Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 18 05 2017

Prisoners should vote Page 13

Oil refinery pegged at US$5B No. 104916

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

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Appeal Court judges sworn in Page 2

‘No need to apologise’

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President Granger poses with the two newly sworn in Justices of Appeal. From left: Roxane George-Wiltshire and Justice Dawn Gregory

Captain dies in pirate attack

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‘Gangsta Roy’ found dead with bullet Page 8 to head

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Captain dies in pirate attack – survivors forced to jump overboard – swam for two hours

By Nafeeza Yahya A FISHERMAN who has been plying his trade for over 20 years is now dead after pirates attacked the vessel on which he was the captain and forced him and his two crew members to jump overboard Tuesday evening.

Dead is 44-year-old Mahadeo Ramdial called “Chico” of Lot 146 Kilcoy Squatting Area, East Berbice. The attack took place at approximately18:30hrs in the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Tain Village on the Corentyne. Ramdial’s body was discovered at around 14:00hrs on Wednesday entangled in a seine at the Rose Hall foreshore a few miles from where the fishing vessel was attacked.

Guyana Chronicle understands that Ramdial, Arjune Permaul called “Boyo”, 45, of Kilcoy Squatting area and Parmanand Nandan called “Vickram”, 21 of Tain, left for the sea on Monday aboard the MV Veroni 4. On Tuesday evening, two cutlass wielding pirates attacked them, demanded their catch and took away their 40HP

said that the captain was hit to the head with a cutlass, which rendered him weak and dizzy.

He said the crew had just finished eating dinner and were in the cabin when they felt a “juck” and then heard

The dead man’s grieving wife, Chatranie Jaipersaud and father, Boodnarine Ramdial

Dead: Mahadeo Ramdial

Yamaha outboard engine.

The pirates then ordered the fishermen and the captain to jump overboard and after they initially refused to comply, they were beaten with the cutlasses and forced to jump. Police said that the captain received a blow to the head before he jumped.

SWIMMING FOR TWO HOURS One of the survivors, Arjune Permaul showed this newspaper a wound he sustained during the attack. He

Arjune Permaul survived the attack

Parmanand Nandu was forced to jump overboard

a “crashing” sound. It was then they realised pirates had attacked.

“Them [pirates] say lose the engine and them cut the seine boat and tell we to jump in them boat, when we jump

in them boat them say jump in back abee boat and when we jump back in, them fire one broadside on the captain and cut we boat and them boat gone one side and we boat deh the next side…them

had the cutlass on we and seh jump over and say if we nah hear they gon chop off we neck,” Permaul recalled.

He and the other crew member, Nandan swam for more than two hours before they were rescued by another boat, who brought them to shore.

“When them broadside the captain and tell he jump, he say no he can’t swim… them tell he they gon chop out he neck so he jump but before he beg them to give he a jar to hold on to but they didn’t give he …he was saying he cannot make it, so he hold on pon me lil bit and then loose off and he keep saying he not gonna make it, but the water get tough,” the fisherman said.

Permaul, while recalling

the ordeal said this is his last time on the sea as a fisherman.

HOPE LOST Meanwhile, when this newspaper visited the family of Ramdial, his wife and two children were clinging to hope that he is alive, however minutes later, all hope was lost when the family received the dreadful phone call that his body was discovered at the Rose Hall Town Beach entangled in a seine.

The family broke down in tears, while the father of Ramdial and his younger son hurriedly ventured to Rose Hall Foreshore to get a glimpse of the body. No arrests have been made as police continue their investigations.

Appeal Court judges sworn in

By Zena Henry THE WAY has been cleared for sitting of the Court of Appeal to resume now that two Judges, Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire and High Court Judge,Dawn Gregory have been sworn in as Appeal Court judges on Wednesday.

They were sworn in at a simple ceremony attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State,Joseph Harmon,among other important guests at the President’s official residence,

State House.

The swearing-in of the judges is fulfilment of a commitment made by President Granger.

“This installation ceremony of judges is an affirmation of the government’s commitment to ensuring a judicial system that reflects the values of independence, impartiality and integrity,” the President said.

He noted that the Executive branch of government has no interest in interfering in the work of the Judiciary, but seeks its preservation,“which is unbiased, unblemished and unmind-

ful of personal prejudices”.

“The Executive branch of Government also has no interest in interfering in the adjudicatory role of the Judiciary,” the President added.

He said the Executive has taken steps to ensure the Judiciary does not feel beholden to the Government and the enactment of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act of 2015 provides for the first time financial autonomy of the Judiciary in accordance with the Constitution being one such step.

President Granger said the Government will continue to respect the authority and dignity of the Judiciary whose efficiency relies on there being a full complement of judges and magistrates.

He said Government will also continue to support efforts of the JSC in ensuring vacancies are filled.

The head of state posited that the Constitution empowers the JSC “…to make appointments… and to remove and to exercise disciplinary control…

From left,Minister of State Joseph Harmon;acting Chancellor of the Judiciary,Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards;acting Chief Justice,Roxanne George-Wiltshire;President David Granger;retired Justice Desiree Bernard and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

over certain judicial and legal officers.”

The Commission is expected therefore to be a fearless custodian of the highest standards of judges’ personal conduct and is obliged to ensure that its recommendations for appointments will be made on the bases of clearly defined criteria applied in assessing the appropriateness of appointees.

The President also mentioned that the JSC is aware that an ethically compromised

Judiciary can cripple the institutional mechanisms established by the legislative branch and enforced by the Executive arm of Government.

Judicial independence is essential to ensure the integrity of the rule of law.

Judicial independence means the Judiciary must be protected from both private and partisan interests, such as from persons or pressure groups, and from the influence and control of the other branches of Gov-

ernment, the President said.

He noted that judicial officers must demonstrate the highest standards of impartiality.

They must be rigorous in their research, conscientious in consideration of matters brought before them and cogent in their judgements.

The judicature is fundamental to good governance because it protects people’s rights and prevents the emergence of autocracy, President Granger noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Oil refinery pegged at US$5B …consultant forecasts negative returns

By Alva Solomon BASED on projections, it would cost the government a huge sum of US$5B to construct a standard 100 barrel per day oil refinery here.

Against this backdrop, consultant, Pedro Haas, Director of Advisor Services at Hartree Partners in the United States, suggests the creation of a robust unit within the Ministry of Finance, which should have a “technical and professional” relationship with the international oil companies exploring for oil here.

Speaking to a sizeable gathering at a consultative forum at the Marian Academy on Carifesta Avenue, where he presented the findings of a study done on the establishment of an oil refinery in Guyana, Haas suggested that the unit at the Finance Ministry should be equipped and credible enough to understand the microeconomics of the petroleum industry and be knowledgeable of the daily calculations of market prices, while being connected to the global market.

“It just requires dedica-

tion and attention to detail and an understanding of how these markets work,” he told the gathering, which included Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

He said that an alternative to the establishment of an oil refinery, the government’s best bet would be to maximise income from commercialising crude oil, swap or toll crude oil for products on the international market, create joint ventures with offshore refineries, as well as acquire stock in refining companies.

Haas went on to say that whether an oil company is state owned, domestic or internationally operated, from the standpoint of the government and in the interest of the State, he suggested the creation of a fiscal authority body, which would have knowledge of the market and taxes “in the proper way.”

This he noted will enable a body to bring an educated discussion on the subject.

Haas said that there is a notion that persons may say, “the oil is ours and the product is ours” and “if the products are ours, we can price them at any price we

want because we don’t have to follow the international market with pricing.”

According to him, when a country decides to refine oil, it is inserted into an international economy. Being an internationally priced commodity, Haas noted that if a country decides to follow the route of selling a product at a lower level, “you are subsidising it and you are sacrificing the difference between the price that you could have sold that commodity at and the price that you are selling internally at.”

A POLITICAL DECISION Haas noted that it would be a “serious decision,” which he termed political rather than economical to establish mini-refineries. He said that oil in the ground is part of the capital spark of Guyana, but if subsidised, it would be changing capital stock into current expenditure. In response to questions posed by the audience, mainly on the establishment of mini-refineries, he said that the subject would be sacrificing value.

He said the infrastructure for setting-up mini refineries

Minister of Natural Resources briefly addressed the gathering

requires power, fresh water and ancillary facilities and according to him, “you are going to find the fixed unit cost of the refineries is high.”

As it relates to the cost of labour, Hass said that a refinery operating at 100,000 barrel per day is run by 300 persons, which he noted is a small number as compared to the total cost structure of the refinery. He said the largest cost is energy use and as such between the raw material that has to be transformed and the energy to run the factory are major factors.

During his presentation, Haas noted that in the past

Pedro Haas, Director of Advisor Services at Hartree Partners group speaks to the audience on Wednesday afternoon

Guyana imported significant volumes of petroleum product from Venezuela. However, following the closure of the PetroCaribe deal, he said Guyana imports almost 50% of its imports from Trinidad and Tobago, with 2015 figures pointing to 6,420 barrels per day.

He disclosed too that there has been a major petroleum shift in the Atlantic Basin - the area within the region where Guyana’s oil is located.

According to Haas, the region has shifted from a net importing to one that is considered a net exporting area.

The questions pose from the floor suggested that persons were upbeat as regards the establishment of an oil refinery here; some persons suggested the creation of private run refineries. However, Haas cited the costs attached to such a venture, as well as the decision which rests on the State.

During the discussion, it was suggested from the floor that Haas’ findings of the study may be a conflict of

interest, since Hartree Partners is associated with the Hess Corporation, a partner to American oil giant, ExxonMobil.

However, Hass noted that indeed Hess was associated with Hartree, however the former divested its finances, which is had in the latter. “We have no relationship to Hess or Exxon, ” he said.

Hartree Partners is a merchant commodities firm specializing in energy and its associated industries. The company offers proprietary trading and arbitrage services that include identifying value in the production, refinement, transportation, and consumption of tradable commodities and anticipating opportunities in the supply chain where they may be under or over-valued.

Meanwhile, Minister Trotman informed the audience that the ministry has commenced the hiring of persons to work on the Petroleum Directorate. He said that the individuals will work on various areas within the sector.

As regards the forum, he said that he has received the report on the study from Hartree and that the ministry has received several proposals, some of which were sent to Go–Invest, for the setting up of oil refineries, but he noted that the process cannot be planned on an “ad-hoc basis”.

The services of Haas as a consultant to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources was secured earlier this year through the new Petroleum Producers Group, which was established by the Chatham House that has been involved in assisting Guyana to prepare for oil and gas production.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Macron cabinet: Women are Congressman calls for half of France’s new ministers

Trump’s impeachment

[CNN] - Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump Wednesday morning, the first member of Congress to officially request leveling charges against the President from the House floor.

“This is about my position. This is about what I believe. And this is where I stand. I will not be moved.

The President must be impeached,” Green said on the floor. “For those who do not know, impeachment does not mean that the President would be found guilty.

It simply means that the House of Representatives will bring charges against the President. It’s similar to an indictment but not quite the same thing.” Green, who previewed his call with a tweet earlier, said it was the House of Representative’s “duty” to take up impeachment.

Al Green

News broke Tuesday that Trump in February asked then-FBI Director James Comey to drop an investigation into his former national security adviser Michael Flynn -- a request critics have called obstruction of justice.

As the backlash escalates to Trump’s firing of Comey last week, Democratic lawmakers are increasingly raising the prospect of impeachment. Some, such as California Rep. Maxine Waters,

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have explicitly called for impeaching the President.

Others, like Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, have merely mentioned the possibility, with Gabbard saying last month that she was studying the impeachment process.

Impeachment requires the support of a majority of members of the House of Representatives. No Republicans have publicly voiced support for impeaching Trump.

[BBC] - French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a gender-balanced cabinet in accordance with an earlier pledge, with 11 of 22 posts taken by women. Sylvie Goulard is defence minister while Olympic fencing champion Laura Flessel is sports minister.

Bruno Le Maire is economy minister, Gérard Collomb is interior minister and François Bayrou is justice minister. Mr Macron’s decision to pluck figures from across the political spectrum has sent the French right into disarray.

Mr Le Maire is a conservative moderate, Mr Collomb is the Socialist mayor of Lyon and Mr Bayrou is a veteran centrist.

Some 170 elected officials from the right were earlier criticised by hundreds of other lawmakers after they signed a statement backing Mr Macron.

One accused Mr Macron

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of “blowing up” the political landscape. France’s new president will hope his team delivers a majority in parliamentary elections next month. He delivered on his pledge of a cabinet of parity - though only one of the top five posts, that of defence, went to a woman.

