Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 18 04 2016

39 Security tightens No. 104525

MONDAY APRIL 18, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

... around Camp St Prison

8

P.

Dead: Hansranie Persaud

2 dead in smash-up

Dead: Rudolph Bess

3

P.

The remains of the vehicles that were involved in the crash early Sunday morning at Coverden, East Bank Demerara (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

1 dead, 2 & 4 Underground NA unveils 2 homeless in parking facilities Jubilee separate fires for Bartica 10 activities 8 P.

P.

P.

P.

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Elderly woman burnt to death THE charred remains of a senior citizen who lived alone were removed from her home which was razed by fire on Saturday morning.

The police disclose that at about 02:30hrs on Sunday, a fire of unknown origin com-

Dead: Bhagmatie Persaud pletely destroyed the home of 70-year-old Bhagmatie Persaud of Lot 90 Hope West, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD). After the blaze had been extinguished, Persaud’s remains were found among the debris.

Investigations are in progress.

According to Leilawattie John, one of her six children, her mother had surgery to her eyes six years ago, and had difficulty seeing when light fades.

She said the fire could have been started if her mother had knocked down the kerosene stove that she would normally use.

The daughter explained that since the death of her father, several years ago, her mother had decided to live by herself, since she was a quiet person.

2 dead in smash-up

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

By Rabindra Rooplall

TWO persons were killed and three others were injured in a three-vehicle smash-up which occurred in the vicinity of Kaylee’s

riders were scattered on the roadway.

Eyewitnesses also disclosed that bottles of alcohol were found adjacent to the jeep. Police disclosed that it appeared as if the

nie Persaud’s mother, Savitri Bagnauth, she has five children and Persaud was the fourth. She celebrated her 16 birthday on April 5 last.

“Somebody come to me

demise. He told this publication that his son does not imbibe alcoholic beverages.

He explained that he was awake at 04:00hrs when he received a call stating that his son was in an accident.

The Toyota Prado PHH 8034 that was involved in the accident (Cullen Best-Nelson photos) Gas Station on the Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) at about 03:55hrs on Sunday.

The mangled bodies of 23-year-old Rudolph Bess of 620 Kaneville, EBD, who was riding motorcycle CH 378, and his pillion rider, 16-year-old Hansranie Persaud of Grove Housing Scheme, EBD, suggest that they died instantly at the crash site. Persaud’s right leg was found about 13 feet away from her body, while Bess’s skull was crushed.

Yolanda Fraser-Patterson, 42, of Paradise Village, East Coast Demerara, who was driving Toyota Spacio PNN 9768, was seriously injured in the accident. Her husband Joseph Patterson was not seriously injured.

Also critically injured was Jason Baskarran, 23, of Track ‘B’ Timehri, EBD, who was driving Toyota Prado PHH 8034.

They were all taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Details of the accident are somewhat unclear, but according to eyewitnesses, the car toppled several times before coming to a stop, the jeep ended up on a nearby parapet, and the wrecked motorcycle and the mangled bodies of its two

jeep was heading at a fast pace and fell into a fourinch drop on the road, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and causing

Dead: Hansranie Persaud the horrific accident.

Reports further revealed that the driver of the motorcar had dropped off relatives at the airport, whilst the motorcyclist and his pillion rider were returning from a party at Soesdyke, EBD and the jeep had left a wedding at Aracari Resort, West Bank Demerara.

SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY According to Hansra-

“I was quarreling when the car come to pick me up. I was saying is so early in the morning and he deh riding with motor bike all over the place.”

Sensing something was amiss, Bess said he asked the driver of the car, who was taking him in the opposite direction to the East Demerara Regional Hospital at Diamond, EBD, where his son was really.

“I say ‘is where he deh?

Is not hospital we got to go and see he?’ The driver said ‘no, we have to go the other direction, since the girl that was with him dead’,” Bess said he asked: “Is what happen to meh son, bai? He say, ‘when yo reach yo will see’. When I reach I see my son’s brain on the road, I know right away he dead.”

The father explained that he was told by a truck driver who was driving behind the Toyota Prado that the jeep was driving recklessly.

“He said he was swerv-

and tell me that my daughter get into an accident with a boy in Coverden. I then go to my sister and tell she, and then I go to the station; then I went to the location and see what really happened,” the mother said with tears in her eyes.

Reflecting on the last time she had seen her daughter alive, the emotional mother said her daughter had been in her bed at minutes to midnight, but was on her phone texting.

NOT ON THE BED “When I get up and get the news, I check in the bed for her; she was not on the bed. She lined the pillows right away around the bed to make it appear as if she was cover up,” Bagnauth recalled in shock.

The mother said this is the first occasion she knows that her daughter had even been out so late. “The boy she was in the accident with we don’t know, is the first time we hearing about them.”

Persaud, who attended Diamond Secondary School, was described by residents as an outgoing young lady.

Manuel Bess expressed utter shock at his son’s

What was left of the mangled motorcycle after the horrific accident

3

ing in and out of his lane.

The man said was three of them was in the vehicle -- two in the back and the driver in front.”

Bess said his son had been an auto electrician and a hard working young man.

The father acknowledged that he knew his son had left to attend a house party in Soesdyke.

Dead: Rudolph Bess “I know he was at a party, but he doesn’t drink, he normally doesn’t go out, but his friend’s them invite him out and he decided to go.”

In an invited comment, acting Traffic Chief Boodnarine Persaud described the deaths as tragic. He said 37 persons have so far been killed in accidents for 2016, compared to 31 in the same period last year.

He noted that among this year’s road fatalities are 12 pedestrians, 10 motorcyclists and three pillion riders, all of whom belong to the most vulnerable category of road users.

The Toyota Spacio PNN 9768 that was involved in the accident

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Brazil’s Rousseff loses impeachment vote

BRAZIL’S governing Workers’ Party has admitted defeat in a lower house impeachment vote against President Dilma Rousseff.

Votes are still being cast, but the party says her opponents will win the two-thirds majority they need to send the case against her to the Senate.

“The fight continues now in the Senate,” Jose Guimaraes, the party parliamentary leader, said.

Ms Rousseff is accused of manipulating government accounts. She denies this.

The pro-impeachment camp needs a two-thirds majority - or 342 votes - for the motion to succeed.

The lengthy session in the capital Brasilia has heard speeches from both sides.

Some 25,000 rival protesters are rallying outside Congress.

If the motion succeeds, the upper chamber is then expected to suspend Ms Rousseff for six months, while it carries out a formal trial. (BBC)

Fire flattens Glasgow Housing Scheme home

CARPENTER Clive Riddle and his food vendor wife Abigail are devastated after a fire of unknown origin gutted their recently renovated two-storey home at Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice on Sunday.

The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, but the Guyana Fire Service has commenced intense inves-

tigations.

The Riddles were not at home at the time of the blaze. Clive Riddle related that he had left home at about 09:45 hrs to run some errands, and received a call from a neighbour about 15 minutes later, informing that his house was on fire. He said he hurried back home and found the upper flat of the building in flames. He

did not get to save any item in the house.

Quizzed on what may have caused the fire, he said only the refrigerator was on.

According to a neighbour, Esther Jonas, she had heard shouts of “Fire!” and had run out to see what was happening. “I hear ‘Fire!

Fire!’ So I run out fuh see what happening. When I look, all I seeing is smoke coming from the back of Clive them house, so everybody start a bucket brigade to try out the fire.”

Riddle related that two fire tenders responded 45 minutes after the fire, but they were unable to save the building, as only one of the tenders had water, while the other took a while before it

DATE: 02/04/2016 F 05 06 15 14 09 22 10

15/04/2016

01

02

06

became operable.

He was of the view that if both tenders had water, they might have been able to save the lower flat of the house.

“Two fire trucks come like 45 minutes after I come, and only one had water. They fuh try to out the fire, but the one alone could not do it; the other one, by the time they set up hose and suh, is about half an hour done, and the second flat start fuh burn.

I had 45 gallons of paint plus all me tools and some materials in the bottom flat; all burn up,” the devastated man related.

His wife Abigail related that the house was built from savings she and her husband had managed to acquire.

They are now at a loss, and have not quite decided what their next move is going to be, but they said they have faith and “God knows best”.

20

24

15/04/2016

7

The Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice home on fire

5

8

15/04/2016

08

14

13 05 01 07

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Celebration fever consumes Bartica

5

--as ‘Declaration Day’ draws nigh

By Shauna Jemmott AS its official declaration as a township draws near, celebration fever is spreading like wildfire at Bartica.

But with all the hype and festivity, Deputy Mayor Kamal Persaud said the community is expected to experience additional merriment this Saturday at its rebirth.

The Deputy Mayor was speaking to the media at a press conference recently, and explained that the town is making massive preparations, with families even repainting their homes, and a massive clean-up campaign already started, with citizens clearing the streets and drains of garbage. Play parks are also being renovated.

“Saturday is when Bartica becomes really alive.

It is the rebirth of Bartica from being a village to a town; the day that Bartica will be officially declared a town,” the deputy mayor said.

“It’s a very historic day in not only Bartica’s history but Guyana’s history. Even Barticians living abroad have already started to come home to share in this celebration,” she told the press.

While citizens and businesses are active in making other preparations, the new mayor and town council and the programme planning committee have also been actively involved in charting a programme to accommodate a weekend of activities, including the April 23 ceremonial declaration of Bartica as ‘A Model Town’.

OFFICIAL CELEBRATIONS Official celebrations begin on Thursday, when Senior Citizens will be given the first honour with a social fete, rewarding their vital roles in molding and developing Bartica.

