Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20 01 2017

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Oil refinery No. 104799

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

… gov’t to hire consultant to determine viability of oil refinery

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Bandits grab $1M, shoot taxi driver Three more years for Dataram Page

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Flouting court order

–– Shariff faces charge of failing to comply with production order Omar Shariff, centre, his attorney, right and partner, left,exiting the courtroom on Thursday afternoon

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Time to fix sweeper/ cleaners’ pay-GPSU 17

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Oil refinery 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

… gov’t to hire consultant to determine viability of oil refinery

By Svetlana Marshall CABINET has granted approval to the Ministry of Natural Resources to retain a consultant to provide a high-level feasibility assessment to the Government of Guyana on whether investing in an oil refinery is a viable economic option.

This is according to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who told a post-cabinet press briefing on Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency, that the consultant is Pedro Haas, who is the Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners.

It is a company based in the United States and is involved in providing ad-

Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners, Pedro Haas

visory services in upstream and downstream trading and regulatory subjects in the oil and gas industry.

Minister Trotman said that the services of Haas were secured through the New Petroleum Producers Group of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, ‘Chatham House.’ Haas is expected to provide assessment within four weeks from the date of engagement and government has budgeted a total of $10M for the consultancy.

The consultant is expected to examine the demand, availability, the economic landscape and forecast. His

findings, Minister Trotman said, will influence Government’s decision.

When questioned, Minister Trotman told reporters that the government has received multiple applications for the establishment of several oil refineries in Guyana.

These applications came from Guyanese companies and international companies, which are associated with Guyanese citizens.

Government’s hiring of a consultant to conduct the high-level feasibility study, comes just days after ExxonMobil announced that it has discovered more than 95 feet of high-quality, oil-bear-

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman ing sandstone reservoirs in its Payara-1 well offshore

Guyana. Payara is ExxonMobil’s second oil discovery on the Stabroek Block, and is located approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the 2015 Liza discovery.

In addition to conducting the feasibility study, the Natural Resources Minister disclosed that in October and November of 2016, several presentations were made by local and international companies on the establishment of an offshore oil and gas facility at Crab Island via a Public /Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.

In establishing the partSee page 3

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Flouting court order

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

–– Shariff faces charge of failing to comply with production order

A PROPOSED charge of failure to comply with a production order contrary to Section 26 of the Money Laundering Act was not read against former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Shariff when he appeared on Thursday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Guyana Chronicle was told that some time back the High Court had issued an order to Shariff for him to provide certain documents to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to which he has since failed to comply. It was on this basis a charge was prepared against him, but prosecutors out of an abundance of caution decided to adjourn the matter without reading the charge on

Thursday, citing that because a higher court had issued the order they were not sure whether it could have been dealt with at the Magistrate level. The issue has since been sorted out and Shariff will be formally read the charge on Monday.

Meanwhile when contacted on the issue, head of SOCU, Sydney James, said that the investigation into the substantive money laundering allegations against Shariff is still ongoing. He said that the documents being requested from the former top PPP official are necessary for them to complete the probe.

At approximately 13:35hrs on Thursday, in Court Five, Shariff’s name was called by Magistrate, Fabayo Azore and after the former senior public

Shariff as he exited the court on Thursday servant stood in acknowledgement, the prosecution and defence teams immediately requested of the magistrate

for the matter to be adjourned until Monday, pending advice from the High Court.

The prosecution team involved officials of the Special, Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). The entire scenario lasted five to 10 minutes and members of the media were out in full numbers. Shariff’s lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin, would only tell reporters that the prosecution had decided not to have the charges read.

An upbeat Shariff and his partner, Savita Hardai, exited the courtroom during this time. Hardai’s name was also recorded by the court. Late last June, Sharif was sent on leave by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, after he was arrested by ranks from SOCU in connection with large sums

of cash which were found in his personal bank accounts.

Investigators were also probing the source of the money.

Minister Harmon wrote, “You will recall having informed me that you are now the subject of an investigation by the Special, Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force.”

The Minister told Shariff in that letter that he should proceed on his annual leave from July 1, 2016, to enable him to fully cooperate with the investigation. SOCU ranks also visited the former permanent secretary’s home and removed documents and a safe during the course of their investigations. Shariff was the Permanent Secretary of the then Office of

the President when Donald Ramotar was President. He was also a candidate of the then ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in the 2015 general elections. At the time when the investigation started against him he was a member of the Central Committee of the PPP, from which position he resigned.

Previously he was the leader of the Progressive Youth Organisation, the youth arm of the PPP. The allegations against him are in relation to claims that between 20052015 he had amassed some $20B in business funds and had owned several properties.

The charges that were read resulted from investigations into these allegations.

Elderly man jumps off balcony to escape bandits A SEVENTY-THREEyear-old man jumped off his balcony to flee three bandits who were trying to invade his home late Wednesday night.

In the end, Lalta Mohabir, called “Lutch,” of 13

Alness Village, East Berbice-Corentyne, suffered a broken ankle. According to reports, around 23:30hrs on Wednesday, Mohabir, who lives alone was awakened by the sound of glass breaking. As he got

up he armed himself with a cutlass to ward off the three bandits. However, the noise intensified coming from an eastern side door and his widows on the said side being broken.

Fearing for his life, the

overseas-based Guyanese hurriedly exited through a western side door and then jumped off his balcony injuring his ankle in the process. However, this did not stop him as he continued to run through his yard

Oil refinery ...

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nership, Minister Trotman explained that Government is looking for local content, competency and experience in the industry and the ability to invest.

The development of an onshore facility is critical to the success of the offshore oil and gas activities, and it is expected that this logistics and supply base will be able to serve the sector as a whole.

Government believes that as the industry continues to evolve, early plans must be put in place to harness the synergies and benefits that will arise from this and other necessary infrastructure, including providing much-needed employment to large numbers of Guyanese.

Onshore facilities normally include shipyard, port facilities oil field waste disposal, oil-spill response, electrical power infrastructure, support and heliport fa-

cilities, platform fabrication support and numerous other services which are provided in keeping with requests from operators and industry standards.

The Natural Resources Minister noted too that the establishment of an offshore oil and gas facility at Crab Island would create a domino effect – generating much- needed employment and aiding in the economy of Berbice.

Additionally, as the country puts the requisite policies and systems in place for the evolving oil and gas sector, there has been an overwhelming response from those interested in being part of the Petroleum Directorate being established by the Government.

An initial 14 persons are expected to staff the directorate, including a Director and Deputy Director of Petroleum, Attorneys at Law, an economist, local

content and corporate social responsibility officer, and two geoscientists, and according to Minister Trotman, the Natural Resources Ministry has received an abundance of applications.

“Prior to the advertisement (for the 14 positions) and prior to the approval (for the establishment of the Petroleum Directorate), we had a sizeable stock of applications,” he posited, noting that the applications were submitted by Guyanese and foreigners. “That stock has been growing.”

Despite the influx of applications, the Natural Resources Minister said that Government, in the interest of transparency, advertised for the 19 posts so that everyone could have an equal opportunity to apply. He noted that those who had applied before the openings may have to re-apply.

Asked whether the advertising period was suf-

ficient, Minister Trotman responded in the positive.

“We have received countless applications. Some have been emailed, some have been dropped in, and we are quite pleased that for the 14 positions that we are seeking, there is an excellent response,” he told reporters.

Those applications were submitted to the Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources Ministry, Joslyn McKenzie.

Minister Trotman warned that the Petroleum Directorate, which will be a department within the ministry, ought not to be mistaken with the Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

“We are in the process of bringing legislation to the National Assembly for a regulatory agency, where they will be a Director or Commissioner of Petroleum, who will function in a semi-autonomous environment,” he posited.

then scaled his neighbour’s fence and raised an alarm.

The neighbours upon hearing his shouts called the police, by which time the bandits made good their escape after being unable to en-

ter the heavily grilled house. Mohabir was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he was referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

He was later treated and sent away.

That commission, he explained, would be similar to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Commissioner of Petroleum by no means will report to the

Permanent Secretary, the minister made clear.

Legislation for the establishment of a Petroleum Commission, regulations for local content and for health and safety for the environment are also expected to be presented this year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

Trump to take executive actions on Day One Donald Trump is preparing to sign executive actions on his first day in the White House on Friday to take the opening steps to crack down on immigration, build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border and roll back outgoing President Barack Obama’s policies.

Trump, a Republican elected on Nov. 8 to succeed Democrat Obama, arrived in Washington on a military plane with his family a day before he will be sworn in during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

Aides said Trump would not wait to wield one of the most powerful tools of his office, the presidential pen, to sign several executive actions that can be implemented without the input of Congress.

“He is committed to not just Day 1, but Day 2, Day 3 of enacting an agenda of real change, and I think that you’re going to see that in

the days and weeks to come,” Trump spokesman Sean Spicer said on Thursday, telling reporters to expect activity on Friday, during the weekend and early next week.

Trump plans on Saturday to visit the headquarters of the CIA in Langley, Virginia. He has harshly criticized the agency and its outgoing chief, first questioning the CIA’s conclusion that Russia was involved in cyber hacking during the U.S. election campaign, before later accepting the verdict. Trump also likened U.S. intelligence agencies to Nazi Germany.

Trump’s advisers vetted more than 200 potential executive orders for him to consider signing on healthcare, climate policy, immigration, energy and numerous other issues, but it was not clear how many orders he would initially approve, according to a member of the Trump transition team who was

not authorised to talk to the press.

Signing off on orders puts Trump, who has presided over a sprawling business empire but has never before held public office, in a familiar place similar to the CEO role that made him famous, and will give him some early victories before he has to turn to the lumbering process of getting Congress to pass bills. The strategy has been used by other presidents, including Obama, in their first few weeks in office.

“He wants to show he will take action and not be stifled by Washington gridlock,” said Princeton University presidential historian Julian Zelizer. Trump is expected to impose a federal hiring freeze and take steps to delay a Labor Department rule due to take effect in April that would require brokers who give retirement advice to put their clients’ best interests first.

He also will give official

notice he plans to withdraw from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, Spicer said. “I think you will see those happen very shortly,” Spicer said. Obama, ending eight years as president, made frequent use of his executive powers during his second term in office, when the Republican-controlled Congress stymied his efforts to overhaul immigration and environmental laws.

Many of those actions are now ripe targets for Trump to reverse.

BORDER WALL Trump is expected to sign an executive order in his first few days to direct the building of a wall on the southern border with Mexico, and actions to limit the entry of asylum seekers from Latin America, among several immigration-related steps his advisers have recommend-

ed. That includes rescinding Obama’s order that allowed more than 700,000 people brought into the United States illegally as children to stay in the country on a two-year authorisation to work and attend college, according to several people close to the presidential transition team.

It is unlikely Trump’s order will result in an immediate roundup of these immigrants, sources told Reuters.

Rather, he is expected to let the authorizations expire.

The issue could set up a confrontation with Obama, who told reporters on Wednesday he would weigh in if he felt the new administration was unfairly targeting those immigrants. Advisers to Trump expect him to put restrictions on people entering the United States from certain countries until a system for “extreme vetting” for Islamist extremists can be set up.

During his presidential campaign, Trump proposed banning non-American Muslims from entering the United States, but his executive order regarding immigration is expected to be based on nationality rather than religion.

Another proposed executive order would require all Cabinet departments to disclose and pause current work being done in connection with Obama’s initiatives to curb carbon emissions to combat climate change. Trump also is expected to extend prohibitions on future lobbying imposed on members of his transition team.

‘THE HIGHEST IQ’ Washington was turned into a virtual fortress ahead of the inauguration, with police ready to step in to separate protesters from Trump supporters at any sign of unrest.

As Obama packed up to leave the White House, Trump and his family laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and attended a concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

Trump spoke earlier to lawmakers and Cabinet nominees at a luncheon in a ballroom at his hotel, down the street from the White House, announcing during brief remarks that he would pick Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets of the Turn to page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

PM holds talks with Latin American envoy, university

Ambassador of Bolivia Jose Kinn Franco and Prime Minister Nagamootoo exchange pleasantries

Trump to take executive...

National Football League, as U.S. ambassador to Britain. “We have a lot of smart people. I tell you what, one thing we’ve learned, we have by far the highest IQ of any Cabinet ever assembled,” Trump said.

Trump has selected all 21 members of his Cabinet, along with six other key positions requiring Senate confirmation. The Senate is expected on Friday to vote to confirm retired General James Mattis, Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, and retired General John Kelly, his homeland security choice.

Senate Republicans had hoped to confirm as many as seven Cabinet members on Friday, but Democrats

balked at the pace. Trump spokesman Spicer accused Senate Democrats of “stalling tactics.”

Also in place for Monday will be 536 “beachhead team members” at government agencies, Vice President-elect Mike Pence said, a small portion of the thousands of positions Obama’s appointees will vacate.

Trump has asked 50 Obama staffers in critical posts to stay on until replacements can be found, including Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work and Brett McGurk, envoy to the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State. The list includes Adam Szubin, who has long served in an “acting” capac-

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo during this week held talks with newly accredited Bolivian Ambassador to Guyana, as well as with a delegation from a university in Nicaragua.

His Excellency Jose Kinn Franco, Non-resident Ambassador (Designate) of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Nagamootoo on Thursday.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo explained that the meeting was cordial and fraternal. He noted that they discussed improvement of the relationship between Bolivia and Guyana,

as well as promoting education exchanges.The Prime Minister extended greetings to the President of Bolivia, President Evo Morales.

Ambassador Franco said that with President David Granger assuming Chairmanship of CARICOM, Bolivia is looking to have greater col-

laboration with the Caribbean Community.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo also received a Nicaraguan delegation from the Central Nicaraguan University (Universidad Central de Nicaragua) and they discussed university opportunities available in Nicaragua

for Guyanese students in the fields of Environmental Studies, Medicine, Surgery, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine and Information Technology. The delegation also discussed Guyana’s settled territorial border matter and state sovereignty in South America.

