Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20 03 2017

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The

Essequibo

Sweeping changes No. 104858

MONDAY MARCH 20, 2017

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–– Lawrence calls for changes in nursing school programme

‘Honour your responsibilities’

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Page 5

– President urges men to take rightful place in home

Director of the Seventh-day Adventist youth arm, Marvyn Smith leads a march to the Adventist Village at the Sophia Exhibition Complex. The march was part of activities to celebrate 130 years of Seventh-day Adventism in Guyana (Samuel Maughn photo)

Bandit killed in botched robbery Page 3

Paramakatoi farmers in large-scale tomato project Page 2

Toshao Lenox Shuman cleared of wrongdoing Page 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

Paramakatoi farmers in large-scale tomato project

FARMERS in the Region Eight community of Paramakatoi and nearby villages of Mountain Foot and Bamboo Creek have formed themselves into an agriculture co-op as they prepare for the opening of a processing facility and large-scale farming.

Last weekend the residents, 58 of them, were led through the process

by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Chief Co-op Development Officer in the Ministry of Social Protection, Perlina Gifth, with support from

Farmers of the soon to be registered Paramakatoi Agriculture Co-op with Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe (left) and Chief Co-op Development Officer, Perlina Gifth (right) fellow officer, Nickesha Williams.

The Paramakatoi Agriculture Co-op is expected to be fully registered in the coming weeks, approximately four decades after a similar group was formed in the mountainous Patamona community.

This time though, members are confident of its longevity, more so because of external help.

Chairperson of the new group, Odessa Paul, said she believes that farmers in the co-op will be able to support each other and work towards further developing their communi-

ties.

Support and structure were the underlying themes of the co-op development officers, who spent several hours over two days highlighting the benefits of joining the body.

The first project earmarked for the co-op is the planting of organic tomatoes. The fruit will then be dried at the new solar drying and processing facility which has been built in the community.

The dried tomatoes will be transported to Georgetown either to be packaged as sun-dried tomatoes or

to be made into sun-dried tomato salad dressing at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST).

The project, the Paramakatoi Flavours, is set to revolutionise the community. Along with the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and IAST, the Ministry of Social Protection and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) are also on board.

Minister Garrido-Lowe and Director of IAST, Professor Suresh Narine, designed the project after consultation with residents

in the communities.

In August last year, with $59M from the Government and $4.5M from the Canadian High Commission, the project was officially launched.

At a recent workshop, Minister Garrido-Lowe pointed out the importance of the co-op and the need for farmers to get themselves involved in the process.

She said that the upcoming tomato project is extremely important to the community.

“You are doing this See page 4

Sweeping changes

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

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–– Lawrence calls for changes in nursing school programme

A RE-EXAMINATION of contracts offered to nursing tutors, as well as a curriculum review of the professional nursing programme are among several measures to reverse the dismal failure rate at the Professional Nurses State Final Examination.

It was revealed that the student nurses in the last examination failed mainly section two of the examination paper, which required reasoning.

According to a release from the Ministry of Public Health on Friday, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence demanded of the Guyana Nursing Council that sweeping policy changes be made, with an eye on reversing students’

dismal performances at the exams.

Officials of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), including its Director, Jennifer Cumberbatch and Chief Test Development Officer, Deon Farrell also attended the meeting at the minister’s office on Brickdam.

“We will not have a repeat of this poor student performance, “Lawrence said at the meeting.

She suggested that the Nursing Council hold a retreat with tutors to help analyse the nature of the problem. It will also serve as a form of therapy for both groups.

Cumberbatch and Farrell both revealed that students’ worse performance

was in Paper II of the examination, which required higher-order reasoning such as explaining and evaluating.

The students “performed well” on questions demanding a recall of content, the release stated.

Lawrence called for a probe into the teaching methodologies and strategies by the nursing tutors.

Pedagogical changes are expected to be highlighted among the raft of proposed changes to be submitted

by Director of Health Sciences Education, Wilton Benn. He is expected to present a blueprint of the proposed changes to improve the nursing sector next month to Lawrence.

Benn also promised to deliver the document and

pleaded with the minister “for patience” with the sector as they move to end the crisis.

Despite the poor performances, the release stated that the ministry is willing to ensure that the students continue to receive stipends until they re-write the exam later in the year.