“We will celebrate the seniors in Bartica that have contributed tremendously in molding our generation; in molding our community; in playing vital roles in different aspects, whether it be education, sports, political-

ly,” Persaud said.

“The seniors of Bartica will be taken to a special venue, treated to refreshments, steelpan, games, and different types of entertainment,” she explained.

Friday evening promises to breathe fresh hope within the region, with all churches collaborating in the staging of a ‘Night of Hope’ gospel concert to usher in the day slated for the official township declaration.

April 23rd will be ‘The day that Bartica really becomes lit’, Persaud said.

“We will open that day with a military parade through the streets of Bartica. Also, there will be a parachuting display by the military, and as we progress throughout the day, in the afternoon we will have the official ceremony, which will be attended by various government officials, and most importantly the President of Guyana, David Arthur Granger. And he will formally declare Bartica a town.”

CULTURAL PROGRAMME A cultural programme will follow, and is expected to be a joyous beginning for citizens of Bartica, with a dedicated and passionate administration ready to take on the role of transforming Bartica into a ‘green’ state; a model town.

“This would be the first official ceremony by the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica, and we promised to deliver quite an exciting and packed weekend,” the deputy mayor said.

“As we move forward, we recognise the works and all the anticipation of residents in Bartica, and we are geared at working towards realising those dreams.

“Barticians have placed their trust in us; they’ve given us this important task and we’re honored to serve our community, Bartica,” she added.

Town Councillor Lennox Lyte-Rankin called Bartica “The Paradise of Guyana”, a title he said all Barticians had given their hometown.

He said citizens of Bar-

‘The heart of El Dorado’ getting ready for official township declaration! Bartica town officials at a press conference at Ministry of Communities: (From left to right) Town Councilor Lennox Lyte-Rankin; Deputy Mayor Kamal Persaud; Mayor Gifford Marshall; Cultural Coordinator Odessa Primus; and Events Manager Ervin Washington (Photo by Samuel Maughn) tica are “taking township to heart,” and have been on a mission to physically transform the place, in preparation for the arrival, once again, of President David Granger.

“The celebration fever is on in Bartica,” Lyte-Rankin said, adding that the new council is anxious to work with the vision of transforming Bartica into a model town, which is consistent with the vision President Granger has for the new Bartica.

“Now we have that great opportunity to take it forward. We voted for the team that is gonna lead them into the development that they have been looking for,” he said.

Cultural Coordinator Odessa Primus told the media that the Bartica Inaugural Township celebration, under the theme, “Embracing the past, celebrating the present and preparing for the future”, will see cultural performances done mostly by Barticians living in Bartica and around Guyana.

Noting that Bartica has produced some of the best personalities in a number of different fields nationally and internationally, Primus said those persons will be recognised. She listed a few as Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes; designer Sonia Noel; and the late Neil Hernandes, who was an outstanding international footballer.

“It is gonna be fabulous!

So we’re gonna be having a ton of fun!” Primus said, adding: “You could imagine us in

celebratory mode, laughing.

And even as we go back to the reflection of those people who would have contributed to Bartica, we may get some tears. And so we’ll cry; we’ll laugh; we’ll eat; we’ll drink.

“We’re definitely gonna be having an amazing time, because, when you are making history, you want to ensure that it’s something that will really be remembered.”

THE WILL TO CELEBRATE Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall said he is pleased to know that despite all that is happening around the country and internationally, Bartica still has the will to celebrate an occasion that is really special.

“In Bartica, we created history… And we want to build on that, because we want to leave a legacy for generations to come,” Mayor Marshall said.

He recalled that Bartica was gazetted as a town on October 21, 2015, and the April 23 ceremonial declaration will see the presence of all mayors from towns across the country, government officials and other dignitaries.

“That is a very, very important day for us… It’s a day that we intend to showcase our true culture; our true diversity; and who we are as a people,” Marshall said.

He described Bartica as “a very unique community” that is free from racial and political differences.

“Bartica is not a place

that is divided politically; Bartica is not a place where we fetch around ethnic baggages and so forth. Bartica is a united town; a town where we look out for each other. We love each other, and we want to set an example for the rest of Guyana,” he said.

He believes it is for that reason that President Granger, in his wisdom, sees Bartica as a model town.

“We’re going down the ‘green’ avenue; we’re going down the road of greening our entire township,” Mayor Marshall said, adding: “Where tourism is con-

cerned, we believe that we have what it takes to become Guyana’s first tourism capital.

“On the 23rd, we’re gonna demonstrate to Guyana who we are as a people. I think then Guyana will take us very seriously, and realise that we’re ready to move forward.”

Meanwhile, Events Manager Ervin Washington is calling on those who will attend to dress in white, since the official declaration ceremony will be “an all-white affair” intended to add a touch of purity to the new town.

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Community Development Councils

THERE was, last Saturday, a conference of members of the Community Development Councils (CDCs), the purpose of which was to discuss roles, responsibilities and changes in the communities.

The CDCs were established during the PPP/C administration, and were used primarily to channel money to party supporters, undermine the roles and independence of Local Government arms, and in some cases court the votes of persons in non-traditional party strongholds.

The CDCs were funded from the Consolidated Fund. Unlike the Local Government Authorities, the CDCs are not constitutional organisations, and therefore are not guided by any statute.

Last week’s activity marked a first since the CDCs were put in place. The organisers of this event need to be commended for bringing to national attention an outfit that was initially managed away from public attention, scrutiny and accountability.

Where an organisation of this nature operates outside of constitutional authority and was established to pursue partisan political objectives, it requires formalization and that its activities are interwoven into those of local authority bodies that are vested with legal authority for grassroots’ governance.

Recognising what drives the CDCs in the respective communities is the residents’ fervour to fulfill a particular need/desire, such as the building of bridges, solid waste management, and community policing; disbanding this body will attract resistance by the communities. As such, as local authorities pursue their developmental programmes, avenues must be opened for greater collaboration and cooperation with and between the two groups, with a view to minimising conflicts and maximising the use of scarce/ limited resources. In so doing, there needs to be clear policies regarding the roles and activities of the CDCs, where they operate.

Given that one group is constitutional and the other ad hoc, to ignore the importance of clear policy guidelines and demarcation between the two groups is to encourage endless conflict among citizens and elected leaders.

It is obvious that the absence of established rules spawns an environment conducive to persons and groups making up rules, as they go along, in furtherance of self-interest and not the universal good.

Minister of State, Joe Harmon, in his address to the conference, stated that the body has Government’s support.

This is a signal that the CDCs will be a permanent fixture in augmenting the activities of the local government organs.

This disclosure therefore makes it necessary to have the CDCs streamlined and guided by instruments of the state.

Bringing the existence of the CDCs to the national

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Investigate GRDB Burma Rice Research Station

Dear Editor,

PLEASE permit me to share my views on malpractices allegedly taking place at the Burma Rice Research Station.

It is alleged that the present administration and management of the Burma Rice Research Station are engaged in a lot of undesirable practices which contradict the guiding principles that govern the cultivation of basic and certificated seed paddy.

The allegation is that several seed fields which were heavily logged caused plants not to be properly cultivated. Many other fields were similarly not

properly cultivated at the correct stage and time during the crop, and this resulted in the paddy harvested being contaminated with a high percentage of red rice, off-types and other varieties.

I was told that, based on directives given to a highly favoured but unqualified seed production officer, all the contaminated paddy was harvested and sent to the processing facility for drying and cleaning, for the purpose of being sold to farmers as high quality seed paddy.

A GRDB official who asked to remain unnamed told me that this is not the first time seed paddy that

falls below the field inspection and quality standard analysis has been harvested, dried, cleaned, and sold to farmers as high quality seed paddy under some name called C3.

Paddy that does not pass field inspection and quality analysis must be sent to the mills for commercial purposes, and not sold as seed paddy. The farmers, the end users, are the persons who stand to suffer the most.

If the above is true, the off-types, other varieties and red-rice will end up in farmers’ fields.

Farmers are already facing great challenges to manage increasing red-rice weed problems, with very

little or no definitive solution to the problem forthcoming from the Burma Rice Research Station.

This alleged practice largely disregards the guidelines and ethics that govern the correct cultivation of seed paddy. This allegation is very serious, and the Minister of Agriculture and GRDB management should urgently investigate this matter.

It is time the Burma Rice Research Station undergo some structural changes to improve its efficiency and deliverables.

Faithfully, T. ROSS

Drift mud taking over sluices in Essequibo Dear Editor, MR TAKOOR Persaud, a fisherman with 50 years’ experience, who hails from Marias’ Lodge, Essequibo Coast, and his wife Selina Persaud migrated to Cotton Field, some 15 miles away, where they built their permanent home and now accommodate their son Sanjay Persaud.

Selina worked with her husband on their boat, catching fishes. Day and night they toiled in the deep, and now they both have retired from this occupation, according to Mr Takoor Persaud. Their only son, Sanjay Persaud, and his only son, Jason, have taken over from their forebears, and have enlarged the seine.

After a trip in the At-

lantic Ocean, Sanjay would drive his boat to the Anna Regina channel, where he would unload his catch. He told me that, for the past months, he cannot come in at the sluice because the drift mud has blocked up the channel for about 2 miles.

Both he and his father have said they have never seen this kind of situation in all their lives as fishermen.

Sanjay said he and his workmen have to push the boat, laden with the catch, on the drift mud towards the seawall at Anna Regina, where they would unload the catch. He said something has to be done urgently to remove the drift mud from the sluice and clear the channel by flushing it out with water. This, he said, can be done by placing a

fore says that utilisation of resources received -- monetary and otherwise -- is expect to confirm to public accounting standards. It therefore means that activities undertaken ought to meet established acceptable standards. For instance, money management must be in keeping with accounting standards; and execution of tasks done must be consistent with acceptable standards, as in the instance of waste management confirming to established environmental practices.

