Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 18 04 2017 by Guyana Chronicle

GWI to launch two new ‘apps’ Page 14

Banking on cash crops No. 104886

TUESDAY APRIL 18, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–– North Rupununi Village seeks market building to boost agriculture potential

‘A Guyanese invention’ –– President says of flying kites at Easter-time

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Fleeing hard times Page 3

–– Guyanese living in Venezuela returning home

–– cite food crisis, political unrest

‘Trini’ soca artiste assaulted outside Palm Court Page 13

Imam Bacchus & Sons Page 10

UP, UP AND AWAY! All eyes were transfixed Monday as these unusual beauties (the locus, right, and double-star box kites) took to the skies over the Georgetown Seawall (Photo by Adrian Narine)

– a household name on the Essequibo Coast

‘A Guyanese invention’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 18, 2017

–– President says of flying kites at Easter-time By Navendra Seoraj

Children enjoying the other aspects of Easter at the National Park

SEEING the sky in all its splendour was tricky on Monday, not because of an unnatural phenomenon but because of the thousands of kites that flew high in all parts of the country to mark the celebration of Easter 2017. Kite flying, as we Guyanese know it, is the hallmark of Easter, and as pointed out by President David Granger in an invited comment, flying kites is a Guyanese invention. “I travelled to almost a dozen communities over the past two weeks, and I have been pointing out that the flying of kites at Easter time is a Guyanese invention,” President Granger said. “In the other parts of the Caribbean, persons do not fly kites, so this tradition of ours is a real good one,” he told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday. All over the country, President Granger said, kites have been dotting the sky, even weeks before the actual day. Seizing upon the opportunity, he said his unit took over 2000 kites with them to the various administrative regions to distribute to children there. And from the little he’s seen from his visits country-

Even the President couldn’t help but admire the wonderful creations as they took flight on Monday (Photos by Delano Williams) wide, President Granger said he anticipates that persons from as far as the Pomeroon River to Berbice enjoyed the Easter holiday this year. Although the next celebration is a year away, the president used the opportunity to call on families and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to

donate kites so that persons, particularly in rural areas, will be able to equally enjoy the festivities as those in the urban areas. TEEMING WITH EXCITEMENT Meanwhile, the National Park, Joe Vieira’s Park, sports grounds, open fields,

the Sea Walls and many streets, yards, verandas and roof-tops all swarmed with excited kite flyers of all ages, as kite makers brought joy to many hearts with their paper creations. What was even more impressive was that persons See page 7

President Granger joins a family picnic at the National Park

Fleeing hard times

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 18, 2017

– Guyanese living in Venezuela returning home

– cite food crisis, political unrest By Zena Henry THE decline of neighbouring Venezuela’s economy and the resultant strain on its cost of living is causing many Guyanese living there to think seriously about coming back home. This is according to Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Ms Cheryl Miles during an update on Guyana-Venezuela relations at the conclusion of a heads of missions conference held here recently at the Pegasus Hotel. Guyana and Venezuela are still to resolve a decades-old border controversy currently being managed by the United Nations. In

Guyana because of the difficulties in Venezuela,” the veteran diplomat said. She said that while many persons are seeking guidance on how they can reintegrate into Guyanese society, in many cases, they are concerned that because their children may not have learned English in a structured way, that could be a hindrance in their being able to attend school in Guyana. “We are trying to see in what ways we can make it easier for them to reintegrate,” Miles said, adding that it is one of the tasks with which the Embassy is currently preoccupied.

since suggested that supermarket shelves in Venezuela are chronically bare, and power shortages are so severe that government offices are forced to only open two days a week. Add to this the collapse of the healthcare system, the spiralling crime rate, and progressively worsening inflation, and one could well imagine the state of play in Venezuela these days. And as the New York Times had reported, with the plummeting of the price of oil, Venezuela’s only export of note, this means revenues could fall by as much as 40 per cent this year. It’s a situation that has,

sugar, rice and even things like toilet paper,” a Kumaka vendor named Michael said of those Venezuelans coming here to trade items that are difficult to source in their homeland. He said that the goods brought here by the Spanish-speaking traders are sold dirt cheap. “A set of bowls, the ones with more than one, you can get that cheap,” Michael said. KUMAKA FRONT At the Kumaka Waterfront, several stalls would line the edges of the roadway close to the Aruka River, a sight that was almost non-existent prior to the collapse of the Venezuelan economy. The area was once a matter of concern in the past, as water from the

Queuing for food in neighbouring Venezuela’s Ciudad Bolivar a televised interview with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Miles explained that since her posting to Venezuela, much of her work has been in relation to the Diaspora which makes up some 250,000 Guyanese living in Venezuela. And, despite the social state the country is in, she said, many Guyanese are holding their own, but some are having second thoughts. “Many people now are thinking of returning to

CROSS-BORDER TRADE This newspaper had reported back in February that scores of Venezuelans would regularly cross the border at Kumaka, in Region One (Barima-Waini) to do business. According to Kumaka residents at the time, this is what had obtained throughout 2016, as the economic situation in Venezuela took a turn for the worse. Media reports have

since earlier in the year, resulted in a number of Venezuela-based Guyanese relocating to the place they once called home within communities in the North West District. According to Kumaka residents, many persons who had relocated to Venezuela during the 1980s have since returned to the North West in search of greener pastures. “They come across with fuel and plastic containers and clothes, and take back

meandering Aruka River had almost eroded that section of the waterfront in recent years. However, revetment works were undertaken in the area and it has since stood the test of time. Consumer items that do exceedingly well at Kumaka include fuel, such as gasoline, which retails at approximately G$17,000 per barrel. The price reportedly dropped significantly a month ago when the authorities clamped down on

Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Ms Cheryl Miles the trade of fuel at Morawhanna. At the time, the price per barrel had risen to approximately $28,000. “We buy gas at about $400 a gallon,” a minibus driver had told this publication at Kumaka. He said that when the authorities visit the area, the prices would increase. Last December, Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Godfrey Statia, spoke on the issue of fuel-smuggling in the area. “We also know there is fuel-smuggling in the Essequibo, in Morawhanna; we also plan to put a presence at Morawhanna,” Statia was quoted as telling the media at the time. At the remote villages outside Mabaruma, persons would trade mainly food items with Venezuelans across the Amacuro River. The goods are usually bought at Kumaka and ferried to the border location, a practice which is not expected to end anytime soon.

BORDER CONTROVERSY As Ambassador Miles pointed out regarding the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, Georgetown maintains the firm position that the matter should go to the international court. She drew reference to the recent visit of the UN General-Secretary’s personal representative, Ambassador Dag Nylander who was here to help the two countries find a solution to the problem by the end of the year. If this does not happen, then recommendations will be given by the UN on how the controversy should be handled, with the matter’s referral to the International Court of Justice being the likely outcome. “Our sides are very far apart,” Ambassador Miles said. “We would like to see the issue go to the International Court of Justice; it is our firm position, and Venezuela doesn’t want that. They prefer a different form of settlement.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Erdogan to poll observers...

‘Know your place’

TURKEY’S President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticised monitors who say the referendum campaign fell short of international standards. “Know your place,” he said, adding that he did not accept the comments. The observers said Mr Erdogan had been favoured by an “unequal” campaign. In the referendum, voters gave sweeping new powers to the president. The narrow vote was ruled valid by Turkey’s electoral body, despite claims of irregularities by the opposition. Late changes in ballot counting marred the vote and removed a key safeguard, the monitors added. Mr Erdogan’s push for

Protesters out on the streets in Ankara, Turkey’s capital on Monday calling for a recount

an executive presidency succeeded with 51.4% voting for it.

MONITORS: ‘UNLEVEL PLAYING FIELD’ Despite saying that

the voting day was “well administered”, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of

Europe criticised the campaign, saying: “In general, the referendum did not live up to Council of Europe standards,” said Cezar Florin Preda, head of the Council of Europe delegation. The council is a pan-European human rights body of which Turkey is a member. The monitors also criticised a late change by electoral officials that allowed voting papers without official stamps to be counted. They said this move “removed an important safeguard and were contested by the opposition. But the head of Turkey’s electoral body, Sadi Guven, said the unstamped ballot papers had been produced by the High Electoral Board and were valid. He said a similar procedure had been used in past elections. TURKEY REACTS

In a rally in Ankara, Mr Erdogan said that Turkey did not “see, hear or acknowledge the politically motivated reports” of the monitors. Earlier, Turkey’s foreign ministry said the remarks lacked impartiality. “Saying the referendum fell below international standards is unacceptable,” it said in a statement. The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has demanded a recount of 60% of the votes. Its deputy head said the result should be annulled altogether. The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) also challenged the vote. Right after the result, Mr Erdogan said Turkey could now hold a referendum on bringing back the death penalty - a move that would end Turkey’s EU negotiations. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 18, 2017

ECLAC wants regional integration promoted beyond trade BUENOS AIRES, CMC – The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena, wants regional integration promoted in specific areas beyond trade. In addressing the World Economic Form on the region here, Bárcena said the current global economic and political context presents “sharp tensions and uncertainties,” adding that it is not possible to keep doing “business as usual”. Bárcena was the main speaker on a panel about the regional integration strategy group, in which government authorities and private-sector representatives also participated. The senior United Nations official noted that that regional insertion in global trade is very low, stating that the region only has a six-percent share of global exports, compared with developing