Lawrence reminded that the students “had expectations and expenses” when they enrolled into the professional programme.

In addition, it was noted the Public Health Ministry is willing to help fund ideas which will help students succeed in the profession and the nursing sector, while permanently reversing the high failure

Bandit killed in botched robbery – accomplice flees scene

AN armed bandit was shot dead in the wee hours of the morning on Sunday during a confrontation with a businessman in suburban Bel Air. Fortunately for the businessman, he was not injured in the shootout, but a friend of his, the driver of the vehicle in which he was travelling, was and is currently hospitalised at a private institution.

The fallen bandit, who is yet to be identified, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to reports, the businessman had just seen one of two friends home in Belvoir Court after a night out at the movies when the incident occurred.

It happened around 00:30hrs as the friend was about to secure the gate to

his premises, where he was accosted by two men, one of whom brandished a firearm and ordered him to ‘Freeze!’

The driver, sensing that something was amiss, decided to reverse the vehicle to check on his friend, and came under a hail of bullets as the armed bandit opened fire. In the fusillade, the front windscreen of the vehicle was shattered and the driver was hit on his arm.

The businessman, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, immediately drew his licensed .32 Taurus pistol and returned fire, hitting the bandit squarely in the chest. His accomplice, not wanting to wait around, took to his heels, leaving his fallen accomplice behind.

The police were subsequently informed of the shooting, and upon arriving at the scene, found a .32 pistol

The .32 Beretta pistol that the bandit used in the commission of the holdup believed to have belonged to the deceased suspect.

They also found seven .32 calibre spent shells and a cellular phone.

The police are reportedly reviewing footage from several CCTV surveillance

cameras in the neighbourhood to build their case.

The body of the slain bandit, meanwhile, is currently at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting identification. A post-mortem is expected to be done today.

rate among its intake.

“This is my burden,” Lawrence said.

The Pan American Health Organisation / World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), a major supporter of the country’s health sector is “less than enthusiastic” by the latest high failure rate by local nurses in training, the ministry noted.

It said that Lawrence is expected to meet with officials in Washington next week.

In 2014, only 19 out of 267 students passed the test, the ministry noted, adding that the failure rate has been a challenge for Guyana for a number of years.

Guyana Nursing Council officials have said the

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence problem is region-wide.

Local nursing students can re-sit the examinations three times.

If they fail on the third occasion, they can retake the test but in a private capacity.

Police hunt suspect in Rupununi murder POLICE are on the hunt for the suspect in last Thursday’s murder and shallow-grave burial of a 24-year-old labourer at Tiger Plate, in Central Rupununi.

Dead is Arnold Gordon of Kumu Village, also in Central Rupununi, whose remains were unearthed on Friday and taken to the Lethem Hospital.

Police say he was apparently clubbed, then shot with a bow and arrow. He was reportedly shot under his right arm-pit. An iron rod was also found near the murder scene.

According to an eyewitness, the 28-year-old suspect used a length of wood and a metal rod to clobber Gordon.

The police reportedly learnt of the incident through a Toshao, who came by the information from the eyewitness’s grandmother.

Acting upon what he was told, the Toshao put together a team and went in search of Gordon, the police said.

The search party eventually found what appeared to be a shallow grave in some bushes some 20 feet from the suspect’s campsite.

The police were summoned, and Gordon’s remains were discovered in the shallow grave.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

Paramakatoi farmers in large-scale ...

From page 2

for your livelihood, to give yourself and your children a better life. This industry will transform your community. It will create employment—money will circulate.”

The minister said that all systems are in place to make the project a successful one. She said that the farmers are in good hands with qualified persons, such as resident Celpha Simon, a qualified agronomist, who studied in Cuba and

The tomatoes will be dried in Paramakatoi, via a solar drier before being transported to Georgetown Marlon Williams, the Agricultural Extension officer from NAREI. The farmers have been planting for generations, but due to a lack of demand, they had not ventured into large-scale farming. Given that most people farm in the communities, selling is also sometimes difficult.

Under the tomato project

the farmers will however supply thousands of pounds for processing every month.

What is also appealing to them is that once they deliver their tomatoes, they will get paid within 24-72 hours.

The oldest farmer in the co-op, 72-year-old Adwin Nagalla, has been farming for over half

a century. He sees the tomato project “as very appealing”.

“I think that the project will work and it will be good for the community.”