Having reached the stage where the nation has been advised that the CDCs have a permanent and continuous role to play in its affairs, the governance system must be improved by first coming clean and informing the society that taxpayers’

dredge over the sea wall with a dragline, where it can operate day and night to remove the slush. While the slush is being removed from in front of the koker door, water from living quarters and rice fields will keep running through the door and help to keep the channel clear at all times. Boats would get access to drive in the channel straight to the seawall, where fishermen can discharge their catch.

Takoor said the kokers were built by the Dutch in the late 19th century, when Essequibo had 36 grinding sugar estates that stretched from Walton Hall in the north to Spring Garden in the south.

Farming and fishing are the main income providers on the Essequibo Coast, neither of which can be

conducted without proper drainage and irrigation and strong sea defence structures. There is therefore urgent need to flush out this drift mud, before onset of the rainy season brings flooding with its related inconveniences.

In the past, crops and livestock were lost because of this same situation.

The mangrove trees which were there have all disappeared, and erosion has started to take place.

A levee system and jetties are needed to send sediment into the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean and prevent marshes from coming inwards towards the sea defence.

Yours sincerely, MOHAMED KHAN

money is being channelled through these groups.

The society has now reached the point where it would expect accountability for funds expended on projects executed by the CDCs. Further engagement is required for the CDCs, with Central Government and local government authorities establishing the rules and parameters within which this body will operate.

Bringing to the national fore the existence and operation of the CDCs is indicative that the Government is prepared to ensure this body moves away from the cloud that surrounded it into mainstream activities that will impact on development.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Reclaim your position as agriculture powerhouse -- President urges Fyrish residents PRESIDENT David Granger on Sunday joined the worshippers at the 180-year-old Albion Chapel Congregational Church for a special sunrise service to usher in a week of activities that will culminate next Saturday with the hosting of the community’s inaugural “Village Day”.

The activities are being spearheaded by the Fyrish, Gibraltar, Courtland, No.1 Association Incorporated, which is celebrating its sixth anniversary.

In his address to the congregation, the President said that while the planned week of celebrations will allow for reflection on the past, residents must also use it as an opportunity to take stock of where they are as a community, and chart the way forward for the future.

In this regard, he spoke of the four pillars that drive development in any community: the church, the school, the home and the farm (work).

The President urged residents to strengthen these pillars to ensure revival of the fortunes of Fyrish, a village that once stood as an agricultural powerhouse on the Corentyne Coast.

“When you rock those

four pillars, your village will collapse…. When this community developed, it was the fruit bowl of the Corentyne.

Even when Black Bush Polder was opened for the first time, they got their planting materials and their seedlings from Fyrish.

“But now we have seen that other communities which have benefited from the beneficence and generosity of Fyrish seem to be overtaking Fyrish in prosperity,” a Ministry of the Presidency release reported the President as saying.

Making reference to the recently concluded Local Government Elections, the Head of State expressed hope that representation and governance at the level of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) would be greatly improved, and that the concerns of citizens would be addressed in a more efficient manner.

He also encouraged residents to make the Fyrish, Gibraltar, Courtland, No.1 Association the bedrock of a new form of development in their community.

The President holds strongly to the view that villages are the cradle of the Guyanese society. It is for

this reason that he has created the Ministry of Communities to oversee the development of safe, green, clean and economically vibrant villages.

It is also for this reason that the President has declared November 7 the National Day of Villages.

The Head of State’s remarks were followed by an inspiring sermon from Pastor Phillip Campbell, who said that President Granger’s spirit of patriotism and his commitment to developing Guyana are indeed praiseworthy.

“I believe that there is a burning desire in his heart to see every citizen of this country rise to the occasion, bringing back honour, dignity and pride…. We have to begin to change the world that you are in.

If change is going to come, you have to begin to work on yourself. It is time for us to get up and begin our work. Do not wait for the President to come and do it for you. Everyone must take up their responsibility,” Pastor Campbell said.

The week of activities is being held under the theme, “Uniting our Community”.

7

President David Granger addressing the gathering at the Albion Chapel Congregational Church at Fyrish on the Corentyne

President David Granger stands with Pastor Phillip Campbell (at his right) and elders of the church during the praise and worship session at the Albion Chapel Congregational Church at Fyrish, Corentyne

Baracara to be incorporated into local governance system PRESIDENT David Granger told residents of the Canje riverine community of Baracara, (Region Six) that his Administration will work to ensure that the community has a formal system of representation at the municipal level.

The Head of State made these remarks on Sunday when he visited the community to commission a 20-seater speed boat under his Boats, Buses and Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books (‘Five Bs’) Programme.

The boat, which was donated by Rubis Guyana, will be used to ferry students and teachers to and from school.

The President was accompanied by Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally.

Baracara Village presently falls within a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). As such, its residents were unable to vote at the recently concluded Local Government Elections. The President said

that governance at the local level is the most important tier of governance, as it ensures better delivery of education, health, and other social services.

This kind of empowerment, he said, will ensure that residents are not ignored

by Central Government or the regional administration.

President Granger said that the local level is “where you can come into the community centre, come into the school house, come into the community ground, and decide how the needs of Baracara would be satisfied.

So we have to strengthen the system of governance here, and we will be working on doing that.”

The President, who returned to Baracara to act on a promise he made in December 2015 to provide a school boat, also spoke of the importance of children staying in school and completing their education as another means of empowerment. He said that for a small community such as Baracara to de-

--village gets 20-seater speed boat under 5Bs programme

The David G-6 on a test spin in the Canje River velop, the focus on education must be unwavering.

“I believe that if we have every child in school, if you make children want to go to school, they will get qualified and they will be able to turn this community around…I know the difficulties when a child is living in New Amsterdam to attend school and can’t afford to come home

on weekends,” the President said.

Turning his attention to the issue of employment, the President said that young people from the village of Baracara do not need to venture out to other communities in search of jobs, because they have the potential for agro-processing and packaging, using cheap, renewable

energy such as wind and solar.

He challenged the residents to turn Baracara into a market place, so that people would want to go into the village to transact business with them.

General Manager of Rubis Guyana, Ricardo Milford, in his remarks, said that he first heard what he called the

President’s impassioned plea for transportation for school children when he attended his birthday celebrations last year, and thought that the initiative is worthy of support.

“We believe that education is the single factor that can catapult a person from one economic stratum to the next. It has the power to significantly assist a country to re-engineer its economic fortunes and global positioning. It is against this backdrop that we embraced the initiative,” Milford said.

The boat, David G-6, is one of many already handed over to riverine communities under the programme, and will be used to transport students to and from school between New Amsterdam and areas along the Canje River.

Additionally, primary school students along the river will benefit during the rainy season. (Ministry of the Presidency)

8

Security tightens GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

... around Camp St Prison

By Svetlana Marshall RESIDENTS in proximity to the Georgetown Prison on Sunday expressed mixed feelings regarding the current unrest in the penitentiary, with the majority applauding the Government’s decision to heighten security in the area.

Late last week, the Joint Services took control of the jail after 13 prison officers reported sick. President David Granger had also instructed that the outer cordons of the prison be extended to include D’Urban, John and Bent Streets, which are currently blocked off to the public, except for those persons residing within those areas, as has been done on Camp Street.

A resident, who has been residing on D’Urban Street for the past 15 years, told the Guyana Chronicle that she feels secure due to the high presence of police and soldiers in the area.

“We don’t feel threatened at all, because there are soldiers and police manning the area,” the woman, who requested anonymity, said.

She is of the opinion that some reports in the press are being blown out of proportion. “If these prisoners were out of con-

The Georgetown Prison has seen heightened security in the past few days trol, and the situation was really threatening, then I would have expected to see more of the Joint Services even patrolling within the prison, if it was such a threat, but I don’t think that is the case.”

GOOD JOB The middle-aged woman said the Joint Services ought to be applauded. “I think they are going a good job. Sometimes you get up in the middle of the night, you would see them patrolling the area, keeping watch, so there is no reason to feel scared,” she added.

Another resident, Tani-

sha Jarvis, said she is satisfied with the level of security being provided by the Joint Services. “I happy with de work dem soldiers them doing 100 per cent, I ain’t get no fear,” she said when approached by this newspaper.

However, Jarvis acknowledged that during the prison unrest, which left 17 prisoners dead on March 3, she was plunged into fear.

Another resident, who spoke with this newspaper briefly, said she feels more secure with the soldiers on the ground 24/7.

However, Clive Perry differed, noting that the unrest at the prison has taken a

toll on businesses in the area.

Perry said he was forced to return home from Canada after the Capital Block A went up in flames.

“My mother is very ill, we have been living here for 46 years and they had many kinds of problems in the prison but not to this magnitude… so when I heard about it I decided to come home because my mother is not feeling well,” he explained.

Perry, who is staying at his mother’s Bent Street residence, said his family does not feel safe to be in the area any longer.

“With all these soldiers

and the police, it is even affecting my sister’s food shop downstairs. Now they have to cook less or close off because sometimes a problem arise, quickly again you see more soldiers, they cordon off farther more and the customers cannot come in,” he further explained.

Perry is hoping that the situation returns to normal sooner than later.

UNDER CONTROL On Saturday, Director of Prisons Carl Graham said security at the prison is under control, even as he refuted claims that the prisoners have taken

control of the penitentiary. However, he admitted that inmates were more agitated than usual, but he assured that they have not taken control.