Macron’s new sports minister is Laura Flessel, an Olympic fencing champion

Other ministerial appointees include Jean-Yves Le Drian, in charge of defence under President François Hollande, who will become foreign minister. Nicolas Hulot, a wellknown environmentalist, becomes ecology minister.

Long-time Macron supporter and campaign manager Richard Ferrand is rewarded with the territorial cohesion portfolio. Marlène Schiappa, whose successful blog Maman Works saw her dubbed the “spokeswoman for working mums”, becomes junior minister for equality between women and men.

As well as the political centre ground, Mr Macron also took in figures from the left. The announcement was delayed after candidates were background-checked for their tax records and any potential conflicts of interest. Ahead of the June legislative elections, Republican campaign chief François Baroin accused Mr Macron of “putting a bomb under politics rather than remodelling it”.

The initiative has also been criticised on the left, with defeated Socialist presidential candidate Benoît Hamon among the

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dissenters. “Who can think that the left will pull itself together if it is part of a coalition led by a member of the Republican party?” he said.

Separately, Mr Macron met the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, to start talks on an

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“ambitious European policy”. The new president had promised to reform the EU while remaining an ardent supporter.

Mr Tusk told the French leader: “Europe needs your energy, your imagination and your courage.” It comes amid consternation among forces of both the left and right at Mr Macron’s offer to join him in his political project of bridging the divide.

After he named Republican Edouard Philippe as prime minister on Monday, more than 170 elected conservatives agreed to sign up to the project, some claiming they were witnessing the “transformation” of politics.

However, the Republican party rejected Mr Macron’s “outstretched hand” ahead of upcoming election. It announced it was expelling Mr Phillipe, along with new economy minister Bruno Le Maire, and Gérald Darmanin, who took responsibility for public accounts. In response, Mr Le Maire said he had “chosen to serve” and said he believed “France is worth more than all the [political] parties”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Two more killed in Venezuela protests

Protesters stand with signs naming some of the dozens killed during the demonstrations

[BBC] - Two people - including a teenager - have been killed during anti-government protests in Venezuela. Yeison Mora Castillo, 17, was killed during demonstrations in central Barinas state, while Diego Arellano, 31, died on the operating table after being shot in Miranda state.

Since near-daily demonstrations began seven weeks ago, 42 people have died.

Protesters are demanding early elections and an end to the country’s deep economic crisis. Luis Almagro, head of the Organization of American States and one of President Nicolas Maduro’s harshest international critics, called for the government to be held to account over the deaths.

He told news agency AFP: “They cannot go on killing and torturing people, and getting away with it.”

The authorities earlier announced the deaths of Luis Alviarez, 17, and Diego Hérnandez, 33, who were fatally injured on Monday.

A 27-year-old police officer is being charged in connection with Mr Hérnandez’s death, the prosecutors’ office announced on its Twitter account. The crisis in Venezuela is due to be discussed by the United Nations Security Council at a meeting in New York later on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, President Maduro extended the nationwide state of economic emergency. The decree gives Mr Maduro extra powers for another 60 days, from Saturday, including an ability

to impose tougher security measures.

He has already extended the measures multiple times since they were first introduced in early 2016.

The extension is needed to “preserve order”, said the government newspaper.

The opposition denounced the move as an ongoing rights grab. Opposition leader Henrique Capriles responded by urging his supporters to take to the streets and protest “more than ever”. Despite having the world’s largest known oil reserves, Venezuela is facing a shortage of many basic items, including food and medicines.

Its economy has collapsed, with inflation expected to top 700% this year, and crime is rampant. The opposition is calling for early elections and the released of opposition politicians jailed in recent years, saying the socialist governments of Mr Maduro and his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez, have mismanaged the economy since coming to power in 1999.

Mr Maduro accuses the country’s business elite of boycotting the economy to create unrest and topple his democratically elected government. His term ends in January 2019.

Mexican journalists protest over killing

[BBC] - Journalists in Mexico have protested against the killing of one of their colleagues and called on the government to take action. Award-winning journalist Javier Valdez was shot dead on Monday, close to the offices of the newspaper he had founded in his home state, Sinaloa.

He had spent his career investigating drug cartels and had been repeatedly threatened. He is one of several journalists who have been killed in Mexico this year.

In Mexico City on Tuesday, protesters wrote “They are killing us” and “No to silence” - a phrase used by Mr Valdez - on the road next to the iconic Monument to Independence on the main thoroughfare, Paseo de la Reforma.

Those who were there in person held images of Mr Valdez, while others stuck in their office worked below his projected image on a big screen.

Judith Calderón Gómez, the head of journalists’ lobby group Casa de los Derechos de Periodistas, told those present that prosecutions had only happened in 0.03% of cases.

She called on the government to “give a real sign they are interested in guaranteeing journalism in the country”. BBC Mundo’s Juan Paullier, who met Mr Valdez once, said he was “a charming, brave and respected man” and his death was “a terrible loss for Mexico’s embattled journalism”.

“He wanted to tell the stories and dreams of the victims,” he said, and “ in a country where impunity is the norm, the only certainty seems to be that cases like this won’t stop”.

Mexican news outlets Animal Político and Tercera Vía are going on strike on Wednesday to protest against the murder, and the ongoing risks to reporters. Last week,

Mexico appointed a new prosecutor to investigate crimes against freedom of expression - including the killing of journalists.

Mr Valdez had once said: “The government couldn’t care less. They do nothing to protect you. There have been many cases and this keeps happening.” Speaking at a launch of his book last year, Mr Valdez said being a journalist “is like being on a blacklist” and that gangs “will decide what day they are going to kill you”.

In March, after journalist Miroslava Breach was shot dead, Valdez was quoted as saying “No to silence” and “Let them kill us all”. Like Valdez, Breach

had reported on organised crime, drug-trafficking and corruption.

Other Mexican journalists killed this year include freelancers Maximino Rodríguez and Cecilio Pineda Birto, according to the CPJ. The CPJ says at least 40 journalists have been killed in Mexico since 1992. During his career spanning nearly three decades, Mr Valdez wrote extensively on drug-trafficking and organised crime in Mexico, including the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel.

The cartel is believed to be responsible for an estimated 25% of all illegal drugs that enter the US via Mexico.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Diaspora giving back

THE role of the diaspora in the nation’s development cannot be overlooked or underestimated. From their direct recorded input to the Gross Domestic Product, through remittances to the un-recorded sum sent when someone is visiting, barrels, home construction and other services, their presence are felt, though not quite quantifiable.

The presence of this group in our everyday lives is often for the better. Additional to the utilisation of social media, where daily interaction is made with resident Guyanese and keeping abreast with local development, many actually play a role on the ground in providing needed services to the community, and bringing new ones. The advantage this group brings to the nation’s development is that residing in what is considered more developed societies they retain an abiding inter-

est in ensuring those at home share or benefit from similar experiences. And such desire is broad spectrum.

For instance, children of Guyana are happily engaged in the interdisciplinary approach to learning via the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project. This project reportedly the brainchild of a United States-based Guyanese family has the support of First Lady Sandra Granger. In July children of the local chapter will be participating in the first-ever Global Robot Olympics to be held in Washington D.C. Another diasporic group is also engaged in a new approach to learning and proposes to do it one school at a time. The “Blossoms of Guyana” is reportedly utilising unconventional approach (marrying of books and computers) to learning with the aim of developing our schools and improving the lives of children at or-

phanages around the country.

Last month the Ministry of Public Health made known there was a shortage of medical supplies for the hospitals. In short time, the Guyana Medical Relief Incorporation, operating out of California, responded and donated $US 21 million in medical supplies.

Sunday’s newspaper carried a letter from a member of the diaspora, nudging government not to ignore the international politics surrounding the oil and gas industry, reminding us of the importance to pay attention and put measures in place to protect our sovereignty, territorial integrity and natural resources.

The stories cited are not the full representation of the demonstrating of interest and commitment to the development of Guyana and Guyanese. What these and countless others represent is that though physically removed from the country

persons’ hearts have never left. In this regard there is much to be thankful for.

Such input could also signal the importance of establishing a database for those in the diaspora who are so willing to register, allowing for their scope to make known, through structured approaches, the goods and services that can provide country and how through partnership these can be addressed.

The proposed approach is not intended to deprive the diaspora of the evident freedom of interest and allocation of time and resources, but to make full use of the meaningful role they continue to play. This is another form of investing in Guyana, outside of the traditional services GO-Invest offers.

With a one stop database/ registry where locals can too make known the unique needs in their communities, and where such is made accessible to the diaspora, additional to determining

Ministry of Finance clarifies KN article Dear Editor:

I REFER to your article “ U S $ 11 5 M P e t ro C a r i be money transferred to GPL without formal agreement,” which appeared in your May 14, 2017 edition.

While I applaud your efforts to report on a complex subject as the PetroCaribe Fund, it appears that you were misinformed on some of the issues you sought to highlight. The Ministry of Finance would like to clarify those issues for your readers: 1. Contrary to what your article claims, formal agreements were entered into between the Ministry of Finance, acting on behalf of the Government and the Guyana

Power & Light Inc. (GPL).

2. Over the period 2007 to 2015, seven (7) years, such agreements were inked with the GPL. Those agreements were entered into on December 3rd, 2007, April 10, 2008, June 11th, 2011, September 12, 2012 and August 20th, 2015.

3. Six (6) of the agreements facilitated the transfers of US$115M made from the PetroCaribe Fund to GPL, while the other agreement covered a loan the PPP/C Government took in May 2010 from the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank of China) to support GPL’s Infrastructure Development Project for the development and expansion of GPL’s high voltage transmission lines

and the associated substations among other activities.

4. The claim by the writer that ‘the lack of agreement represents serious implications and means that a repayment plan, for what was supposed to be a loan, does not exist,’ is incorrect as ALL of the agreements stipulated the terms and conditions of the loan and included a repayment schedule.

5. All of the agreements were signed by the relevant representatives of the Ministry of Finance and the GPL Inc., and copies of these agreements are held by both entities.

6. To date, GPL has made one (1) payment in 2010 for the loans provided to them from the PetroCaribe Fund.

However, the entity is currently making $1B payments annually to the Government as partial payment towards the EXIM Bank of China loan.

In closing, contrary to the pronouncements made by Mr. Jagdeo at his recent press briefing, which was reported in your follow up article on this matter, “Jagdeo’s defence of PetroCaribe fund use contradicts public record” KN May 16, 2017, the data below shows that there was no intent to transfer the funds to GPL as a grant as he claims.

These are the facts. Be guided by them, your readers will thank you.

Regards WANITA HUBURN PRO

what they can do to help, they may be able to tap into their network to provide other needed services.

The talents, skills, experiences, resources, interests and network of the diaspora are more diverse than obtained in our society given their spread across the globe, opportunities available, and the connections created overtime. Establishing synergies between the two communities could go a far way in putting Guyana in good stead.

And while the truth be told there is admiration for the other, this is not without some element of pecu-

liarity on the part of both.

One such is where it is felt that the diaspora thinks it is all-knowing, always condemnatory, and wanting things done on their terms.

For the diaspora, they may view those remaining not aggressive enough in doing what ought to be done and engaging in time wasting.

It is said the grass always looks different from the other side, but these quirks are mere human frailty and should not hinder what has sustained and united us over the years, which is love for country and wanting the best for ourselves.

WI fighting spirit was strong Dear Editor: WE LOST the match and the series but our fighting spirit was strong as ever.

Jason Holder and team, particularly Ronston Chase, who was the rock of the innings, can feel proud of the defiant display literally down to the last ball.

Of course this in no way diminished the play of Pakistan.

They were fierce competitors, as they were throughout the series.

The elusive prize they

finally captured - winning their first test series in the Caribbean. Both teams must be commended and congratulated for a darn good series, well fought and keenly contested.

Now Mizbah ulHaq and Younis Khan have brought the curtains down on their illustrious careers. The game will miss these two fine players, who held audiences captivated worldwide.

Regards SHAMSHUN MOHAMED

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Killing bureaucracy in Guyana Dear Editor:

I DON’T know if there is any other country in the world where people’s time is wasted like in Guyana, but if there is Guyana would still stand out as a front-runner.

If this current government does nothing else, it owes each citizen a debt to dismantle structures of senseless bureaucracy, incompetence and ineptitude.

Two individuals recently had the royal run-around to get certificates from the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) for exams they successfully completed since mid-last year (2016). The IDCE offers programmes administered by the University of Guyana (UG).

One of the individuals needs her certificate to complete

application for a programme being offered by the said UG. She was told that the certificate, which should have initially been ready within three months, had a spelling error and had to be redone.

It took them nine months to realise that error.

Over those nine months, the young lady was repeatedly told that her certificate was not yet ready. Consequently, the prospective UG student was charged $500 to make a change to her UG application. She had to pay a further $500 to IDCE for ‘expediting’.

