Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19 04 2016

Burnt to death TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016

No. 104526

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‒ Renowned woman rice farmer, husband, perish after bandits set house alight 2 P.

Linden Linden baby baby gets gets new new lease lease on on life life - After successful surgery to correct spinal disease 14 P.

Four-year-old Stefon Bradford pauses from a game on his tablet for a photo by Chronicle’s Cullen Bess-Nelson. Bradford can now lead a normal life after successful surgery to correct a spinal deformity

Irish potato farm under cultivation at Laluni 15 P.

‒ multi-million-dollar industry in the making

Bishop Edghill charged for dumping 12 derelict vehicle P.

Georgetown hospital denies shortage of drugs 2

P.

Burnt to death 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

‒ Renowned woman rice farmer, husband, perish after bandits set house alight

By Alva Solomon AN EAST BANK Essequibo woman who was recognized as a trail blazer in the rice industry was burnt to death, along with her husband, on Sunday night in a fire which was allegedly set by bandits who had attacked their home.

Dead is Bibi Jamila Munir, 69, and her husband Mohammed Munir, called Dak, 75, Lot 17, Good Hope Public Road, East Bank Essequibo. The couple was known to have been involved in rice farming for decades. They were the parents of five (5) children, including three adopted children, most of whom reside overseas.

According to a police release, the charred remains of the Munirs were found among the debris after the fire was extinguished.

According to reports, the Munirs were attacked by intruders at about 23:00hrs on Sunday. The bandits gained entry through the back of the couple’s home, relatives

noted. The house is heavily grilled, and persons at the scene told this newspaper that the intruders set the house ablaze after the Munirs had locked themselves in a back room.

The Munirs were heard screaming for help, and soon after gunshots rang out in the house. Persons in the area tried desperately to gain entry to the burning house, but to no avail.

Police investigators were at the scene on Monday morning, while scores of relatives and friends gathered outside the gutted house.

According to a relative, on Sunday night, he was at home -- a few doors away -- when he was told that bandits had attacked the elderly couple. He said that when he arrived at the scene, the elderly woman was screaming for help while the house was engulfed in flames.

“She call out and said we must move the vehicles from underneath the house,” he said. He said that a large quantity of paddy which was

stored in a room beneath the premises was destroyed by the fire.

The man noted that the woman had telephoned several persons while she and her husband had been under attack, including a popular West Demerara businessman who was reportedly the last person the woman had spoken to.

Persons at the scene noted that the room in which the couple met their demise is connected to adjoining bedrooms by two doors, and as such, they could not understand why the couple could not escape the blaze.

“Me try to go in, but the smoke and the flames was too much,” a relative noted. The man said that the couple rarely kept money on the premises, even though the persons they employed would have been paid over the weekend.

The Munirs were expected to harvest approximately 50 acres of rice in the coming weeks.

They are well known on

Mohammed and Jamila Munir

the West Coast of Demerara, as well as in the Muslim community. Persons in the area noted that the Munirs had reportedly donated self-

The gutted remains of the Munirs’ home

lessly to the Good Hope Masjid.

General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj, told the Guyana Chronicle that the couple’s death came as a shock to the rice farming fraternity. He said the two people were always seen together at rice forums.

In 2004, former Minister of Agriculture, the late Satyadeow “Sash” Sawh, had recognized Mrs Munir’s work in the rice industry and on the EBE by presenting her with the Award of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

In 2007, the RPA had paid tribute to Mrs Munir when the body acknowledged her contribution as a businesswoman to the rice industry by featuring her in the quarterly edition of the magazine, “The Farmer”.

Seeraj said that he knew Mrs Munir since 1989, when

he joined the rice industry, and according to him, the woman was actively involved in the development of rice at the time. Being a male-dominated industry, he said, the woman was always involved in managing the affairs of her rice fields.

He said she had also played a key role in the toll milling infrastructure which was set up at Vergenoegen on the EBE. “She would go there and overlook the operations,” Seeraj said.

He said Mrs Munir was also very involved in the functions of the RPA. “It’s a very big shock; Mrs Munir was full of life, always working,” Seeraj said, lamenting the brutal manner in which the Munirs had met their demise.

Police investigations in the matter are ongoing.

Georgetown hospital denies shortage of drugs

By Shauna Jemmott THE Georgetown Public Hospital has disputed claims that there is a shortage of basic drugs at its pharmacies and at other local health centres connected to it.

An article published in Kaieteur News last Saturday under the headline “Basic

medication absent at GPHC” reported that patients had complained of being asked to purchase basic medications, since there was a “shortage of critical drugs.”

The article listed panadol, aspirin, and Lanoxin injection to 70/30 insulin as some of the “critical drugs” in short supply, but the hospital’s Bond Manager June Barry

told the Guyana Chronicle that the hospital is short on only one of the drugs mentioned, the insulin 73.30, and is expecting delivery anytime, since an order had been placed weeks now.

“One item that is mentioned, the insulin 73.30, we’re short of that, but it’s on order. We’re expecting it anytime, but we have other

insulin,” Barry said.

Concerning the other drugs listed, she declared: “It’s in the warehouse; (that’s) proof that we have it!”

She said the “Lanoxin” is just a brand, and not a particular drug, and even if it were true that the hospital was out of Lanoxin injection, there would have been other brands

available.

The report stated that the hospital was without the basic drugs for more than three weeks, and it was unclear when the medications would have been in stock at the facility.

Administrative Manager at the hospital, Yvonne Bullen, said along with those already available in the var-

ious pharmacies, the bond currently has in stock some 306,000 panadol tablets. All the other drugs, with the exception of the insulin, are available at the various hospital pharmacies and health centres, including the main pharmacy, the paediatric pharmacy, the accident and emergency pharmacy, the psychiatric pharmacy; and at Continued on page 3 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

President among first to provide sample for ancestral DNA test PRESIDENT David Granger has been among the first persons to have samples taken for the conduct of an ancestral Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) test in Guyana.

The test is being launched for the first time in this country by Eureka Medical Laboratory, and Mr. Shawn Manbodh, Quality Manager and Medical Technologist, visited State House to take the President’s sample as part of the entity’s launching activities.

Mr. Manbodh explained to the President that the test results would allow him to understand his ancestral genetic make-up.

“It basically tells about your lineage. It can tell what make-up you have. Let’s say, for instance, in a Guyanese person, how much percentage of African and how

much percentage East Indian and how much percent is Chinese…” he said.

These percentages are not always obvious, Mr. Manbodh explained, as someone’s physical characteristics might reflect an ethnicity that accounts for 40 percent of that person’s genetic make-up but other parts of that person’s lineage may be dominant in ways that are not externally obvious.

While Ancestry DNA is not often considered a necessity but more a means to satisfy a person’s desire to understand where they came from, Mr. Manbodh said, this type of testing can become very important when trying to diagnose illnesses. For example, if someone were to present symptoms of an illness that is uncommon among members of his/her perceived race, it would be

Georgetown hospital denies...

Kitty, Industry and Enmore Health Centres.

“We have had it for quite a while, and the pharmacies would order from here; and as long as we have, they would have,” she said.

Barry said she does not understand how such infor-

mation could have reached Kaieteur News, and has warned the media to be careful of publishing unconfirmed reports which can negatively affect the hospital’s credibility.

“I would like to say that, many of the items, we have

them in stock, with the exception of the injection; all except the insulin 70.30 insulin for the adults, which we would have requested but, unfortunately, were unable to obtain that from the central procurement department,” Barry emphasized.

From page 2

“We’re trying our best to ensure that we’re adequately in stock of all essential medicines. We are currently working to get some anesthetics in, but everything else is okay in relation to most of the medications,” Barry stated.

Administrative Manager Yvonne Bullen shows reporters a list of medications currently in stock at the Georgetown Public Hospital. At left is GPHC Pharmaceutical Department Manager June Barry. Others in photo are Pharmacists Merecia Blenman and Mellisa Ramnarine (Cullen Bess-Nelson)

President David Granger allows the painless removal of the sample for his Ancestry DNA test by Mr. Shawn Manbodh, Quality Manager and Medical Technologist at Eureka Labs. This was done at State House on Monday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

useful for a doctor to know what other ethnicity or race is in that person’s ancestry in order to help with diagnosis.

“Knowing exactly where you came from, to know what kind of disease you have; maybe it might be some kind of unknown disease, but when you trace back your roots, you will be able to trace it and know exactly where it came from,” Mr. Manbodh said.

This test also allows not only for people to understand what percentage of a

race or ethnicity they might have, but where their ancestors would have originated from. Results of this test and usually ready within 30 days.

The sample is removed by swabbing the inner cheeks of the client. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

GAWU, NAACIE supported estates merger - GuySuCo

By Svetlana Marshall AMIDST growing criticisms of the merger of the LBI and Enmore estates, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has fired back at the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National

Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), saying that the unions in 2011 had agreed to the integration of the East Demerara Estates.

During a meeting with GuySuCo on April 12, the unions were informed of the corporation’s decision to have

-- says unions speaking from both sides of their mouths

the operations of the field workshop, mill dock, field lab, stores, and administrative offices that are based at La Bon Intention (LBI) Estate merged with similar operations at Enmore Estate during this year.

“Reducing cost and improving cost effectiveness appeared not to have entered the equation,” he posited, noting that there are now two of everything – two mill dock operations, two field operations and two field laboratories. Additionally, there is a managerial team based at LBI and another at Enmore – a situation Hanoman considers to be totally unacceptable, and reducing the effectiveness of the management process.

GuySuCo CEO, Errol Hanoman

In issuing its objection, the unions alleged that the closure of the LBI operations would result in over 800 workers being deployed to the Enmore Estate – a cause for concern since they may not be permanently employed, as is the case at LBI. GuySuCo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Errol Hanoman, Finance Director Paul Bhim and the Chief Factory Manager Deodat Sukhu appeared on the National Communications Network (NCN) over the weekend to set the record straight.

In expressing the corporation’s disappointment at the position taken by GAWU and NAACIE, Hanoman said the unions had played a critical role in the decision-making process, back in 2011, which led to the closure of the LBI factory.

However, he said, the integration of the two estates was done in a “haphazard manner”, and as such was not properly implemented.

“We wish to emphasise that GAWU and NAACIE were fully involved in these activities, and must have been aware that the process will have to be completed; so why the objection now? The unions should have clamoured for the integration to be completed properly since 2011, as this would have reduced cost and improved the chances of securing employment,” Hanoman said. “So, apart from closing the LBI factory, nothing else was done.”

The CEO said that to make matters worse, the Enmore factory manning levels were inflated to accommodate the LBI factory workers, resulting in the operations of the Enmore Estate becoming even more uneconomical.