From page 4

ity in the Treasury Department’s top anti-terrorism job because his nomination has been held up by congressional Republicans since Obama named him to the job in April 2015. The Supreme Court said U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts, who will administer the oath of office on Friday, met with Trump on Thursday to discuss inauguration arrangements. (Reuters) U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, U.S. January 19, 2017, one day before his inauguration as the nation’s 45th president. REUTERS/ Jonathan Ernst

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo with Danilo Martinez, Dr Francico Perez and Doris Saldamando (Nicaraguan Delegation)

President mourns passing of Manickchand’s mom

His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, MSS, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Government of Guyana extend heartfelt sympathy to Member of Parliament, Hon. Priya Manickchand on the passing of her mother, Mrs.

Hyacinth Manickchand.

Mrs. Hyacinth Manickchand was an educator and served as a Head Mistress and later as Placement Officer in the Ministry of Education for number of years until the time of her retirement.

President Granger extends condolences to Hon.

Priya Manickchand, her father, Mr. Krishendat Manickchand and her siblings Anil and Jaya Manickchand. May the memory of Mrs. Hyacinth Manickchand be a source of comfort even as her family and loved ones mourn her loss.

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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

Learning from history

APPROXIMATELY 64 percent of Guyanese today have not had first-hand experience of the events of the 1960s, 70s and some part of the 80s. It is for this reason that those who are opinion-shapers are obligated to help this group to understand that era by objectively putting into context events that had occurred, and situating same within the socio-economic and political atmosphere at the time, both local and external. To do otherwise is to deny this demographic, development which is required for personal and national growth and fostering an environment of peaceful co-existence.

More importantly, this generation is part of the present leaders and will be the main leaders of tomorrow and therefore deserve to be equipped with the requisite tools to make the future better. The temptation for finger-pointing, though it be can lucrative, is more reflective of settling scores or proving points at the expense of the nation moving forward.

For if the young, who constitute the majority, are denied the opportunity of history being examined through appropriate lenses, unnecessary friction can be created, which would threaten friendships, familial associations and the strengthening of the nation’s fabric. Distorted examination has the potential of entrapping the minds and making persons captive of the actions of an era that today is not being used as a barometer for moving the country forward, but as a tool for settling old political grievances, perceived or real.

The esteemed Nelson Mandela, who stood up against the South African apartheid regime in defence of the coloured population to be treated equally, was harassed, considered a terrorist, tried and imprisoned. The Western powers led by the United States and Britain under the leadership of Ronald Regan and Margaret Thatcher, supported the Apartheid regime against the will of the majority in the society. While the South African majority were denied the right to participate in electing leaders of their choice, this denial was not without the support of the two nations considered by the world as purveyors of democracy and co-founders of the United Nations, which declared all men are equal and should be treated with dignity and respect.

And given this reality, the wholesale replication of the perceptions expressed by the United States and Britain has to be put into context by examining the activities of these two major players, internally and externally.

For while these countries are used as standard bearers in determining acceptable and unacceptable standards of behaviour and engagement, historical and present evidence show that they too are not without blemishes.

As external spotlight has been placed on Guyana’s politics, making known, events of the 60s and 70s, there still exists the Confederate flag flying on government buildings in some southern states in the United States.

The confederate flag evokes painful memories of an era in American history characterised by racial hatred, Af-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

Nandlall double standards Dear Editor

MR Anil Nandlall is failing miserably at his intention of landing a major role in a comedy. His most recent attack on the battery of lawyers hired as Special Prosecutors for the cases involving the Sparendaam Housing Project, is lawless.

This legal brain, who has assumed the position of parrot for the opposition, purports to be the sole authority on these matters.

Nandlall mentions that the exercise is one of “witch

hunting” and “money for the boys.” These are no boys, they are all respectable attorneys -- a status which has not visited him.

How was it lawful then to hire Attorney Sanjiv Datadin to prosecute the Mark Benschop treason case? Where was the DPP then? This is the same case in which Philip Bynoe was carefully hidden away, then pardoned and set free. Is it that Mr Nandlall just suffered an attack of convenient amnesia?

A few more cases: who were the attorneys chosen

to represent the State in the Linden Enquiry?

What about Manooj Narayan and Sase Gunraj, who worked in Mr Nandlall’s chambers and who were contracted for many of the civil cases for the State?

Question: if the DPP is one of the beneficiaries of part of the largesse that is Pradoville Two, how could this official be responsible for setting the prosecution team?

In essence, the former Attorney General would be selecting the panel of lawyers. Then it would have

been “More money for the same boys.”

In closing, has the new Pontiff in town returned the law books which are the property of the State?

“Foul whisp’ rings are abroad; unnatural deeds Do breed unnatural troubles; infected minds To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets.” (Shakespeare) Pardon me, Mr. Nandlall, but your slip is showing. We know your secrets.

Regards F. Chataram

Concerned and frustrated Guyanese businessmen beseeching President Dear Editor;

SEVERAL concerned and frustrated prominent Guyanese businessmen, operating locally, have approached me to ventilate their concerns. They are calling on President Granger to “sit up, take notice and get some action” regarding his avowed intention to “green” the economy and create opportunities for further development of the Guyanese economy.

They added that some operatives in ministries and agencies are not taking the President seriously, but are proving to be stumbling blocks. “We congratulate President Granger on his efforts so far in keeping his word on doing what’s necessary to develop Guyana,” noted a spokesman for the group of influential businessmen.

“But there are workers in the ministries and government agencies, who are entrenched and have created a system of corruption that’s almost infallible.

Their impassioned plea to the government comes in the wake of repeated attempts to get responses for applications to expand businesses by acquiring land; requests to ministries and agencies for meetings with their principals which are not being granted; and general denial of the same benefits and overtures that are being given to foreign businessmen, but which are not being extended to local businessmen.

“We live here in Guyana and operate our businesses here, yet still we’re not being offered the same goodies that are being given to foreign business people. Government officials go out of their way to woo the foreigners and we’re right here with our investment capital and nobody is really giving us the time of day,” stated a visibly upset businessman, who has major investments and extensive business operations, including real estate development.

The group of patriotic businessmen declared their intention of not wanting to leave Guyana, unless ex-

rican-Americans denied basic, fundamental human rights and freedoms, such as the right to vote, free movement and to be treated equally. Recently, through activism by the citizens of South Carolina supported by national pressure, it led to actions that resulted in Governor Nikki Haley in July 2015 signing a bill to remove the flag from the Capitol grounds where it was flown since the 1960s.

The point being made here is that there is nothing unusual or uncharacteristic of Guyana’s political evolution/development, but an understanding of this can only be achieved when put in proper perspective, including doing comparative analyses with other countries, including those considered beacons. The electoral path the country has travelled has not been without contentions and contestations. From disagreements about changing the system from first-past-the-post to proportional representation, allegations of rigged elections, refusal to accept elections results, court vitiation of elections, electoral challenges in the court, to the attempt and awarding of a seat to the wrong party are features of this society, similar to that of others.

treme and dire circumstances force them to flee their homeland, as they indicated their appreciation of the moves President Granger has been making to “green the economy.”

“The economy is still sluggish and in some cases losing ground. We can help…we need to be part of our country’s development.

There has to be no favouritism by the government in dealing with local and foreign businessmen. Applications for business initiatives by local businessmen get the royal runaround. We don’t even get an acknowledgement from them when we send in our applications. No favours being asked…and no favours being granted.

The previous administration used to help its special friends…even helping them with upfront financing to build capacity. We don’t want that…we just want a level playing field, because Mr Granger says he’s a President for all Guyanese.

“Even though the economy drop, we local business-

men still willing to invest, but we’re not being supported by the relevant ministries and agencies. The ministers [are] not replying or are simply “looking into it.” We need instant action. Foreigners being wooed, welcomed and given prime time…with the government even bending over backwards to attract them to Guyana.

“Some ministers are acting power-drunk…and we see President Granger as the only straightforward man who can give the green light for certain developments to go ahead,” stated the spokesman for the group of worried businessmen.

“So, we’re calling on him to help us. But take it or leave it…if we don’t get any response from the President regarding our needs and support for our involvement in our country’s economic development…we gone!” declared the group of local businessmen.

Regards Ras Leon Saul

In 2008, the Barack Obama campaign had to deal with accusations of taking on characteristics of the infamous Chicago corrupt and ruthless politics. In 2000, there was the issue of the hanging chads, where Democratic candidate Al Gore was denied the presidency by 500-plus votes in an election it was generally felt he had won, because the Supreme Court controlled by Republican judges ruled to refer the matter to the Florida Republican-controlled government who made a decision in favour of the Republican candidate, George W Bush.

Notwithstanding the deficiencies in the systems of the developed societies, they use these events and pitfalls to refine and improve systems to bring about growth or preferably what they call ‘a more perfect union.’ In Guyana, there is need to be mindful that these issues are characteristics of human nature. For in looking around the world, it would be recognised that Guyana is not singular in its politics and actions, what Guyana may be singular in, is the obstinacy to be wedded to the past and refusal to put the past into context, learn from the past and move on.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

The importance of parental support in education

Dear Editor,

IT is the commencement of new school term and I would like to discuss the significant role parents play in fostering a well-rounded child. It is widely recognised that if pupils are to maximise their potential from schooling, they would need the complete support of their parents. Parents here are referred to as biological, adoptive or guardians. The home and the family are regarded as the child’s first teacher; as such, their attitudes, values and customs will have a direct impact on the child’s behaviour. Parents know their children intimately, and are expected to perform some form of training that will make them successful adults with desirable behaviours.

As parents, we have expectations of our children; similarly, each child has basic expectations of his/ her parents. One of the most important responsibilities of parents is to provide an education for his/her child.

In moulding a child, certain basic needs must be met, which will foster positive behaviour. What parents do and don’t do, say and don’t say, provide children with the experiences that they interpret into beliefs. Those beliefs, in turn, then determine their behaviour and emotions and, ultimately, their lives, for better or for worse. We cannot deny that proud feeling and sense of satisfaction we enjoy when our children are commended for their good behaviour and academic achievements.

This can be directly associated with Abraham Maslow’s theory on the hierarchy of needs, which contends that as humans meet basic needs, they seek to satisfy successively higher needs that occupy a set hierarchy. The essential point for parents and educators is that, from Maslow’s perspective, no learning will take place unless the students’ basic needs are met.

Children must feel safe, a sense of belonging and most of all they must be loved.

It is imperative for us to

understand that the only way a child will reach the stage of self-actualisation is if all the other basic needs are met. It is therefore prudent for parents to provide the basic needs and foundation for their children, so that they can achieve and enjoy success in life.

From my interaction and experience with learners and parents, it is absolutely clear that parents who exhibit positive attitudes towards education, encourage their children to attend school regularly and provide the basic needs which will lead to an optimistic attitude towards learning. Children whose parents are involved in their formal education have many advantages.

They have better grades, test scores, long-term academic achievements, attitudes and behaviour than those with uninterested parents.

I encourage parents to view the education of their children as a partnership among the child, parents, teachers and the community.

Let us endeavour to establish the home and school as institutions which have comparable goals and expectations in terms of achievement and expected behaviour. This will allow for a consistence in the child’s behavioural pattern, both at home and school. Parents should be involved in school activities such as PTA meetings, sports, cultural events, graduation, tours and other such functions which will make their children feel wanted and loved. If precedence is not given to your child’s education, it will be difficult for him/her as individuals to attain his/her full potential and at the same time to have a positive attitude towards learning.

Parents, I urge us to invest in this precious gift that will last a lifetime, EDUCATION. Be inspired by this famous quote from Nelson Mandela and let us start this process of change within our respective homes: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world .”

Regards Chandroutie Persaud

Take action against GTT

Dear Editor,

WE wish to bring to the attention of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and ask that urgent action be taken as it relates to the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph (GTT) inefficient and sometimes excessively frustrating DSL service.

It is known that at different times of the day and night, households and busi-

nesses experience an inability to access GTT’s DSL broadband service, which is paid for by their customers. It is also interesting to note that there is no reimbursement offered by GTT for the loss of hours of use when these interruptions occur; notably, the frequency of such occurrences has significantly increased over the recent past, forcing customers to resort to additional charges to stay

in active communication by paying for the 4G services offered by GTT. This begs the question asked by members of the public seeking representation on this matter, whether GTT is forcing customers to pay double.

During the break of the January 5, 2016, sitting of Parliament, I informally spoke to Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, about the

matter and she promised to engage GTT. It is clear nothing has changed since then. The PUC must act to protect consumers and ensure that this provider fulfils its contractual obligations.

Regards Bishop Juan Edghill PPP/C M.P., Sectoral Spokesperson on Infrastructure

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

Gov’t: No secret deal for Skeldon factory

GOVERNMENT on Thursday made it clear that there is nothing secret about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between it

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

and Trinidadian company, D Rampersad and Company Limited (DRCL), regarding a sugar cane processing facility at the Skeldon sugar factory.

On Thursday at a post-cabinet press briefing, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, filling in for Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon, told reporters that “There is no such thing as a secret deal.”

He said all information relative to the MoU which was signed recently was disseminated to the parliamentary opposition, GUYSUCO, and the unions representing sugar workers. “So, it is not true to say there is anything hidden. Government is not aware that when it is entering into Memoranda of Understanding that it has to have

alongside it to witness those Memoranda, members of the Opposition.”

He noted that he sees no issue with the Ministry of Business making public the document, as there is no confidentiality clause attached.

Trotman told reporters that the MOU constitutes a strategic liaison between the company and GO-Invest and is intended to formulate the development of a feasibility study for integrated sugar cane processing facility for GUYSUCO’s assets at Skeldon.

“So the mischief about a takeover and all of that is just what it is, mischief; false and should not be repeated or peddled. It is just a MOU to conduct a feasibility study and there is nothing here that signs the assets away, but

it is just meant to conduct a study,” Minister Trotman assured.

In Thursday’s edition of the Guyana Times newspaper under the heading, “Skeldon Estate takeover- Jagdeo blasts Gov’t’s secret deal with T&T firm,” Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo accused the government of entering a secret deal with the Trinidadian company.

