Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17 06 2016

CAL's call No. 104585

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Gov't gives Caribbean Airlines ultimatum over duty-free purchases

3

P.

Consensus key to transforming sugar industry ‌Nagamootoo tells Enmore Martyrs rally 6 P.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo lays a wreath in honour of the five Enmore Martyrs at Thursday's commemoration rally (Delano Williams photo)

Pres Granger...

Guyanese are safer ‌Gov't will tackle rogue businessmen P.2

Man admits Abusive man sets house threatening to ablaze 8 kill Jagdeo 8 P.

P.

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Pres Granger...

Guyanese are safer ...Gov’t to tackle rogue businessmen PRESIDENT David Granger believes that Guyanese are safer now than they were two years ago, as he dismissed the perception that there is a high crime rate in the country.

As a matter of fact, the President expressed satis-

faction with the fact that serious crimes decreased by 16 per cent.

“There are some spectacular crimes, like the grenade being thrown [at Kaieteur News] but serious crimes are actually being reduced and

several measures have been taken by the administration over the last 12 months to bring crime down, including Operation Dragnet,” President Granger said.

He made the point during his weekly television programme, The Public Interest.

However, the President was quick to admit that more can be done to make the Guyanese people feel more secure.

“Guyanese are actually safer now than they were

two years ago. I don’t think that is a serious criticism, we are working on it. I agree with you that more can be done but we are bringing the crime rate down.”

Meanwhile, the President lambasted the private sector, which he said criticises the Government “excessively” as it relates to crime and corruption, even though private businessmen are involved in serious crimes.

These businessmen, the President said, will not escape Government’s radar.

“The Government doesn’t send persons out

there to bribe policemen, these are private persons who bribe policemen, revenue officers and smuggle cocaine. When you hear about money-laundering or smuggling gold or trafficking narcotics, there are private individuals and we have to bring down criminality among those persons who are rogue businessmen, who want to do business in a corrupt fashion, but I intend to stamp it out within Government; stamp out corruption but equally, private investors must obey the law,” the Head of State said.

The Guyana Police Force has reported that at the end of May, serious crimes had decreased by 16 per cent; murders have been reduced by seven per cent, while gun-related robberies went down 10 per cent.

Additionally, there was a seven per cent reduction in armed robberies where other instruments were used by the perpetrators, and a 26 per cent decrease in robberies where violence was employed.

In May, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) wrote President Granger requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the country’s crime situation. In the letter, it was stated that the Commission and other members of the business community are “deeply disturbed” over the current situation.

The PSC made it clear to the President that the situation is eroding investor confidence at a time when Guyana wants to attract the diaspora and other visitors to join in the celebrations.

CAL's call

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Gov't gives Caribbean Airlines ultimatum over duty-free purchases

By Ravin Singh CARIBBEAN Airlines has been issued with a 21-day ultimatum by management of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to honour a contractual agreement between the two, or have its operations at the airport terminated.

This was confirmed by Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, who has responsibility for the country’s aviation sector.

According to the minister, the management of CJIA was forced to issue the 21 -day ultimatum after it was realised that the Trinidad-based airline was not adhering to contractual agreements regarding duty-free items bought at Timehri.

Patterson explained that

passengers have routinely been complaining about having to dispose of their duty-free items bought in Guyana, once Trinidad is not their final destination point.

“Passengers have complained that after they make purchases at CJIA’s duty-free shops, and they get to Trinidad where they have to board another flight, they cannot take these items on that second flight. This is because switching planes in Trinidad require them go through that airport’s security checkpoint again,” the minister said.

He also noted that the airline had agreed at a previous meeting that it would allow passengers travelling from the CJIA to enter their final destinations with items that they had purchased at CJIA’s duty-free shops.

However, it was revealed that the airline has not made any attempts to remedy this issue, which goes contrary to terms of the agreement between the two parties.

As such, the minister noted that the management of CJIA was forced to issue the ultimatum to the airline, which demands respect for Guyanese and local businesses.

The letter, which was addressed to Roy Ferguson, Area Manager-South America Caribbean Airlines, states that “CAL failed, refused and/ or neglected to comply with the said notice on 16th June, 2016 which said default is continuing.

“Accordingly, take notice unless CAL remedies its aforesaid default and complies with the said notice of June 15, 2015 within 21 Days of this

notice to remedy default, CJIA will be at liberty to proceed to cancel the air-carrier agreement under article 9.3 thereof,” the letter said.

Management was also keen to note in the letter that wide consultations were held with local law enforcement, duty free concessionaires, CAL personnel and representatives from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) prior to the request for compliance, preceding a notice which was issued to CAL on June 15, 2015.

CJIA also sought to recommend the introduction of an arrangement which would see passengers receiving their duty-free items which would have been placed in their checked luggage, under the CAL/CJIA security supervi-

sion.

Up to early June, Guyana boasted an influx of over 27,000 overseas-based Guyanese and tourists who had travelled primarily for the country’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

However, Minister Patterson told this publication that many of these persons were victims of the unfair treatment of having to dispose of their duty-free items bought in Guyana.

He further went on to explain that this will not only result in a financial loss for those visitors, but local businesses are also likely to suffer.

“The duty-free shops will suffer tremendously because people traveling will refuse to purchase items if these type of arrangements continue to exist,” the minister said.

Quizzed on the implications for the local aviation sector, given the prominence of CAL in Guyana, Minister Patterson expressed that Guyana is a sovereign country and the people of Guyana should not be treated less than how they would be treated by another airline.

Acknowledging that Caribbean Airlines is the oldest airline flying out of Guyana, having served this country for over 50 years, the minister said that this is no justification for the type of treatment meted out to Guyanese travelling abroad.

“The treatment that travellers from other countries are given, should also be applicable to Guyana; we should be able to enjoy the same benefits, which are even stated in the agreement,” Patterson said.

‘Unacceptable! Disgraceful!’ … Angry UK envoy slams heinous acts of domestic violence here

By Svetlana Marshall AMID the alarming rise in domestic violence cases here British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn on Thursday night declared that the abuse of women and children is unacceptable and disgraceful.

Addressing a large gathering to mark the 90th birth anniversary of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Quinn said the scourge of domestic violence continues to anger him. “I hope all people would speak out when they become aware of such abuse, and I also recognise that there needs to be better help for the victims,” he said while stating clearly that he supports any and all action by civil society and the government to eradicate the violent acts against women and children.

The Commissioner also used the opportunity to call on Guyana to bring an end to the death penalty in Guyana.

Britain had been lobbying Guyana over the years to abolish the death penalty. Although Guyana has not used the method since in the early 1990s, Britain wants it off the law books here.

SUPPORT AGAINST VENEZUELA Meanwhile, President David Granger, during his re-

marks, said he was heartened by the United Kingdom’s unequivocal support for Guyana’s territorial integrity even as this country yearns for complete resolution of Venezuela’s “obnoxious” claim to the resourced-rich Essequibo region.

Speaking at the celebration hosted by Quinn and his wife, Wendy Quinn, at their Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown residence, President Granger said Guyana still seeks the promised peace in the Geneva Agreement. “We still yearn for the complete resolution of this obnoxious claim to our territory,” he said.

On February 17, 1966, even before Independence, the then Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, signed on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in consultation with the Government of British Guiana, and the Government of Venezuela, the Geneva Agreement aimed at the peaceful resolution of the territorial controversy.

“We were heartened, therefore, by the unambiguous asseverations of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, who iterated that the Guyana-Venezuela boundary was fixed in the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal in

Paris, and that ‘…the UK supports the territorial integrity of your country unequivocally,’” the President said.

He added: “We are reassured by the reaffirmation of the United Kingdom’s support for Guyana’s position on the attempts by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to overturn previously settled borders.”

While security has played a pivotal role in maintaining Guyana’s Independence over the last 50 years, President Granger said the country must now rely on cooperation with its partners in the international community to combat transnational threats, such as narcotics-trafficking, trafficking in persons and terrorism.

“Guyana is gratified by the quality of cordial relations with Britain. We thank Britain for its sustained support for Guyana’s development efforts and more recently, for its receptiveness to our request to re-engage with security sector reform,” the President said. According to him, the visit of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State enabled the presentation of an analysis on the state of the security sector – explaining that it pointed to the political action-plan that can include different elements of security sector reform.

Mention was also made

President David Granger and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn cutting a cake in honor of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11 90th birthday. Their wives, The First Lady Sandra Granger and Wendy Quinn look on with a sense of pride

of the UK-Caribbean Fund, which was launched earlier this year, to assist in infrastructural works that can contribute to achieving development targets. Assistance in health and education, the President, said will aim at the goal of having a healthy population and an educated nation.

President Granger also used the opportunity to wish Her Majesty, the Queen well on this her birthday. “I extend warmest congratula-

tions and best wishes for the good health and continued longevity of Her Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of the Government and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

High Commissioner Quinn, in his address, said Guyana and the UK’s relationship continues to flourish this year, even as he alluded to the launch of the UK-Caribbean Fund valued at GUY$16B and the security sector reform programme.

“We also have our ongoing work on forestry certification, combating illegal logging and have extended our assistance to include strengthening health facilities to make them more resilient in the event of any natural disaster,” the British High Commissioner added.

He said, too, that the UK scholarship programme has been expanded and will now pave the way for 16 post-graduate Guyanese students to study in the UK.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

British MP dead after shooting attack AN MP has died after she was shot and stabbed in a “horrific” assault in her constituency, police have said.

Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was left bleeding on the ground after the attack in Birstall, West Yorkshire. A man was arrested nearby.

One eyewitness told the BBC they heard her attacker shout “put Britain first” at least twice beforehand.

Tributes flooded in from politicians including David Cameron, Jeremy Corbyn and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Mrs Cox’s husband Brendan said she would want people “to unite to fight against the hatred that killed her.”

Vote Leave and Remain have both suspended campaigning in the EU referendum in light of the attack.

shock at the horrific murder”, describing the MP as a “much loved colleague”.

He added: “Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve.

“In the coming days there will be questions to answer about how and why she died.

“But for now all our thoughts are with Jo’s husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for.”

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the Queen will write privately to Mr Cox. Cafe owner Clarke Rothwell, who witnessed the attack,

Most MPs hold surgeries in their constituency to give people an opportunity to meet them Mrs Cox, 41, is the first sitting MP to be killed since 1990, when Ian Gow was the last in a string of politicians to die at the hands of Northern Irish terror groups.

The man taken into custody was arrested in Market Street, not far from Birstall Library where Mrs Cox was holding a constituency surgery. He has been named locally as Tommy Mair.

Hundreds of Mrs Cox’s friends and colleagues gathered for a vigil at St Peter’s Church in Birstall earlier.

Every pew was full as peo-

ple packed into the church for the emotional service.

MPs including Yvette Cooper hugged and consoled each other as it ended.

Labour leader Mr Corbyn said the country would be “in

The arrested man has been named locally as Tommy Mair

DATE: 15/06/2016 H 26 02 27 18 21 14 07

15/06/2016

02

14

16

22

26

15/06/2016

2

said he heard a “loud popping noise that sounded like a balloon burst - a loud balloon.”

“When I looked round there’s a man stood there in his 50s with a white baseball cap on and a jacket with a gun, an old fashioned looking gun in his hand,” he said.

“He shot this lady once and then he shot her again, he fell to the floor, leant over shot her once more in the face area.

“Somebody tried to grab him, wrestling with him and then he wielded a knife, like a hunting knife, just started lunging at her with a knife half a dozen times. People were screaming and running from the area.”

Eyewitness Hithem Ben Abdallah, 56, was in a cafe next door to the library shortly after 13:00 BST when he heard screaming and went outside.

“There was a guy who was being very brave and another guy with a white baseball cap who he was trying to control and the man in the baseball cap suddenly pulled a gun from his bag.”

After a brief scuffle, he said the man stepped back and the MP became involved.

Mr Abdallah said the weapon “looked handmade” and a man who had been wrestling with the gunman continued even after seeing the gun.

He said: “The man stepped back with the gun and fired it and then he fired a second shot, as he was firing he was looking

5

4

15/06/2016

down at the ground.

“He was kicking her as she was lying on the floor,” he said.

Brendan Cox has since tweeted a picture of his wife standing by the side of the River Thames in London.

David Cameron also tweeted to express his condolences.

US Secretary of State Mr Kerry said: “It is an assault on everybody who cares about and has faith in democracy.”

Leeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton said he had known Mrs Cox since before she became an MP. Mr Hamilton said: “I’m just completely devastated, I know Birstall reasonably well, and I think we’re all totally shocked.”

Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman said he was “absolutely stunned”. “I was a mentor to her,” he said.

“She was the same age as my daughter. She was one of the real talents in Parliament; people loved her in the constituency.”

Ms Cox, who was born in Batley, was elected in 2015.

She was educated at Heckmondwike Grammar School who have issued a statement saying staff and pupils were “deeply shocked and saddened”.

The school, it said, was proud of her contribution to local and national democracy and of her “determined, caring campaigning for the world’s disadvantaged.”

14 01

13 06 05 19

12

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Honouring the Enmore Martyrs

By Moses Nagamootoo Prime Minister and First Vice President June 16 marks the 68th anniversary of Enmore Martyrs Day. Since 1976, when this Monument was built, we come here to lay wreaths and make tributes to the memory of the five sugar workers, who were killed in 1948 by colonial police. Today, I again pay tribute to the Enmore Martyrs – Pooran, Surujballi, Rambarran, Harry and Lallabagee - on behalf of the President, the Government and people of Guyana.

I also wish to salute the relatives of the “Enmore Five” whose lives were taken in the long history of struggles for better working and living conditions, as well as for trade union, political, civil and human rights. The Enmore Martyrs were the last to suffer that fate under colonialism, but lives were also taken in post-colonial times as well, during struggles in defence of rights that have been won by their sacrifices. In 1948 the Enmore Martyrs were claiming rights to vary the condition of work and to join a trade union of their choice which existed in the then ” Mother Country” – Great Britain. It was from that time that it became evident that the fight for industrial rights was linked to the fight for political rights, which was to have universal adult suffrage, self-government and, eventually, independence.

That fight linking economic rights with political independence was spearheaded by the country’s foremost nationalist leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, even before the formation of the then united People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which was the mother of all mass-based parties in Guyana.

Today they have become, at the top of the mountain, a fire that has led the way for an

entire generation of freedom fighters. It was their act of rebellion, their act of revolt, their act of defiance, that have made them enter history and the heart and action of successive generations of men and women.

It must be of some comfort to descendants and relatives that the Enmore Five did not die in vain. Their efforts paved the way for improved working conditions in the sugar industry, as well as in other sectors of the economy. Their struggle resulted in statutory recognition of all unions that enjoy the confidence of their members; in collective labour bargaining between employers and the recognized unions over wages and benefits; and a broad menu of labour laws that regulate minimum wages, holidays with pay, termination of employment, old age pension, national insurance and social benefits.

The 1948 sacrifice ignited the fire that led to Independence of our country from Great Britain; to Republican status; to Constitutional Reforms that enshrined superior rights for all working people and other social strata of our multi-ethnic, plural society.

Our entire history in Guyana has been one of struggle from slavery through indentureship, in the colonial as well as post-colonial times.

The older people who look back at what was, would say that “dis time na lang time”.

While our country has not found the answers to all of our problems of under-development and ethnic inclusion, Guyana still has come a far way.