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NOT TRUE Alluding to concerns raised over the transfer of workers from LBI to Enmore Estate, Hanoman contended that GAWU and NAACIE have misled the nation into believing

commenced in 2011, to be completed.

The Chief Factory Manager said he was a part of the negotiating teams, which included GuySuCo Head Office, the management of the East Demerara Estates, GAWU and NAACIE. He also noted that even workers were consulted during a period of one week.

“It was frankly a meeting that had to do with the integration of the factory, and subsequently the integration of the operation, because one still recognises that a mill dock operation is regulated with the factory; and having had the closure of the LBI factory, the mill dock operation that is attached to the LBI factory will have to be

Workers departing the LBI Estate, East Coast Demerara after a day’s work that more than 800 workers would be displaced.

It was explained that the majority of the 800 workers already work at both the LBI and Enmore Estates.

“They’re doing crop…and harvesting, and this would not change. Everyone must appreciate that is one estate, and has been since the close of the LBI factory in 2011.”

Hanoman said it is important to note that there is still a human resource deficit, and he pointed out that the average attendance in the second crop of 2015 was 63 per cent. However, this fell to 49 per cent by the first crop of 2016.

“So one may argue that the East Demerara Estates (EDE) are still very short of labour.

So what are the unions talking about?”

Nevertheless, he made it clear that it is the corporation’s vision to transform the East Demerara Estates into a viable unit, but emphasised the need for the process, which

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merged with the operations that (are) attached to the Enmore factory. A fact that the union accepted,” Sukhu explained.

The Financial Director said the unions not only agreed to the merger, but understood at that time that the LBI Estate was operating at a financial loss because it was “woefully underutilised”.

“The turnout of harvesters at LBI was so poor that the factory was crushing canes every two days,” Bhim pointed out.

It was explained that the corporation had designated 130 hours per week for grinding, but was able to achieve only 80 hours.

“Now, if you’re going to be crushing cane for literally half the time you’re supposed to be, you are going to be incurring cost at the same time,” he said, adding that a decision was taken to close the LBI factory down and transport the cane to the Enmore Factory, which was underutilised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

It can’t be gold and diamond alone

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-- Trotman says greater emphasis needed on neglected development minerals

By Ariana Gordon MORE emphasis needs to be placed on neglected development minerals, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Raphael Trotman said Monday.

Trotman was at the time speaking to more than 40 participants of the first regional training workshop on environment, community, health and safety in development minerals at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

He told the gathering of public and private sector representatives, non-governmental organisations and miners from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic that Guyana, like other Caribbean territories, has paid too much attention to gold, diamond and bauxite and “has neglected other valuable resources that are waiting to be explored and exploited”.

“Little or no attention is being paid to the source of salt that flavour our food. We ask what about the limestone that sets our concrete walls, the aggregate and the sand that pave our roads, the pigments that colour our paints, or the coloured stones that give beauty and glamour to jewellery and accessories,” Minister Trotman said.

He noted that in the context of globally declining mineral prices, one positive side effect has been the shift in the spotlight towards the group of lesser known, neglected development minerals, which are intrinsic to everyday life.

“We believe that construction materials, dimen-

sion stones, industrial minerals and semi-precious stones are the hidden bedrock of our societies and the people that mine them in many parts of the world are humble small scale miners.”

Trotman thanked the European Union (EU) for their contribution of over euros 13 million to aid in the development of the sector.

The minister noted that the mining sector contributes significantly to poverty reduction and local development, and in Guyana’s case; the economy is projected to grow by 4.1 per cent this year. He said the growth is being projected on the basis of a construction boom and mining activities.

Government, the minister added continues to promote the business potential of the country’s significant deposits by engaging manufacturers.

He disclosed that there is an estimated 15 million tonnes of jasper located within a 10-mile radius of Orinduik, Potaro, Region 8.

Additionally, he noted that the region is rich in semi-precious stones and other neglected minerals.

UNDER EXPLOITED Further, Minister Trotman noted that the regulations, policies and institutional capacities governing the sector require much strengthening.

“Collectively, these factors serve to hinder productivity and growth in the sector and I am happy we are addressing them frontally now.”

The minister applauded the support from the African Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP), the EU and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), stressing that development of

neglected minerals can assist in poverty reduction and aid in creating employment for many.

Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development, Caricom, Dr Douglas Slater in brief remarks told participants that the Caricom Secretariat, through its Secretary General, Irwin La Rocque, believes that initiatives such as the Development Minerals Programme, which are being implemented in partnership with the ACP, UNDP, EU, Caricom and the Government of Guyana “go a long way towards building a country’s capacity, to identify and grow new fostering investments”.

He said such programmes aid in achieving high levels of productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation strengthening and foundation of micro, small and medium enterprises that are equipped with the skills, knowledge and information to effectively exploit this sector.

RISK MANAGEMENT Notwithstanding, he said there is a need to assess the potential risks and challenges associated therein and noted that potential environmental and safety risks must be effectively managed.

The Assistant Secretary General said training will also be key in reducing accidents in the sector. This will also be coupled with active public information and engagements to increase community involvement.

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Dutch overseas territories, Ambassador Jernej Videti said that with the prices for iron ore, copper, nickel, aluminum and

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Raphael Trotman stands with participants of the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme on Monday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara

other metals in a multi-year decline amid weaker demand from both advanced economies and emerging markets, there is a need for more focus to be placed on neglected minerals.

Ambassador Videti noted that with the demonstrated global decline in metal prices that has affected overall growth in the Caribbean,

the lesser known group of minerals – Neglected Development Minerals – are poised to take centre stage in catalysing broad-based and sustainable economic growth in the region.

The EU head said neglected development minerals provide crucial inputs for domestic economic development (infrastructure,

manufacturing, construction and agriculture to name a few) and have the potential to be high value in terms of national development.

“In alignment with the development cooperation framework between the EU and the ACP, the EU and the UNDP have initiated See page 9

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Sunday smash-up

CARNAGE on the roadways continues to be a worrying problem, and Sunday’s deadly three-vehicle smash-up is one more piece of evidence that a tighter system is need to squeeze out reckless drivers.

Given the persons who perished, it also points to the need for greater parental guidance for children.

Reckless use of the roadways is nothing new; so, too, is the phenomenon of persons drinking and driving under the influence; but a teenage girl leaving her home to attend a late night party without the knowledge of her parents is very disturbing, to say the least.

Hansranie’s death has highlighted several weaknesses that exist in a number of families, and these need urgent attention if similar teenage tragedies are to be avoided.

First, it is very important that parents not only believe in their children, but to also know the company they keep and the activities they engage in, both in and out of school.

From media reports, Hansranie, 16 at the time of her death, was still a secondary school student at a public secondary school, but enjoyed an unacceptably close relationship with a 23-year-old male.

Her parents were unaware of the relationship, and, more disturbingly, were unaware that she had left home on the night she died tragically with her 23-year-old friend Rudolph Bess. A young lady still in school, Hansranie should have been busy with her books, preparing for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, not being out late at night partying without the knowledge and authorization of her parents.

From all indications, the problem which confronted young Hansranie appeared to have been a delicate one. As a young girl, presumably under vigilant parenting, she was no doubt driven by emotional impulses to daringly explore the world beyond her home. These situations are bound to occur in the life of any teenager, but they can be effectively addressed if parents are open with their children and encourage them to talk about their relationships.

Had Hansranie been forthright with her parents, it is highly unlikely they would have approved of her relationship with a 23-year-old; although, importantly, it would have given them opportunity to address the matter in a way that would have made her understand that while relationships are important in life, the one she shared with Bess was not best for her at this point in her life.

Frank and open conversations between parents and their children would help parents to solve many of the social problems facing both parents and children; and if done with due care, will avoid either party later shedding tears of regret.

And while proper grooming of children should begin in the home, it should also be supported by the education

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

MARAD urged to resist political pressure Dear Editor I RECENTLY read in the local newspapers the Maritime Administration Department’s (MARAD’s) notice to mariners, informing them of a wreck lying in the vicinity of the mouth of the Demerara River. The notice indicates the position of the wreck in latitude and longitude, bearing and distance from the Georgetown Lighthouse, and advises that it lies along the eastern edge of the Demerara main ship channel in a charted depth of 5.3 metres of water.

The presence of this wreck is also mentioned in Guyana 2016 Tide Tables.

The wreck, a barge named BAR.B, sank approximately two years ago with a load of stone. I vividly remember reading in the daily newspapers at that time that the reason given for the sinking of the barge was rough seas, and I had said aloud to myself: “What stupidity is this?”

Every professional seafarer knows that is utter nonsense, as it is well known that vessels are designed and constructed to withstand rough seas; and once maintained as required, vessels will continue to do so.

In the case of the DAR.B, there were supposed to be transverse and longitudinal water tight bulkheads (walls) under the tonnage deck (the uppermost continuous deck), which were most likely there to subdivide the barge into watertight compartments, but the question is: what condition were they in? If they were in good condition, water entering by whatever means would have remained in one compartment, and this would have allowed the vessel to retain sufficient reserve buoyancy to remain afloat.

The second question is: how did water get into the vessel? Was it through holes in the deck, bottom or sides, or through the manholes? In any case, if it was through the

manholes, it meant that the manhole coamings, covers and screwing down arrangements were defective, and therefore not watertight; or the deck was porous; or both manhole and deck were defective.

I am aware that the Harbour Master has, on more than one occasion, corresponded with the owner of the barge to have the wreck removed, but has received no acknowledgement of his correspondence. One correspondence was copied to the then Minister of Public Works, the Director General, and the Safety Director of the Maritime Administration Department. Due to the period of time the wreck has been lying in that position, there is now a buildup of siltation in the area, which exacerbates an already serious danger to surface navigation. Local and foreign ship masters are now vehemently complaining about this situation, and want this wreck removed.

Farther up the Demerara River, in the harbour of Georgetown, is another wreck, “Miss Allisia”, which according to the Maritime Administration Notice to Mariners No 8 of 2014 lies just west of the ship channel in a depth of 4.9 metres Chart Datum. The position is given in latitude and longitude as well as bearing and distance from the Georgetown Lighthouse. This also constitutes a danger to surface navigation.

The owner of this vessel tried unsuccessfully to remove it. It is therefore recommended that a professional salvaging company be retained to undertake the removal of these wrecks, to clear the harbour of these encumbrances.

There are several other wrecks along the Coast of Guyana and in proximity to the entrances to rivers.

Should this situation continue, Guyana’s ports could very well be deemed dangerous ports of call, thus causing this nation to lose much-needed

system. Here is where the Ministry of Education needs to pay greater attention to the Health and Family Life Education programme that it launched several years ago, but has been implementing at a pedestrian rate in the school system.

The list of problems facing families is long. A teenager getting away from home for some late night fun is one; getting killed with her friend in a road accident is another. If the former had happened because of immature judgement, the latter was a case of pure recklessness. One has to ask when will reckless on the roadways stop; and, more pointedly, why are some people still driving.

revenue.