The latter process meant she had to go to a named commercial bank and stand in a snaking queue for almost one hour to pay G$500 (approx US$2.30). The process of getting the certificate sorted took about 4 days in total,

and on the date she was told to finally uplift her certificate it was still not ready. This was after one week of her $500 payment, because some Dean at UG had not completed the certificate’s endorsement. That young lady has already incurred expense of close to $10,000 in transportation and loss of income through the whole unfortunate episode for which she is at no fault of creating. How are we really helping people?

How are we really helping to retain them? How are we going to build capacity and develop Guyana with such backwardness?

The second individual’s experience, though similar, differs slightly only since the institution for which her certificate is required is in Canada. She already has a confirmed departure date

Region 2 should recognise its stalwarts during Independence Anniversary Dear Editor:

AS THE country prepares to celebrate its 51st Independence Anniversary on May 26th, I humbly wish to suggest that the Regional Administration, Region 2 should magnanimously recognise the distinguished and invaluable contribution of its patriotic stalwarts within the Region. I recalled that this noble and appropriate gesture was done in the past and during the flag-raising ceremony. It was not sustained however even as the Region continues to be proud of producing a number of outstanding personalities in various fields of profession over the years.

Therefore it is an ideal opportunity for the Administration and other stakeholders to re-establish an awards ceremony, which has the potential to inspire, reward and promote the Region through the creative, determined and fine talents of its human resources.

I am indeed quite impressed with the sustained manner in which the Region has managed its limited resources in many fields, including Agriculture, Education, Law, Social Work, Sports, Medicine, Culture, Entrepreneurship and Volunteerism. It is therefore to the credit of its unlimited reservoir of determination, passion for success, refined work ethic and the combined tactfulness in protruding the Region to the fore.

During this memorable occasion therefore, it would

be of significance for the Region to recognise some of the finest, including Parmeshwar Lall, Walter Joseph, Desiree Charles, Forbes Daniels, Charles Spellen, Narotam Dass, Darmalinga Ramachandra, Rafeek Khan, Nazeer Mohamed, Sam Bacchus, Winston Christiani, Alfo Alphanso, Roopan Ramotar and Neil Boston, among others.

The Anna Regina Secondary School was served with distinction by Parmeshwar Lall, who retired as a Graduate Headmaster, while Narotam Dass remains a brilliant Mathematics teacher who also taught in Botswana. Just recently Neil Boston was elevated as Senior Counsel and whose compelling contribution to the field of law remains evident.

The Region is indeed indebted to the entrepreneurship of Alfo Alphanso, Sam Bacchus and Roopan Ramotar, whose enterprises are being expanded both locally and internationally. The trio is also creating employment for a wide cross-section of persons.

Agriculture remains a firm economic base for the Region which is being majorly contributed by the likes of Rafeek Khan, while Nazeer Mohamed is also a Rice Farmer, Economist and an Educator too. The sterling contributions of Walter Joseph and Charles Spellen as Agricultural Officers for over five decades combined ensured that the administrative and technical impact was proficient.

The Regional Administra-

tion also tremendously benefitted from the stewardship of Winston Christiani, who served as a Chief Accountant for over two decades and whose penchant for accountability and performance was well established. Admiration remains high for the sacrifice and selfless act of community development by Desiree Charles, who is a retired teacher and who remains very active in many ways to enrich the lives of her fellow citizens, including in fellowship, mentorship and public relations.

Dr. Rama, though not a Guyanese by birth, has adopted Essequibo as his home, where he remains a towering giant in the medical field and whose expertise has been widely sought and maximised at the Public Hospital in Suddie. I have been very critical of the state of sports in the Region, but the exceptional and continuing efforts of Forbes Daniels as a Coach remains quite a remarkable tenure of qualitative service to the cricketing public in Essequibo. This is indeed a joyous moment for all Guyanese as we join to celebrate our victory as a free nation. In Essequibo in particular, the county remains proud to have produced such outstanding sons and daughters whose collective contributions have placed the Region as a model of independence, hence they deserve being rewarded.

Regards ELROY STEPHNEY

from Guyana to Toronto. Her certificate is still not ready after much running up and down.

I had my own troubling experience dealing with UG recently too, but that was already addressed by an administrator, who seems to be making an effort to rescue competence.

This culture of wasting people’s time and money seem to be continuing unabated. It is worrisome when, at Guyana’s highest institution of learning such a culture of negligence and procrastination seem to be the order of the day. The systems are convoluted by a mix of inflexibility, attitudinal hostility and lack of consideration or empathy for people who are often struggling to improve their lives.

Something needs to be done to stem this “come-back-tomorrow”, “come-back-next week” culture. Such is the case at City

Hall too, where earlier this year I had a four month push around on a very simple matter by a senior official. If what my friends and I experienced as (dis)services are the accepted norms, when multiplied by hundreds of other clients or customers, we are in deep trouble as a nation.

I know the Head of a prominent entity that is almost completely disillusioned by this nonsensical, unproductive culture in Guyana; something that daily affects his ability to perform and produce efficiently.

Invariably when such lapses are challenged the buck always gets passed to somebody or given some senseless, illogical excuse that the hapless client has to live with since redress is often non-existent.

It leads to growing frustration in our society. The wasting of time is the wastage of money, resources, health, life, etc. The often

coined sentiment that “well this is Guyana” offers no real hope for progress at the rate that this country requires development.

I n t h e Wo r l d B a n k Group’s IBRD, IDA 2017 Report on (Ease of) Doing Business, Guyana is ranked at 124 out of 190 countries.

That means there is a 65% difficulty rate of doing any transaction in Guyana, compared to 4% and 35% in the US and Jamaica, respectively.

The relevant oversight bodies and government are encouraged to continue advancing influence and implementing mechanisms for improving service standards and operational efficiency within organisations and entities. It is vital to renewing public confidence and facilitating development in Guyana.

Regards ORETTE CUTTING

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

‘Gangsta Roy’ found dead with bullet to head THE body of 27-year-old Roy Rowland known as ‘Gangsta Roy’ was found early Wednesday morning in Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown.

Rowland, a Seaman, of lot 25 Castello Housing Scheme, La Penitence,was found lying on the eastern parapet of Marigold Street at around 06:30hrs with a bullet wound to the back of his head. Police found a 9 mm spent shell at the scene.

Reports indicate that prior to the discovery of the body, the man was hanging out with some friends in Albouystown before he met his demise.

“Bai duh man drop

Dead: Roy Rowland

me off at home last night [Tuesday] and tell me he gon see me later but I get the news this morning

[Wednesday] that de man dead,” said one of Rowland’s friends.

His friends claim that he is a hard-worker, who does not “trouble” anyone, since most of his time would be spent at sea. These claims were however refuted by some individuals from the area who described the man as a “gangsta.”

They alleged that he had a questionable character and would often be seen “riding around” the community on a CG motorcycle.

Residents of Roxanne Burnham Gardens who live close to the scene told the Guyana Chronicle that they did not hear any gun-

Residents and police ranks at the scene

shots on Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.

Persons are of the view

that the body was dumped there after the “execution style” killing was over. No

arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing into the murder.

Georgetown man seriously injured in hit-and-run accident A 32-year-old Campbellville, Georgetown resident is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Pub-

lic Hospital after he was struck down on Tuesday night on the Yarrowkabra Public Road, Soesdyke/

Linden Highway.

He has been identified as Jogeswar Itwaroo and the police are on the hunt

for the driver, who fled the scene of the accident, which occurred at approximately 19:45hrs. This newspaper understands that police were able to recover part of the licence plate, bearing

the number, 703, at the scene.

Reports indicate that the vehicle was proceeding south along the said road and struck the pedestrian somewhere on the eastern

side of the road. Itwaroo was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Diamond hospital where he was treated and referred to the Georgetown Hospital.

Mother, son in custody

…for ‘ganja’, unlicensed firearm, ammo A NORTON Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown welder and his mother were arrested on Tuesday for the unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition and narcotics.

A police report noted that at about 18:00 hrs on Tuesday, the welder was observed by ranks of a mobile patrol on Norton Street acting in a suspicious manner. A search of his person revealed an unlicensed .32 Taurus Pistol with four live rounds of matching ammunition.

The suspect was escorted to his home where in the presence of his 50-yearold mother, a search was

The firearm and matching ammunition found on the welder

carried out and a live .38 ammunition and 3 ½ grams of cannabis were found in a room. According to the police report, this latest seizure of firearm has brought

The cannabis found in the home

the overall tally to 49 so far for the year,with ‘A’ Division leading with 19, ‘F’ Division 16, ‘C’ Division 6, ‘B’ Division 4, ‘D’ Division 3 and ‘E’ Division 1.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Public Service Appellate Tribunal restored

By Zena Henry

AFTER being out of operation for more than two decades, the Guyana Public Service Appellate Tribunal was restored when a three-member team headed by retired Judge,Nandram Kissoon was sworn in at State House on Wednesday.

The other members of the tribunal are Attorney Abiola Wong-Inniss and Winston Brown.

They took the Oath of Office before Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State,Joseph Harmon, Permanent Secretary of the Department of the Public Service,Reginald Brotherson and heads of several service commissions.

The tribunal is the body designated to hear the concerns of public workers seeking redress against decisions made by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

President Granger said the Public Service Appellate Tribunal Act of 1984 empowers the tribunal to hear public servants concerns regarding the PSC. These include promotions, dismissals and other disciplinary action.

Winston Brown, Attorney Abiola Wong-Inniss, President David Granger and retired Judge,Nandram Kissoon

The power vested in the tribunal is similar to that of High Court Judge, and gives the body the right to summon witnesses and make requests for documents and other pieces of evidence.

The Constitution provides for the establishment of the tribunal, which the President said is essential to the system of public administration.

It will provide a mechanism for professionalism and fairness in respect to

promotion and disciplinary action, Mr Granger said as he bemoaned the inactiveness of the tribunal for more than two decades.

“The Public Service Appellate Tribunal, regrettably, has been inactive for more than two decades.

This neglect has led to irregularities and inconsistencies in the Public Service. The tribunal’s absence injured the interests of persons who felt wronged by unfair dismissals, the denial of ben-

efits, or other disciplinary actions but who had no redress. The Public Service Appellate Tribunal today

stands re-convened,” the President declared.

Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) President,Patrick Yarde, who was also in attendance, expressed delight in the restoration of the tribunal.

He said representation for amendment of the Constitution for the Appellate Tribunal was made by the GPSU to then President,Forbes Burnham.

Yarde said the former President was receptive to the idea and amended the Constitution to suit same,since the GPSU’s case was that everyone should have the scope for redress and representation.

“We are extremely disappointed that it (Tribunal) was not filled for such a long time. It was clearly an act,as far as I’m concerned, of wickedness by the pre-

vious government, denying public servants access to redress,” the veteran trade union said.

Yarde said there are numerous public servant matters before the High Court, while other public workers who wanted redress based on PSC decisions, never engaged the court because of the high cost associated with a case.

He hopes public servants will now use this avenue to seek redress.

When asked about current matters engaging the court, Tribunal Chair Kissoon said the tribunal does not have the power to take over any matter currently engaging the court as the body only addresses matters before it.

The Public Service Appellate Tribunal has not been activated since 1995.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Second list for GECOM post still under consideration

By Zena Henry

PRESIDENT David Granger has dismissed claims he has his eyes set on a particular person for the post of chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the President said he is still considering the second list of nominees submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for the top GECOM post.

A Guyana Times report on Wednesday said “Despite Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s supply of two lists of eligible and independent candidates for the post of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, President David Granger will evidently bypass the latest and second list, to appoint a wild card candidate of his own choosing.”

The newspaper alleged that information from sources close to the People’s National Congress (PNC) indicate that the President would bypass the Opposition Leader’s list since his choice for the post “has always been retired Justice Claudette La Bennett”.

The President yesterday said he is in receipt of the Opposition Leader’s second list of names of nominees for the chairmanship and their Curriculum Vitae (CV), but those CVs are still being examined.

He reminded that a list of criteria was sent to Mr Jagdeo and “… we have to

President David Granger greeting Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo

ensure that the nominees are in accordance with that”.

When asked about a possible pick from the second list, the President said, “I am obliged to examine the list that the Leader of the Opposition has submitted and we have not completed examination as yet.”

Asked about the Guyana Times report on his alleged choice for GECOM chair, the President said, “Don’t believe it”.

He said he has not made any pronouncements on who the GECOM Chair would be and is also unaware of any forum where considerations were made to support the claims of the Guyana Times article.

“I don’t know where that

came from,” the President maintained.