Like the other farmers, Nagalla is also optimistic that the project will secure a brighter future for generations to come.

Most farmers do subsistence farming in Paramakatoi and neighbouring communities

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‘Honour your responsibilities’ 5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

– President urges men to take rightful place in home

PRESIDENT David Granger on Sunday called on fathers to take their rightful place. in their homes, while pointing out that happy homes lead to happy families, societies and countries.

He issued the call at the rededication service of the refurbished Central Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church, which was part of the activities to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Seventh-Day Adventism in Guyana.

The Head of State congratulated the Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists and took the opportunity to urge the church to work to help strengthen the institution of the family by ensuring that men recognise and understand their responsibilities and that women are treated as equals.

“Men must provide for their children, they must become the cornerstones of happy homes. Men can help to raise happy families by showing respect and responsibility towards their wives and their children…

The church is essential to social cohesion and improving family-hood and it can do so by reinforcing the mainstays of fatherhood,” the President said.

Turning to husbands and fathers, he made an impassioned plea for them to recognise and respect the equality of women and to become more conscious of conduct; reminding them of how actions such as abandoning their children can lead to a complete collapse of the family and consequently, society.

“The family is cradle of life; the citadel of safety and the classroom of the culture of loving, sharing and forgiving… fatherhood and motherhood play complementary roles in family-hood. Happy families are the foundation of a happy nation. Happy families will lead to happy communities; happy communities will lead to strong regions and strong regions will build a strong nation,” a Ministry of the Presidency release quoted the President as saying.

Speaking of the church and its doctrine, the President said that the determination and dedication of its pioneers over the past 130 years have made Adventism one the leading Christian denominations in Guyana.

He reminded that Adventism is part of the Protestant movement, which began some 500 years ago.

From as early as 1883, that International Tract and Missionary Society began dispatching religious literature to British Guiana and within the first 25 years of the introduction of Adventism, five churches were established with the Central SDA being the first in 1887.

Today, there are a total of 216 SDA churches countrywide. “The success of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists is attributable to its reputation, not only of preaching

President David Granger delivering his remarks at the rededication service at the Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church the word but also by practice of good works,” President Granger said.

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Conference of the SDA, Pastor Richard James commended the Head of State for his unwavering efforts to unify Guyanese.

“We would like the

President to know that we are praying that he will continue to keep the torch of unity and integration burning brilliantly in this dear land of Guyana,” he said.

Starting with the establishment of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, the Government’s policy to im-

prove race relations and to bring about greater equality among all Guyanese has not only received overwhelming stakeholder support, but is also gaining traction as people are becoming more involved in the wider conversation on national unity.

Only last Thursday,

Guyanese from the 10 administrative regions were engaged in discussions at a workshop on a Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-2021, which will essentially serve as the roadmap to bridging the existing gaps in the diverse Guyanese society.

Monday, March 20, 2017- 04:00 hrs ––10:00hrs Tuesday, March 21, 2017- 04:30 hrs ––12:00hrs Wednesday, March 22, 2017- 04:30 hrs ––13:00hrs

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Editorial

Overcoming our challenges THERE is nothing wrong with Guyana that cannot be made right by Guyanese. Addressing or righting challenges require acknowledgement that a particular issue is offensive or has debilitating consequences for the people in a multicultural nation living in comity; and where every individual or group can feel an important and valued part of the society.

One of the first things that has to be tackled head-on is the level of intolerance and hostility people show towards each other. This is not only manifested in the culture among road users, notably motorists and every-day interactions, but also from least expected quarters. Civility, respect for self and the other, requires a level of decorum among citizens and officials, elected and appointed. In the instance of citizenship, while it is not the intent to litigate when incivility started going downhill, it is time to arrest and restore it to where Guyanese were known for their courtesy.

At the governance level, intolerance towards citizens asking questions of office-holders ought not to be, given that citizens are exercising their civil duty.

While the World Bank has elevated Guyana to an “Upper Middle Income” economy, they are still too many who are considered poor and deserve to be given the opportunity to rise out of poverty. Targeted policies and ensuing programmes can address these in a systematic manner. Where government has shown inclination in this direction such is welcomed, and more.

In the 21st century, where other countries of diverse demographics are openly having frank and honest nation-

al conversations about divisive issues such as race and gender, Guyana cannot afford to lag . These can only be addressed by talking about them, accompanied by policies programmes and laws to ensure equality in treatment, complemented by requisite data-gathering to support efforts.