“I have been here before 05:00 hrs this morning and contrary to the reports out there, the keys for the prison are with the prison officers,” Graham told this newspaper.

“I was here and I checked for myself… all of the keys are in the possession of the prison authority,” he emphasised.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), in a statement to the media, expressed much concern over what it described as “a dangerous state of affairs that has emerged” at the Georgetown Prison.

But the Director of Prisons (ag) made it clear that the “prison officers never surrendered the keys” to the prisoners. He told this newspaper that there are “mischievous” persons who are trying to paint a chaotic picture of what is transpiring at the jail.

Prison officers from the Timehri and Lusignan prisons were temporarily transferred to support those at the Camp Street penitentiary, and with the support of the Joint Services, this has been deemed sufficient by Graham.

NA unveils Jubilee activities

THE town of New Amsterdam, located in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), has launched its activities to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

The launch, held at the State House in New Amsterdam on Friday, April 15, featured a mix of musical and dance performances, with national songs ushering in the activities.

Speaking briefly at the event, following the rendition of ‘Let us cooperate’

and ‘My Guyana, El Dorado’ performed by the Council of Friends of New Amsterdam Drum Cooperation, Region Six Chairman David Armogan called on the region to “join hands” in showing the rest of the world that “we are unified to charter [sic] our way for the next 50 years.”

He assured that the region is fully onboard in the national celebrations.

Regional Executive Officer Dr Veerasammy Ramayya encouraged citizens to be

ready for the celebrations, but “specifically Guyana’s Independence Day celebrations on May 26th”.

Fitting in with the 50th Golden Jubilee Theme: “Reflection, Celebration and Inspiration”, cultural dances named ‘Greater things are yet to come’ and ‘Promises’ performed by Anbal Praise Dance Ministry expressed the region’s expectations and willingness to cooperate for Guyana’s 50th Golden Jubilee.

Young performers in action at the Region Six Jubilee launch on Friday

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, the guest speaker at the launch, reflected on her upbringing in the region.

She told her fellow Berbicians, “We will make great progress, build a home [for ourselves and the upcoming generation], where we can celebrate [Guyana’s] Golden Jubilee.”

The launch concluded with the releasing of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Colours by the junior Anbal Praise Dance Ministry and national songs performed by the Council of Friends of New Amsterdam Drum Cooperation.

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott; Chairperson of the National Events Committee, Gloria Beharry; and Deputy Regional Executive Officer Claude Henry were also in attendance at the launch.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan speaking at the launch

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Linden Hospital needs dialysis machine

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Linden Hospital Complex is not equipped with dialysis and other machines to facilitate patients within Region 10 who have to undergo this very expensive treatment several times per week.

Adding to the average transportation cost of $3,000 per day, patients are also burdened with the cost of the dialysis treatment, which this publication was told is $40,000 per treatment.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland revealed that 90 per cent of the patients who undergo this treatment are from Linden, hence the need to furnish the Mackenzie Hospital with a machine that will ease the financial and mental burden of travelling to Georgetown for same. The Mayor took the initiative and requested the machine from representatives of the Humanitarian Assistance Programme from the US Embassy during their recent visit to Linden.

He posited that the hospital is not furnished with the dialysis machine among other needed equipment, which results in patients being rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to undergo various procedures during emergency situations.

The state-of-the-art Linden hospital, he said, should be able to provide these services efficiently, so that residents would not be inconvenienced as a result of travelling to Georgetown.

The Mayor promised to fix this problem early in his tenure, and will be engaging the President and other officials on these issues.

He contends that Linden, being the gateway to the interior, should have a hospital that has relevant facilities to treat patients coming from interior locations, especially in emergency situations; rather than to have them pass Linden and go to Georgetown to obtain the treatment they need.

Mackenzie Hospital Complex board member Jafar Mohammed had revealed to the other board members, on the day that the board was instituted, that many patients are forced to purchase medication from his private pharmacy, and pay for lab services such as kidney testing because the hospital’s machine at that time was out of service.

He posited it as his vision that the new board would have these issues remedied, to make it unnecessary for patients to have to go into their pockets to purchase services that should be available at a modern hospital.

A source close to the hospital, comment-

The Linden Hospital Complex is in need of a dialysis machine ing on the issue, said that the purchasing of the equipment, especially the dialysis machine, is in the region’s Five-Year Plan of Action.

The HAP representatives promised to give needed support to the region’s health sector, and will be embarking on a medical outreach in the near future.

because he had disrespected the Mayor.

The Mayor continued to address the angry crowd, which began to shout, “Break down the toilet!”

Mayor Holland then revealed to the people that he had begun receiving threats from “persons in high office, even as late as today, to not touch the issue”.

He told the people that the matter is currently being handled by the Minister of Legal Affairs, and he has refused to allow threats to deter him from making a decision that would benefit the people, whom he said would vote whether the toilet should be built or not.

“Should that one issue be to the satisfaction of that one man and his friends, or to the entire market and the people of Linden? Today, the decision will be made by the people,” he said.

The Mayor then revealed that it was unfair for the old Council to have made a decision to grant this particular individual the legal permission to build a toilet facility at such a questionable location days before they would have left office.

run, but as your mayor, (that type of behaviour) is finished as of today. No longer will this town benefit friends and family.

Why should the rich get richer and the poor get poorer?” Mayor Holland asked.

The building of the toilet provokes issues of sanitation and stench that will emanate from the area. A draining pipe that would filter water into the toilet in case of leakage and a transformer located directly above the building also pose issues for consideration.

The Mayor has said that, even before taking office, he consulted with the vendors on the issue and most were in disagreement with the facility being constructed there.

As a servant of the people, he said, he would be a voice for the people and would represent them.

“I have nothing to fear. I am from Poker Street, I am a Wismar man; and those who know the people of Wismar (would know that) we represent,” the Mayor declared.

“Are you trying to tell me I’m soft?” he asked.

The mayor disclosed that he had sought legal advice on the matter and was instructed to send the builder a letter. It was also revealed that the contract was breached as the toilet is being built outside of the stipulated demarcation in the contract, and with this breach, the contract can be terminated.

“That’s the first place you went wrong sir, and you breached that contract; and by right, the Linden M&TC have all right to bulldoze (the building),” the Mayor said.

The vendors were then invited to vote on the issue, and they unanimously voted to scuttle the building of the washroom

Mackenzie toilet controversy settled by vote

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE saga concerning the building of a toilet at the northern entrance of the Mackenzie Municipal Market ended with a vote on Friday at a public consultation at the market square.

Construction of the toilet, which began weeks before Local Government Elections, received unfavourable responses from the market vendors, who protested the construction, calling for a halt on the very day it started.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland and councillors held a consultation with the vendors, and the issue of the toilet was raised. He revealed that, two days after being elected, he respectfully instructed the builder to engage him at his office for discussions on the issue.

The builder, who was present at the consultation, stood up and shouted: “That’s a damn lie! That’s a damn lie! It was one day!” The man was rebuked for his rudeness by all present at the consultation, who requested that he leave the area

The toilet at the northern entrance of the Mackenzie Municipal Market which residents voted to discontinue construction

APPLICATIONS DENIED What is more worrying, the Mayor said, is that many persons had applied for the same spot to pursue other business ventures, but they were all denied, to the benefit of one man.

The vendors then revealed that, for more than a decade, they were fighting for the removal of the dumpsite that was located where the toilet is being built, and they were always confronted with the excuse that there was nowhere else to dump garbage.

Within three days, however, the garbage was moved to facilitate the toilet building.

“That is the way this town used to be

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Underground parking facilities for Bartica

By Shauna Jemmott

AIMING to make Bartica a model destination for all, Mayor-elect Gifford Marshall has outlined part of a massive plan to transform the new town.

That plan includes con-

the restructuring of Bartica soon after its official declaration as a township this Saturday.

Marshall told the media that President Granger has wisely named Bartica “a model town”, and its administrators have their eyes set

is an issue that we definitely have to fix, because if (we’re) gonna become a ‘green’ community, then we must fix our waste disposal situation,” Marshall explained.

As to the habit among many in the business community of disposing of their garbage in the Essequibo River, Marshall said the Council had just recently had to censure a major player for engaging in such a practice.

“We had to communicate with them and let them know that that would no longer be tolerated.

It is very unfortunate to see what some of our major companies in Guyana are doing in Bartica, and contributing towards this

terpiece -- an artefact of who we are as a people,” he said, noting: “We intend to go the route of underground parking, because when you’re passing that building, we don’t want you to see those vehicles and so forth out there.

“We want you to see a beautiful park; we want you to see a beautiful space, with trees and plants and so forth.”

Stressing that such an exercise doesn’t come cheap, Marshall said, “It is very, very expensive, but we will develop Bartica; and we’re gonna use that building as a centrepiece, or as an example for others in the Caribbean.”

Plans are also afoot, he said, to do away with as-

One of the bins provided by the Government has been placed outside of the Bartica Hospital struction of a state-of-the-art Town Hall, replete with underground parking facilities among other modern conveniences.

At a press conference held recently at the Ministry of Communities in Georgetown, Mayor Marshall said his Town Council is prepared to begin working on

on making it a unique state, both physically and socially, with its first projects being centred on environmental protection and the establishment of a model education sector throughout Region Seven.

“Our waste disposal situation in Bartica remains a major bother for us…. This A gazebo at Third Avenue Beach was refurbished with assistance from the private sector in Bartica waste situation,” Marshall said, adding: “But these are not things that we should be looking into, because everyone should know, especially companies, that they have a corporate responsibility, and their responsibility is to ensure that Bartica remains clean and ‘green’.”

