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Scores unite body and mind Page 8

APNU for major meeting No. 104948

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2017

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... President urges improved performance at meeting with WPA

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‘Big’ lawsuit for child exploitation Page 4

Slowly coming around

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––Wales workers moving over to Uitvlugt

DADDY POWER! These four young fathers took time out to spend some quality time with their little ones in the Botanical Gardens on Sunday in observance of Father’s Day (Ravin Singh photo)

Mixed views on CSEC cap

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Potable water for Berbice schools

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Slowly coming around

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

–– GuySuCo reports measured success attracting former Wales harvesters to Uitvlugt

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has succeeded in convincing some 51 cane harvesters from the now defunct Wales Estate to take up similar positions at Uitvlugt. This was told the media recently by GuySuCo’s Chief Industrial Relations Manager, Mr Deodat Sukhoo, who said that initially, many of the 300-odd former Wales workers had been skeptical about going to Uitvlugt because of the poor working conditions there in the past. “When we concluded discussion at Wales late last year, we had identified all the harvesters

and the support hands for the cane harvesters to be offered opportunity to work at Uitvlugt,” Sookhoo said. “To date, 51 persons have turned out to work at this area, and we have in train a consultation plan to go within the community; an outreach programme to encourage those additional persons to turn out to work,” he told the media. As part of GuySuCo’s divestment and diversification process, Uitvlugt is one of three sugar estates that have been selected to remain in production. And according to Yudhisthira Mana, Manager of the Uitvlugt Estate,

The GuySuCo Uitvlugt/Leonora sugar factory (Photo by Samuel Maughn) plans are in train to implement a $1.5B improvement programme there in the hope of upping sugar production to some 40,000 tonnes by 2020. Under the said programme, Mana explained, close to half of the over 6,000 hectares of land owned by the estate will be leased to private cane farmers in an effort to boost sugar cane production and supply to the factory. Mana said the estate’s Agriculture Department has need for some 406 cane harvesters, a void they hope harvesters from Wales Estate can fill. He said that without them, Uitvlugt will never be able to meet its target. As to the concerns of some harvesters from Wales about the poor working conditions at Uit-

vlugt, Sukhoo said he’s hoping that the proposed improvement plan will do the trick, because, as it is, most of them are without a jobs right now. And besides dispelling the fear among some about overstaffing, if over 300 employees from Wales are placed at Uitvlugt, Sukhoo also gave his word that GuySuCo will be providing transportation for all field hands throughout the country, including those from Wales. He went on to explain that during the course of consultations on the transition from Wales to Uitvlugt, stakeholders had considered one of two options. Said he: “We had two options: to transfer them completely from Wales as Uitvlugt employees, or to sustain them as Wales em-

ployees and provide the same conditions that they had at Wales. But we’ve decided that we’re gonna continue transporting them from Wales as Wales employees to Uitvlugt.” Another decision that was taken was that the Wales workers will be paid to work at Uitvlugt, and given the same benefits they had received at Wales Estate. Communications Officer, Ms Audreyanna Thomas ,said GuySuCo will do all it can to ensure the Uitvlugt Improvement plan works, and has started work on filling the human resources vacancies within the Agriculture Department. “In the Agriculture Department,” Thomas said, “there are 406 vacancies, and we’ve already started to advertise for those va-

cancies to be filled. “The Uitvlugt Estate programme will be a success, and in order for that to happen, GuySuCo, as a corporation, will explore all of the options available to it in order to have the vacancies filled and to ensure that Uitvlugt Estate Improvement Programme is a success.” She said while it awaits the hundreds of new staff, the estate is working on maximizing sugar cane production to its fullest. “The priority now is to maximise the entire acreage that’s available to Uitvlugt Estate. So hence the areas that have not been cultivated before, the priority is now to sort of improve those areas so that the estate can perform at its fullest capacity,” Thomas told the press.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

APNU for major meeting

... President urges improved performance at meeting with WPA

THE A Partnership of National Unity (APNU) faction of the coalition government is set to meet next month to tackle a range of issues of concerns to parties within the grouping. And President David Granger has reportedly stressed the need for the government to continue improving its performance even as he expressed concerns over some issues, including the coalition’s showing at the March 2016, Local Government Elections (LGE) during his meeting with the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) on Saturday. Sources told this newspaper that during the meeting with the executive of the WPA, the head of state spoke also about the state of education in the country, and the relationship between party representatives in Cabinet and their parties among other issues. The coalition’s performance at the 2016 LGE and its future performance was raised in a broad discourse during the meeting with the WPA. Guyana Chronicle understands that the President is also concerned about information not being filtered to the executives of parties

that form the coalition government. This newspaper was reliably informed that the President raised that concern following statements made by the WPA that it was not consulted before the reassignment of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine from Minister of Education to Minister of Public Service. However, the Guyana Chronicle was told that the WPA is not at all pleased with the existing arrangement of filtering information to each political party which forms the coalition. The WPA, founded by Dr Walter Rodney, believes it would be better that the political parties are engaged as a body, so that whenever political decisions are made, the APNU meets rather than having a representative of each party filtering that which has been decided. Meanwhile, in a terse statement issued after the meeting, the WPA said it raised a range of concerns with the president and his team. “We tried to be as frank as we could in the circumstances,” the WPA said in its statement. It added that President Granger respond-

ed to “our concerns and introduced some of his own.” FRATERNAL WPA said it feels that the meeting was cordial and fraternal. “We are satisfied that there is a commitment on both sides to mutually address areas of concerns and contention and to work to strengthen relations within both the APNU and the wider Coalition.” The party said it would brief the media in more detail at a press conference scheduled for this morning. The WPA was represented at the meeting by Dr. Clive Thomas, Dr. David Hinds, Dr. Wazir Mohammed, Dr. Rishi Thakur, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Desmond Trotman, Tacuma Ogunseye, Jinnah Rahaman and Ali Majeed. The meeting was called following the reassignment of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Public Service. Junior Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, is performing the duties as minister of education. Last Tuesday, it was announced that by virtue of an agreement between President David Granger and Dr

in a smooth and efficient manner.

President David Granger Roopnaraine, on Monday, the reassignment effective June 15, took place. Dr Roopnaraine has been unwell for some time now and the Guyana Chronicle was told that the administration had been actively considering an adjustment to his portfolio. Dr Roopnaraine has been represented by his junior Minister, Nicolette Henry at several events. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had said that the changes made by the President are geared at ensuring that better educational and public services are provided to citizens

FULL CONFIDENCE He made it clear that notwithstanding the reassignment of Dr Roopnaraine, President Granger has full confidence in his ability to fulfill the new portfolio. “He continues to have full confidence in Dr. Roopnaraine as a valued member of Cabinet, as well as a valued member of the National Assembly and it is felt that overseeing the public service would add to the quality of service, which is provided to the people of Guyana,” Minister Harmon said on behalf of the President. Dr Roopnaraine has since said he is comfortable with the reassignment. “I am looking forward to the new ministry. It is a new challenge. I did the best I could in the Education Ministry,” Roopnaraine told reporters on Thursday. Since assuming office in 2015, this is the third adjustment President Granger had made to his Cabinet. In 2016, Minister Catherine Hughes was appointed Minister of Public Telecommunications, while the Ministry of Governance and the Protection of the National Patri-

mony were delinked and the latter renamed the Ministry of Natural Resources and assigned to Minister Raphael Trotman. The functions of the Ministry of Governance were then added to the portfolio of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, while Minister Simona Broomes was shifted from the Ministry of Social Protection to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Minister Keith Scott was then moved to the Ministry of Social Protection from the Ministry of Communities and was tasked with responsibility for labour. To facilitate Scott’s move from Ministry of Communities, President Granger appointed Valerie Sharpe-Patterson as the Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing. In January of this year, the President made some additional changes to his Cabinet, reassigning Minister Volda Lawrence from the Ministry of Social Protection to the Ministry of Public Health. She was replaced by Minister Amna Ally, who was moved from the Ministry of Social Cohesion and replaced by Dr. George Norton, who had moved from Public Health.

Father’s Day treat A SURPRISE visit to the St Thomas More Men’s Hostel on Lamaha Street, Kitty, by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes on Sunday represented a momentous occasion in the lives of the many residents. At noon, Minister Broomes arrived the hostel and treated the men to a warm Father’s Day interaction. She lovingly spoke to each resident to get an understanding of their lives in the Catholic home. “Today, I am honoured to be in your presence… you are very special. You are dear to the Government of Guyana,” she said, while

reassuring the residents of the men’s hostel that they “are not forgotten.” “I have a serious passion, for the young, the old… oftentimes, our men folk are forgotten… Mother’s Day was a big fuss, but when it comes to Father’s Day, we tend to take it lightly. But today is a very important day because had it not been for a father, I would not have been here. You are very special,” Broomes added. Accompanying Broomes was Pastor David Hermanstine, who prayed for the men and wished them happiness, love and long life. He urged the men to thank God for life, while

thanking them for serving Guyana in whatever way. Meanwhile, among the men living at the hostel is former Mayor of Georgetown Compton Young, who served for five years in the 1980s. He expressed gratitude to Minister Broomes for showing “such generosity” towards the hostel. He said, “this is home,” while telling the Guyana Chronicle that he has been living in the home for about two years since his right leg was amputated. He said prior to becoming a resident of the hostel, he would frequent the Lamaha Street location to provide assistance to the caregivers there.