We know, however, that central to all we did, all we are doing and will do, that has changed and will changed our lives, is one word: SUGAR It has long been recognised that the sugar industry itself has been under-going its own struggle how to change and transform, to remain prof-

itable, or even to survive. In 1636, there were some 400 sugar plantations. This was reduced to 238 in 1829. After free labour under slavery ended, and the planters had to find paid, immigrant labour, there were widespread plantation closures.

By 1922, the sugar estates were reduced 39. This declined to 18 by 1967 and 11 in 1976. In 1978, it was reduced to 10. Then in 1986 the Leonora factory was closed,

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

followed in 1987 by Houston/ Diamond.

LBI factory was shut down in 2011.

This year, 2016, GUYSUCO planned to merge the LBI factory operations with Enmore, and the Wales factory operations with Uivtlugt.

This will reduce the number of factories to seven.

GUYSUCO has explained that the cost of producing sugar has risen because both the Wales and Enmore factories were grinding at half capacity.

We have learned that the cost of production of sugar on the Demerara estates rose from 30 cents US per pound (G$60.00) before 2011 to 41 US cents. In 2013, it jumped to US54 cents (G$108.00) per pound while Guyana was selling sugar at US16 cents (G$32.00) per pound on the world market.

The sugar industry has been making tremendous losses as a business. To survive, it cannot rely on Sugar alone.

DIVERESIFICATION Since the mid-1980s, the plan was to diversify production. There were plans for other crops, for aquaculture or fish farms, for dairy industry.

Apart from diversification, the option for privatization was also on the table. After nationalization, Booker Tate Ltd was brought back to prepare the sugar industry for privatisation. Either way, diversification or privatization, employment levels in the sugar industry would be affected.

No one wanted, or still wants, to put any sugar worker out of job. We face a crucial crossroad: we will be damned if we don’t do anything; and damned if we do something.

BUT DOING NOTHING, WILL SPELL DISASTER. This is the core of the Report into the Sugar Industry which was commissioned in July, 2015. This Report is now before the Economic Services Committee of the National Assembly, and we hope that all parties would consider it and give their views on the recommendations.

THE COI HAS WARNED THAT IF STEPS ARE NOT TAKEN SOON, NOT ONLY WILL SUGAR PERISH. IT COULD TAKE THE ENTIRE ECONOMY DOWN WITH IT. Twenty years ago, in 1996, the National Development Strategy (NDS) warned that the costs of keeping employment in the sugar industry were going to bring the industry down.

In order to survive, GUY-

SUCO existed on credit and borrowing. The sugar debt rose from $55.3 Billion in 2006 to $91 billion in 1991.

In 2014, it was $118 billion.

Several strategic reviews were done and turn-around plans were proposed. The strategic reviews between 1994 and 2004 promoted modernisatioin of the industry and the construction of a new factory at Skeldon.

The previous President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, had said that sugar was dead without Skeldon. Guyana pumped some $50 billion in the Skeldon factory, which is limping along and cannot stop the paralysis that has hit the sugar industry. The sugar industry has been put on life-support.

Every year since 2011, Parliament has been voting huge sums as BAILOUT package.

About $60 billion from the National Treasury has been diverted to pay wages to GUYSUCO workers.

Last year and this year, Our Coalition Government has voted $21 billion to bail the industry out. Today, when we look at the sugar industry, we wonder what it would take to transform the crude labour that it requires. In the time of the Enmore Martyrs, it was found that the system of “cut and load” was animal-like work. They wanted a system of “cut and drop”.

Today, we are spending billions and billions of dollars to keep a similar system in place, to keep thousands of our working people trapped in back-breaking routines.

There is no doubt that we must keep the best land under sugar and make high-priced products. We must invest in and modernize the best factories to produce at less costs, and

to make not only sugar but ethanol and more molasses for the alcohol industry. We must divest our estates of lands that are no longer profitable for sugar, and include peasant cane-farmers and agro-processors in the production chain.

That is why we must shift to value added products. We need to produce more refined and packaged sugar. Guysuco must diversify to include aquaculture, cultivation of legumes, fruit crops, citrus, dairy and livestock farming.

Lands can be given to workers who grow and supply Guysuco with vegetables, fruits and milk. Guysuco must provide packaging AND handling facilities, and marketing.

Today, we must have a new vision and we must be bold, courageous, like the Martyrs to take them forward. My ancestors first arrived in British Guiana from South India in 1847. I was born here, on this soil, 100 years later. It is in their name and from the sacrifice of the Enmore Martyrs for a better day, that I embrace the new vision. My Government is ready to transform the sugar industry, to diversify plantation lands, and open up new opportunities for wealth creation and sustainable livelihood in the sugar belt. GUYSUCO HAS A NEW BOARD and it must intensify consultations with workers and related organisations. The sugar industry must not become a political football. We need consensus on the new direction. I today invite all stake holders – the workers, their unions, the political opposition, business and investors – to be part of this new vision, to be part of this new, vibrant Guyana!

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Consensus key to transforming sugar industry

…Nagamootoo tells Enmore Martyrs rally

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

CARICOM Free Movement

ON Wednesday this newspaper carried an article from Barbados Today which dealt with a story about a Guyanese being deported from the island for stealing corned beef. This story generated heated discussions and debates by the man in the street and on social media.

There were varying views, inclusive of mockery, outrage, calls for Guyana to exit the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the view held that the body has not delivered.

What these conversations are communicating to the nation is that Guyanese are opinionated and can form cleavages when they feel threatened. Both approaches are encouraging. The former exemplified a characteristic as a people to be vocal on matters considered important and the latter is testimony of our collective identity, which is good for nation-building and preservation of our sovereignty, especially given the contention surrounding two of our borders.

That having been said, CARICOM serves an important role in the region. This body helps to cement a regional identity, advances the developmental causes of the region’s peoples, and presents a unitary front on the global stage.

Small-state societies such as ours stand to gain more as a united force. When CARICOM was established in 1973, it was founded on the principle of harnessing the resources of the region -- human, natural, capital and entrepreneurship -- for the development of the peoples and the region. This requires will and commitment by the leaders, on behalf of the peoples, to bring the aspirations to fruition.

Forging the culture of togetherness does not operate without regard to established principles, such as laws and the values by which an individual society governs and manages its affairs. Collective associations, such as CARICOM, operate on the basis of collective values adumbrated in instruments such as treaties, charters and agendas. These instruments bind the body together and are what members and participants are held to account by. In the area of free movement, be it in skills or travel, such is governed by a country’s indigenous guidelines, with an eye not to operate inconsistent with commonly agreed principles on the skills allowed the freedom to move and respect for the arriving country’s immigration laws, which both emigrating and immigrating countries have corresponding responsibility to ensure and safeguard.

Free movement does not carry any automatic guarantee or immunity that the laws of a host country can be violated. Even in instance where this happens, as in the case of Guyana during 2008/2009 when Barbados was deporting and threatening to deport Guyanese who were not residing legally or taking the necessary steps to do so within the amnesty period, the Government of Guyana took offence to a country moving to regularise the status of Guyanese consistent with its laws. It is not unusual to Caribbean lived experiences to hear people cry foul and defer to the emotive to form opinions, one way of the other, in abstention of prevailing principles such as laws and charters. And this is something the peoples and leaders of the region may need to address in building relations among countries, which can temper perceptions and avoid stereotypes. Guyana can take leadership in the regard where there is acceptance that the laws of Caribbean host countries ought to be respected, equally as the laws of Guyana and that of other countries visited or resided in.

Law and order is vital to maintaining an orderly environment and planning for population growth as part of a developmental agenda. These factors are important given the consequences they carry to social services, crime and

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo holds hands with union leaders Lincoln Lewis (second left), Seepaul Narine, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott and Kenneth Joseph of NAACIE

By Alva Solomon CITING consensus as a necessity for the future of the sugar industry, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has called on the Guyana sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to intensify consultations with workers and related organisations.

The Prime Minister issued the call at Enmore, East Coast Demerara on Thursday afternoon at a ceremony to mark the 68th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs.

Speaking to a sizeable crowd which included several Government ministers, members of the diplomatic community and trade unionists, among others, Nagamootoo said the Government stands ready to transform the sugar industry.

And on this note, he pointed to diversification of plantation lands, and opening up new opportunities for wealth-creation and sustainable livelihoods in the sugar belt.

The Prime Minister said the industry must not become a political football and called for consensus on the new direction of the industry.

“I today invite all stakeholders, the workers, their unions, the political opposition, business and investors to be part of this new vision, to be part of this new, vibrant Guyana,” he said.

Pointing to diversification of the industry, the Prime Minister noted that the variation call for the development of the sector dates back to as far as the 1980s.

He said the concept was not one which developed under the APNU+AFC Government.

“Since the mid-1980s, the plan was to diversify production, there were plans for other crops, for aquaculture or fish farms, for dairy industry,” he said, adding: “We must invest in and modernise the best factories to produce at less costs, and to make not only sugar, but ethanol and more molasses for the

alcohol industry.”

He noted that estate lands that are no longer profitable for sugar must be divested and he singled out peasant cane-farmers and agro-processors in the production chain.

VALUE-ADDED “That is why we must shift to value-added products. We need to produce more refined and packaged sugar,” he said.

He also called on GuySuCo to diversify to include aquaculture, cultivation of legumes, fruit crops, citrus, dairy and livestock farming.

“Lands can be given to workers who grow and supply GuySuCo with vegetables, fruits and milk. GuySuCo must provide packaging and handling facilities, and marketing,” he added.

Nagamootoo also informed that the July 2015 report from the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry indicated that if nothing is done to save the industry, not only would sugar “perish,” but the entire economy would sink.

He said this warning was nothing new, since some 20 years ago in 1996, the National Development Strategy (NDS) had issued a warning that the costs of keeping employment in the sugar industry was going to cripple the industry .

According to the Prime Minister, bracing its survival, the sugar industry was existing on credit and borrowed funds. The sugar debt rose from $55.3B in 2006 to $91B in 1991 and in 2014, the figure stood at $118B. According to him, huge sums have been put aside over the years to prop up the industry, including a $21B sum which the David Granger Administration has provided to the entity in bailouts between 2015/2016.

“Today when we look at the sugar industry, we wonder what it would take to transform the crude labour that it

stability of a society. In the case of the Guyanese being deported after pleading guilty to the theft, it is advised that this person has been living on the island illegally for 11 years.

For Guyanese, if CARICOM is to realise its true potential to develop the region for the people’s benefit, Guyana too has to look at shouldering its responsibilities in this regard.

For some time now this country has not been generating as a matter of priority, employment, economic and equal opportunities for its citizens. The population of the working poor is swelling and in this demographic there are skilled artisans, nurses, teachers, university and college graduates and so forth. Where the Government

requires,” he noted.

He said that large sums are being expended to keep a similar system in place, “to keep thousands of our working people trapped in back-breaking routines.”

The Prime Minister noted that the Bharrat Jagdeo Administration had pointed to the modernisation of the sector as a viable means for its survival, with the multi-million dollar Skeldon Sugar Factory as the vehicle to transform the industry.

DEAD He noted however, that “Skeldon is dead” while the industry is surviving.

Earlier, Nagamootoo and other speakers including Kenneth Joseph of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), Lincoln Lewis of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and Seepaul Narine of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) paid tribute to the Enmore Martyrs.

The names Pooran, Surujballi, Rambarran, Harry and Lallabajee were all remembered for the struggles the sugar industry has faced over the years.

Joseph noted that sugar is the reason the majority of Guyanese are on these shores, as he called on trade unionists to work together.

Lewis told those gathered that “it is time we sit down and talk” -- words he directed to the Government -- on matters of importance to the labour force.

In paying tribute to the martyrs, Narine said: “we should not downplay workers’ struggle for betterment.”

Earlier, the Prime Minister and guests at the event laid wreaths at the Enmore Martyrs Monument in memory of the slain sugar workers.

The ceremony concluded with a call for unity and the Prime Minister joined union heads as they sang lustily the words of the “Internationale.”

of Guyana for years felt comfortable not engaging in a national development strategy for its people, contented on relying on remittances, or forced migration, the situation that Guyana found itself in 2008/2009 with the Government of Barbados is not the fault of the citizens but that of an ineffectual government. What is not known is whether this was the first brush with the law for the deported citizen outside of being an illegal resident. Whether this is so or not, as this citizen returns home and re-integrates into the society, he should not be stigmatised and legitimate economic opportunities should be available for him to pursue. Everyone deserves a second chance.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

GTT workers picket over changes in terms of employment

By Michel Outridge A GROUP of postal and telecommunications employees on Thursday morning staged a loud picketing exercise outside the head office of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company on Brickdam to voice dissatisfaction over recent changes in the terms of employment.

Shouting “All dictators must go”, they stood with placards for several hours outside Telephone House on Thursday morning alongside union representatives.

President of the Guyana Postal and Telecommunications Workers Union, Harold Shepherd told the Guyana Chronicle that the union has taken this position because the GT&T management wants to change the conditions of service for members without any consultation with the union.

COLLECTIVE LABOUR AGREEMENT Shepherd said further that when it comes to making changes to the conditions of service, such as hours of work, days of work, changing the designation of workers, and merging departments within the company with duties that are not similar,

the union must be engaged in keeping with the collective labour agreement between the parties.

He also noted that GT&T over the last few months has been violating the collective labour agreement with the union and is also in breach of the country’s labour laws.

The Trade Union Workers Act clearly outlines the status of relationship between the union and management of any organisation, and the management must recognise the union and negotiate in good faith, he declared.

VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT PACKAGE Shepherd said that GT&T has not been doing that over the last few months and he recalled that earlier this year the company sent out letters highlighting its voluntary retirement package in which they stated that employees age 50 and over who did not accept would not be able to get their full benefits.

He pointed out that no meeting was held to iron out that issue and managers have been meeting with employees directly, excluding the union, to discuss proposed changes with the hours of work, especially for technicians who work on a shift system.

- without consultation with union

Disgruntled postal and telecommunication workers on strike outside GT&T head office on Brickdam on Thursday.

Shepherd explained that in 2014 an employee attached to GT&T fell from a utility pole and died. He was a technician working alone when it happened and it was public-spirited citizens who assisted him to the hospital.

In that light, the union is asking the company to send more than one staff to do work in the field since a lone technician has to be driver/ porter/technician at the same time and it is not safe and is in breach of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Shepherd told this newspaper too that GT&T is also pushing out long service employees and contract workers

should be confirmed to reap the benefits.

He added that six GT&T workers are moving around in a wagon selling phone cards for the company which is in clear breach of the road safety regulations.

Meanwhile, in a GT&T statement, the company acknowledged the rights of workers but said they will not be intimidated by protest action. The statement noted that GT&T’s leadership supports the rights of the workers and joins their union in rallying for continuous, improved working conditions.

However, its leadership has made it clear that

it would not be intimidated when it comes to striking a balance between rights and the long-term sustainability of the company, the release said.

“Our employees have the right to voice their issues and concerns; but we are about to commence Collective Labour Agreement discussions and as such we will engage in dialogue when at the bargaining table. GT&T will not sway otherwise,” said CEO Justin Nedd.

This statement came in response to a protest by approximately 20 of GT&T workers at the company headquarters. GT&T said it

shows its commitment to employees by implementing improved health and safety measures and making investments where necessary, including specialised training for safety and operational personnel.