Mr Granger had laid out the criteria for the position of GECOM chair, stating among other things that the person must have no political affiliation and should have the general characteristics of honesty, integrity, faithfulness and diligence.

Justice of Appeal BS Roy, retired Justice William Ramlall, Attorney and former Magistrate Oneidge Walrond Allicock, Attorney Kashir Khan, Attorney Nadia Sagar and Captain Gerald Gouveia are the persons on the second list submitted to President Granger by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

Clerk accused of embezzling $5M A CLERK accused of embezzling almost $5M from his employer was placed before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, when he pleaded not guilty.

Naipaul Beharry, 34, of Diamond Junior Staff compound, East Bank Demerara appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore. Particulars of the charge read that between May 1, 2016 and

July 31, 2016,while being the clerk or servant of Ramgobin Mahalall, he fraudulently embezzled $4.9M,taken in account or on behalf of his employer.

Police Prosecutor, Simone Payne did not reveal the police facts and did not object to bail. Beharry did not have legal representation and was released on $250,000 bail.The case was adjourned to June 7.

Naipaul Beharry

11

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Crum-Ewing’s murder PI adjourned – due to absence of Special Prosecutor THE PRELIMINARY Inquiry (PI) into the murder of political activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing was forced into an adjournment due to the absence of Special Prosecutor, Nigel Hughes on Wednesday.

Regan Rodrigues, 40, also known as ‘Grey Boy’ is currently on trial before City Magistrate Judy Latchman for the murder of Crum-Ewing, who was shot and killed

on March 10, 2015, at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

The case was scheduled to be called on Wednesday at 13:30hrs, but was adjourned until Thursday, May 25 due to Hughes’ absence. Two witnesses, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mitchell Caesar, and police ballistics expert, Inspector of Police, Eon Jackson, were present in court to testify.

Following the adjournment, Rodrigues expressed his frustration in court as he explained that he is being wrongfully incarcerated and is made to suffer due to the tardiness of the prosecution.

Rodrigues had declined to call a lawyer to his defense, noting that he is innocent of the charge.

In September 2016, Rodrigues was freed of the murder charge by Magistrate

Latchman due to the lack of evidence. The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided to re-open the case for further evidence from police witnesses and for the Magistrate to rule on the oral statements made by Rodrigues.

The bullet-riddled body of Crum-Ewing was found at Third Avenue, Diamond New Scheme, EBD, days before the May 11, 2015 elections.

The 40-year-old was shot twice to the temple, once to the back of the head and

Regan Rodrigues

twice to the stomach.

The police in a statement had stated that the political

activist was accosted by four men in a car, one of whom discharged several rounds, hitting him about the body.

It was reported that the killer(s) used a .32 pistol to execute Crum-Ewing.

The political activist was well known for his one-man protest outside the office of former Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall. Minutes before he was gunned down, he was reportedly heard via bullhorn urging residents of the neighborhood to vote against the then ruling PPP/C party.

‘Hot Skull’ charged with murder of Footballer ALMOST two months after Albouystown footballer, Paul Daniels was gunned down in front of his home after being robbed, a 25-year-old man was on Wednesday charged with his murder.

Alvin Jones called “Hot Skull,” appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on February 2, 2017 at Lot 252 Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, he murdered Paul Daniels during the course of a robbery.

Jones, who was unrepresented, told the court that he cleans fish at the Meadow Bank Wharf for a living and lives at Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

Police Prosecutor, Arvin Moore told the court that the police investigation is incomplete and the Chief Magistrate remanded Jones until June 12, 2017.

According to reports, Daniels, 32, called “Dundee,” who was a footballer attached to the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) was gunned down moments after taking his fiancée to her Independence Boulevard home.

Based on reports received,

Alvin Jones called ‘Hot Skull’

two armed men entered the home through a door located on the northern side of the building, which was left open.

Upon entering the house, they held Daniels and his fiancée at gunpoint and relieved him of a gold chain, which he was wearing at the time and an undisclosed sum of cash, after which the men exited the house. Daniels, who was also a carpenter, went in pursuit of the men and during the chase, the suspects discharged several rounds, one of which hit Daniels in the region of his stomach and chest.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

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Prisoners should vote GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

By Ariana Gordon

THE Carter Center has recommended that prisoners in Guyana, particularly those who are on remand, be allowed to vote at national elections.

In its report on the May 2015 General and Regional Elections which saw the APNU+AFC coalition government narrowly winning the elections, the center said the rights of prisoners to vote must be respected.

“Guyana is obligated to ensure that the right of universal suffrage is fully realised.

Guyana should seek to facilitate voting by prisoners, particularly those held in remand who have not yet been convicted of a crime,” the report released on Wednesday stated.

Additionally, the Center noted that in future elections; there should be procedural measures in place to avoid unreasonable disenfranchisement of eligible citizens.

Also in its recommendations, the body called for consolidation of electoral laws, overhaul and modernise campaign finance laws, creation of legislation on political parties, clarifying the laws pertaining to recounts, and strengthening the process of tabulating results.

The Cater Center stated since 2004 Guyana’s winnertake-all system does not serve the country’s interests, given its demographic patterns and history of entrenched ethnic voting.

“In this system, the party (and ethnic group) that wins a plurality of the votes claims all executive and legislative power except in the rare cases of opposition majorities in the National Assembly.

This exclusionary governance system fuels ethnic insecurity and is a factor in Guyana’s long-running ethnic conflict. While this dynamic has changed somewhat since the Herdmanston reforms and the rise of a successful third political party in 2005, this does not obviate the need for further constitutional reforms,” the

Center noted.

Additionally, the Center spoke of the coalition government’s campaign commitment to have Constitutional Reform so as to achieve inclusive governance and power sharing, and urged that that promise be fulfilled.

“Similarly, the Center urges the PPP/C to engage fully in what should be an open process inclusive of all stakeholders. The Center encourages all Guyanese to think profoundly and creatively about how these goals could be achieved.”

The report noted that the regulations related to the administration of elections are fragmented across numerous pieces of legislation, orders, regulations, and judicial decisions and said consolidation of the law ahead of future elections would create greater legal certainty and clarity among stakeholders regarding the rules governing elections in Guyana.

“When consolidating election legislation, consideration should be given to the following areas, with a particular focus on the electoral system: Re-evaluate the Electoral System. Re-evaluate the electoral system, considering systems that would promote support across ethnic lines and better reflect international standards.

For example, the present list system allows political parties to allocate seats to members of their choice after the election, meaning that the voter casts his/her ballot for the party, not candidates.”

Additionally, it was noted that the signing of the Herdmanston Accord of 1998 aimed to restore peace here after violent post-election protests. The accord had called for an audit of the 1997 elections, moratorium on demonstrations, dialogue between political parties, a constitutional review process, and a new political environment.

EQUAL REPRESENTATION Additionally, it was noted that there is no requirement for political parties to allocate

seats in the National Assembly to female candidates from within their lists, and as such, Guyana was called upon “to consider adjustments to its legal framework and electoral system to equalise representation of women in Parliament.”

The issue of limitations on presidential candidates running for office and member of the National Assembly has been raised and the Carter Center has dubbed the limitation as “an unreasonable limitation on the freedom of association and on the right to run for election, and consideration should be given to allowing independent candidates”.

The report said Guyana should consider “rankedchoice voting for president to place an incentive on candidates to appeal to voters across party and communal lines.”

CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS Meanwhile, the overhaul and modernisation of campaign finance laws was also recommended and the Carter Center believes that in order to ensure realisation of the right and opportunity to be elected, legal reform is necessary to improve campaign finance laws.

“Legislation should be strengthened to routinely require disclosure of contributions and expenditures.

Consideration also should be given to establishing reasonable limits on donations and expenditures to ensure that the free choice of voters is not undermined or the democratic process distorted by disproportionate expenditures on behalf of any candidate or party.”

As such, a monitoring and enforcement body with oversight authority of compliance with campaign finance regulations would prove beneficial to the country.

Additionally, the report stated that there is need for Guyana to establish clear requirements for the registration and operation of political parties via legislation which would effectively support the

freedom of association while promoting broad multi-ethnic parties that can represent the citizenry’s interests in governance.

The body also believes there needs to be a more equitable distribution of geographical seats among electors.

“To ensure the principle of equal suffrage, constituencies should be drawn so that voters are represented in the legislature on a more equal basis.

In Guyana, the magnitude of the geographic constituencies for the 25 regional seats in the Parliament varies, negatively impacting the equality of suffrage.”

As such, it was recommended that consideration be given to establishing clear provisions regarding boundary delimitation, with management by an independent and impartial body, to allow for stakeholder and citizen participation in the process.

The report also suggested that there be reconsideration of the systems in place to enfranchise citizens working on Election Day including, certificates of employment, voting by proxy and advanced voting for the disciplined services.

Staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), members of the disciplined services, political party agents, civil society observers, and members of the media over the years have been allowed to vote. In the case of members of the disciplined services, advance in-person voting was conducted.

It is the view of the Carter Center that at the 2015 elections, the beneficiaries of these procedures “were more limited than in past elections and excluded members of civil society serving as election observers”.

“Systems for enfranchising these categories of people should be re-evaluated to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. Where applied, procedures for advance voting must be strictly regulated

to protect the secrecy of the vote,” the report stated.

RECOUNTS Meanwhile, the Carter Center also called for clarity on the laws relative to recounts and noted that confidence in the voters list is a crucial component of elections.

“Voter registration processes should promote inclusiveness, ensure that the right to vote is protected, and safeguard against voting by ineligible people. GECOM, the registrar general, and other departments of the government of Guyana should enhance communication, particularly surrounding the timely removal of the deceased from the voters list.”

As such, it was recommended that publicly available guidelines be created regarding requests for recounts, decision-making criteria for the granting of recounts, people or organisations who make decisions regarding recounts, and ways recounts are to be conducted.

CONFIDENCE IN VOTERS LIST In order to increase transparency and build confidence, it was recommended that an independent audit of the voters list should be facilitated as well as observation of all aspects of the voter registration process.

Additionally, the Carter Center called on Guyana to accede to Applicable Human Rights Treaties including the American Convention on Human Rights.

Thee Center says GECOM should open its meetings to Observers. “While GECOM and its secretariat operated in an open and inclusive manner, representatives of citizen and international observer groups should be granted access to commission meetings where feasible,” the report stated.

The report noted that minutes of meetings should be published and posted online to promote the transparent administration of elections and

facilitate public understanding of commission deliberations and decisions.

Moreover, the report recommended that GECOM continues to strengthen the professionalism and independence of the Commission.

“An independent and impartial body charged with implementing elections is an important means of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The structure, staffing, recruitment, and training of staff should be closely evaluated and steps taken to ensure that GECOM advances as a professional and independent election management body,” the Center said.

A call has also been made for the strengthening of the process used to tabulate results.

In fact, the Center called for the process to be “carefully reviewed and revised to increase the transparency of the process, with particular attention to the relationship between tabulation conducted by returning officers and the central tally”.

Also, to ensure the integrity of the tabulation process, it was recommended that consideration be given to a centralised electronic tabulation system that includes double-blind data entry and clear procedures for the handling of quarantined materials.

“The process should be transparent, verifiable, and timely,” the report added.

Meanwhile, it was recommended that all GECOM vehicles or vehicles used by GECOM to transport election material be clearly marked to indicate that the cargo is the property of the Commission.

The Carter Center team in Guyana was led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Dame Audrey Glover of the United Kingdom, and Dame Billie Miller of Barbados. Six medium term observers from six countries were deployed overall. The Center has monitored elections here in 1992, 2001 and 2006.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Ex-officio JSC members sworn in

By Ariana Gordon

CHIEF Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire and Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Patrick Yarde were on Wednesday sworn in as ex-officio members of the JSC by President David Granger.

The swearing-in took place at State House and in accordance with Article 134 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana which states that “There shall be a Judicial Service Commission.”

The JSC is empowered by the Constitution to make appointments, remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding judicial office.

President Granger in a brief address described the JSC as “an indispensible element of Guyana’s legal framework”.

“The Commission is the guardian of judicial autonomy. It is the defender of its independence. It is the protector of its integrity and impartiality.”

He said the aim of the

JSC is to insulate judicial appointments from political partisanship and personal and other biases.

“It is a mechanism which ensures that judicial officers will be appointed on the basis of their competence and integrity,” the President said.

The JSC is obliged to ensure that its recommendations for appointments of judicial officers flow from a dispassionate and objective process and are based on clearly defined criteria applied in assessing the appropriateness of appointees,” said the President.

“The JSC upholds the independence of the judiciary. It ensures by its diligence that judicial appointees possess the attributes and embody the personal values which make them capable and willing to resist being influenced by improper partisan and personal interests,” the President stated.