At the same time it ought to be said that issues such as race and gender should not be used to condone wrongs or put square pegs in round holes, lest such make mockery of achieving equality, which is premised on justice and fair play.

Our internecine political conflict can no longer be blamed on the colonial authorities or on Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham. While the enslavers and colonisers facilitated a system of ‘divide and rule’ to keep groups apart for their self-serving ends, this country has been independent for 50 years. Both Burnham and Jagan have been dead for decades and the fact that there continues to be conflict based primarily on race, the time is now when personal responsibility dictates doing something to fix it.

Scepticism, restlessness and hopelessness among the young and resignation on the part of the elderly, societies two most vulnerable groups, cannot be ignored. Whereas the former require opportunities to unleash potential and serve their country, the latter desire to be treated with dignity and respect in their golden years. The historical culture of this society has shown our capacity and capability in these regards and to this reservoir of experience we must return and apply.

Migration hurts efforts at indigenous growth and development, since very often our most skilled and educated

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

are among those who leave, placing the country at a disadvantage of needed human capital. Where opportunities for employment and economic opportunities are not seen or known, hopelessness can step in and flight takes place.

In recognition of the pressing challenges, it is welcoming news that the Ministry of Social Cohesion last week held its validation workshop. Given that the planners’ aim is to provide an understanding of social cohesion and assist stakeholders to understand their roles in enabling the process, the nation will look forward to positive outcomes/results.

All Guyanese are important and ought to be treated as such. Each demographic has unique and common needs, finding that, conceptualising and developing policies and programmes with such recognition, along with the stakeholders’ inputs can help the society confront its challenges. By disposition, Guyanese have a determined and resilient spirit. Many of our talents and skills continue to be used for the development of other countries and these can be turned inwards and for our collective development here. We must aspire and work together to achieve.

Alcohol is not a root cause for abuse; it’s a trigger

Dear Editor,

Alcohol is not a root cause for abuse; it’s a trigger POST on Facebook recently: “International Women’s Day event at Theatre Guild organised by UG and UNICEF…I told them the main culprit was alcohol abuse, reduce it and you will reduce domestic abuse, suicide, noise, drunk driving, etc etc.”

Comment on the post: “I totally agree. Alcohol is the root cause of all acts of violence, abuse, etc..”

Another commentator added: “Alcoholism, as one of the main causes of domestic violence has been known for ages.”

When the original poster and those who commented on his post were informed that alcohol is not a root cause of abuse but a trigger they vehemently disagreed and, instead, continued to perpetuate the long held myth.

The reality, however, is that while there have been many studies done, there is no scientific evidence indicating a cause-and-effect relationship between substance

(alcohol, drugs) abuse and gender-based violence. Some abusers rely on substance use (and abuse) as an excuse for becoming violent. Alcohol allows the abuser to justify his abusive behavior as a result of the alcohol. While an abuser’s use of alcohol may have an effect on the severity of the abuse or the ease with which the abuser can justify his actions, an abuser does not become violent “because” drinking causes him to lose control of his temper.

The fact is that domestic violence is used to exert power and control over another; it is often a learned behavior, but is never the result of loss of control. In an abusive relationship, the batterer uses the pattern of tactics described in the Power and Control Wheel (see attached image) to reinforce the use of physical violence.

Violent incidents are not isolated instances of a loss of control, or even cyclical expressions of anger and frustration. Rather, each instance is part of a larger pattern of behavior designed to exert and maintain power and control over the victim.

In fact, research indicates that a large quantity of alcohol, or any quantity for alcoholics, can increase the user’s sense of personal power and domination over others. An increased sense of power and control can, in turn, make it more likely that an abuser will attempt to exercise that power and control over another.

Also, alcohol does affect the user’s ability to perceive, integrate and process information. This distortion in the user’s thinking does not cause violence, but may increase the risk that the user will misinterpret his partner or another’s behavior. Additionally, substance abuse may increase the aggressive response of individuals with low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Research also indicates that there may be a correlation between the risk of domestic violence and certain personality characteristics.

For example, alcohol abuse may increase the risk of violence in men who think abuse of women is appropriate and are also under socioeconomic hardship. Further-

more, a 1991 study in the United States found that the average amount of alcohol consumed prior to the use of violence was only a few drinks, which “suggests that the act of drinking may be more related to woman abuse than the effect of alcohol.”