The company said it is also guided by its health and safety officers to uphold requirements and regulations and continues to reach out to the GPTWU in those areas which are collectively agreed on.

“We will always be very respectful of workers’ rights while seeking to remain a premier employer in the country. In 2016 for example, we’ve already surpassed training for our people by more than 100% compared to any of the last 5 years,” Nedd underscored. GT&T has also revitalised its training department to better equip employees in the field, the release said.

“When we talk about ‘DOING MORE’, we mean it all around – for our customers, employees and for Guyana. We are always open to feedback, in whatever form, but will continue to act in the best interest of the wider good and according to the labour laws of the land,” Nedd stated.

Misplaced U.S. passport...

Woman to receive new passport today

LILAWATTIE Persaud, the U.S.-based Guyanese who had her U.S. passport misplaced by officers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is set to receive a new passport today, thanks to the intervention and assistance of the Office of the Prime Minister’s Representative in Region 6.

Persaud, 49, a hotel clerk in the USA, is originally from Number 47 village on the Corentyne and lives in South Ozone Park, Queens, NY. She came with her husband and son for a two-week vacation for the 50th Anniversary celebrations and was scheduled to leave on Saturday, June 11th at 16:00hrs on a Dynamic Airways flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

In an interview with this publication, Persaud said they arrived at the airport around 12:30hrs and proceeded to check-in and they received their boarding passes. They then were advised by the airline clerk to purchase their airport departure tax tickets and this is when Persaud said her troubles started.

“After checked in I re-

ceived our Boarding Pass and was told by the clerk to purchase the airport taxes then one of the officer say to me wait that if he can check our hand piece and I proceed. Then he asked to see the passports so I gave the officer three passports. After he finished checking my two hand pieces he said to me to proceed to Immigration then I ask him to get my passport back please and he returned my husband and son’s passport to me and he instructed me to step aside for the other officer, to deal with me.”

Persaud said she waited a while and went back to the officer to remind him that he needed to return her passport to her. The officer reportedly told her to hold on and she related that at this point her name was being called on the intercom to board the plane. Persaud said she became upset and asked all three persons for her passport because she needed it to board the plane.

HOLD ON “After 10 minutes had gone I went and reminded him

--with help of PM’s Region 6 ‘rep’

Lilawattie Persaud speaking to the PM’s representative, Gobin Harbhajan to give me back my passport and he said I need to hold on and at that time my name was calling to go onboard. Again I asked all three officers that I need my passport to board and they told me to hold on and they all started to search for the passport and I pleaded with them to look at the security camera to see where my passport could be because at this point they couldn’t find it.”

Persaud said she was given “the royal run around” until the plane departed and at that point she broke down in tears as they were supposed to return to work the following Monday (June 13, 2016) and was fearful she would be stuck here and lose their jobs.

After thorough searches were conducted and failing to find the passport even though the security footage was reviewed she was instructed to

make a report to the Timehri Police Outpost. “…after one of them told me to go to Timehri Police Outpost to make a report so we went and a police officer said they will make contact with me.”

Persaud said they waited at the airport to meet with someone who could have given them a proper answer but at 18:00hrs the counter was closed and they were left to fend for themselves even after being repeatedly told to “hold on” that someone will come to speak with them.

She said they had to hire another minibus to take them back to the Corentyne as the vehicle that brought them had already left. She related that up until Monday afternoon no one from the police station called her and upon sharing her story with neighbours and relatives she was given the telephone number of Gobin Harbhajan, the Office of the Prime Minister’s Representative for Region Six.

In an invited comment Harbhajan said after learning of the woman and her family’s plight he made contact with the US Embassy in Georgetown and he was advised on what was the way forward to obtain a new passport for Persaud and he managed with the help of the family to submit the required documents and was successful in getting an interview for yesterday, June 15, at 13:00 hrs.

He also expressed thanks to the US Embassy for their timely intervention. Persaud said she went to the embassy and was advised to return today to uplift a new passport.

She expressed sincere gratitude to the US Embassy and Harbhajan, who she said also assisted financially as they had used up all their finances.

They are making arrangements to uplift the passport and leave on the next available flight and put behind “this horrible ordeal”. When quizzed about a possible return, she smiled and said, “At this point, I don’t think so.”

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Abusive man allegedly sets house ablaze SUKRAJ Seepaul called “Bread”, a former labourer at the Skeldon Estate was arrested on Thursday for allegedly setting his house on fire.

Sukraj shared the two storied wooden and concrete building at Lot 136 Grant 2767, Crabwood Creek with his wife Nalini Seepaul.

The fire started around 06:15 hrs and the loss is estimated to run into millions of dollars as nothing was salvaged in the blaze.

According reports, Sukraj on numerous occasions had threatened to “burn the house down”, when he drank heavily.

He allegedly was also in the habit of verbally and physically abusing his wife.

The Guyana Chronicle learnt that the couple only returned last week from a vacation in the US. On Wednesday, Sukraj drank heavily and on his return home, he reportedly verbally abused and threatened to beat his wife, forcing her to hide in the bedroom until Thursday morning.

And when the time was

opportune, she escaped to her son’s home where she has been staying since.

Last Friday, the man took several household items, put them in front of the house, and set it alight.

“After the aunty left, me see he bring out a sofa set, sheets, wares, TV, microwave and some other stuff and burn them in front the yard,” a neighbour told this publication.

Another neighbour, Chandrawattie Gulab said last night she saw smoke and when she look out, she saw it was coming from one of the bedrooms in the upper flat of the two storied house belonging to the Seepauls.

Gulab raised an alarm but by the time persons started to arrive and form a bucket brigade, the entire building was engulfed in flames.

“Me smell smoke and when me come out me see the upstairs bedroom a smoke so me halla Flah!

Flah! And people then start fuh come out but the place blaze up quick and a whole house ketch a fire. When people start fuh come out

The two storied wooden and concrete building at Lot 136 Grant 2767, Crabwood Creek destroyed by fire

them couldn’t save anything.

The fire too hot so them start fuh soak me house.”

According to the couple’s daughter Devi Seepaul, who lives a few houses away, she saw the smoke but did

not know it was her parents’ home on fire.

“I came out of the yard to see what was happening then I notice is our house,” she said.

Devi did not break the

news to her mother since she was in a depressed state. “somebody called and tell she though and right there she faint; since she get the news, she was so shocked till now she can’t talk,” Devi

said.

Devi said her mother is a clothes vendor at the Skeldon Market and worked hard to make the home comfortable.

She recently did renovation to the house.

Man admits threatening to kill Jagdeo A CRABWOOD Creek farmer on Thursday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in relation to a series of death threats he issued to Leader of the Opposition and former President Bharrat Jagdeo and other Opposition parliamentarians.

Tameshwar Beekham, 38, of 184 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne pleaded guilty to the charge, which alleged that during the month of May, he threatened, by way of writing on Facebook, to murder former presidents, Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee.

Beekham, had taken to his Facebook page and openly stated his intentions to target Freedom House and “murder” Jagdeo and the PPP/C. Beekham turned himself in to the police on June 6, at the Springlands Police Station and was subsequently transferred to the Criminal Investigations

Safoora Salim

Department in Georgetown.

However, before turning himself in Beekham took to Facebook one last time and wrote, “But before I go I am saying it again, I will murder Baharat Jagdeo and the PPP/C, I Tameshwar Beekham and my team will murder Baharat Jagdeo and the PPP/C jail or free!”

The man, during police investigation, underwent psychiatric evaluation by Dr. Biro Harry and was deemed mentally fit to be charged. Begging to be forgiven, Beekham was fined $75,000; failure to pay will result in him spending the

next six months in jail.

Beekham however is no stranger to the courts as he was jailed for seven years on charges of fraud.

According to reports, he allegedly fraudulently obtained money from a number of persons while he was a Customs Officer employed with the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS).

He even stated that he was wanted for three years.

Beekham was convicted on August 26, 2005 until November 24, 2012.

His actions come on the heels of a recent incident where Police had detained 52-year-old Bibi Safoora-Salim, who allegedly posted racially-inciting social media comments about African Guyanese, and what appeared to be threats to President David Granger on her Facebook page.

The woman was charged in April and released on $200,000 bail by Chief Magistrate McLennan after she denied the allegation.

Tameshwar Beekham

Beekham Facebook post before turing himself over to police

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

9

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Five to know fate today Robbery, assault of judge

THE FIVE men accused of robbing and feloniously wounding Land Court judge Nicola Pierre and her husband last July in a brazen home invasion in the gated community of Felicity, East Coast Demerara will today (June 17) know their

faith.

Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul will make her ruling against Premanuth Samaroo, Daymein Millington, Nicholas Narine, Anthony David and Warren McKenzie who are jointly charged with robbing Justice Nicola

Pierre and her husband, Mohamed Chand, as well as shooting at a security guard on July 9, 2015.

The men are accused of robbing Pierre’s husband, Mohamed Chand, at gunpoint of five wrist watches, a Samsung Galaxy S5 phone, US$8,000,

a wedding ring, four Oakley sunglasses and one brown leather wallet on July 9, 2015 at Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

The second charge alleges that they robbed the Commissioner of Titles of a quantity of gold rings, diamond jewellery, a

Warren McKenzie

Daymein Millington

Premanuth Samaroo

Nicholas Narine

Anthony David

clump of gold, a quantity of gem stones among other items, all totaling $1M, while brandishing a gun.

They are also accused of feloniously wounding Pierre and her husband.

In addition, the men are also charged with discharging a loaded firearm at Roy Peters, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The men have been on remand for the past 11 months waiting the completion of the trial, which began on January 11 at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

The matter was privately prosecuted by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, via means of a “Fiat,” rather than a state prosecutor assigned by the director of public prosecutions (DPP).

Attorney Adrian Thompson defended Samaroo; Narine and David.

Hughes had called upon several police and civilian witnesses to testify in court.

According to reports, heavily-armed bandits inflicted a brutal beating on the Land Court Judge and her husband after overpowering an on-duty Special Constable and storming the couple’s home located in a gated community at Felicity, East Coast Demerara, on July 9, last.

The couple was attacked while they were asleep.

They were gun-butted into unconsciousness after the men, gained entry to their home via a window.

The robbers carted off a small safe containing US$7,000, jewellery, and a suitcase containing other valuables.

But they were forced to drop their loot when they came under gunfire from a security guard who was stationed at a businessman’s home nearby. Pierre sustained a broken jaw and other injuries, while her husband received severe injuries to an eye. He has since lost the eye.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

11

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

GTUC flays PPP ‘divisiveness’ …condemns party’s holding of separate Enmore Martyrs rally THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has condemned the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for holding a separate memorial service to commemorate the 168th Anniversary of the Enmore Martys.

Speaking at the state-sanctioned event held at the Enmore monument site on Thursday, GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis said

such action by the party “is divisive and does not constitute freedom of association.”

“It is playing to the gallery of divisive politics at the expense of workers and it must end.”

Lewis said that the workers movement continues to be accused by the political leadership of being divided, but this division is grounded and fueled in political partisanship. “It will remain so as

long as politicians continue to use the workers movement for their self-serving interest and workers, their unions and leadership allow the politicians to divert attention from common issues that require unification based on principles,” Lewis charged.

The PPP laid wreaths at the tombs of the martyrs at the Le Repentir Cemetery and later hosted a public meet-

ing. Several of the leaders of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) were present at the PPP event.

THE STATE OF SUGAR Meanwhile, addressing the issue of the sugar industry- a topic which the PPP has used to whip up support in the sugar belt, Lewis said the “crisis” in the industry today

did not happen overnight.

“Let me seek to disabuse any effort to blame it on Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan or Desmond Hoyte. These men are no longer here and have been dead for quite some time now. Those who perceive that these men made mistakes could have corrected and moved to correct them, but they must stop hiding behind dead men.”

Lewis said the industry has been mismanaged by leaders who are alive today.

“There has been no sustainable development plan, and GuySuCo board became an institution for political patronage, not the development of policies to safeguard the industry, or ensure continued gainful employment for the workers.”

According to Lewis sugar workers are fully aware of how this industry has been mismanaged under the administrations of Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar. “Sugar workers are concerned that some, if not all, of these tendencies are playing out in the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo administration.

To those quick to seek defence out of sense of political loyalty or cheer because the government is considered an enemy, let it be said that the truth does not lie and if interested in the success of the party supported, it carries a corresponding responsibility not to condone, encourage or turn a blind eye to acts that would compromise the delivery of good governance.”

Lewis reminded the gathering that in 2010 during the Jagdeo presidency when the sugar unions were agitating against the treatment meted out to workers the state-owned GuySuCo threatened to de-recognise GAWU. “Note the similarity - in 1948 the estate management and colonial government refused to conduct a process that would have allowed workers expression of their will to a union of choice, and in 2010 the estate management had the government support to trample on the workers’ expressed will.

“Lewis again said in 2016 sugar still hangs in the balance and taxpayers continue to prop up this industry with billions of dollars, “yet the workers’ representatives are locked out from having input on what will be done to the estates as in the instance of Wales and LBI, with the society being told that the LBI decision was made during the Jagdeo

GTUC, General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis

administration, even though it is to be implemented under another government whose parties campaigned against Jagdeo gross mismanagement of the industry.”

According to Lewis in 1948, the estate owners had a company union, claiming to represent workers’ interest, with the complicity of the colonial authority; “today an independent government treats the unions with contempt. The right to collective bargaining and honouring the agreement therein are trampled on. In some ways while the political dynamics and leadership have changed, the contempt for workers and their right to freedom of association and collective bargaining remain the same.”

ALL WORKERS CAUSES Lewis said the causes of the sugar workers in 1948 are the causes of the workers everywhere in Guyana today. He noted that the Guyana Public Service Union is on record requesting the government, the employer of public servants, to honour the Collective Labour Agreement and meet with them at the negotiation table, but this continues to fall on deaf ears.

He noted, “This is happening in spite of government repeated commitment to restore collective bargaining; the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union continues to demand that the Government respect the 2002 High Court decision into the matter of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated, but the contempt for the Judiciary remains evident; unions representing sugar workers have made public complaints of GuySuCo’s refusal to discuss with them proposed plans for the industry, which inevitability will affect workers, and management’s apparent disrespect for existing Collective Labour Agreement; the Guyana Teachers Union’s right to Collective Bargaining Continued on page 13 ►

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

GTUC flays PPP... is being ignored and statement made that the APNU+AFC administration is not bound to honour Agreements signed with the Government of Guyana during the PPP/C administration.”

Lewis told the gathering that these are issues that bind workers in 2016. “These issues speak to common interests, which are the right to freedom of association, respect for collective bargaining and desire for improving working condition. These issues cut across sections, ethnicity and political association. They border on interna-

tional conventions and charters, universal declarations, the Guyana Constitution, and time-honoured principles.”

He said today while the assaults are directed at sugar and bauxite workers, public sector workers and the teachers, “if there continues to be silence in what is evidently an attack on the Labour Movement, it is only a matter of time before all workers union and non-unionised - are treated in similar manner.”

Lewis said contempt for workers in 1948 is no different to contempt for workers in the 21st century, regardless

From page 12

of whether such takes place under Jagdeo, Ramotar or Granger/Nagamootoo leadership. “Right is right and wrong is wrong.”