He chided the APNU+AFC administration for not consulting with stakeholders on the MOU and was quoted as saying, “They claim that this is without prejudice to privatisation. But if you have a secret Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with someone to assess the entity, then you are already giving one person an advantage over any person who may be interested if you decide to privatise. So they are busy working these quiet deals and one day we wake up and find that one of the prized estates in Guyana is gone to a group that knows nothing

about sugar or is on middle land without any public valuation of the land, no public tendering but has acquired a deal by the government.”

The Opposition Leader contends that when the government invited the opposition to speak about the MoU in December, the MoU was already signed.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder refuted Jagdeo’s claim that the MoU was signed in secrecy. He told the newspaper that at a meeting between the government, opposition and unions on the way forward, the MoU was provided to the opposition when questions surfaced about it.

Holder was quoted as saying “The Opposition is well aware of it because it was given to them by the Government. So I don’t know what is the secret deal, they have the MoU.” He explained however that while there is a MoU in place, there is no commit-

ment by any party, noting that the company will come to Guyana, examine the situation and make suggestions to the government.

“They are just coming to look, the best I can call it is a familiarisation, they will look to see what Skeldon has to [offer], see if it make sense for them to even do a feasibility study,” the Agriculture Minister was quoted as saying on Thursday.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

President for Punta Cana confab

PRESIDENT David Granger along with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge will be participating in the 5th Summit of Heads of State and Governments of Latin America and the Caribbean states, CELAC from January 21 to 25 in Punta Cana, Dominica Republic.

The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is an inter-governmental mechanism for political dialogue and integration. The body which was established in December 2011 and brings together 33 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean also aims at deepening political, cultur-

al, and social integration among member countries.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman on Thursday told reporters at a Post-Cabinet press briefing that Guyana by virtue of its chairmanship of CARICOM will sit on the CELAC Quartet as CARICOM’s representative.

“The Quartet is the

highest coordinating forum of CELAC and comprises the outgoing chairman, current chairman, incoming chairman, and chairman of CARICOM,” Trotman said, while informing reporters that the participating Heads of States will adopt several documents at the summit.

Those documents in-

Cabinet taking note of Chancellor’s actions

-Trotman

CABINET is likely to discuss the concerns over recent court actions by outgoing Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, at its next meeting, although it will not comment adversely or positively on happenings within the judiciary, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman has said.

Over the past month, concerns have been raised via the media about the Chancellor’s retirement and his move to hear political matters before demit-

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh

ting office. Justice Singh, who is the substantive Chief Justice, on Wednesday dismissed an appeal against the decision of the High Court last year to free Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo of a racial incitement charge. Additionally, Justice Singh on the same day refused to allow an out-of-time appeal against a $446M judgment that was granted in favour of Dipcon Engineering Services Limited against the Government of Guyana. Dipcon had taken the government to court since 2009.

The court later awarded US$665,032.17(G$133M) together with US$1,563,368

(G$313M). The government has to pay interest on both sums.

It also has to pay six percent interest per annum from 2009 when the judgment was filed, to October 2015 and interest of four percent until the sum is fully paid.

Meanwhile, the acting Chancellor is also set to rule on the appeal made against a decision by former Chief Justice, Ian Chang, to scrap the presidential term limits on February 15, while he would be on pre-retirement leave. But even as Cabinet has noted the media reports on the matter, Trotman told reporters on Thursday

Govt refutes Huffington Post article THE Ministry of Natural Resources has refuted an article published on an international online site under the headline “Conflict: Tillerson would Write the Rules for Exxon’s Major Oil Find in Guyana.”

The article appeared on the ‘The Huffington Post’ and was published on January 17, 2017. According to a statement issued by the Ministry on Thursday, the article inaccurately states that the United States’ Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI) is

“involved in writing oil and gas regulations for the country of Guyana, where Exxon has just announced another major oil find.”

“There is no truth to the assertion in the article that the EGCI will be playing any part in writing Guyana’s oil governance laws, or any laws for that matter. The Commonwealth Secretariat is the lead agency supporting Guyana in preparing a suite of legislation for the oil and gas industry,” the government statement noted.

It was further noted,

“The opportunity is taken to indicate that while the EGCI has been lending support to Guyana for the past six years in the area of capacity building to manage eventual oil and gas revenues, it is in no way writing oil and gas laws or regulations for this country.”

The Ministry made it clear that the relationship between Guyana and the EGCI programme in Guyana predates the Ministry of Natural Resources and the current Coalition Administration as it commenced in

2010.

“Indeed, the Government of Guyana has had many engagements with

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clude a political declaration, CELAC Action Plan for 2017, eighteen special pre-negotiated declarations and a gender strategy. Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddle will also be part of the delegation traveling to the Dominican Republic.

President David Granger

during a post-cabinet press briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency, that it is not the position of the government to comment on matters of the judiciary. “But I dare say that this matter will obtain cabinet attention on the next occasion, but the executive does not comment adversely or positively on happenings within the judiciary, but we take note of course. We have taken note and I believe it will be discussed at the next cabinet meeting,” he said.

Some experienced lawyers have said that the government has options at its disposal to prevent the acting Chancellor from hearing political cases and noted that President David Granger can revoke his acting appointment as Chancellor be-

fore he proceeds on pre-retirement leave at the end of this month.

Guyana Chronicle reported that Justice Singh will celebrate his 65th birthday on February23. A prominent attorney told this newspaper under the condition of anonymity that Justice Singh may be politically motivated to take on new cases during the time he should be on pre-retirement leave. “It must be ensured that the Chancellor does not take on any new cases, especially political cases.

It is expected that he would want to start cases and then say he can’t go on leave, as he will have to conclude the cases,” the attorney told Guyana Chronicle.

the officials of the United States’ Department of State as part of the capacity building initiative. However, the EGCI programme has only been partially implemented through a series of scoping studies that were conducted in 2016.”

The statement concluded that the EGCI can be a useful programme once implemented and is but one in a raft of assistance measures that Guyana is receiving to bolster and in some cases build capacity in oil and gas governance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

Three held for illegal guns

THE police in Berbice have detained three persons in connection with the discovery of two guns in separate incidents in New Amsterdam

on Thursday.

According to reports, a .32 semi-automatic Worchester pistol was found in a fowl pen in Tucber Park, while a pel-

let gun and 11 matching pellets were found in a Chinese restaurant on Main Street, both in New Amsterdam at 10:00hrs and 23:00hrs, respectively.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the police received a tip-off that there were guns in a home in Tucber Park.

Upon arrival, the police found two occupants at the home: a female security guard and her 22-year-old son. According to reports, the son was behind the house while his mother was upstairs. A search was conducted by ranks and the .32 semi-automatic weapon was found concealed in the fowl pen a short distance away from

where the lad was found.

Both parties were arrested and taken to the Central Police Station.

Meanwhile, in the other incident, 20-year-old Ken Lu of Lot 13 Main Street, New Amsterdam, was arrested for being in possession of a Colt defender BB pellet gun and 11 matching rounds at the Jen Sue Chinese Restaurant where he works as a chef. This newspaper understands that Lu was arrested after the police patrol responded to a

noise nuisance report at the restaurant. While at the restaurant, ranks observed Lu acting suspiciously and walking in the kitchen with what appeared to be a gun. He was called upon by the rank who saw him drop the item in an empty beer box.

A search by the ranks revealed the weapon and matching rounds. Files for the suspects in both incidents have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

GECOM chairman

Nominees must be judges or have the qualities PRESIDENT David Granger has made it clear that he will choose someone who is fit to be a judge as the new chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The President, during his weekly recording of ‘The Public Interest’ on Thursday, revealed that the Constitution is clear on the required qualifications and it is obvious that what the drafters of the document had in mind was someone who had arrived at the position of a judge. He said it is expected that the person would be someone who possesses the qualities of impartiality, integrity and intelligence.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, the President added that any fit or proper person must approximate those qualities that characterise what is expected of a judge.

“I am going to choose somebody, who is fit to be a judge and who can discharge the functions of office of Chairman of the Elections Commission with impartiality, with integrity and with intelligence. Fit and proper means you have to possess those three qualities,” President Granger said,.

He further noted, “The Constitution is clear that once the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit a list of persons, who are not unacceptable, I will have to make a choice, but I will choose someone who is acceptable to both sides and who the general public is satisfied with.”

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has already submitted six nominees to the President for the post; however, the President rejected the list on the grounds that it is unacceptable and asked Jagdeo to submit a new list. Jagdeo, on the other hand, wrote the President, seeking clarifications as to why the list is unacceptable.

In response, the President recommended that the Opposition Leader send a representative to meet with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, to seek the necessary clarification.

Jagdeo has since chosen

former Attorney General Anil Nandlall as his representative to meet with Williams soon.

“I think the quickest route would be for two legal minds to interpret the article of the Constitution… At this point in time, I feel that it is purely constitutional; purely legal,” the President said on The Public Interest.

Article 161 (2) of the Constitution states that, “The Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdictions in appeals from any such court, or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit person…”

Delay will impact GECOM According to the release, the President lamented that the delay in finalising a candidate will have an impact on the work of the commission, particularly since preparations have to commence for the holding of the 2018 Local Government Elections.

“I did not want to prolong the discussion or deliberation, because I thought it was quite simple. The Constitution in my mind is very clear and I felt that once I had alerted the Leader of the Opposition to the fact that his set of recommendations were not in accordance with the Constitution, [that] he would have submitted a second list… I would like to bring this matter to a swift conclusion,” he said.

President Granger however remains confident that dialogue between the Attorney General and legal representatives from the Opposition could expedite resolution of this matter.

He said once the new list is in conformity with the Constitution, the process of selecting a candidate could be completed within a matter of days. He added that he is in no rush to name anyone, but is more concerned with a consultative process, as outlined by the Constitution, which satisfies the requirements therein and is acceptable to all stakeholders.

“I don’t have a candidate in mind. I have a qualification in mind. I want someone who satisfies the Constitutional requirement. That is all I want,” he said.

President David Granger speaking to reporters recently. [Samuel Maughn photo]

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

Bandits grab $1M, shoot taxi driver

Robbery victim, Elda Belle, giving a statement to the police, just after yesterday’s robbery (Tamica Garnett photo)

A TA X I d r i v e r w a s rushed to a city hospital, around noon on Thursday after he was shot in his leg during a daring robbery outside the Jialing Motorcycles and Repair store at the corner of Oronoque and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown.

The taxi driver was at the time transporting Elda Belle, 41, of Crown Street, Queenstown who was robbed of a bag containing over $1 million, which, according to reports, she had only shortly withdrawn from Republic Bank.

It is alleged that two men apparently traced the duo to the store in a dark blue 212 motorcar and pounced on them outside the store. The thieves parked across the street from Jialing and then accosted Belle after she exited the vehicle. They

The robbery took place just outside Jialing Motors yesterday (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hickens, speaking about the robbery yesterday (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) shot the taxi driver and and I went in the middle cating with GRA to ascersnatched the woman’s and radioed, but then all I tain the registration of the handbag, which contained hear was shot, shot. And a vehicle. “The investigators the money and her licensed guy came in here clutching are working at the crime firearm. Other reports are his foot and I saw blood scene there to ensure that that the bag may have also coming down. After I take we preserve all of the evicontained Belle’s cell- a peep outside I see a guy dence. They’re trying to get phone. with a bag going back in footage from Jialing and A vigilant Queensway the car,” the guard recount- we’re going to check all security guard, stationed ed. of the adjoining buildings at Jialing, observed the The injured man was CCTV, and we’re going to gunmen after they exited quickly whisked away to the work as assiduously as we their vehicle. The guard hospital, while the police ar- could to ensure that all of who was standing just in- rived shortly after and Belle the perpetrators are brought side the business’ door re- remained to lodge an onsite to justice,” Hicken said. counted what he observed police report. Speaking with “We are going to work of the ordeal. According to the press on location soon with the services of the him, the entire ordeal took after the robbery, Command- GRA to trace the number less than two minutes. “It er of ‘A’ Division, Clifton plate that we got from happened really, really Hicken, said that the police the vehicle, we’re going fast. I see he come out of had already begun working to do everything possible a dark colour 212 with a to obtain CCTV footage from to ensure that we locate gun, so I radioed, I call businesses around that may it.” He continued. Hicken back up. I didn’t know he have recorded the robbery. said one war head was was robbing somebody So far the police have found in Jialing and one out there, I thought he was been able to obtain the li- spent shell, possibly .32, coming in here, that’s why cence plate of the getaway was also found by the I move from by the glass, vehicle, and was communi- investigators.

The injured taxi driver’s car (Cullen Bess-Nelsonphoto)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

Man charged with murder of miner

CITY Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday remanded a man to prison for the murder of a 30-year-old miner.

Simon James was not required to plead to the charge, which alleged that on January 15, 2017 at Kumaka, Moruca, North West District (NWD), he murdered Robert Ferreira, called

Remanded : Simon James “Bobby.”

The unrepresented man was remanded to prison until January 23, 2017 and will appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Reports indicate that Ferreira and two friends, who had travelled to the village, were hanging out when Dead: Robert an argument broke out ‘Bobby’ Ferreira among the group of men.

The argument quickly escalated, and one of the men broke a bottle and stabbed Ferreira to his leg. The injured man was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late.

Brazilian man remanded on cocaine charge A FORTY-THREE-year-old Brazilian man was remanded to prison on Thursday by City Magistrate Judy Latchman on a drug-trafficking charge.

Reginald DeCostas denied the charge which alleged that on January 18, 2017, at Cashew Grove, Lethem, he had three grams of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves, objected to bail on the Brazilian Reginald DeCostas grounds that the accused has no ties to Guyana and poses a flight risk.

DeCostas was unrepresented and was remanded to prison until January 23, 2017, when he is scheduled to appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

Parking meter officials to meet with teachers union, Disability Commission SMART City Solutions (SCS) says it will meet with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the National Commission on Disability (NCD) following concerns about parking meters in the vicinity of some public schools in the city and on pavements, which may obstruct the free movement of persons with disabilities, and particularly of persons who are blind.

A statement from SCS

practicable for the NCD,” the statement noted.

As it relates to concerns raised by the GTU, the company pointed out that special arrangements such as parking permits for teachers and specific parking regulations in school areas are, in fact, consistent with international practice.