Asia’s 31 per cent, “which is compounded by the end of the so-called commodities ‘supercycle’,” and the fact that, in the majority of regional countries, less than 1 per cent of companies export. “For that reason, at ECLAC, we contend that integration must be strengthened beyond the exchange of goods,” she said. “We must make progress on trade facilitation, on participation in value chains, on integration of infrastructure and energy, as well as in the technological and digital area.” During the panel discussion on “Building a Regional Digital Market”, Bárcena urged that the region move toward development, according to ECLAC. “Second-generation public-private alliances are key to propelling integrated digital markets at a regional and sub-regional level in Latin America and the Caribbean,” she said, adding that the development of technological

ECLAC Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena

and digital platforms allows for “fomenting productive diversification, growth in productivity and for leveraging the fourth industrial revolution with greater scale, connection, access and dissemination of content.” “The platforms of new information technologies

potentiate this process,” she continued. “This improves the region’s competitiveness by modernising infrastructure and technology networks.” In this regard, Bárcena said that the Sixth Ministerial Conference on the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean

(the eLAC2018 meeting) will be held in Colombia next year, with the support of that country’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology. In addition to underscoring the importance of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development

and its 17 goals (SDGs), Bárcena declared the agenda to be “civilizing” and “fundamental” for the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. Bárcena also emphasized the gender equality promoted by the 2030 Agenda, “which is an economic issue and not just a social one.” We must guarantee the three autonomies of all women: physical, economic and that of decision-making, and end the statistical silence about gender parity,” she said, reminding delegates that ECLAC and the Mexican government are organizing the first meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development. The event will be held on April 26-28 in the Mexican capital, where the region’s countries will present their progress on achieving the SDGs and address their means of implementation and financing.

Editorial Bullying in schools

THE sudden death of 10-year-old Roseann Akeila Harris who was kicked to her abdomen allegedly by a classmate recently has once again brought to the fore how serious the issue of bullying is in schools. Harris, a Grade Five pupil of St Stephen’s Primary School and of Lot 9 Public Road, La Penitence, died on April 01, more than one week after the incident. The Post Mortem Examination (PME) revealed that she died from blunt trauma to the stomach. Prior to her death, Harris was at home, sick and had told her mother that the classmate kicked her in the stomach after she did not let him inside the classroom. There is an ongoing police investigation into this case, and from media reports, the classmate involved is now traumatised and has refused to speak, period. So here it is, we have two families–one mourning the death of a child and the other left with a devastated youngster, who probably does not understand the consequences of his actions and has since gone into a shell. It is no secret that bullying in schools has not been tackled frontally by parents, teachers and the Ministry of Education. We have seen videos on social media of physical fights between students with their fellow classmates cheering them on and only last month, a 14-year-old student of Lusignan Secondary School, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was stabbed in the neck by another student during a fight in close proximity of the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station. From the report in this newspaper, these two young women had an ongoing issue and from all indications, nothing was done by the authorities to prevent it from escalating. School bullying has probably been around since the 18th century. It is a negative human condition that has evolved

along with the mind and psyche. Bullying started with children ‘picking’ on each other or parents believing that they are teaching their kids “discipline” by beating them. Adults used to believe that kids fought only to be “best friends in the end.” Bullying also resulted from conforming to prejudiced social norms like gender stereotyping of men and women. The idea of “boys will be boys” and “girls are catty” has given way to accepting unacceptable negative social behaviour. However, with awareness and strategies, bullying in school can be controlled. Last year, the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) hosted a street fair to increase awareness on the subject, in recognition of its National Bullying Prevention Month. What has happened since is anyone’s guess. According to a report in one of the daily newspapers, in May of 2012, a call was made by lecturer attached to the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus, Maureen Bynoe, for the Ministry of Education to adapt a national anti-bullying strategy to target students of all ages. The report stated that Bynoe’s proposal was premised on a survey she conducted, aimed at assessing the extent bullying has infiltrated schools along Central Corentyne, Berbice. The study discovered that ethnicity was a major factor that contributed to bullying in the school system. Aside from the reasons as to why students bully each other, the study, according to Bynoe, focused on the forms of bullying, the consequences of bullying on the victim, what strategies have been effective in dealing with bullying and whether there was a significant difference in the form of bullying due to gender. While this lecturer’s study focused on schools in Ber-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 18, 2017

bice, we believe a similar study needs to be conducted by the Ministry of Education, focusing on schools across the country with major involvement from students, parents and teachers. With this study, we will know the core issue that leads to bullying and from there an action plan can be drafted and implemented. The bullies will be identified and get the necessary help. Parents and teachers need to work together as they play an integral role in preventing bullying. Teachers especially need to pay more attention to students’ behaviour. For start we urge that a national anti-bullying awareness campaign be launched across schools; the implementation of firm school-wide rules with severe punishment for bullying; spread acceptance and respect; include anti-bullying messages and information in school-related publications, newspapers and signboards and also schools should implement the random acts of kindness culture with rewards to the kindest and most creative student. The time to act is now and we need to protect our children.

Nandlall needs to stop this nonsense Victoria main road Dear Editor, IT seems as though the former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall is on a high agenda to ensure that racism is the talk of the day with his weekly TV programme on NTN Berbice. Last Tuesday (April 11th, 2017) he mentioned that Mr. Eric Phillips wrote an article that was published on the 11th April 2017 in Kaieteur News and he said that according to the article Indians are criminals. Well, Nandalall seems to be losing it, the article was published on the 10th April and nowhere in the article did Mr. Phillips mention anything of the sort. Nandlall went on to say that, the government and Mr. Phillips are claiming that the economy under the PPP was drugs money or narco-money. Well, it is a fact. But Nandlall went on to say that

what the man mean is that “only Indians are drug dealers”. He even said that Mr. Phillips is telling the nation that all the big buildings that went up under the PPP were built with drugs money, especially where they are owned by Indians. He went on to say that Mr. Phillips is saying to the Amerindians that they are not the first people of this land and that Africans are. Nandlall said that Phillips is saying to the Ameridians that they do not deserve lands in Guyana but only the blacks. All this is far from the truth that was stated in the article. Brothers and Sisters, Nandlall is stirring up real ethnic tensions in Guyana, especially in Berbice. He is using the Indians and Amerindians to believe that the blacks are attacking them. This MP should be ashamed to do these things

and call himself a Guyanese of worth. It is a shame to see the pattern this man is designing, to make Guyana a united and better place. It seems as though all this man is doing is trying to divide a nation that wants peace and unity. The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is a dead meat. It is either that they are not monitoring the political programmes on TV or that they are not prepared to sanction those who want to create racial tension by making racist remarks. I call on all Berbicians to denounce Nandlall racial comments and ask him to stop his nonsense once and for all. Berbicians are peaceful people, living, sharing, eating, dwelling, going places together, etc. We must not encourage those who want to

divide us. I call on the PPP to ask his man to stop the race-baiting that will drive fear into the lives of many. I call on the leader of the opposition to demand that the entire PPP stop using the race card and join hands with this government in an effort to unite Guyana. I call on the Hon. Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo MP, who holds responsibility for GNBA to tell them to do their work and monitor these political programmes. I ask of you to ensure that we put a stop to anyone and everyone who uses the public domain to incite racism amongst our people. Berbicians must reject the racism of Nandlall. Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC Regional Councillor Region 5

in deplorable state Dear Editor THE state of the main access road into the village of Victoria, East Coast Demerara has been in a deplorable state for the longest while. For several years now this road has not benefitted from any major upgrade, save and except the occasional patchwork, which would only last for a few months. With the increase in vehicular traffic and a vibrant taxi service business, the road is in constant use. Many Victorians can hardly use their vehicles to go into the village because of the numerous potholes and those who risk driving through, have had to visit the bodywork shop soon after.

We are appealing to the government, the NDC and the RDC of Region Four to look into this matter. It is also a shock that a village that voted solidly for the coalition government cannot get something as basic as a road fixed. This village is the home to the Junior Minister of Health, a sitting High Court Judge and other well placed government functionaries, yet no one seems to care about this situation. We are calling on the Honourable Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson to do something about this road since the NDC and RDC are indifferent about it. Regards Troy Douglas

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 18, 2017

‘A Guyanese ...’ From page 2

of all walks of life and all races used the opportunity to come together as one and fly their kites, be they ‘caddy ol’ punch’, bird kite or the custom-made variety, some as huge as 10 feet high to as small as 5 inches. Kites, however, were not the only attractions on Monday given that total strangers joined each other in a game of either cricket, football, hide-

and-seek, amateur athletics and a host of other activities that brought out the smiles that lit up the day. The pleasant sunshine throughout the day and humid atmosphere allowed persons to have fun until exhaustion stepped in, which brought the numerous vendors into play. And they wasted no time cashing in on the occasion by providing basic thirst

Hot, hot barbecue!