In order to correct this unwanted state of affairs, strict compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s conventions to which Guyana is a signatory, as well as strict compliance to local regulations, is necessary. Most important is the need for ship owners to dry dock their vessels to keep them “ship shape and Bristol fashion”.

Ve r y f e w G u y a n e s e owned and registered vessels based in Guyana are dry docked as required. It must be understood that the practice of beaching vessels, as most of the local ship owners do, is not dry docking. The regulations are very clear on this matter. Vessels must be dry docked twice in five years, and the period between subsequent surveys must not exceed three years.

Vessels must also undergo annual surveys and special surveys every five years.

Very few Guyanese vessels conform to these mandatory requirements.

Secondly, the qualifications and experience of seafarers must never be compromised, as has become the norm over the years. Again, the STCW Convention to which Guyana is a signatory (Standards of Training Certification and Watch Keeping for Seafarers) has been thrown out of the window. In fact, the situation has gotten so bad that illiterate (I mean illiterate, not functionally illiterate) persons are presenting themselves to be examined for various grades of licences. Even persons who are in receipt of licences are found to be “at sea” when asked simple questions related to the profession.

A lack of understanding of the basic principles of Ship Stability and the loading of cargo has, among other things, contributed to the sinking or capsizing of several vessels. A case in point is MV Allisia, which capsized and sank as soon as it departed Muneshwer’s Wharf

to proceed to sea. Had the captain been conversant with the meta centric system of stability, that incident would have been avoided. The sea could not have been rough in the river to cause the vessel, which was embarking on an international voyage, to capsize and sink.

Recommendations were recently made to the Administration to correct this situation. Included in those recommendations was that persons whose licences have expired after the five-year period had elapsed should not have their licences automatically reissued, but should be re-examined, even if only partially, to ensure that they remain competent and are aware of ever changing rules and requirements.

The Guyana Government must understand that there is no short cut in this profession; anyone who wishes to pursue a career at sea must make up his/her mind to spend the stipulated time at sea, attend a recognised training establishment, serve on board ship is a specific berth for a specific period, and be successful at every grade of examination before being titled a professional mariner.

After competing all of the above, then that person becomes eligible to be trained as a pilot or marine surveyor, and take up senior related managerial positions.

It is also incumbent on the Maritime Administration Department and the Maritime Board of Examiners to, in a respectful but professional manner, resist any political pressure to do anything in contravention of the established and accepted maritime conventions, rules and regulations, which would seek to cause further disrespect to Guyanese seamen and deterioration to Guyana’s Maritime sector.

Regards, CAPTAIN R.E.W. ADAMS

Understandably, it would be a challenging task for the police to know all the reckless drivers in Guyana, but this should not deter them from sifting these disasters waiting to happen.

Regular patrols and the use of speed guns have been helpful in tackling the problem, but it is time that efforts be made to have all drivers of vehicles, who use the public roadways, undergo mandatory re-testing every three years. This would not only instill in them the need to use the roads with care, but would help in identifying and reducing the number of persons who obtain their licences through underhand means.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Harbhajan corrects Jagdeo

Dear Editor,

I RESPOND to a claim

by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo that the Office of the Prime Minister has rented the building in Port Mourant that was once Roopmahal Cin-

ema. That building has upper floors for cinema and other entertainment purposes, with a lower or ground floor that has 15 offices.

The Office of the Prime Minister in Region 6 occupies only one of those

office spaces, and that at concessionary rental. Besides me, I have two persons working in the office; one is a clerk and the other is a cleaner. Both have been employed not on the basis of their origins, but on their competence on

commitment to the welfare of the people.

Mr. Jagdeo must stop bashing the staff of the Office of the Prime Minister, since we have been doing work to bring relief to the farming and

business population, whether in Black Bush P o l d e r, N o s 5 2 t o 7 4 Villages, or Crabwood Creek local government areas, which they highly appreciate.

Yours sincerely,

GOBIN HARBHAJAN

Office of the Prime Minister, Regional Representative, Region #6 & RDC Councillor For WPA Executive Committee

105 Wales workers opted for severance, were not fired - GuySuCo raps GAWU

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on Monday lashed out at the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), contending that the union’s deliberate attempt to misrepresent the facts constitutes a sinister agenda.

GAWU has alleged that 15 workers from the Wales Sugar Estate have been sent to the Uitvlugt Estate, and 105 workers have been fired.

“This release by GAWU is the epitome of GAWU’s mischievousness, and can be construed as being provocative…,” GuySuCo said in a statement on Monday.

The Wales Estate will not be closed, GuySuCo said in its attempt to set the record straight.

The corporation has explained that the estate is currently undergoing a process of transition from being primarily a sugar cane cultivation and sugar production entity to an establishment that will be producing other crops.

The estate was identified as the location for the pilot project for the diversification programme of the corporation.

“The 105 employees that the Union has report-

ed as having been “fired” are employees who were offered employment opportunities at the Uitvlugt Estate, but have opted for severance based on advice allegedly from the Union,” the corporation explained. It added that the option of securing employment at Uitvlugt is still open to those workers, should they decide to remain in the employ of the Corporation. Additionally, during the period of issuing the notification for severance, the Corporation is continuing to counsel those persons and encourage them to accept available positions at Uitvlugt.

“The 67 temporary employees who were mentioned in the press release issued by GAWU were engaged with the Corporation on a crop-by-crop arrangement; hence, at the end of the 2nd crop in December, 2015, the engagement naturally came to an end. Therefore, at the beginning of January, 2016, they were not re-engaged, since there was no work that required their services. These temporary employees were in the Crop Husbandry section.

“However, the temporary employees in Harvesting and other job areas

have been re-engaged until the end of 2016,” GuySuCo further explained.

On January 20, the Corporation met with GAWU and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), and with the relevant workers from February 1 - 3, 2016.

Notably, the unions were also provided with the list of persons who opted for severance, as stipulated by the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA), and a correspondence of notification was sent to GAWU on March 22, 2016 along with the list of employees who opted for redundancy, in accordance with Section 12, Sub-section (2) of TESPA. GuySuCo said the unions were also informed that the employees were individually informed in writing, and these correspondences were copied to the Chief Labour Officer at the Ministry of Social Protection.

“The Corporation is of the view that GAWU is confused as to its role as a workers’ representative body, and that of Guy-

SuCo as the employer.

It is the prerogative of the employer to transfer its workers to locations where skills and expertise are most needed, and as the Corporation deems suitable within reasonable consideration, and as is convenient to the employ-

ees.”

Nevertheless, the corporation is extending a hand of friendship to GAWU. “Come to the table and engage the Corporation with a more rational posture and assist in finding solutions

to the myriad challenges being experienced by the Corporation, since such engagement would be of invaluable benefit to GuySuCo, its employees, the Unions and other stakeholders, particularly at this point”, GuySuCo has said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

GWI solicited donations to drill wells in Region Nine

‒ but CEO says no one was coerced

By Michel Outridge THE COUNTRY’S water utility, GWI, did solicit donations from contractors and others to drill additional wells in the Rupununi, but no one was forced, threatened or coerced into making donations, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Van West-Charles said Monday.

Because of the dry weather, Van West-Charles said more wells were needed in Region Nine, and so to raise funds, he appealed to contractors attached to Guyana

Water Incorporated (GWI) and other businesses, as well as citizens to make donations to the project – if they were in a position to do so.

“We have to drill about 50 wells across that region to respond to the needs of residents and I indicated at that time that donations should be voluntary, and at no time was there anyone being blacklisted (for not donating),” Dr Van West-Charles told reporters at his GWI’s Shelter Belt, Georgetown head office.

He explained that at one meeting, he made it clear that if any of the contractors were

unable to make a donation, then that would not be a problem. He said of the more than 140 contractors, just about 12 were present and they made voluntary donations.

Dr. Van West-Charles told the press conference that on April 15, 2016 there was a claim by the opposition PPP that there were reports that head of agencies were involved in extortion. He denied those reports.

At the press conference he invited some of the contractors, who had their say in the matter. At the same time the Financial Director was

Dr Richard Van West-Charles

asked to prepare cheques of the donations received to be made available.

He said a report in the Guyana Times, which suggests that the contractors were threatened into making donations, was “reckless and untruthful because it smears GWI.” Contractor Macsood Ahmad of Ahmad Contracting Company, based at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, told the press conference that during the coast-wide flood 2005, donations were sought and obtained from him and no fuss was made then.

And so he questioned why his donation to GWI now was

a source of controversy. He said he made the donation out of concern for the residents of Region Nine.

Ahmad was surprised that the majority of contractors were not present for the press briefing.

He said he worked for GWI for 17 years and under the previous administration, he said it was officials of the company who demanded money from him before he could receive contracts.

“I had to pass money before I get work; I have the letters at home to show who I gave money to after demands were made to me then.”

Guyana to host Norwegian team to discuss forest initiatives A TECHNICAL team from Norway is expected to visit Guyana later this month to engage the authorities here on REDD+ opportunities and the Joint Concept Note, a joint initiative which sets the framework on how the two nations can work together to provide the world with a relevant replicable REDD+ model.

According to a release

from the Minister of Natural Resources, the ministry is preparing to host the technical team from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative from April 26 to May 4, 2016.

During the visit, officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Office of Climate Change(OCC),

the Project Management Office (PMO), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and other stakeholders will engage the Norwegians on how to improve capacity in executing the Joint Concept Note and taking advantage of REDD+ opportunities.

According to the release, since assuming office last May, the Government of Guyana has been making steady

progress towards creating a stronger agreement and better outcomes for the country’s green growth.

The Government has since facilitated several meetings and discussions with Norwegian officials. In a recent exchange between Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Norway’s new Minister of Climate and Environment, Vidar Helgesen,

the latter official recognized the efforts being made by the local authorities. Helgesen said, “I would like to congratulate you on your initiative to review and make public all information on logging concessions.”

Helgesen said he was “encouraged to hear that the Guyanese Government officials had announced their intent to review the Amerindian Act in

close consultation with affected stakeholders.”

According to the release, Minister Trotman, who has responsibility for the Guyana/Norway Agreement, is encouraged by the progress to date, and looks forward to the visit, which will continue to advance the partnership in a way that is supportive of Guyana’s “green growth” vision.

Bartica to be declared town on May 7 Bartica will be officially declared a town on May 7, and not on April 23 as was previously announced, Gifford Marshall, the new-

ly elected Mayor, said on Monday.

The announcement was made after a meeting with President David Granger at

‒ Military parade, para-trooping among activities planned the Ministry of the Presidency, where the new date was finalised.