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, visited residents of the St Thomas More Hostel on Sunday S i m i l a r l y, M i c h a e l Farrier, brother of Francis Quamina Farrier, thanked Minister Broomes for “remembering us” as he noted that “Some of us maybe have nobody to visit us or

remember us, but we know God has sent you. Even bringing gifts for us,” Farrier stated. The other residents of the hostel also expressed appreciation for the ges-

ture and noted that it is the first time a sitting minister of government had visited the hostel. The men were also presented with hampers by the minister.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 19, 2017

‘Big’ lawsuit for child exploitation - CCPA to sue for as much as $10M for posting identities of vulnerable children

By Ravin Singh THE Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) said it will be moving to sue persons who post images of vulnerable children on social media, for as much as $10M. CC&PA Director Ann Greene, said the advent of social media has brought with it several challenges which include unwarranted publicity. She explained that while social media has helped to connect people and has contributed positively in some regards, there are some who do not consider the impact of their actions. And to protect vulnerable

children in that regard, Greene said the CCPA earlier this year introduced an agreement policy for visitors, volunteers and workers dealing with children. She explained that the agreement states that the individual cannot, under any circumstances, take photos of children in homes and publish same on Facebook, Instagram or any other social media site. The agreement was drafted with assistance from legal practitioners. “We introduced this because we want people to understand the gravity of the situation and remind them of their responsibilities. They need to understand that they are damaging children when

they post them on social media,” Greene said. She explained that persons have a tendency of donating

Child Care and Protection Agency Director, Ann Greene

items to children and posting it on online, resulting in those children being made fun of

either by peers or outsiders. Wi t h c h i l d r e n b e i n g among the most vulnerable groups in society, they are afforded protection by law. The Protection of Children Act Chapter 46:06 stipulates that publicity in matters involving children should serve the best interest of the child. The law further states that a person who wilfully contributes to, or plays a part in a child being in need of protection, can be charged and taken before a magistrate. Should signatories to the agreement fail to honour the agreement, the CC&PA head related that the agency will be moving to have those persons sued and it could be as high

as $10M. “I will have them sued if they don’t keep their end of the bargain. We have to take action against it because it is damaging these children and it is hurting them. The praise they will get on social media cannot be compared to the hurt and victimisation that child will have to face,” Green, who has been working with children for over 30 years, said. Without hesitation, the CC&PA official said once the agency secures the money from violators, she will ensure it is used to help depressed communities and children who are in need. “If they can’t understand

the repercussions of their actions, then they will have to pay. And we will use their money to help those children. We will build homes in all those communities that are in need. We will ensure children have increased access to education and a better life. And we will ensure at-risk youths and parents are given support,” Greene told the Guyana Chronicle. On June 12, 2017, Guyana joined the rest of the world in observance of World Day against Child Labour and Greene had emphasised that the reduction of poverty remains one of the key factors in reducing child labour here.

Haiti’s mobile vets help restore livelihoods

Since Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti in October last year, the number of people facing hunger and food

insecurity in the most affected areas has steadily declined thanks to the enormous humanitarian

response. But in areas where the storm’s effects were coupled with three years of drought

and severe flooding, the most-recent survey shows food insecurity remains high. For this reason, the con-

Monday, June 19, 2017 - 11:30 hrs Tuesday, June 20, 2017 - 12:30 hrs Wednesday, June 21, 2017 - 13:30 hrs Thursday, June 22, 2017 02:00 hrs - 14:30 hrs Friday, June 23, 2017 02:30 hrs - 14:30 hrs

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tinuing response is focusing on helping these hurricane-affected families to rebuild their livelihoods. As part of this effort, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is running mobile veterinary clinics to protect the livestock of vulnerable families, benefitting more than 12,000 people. In a field in Torbeck, southern Haiti, small herds of cows are grouped under shady trees while their owners, men and women from the local area, wait their turn to speak with the visiting vets. Farmer Joril Gilles is one of them. Like many in the south, he is still struggling to get back on his feet. “Hurricane Mathew took five of my cows, as well as sheep and goats, not to mention all the fodder that I lost,” the 50 year old said. “This is the first time that I’ve received this type of assistance that will improve the health of my animals - veterinary care is usually very costly.” The clinic is the first in the area since the hurricane. The men and women farmers are hoping their animals will soon be strong and produc-

June 17, 2017

tive again. Two FAO vets and about 15 veterinary officers are preparing for the busy day by unpacking their equipment including ropes, sprayers, gloves, syringes, and treatments in glass and plastic bottles. Thousands of livestock died in the hurricane and those that survived are often sick. Haiti has very few public veterinarians ? about 40 in total ? and they are not equipped to save all the animals in need. Juceline Philippe Beauvoir is president of the community’s Milk Producers Association of Torbeck. “Those animals that survived are malnourished due to the drought, lack of feed and the high cost or unavailability of veterinary supplies,” she said. FAO’s mobile vet teams travel to affected communities to conduct animal health and nutrition assessments and to provide treatment when needed. The teams also teach local veterinary assistants how to administer treatments and multivitamins to ensure the animals stay healthy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

U.S. shoots down Syrian jet A U.S. warplane shot down a Syrian army jet on Sunday in the southern Raqqa countryside, with Washington saying the jet had dropped bombs near U.S.-backed forces and Damascus saying the plane was downed while flying a mission against Islamic State militants. A Syrian army statement released on Syrian state television said the plane crashed and the pilot was missing in the first such downing of a Syrian jet by the United States since the start of the conflict in 2011. The army statement said it took place on Sunday afternoon near a village called Rasafah. The “flagrant attack was an attempt to undermine the efforts of the army as the only effective force capable with its allies ... in fighting terrorism across its territory,” the Syrian army said. “This comes at a time when the Syrian army and its allies were making clear advances in fighting the Daesh (Islamic State) terrorist group,” it added. The U.S. Central Command later issued a statement saying the Syrian

plane was downed “in collective self-defense of Coalition-partnered forces,” identified as fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near Tabqah. It said that “pro-Syrian regime forces” had earlier attacked an SDFheld town south of Tabqa and wounded a number of fighters, driving them from the town. Coalition aircraft in a show of force stopped the initial advance. When a Syrian army SU-22 jet later dropped bombs near the U.S.-backed forces, it was immediately shot down by a U.S. F/A-18E Super Hornet, the statement said. Before it downed the plane, the coalition had “contacted its Russian counterparts by telephone via an established “de-confliction line” to de-escalate the situation and stop the firing.” The coalition does “not seek to fight the Syrian regime, Russian or pro-regime forces” but would not “hesitate to defend itself or its “partnered forces from any threat,” the statement said. The U.S.-led coalition has in recent weeks

FILE PHOTO: Two U.S. Marine Corps F-18 Super Hornets depart after receiving fuel from a 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender during a flight in support of Operation Inherent Resolve May 31, 2017 (U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Michael Battles/Handout/File...REUTERS) escalated its aerial bombing campaign in northern Syria and Raqqa province. U.S.-backed forces have encircled the city of Raqqa and captured several districts from the militants. T h e S y r i a n a r m y, which has been taking territory from retreating Islamic State militants in the eastern Aleppo countryside, has moved into Raqqa province and seized back some oil fields and villages that had been under the mili-

tants’ control for almost three years. An SDF official told Reuters the Syrian army had been engaged in skirmishes in recent days with U.S.-backed forces near the town of Maskaneh close to the borders of Raqqa province, much of which is now held by U.S.-backed groups fight-

ing Islamic State. The Syrian army backed by Iranian-backed militias has also been in competition in southeastern Syria with U.S.backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels who are also trying to recapture territory from Islamic State. On several occasions in recent weeks, war-

planes of the U.S.-led coalition have also struck pro-government forces to prevent them advancing from a U.S.-controlled garrison in southeastern Syria at a spot where the country’s borders join with Iraq and Jordan. Washington also described those strikes as self-defense. (Reuters)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

The Roopnaraine Reassignment THE recent reassignment of WPA co-leader, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, to another ministerial position within the Cabinet has, not unexpectedly, ignited much debate in the media. This is understandable, given the high-profile nature of the Education Ministry, which Dr. Roopnaraine headed. Indeed, some detractors of the government have labelled the move a demotion for the WPA leader. But President Granger has made it abundantly clear that Dr. Roopnaraine remains a trusted colleague in whom he continues to have confidence. Dr. Roopnaraine in turn has reiterated that he serves at the pleasure of the president and looks forward to his new assignment at the Ministry of the Public Service. Dr. Roopnaraine’s party, the WPA, had in the wake of the announcement complained that it had not been consulted prior to the decision being made and requested a meeting with the president. The WPA has not contested the president’s right to reassign ministers, but was very strong in its regret that there was not prior consultation. The party suggested that this is a

problem that pre-dated the Roopnaraine reassignment. Minister of State Joe Harmon insisted that the President did consult with the WPA and Dr. Roopnaraine. The President went on to explain that the way the coalition Government is structured, is that there are representatives of the parties in the Cabinet and in the National Assembly; and it is really a responsibility of the representatives of that party in the Cabinet [and National Assembly] to ensure that they keep the [party members and] the executives briefed on what is taking place in the Government.” The WPA and the President met on Saturday and if statements from the Ministry of the Presidency and Harmon, along with one from the WPA, are anything to go by, it would appear as if the two sides have hammered out whatever differences there were between them. Minister Harmon told the media that the WPA remains an integral part of the coalition. According to the minister, “I think that the respect for the President’s decision was there throughout and, quite contrary to what some people out there are saying, the WPA is a very

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

strong part of the partnership and a very strong part of our coalition Government.” The WPA expressed similar sentiments in an initial statement to the media. According to the party, the talks were “cordial and fraternal,” and it expressed some degree of satisfaction with the outcome. It stressed that the WPA was “satisfied that there is a commitment on both sides to mutually address areas of concerns and contention and to work to strengthen relations within both the APNU and the wider coalition.” This episode is yet another reminder that managing a coalition government is a very difficult and complex undertaking. The coalition government is really a merger of a coalition of parties in the form of the APNU with another party, the Alliance For Change (AFC). Experience has shown that coalitions by their very nature are unpredictable and volatile, given the fact that the parties are often glued together by the singular need to win office. In our case, matters are much more delicate, given the fact that the three major parties in the coalition — PNC, AFC and WPA —

Editorial

come from vastly different traditions and orientations. The coalition is obviously mindful that any appearance of discord in its ranks would be exploited by the opposition PPP, which projects itself as a government in waiting. The more the PPP could project the coalition as shaky, the more it would be able to make its case for a return to office. Already we have seen in the media its leading members trying to exploit the Roopnaraine issue to press home its long-held view that the largest party in the coalition has a hegemonic agenda. Whether this issue hurts the coalition or not would depend on how the leaderships of the WPA and the PNC handle their relations in the near and medium terms. It is obvious that the WPA is divided on how to treat with its role in government as can be gleaned from the fact that some of its leading members have been openly critical of the government. In all this mix, what is clear is that the coalition could ill afford any prolonged public spat between the WPA and its partners.

