints.

It was found that, “…Dynamic failed to provide refunds in a timely manner to passengers affected by cancelled flights,” as required by sections of DoT’s regulations on public charter operations (14 CFR Part 380). DoT found that in several cases, Dynamic also failed to follow the appropriate procedure for notifying passengers of cancellations.

Violation of those two regulations constituted other violations prohibiting unfair and deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition, DoT said.

The company was also said to be in violation of an earlier, “cease and desist provision of Order 2016-3-23.”

DoT said their investigation found that in numerous cases consumers had to wait for months to receive a refund from Dynamic.

“The Enforcement Office also found that in several cases, Dynamic failed to provide written notices to passengers after cancellations more than 10 days out of their return flights. As a result, some passengers arrived at airports and were forced to purchase separate tickets from other airlines at the last minute.”

CONSISTENTLY FAILED Dynamic was also charged with not complying with DoT’s reporting requirements since the company, “consistently failed to file in a timely manner applicable monthly and quarterly financial reports with the Department’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics…”

According to the DoT order seen by Guyana Chronicle, Dynamic has responded that it consolidated its flight operations in the summer of 2016 to focus on a few key markets to improve service.

They said such consolidation resulted in numerous flight cancellations in a relatively short period of time, which in turn resulted in an unusually large number of refunds that needed to be processed.

Dynamic stated that a corporate consolidation that embarked at the same time also affected several offices around the United States and resulted in the overtaxing of

their customer service staff.

Dynamic said it brought on additional personnel to address the refunds issue, but asserted that the refund issue was exacerbated by some passengers who made double-refund requests.

They claimed that this practice caused lengthy reconciliations of passenger funds, while certain passengers’ own actions, necessarily hindered Dynamic’s ability to make timely refunds.

The company went on to state that passengers book through travel agents, and Dynamic believes many of its cancellation notices are not sent to travel agents in a timely manner or, are not forwarded by travel agents to passengers in a timely manner or at all.

The company highlighted two measures to address the issue.

DOT has decided however that enforcement action is warranted against Dynamic.

They said that to avoid litigation, “the Enforcement Office and Dynamic have reached a settlement of this matter”. Without admitting or denying the violations alleged in the order, Dynamic consented to the issuance of an order to cease and desist from future violations of DoT’s specific regulations, the earlier issued “Order 2016-3-23” and to the assessment of $120,000 in compromise of potential penalties.

The DoT has promised further action, should Dynamic further violate its regulations and orders.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 17, 2017

ARIES You’re more than willing to go the extra mile at work today because you know that your positive attitude will be rewarded. Thankfully, you’ll probably accomplish more than you expect while the enthusiastic Aries Sun harmonizes with karmic Saturn.

Nevertheless, your dissatisfaction grows throughout the day after cranky Mars enters the picture. Harbouring negative thoughts does nothing except move you further from success. What you think, you become.

TAURUS Your goal is to establish clear priorities and then stick to your plan, regardless of the expectations of others. The Sun and Mars activate sobering Saturn in your 8th House of Deep Sharing, reminding you that you don’t need external success. Instead of trying to please everyone else, the only lasting source of satisfaction is found in making your heart happy. Bob Marley sang, “Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?”

GEMINI Your professional and personal relationships seem stable enough to support you through a work crunch of hectic deadlines. Luckily, you can put a plan into place quickly enough to create an immediate positive effect. However, you still may need to face the fact that you are behind schedule. Don’t waste any time or energy on worrying about what happens next. Just put your shoulder to the wheel and keep on pushing today. Will Smith said, “Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions.”

CANCER Your skin starts to crawl when people criticize your work in public. The truth is you’re open to receiving useful feedback, but you prefer it to be given in a more private setting. However, you may believe that it’s important to keep up appearances today, so no one will realize that you’re upset. Unfortunately, stifling your humiliation or frustration impacts the current interpersonal dynamics. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.”

LEO Your unrestrained confidence works in your favour only for so long today. Believing in your ability to put on a good show is not a substitute for actually turning in a world class performance. Instant karma will stop you in your tracks if you’re not fully capable of meeting your obligations. Thankfully, with proper preparation, Saturn’s progress-stopping roadblock will morph into a minor speed bump before you even reach it. Stephen Hawking wrote, “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”

VIRGO You are a shining example of Virgo’s efficiency in action today. You want to work smarter, not harder. But previously hidden factors turn a simple contract into a complicated mess of half-finished projects. Instead of just assuming that everything will magically unfold in the best interests of everyone, revise your plan and jump in wherever progress is blocked. But remember, success alone will not bring happiness; love is the key to your heart.

LIBRA You don’t need to make a big deal out of your current position; you’re just anxious to lend a helping hand wherever you’re needed. Unfortunately, people might not seek your assistance today, even if they could draw on your unused talents. Although their lack of interest may be annoying, it’s not polite to overstep into anyone else’s private affairs. Think of this as a gift from the universe and do something nice for yourself instead.

SCORPIO You’re not one to be seduced by the calm; you want to find the problem that hasn’t yet made it out into the open. But rather than looking for trouble, you’re actually trying to avoid it. Nevertheless, don’t take the easy way out because there’s no satisfaction in maintaining the illusion of perfection. Sometimes the tiniest adjustment is all it takes to get the engine of progress purring again. Mark Twain said, “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”

SAGITTARIUS You’re often the one who is pouring over maps, cooking up the next great escape plan. However, you have no intention of going anywhere today. In fact, you’re not interested in doing anything that distracts you from your predetermined agenda.