The Head of State is scheduled to attend the signing ceremony of the COP21 Agreement at the United Nations Headquarters in New York this weekend, and would not be able to attend the Bartica event.

This was communicated to Barticians, and according to Marshall, they insisted that the date be changed to

facilitate the President’s schedule.

“With this adjustment, we were able to incorporate some additional activities into the programme, so it will be bigger and better on May 7; and, most importantly, it will be in our jubilee month, so that is something else for us to celebrate,” the Mayor said.

The May 7 ceremony will kick-off with a military parade, followed by a para-trooping display by members of the Guyana Defence Force, and there will be aerial tours of Bartica. The day’s events will culminate with a grand cultural show in the evening at the Bartica Community Centre.

President David Granger and Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, share a light moment at the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Passport added to evidence in trial of West Ruimveldt money changer SEVERAL witnesses testified on Monday in the ongoing trial of Nykoyese Gritten, called Kosi or Elijah, who is on trial for the June, 2014 alleged murder of moneychanger Wendell Liverpool, called Spence, which allegedly took place at 453 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme in Georgetown.

The trial is being held before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury in the High Court.

Police witness Senior Superintendent Mitchell Caesar testified that he assisted in the investigation. He told the court that on January 23, 2015 at about 15:00 hrs, he contacted Detective Kester Cosbert in his office at CID headquarters, Eve Leary, and the accused was brought in and the allegation of murder was put to him.

Caesar said he told Gritten that on June 20, 2014,

Murdered: Wendell Liverpool

he, in counsel of others, robbed and later killed Liverpool, after which he was cautioned.

He stated that Gritten said he was in Suriname at that time, and his passport will prove that; and upon

further questioning after the passport was presented before him, he admitted that he could not lie anymore.

Caesar added that he contacted Sergeant King of Central Passport and Immigration Office, whom he asked to provide the travel history of the accused.

The officer stated that when it was put to Gritten that he was in Guyana at the time of the incident, the accused blurted out: “I cannot lie to you anymore”, after which he was cautioned again, and he said: “The passport already showed you certain things.”

Caesar said he asked the accused if he wanted to make a written statement, and he declined, based on his lawyers’ advice, and said he was “sorry if I would do a thing for him.”

The passport in question was tendered and admitted as evidence in the trial.

It can’t be gold and... the Development Minerals Programme, a three-year, 13.1 million Euro capacity-building programme that aims to build the profile, and improve the management, of neglected development minerals.”

Ambassador Videti said the mining of Neglected Development Minerals has is important for sustainable development and has thus far have received inadequate attention for their potential to impact livelihood.

“Although they are often referred to as Low Value Minerals and Materials, they actually have the potential

to be high value in terms of national development,” the Ambassador stated.

Similarly, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP resident representative to Guyana, Khadija Musa said the mining of Neglected Development Minerals has important implications for sustaining development and referenced Caricom’s Strategic Plan 2015-2019.

“The ACP-EU Development Mining Programme complements UNDP Guyana’s ongoing effort to ensure a resilient, inclusive and improved extractive sector that addresses the whole

From page 5

sphere of the industry from low value to high value minerals as is the case with the ongoing global environment facility,” said Musa.

The UN Resident Coordinator noted that Development Minerals Programme will aid in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and noted the need to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, capacity-building, the creation of decent local jobs for all through the public and private sectors, and the building of resilient infrastructure while fostering innovation.

The workshop ends on April 21.

However, under cross examination by Defence Counsel George Thomas, the policeman was asked whether the passport in favour of Gritten was in his possession when he was arrested, and Caesar said yes, and it was lodged.

A suggestion was put to Caesar that he was a part of a party of ranks that had escorted Gritten to Diamond during the probe, and that Gritten was taken to the Le Repentir Cemetery, where Caesar had fired gunshots in his direction.

Caesar said that, because of his rank, he doesn’t escort

prisoners, and was not there.

The matter continues today.

The state prosecutors are Orinthia Schmidt and Michael Shahoud, while the Defence Counsel is George Thomas.

Gritten, of James Street, Albouystown, is accused of murdering Liverpool at some time between June 20 and 24, 2014, at West Ruimveldt, during the course of a robbery.

Gritten was arrested more than seven months after the death of Liverpool, who was shot outside a night spot after a gang of three

masked men robbed him.

It was reported that the money changer was sitting with one of his brothers when three men on bicycles rode up to the siblings.

There was reportedly a brief exchange of words between Liverpool and the men before he was shot.

After he had collapsed on the roadway, the men reportedly relieved the money-changer of a large gold chain, two gold rings encrusted with small diamonds, and a gold band.

Liverpool was rushed to the GPHC, where he later succumbed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Potent case against ‘Lil Man’‒ Prosecutors Defence calls it case of conviction by omission

THE MURDER trial in which the accused Kevin Rankin, called ‘Lil Man’, is before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and a 12-member jury reached the stage yesterday in the High Court where closing submissions were made by both state and defence.

Ranking is being tried for the alleged murder of his two-year-old niece, alleged-

ly committed on October 21, 2013.

Defence Counsel Sandil Kissoon told the court that the prosecution’s case was unrepresented, since the accused has been charged with one of the most serious offences (murder), and up to closing, no police investigation was done to tell of the findings of the case, or whether the death of Kimani

Phillips was ever treated as murder.

He added that the evidence so far presented by the prosecution was directed to obtain conviction by omission, because the police never visited the crime scene, nor did they interview any witnesses.

He further added that the police did not question neighbours, or take photos of the crime scene or the contents of the house in question, and no inquiry was made of how the child received injuries to the head.

But state prosecutor Narissa Leander, in closing, said the prosecution had

proved that the accused was the person who had inflicted the injuries that caused the death of Kimani Phillips.

She noted that the post-mortem report by Dr. Nehaul Singh had indicated that anal penetration and the multiple injuries to the abdomen happened at the same time.

She contended that the accused had inflicted the injuries with intent to kill the child, and she said the prosecution’s case was potent, overwhelming and compelling.

Leander said the witness Kiana Primo testified that she changed her statement in an effort to protect

Murder accused Kevin Rankin

her favourite cousin, Kevin Rankin, and Leander asked the jury to consider the evidence before them, since they did not have a perfect

case.

The judge’s summing-up will take place today at 11:15 am.

Three months after the incident, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommended that Rankin be charged for murder, and he was re-arrested and arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court.

It was reported that Kimani was the victim of a brutal sexual assault (sodomy) after it was observed that her anus was enlarged and she had an old bite mark on her neck.

However, a post-mortem revealed that the twoyear-old girl died from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple abdominal injuries.

Alleged Electronics City thieves remanded THE duo that allegedly broke into the Electronics City, Stabroek Market outlet last week was remanded to prison on Monday by city Magistrate Alex Moore.

Delmar Booker and Seon Isaacs of South Sophia Squatting Area were not re-

quired to plead to the charge, which read that they, between Wednesday, April 14 and Thursday, April 15, broke into the store and carted off $2,968,000 in electronics, property of Baghmati Harripershad.

Booker was also charged for being in the Stabroek Market during prohibited hours.

He denied the charge.

According to the facts of the case, on April 15 at about 02:30 hrs, the City Constabulary received information about a disturbance within the city market. City officers immediately responded, and discovered that padlocks on the south-western end of the market had been breached.

Delmar Booker

Seon Isaacs

Further checks also revealed that the stall at Electronics City had been broken into.

The ranks initially called

out to the suspect and demanded that he relieve himself of all weapons and exit the stall. However, Booker emerged with a knife and advanced towards the ranks.

Despite warnings, he persisted, and one round was discharged, hitting him in his right leg.

A haversack containing a number of items, which included valuables such as cellphones, cameras and tablets, was removed from the scene.

A number of tools used in the break-in were also found at the site, including crowbars, pliers and scissors.

The wounded bandit was admitted to the hospital, and police were later able to arrest Isaacs in connection with the crime.

Magistrate Moore remanded the duo until April 29. Booker, during the court appearance, begged the magistrate to allow him to seek medical attention while imprisoned, and was granted such.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Rohee disagrees with ministers meeting prisoners

THE DECISION by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, to meet with inmates of the Georgetown Prison following the deadly riot of March 03 was a departure from protocol and should not have happened, former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said on Monday.

Rohee, speaking as General Secretary of the Opposition PPP, said the intervention of the ministers sent the wrong message to the prisoners. He suggested that any intervention should have been done through the Director of Prisons or the Prison Visiting Committee.

A Prison Visiting Committee is appointed by the minister for each prison, and should meet at their respective prison locations once monthly with the Officer-in-charge, to look into the welfare of the prisoners and ensure any grievances are addressed.

“If they (the ministers) want to negotiate, they should do so through the directorate of the prison: speak to the prison officers, get their views, and work through them or through the

Former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee

visiting committee,” Rohee told reporters during a press conference at the PPP’s Freedom House, Georgetown headquarters.

The situation at the country’s main prison has been somewhat uneasy since the March 3 riot which claimed the lives of 17 inmates in the remand section. A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) is currently ongoing into the riot.

Approximately 13 prison wardens of the Camp Street facility have reported sick for seven days, following allegations of uneasiness.

“One has to be careful (that) when you’re the Minister of Home Affairs, that you don’t send the wrong signal

Tuesday, April 19, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday, April 20, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Thursday, April 21, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

to the prisoners. If you only give the prisoners the impression that you are 100% sympathetic to them, you set up an internal mechanism to negotiate with prisoners, then the prison officers are left out of that…when in fact they are the ones that have custodial responsibility of these prisoners by law,” Rohee said. “…why do you think this large amount of prison officers are (sic) reporting sick? Because it appears to them that the administration was more sympathetic to the prisoners,” Rohee further claimed.

Security at the prison has been heightened, and Director Carl Graham is adamant that the prisoners are not in control of the prison.

Prison officers from the Timehri and Lusignan prisons were temporarily transferred to support those at the Camp Street penitentiary, coupled with the support of the Joint Services.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Driver who struck down traffic Bishop Edghill police remanded to prison charged for A 40-YEAR-OLD driver was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan for causing the death of a policeman by dangerous driving.

Ron Cole of 215 Blueberry Hill, Wismar Linden was not allowed to plead to the charge after police prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) being applied, since further advice has to be

sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Particulars of the charge alleged that Cole, on April 11 at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, drove motor pick-up GRR 9355 in a dangerous manner to the public, resulting in the death of Nacosie Kelvin La Fleur.

La Fleur, who was stationed at the Providence Police Station, was struck down while directing traffic at Ec-

dumping derelict vehicle

Dead: Nacosie Kelvin La Fleur

Ron Cole

cles. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where he succumbed two days later.

La Fleur was reportedly positioned near the traffic light at Eccles, and had stopped traffic to allow children to cross the road when he was struck from behind by the pick-up.