Public Service College Ad needs reworking

Dear Editor

I INVITE readers to take a hard look at the long (and naturally very costly) advertisement which appeared in last Sunday’s print media, inviting prospective students to enroll with the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service of Guyana. It is my considered view that if this is an example of the level of training and therefore the quality of service we can expect from graduates of the college, then we might as well scrap the idea of having such a college… ….and so save any further dip into our depleting treasury! The advertisement is steeped in antiquity; to even say so is to clothe it in undeserving literary garb; its anachronism depicts an image straight out of the ‘Dickenson era’, when messages and missives were delivered by hand and on horse-back from the senders, as widely dispersed as those in the far-flung regions of Guyana and as envisaged by the author(s) of the advertisement under review. Just imagine asking applicants of both genders (which is a must in our ‘liberated society’) to ‘buckle-up’, mount their steed and rush-off from

Essequibo or Corentyne to hand deliver their applications into a letter box in some obscure building in South Georgetown!.....and furthermore, in this ‘choke & rob’ age, to risk being relieved of their horse when dismounting to drop off the applications! Aren’t the authors of the advertisement aware of the facilities of ICT? Don’t they know that traditional letter-writing has long given way to the e-mail? If the Public Service College will be operating in such a backward mode, do we really need it? It is fair to assume that such a college will promote the delivery of empathetic services to the public…where is there any evidence of ‘empathy’ on the part of the framers of the advertisement? One can go on to write the ‘proverbial book’ on the deficiencies and irritants of this advertisement, starting with the many opening questions, some of which are downright silly and rather misleading; but I’d be happy to engage instead in a face-to-face chat, if those concerned are so inclined. Regards Nowrang Persaud

quenchers, and luring persons with the mouthwatering smell of barbecued chicken and other scrumptious dishes that they sold at affordable prices. UNITY IN MOTION In essence, every aspect of the day was a depiction of unity among Guyanese, a sight that is sorely needed more often in society in

these troubled times. Persons expressed happiness and pleasure at what took place on Easter Monday. Some told the Guyana Chronicle that Guyanese need to come together in their numbers more often to celebrate as one as opposed to being divided. “We are having fun as a family, and I like that persons

always turn out on this day to celebrate and fly their kites,” said one kite flyer who was enjoying the atmosphere at the National Park. “It is a really nice scene, seeing everyone playing and celebrating together as one; I love this holiday,” he added. Easter is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and giving of alms. After the fasting, comes celebration.

There are many Easter traditions here in Guyana. Of recent, persons have started to decorate eggs and encourage mainly the children to hunt for the colourful creations. They also bake crossbuns on Holy Thursday, and attend church the entire Easter weekend, from Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

It’s not every day one gets to see the President up close and personal, so the children are understandably excited

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 18, 2017

A lesson in patience

‘ TELL me O Muse…’ ‘ Tell me O Muse…’ ‘Tell me….’ UGH! ‘Why was this so frustrating!’ I thought as I closed my book for the third time this week. I had been trying, very unsuccessfully it would seem, to get past the first few lines of Homer’s Odyssey. Ok, perhaps this was too heavy for my current short attention span, maybe I should stick to something I already know - I settled on Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets. Yes, my reading choices would suggest I’m a nine year old in the host body of a fully grown adult but even a child could out read me at this rate. I was now in my third cycle of chemotherapy and my body was adjusting better than I had expected it to, given the way I had started to feel after my sec-

ond session. Turns out all I needed was to increase my intake of iron via channa and vitamins prescribed by my Doctor. With my body leveling out, it seemed something was now wrong with my cognitive functions. It wasn’t just hard for my brain to process new information, it seemed it was straining against processing too much, in the speed I was normally accustomed to. ‘Is this what is referred to as ‘chemo brain?’, I tried to remember as I did a quick search on Goggle.com. As I read through various articles I could relate to some of the experiences shared of memory loss. Recently, I had found myself starting to forget information I would normally remember within a few minutes of discussing it with someone. Events, names and dates were hazy at times. I would

forget I had made plans with someone or I would make plans over my previous plans without being aware. The whole thing had become a mess in my head and it felt like stumbling around in a fog. One article described ‘Chemo brain’ as being ‘foggy’ thus making simple tasks like reading the newspaper, a challenge. ‘Whew!’, I sighed in relief. So I’m not losing it, this was ‘normal’ as it pertained to chemo side effects. I was a fly amongst spiders. Or wait, was I a Spider amongst flies? Either way I was out of my element and I wasn’t alone. According to The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Organization, “ Recently, the cluster of symptoms known most commonly as “chemo brain” has garnered medical attention in North America initiating a wave

of discussion. Important work is now being done to understand the condition and, more crucially, to help alleviate it”, according to the mystery of chemo brain The condition commonly involves cognitive changes including reductions in short-term memory and information-processing speed, and limitations

psychological issues, and even the underlying effects of age all play a part in the spectrum of cognitive dysfunction that can manifest around cancer care. Signs of chemo brain can include: * Trouble remembering names * Difficulty concentrating or

‘Normal is an illusion. What’s normal for the spider is chaos for the fly’ --Charles Addams or changes in an individual’s ability to organize information. The changes can be subtle and may be noticed only by the person experiencing them. Immune system changes, hormonal fluctuations, the specific side effects of various drugs, crushing overall fatigue, chronic stress,

paying attention * Lapses in short-term memory or being forgetful * Inability to find the right word for something * Problems with planning ahead and organizing things ” I had been experiencing all listed above with the last two

frustrating the daylights out of me. My chemo brain was affecting my ability to enjoy activities and the company of other people. I felt ‘on edge’ whilst waiting on persons to tell me a story and essentially ‘ get to the point!’ - a phrase my mind screamed, as I listened to them drone on for what seemed like hours. It wasn’t even a minute - this is how bad my nerves had become. To combat chemo brain, I began to employ some of the hints suggested. I played Sudoku and other brain-training games to help to increase my cognitive function. Exercise became more frequent, but what worked best was just being truthful with the people I interacted with and letting them know if I felt anxious, frustrated or was having a hard time understanding what they were telling me.

Guyana recommits to working with CFATF ATTORNEY-General, Basil Williams in his capacity as Deputy Chair of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), recently

attended the organisation’s Steering Group meeting, which was held in Miami on April 10, 2017. The mandate of the

CFATF is to monitor the compliance of its 26 members with the international standards to combat money laundering and the financing

of terrorism through the Mutual Evaluation Programme, the AG Chambers said in a release. According to the Chambers, the presence of four Attorneys-General from Guyana, Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago at the Steering Group meeting was an on-going demonstration of the membership’s commitment at the highest political levels on the importance of the Fourth Round Mutual Evaluations which began in 2015. In recognition of the importance of high levels of compliance with the FATF Recommendations which are much more complex and resource intensive both in human and financial terms, Williams called upon all CFATF members to adopt a sense of urgency in their preparations for the Fourth Round Mutual Evaluations Assessments, even if the jurisdiction is scheduled to be assessed two to three years in the future. Williams will assume the Chair at the November 2017 plenary. Williams also joined in

Attorney-General, Basil Williams

solidarity with the views of the current Chair, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney-General of Turks and Caicos Islands,in encouraging all CFATF member countries to take the opportunity to attend Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Plenary and Working Group meetings on a regular basis so as to get first-hand experience of the global standard setting and monitoring process as FATF member countries discuss and adopt their Mutual Evaluation Reports. The CFATF Steering Group plays an important role

in the direction of the CFATF in terms of good governance, transparency and fiscal responsibility. The attendance of the Attorney-General demonstrates the commitment of the Government and people of Guyana to these high principles which are critical to the international reputation of the CFATF. Guyana was recognised as one of the countries which responded positively, and in a timely fashion to the call from the CFATF Secretariat for submission of data on technical assistance and training needs, so that the organisation could provide the required support in order to strengthen Guyana’s capacity to effectively combat transnational organised crime and confiscate illegal proceeds, through the training of financial investigators and analysts. In this regard, Guyana welcomes the partnership of the CFATF/EU/CARIFORUM’s three year, 1.2 million euros project for the training of financial investigators and analysts which commenced work in September 2016.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 18, 2017

Hemp Association plans series of events –– to raise awareness on ‘industrial hemp’

THE Guyana Hemp Association proposes hosting two events, one in observance of ‘World Cannabis Day’ and the other of ‘World Hemp Day’ on April 20 and 21, days referred to as ‘4:20’ and ‘4:21’, respectively. Both events, to which the public is invited, will be hosted at The Square of the Revolution, with the first scheduled to start at 16:20hrs on Thursday with an Inter-faith Service,

followed by a rally and concert which is literally an Expo on ‘All there is to know about Cannabis’. This forum will be addressed by a panel of prominent speakers, local and international, including Chairman of the Guyana Hemp Association, Dr. Turhane Doerga. On Friday, which is designated “World Hemp Day”, there’s to be an exhibition on the pros and

cons of hemp from 10:00 to 14:00hrs, during which there will be food items on sale and local herbs on display. According to the organisers, one of the purposes of the exhibition is to enable the public to see what hemp looks like; get to know some of the products that can be derived from it; and at the same time have a better understanding of some of its benefits.

Immediately following the exhibition, there’s to be a forum titled, “The Establishment of a viable Hemp Industry in Guyana”, during which a panel of prominent speakers, again headed by Doerga, will deliberate. Also officiating at that forum will be the organisation’s co-chairs, Messrs David Kirton and Kamana Burnham. The main focus of the Guyana Hemp Association at this time, the organisers told the Guyana Chronicle, is to lobby for the

decriminalisation of Industrial Hemp which Guyana agreed in 1971 with the United Nations. At the time of the signing, they say, Guyana’s representatives were charged with taking the agreement home and enforcing it for the nation’s “greater good”. But through an apparent oversight, this was not done, hence representations are currently being made at the level of Parliament to have the matter addressed. Contending that hemp

is not marijuana, the Association has committed to apprising the gathering of what was done at the level of the United Nations to decriminalise Industrial Hemp as a narcotic, and what is being done here to regularize this law. “We have had national consultations countrywide, and coming out of those consultations, we have had the formation of about 25 Hemp Awareness Groups regionally,” a member of the organisation said.