New drains are being constructed along the roadways

A CENTREPIECE But garbage disposal problems aside, Marshall said one of the first things the council intends doing is to start working on the town hall.

“It is hoped that, a hundred years from now, this building will still be a cen-

cept, he said, is the construction of a hospice to facilitate the proper care of the township’s senior citizens, many of whom would have contributed to the development of Bartica.

A municipal airport is also on the cards, and Marshall said his administration will work closely with Linden, Lethem and Mahdia to ensure the network of roads is properly maintained for a proper hinterland connection.

Mayor Marshall is, however, gravely concerned about the high rate of unemployment, school dropout and teenage pregnancy affecting youths in the new town. He said policies will be drafted to ensure the future of Bartica and Barticians is secure.

“We have a major responsibility, and that responsibility is to ensure that our future is secure.

And in order for our future to be secure, we must invest in our young people.

So it is very much important that the council put together policies that will guide us forward on that,” Marshall stated.

MODEL EDUCATION The administration is also seeking support of the business community in sponsoring all Fifth and Sixth Forms throughout the region.

“We want to have model families, and we also want to have a model education

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall (photo by Samuel Maughn) system,” Marshall said.

“If we’re gonna become a model town, we don’t want to just boast of infrastructure and our financial resources, because these things will pass.

“We want to boast and have pride in our education system, and we also want to boast and have a lot of pride in our families. It is our intention that we will be able to set a standard for the rest of the country, and by extension the Caribbean,” he added.

Major regional and international religious tourism forums are also on the cards to help boost the region’s economy, and the Council will also undertake fixing First Avenue to accommodate more parking of vehicles.

phalting when restructuring the town’s roads, and instead use either concrete or some other building material.

“If we’re gonna become a ‘green’ town,” he reasoned, “we must consider if asphalt is the best product to put on the road.

If we’re gonna consider being a ‘green’ town, then we have to consider either concrete or some other building material; and we have to restructure in such a way that we have cycle lanes, we have proper walkways and the like.”

OTHER PLANS Equally important to the whole ‘greening’ con-

Land clearing and land filling works are ongoing

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

11

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Chinese Association assists Shaheed Orphanages THE Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana (ACEG) is assisting the Shaheed Orphanages in their efforts to create a playfield for the children at the Oleander Gardens, East Coast Demerara location of the Girls’ Orphanage.

Secretary of the Orphanage Board, Hakeem Khan, said the ACEG has been providing help to the project, which is nearly completed, with the donation of $300,000 worth of sand for the landfilling.

“The association will provide the sand now to create a play area to house the complete play equipment being donated by Guyana Goldfields Inc. The Board of Management of the institution, a few years ago, undertook the project to create the

facility for the orphans and vulnerable children,” Khan noted.

Chairman of the Board, Badruddin Hassan, stated that when completed, this will be the first such

institution to have such a facility. He thanked the ACEG for its continued support, and said it shows the commitment of Chinese businesses to helping and supporting institutions

Secretary of the Orphanage Board, Hakeem Khan

such as Shaheed Orphanages.

The New York-based Save Abee Foundation is also playing a major role in providing funds to create the playground.

Secretary of the ACEG, Sherry Cheng, said the association is committed to helping the Guyanese community in moulding its children into strong and healthy persons, and helping to provide a safe environment for them to play and study.

She said the association is pleased to be associated with the orphanages and to assist in this manner, and will continue to be part of such endeavours.

She pointed out that this is the association’s way of giving back to the society.

Cheng also said the association is proud to be working alongside other groups in this project, as this shows the fundamental intention of Chinese businesses in regard to building the Guyanese

society.

The ACEG is calling on other sections of the society, as well as the media, to support these institutions and to focus more on such ventures, since the children of Guyana deserve the attention and more.

This current phase of the project, costing approximately $4 million, will see creation of the playground, construction of a concrete tarmac for all-weather usage, filling of the ground and area identified for the play area, construction of concrete perimeter drains, construction of a recreational benab and other facilities, installation of play equipment, and installation of floodlights.

The purchase of maintenance equipment for the playfield is also included in this phase, and landscaping and planting of trees are also slated for the project.

Donation of machinery for this phase of the project has been done by M

Mohamed Shafeek Construction Company of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and Mohamed Raffik & Sons Construction Company of Corentyne, Berbice.

The complete play equipment is being donated by Guyana Goldfields Inc & Aurora Gold Mining Company (AGM).

Several other persons and businesses have chipped in to assist in completion of the project. When completed, the facility will allow the children to enjoy outdoor sporting and recreational activities and the staging of the Orphans’ Fun Day and other recreational activities.

The project started several years ago with the board spending over $3M in the initial phase, but lack of funds as well as the need to divert limited resources to other more important needs saw the project being stagnated until late last year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Final constitutional refor

PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo believes that with constitutional reform, a new consultative, democratic and inclusive political culture will emerge in Guyana.

The Prime Minister, who has responsibility for all governance matters, explained during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) that, “We believe in reviewing the Constitution and chang-

ing some aspects. We may be able to bring about the over-arching principles that would guide a new political culture in Guyana, a new consultative, democratic and inclusive political culture.”

A six-member Steering Committee on Constitutional reform was established by the Prime Minister in August 2015, with prominent Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes as Convenor.

The committee has since

presented an interim report.

The final report should have been presented at the end of March; however, as a result of the sudden death of one of the most experienced professionals on the subject, Haslyn Parris, the report has been deferred.

The Prime Minister advised that he was assured by Hughes that the report will be submitted shortly.

“He will be able to deliver the final report on the

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

recommendations on how to proceed with constitutional reform in Guyana.”

The Prime Minister reminded that constitutional reform was one of the promises made during the elections campaign.

“We want constitutional reform to be on the front burner, based not on the in-fightings between political factions, but based on the supreme law that would deal with a country like

ours, that would require a plural, inclusive, multi-party, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural system of governance so we don’t want this to be a rushrush matter.”

The Prime Minister stated that the constitutional reform process has to be one where quality time will be invested and the advice of experts sought.

In the latter, he said the experts would be those persons “who have advised

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

rm report shortly other countries and governments in multi-ethnic societies, to be able to have some of the changes that would see us having a Government that is more responsive to all the people of the country... no one needs to be afraid of being alienated or marginalised or discriminated against under the law.�

When the final report is received, the Prime Minister said he will further advise on the next step.Â

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Work on Harbour Bridge ‘on schedule’ LIFTED TO SAFETY: Guyana Chronicle photographer Samuel Maughn snapped this photo as the ‘hydraulic cabin’, located at the eastern end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), was lifted to safety on Sunday morning while a team of engineers stood by, ready to commence infrastructural work.

DHB General Manager Rawleston Adams told the Guyana Chronicle that work on the bridge was “on schedule”, as the engineering team had already taken out the pontoon and hydraulic cabin and re-installed both by 10:00hrs, and no delays

were expected to further inconvenience commuters.

He thanked both the engineering team and commuters for their co-operation while the important maintenance work was being done on the bridge.

The DHB was closed to vehicular traffic for six hours from 06:00 hours on Saturday, to facilitate the installing of a new pontoon at span 8.4.

Last week, Adams told the media that closure of the bridge to change a main pontoon was unavoidable, since that pontoon accommodates the hydraulic cabin which houses the main and sensitive equipment which controls the operation of the bridge.

“We try our utmost, in executing major works on the bridge, not to close, (but) because of the technical nature of the work, the closure is unavoidable. The main focus is the protection of the hydraulic cabin,” Adams had revealed.

Saturday’s work is part of an ongoing maintenance programme which the DHB Company will execute this year. (Shauna Jemmott)

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Garbage situation at Mackenzie Market unbearable

By Vanessa Braithwaite

MACKENZIE Market vendors have complained about the ‘unbearable’ garbage situation that continues to adversely affect their businesses.

At a consultation arranged last Friday afternoon by the Linden M&TC to facilitate a one-on-one discussion with the vendors, to ascertain the issues that on a daily basis affect them in their work areas, the garbage situation at the Mackenzie Municipal Market -- consisting of the municipal wharf, municipal market, arcade and old market stalls -- was repeatedly raised by several vendors, who described the situation as “disgraceful”.

Although the garbage is disposed of daily by the council, the fumes emanating from bins that are left open are unhealthy for inhalation, and create a very uncomfortable situation for those vendors operating close to the market entrance.

Commenting on the issue, one vendor said she has been unable to open her stall for many days because the smell from the garbage is unbearable.

“I don’t come and open my stall on Monday, Tuesday

and Wednesday, because of the scent we get out there; because it is not healthy for us…. It was terrible for us yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, business didn’t even complete and the garbage

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland was all over the place. It is unfair for people in the market to not open business because of the scent,” the vendor told Mayor Carwyn Holland.

The vendors contend that the situation at the market had for years been brought to the attention of the previous council, but the only change that council implemented was removing the garbage from one end of the front of

Monday, April 18, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Tuesday, April 19, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday, April 20, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

the market to the other end.

The garbage was previously dumped at a site at the northern end of the market, but a few weeks ago it was removed to accommodate the building of a toilet.

The garbage is currently placed in large bins directly at the centre of the market’s entrance.

GARBAGE IN BAGS One vendor, Yvonne Drakes, suggested to the vendors that they place their garbage in bags collected from the garbage men, rather than having the situation continue the way it is with the bins.

“I saying we are to get bags and to put our rubbish.

The people who cleaning up, all they have to do is pick up a bag. I even tell the council ‘put the bag money in we rent’, so when ya come for rent, we bag there, so we can’t say we ent get bag,” she declared.