I am no real estate agent Dear Editor, I DID not submit this letter earlier, since I was enjoying Father’s Day with one of my lovely daughters and that took precedence over responding to some of the rubbish which formed part of a news article in your publication on Sunday, about my being contracted to “sell” Guysuco. I hope despite my late submission you will use this letter in your Monday edition. “Since last December, the U.S.-based Guyanese was given a letter by the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, authorising him to act as a glorified real estate agent on government’s behalf.” This characterisation of me and

the process of sensitising potential investors to possible investment opportunities in Guysuco is unfortunate, and frankly poor journalism. I am convinced that someone who is neither a trained or experienced journalist must have had an input into this news article. But let me make it clear to your readers that I am no real estate agent and the process for discussing with major companies their possible interest in investing in Guysuco is known as investment promotion. The process of investment promotion requires providing information on the country, the industry and more in addition to some analysis on the economy and related issues such as labour laws and trade data.

Further, in this news article the writer editorialises that my track record does not provide for my efforts to be successful. No need to comment on the journalism ethics here for this newspaper’s track record is one that does not always live up to the highest standards of journalism ethics. I wouldn’t blame its editor for this, because I suspect there is interference at times, perhaps without the editor’s knowledge until after publication, in the editorial work of the newspaper by persons who don’t have the slightest clue about journalism and its ethics. It is clear that the writer of the article (or the persons giving input) either does not know me, did not take the

time to do some research in relation to my work over the years in investment promotion, or just felt the need to try to humiliate me. But I am not fazed by this, and will spare no effort in “calling out” unethical journalism when it raises its ugly head. The article should have made a case in support of its contention about my track record. That would have been responsible journalism. Or had the writer (or inputer) taken the time to find out about my involvement in investment promotion, s/he would have found out that for several years I served as a consultant to the Eastern Caribbean Investment Promotion Service (ECIPS) in Washington, DC. This

USAID-funded agency was charged with the responsibility of promoting investment opportunities in the OECS member states. Further, the former PPP/C government had granted licences for cellular telephone service to three Guyanese, none of which produced any real and sustained service. I was granted a licence through Cel*Star Caribbean with whom I worked with produce a detailed licence application. After the intended investor failed to live up to its obligations to implement the project (instead hoping to flip the licence and make huge profits), I travelled the U.S. and Europe promoting this investment opportunity which resulted in a reputable

U.S. company investing in this project, notwithstanding a barrage of lawsuits, many intended to delay the introduction of a GSM system in Guyana. I prevailed and that effort has today emerged into what is Digicel, not only providing alternative cellular service, but creating employment opportunities for hundreds, if not thousands of young Guyanese. Beyond this I have served in positions in several private sector companies and non-profit organisations, including as chair of the private sector council of the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) and president of the Guyanese-American See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

Recapture community spirit

–– President urges at Freedom Congregational Church 175th anniversary PRESIDENT David Granger said the church must recapture the spirit of community and should stand as beacons of hope to dispel despondency and contribute to the overall development of strong communities. He made these remarks Sunday at the Freedom Congregational Church at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, where he joined with members for a special service to celebrate the church’s 175th anniversary, which was held under the theme “Champions of freedom impacting the world of Christ”. “Our communities and our villages cannot be allowed to falter or to fail but the government cannot repair the damage alone. There needs to be a collaborative effort between the State and the church; between the communities and non-governmental or-

ganisations…. The church can propel itself forward by its continued service to citizens and communities. The church can remain relevant and vibrant by combining the profession of faith and practice of works,” the head of state said. He explained that congregationalism and communitarianism are two sides of the same coin and that it was in recognition of this very fact that he established a Ministry of Communities and designated November 7 of every year as ‘National Day of Villages’ to ensure that Guyanese can remember and honour their roots. These villages, which the President described as the “cradle of society”, are built on four pillars. These are the school, the church, the farm and the home. H o w e v e r, o v e r t h e years, many of these villages have suffered tremen-

President David Granger was welcomed with a salute by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s Pathfinders upon his arrival at the Freedom Congregational Church at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara

Established on June 17, 1842, the Freedom Congregational Church at Stewartville is one of the three churches which comprise the West Coast Demerara group of Congregational Churches

I am no real... From page 6

Chamber of Commerce. Previously, I have represented Guyana in the UN system and worked in the OAS. As a journalist, I served in Washington DC for years as the Washington correspondent for the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) with access to

some of the highest decision-makers in several top companies. Just last year I took to Guyana a trade and investment mission with 35 persons representing 28 companies. I am the founder of the Florida/Caribbean Business Expo which was held annually from 2005 to

2009 and which generated much business for several participants. My network of contacts in the international private sector is second to none. My track record speaks of initiative and results. Minister Harmon indeed could not publicly identify any level

dously as a result of moral and economic decline. “You see damage, you see decay, you see deterioration of the physical infrastructure, you see dysfunctional families… We have to strengthen the homes, we have to strengthen the families, we have to make sure that every child, particularly girl children, have a place in the home…. We have to look back to the past to find this model for the future,” President Granger said. He reminded that Congregationalists played an important role in both the pre-and post-Independence period. “Congregationalism is a powerful faith but we must build on that strong foundation that our forefathers built over the one and three-quarter centuries,”

the President said. These sentiments were shared by Pastor of the church, Reverend Valeska Austin, who said that the Freedom Congregational Church stands today as the proud legacy of their forbearers and urged her congregation to be proud of that legacy and to recommit to the strengthening of the missionary spirit. The church, which was first opened on June 17, 1842, is one of the three churches, which comprise the West Coast Demerara group of Congregational Churches. The other two are located at Den Amstel and Hyde Park. It is recorded that in the early 1840s shortly after the end of slavery, when the first set of lumber arrived at the site

for the construction of the church, the freed Africans were overjoyed and began chanting “freedom lumber come” and that it how the church was given the name Freedom Congregational Church. Sunday’s service, which featured songs, dances and a well-orchestrated drill and parade by the Pathfinders from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, saw a large turnout, including members of sister churches as well as residents of Stewartville. John Adams, who is a representative of the Coalition Government in Parliament and Adviser to the Minister of Education, Cheryl Sampson were also in attendance. (Ministry of the Presidency)

of success with my initiative re: GuySuCo, for that would have violated the agreements I have with companies about the non-disclosure rules governing our discussions. But I can say this: notwithstanding all the confusing news articles and letters that appear in the media almost daily about GuySuCo and the sugar industry, I have been able to maintain the interest of several reputable companies at looking at pos-

sible investment in Guyana’s sugar industry...and this has not been an easy task. I have addressed every concern raised and answered every question posed to the best of my ability....and the results have been most positive. So Kaieteur News can say what it likes about my track record.....those who need to know my track record know it and that’s why I am engaged by several companies and organisations interna-

tionally. And I will continue my efforts to help ensure that the thousands of workers and their families that depend on the industry for their livelihoods are not sent to the breadline once they are prepared to accept the change which is necessary to keep the industry alive. Regards WESLEY KIRTON

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

Rehab Week commences By Telesha Ramnarine

THE Ministry of Health’s Disability and Rehabilitation Division on Saturday commenced observance of Rehab Week for which a number of activities designed to promote the value and importance of rehabilitation, while saluting the professionals who provide these services are slated to be held countrywide. The activities commenced with a brunch at the Umana Yana and a blood drive was held on Sunday at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. Physiotherapist Chris-

tine Alphonso, who works at the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam, told the Guyana Chronicle recently that the week’s activities will also feature a trip to Essequibo that will include screening of school children. Although the various departments across the country will be engaged in a variety of exercises, her department will be visiting Berbice to raise awareness of stroke. According to Alphonso, this illness seems to be on the rise. Director of Rehabilitation Services of the Health Ministry, Barbara Lawrence, told the Guyana Chronicle that Rehab Week has been

celebrated annually since 2003 and that the main purpose of it is to raise awareness about the services that are being offered across the country by the ministry. Alphonso said she would appreciate if persons would begin utilising the services in their regions as opposed to travelling to Georgetown, as this, she said, can be very costly and time-consuming. “We’d like to let people know that we offer the same services here,” she said. Over the last years, she said rehabilitation services have been established in all of the regions. In Region One, such services are provided at Moruca and