ILO CONFAB Touching on the vexed issue of the International Labour Organisation conference, Lewis said labour continues to be disappointed in this administration’s treatment of workers and low priority placement on its agenda. “The failure for two consecutive years not to attend the important ILO Annual Conference on the

pretext of absence of funding when funding seems to be available for excursions is testimony of how labour is seen.” He said when for the first time in this nation’s history there is no Labour Ministry or Minister of Labour it gives rise to serious

concerns. “Social Protection is one of the four strategic objectives in the ILO Decent Work Agenda. Labour cuts across wide ranging issues that attend to workers’ socio-economic, cultural and political well-being. In that the Labour landscape

in 2016 share similarities to that of 1948 which led and sustained the sugar workers struggle, this does not constitute progress 68 years after, and all should be concerned… very, very, concerned,” the union leader asserted.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Ministry to get testing kits 13 contestants for ‘Emerging for Zika, Chikungunya Voices’ Season 2 THE Public Health Ministry is currently awaiting the arrival of ‘testing kits’ to commence testing for Chikungunya, Zika and other such viruses, now that the trained medical technologists are on the ground.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, Chief Medical Officer (CEO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud said that a number of kits have been obtained from an international organization, and the Ministry is awaiting their arrival.

Two medical technologists have been trained already to test for the viruses. With the support of the World Health Organisation/ Pan American Health Orgni-

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

sation (WHO/PAHO), the Guyanese technologists underwent training at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad.

CARPHA has been networking with other Member

States to combat Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases. Recently, it collaborated with the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct a regional laboratory training workshop in Molecular Diagnostic Detection and Surveillance of Arboviruses. During that programme, six countries were trained in the use of the Trioplex kit from CDC. As a result of the Zika outbreak, the CDC issued an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the Trioplex Real-time RT-PCR Assay – a diagnostic tool for Zika virus that is being distributed to qualified laboratories.

The assay allows doctors to tell if an individual

is currently infected with Chikungunya, dengue, or Zika using one test, instead of having to perform three separate tests to determine which infection a person may have.

Guyana has been sending samples to CARPHA to test for Zika and Chikungunya in the absence of trained medical technologists and the required kits. However, this will soon come to an end with these barriers being gradually being removed.

In addition to boosting its capacity to test for Zika and other related viruses, the Public Health Ministry has been distributing thousands of chemically-treated bed nets.

THIRTEEN singers have been selected to contest E-Networks Emerging Voices Season 2 following intense rounds of audition.

Almost 100 persons from across the country auditioned before judges Purnash Durgaprasad and Dr. Vindhya Persaud in a bid to be part of this year’s competition.

E-networks has announced that it is pleased with the level of interest shown by young Guyanese in the singing competition, which created waves among Guyanese and You Tube fans when it was first held in 2014.

Those chosen for this year’s competition are Parmeshwarie Seodat of Tuschen - West Coast Demerara (WCD), Andy Rattan -Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Karamchand Sugrim - East Canje, Berbice, Altaf Hamid - Annandale, ECD, Trisha Persaud - Parika, EBE, Ritesh Tularam - Non Pariel, ECD, Vidya Ram - Best Village, WBD, Shivanand Singh - Handsome Tree, Mahaica River, Hemraj Rasulan – No. 2 Village, West Berbice,

Sashwatie Harrichan - Unity Village, Elizabeth Wong Anna Catherina, WCD, Keshav Rampersaud Vryheid’s Lust, ECD and Dharamraj Mohabir - Hampshire, Corentyne.

In addition to the grand prizes on offer, including a one million dollar first prize, the competition provides the valuable opportunity for the contestants to be trained by judges Purnash Durgaprasad and Jeffrey Iqbal, both of whom are accomplished singers and musicians with a wide range of experience on the international scene.

Purnash started working with the contestants very soon after the audition results and, in addition to working on their songs for the competition, they have been given a daily regimen of vocal exercises to increase their capabilities.

Training will continue for the next 2 months.

The show will be aired in September and promises excellent entertainment, great production value and some surprises, including possible wildcard entries.

Friday, June 17, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Saturday, June 18, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Sunday, June 19, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Broomes on warpath against TIP IN an effort to stop Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Guyana’s hinterland regions, Government is taking strict measures to ensure that children are kept out of mining and logging areas.

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, on Tuesday said that no one should enter a mining district without producing a privilege at the various ports of entry.

The minister was speaking to officers within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and rangers from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) at a TIP workshop to train officers.

“Anyone entering into a mining district is supposed to present what you call a privilege. The days are gone when men and women will traverse the sector and say ‘this is my neighbour daughter,’ ‘this is my daughter,’ ‘this is my niece’ or ‘this is my cousin’.”

She told the officers if a privilege cannot be produced for an individual, then they must “hold the regulation” and refuse them entry into the district.

“One of the first things that we will address is the recklessness in shops throughout the mining sector. We will address that, because the more remote is the location, is the more vulnerable people out there.”

The minister said of the four pillars in TIP -- protection, prevention, partnership, prosecution -- the two agencies must make “prevention and partnership” the two fundamentals in the execution of their duties.

“You know why I know

ministry does not directly have responsibility for TIP, she said, “Every ministry has a responsibility… we will do our bit.”

Minister Broomes assured the officers that Government will address the challenges they face in the fields, as the various min-

Minister Simona Broomes addresses the gathering at the TIP training workshop

that you can deal with prevention? It is because within the same regulation and the same act that governs the sector, it makes provision…

In the Human Trafficking Act of 2005, it says clearly, “any child”, meaning below the age of 18. You cannot leave a 15-year, a 14-year, a 13-year-old to die!”

Broomes said though some human-trafficking victims are still alive, it takes God’s intervention for their lives to return to normalcy.

“I wanna tell you, a victim of trafficking in persons can never, ever, ever, ever find their way again, except with God himself. They wake up today happy, and tomorrow they’re sad. When the phone rings - “Mommy (That’s what they call her), I know that nothing good cyan come, I try everything you tell me. I try but I is no good! Is best I dead! Mommy you don’t know wha you talking, you only telling people, this is me!”

The minister said she

has received 82 such stories and hundreds of calls, and though she has her own children, she still has to offer hope to the helpless.

“Either I have to reach where they are in the morning at 03:00 hrs, I have to post money, I have to send a driver, I have to say take a taxi and bring them right away. But I have to respond!”

The minister recalled doing it her own way since the Government of the past was in denial that TIP is prevalent in Guyana and pushed her around many times.

She said the APNU+AFC Government is determined to eliminate TIP. “You have a Government who is not denying trafficking in persons, but we are going to confront slavery in Guyana. In our interior, in our hinterland, we are going to fight that crime!”

While Government does not expect the officers to do a policeman’s job, and her

istries collaborate to make things better.

She referred to the terrible state of the Konawaruk Bridge, and added: “These conditions that the officers are faced with out there, we’re gonna change them, we’re gonna change it together.”

She urged the officers to be on the lookout for the vulnerable and do what they can to rescue victims of trafficking in persons.

“Why are you seeing them and leave them?

Why? You can do something!” Minister Broomes told the officers.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

At CARICOM/CELAC MEETING…

Business Minister plugs need for greater trade diversification

By Svetlana Marshall

BUSINESS Minister Dominic Gaskin says there is need for increased trade diversification among Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico but warned that opportunities created must be accessible and beneficial to all factions of society.

Minister Gaskin made the call as he addressed a meeting of representatives of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (CELAC) on “An Assessment of the Economic and Cooperation Relations

of Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico” at the CARICOM (Caribbeam Community) Secretariat in Georgetown on Wednesday.

“Increased cooperation between two regional bodies – CARICOM and SICA (Central American Integration System) – and one regional economic powerhouse, Mexico, can certainly increase trade diversification among participating economies, and create opportunities for businesses across the globe,” Minister Gaskin said.

However, he said the ultimate beneficiaries must

be the hundreds of millions of people who make up these regions.

“In strengthening the mechanism for cooperation, we must ensure that the opportunities created are accessible and beneficial to all sizes and at all levels so that diversification in its broadest sense can occur and we can reduce the inequalities that we know exist,” he added.

Zooming in on Guyana, the Business Minister said the two-day forum is being held at a critical time in the country’s history, explaining that the country’s achievement in the next 50 years

will depend on the strengths of relations that have been forged.

The ongoing meeting is focusing on the Central America-Caribbean-Mexico circuit, which is being analyzed as it grew at an average of 2.10 per cent.

However, investment flows as a percentage of GDP in SICA (21.13 per cent) were slightly lower than those registered in the rest of LAC and the CARICOM, 23.44 per cent and 25.85 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, exports of goods and services of SICA increased at an average rate of 5.14 per cent during the period 2000-2013. It was pointed out, however, that at the beginning of this period only 3.28 per cent of SICA’s exports went to the rest of LAC, while in 2013 it increased to 10.69 per cent.

In the case of CARICOM, exports to the rest of LAC rose from 6.23 per cent of total exports in 2000 to 25.47 per cent in 2013.

KEY BARRIERS CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General Joseph Cox said that in order to achieve greater strides, key barriers must be removed.

“Lack of direct or regular

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin addressing the regional forum on Wednesday at the CARICOM Secretariat

air and sea links pose a huge challenge for all cooperation,” Cox said, while contending that it negatively affects competitiveness on both sides.

Additionally, he said, there is need for the Private Sectors in Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico to understand the varying business climate and culture, in addition to the polices and laws governing trade on all sides. This move, Cox said, will reduce the time it takes

to do business.

During this regional forum key areas of trade, investment and cooperation relations between Mexico and Central American and Caribbean countries are being addressed. Emphasis is being placed on relations with Central American nations with which it has negotiated a single Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that strengthen bilateral agreements it had established with such countries.

Reputed ‘saltfish gang’ members, mother charged with larceny A MOTHER and her two sons, purportedly members of the notorious “Saltfish gang”, appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to face larceny charges.

The woman, Mansoon Mohammed, who was charged with unlawful possession pleaded not guilty and was placed on $40,000 bail. Her sons Zaman Mohammed and Hazihidiri Mohamed of Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD) were charged with seven counts of larceny and break and

enter. They too pleaded not guilty, while the prosecution objected to bail.

They were remanded to prison until July 27, 2016.

Police on Monday reportedly caught the duo during a sting operation.

The men are accused of a recent attack on two families of Good Hope, ECD on Saturday last, the latest victims of a series of break-ins in the community.

According to police, the gang is made up of a mother and six sons and they reportedly commit their crimes by administering

Hazihidiri Mohamed

sleeping gas to their victims in order to escape unchallenged with their booty.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Rose Hall residents urge police to step up crime fight

By Nafeeza Yahya RESIDENTS of Rose Hall, Berbice are urging the police to step up their fight against crime in the community following a meeting with the high command of ‘B’ Division recently.

The meeting follows a recent spate of armed robberies in the community and its environs. The three-hour meeting was organised by Alex Foster, President of St Francis Community Developers (SFCD) and was held at their headquarters in Rose Hall, with residents, members of the business community and victims of crime in attendance.

MAJOR ISSUE The law enforcement team, including Commander Ian Amsterdam, met with the residents to address a wide range of security and traffic concerns. One of the major issues highlighted was purported to be the incompetence and unprofessionalism of the ranks at the Rose Hall Police Outpost and calls were made for the ranks at the outpost to be transferred.

The residents also asked that the police increase their patrols in the town and surrounding areas.

Godwyn Allicock, a resident, said while it hurts to know of crimes occurring in the town, there is no confidence in the ranks at the outpost and many times they lack professionalism. He also mentioned the issue of cattle rusting and the need for the police to step up and act.

“FRIED RICE POLICE’’ One resident even had a nickname for a female rank, referred to as “Fried rice police’’, whom he said asks for a ‘Chinese fried rice’ every time you get into the station.

A sister of Samuel Fernandes who was shot by bandits in Rose Hall said “it’s very sad that we all struggle (to) work and people who live among us have to try to take away our hard earnings.”

Elenor Thompson, moth-

Commander ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam addressing residents of Rose Hall Town

er of Rawle Mattos, who was beaten three days ago by bandits at Port Mourant, asked for a thorough investigation into the incident so that the family can get justice. She also made mention of an incident where the police did not act in a timely manner and the person left the jurisdiction.

In replying to the allegations, the police commander said he was made aware of the situation and has already started making some moves regarding the ranks. He assured the residents that the police have looked at the statistics and realized that while there is an overall 19% decrease in crime compared with the same period last year, the last two weeks has seen an upsurge by four more cases.

Commander Amsterdam further noted that the area with the most crime is Sub-Division Number 2, the Corentyne area, and having recognised this, the police force is channeling its resources in this area to break-up the gangs and further reduce the crime rate.

SPEAK UP Amsterdam also appealed to the citizens to be more forthcoming with information as that is critical to the overall success of solving crime. “You cannot let a few bad people intimidate you and not come forward and give us infor-

nized that the issues of crime stem from broken homes or poverty stricken families who cannot afford to send their children to school. In this regard he said the ranks have taken to the formation of youth and focus groups where they try to ensure that children are in school and youths occupy their spare time meaningfully.

He went on to say that ‘B’ Division currently has a 50% clear rate in solving serious crimes and assured residents that he will continue to work towards getting an even better clear rate but can only do so with co-oper-

vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

A call was also made for the issuance of more firearms to people but the commander addressed this by noting that while firearms can be used for protection, they can backfire if those very weapons get into the hands of criminals.

Meanwhile, Foster said the people of Rose Hall are fed up with the crime situation and have been complaining for a while now so they seized the opportunity to meet the commander to let him know what is happening and what they feel can be done about the

Hall people should lookout for each other. Shop keepers trying to earn an honest living and are forced to close down their shops.

We must stand up for our rights.”

Meanwhile, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club has committed to assist the police outpost with whatever is needed to assist in crime fighting. CEO Foster said they will be donating bicycles, lights and bumper stickers with contact information of officers.

Among recommendations to the police was the need for follow-up and

Residents of Rose Hall Town at the meeting held with top officials of ‘B’ Division at the St Francis Community Developers headquarters in Rose Hall

mation for fear of victimization, cause eventually they will turn on you when they can’t get their way. It’s better to come forward now before they get worse and more bold later. You have to be the ears and eyes of the police when we are not here so that we can catch these criminals. We don’t play as some of you may think we put them behind bars - that’s our job and we can only make it happen with your co-operation that’s why we are here. Speak out, don’t accommodate criminals, speak up.”

YOUTH AND FOCUS GROUPS Amsterdam also said that the force has recog-

ation from the community.

He also called on residents who may be harbouring criminals to desist from doing so and for people to be

situation.

“I am a product of this community - what is going on for the past couple of weeks is not good…Rose

monitoring of prisoners after they are released and better reform systems so they can lead a better life.

1000 marijuana plants destroyed at Rockstone Backlands

POLICE conducted a drug eradication operation on Thursday at Rockstone Backlands, Upper Demerara River, during which the y destroyed half an acre

of land with marijuana plants.

According to a police report, the land contained about 1000 marijuana plants, three nurseries and in excess of fifty kilograms

of dried cannabis.

The plants range between one foot to six feet in height and were destroyed.

Two males are in custody and assisting with the investigation.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Wanted: More theatre, please!

WITH the Jubilee Theatre Festival behind us, a few vivid observations can be deduced: Guyana is blessed with immense artistic talent; local art enthusiasts have been starved for such wholesome entertainment; and, most of all, such wholesome entertainment, scarce as it may be, is yet to attract the attention it deserves.