He added that the JSC is the custodian of the values and standards of ethical and legal probity by judges and judicial officials and must “zealously ensure that the

President David Granger flanked by Chief Justice, Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire and PSC Chairman,Patrick Yarde (Adrian Narine photo)

personal conduct of judges does not bring the judicature into disrepute”.

“It must preserve and protect the system’s integrity,” said the head-of-state.

Article 198 of the Constitution states that the JSC must be comprised of the

Chancellor of the Judiciary who serves as chairman, the chief justice, the chairman of the Public Service Commission and such other members as may be appointed by the President.

The latter appointment should be one who holds

or may have held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court acting after meaningful consultation

with the Opposition Leader and not less than one and not more than two from among persons who are not attorneys-at-law in active practice, after the National Assembly has meaningfully consulted such bodies as appear to it to represent attorneys-at-law in Guyana and signified its choice of members to the President.

Additionally, the Constitution says that an appointed member of the JSC shall become vacant at the expiration of three years from the date of his or her appointment or at some earlier date as may be specified in the instrument by which he or she was appointed, or if he or she is appointed to the office of the Chancellor, Chief Justice or Chairman of the Public Service Commission or of the Teaching Service Commission.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

Justice Winston Patterson is new Ombudsman

By Ariana Gordon

EIGHT months after the death of former Ombudsman,Justice Win ston Moore, retired Judge Winston Patterson was on Wednesday sworn in as Ombudsman by President David Granger.

The simple swearing-in ceremony was held at State House, and according to President Granger, the holder of the post serves as a watchdog which guards against “abuse or the violation of citizens’ rights by public officials and their departments and authorities”.

He stressed that “the Ombudsman is the public advocate” who is required to protect and defend citizens against injustices caused by maladministration.

The President stressed that the Ombudsman provides an important service to the public which is both free and timely.

The Constitution of Guyana at the time of Independence in 1966 established the office of an Ombudsman and Guyana became the first country in the western hemisphere and the second Commonwealth

President David Granger stands alongside retired Judge,Winston Patterson on Wednesday at State House after he (Patterson) was sworn in as Ombudsman (Adrian Narine photo)

state to enshrine the position of Ombudsman in its Constitution.

The decision to establish an Ombudsman in Guyana had its genesis in the Report of the British Guiana Commission of Inquiry constituted by the International Commission of Jurists in October 1965.

During that era, the Premier of British Guiana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham had invited the International Commission

of Jurists to send a team to undertake an appraisal of racial imbalances in the country’s public services in 1965 in the aftermath of the bloody ‘Disturbances’ of 1964.

The ‘Report’ of the Commission of Inquiry noted, inter alia, that: ‘… Since there will be cases of alleged discrimination where it will not be practicable to invoke the Constitution in the courts as a means of redress, it would

be desirable to have a simple, swift and inexpensive procedure for investigating such cases.’

As such, that report said that the government at that time recognised the need to investigate maladministration which included racial discrimination, and supported the concept of an Ombudsman which is vested with Constitutional authority.

Additionally, President Granger expressed appre-

ciation on behalf of his administration for the services rendered by the late Justice Moore, whom he said “served with respectability and credibility in the office of the Ombudsman”.

Justice Moore assumed the post of Ombudsman on January 13, 2014, filling a position that had been vacant for eight years.

“I take this opportunity to express congratulations to his successor, Justice Winston Patterson…. I wish him all success in his appointment,” said President David Granger.

Justice Patterson after the swearing-in ceremony told reporters that he is humbled by the opportunity to serve his country once again.

“I feel humbled and privileged to be called once again to serve and certainly I will endeavor to do my best and with God’s help and the cooperation of the administrative staff,” the Ombudsman, who was supported by his wife, Mrs. Carol Patterson and son,Dr. Preston Patterson, said.

The retired judge said he has the “people’s interest at heart” and will serve to the best of his ability.

Justice Patterson has

served in several capacities since his retirement, more recently, he was appointed to serve on the tribunal to investigate and recommend whether Carvil Duncan, chairman and appointed member of the Public Service Commission ought to be removed from office for inability to discharge the functions of the said office.

He worked as registrar of the Judiciary in Guyana and St. Kitts and Nevis, Magistrate, Chief Magistrate/Provost Marshall in the Magistrate’s Court in Barbados, the Family Court in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Magistrate’s Court in The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Article 192 of the Constitution states that the Ombudsman has the authority “to investigate any action taken by any department of Government or by any action taken by any department of Government or by any other authority to which this article applies, or by the President, ministers, officers or members of such a department or authority, being action taken in exercise of the administrative functions of that department or authority”.

15

‘No need to apologise’ GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

PRESIDENT David Granger says he sees no need to ask Attorney General, Basil Williams to issue an apology to Justice Franklin Holder, saying he is satisfied that the AG was not contemptuous and that if the Judge felt so, he knew what he had to do.

“He did not cite the Attorney General for contempt and, as things stand, I feel that the explanation given to me by the Minister of Legal Affairs adequately deals with the complaint which I received,” President Granger told the media on the side line of a State House function on Wednesday.

“Under the circumstances, I cannot see that there was anything which could have warranted him being cited for contempt of court. As I said, his behaviour was not being contemptuous so in that regard there cannot be any justifiable call for an apology because his behaviour was not in contempt of court,” President Granger added.

Additionally, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Cummings-Edwards told reporters that as far as the judiciary was concerned, the matter has been addressed.

President Granger’s comments would deal a big blow to critics of the AG and those who have been intensely lobbying for his sanction.

Justice Holder in a letter

…President says AG was not contemptuous of Judge …satisfied with his explanation

Flashback: Basil Williams was sworn in as Guyana’s Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs by President David Granger

of complaint addressed to Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards, which was forwarded to the President concerning the AG’s alleged conduct in court on March 23, 2017 during the Carvil Duncan trial, had contended that the Attorney General’s statements in the court, were disrespectful and contemptuous and demanded a “genuine and meaningful” apology.

The issue had come to the fore when Attorney-at-law, Anil Nandlall went public with claims that Williams had threatened to kill Justice Holder, causing the judge to walk off the bench.

However, in his letter of complaint to the Chancellor, Holder said he left the bench because of an alleged statement made by Williams, which is: “I could say what I want to say and however I

want to say it, I have always been like that.” The judge said he found the statement to be egregious. “Immediately after hearing these words, I rose from the bench and went into my chambers. I did not adjourn the matter, nor did I give any instructions to the parties,” Justice Holder mentioned in his letter of complaint.

After being forwarded the letter, President Granger

had called on Williams to explain the matter. Williams, in addition to maintaining that he would not apologise said there was no merit to Justice Holder’s allegations of contempt, saying that at no time was he disrespectful, insulting or contemptuous.

Alluding to the Contempt of Court Act Chapter 5:05, Minister Williams pointed out that there are provisions in the law for a Judge, presiding in a court, to cite and punish persons for contempt.

Because Contempt of Court is a criminal offence, the Attorney General argued that Justice Holder was required under the Act to inform him of the offence committed before adjourning the matter on the same day.

“Justice Holder did not inform, warn or in any manner convey to the Hon. Attorney General that he considered he was being contemptuous before he left the courtroom that day and was therefore functus officio.

Justice Holder could not lawfully, almost two days later, by letter purport to raise accusations of contempt against the Hon. Attorney General for what he alleges occurred in his court previously,”

Justice Franklin Holder

Minister Williams argued.

In his letter to the President, he stated too that Article 144 (8) of the Constitution requires a Judge to give notice to the Attorney-at-Law in Court on any behaviour which is contemptuous, insulting, disrespectful and despicable in the face of the Court.

“On a proper perusal of his letter of Complaint, the Learned Judge purports to list seven instances which in his opinion amounted to contemptuous behavior, yet in not one of them informed the Hon. Attorney General he was close to committing contempt or warned him or in any manner giving him notice of misbehaviour, or charged him for contempt,” he told President Granger.

Traffic light murder

Wife breaks down in tears during testimony – accused pleads innocence, says was tortured SHAYRAZADI Ragghu, the wife of the man, who was robbed and murdered at the traffic light in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens on August 18, 2014, gave a teary testimony in the Georgetown High Court as she took the stand to recall her story on Wednesday.

Ragghu was shot and injured but survived the incident, however her husband, Ashokkoemar Ragghu, a gold miner was not so fortunate. On trial is Travis McDougall, who is being represented by Attorney, Nigel Hughes.

During her testimony, the woman recalled that her husband had recently arrived home from the interior and went to the Guyana Gold Board, where he got a cheque for $4M and on August 15, 2014, they went

to Citizens Bank to encash that cheque and returned home with the money, which was placed in a black haversack bag.

Mrs. Ragghu related that on August 18, 2014 at about 12:45 hrs she was with her husband in their motorcar, PGG 8291 at the traffic light at Regent and Vlissengen Road, headed to pay bills with the money. The witness at this point started to cry but regained herself and added that they stopped the car to obey the traffic signals when suddenly a man came up to her husband’s side of the car of which the window was half way down.

She told the court that the man had a gun and he chucked her husband and told him to hand over the bag to which he refused, after which the man shot him. Her husband

fell forward in his seat and the woman grabbed the bag from the back seat.

Mrs. Ragghu said the man took the bag with the money from her and shot her at the same time after which he went on a bike which was a short distance away and left.

IT HAPPENED FAST The witness said the incident happened very fast but she got a good look at the faces of both men who were wearing helmets at the time. She described the shooter as a tall, dark-skinned man with tattoos on his hand and black spots on his face, while the rider of the motorcycle was a fat/chubby looking man. Mrs. Ragghu added that after the men fled the scene, people came to render assistance and she was taken to

Murder accused: Travis McDougall

the hospital.

The witness stated that she went to an identification parade at Brickdam Police Station on August 20, 2014 and identified a man whom she said was the rider of the bike. Mrs. Ragghu related that she viewed a second identification parade and picked out the shooter from a line-up of eight men of similar

features. She told the court that the incident has affected her greatly and she has to depend on her children.

Meanwhile, under cross-examination by defence counsel Hughes, the witness maintained that the men she picked out from the line-up are the same men who shot her and shot her husband on the day in question.

Three police witnesses also testified and the prosecution closed its case, after which the accused was asked to lead his defence.

I AM INNOCENT He chose to give an unsworn statement from the prisoner’s box, where he said he was innocent of the charge against him and detailed his activities and whereabouts on the day in question. McDougall said he was at Jialing’s office with a relative on the day in question after which

he went home and slept and woke up that afternoon to play bingo with his neighbours.

The accused added that he was arrested the next morning when police came to his house, after which he was placed in custody and tortured by the police to affix his signature to a prepared statement.

McDougall told the court that he was shocked to the genital area repeatedly and urinated himself after he felt weak and signed his name under duress, after which he passed through the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with murder and was remanded to prison. The defence called four witnesses to take the stand to corroborate McDougall’s story on the day in question.

The matter is being heard in the Georgetown High Court before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury.

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Lions Club gives back to the Palms THE GEORGETOWN Stabroek Lions Club on Mother’s Day brought smiles to the faces of some 80 female inmates of the Palms Institution, Brickdam.

True to the “We Serve” motto, the initiative was spearheaded by incoming president for the 2017/2018 Fiscal Year, June Leitch, along with Roxanne Luckie.

A release from the Lions Club noted that the female residents were served a sumptuous meal of scram-

bled eggs, bread and juice.

“The timely initiative which was preceded by a donation of adult pampers and body talc the previous day, was all part of a community project aimed at spreading joy to the less fortunate in the community within which the club served on such significant occasions,” the release noted.

It was further noted that while the focus of the occasion was on the female residents, the offering was

more than enough,as such,the 28 male residents, who are housed on the lower flat, were also able to partake in the breakfast.

“The gratitude displayed through the smiles on the faces of the recipients and the lively interaction by some of the more able-bodied ones have served as an impetus to further propel the membership of the club to continue the “We Serve” motto,”according a release from the Lions Club.

June Leitch handing over a donation of adult pampers to a representative of the Palms Institution. Looking on is Lions Club member, Roxanne Luckie

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Senior citizens live longer – when cared for at home, says Abbigale Loncke

By Svetlana Marshall COMMUNITY Health Care (CHC) founded by Abbigale Loncke is advocating for more senior citizens to receive healthcare at home as against being placed in a home, contending that they tend to live longer.

And according to the CHC Manager, Jeanna Pearson, they are ready to help.

CHC offers in-home services for elderly people, especially for those living with non-communicable diseases and terminal illnesses.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Pearson said older people, especially those who are affected by different types of deceases, tend to live longer once they are in their comfort zone.

“Usually what happens in our country when our parents get old we place them in the Palms or in a Home.