Happily, showing up is most of the challenge now. But unfortunately, sticking to the script of your regular routine creates a new set of dilemmas when you realize there are better things you could be doing with your time. Gandhi taught, “Action expresses priorities.”

CAPRICORN You are extremely serious today because you intuitively know how much you can do if you remain singularly focused. Thankfully, the hardworking Capricorn Moon gets you off to a good start, while the Sun’s trine to your key planet Saturn is like a planetary insurance policy on your success. Everything you do falls into place without too much effort. But as the day wears on, the tension becomes palpable. Don’t squander precious resources trying to fix something that’s not broken. The awkward energy will come and go on its own, leaving your trail of accomplishments in its wake.

AQUARIUS No one knows how to read your energy today as you remain a bit of a mystery. Nevertheless, people begin to see how driven you are to make a social impact through your personal interactions. Authoritative Saturn harmonizes with the willful Sun in your 3rd House of Communication, giving you an extra set of tools as you step into a leadership role. But your followers will abandon you as quickly as they sign up if they think you are assuming too much power too fast. Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

PISCES Working extra hours now directly impacts your pocketbook. Whether you’re punching the clock for wages or working on an idea that could lead to a new source of income, take advantage of your enterprising spirit while it’s buzzing. Don’t complain if you’re missing out on more pleasurable pursuits; there’s no room for distractions today. There will be plenty of time later on for stirring up mischief, but the current opportunities will knock on someone else’s door if you miss your chance to make magic happen.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 17, 2017

... Caesar chasing history in 200M today

By Rawle Toney IT WAS another fruitful day for team Guyana at this year’s CARIFTA Games with Chantoba Bright and Claudrice McKoy continuing the country’s ‘Gold Rush’ at the regional event, held this year in Curacao.

Bright, competing in the long jump leaped a distance of 5.91metres to win the event in which she placed second last year. Jamaicans Annia Ashley (5.88m) and Lotavia Browne (5.66m) were second and third respectively.

McKoy finished ahead of the pack in the 3000M

with a time of ten minutes, 39.03 seconds (10:39.03).

The Guyanese clipped the Jamaican pair of Britnie Dixon (10:44.63) and Kayan Green (10:45.76) to win gold.

Meanwhile, Compton Caesar who won Guyana’s first gold medal in the 100M in the history of the CARIFTA Games, will have another shot at creating history, when he competes in the finals of the Boys Under-Twenty 200M. Caesar’s time of 21.86 seconds in the Heats was enough to land him a spot in the final.

Anferne Headecker (silver medalist in the 1500M),

ran 1:55.47 to win his heat and booked a spot in the finals of the boys Under-Twenty 800M. However, it was not all smooth sailing for the rest of the Guyanese on show in Curacao.Kenisha Phillips (24.92) and Onassha Rogers (25.14) failed to reach the finals of the Girls Under-Eighteen 200M and Daniel Williams will also not compete in the finals of the boys Under-Eighteen 200M, given the fact that his time of 22.30 seconds in the qualifying round was not fast enough Tr e m a i n e B r o w n e ’s

14.16M in the Triple Jump saw him missing the medal podium, finishing fifth behind Terrol Wilson (14.52M).

Antigua’s Taeco Ogarro was third (14.56M), Barbados’ Jonathan Miller took the second spot (14.85M)while Jamaican Safin Wills (15.11M) took the gold.

At the 2016 CARIFTA games, Guyana finished with a total of five medals (two bronze and three silver), At the end of the second day of the 2017 Games, Guyana have so far captured six medals (four Gold, one silver, one bronze).

Sparta Boss destroy Back Circle for GT Beer Futsal title

By Stephan Sookram ON a night when there was no shortage of goals, Sparta Boss was on the delivering end as they stuck to their guns to be crowned winners of the second Annual Petra/ GT Beer Futsal competition.

In a physical final at the National Gymnasium, the Sparta side ‘bossed’ their opponents Back Circle for a 4-2 win when the final whistle sounded in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

The game started at a fast pace as the Sparta side seemed to want to overwhelm their opponents from the word go with well put together passes and steady raids on goal; and it wasn’t long before a deflec-

tion off a Back Circle defender gave Sparta the opening goal.

Sparta used this as a springboard to continue their assault on the Back Circle side, with national forward Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson sticking home goal number two in front of a packed Gymnasium in the 22nd minute.

Jermaine Beckles would then put a flicker of hope in the hearts of the Back Circle fans just four minutes later after pulling off a ‘lambada’ and striking for goal, sending fans into wild Jubilation.

But Sparta were not going to let that go unanswered and three minutes later regained their two goal advantage through Solomon Austin in

the 29th as the whistle sounded to end the half at 3-1 On the return from the half, Back Circle seemed to have a renewed vigor and pressed more into the Sparta half with several enterprising runs either fizzling out or skewing wide of the mark.

Beckles would come to their rescue again, clawing to get the Back Circle side level with another beautiful effort in the 34th as the fans were now on their feet, cheers of a comeback filling the Gymnasium.