The vendor also suggested that the garbage See page 18

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Islamic bloc supports region's reparations quest THE 13th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, which ended on Friday in Istanbul, Turkey, in its communiqué, threw its full support behind the Caribbean community and the African Diaspora in their quest to convene an international con-

ference to address the issue of the slave trade, slavery, colonialism, restitution and reparations.

Guyana and Suriname are both members of the OIC and they have each pushed to have this commitment inserted in the final communiqué of the OIC

summit.

Suriname’s Foreign Minister Niermala Badrising attended the preparatory meeting of OIC foreign ministers and the summit as head of delegation representing President Desi Bouterse.

She was instrumental in seeing the statement inserted in

the communiqué.

Guyana, for the first time, did not participate in an OIC heads of Government summit.

Guyana decided to skip the summit and gave no public explanation of this unexpected change.

The OIC committed itself and its relevant organs and its

Garbage situation at Mackenzie ...

From page 17 be collected twice daily instead of once, as a solution to the problem.

Another suggestion is to have the garbage disposed of very early in the morning hours, as the residents complained of coming to work and finding the garbage men still in the process of disposing of the garbage.

The Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) explained that the current challenge is to find a spot at the market to dump the garbage, since there is none available.

In the interim, however, Mayor Holland has instructed that the tractor be left at the market, so that the vendors can throw the garbage directly into the tray and it will be carried away immediately when filled.

“As a result of the development, we have a problem in finding the place for the garbage immediately; therefore, we will have to work with our environmental people to be able to find that spot,” said Councillor Lennox Gasper.

Among other matters that were raised was the way the electrical wires are connected. One vendor said that the wires were run very carelessly, and can be deemed a fire hazard.

One vendor selling on the municipal wharf complained about the lack of parking space, and the presence of multiple boulders that are responsible for cars being scratched when reversing.

Cosmetologist Merle Niles told the council that

her concern, and that of many others, is that her plot of land at Potaro Road is being illegally occupied by strangers, although she has documentation to show that she legally owns the land.

SQUATTERS “It has been 11 years since I’m dealing with this, and I would like to know what the new council will do about the persons that build illegal on the land….

We had our spots plotted out, we had our number for our land, and I’m in the States and I heard somebody building on my land.”

She said that, upon her return, she confirmed what was told to her, as persons had indeed erected a build-

ing on her land.

One vendor selling on the Mackenzie Wharf was emotional when telling the officials that the situation on the municipal wharf was “sickening”. The complaints referred to the deterioration of the wooden structure which resulted in one vendor falling as a result of the leaking zinc.

“When rain fall, if we don’t get up and sweep up the water, the water don’t move,” she said. She said that it is unfair to be paying $200 per day despite the slowness of business on the wharf, “and even when you may be sick, you still have to pay the cost, despite not selling for the days.”

The old council was accused of only being concerned with collecting the daily rates, rather than

groups in New York and Geneva to support the convening an international conference to comprehensively discuss measures and strategies to address the lasting negative impact of these historic wrongs.

The Islamic bloc urged all stakeholders, including

other member states of the United Nations, the Caribbean Community, the African Diaspora and relevant civil society organisations (CSOs) “to advance this agenda from where it was left at the Durban Conference of 2001 and its follow-up review meetings”.

looking into the concerns of the vendors. Currently, there are several persons setting up stalls in front of the wharf, and this is adversely affecting the businesses on the wharf.

unacceptable for persons to leave Linden and journey to Georgetown to purchase the very things available in the mining town. And it is also unacceptable for persons to come into the town to compete with local vendors.

“Too many sellers stifling local businesses,” he said, adding that the power needs to be placed in the hands of the people, as democracy starts from the bottom.

Echoing similar sentiments was Parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira, who said the market vendors were the driving force for the economic community and their issues will be given priority and addressed collectively.

The M&TC will commence holding a Public Day, when councillors will engage vendors and other members of the public on issues that are of concern to them.

UNFAIR Many customers are unaware of what services are provided on the wharf, and what is sold at the stalls in the rear. The vegetable and fruit vendor said it is unfair to persons selling on the wharf for years.

“How you gon give people permission to sell in front when we done suffering at the back there? How you know that these people will not sell the same things being sold at the back? That is unfair,” she exclaimed.

After listening to several of the complaints and concerns, the Mayor and his team promised to address them earliest. He said it is

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

DCC cart off GCA/GISE Trophy Stall& Star Party first-division title

By Stephan Sookram GUYANA all-rounder Christopher Barnwell gifted the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) with the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) sponsored General Industrial Supplies Enterprise (GISE) Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals first-division two-day cricket title yesterday.

A man-of-the-match performance from skipper Barnwell ensured that DCC, who took first innings points, cart off the trophy ahead of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Barnwell chalked up his team’s win with determination, adding: “It’s the hard work during the week that I did. I put a lot of emphasis on bowling and batting in the nets and I wanted to play a big role in getting my team to victory and I came out and did exactly that.”

The Queenstown-based side had bowled out the GDF for 160 on day one, after which they responded with a total of 302, for a lead of 142. In the

DCC innings, Barnwell stroked a run-a-ball 70 with 13 fours to add to his three for 36 on day one.

In chasing down the total, the army men ended their second innings yesterday on 66-3 as they slipped to 103, thanks to Barnwell who scalped Leon Andrews and Quacey McPherson for a pair of ducks and Hakeem Hinds (05), all within the space of five overs.

However, he could not trouble the unbeaten 56run fourth-wicket partnership between Kevin Ramdeen (29) and Ishwar Singh 26.

Earlier, DCC resuming at their overnight score of 184-5 with Kemol Savory (02) and Dennis Squires scoreless were forced onto the back-foot to be 197-7, thanks to Romario Shepherd who removed the duo for his fifth wicket of the match.

Tevin Imlach who resumed his innings after retiring hurt with cramps on day one, joined forces with Paul Wintz for a 41-run partnership to take the score 238-8 before he was stumped by wicketkeeper Dexter Solomon for 73.

This brought Dexter George to the crease to join Wintz and the duo put together a nifty little eighth-wicket, 49-run partnership, with the latter caught behind one shy of his half century.

The final wicket to fall was that of George, who made 15, while his partner at that time, Totoram Bishun was left not out on nine and the score at 302.

Shepherd ended the innings with 5-39 from 20 overs with support from Kevin Ramdeen 2-12.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Last-gasp penalty earns Leicester point, Arsenal held

By Mike Collett LONDON, (Reuters)-Premier League leaders Leicester City salvaged a point from Leonardo Ulloa’s penalty with the last kick of the game to draw 2-2 in a thriller with West Ham United and open an eight-point gap over chasing Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.

Ulloa struck five minutes into added time to earn a draw for the Foxes, who had looked headed for defeat after West Ham scored twice in three minutes through Andy Carroll’s 84th minute spot kick and Aaron Cresswell’s fine strike to lead 2-1.

Although Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri praised what he called his team’s fantastic performance built on “blood, heart and soul”, the match proved costly for the hosts as they chase a first top-flight title.

Their first-half scorer Jamie Vardy was sent off early in the second and will be suspended for the match at home to Swansea City next Sunday and they dropped points for the first time after five straight wins.

Leicester lead the standings with 73 points from 34 matches, followed by Spurs, who have 65 from 33 and play their game in hand at Stoke City on Monday.

Arsenal, who drew 1-1

Andy Carroll scores the first goal for West Ham from the penalty spotReuters with visiting Crystal Palace on Sunday, remain fourth on 60 points, behind Manchester City, 3-0 winners at last season’s champions Chelsea on Saturday, on goal difference.

FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE A victory over West Ham and defeat for Spurs on Monday would have left Leicester 10 points clear with four games to play and there was a fantastic atmosphere at the King Power Stadium with thousands of fans arriving in the sunshine hours before kickoff.

West Ham almost scored in the second minute when

Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel saved a header from Cheikhou Kouyate, tipping the ball on to his lefthand post before it rolled across the line and hit the other upright.

Leicester took the lead through Vardy after 18 minutes with the striker grabbing his 22nd goal of the season to join Tottenham’s Harry Kane as the league’s leading scorer.

But Vardy was dismissed for a second yellow by referee Jon Moss and, although Leicester’s 10 men coped well with West Ham’s constant pressure, they wilted in the 84th minute when Wes

Morgan fouled Winston Reid and Carroll equalised from the spot.

Two minutes later the visitors were ahead thanks to a fierce shot from the edge of the penalty area from Cresswell, before Carroll fouled Jeffrey Schlupp and Moss awarded Leicester a penalty which Ulloa calmly converted.

“The sending off changed our match,” Ranieri said. “But I never speak about the referee.

“Our performance was fantastic, this is our soul, we play every match with this blood, heart and soul, it was magnificent. This point is very important psychologically.”

Hamilton battles back as Rosberg wins Chinese Grand Prix NICO Rosberg took his third straight win of 2016 as Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton fought back to seventh in a hectic Chinese Grand Prix.

World champion Hamilton started from the back, suffered a broken front wing on lap one and did five pit stops. The Briton faces the prospect of trying to overhaul a 36-point deficit in the remaining 18 races of the season.Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel came second despite colliding with team-mate Kimi Raikkonen on the first lap.The incident damaged both cars, with Raikkonen fighting back to fifth behind the Red Bulls of Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo.

Raikkonen’s rise through the field included passing

Mercedes Formula One driver Nico Rosberg of Germany holds his trophy after the Chinese Grand Prix. Reuters/Aly Song Hamilton in the closing stages, Ferrari’s decision to use soft tyres for the final stint as opposed to the mediums chosen by Mercedes giving the Finn an advantage as the Briton fought in vain to try to pass the Williams of Felipe Massa.