There they are all alone in their sickness, barely grabbing onto their memories.

They are surrounded by strangers. So what happens is that these homes become a waiting area between life and death,” Pearson explained.

She added: “But there is no place like home.”

According to a study published in the 2013 Age and Ageing journal, seniors living in care homes died quicker than those living at home. The study was conducted on 10,000 care homes and 350,000 people living in the community between the ages of 65 and 104, in England and Wales. The discovery was startling—in one year 26 per cent of the care home residents died compared to just three per cent of those who remained in their homes and live independently.

EXPANDING Pearson said CHC is expanding its services to the far reaches of Guyana, even as it pushes for the men and women who would have contributed to the development of Guyana in one way or the other, to receive the care they need, in the comfort of their homes.

“So what we at CHC do is bring the care home to your love ones. We offer

Founder of Community Health Care (CHC), Abbigale Loncke

personal care, medication reminders, meals preparation and live-in care at afforded prices. In fact, we carry out assessments with the patient or client and create a package that will meet their budget,” she explained.

It was noted that the agency has a team of medical professionals working along with the caregivers.

In addition to caring for the elderly, Pearson said the agency offers childcare services, while empowering women.

“We also offer homechild-care services for parents who do not feel comfortable placing their children in a day-care or who simply wants their child to have one and one care. This is in addition to our nanny service and maid service,” she posited.

LITTLE OR NO EXPERIENCE Alluding to the mentorship programme for women, Pearson noted that it caters for women with little or no experience in the world of work.

“This is a programme for women who haven’t had any opportunity to study or work.

They are usually women with no qualifications. We have a special team that mentors these women and teens and try to integrate them into the workforce by either employing them ourselves after training or by finding employment,” she explained.

In November 2016, Loncke was acknowledged by the then President of the United States, Barack

Obama. “We Need leaders like Abbigale!” he had declared.

At the time, she was participating in the US President’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), during which the then President was giving the feature address.

During his final international speech and town hall meeting in Lima, Peru, President Obama told the Young Leaders of the Americas: “After struggling to find her own grandfather a home care, she realised that this is a problem for other families, so she started Community Healthcare, a home care agency. She started out as a service to help families take care of their loved ones.”

President Obama noted that Loncke created a social movement that provides training and job opportunities for young women in the healthcare industry.

“Thank you, Abigail, for the great work you are doing!” he said, as Abigail stood in awe.

Loncke was one of four Guyanese chosen by the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown to participate in the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative in the United States, which began in October, 2016.

Approximately 250 young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean participated in the five-week programme, but Loncke was one of the YLAI finalists from 21 city hub competitions around the U.S. who competed in the final pitch competition in Washington DC. Following that final pitch competition, Loncke travelled to Peru for the US President’s town hall meeting.

The former President launched YLAI to build linkages between young leaders across the hemisphere, and to expand opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and civil society leaders.

During the programme, the fellows learned and shared their experiences in start-ups, small businesses, non-governmental organisations, and similar entities in cities throughout the United States, and in partnership with community groups and American universities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme 2017 heats up Shermol Cleaners Service offers a broad range of cleaning services that are tailored to meet the needs of its customers. These services include carpet cleaning, office cleaning, complete floor care, window cleaning and property maintenance, among other services.

The next round of the competition requires the finalists to

NGGM Team Member Hilary Benjamin-Byer

Shermol Cleaning Services CEO, Molly Jeffers

Founder of Guyana Premier, Dave Lalltoo

KOKO CEO, Denisha Victor

By Svetlana Marshall Six entrants are moving onto the next round of the Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme LivePitch 2017 competition,in collaboration with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), to promote entrepreneurship locally.

In a joint statement, Scotiabank and GCCI explained that each entrant was required to submit a 60-second video pitch for a new business or expansion of an existing business.

These video presentations were posted to Scotiabank Guyana Facebook page for public voting.

“The three videos with the most likes were automatic finalists while the judges were tasked with identifying two wildcard picks, not necessarily based on number of votes. Since there were six entries into the competition, it was decided to send all to the final rounds to compete for the $500,000.00 top prize and $250,000.00 runner up prize,” GCCI explained.

The six finalists are Guyana Premier, Koko, TREE by New Generation Great Minds (NGGM), CWYN’s Domain, Shermol Cleaning Services and Freedom2Love Agency. The six finalists will commence training with ActionCoach to help them through the next two rounds of the competition.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, NGGM

Team Member Hilary Benjamin-Byer said the competition provides the requisite training, finance and exposure that startups in Guyana need.

“The team thought that the competition created the perfect opportunity for us to get two things: finance and training.

Finance to get the minimum resources to achieve your objective and training, in the sense of creating a strategic approach and sustainable plan,” Benjamin-Byer explained.

In the NGGM’s LivePitch, it was explained that the ‘Tropical Rainforest Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (TREE)’ will provide a platform that promotes entrepreneurship, collaboration and adds value to all the persons on the platform by providing global opportunities for them.

“I believe this will be the game changer for Guyana as a country, as we call ourselves NGGM, we are surely a new generation of great minds and we are creating the environment necessary to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Guyana,” Benjamin-Byer posited.

Meanwhile, Molly Jeffers, who is the face of Shermol Cleaning Services, said she opted to be a part of the competition to capitalise on the training opportunities it provides.

“I entered the competition because I need to know more about accounting and ActionCoach will provide me with that training,” she posited.

Six years into existence,

use Scotiabank’s free online Plan Writer tool to prepare a business plan. They will then be required to present their plan on national television for final judging.

The winner and runner up will be announced on September 18, 2017 and will respectively receive a $500,000 and $250,000 start up business

account at the Bank.

The Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme LivePitch competition is one of the bank’s initiatives to celebrate Small Business Week which will run from September 18-22 this year. Among the judges are Lance Hinds, CEO of Brainstreet Group; Dr. Rosh Khan,CEO of SocialRank

Media; Gillian Griffith, Officer in Charge, Small Business Bureau, and Brian Hackett, Scotiabank Branch Manager.

The Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme LivePitch Competition was first launched in September 2015.

The previous winners are Wafugee Inc in 2015 and Privileged Clothing in 2016.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Gov’t assessing flooding in Region 8 – over 150 residents affected, airstrip under water THE GOVERNMENT of Guyana, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) are

actively assessing the sudden incidence of flooding in Kaibarupai, Sand Hill and Waipa in Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), even as a coordinated disaster re-

sponse is being put in place.

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, more than 30 persons, who were trained by the CDC in Disaster Risk Reduction are present in the

region and have been called upon to render assistance, while the CDC has contacted and asked the regional officials and members of the joint services to conduct an

assessment in the affected areas.

Preliminary information received by the ministry revealed that nine houses, six farms and the airstrip are under water in Kaibarupai with over 150 residents being affected, while 85 percent of Waipa is said to be under water as a result of the overtapping of several rivers, including the Ireng River, in the area.

Minister of State, Jo-

seph Harmon, who has responsibility for the CDC and the coordination of disaster response said that President David Granger has been notified of the situation, while Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West has been briefed and Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup, Director General of the CDC is expected to provide a detailed report to the Minister of State so that further action can be taken.

MMU employees arrested for alleged theft of drugs A TOTAL of 15 employees from the Materials Management Unit (MMU) at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, were arrested and in police custody up to press time following the discovery of medical supplies they allegedly stole.

A reliable source told Guyana Chronicle that for a while now, officials had suspected that drugs were being stolen from the unit but did not have evidence.However,on Wednesday evening an MMU officer observed drugs stashed inside the toilet of the MMU bond. The officer did not raise an alarm but informed another trusted colleague and a sting operation was set up.

This newspaper understands that the officers then left the bond but returned later when other MMU employees were about to leave in a bus. The officers then ordered the employees out of the bus and conducted a search, during which 24 packets of medical supplies, worth $5,000 each, were

found.

No one claimed ownership of the drugs and they were all taken to the police station for questioning. The officers also found the drugs intact inside the toilet. In March, police launched an investigation into missing drugs and medical supplies at the Suddie Public Hospital and several medical officers attached to the hospital were questioned. Three persons, including an ambulance driver and an assistant pharmacist were taken into custody and placed on $20,000 bail each.

The police was called in to investigate a case of fraud at the Suddie Public Hospital after drugs and medical supplies went missing one week after arriving there.

In a statement, the Public Health Ministry explained that when a Ministerial Task Force visited the Suddie Public Hospital, authorities at the hospital could not account for several items sent only the week before by the MMU.

9 months jail for mason who stole jewelry A MASON was sentenced to nine months imprisonment on Wednesday after being convicted for simple larceny by City Magistrate Dylon Bess.

Eon Murray, 30, of West La Penitence, Georgetown was found guilty of the charge, which read that on December 26, 2016, at Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, he stole two gold chains valued $115,000, two gold rings worth $ 120,000 and one gold and silver band worth $15,000, property of Shawn Solomon.

Murray was unrepresented during the trial and the matter was prosecuted by Lance Corporal, Christopher Morris.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:25 hrs Scotland 09:00 hrs Vulcan 09:35 hrs Angel’s Power 10:10 hrs Tokyo Drift 10:50 hrs Don Christo English Racing Tips Salisbury 08:40 hrs Headway 09:10 hrs Monteamiata 09:45 hrs Black Bubba 10:20 hrs Lupin 10:55 hrs Your Ladyship 11:25 hrs Crimson Rosette 11:55 hrs Edge 12:25 hrs Lucky Louie Perth 09:00 hrs Enzani 09:30 hrs Rain City 10:05 hrs Ronaldinho 10:40 hrs Doubledisdoubledat 11:15 hrs Raise A Spark 11:45 hrs Lou Vert 12:20 hrs Work Du Breteau York 09:20 hrs Robot Boy 09:55 hrs So Di Mar 10:30 hrs Cracksman 11;05 hrs Home Cummins 11:35 hrs Ardad 12:05 hrs V J Day 12:35 hrs Gaelic Tiger Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 12:30 hrs Lareena 13:00 hrs Morgan 13:30 hrs Theydon Park 14:00 hrs Aherlow 14:35 hrs You Can’t Catch Me 15:10 hrs Tintown Robin 15:40 hrs Blixt American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Data Room Race 2 Tempestad Race 3 Long Night Race 4 King of Spades Race 5 Browse Race 6 Alien Season Race 7 Selenite Race 8 Threefiveindia Race 9 Special Risk

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Brans Security on board RSTC’s Walter Moore and FF Health and Fitness Walk and Run Jaro coach arrive BRANS Security Service has joined the bandwagon of sponsors to come on board the Rising Stars Track Club’s 5K Health and Fitness Walk as well as the 5K and 10K run scheduled for Sunday beginning at 16:00hrs.

The event, which is being organised by the coach of the Rising Stars Track Club, has received the blessings of the Athletics Association of Guyana and is being held in collaboration with the Office of the Presidency as part of Guyana’s Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Participants will move off from Square of the Revolution at 16:00hrs and proceed south before turning East onto Hadfield Street, left onto Mandela Avenue, left into Homestretch Avenue and finish at Square of the Revolution.

According to race organiser

Mr Bertrand McArthur of Brans Security Services (left) hands over his organisation’s sponsorship cheque to event committee member Avril Black.

Leslie Black, all participants will receive a souvenir medal as well as a t-shirt.

The 5k and 10k run will however see the top performers receive trophies and cash prizes.

Interested persons are asked to contact telephone numbers 673-8829 or 668-7897.

Among the other sponsors for the event are: Payless Variety Store of Wellington Street, Lacytown, Beverage giant Banks DIH Limited, Antartic Maintenance and Repairs, E-Networks, Ansa McAl, Toucan Industries Inc., Ming’s Products and Services, Metro Office and Stationery Supplies, Car Care Enterprise and Auto Sales, Star Party Rentals, Wartsila, Corona Extra, B.K. Inc, S&L Electrical, Real Value Supermarket, Kevin Jeffrey and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs.

Fury’s postponed hearing ‘disgraceful’, says promoter Warren REUTERS) - Boxing promoter Frank Warren has described the postponement of former

world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s hearing with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) as “disgraceful”.

Fury was charged by UKAD last June for allegedly consuming a performance-enhancing drug. He vacated his titles, admitted to battling depression and his boxing licence was revoked in October pending an investigation.

The former WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion, who has not fought since beating Wladimir Klitschko to win the titles in 2015, has maintained his innocence.

Tyson Fury

“It’s a liberty,” Warren told British media. “The man’s got a living to get and this thing took place in 2015. It’s disgraceful.

You’ve either got a case or you haven’t. Why does it drag on from 2015?”

Warren said Fury was “training hard” and time was running out for him to secure his financial future.