Back Circle turned that goal into momentum for them as they began pressuring the Sparta side with more frequent shots but all it took is one run away ball and a precision one-

two play to seal the deal for Sparta, Calvin Shepherd two minutes from time breaking the Back Circle hearts.

By this time, the writing was already on the wall and many began to leave the Gymnasium, with the final whistle only sounding to let lose the Sparta fans from the stands to celebrate with their team.

In the earlier third place game, a close game between Sophia and Bent Street saw the former winning 7-6 in a scoring frenzy.

Sparta carted off $400,000 and the championship trophy, while the runners-up Back Circle took $200,000, Sophia $100,000 and Bent Street $50,000.

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12:50 hrs Lackaneen Leader

English Racing Tips Wolverhampton 08:30 hrs Queen In Waiting 09:05 hyrs Therthaar 09:40 hrs Wedding Breakfast 10:10 hrs Medahim 10:45 hrs Castlrea Tess Chepstow 09:00 hrs Copper Kay

Redcar 09:05 hrs Lydia’s Place 09:35 hrs Carigrad 10:10 hrs Everything For You 10:45 hrs Highly Sprung 11:20 hrs Roller 11:55 hrs Steelriver 12:30 hrs Cavalieri 13:00 hrs Scotch Myst Market Rasen

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Fairyhouse 11:25 hrs Sutton Place 12:00 hrss Bless The Wings 12:35 hrs Slowmotion 13:10 hrs White Arm American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Boa Sorte Race 2 Stone Bandit Race 3 Wizardly Race 4 Shenango Valley Race 5 Billy No Sabay Race 6 He’s So Fine Race 7 Long May You Run Race 8 Firsthand Report Race 9 Stina

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 17, 2017

United open door for Spurs with 2-0 win over Chelsea

By Simon Evans

(REUTERS)-Manchester United opened up the Premier League title race with a convincing 2-0 home victory over leaders Chelsea on Sunday that leaves second-placed Tottenham Hotspur just four points behind.

Goals by Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera sank Chelsea and, with six games left for the top two, there is little room for any more slip-ups

by Antonio Conte’s side who a few weeks ago looked like they were running away with the title.

While Chelsea remain favourites to win the league, Conte will be concerned about the manner of the defeat at Old Trafford where they were rarely able to turn possession into chances.

The west London side are top with 75 points, ahead of Spurs on 71, also from 32

games, Liverpool with 66 from 33, Manchester City on 64 from 32 and United with 60 from 31.

“Manchester United deserved to win because they showed more desire, more motivation, more ambition to win this game,” Conte told the BBC. “This league is not closed.

Tottenham are on great form and playing with great enthusiasm but we are playing a great season and we must try to reach this target.”

The strikes by Rashford and Herrera at the start of each half were enough for United who, despite resting several players against Chelsea ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final return leg at home to Anderlecht, were good value for their win.

United manager Jose Mourinho started with top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench but delivered a tactical masterclass against

after five minutes when United forward Jesse Lingaard robbed defender David Luiz and fed Rashford, but the 19-year-old striker dragged his shot wide.

Two minutes later, though, Herrera won the ball in midfield, possibly by using his hand, and delivered an inch-perfect pass into the path of Rashford who outpaced Luiz and fired low into the far corner of the net.

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic his former club, largely nullifying the threat from the usually dangerous Eden Hazard.

“Chelsea are the best counter-attacking team in the country and we controlled them very well. I’m really happy with the boys. I’m happy -- not because it’s Chelsea, it’s because we need these

three points,” Mourinho told the BBC. “I don’t feel extra joy at beating Chelsea -- we beat the leader. It doesn’t matter if the leader is Chelsea or another -- we beat them convincingly.

Nobody can doubt our credit to win the game.”

Chelsea got a warning

Vettel beats Hamilton in Bahrain thriller

By Alan Baldwin

MANAMA,(Reuters)-Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel forged seven points clear at the top of the Formula One standings on Sunday after winning a Bahrain Grand Prix thriller that saw Lewis Hamilton penalised for underhand tactics.

Hamilton, who had started the floodlit race level on points with the German, took second place for Mercedes after staging a late chase following the five-second penalty for driving deliberately slowly into the pits.

Hamilton’s Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas was third after leading from his first pole position, struggling with his tyres and twice respecting team orders to allow the faster Briton through.

The victory was Vettel’s second of the season after the four-times world champion won the opener in Australia. Hamilton, who won in China last weekend, crossed the finish line 6.6 seconds behind.

Vettel’s 44th win lifted him to 68 points, with Hamilton second on 61 and the championship looking ever more likely to be an evenly matched battle between the two with Ferrari and Mercedes a cut above the rest. “ Ye s g u y s , t h a t ’ s what I’m talking about,” whooped the German, who was helped by a safety car after an aggressive early pitstop.

“It was a really great day. It was on the last half

Ferrari Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany (R) celebrates after winning Bahrain Grand Prix. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed of the out lap when all the fireworks were going off that I was like ‘I love what I do’,” he said.

Hamilton’s race, already compromised by Vettel passing him off the start for second place, unravelled further when he drove “unnecessarily slowly” as he came in for his first pit stop.

The move was a deliberate one to prevent Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo getting the jump with a quick stop while Hamilton waited behind Bottas, already in the pits.

The Briton served the penalty at his second stop, frustration evident from his shaking helmet, before charging back and taking more than a second a lap out of Vettel’s advantage.