The Jubilee Theatre Festival ran from May 12-June 12, and featured a healthy mix of short and full-length plays from Guyanese playwrights across the 50-year stretch, including classics like Frank Pilgrim’s ‘Miriamy’ (1962) and John Campbell’s ‘Come back to Melda’ (1957).

With a cornucopia of themes, from, obeah, infidelity, murder, romance, lost dreams and arranged marriages, each play, though staged several times over the years, was instilled with a flare of originality by an enthusiastic group of young thespians.

Despite the rich dose of culture and talent, however, the crowd over the one-month period remained average. Even with Theatre Guild’s modest accommodation of 300, many nights, the attendance left much to be desired.

AVERAGE AUDIENCE “There was never any sold-out night; we had an average audience of about 60 to 70,” Festival coordinator, Mosa Telford said in an interview. “Of course, it was disappointing because the plays were good. However, we figured it was because so many other events were going on at the time, and also because the festival wasn’t advertised as much as we would have liked,” she added.

But Mosa, who is a playwright herself, admitted that as the Independence activities waned, the attendance somewhat improved.

‘Miriamy’ and Ronald Hollingsworth’s ‘Till Ah Find A Place’ were among those that filled the Theatre Guild, while other plays like ‘Benjie Darling’, ‘Green Card Marriage’ and ‘Sauda’ saw a decent attendance, as did ‘Colour of Race’, which was held in Berbice. Additionally, she mentioned that the attendance at ‘Journey to Freedom’ and ‘House of Pressure’, which were held at the National Cultural Centre was not impressive in comparison to the venue’s capacity of 2,500 persons.

ADVERTISE MORE Asked what could possibly be done for shows like these to appeal more to a larger group, Mosa pointed to advertising. “I think we can advertise more. Also, it’s the way how you advertise,” she said, adding: “Many times, I find the ‘ads’ are not very appealing. We have to find creative ways to hook people into wanting to see our plays.”

Moreover, the culture has changed with regards to the type of shows that interest the bigger crowds.

“Serious drama is just not doing it for people anymore,” Mosa said. “A lot of what is represented on stage is what is actually happening in people’s lives, and maybe it makes them feel uncomfortable, seeing it represented on stage. People just want to take an evening out to laugh,” she said.

Referencing popular shows like ‘Nothing to Laugh About’, which sees sold-out attendance at almost every showing, Mosa stated that advertising for that show is well executed.

“Some of those people will never go to see a serious play; you stand a better chance at Theatre Guild putting on

‘Green Card Marriage’

‘Benjie Darling’

THE THEATRE INDUSTRY Then come the issues with the theatre industry as a whole. With inadequate remuneration for their efforts, and insufficient recognition, it has been long the practice for theatre to be but a part-time occupation for the passionate actors.

“A lot of people who would have had plays, you see them and you don’t see them after, because there’s not that kind of support,” Mosa said. “It’s very expensive to stage a play, if you’re going to do it by yourself. And a lot of times, sponsors don’t want to come on board, especially at the National Cultural Centre, with all the taxes you’re required to pay.”

For that reason, she pointed out, there has been a shift from hosting the majority of shows at the National Cultural Centre. Now that the Theatre Guild has reintroduced its Film Festival, she said that more plays are being held there.

“But it’s not really a paying thing, because it’s a place where you come to learn; so you find young people shying away from it. And with the economic times, people can’t really afford to do anything for free; and you can’t be upset with them,” she said.

may not be good at planning creative events, and vice versa. So we need to get to a place where we respect people for the job they do, and that would fix a whole lot of the issues,” he added.

During his own travels, Clinton recalled seeing many Guyanese who have migrated and are doing well within the theatre industry in other Caribbean countries. “It goes to show, they aren’t incapable, but they aren’t being supported here.

“The fact is, you can’t live on theatre in Guyana, so the people who are doing it here and now, are doing it for the love; and if people are willing to do something just for the love, that should be fostered as much as possible,” he said.

Theatre enthusiasts extend kudos to the government for staging the theatre festival, but said that promises for support for other events tend to be lackluster.

“We need a genuine paradigm shift in how we communicate on a performing and sector level.

Once we bridge that gap, we can make progress,” Clinton said.

NOT AT ALL ENCOURAGING She said that while government support, through the recent Jubilee Theatre Festival, is welcomed, a more encouraging and consistent support system and environment would be a great help.

“A lot of times within theatre, it’s a fight down. We need an environment that will encourage artists to want to do more; make us feel like we are important, and that our work is respected…

Culture is a very essential part of a country, and if you don’t support, then what will happen?”

Actor, director and fellow playwright, Clinton Duncan, echoed Mosa’s sentiments, even describing the industry as “an upward battle”.

“It’s not that there hasn’t been any support,” he said. “But there needs to be a bridging of the gap between the creative minds and the logistic minds, because people who are good at logistics

GOING FORWARD On a brighter note, those who did attend the Jubilee Theatre Festival are very pleased with the rich dose of culture they have been fed, and have given rave reviews of the plays that have been staged.

UK-based Freelance Journalist, Carinya Sharples, who attended some of the plays, wrote on her blog, Humming of the Bird, that what she saw was not “amateurish work”, stating that she was “astounded by the energy and effort put into the festival by the organisers, and by the quality of some of the writing and performances.”

Mosa said that she has received several inquiries from the public as to when such an event will be staged again. But while there is hope of another festival on the horizon, for now, the organisers and actors definitely need a rest.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Local artist to represent Guyana in T&T

WHEN 28-year-old Raimund Rausch left his job as a project officer at a large firm two years ago, it was with one goal in mind: To escape the monotony of a ‘nine-to-five’, and to follow his passion as an artist.

And though he admits that paying work does not come along as steadily as would the remuneration of that ‘nine-tofive’, it is the fact that he gets to live his passion that drives him as an artist.

In fact, Raimund is about to take the biggest step of his fledgling art career, by representing Guyana at the

upcoming Regional Art Show, “Integration through Art” in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Scheduled for June 22-28, the seven-day exhibition is the first of its kind, and was organised by Trinidad-based Guyanese artist, Damian Moore.

Geared to providing a platform for both emerging and established male artists in the Caribbean region to showcase their work, the event will also feature a seminar aimed at coaching the artists on how to survive in the current socio-economic and cultural climate.

Apart from Damion, Raimund is the only Guyanese whose work will be featured at the regional event, and he is excited to represent his country.

“It is indeed a privilege to be among these established artists,” Raimund told The Buzz.

“This is my first trip out of Guyana to show my work, so to have that title as an ambassador is a bit nerve wracking; but I’m up for it.”

Though he has been known to be an avid sketcher since his boyhood days, it was only three years ago that he really

took himself seriously as an artist.

“REDD entertainment asked me to design a background for them to use for the show, then they invited me to showcase my work, and I saw it as a significant opportunity,” he said.

Since then, the budding artist has honed his skills, using self-taught methods, and is now practising his craft full-time.

“Leaving my job was a big risk,” he said, “but I wanted to push myself more, despite that.

If you want to succeed and

Raimund Rausch, Guyanese artist

‘A Beautiful Mind’

have your dreams out there, you need to make a sacrifice.

“I was over the whole mundane life that repeats itself daily; so, instead of being there, I decided to do what I love doing.” Not only does Raimund love what he’s doing, he also admits that committing himself solely to the arts has taught him more about who is in the last two years than he has ever learned in his life.

“I have developed more patience with who I am, and I have learned better self-expression. It’s a learning pro-

cess, but I’m loving every step of it,” he said.

Raimund refers to himself as a mixed- medium artist, and can often be found experimenting with water colour, charcoal and other mediums that send his intended message to his audience in the most appropriate way.

As he embarks on this significant journey, it is not in search of accolades, but to represent beautiful Guyana through his art, and to become even more in tune with his inner artist.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

The arts and the bureaucratic gatekeeper

I

F the arts is indeed to impact on the economy as an earner of foreign currency, then there has to be an elevation in awareness of the relevance of the arts to all levels of development.

The current perception of ambiguousness has to change; the mystery of this local mindset has a dual explanation that is translated as follows: My father was a contractor/furniture producer. In one of his many lectures to me, I was scolded because I was given a sketchbook to learn furniture design, and I drew a skit, based on my own interpretation of Dr. No, the James Bond movie, plus some D-Day stuff.

My Dad’s [whom I didn’t grow up with]’s contention was that I would starve in Guyana if I chose art as a career; that I would have to go abroad to earn a living in art.

That dual perspective has persisted; though much work has been done post-Independence, there still exists a fossilised inferior complex concerning the existence of the artist in the invisible caste system in the Guyanese consciousness that has to be positively mutated.

A CASE IN POINT Some years ago, a friend from the Lions invited me to help him manage a poster competition for primary school children. He took me to Enterprise Primary School at D’Urban Backlands. The children were eager, even excited; but I had to eventually ask the teacher if they did art at the school. She responded with an all-knowing answer, that they [her students] didn’t need to do art at the primary level until they went on to secondary school.

I was astonished, but cautioned by my colleague not to push it. We both concluded that the stage for the development of the imagination was at the primary level.

A student (a friend’s son) once told me that while at secondary school, he had an encounter with a similar teacher who entered his pre-CXC class and said to him and his colleagues, “Oh, you’re the Arts Stream! I’m not going to expect much from you.” That teacher didn’t stay long, but I’m sure she’s somewhere else in the system doing damage.

INTELLECTUAL FLAW That intellectual flaw was somewhat clarified for me when I had a conversation recently with veteran artist, Stanley Greaves about this problem about the arts being used opportunistically, then dismissed by the bureaucracy.

He explained that when the Burrowes School of Art was launched, it carried a general art curriculum; and one of the ideas advocated was an ‘art appreciation’ syllabus for the school system.

This was rejected by the education administrators of that day; thus, the vacuum that exists today has only deepened.

Today, however, we do have an opportunity to influence a process that has left us behind the Caribbean. We hold on to the pittance of piracy and miss the volume of human talent; geographic and collaborative potential that can be explored and exploited.

The arts and its practitioners are fragmented, due to the lack of positive engagement from the overall State and private sector collective.

But these fragmented bodies rest on tremendous potential which cannot be activated, because it has not been recognised that they are burdened by R&D costs, which are demanded to meet the standards of competitive content.

Every other industry receives and demand bailouts in the billions as soon as they feel feverish.

ARTISTIC BAILOUT The arts would require, for the first time in its history since Independence, an infusion off less than 1 % that it has taken the State, at any disbursement period over the last ten years, to keep GuySuCo alive.

At the only meeting we [The arts community at a limited level] had with the honourable Madam Minister of Culture, we were advised that it was preferred that we approach her office to negotiate for any financial interaction as groups.

The fact is that in its fragmented state, many varied sections of creative economics are at an individual state, with the required support talent not even receiving the training at our local institutions at this moment.

But, singular ideas have generated industries, whether one looks at science or the arts; and they are not different in the mystery of currents that flow through the brain.

The precedents are glaring all around us, from the alchemists of ancient Khemet to Leonardo da Vinci’s machine designs.

The souls in the arts have not chosen their careers because it was easy; there’s an opinion that one can bluff one’s way in the arts. This is not true.

Last Friday evening, I saw three talented actors perform Paloma Mohamed’s ‘Benjie Darling’ at the Theatre Guild. You can’t get up there on the stage and not be gifted with something special. I’ve seen bluff; and it’s always transparent.

There are movements afoot, which, for the first time, will include inputs from the cultural-industry community.

Finances coming into this country should involve our participation; the time is now to extend that hand of trust, indicating that we don’t have to stand only on our self-driven, self-financed achievements.

Pay an entitled budgetary attention to us on our merits! Perhaps that would give life to the image of the arts in the bureaucratic valley of bones.

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Celebrating 50 years of nationhood --Fashion throughout the years

“A lot of our inspiration comes from our backgrounds, being raised in traditional Indian homes: The things we read, the things we were shown, colours, textures, and history of this wonderful country Guyana.

“It’s about knowing what you want to portray, and who you are at the core as a designer.

“I think Guyanese know how to dress themselves fashionably, while remaining modest and comfortable.

“For us, the less you show, the sexier you are, and the more seductive you are. Confidence is sexy.” -- Hashim Alli & Melicia Partab

“I started with the idea of Georgetown the Garden City, then added my own imagination.

“I thought about the elements essential to life of the garden sunlight. I wanted my customers to look brave and bright, stunning and different.

“I picked the most beautiful colours. The pieces of this collection can be summed up as a cultural explosion of colours, patterns, and designs” -- Sidney L Francois

TODAY

Buzzing this week

Poetry and Jazz on a Stool is back for the entertainment of poetry lovers. Come out to Julian’s Bar on Cummings Street and enjoy the lyrical and musical talent of gifted poets, or share some of your own work during Open Mic. Admission is $1,000. Event begins at 19:30hrs.

“Perhaps the most jaw-dropping collection, HOME was a tribute Guyana. It’s no secret that Guyana inspires my work, and this collection is no different; it basically showcases things that I love about Guyana, such as Shell Beach, amazing birds and vibrant culture.

“Comprising of draped silk evening wear with heavy beaded work and embroidery on nude mesh inserts, it’s very sexy; high-end and high-fashion.” -- Randy Madray

“For me, Guyana is full of beauty. I wanted my pieces to show where I come from; my cultural background; and basically the good parts of being Guyanese.

“This line gives birth to our lost culture of traditional tie-dying by adding a modern twist to it.

“There’s a great deal of Guyanese cultural heritage embedded in the designs. I use craft techniques such as tie-dying, which I’ve adapted in a more contemporary way, so I can bring it into everyday outfits...

“I wanted the collection to represent who we are and how we show ourselves as Guyanese. It’s worth it when you see the end result, and you can see how far your garments can travel on their own, without you even having to speak.”

-- Jason

TOMORROW The Jubilee Film Festival night is on for one last weekend.

Tomorrow night, catch Frank Pilgrim’s 1962 comedy, ‘Miriamy’ at the Theatre Guild from 20:00hrs.

Tickets cost $1,500 and $1,000.

It will be nothing but good vibes at Gravity Lounge from 20:00hrs at their Vibes Overload Party.

Enjoy mixes from DJ Shizzle and other sound masters.

Drink specials will be served all night. Be sure to be there!

Have a Hawaiian Night at Palm Court from 20:00hrs. Pulse Entertainment brings you tropical-themed entertainment with this island-style party.

Ladies free before 22:00hrs; admission is $2,000 otherwise.

SUNDAY The Jubilee Film Festival closes with Francis Quamina Farrier’s Journey to Freedom at the National Cultural Centre from 20:00hrs.

Ready for another Hash Run? Then join the Guyana Hash House Harriers for Run #722.

Meet-up is in front of the British High Commission on Main Street at 10:20hrs. Hash-Cash is $3,000 per person.

Be amazed by the skill of local body painters and sculptors at the Gods and Monsters Body Art Show and Exhibition at the Pegasus Hotel from 17:00hrs.

Prepare to experience Body Art in Guyana like never before.

Bravo Arts fuses the art of body painting and special effects makeup to bring to life creatures you can only find in your dreams. Tickets: $3,000 for adults and $1000 for kids.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

The Golden Pig

By Neil Primus

ETHEL was a bad girl. Everyone kept out of her way.

She was always ready for a confrontation. If you looked too hard at her, and she didn’t like it: Trouble!