“He’s 28 years of age, boxing is a young man’s game; he’s entitled to make a living.

If he’s done wrong, then get it over with. I think somebody’s got to intervene, even if it’s the sports minister or something.

“This, on any level, can’t be right.”

for talent-spotting exercise

FORMER Golden Jaguars defender Walter Moore and his club FF Jaro coach Kristian Heames will conduct a talent identification programme in Guyana from May 19 to 21, which will result in potential players being identified for trials and possible professional contracts in Europe.

This initiative is part of the new philosophy of the technical programme of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), which actively seeks to involve past and present national players as part of the technical development programme.

Moore and Heames will participate along with Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson in the national U-17 camp scheduled for the same period and will be involved in the assessment of players as well as coaching sessions.

“Walter will be speaking to the players about his experiences and the opportunities in professional football that are open to young Guyanese players in Europe,” Technical Director, Ian Greenwood said.

“His vision to expose potential players to European club trials later in the year shows his commitment to give back to football in Guyana and to be a part of the brand new Technical Development Strategy. I am truly excited about the project and looking forward to seeing Walter deliver coaching sessions with the squad,” said Greenwood.

Greenwood describes

the talent identification programme trip as an “excellent opportunity for our national U-17s to be exposed to the perfect role model in Walter Moore who has given so much to Guyanese football over the years.”

Moore will join the list of former national players who are employed by the GFF in the execution of the technical development programmes, the others being Charles Pollard, Bryan Joseph, Anthony Benfield, Tricia Munroe and Akilah Castello.

Moore will retire from international football after appearing in 103 games for Guyana at all levels.

The 32-year-old made the announcement after a 4-2 loss to visiting Jamaica eliminated the Golden Jaguars from the 2016/17 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup. Moore, a member of Caledonia AIA’s CFU Club Championship title-winning side in 2012, says while he won’t be contributing on the field, there are other ways that he can assist the Guyana cause.

Moore competed for Guyana for more than a decade and was part of numerous memorable moments.

He was a member of the squad that got past Bermuda, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago to advance to the third round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup; the farthest the nation ever advanced in the competition.

Hand-in-Hand continues ...

Continued from back page

possible squad to represent Guyana at the regional tournaments.

Sanasie also indicated that the tournaments will also enable the selectors to add players to the pool of emerging players.

Sanasie thanked Handin-Hand for its continued support, and expressed confidence for a long-term relationship between the two bodies.

The entity’s Fire Director, Howard Cox explained that they are happy to be on board and look forward to having a successful competition.

Hand-in-Hand has been involved in cricket for many years. “We were very pleased how things went last year and happy to continue our sponsorship and association with the board,” Cox said.

Cox pointed out that while the GCB has its detractors, the results over the last few years at all levels are commendable.

The tournaments will also include a fourth team, that of the Select Under-17.

The one-day format of the tournament is scheduled to bowl off on Monday May 29.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Everest Under-17s turn tables on Cold Fusion … Club gets new uniforms, compliments of HACC

AFTER going down to Zeelugt’s Cold Fusion in their tapeball encounter recently, Everest turned the table on their opponents in a feature Under-17 35-over clash, played last Saturday at their Camp Road, Georgetown venue.

In a game that fluctuated throughout, Everest triumphed by a mere seven runs in a thrilling affair. Set a challenging 131 for victory after the home team were limited to 130 all out in 31 overs, Cold Fusion were restricted to 123 all out in 33.3 overs.

For Everest, Aaron Beharry led the way with a top score of 23 with extras playing a big role with 36, including a whopping 31 wides. The bowling honours were shared by P. Binand (3 for 8 off 3 overs), Kapildeo Charandeen (3 for 16 in 3), Aaron Mohabir (2 for 10 in 4) and Andre Seepersaud (2 for 26 off 7).

Seepersaud completed a fine all-round performance with

COLD Fusion players pose in their new uniforms, compliments of Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan of HACC of Toronto, Canada. President Bhudnarine Persaud is at centre.

Everest skipper Vishal Persaud collects the winning trophy from sponsor Prem Raghubir.

Sharapova vows to ‘rise up again’ after French Open snub

(REUTERS) - Maria Sharapova said yesterday she remains fully committed to making a successful comeback from her doping ban following a decision by the French Open to deny her a wild card entry.

Sharapova was widely expected to be fast-tracked into the year’s second grand slam tournament, which she has won twice, but the French Tennis Federation (FFT) took the unexpected decision on Tuesday to refuse her entry.

“If this is what it takes to rise up again, then I am in it all the way, every day,” Sharapova said on Twitter yesterday.

“No words, games, or actions will ever stop me from reaching my own dreams. And I have many.”

Sharapova’s return from a 15-month ban has split opinion in tennis circles, with some players arguing she is being given special treatment after receiving wild cards for tournaments in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome.

Accepting the decision to bar her from the French Open without rancour would give the Russian a chance to rise above the furore, according to former world number three Pam Shriver.

Shriver said Sharapova needed to come to terms with what had happened and turn her attention to preparing for Wimbledon, where she is already one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the title.

“She’s smart and savvy,”

Shriver, who won 21 grand slam women’s doubles titles, said on ESPN. “She needs to take a step back and reconcile that her return to major tennis is going to have to wait and not be bitter about it.

“It’s a chance to be above it all and complimentary.”

Sharapova tested positive for heart disease drug meldonium at last year’s Australian Open.

The Russian said she had taken the drug “legally” throughout her career to

Maria Sharapova

treat medical conditions and had not realised it had been added to WADA’s banned list a few weeks before the tournament began.

She was initially banned for two years but the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the suspension to 15 months on appeal after finding she was not an “intentional doper” .

The five-time Grand Slam champion, one of the sport’s biggest names, is guaranteed a place in the Wimbledon qualifying event but will need a wild card to get straight into the main draw at the All England Club.

a fine 39 and received solid support from D. George who stroked 21. The rest of the batting however floundered to the bowling of Mohamed Jameer who captured four for 19 in 5.3 overs. There were two wickets each for Andre Tilku, Demerara Under-19 selectee Renaldo Mohamed and Vishal Persaud.

Jameer was named man-of-the-

match for his brilliant bowling performance.

The winning trophy which was handed over to Everest skipper Vishal Persaud was donated

by Prem Raghubir of Royal Woodworking Establishment.

Opportunity was also taken to hand over cricket gear and uniforms to the recently-formed Cold Fusion players.

Manniram Shew handed over a set for uniforms to the club’s president Bhudnarine Persaud on behalf of Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan, owner and president of Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) of Toronto, Canada.

Saheed Mohamed of Everest also presented two helmets and a pair of batting gloves.

Cricket Australia rejects ACA mediation request

By Daniel Brettig

DAVID Peever, the Cricket Australia chairman, has rejected the Australian Cricketers Association’s request for mediation in pay talks between the two parties, reiterating the board’s insistence that talks resume with its formal pay offer as the starting point.

In a letter addressed to the ACA president Greg Dyer which was seen by ESPNcricinfo, Peever states that it is “extraordinary” that the players association has requested mediation without first attempting to negotiate based on CA’s current offer, which seeks to break up the fixed revenue percentage model that has existed for the past 20 years.

“The preconditions you set out in your letter are unacceptable to CA,” Peever wrote. “They may be genuine issues of contention from the ACA’s perspective.

However, they should not be an insurmountable barrier to even commencing good faith negotiations.”

Peever’s rejection of the ACA request followed the CA chief executive James Sutherland’s blunt message that players out of contract would cease to be paid after June 30 if the ACA did not return to the bargaining table.

“As James Sutherland indicated in his letter to your

CEO last week, the approach the ACA has taken in demanding certain preconditions be met before it is prepared to begin negotiations is the fundamental reason why no progress has been made to date,” he wrote.

“Surely a more constructive and conventional approach would have been to work through CA’s MOU proposal to agree all possible items, leaving issues where the parties may be further apart to be resolved towards the end. Such an approach generally leads to a greater understanding between parties and reduces potential conflict.”

Though Peever struck a somewhat less confrontational tone in his correspondence than Sutherland, expressing hope that a way can be found for the two negotiation teams to work together over the next six weeks, he did not deviate from CA’s insistence that talks resume based on a pay offer

document offering players fixed wages over the next five years.

“While I do not agree that mediation is appropriate in the current situation, out of respect for the players the present impasse needs to be broken and a mechanism found that allows good faith talks to finally start and move forward as quickly as possible,” he wrote.

“In that spirit I suggest we instruct our respective negotiating teams to recommit to the negotiation calendar, beginning at the earliest opportunity with a full day of structured talks, without preconditions.

“The objective would be to work through CA’s proposal to identify the areas of agreement or in principle agreement, and areas of ongoing disagreement. I am confident that such an exercise would find much common ground, a way forward on outstanding issues and build momentum.”

Cricket Australia chairman David Peever

ACA president Dyer said it was “poor form” for CA to suggest that negotiations had not yet begun when the formal process had begun as far back as last November.* “How does CA expect to get a deal done by June 30?” Dyer said. “To make inaccurate statements about negotiations not having begun is poor form and clearly not consistent with good-faith discussions.

“To be clear, I personally met with CA back on November 11 to commence negotiations, at which time we were commended for the position that had been presented on behalf of the players. Since then, the ACA management has had over 20 hours of face-to-face meetings with CA. “The players have categorically rejected CA’s offer given that it did not include the revenue-sharing model, but its offer is all that CA wants to talk about. The current successful revenue-sharing model has been presented by the ACA with a number of solutions regarding increases in grassroots cricket, flexibility in investment and sharing of risk; yet CA appears unwilling to talk about our approach.

“The ACA clearly wants to resolve a new MOU before June 30, and given the differences in both parties, mediation seems the right step.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

Islamic Solidarity Games

Gambhir guides Knight Riders George repeats silver past Sunrisers at 01:30hrs in men’s 400m

GAUTAM Gambhir kept Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and knocked Sunrisers Hyderabad out, as the defending champions were beaten by seven wickets in a rain-affected eliminator which finished at 01:30hrs local time.

KKR were set 48 to win off six overs following a long delay due to the weather at the end of Sunrisers’ innings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium yesterday.

Captain David Warner top-scored with 37 as Sunrisers could post only 128-7, largely due to outstanding spells from Nathan Coulter-Nile (3-20) and Umesh Yadav (2-21).

Gambhir was unbeaten on 32 from 19 balls after the Knight Riders were reduced to 12-3 in a frantic run chase, the skipper ensuring his side reached their revised target with four balls to spare KKR will now face

Gautam Gambhir exults after hitting the winning runs for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL eliminator.

Mumbai Indians at the same venue tomorrow, with the winners taking on Rising Pune Supergiant in the final in Hyderabad two days later.

Yadav had Shikhar Dhawan caught behind in the fifth over after Gambhir put Sunrisers in, but KKR had plenty of cause for concern with Warner – who blasted a 59-ball 126 against KKR in the regular season – and Kane Williamson at the crease.

Sunrisers were 61-1 at

the halfway mark after Williamson hit CoulterNile to the midwicket boundary for four and the next ball for six before Warner launched Sunil Narine into the top tier over long-on in the following over.

But Williamson (24) brought a stand of 50 for the second wicket to a tame end by slapping CoulterNile straight to extra-cover and Piyush Chawla struck a huge blow by removing Warner ’s middle stump

only two balls later.

The holders were 75-3 in the 13th over when Warner departed and Sunrisers were unable to come up with a flurry of late runs thanks to some tight bowling by Yadav, Coulter-Nile, Narine and Trent Boult.

A long delay followed after the heavens opened, but the game finally resumed with a huge crowd hanging around to see a dramatic conclusion.

Chris Lynn launched Bhuvneshwar Kumar over point for six second ball, but went from the following delivery and Yusuf Pathan was run-out off the next ball in a frantic opening over which went for 11.

Robin Uthappa was dismissed by Chris Jordan and KKR were 27-3 after Rashid Khan conceded only six from the third over, but Gambhir held his nerve by striking two sixes and as many fours to see Kolkata through. (Omnisport)

Three teams qualify for 2017/2018 CONCACAF Club competition THREE teams from the finals of the Caribbean Club Championships currently underway in Trinidad and Tobago secured places in the 2017/18 CONCACAF club competition after matches played at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Tuesday.

In the second of two matches on the night Grenades FC of Antigua and

Barbuda battled from a twogoal deficit to draw with Cibao FC of the Dominican Republic.

After a scoreless first half, Cibao FC went ahead 2-0 thanks to goals by Woodensky Cherenfant (54th, 56th), but that lead slipped away late in the match.