The task of making up 20 seconds in 16 laps was ultimately too great a task.

BACK FOOT “The pitlane was my fault and apologies to the team. I tried my hardest to

catch up,” said Hamilton, who thanked Bottas for his help.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said the Finn’s hopes of a first win had been hit even before the start when a problem with a generator on the grid left him with the wrong tyre pressures.

“From then on we were on the back foot,” he said.

Bottas kept the lead for the opening laps, with Vettel close behind in a five-car train.

The safety car appeared on track after 18-year-old Canadian newcomer Lance Stroll, suffering his third retirement in three races, turned into Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz as the Spaniard left the pits.

“I got hit from the side,” the Williams rookie exclaimed.

The safety car appeared on track after 18-year-old Canadian newcomer Lance Stroll, suffering his third retirement in three races,

turned into Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz as the Spaniard left the pits.

“I got hit from the side,” the Williams rookie exclaimed.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had already crashed out by then, blaming brake failure after he trekked across the gravel into the tyre barrier on lap 12.

“It was a great team effort today and I felt like we are quick. I tried to put Valtteri under pressure. But the early pit stop worked,” said Vettel.

“Lewis obviously was a very big threat again towards the end... but the car was a dream today.”

Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen finished fourth with Australian Ricciardo fifth for Red Bull and Brazilian Felipe Massa sixth for Williams on the 75th birthday of team founder Frank Williams.

Mexican Sergio Perez finished seventh for Force India, his 13th successive points finish, with Frenchman Romain Grosjean eighth for U.S.-owned Haas.

Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg was ninth for Renault, that team’s first points of the year, and French rookie Esteban Ocon bagged the final point for Force India.

McLaren’s nightmare continued with Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne failing to start and Fernando Alonso retiring on the final laps but classified 14th.

“I never raced with less power in my life,” the Spaniard told his team.

CONFIDENT UNITED Looking confident and full of verve, United pushed forward with intent while Chelsea were unusually ineffective going forward, with Herrera doing an excellent marking job on Hazard.

There was another individual battle going on with Chelsea striker Diego Costa and United defender Marcos Rojo engaged in an often physical struggle for dominance and Costa’s frustra-

tion resulted in a yellow card for a foul on Paul Pogba.

United threatened to strike again before the break when Rashford found some space for a cross which Chelsea defender Gary Cahill headed just over his own bar.

Chelsea’s normally reliable N’Golo Kante was robbed inside the area by Young and he cleverly laid back the ball to Herrera whose well-struck effort deflected off Kurt Zouma into the net.

Ibrahimovic was brought on for Rashford in the 82nd minute, with the England striker receiving a deserved standing ovation after an outstanding performance.

While United’s hopes of making the top four will be boosted by the win, the major impact will be felt in north London where Spurs will sense a chance to chase down Chelsea’s four-point lead in the final six games of the season.

Liverpool go third with Fermino winner at West Brom

Roberto Firmino’s header brought his 11th Premier League goal of the season ROBERTO Firmino scored a winner for the second weekend running as Liverpool beat West Brom to go third in the Premier League.

The Brazil striker headed in at the end of the first half after Lucas Leiva had glanced on James Milner’s free-kick.

Milner volleyed over after half-time, and Simon Mignolet saved with his legs from Matt Phillips at the other end.

Late on, Alberto Moreno missed an empty goal from 40 yards after Albion keeper Ben Foster had gone up for a corner.

Despite that miss, Jurgen Klopp’s side secured a fifth win in seven games, sending West Brom to a third straight defeat.

Klopp has spoken recently of the need for Liverpool to “win ugly” - having developed a habit of beating the Premier League’s top teams and then slipping up against sides lower down.

Liverpool’s manager was particularly wary of the threat that West Brom might pose from set-pieces, an area in which his team have been vulnerable defensively this season.

To counter that danger, Klopp used the fierce winds that hit Merseyside last

Wednesday to his advantage - getting his players to face a barrage of high crosses and long throws in training that day.

The manager’s reasoning was that if his players could deal with the ball in the air as it swirled about in the wind, they would be able to handle anything West Brom threw at them.

Klopp has spoken recently of the need for Liverpool to “win ugly” - having developed a habit of beating the Premier League’s top teams and then slipping up against sides lower down.

Liverpool’s manager was particularly wary of the threat that West Brom might pose from set-pieces, an area in which his team have been vulnerable defensively this season.

To counter that danger, Klopp used the fierce winds that hit Merseyside last Wednesday to his advantage - getting his players to face a barrage of high crosses and long throws in training that day.

The manager’s reasoning was that if his players could deal with the ball in the air as it swirled about in the wind, they would be able to handle anything West Brom threw at them.(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 17, 2017

Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships

Guyana take two silver and two bronze as doubles competition begins

GUYANA’s Terrence Rausch and Jamal Nickolas put up a passionate fight in a suspenseful boys under- 15 doubles finals, as Guyana picked up two silver and two bronze in the doubles competition so far when the Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, yesterday.

Rausch and Nickolas blazed through with wins against Jamaica and Cuba to make it to the finals, but in the end nerves got the better of them when they took on Barbados’ boys Ramon Maxwell and Reshon Goddard.