“In the case raised by the Teachers Union, SCS stands ready to examine a customised solution, as

schools.”

Smart City Solutions was contracted by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to implement a state-of-the-art, efficient street metered parking platform to address the growing traffic congestion in Georgetown.

President of the GTU, Mark Lyte had told this newspaper that the union does not and will not support any adjustment to the parking meter fee

One of the parking meters installed in front of the Bishops’ High School noted that the company has not been approached by either of these organizations but is willing to meet with those affected in order to effectively address the concerns.

“SCS has spoken with, and invited the NCD to meet with us and looks forward to holding a constructive discussion with the NCD to ensure that the placement of the meters conform to internationally accepted standards and practice, while taking into account prevailing local conditions in order to minimize any impact on the free movement of persons with disabilities, in particular, persons who are blind. SCS is committed to doing so as soon as may be

has been done with other organisations and institutions with whom SCS have been engaged.”

According to the statement, “We should point out that, at present, given the unregulated parking in the city; teachers have no choice but to compete with all other motorists searching for space to park even in front of their own schools. SCS is willing to consider, for instance, granting parking permits on application for spaces exclusive to teachers during prescribed times which would regulate those spaces on behalf of the permit holders, thus guaranteeing them preferential access to parking in proximity to their

for teachers. The rate announced is $50 for 15 minutes and is expected to take effect from January 23.

What this means is that teachers will be required to pay approximately $1,250 per day or $25,000 per month for parking, since the meters have been installed around some schools in Georgetown.

And according to Lyte, the union is strongly against this move, since it places a great burden on teachers.

This newspaper spoke to two teachers from the Bishops’ High School, where parking meters have been installed, and both objected to the move which they too contended, would be “burdensome.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

U.S. Embassy donates US$25,000 in law books to Guyana A M B A S S A D O R P e rry Holloway on Thursday turned over 56 law books valued at more than US$25,000 to Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh.

The donation complements the U.S. Embassy’s ongoing project “Strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Guyana,” launched in September 2016, funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement within the Department of State.

According to a release from the US Embassy in Georgetown, the U.S. government holds dear the right of citizens’ access to justice and respect for the rule of law.

“This gift of law books to the Supreme Court and

Court of Appeal allows for those working in the criminal justice system, and ordinary citizens alike, the ability to research and better understand the law,” the release noted.

In presenting the law books, Ambassador Holloway said, “We hope this donation also provides greater access to information for members of the judiciary, law students, the law enforcement community, and members of the public, who seek clarification on legal matters and are unable to afford the services of an attorney-at-law.”

According to the US Embassy, Chancellor Singh expressed his sincere gratitude for the donation on behalf of the Court of Appeals, prosecutors, judges, and others

New Peace Corps Country Director arrives in Guyana NEW Peace Corps Country Director, Ms. Kury Cobham, arrives in Guyana today replacing outgoing Director Linda Arbogast.

Kury Cobham A release from the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown noted that Cobham has more than 15 years of international experience in programme design, management, citizen engagement, economic development and capacity building initiatives.

“She has worked for multi-lateral, non-governmental and community-based organisations and has expertise in developing, implementing, and monitoring multi-million dollar country portfolio,” the release stated.

It was further noted that

Cobham’s past work experience includes stints with Family Health International, the World Bank, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 1990–1994, first as an English Teacher in Equatorial Guinea, and later as a Teacher Trainer in Namibia.

She holds a BA in Spanish from Macalester College and an MA in International Affairs, Political and Economic Development from Columbia University.

The Peace Corps forms an important part of the U.S. Mission in Guyana. Peace Corps was first welcomed to Guyana in 1966 and served the development interests of the country until 1971.

Again, in 1995, Peace Corps Volunteers returned to Guyana to work as community-based promoters in the sectors of health and education.

On June 30, 2016, the Guyanese government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Peace Corps to support ongoing activities concerning environmental protection and sustainable use and management of Guyana’s natural resources.

who work in the judicial sector. He stressed that laws are the basis for a democratic society and that if people do not have the means to access the laws then democracy is ill-served.

The release further noted that the Government of the United States of America will continue to support Guyana, and its judicial entities, to increase their effectiveness and proficiency as they too seek to ensure access to justice for all.

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U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway (left) and Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

Time to fix sweeper/ cleaners’ pay

GPSU head Patrick Yarde addresses the media on Thursday, as other officials of the union and the sweeper/cleaners look on.

CITING it as a front burner issue, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is once again calling on the government to regularise the emoluments of the public schools sweeper/cleaners.

At the GPSU headquarters on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in the capital city , GPSU head Patrick Yarde and other senior officials sat alongside the sweeper/cleaners, a number of women from several administrative regions, namely Regions Three,Four,Five, and 10.

The women told members of the media that they work beyond the four and six hours stipulated time, mainly as a result of the school hours, which sees them cleaning the public schools classrooms, toilets and corridors beyond the time of duty. The women, most of whom are single mothers, noted that the matter was brought to the fore under the

any leave, noting that maternity leave is not an option for herself and colleagues.

Yarde said that the matter is one which sees him becoming emotional. “All we are asking is for it to be regularised”, he said of the various salary amounts the women receive. He said that he has spoken directly with President David Granger on the matter and the Head of State has indicated that the Minister of Finance would address the issue.

Yarde said that within another two weeks, the union and the sweeper-cleaners would decide on the way forward. The GPSU said that a Cabinet decision was made on the issue in December 2013. The union is calling for the mainly female employees to enjoy conditions of service as all other full-time workers of the public service, specifically to earn at least the minimum wage of the public service. In addition,

A single-parent who works as a sweeper /cleaner in Region Four explains her plight during the press conference on Thursday . previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. They said that in December 2013, the Cabinet at the time recognised the need for them to be paid standard salaries.

Vanessa Simon of Region Five, has been on the job for some nine years to date and while she started off on her first salary being $15,000, her present salary is $37,000. She said that she works from 0800hrs daily and returns home as late as 16:00hrs on most days. Maryan Fordyce, another sweeper / cleaner, has been on the job some 16 years to date and her salary has moved over the years from $15,000 initially to $24,000 to $37,000.

The woman was upset that several current government officials stood in solidarity with the women while in the Opposition.

“The present government went on the picket line with us for this same thing, “ she said of the matter. Fordyce said she is not entitled to

annual vacations leave as well as vacation allowances were placed on the cards for the sweeper/cleaners.

In December 2013, the Cabinet of the previous government had supported the itemised matters as highlighted by the Minister of Education at the time.

The government at the time supported the proposal that the wages of the sweeper/cleaners be set in accordance with the Minimum Wages Order and be made timely, and also that the women employed in all regions as well as supplementary provisions sought , be paid retroactively. Last year at the GPSU Labour Day rally, the union called for the sweeper /cleaners to be recognised, noting that they work extremely hard to ensure proper sanitary conditions within schools across the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

Collaboration key to successful oil and gas sector –– expert

OIL and gas expert, Irish-American Brian McShane, believes that collaboration between the relevant stakeholders should be key to the development of the petroleum sector in Guyana.

McShane currently serves as Senior Vice- President of the Americas region of INTECSEA, one of the world’s leading and most experienced deep-water engineering companies, specialising in floating systems, offshore platforms and other highly technical areas relative to the energy sector.

He spoke to a packed room at the Herdmandston Lodge on Wednesday evening ,when he delivered a highly technical lecture on the oil and gas subsurface operations as part of a series organsied by the recently formed Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA).

His lecture focused mainly on the technical aspects of offshore petroleum operations .He mentioned several projects with which INTECSEA is associated in several parts of the world, mainly the Gulf of Mexico, Ghana, the Bering Sea and Australia.

During his lecture, he informed the audience that weather conditions play an integral role in the setting up and operations of oil and gas infrastructure offshore. He said that a number of factors are taken into consideration prior to the operations being installed offshore. At the end of the lecture, a number of questions were asked by members of the audience, several regarding Guyana‘s emerging energy sector. However, McShane said that he was not in a position to answer, since they were mainly relevant to the designated government agency overlooking the sector.

He stressed however, that collaboration in the sector is key to its development as he described Guyana’s ongoing preparations as leading off of from a relatively clean slate.

In light of recent additional oil discoveries -- as well as growing interest globally in the energy sector in Guyana -- moves are afoot to enhance the human capacity as well as institutional framework for development of the sector.

Mc Shane speaks during his presentation on Wednesday evening .

A section of the audience at Herdmanston Lodge.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

Bartica massacre

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I was never in Bartica-accused tells court in testimony

MARK Royden Williams called “Smallie” one of three accused on trial for the Bartica massacre on Thursday elected to remain in the prisoner’s box when he was asked by Justice Roxane George SC to lead his defence in the High Court before a 12-member jury.

Williams said he was never in Bartica on the night in question, since he was at the home of his cousin, Sheldon Williams, the same place he was arrested by the police on June 15, 2008.

He related that at the time he was told he was wanted in relation to an ‘incident’ which was unrelated to the Bartica Massacre and was never charged for the Bartica incident until May 2009.

Williams added that the night before he was arrested he was watching television at his cousin’s place, then he saw something came up about the Bartica incident. then he woke up his cousin and told him something and together they watched the television. Williams said, “I was not there in Bartica, I am innocent, that’s all your Honour.”

His attorney Roger Yearwood said he has two witnesses to call and his first witness, Sheldon Williams, cousin of Mark Royden Williams took the stand to testify on Thursday.

When led by Yearwood, Sheldon told the court that he resides at Lot 704 Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, the same place he lived in 2008 when police surrounded his house and arrested him and his cousin. The taxi driver noted that he quit the

Guyana Police Force (GPF) in 2004 after which he started to drive bus.

He recalled that he was in bed when he heard about the Bartica incident when his cousin told him something about the incident and he got out of bed and saw what was

lice Station and later charged with harbouring a wanted person and was told that his cousin was wanted by the police.

But the matter was eventually dismissed. He said he knew Williams has been in prison for the longest while

State Prosecutor Stacy Goodings in cross examination enquired from Sheldon how long he knew his cousin, Mark Royden Williams and he said since they were children and he overheard that he used to live in Manchester, Corentyne, Berbice where

Mark Royden called ‘Smallie’

Roger Simon called ‘Goat Man’

Dennis Williams ‘Anaconda’

going on via the television.

At this point in the trial he tried to hold back tears as he stood in the witness box on Thursday. Sheldon told the court that when he looked at the television he felt a lot of pain and returned to bed and knew his cousin since they were children growing up; they used to call him “Zero”.

He pointed out that he was praying at home in June 2008 when his cousin told him something and he went to his verandah and saw that the police had circled his house after which a search was carried out of his house, his backyard, and the septic tank but nothing incriminating was found. Sheldon added that he was handcuffed and taken to Sparendaam Po-

and heard he was charged for the Bartica incident.

He stated that he did not go to the police because he had children to mind and at that time a lot of things were happening to his colleagues in the Force and he was scared. Sheldon told the court that he had worked with two of the three policemen killed in the slaughter, referring to Shane Fredericks as a ‘father’ to him and Zaheer Zakir as a ‘brother’.

He said when he learnt that the ranks were killed he was saddened. Yearwood asked Sheldon if he was in court to cover for his cousin and he said he was not. Cross examination was declined by both Peter Hugh and Saphier Hussain.

he used to sell genips. He said in 2008 his cousin used to stay by him. Sheldon, age 40, was a policeman for nine years, but was dismissed in 2004 for being frequently absent from work. He however could not recall the regulation numbers for his so-called ‘squaddies’ Fredericks and Zakir, who were killed in the Bartica incident.

It was suggested to Sheldon by Goodings that at the time he was arrested if he considered that incident a serious occurrence and he agreed.

When grilled as to why he did not give a statement to the police as it relates to his cousin’s whereabouts on the night in question he said he was scared then and still is.

Goodings asked Sheldon if he was interdicted from the Force and he said he wasn’t but was dismissed in 2004 when he kept sending in sick leave.

She questioned him if he was ill at the time and he answered in the negative. Sheldon could not recall when he was arrested by the police at his home when asked by Goodings on Thursday, stating that “too much things” happened and it was then put to him as an older cousin, he is present in court to help his relative and he said he was not. He agreed though that he would like to see his cousin get out of prison but could not say if Williams was living in Buxton in 2008 and was asked whether his story was untrue and he said no.

Several times during his testimony he hyperventilated and appeared as though he was crying, wiping his eyes with a tissue, after which he took a few minutes to compose himself.

Meanwhile, Justice Roxane George SC on Thursday overruled the no-case submission made

by Defence Counsel Peter Hugh in favour of his client Roger Simon called “Goat Man”. as such he will be called to lead his defence next week. Justice George also over-ruled submissions made by Defence Counsel Saphier Hussain on Wednesday following a voir dire.

BARTICA MASSACRE O n t r i a l a re M a r k Royden Williams called “Smallie”, Dennis Williams called “Anaconda” and Roger Simon called “Goat

Man” each indicted for 12 counts for the murder of nine civilians and three policemen at Bartica on February 17, 2008.

However, two of the five accused, Michael Caesar and Clebert Reece have since plead guilty to manslaughter separately and have been sentenced.

Mark Royden Williams is being represented by Roger Yearwood, Dennis Williams’ lawyer is Saphier Hussain and Roger Simon’s attorney is Peter Hugh. During the February 17, 2008 rampage, 12 persons were gunned down by a group of heavily armed men, who descended on Bartica at nightfall.

Those who lost their lives were Bartica residents Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian and Irving Ferreira; policemen stationed at the Bartica Police Station, Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne; Deonarine Singh of Wakenaam; Ronald Gomes of Kuru Kururu; Ashraf Khan of Middlesex, Essequibo; Abdool Yasseen and Errol Thomas of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; and Baldeo Singh of Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins, according to the police, led the gang on the rampage in Bartica as well as the one that converged on Lusignan on January 26, 2008.

Rawlins was killed during a Joint Services Operation on August 28, 2008. With his death and the arrest and prosecution of the five suspects, it appeared as though the police had closed their investigation.