It was difficult not to look at Ethel. She was young, beautiful and very sexy. When she dressed, it left little to the imagination. She was not afraid to flaunt her assets for all to admire or gawk at.

At 22, she was one of the most attractive women in the village of Staten Field. All the men admired her; all the women disliked her. It was with the latter that most of her clashes occurred.

Early one August evening, Old Mrs. Kirk saw Ethel passing in one of the shortest skirts imaginable. If she only coughed, it would be a matter of sudden exposure. Mrs. Kirk had six children; all girls. They were married with children and living overseas. She knew how to raise good young ladies. As Ethel strutted by, Mrs. Kirk called out to her.

“Child, go home and put on some clothes before you ketch cold na!”

“Wha you sey?”

This was ample warning

to shut up and mind your own business.

“Yuh showing out all yuh body. Yuh nah shame?”

Ethel lost it. She give poor Mrs. Kirk a good Guyanese busing. Mrs. Kirk heard things about herself that even she didn’t know of. She quietly withdrew, leaving Ethel to rant on. After someone shouted that they had called the police, the angry woman hustled away.

Everyone was wary of her.

One wrong word and you were in for a good cuss- out. Even Pastor Cuffy was very circumspect when speaking to Ethel.

Once he invited her to church, and she said in a wicked undertone: “Dis is all the clothes I have pastor. Can I wear it?”

Well! Even the preacher, who was blacker than 10 past midnight in an eclipse, blushed, right down to his well manicured toenails. He looked away guiltily, because Ethel was wearing very little, and he knew it would be pandemonium in church if she appeared dressed like that. Even though it would increase the male membership, he would have a mini riot among his loyal ladies. No way!

Ethel had a very busy

nightlife; she worked out of a Brazilian nightclub, and was one of the favourite girls. Her professional title was ‘Glamorous Escort’. The club was in the nearby town, and was frequented by most of the men in the village. Only a few had not utilized her services; most of them were married men.

She kept their secret and their money. Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday’s were her busiest nights. After work, she would get a lift to the head of the village, and walked the mileand-a-half in. Ethel lived at the very last house in the village.

The house was left her by her mom, who was deceased.

She never knew her father, and had been sexually abused for years by a number of her mother’s male friends. Mom turned a blind eye, because the men were her only source of income.

Her mother died when she was 14, and Ethel stopped going to school. She had affair after affair with the men of the village, and became very unpopular with the women. When the Brazilians opened the club in the town, she got a job there.

Her walk home was usually uneventful; everyone was usually sound asleep, long before 2

or 3am in the morning. She had the road to herself, and except for a few annoying dogs, nothing bothered her. Sometimes, she would take off her high heels and walk barefoot along the dark, unlit road.

One fore–day morning, Ethel had a very strange encounter. To this day, many people have doubts about her story. She was walking along the village road on her way home on that fateful morning.

The click, click sound of her heels tapped out her rate of progress. It was a casual note.

In the nearby bushes, Ethel heard a rustling noise. She glanced in that direction, only to see a fat pig ambling from the undergrowth. Smiling to herself, she strolled on.

As she walked, she sensed that something was amiss.

Glancing back, she saw the pig walking in her direction.

This didn’t bother her one bit, and she continued on. Click!

Clack! Click! She glanced back once more; the pig was drawing nearer. On she went, Click! Clack! Click! The sound was much louder now. Looking back, Ethel became worried.

This animal was catching up to her. Worse, the click, clack click was not only her heels,

‘Art of War’...

Round II set for July EMPIRE Media Inc. will stage its second event dubbed, “The Art of War” on July 23, 2016 at the GFC Ground, at Bourda.

The event is a DJ competition featuring five of Guyana’s best DJs battling for $500,000 and bragging rights.

The Art of War intends to reignite this art form in Guyana in the most dynamic way, while putting our local selectors and DJs on the map, both regionally and internationally.

The competing DJs are: Selector Face, DJ Magnum, DJ Killer, DJ Antz Man & DJ Platinum.

The event promises to be an explosive affair, with fans for every DJ coming out to show their support. It will feature four rounds, in which the DJs are required to use their slickest talents to wow the crowd.

A Promo Round/Cyber warfare will also be included

before the competition begins. This will take the form of a recorded studio clash, where each DJ/Selector will play three songs on a specified theme.

The clash will be placed Online, and members of the Internet audience will vote for the best round. A minimal prize will be awarded for this round.

The Art of War DJ competition will be judged solely by the fans. Empire Media Inc. hopes to include regional and internationally-acclaimed sound systems and DJs in the future.

Music will be provided by Pier 1, DJ Dellon, DJ Ice & DJ Energy.

Early-bird tickets are $1,000, and regular tickets $1,500.

For more information on this event, you can ‘like’ the Facebook page, ‘Empire Media Inc’, or call DJ Dellon on 662-7270, or Eusi on 862-233-0494.

but the pig’s hooves. It was keeping perfect time with her.

Ethel increased her pace.

Click! Clack! Click! Clack!

The fat pig kept pace. She stopped suddenly. The sound ceased. Sweat began to trickle down her face, back and arms.

She started an ungainly run; the pig trotted closer. Ethel started to tremble. What was going on here?? Then, the old fire in her burst out, and she rounded angrily on the animal.

“Get!! Why de hell you followin’ me?”

The pig’s eyes glowed, and a smooth voice said: “Yuh shoulda neva talk!”

Poor Ethel couldn’t believe her ears. Then, something even more incredible happened. The pig grinned at her, and skinned its teeth. To Ethel’s horror, the animal’s mouth was filled with flashing gold teeth! Then, the pig gave her a golden glow. Its body shone like the noonday sun.

“Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh!” The smiling animal came at her at a gallop.

With that, Ethel let out a scream that would annoy a deaf man. Kicking her expensive shoes away, she took off with a sprint. The jolly pig followed, jeering her all the way.

“Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh…!”

Ethel knew that the animal was catching up with her fast.

She looked around desperately. Where could she seek refuge? The only place with lights on was the church. Although she never liked going to church, it became her best choice at that moment. She scaled the fence and banged on the door. Of course, nobody was there. Then a strange thing occurred. The pig stopped on the road, and its grin became an ugly snarl.

“Ah must ketch up wid yuh some time! Yuh like walk late!”

Then, the fat pig disappeared. Ethel placed her head on her knees and wept.

The next day, people passing by were shocked to see Ethel on the church step. When dawn broke, she ventured out.

She told everyone who cared to listen about her experience but many didn’t believe and only laughed at her. Only Mrs. Kirk understood. She called Ethel and spoke to her.

“That is a bad jumbie you meet up, chile. If it ketch yuh, yuh dead!”

Ethel promptly left the nightclub and got a job at the supermarket. She was home every day before dark.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Govt salutes memory of Enmore Martyrs GOVERNMENT has joined with all Guyanese, in particular, the workers in the sugar industry in remembering the sacrifice of the heroic Enmore Martyrs whose lives were taken in the struggle for better working conditions.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo observed that, “June 16th 2016 is another milestone in a very long journey when we remember the

Enmore Martyrs – Lallabajee, Harry, Surujbally, Rambarran and Pooran – because their lives were cut down as they pursued a noble cause.”

Prime Minister Nagamootoo added, “in 1948 that cause was for better working conditions in the sugar industry and for the recognition of a trade union of the workers’ choice.”

From slavery and indentureship through national-

ization much sacrifice was made in the sugar industry, which today faces complex problems. In remembering the sacrifices of the Enmore Martyrs the Coalition Government urges all sugar workers, management and unions to work together to find viable solutions.

The sugar industry has faced severe challenges, and by 2014 had been brought to a state of severe indebtedness.

The new Coalition Government has sought to rescue the industry from the years of mismanagement and rising cost of production while since taking office, it has subsidized the industry in the amount of $21Billion.

The new administration is committed to the diversification of the sugar industry to prevent its collapse.

In this regard, the Coalition Government recognises

the sacrifice of those who have worked and are working in the industry, making their contribution towards national development.

On this occasion, when we remember and honour the memory of the Enmore Martyrs, we embrace their descendants as we recognise the ultimate sacrifice which was made by these five fearless sugar workers, whose names are indelibly etched

into the history of our beloved nation’s struggle for human rights, justice and respect.

The Coalition Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana salutes the Enmore Martyrs for their selfless and monumental sacrifice which transcends all divisions in our society and which serves as a platform for unity in the struggle for a better and more cohesive Guyana.

Sicklers need priority treatment ‒ at public health facilities, says FACES

By Svetlana Marshall A LOCAL sickle cell organisation – Fight Against Sickle Cell Stigma (FACES) – is calling on the Public Health Ministry to institute measures that allow sicklers to be given priority treatment at public health facilities across the country.

Founder and President of FACES, Sabrina Kazim, said there is need for an acrossthe-board protocol in the local health sector for treatment of sicklers. Kazim said while there is an established protocol at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), sicklers are often “left out in the cold” at other public hospitals.

“There are some hospitals that do not have any protocol when it comes to sicklers… a sickler in crisis should not have to sit at a hospital for four hours and then get treatment,” she said.

The sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder, characterised mainly by chronic anaemia and periodic episodes of pain called “painful crises.”

FACES President said once identified, sicklers should receive immediate attention, but said the organisation is cognisant of the fact that there will be “life-and- death” cases that would require the attention

of doctors.

Kazim spoke to the media shortly after the opening ceremony of a “Sickle Cell Awareness Workshop” at the GPHC’s Resource Centre.

FACES hosted the workshop on Thursday in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud, echoed similar sentiments. “I really [would] like to see some standardisation to the approaches being taken when dealing with sicklers,” he said.

The one-day workshop drew participation from the Public Health Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Social Protection, FACES and the GPHC, including sicklers.

This year, the Public Health Ministry announced its intention to place greater emphasis on sickle cell. Last year, Vice-President of the Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Association, Nurse Grace Bond, called the ministry out over its non-recognition of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day which is observed on June 19.

In a Guyana Chronicle award-winning article at the PAHO/WHO 2015 Media Awards, “Enough not being done for ‘sicklers’ …Dr Norton pledges gov’t support,” Bond had said “Since 2009, our country has not

been highlighting this disease, and so I am asking this Government to recognise that Sickle Cell is one of the worst genetic conditions.”

The United Nations General Assembly in 2009 adopted a resolution for the recognition of Sickle Cell Anaemia as a public health problem. Sickle Cell Anaemia has been identified as one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases which has severe physical, psychological and social consequences for sicklers and by extension their families. As such, June 19 has been designated by the UN as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. In addition to acknowledging World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, the association would like the Public Health Ministry to establish a National Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Register, implement guidelines and protocols of care, newborn screening, introduce a daily penicillin prophylaxis along with folic acid and introduce pneumovax from age two years for people with the Sickle Cell disease.

Health Minister Dr George Norton, in acknowledging that there might have been some oversight in giving due recognition to World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, pledged his ministry’s commitment to strengthen relationships with organisations

such as the Guyana Sickle Cell and Thalasasemia Association.

“Certainly they will get our support,” he had said.

It is clear, that the ministry is living up to this pledge.

In a recent statement, the ministry said it is playing an active role in the local observances which are being held under the theme: “Exhibit courage and address ineffective areas of support.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately five per cent of the world’s population carries traits of haemoglobin

disorders, mainly sickle-cell disease and thalassaemia.

An estimated 300,000 babies with severe haemoglobin disorders are born each year globally, and according to WHO, “the health burden of haemoglobin disorders can be effectively reduced through management and prevention programmes.”

In an effort to bring assistance to sicklers and persons living with haemoglobin disorders, the WHO has adopted two resolutions.

The resolution on Sickle Cell disease was adopted during

the 59th World Health Assembly in May, 2006, while the second resolution on Thalassaemia was adopted during the 118th meeting of the WHO Executive Board. These resolutions have called upon affected countries and the Secretariat of WHO to strengthen their response to these conditions.

Additionally, a resolution on the prevention and management of birth defects, including Sickle Cell disease and Thalassaemia was adopted by the 63rd World Health Assembly in May 2010.

Sweet potato production ‒ through collaboration with sweetened US university, NAREI, UG SWEET potato production in Guyana will be enhanced, thanks to collaboration between the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), Partners of America (Local Chapter), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the University of Guyana.

A two-member team from UAPB comprising Sweet Potato Specialist, Dr James Garner; and Dean of the School of Agriculture, Dr Edmund Buckner, recently visited Guyana to initiate project-implementation activities.

They met with Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder and other key stakeholders,

including Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth.

Minister Holder ex pressed gratitude to the UAPB team for selecting Guyana to be part of this important activity and pledged the ministry’s full support for the project. The project duration is five years.

The project, which is being funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), will focus on improving seed quality in order to boost production and yields.

Emphasis will be placed on the development of superior sweet potato lines as measured by horticultural quality, reduced virus infection and increased yield and

soil-pest resistance.

Additionally, two local scientists will be trained in the areas of micro-propagation and biotech procedures needed to establish a virus-tested sweet potato foundation seed programme.

The successful implementation of this project will add to NAREI’s efforts in advancing sweet potato production.

NAREI is currently conducting sweet potato trials at Mon Repos and Parika. The aim of the trials is to determine whether the use of sprinkler irrigation would increase yields.

Further, NAREI is also engaged in the multiplication of different varieties of sweet potatoes.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Suriname interested in Guyana’s Coconut Festival GUYANA’S very first Coconut festival will be held during the observance of Agriculture month in October this year, under the theme: Awakening a Sleeping Giant.

A release from the Ministry of Public Telecommunications with responsibility for Tourism noted that stakeholders in the neighbouring Republic of Suriname have signalled their full support for the Guyana Coconut Festival scheduled for October 28 to 30, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

Guyanese Director General of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, and Raymond Trotz, Chairman of the National Stakeholders Platform for Coconut Development, were able to outline the structure of this break-out event at a recent high level meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname organised

by Mrs. Sadi-Ann Kersenhout, representative of the

Suriname Staatsraad (State Council).

According to the release, they explained that the festival is a direct spin-off of the Cooperation Agreement signed last February between Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder and Minister responsible for Tourism, Catherine Hughes.

Its main objective, they said, is to enhance awareness of the numerous household uses for this fruit and the export value of every single part of the nuts, the leaves, branches and trunk of the coconut tree.

“The versatile coconut grows in such abundance in this part of the world that it could easily become an economic staple,” DG Sinclair was quoted as saying in the release.

The visiting Guyanese officials also made a presentation at the AlphaMax Academy, also in Parmaribo, to approximately 70 Surinamese stakeholders

who included Permanent Secretary in the Surinamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Henry McDonald.

“This official fully endorsed the venture. He agreed that the coconut is an under-used natural product with tremendous food, health and decorative value,” the release noted.

“Hopefully this (festival) could shake us awake out of a comfortable sleep ... start the production and export of this global SUPER FRUIT,” the release quoted him as saying.

It was noted that to date a number of Surinamese enterprises and one artiste have given firm commitments to participate in the Coconut Festival. The Suriname College of Hospitality and Tourism is among them and they intend to showcase the coconut-based Javanese, Hindustani and Maroon cuisine of Suriname.

“Bert Schreuders of So-

A section of the gathering at a recent high-level meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname

tomix has also indicated that his company will use the opportunity to launch fertilised coco peat on the Caribbean market,” the release stated.

The last week of October 2016 will be designated Coconut Awareness Week in

Guyana. Among the range of activities will be product exhibitions, cooking and processing demonstrations, and presentations by Guyanese, Surinamese and American stakeholders.