Rehabilitation Services Director Barbara Lawrence

SCORES of persons of all ages on Sunday gathered at the Everest Cricket Club to exercise their minds and bodies in observance of the International Day of Yoga which will be celebrated on Wednesday. While receiving demonstrations, the persons gathered engaged in about 45 minutes of yoga exercises, stretching various parts of their body and pushing themselves to keep up. Patrons were also educated about the very many benefits of yoga,

including its ability to calming the mind, relieving chronic illnesses, contributing proper blood circulation and all in all keeping the body healthy. Speaking briefly before the beginning of the demonstrations and exercises was the India High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam. He noted yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India and it signifies the joining or unit-

ing of the mind and body. “Yoga is indeed a universal language of well-being,” Mahalingam said. He highlighted that this year marks the third International Day of Yoga and this was the second time that the day was observed at the Cricket Club. This year, there were more participants than the previous year. According to the yoga teacher, Raj Kumar Sharma, yoga has many health uses and fosters a healthy mind and body. He noted however that many are

deterred from the practice because of its relation to the Hindu religion. Just like medicine though, he related that yoga is a remedy for all regardless of religious beliefs. Yesterday’s session was attended by Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and for the Dutch overseas territories, Ambassador Jernej Videtic; Chilean Resident Ambassador to Guyana Claudio Rachel Rojas; and Consular Section Chief of the United States

Mabaruma, and a unit will soon be available at Port Kaituma. According to Lawrence, in Region Two, services can be accessed at Suddie and Charity; Region Three, at West Demerara Hospital, Leguan and Wakenaam; in Region Four, at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Palms, Ptolemy Reid Centre and at Castellani House; in Region Five, at Mahaica and Mahaicony; in Region Six, at Skeldon, Port Mourant, and New Amsterdam; Region Seven, at Bartica and Kamarang; Region Eight, at Mahdia; Region Nine, at Lethem, Annai and Aishalton; and Region 10, at Linden

and Kwakwani. Lawrence, in a previous interview, had said she was hoping that as a result of these activities, more persons would seek their services, whether they have a hearing or speech impairment, or a problem with mobility. “We believe that everyone has a contribution to make, so although you might have suffered an injury or have become paralysed or have lost function because of some illness, you can be rehabilitated and come back to make a contribution to society and that is where we come in,” she declared.

Scores unite body and mind

Deputy Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for Guyana and Suriname Paolo Marchi does a yoga stretch (Adrian Narine photos)

A few seconds of relaxation for the participants before they proceeded to their next yoga exercise. In second row are the Miss World and Miss India World delegates

(US)Embassy in Guyana Nazima Razick. This year’s Miss World and Miss India World delegates also part of the exercises. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Today, it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognising its universal appeal, on December

11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The Everest event was organised by the High Commission of India in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the Guyana Islamic Forum, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sang, the Inter-Religious Organisation and the Viraat Sabhaa.

Mixed reviews

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

–– as teachers, students weigh in on proposed cap on CSEC subjects

By Vishani Ragobeer SINCE it was reported in the Guyana Chronicle on June 17 that the Ministry of Education (MoE) is exploring the possibility of limiting the number of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects students can write, there have been mixed reviews. As reported before, the circular placed the upward limit for the number of CSEC subjects that can be written at 10 and six subjects. The circular read: “The maximum number of subjects a student can select in any stream in a List A, B or Sixth Form Secondary school must not exceed ten (10). Mathematics and English must be included. The maximum number of subjects a student can select in any stream in a List C, D or E Secondary school must not exceed six (6). Mathematics and English must be included.” Of the maximum of 10 and six subjects, there is also a prerequisite included in the circular. It

GTU President Mark Lyte states, “The number of subjects a student can offer at the Caribbean Secondary Education certificate examinations will depend on his/ her performance at the National Grade 9 Assessment and/or the Annual Examinations administered at the end of Grade 10.” According to the circular, too, the results of elimination tests administered to Grade 11 students at schools will not be used as a criterion to determine

the selection of students to enter for the CSEC examinations. In response to this, many have voiced their support and many have expressed their concern. Retired Deputy Headmaster of the Christ Church Secondary School and parent of a student who wrote CSEC examination this year, Mahendra Bhopaul told the Guyana Chronicle, “Students should be allowed to write as many subjects as they have the ability to write.” Senior teacher of the Cummings Lodge Secondary School and member of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Milne Symour, explained to the Guyana Chronicle that within the education sector, there are several pressing issues that require urgent attention. The number of CSEC subjects that students write, however, is a minor issue, according to him. PRESSURED Contrasting Symour’s position was President

Milne Symour of the GTU, Mark Lyte, who in another section of the media opined that students are pressured into writing numerous subjects when only few, among them Mathematics and English, are needed for employment or to further their studies. Symour further contended, however, that there are many intelligent and capable students in Guyana, and their abilities must not be limited. He felt that instead of a max-

imum limit, there should be a minimum limit so that students can acquire substantial knowledge. Nonetheless, many have voiced opinions and arguments for and against this topic. While many posit that many subjects lead to detraction from other extra-curricular activities and that many subjects are not necessary to engage in tertiary studies or to even work, others posit that the reasons for doing so include acquiring recognition and scholarships. One student of the Bishop’s High Sixth Form and formerly of Queen’s College, Shemar Britton, contested the notion that students who write many CSEC subjects are not well-rounded. He related that he successfully wrote 13 subjects while being actively involved in many sports, copping in the process the runner-up position for Junior Sportsman of the Year. The circular laying out the stipulations was signed by Chief Education

Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson, and copied to the permanent secretary; regional executive officers, Regions 1-10; the Secretary of the Teaching Service Commission; and the General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union. Head teachers should have received it sometime last week. Further discussions about this proposal will be conducted at a head teachers’ meeting at a later date. This proposal comes several months after it was first floated by former Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. It was reported then that Dr Roopnaraine was of the belief that students should have a more rounded education, through involvement in activities such sports and drama. It was also reported in the media that Dr. Roopnaraine stressed that he wanted school to be a place of a “wider cultural experience,” as opposed to concentrating on writing many subjects and having to attend numerous extra lessons.

Fly Jamaica eagerly awaits Guyana-Cuba flights GUYANESE-OWNED airline Fly Jamaica Airways is eagerly awaiting approval from the government to commence flights between Guyana and Cuba. This development will further increase economic opportunities the Spanish-speaking nationals from that island nation, which they are already bringing to Guyana. Fly Jamaica’s Managing Director, Roxanne Reece, told Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines of the opening of the company’s second ticketing office in Brooklyn, New York that the company believes in Guyana. Hundreds of Cuban nationals travel here to

Fly Jamaica Airways is eagerly awaiting approval from the government to commence flights between Guyana and Cuba shop every week, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy. They seek mainly clothing and electrical

items and fly mostly with Easy Sky to Guyana. “We have everything ready,” Reece told the newspaper, adding: “We have captains, co-pilots,

cabin crew. Everything is ready. We are just waiting on one of the governments to give us the word to go.” Reece said as far as she is aware, permission

for the Cuban operation is to be decided at Cabinet level and the company is awaiting that decision. In the meantime, Fly Jamaica is also hoping to acquire a third aircraft before year -end. With what appears to be an extremely bright future ahead, the company continues to expand. Reece said Fly Jamaica needs to have a third aircraft to improve its service and better cater to its customers. The company intends to add another 757 to its existing fleet so that it can complement their existing size and capacity. Speaking directly to customer service, Reece explained that the compa-

ny would have to go with larger aircraft to reduce delays or setbacks if one were to be unavailable due to mechanical issues for instance. She said the company is negotiating for the new aircraft and is confident of the expansion once good international business climate prevails. Fly Jamaica just days ago opened its new ticketing office in Brooklyn, New York after hundreds of customers there requested a closer location to buy their travel tickets from the one they usually used in Queens, New York. In March, the airline graduated 20 newly-trained Guyanese flight attendants.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

keeping it positive IT is a well-known fact that teaching children positive behaviour from very young has its rewards in the future: so parents who want results have to stay on the ball and can’t afford to lapse. They are role-models, who lead by example and they quite rightly should have the biggest influ-

ence over their children. It is often said that morals and values cannot be taught, they are instilled from the environment in which a child lives, therefore, parents need to create a positive environment that takes into consideration the elements that are necessary for their child’s growth and development.

One of the elements for a positive environment that parents tend to overlook is the type of food they feed their children. Children love fast food and parents who can afford it tend to supply their children with fast foods to stop them nagging, to keep them quiet or just to make them happy.