Imam Bacchus & Sons

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 18, 2017

– a household name on the Essequibo Coast

By Vanessa Braithwaite IMAM Bacchus and Sons has, over the years, successfully risen to become one of the most prominent businesses not only on the Essequibo Coast but in the entire Region Two (Pomeroon-Supernaam). Its growth from an initial rice production company has created a chain of economic benefits for the entire Essequibo Coast. And while it currently boasts several branches and sub-operations, and has in its employ over 300 Essequibians, the beneficiaries from the plethora of products it has to offer may well number in the thousands. As enshrined in the company’s history, the family’s patriarch, the late Mr Imam Bacchus, from whom the company took its name, bought a rice mill in the village of Affiance from a British businessman named Mr.

Seymour in the 1950s and began producing rice. Then, in late 1962, when Guyana was beset by the famed 80-day strike, the then District Commissioner Office granted Bacchus permission to voluntarily distribute goods all across the Coast. It was to be the beginning of the mega-empire that is Imam Bacchus and Sons. Today, rice production still continues to play a major role at Imam Bacchus & Sons, but the company has since added to its growing portfolio the manufacture of value-added products from wheat flour and other raw materials. Today, also, the company is not only the sole distributor throughout the Essequibo Coast of the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc (NAMILCO)’s several packaged flours, but over the last 15 years has been successful in manufacturing several

by-products, ranging from chowmein, vermicelli, baby food and barley flour. HOME-GROWN AND GOOD As one of its longstanding employees, a girl named Samantha, explained to the Guyana Chronicle, all of the aforementioned products are produced right there at the factory in Affiance, some nine or so miles from Adventure. The chowmein, which is exported to Canada and the United States is in high demand, and is sold in 240 and 450g packages. It also comes in extra fine, flat and medium. In addition to these flour-based products, Imam Bacchus also produces several other culinary items such as ground plantains, peas, sago and coffee, with the latest addition being the “puppy rice” that was recently launched. Samantha revealed that all of the raw ingredients, especially the plan-

tains to make the plantain flour, are sourced from farmers in the Pomeroon district. Imam Bacchus is also involved in other retail and wholesale food distribution, large-scale poultry production, and vegetable and cattle farming. The Imam Bacchus shopping complex is one of the largest in Essequibo, and houses several stores, including a clothing store, a supermarket and a hardware store. The residents of Affiance and neighbouring villages can basically have all their needs met at the shopping complex. The company is managed by a board of directors, many of whom are family members. A TRAILBLAZER Mr Afeeze Khan, Marketing Director of NAMILCO, the lone flour mill in Guyana, has commended Imam Bacchus for taking the

initiative to not just distribute flour, but add value to it as well, thus creating more jobs, making available more local products on the market, and revolutionising the entire manufacturing sector. “Imam Bacchus’ chowmein is sold is Canada; it is the biggest product that leaves Guyana, and is sold in Canada,” Khan said, adding: “It is also sold in the USA, and is highly marketable. He has been doing it for over 15 years; he started from scratch, and makes one of the best chowmein in the land of Guyana.” Speaking of the locally-produced flour and flour products the company distributes, Khan said that every time a package of NAMILCO flour or flour product is purchased, the Essequibo economy benefits. NAMILCO produces Multi-grain, Thunderbolt, Self-rising and High-fibre

varieties of flour, in addition to wheat germ, baby cream of wheat, roti mix and polourie mix. Their multi-grain flour is produced from nine different grains, and along with the high-fibre and wheat germ, is specifically manufactured for persons suffering from diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases. “Until we understand what we grow, what we sell, we will never appreciate how important it is for the country to build on what we produce,” Khan said. “Namilco is the only flour mill in Guyana; nothing is imported! It’s all local! “Imagine! In oneand-a-half minutes you can have a golden polourie with your friends and family,” he added, reiterating that the flour company will continue to partner with Imam Bacchus to have these products available throughout the Essequibo Coast.

Banking on cash crops

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 18, 2017

–– North Rupununi Village seeks market building to boost agriculture potential By Alva Solomon

OVER the years, farming in Region Nine has been explored in many ways, but recently, one group from the North Rupununi village of Kwatamang has made full use of the area’s cash-crop potential.

The group, called the Kwatamang HEYS Agriculture Garden, has converted the village’s corral (or cow pen) into a large garden, rich with vast amounts of cash crops including bora, watermelons, lettuce, ochro and boulanger to name a few. It is a feat which has

brought life to the small indigenous community, persons there told the Guyana Chronicle during a recent visit. However, while production has been steady, the group is searching for a permanent site from which to sell their produce, and they

have identified the former toll-office as the best option for the purpose. The project falls under The Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) project, which is one of several activities the government has implemented to stimulate economic

growth and personal and professional development in various communities across the country. Kwatamang is a small village which falls under the Annai Village Council. With a scattered population of approximately 400 persons; most residents are

engaged in hunting, claybrick making and farming. NEW LIFE Located approximately one-and-a-half miles from Annai Central, residents of the area have seen the See page 13

The farming group has planted flowers amongst the cash-crops to protect them from insects

Two members of the farming group display their produce, which they reaped from the garden on Easter Sunday

A resident clears the garden of weed and other parasitic plants

Ochro has been in great demand by several businesses at Annai

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 18, 2017

‘Trini’ soca artiste assaulted outside Palm Court

POPULAR Soca artiste, ‘Benjai’ of Trinidad and Tobago was severely injured in the face early Sunday morning following an altercation with an irate Palm Court patron. The incident reportedly occurred outside of the popular downtown Main Street nightspot after Rodney Le Blanc, as is the artiste’s given name, had wrapped up a successful appointment there. According to eyewit-

nesses, ‘Benjai’, who was one of the main acts at an event titled “Easter Phenomenon”, was mingling with patrons outside of the establishment when he became embroiled in an argument. Sources say that in the heat of the argument, the assailant whipped out a beer bottle and hit ‘Benjai’ in the face so hard it shattered on impact. The singer was immediately rushed to a private

hospital, where he received over a dozen stiches in the face. Some say the assault stemmed from a misunderstanding between ‘Benjai’, who was allegedly intoxicated, and a taxi driver. “The singer was so drunk... He was outside drinking from a Ciroc bottle and trying to impress about six ladies that were around him,” one eyewitness said. It so happened, the eye-

witness said, that three of the women were bracing the man’s car, and he did not take too kindly to it. “When the driver of the car kindly asked the three girls that was bracing on his car to remove,” he said, “the singer became annoyed and started to hit the back of the car window with the Ciroc bottle. “The argument started when the driver came out and asked what was the problem.”

The eyewitness further said that in the height of the argument, ‘Benjai’ advanced to the driver with the Ciroc bottle, but the man did not retaliate. “He get lash to he face after another man in the club see what was going on, because he did trouble the man girl earlier. “And that man, who was in no way affiliated with the driver, decided to assault him,” the eyewitness said. Police were, however, unable to confirm what took place outside the Palm Court on Sunday morning, and whether anyone was apprehended.

Popular soca singer, ‘Benjai’ The event was promoted by Pulse Entertainment.

Banking on cash... From page 11 agriculture project as one which has brought life to the village’s agriculture potential. Others told the Guyana Chronicle during a visit to the village, which is made up of predominantly persons of the Makushi and Wapishana peoples, that it is the first time a cash-crop project has been implemented there. The project, which turns a year next month, was implemented in two phases, coordinator of the group, Lonsdale Rodney told this newspaper. He said that the participants, who comprise males and females from the village, were exposed to theoretical training in which they were taught how to plant the crops, the types of crops that will be suitable for the soil in the area, as well as marketing. He said that after the first phase was completed during the last quarter of 2016, the group commenced the ground work. He said the village council permitted the use of the corral, which he says is ideal since the soil is rich in nutrients for the intended project. Residents then cleared several beds and fenced the area, and persons were divided into several groups. “Some groups planted bora, some did boulanger, some did celery and so on,” Rodney said, adding that personnel from the National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) based at Annai have visited the site and offered assistance to the group. He said that water was connected to the area via several lengths of pipe, and

that “natural fertilizer”, including manure from cows in the village, was stacked for use in the garden. FEELING EXCITED Latanya Sampson, a mother and member of the group, said that she was excited about the project when she first heard about it. Sampson, who has recently started a small poultry project at her home, noted that the project will assist many residents whom she said can earn an income via the project. “It will help the residents, because it will give people jobs on their own,” Sampson said. She said that she plans to utilise the knowledge she has gained from the project to date to start her own farm at her home. “I have a plot of land which I will plough-up and prepare for farming,” she said. Residents of Kwatamang and neighbourng villages usually purchase vegetables and fruits from shops in the area, most of which are bought by the businesses from persons who operate small kitchen gardens or from the township of Lethem. According to Rodney, the farming group plans to approach the authorities with a plan of converting the defunct toll-station office, which sits at the entrance of the roadway connecting the village and the Lethem-Georgetown highway, into a market complex. He said the idea will bode well for residents, since it will encourage more persons to explore the agricultural potential of Kwatamang and neighbouring villages.