In court, the prosecutor strongly opposed bail, and pointed out that the officer had died from a brain haemorrhage, which he received from the accident.

Magistrate McLennan suspended Cole’s driving licence until the completion of his trial. The matter was adjourned to May 6.

PARLIAMENTARIAN Juan Edghill appeared before city Magistrate Alex Moore on Monday, to answer a charge of dumping a derelict vehicle on a parapet.

Bishop Edghill, a former junior Finance Minister, denied that last Sunday at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he blocked the southern parapet of Sugar Cane Street by parking motor vehicle PFF 527 in breach of city government by-laws.

The court heard that the vehicle was in a neglected state, with deflated tyres and overgrown grass surrounding it, after it had been parked there for some time.

A city officer had warned Edghill, and he was given two weeks to remove the vehicle, but he failed to

Bishop Juan Edghill

comply.

Magistrate Moore placed the parliamentarian on self-bail and ordered him to return to court on April 25 for statements.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Tucville fire leaves family of nine homeless

A FAMILY of nine of Tucville, Georgetown was left looking for a place to live after their house was gutted by a fire that struck on Monday evening.

It is unclear what caused the fire, but eyewitnesses said it started in one of the two bedrooms in the house. Nine persons,

including seven children, were left homeless.

The house was said to be occupied by the children of the late Donna Mc Kinnon, whose body was found next to Freedom House, the PPP Headquarters, a few years ago.

No one was reportedly injured, and an elderly man was

among those rescued from the building.

Firefighters were praised by neighbours for containing the fire.

Gov’t denies censorship of state media THE GOVERNMENT on Monday repudiated “in the strongest terms” what it said were irresponsible allegations repeated in the media, alleging censorship in state media.

In a statement, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said such claims “are wholly false and baseless and (are) attempt to damage the image of the Coalition Government, which is trying to repair democratic institutions, including state media, that had been left in a shambolic state under the previous administration.”

According to DPI, the Government has established independent and professional boards for the major

The remains of the house (Travis Chase photo)

state media entities, and has noticed that persons with strong political and social views outside of the state media staff have been enlisted as paid contributors.

“The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana reiterates its commitment to the free media, which provides for national coverage that is not driven by partisan politics. For the first time in many years, state media have been carrying articles and reports critical of the government, while providing extensive positive coverage to the opposition. Allegations of censorship in state media have no basis in reality or fact”, the statement said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Linden baby gets new lease on life - After successful surgery to correct spinal disease

By Shauna Jemmott THE life of four-yearold Stefon Bradford has changed, and his Linden family is thankful to neurosurgeon Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, who spearheaded a successful surgery to correct a congenital spinal disease termed Myelomeningocele.

Medical references have described Myelomeningocele to be a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. It is caused when there is incomplete closure of the spine during the first month of pregnancy, a time during which the two sides of the spine (or backbone) join together to cover the spinal cord, spinal nerves and meninges (the tissues covering the spinal cord).

It is a neural tube defect in which the bones of the spine do not completely form, resulting in an incomplete spinal canal, causing the spinal cord and meninges to protrude (stick out of) from the child’s back. It is a rare disease and may affect one out of every 4000 infants, according to medical journals.

The child’s grandmother, Sandra Seymour, told the Guyana Chronicle that she was thankful to Dr. Dukhi and his team for successfully performing the life-changing surgery, something which her family has been hoping to accomplish for the past four years.

“He’s done a great job so far,” Seymour said as she waited with her grandson, while his mother Tonica DaSilva (who is also her daughter) travelled to Linden to take care of her other two children Monday.

She said the family, after seeking surgical help, was told four years ago that there was no neurosurgeon available here in Guyana and a search began online for a possible neurosurgeon overseas. However, Dr. Dukhi completed his studies and returned, which saved the family from a huge overseas bill.

Dr. Dukhi, a neurosurgeon at Georgetown Hospital for 17 months now, told the press at the Georgetown Hospital that Bradford was born with a neural tube de-

Stefon Bradford before the surgery fect, in which the spinal cord spinal cord, the actual nerve was exposed into the lower there exposed out, and that back, and was pending sur- would have to be taken good gery for four years. care of so it’s not damaged Such surgery overseas during surgery, and for that is “quite expensive as all reason we needed some speneurosurgical procedures are cial instruments to be able to very technical and it’s quite perform such a case here,” expensive to do them in any the doctor explained. other part of the world.

He described it as a “very “As you know the family technical surgery” and exwas waiting here for four plained that while part of the years to have this surgery child’s spinal cord (nerves) done. We captured him in the was exposed, it had to be neurosurgical clinic about six reconstructed or repaired by months ago and we needed “creating a new spinal canal (to fix) some final issues to fit those nerves in and … and some microsurgical then close and reconstruct dissection kits,” the doctor the back”. pointed out.

He said that though he He said the equipment had done similar surgeries was acquired and the surgery before, what was unique completed successfully on about this particular one was April 8. During the five hours that the child had already that it lasted, a team of four matured four years on. It is a doctors – including Drs. Asif surgery that is usually done Subhan, Jarrel Watson, and in the first six months of a Yuli Permansingh – recon- child’s life. structed the child’s spinal Dr. Dukhi explained that cord, closed the defects and a VP shunt had to be placed ensured Braford’s lower back into the child’s head towards looked normal again. his abdomen, preventing the “We were able to recon- accumulation of certain fluid struct the spinal cord, we in the brain, thus protecting it were able to close the defects from injury. and we were able to give him “Most of the times when a normal looking lower back you repair these Myelomenow. ningocele, almost 95 to 97 “When you open that (percent of patients) develop Myelomeningocele - that something called a hydrodefect - you would have the cephalus, which is basically

A relative examines Stefon Bradford after the surgery the accumulation of certain help to release the pressure spinal fluid in the brain, so on the brain, and with that we had to put a system in they live as per normal place where we’re able to most of their lives,” he drain the fluid from the brain explained. into the belly.

When the Guyana “So you have something Chronicle was at the Paedithat is called a VP shunt in atric ward, Stefon Bradford place also, so that would was doing fine. He looked avoid further complicastudious holding a Tablet on tions. The spinal cord is his thigh as he sat on his bed attached to the brain, so with his grandmother by his if you’re going to repair a side. He is expected to be defect at the bottom, it’s discharged today. gonna accumulate the fluids “He is doing fine, he is at the top, so that’s why a actually walking, and we shunt is placed in the brain have no major neurosurgical towards the abdomen, to deficits except that he cannot

control his urine as yet.

Hopefully we are looking for some improvements with that, but that would only be progressive with time,” Dr. Dukhi explained.

The child would need much follow-up care, which according to the doctor would include monitoring of the child for any signs of infection. Neurological deficits in terms of losing function of the lower limbs have not been observed post-surgery.

“He’s actually walking, he’s moving and hopefully that’s just the starting of him being able to control the other neurological deficits (as) he is not able to control his urine.”

With this new accomplishment, the Neurosurgical department of GPHC has come “a long way from when we just started” and though it still lacks some instruments and resources to get certain surgeries done, the doctors are hoping that they would soon be able to acquire some of those instruments to do similar surgeries.

“As long as the resources are there, definitely, we have the human resource capacity. We’re now waiting in terms of having the backup plan, in terms of instruments data and a few other stuff that we’re still working on,” Dr. Dukhi told the Guyana Chronicle.

Dr. Dukhi completed neurosurgical studies at Calixto García University Hospital in Havana, Cuba.

The neurosurgical team at the GPHC which saved 4-year-old Stefan Bradford. From left to right Dr. Asif Subhan, Dr. Yuli Permansingh, Dr. Jarrel Watson and Head of Neurosurgical Department at GPHC Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Irish potato farm under cultivation at Laluni ‒ multi-million-dollar industry in the making

By Narendra Seoraj A LALUNI farmer could reap some 17,000 pounds of Irish potatoes in two months’ time, springing hope that other similar farms could bear produce and help cut the country’s huge food import bill.

Farmer Lloyd Doobay and his son Ravi decided to take the bold step in Irish potato cultivation after receiving training from the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), a Canadian non-profit organization in international development.

Through a programme called the Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL), the organization gave farmers an opportunity to explore potato farming, which could develop into a multi-million-dollar industry here.

Early last month, WUSC Guyana convened a twoday training session on the agronomy of potato. This activity took the form of a farmer field school and an indoor classroom ses-

sion, which was carried out ahead of the “potato pilot” projects.

The programme was held under the stewardship of WUSC’s Regional Senior Agricultural Coordinator Alvin Murray, Agronomist Joanna Robertson, and two Agricultural Extension Facilitators -- Mahendra Singh and Leslie Lewis.

Subsequently, eight farmers from Regions Two, Four and Ten were selected to cultivate potato based on their willingness and ability to establish trial plots on their farms.

“PROPEL is collaborating with research scientists and extension officers from the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI) to support research documentation of the pilot and extension services to the potato farmers,” said Murray during his explanation to potential potato farmers who were involved in a follow-up farmer field school at Laluni.

The PROPEL team made a visit to the Laluni (Linden/ Soesdyke) site where Doo-

bay has his potato farm.

Murray carefully examined the six different varieties of potato which have been planted in the plot of land.

He said potatoes need the correct temperature, moisture and sunlight for them to grow. And so far, given the appearance of the current crop, the necessary conditions were seen to exist, given that the leaves of the plants are green and some plants have already started to bud flowers.

“Once a potato plant sprouts flowers, it means that (potatoes) have started to form at the bottom; and once taken care of within the next eight weeks, you will have fully grown potatoes,” said the Coordinator, as he expressed his excitement at the high success rate of the cultivation of potatoes here.

These crops, he said, have only been planted for four weeks now, and have already grown well; which goes to show that, once properly taken care of and planted in the right areas, Guyana will have another

A farmer examines an Irish potato farm at Laluni (Samuel Maugh photo)

multi-million-dollar agricultural produce.

Doobay and his son were commended for their good work on the plot, because they were among the set of farmers who showed such a high success rate with their lush crop.

The others were unable to make similar progress because of the current weather condition which Guyana is experiencing.

Doobay, however, inno-

vatively drilled a well next to his plot, and is able to access enough water to supply his crops. And as explained

by Murray, based on the crop’s current appearance, the Doobays will be able to harvest approximately 17,000 pounds of potatoes.

Therefore, re-introducing potato cultivation will reduce Guyana’s import bill, given that on a yearly basis Guyana’s potato intake is approximately six million kilogrammes (about 13.2 million pounds).

WUSC is helping smallholder Caribbean farmers facilitate the safe, effective and efficient movement of fresh produce from their farms to high-value markets.

With a particular focus on women and youth, the organization is supporting up to 11,500 small-tomedium-scale producers and up to 45,000 indirect beneficiaries, including processors, related businesses, and family members across eight countries in the Caribbean.