Hamilton will express his confidence at being able to erode Rosberg’s points lead and will expect his awful luck of the first three races to turnaround - but the fact remains that no driver who has won the first three races of a season

has failed to go on to claim the World Championship.

The race was shaped by an incident-packed opening, with a number of collisions on the first lap leading to the introduction of the safety car on lap four.

By that stage, Hamilton and Raikkonen had already pitted once to replace front wings damaged in first-corner collisions.

Raikkonen moved right into Vettel’s path as the German moved left to ensure he was not tagged by an aggressive dive down the inside by Kvyat.

Hamilton was then turned into by Sauber’s Felipe Nasr as he avoided Raikkonen’s damaged car swerving back on to the circuit.(BBC Sport).

West Ham remained sixth on 53 points, three behind Manchester United as the pair chase a European spot.

BAD RESULT Arsenal’s lingering title hopes appeared to all but end after they were held by lowly Palace, who equalised eight minutes from time when Yannick Bolasie sent a low shot from the edge of the box past Petr Cech at the near post.

Alexis Sanchez headed Arsenal ahead just before halftime.

“That was a bad result for us,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. “...we

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:30 hrs Lemon Lily 09:05 hrs Bride’s Dowry 09:45 hrs Diamond Tiara 10:20 hrs Gogetthesheriff 10:55 hrs Wolverina English Racing Tips Newton Abbot 08:50 hrs Amanto 09:20 hrs Too Scoops 09:50 hrs Kayf Willow 11:20 hrs Artic Lady 11:55 hrs Steeltown Hexham 09:00 hrs Very First Time 09:30 hrs Mumgos Debut 10:00 hrs Ryedale Racer 10:30 hrs Kid Valentine 11:00 hrs Gibbstown 11:L35 Hrs Wicklow Lad Pontefract 09:10 hrs Percy Toplis

had a lot of possession but could not turn that into real clear-cut goal chances.

“We lacked a change of pace today, our passing was slow and maybe we lacked complete confidence to go for it.”

Eighth-placed Liverpool, with 10 changes from the side that beat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 to reach the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday, won 2-1 at Bournemouth with goals at the end of the first half from Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge.

Josh King scored a late consolation for the hosts.

09:40 hrs Rocco’s Delight 10:10 hrs My Name Is Rio 10:40 hrs Tuscan Gold 11:10 hrs Abaco Ridge 11:45 hrs Danish Duke 12:15 hrs Dark Ocean Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 12:30 hrs Caravaggio 13:00 hrs Ardhoomey 14:00 hrs Jowana 14:30 hrs Bravery 15:00 hrs Shin Impala 15:30 hrs Coreczka American Racing Tips Parx Racing Race 1 Another Secret Race 2 Ruby’s Love Race 3 Apple Orchard Race 4 Rocket Sixtysix Race 5 Eufaula Race 6 Your Place Or Mine Race 7 Market Blaster Race 8 Musket Mary Race 9 Fatum

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Quinton de Kock’s daring ton stuns RCB

QUINTON de Kock smashed the first century of the ongoing IPL season to power Delhi Daredevils to a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore here yesterday.

Chasing an imposing 192/6, de Kock blazed his way to 108 off just 51 balls with the help of a whopping 15 boundaries and three sixes.

In the company of young Karun Nair (54 off 42), he added 134 runs off 12.4 overs for the third wicket to help Darvedevils overwhelm the target with five balls to spare.

The Daredevils, though, did not have the best of starts

as they lost Shreyas Iyer early, courtesy a brilliant co-ordinated catch between Shane Watson and David Wiese at the long-off boundary off Sreenath Aravind’s final delivery of the first over of the innings.

Sanju Samson, too, did not last long as he offered a regulation catch to Yuzvendra Chahal at midwicket off Watson (2/25) in the sixth over with Daredevils score at 50/2 in 5.4 overs.

But thereafter it was all De Kock and Nair show as the duo took the below-par RCB attack to task. De Kock might have been the architect of Daredevils chase with his

Quinton de Kock muscles one over the leg side en route to his 51-ball 108 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bangalore, yesterday.

brilliant century but credit should also go to young Nair who gave the South African able support. He struck six boundaries and a six to remain unbeaten on 54.

Earlier, Virat Kohli played a captain’s knock with a quickfire 79, while AB de Villers made a brisk 55 before Delhi Daredevils pulled things back a little towards the end to restrict Royal Challengers Bangalore to 191/5.

(Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 181/5 (Kohli 79, De Villiers 55, Shami 2/34); Delhi Daredevils 192/3 (De Kock 108, Nair 54*)

All-round Kings XI Punjab cruise to their first IPL win

KINGS XI Punjab cruised to their first win of the season after fifties from Manan Vohra and Murali Vijay set up the chase of 153 runs while Glenn Maxwell’s cameo lent the finishing touches as the Rising Pune Supergiants were handed a six-wicket defeat in the 10th game of the Indian Premier League in Mohali.

Earlier in the day, Rising Pune Supergiants suffered a late batting collapse and were restricted to 152 for seven in 20 overs despite a classy fifty from Faf du Plessis.

Batting first after winning the toss, Rising Pune Supergiants lost Ajinkya Rahane (9) in the third over, after he struck a couple of boundaries.

Kevin Pietersen (15) plundered two boundaries in the fourth over while du Plessis (67) smashed three more fours in the next eight balls.

With two more boundaries

Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 32 off just 14 deliveries in the chase. in the sixth over, the South African captain took his team to 49 for one in the powerplay.

Kyle Abbott (1-38) got Pietersen caught at midwicket in the eighth over and at the halfway mark, Rising Pune Supergiants reached 76 for

two.

Thisara Perera (8) holed out to long off in the 11th over as Kings XI Punjab followed it up with two more tight overs.

Du Plessis kept his calm and reached a 42-ball fifty while adding a 63-run stand

with Steven Smith (38). The Australian skipper plundered Abbott for 15 runs in the 17th over but was dismissed in the next over.

The Rising Pune Supergiants, who were at 140 for four after 18 overs, scored only 12 runs in the final two overs while losing three wickets in the final over, managing to reach a total of 152 for seven.

Vijay (53) began Kings XI Punjab’s chase in a belligerent fashion, hitting three fours and a six in the first three overs.

Vohra (51) followed it up with three boundaries in the fifth over. The fifty run opening stand came in just six overs.

However, Rising Pune Supergiants pulled it back with three tight overs, restricting the opposition to 71 for naught at the halfway mark.

After striking three back to back boundaries in the 11th

Inzamam set to take Pakistan chief selector job REUTERS)-Former Pakistan cricket captain Inzamam-ulHaq is set to be appointed as the country’s chief selector after he was released from his role as Afghanistan’s head coach.

The 46-year-old Inzamam guided Afghanistan to the Super 10 stage of the recent World Twenty20 in India, during which they defeated eventual champions West Indies. He had a

Inzamam ul Haq played 378 ODIs and 120 Tests for Pakistan

contract with the Afghan board (ACB) until the end of the year.

ACB Chief Shafiq Stanikzai said he had received a request from his Pakistan Cricket Board counterpart Shaharyar Khan to release the former batting great from his contract.

“Today Shaharyar Khan called me and asked a favour to release Inzamam-ul-Haq

as they are keen to hire him,” Stanikzai told reporters.

Pakistan exited the World Twenty20 after losing three of their four games in the Super 10 stage prompting head coach Waqar Younis to resign.

Inzamam played 378 one-day internationals and 120 Tests for Pakistan and also served as the team’s batting consultant for a brief period in 2012.

over, Vohra brought up his fifty off just 31-balls but was trapped lbw by Ankit Sharma (1-27) in the 13th over. They were 97 for one at that stage.

Rising Pune Supergiants came back into the game with a double strike in the 15th over.

Marsh was castled by Murugan Ashwin (3-36), while Vijay was caught behind but not before he completed his fifty with a six.

41 runs were needed from 30 balls and David Miller (7) holed out down the ground in the 17th over.

However, Maxwell (32 not out) arrived at the crease and

smothered two sixes and two fours in the next eight balls, bringing the equation down to nine runs from 12 balls.

Four balls were all that Kings XI Punjab needed as Maxwell finished the game with a four, securing a six-wicket win for his team, their first victory of the season.

Vohra secured the man of the match for his quick-fire fifty. This win pushed Kings XI Punjab to the seventh spot while the Rising Pune Supergiants continue to remain fourth in the points table.

(ANS).

Top-seeded Cavaliers outlast Pistons in Game One

THE Sports Xchange) - LeBron James had 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in a hardfought 106-101 victory by the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Detroit Pistons in Game One of their first-round playoff series yesterday.

Kevin Love had 28 points and 13 rebounds and Kyrie Irving had 31 points and six assists for the Cavaliers, who trailed by seven with 11 minutes left before rallying behind James.

The Cavs survived a

LeBron James long-range onslaught from the Pistons, who made 15 three-pointers and shot 52 percent from deep.

Game Two is Wednesday at Cleveland.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

GCB/Hand-in-Hand U-19 cricket….

Seyhodan takes (5-46) as Berbice bowled out for 198 ...

By Rajiv Bisnauth LEFT-arm spinner Keshram Seyhodan claimed 5-46 as Demerara overpowered Berbice on the opening day of their second-round Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) sponsored Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company Under-19 three-day cricket tournament yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Joel Seitaram made a well constructed 76 not out and was the backbone of three important partnerships as Berbice staged a recovery from a position of 66-5 to be eventually bowled out for 198.

When play ended at 17:30 hrs, Demerara were 38-0, with openers Ronaldo Renee on 11 and Raymond Perez on 18.

Seyhodan had two good spells with his left-arm spin and was the main tormentor as the Berbice batsmen struggled.