A motorcyclist heading from the Kwatamang Landing at the Rupununi River rides past a sign which leads to the garden (Photos by Alva Solomon)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 18, 2017

Some rather unusual kites By Clestine Juan

Lionel Conway (in blue tees) and members of his extended family at the Georgetown Seawall on Monday with one of their unusual creations (Photo by Adrian Narine)

THE flying of kites at Easter could be deemed a ‘unique Guyanese tradition’ whereby creativity and art become one, as colourful kites would fly across the sky while being piloted by a sting. Lionel Conway, 61, explained that since he was a little boy growing up in Guyana with his brother, Easter was always an exciting time. Conway, who now lives in New York, explained

that he travels back to his homeland every Easter to go kite-flying with members of his family who live here. And he doesn’t come empty-handed as he would often bring back some of the most unusual and unique kites he could lay his hands on. The locus (dimensional) kite is one of Conway’s favourites. So, too, is the winged box kite, as is the double-star box kite which he brought with him this time around from New York.

GWI to launch two new ‘apps’ THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will soon launch two mobile apps that will be used by its customers and contractors to communicate with the company. GWI made the decision to work on the apps, after noticing the need to enhance their use of technology and make communication with customers and contractors easier. During an interview with the media in Lethem on Wednesday, Company Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles said that customers will no longer have to leave their home, once the app is launched because it will allow them to report faults GWI’s Dr. Richard in the system. Van-West Charles Their main focus will be on leakages in the system, because leaks contribute to a lot of wastage and unavailability of good water pressure in many regions. “With the app, when you see a leak you will be able to send a picture to us, instead of having to travel miles to report the issue,” Dr. Van-West Charles said. Another app will also be used by the company to communicate with contractors who are doing work on their behalf. The contactors will have an app on their phones, which will allow them to take pictures when they begin the project, during the course of the project, and when the project is completed. GWI will also be considering the use of drones to do mapping, which is anticipated to take less time than a manual operation. “We are trying to do GIS mapping and combine technology in order to give us efficiency in the system,” Van-West Charles said, adding: “Customers are the centre of our universe, so we will appreciate their support and try to work with the customers to enhance our services.” And, soon enough they will create a tab on their webpage, which will allow customers to check their accounts and ensure that their bills are in order.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 18, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Eight medals for Guyana at CARIFTA Games By Rawle Toney

- Caesar, Bright, Hooper and McKoy strike gold

WHAT could go down as one of the best showing by the ‘Land of Many Waters’ at the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games is Guyana finishing the three-day event in Curacao with a total of eight medals - four gold, one silver and three bronze. The highlight came through Linden’s Compton Caesar, who clocked 10.46 seconds, to clip Barbados’ Jaquone Hoyte (10.47) and Jamaica’s Jelani Walker (10.61 seconds) to hand Guyana an impressive start to the competition. It was the first time in the history of the CARIFTA Games, which started in 1972, that a Guyanese has won the male

100m; an event that’s usually dominated by the Jamaicans. Overseas-based Natricia Hooper also copped gold, winning the Girls’ U-18 triple jump with a leap of 13.08 metres. It was redemption for Hooper who was disqualified in the 400m for a false start; a race she was heavily favoured to win. Claudrice McKoy took a bronze medal in the Girls’ Under-18 1500m (4:50.88), but, the diminutive athlete returned to win the U-18 3000m with a time of ten minutes 39.03 seconds (10:39.03). Anfernee Headecker had a spirited run against a strong field in the Boys’ U-20 1500m, but the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) track club athlete managed

to finish second with a time of three minutes 58.22 seconds (3:58.22) Chantoba Bright, competing in the long jump, leaped a distance of 5.91 metres to win the event she finished in second last year. Bright, however, had to settle for bronze in the Girls’ U-18 triple jump, covering a distance of 12.35m. She finished behind Jamaicans Lamara Distin (12.40m) and Latavia Brown (12.74m). On the final day, Samuel Lynch (1:56.52) and Headecker (1:59.68) finished fifth and seventh respectively in the Boys’ U-20 800m in a race won by Barbados’ Jonathan Jones (1:51.51), with Jamaican Agerian Jackson second (1:52.07) and Lidji Mbaye (1:52.59) third.

Matthew McKenzie’s time of 18 minutes 52.28 seconds (18:52.28) was just good enough for sixth place in the Boys’ U-20 5000m, which was won by Dominic Dyer (15:55.02) of the Cayman Islands. Kalique St Jean from Antigua was third, clocking 16:02.77. Chantoba Bright, Onassha Rogers, Claudrice McKoy and Kenisha Phillips competed in the Girls’ U-18 4x400m but their time of three minutes 52.24 seconds (3:52.24) was only good enough for sixth place. The race was won by Jamaica (3:38.73), the Bahamas (3:41.24) were second and Trinidad and Tobago (3:43.05) third. Compton Caesar, Anfernee Headecker, Matthew McKenzie and Sam-

uel Lynch ran in the Boys’ 4x400m U-20 but, were eventually disqualified for lane violation. Trinidad and Tobago took gold in the event, with their time of 3:09.32, edging the Christopher Taylor-anchored Jamaica team (3:10.34). The Bahamas finished third (3:18.03) G U YA N A M E D A L BREAKDOWN Compton Caesar – gold (100m), bronze (200M) Chantoba Bright – gold (long jump), bronze (triple jump) Claudrice McKoy – gold (300m), bronze (1500m) Natricia Hooper – gold (triple jump) Anfernee Headecker – silver (1500m)

PCL 4-day cricket …

Jaguars land hat-trick of titles after beating Volcanoes by innings By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Jaguars crushed the Windward Islands Volcanoes by an innings and 122 runs in the ninth round West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day game inside three days to be crowned Regional four-day champions for a third straight year. The Volcanoes were bowled out for 163 in 46.1 overs in their second innings, after 45 minutes of play yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. With the win, Jaguars moved to to an unassailable 131.4 p0ints, with their rescheduled ninth round game against Leeward Islands Hurricanes still to be played this coming weekend. The Jaguars are well clear of their closest challengers Barbados Pride who were locked in a keen tussle with Jamica Scorpions at Kensington oval in Barbados. Medium pacer Keemo Paul (3-36) and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (4-45), ensured it was another tough session for

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie garabbed four for 45.

the Volcanoes remaining batsmen, as the duo shared the remaining five wickets. Resuming on 102-5, still

182 runs away to make the Jaguars bat a second time, Paul removed Kyle Mayers, caught in the slips by Assad

SCORECARD

WINDWARD Islands Volcanoes 2nd innings (o/n 100-5) D. Smith c Chandrika b Paul 61 T. Theophile b Shepherd 10 J. Robinson lbw b Permaul 18 A. Fletcher c & b Rutherford 5 S. Ambris c Shepherd b Motie 8 K. Hodge c Shepherd b Motie 0 K. Mayers c Fudadin b Paul 14 S. Shillingford not out 35 L. Edwards c & b Motie 5 D. Johnson c & b b Motie 0 S. Lewis lbw b Paul 0 Extras: (w-1, nb-2, lb-4) 7 Total: (all out; 46.1 overs) 163

Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-67, 3-80, 4-96, 5-100, 6-115, 7-131, 8-136, 9-136. Bowling: Shepherd 6-2-14-1, Jacobs 4-0-14-0, Paul 8.11-37-3, Permaul 11-4-23-1, Rutherford 8-0-26-1, Motie 9-4-45-4. Points: Guyana Jaguars 21.6 (12 for victory + 4 batting points + 3 bowling points + 2.6 pace bowling points), Windward Islands Volcanoes 4.8 (0 batting points + 3 bowling points + 1.8 pace bowling points)

Fudadin for 14, before he claimed the prized wicket of Devon Smith in similar fashion. The left-handed Smith added just one to his overnight 60. Motie then got into the act, with the wickets of Larry Edwards and Shermon Lewis. Both batsmen went caught-and-bowled. However, Shane Shillingford hit his way to an unbeaten 35, with five fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, in an invited comment, man-of-thematch, Paul said he is happy that he contributed to the team’s success. Paul was the main

first-innings destroyer, claiming 6-28. He returned with the bat to score a resolute 46 and shared an eighth-wicket stand with Steven Jacobs, which eventually secured the hosts’ huge lead. “To be honest I never expected this. I am overjoyed … I am happy that I have contributed so much to the team,” the former West Indies Under-19 player said just after the game. The Jaguars will turn their attention for the clash against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, starting on Friday at the same venue.

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:25 hrs Emerald Gal 09:00 hrs What A Winner 09:35 hrs Cardinal Call 10:10 hrs Waiting For Rain 10:45 hrs Quickfire 11:20 hrs Moonrise Sensation

09:45 hrs Brigadoon 10:20 hrs Passcode 10:55 hrs Red Touch 11:25 hrs Midlight 11:55 hrs Powerful Wind 12:25 hrs Sugarloaf Mountain

English Racing Tips Newmarket 08:50 hrs Elyaasaat 09:20 hrs Areen Faisal 09:55 hrs Salsabeel 10:30 hrs Sacred Act 11:05 hrs Al Hamdany 11:35 hrs Afaak 12:05 hrs Independence Day Kempton 09:00 hrs Passmore 09:30 hrs Talent To Amuse 10:05 hrs Ypsilanti 10:40 hrs Le Dauphin 11:15 hrs Cloudy Bob 11:45 hrs Stowaway Magic 12:20 hrs Duke Of Lucca Southwell 09:10 hrs Inflexiball

Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 10:00 hrs O Ceallaigh 10:35 hrs Coeur Joyeux 11:10 hrs Woods Well 11:40 hrs Chambord Du Lys 12:15 hrs Presenting Julio 12:50 hrs Mount Colah 13:20 hrs Dalouga 13:50 hrs On Raglan Road American Racing Tips Parx Racing Race 1 Only You Race 2 Eastern Front Race 3 Tiz All Behind Us Race 4 Elle Va Race 5 Miss Avalon Race 6 Stonerageous Race 7 Degrom Race 8 Zanotti Race 9 Riverwalk Weekend

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Pandey blasts Kolkata to dramatic victory MANISH Pandey’s outstanding unbeaten 69 proved a match-winning knock as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a four-wicket victory over Delhi Daredevils with just one ball to spare. A composed display from Pandey - who remains this year ’s leading run-scorer with 221

- helped keep Kolkata’s chase of 169 alive, and he produced a brilliant maximum in the final over before clinching a fourth win of the campaign for his team. Pandey formed a formidable fourth-wicket partnership with Yusuf Pathan (59) that was worth 110 runs, while

Nathan Coulter-Nile returned figures of 3-22 from four overs in place of Trent Boult. Things did not start too well for Coulter-Nile as Sanju Samson (39) sent him to the boundary off successive deliveries, but the Australian broke his 53-run stand with Sam Billings when he tempted

Manish Pandey’s unbeaten 69 steers Kolkata Knight Riders home. the latter into a slight edge back to wicketkeeper Robin Uthappa. The run-rate dropped for Delhi until an excellent cameo from Rishabh Pant (38 off 16) saw him blast three maximums as part of 26 runs from one Umesh Yadav (1-53) over, a woeful performance including his most expensive set of six in the IPL.