Just moments later across on Table 2, Jamali Homer and Priscilla Greaves picked up the girls under-18 doubles

Action in the boys Under-15 finals as Guyana’s Jamal Nickolas and Terrence Rausch (right) taking on Barbados Ramon Maxwell and Reshon Goddard silver, after they stumbled 0 - 3 (10 -12, 1 – 11, 1 – 11) against The Dominican Re-

public’s Esmerlyn Castro and Cinthia Sanchez.

It was always going to be

a difficult fight for Rausch and Nickolas as the Bajans kept the heat coming, but

the Guyanese were still able to hold their own enough to drive to a 14 – 12 win in the first set.

The Bajans restored balance by taking the next set 11 – 7, and they forced their way to a 12 – 10 win in the third set. It was all down to the fourth set to see if the Bajans could wrap things up or the Guyanese could force a fifth set.

But it was not to be for the home side, as both Rausch and Nickolas continued to make several unforced errors.

Rausch continued to send the ball into the net, while Nickolas’ sent the ball flying way beyond the table.

When the match climbed to 5 all, Rausch and Nickolas picked up the pace and quickly collected

the next three points. Nickolas broke the streak when he sent one flying clear over the table and across the floor. The set ended soon after 12 – 10 in the Bajans favour.

Yesterday’s matches saw the wrapping up of the teams competition in the Championships and the commencement of play in the doubles competition late last night in which Guyana also had bronze in the Under-15 mixed doubles, and the girls Under-15 doubles.

Guyana is out of the running in the boys Under-18 doubles however.

Kyle Edgill and Elishaba Johnson made it all the way to the quarterfinals, but lost to The Dominican Republic’s Carlos Guzman and Mariano Lockward.

Singh hits unbeaten 135 to give Leewards openers makes President’s XI the edge on rain-hit day strong reply after Cariah, Webster tons

FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, (CMC) – Weather, and a budding partnership between Ahmed Shehzad and Asad Shafiq combined to loosen the grip of the WICB President’s XI after Vishaul Singh completed his sixth first-class hundred to give them the edge in their tour match against Pakistan on Sunday here.

Left-arm fast-medium bowler Raymon Reifer was the pick of the President’s XI bowlers with 2-17 from 12 overs, but a defiant Shehzad was unbeaten on 53 and Shafiq was not out on 23, as the Pakistanis reached 129 for four before bad light stopped play more than an hour later than scheduled on the weather-marred second day of the contest at the Trelawny Multiplex.

The visitors were replying to the hosts’ first innings total of 419 in which Singh was the cornerstone, batting resolutely for close to six hours for an undefeated 135 that broke a run of insignificant scores for the pocket-sized Guyanese left-hander and extended the team’s innings to 20 minutes past the scheduled lunch interval.

Reifer and the rest of President’s XI’s attack then had the visitors on their heels before a delay for bad light and rain slowed them down for about an hour.

Bowling first change, he made the breakthrough, when he had left-handed opener Shan

Masood caught at first slip for 14 from a top-edged cut to leave Pakistan 32 for one.

Keon Joseph, Reifer’s Guyana Jaguars teammate, added the scalp of Azhar Ali five overs later, caught behind for four, as the Pakistanis reached 63 for two at tea.

Reifer struck again with his first delivery of a new spell in the second over after the break, when Younus Khan nibbled at a delivery angled across him and was caught behind for seven to leave the tourists on 64 for three.

When the gathering gloom enveloped the ground, the President’s XI were just beginning to put the squeeze on Shehzad and his captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who survived a succession of lbw appeals against Rahkeem Cornwall and earned a respite from the weather delay.

On resumption however, leg-spinner Damion Jacobs had Misbah caught at forward short leg for eight to a catch which the soon-to-be-retired Pakistan captain felt the fielder had taken on the hop.

The President’s XI met resistance when Shafiq came to the crease and batted through another 45 minutes before the umpires ushered the players off the field for bad light with seven overs remaining.

Earlier, Singh reached his milestone to signal an end to a barren period with the bat

this year, as the President’s XI, overnight 311 for five, took their innings past the time scheduled for lunch.

The Guyanese left-hander started the day on 81 and was fortunate on 85 when Azhar Ali dropped a straightforward chance at gully off left-arm fast bowler Muhammad Amir.

Singh quickly regained his composure and continued to bat with aplomb while the rest of the batting collapsed around him.

Reifer was bowled for 45,

essaying a lofted drive at Hassan Ali following a stand of 93 for the sixth wicket with Singh, who still needed two at the time of the dismissal.

Singh duly reached his hundred when he chopped his short, 180th ball from Ali to third man for a deuce.

He put on a further 51 for the seventh wicket with Rahkeem Cornwall, whose dismissal caught at deep mid-wicket for 28 off parttime off-spinner Asad Shafiq triggered a slide.