Grenades FC halved the deficit in the 85th min-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (THURSDAY MAY 18, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Robert Christiani (WI vs ENG, Barbados, 1948) (2) Shane Warne (Rajasthan Royals, 2008) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many ‘stumpings’ Pakistani wicketkeeper Wasim Bari

effected in Tests?

(2) Who is the last captain to lift the IPL trophy?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

ute and then equalised on Cesar Garcia-Danco’s own-goal one minute later.

The result means that two-time defending champions Central FC who defeated Grenades 3-1 in their opening match on Sunday clinched a berth in either the Scotiabank CONCACAF League or the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, Central FC will advance to the final with a draw against Cibao FC today. Cibao need to get all three points in order to reach the decider.

Earlier Portmore United of Jamaica sealed a place in either the Scotiabank CONCACAF League or the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League thanks to a 1-0 win

over Racing FC (Haiti).

Ricardo Morris, who scored a team-best two goals in first-round play, netted the game-winner in the 17th minute with a left-footed shot from the top of the box off an assist by Cleon Pryce.

The result also means that Trinidad & Tobago’s San Juan Jabloteh, who defeated Racing 2-0 in an earlier match has clinched a berth in either the Scotiabank CONCACAF League or the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.

Racing FC is now eliminated from the competition The winners of today’s San Juan-Jabloteh-Portmore United encounter will advance to the final.

Jabloteh, however, will secure that spot with a draw.

(Sportsmax)

Winston George

REPEATING his 2013 feat, Olympian Winston George yesterday finished with the silver in the men’s 400m final at the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku, winning Guyana’s first medal at this year’s event.

Under cold conditions, George ran the quarter mile in 45.69 seconds coming in behind Bahrain’s Ali Khamis Khamis who clocked 45.54 seconds, and just ahead of the 45.92 seconds finish from Iran’s Ali Khadevar.

The performance marks the third silver medal, at the Games, for the national record-holder, who also won silver in both the 400m and 200m, when the quadrennial event was held in 2013 in Indonesia.

George still has a fighting chance of taking another silver or even upgrading to a gold in the men’s 200m, after he paved a way to the final off a 20.87 seconds finish in the semi-finals, where he finished top of the heats.

Things are looking particularly good for George, who enters today’s final with the fastest semifinals time.

George leads the group

which also includes Turkey’s Ramil Guliev and Izzet Safer, Suriname’s Jeffrey Vanan, Bahrain’s Eid Salem Yaqoob; Adama Jammeh from Gambia; Saaid Hassan from Maldives and Skander Athmani from Algeria.

Meanwhile after finishing fourth in her women’s 200m heats, Guyana’s Alita Moore found herself disqualified for a lane violation, ending her time in that race.

She, however, still has a hat in the women’s 400m, where she comes in with an entry time of 54.47 seconds; running out of heat two of three.

The other athletes on the Guyana team, Natrena Hooper and Emanuel Archibald will also be out on the field today, competing in the women’s high jump and men’s long jump respectively.

Hooper was already in the Tuesday’s women’s triple jump where she managed to clear only 11.78m, while Archibald made it only to 13.34m in the men’s triple jump which was won

by Azerbaijan’s Nazim Babayev with a distance of 17.15m.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 18, 2017

No system in place to help impoverished national athletes – President Granger

By Rawle Toney ON Tuesday May 16, Guyana Chronicle told the distressing story of Guyana’s CARIFTA Games gold (3000m) and bronze (1500m) medallist Claudrice McKoy, who, despite the lack of basic daily necessities, including electricity, even though she lives in the capital, has been excelling in both track and academics.

McKoy’s story is still trending, as calls mount for Government to put in place, some mechanism that will help our athletes, more so those who are needy.

“Government would like to encourage all sports, (but) there’s no institution or mechanism examining persons who are talented but impoverished,” said President David Granger.

President David Granger is flanked by Guyana’s CARIFTA Games medal winners, (L-R) Compton Caesar, Claudrice McKoy, Chantoba Bright and Anfernee Headecker. (Delano Williams photo)

Speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sport yesterday, the Head-of-State pointed out that while there’s “something that could be done on a case-by-case basis, there’s no programme for training and sponsoring impoverished athletes.”

“Each case will be judged on its merit; we want to give every opportunity for talented people whether or not they are poor; we want to be well represented in the sports arena around the world,” President Granger explained.

Meanwhile, McKoy’s principal, Henry Chase said that a donation of an undisclosed sum was made to the athlete on Tuesday.

Chase handed McKoy a scholarship to his institution (Chase’s Academic Foundation), solely on her

athletic ability. He also remarked that the 16-yearold was exceptional academically.

McKoy is currently writing nine subjects at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and Chase is confident of the middle-distance athlete coming out on top.

However, Chase said he only learnt of the student’s unfortunate situation after reading the article and said he felt compelled to help.

“She’s humble, mannerly and does really well in school,” Chase said, adding “I had no idea of her struggle until I read the story, so I felt the need to step up and do something like I do for a number of my students, especially those who are here on scholarship.”

GFF to host CONCACAF ‘Reds’ Perreira thanks WICB for ‘forward thinking’ Club Licensing workshop on Saturday THE Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), in collaboration with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), will host a Club Licensing Workshop on Saturday May 20.

The workshop, which is scheduled to begin at 09:30hrs, is expected to have a total of 40 persons from Regional Member Associations (RMA), national associations, elite league clubs and clubs which will be in contention for promotion to the elite league, that is, two top clubs in each RMA. According to Ian Alves, the GFF’s Competitions Director, the objective of the session is to ensure all senior clubs in Guyana have their club licence.

Alves pointed out that “the efforts that club owners and administrators make in order to ensure our footballers both male and female

have an opportunity to play football are recognised. It is with this in mind that club licensing procedure is geared to enable clubs to have proper infrastructure and the accompanying requisite regulations.”

The session will be conducted by CONCACAF Development Coordinator, Cristhian Tonelli, and will adopt a Trainer-of-Trainers approach. This is necessary to continuously enable the transfer of knowledge to RMAs and build capacity among same for club licence. A club licence is necessary to enable participation in all CONCACAF tournaments.

Prior to the workshop, Tonelli will meet with the Executive Committee of the GFF, Club Licensing Manager, the GFF First Instance Decision-Making Body and the GFF Appeals Instance Decision-Making Body tomorrow.

ST LUCIA: Cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira said that it is quite an honour to have a media bursary named after him and he congratulated the West Indies Cricket Board for what he described as ‘forward thinking’.

The WICB and the University of the West Indies (UWI), through the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communications (CARIMAC), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for five bursaries to begin September 2017.

The five bursaries are being named in honour of five Caribbean media stalwarts.

The honorees are the late Roy Lawrence and Tony Cozier; Tony Becca, Headley Samuels and Joseph Perreira.

Head of CARIMAC, Professor Hopeton Dunn says “the programme is geared towards affording students a specific interest in cricket as they pursue further education in Media/Communications programmes to include undergraduate studies in Integrated Marketing Communication, Journalism (Radio, Television, Print and Online) and Digital Media Production.

This relationship is for three years. WICB president Dave Cameron says: “The investment is for US$150 000 over the period and the students who get selected for the bursaries will have access to work experience in WICB’s international and regional se-

`Reds’ Perreira thanks WICB for ‘forward thinking’

ries and with other partners where applicable.”

Cameron noted: “It was important that two of the oldest Caribbean institutions partnering for such an important programme is a signal of the commitment of the WICB to continue on to facilitate the growth of cricket across the region.

“Education forms part of that role.” Perreira speaking about the move said. “It

was quite an honour to be named among two outstanding broadcasters in the late Roy Lawrence & Tony Cozier and the outstanding Jamaican writer Tony Becca.

“I felt it was forward thinking by WICB to come up with this programme of Bursaries and would like to wish those who are successful with their applications a bright future as journalists.

“It would be very unwise

of me to think that whatever progress and contribution I made as a cricket commentator that I did it all on my own.

“In fact I owe a great deal to so many and it will be only fair that I credit and says thanks to people like Rafiq Khan, Hugh Cholmondeley, Ron Sanders and Terry Holder of Guyana.

Leo De Leon, Dave Lammy and Neil Jiuseppi of (Trinidad and Tobago), Lindy Delapenha (Jamaica), Jerry Richards, Gene Lewis, Vic Fernandes (Barbados), Tannie Rose, Ivor Bird (Antigua), Bernard John (SVG) and Ray Roberts of Grenada.

“My deep appreciation goes out to the CBU for creating the many opportunities to cover WI overseas tours and to Alva Clarke of the Commonwealth broadcasting association. I must not forget the important role of the many outstanding scorers during my active broadcasting life.”

The Guyanese-born sportscaster added :”It was also an honour and privilege to have worked alongside the late and outstanding Tony Cozier, as he set such a high standard. It was impossible not to make efforts to get up towards the level of his commentary.

At his passing, we were not just colleagues but close friends and he should have been knighted, for his contribution to West Indies and world cricket.

(Windies.com)

No system in place to help impoverished See national athletes Page 27 – President Granger

Hand-in-Hand continues sponsorship of GCB U-19 Championships

By Rajiv Bisnauth DESIGNED as the main domestic catalyst for the mobility of players to the senior level, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), in collaboration with Handin-Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Limited, yesterday officially launched its prestigious Inter-county Under-19 tournaments.

This sponsorship will cover both forms of the game played at this level, namely the one-day 50-overs and three-day championships.

Hand-in-Hand sponsorship, the second of its kind, comes at a opportune time, as the GCB continues its formidable cricket structure, which is geared at creating fair play, discipline, competitiveness, commitment, professionalism and excellence.

To attain such a valuable cricket model, the GCB requires the support and sponsorship of reliable and trusted partners. As a consequence, Hand-inHand fits that role per-

GCB secretary Anand Sanasie (third left) collects the sponsorship cheque from Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire Director Howard Cox. Also sharing the moment are GCB TDO Colin Stuart, Hand-in-Hand Human Resource/ Admin Manager Zaida Joaquin and cricketers Bhaskar Yadram and Joshua Persaud.

fectly.

The significance of sponsorship cannot be underestimated, since this tournament has contributed immensely; for a number of players have gone on to play for the West Indies at both youth and senior levels.

Names such as Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Andre Percival, Reon King, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Colin Stuart, Assad Fudadin, Rajendra Chandrika, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Leon Johnson and more recently Vishaul Singh and Shimron Hetmyer are all products of such an esteemed tournament.

At the launching ceremony held at the Company’s head office, Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, GCB secretary Anand Sanasie told the gathering that the sponsorship is clearly an invaluable one, since it will enable the junior selectors to appropriately select the best

Turn to page 24

Walter Moore and Law hoping to shock strong England FF Jaro coach arrive for talent-spotting exercise Walter Moore

See Page 24

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Inspired by the progress he witnessed in the just-concluded series against Pakistan, West Indies head coach Stuart Law says the regional side will be targeting an upset when they face England in their next Test series this August.

West Indies are ranked a lowly eighth, only behind minnows Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, while England are fourth, but Law believes once his side can build on the positives from the recent series and use the preparation time before England wisely, they will be able to reap positive results.

“We can continue to work hard. When we get to England, we’ve got a pretty extensive preparation period before the first Test,” the Australian said.

“It’s not going to guarantee us victories but it will certainly give us an idea of

what we’re faced with. England are a wonderful team but we’re going there not just to compete but we’re going there to hopefully

West Indies head coach Stuart Law

upset them.”

West Indies face the hosts in the opening Test at Edgbaston starting August 17 before travelling to Headingley for the second beginning eight days later.

The third Test is set for September 7 at historic

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

Lord’s in London.

The Windies have not won a Test in England 17 years, losing 11 of their last 13 outings and drawing two.

In two weeks, however, West Indies will clash with minnows Afghanistan in three Twenty20 Internationals and three one-dayers, and Law said while their opponents were not top tier, there would be no lackadaisical approach.

“We’re not taking any teams lightly, doesn’t matter who they are. We’ve got to install that ruthless mindset that no matter who we come up against,” he emphasised.

“We’re out there to win and we’re out there to win well. Afghanistan they are tough, they excel in this format the T20s but straight after that we have three ODIs which are very important to us as well and we’re looking for a good performance from our guys.”

West Indies lost the recent three-Test series against Pakistan 2-1, when they went down by 101 runs on the final day of the decisive third Test at Windsor Park in Dominica last Sunday.

However, Law pointed to plenty positives, with the bowling unit excelling on flat pitches and batsmen achieving milestones.

And though debutants Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh struggled in their first taste of international cricket, Law said the learning curve had been critical for them.

“We had two debutants start the series in Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh and I think they realise now it’s not club cricket, it’s not provincial cricket, it’s serious Test cricket,” he said.

“When the boys play against these other bigger teams, they’re going to find out how tough it really is.”

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017