Yarrowkabra man remanded in ganja bust

Agriculturalist Alvin Murray makes a point to farmers at the Laluni Irish potato farm (Samuel Maugh photo)

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday remanded a 27-year-old Yarrowkabra resident who has been busted with 1,000 grammes of cannabis.

Adel Solomon denied that he, on April 14 at Kuru-Kuru, Linden/Soesdyke Highway, had the drug in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecutor did not disclose the facts surrounding the bust, saying that the analyst’s report on the narcotic is incomplete.

Solomon was refused bail, and will make his second court appearance on May 12.

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New waste receptacles on Regent Street

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Ansa McAl rolls out Independence promotions

Stag Brand Ambassador Curtis Armstrong is flanked by Ansa McAl Trade and Marketing Manager Darshanie Yussuf and Brand Coordinator Lindon Henry during the launching of the Independence promotion

The newly installed waste receptacles on Regent Street

IN an effort to maintain a clean and green city, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is in the process of re-installing stronger and more secured waste receptacles along Regent Street, Georgetown.

Head of the Solid Waste Department of the M&CC, Walter Narine, told the Guyana Chronicle that the waste receptacles will replace the plastic ones which were installed last year. He explained that of the 42 plastic bins, only 13 remain, since persons have been stealing them.

The new waste receptacles are said to be sturdier; are secured with concrete bases; and have metal frames, secured by locks, which will house mesh baskets. The M&CC plans to install receptacles from King Street to Charlotte Street, and according to Narine, it is hoped that the business community will sponsor the installation of others in the future.

The M&CC also plans to install waste bins along Waterloo, Camp and Carmichael streets.

ANSA McAL Trading Limited is currently rolling out a promotion, titled STAG ‘50 for 50’, in which it is giving away $50,000 to one person every day until Independence Day. Launching of this promo took place last Wednesday at the 704 Sports Lounge on Lamaha Street, Georgetown, where Brand Coordinator Lindon Henry, Trade Marketing Manager Darshanie Yussuf and Brand Ambassador Curtis “Casual” Armstrong were on hand to brief the media.

According to Yussuf, the initiative is in celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary, and

the promotion will eventually amount to $2.5M in total prizes.

She said the company is on board in the Jubilee celebrations in recognition of loyal Stag customers.

Yussuf explained that customers drinking Stag beer need to reserve five crowns in a sealed envelope with their names, addresses and telephone numbers and drop the envelopes into any of the entry boxes provided at leading supermarkets and bars countrywide.

She noted that, in the next two weeks, Ansa McAl will have a special 50th anniversary branding of Stag beer bottles.

Meanwhile, Brand Coordi-

nator Henry said drawings will take place across the country, but the final drawing will take place at Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Brand Ambassador Curtis Armstrong said the feedback in the streets is good so far.

People are excited to win cash prizes of $50,000 and are in support of the promotion all the way.

He deemed the promotion as easy and quick, and said anyone can benefit. Ariel soap powder is also giving away fifty 50-inch television sets to 50 persons in the Independence celebrations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 19, 2016

West Berbice co-ops to regain dispossessed lands

By Clifford Stanley

THE Mahaica/Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ ADA) will be re-issuing leases to dispossessed land cooperative societies in West Berbice.

The members of the Number 40 and Number 42 villages co-operative societies had their lands taken away by the previous administration “without due process”.

MMA/ADA Chairman Dr Ken Sealey said last week that the authority met, looked into the matter, and a decision was made to re-issue the leases, so that the “traditional owners” can regain their security of tenure.

The Number 40 Rice Farmers Cooperative Society Limited and the Seafield Rice Farmers Cooperative had been legally registered since the early and mid-1970s.

Sealey said this move will bring an end to the sufferings of members of the two co-operative societies, which

they had experienced since June 2014 when the MMA, under the PPP administration, arbitrarily took away their lands.

It was pointed out that the lands in question were subsequently apportioned to people of their choice under leases granted by then President Donald Ramotar.

Members recalled last week that, in June 2014, they were shocked to see a notice in the newspapers stating that the portions of land for each of these societies were being taken away from them by the MMA/ADA to be regularised.

Lloyd Moore, leader of the Seafield Rice Farmers’ Cooperative, registered in 1976, said: “This was very disturbing, since both of these cooperatives were legally registered co-operatives, and there is a procedure for dissolving co-operatives.

Besides, these were ancestral lands occupied and developed by our fore-parents since the abolition of slavery.”

Phillip Hamilton, leader of the Number 40 Rice Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited, registered in 1972, said that shortly after the notice, the MMA/ADA, under the former administration, arbitrarily cancelled the leases of the co-operative, reduced the holdings of some members, completely dispossessed other members, and brought in selected people from other villages onto their West Coast Berbice lands some from as far away as the Essequibo.

This was after the coop had expended in excess of $10 million in clearing bushes and maintaining the secondary dams, supplying PVC tubing for drainage and irrigation, and clearing and empoldering the said land over the years of occupation.

Leaders of the two co-operatives have since been fighting a legal battle to regain the lands; and in October of last year, the MMA/ADA rescinded the leases of 2014.

However, farmers Phillip Johnson, Rupert Blackman

and Rawle Miller subsequently filed legal action against the MMA/ADA, challenging the cancellation of their 2014 State Land Leases. The farmers claimed, inter alia, that the leases were granted by former President Donald Ramotar, and only he, as Head

of State, has the right to make such a cancellation.

After months of hearing the case in court, former Chief Justice Ian Chang, in February 2016, ruled in favour of these three farmers.

However, on March 18th last, President Grang-

er, in keeping with his authority as President, cancelled all leases related to these lands, and the MMA/ ADA is now taking steps to return them to the dispossessed members of the two co-operative societies, Sealey confirmed last week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 19, 2016

GWRKA to honour chief Instructor Sensei Winston Dunbar

THE Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association (GWRKA) has planned a series of activities to honour its chief instructor Sensei Winston Dunbar who celebrates 50 years as a martial arts practitioner and the celebrations will coincide with Guyana’s 50th Indepen-

dence Anniversary.

The programme will kick off with a Fitness Walk this Sunday from the National Cultural Centre to Banks DIH Sports Club at Thirst Park starting at 07:00hrs.

Members of the (GWRKA) and well-wishers will participate in the event, sponsored by Banks DIH Limited.

The next event will be a National Youth championships billed for May 8 at the Banks DIH Sports Club starting at 10:00hrs.

The championships will be open to students six years to 15 years old from karate clubs at Mae’s School, Banks DIH and Farm, East Bank Essequibo. There will also be a fund raising barbecue to be hosted by the Association.

Sensei Dunbar, a 7th Degree black belt (Shian) started practising martial arts in March 1966 at Lithographic Karate Club and later became one of

the founders of the Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association and the Guyana Karate Federation along with Frank Woon-a-Tai, Alex Waithe and Steve Moonasingh.

He attended the World championships in Los Angeles, USA in 1975 and among his many achievements was a 2007 International Olympic Committee (IOC) award in recognition of his contribution to the development of karate in Guyana. He was also awarded the status of Technical Adviser for Wado Ryu for the Caribbean and Guyana by Grand Master Hironori Otsuka.

Sensei Dunbar has expressed gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for supporting the work of the (GWRKA).

Sessions are held weekly at Mae’s School in Subryanville, Banks Sports Club and Farm, East Bank Essequibo.

Pele, Alpha secure wins but Slingerz still ...

From backpage Beckles in the 53rd and 38th minutes respectively.

Monedderlust’s lone goal came by way of an own goal through a defensive blunder

by Pele’s defence.

In the feature match, Alpha `The Hammer’ United thrashed Georgetown Football Club (GFC) 5-1 as Delon Lanferman netted a treble in the 2nd, 48th and 90th plus 3) minutes and a double from Anthony `Awo’ Abrams in the 6th and 20th minutes.

During the game, Chimda Ndagwakwa, Alwayne Francis and Cortez Kellman, all of GFC, were issued yellow cards in the 29th, 31st and 84th minutes respectively, while Alpha United’s Daniel Wilson and Philbert Moffatt received similar cards in the 25th and 88th minutes respectively.

The win for Pele earned them three valuable points to take them to fifth in the points standings with 10 points from nine matches. They won three of their matches and drew one while losing five and with nine goals for and 13 against, they have a goal difference of

minus four.

Monedderlust, on the other hand, remain on six points from nine matches.

They won one, lost five and drew three. They have so far scored six goals but conceded 20 and have a minus 14 goal difference.

Alpha United have moved to third in the point standings with 17 points after nine matches. They won five lost two and drew two and have so far scored 23 goals and conceded eight for a plus 15 goal difference.

GFC for their part remain on one point after completing nine games. They lost eight and drew one and have so far scored six goals but conceded 27 for a minus 21 goal difference.

Slingerz lead the points table with 27 points from nine victories. They have so far scored 24 goals and conceded four.

The tournament will continue tomorrow at the same venue with another double-header in which Pele will tackle Buxton United in the feature game from 20:30hrs and Alpha United face Monedderlust in the opening game from 18:30hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 19, 2016

Everest receives timely donations THE Everest Cricket Club (ECC) recently received two 42-inch television sets to add to the comfort of club members and visitors alike.

E-Networks, the nation’s Cable TV Internet VOIP and 4G Broadband Service provider and Electronics City, the sole distributor of RCA products in Guyana, immediately agreed to the donation when approached by president of Everest Cricket Club, Rajesh Singh.

The television sets will be mounted in the club’s pavilion for entertainment purposes.

At the presentation in the club’s boardroom last Wednesday, Singh offered hearty appreciation to both companies and assured that the club will

President of ECC Rajesh Singh thanks Akeem Jeffers, manager of Electronics City in the presence of other club members.

make full use of their kind gestures.

The club’s pavilion was a viewing hub for the recently concluded ICC World T20 tournament which ended in India with West Indies Women and Men lifting the titles and at the finals there was an overflow of spectators flocking the lone television screen.

Singh said, “This will ease the over-crowding and will make everybody comfortable.” The recently elected president took the opportunity to invite visitors to watch the ongoing Indian Premier League at the historic and scenic club.

Singh said, “The club is open to similar gestures from the private sector and friends as we seek to keep upgrading

every day.

Akeem Jeffers, manager of Electronics City said his company is overjoyed to be part of such upgrade that will make so many people happy.

Meanwhile, the club has planned a major fundraising activity on May 1 where there will be a four-team softball cricket competition, a dominoes competition and a feature hardball grudge match to assist the club in sending the Masters team on their annual trip.

This year the team is expected to go to Jamaica to play a series of matches across the island. In addition to sporting activities there will be the club’s signature fish fry and karaoke to cater to a wider cross section of supporters.