Fast foods can be addictive, they tend to have hidden amounts of sugar/ salt and very little nutritional value. They may taste nice, but is it right to raise a child with a palate based purely on what food ‘tastes’ like, as opposed to what types of food are good for him and nourishes his body? Obesity and diabetes are becoming more common among children; therefore, parents have a duty to monitor the types of food they feed their children. Giving a child a healthy diet should start early: this means introducing foods from each food group and experimenting in different ways to make food interesting and fun. Foods that are rich in nutrients such as fresh fruit and vegetables and low-fat milk are especially good for growing children. Peanut butter, eggs, salmon, oats and whole grains can assist with your child’s brain development. There is a well-known saying, ‘you are what you eat,’ which means you literally

get out (of your body) what you put in, so try to balance your child’s diet sensibly for maximum energy, less illness and greater alertness. Another positive element that parents may need to address is that of responsibility. A child needs to have a sense of responsibility for his belongings, his conduct and how he applies himself at school and elsewhere. Parents should encourage children to be responsible: to help in the home using their own initiative, to keep their rooms, surroundings and environment clean and themselves tidy. If parents do not encourage children in a positive way from a young age, it is unlikely that they will develop these traits instinctively and it may become difficult to introduce them when the child is older. As part of being responsible, parents have the task of explaining and demonstrating to children the importance of fairness and being aware of oth-

er people’s feelings and needs. Many parents make excuses for their child’s behaviour when they are irresponsible, tactless, or rude, even when they know that their child knows better. The most common excuse is, ‘he/she is only young and will grow out of it.’ But covering for a child in any way does not foster an authentic relationship between parent and child. Children get used to twisting the truth or telling ‘white’ lies to get out of problems, this may become a norm for how they problem-solve in the future. In addition to this, they tend to lose a certain amount of respect for their parent(s). There is no blueprint for taking care of children and they certainly do not come along each with an individual manual, but with communication, interaction and observation, parents can do a reasonably good job for their child and stay one step ahead of his/her needs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

Potable water for Berbice schools By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

THE New Amsterdam Rotary Club has initiated a multi-million dollar water filtration project that enables access to clean and potable water at learning institutions within the East Canje, New Amsterdam and East Bank Berbice districts. The project, which is piloted by Rotary President Roger Greenidge, has seen the removal of impurities by minimising contamination of water filtration of the iron-laced and seemingly untreated well water being processed through the filtration system. The system can filter over 500 gallons of water per day. Water filtration removes impurities, inclusive of ferric and ferrous iron, eliminating the red stain and rust in sinks and other utensils.

Wa t e r w i t h h i g h amounts of iron and manganese can also have a rotten egg odour and the system will also eliminate this malodorous scent. Iron generally occurs naturally in water and does not present a problem unless it exceeds around .3 PPM. In some cases, some types of iron can form sludge deposits creating problems in wells, toilets and fixtures. If untreated, this rust will eventually stain fixtures and appliances and become permanent. Canje Secondary School was the first beneficiary of the pilot project. The project at the school is being executed to the tune of $750,000. The money was raised from a fun-raising activity by the club. The has club received support from other groupings and the Cumberland, Fort Ordinance Primary Schools in East Canje, along with Edinburg Nursery and Primary Schools

along East Bank Berbice and St Therese’s Primary, which together have a student population exceeding 2000, are soon to benefit from the project. The school’s Headmistress, Vanessa Chisolm, welcomed the initiative which she said will also be beneficial to the Home Economics Department. “Previously, the department had to purchase filtered water to carrying on its operation on a regular basis. The canteen too had to purchase water, but in that case, the students had to buy the water as their need arise. So we are so grateful that we were included in the plans of the Rotary Club,” she concluded. T h e N e w A m s t e rdam Rotary Club works collectively to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, save mothers and children, support education and grow local economies.

A Canje Secondary School student sourcing iron-laced water before the project was initiated

The water filtration system installed at Canje Secondary School

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

Linden youths learn nation-building skills

SOCIAL Cohesion Ministry Programme Coordinator Sharon Patterson on Saturday charged 40 youth at the 35th Diversity Education and Inclusion Regional Training Workshop to use their acquired skills to contribute to nation-building. She was at the time delivering the opening address at the two-day workshop held in the Woodrow Telford Auditorium of the Linden Foundation Secondary School, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice (Region 10). Patterson said the workshop targeted youth as the ministry views them as agents of change, who will

their advantage. “You have the future in your hands, so unless you understand the issues, you will not be able to function effectively and make a difference in the development process. So it is important that you understand some key issues like the divisions in our country…This is an opportunity for learning experience and so don’t treat it lightly… By the end of it you [will be] in a place where you believe you can make a contribution to enhancing and promoting social cohesion,” she said. Similar sentiments were expressed by Regional Chairman, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice, Rennis Morian, who

excel… treat today as a very important step in your life,” he said. Youth aged 15-30 from communities including Mackenzie, Cinderella City, Speight Land, Amelia’s Ward and Central Amelia’s Ward are participating in the sessions. Several of the participants said that they had high hopes that the sessions would enable them to make better choices and to enhance their lives. Shamaiah Denny, an aspiring doctor, said she made some surprising discoveries about herself and hopes to become less partial. “I have learnt that I can be prejudiced, meaning pre-

Roshanna King (left) and Shebekie Duggan during a ‘sharing’ exercise she said. Similar sentiments were expressed by Jeremiah Denny, a Ministry of the Presidency release said. “I decided to come today because I think this would help me to be a better person in society. I have learned a lot, I have learned that you don’t just judge a person by his or her ethnicity, age or what they wear… not to

judge a book by its cover. In today’s society, there are all sorts of children and people and you will have to learn how to deal with them,” he said. Previously, the ministry had hosted a number of workshops in the region, all aimed at engaging stakeholders in discussions and practical exercises to identify the factors that are stymieing

social cohesion, with the view of equipping them with the necessary skills to erase those inequalities. In November 2016, the ministry hosted its 30th Regional Sensitisation and Strategic Planning Consultations in Kwakwani, sub-Region Two and last month it hosted a sensitisation meeting for regional and municipal councillors.

Master Kenroy Clementon (left) and Master Jomieel Peters participate in a ‘mirroring’ exercise during one of the interactive components of the workshop someday become leaders in their communities, regions and in the country at large. The workshop aims to utilise their drive and energy and introduce them to new concepts that will help them to learn more about themselves, widen their mediation skills and help them to learn how to use differences to

said the ministry is seeking to channel the exuberance of youth in the right direction. “There’s a certain amount of energy, intuition, waiting to be nurtured that resides [sic] in you and this training, is to help to fashion what is already in you and point you into the right direction... We want to see each of you

judge people on the way they look, their ethnicity, where they come from, the way they talk… but I can tell you that not because of the way someone looks or the way they may approach you, you can just judge them on that. You have to get to know that person first, then you can [draw a fuller conclusion],”

A section of the audience at the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s 35th Diversity Education and Inclusion Regional Training Workshop

ANSA McAL set to acquire Lewis Berger THE ANSA McAL Group has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary ANSA Coatings International has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Lewis Berger (Overseas Holdings) Limited (LBOH) from Berger International Private Limited (BIPL). The conglomerate in a release said the all-cash transaction for an undisclosed sum is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter

of calendar year 2017. LBOH is a privately held UK company with equity-ownership stakes of 100 per cent, 70 per cent and 51 per cent in Berger Paints Barbados Limited, Berger Paints Trinidad Limited and Berger Paints Jamaica Limited, respectively. The combined Berger Caribbean business has estimated net sales of US$35 million. Speaking about the pending transaction, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, Norman Sabga,

noted that the acquisition of LBOH will further enhance the group’s position in the Caribbean architectural coatings market. “Berger is best known for its well-positioned paint brands throughout the region. The architectural coatings industry has enjoyed a period of healthy innovation over the last decade. Through this acquisition, we hope to address an expanded customer base with a broader suite of product offerings and superior levels of customer service and support,” Sabga said.

Headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the ANSA McAL Group is a diversified conglomerate across eight industrial sectors and operating in over eight territories. ANSA McAL is publicly listed on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange with market capitalisation of US$1.7 billion. Through its ANSA Coatings Limited subsidiary, it has produced and marketed paints, coatings and materials trusted by customers for over 55 years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

SASOD launches rights report THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) has launched a new report on “Guyana’s Voting Record and Responses on LGBT Human Rights Issues at International Fora” last Wednesday. The launch was held at SASOD’s 203 Duncan Street, Lamaha Gardens’ office in Georgetown and according to Human Rights Coordinator Ernestine Leonard who delivered introductory remarks, the report was commissioned by SASOD and written by two Law graduates, Bryce Celestan and Samy Dorgham. They worked under the tutelage of Professor Andrea Parra at the American University Washington College of Law. The human rights coordinator also read the foreword of the report written by Ulele Burnham, British-Guyanese barrister at Doughty Chambers in London, United Kingdom, who specialises in mental health, mental capacity, human rights and equality law. Leonard quoted Burnham who wrote, “whilst we wait to see whether the current administration will act less as neutral arbiter and more as custodian of citizens’ rights, this report is a startling reminder of just how little leadership, and how much inertia, successive governments have demonstrated in relation to this issue.” More importantly, she pointed out, that the graduates collected invaluable data on Guyana’s voting record on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) issues before international bodies. “Their analysis indicates that many of the international conventions which now require Guyana to take steps to repeal discriminatory laws and confer positive statuary rights to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons were ratified between 20 to 50 years ago… It is also difficult to see how it is possible to reduce discrimination against LGBT persons where same-sex sexual acts remain criminal offences,” Burnham’s Foreword states. SASOD’s Managing Director, Joel Simpson, while presenting an overview of the report, recalled that Guyana voted to retract and defund the United Nations (UN) Independent Expert on Violence and Discrimination based on SOGI in December 2016. Simpson related that this led SASOD to reach out to its international partners to commission this study. “We were put in touch with Professor Andrea Parra who agreed to have two Juris Doctorate candidates at the time, over the last few months, conduct this research and analysis for us. We decided that we would cover 2008 to 2016, and look at both the UN and the Organisation of American States (OAS), wherever LGBT issues are discussed, how Guyana has been voting … or in the case of the UN human rights treaty bodies, how we’ve been responding to specific recommendations and concluding observations of those bodies on LGBT issues,” he said. Meanwhile, Board Secretary Alana Da Silva shared another recent milestone of the rights group. On March 8 this year, SASOD Women’s Arm Guyana (SWAG) was launched to coincide with International Women’s Day. Da Silva explained that it is the women-led, social justice arm of SASOD dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of lesbian, bisexual, transgender (LBT) women and women allies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 19, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 19, 2017

‘Jackie Chan’ fires Sparta Boss to Xtreme Clean/GT Beer Futsal title

By Rawle Toney

IT was a performance that earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade, as Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson scored a helmet-trick to help Sparta Boss cement their legacy as Guyana’s best Futsal team when they outclassed Tucville 7 – 4 in the final of the Xtreme Clean/GT Beer Futsal tournament on Saturday at the National Gymnasium. With that win, Sparta Boss pocketed $500,000, while Tucville had to settle for the second place purse of $200,000. Played in front of a packed venue, the crowd,

based on the chants prior to the start of the game, suggested that both sides were well supported. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, along with Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, were on hand and met the two finalist before kick-off, but from the sound of the referee’s ‘Fox40’, which was lost in the deafening sound of the vociferous crowd, it was clear that the night will be long and rugged. To say the game was very physical wouldn’t give justice to how it was really played. In fact, the players, especially those from the Tucville team, had to be cautioned and threatened by the referees to “keep it clean”.