SCOREBOARD

WICB PRESIDENT’S XI 1st Innings (overnight 311 for five) K Hope c Shan Masood b Muhammad Amir 2 K Powell run out 58 S Hetmyer c Younus Khan b Yasir Shah 97 *S Brooks lbw b Muhammad Asghar 9 V Singh not out 135 +J Hamilton b Muhammad Amir 26 R Reifer b Hassan Ali 45 R Cornwall c Yasir Shah b Asad Shafiq 28 K Roach c Shan Masoon b Asad Shafiq 0 D Jacobs lbw b Yasir Shah 0 K Joseph b Muhammad Amir 12 Extras: (b4, nb3) 7 TOTAL: (all out, 126.1 overs) 419 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-150, 3-159, 4-193, 5-244, 6-337, 7-388, 8-388, 9-389 Bowling: Muhammad Amir 22.1-4-66-3; Hassan Ali 27-374-1 (nb2); Muhammad Asghar 29-4-117-1; Asad Shafiq 9-0-20-

2; Yasir Shah 37-1-129-2 (nb1); Azhar Ali 2-0-9-0 PAKISTAN 1st Innings Shan Masood c Cornwall b Reifer 14 Ahmed Shehzad not out 53 Azhar Ali c wkpr Hamilton b Joseph 4 Younus Khan c wkpr Hamilton b Reifer 7 *Misbah-ul-Haq c Hetmyer b Jacobs 8 Asad Shafiq not out 23 Extras: (b4, lb1, w1, nb14) 20 TOTAL: (4 wkts, 47 overs) 129 +Sarfraz Ahmed, Muhammad Amir, Yasir Shah, Hassan Ali, Muhammad Asghar to bat Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-43, 3-64, 4-84 Bowling: Roach 12-1-61-0 (nb10); Joseph 9-2-24-1 (nb3, w1); Reifer 12-6-17-2; Cornwall 9-4-12-0 (nb1); Jacobs 5-0-10-1 Position: Pakistan trail by 290 with six first innings wickets standing

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, (CMC) – New captain Montcin Hodge and fellow opener Chesney Hughes gave Leeward Islands Hurricanes a rollicking start following hundreds from Yannic Cariah and rookie Tion Webster that propelled Trinidad & Tobago Red Force to their biggest total for the season in the Regional 4-Day Tournament on Sunday.

Hughes was unbeaten on 59 and Hodge was not out on 49, as the Hurricanes reached 120 without loss, replying to Trinidad Tobago Red Force’s first innings total of 533, at the close on the second day of the 10th round match.

The Red Force bowlers found the Warner Park pitch typically unforgiving and the two batsmens gave the hosts a strong belief that they could make a serious assault on the visitors’ challenging total with purposeful batting before stumps were drawn.

Hughes, the big lefthander, who has played several seasons in the English County Championship for Derbyshire, has so far

smacked 10 fours and one six from 103 balls in 2 ½ hours of batting, the same time that it has taken Hodge to smash seven fours from 112 balls.

Red Force would have great appreciation for the batting of Hughes and Hodge, after Cariah collected his second first-class hundred, a career-best 196, and Webster, playing only his second match, hit his maiden hundred of 109 to extend the visitors’ innings late into the day.

Starting from their overnight total of 269 for six, the Red Force benefitted from strong lower-order resistance led by a 158-run stand for the seventh wicket between Cariah and Webster.

After Webster became the second of three wickets for Jason Campbell, Cariah featured in two other significant stands that broke the backs of the Hurricanes.

He shared 49 for the eighth wicket with his captain Marlon Richards and then dominated a stand of 59 for the ninth wicket with tail-ender Bryan Charles before he fell to Jeremiah Louis.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 17, 2017

PCL 4-day cricket….

Windward Islands Volcanoes facing defeat against Jaguars

By Rajiv Bisnauth

OPENER Devon Smith adopted a more resolute approach in his second innings but the Guyana Jaguars continued their complete and utter dominance at the end of day two of their ninth-round WICB’s Professional Cricket League Four-day game against the Windward Islands Volcanoes being played at the National Stadium, Providence.

The left-handed Smith crafted an unbeaten 60, nevertheless the visitors’ were staring defeat in the face at stumps on Sunday.

Having a huge first innings lead of 284 runs, the Jaguars bowlers were able to maintain control and ultimately leave the tourists on 102-5 at the close, still needing another 182 runs to force the Jaguars to bat again.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie picked up two late wickets in his four-over spell, while Romario Shepherd, Sherefane Rutherford and Veerasammy Permaul, were

Kemo Paul was in total control in this pull shot off Delorn Johnson. the other successful second after Johnson and Mayers innings bowlers for the hosts. had struck vital blows in the Earlier, the hosts add- morning session in which ed 170 runs to their over- the two-time defending night score before they were champions lost five wickets bowled out 15 minutes before for just 62 runs. the tea interval, with left-arm Resuming at 209-2, the fast bowler Delorn John- home team lost centurion Asson taking 5-47, his third sad Fudadin to an inside edge five-wicket haul. He received to Johnson. The left-handed valuable support from Kyle Fudadin added 12 to his overMayers, who claimed 4-88. night 113.

Keemo Paul (46) and Mayers then designed a Steven Jacobs (61) frus- beauty to bowl Leon Johntrated the visitors with an son (0) before completing 85-run eight-wicket stand an excellent spell, with the

wicket of the other overnight batsman Motie.

Johnson then claimed the wickets of Rutherford and Anthony Bramble in quick succession, and by lunch the hosts extended their lead to 176 runs.

Resuming the post lunch session,Paul and Jacobs stayed put at the crease, mixing caution with some adventure. The pair kept their balance perfectly and timed the ball sweetly on both sides of the wicket.

But when the new ball was taken the visitors’ frustration did not last much longer;the right-handed Paul perished almost immediately, edging Johnson behind. His knock lasted for 88 balls, with four fours and a six.