When Berbice began their innings, most of their batsmen struggled to come to grips on

were skittled inside 58 overs.

Their openers Adrian Sukwah and Sasenarine Sookhoo added 26 for the first wicket before medium-pacer Ronaldo Alimohamed (1-49) made the first breakthrough when he removed Sukwah for two.

Soon after Sookhoo retired hurt on 22 and in the shortened session when nine overs were possible, Berbice were 33-1.

However, things quickly deteriorated further upon resumption and Berbice lost six wickets during the post-lunch session.

Seyhodan extracted some turn and bounce and was the chief tormentor during that session, but it was medium-pacer Sherfane Rutherford (2-46), who started Berbice’s slide when he trapped Joshua Harrichand leg before wicket for 10.

Seyhodan got into the rhythm and quickly removed Brandon Prashad (1), Matthew Hardial (23) and Randy Wade without scoring.

Sookhoo , who resumed his innings at the fall of Wade’s wicket, staged a mini-recovery with Seitaram and together the pair added 25 for the sixth wicket before Sookhoo was removed by

Grenada’s Kirani James

Javier Culson 49.12s and Jeffrey Gibson of the Bahamas 49.16.

Justin Gatlin then produced a world-leading 9.90s to win the100 metres, and eclipse Yohan Blake’s 9.95s set earlier on Saturday. Femi Ogundoe of Qatar was second in 9.94, while Adrian Griffith of Trinidad and Tobago was

Berbice batsman Joel Seitaram smashes Sherfane Rutherford down the ground for one of his four boundaries in his unbeaten 76. a surface that had proven surprisingly challenging during the first two sessions, but the left-hander, Seitaram remained steady, hitting four fours and four sixes, in an innings that spanned 96 balls.

Asked to bat first in murky conditions, Berbice

Essequibo 72-0, in reply to Select U-17, 244

Left-arm spinner Keshram Seyhodan grabbed five for 46.

off-spinner Ershad Ali (1-23) for a 35-ball 45, inclusive of nine boundaries.

Shabodan then bowled Asif Ally for two to complete a disastrous session for the defending champions.

Soon after, Travis Persaud (1-24) claimed the wicket of Vevekanand Jagit without scoring, but Berbice staged a

steady recovery with Seitaram and Nicholas Seenarine to frustrate Demerara for a brief while in the post-tea session.

Desperate to break the Seitaram-Seenarine partnership, the Demerara skipper reintroduced Rutherford and he immediately made the breakthrough when he had Seenarine edging to first slip for a 26-ball 25.

Seitaram then shared 49 with Raymond Vankenic for the final wicket before Seyhodan claimed the latter to complete his five-wicket haul.

The Demerara openers then negotiated the 14 overs available without much discomfort.

In the other game between Essequibo and the Select Under-17 team at DCC, Essequibo replying to the Select Under-17 team first innings total of 244, were 72 without loss.

Play resumes today at 09:30 hrs at both venues.

Merritt, James, and Miller deliver world leading times

AMERICAN Lashawn Merritt and Grenada’s Kirani James, fierce rivals over the 400 metres, produced world-leading times in different disciplines at the Chris Brown Invitational in the Bahamas on Saturday whetting the appetite of fans of track and field with what could be in store for the Olympics in Rio Brazil this summer.

Merritt unleashed a jaw-dropping 19.78-second run to win the 200 metres well clear of fellow Americans Wallace Spearmon, who crossed the line in 20.40 seconds and Mike Rodgers 20.42.

The time was also a per-

sonal best for Merritt who will be hoping to come away from Rio with a gold medal in his preferred event.

So too, is James, who responded to Merritt’s world-leading run with a world-leading mark of his own; 44.36s in the 400 metres to win ahead of Americans Tony McQuay 45.34s and Jeremy Wariner 45.55s.

The performances were among several world leads that came at the meet that featured some of the sport’s biggest stars.

American Johnny Dutch, for example, ran an impressive 48.36s to win the 400 metre hurdles ahead of Puerto Rico’s

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday April 18, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ajinkya Rahane (RPS) (2) Gujarat Lions & Rising Pune Supergiants Today’s Quiz: (1) Who face the first ball in this season’s IPL? (2) Who delivered the first ball of this season’s IPL? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

third in 10.03s.

The women were not to be outdone as American Tori Bowie produced a world-leading 22.36s to win the 200-metre sprint ahead of fellow Americans Natasha Hastings 22.54s and Joanna Atkins 22.68s. But it wasn’t the just Americans who shone.

Hometown girls Shaune

Miller, celebrated her return home and the fact that she is engaged to be married, with an outstanding run in the 400 metres to win in a world-leading 49.69s. Quanera Hayes of the USA was second in 49.91s while Ashley Spencer also of the USA was third in 51.35s.(Sportsmax. com)

Messi scores 500th career goal but Barcelona beaten again LIONEL Messi’s 500th career goal could not prevent stumbling leaders Barcelona suffering a third successive La Liga defeat for the first time since 2003.

Ivan Rakitic deflected Guilherme Siqueira’s crossshot into his own net to give Valencia a shock lead.

Santi Mina then finished a terrific move by slotting in a second goal in first-half stoppage time.

Messi ended a club goal drought of 515 minutes, but Barcelona now only lead Atletico Madrid on goal difference.

Luis Enrique’s side began April with a nine-point lead over second-placed Atletico, but their season has crumbled since then, with defeat against

Lionel Messi Real Madrid in El Clasico marking the start of a dreadful run.

It was Atletico who ended Barcelona’s chances of retaining the Champions League in midweek, and who drew level at the top of La Liga with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Granada earlier yesterday.

Barca, playing the 53rd match of a draining season that included a trip to Japan in December to win the Club World Cup, looked weary and short of ideas as they attempted to fight back from a 2-0 half-time deficit.

They could lose top spot if they fail to win at Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday, with Atletico visiting Athletic Bilbao on the same night, and Real Madrid - just a point behind in third place - also in action, at home to Villarreal.

When Messi scored for Barcelona in a Champions League victory over Arsenal on 16 March, few expected he would have to wait more than a month to find the net for his club again.

The forward did score

his 499th career goal in the meantime - a penalty for Argentina in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia on 30 March.

But his form for Barca has dipped at the same time as their fortunes, and he has suffered his longest run without scoring for Barcelona since 2008.

Messi was denied three times in the first half as the home side created a host of chances without taking advantage.

Eventually, he did score - turning in Jordi Alba’s pullback from the left - but with Barca two goals down by that stage, there was little reason for the reigning world footballer of the year to celebrate his landmark achievement.

(BBC Sport)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday April 18, 2016

Boxers complete another two-day camp

THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) yesterday completed another two-day training camp for schoolboys and junior boxers.

The camp was held at the Andrew `Sixhead’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown and was conducted by Sebert Blake with assistance from Terrence Poole and Clifton Moore.

The camps are being held

to sharpen the fitness and skill levels of young local pugilists in time for this monthend’s Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall . The tournament will be held on April 29 and 30 and is the first of its kind in the Region.

A release from the GABA stated that 21 boxers participated in the camp which ended yesterday afternoon with

Windies set to refuse Pakistan tour THE West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) are set to decline an offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to tour that country later this year.

Recent reports indicated that the PCB would attempt to persuade the West Indies to play some games of a series scheduled for later this year in Pakistan.

Concerns over security has meant that no top ranked international team has toured the country since 2009 when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.

The PCB did manage to host Zimbabwe in a series of games in May of last year and were hoping to do the same with the West Indies this year, with the help of some of the region’s most celebrated cricketers lobbying on their behalf.

Reports emanating out of Pakistan, however, suggest

Chris Gayle that sources close to the PCB have confirmed that the initial response for the WICB has been negative, citing security concerns as a major factor.

The first edition of Pakistan Super League, which included international star cricketers like Shane Watson, Chris Gayle and a host of others was also not held in Pakistan due to security concerns. The PCB, however, managed to gather the cricketers in Dubai and Sharjah to play the first edition of the T20 league.(Sportsmax.com)

Notable Dates

JOSEPH Ignatius Murray was born on May 6, 1967.

He joined the professional ranks in October 1987 at the age on 20.

Murray won the Guyana featherweight title in 1990 and the lightweight crown a year later. In a 13-year career the orthodox boxer fought many courageous battles.

However, it is his sterling performance against Jacobin Yoma of French Guiana that remains the high point his career.

The two met on April 18, 1993 at the National Sports Hall. At stake was the World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX super featherweight (junior lightweight) crown.

In a masterful display of ring craft, speed and tact, Murray snatched the title via a point decision. Yoma would move on to win the European Boxing Union (EBU) super featherweight title. Murray would lose five of his last six fights, one of the defeats being a third round TKO at the hands of an undefeated `Sugar’ Shane Mosely. `Joey’ as Murray was affectionately called by fans, would have his final bout on December 26, 2000. His record comprises 19 wine (10 Kos) and six defeats.

Murray is now giving back to the sport and is a coach attached to the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym in Albouystown.

a sparring session. Also on the curriculum of the twoday session was endurance training.

Barbados, Jamaica and St Lucia have already confirmed participation at the novel tournament. Jamaica will send a team of three, while Team St Lucia comprises four. The final two-day camp is scheduled for this weekend.

Some of the boxers that participated in the two-day camp await their turn to go into action.

Boxers complete another two-day camp See Story on page 27

DCC cart off GCA/GISE Trophy Stall& Star Party first-division title

The triumphant DCC team pose with GCA/GISE Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals First Division two-day cricket trophy.

(Samuel Maughn Photo) See story on page 23

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2016