In the interim, the Fes-

tival’s Planning Committee will continue to engage other international producers and exporters of coconut products in India, Mexico, Brazil and the Dominican Republic to secure their participation.

Zero-tolerance for trafficking in persons ‒ First Lady urges

By Shauna Jemmott FIRST LADY Sandra Granger has said Government will no longer tolerate the enslaving of girls and women in Guyana through trafficking in persons (TIP), particularly in Guyana’s hinterland regions.

She charged the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to work in accordance with the law to accomplish the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) aimed at significantly reducing violent deaths, exploitation, and torture of children.

The First Lady made this call while delivering opening remarks at the TIP Awareness Training Workshop for Officers, held at Duke Lodge on Tuesday. She referred to specific UNSD goals, one of which aims to “significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere,” and to “end abuse,

exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against torture of children.”

Slavery was abolished here some 178 years ago, and the First Lady contended that: “fifty years after Independence, trafficking in persons must not be tolerated”.

Mrs Granger pointed out that Government, in keeping with the ‘Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005’, has reconvened the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, with Vice-President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan as its Chairperson.

One of Minister Ramjattan’s responsibilities is collecting and disseminating information on efforts to combat TIP, and training law enforcement and immigration officials.

The First Lady told the officers that they, too, have a responsibility to “significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere; (and) end abuse, exploitation, traffick-

wounded to our souls when we learn of these awful incidents of exploitation and degradation?”

First Lady Sandra Granger speaking at the trafficking-in-persons workshop on Tuesday (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

ing and all forms of violence against, and torture of, children”, according to the UN Declaration.

Declaring that women are the more common traffickers, who hold these girls hostage in a distant land away from their homes, Mrs Granger asked: “How can I not be moved, as a woman, a daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, cousin, friend?

How can any of us not feel

GO BEYOND HEARSAY She urged the officers to go beyond hearsay; move past cultural barriers and gather evidence which would lead to the prosecution of all those who traffic persons.

“I hope that you will think of desperate young girls, lured not only from villages in the interior, but from the coastland as well, supposedly to work as cooks or waitresses, or to manage a business or serve as shop assistants; but for many, really to serve as prostitutes who, when they express the wish to return home, are presented with whopping bills and told how much money they owe to the ‘business’ – the cost of a bottle of water, of food, of lodging – so that in order to pay off this massive debt, they are forced into further servitude and/or prostitution,” the First Lady appealed.

She added that the laws of Guyana state that sexual intercourse with a minor

under the age of 16 is rape, and none should have any excuse of “she wanted it”, or “I thought she was older”, or “she said she was 17”.

“The person who has sexual relations with a child under 16 is committing statutory rape. Rape is a crime of power, and must, in my view be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” the First Lady said.

AT RISK Mrs Granger also pointed out that the lives of the victims of TIP are at risk with them being exposed to HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). These trafficked victims, she said, are entitled to the same rights and freedoms all other Guyanese enjoy.

“I ask you to reflect on our common humanity; to see these young girls (and boys) as our children, our sisters and brothers, cousins and friends who deserve our care and protection. I want you to see them as fellow Guyanese (who are) entitled to the same rights and freedoms we have; as valuable resources of our country; our human capital.”

As Government’s eyes and ears in the hinterland locations, Mines Officers and Forestry Rangers are on the frontline in the fight against TIP. “As you go about performing your duties, you are our Government’s eyes and ears on the ground in our interior locations. You know who the miners and loggers are, where the mines are located, where the forests are being harvested, where miners and loggers go to get their equipment and supplies; where they go to take a break from their labours.”

Mines Officers must add to their valuable service to Guyana by simply “preventing and reporting to the relevant authorities on cases of trafficking in persons; assisting in public awareness activities; working in partnership with other officials and representatives of NGOs and communities to help eradicate this blight; and helping to ensure the prosecution of these criminals who lack human compassion and deny victims their human rights,” Mrs Granger said.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

29

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Petra/Ministry of Health/Stop Gender-Based Violence Football

Twenty-two goals scored on day five

TWENTY-TWO goals were scored at Cuffy Ground on night five of the Ministry of Education-sponsored Stop Gender-Based Violence Football tournament, organised by the Petra organisation.

The first game, Campbellville vs Laing Avenue, ended in a 4-4 draw. Laing’s scorers were Roy Cossou who netted a brace and Orlando Ricketts and David George who both made single strikes.

Meanwhile for Camp-

bellville, Okeri Codrington’s two strikes, coupled with one each from Ozeal Small and Kenneth Jackson, provided the equaliser.

In game two, Holmes Street won their encounter over California Square via walkover while game three saw West Back Road, thanks to a Jamal Haynes double (17th and 27th), beat Channel 9 Warriors whose only strike came from Kemo Lawrence in the sixth minute.

Tucville and North East La Penitence played to a 1-1

draw, thanks to Calvin Moore and Dennis Edwards while Globe Yard edged Cross Street 2-1.

Globe Yard scorers were Andrew Murray (17th) and Rolex Smith (28th) while Cross Street had Shalomo Hunte (3rd) registering on target.

In the last game of the evening Festival City were downed 2-4 by North Ruimveldt. Festival City’s Eon Alleyne who scored in the 14th and 19th saw his strikes overturned by Anthony Sancho’s 9th minute strike as well as

Gerald Gittens’ (15th and 30th) and Joshua Browne’s (16th) Matches continue tomorrow with Broad Street playing the Ministry of Health, Albouystown facing Young Ballers and West Front Road confronting Queen Street Tiger Bay in the first set of matches.

Later that evening, Bent Street will battle against Kitty Weavers while Alexander Village challenge Leopold Street and Sparta Boss oppose Sophia.

Drivers express track concerns ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix

(SPORTSMAX) - Ahead of the European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan this weekend, drivers have been left concerned by the lack of safety around the track.

Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button have expressed safety concerns over the new Baku City Circuit, with the latter believing Formula One has “gone

backwards”.

F1 will race in Azerbaijan for the first time this weekend, as the streets of Baku play host to the European Grand Prix.

The newly constructed track is the second longest on the calendar but it is touted as the fastest street circuit in the world, with lap times predicted to be around 1:10 seconds.

However, the lack of runoff areas in some parts of the track have drivers worried about the potential for accidents this weekend.

“A little bit of a concern for sure with those run-offs - two or three that are really not looking good,” championship leader Rosberg said.

“That’s not great and we need

American Racing Tips Gulfstream Race 1 Starship Sassy Race 2 Music Makes Sense Race 3 Noble Prince Race 4 Golden Ride Race 5 Angora Race 6 D’Kingfish Race 7 Magic Two Race 8 Two Out Of Mind

13:45 hrs Mad Endeavour 14:15 hrs Ecureuil 14:50 hrs Monotype 15:25 hrs Peloponnese 15:55 hrs Caitie

English Racing Tips Ascot 09:30 hrs Create A Dream 10:05 hrs Choreographer 10:40 hrs Quiet Reflection 11:20 hrs Jet Setting 12:00 hrs Kings Fete 12:35 hrs Ormito Newmarket 12:50 hrs He’s My Boy 13:20 hrs Torch 13:55 hrs Spiritous 14:30 hrs Feed The Goater 15:00 hrs Arnold Lane 15:35 hrs Plenary 16:05 hrs Geno Goodwood 13:10 hrs Pinstripe

Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 12:45 hrs Listen Dear 13:15 hrs Our Dougal 13:50 hrs Clarcam 14:20 hrs By The Banks 14:55 hrs The Herds Garden 15:30 hrs First Lieutenant 16:00 hrs Robin Des Mana South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 11:00 hrs A WomMENS Way 11:35 hrs Caddey Master 12:05 hrs Annigoni 12:40 hrs Destined For Dawn 13:10 hrs Ichkeria 13:45 hrs Winter Darling 14:20 hrs aTrip To Heaven 14:55 hrs Archetype 15:30 hrs Hejira

to see how it goes - there’s that corner, what is it, 14 or something, before going down the hill, where you’ve got a wall straight on. (And there’s) turn three and then the pit entry as well. So that’s, yeah not fantastic.”

McLaren driver Button echoed Rosberg’s sentiments, saying it is a “shame” the track has so many areas that need to be addressed.

“It is like we have gone backwards in certain areas, I don’t know why,” the 2009 world champion said. “Maybe the circuit was supposed to be the other way around…

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday June 17, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Match # 5: WI vs AUST (Warner Park, St. Kitts) 22 Today’s Quiz: Which two teams will be playing the first Tri-Nations match in Barbados?

How many players were engaged in Tri-Nations matches at Providence?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Coe rubbishes BBC allegations of corruption

(SPORTSMAX) - Sebastian Coe was the subject of serious allegations yesterday, but the IAAF says they are based on “flawed assumptions”.

IAAF president Sebastian Coe has rebuffed claims he enlisted the help of the disgraced Papa Massata Diack in his leadership bid and had prior knowledge of allegations of corruption and doping within athletics.

A BBC Panorama investigation, broadcast yesterday, made claims that Massata Diack, who has been

banned for life by the IAAF and is wanted by Interpol in relation to a corruption investigation, secured votes for Coe ahead of last year’s IAAF presidential election, which the Briton won.

In addition, the BBC alleges it has seen evidence that Coe received an email detailing corruption and doping allegations four months before the information was first brought to light in a documentary on German television station ARD. Coe has always maintained he was not aware of

specific allegations prior to the broadcast.

He was also not personally caught up in any of the alleged wrongdoing surrounding the IAAF doping and corruption scandal.

In response to yesterday’s documentary, a statement from the IAAF read: “Two broad allegations have been made by the BBC. Both are based on flawed assumptions that IAAF president Sebastian Coe strongly refutes.”

Addressing the claim Coe was aware of corruption and

WICB Professional Cricket League Draft on today THE third Player Draft of the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League will take place today at the Coppin/Cozier/Short Media Centre at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados from 10:00hrs.

The selection order for the Player Draft is linked to the final league position and performance of the franchise in the 2015-16 WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament.

In the draft Leeward Islands Hurricanes will go

first, followed by Windward Islands Volcanoes second, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force third, Jamaica Scorpions fourth, Barbados Pride fifth and Guyana Jaguars last.

The six franchises shall participate in the Player Draft through the Chairman of Selectors or Head Coach. Taking part in the selection process will be Hamesh Anthony, Chairman of Selectors, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Charles Walter, Chairman of Selectors, Windward Islands Vol-

canoes, Gus Logie head coach, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Robert Samuels coach, Jamaica Scorpions, Hendy Wallace, Chairman of Selectors, Barbados Pride, Hendy S p r i n g e r, h e a d c o a c h , Barbados Pride and Rayon Griffith, Chairman of Selectors, Guyana Jaguars.

The Player Draft has been organised with the goal of achieving an equitable distribution of the available player talent in the Regional 4-Day and NAGICO Super50 tournaments.

doping allegations prior to the ARD documentary, it added: “The Ethics Commission (as it then was) was deliberately established as a quasi-judicial body to investigate all allegations of corruption and breaches of the IAAF Rules. It is independent of the IAAF. “Seb Coe was forwarded a number of emails and information regarding allegations of corruption and concerning the behaviour of certain individuals. All of this material was sent by him to the Ethics Com-

mission whose remit is to investigate such matters and then to pass judgement.

Seb Coe was subsequently contacted by the Ethics Commission to say they were already aware of the allegations and the matters were all being actively investigated and he, therefore, left them to do so.

“Seb has never denied hearing rumours about corruption. In fact he has said on many occasions that when alerted to rumours he asked people to pass them on to the Ethics Commission to be

investigated.

“He did receive an email from Dave Bedford that said: ‘The attachments relate to an issue that is being investigated by the IAAF EC (Michael Beloff)’. This was enough for Seb Coe to forward the email to the Ethics Commission. He did not feel it was necessary to read the attachments.

The IAAF is set to announce today whether Russian athletes will be permitted to compete in the Rio Olympics, following the doping scandal that was uncovered last year.

(REUTERS) - The head of a Russian soccer supporters’ association, Alexander Shprygin, is among 20 Russian fans who are to be expelled from France in the coming days, a police source said yesterday.

The 20 are from a group of 43 detained by police

in the Marseille region on Tuesday after violence flared at their Euro 2016 match against England.

Shprygin told Reuters by telephone on Tuesday that a bus carrying himself and other supporters to Lille in northern France had been stopped by riot police in

Cannes in the south of the country.

Also yesterday three Russian fans were handed jail sentences of one year, 18 months and two years by a Marseille court for planning acts intended to harm people and destroy property.

Russians fans to be expelled from France

Queen’s Club second round

Murray coasts past Bedene in straight sets

ANDY Murray came through his first all-British contest for 10 years, as he saw off Aljaz Bedene in straight sets at Queen’s Club.

Top seed Murray won 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals and will next face another Briton in Kyle Edmund.

Murray, 29, last played a compatriot when he lost to Tim Henman in Bangkok in 2006.

The world number two is trying to win a record fifth Aegon Championships title this week.

Edmund, the British number three at 85 in the world, made progress when France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu withdrew because of a wrist injury. Seventh seed John Isner went out in dramatic fashion, losing 3-6, 7-6(18-16), 7-6, (9-7) to Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller.

The 6ft 10in Isner fired down 43 aces and had 10 match points but could not convert, with Muller hitting 26 aces of his own to win in two hours 25 minutes.

Muller goes on to face Australian Bernard Tomic, who came from a set down to beat Spain’s Fernando Verdasco 6-7(2-7), 6-4, 6-4.

Canadian third seed Milos Raonic also progressed by beating Czech world number 68 Jiri Vesely 7-5, 7-6(8-6) to set up a quarter-final with either Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut or American Donald Young.

Russian soccer fans suspected of being involved in clashes - one wearing a banner saying ‘Russians No Surrender’ - are ushered off their bus after being stopped by gendarmes in Mandelieu near Cannes in southern France, June 14, 2016. (REUTERS/ERIC GAILLARD)

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

CPL tickets on sale in Berbice

TICKETS for the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League Guyana home games are now on sale in Berbice.

According to CPL Guyana, the ticket office in Berbice is located at Mr Vijai Ramdhan’s office, Number 19 Princess Elizabeth Road, Queenstown, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The cost per ticket is the same as last year with $4 000 or US$20 for the Red and Green Stands, $3 000 or US$15 for Orange Stand and $2 000 or US$10 for the Grass Mound.

Patrons wishing to purchase will be allowed 10 tickets per person for each game and where possible they may be allowed to

purchase tickets with the seats of their choice in their preferred stand depending on availability.

This year, organisers have put in place many security features to prevent counterfeiting and, unlike some other venues, tickets for the Guyana National Stadium are numbered to match the seat number which will eliminate

the possibility of overcrowding.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play 10 games in the preliminary phase of the League, with four matches in Guyana, two in Florida, and one each in Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and St Lucia.

The Guyana Amazon

Warriors will begin their four exciting and high-quality home matches on Thursday July 7 against the 2014 Champions the Jamaica Tallawahs at 19:00hrs, then on Saturday July 9 they will play the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots from noon.

The Martin Guptill-led side will then turn their attention to the Trinbago

Knight Riders on Sunday July 10 from 19:00hrs and will wrap up the leg of local matches on Tuesday July 12 against the St Lucia Zouks at 19:00hrs.