Jacobs continued his superb knock to reach his fifth half-century before Mayers wrapped up the innings, with the wickets of Jacobs and Shepherd. The 28-year-old Jacobs struck eight fours in 121 balls at the crease.

It was Shepherd who claimed the first wicket of the

visitors second innings when he bowled Tyrone Theophile (10). The ball was close to unplayable. It swung very late to clip top of off-stump to leave the tourists a wicket down and still 259 runs behind.

Smith and Jerlani Robinson combined for a 42-run partnership but Permaul kept pressure at one end to trapped Robinson in front.

Rutherford then held on to a superb return catch to dismissed Andre Fletcher before the 35-year-old Smith completed his half-century.

Sunil Ambris and Kevem Hodge both departed shortly after off Motie.

Smith, who hit seven fours and a six will resume with Mayers, with the visitors facing an uphill task. Play resumes at 10:00hrs today.

SCOREBOARD

GUYANA JAGAURS 1st innings (o/n 209-2) R Chandrika c wk b Johnson 35 A Fudadin b Johnson 125 C Hemraj c wk b Shillingford 54 G Motie c Theophile b Mayers 6 L Johnson b Mayers 0 S Rutherford c Theophile b Johnson 11 A Bramble c wk b Johnson 7 K Paul c wk b Johnson 46 S Jacobs b Mayers 61 V Permaul not out 12 R Shepherd b Mayers 5 Extras: (w-1, nb-6, b-4, lb-7) 17 Total: (all out; 112 overs) 379 Fall of wickets: 1-107, 2-199, 3-224, 4-225, 5-234, 6-244, 7-247, 8-332 Bowling: Johnson 23-7-47-5, Lewis 15-4-56-0, Mayers 22-3-

88-4, Shillingford 24-6-70-1, Edward 20-1-71-0, Hodge 4-0-22-0, Theophile 4-0-14-0 WINDWARD Islands Volcanoes 2nd innings D Smith not out 60 T Theophile b Shepherd 10 J Robinson lbw b Permaul 18 A Fletcher c&b Rutherford 5 S Ambris c Shepherd b Motie 8 K Hodge c Shepherd b Motie 0 K Mayers not out 1 Total: (for five wickets; 37 overs) 102 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-67, 3-80, 4-96, 5-100 Bowling: Shepherd 6-2-14-1, Jacobs 4-0-14-0, Paul 4-0-22-0, Permaul 11-4-23-1, Rutherford 8-0-26-1, Motie 4-3-3-2

Defending Champs BV-B Barbados Pride still in control after into Guinness semi-finals Scorpions bowled out for 224

Can Defending Champions BV-B (pictured above) reclaim their title?

DEFENDING Champions BV-B are still in this evening’s Semi-finals and finals of the Colours/Guinness Greatest of the Streets Football tournament’s East Coast leg at the Haslington Tarmac.

The side will have to play Melanie B in the second Semi Final after Plaisance B and Buxton Diamond lock horns for the first spot in the finals, set for later this evening.

On a night when goals were scare, penalties played the determining factor, with the defending champions escaping via a 1-0 penalty result over Melanie-A after a goalless regulation and extra period.

The same applied for Mel-

anie B, who couldn’t find a goal in either regulation or extra time but converted for a 2-1 win over Future.

The only goal of the Quarters came from Vincent Thomas as he led Plaisance B to their spot via a 10 win over Turkeyen Champs while in the fourth game, Buxton Diamond won 4-3 on sudden death penalty kicks against Belfield Warriors In the earlier round of sixteen matches, Melanie-B beat Lusignan Prison 3-1 on penalty kicks while BV-B advanced via a 1-0 margin over Clonbrook,while Uprising was beaten 2-1 on penalty kicks by Melanie-A.

Future won 1-0 on penalties against ‘C’ Division with the scores reading 1-1 at the end of regulation time while Turkeyen overcame Top 7,2-0 Game six had Plaisance-B advancing over Non Pariel City Boys 3-2 on penalty kicks after a scoreless game with the Plaisance A side also advancing on penalties,winning 1-0 over Belfield Warriors after a scoreless game.

Game eight was decided on penalties as well with Buxton Diamond winning 2-1 against Victoria Church Yard after no goals were scored in regulation time.

Matches begin at 19:00hrs.

B R I D G E TO W N , B a r b a dos, (CMC) – Devon Thomas struck his 13th first class half-century and passed 3 000 runs but Jamaica Scorpions found themselves with all to do to avoid defeat heading into Monday’s penultimate day of their final round Regional four-day game against Barbados Pride.

Replying to Pride’s first innings of 377 all out, Scorpions were dismissed for 224 to concede a lead of 153 runs on day two of the contest at Kensington Oval.

Antiguan Thomas led the way with a top score of 59 while Guyanese Trevon Grifftith got 39 and Paul Palmer, 27.

Fast bowler Justin Greaves extended his excellent allround form with three for 40 while off-spinner Ashley Nurse (2-50) and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn (2-51) claimed two wickets apiece.

Greaves had earlier made 114 after resuming the day on 104 while Nurse converted his overnight 33 into 60 – his maiden first class half-century.

Off-spinner John Campbell and fast bowler Derval Green both finished with three for 57.