Ethiopians sweep Boston Marathon (REUTERS) - Ethiopian runners who are vying for a place in the summer Olympics dominated the Boston Marathon yesterday, taking the top three spots in the men’s division and the top two among the women.

Lemi Berhanu Hayle won for the men in a dramatic late surge against defending champ and fellow Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa, covering the notoriously hilly course in two hours 12 minutes 45 seconds, as thousands of spectators cheered him.

On the women’s side, Ethiopian Atsede Baysa won in 2:29:19, overcoming a

37-second deficit in the last five miles (8 km) of the race against training mate Tirfi Tsegaye.

It was the 120th running of the world’s oldest continually run annual marathon, and the third since a pair of ethnic Chechen brothers killed three people and injured more than 260 with a bomb attack at the finish line.

Most top U.S. marathoners sat out Boston to train for the Rio Games in August.

But Ethiopia and Kenya whose runners dominated the lead packs - have yet to pick their teams for the Olympics

Cook complies with new helmet rules and lasts only five balls

ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook complied with new helmet regulations in Essex’s match against Sussex, but lasted only five balls as he was dismissed for one.

Cook, 31, was spoken to by the England and Wales Cricket Board after he wore a helmet that contravened new rules in last week’s win over Gloucestershire.

His helmet in that match, in which Cook made 105, had an adjustable grille and a large gap between peak and grille.

But, after making the switch, Cook was caught in the slips off Steve Magoffin.

The Essex opener has been made available for the county’s first four Championship matches before he is due to captain England in the first Test of the summer, against Sri Lanka at Headingley on May 19.

The new helmet regulations were brought in following facial injuries to both Stuart Broad and Craig Kieswetter. (BBC Sport)

and will consider the Boston results.

The 21-year-old Hayle won the race by pairing off with Desisa to break from the mainly East African pack late in the course. He then drafted off his countryman before surging past him in the final two miles.

Hayle’s finish time was slower than the personal best of 2:04:33 he posted in Dubai earlier this year. The Boston marathon record of 2:03:02

was achieved by Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai in 2011.

Among the women, Baysa, 29, is among the world’s most prolific marathoners and has posted top four finishes in five world marathon majors, including wins in Paris and Chicago.

Kenyan Caroline Rotich, who was defending her 2015 win in Boston and was widely seen as a favourite in yesterday’s women’s

Atsede Baysa of Ethiopia crosses the finish line to win the women’s division of the 120th running of the Boston Marathon in Boston, in Massachusetts.. (Reuters/Brian Snyder)

race, dropped out early after appearing to hobble around mile four.

In total, about 30 000 people attempted the world-renowned course, which brings out crowds of spectators holding signs, cheering, drinking beer and barbecuing.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to run Boston,” said David Harris, 42, of Atlanta, who qualified for the race.

Harris said the 2013

bombings motivated him.

“That whole thing made me want to do this race even more,” Harris said, echoing the feeling voiced by many other runners. “As tragic as these things are, it makes us want to come together and show what we can do.”

American Meb Keflezighi won Boston in 2014 on the anniversary of the bombings.

The male and female winners this year will receive $150 000.

Lemi Berhanu Hayle of Ethiopia crosses the finish line to win the men’s division of the 120th running of the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts.. (Reuters/Brian Snyder)

50th Independence Anniversary horserace meeting …

Provisional programme released

DUBBED the 50th Independence Anniversary Horserace Meet, organisers have released the provisional programme.

The one-day meet is planned for May 22 at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

Information reaching Chronicle Sport indicated that eight races are carded for the day with close to $10.5M up for grabs.

All the top horses in the country are expected to be a part of the day’s activity, which forms part of Guyana’s Jubilee celebrations.

The day’s programme will be highlighted by the feature A and Lower race, which will carry a winning purse of $1.5M, with a total package of close to $2.8M. The race will be run over 1800 metres.

The other events listed are D3 Maiden and E and Lower, F and Lower, Three-year-olds event for West Indies-bred and G3 and Lower, H3 Maiden and I and Lower, Threeyear-old Guyana-bred horses, J and Lower and the final event is for horses classified K and L and Lower.

The top Jockey, along with the runner-up, the top stable and champion trainer, will all be presented with

trophies and other incentives, compliments of the Trophy Stall and the organisers.

The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

Interested persons can make contact with Bobby Vaughn 624-6788, 2235097, 227-7061, 333-0290, 333-0301, Fazal 657-7010, Chattergoon Ramnauth 337-5311 or Compton Sancho on 690-0569.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 19, 2016

Magnificent Warner gets Sunrisers up and running OPENER David Warner was at his brilliant best as he smashed an unbeaten 90 to get Sunrisers Hyderabad up and running in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Warner played a captain’s innings to inspire Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first IPL victory of the season at the expense of champions Mumbai Indians yesterday.

The Sunrisers lost their first two IPL matches to sit bottom of the table, but the Australia opening batsman Warner slammed (90 not out from 59 balls) made his second half-century of the tournament to seal a seven-wicket victory in Hyderabad.

Ambati Rayudu scored 54 from 49 deliveries in his 100th IPL match and Krunal Pandya smashed a rapid unbeaten 49, but Barinder Sran (3-28) was the pick of the bowlers as Mumbai were restricted to 142-6.

Warner led by example to get the Sunrisers up and running, clubbing four sixes and hitting seven fours in a brilliant innings to consign the Indians to a third defeat from four despite the best efforts of Tim Southee (324).

David Warner’s unbeaten 59-ball 90 was his second half-century in three matches.

Martin Guptill (2) had Sran claimed the scalps an IPL debut to forget for of Rayudu and Buttler and the Indians as he edged it was his captain who then Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1- put on a show, pacing his 17) behind in the first over innings with perfection as and the Indians were re- he found the boundary with duced to 43-3 in the eighth ease and ran well between when skipper Rohit Shar- the wickets. ma was run-out for five.

Southee sent Shikhar Jos Buttler (11) also fell Dhawan (2), Moises Hencheaply, but Rayudu was in riques (20) and Eoin Morgood touch on his landmark gan (11) on their way, but appearance as he cleared there was no dislodging the ropes twice and kept the Warner and he sealed vicscoreboard ticking before tory by hitting Mitchell Pandya took only 28 balls McClenaghan for two sixes to end up just one short of a in the 18th over. (Sportshalf-century. max.com)

Tottenham run riot at Stoke to cut Leicester’s lead (REUTERS) -` TOTTENHAM Hotspur took a large bite out of Leicester City’s Premier League lead with two goals apiece from Harry Kane and Dele Alli earning them a 4-0 victory at Stoke City yesterday.

The visitors produced a scintillating display of attacking football to take full advantage of Leicester’s 2-2 home draw with We s t H a m U n i t e d o n Sunday and close the gap to five points with four matches remaining.

Leicester remain favourites with 73 points but Tottenham’s fourth victory in five games, achieved with a real flourish, means the title race is back on the boil.

“We are ready to put the pressure on Leicester. We think we can do it. Leicester are five points ahead but we have closed the gap, that’s

all we could do,” Kane, who moved two goals clear of Leicester’s Jamie Vardy at the top of the scoring charts with 24 goals, said.

“We scored four but could have had six or seven. It is one of our best performances all season. I was itching to play. I had to wait a whole day and a half.”

England striker Kane gave Tottenham the perfect start after nine minutes, curling a textbook shot past keeper Shay Given after being played in by Moussa Dembele.

Stoke briefly threatened a response and Hugo Lloris made a fine save from Marko Arnautovic but Tottenham should have gone further ahead when Alli played in Christian Eriksen but the Dane curled a shot against the crossbar with the goal gaping.

More chances went a-begging early in the second half for Tottenham early in the second half but they doubled their lead after 67 minutes when Eriksen’s pass sent Alli clear and he calmly chipped Given.

Incredibly Alli struck the post after rounding Given shortly afterwards, a comical miss that had Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino beating the turf in frustration, but it did not prove costly as Kane calmly converted Erik Lamela’s pull back after another rapid Spurs attack.

Tottenham were running riot and completed the rout after 82 minutes with Eriksen again the provider, clipping a clever pass to the outstanding Alli who swept home a volley to condemn Stoke to their joint worst home defeat in the Premier League.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 19, 2016

OSCL T-10 tournament

Dant, Caribbean Sensation clash to highlight first round

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – A mouthwatering contest is anticipated when two of the top teams in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) clash on the opening day of the 2016 season, set to get underway next month.

Defending T-10 champions Caribbean Sensation and Dant, two of the fiercest rivals in the league, will battle for a second round place in the knockout competition which will see a return of the Supreme ball after last year’s introduction of the white ball.

Based on the formula used at the drawing, which was done at the OSCL recent meeting, none of the teams was seeded, hence all the teams in both the A and B divisions were bunched together before the draw took place.

Both Caribbean Sensation and Dant enjoyed relative successes last season with the former breaking a five-year jinx by emerging winners of the T-10 tournament, which incidentally is being sponsored by club’s long-standing president Harri Sukhu.

Dant, who had previously dominated their debut season in 2014 by copping all three major competitions (10-, 15- and 20-over), however bounced back to turn back the efforts of their counterparts in the Grand Finale on a cold and wintry October Saturday at the Ashtonbee ground, Scarborough, after a relatively disappointing. Dant also had the distinct honour of reaching the Ontario Masters Cricket

Two of Dant’s top players, Hemnarine Chattergoon and Damodar Daesrath Clubs (OMSCC) Torono Cup 1 final last October then bowing out to New York Enforcers in the process.

The battle lines are therefore drawn for an intriguing first-round encounter with softball fans eagerly looking forward to its staging.

The predominant Berbician side Dant will once again be led by Loaknauth Ramsuchit, who took over the mantle last season and despite expressing some reservations about his charges’ performance last year, is confident they will be a dominant force once again this season.

Ramsuchit apart, the batting hinges around former Guyana national captain Damodar Daesrath, former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 player Hemnarine Chattergoon,

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday April 19, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Lendl Simmons (MI) (2) R P Singh (RPS) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was declared ‘Player of the Tournament’ in t he first IPL? (2) Who was declared ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the last IPL? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Yadram ‘Lara’ Bogh, Farook Hussain, Muniran Karran, Shawn Deonandan and Reyaz Kadir. Karran is reportedly returning after missing last season.

Seasoned campaigner Satrohan “Blade’ ‘Balkarran will once again spearhead the bowling attack which features the likes of Bolanauth Sukhu, Kadir and Deonandan among others.

While not possessing the “big name”, Caribbean Sensation have been a constant feature among the big guns

over the years, reaching five consecutive finals in the East Division and failing to win any. However, they broke that jinx last year by emerging victorious in the 10/10 final thumping Masters by 21 runs.

Skipper Navin Singh is extremely confident Caribbean Sensation will not only be a force to be reckoned with again but they are also capable of winning championships.