The state is being represented by Diana Kaulesar and Stacy Goodings.

More jail time for Dataram on illegal ammo charge … case dismissed against wife SELF-CONFESSED drug lord, Barry Dataram has been sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $60,000 for the illegal possession 180 rounds of .223 ammunition on April 16, at Lot 661 Fourth Avenue, Block ‘X’ Diamond, East Bank Demerara, when he is not the holder of a firearm licence.

Dataram was charged jointly with his wife, Anjanie Boodnarine; however Customs Anti-Narcotics Prosecutor, Kunyo Sandiford

discharged the case against the wife.

The three years sentence for Dataram will run concurrently to the 60 months jail time he is currently serving for narcotics possession.

The sentence was handed down by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The court heard that the ammunition was found on the same day CANU ranks found 33 parcels of cocaine in an upstairs bathroom of the house along with 180 pieces in a blue baby tub and

Self-confessed drug lord Barry Dataram 92 pieces in a black garbage

bag in the downstairs dining room, and 142 pieces in a freezer with shrimp in the outer yard area.

The cocaine amounted to 129 kilograms, which is equivalent to 284 pounds.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan had also sentenced Dataram to 12 months for forgery of a Guyana passport, two years for absconding the law and 12 months for illegal departure.

Those sentences will run consecutively with the fiveyear jail term for being in possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. These

charges were brought against him after he fled this jurisdiction to Suriname pending the outcome of a criminal matter of drug possession.

Boodnarine and Dataram were caught by authorities in Suriname and handed over to the police at Springlands. The two departed Guyana for Suriname via backtrack route at Springlands, pending the decision in their trial for cocaine trafficking.

Dataram was found guilty of that charge, however Boodnarine was acquitted.

The charge was dismissed against Anjanie Boodnarine

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‘Smelly’ pleads not guilty to armed robberies, attempted murder

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

A TWENTY-ONE-YEAR old murder accused was allowed to plead to three armed robbery charges and an attempted murder charge on Thursday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who applied the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) for summary hearing.

After almost a month on remand, Jason Howard called ‘Smelly’ of East La Penitence, pleaded not guilty to three counts of armed robbery and an attempted murder charge.

The first charge alleged that on October 21, 2016 at Water Street, Georgetown, he wounded Quacy Joseph with intent to murder him. Joseph is a security guard attached to Electronics City branch on Water Street, Georgetown. He was shot during a robbery which took place within the store in the Fogarty’s building.

Howard was also charged with robbing Roopnarine Boodhoo of $8,000 cash on October 1, 2016 at North Road,

Bourda. Another charge read that on November 18, 2016 at Oronoque Street, Queenstown he robbed fruit vendor, Sheik Sadik carting off $35,000 cash during the gunpoint ordeal.

The last charge alleged that Howard on November 6, at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara while being in the company of another, robbed Bibi Bacchus of $100,000 cash.

Howard is also currently on remand with co-accused Curtis Vasconcellos for robbing a Tower Suites accountant on Main Street and injuring a security guard in the process.

The duo was charged jointly for the offence, which alleged that on December 14, 2016 at Main Street, armed with a gun, they robbed Valdeo Seegobin of $2.9M cash, a cheque book, a haversack, hard drive and other items totaling $2,969,700.

The Chief Magistrate further remanded the men until February 1, 2017.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

Mastering her art --Visual Artist, Dominique Hunter joins Vermont’s residency programme

By Jasmaine Payne OVER the years, local art enthusiasts can attest to the continued transformation of the work of visual artist, Dominique Hunter. Indeed, her work has always portrayed an undeniable touch of ingenuity, and her talents have further allowed her to tap into myriad opportu-

that you have the opportunity to spend an entire month growing with them,” Dominique told The Buzz in an interview. “It’s a very creative and dynamic environment to be in. Our networks are expanding every time we make a new connection, so there’s definitely room for future collaborations,” she said.

And in spite of all the

A digital composite piece by Dominique Hunter

nities.

Now, with her most recent success of being nominated for a month-long residency at the Vermont Studio Center, the largest international residency for artists and writers in the US, Dominique, herself, has acknowledged how far she has come, and is excited about the work that she will create there.

Founded in 1984, the Vermont Studio Center Residency has since hosted over 400 creative practitioners. For this most recent fellowship, Dominique is among approximately 60 artists and writers who will benefit from this unique experience. This is the second fellowship she has attended, having been part of the Caribbean Linked IV Fellowship held in Aruba last year.

RARE OPPORTUNITY “It’s a huge international community with artists and writers coming from all over the world; and it’s very rare

opportunities being offered, it is the networking that Dominique admits she is most enthusiastic about. “It’s incredibly important, as a creative individual, to be surrounded by people who have the same passion and respect for the work. It becomes even more important when you’re removed from this environment and forced to go back to the reality of bills and responsibilities,” she said, adding: “Trying to find the right balance between what I have to do and what I want to do has been difficult, but having such an active group of creative friends reminds me that it’s possible, and it’s worth it.”

TRANSFORMATION At this point, Dominque can indeed look back and acknowledge the transformation that her work has undertaken in the last few years. Since being awarded her BFA by

the Barbados Community College, she admits that her time there has opened her eyes to how she approaches her creative practice. “I had quite a lot of catching up to do, as I didn’t have the same exposure as the others in my year. So, the focus of the work shifted from trying to master a specific medium that would take me through my entire career, to seriously considering the content of the work, and letting that determine the medium and materials,” she said.

Having learned that, instead of limiting herself to one medium, she rather sees herself as a multidisciplinary artist; one who has both the talent and the resources to tap into many fields.

“I still love making two-dimensional works, but I also really enjoy working on large sculptural pieces. So I go back and forth between the two, depending on the project I’m working on, and what it demands of me,” Dominique said.

“Recently, I’ve been experimenting with bridging the two by taking collaging away from its traditional support (the flat surface) and merging it with sculptural or installation art. In this way, it engages the viewer and activates the space,” she added.

WORD OF ADVICE With her wealth of knowledge, the most valuable support Dominique believes she can offer to local visual artists like hereself is advice, as she believes that any passion that is strong enough must be sought after. After all, her many fortunes began after she found that she was unsatisfied with just having a Diploma in Art. It was then that she sought her BFA in Barbados.

“That was probably the single best decision I’ve ever made for my practice,” she admitted, adding that the way Art is taught in Guyana leaves little room for the artist’s growth.

“Most persons plateau at the art school or university level, and we never hear about them again; they just disappear into obscurity. And the reason for that is because we’re so incredibly out of touch with what’s happening regionally,” she said, adding:

“Until we make that connection and bridge that gap, there’s very little hope for increased representation at the forums happening around us. There have been some efforts to reignite that flame, in the form of more competitions and increased prize monies, etc., and that’s great; but they don’t address the root cause of the problem. You would only see stronger submissions in those competitions after fixing the way those subjects are being taught.”

And so, the question arises: How else does an artist in Guyana defy the norm and make art their career, even in light of this problem? To this, Dominique replied that she still gets very anxious about her decision to pursue art as a career. “The reality is that we are among the least protected persons in the country; there is no guarantee, no policy, no pension, no benefits or anything that is ours.

“So, in addition to thinking critically about the work itself and trying to build on that, we are also constantly thinking about how to increase the sustainability of our practice,” she said.

Nevertheless, her advice to artists would be to seek out knowledge about the practice,

and how they can tap into resources available to them.

“There’s so much information out there, tailored specifically to our needs that it should be a crime to not take advantage of it,” she says.

“Pay attention to what’s going on around you, and ask yourself if you see yourself fitting into that picture. If you don’t, then change the picture’ it’s that simple. If this is something you really want to pursue, then understand that the work never ends; the further along the journey, the greater the challenge. So, be prepared to put in the work.”

WHAT’S NEXT? Needless to say, in all her endeavours, it has been some time since we’ve last seen work from her at home, having last showed her work at the ‘Redefining Women’s Work’ exhibition with the Guyana Women Artists’ Association back in April 2016.

She admits, too, that persons have been calling on her to have another solo exhibition, but she feels that she is not yet ready for that.

In the meantime, Dominique takes to the media, through her weekly column

Dominique Hunter, Visual Artist

in the Sunday Chronicle, to guide young artists using the knowledge she has gained.

“In addition to giving them the exposure they deserve by writing features, I also try to include a check list of things they would need if they wanted to submit a proposal, and tips on how to strengthen their portfolio, etc.,” she said.

She has considered teaching art herself, but it is something she will think harder on further down the road, as she believes that she is still in the process of developing her own practice, and building a stronger portfolio.

One of Dominuque’s more recent pieces titled, “Yesterday, Tomorrow, Forever: An outsider’s construct of Paradise”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017 TODAY

The 58th Presidential Inauguration is airing at 704 Sports Bar! If you’re going to be tuning in to catch Trump’s presidential inauguration, you can do so in a sporty atmosphere, and on a big screen if you head down to 704, where it will be on show from 11:00hrs to 15:00hrs.

You can also enjoy special inauguration cocktails like the “Bad Hombres”, “Drain the Swamp”, and the “Build the Wall”.

The ‘Jamaican After-work Lime’ is back at Tower Suites Poolside, and it’s bigger and better for 2017!

Come enjoy live entertainment, and the best Jamaican-style buffet in town! Lime starts at 16:00hrs, so see and be there early to secure your seats!

Buffet includes jerk chicken, fish, beef, pork and much more!

Boss-Lady Fridays continue at Club Privilege! LADIES FREE ALL NIGHT! Bottle Service will be available! Come and be a part of this #Bossy event!

THE weekend’s biggest event is no doubt going to be Pulse’s ‘Fetology’, where the entertainers are giving you just a taste of what’s to come for ‘Mash’. And you can take it all in, while learning all you need to about feting. But that’s for Saturday!

Today, Trump’s inauguration is going to take centrestage, and many are going to tune in to see how it all goes down.

And 704 Sports Bar is looking to capitalise on that! But while that’s going to be earlier in the day, you can still stay and soak in the atmosphere. All night long!

After it’s sabbatical Club Privilege reopens it’s doors tonight, with Boss Lady Fridays, or, if you prefer, you can kick back at the pool instead with the After Work Lime.

Up at the Giftland Mall, ‘The Strip’ has Corona specials today, and Guinness specials tomorrow.

And the spotlight’s back on 704 this Sunday, where the NFL matches will be the going thing. Of course, Marvelous Sunday’s are still on at Monaco. Those are just a few of the things going down this weekend!

The Strip Hookah Lounge at the Giftland Mall is going to have Corona Specials all night long!

And, Mix Master Toney is going to be in the house at Bunker 81 Bar (formerly Club Latino), and he’s going to keep the vibes pumping all night long! There’s going to be great drink prices, all night long as well.

TOMORROW

The road to the Pulse Mash 2017 Experience starts this Saturday at Palm Court with Feteology 2017.

This Saturday, come get a sneak peek of our costume designs, and get into soca fever with DJ Ryan, Country Boy, Selector Carl and Shizzle. Admission $2,000 before 22:00hrs.

SUNDAY

NFL Sundays continue at the 704 Sports Bar! Catch the games on the big screen with a few good drinks and great friends!

Marvelous Sundays continue at Club Monaco! Ladies free before 23:00hrs; $1000 after! Music by Fusion Audio and Stereo Sonics

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

Drugs and money laundering --Did their impact REALLY benefit our economy?

LAST Friday I argued the point that the lack of effort by past governments to create new employment, through the enhancement of those small and medium-scale businesses and cottage industries existing within the workable resources of our borders, had helped spawn the parallel economy.

That parallel economy, I contended, upon its coming into being, matured from one social mutation to another: From suitcase traders, flour and general merchandise smugglers, back-track cartels, arms and human traffickers to marijuana importers and exporters and eventually growers, all became enveloped within the tentacles of cocaine.

Of the lot, the latter is arguably the most malignant of the invasive species to engage our unleashed parallel economy, no longer through secret airstrips or aircraft drops, but directly into the vulnerable areas of ‘the organic self’ of our grass-root humanity, for the human economy is our real economy.

It is often argued that drugs is what drove our economy up to 2014; that the current stagnation of the economy is evident of that fact. This is an argument our economists need to address, and urgently, as, from my humble layman experience, I say NO! It did NOT help our economy! In fact, it DEVASTATED it!

THE TRUE ECONOMY And my argument, of course, revolves around the true economy of Guyana: Its humanity. ‘We’, the true economy, with our talents, intuitive ideas and human gifts are the potential of where and what the nation will achieve;

and to preserve that potential, we must preserve, at least, the majority of the people.

Once large sums of money are injected into the economy of any nation from a source that inhibits any competition as to the economic expression of that monolith of finance, as it imposes itself with vast resources unrelated to unquestionable industry that swiftly changes the landscape from what is sanely possible to the incredible.

Look closer! An imbalance is evident! History is, despite crafted inconsistencies, a profound example of nations using criminal practices to enrich themselves. Slavery, caste systems, bond servants, all, with justifying religious doctrines, have worked in the interest of the perpetrators.

One factor, however, resonates. ‘The others’; the victims, who were the populations of slaves, the caste system, the bond servants etc. paid in the hell created for them on earth. And those who survived bear the marks within; the vision of their selfworth corrupted enough to want to mimic their perpetrators against others anew.

This paragraph outlines a background of exploitation that could, in each segment, justify the wealth generated; the mansions built; the servant or staff employed and the monopoly on the talents and ideas of subjected humanity extracted for the resource pool of the exploiter.

THE DAMAGES The infusion of the drug business into everyday Guyana, with the masquerade of not being a criminal enterprise and being a ‘normal business’ through political callousness,

did the following damages: 1: Through money laundering and the dumping of cheap clothing on our market, seamstresses and tailors were made redundant.

2: Furniture producers and workshops found no administrative support in protecting them against the mass importation of imitation wood items; they have now shrunk to a miserable percentage of what they were.

3: Bids to buy houses; say, the old house for sale across the road, or the house on auction, were thwarted by a particular clique of money launderers who upped a citizen’s evaluated property to tens of millions of dollars, until the Real Estate market was inflated to reach the special offers of the cartel-driven shoppers, thereby strangling the rest of the population.