But when things got on the way, it was fireworks, given the fact that the two were favourites to win and were on a collision course throughout the tournament. It was Dennis Edwards who sent the Tucville supporters crazy when he stroked home the game’s first goal 10 minutes into the contest. But an equaliser was almost certain, given the fact that Richardson, Devon Millington and Eusi Phillips threatened the goal on several occasions. Richardson scored his first of four goals in the 20th minute; a clinical one-two punch with Millington that he tucked away out of the reach of the Tucville custodian.

Fakhar, Amir sparkle ... a young team and credit to my boys.” After India had won the toss, Fakhar, on three, was caught by wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni off a Jasprit Bumrah noball and the 27-year-old left-hander took full advantage to make his first international century. He shared a fluent century opening partnership with Azhar Ali (59), the pair unleashing a barrage of crisp attacking strokes all around a sun-kissed ground. Azhar also continued his fine form, reaching fifty off 61 balls before he was run out following a mix-up with his partner. Fakhar lofted Ravindra Jadeja over long-on for six and got to three figures by sweeping Ravichandran Ashwin to the boundary. He celebrated with an extravagant twirl of his bat and kissed the turf as the Pakistan supporters sensed an unlikely win. Fakhar hit 12 fours and three sixes before skying a catch off Hardik Pandya but Pakistan had the perfect platform to make the highest total in a Champions Trophy final.

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THREE SIXES Babar Azam chipped in with a solid 46 and Mohammad Hafeez struck three sixes in a punchy unbeaten 57 that left India needing to produce the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history to lift the trophy for the third time. Within three overs, however, their reply was in tatters as Amir produced a devastating spell of bowling. He trapped Rohit Sharma lbw for nought with a swinging delivery and removed India talisman Virat Kohli with another fine ball which the captain could only edge to point for five. Kohli, the world’s topranked one-day batsman, had been dropped off the previous delivery in the slips and the India fans looked shellshocked as he trudged off. Their hopes now rested largely on the shoulders of Shikhar Dhawan who had been in fine form in the tournament but he made only 21 before nicking the inspired Amir to wicketkeeper Sarfraz. Spinner Shadab Khan snared Yuvraj Singh lbw for 22 and Dhoni, India’s former

captain who has saved the team on many occasions, pulled Hasan Ali to Imad Wasim at deep square leg to depart for four. Shadab picked up his second wicket when Kedar Jadhav, on nine, gave Sarfraz a simple catch and India appeared to be crumbling meekly at 72 for six. Pandya, however, briefly raised their spirits with a quickfire 76, reaching his fifty with three successive sixes off Shadab and hitting six maximums in all before he was run out. Jadeja nicked Junaid Khan to slip for 15, Hasan had Ashwin caught by Sarfraz and Hasan forced Bumrah to lob another catch to the wicketkeeper, who pouched it gleefully to complete Pakistan’s first Champions Trophy win with 19.3 overs to spare. “Early wickets are never good, especially in a chase. We thought one big partnership would have set it up nicely,” Kohli said. “Pakistan had to earn their win and they made us make mistakes. We have no hesitation or shame to admit we didn’t play our best game today.”

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However, Edwards completed his brace when he had the better of Sheldon Shepherd in defence and hammered home his right-footed volley just before half time to give Tucville a 2 – 1 advantage heading into the final stanza. But Richardson proved to the scores in attendance at the National Gymansium why he’s considered Guyana’s most skilful forward, when he created Phillips’ equaliser just two minutes after the resumption of play. With the scores even (2 – 2), Richardson worked his magic using some fancy footwork before burying his shot on goal to give Sparta a 3 – 2 advantage in the 33rd

minute. It was basically a one-sided contest thereafter. Millington (46th), Shepherd (52nd) and Richardson (53rd) made it 6 – 2, by which time, the Tucville supporters had already started to leave, since it was basically them witnessing the ‘Gregory Richardson’ show. Jermaine Junor, who finished as the tournament’s highest goal scorer with 11 goals, scored a doubled in the 54th and 55th minute, but Richardson put the icing on the cake with his 57th minute goal to push Sparta to a 7 – 4 scoreline and the victory. After the game, Richardson, who collected $50,000 and a trophy for being adjudged MVP, credited the

team’s win to the simple fact that they are more experienced and certainly have the better team. Meanwhile, in the third place playoff, Albouystown scored a 5 – 3 win over Sophia to claim the $100,000 prize. Sophia went home with $50,000. Lennox Cort scored a hattrick; netting in the 3rd, 10th and 20th minute, while Sherwin Fordyce (14th) and Roy Cassou (9th) were the goalscorers for Albouystown. Shemroy Arthur (25th), Omallo Williams (19th) and Dwayne Lowe netted for Sophia who had a decent run in the tournament before being booted by Tucville in the semi-finals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 19, 2017

Pakistan’s Hassan Ali named player of ICC Champions Trophy

... Hassan also wins Golden Ball trophy; Shikhar Dhawan wins Golden Bat trophy

Hasan Ali holds aloft the golden ball award.

Shikhar Dhawan receives the golden bat award from former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

FAST bowler Hassan Ali was named player of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 after he bowled Pakistan to its maiden ICC Champions Trophy title at The Oval. Sunday’s 181 runs victory over traditional rival India was also Pakistan’s first title in a 50-over tournament since winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992. Pakistan had won the ICC World Twenty20 England 2009, and as such, has become only the fourth side after India, Sri Lanka and the West Indies to win all the three ICC majors. Hassan also won the Golden Ball trophy after finishing the series with 13 wickets, while India opener Shikhar

Dhawan, who had won the player of the tournament in 2013, walked away with the Golden Bat trophy with 338 runs. Hassan Ali was in sublime form in the tournament when he displayed excellent variation, picked up wickets consistently and in crucial phases during Pakistan’s successful journey in the competition, which had started with a 124 runs drubbing at hands of India at Edgbaston on 4 June. After being at the wrong end of the stick against India when he picked up one for 70 in 10 overs, Hassan bounced back strongly and returned figures of three for 24 against South Africa, three for 43 against Sri Lanka, three for

35 against England in the Cardiff semi-final and three for 19 in the final against India. As such, he finished the series with 13 wickets at an average of 14.69 and an economy-rate of 4.29. Hassan was selected as the Player of the Tournament by a five-person selection panel that comprised Geoff Allardice (ICC General Manager – Cricket, and Chairman Event Technical Committee), former captains Michael Atherton of England, India’s Sourav Ganguly, Ramiz Raja of Pakistan, as well as Lawrence Booth (Editor, Wisden Almanack, and cricket writer, The Mail) and Julian Guyer (correspondent of the Agence

France-Presse). Meanwhile, Dhawan won the Golden Bat trophy after finishing as the leading run-getter. The left-hander scored 68 against Pakistan, 125 against Sri Lanka, 78 against South Africa, 46 in the semi-final against Bangladesh and 21 against Pakistan in the final. ICC Champions Trophy Player of the Tournament winners: 1998 – Jacques Kallis (South Africa) 2000 – Not awarded 2002 – Not awarded 2004 – Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies) 2006 – Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Mexico snatch draw with Portugal in Confederations Cup (REUTERS)-Mexico claimed a 2-2 draw with Portugal in their Confederations Cup opener on Sunday with a last-gasp equaliser by Hector Moreno after Cedric seemed to have won the game for the European champions with a goal five minutes from time. Portugal had an early effort controversially disallowed by the video referees but they eventually took the lead after 34 minutes through Ricardo Quaresma after a mistake by Carlos Salcedo let Cristiano Ronaldo through on goal. The Portugal captain could not control the ball to shoot but his brilliant pass between three defenders left Quaresma free to round keeper Guillermo Ochoa and tap into the empty net.

Mexico’s Javier Hernandez celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Darren Staples

Mexico equalised eight minutes later through a Javier Hernandez diving header after poor defending by the Portuguese. Raphael Guerreiro miskicked a cross into the box, allowing Carlos Vela to play the ball back in for Hernandez to score. Portugal looked to have won when Cedric fired home

a deflected shot but Moreno headed home a corner in added time to give Mexico a share of the points. “I think we were superior, we created more chances and we leave the field frustrated,” Cedric said. “We were always more dangerous than them, both in our organised play and on the

counter attack.” Although Mexico had more possession, Ochoa was the busier of the two keepers and the Europeans could have taken all three points had the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) not controversially disallowed Nani’s first-half goal for offside. Ronaldo smacked a longrange shot onto the bar and Nani picked up the rebound to volley home. However, the VAR disallowed the goal for an offside infringement earlier in the move. The result leaves both sides tied for second place in Group A, behind hosts Russia who top the group after beating New Zealand 2-0 on Saturday in St. Petersburg. Russia play Portugal and Mexico take on New Zealand on Wednesday.