A fine all-rounder in his own right, Singh will once again bank on batting support from Anil Samuel, Zaheer Allard and the experienced Richard Driffield while all-rounders Anand Balwant, Shane Murli and the wily Zakir Khan will also be called upon to play major roles.

The remaining fixtures are: Cougars vs Rems; Restoration Warriors vs CI; GT Bannas vs Bacchus Cricket Club; GTA Storm vs Robbies; Sunshine vs East Coast; Lions vs Enmore; Better Hope vs Wakenaam; Carrtec vs Ramblers and Rebels vs Enterprise.

Scarborough Angels have opted not to participate in the T-10 tournament hence their players have been given the option to play for other teams in this version once they are registered.

Bairstow hits career-best 246

ENGLAND batsman Jonny Bairstow hit a career-best 246 as Division One champions Yorkshire dominated day two against Hampshire at Headingley.

Bairstow and Liam Plunkett, who made his first century for Yorkshire, put on 227 runs for the seventh wicket.

Tom Alsop eventually had Bairstow caught at longon, while Plunkett made 126 before being bowled by Will Smith as Yorkshire declared on 593-9.

An unbeaten 76 from James Vince helped the visitors reach 141-5 in reply.

Hampshire used nine bowlers in total, with only opener Michael Carberry and wicketkeeper Adam Wheater not being thrown the ball, as the hosts scored freely during the first two sessions.

Despite four of the hosts’ top six making just 20 runs between them, Yorkshire reached their highest total against Hampshire.

The away side’s response got off to the worst possible start as opener Alsop was trapped lbw by Ryan Sidebottom before Plunkett had Carberry caught as slip by Alex Lees.

Vince’s faultless innings, which included 11 fours, was in complete contrast to that of his batting partners, with Hampshire losing wickets at regular intervals and leaving them requiring another 302 runs to avoid the follow-on with only five first-innings wickets remaining.

(BBC Sport)

Jonny Bairstow

NOTABLE DATES

EGERTON Marcus, born in Guyana and raised in Canada, made a successful defence of the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight title on April 19, 1994.

The bout was the main supporting fight on a card promoted

by Kathy Duva and Main Events and held at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Marcus won by unanimous decision and improved his record to 13-0. It was the third defence of the title the Guyanese won after he defeated Art Bayless in 1992. Three years after he met Marcus the American Butler won the low-rated World Boxing Federation (WBF) super middleweight title.

Born in Goed Fortuin on February 2, 1965, Marcus was the third of five children and moved to Canada in 1973. He was raised in Toronto and won a silver medal in the middleweight division at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.

Marcus joined the professional ranks in 1989 and rattled off 14 consecutive victories before suffering his first defeat. He was the holder of the NABF light heavyweight belt when he challenged German Henry Maske for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight title in February 1995.

The German, who denied Marcus a gold medal in Seoul, again prevailed by a unanimous decision. Marcus, the cousin of Guyana’s first world champion the late Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis, would soon after move up to cruiserweight where he stayed briefly before settling in the heavyweight category.

His challenge for the Canadian heavyweight title in October 2001, was cut short by Donovan `Razor’ Ruddock who won by TKO in the 10th round.

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:15 hrs Winning Sister 08:50 hrs Featherflight 09:25 hrs Elusive Spirit 10:05 hrs Last Battle 10:40 hrs Captain’s Song 11:15 hrs Lemonade River English Racing Tips Kempton 09:00 hrs Artifice Sivola 09:30 hrs Swansea Mile 10:00 hrs Doitforthevillage 10:30 hrs Surtee Du Berlais 11:00 hrs Present View 11:30 hrs Montbazon 12:00 hrs Twirling Magnet Ludlow 09:10 hrs Ozzie The Oscar 09:40 hrs Le Bacardy 10:10 hrs Express Du Berlais 10:40 hrs Towering 11:10 hrs Bobble Emerald

11:40 hrs The Big Dipper 12:10 hrs Tugboat 12:45 hrs Whoshotwho Wolverhampton 09:20 hrs Singular Quest 09:50 hrs Granita 10:20 hrs Heart Locket 10:50 hrs Introductory 11:20 hrs Fearbuster 11:55 hrs Inexes 12:25 hrs Pipers Piping American Racing Tips Parx Racing Race 1 Mirkamurka Race 2 Clearlyagoodstart Race 3 He’s a Slam Dunk Race 4 Dolled Up Race 5 Non Stop Race 6 Peacock Strut Race 7 Big Town Race 8 Red Razzo Race 9 Water Tower

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 19, 2016

Demerara openers England propose points make strong system for Sri Lanka Test series

By Amlan Chakraborty

NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) England have attempted a minor shake-up of the largely conventional world of Test cricket by offering to use a points-based system to determine the winner of their home series against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) secretary Mohan de Silva confirmed receiving the proposals covering the three Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 International set to be played between the teams May 19 to July 5.

“We have received the proposals but we haven’t decided yet,” de Silva told Reuters by telephone.

“We’ll discuss it in our next board meeting and announce our decision in a week or two,” said the official, declining to elabo-

in 2013, awarding six points for every Test victory, while two points were on offer for a one-day or Twenty20 International victory.

For the women’s Ashes

last year, ECB and Cricket Australia (CA) decided Test wins were worth four points, while a draw earned the teams two each.

The points-based system is aimed at injecting more excitement into the tour and add context to matches that otherwise maybe of merely academic interests.

The ECB, according to British media, might consider employing it for the subsequent home series against Pakistan and the pointsbased system has also piqued interest in Australia.

“We’ve noted the trial and we will see how it plays out before considering any changes to our current system, whether it be at home or in away series,” CA’s team performance manager Pat Howard was quoted as saying by www. espncricinfo.com.

Tennis player Novak Djokovic of Serbia kisses his Laureus World Sportsman-ofthe-Year award during the Laureus World Sports Awards 2016 in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. (Reuters/Hannibal Hanschke)

Both athletes picked up the top prize for the third time, with Williams having previously won it in 2003 and 2010 while Djokovic was also victorious in 2012 and 2015.

Golfer Jordan Spieth won the Breakthrough-ofthe-Year award after capturing his first two majors at the 2015 U.S. Masters and U.S. Open, while New Zealand’s All Blacks won Team-of-the-Year award following their World Cup victory.

There was some joy for the host nation as well with triathlete Jan Frodeno grabbing the Action Sportsperson-of-the-Year prize.

Dutch footballer and coach Johan Cruyff, who died of cancer in March, was posthumously awarded the Spirit of Sport award. His son Jordi received the award.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) secretary Mohan de Silva rate, saying he had not gone through the details yet.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced the points-based scoring for the women’s Ashes

Djokovic, Serena win top Laureus awards for dominating tennis in 2015

(REUTERS) - World number ones Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams completed a clean sweep for tennis as they won the Laureus Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards yesterday.

In a glitzy ceremony in the German capital, hosted

by U.S. actor Bill Murray, Serbia’s Djokovic beat Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi, sprinter Usain Bolt and Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton among others for the top men’s award at the annual ceremony.

Djokovic and American Williams, who fought off competition from footballer Carli Lloyd and Jamaican sprinter ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce among others, were rewarded for dominating their sport last year, with each winning three of the four grand slams.

reply to Berbice first-innings 198

… Play in the other second-round game abandoned DEMERARA openers Ronaldo Renee and Raymond Perez wasted no time building a strong reply to Berbice first-innings 198 on a rain-hit second day of their second-round Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)-sponsored Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company Under-19 three-day cricket tournament yesterday, at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) ground.

After two sessions were completely washed out by rain and a damp outfield, Demerara reached 170 without loss, after only 41 overs were available in the day’s play.

Renee was unbeaten on 89, while Perez was has 64 not out.. Resuming on 38-0, neither batsman was unduly troubled by Berbice bowling on a slow pitch.

Both batsmen played with much comfort and in the process carried Demerara within sight of first-innings points.

Renee has so far hit eleven boundaries, while Perez, who is much more relaxed, has four boundaries to his credit.

Meanwhile, no play was possible in the other game between Essequibo and the Select Under-17 team at DCC. Essequibo, replying to the Select Under-17 team’s first innings total of 244, were 72 without loss.

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

Demerara openers Ronaldo Renee (right) and Raymond Perez leave the field at the end of the day’s play against Berbice.

Pele, Alpha secure wins but Slingerz still head points table PELE and Alpha United football clubs secured wins on Sunday evening when the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) STAG Elite Finale continued at the Georgetown Football Club ground.

However, the two club’s victories have not made a difference to the Slingerz Club who have so far played unbeaten after nine matches.

In the opening encounter on Sunday evening, Pele notched up a 4-1 win against Berbice club Monedderlust through a double off the boot of Guyana Golden Jaguars’ Gregory Richardson in the 40th and 64th minutes and one each from Konata Manning, another Guyana Golden Jaguar, and Colric See page 23...

Alpha United goalscorers Delon Lanferman and Anthony `Awo’ Abrams pose for a photo after their team’s 5-0 win against GFC on Saturday at the GFC ground.

GWRKA to honour chief Instructor Sensei Winston Dunbar Alpha United goalscorers strike a pose after their 5-0 win against GFC. From left are Colric Beckles, Gregory `Jackie Chan’ Richardson and Konata Manning.

See Story on page 23

GFF, Curacao and USVI agree on date changes for Caribbean Cup

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in collaboration with the Curacao Football Federation and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Football Association have come to an agreement as it relates to their

respective fixtures of the second round of the Scotia Bank Men’s Caribbean Cup Championship.

According to a release, this decision was made due to the unavailability of an appropriate venue in Guyana to host

the matches and was agreed to by the two other Regional Associations and the Caribbean Football Union.

The release stated that the Providence National Stadium, the original venue of the games slated for Guyana, is

What a catch! David Wiese dives after Shane Watson throws the ball to him to complete a catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer in the Royal Challengers Bangalore v Delhi Daredevils, IPL match in Bangalore, Sunday. Delhi Daredevils won the match by seven wickets.

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unavailable for use due to an international cricket engagement and the National Track and Field Facility at Leonara, West Coast Demerara considered as an option.

However, following a site visit by a team from the GFF, it was noted that a significant amount of work will be required to ensure its readiness.

The new schedule also includes a date change from the 7th to the 4th June for Guyana’s second fixture and reads as follows: Game 1: Guyana vs Curacao, to be played in Curacao on 1st June, 2016 at Ergilio Hato Game 2: Guyana vs USVI, to be played in USVI on 4th June, 2016 at Adelita Cancryn Playing Field Game 3: Curacao vs USVI, to be played in Curacao on 7th June, 2016 at Ergilio Hato.

Sensei Winston Dunbar is celebrating 50 years as a martial arts practitioner.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016