4: I have done this in other articles; I need not indulge in the body count of the period of the drug cartels, except to remind readers that Roger Khan boasted that he would field 300 armed men to protect his PPP patron government from forced external or internal removal.

Who were those people? Where are the weapons? Who in the now opposition would have this information?

5: The most devastating impact revolves around a current generation which has witnessed, and is still witnessing relatives, friends, and neighbours being dragged into the abyss of drug addiction. For some children, it is parents; some parents have traded their offspring to the apparent impregnable ‘Drug Yards’ for a ‘Black Joint’. How do we repair these young minds?

6: People gravitate to the

simple, easy way of life; that is, most people. Many of the 19 -35-year-olds in 2000 who were street-wise; many young men, among them ex-joint servicemen, were entrapped by the lure of being bodyguards and enforcers. “De bossman give yuh ah ride; get a piece.

Nobody can’t tell yuh nothing!

Cause we bigga than de police!” Without skills and with the wrong attitude; abandoned by old bosses. Yes! We do have a crime rate! As illusions burn, the heat is apparent.

THE REAL ECONOMY 7: The real economy is the citizens of this nation; not hotels, bridges and dredges, or fancy vehicles. Those are the extensions of our progressive humanity.

We are all challenged by day-to-day problems that torment us, but we can’t refuse to think and slide along with logic formed out of sea-sand that will disappear with the froth of the next wave.

I discussed this article with my wife, based on a conversation I had with a friend.

She reads the Bible more than I do these days; I don’t go to church, but the Bible is an incredible source of metaphors, and also antiquity’s timeline. She made reference to a specific biblical villain: The Israelite, King Ahab, husband of Jezebel, who fell in love with the mystique of Jezebel; worshipped her god, Baal; remained in compliance with her whims.

I realised that he, Ahab, did nothing of his own volition, but agreed with everything; as long as he was comfortable. His lack of social conscience made him a hated villain.

How many Ahabs are there in politics, business, the legal profession, the Guyana Police Force that knelt before the BAAL of the drug trade, as its high priest, Roger Khan, beckoned? Not only did they turn a blind eye, but even supported political excesses in exchange for Passovers to their excesses.

Guyana has suffered immensely. Today, with hardly an economy, normalcy has to be restored, by the efforts of every Guyanese.

Today, 2017, our laws do not even accommodate some of the substances like ‘XTC’

(better known as Ecstasy) and the equally dangerous ‘Molly’; these are distributed in certain quarters by students of a certain discipline. How many of our technical workforce are affected by mindaltering substances that can, in the conduct of their duties, cause death to innocents?

These ‘sex-play drugs’ are byproducts of cocaine and heroin; high-powered, dangerous prescription sleep aids are also sold in the most unlikely of places.

Now, tell me: Has the drug trade truly benefitted the true Guyanese economy?

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A sassy launch

--For ‘Miss Mash Queen Guyana’ WITH much pomp and pizazz, the six young ladies vying for the 2017 ‘Miss Mash Queen Guyana’ title were formally introduced to the public last Sunday night at the Umana Yana.

And from the look of things, it’s going to be one tough competition when this pageant plays out next month, on the night of February 19 at the National Cultural Centre, particularly since several of the girls have previous pageant

experience.

Those like Gabriella Chapman, Romichelle Brummel, Kelisha Kelly will draw heavily upon their past pageant knowledge to get an edge over the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

competition.

Both Chapman and Kelly were in pageants as recent as last year: Gabby took a go at the 2016 Miss Emancipation title last August, while Kelly was a part of the lineup for the 2016 Miss Universe Guyana crown last September.

Romichelle, a Lindener, had finished second runner up in the Miss Talented Teen pageant in 2013, and in 2014, she again placed second runner up in the Miss Summer Blaze Pageant.

Another hard-hitter will be the willowy Ashanti Jasper, a versed model who’s graced many a local runways over the past few years. The other two hopefuls are Younette Stepheny and Aquaila Rupan.

Sunday night’s activities climaxed with the girls entering one at a time, dancing and jiving as they introduced themselves, each decked out in a Mashramani costume.

The costumes for the pageant are being designed by Neilson Nurse and Randy Madray.

CUTE STAGE NAMES Each of the girls have cute stage names that all have their groundings in Guyana’s culture in one way or the other.

Hailing from Bartica, Chapman is ‘Ms. Golden Beach’;

Aquaila Rupan, ‘Ms Buxton Spice’

Stepheny is ‘Ms. Ringbang’; the graceful Jasper is ‘Ms. Water Lily’; Brummell is ‘Ms. Pepperpot’; Rupan is ‘Ms. Buxton Spice’’ and Kelly ‘Ms. Sapodilla Brown’.

The Miss Mash Queen Pageant is praised for being a home-grown pageant that represents our National Festival of ‘Mashramani’.

The night’s ceremony included a short cultural programme, which included an Indian Dance by Ms. Bibi Haniff, performance by 2015 Calypso monarch, King Perai, and a competitor vying in this year’s junior calyso competition. The night was emceed by Sunil Rasul.

This year’s hosting of the pageant marks a return of the event after an 11-year hiatus.

The pageant is being coordinated by Guyana’s mother of pageantry herself, Pamela Dillon, through her well known pageant

organisation, Simpli Royal.

Ms. Pam, as everyone calls her, first took up the mantle to host the pageant back in the 1990s when two pageants were held, the first being in 1998 and the other in 1999.

The challenges got the best of the franchise, and it didn’t show face again until the early 2000s, when there were international pageants in 2004 and 2006.

This year on Pageant Night, the girls are going to be judged in six categories, in which all of them will be competing.

There will be no pre-judged segment, so everything you see at the pageant is everything there is.

The categories include an opening masquerade performance, a swim-suit segment that will be in two parts, namely the regular swim suit, then a round of “Mash-themed” swim suits.

There’s also the talent, evening gown, and on-stage interview components.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 20, 2017

Former Haitian Football Federation director shot to death near home

FORMER Haitian Football Federation (HFF) administrator Felix Belizaire was shot to death on Tuesday only minutes away from his home in Delmas 19 in Port-au-Prince.

Based on information emerging so far Belizaire was pounced upon in the

early hours of the morning by bandits who shot him several times while he sat in his vehicle.

Bélizaire, had a long career with the National Bank of Credit (NBC) before joining the team of then Haitian minister of sports Fritz Bélizaire in the

AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Splash of Sass Race 2 Mr Curiosity Race 3 La Inesperada Race 4 Control Group Race 5 Erik the Red Race 6 Gambler’s Ghost Race 7 Nominal Dollars Race 8 Malibu Princess Race 9 Ornato ARAB EMIRATES RACING TIPS Jebel Ali 08:30 hrs King Cole 09:00 hrs Indescribable ENGLISH RACING TIPS Musselburgh 08:50 hrs Danceintothrlight 09:20 hrs Landmarque 09:50 hrs Appy Days 10:25 hrs Stamp Your Feet 11:00 hrs Pekanheim 11:30 hrs Touch Of Steel 12:05 hrs Another Stowaway Lingfield 09:00 hrs Geraldine 09:30 hrs Snuggy 10:35 hrs Bosham 11:10 hrs Hamish Mc Gonagain 11:40 hrs Keswick CHEPSTOW 09:40 hrs The Worlds End 10:10 hrs Robinsfirth 10:45 hrs Hidden Identity 11:20 hrs Brownville 11:50 hrs Earlshill 12:25 hrs Gardiners Hill SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 11:50 hrs Galtero 12:25 hrs Vested Interest 12:55 hrs Sweet Refrain 13:25 hrs Tanjiro 13:55 hrs Work Ethic 14:25 hrs Apollo’s Gift 14:55 hrs Pearl Emblem 15:25 hrs Path Of Glory IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 13:00 hrs Tetraites 13:30 hrs Consider 14:00 hrs Free State 14:30 hrs Keukenhof 15:00 hrs Six Silver Lane 15:30 hrs Cpcoa Beach 16:00 hrs Duplication 16:30 hrs Mo Henry

middle of 2000.

It was as a member of that cabinet that he got involved with football, heading to South Korea to support the Under-17 national team at the 2007 World Cup, which was

then under the leadership of coach Jean-Yves Philogène Labaze.

At the end of the minister ’s term, Bélizaire joined the HFF where he worked as a director for a

few years. Interestingly in 2013, he barely escaped a similar attack in the vicinity of his residence and had sometimes liked to tell the tale of his misadventure.

(Sportsmax.com)

2017 Limacol round robin knock-out football

GT Beer signs as official sponsor

FOOTBALL fans will have the added benefit of refreshing with Banks DIH beverages during this year’s Limacol round-robin knock-out football tournament, set to commence on Monday.

The company, through its GT Beer brand yesterday at its Thirst Park office, signed onto the 2017 edition of the Petra-organised tournament which will feature sixteen different teams.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Public Relations Officer Troy Peters contended that the company shares a longstanding relationship with the organisers adding, “We see this as a developmental phase of football in

Guyana and we know that a lot of players will benefit from playing football and the involvement of Banks DIH Limited.

“We know that teams from around the country would be participating and people will get an opportunity to see this tournament in their backyard so to speak,” Peters added.

Meanwhile Petra Director Troy Mendonca thanked Banks for signing onto the tournament, adding “our mandate was to revitalise football at the school level and assist in areas where we see a gap”.

“When the (STAG) Elite League would have started, I think just over a

year ago we thought that it was wise to get the other teams involved (in playing football) and we got the blessing of the GFF and we are happy to continue this year.”

He contended that the tournament, which features approximately fifteen playing dates will see the best of the various associations come together for exciting football action.

On the tournament’s first playing date, Police clash with Mahaica Determinators from 18:30hrs at the GFC ground, while Riddim Squad and Camptown play the feature game of the night. (Stephan Sookram)

Six-time champion ...

From back page

You say ‘Istomin’ and everyone knows him. The phones have not stopped ringing - we have had a barrage of phone calls saying congratulations.”

DJOKOVIC’S DIFFICULT SEVEN MONTHS Djokovic has struggled for consistency since winning his first French Open title in June 2016 and completing a career Grand Slam.

He was knocked out in the third round at Wimbledon by American Sam Querrey but looked to have returned to form when he won the Rogers Cup in July.

However, he went on to lose to del Potro in the first round of the Olympics and was knocked out of the doubles com-

petition the following day.

He struggled physically in the US Open final, losing in four sets to third seed Stan Wawrinka, before he lost the world number one ranking to Murray in November.

Murray also ended his run of four consecutive ATP World Tours Finals titles in the same month.

“Djokovic is not the same Djokovic we saw this time last year, who was at the peak of his career,” two-time Australian Open finalist Pat Cash told BBC Radio 5 live.

“It’s clearly the mental edge. He’s done so much and worked so hard to grab those four Grand Slams, I think he’s just lost the edge.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

Serena Williams, Nadal advance in Melbourne SIX-TIME champion Serena Williams and former winner Rafael Nadal both reached the Australian Open tennis third round with straight-sets victories yesterday.

Williams, 35, who is attempting to win an Open era record 23rd Grand Slam singles title, beat world number 61 Lucie Safarova 6-3, 6-4 in Melbourne.

“I’m really happy to have got through that,” said the American second seed.

Nadal, who won the tournament in 2009, eased through 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 against 2006 finalist Marcos Baghdatis.

Williams beat 29-yearold Czech Safarova in the French Open final in 2015, and needed one hour and 25 minutes to see off the former top-10 player yesterday.

round after the German beat 18-year-old American Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.

Nadal, 30, says the 19-year-old world number 24 “can be a future world number one”.

“It will be a big challenge for me,” said Nadal. “He is a potential Grand Slam winner.

He is a big, talented player.

He is young and improving in every moment he is on the tour.”

Nadal lost in the first round in Melbourne for the first time in his career last year and, having pulled out of Wimbledon with a wrist injury, his best major result in 2016 proved to be a last16 exit at the US Open.

The Spaniard has only played one tournament since October, reaching the quarter-finals at the Brisbane International earlier this month, but says he has “no injuries”

world number 79.

Fifth-seed Karolina Pliskova beat 18-year-old Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova 6-0, 6-2 in 59 minutes, meaning the Czech has dropped just four games en route to the third round.

“I don’t want to say my opponent wasn’t that good, but I was better,” said the 24-year-old, who faces Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko next.

Third seed Milos Raonic reached the third round of the Australian Open for the seventh time with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(7-4) win over Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller.

The Canadian 26, hit 21 aces as he set up a meeting with France’s Gilles Simon, who reached the quarter-finals in Melbourne in 2009.

“I started feeling a little bit of a cough but I didn’t think much of it, then this

Serena Williams’ last Australian Open title came in 2015, while Rafael Nadal won for the only time in 2009.

“It’s never easy having to play in a second round against someone you have seen in a final,” she added.

“I’ve played two former top10 opponents, but it’s a great way to start the tournament.”

Williams lost the Australian Open final last year to Angelique Kerber, but went on to win at Wimbledon and equal Steffi Graf ’s Open era record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles.

She will continue her bid for the record against 23-year-old Nicole Gibbs, who beat fellow American Irina Falconi 6-4, 6-1.

Fourteen-time Grand Slam winner Nadal will face promising teenager Alexander Zverev in the next

after coming through against Baghdatis in two hours 12 minutes.

“I can’t ask for more,” he said. “I have suffered injuries in my career, but I have had a lot of success and amazing memories from all the places I have played.

“I cannot complain. I am a lucky person and I am trying to enjoy every moment on court.”

Poland’s world number three Agnieszka Radwanska suffered a surprise second-round exit to Croatia’s Mirjana Lucic-Baroni.

The 27-year-old, who has reached two semi-finals in Melbourne in the past three tournaments, lost 6-3, 6-2 to the 34-year-old

morning I felt pretty bad waking up,” he said.

“I came out with the sort of idea to put everything into the match, try to solve it, understand the importance of the mental side of things in that situation.”

World number 15 Grigor Dimitrov also moved into the next round with a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Korea’s Chung Hye-on.