For further information on obtaining your tickets from the Berbice location please feel free to contact Mr Vijai (Paras) Ramdhan on 622- 0982 or 333-5981.

GCB assists first division clubs in Berbice THIRTEEN first division clubs in Berbice were beneficiaries of one brushcutter each, compliments of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

A contingent consisting of president Drubahadur, secretary Anand Sanasie, Marketing Manager Raj Singh and TDO Colin Stuart, met with representatives of

the clubs at the Albion Community Development Centre on Wednesday and presented the equipment. The clubs benefitting from the initiative were West Berbice, Upper Corentyne, Blairmont, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Town, Police, Young Warriors, Edinburgh, Port Mourant, Albion, Skeldon Community Development

Centre, Rose Hall Estate and Bush Lot. Sanasie said the GCB recognised that cricket clubs need help to prepare grounds, especially during the rainy season. He stated that the donation to clubs in Berbice is a continuation from last year. The West Indies Cricket Board director indicated that the

GCB will continue to help clubs in Guyana in enhancing and developing their facilities.

He called on the clubs to take good care of the brushcutters.

Angela Hanniff, secretary of the (BCB) thanked GCB for this initiative, noting that the cutters will help a great deal in get-

ting grounds prepared and ready for first division and other cricket in Berbice.

Haniff stated that BCB will take full responsibility of keeping the brushcutters in proper condition.

The brushcutters are seen as valuable assets to cricket clubs since they will assist curators in maintaining high standards of pitch squares,

upkeeping outfields, especially during unfavourable weather conditions and will add to the overall suitability and efficiency of the ground preparation.

This is another essential contribution by the GCB in an effort to uphold the highest standards of cricket club facilities across Guyana.

Shane Watson has eyes only for CPL prize with Zouks ST LUCIA Zouks-bound all-rounder Shane Watson says that he’s determined to start the latest chapter in his career on a high as excitement for the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) builds across the Caribbean and beyond.

The Australia star recently drew the curtain on an illustrious international career, distinguishing himself as one of the great all-round talents of the modern era.

With the bat across all three formats the Queenslander scored 3 731 Test runs in 58 Test matches (including four centuries at an average of 35.19), 5 757 runs in

190 One-Day Internationals (averaging 40.54) and 1 462 runs in 58 Twenty20 internationals (at 29.24). With the ball, the fast-medium bowler claimed 75 Test wickets, 168 ODI victims and 48 T20 wickets.

Watson, who departed the international arena with Australia at the top of the ICC’s T20 all-rounder rankings following the recent ICC World T20 in India, joins a squad brimming with talent and promise.

In addition to captain Darren Sammy, another local favourite in Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher – who all featured in West Indies’

Second Northern Ireland fan dies in France

ANOTHER tragedy has befallen Northern Ireland’s travelling fans, with a supporter collapsing and dying during the win over Ukraine in Lyon.

A Northern Ireland fan has died during the team’s 2-0 win over Ukraine at Euro 2016, the second supporter of the country to pass away during the tournament.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland were informed by their counterparts in Lyon that a man in his 60s collapsed during the Group C encounter at Stade de Lyon.

Shane World T20 success – the squad includes a host of rising domestic talent as well as South African duo David Miller and Morne Morkel.

And there’s a familiar face in fellow Australian stalwart

Watson Mike Hussey, another CPL debutant, in the Zouks squad.

In an exclusive interview with www.cplt20.com on the eve of his 35th birthday tomorrow, Watson outlined his hopes and ambitions for the

forthcoming campaign and shared a fascinating insight on the Zouks squad and how there’s plenty of fight in the old dog yet.

“There’s no doubt that this year’s CPL is going to be fiercely competitive.

There are world-class players in the tournament which immediately puts a jolt of excitement in you, even before a ball is bowled and I’m hungrier than ever to try and bring some success to the Zouks.

“I’ve heard a lot about the carnival atmosphere at CPL games and it will be a thrill to step out there on the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium,” the Aussie

said.

He continued, “One of the great aspects of playing on the T20 circuit is the friends you make. And I love St Lucia. The people are friendly and passionate about where they’re from and as one of the overseas players coming into the Zouks side, I know a lot is expected of us all to work hard.”

The all-rounder added, “It’s exciting to get the chance to play again with Morne (Morkel). We had played together in one of the early IPL seasons and he has caused enough headaches playing against him that it’s nice he’s on my side now.”

NZC international panel drops Bowden

(CRICINFO) Billy Bowden may have stood in his last international match, after being dropped from New Zealand Cricket’s international panel of umpires.

Bowden was demoted to NZC’s national panel, along with Derek Walker and Phil Jones, in a shake-up of New Zealand’s umpiring ranks that resulted in former firstclass players Shaun Haigand and Chris Brown being pro-

moted to the international panel. Wayne Knights was the third man added to the international panel.

Bowden stood in 84 Tests, 200 one-day internationals and 24 T20 internationals, his most recent appearance having been during the Chappell-Hadlee Series in Wellington in February.

He made his international debut in an ODI in 1995 and his Test debut in 2000, and

for many years was one of the most recognisable figures on the ICC’s elite panel due to his unusual mannerisms.

However, Bowden was cut from the elite panel in 2013. He was reinstated in 2014 after the retirement of his countryman Tony Hill, but was axed once again in 2015.

Since then, Bowden was on New Zealand’s international panel, meaning he was still able to stand in interna-

tional matches. As a member of the national panel, he will now only be able to officiate in domestic games and women’s internationals.

NZC international panel: Chris Brown, Wayne Knights, Shaun Haig.

NZC national pan el: Billy Bowden, Chris Brown, Tony Gillies, Shaun Haig, Phil Jones, Wayne Knights, Ash Mehrotra, Tim Parlane, Derek Walker.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

EURO 2016 …

England, Northern Ireland secure wins (BBC)- DANIEL Sturridge scored an injury-time winner as England came from behind to beat Wales and secure their first victory at Euro 2016.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart’s dreadful blunder allowed Gareth Bale’s 30-yard free-kick to creep in and put Wales ahead just before the interval in Lens.

Manager Roy Hodgson’s side were jeered off at the break and with England’s campaign - and arguably his future - on the line, he gambled by introducing Jamie Vardy and Sturridge for the struggling Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.

The roll of the dice worked as Vardy scrambled in an equaliser from close range after 56 minutes before constant England pressure saw Sturridge work his way into the area and poke past keeper Wayne Hennessey at the near post.

England move top of Group B and need a point

against Slovakia on Monday to earn automatic qualification into the last-16, while Wales must beat Russia to guarantee a top-two finish.

Meanwhile Germany and Poland played out the first goalless draw of Euro 2016 as both teams took a huge stride towards qualifying from the group stage.

Both now have four points, and will be guaranteed a place in the last-16 if they avoid defeat in their final Group C matches on Tuesday.

Poland striker Arkadiusz Milik wasted by far the best chance of the night seconds after restart, scuffing a header wide from four yards when he seemed certain to score.

It was one of few clear openings from a game that failed to produce a single shot on target in the opening half.

Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil were both denied by Lukasz Fabianski, in for the injured Wojciech Szczesny, after the restart while Polish

GOA plans Olympic Day activity THE Guyana Olympics Association (GOA), in observance of International Olympic Day, will hold a 10km Fun Run/Jog/Walk in addition to a 10km Team Run Competition on Sunday, June 26 from 06:00hrs.

The Fun Run is scheduled to commence at the YMCA, Thomas Lands. The route will take participants north on Camp Street, east along Carifesta Avenue and the Rupert Craig Highway to turn in the vicinity of the Access Road, Liliendaal. They will then continue west using Kitty Public Road, south into Vlissengen Road and finally west into Thomas Road to finish right back at the YMCA. The run is open to persons 10 years and older and all participants will receive an IOC Certificate and a T-shirt.

The 10km Team Run Competition is a race and will commence at 06:30hrs following the same route as the Fun Run; starting and finishing at the YMCA. Application forms for both the Fun Run and Team Run can be picked up from Olympic House at High Street. The forms must be stamped and signed by an authorised organisation official and delivered back to Olympic House no later than 15:00hrs on Wednesday June 22.

The teams for the Team Run must consist of four males and two females who must each complete the course to gain points for their team. Each organisation is allowed two teams. Monetary prizes will be awarded to the first three teams to finish, with first-, second- and third-placers receiving $72 000, $48 000 and $36 000 respectively.

No entries will be accepted for the competition after Wednesday June 22.

... Poland/Germany game ends in stalemate

Jamie Vardy of England scores his side’s first goal during the UEFA Euro 2016 Group B match between England and Wales at Stade Bollaert-Delelis yesterday in Lens, France.

forward Milik scuffed another good opening on what was a largely frustrating night at the Stade de France.

In other games, Northern Ireland beat Ukraine to earn their first win at a European Championship and remain in contention for a place in the last-16.

We s t B r o m d e f e n d e r Gareth McAuley headed in Oliver Norwood’s perfectly delivered free-kick before a hailstorm in Lyon forced the players off for two minutes.

When they returned, Niall McGinn finished a rebound in stoppage time to give Northern Ireland their first victory at a major tournament finals in 34 years.

RHTYSC extends nominations for annual awards to July 2 THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) has extended its nominations for the fourth edition of the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Award and the Ansa McAl Award of Excellence to July 2.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the club has already received a combined 36 nominations for both awards, but wanted to give others the opportunity to nominate

heroes from their area.

The Ansa McAl Award of Excellence will honour four outstanding Berbicians for service of the highest standard in the fields of sports administration, education, health and community development.

Nominees must have completed between 20 and 30 years of dedicated and outstanding service in the four fields listed above.

The Gregory Gaskin Me-

morial Berbice Sports Award Scheme will see the RHTYSC share out four awards – Berbice Sportsman-of-the-Year 2015, Berbice Sportswomanof-the-Year 2015, Berbice Sports Personality-of-the-Year 2015 and Berbice Sports Organisation-of-the-Year 2015.

The awards are administered by the Education and Public Relations Committee of the RHTYSC, M.S. and the final awardees are chosen

by a panel of judges headed by veteran journalist Gregory Rambarran.

Nominations can be sent to the club’s office, Area ‘H’ Ground or via email at: foster_hilbert@ yahoo.com before July 15.

Those being nominated must have their addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses included, along with a detailed reason why the nomination was made.

Banks DIH onboard with Aliann Pompey Invitational BANKS DIH Limited will be partnering with the organisers of Saturday’s Aliann Pompey International Invitational Track and Field championships at the Leonora Stadium.

The Meet will be sponsored under the Rainforest Water and Powerade brands and most of the country’s top athletes will compete against international stars at the oneday Classic.

The competition is named in honour of Guyana’s most decorated female athlete Aliann Pompey who won Commonwealth Games gold and silver medals and is a fourtime Olympic Games representative.

Pompey was on hand

Athletics star Aliann Pompey receives the sponsorship cheque from Brand Manager Clive Pellew while Meet official Mayfield Taylor-Trim and Banks DIH’s Kester Van-Nooten look on.

to receive the sponsorship cheque from Banks DIH Limited Brand Manager, Clive Pellew, during a simple ceremony at Thirst Park.

The former international star expressed appreciation to Banks DIH for sponsoring the meet.

Pellew said Banks DIH is extremely excited to be sponsoring the Meet and urged athletics fans to support the event which starts at 15:00hrs.

The Meet will showcase Guyana’s budding athletic stars as well as a lineup of international runners who are in their final preparation for the Rio Olympics in neighbouring Brazil.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 17, 2016

Rugby America North (RAN) South Zone final

‘Trinidad game is not an easy one’ - Corbin

By Stephan Sookram

GUYANA’S Green Machine will make no mistake in underestimating their Trinidadian opponents when they meet tomorrow at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in the final of the South Zone of the Rugby America North (RAN).

So says senior player Avery Corbin who weighed in on the match Wednesday, prior to departure yesterday morning.

According to Corbin, “We know the game that we are about to play this weekend is not an easy game but still we aren’t taking it for granted because we know that Trinidad (players) are just like us. It’s a 50/50 game and we can’t go in ‘jokey’;

A Guyanese player is taken down brutally during the Green Machine’s game against Jamaica in the National Park last month.

we have to do what we have to do.”

While the locals were narrowly beaten last year, the senior player is optimistic that the unit, under the orders of coach Lawrence Adonis will not come up second best this time around.

“We feel confident, not too overconfident in ourselves,” He said, adding, “Against Trinidad we are trying to work everything that we practise to put it together against Trinidad. The team is bonding from the last two games/camps that we went to.”

Should Guyana beat Trinidad, they will rise up the rankings in both the world and the Americas.

Guyana are ranked 10th in

the Americas and 53rd in the world while Trinidad sit eighth and 45th respectively.

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

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

Stage set for GCF’s 2016 national championships

ALL plans are in place for the staging of the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) 2016 National Cycling Championships set to wheel off tomorrow in the village of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

According to the organisers, the federation has set the female time trials for tomorrow, beginning at 10:00hrs and will see the local-based ladies tackle three-time winner of the event, United Kingdom-based Guyanese, Claire Fraser-Green, who is most likely sure to make a successful defence of her time trial title.

Tomorrow also, the ladies, boys, juniors and juveniles as well as the male veterans Under-45 and Over-45 will battle for honours in the road races.

The ladies will contest a 21.2-mile (four laps), while the juvenile boys will contest a 26.5-mile (five laps) race.

The junior boys as well as the two categories of the veterans will battle over 42.4 miles (eight laps).

Fraser-Green, who is already back in Guyana to defend her two titles, is

highly favoured to do so as on the local scene, the locally based ladies are under pressure to turn in any performance of merit.

Junior Niles who won the veterans’ Under-45 road race last year is expected to defend his title come tomorrow, as he has been dominating that category since the 2016 season got underway in January. So too is Linden Blackman, who is in far better form than the rest of his Over-45 counterparts.

The junior category will definitely see a battle between Raphael Leung and Andrew Hicks as these two athletes are both `firing on all cylinders’.

The winner of each category will be presented with championship jerseys that were presented to the GCF by members of the Guyana Cycle Association of North America.

The championships will continue on June 25 with the individual time trials for juvenile and junior boys as well as the veterans and the men Elite cyclists, and these will be staged around the Mahaicony circuit as well.

On June 26, the Elite

... Promises to be most competitive ever

Flashback! Junior Niles raises his hand in triumph as he crosses the finish line to win the GCF’s veterans’ Under-45, 50-mile national cycle road race last year. (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

cyclists will battle for honours in a 71.1-mile (30 laps) road race which will be staged around the outer circuit of the National Park, commencing on Ir-

ving Street at 11:00hrs with a roll start and concluding at the same point.

Hamza Eastman is the defending champion of both the Elite time trial and

the road race.

Meanwhile, all cyclists are asked to note that transportation to Mahaica will leave the Ministry of Sport, Homestretch

Avenue at 07:45hrs tomorrow and the various events will start adjacent to the Mahaicony Community Centre at 10:00hrs.

‘Trinidad game is not an easy one’ - Corbin See story on page 35

Twenty-two goals scored on day five In this Adrian Narine photo, an attacker attempts the famous bicycle kick during Wednesday night’s round of the Petra/Ministry of Health/Stop Gender-Based Violence Football tournament. (See story on page 31)

Banks DIH onboard with Aliann Pompey Invitational See story on page 34

CPL tickets on sale in Berbice See story on page 33 Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016