Coulter-Nile stopped Pant doing further damage, but Chris Morris and Pat Cummins escaped his grasp – the former dropped twice – as Delhi posted a total of 168-7. Kolkata found themselves struggling at 21-3 after just three overs, though. Zaheer Khan (228) accounting for Colin de Grandhomme (1) and Gau-

tam Gambhir (14) either side of a sensational catch from wicketkeeper Pant, enhancing his burgeoning reputation by diving to his right to take in Uthappa (4). But Pandey and Pathan got the Knight Riders back on track, the latter punishing a poor yorker from Zaheer to bring up his fifty before Morris’ short ball got the better of him. Pandey was denied a third maximum when Samson leapt across the tope and flicked the ball back into the field mid-air in the penultimate over, but Cummins was unable to match his teammate’s heroics at the long-on boundary with three balls remaining. A smart double off the penultimate delivery completed the victory, with Pandey’s IPL tally having surpassed the 2 000-run mark. (Omnisport)

Vohra heroics in vain as Sunrisers outshine Kings XI MANAN Vohra’s superb 50-ball 95 for Kings XI Punjab proved in vain as they lost by five runs to Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) clash. Captain David Warner made an unbeaten 70 to help Sunrisers to a total of 159-6, which looked out of reach for the Kings XI as they crumbled to 82-6 in reply. However, Vohra kept the match alive in hugely impressive fashion and had the Kings XI within 16 runs of victory going into the final two overs. Punjab’s standout batsman was ultimately denied a century by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (5-19), whose manof-the-match display proved decisive. Tail-enders Sandeep Sharma and Ishant Sharma reduced the equation to six needed from three balls, but Siddarth Kaul (1-26) recovered his composure to skittle Ishant and seal a dramatic victory. Sunrisers were left struggling on 50-3 when Axar Patel (2-33) took the wickets of Moises Henriques (9) and Yuvraj Singh (0) with consecutive deliveries. Warner and Naman Ojha

Bhuvneshwar Kumar collects a five-for to help Sunrisers Hyderabad to victory, despite Manan Vohra’s 95 for Kings XI Punjab. (34) mounted a recovery with a 60-run partnership before the latter fell in the 16th over. Despite Warner’s performance - which saw him regain his position as the top run-scorer in the IPL with 235 - Sunrisers looked set to fall short of the 150-mark. Yet Warner was dropped over the rope for six at longoff by Eoin Morgan and Rashid Khan finished the innings with a maximum in a final over that proved crucial. Hashim Amla (0) and Glenn Maxwell (10) fell in the first three overs of the Kings XI chase, which

seemed in disarray after Morgan (13), David Miller (1) and Wriddhiman Saha (0) were also dismissed cheaply. Vohra, though, held the innings together - striking nine fours and five maximums to put his side in position to claim an unlikely success. Even after Vohra became Bhuvneshwar’s fifth victim, trapped lbw by a low full toss, the Kings XI retained hope as Kaul gave up five runs in the first three balls of the last over, only to redeem himself by shattering Ishant’s off stump. (Omisport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Kenyans shine in strong wins at Boston Marathon By Scott Malone

BOSTON, USA (Reuters) - Geoffrey Kirui and Edna Kiplagat produced a Kenyan sweep at the Boston Marathon, winning the men’s and women’s races yesterday by conquering the race’s hilly final miles to establish their dominance. Kirui finished in two hours nine minutes 37 seconds after holding off a challenge by American Galen Rupp in the race’s final stretch down Boylston Street, the site of the deadly 2013 bombing attack. Kiplagat, a 38-year-old mother of two, ran alone for the final miles of the race, finishing in 2:21:52, almost a minute ahead of Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo. The Kenyan maintained her long lead despite briefly

Kenyans Kirui, Kiplagat win 121st Boston Marathon. stopping in the final miles when she realised she had grabbed a rival’s water bottle from an aid station and went

back to return it. American Jordan Hasay, running her first competitive marathon, came in third in

the women’s field and Japan’s Suguru Osako finished third in the men’s race. Security was high along

the course, that begins in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and passes through Boston’s suburbs to the finish line

on Boylston Street, where a pair of ethnic Chechen brothers in 2013 set off two homemade bombs, killing three people and injuring more than 200. Meb Keflezighi who in 2014 became the first American to win the Boston Marathon in over three decades, finished 13th in his final appearance at the race. Keflezighi, who plans to retire from racing after this year’s New York marathon, stopped after his victory to touch the hand of Bill Richard, whose 8-year-old son Martin was the youngest person to die in the bombing. Tens of thousands of people packed the streets for Boston’s largest sporting event, held on the Patriots Day holiday, which commemorates the start of the American Revolution.

Powell, bowlers make final day compelling against Pakistan FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica (CMC) – Kieran Powell celebrated his recall to the West Indies Test squad with his second half-century of this match, as the WICB President’s XI and Pakistan drew their tour game yesterday here. Powell followed up his first-innings score of 58, unbeaten on 84, as the President’s XI reached 152 for two in their second innings when stumps were drawn about half-hour after tea on the final day of the three-day contest at the Trelawny Multiplex. His batting followed purposeful bowling from the home team’s attack, led by leg-spinner Damion Jacobs with 4-45 from 16 overs, to dismiss the Pakistanis for 192, replying to their opponents’ first-innings total of 419. Left-arm fast-medium bowler Raymon Reifer ended with 2-21 from 13

overs and Kemar Roach grabbed 2-71 from 18 overs, as the Pakistanis, batting one short due to a groin injury to Hassan Ali, were dismissed about 40 minutes before the scheduled lunch interval with opener Ahmed Shehzad leading the way with 55 and Sarfraz Ahmed hitting a rapid-fire 50. The left-handed Powell, whose comeback to the game from a self-imposed exile and a foray into Major League Baseball in the United States last year, glanced leg-spinner Yasir Shah to fine leg for a double, to reach his landmark and share an opening stand of 75 with Kyle Hope. He gave the Pakistanis another glimpse of what they can expect if he is on song and is selected in the final 11 for the historic 50th Test at Sabina Park, starting on Friday, mixing solid defence with an en-

terprising array of strokes. Hope too, batted solidly for an hour and 45 minutes for 23 before he played forward to leftarm spinner Muhammad Asghar and edged to ’keeper. Hetmyer too, batting with the knowledge that he has been selected for the first Test, played his strokes before he was caught at short leg for 22 off Yasir on the stroke of the tea with the President’s XI 110 for two at tea. After the break, Powell and Shamarh Brooks of the President’s XI, indulged themselves before the final act. Earlier, the President’s XI bowlers made inroads into the Pakistani batting after the visitors resumed from their overnight total of 129 for four. Roach, looking to give regional selector Eldine

Baptiste a sign that he has fully recovered from the injuries and poor form that have beset him over the last two years, bowled with fire and made the breakthrough when he had Asad Shafiq caught behind for 23. This proved to be a golden period for the

President’s XI, as three wickets fell for one run from 10 balls to leave the Pakistanis 132 for seven before Sarfraz took matters into his hands and started to play his shots, knowing that Ali would be unable to take any further part in the game.

SCORECARD

Kieran Powell

WICB PRESIDENT’S XI 1st innings 419 PAKISTAN 1st innings (o/n 129 for four) S. Masood c Cornwall b Reifer 14 A. Shehzad c Cornwall b Jacobs 55 A. Ali c wkp. Hamilton b Joseph 4 Y. Khan c wkp. Hamilton b Reifer 7 Misbah-ul-Haq c Hetmyer b Jacobs 8 A. Shafiq c wkp. Hamilton b Roach 23 S. Ahmed b Jacobs 50 M. Amir c Brooks b Roach 0 Y. Shah lbw b Jacobs 8 M. Asghar not out 1 Hassan Ali injured – Extras: (b-4, lb-3, w-1, nb-14) 22 Total: (all out, 68 overs) 192 Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-43, 3-64, 4-84, 5-131, 6-131, 7-132, 8-159, 9-192.