He will face France’s Richard Gasquet after his 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 win over Argentine Carlos Berlocq.

Former world number three David Ferrer beat American qualifier Ernesto Escobedo 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to set up a tie with Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut.

(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

Centurion Smith breaks record as Australia beat Pakistan

STEVE Smith reached 3 000 one-day international runs in record time with yet another century to guide Australia to a seven-wicket victory and a 2-1 series lead against Pakistan.

Smith (108 not out) became the fastest Australian to that landmark in the 50-over format in his 79th innings and put on 183 for the third wicket with fortunate debutant Peter Handscomb (82) as the

world champions got home with five overs to spare at the WACA yesterday.

Babar Azam top-scored with 84 to join Viv Richards, Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Quinton de Kock as the joint-quickest batsman to 1 000 ODI runs in his 21st knock, but the tourists’ total of 263-7 in Perth was nowhere near enough.

Josh Hazlewood (3-32) was the pick of the Australia

bowlers in the absence of the rested Mitchell Starc as Pakistan lost their way after they were 162-3 in the 31st over, with Sharjeel Khan (50) having got them off to an encouraging start.

Pakistan – who must win the final two games to claim the five-match series honours – were left to rue Handscomb being caught for a duck at slip off a no-ball from Junaid Khan, who was also frustrat-

ed when the same batsman was put down by Mohammad Nawaz on 10.

Sharjeel took 20 off the fourth over from paceman Billy Stanlake, but Hazlewood trapped captain Mohammad Hafeez (4) leg-before in the following over.

The positive Sharjeel reached his half-century off 46 balls with three consecutive boundaries off Travis Head (2-65), who had the last laugh when the opener played on immediately after moving to 50.

Head struck again to get rid of Asad Shafiq (5), but Azam kept Pakistan ticking along and breathed a sigh of relief when James Faulkner was unable to take a tricky caught-and-bowled chance.

He smashed Head over midwicket for 60 soon after bringing up his half-century, but Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal both fell for 39 as Pakistan were unable to accelerate and Azam missed out on a century when the impressive Hazlewood snared him.

David Warner made a brisk 35 before edging Junaid behind and Australia were 45-2 in the 10th over when Mohammad Amir (1-36) got rid of Usman Khawaja (9).

Junaid thought he had Smith caught behind cheaply,

Steven Smith soaks in the applause of the crowd after getting to his century, Australia v Pakistan, 3rd ODI.

but Pakistan opted against a review when the skipper was given not out and the captain was soon showing his usual assurance.

He launched Hafeez for six over long-off and watched on at the other end as Handscomb was called back after Junaid over-stepped prior to being put down by Nawaz

at point.

Those moments proved to be costly, as Handscomb made the most of his strokes of luck and Smith effortlessly anchored the run chase, making an eighth ODI century and remaining unbeaten after Hasan Ali finally saw the back of the debutant.

PAKISTAN innings M. Hafeez lbw b Hazlewood 4 Sh. Khan b Head 50 B. Azam c Handscomb b Hazlewood 84 A. Shafiq c Khawaja b Head 5 S. Malik c Wade b Stanlake 39 U. Akmal c Wade b Hazlewood 39 I. Wasim c Head b Cummins 9 M. Rizwan not out 14 M. Amir not out 4 Extras: (lb-7, w-8) 15 Total: (for 7 wickets, 50 overs) 263 Fall of wickets: 1-36, 2-85, 3-99, 4-162, 5-222, 6-244, 7-246.

Bowling: J. Hazlewood 10-0-32-3 (w-3), B. Stanlake 10-1-55-1 (w2), P. Cummins 10-1-42-1 (w-2),

T. Head 10-0-65-2, J. Faulkner 10-0-62-0 (w-1).

SCOREBOARD

AUSTRALIA innings D. Warner c Rizwan b J. Khan 35 U. Khawaja c Rizwan b Amir 9 S. Smith not out 108 P. Handscomb c Rizwan b H. Ali 82 T. Head not out 23 Extras: (b-1, lb-1, nb-1, w-5) 8 Total: (for 3 wickets, 45 overs) 265 Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-45, 3 -228.

Bowling: M. Hafeez 6-1-30-0 (w-1), M. Amir 10- 36-1 (w-1), J. Khan 9-0-58- 1 (nb-1), H. Ali 100- 62-1, I. Wasim 8-0-59-0 (w-3), S. Malik 2-0-18-0.

Tunisia see off neighbours Algeria

TUNISIA boosted their chances of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals yesterday with a 2-1 win over neighbours Algeria.

They took the lead when Algeria’s Aissa Mandi directed Youssef Msakni’s left-wing cross into his own net.

And some dreadful defending by Faouzi Ghoulam led to his bringing down Wahbi Khazri for a penalty which Naim Sliti coolly slotted into the right corner.

Algeria pulled a goal back when Sofiane Hanni struck from the edge of the area.

Tunisia’s victory takes them to three points and second place in Group B and leaves Algeria with only one point.

It means Algeria, who had been one of the pre-tournament favourites, will have to rely on other results going their way if they are to qualify from the group - and they have to face Senegal in their final match.

Tunisia went into the game off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Senegal and anything other than

victory against Algeria would have left them in serious trouble.

They were fortunate with their first goal, the ball looping off Mandi’s foot to deceive Algerian goalkeeper Malik Asselah, who was playing in place of injured first-choice stopper Rais M’bolhi.

And they were gifted their second when Algeria defender Ghoulam sent an underpowered header back towards his goal and then fouled Khazri who had nipped ahead of him to collect the ball and bear down on goal.

Sliti confidently struck home the spot-kick.

Algeria started the match well and Islam Slimani’s

point-blank header brought an excellent save from Aymen Mathlouthi, while Riyad Mahrez should have done better with a shot from the edge of the area.

Much of Tunisia’s best work involved Kazri - starting for the first time at the tournament and the Sunderland midfielder tested Asselah early on with a free-kick.

Algeria struggled to rouse themselves after going behind and although substitute Hanni took his chance well, sending a curling shot into the corner, their largely toothless display has left them on the verge of an early exit. (BBC Sport)

Tunisia players celebrate after their opening goal.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

Yuvraj, Dhoni tons seal ODI series for India (REUTERS) – Limited-overs stalwarts Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni rolled back the years to smash scintillating centuries to help India secure a series-clinching, 15-run victory in the second oneday international against England yesterday.

England captain Eoin Morgan blasted a blistering 102 but could not take his team over the line as India prevailed in the thrilling run-fest to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the threematch series.

Put in to bat, India were reeling at 25 for three at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium when Yuvraj and Dhoni, with the experience of 580 one-dayers between them, staged a spectacular recovery with an epic 256run partnership spread over 38-odd overs.

The early dismissals of the openers or the rare

failure of home captain Virat Kohli mattered little as Yuvraj and Dhoni exhibited the kind of shot-making which comes naturally to them.

Left-handed Yuvraj, one of the cleanest strikers of the ball, hammered a career-best 150 off 127 balls, a sizzling knock studded with 21 boundaries and three sixes.

Dhoni, who relinquished limited-overs captaincy earlier this month, made 134 off 122 balls, his 10th one-day century. His innings contained six sixes, including three in a Liam Plunkett over.

Paceman Chris Woakes emerged from the batting carnage with his reputation intact, having claimed four wickets as India posted a commanding 381-6.

In reply, England lost Alex Hales cheaply but Joe Root (54) and Jason Roy steadied the innings

SCOREBOARD INDIA innings

MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh lead India’s recovery with both batsmen recording centuries. Yuvraj hitting a career-best 150 and Dhoni 134.

with a century stand.

India’s spin spearhead Ravichandran Ashwin (365) struck in his first over, dismissing Root, and England lost three more wickets, including that of Roy who made a brisk 82, to slump to 206-5.

Morgan raised 93 runs with Moeen Ali (55) to keep England in the chase and went on to complete his ninth ODI century, which contained five sixes, to inject fresh excitement into the contest.

Unfortunately for the

Man Utd overtake Real at top of record-breaking rich list MANCHESTER United generated the most revenue of any football club in the world last season, according to a report published by Deloitte.

United dethrone Real Madrid - who held top spot for 11 years - after accumulating a record revenue of 689M euros (£515M) during the 2015-16 term.

The Premier League club saw commercial revenue grow by 100m euros (£71M).

Combined revenue for the top 20 clubs during the 2015-16 season grew 12% to 7.4B euros (£6.41B) - a new record.

It is the first time Manchester United have topped the annual Deloitte Football Money League since the 200304 season.

Real drop down to third, behind Spanish rivals Barcelona, who remain in second spot.

German giants Bayern Munich move up a position to fourth and Manchester City also climb a spot to fifth having generated 524.9 euros (£392.6M) - up from 463.5 euros (£352.6M) during the previous season.

It is the first time they have reached the top five of the

annual list.

Eight Premier League clubs make the top 20, with revenues totalling nearly 3.2B euros (£2.4B).

Champions Leicester City (20th) enter the top 20 for the first time. They produced a revenue of 172M euros (£128M) - which is almost five times the revenue generated two seasons before in 2013-14.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham remain in

seventh, eighth, ninth and 12th place, with West Ham in 18th position.

Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said Manchester United’s record revenues were achieved by “phenomenal commercial revenue growth”.

He added: “In recent years, their ability to secure commercial partnerships with value in excess of that achievable by their peers has been the crucial factor in enabling the club to

regain their place at the top of the money league.

“That said, they’ll face strong competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid to retain the top spot in next year’s edition, due to the lack of Champions League football, the weakening of the pound against the euro and, over the longer term, as other clubs enter the commercial market demanding similar deals, using United as the precedent.” (BBC sport)

Manchester United return to top of football rich list, ending Real Madrid’s 11year hold on first place

tourists, Morgan was runout in the penultimate over and Bhuvneshwar Kumar sent down a tidy final over to restrict England to 366-8.

Kolkata hosts the third and final one-dayer on Sunday.

L. Rahul c Stokes b Woakes 5 S. Dhawan b Woakes 11 V. Kohli c Stokes b Woakes 8 Y. Singh c Buttler b Woakes 150 M. Dhoni c Willey b Plunkett 134 K. Jadhav c Ball b Plunkett 22 H. Pandya not out 19 R. Jadeja not out 16 Extras: (b-4, lb-2, nb-1, w-9) 16 Total: (for 6 wickets, 50 overs) 381 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-22, 3-25, 4-281, 5-323, 6-358.

Bowling: C. Woakes 10-3-60-4, D. Willey 5-0-32-0 (w-1), J. Ball 10-0-80-0 (w-2), L. Plunkett 10-1-91-2 (nb-1, w-4), B. Stokes 9-0-79-0 (w-1), M. Ali 6-0-33-0 (w-1).

ENGLAND innings J. Roy b Jadeja 82 A. Hales c Dhoni b Bumrah 14 J. Root c Kohli b R. Ashwin 54 E. Morgan run-out (Bumrah) 102 B. Stokes b R. Ashwin 1 J. Buttler stp. Dhoni b R. Ashwin 10 M. Ali b B. Kumar 55 C. Woakes b Bumrah 5 L. Plunkett not out 26 D. Willey not out 5 Extras: (lb-7, nb-1, w-4) 12

Total: (for 8 wickets, 50 overs) 366 Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-128, 3-170, 4-173, 5-206, 6-299, 7-304, 8-354.

Bowling: B. Kumar 10-163-1, J. Bumrah 9-0-81-2 (nb-1, w-1), R. Jadeja 10-045-1, H. Pandya 6-0-60-0, R. Ashwin 10-0-65-3 (w-2), K. Jadhav 5-0-45-0 (w-1).

Senegal beat Zimbabwe 2-0 to reach Nations Cup quarter-finals

Sadio Mane (right) scores his second goal of the 2017 tournament.

LIVERPOOL forward Sadio Mane scored as Senegal beat Zimbabwe yesterday to become the first team to reach the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Mane tapped in the opener from close range in the ninth minute from Lazio forward Keita Balde Diao’s low cross.

Henri Saivet, on loan at St Etienne from Newcastle, then struck home a brilliant 20-yard free-kick four minutes later.

Mane also had a lob cleared off the line by Costa Nhamoinesu.

Stoke’s Mame Biram

Diouf should have increased Senegal’s advantage, but blazed his leftfoot shot over the crossbar.

Khama Billiat wasted a good chance for Zimbabwe just before halftime when he fired tamely at Abdoulaye Diallo. The keeper also produced a good block to keep out Nyasha Mushekwi’s drive.

The Lions of Teranga have a maximum six points from two games in Group B. Tunisia are second with three points and both Algeria and Zimbabwe have a point each.

(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

Skipper Holder fully focused on team unity BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Test captain Jason Holder says one of his main goals is to transform the Caribbean side into a tightly-knit unit, and believes this will be the catalyst for any turnaround in the team’s fortunes.

The Caribbean side has endured a torrid time in Test and One-Day International cricket over the last decade and currently ranked eighth and ninth respectively in either format.

Holder said with West Indies bringing together players from several nations, the challenge was

Jason Holder is preparing to lead Barbados Pride in the Regional Super50. always to get them playing as a collective.

“Cricket is played on the

park so I always stress for guys to share as much information as possible, commu-

nicate with one another and make sure that whenever we step on the park, we step as 11 unified players,” Holder told CBC Radio’s cricket show, Mid-Wicket, here.

“I think the more we do that, the more positive results we will have. In the history of West Indies cricket of late, you’ve been seeing individuals stand out but we haven’t been able to get that collective reward, and that is something I am really, really trying to change in terms of the mindset of our players – trying to come together collectively.”

The 25-year-old Holder

has led West Indies in 12 of his 20 Tests and 28 of his 49 ODIs, but has overseen a tough period for the Caribbean side where they have struggled to find extensive success.

He has also presided over a young, inexperienced team and has been charged with moulding a winning unit.

Holder, who is preparing to lead Barbados Pride in the Regional Super50 starting next week, said his hope was to create the same level of unity in the West Indies side that existed in regional sides.

“You would get such ca-

maraderie for instance in a Trinidad team or in a Barbados team where they are all Barbadians or all Trinidadians but when you are mixing the countries up in terms of players coming out of the Leewards, the Windwards, Barbados, Guyana, it’s always a challenge,” Holder explained.