Resuming the day on 297 for six, Pride increased their stranglehold on the game when Greaves and Nurse extended their seventh wicket stand to 96 before being separated.

The right-handed Greaves was first to fall in the morning’s sixth over, yorked by Green after an innings spanning 205 balls in just over four hours at the crease and including nine fours.

Nurse, who has been good enough to score a first class hundred, faced 110 deliveries and struck seven fours in his knock.

The impressive Greaves then stunned Scorpions with a three-wicket burst, reducing the visitors to 33 for three inside the first hour after lunch.

He had West Indies batsman Chadwick Walton caught at first slip by Benn for three, removed the left-handed

Campbell also to a catch at slip by Benn for 10 before knocking over Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood, bowled off the inside edge for four.

Griffith and Palmer then added 49 for the fourth wicket – the best stand of the innings – to prop up Scorpions’ reply and help them reach tea at 93 for four.

Unbeaten on eight at the break after Griffith was bowled by left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican in the fourth over before tea, Thomas rallied Scorpions with an innings that came from 78 balls in 109 minutes and included eight boundaries.

SCOREBOARD

PRIDE 1st innings (overnight 297 for six) K Corbin c Blackwood b Bulli 51 A Alleyne c Blackwood b Taylor 1 J Carter c wkp Thomas b Green 10 R Wiggins c Blackwood b Allen 1 *K Stoute c Blackwood b Green 11 K Williams c Griffith b Bulli 82 J Greaves b Green 114 A Nurse c Allen b Campbell 60 +M. Rampersaud lbw b Campbell 12 J Warrican not out 23 S Benn c Miller b Campbell 8 Extras: (b1, lb3) 4 TOTAL: (all out, 118.1 overs) 377 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-43, 3-50, 4-65, 5-98, 6-222, 7-318, 8-341, 9-351, 10-377.

Bowling: Taylor 19-4-50-1, Green 17-4-57-3, Allen 16-3-52-1, Miller 24-4-51-0, Bulli 25-0-1062, Campbell 17.1-1-57-3.

SCROPIONS 1st Innings C Walton c Benn b Greaves 3 J Campbell c Benn b Greaves 10 T Griffith b Warrican 39 J Blackwood b Greaves 4 P Palmer lbw b Benn 27 +D. Thomas c Alleyne b Corbin 59 F Allen run out 17 D Green c Alleyne b Benn 17 D Bulli c & b Nurse 4 *N. Miller lbw b Nurse 19 J Taylor not out 15 Extras: (b6, lb1, w1, nb2) 10 TOTAL: (all out, 64.3 overs) 224 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-27, 3-33, 4-82, 5-102, 6-129, 7-159, 8-170, , 9-196, 10-224.

Bowling: Nurse 16.3-3-50-2 (nb1), Stoute 8-2-15-0, Greaves 9-2-40-3 (w1), Williams 4-0-13-0 (nb1), Warrican 10-0-44-1, Benn 16-1-51-2, Carter 1-0-4-1.

POSITION: PRIDE LEAD BY 153 RUNS.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 17, 2017

Fifty youths to benefit from Pele Alumni Youth Programme FIFTY youths mainly from Georgetown are to benefit from a three-day programme organised by the Pele Football Club’s Alumni (United States)beginning at 09:00hrs tomorrow at the Carifesta Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue.

The programme which concludes on Thursday will see 50 youths benefitting from educational and health lectures as well as dental check-ups, compliments of the Ministry of Education and the Public Health Ministry.They will also be taken on guided tours of the Eugiene Correia International Airport and Banks DIH Limited on Wednesday.

Former Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education,Ed Caesar,will deliver the feature address at tomorrow’s opening ceremony and give the charge to the participants.

The closing ceremony is on Thursday at 12:00 noon

to listen to several presenters from the education and health ministries.

According to treasurer of the Pele Alumni (USA) and former national footballer Patrick `Labba’ Barton, the Pele Alumni has been distributing 50 backpacks annually to Guyana’s youths, especially those

Former national footballer Patrick `Labba’ Barton and will be in the form of a luncheon.Each participant will be the recipient of a backpack filled with school supplies for the new school term.

The luncheon will be handled by the Carnige School of Home Economics, while transportation for the field tours comes compliments of Knightriders Bus Service.

After the feature address

by Caesar, the participants will have the opportunity

who are persuing an academic and sports career and this will continue to happen “for many, many years to come”.

Chairman of the Pele Alumni (USA) Dennis Carrington, said members of the Alumni during their youthful days in Guyana were not privileged to certain things in their

educational endeavours and because of the opportunities that were afforded to them to become lawyers, doctors and successful business persons that they now are, they thought it would be a good idea to give back to their roots, hence, since 2012, they have been sending home finance through

the Ministry of Education to assist those youths that show the potential for sports scholarships.

The financial assistance,Carrington said, is used to purchase school book, supplies and uniforms. This he said will continue indefinitely.

Windward Islands Volcanoes facing defeat against Jaguars See story on page 34

Claudrice McKoy

Chantoba Bright

Bright, McKoy continue Guyana’s ‘Gold Rush’ ... Caesar chasing history in 200M today

See story on page 31

Sparta Boss’ Devon Millington collects winning trophy from Namilco Finance controller Fitzroy McLeod

Sparta Boss destroy Back Circle for GT Beer Futsal title See story on page 31

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MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2017