2009 – Ricky Ponting (Australia) 2013 – Shikhar Dhawan

(India) 2017 – Hassan Ali (Pakistan)

De Grasse books final spot with 100m world lead

ANDRE De Grasse booked his place in the Diamond League 100m final as he emerged victorious in Stockholm with a world-lead time of 9.69 seconds. Canadian De Grasse booked his place in the 100m showpiece in Zurich with the fastest time of the year, beating Youssef Ben Meite and Ryan Shields in the Swedish capital. Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba sealed a spot in the women’s 800m final with her triumph, while Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot set the quickest 1500m time of the year - 3:30.77 - in his success. Ivorian Murielle Ahoure prevailed in the women’s 200m with a season’s best time of 22.68 secs, and Spain’s Orlando Ortega won the men’s 110m hurdles in a race that saw two false starts. Steven Gardiner took 400m glory, Norway’s Karsten Warholm won over the same distance in the hurdles and Soufiane El Bakkali comfortably claimed victory in the 3000m steeplechase. Meanwhile, Yaime Perez and Nicole Buchler set meet records to win in the women’s discus and pole vault respectively. Caption. The first place in the men’s Diamond League 100m final was booked by Andre De Grasse as he ran the fastest time of 2017.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 19, 2017

Maverick Pakistan tear up the form book again

By Ed Osmond

LONDON, (Reuters) - Pakistan enhanced their long-held reputation as one of the most unpredictable teams in world sport with an extraordinary and overwhelming victory over bitter local rivals India in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday. Widely written off after an abject display in their opening group match against the same opponents, the lowest-ranked team going into the tournament suddenly rediscovered their mojo. They beat South Africa, the world’s top-ranked one-day side, and Sri Lanka to reach the last four before dismantling previously unbeaten hosts England with a ruthless semi-final performance. “It sort of feels surreal really, to be honest,” Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur told a

news conference. “But the thing about that loss to India was we knew that was an aberration. It wasn’t the norm because we had prepared properly. We knew the calibre of players we had so we just had to keep believing.” Pakistan still went into the final as huge underdogs against an Indian team who had beaten them in eight of their 10 previous meetings in the World Cup and Champions Trophy. But a brilliant century by Fakhar Zaman laid the foundations for an imposing total of 338 for four and Mohammad Amir came up with a devastating opening spell to rip out the cream of India’s batting, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. “What I do know is that Mohammad Amir, he’s a big match player,” said South African Arthur.

Late goals hand Chile winning start in Confederations Cup (REUTERS)-Alexis Sanchez came on as second half substitute to inspire Chile to a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in their opening Confederations Cup outing on Sunday but he had to share the spotlight with the video assistant referee. Sanchez provided the cross for Arturo Vidal to head home their 81st minute opener and inspired the second goal as well. He beat the offside trap but failed to score. Eduardo Vargas was on hand to put the ball into the net in the dying seconds. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also made an impact as Chile were denied a legitimate looking goal on the stroke of halftime and technology was used again at the end of the match to overturn a linesman’s offside call. Vargas had the ball in the net as the match moved into stoppage time at the end of the first half, deftly lifting it over the onrushing Cameron goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa after being expertly fed by a defence-splitting pass from Vidal. Slovenian referee Damir Skomina initially awarded it but then, more than minute later, he suddenly reversed the decision on the advice of the VAR, Clement Turpin of

France. Vargas looked to be millimetres ahead of the last man in a tight call that was hotly contested by the angry Chileans as they headed down the tunnel for the interval. But Vargas was on the right side of technology for Chile’s second as Sanchez sprung the offside trap from just inside the Cameroon half to round the goalkeeper only to have his own effort blocked. Vargas followed up the rebound only to see the linesman’s flag shoot up. But a quick check with the VAR found both Chilean players had been onside and the decision was reversed to confirm a two-goal winning margin There was no dispute about Vidal’s goal as he rose above two defenders to power home the ball as Sanchez, who had been ruled out of the starting line-up through injury but came in early in the second half, provided the perfect assist. The African champions came closest when captain Benjamin Moukandjo hit narrowly wide with a shot from the edge of the penalty area midway through the second half.

Pakistan followed up their victory with yet another memorable celebration as the team lined up to perform the sajdah ©Getty Images)

“I do know that when the game is on the line and the bigger the game the more he performs, the more ramped up

he gets, so he doesn’t shy away from pressure situations. He’s got proper big match temperament, and he showed that today

on the biggest stage.” Hasan Ali drew inspiration from his fellow fast bowler to take three wickets and,

supported by tigerish fielding which has not always been a feature of Pakistan cricket teams, they bowled out India for 158 to win the trophy for the first time. It was Pakistan’s first global 50-over title since the 1992 World Cup and a sweet moment for a team who have been unable to host international cricket in recent years due to security concerns. “I think it’ll be massive (for Pakistan cricket),” Arthur said. “I’m sure that the nation of Pakistan is really happy tonight because they deserve it for what they’ve been through. “The fans not identifying with their heroes because they just don’t see international cricket. That’s massive for the country. So let’s hope that this really kick-starts that momentum in Pakistan again.” (Editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Lopes advance to final of GBTI Open, Lowden on roll DAVID Lopes advanced to the final of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s (GBTI) Open Tennis tournament with a convincing win against Benjattan Osbourne, while Godfrey Lowden, campaigning in the over 45 years category, made light work of his opposition in both the singles and doubles categories Lopes’ semi-final match last Wednesday against Osbourne was a one-sided and ill-tempered affair as Lopes was simply too dominant. Playing some of his best tennis,he cut down on unforced errors significantly and kept the potential challenge of Osborne at bay as he skillfully kept his opponent off-balanced and unable to launch an attack by moving the ball around the court. A visibly perturbed and frustrated Osborne repeatedly questioned line calls and was only able to save a 6-0 loss in the second set when he dug deep and won a game to lose 5-1 before Lopes served out the set. Lowden on the other hand, campaigning in the

Over 45 years category, proved to be good in his matches as he registered comprehensive wins in his singles and doubles games.

Daniel Lopes

In his semi-final match against Rudy Grant, his fast paced style allowed him to put away Grant 6-3, 6-1, after Grant was able to mount an early challenge. The old rivalry has been more one-sided to Lowden in recent years as Grant now

plays sparingly and is not so active. In the Men’s Over- 45 Doubles action, Lowden partnered with Omar Persaud and encountered stiff resistance from American, Albert Razick and Steve Surujbally who took the first set 7-6 in the tiebreak before the match changed and they won only one more game before the team retired, facing a 4-0 deficit in the final set. Final scores in the match were 6-7 6-1 4-0 (retired). Other entertaining matches were when an injured Heimraj Resaul was able to hold off the challenge of talented but inconsistent junior, Khalid Gobin 6-2, 7-6 in the Boys quarter finals as the pair played excellent tennis. Resaul had to subsequently forfeit his remaining matches which allowed Joshua Kalekyezi, who first defeated Nigel Lowe 6-1, 6-0 and unexpectedly upended top ranked Mark McDonald in three sets 6-3, 5-7, 10-7, to book his first GBTI Boys Final against Jordan Beaton.

In the Men’s Open Doubles semis, the new pairing of Mark McDonald and Andre Erskine gave top seeds Anthony Downes/Jason Andrews a challenge as they took the second set 6-3 before going down in three sets as the top seeds restored order with a 6-2 final set, after having a similarly dominant 6-1 first set. Leyland Leacock/Daniel Lopes also easily defeated Nicholas Glasgow/Joseph DeJonge 6-2, 6-1 to book their place in the semis. A keenly contested Ladies Singles match was cut short when Cristy Campbell could not overcome progressive muscular cramps and retired in the third set against Kalyca Fraser, to lose 3-6, 6-3, 1-0. The Mixed Doubles quarter final action saw Ciara Pooran/Nicholas Glasgow defeating the pair of GLTA executives, Grace McCalman/Jamal Goodluck 6-3 , 6-1 but the two subsequently gave Daniel Lopes/Sarah Klautky a w/o in the semis to reach the Finals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 19, 2017

BFA / J’s Supermarket Golden Arrow Football

Cougars FC prevail over Paradise FC in penalty shootout in the 6th minute. Cougars FC battled their way to equalise in the second half. The goal scorer during regulation time for Cougars FC were Johnson (43rd) and Reece (57th) minute. While, Paradise got their goals from Small (6th) and August (59th) minutes. In the exiting penalty kicks, Cougars FC held their nerves in a (3-2) finish which saw them coming out as champs. At the presentation, BFA Secretary Mr. Simon was very pleased with the competition and lauded the sponsor of the competition. He stressed that, “the main focus is for the development of youth football in Berbice, by extension Guyana”. The 1st and 2nd placed teams both received a large trophy while, each player received a medal and a pack of Golden Arrowhead Milk from the sponsor.

The victorious Cougars FC

COUGARS FC are the champions of the Berbice Football Association (BFA) J’s Supermarket, Golden Arrow Under -20 competition. Played at the All Saints Scots School Ground under floodlights on Friday,. the finals also included a 3rd place

playoff, which saw New Amsterdam United humbling their Hopetown opponents (4-0) at the end of the allotted 80 minutes. The game started off in an intense manner, it took a 40 minutes period of attacking plays for the first goal netted by Oren Glen.