“You haven’t spent that much time around certain players. You’re just basically getting to know them.”

Holder was one of the youngest-ever Test captains of West Indies at age 23, and the 15th youngest captain of any Test team.

CA investigating Channel Ten comments CWI offered players to Strikers captain Hodge 100 per cent increase

THE integrity unit of Cricket Australia (CA) is to investigate an on-air exchange in which Channel Ten commentator Mark Howard provided tactical information to Adelaide Strikers captain Brad Hodge in their Big Bash League fixture against Sydney Thunder.

Strikers posted 178 en route to a dominant 77-run win over Thunder on Wednesday, which saw the Sydney franchise eliminated from the BBL. However, during the game Hodge - who wore a microphone in the field - was informed that seamer Ben Laughlin had a strong record against Thunder skipper Shane Watson.

Hodge replied: “Really?

I’ll bring him on next over then, let’s get him into the game.”

The introduction did not

bring about Watson’s dismissal, but CA noted its disappointment that the information was passed on and plans to review the incident.

“Australian cricket has a long-standing, proactive approach to sports integrity management,” a CA spokesperson was quoted as saying

by ESPNCricinfo.

“We educate our broadcasters at the beginning of each season in the area of Cricket Australia’s integrity codes and policies so they fully understand the extent we take to ensure the integrity of cricket in the country.

“We are disappointed with the comments made on the BBL broadcast last night (Wednesday), and expressed this concern immediately to Channel Ten when it occurred.

“Cricket Australia’s integrity unit is looking into the matter further to ensure the

to tour Pakistan

Adelaide Strikers captain Brad Hodge

comments made during the broadcast did not jeopardise the integrity of last night’s match.”

Network Ten issued an apology, but insisted there was no intent to influence the outcome of the game.

“Network Ten apologises to Cricket Australia for comments made during last night’s Big Bash League match,” a

spokesperson said.

“The comments were in no way intended to advise Adelaide Strikers captain Brad Hodge on game tactics or influence the outcome of the game.

“Network Ten ensures that all commentators are educated on Cricket Australia’s integrity codes and policies.”

Dottin set for Heat return following face surgery ADELAIDE, Australia, (CMC) – Barbados and West Indies all-rounder, Deandra Dottin, is set to make a dramatic return for Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League this weekend, three weeks after undergoing face surgery.

The 25-year-old suffered multiple fractures to her cheekbones following an on-field collision with teammate Laura Harris, while attempting to field a delivery during a game

against Melbourne Stars at Allan Border Field on December 27.

Dottin had titanium plates inserted during surgery to rectify the injury.

The live-wire Dottin has resumed training with the Heat and has been cleared to suit up for the weekend doubleheader against Adelaide Strikers – on Friday and Saturday – at the Gabba in Brisbane.

“Thank you to all my fans, the Heat medical

teams, players and support staff,” she said on her Facebook page Thursday.

“I am back from serious injury and looking forward to bringing the HEAT this Friday and Saturday as we aim to win both games! Thanks to all!”

Dottin will rreplace England’s Lauren Winfield who will in turn replace Indian Smriti Mandhana, who has been struck down by injury.

Prior to her injury,

Dottin had managed just six games for Heat, producing a couple of useful contributions including an unbeaten half-century in the season’s opening game against Sydney Thunder.

In her absence, Heat endured mixed results, winning three and losing three of their six outings.

They lie fifth in the eight-team standings on 12 points, needing to win in order to secure their spot in the playoffs.

WEST Indies players were reportedly offered a 100 per cent increase in wages by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for two proposed Twenty20 games in Pakistan, in March.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had attempted to convince CWI to send a team to tour the country, but the proposal was rejected because of ongoing security concerns in the Asian country.

Pakistan has been blacklisted by major Test playing nations since a deadly attack on the Sri Lanka team in 2009.

CWI reportedly considered the tour, but concerns raised by the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and its parent body, the Federation of International Crick-

et Associations (FICA), who sent out a release warning players against travelling to the country, reportedly prompted a change of heart from the administration.

According to T&T Guardian, who quoted sources familiar with the situation, players were offered a huge bounty to consider the tour. The reports indicate that the players were being offered as much as US$10 000 as opposed to US$2 500 for regular match fees.

The objections of FICA and WIPA, however, who represent the interest of the players, made it almost impossible for the tour to go ahead. The teams will play a two-match series in Florida.

(Sportsmax.com)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday January 20, 2017)

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) 952/6 dec (SL vs IND, Colombo, 1997) (2) 444/3-50 overs (ENG vs PAK, Nottingham, 2016) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best bowling figures in a Test innings to date?

(2) What are the best bowling figures in an ODI game to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 20, 2017

Guyana Jaguars Super50 chances good, says Harper … Surprised at Vishaul Singh’s omission

By Rajiv Bisnauth

WITH just five days before the 2017 NAGICO Regional Super50 tournament bowls off, former Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Guyana middle-order batsman and head coach, Mark Harper, believes that the Guyana Jaguars have an excellent chance of winning the coveted trophy.

The 59-year-old Harper, who played the last of his 42 First-Class and 13 Regional Limited Overs matches in 1991, is of the opinion that the team’s all-round ability will be a huge positive for the side.

“I think Guyana have a good chance. When you look at the squad, we have a good all-round squad, a squad with good experienced players, who have been playing the game for some time now,” Harper pointed out.

The Guyana Jaguars have been labelled as the pre-tournament favourites, but that

Mark Harper

label means nothing unless it can be backed by strong performances.

However, the former Bermuda national coach pointed out that execution will be the key for any strong performances.

“In limited overs cricket or any form of cricket you have to bat well, but having said that the team’s bowling department is well equipped to handle any situation.

Kanden takes over from

Bacchus as president of ACCCC … Walter replaced as secretary

LLOYD Kanden edged past Imtiaz Bacchus to be elected president of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC), when that entity held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections last Tuesday at the Albion Community Centre’s Main Hall.

Kanden, a pastor by profession, is no stranger to the position as he had served for fourteen consecutive years from 2002 to 2015 at the helm of the club.

In 2016, Kanden opted not to seek re-election and was replaced by Bacchus who had also served for a number of years as his vice-president.

Bacchus, a former Senior Factory Laboratory Technician at Guysuco Albion Estate and Grievance Officer attached to NAACIE was elected unopposed as vice-president replacing Romeo Singh, while schoolteacher Mathew Hardyal, replaced the experienced Vemen Walter as the club’s new secretary.

Vemen Walter, a former Berbice and Guyana Youth Manager and current Human Resources Manager of Guysuco’s

Albion Estate did not seek re-election as secretary but was elected as the club’s new assistant secretary/ treasurer, taking over from Josiah Dhanai.

Singh is the club’s new treasurer replacing David Latchaya, while former West Indies opening batsman Sewnarine Chattergoon, Totaram Harricharran and Pooran Mangal will serve as committee members.

The new executive will be meeting shortly to name the club’s captains, vice-captains and managers of the respective teams, together with the club’s sub-committees for 2017.

Lloyd Kanden

“Beaton (Ronsford) is back, and he will add a bit of pace, then there is Barnwell (Christopher), Reifer (Raymon) and Wintz (Paul), but our spinners … Guyana have always produced quality spinners, and with Bishoo (Devendra), Permaul (Veerasammy) and Jacobs (Steven), our bowling department is well equipped,” Harper added.

Meanwhile, Harper expressed his surprise at the omission of middle-order batsman Vishaul Singh from the touring squad.

“I’m surprised he is not in the squad. He is a quality player,” Harper said.

Singh, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, fast bowler Romario Shepherd, opening batsman Kevon Boodie and all-rounder Royston Crandon were all omitted. The five players were part of the squad last year.

The squad includes seven players who have represented the regional side in Tests, One Day Internation-

Vishaul Singh

als (ODIs) and Twenty20s.

The left-handed Leon Johnson is once again at the helm, and he will have a bunch of experienced players to call on, among them is middle-order batting stalwart Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

When the action bowls off, the Guyanese will be aiming for a 10th Regional 50-over title, the last of which was achieved in 2005 when they defeated Barbados in near darkness in the final of the KFC Cup at the GCC ground, Bourda.

Prior to that, Guyana reigned supreme in 1980,

1983, 1985, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2003.

The Guyana Jaguars will do battle in Group B of the Super50 which runs from January 24 to February 18 in Antigua and Barbados.

Group B comprises last year losing finalists Barbados Pride, Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners, Jamaica Scorpions, Guyana Jaguars and ICC Americas.

Meanwhile, title-holders Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Windward Islands Volcanoes, the West Indies U-19s, and visiting English County Kent Spitfires have been installed in Group A. The Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Veerasammy Permaul (vice-captain), Anthony Bramble (wkp.), Shimron Hetmyer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer, Rajendra Chandrika, Steven Jacobs, Assad Fudadin, Devendra

Ronsford Beaton

Bishoo, Ronsford Beaton, Paul Wintz and Jonathan Foo. Management Staff: Esaun Crandon (head coach), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach) and Ernesto Gonzalez (physiotherapist).

Windies U-19 squad upbeat ahead of Regional Super50 … Five members from ICC World Cup-winning squad included

A 14-MEMBER West Indies Under-19 squad is to participate in the upcoming Regional Super50 Tournament that begins next week.

Shamar Springer The squad includes five players – all-rounders Shamar Springer and Keemo Paul; middle-order batsman Kirstan Kallicharan; wicketkeeper/ batsman Emmanuel Stewart; and left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy - who were members of the team that won the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh last year.

Their participation in the Super50 tournament will form part of the squad’s preparation

for the ICC Under-19 World Cup, to be played in New Zealand next year.

However, Springer, Paul and McCoy will not be eligible for that tournament, but have been selected as part of their continued development and monitoring.

“We have a really fantastic group of players selected for this tournament and we believe they will do very well.

We had a camp in Grenada before Christmas, which went really well.

“We will have another camp here in Antigua in the build-up to this event, which should get us in the right frame of mind as we play against older and more experienced opposition,” said head coach Graeme West, while outlining details behind the team’s preparations.

“On the team, we have included three ‘overaged’ players – Springer, Paul and McCoy – to add a bit of strength, especially to the

Bhaskar Yadram

seam bowling department.

They are three quality bowlers, and they can bat as well, and we believe will serve West Indies cricket very well in the future.”

The West Indies Under-19s will play in Zone A which is based in An-

tigua. They will play against defending champions Trinidad & Tobago R e d F o rc e , Wi n d w a r d Islands Volcanoes, Kent Spitfire and host team Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

The full squad reads: Te-Shawn Alleyne, Alick Athanaze, Joshua Bishop, Shian Brathwaite, Kirstan Kallicharan, Mikyle Louis, Obed McCoy, Matthew Patrick, Keemo Paul, Jeavor Royal, Javier Spencer, Shamar Springer, Emmanuel Stewart and Bhaskar Yadram.

Keemo Paul

Former Haitian Football Federation director shot to death near home See story on page 30

Australian Open …

Six-time champion Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has won 12 Grand Slams, including six Australian Open titles.

DEFENDING champion Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat by world number 117 Denis Istomin in the second round of the Australian Open tennis.

The six-time winner struggled for rhythm and lost 7-6(10-8), 5-7, 2-6, 7-6(7-5), 6-4 in four hours 48 minutes.

It is the first time Djokovic, 29, has lost in the second round of a Grand Slam since 2008 at Wimbledon.

The result leaves world number one Andy Murray as favourite to win his first Australian Open title in

stunned by world number 117 Istomin Melbourne.

Briton Murray, who has already reached round three, has lost five finals in the past seven years in Melbourne, four of them to Djokovic.

It is only the second time in seven years that Djokovic has lost to a player ranked outside the top 100 - his defeat by Juan Martin del Potro, ranked 145th, at the Rio Olympics in 2016 being the other occasion.

“He deserved to win. No doubt, he was a better player in the clutch moments,” said Djokovic.

“Many things came together for him today and he’s a well-deserved winner.

There’s not much I could do.”

Istomin holds nerve against world number two.

Djokovic could not find his rhythm, eventually winning his first service game after 15 minutes but going on to lose the first set in one hour 25 minutes.

He won four consecutive games in the third set as his opponent faltered but Istomin came back in the fourth set to take it to a tie-break.

Both players served ag-

gressively as they received vocal support from the crowd, with Istomin taking the match to a deciding set with a brutal ace.

Istomin, who broke in game five, remained strong on his own serve and wrapped things up when Djokovic, lunging on the backhand, could only block another crunching delivery long on match point.

Uzbek Istomin will next face Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta, who beat Britain’s Kyle Edmund yesterday.

‘I SURPRISED MYSELF’ “It is the biggest win of my career and means so much, now I feel I can play with these guys and be with them on the same level,” said Istomin.

“From the third set I had cramp in my leg, I don’t know how I held it. I was playing so good. I surprised myself.”

Istomin had two years out of the game after breaking his leg in a car accident and spending three months in hospital in 2001.

Coached by his mother Klaudiya, he dropped out of the top 100 in 2016 and was given a wildcard to play in the Australian Open.

Prior to his win over Djokovic, Istomin had won

FELIX BELIZAIRE

just one of 33 matches against a player ranked in the world’s top 10.

His best Grand Slam result is reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2012 and the US Open in 2013, when he lost to Murray.

Gavhar Azimova, from the Tennis Federation of Republic of Uzbekistan, said Istomin is a “star” in his home country.

“We are ecstatic,” he told BBC Uzbek. They (Denis and his mother) trained very hard. He is a very kind and modest guy, but works very hard.

“The whole Federation watched it live together.

Turn to page 30

Denis Istomin has now reached the third round of the Australian Open three times in 11 appearances.

2017 Limacol round robin knock-out football

GT Beer signs as official sponsor See story on page 30

Banks DIH PRO Troy Peters watches as Petra’s Mark Alleyne collects a cheque from GT Beer brand manager Jeff Clement. Also in the picture are Petra Director Troy Mendonca and Banks Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart.

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FRIDAY JANUARY 20, 2017