Bowling: Roach 18-4-71-2 (nb10), Joseph 9-2-24-1 (nb-3, w-1), Reifer 13-6-21-2, Cornwall 124-24-0 (nb-1), Jacobs 16-3-45-4. WICB PRESIDENT’S XI 2nd innings K. Hope c wkp. Sarfraz Ahmed b Muhammad Asghar 23 K. Powell not out 84 S. HetmyercAzharAli bYasirShah 22 S. Brooks not out 21 Extras: (lb-1, nb-1) 2 Total; (2 wkts, 42 overs) 152 Fall of wickets: 1-75, 2-110. Bowling: Muhammad Amir 9-326-0 (nb-1), Muhammad Asghar 13-0-41-1, Yasir Shah 16-2-60-1, Shan Masood 4-0-24-0.

Murray‘s century pilots Devonshire Castle to victory in T20 tournament A COMMANDING unbeaten even hundred from Vishnu Murray highlighted the latest round of the Motielall, Jailall and Praboo Memorial T20 cricket tournament which wa played in North Essequibo last Sunday. At the Walton Hall ground, Devonshire Castle continued their winning streak with a convincing 55-run finish over Young Achievers. Batting first after winning the toss, Dev-

Vishnu Murray

onshire Castle amassed 245-2 from their allotted 20 overs, as Vishnu Murray’s brilliant 100 from 43 balls, which included 12 fours and 4 sixes, Navin Hurrel 79 (7x4, 3x6) along with Anthony Persaud’s 30 (3x6) contributed to the home team’s challenging total. In reply, solid half-centuries from Shamesh Bridgemohan 70 (5x4, 4x6) and Tamesh Dhanpaul 54 (6x4, 3x6) kept the youngsters in the hunt for most of their innings.

Their dismissals, however, saw them collapse and end on 189-9 in 20 overs. Controlled medium pace from captain Dinesh Chattergoon with 3-40 from 4 overs ensured that his team kept the ascendancy and a place in the last eight. In the other game at the same venue, Gunners failed to fire against Walton Hall and lost by 5 wickets. Batting first, Gunners managed only 108 all-out in 15 overs, to

which Walton Hall replied with 110-5 in 13 overs. Meanwhile, at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, Sparwin gained a walkover from Lima United while Imam Bacchus Sports Club easily disposed of Charity by 92 runs. Imam Bacchus reached 236-4 in 20 overs batting first, with former National Under-19 opener Yogeshwar Lall stroking 67 (8x4) and Navindra Persaud contributing 45 (5x4). Charity SC then reached 140 for 5

in their 20 overs with Ryan Tang hitting 35 (4x4). The preliminary matches have been completed, paving the way for the quarter-finals involving the eight top teams based on the point standings. The annual tournament is sponsored by businessman Daramdeo Lall and played in memory of his three uncles who were former cricketers from the village of Walton Hall. (Elroy Sephney)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Amelia’s Ward Jets capture Under-23 basketball championships By Joe Chapman THE Amelia’s Ward Jets were able to overcome a strong Kwakwani side 70-68, to capture the Linden Amateur basketball Association/ Hamid Foundation Under-23 basketball championships in dramatic style last Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court. Jets were able to snatch the win after the final’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), Akini Wilson, scored a reverse drive to the hoop to score with 15.2 seconds on the clock and stifled the Kwakwani unit out of the game to come away victors. After knocking off Half Mile Bulls in the semi-finals, the Jets found themselves against the outsiders Kwakwani in a final which seemed to favour the running game of the out-of-town side. With that first-quarter spurt led by Troy David, the tournament’s MVP, and his captain Leonard Primo, the Kwakwani side looked formidable but Jets remained in contention as they pulled within reach at half ime, trailing 31-37. By then Akini Wilson,

The jubilant Jets playerswith Mayor Carwyn Holland as he hands over trophy to Shannon Cadogan. Vibert Benjamin and Keis- with 6:18 to go. The Jets capKwakwani regained the on Butters had come to the tain Shannon Cadogan then lead with just over a minute party and made incisive hit a floater as they remained to go. Cadogan had a chance plays down low to upset the in contention 56-58; but then to send his team into the lead rhythm of the un-ranked David penetrated for a four- but could only hit one of two Kwakwani players. But the point advantage. free throws for a tied game third quarter saw the visWilson sank a hook shot at 68. with 49.1 seciods to itors pull away once more with 2 mins 28 secs left after go. and look for the kill as the the Kwakwani team, under But with the tension rising third quarter finished 54-46 pressure, turned the ball over with every second Kwakwani for the underdogs. and Butters played big with lost possession to the pressing However, the Jets would a penetration that sent his Jets side and, after taking the not go away and they pulled team ahead 65:64 with 1:16 ball cross court, the pass went within a basket, adrift 54-56, remaining. in to Wilson on the left low

post. He rounded his man and swished the ball for the go-ahead basket with 15.2 seconds remaining. Then Jets defended well to ensure victory was once again earned from pretty good team play as they were crowned the new champions and left Kwakwani dejected from that heartbreaking loss 70-68. The top shooters for the game for the winners came from Wilson with 23 points, Vibert Benjamin 17, Keison Butters 13 and George Yearwood 10. The Kwakwani best players were Tournament MVP Troy David with 18, Leonard Primo 13 and Domar Gladstone 10 points. In the third-place playoff game defending champions and top seed Half Mile Bulls pulled out a 51-49 win over fourth-ranked Retrieve Raiders. Tahquille Johnson and Terron Welch each had 15 points for the Bulls while the Raiders top scorers were Travis Sutton with 16 and Coel Winter 14. The championship trophy, donated by Gordon Moseley Promotions, was handed over by Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland while the replicas,

compliments of Save The Children Foundation, were handed over to the winning team by LABA president Lawrence Simon. The Most Valuable Playerof-the-Final Trophy, donated by LABA, went to Akini Wilson and that was presented by the Public Relations Officer of LABA. The Most Valuable Player Trophy for the Tournament, won by Kwakwani’s Troy David, was donated by World Access. It was presented by Tracey Liverpool and the second place trophy was presented by Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira. Before the final game the teams were introduced by LABA president Lawrence Simon to Regional Executive Officer of Region Ten Gavin Clarke and Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland. Abdulla Hamid of the Abdulla Hamid Foundation, who collaborated with LABA, thanked the many sponsors who came on board including Gordon Moseley, Save the Children Foundation and World Access.

Khan’s five for 66 turns the game Walton’s positive unbeaten 70 gives Scorpions upper hand in run chase for Red Force on third day

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Another devastating spell of leg-spin b o w l i n g f ro m I m r a n Khan in-between showers topped half-centuries from Chesney Hughes, Montcin Hodge and Kacey Carty to give Trinidad & Tobago Red Force the edge against Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the Regional 4-Day Tournament yesterday. The lanky Khan snared 5-66 from 28 overs to undermine the work of Hughes, Hodge and Carty, as the Hurricanes reached 273 for six, replying to Red Force’s first-innings total of 533, at the close on the rain-affected third day of the 10th round match at Warner Park. Hughes, the big left-handed Anguillan, led the way with 71, but Khan removed Hodge for 64 and Carty for 53, as he made some telling strikes in-between several stoppages for rain to put the visitors’ in front. Bryan Charles however, made the breakthrough for the Red Force, after the Hurricanes started the day on 120 without loss, and Hughes and Hodge in full command.

Imran Khan Charles trapped Hughes lbw inside the first hour of play, after the Hurricanes opening pair had shared 137 for the first wicket. Hodge continued his defiance until Khan had him caught at short leg in the final hour before lunch, as the Hurricanes reached 211 for two at lunch. Not a ball was bowled in the scheduled afternoon period and the players had an extra 20 minutes to relax after the tea break before play resumed. On resumption, Carty was dropped by Roshon Primus at slip off Charles and gained the runs needed from the reprieve to reach his 50. Just when it looked like he would dig in, he was caught at mid-wicket off Khan to leave the Hurricanes 223 for three.

Khan would add Bonner caught at short leg for 16, next ball, Jermaine Otto five overs later lbw for a duck and Sherwyn Peters for a duck to a return catch four overs later in a period of instability for the home team that wobbled them to 237 for six. Akeem Saunders, not out on 27, and Jacques Taylor, not out 23, came to their rescue and batted through the remainder of the final session to extend the innings into the final day.