By the end of the first half, N/A United remained in the lead (1-0). In the second half, Hopetown United defence was found wanting as N/A United found the back of the net thrice in the 46th, 60th and 74th minute. In the feature encounter of the evening, in regulation

Goal Scorers for N/A United. From left: Jamal Butts, Oren Glen and Stephon Rigby.

time, both teams battled to a pulsating 2-2 draw. Paradise

FC scored an early first half goal, compliments of (Small)

Fraser-Green, John, Hicks, McKay, Spencer ICC announces enhanced prize money register victories at National Championships for Women’s World Cup

- Winning team to take home cheque of $660,000; runner-up to get $330,000

UNITED Kingdom- based Guyanese cyclist, Claire Fraser-Green, along with Briton John, David Hicks, Warren Mckay and Andrew Spencer, all won their respective categories when the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) staged its National Road Race Championships yesterday.

Claire Fraser-Green

Fraser-Green for the fifth consecutive year won the ladies’ road ace title: a 53-mile event in two hours, 29 minutes 49 seconds (2:29.49) ahead of Shemika Teixera. Fraser-Green also won the ladies’ individual time trial on Saturday last and this is also the fifth consecutive year that she has won both the individu-

Warren Mckay

al time trial as well as the road race titles. John for his part returned 2:58.40 in winning the Juniors’ 70 mile road race ahead of Nigel Dugid and Marcus Keilus, respectively. In the juvenile category, David Hicks, the younger brother of national cyclist Andrew, won easily ahead of Jonathan Ramchuschit and Raj Seenarine, respectively. Hicks’ time for the event was 2:29.48. Warren McKay crossed the finish line at 2:58.40 to win the veterans’ under-45 years category ahead of Leer Nunes

and Steve Ramschuit in that order, while Spencer returned 3:02.16 in winning the veterans over 45 years category. Second was Ian `Dumb Boy’ Jackson, while Burchelle Samaroo finished third. One day earlier, (Saturday), Fraser-Green out-dueled the field to win the ladies’ individual time trial, while Raynauth `Obeahman’ Jeffrey was too good for the seniors in winning that category. Curtis Dey was the winner of the junior category while Nunes won the veterans’ category.

THE eight top teams of the world will be vying for a winner’s prize of $ 660,000 in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, which will be held in the United Kingdom from 24 June to 23 July. In line with the ICC’s strategy of enhancing the stature of women’s cricket, the ICC had earlier in May announced that the total prize money for the tournament would be $2 million, 10 times of the amount at stake in the 2013 edition. The prize money filters down the ladder with the runner-up winning $ 330,000 and the losing semifinalists getting $ 165,000 each. Teams exiting at the group stage will get $

30,000 each while each win in the group stage will earn a side $20,000. Meanwhile, the teams will get to tune up for the pinnacle tournament with the warm-up matches which commence today with host England taking on Sri Lanka in Chesterfield and India playing New Zealand in Derbyshire. The practice match schedule: 19 June: New Zea-

land v India in Derbyshire; England v Sri Lanka in Chesterfield. 20 June: West Indies v Pakistan in Leicestershire; Australia v South Africa in Oakham. 21 June: England v New Zealand in Derbyshire; India v Sri Lanka in Chesterfield. 22 June: Australia v Pakistan in Leicestershire; West Indies v South Africa in Oakham.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday June 19, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 1-1 (I match abandoned) (2) Pakistan Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was voted Man of the Match in the ICC Champions Trophy final 2017? (2) Who was declared Man of the Series? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 19, 2017

Ming produces podium finish in Mexico to crown off F4 title

By Stephan Sookram

FOLLOWING his history-making drive that gifted him his maiden NACAM Formula 4 Championship title, Guyanese Calvin Ming racked up back-to-back wins in races two and three of the final round of the series. In the second of the threerace weekend, Ming started in 4th position before moving his way up to first in the opening lap before completing the 25-minute race to rack up his first win of the weekend. Ming won by 11.85 seconds over second and third place finishers, Alexis and Alexandra Mohnhaupt respectively. Up to press time, the results from race three were unconfirmed. Ming started off the weekend activities of the 8th and final round of the Mexican NACAM FIA Formula 4 championship series on Saturday morning by turn-

ing in the fastest times during the first practice session. He then went on to later qualify and start the first race in second position before encountering engine performance issues while in the lead after leading the race for several laps. Having carefully calculated the various permutations, and being aware that he had a 55 points lead, he nursed the car to a fourth place finish, knowing that in this position, he would emerge as the champion of the series, irrespective of whether or not he participated in the two other races on Sunday. The efforts of the members of the Ram Racing Team, which is owned by retired Mexican Air-force General, Jose Antonio Ramos and meticulously managed by his son ‘Pato’, were undoubtedly major contributing factors to the entire team’s successes during the series.

Uncapped seamer Kesrick Williams.

Calvin Ming stands atop his F4Car after taking race two

Cameron says seniority won’t ensure higher grade contracts

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies boss Dave Cameron says senior West Indies players need to come to grips with the harsh reality of their performance-based requirements, stressing that experience alone would no longer count in the issuing of central retainer contracts. Speaking against the backdrop of the furore arising from Darren Bravo’s rejection of a Grade C contract last year, Cameron argued that Windies players now controlled their own futures as once they performed, they and not CWI dictated the quality of contract they received. The often controversial Cameron also contended that seasoned players needed to translate that experience into performances instead of hoping for a high level retainer based on their length of time in international cricket. “Everyone has been talking for years, we want performance contracts, we want performance contracts. Now we’ve put in performance contracts and now we have a problem,” Cameron told Massy Insurances Life and Length Network in a wide-ranging interview. “Telling me whether you’ve played 10 matches or 20 matches or 30 matches – well where are the numbers? If you have this experience, you should be getting better not worse so how is it that your numbers are better when you just started

and after two years you’re getting worse.” It was announced by CWI last November that Bravo along with seasoned campaigner Marlon Samuels and all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, had rejected cen-

Cricket West Indies boss Dave Cameron

tral retainer contracts. Media reports subsequently said that Bravo, the Windies premier Test batsman, had been offered a Grade C contract which was lower than the one he previously held. Cameron then said in a controversial television interview that CWI would not reward declining performances by senior players and appeared to suggest that Bravo had previously held a top tier A contract. The player took to Twitter to dispute Cameron’s assertion but also labelled him ‘a big idiot’ which resulted him being sent home from South Africa, ahead of the Tri-Nations Series in Zimbabwe. He has since

Windies selectors stick with same 13 for first two India ODIs

been barred from selection until he removes the tweet and apologises. CWI determines the grade of contract on a points system stemming for player performances over a 12-month period and Cameron said on this basis, players were aware of the performances required in order to stake their claim for higher grade contracts. “What we do is for our players but again, how do we keep compromising a system,” the Jamaican administrator explained. “Everybody writes their own contract. There is no stipulation that says we’re only going to have two A contracts, three B’s or four C’s, there is no stipulation across the board. If everybody is on a A-plus because their numbers merit that, they all get that.” He continued: “All we are saying is that you write your own contract. At the start of the season you are told what averages you need to have, volume of runs, volume of wickets, behaviours, whatever. It’s up to you.” Grade A is the highest level contract on offer from CWI and is worth US$150, 000, with Grade B valued at $125,000 and Grade C, $100,000. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who averages 35 from 37 Tests, is currently the only player on a Grade A contract with Test and oneday captain Jason Holder on a Grade B.

Cameron said going forward it was important that senior players understood the stated policy of CWI. “Something’s happening. Let us address it together but just to say I am a senior guy so therefore I need to be paid more, it’s not going to happen with Cricket West Indies,” he stressed.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) selectors have named an unchanged 13-man West Indies squad to face India in the opening doubleheader of the five-match one-day series starting here next Friday. It includes one uncapped player in seamer Kesrick Williams who was drafted into the squad for the third one-dayer against Afghanistan last week, following injury to speedster Shannon Gabriel. Williams has played eight Twenty20 Internationals and was the leading bowler in the three-match series against the Afghans. The side gathered here following the rained out third OneDay International against Afghanistan last week, to prepare for the upcoming rubber. West Indies will need to lift their game significantly if they are to challenge the Indians, who lost the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in London on Sunday. They were poor against the Afghans, suffering a stunning 63-run defeat in the opener before labouring to a four-wicket win in the second game in pursuit of 136. West Indies are expected to play a warm-up game against a Trinidad and Tobago XI on Tuesday. SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Kesrick Williams.

Ming produces podium finish in Mexico to crown off F4 title See Page 23

Fakhar, Amir sparkle as Pakistan crush India to lift Champions Trophy By Ed Osmond

Fakhar Zaman exults after reaching his century against India in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval

LONDON,(Reuters)-Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Amir shone as Pakistan defied the odds to overwhelm arch-rivals India by 180 runs and pull off a major upset in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval on Sunday. Fakhar capitalised on a lucky escape to strike a superb 114 and lift Pakistan to a commanding total of 338 for four and fast bowler Amir ripped out India’s top three batsmen before the defending champions subsided to 158 all out. Pakistan had come into the tournament as the lowest-ranked team and lost heavily to India in their opening group match but they beat South Africa and Sri Lanka to make the semi-finals where they knocked out hosts England. “Fakhar is a great impact player, he played like a champion batsman today,” Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said at the presentation ceremony. “Amir bowled brilliantly today but all my bowlers bowled really well. We have Pakistan’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the ICC Champions Turn to page 19 Trophy. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

‘Jackie Chan’ fires Sparta Boss to Xtreme Clean/GT Beer Futsal title - Albouystown outclasses Sophia to finish third

See Page 19

Gregory Richardson about to unleash what would be one of his four goals against Tucville.

Easy does it! Richardson leaves the Tucville defenders and goalkeeper in disarray after scoring the equalizer. (Delano Williams photos)

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MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2017