SCORECARD

RED FORCE 1st innings 553 HURRICANES 1st innings (o/n 120 without loss) M. Hodge c Webster b Khan 64 C. Hughes lbw b Charles 71 K. Carty c Webster b Khan 53 N. Bonner c Cooper b Khan 16 A. Saunders not out 27 J. Otto lbw b Khan 0 S. Peters c & b Khan 0 J. Taylor not out 23 Extras: (b-4, lb-7, w-1, nb-7) 19 Total: (6 wkts, 97 overs) 273 Fall of wickets: 1-137, 2-175, 3-223, 4-223, 5-227, 6-237. Bowling: Cottrell 10-1-21-0 (nb-2, w-1), Richards 13-3-38-0, Primus 14-0-54-0 (nb-5), Webster 3-111-0, Khan 28-7-66-5, Charles 29-10-72-1. Position: Hurricanes trail by 280 with four first-innings wickets standing

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Chadwick Walton’s positive half-century put Jamaica Scorpions in a strong position to pull off a challenging run chase on today’s final day of their final round game against Barbados Pride. Set 341 for victory at Kensington Oval, Scorpions finished day three here Monday on 114 for one with West Indies batsman Walton unbeaten on 70. The right-hander has so far faced 138 balls, in just under 2-1/2 hours and lashed six fours and three sixes. He has put on 89 in an unbroken second wicket stand with Guyanese Trevon Griffith who was unbeaten on 25. The partnership was crucial after left-hander John Campbell perished chealy for 10 at 25 for one, lbw to off-spinner Ashley Nurse playing back. Earlier, left-arm spinners Nikita Miller (4-46) and Fabian Allen (4-47) had wrecked Pride’s innings to send the hosts tumbling for a disappointing 187 in their second innings. Captain Kevin Stoute top-scored with 52 while first innings century-maker Justin Greaves chipped in

with 34 but Pride never really recovered from a top order slide which left them on 99 for five. Stoute faced 102 deliveries and counted six fours while Greaves struck three boundaries in a 48-ball knock, as they put on 53 for the sixth wicket. But once Greaves was caught at slip by Jermaine Blackwood off Allen, Pride lost their last five wickets for 35 runs. Pride had started poorly when opener Kyle Corbin was caught at the wicket off Allen in the fourth over of the morning for nine with the total on 15

but Jonathan Carter (19) joined Anthony Alleyne (22) to add 34 for the second wicket and revive the innings somewhat. The left-handed Carter had faced 24 balls and hit four boundaries when he missed a defensive prod at Miller and was lbw and Ryan Wiggins (4) and Alleyne then followed quickly, to leave Pride tottering on 65 for four. Stoute began his rescue mission when he put on 34 or the fifth wicket with Kenroy Williams who made 14 before falling lbw to Miller, in the final over before lunch.

SCORECARD

PRIDE 1st innings 377 Scorpions 1st Innings 224 Pride 2nd Innings K Corbin c wkp Thomas b Allen 9 A Alleyne c Griffith b Campbell 22 J Carter lbw b Miller 19 R Wiggins c Griffith b Green 4 K Williams lbw b Miller 14 *K Stoute c Blackwood b Miller 52 J Greaves c Blackwood b Allen 34 A Nurse lbw b Allen 6 +M Rampersaud b Allen 0 J Warrican not out 5 S Benn c Bulli b Miller 9 Extras (b7, lb6) 13 TOTAL (all out, 57.1 overs) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-49, 3-56, 4-65, 5-99, 6-152, 7-164, 8-172, 9-172, 10-187.

Bowling: Taylor 2-0-12-0, Allen 14-3-47-4, Green 8-1-21-1, Miller 22.1-4-46-4, Campbell 8-0-26-1, Bulli 3-0-22-0. SCORPIONS 2nd innings (target: 341 runs) C Walton not out 70 J Campbell lbw b Nurse 10 T Griffith not out 25 Extras (b8, w1) 9 TOTAL (1 wkt, 42 overs) 114 Fall of wickets: 1-25. Bowling: Nurse 12-5-36-1, Greaves 6-2-13-0 (w1), Benn 13-2-41-0, Warrican 9-3-12-0, Williams 2-0-4-0. Position: Scorpions require a further 227 runs for victory.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Hetmyer, Singh named in West … Bravo, Samuels Indies first Test squad overlooked ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Successful Youth World Cup skipper Shimron Hetmyer and Guyana Jaguars teammate Vishal Singh were poised for their first taste of international cricket after being picked in a 13-man squad to face Pakistan in the opening Test of the three-match series starting in Jamaica on Friday. The selectors announced the squad yesterday, the final day of the three-day tour game against the Pakistanis in which the 28-year-old Vishal hit an unbeaten 135 and the 20-yearold Hetmyer narrowly missed out on three figures with an attacking 97. Left-hander Kieran Powell will also make his return to the longest form of the game after ending a self-imposed two-year break and subsequently turning out in recent three-match one-day series against England and Pakistan.

Shimron Hetmyer As expected, the squad will be led by all-rounder Jason Holder and includes the core of the group who lost to Pakistan in a three-Test series in United Arab Emirates late last year but no room has been found for the experienced duo of Marlon Samuels or Darren Bravo. “After winning our previous Test which was against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, the panel felt that

we should stick as close as we possibly can to that squad,” chief selector Courtney Browne said. “We have a young Test squad which was admirably led by Jason Holder during the last series and, though there are some noticeable absentees, we believe that the players will give a good account of themselves especially in their own backyard.” He continued: “We are happy to be able to give a recall to Kieran Powell for one of the opening slots, although he did not have the best regional first-class season. He showed for the President’s XI that his experience can add value to our team. “In addition, we have included two uncapped players - Shimron Hetmyer and Vishal Singh - with a view to exposing players that we believe have earned an opportunity to play for West Indies.”

The left-handed Hetmyer’s progression to the senior team was a quick one. He had a modest Under-19 World Cup with the bat last year but has plundered 496 runs in the Regional four-day championship with four half-centuries to force his way into the selection frame. His breezy knock against Pakistan last weekend would have strengthened his claim. Fellow left-hander Vishal, meanwhile, may consider himself somewhat fortunate, after a poor first-class season that has seen him struggle with 317 runs at an average of 26. However, his heavy scoring last season when he finished with 712 runs at average of 50 with three hundreds, coupled with a magnificent 161 against Sri Lanka A in Pallekele last October, worked in his favour. The 28-year-old Powell,

Vishal Singh too, has had a less than stellar first-class campaign with just 342 runs at an average of 28 but his prolific run in the Regional Super50 which led to his return to the ODI side, got the attention of selectors. He was also convincing in the tour match against Pakistan with a half-century in either innings and with 21 Tests already to his name, he will bring much needed experience to the Windies squad. West Indies, however, will find themselves short on expe-

rience once again as Samuels, who averages 32 from 71 Tests and the enterprising Bravo, who averages 40 from 49 Tests, have been overlooked. Bravo has not played competitively since he was sent home from the one-day tour of Zimbabwe last November for a tweet deemed offensive to West Indies Cricket Board president Dave Cameron. The board has remained palpably silent on the matter. He was good enough to average 45 on the three-Test tour against Pakistan last year. West Indies clash with the Pakistanis in the opening Test at Sabina Park. SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Vishal Singh.

Losing in the early stages strengthened the team Second win in two days as Eastman chalks up … Millington on Sparta Boss GT Beer Futsal win

sixth victory for the cycling season

Action in the GT Beer/Petra final which Sparta Boss won 4-2.

By Stephan Sookram PETRA/GT Beer Champions Sparta Boss have attributed their 4-2 win in the final against Back Circle to experience and determination on the night. Speaking after the win,, national forward Devon Millington contended, “I think that the experience that we have on our side led us to victory tonight (Sunday).” He gave praise to the Almighty, saying, “We had lost to Back Circle, but that only strengthened the team. When people say it was a loss, it was a win for us; because it made us know our weakness so we could go and work on it.” Millington, who set up

two of the four goals on the night, caused trouble for the Back Circle defenders all night and was not shy in front of the cameras when quizzed about his team’s jovial approach. “That was a part of the plan: to demoralise the opponents, let them think that everything was fun for us and they must take it personal and do what they got to do and get a card and rush us so we had to score.” Meanwhile co-Director of the Petra organisation Troy Mendonca contended that the tournament exceeded the organisers’ expectations. He added, “We wanna thank everyone for supporting us. This tournament was long overdue

since early last year and we see the people were waiting and I think we had a very good final and it lived up to expectation. Though we didn’t expect so many goals to score but that’s small goal football.” He further thanked the sponsors, Banks DIH through the GT Beer Brand, Star Party Rentals and NAMILCO. In the earlier third-place game, a close game between Sophia and Bent Street, the former won 7-6 in a scoring frenzy. Sparta carted off $400 000 and the championship trophy while the runnersup Back Circle collected $200 000, Sophia $100 000 and Bent Street $50 000.

Prize winners of the Chin Chan Cycle Store’s 70-mile road race strike a pose with their trophies and monetary rewards. TEAM Coco’s Hamza Eastman chalked up his second win in two days and his sixth victory for the 2017 cycle season, as he returned two hours 43 minutes 54 seconds in winning the Team Coco’s-organised, Chin Chan Cycle Store-sponsored 70-mile road race on Sunday. One day earlier, Eastman won the feature 35-lap race of the Hassan Mohamed-organised, Universal Auto Sales and General

Supplies-sponsored 11-race cycle programme in the National Park. L a s t S a t u r d a y, h e out-sprinted a four-man bunch and won by a wheel. However, on Sunday he crossed the finish line all alone to grab the $50 000 first prize money. Christopher Griffith, Michael Anthony, Walter Grant-Stuart, Akeem Wilkinson and Paul DeNobrega occupied the other top five places respectively. The event got underway

from outside Chin Chan’s Cycle Store on Robb Street, proceeded to Low Creek on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway before turning back to finish outside Chin Chan’s residence, Grove, East Bank Demerara. In the Masters 35-50 years category, Warren McKay was first, Leer Nunes second and Junior Niles third. The Juniors category was won by Briton John. Second was Jason Cameron and finishing third was Adealie Hodge.

Kenyans shine in strong wins at Boston See page 21 Marathon

Eight medals for Guyana at CARIFTA Games - Caesar, Bright, Hooper and McKoy strike gold!

See story on page 19

Compton Caesar on the verge of winning the historic 100m at the CARIFTA Games.

Jaguars land hat-trick of titles

Hetmyer, Singh named in Windies first Test squad

See story on page 19

All-rounder Keemo Paul was named man-of-the-match for his haul of 9 for 65 in the match and his knock of 46 in the Jaguarsâ€™ first innings.

See story on page 23

Shimron Hetmyer

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Vishal Singh TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017