In short, there is, “no evidence that batterers… socialisation or choice-making processes are not operational when using substances.” Thus, abusers follow their own “internal rules and regulations about abusive behaviors” that may include destroying property, relying on threats of abuse, and threatening children.

Through these decisions, “perpetrators are making choices about what they will or will not do to the victim, even when they are claiming they ‘lost it’ or were ‘out of control.’ Such decision-making indicates that they are actually in control of their abusive behaviors.” (Anne L. Ganley & Susan Schechter, Domestic Violence: A National Curriculum for Family Preservation Practitioners; 1995).

In effect then, domestic

violence and substance abuse should be understood and treated as independent problems: “[T]he reduction of one problem to the familiar language and interventions of the other problem is ill-advised” (Anne L. Ganley & Susan Schechter). Most importantly also, the myth that alcohol is a cause of domestic violence needs to be laid to rest, so that the concept of gender-based violence can be understood for what it is.

The fact is that abusers may feel this need to control their partner because of low self-esteem, extreme jealousy, difficulties in regulating anger and other strong emotions, or when they feel inferior to the other partner in education and socioeconomic background.

Some people with very traditional beliefs may think they have the right to control their partner, and that women aren’t equal to men. Others may have an undiagnosed personality disorder or psychological disorder. Still others may have learned this behavior from growing up in a household where domestic

violence was accepted as a normal part of being raised in their family.

Studies suggest that violent behavior often is caused by an interaction of situational and individual factors.

That means that abusers learn violent behavior from their family, people in their community and other cultural influences as they grow up.

They may have seen violence often or they may have been victims themselves. Some abusers acknowledge growing up having been abused as a child.

Children who witness or are the victims of violence may learn to believe that violence is a reasonable way to resolve conflict between people. Boys who learn that women are not to be valued or respected and who see violence directed against women are more likely to abuse women when they grow up. Girls who witness domestic violence in their families of origin are more likely to be victimised by their own husbands.

Regards Anand Boodram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

Concerns raised over GCCI elections

--some members calling for re-run SOME members of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have raised concerns over the handling of the body’s election of the 2016/2017 Council last Thursday and are calling for a re-run of the election.

According to the aggrieved members, the Con-

stitution of the body has been breached by the holding of the Council Election on the same day of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

GCCI’s 127th AGM was held last Thursday at the Roraima Duke Lodge in Kingston, where the President’s report, Auditors’ report and financial statements for the year ending

December 31, 2016, were read and the election of the 2016/2017 Council done.

Those who contend that the election was flawed argue that the rules of the Constitution do not permit elections to be held on the day of the AGM, and deem the move “illegal”. They further contend that the act would “permit

Members of the GCCI at its 127th AGM held last Thursday at the Duke Lodge

Women of substance movement is making adifference in Region Two Dear Editor, I HAVE been observing the selfless act of community development done under the auspices of the Women of Substance Organisation.

It was formed about one year ago by a group of women mainly from Henrietta on the Essequibo Coast and whose membership is gradually increasing.

One of their primary and ongoing projects is to clean, maintain and beautify the community of Henrietta.

They have also heightened the awareness among other villages to replicate their concept. In fact, the irresponsible manner in which receptacles are being disposed of is creating insurmountable challenges to the Anna Regina town council and the Regional Administration of Region Two. To date, several irrigational channels remain clogged, which is leading to flooding in many instances.

It is therefore quite pleasing to witness the women in action and in collaboration

with other volunteers literally weeding the accumulated bushes along the street-ways, removing the rejected plastic bottles from the drains and duly sensitising the residents to act responsibly in preserving the environment. I am also impressed with their stimulating drive to educate the community which I am optimistic will provide positive results. They have been engaging the youths during their recess from classroom teachings and this being done by teachers within the group.

The nonprofit organisation is also providing the necessary tools for its membership to gain entrepreneurial skills, which has led to the group promoting fund-raising activities on a regular basis to sustain and develop their financial status. They have also invited professionals to provide lectures as a means of empowering them culturally, socially and financially.

Notably, several members of the group were active participants and were among the float parades during Mashra-

mani Day celebrations in Essequibo. Their significantly attractive flair and inventive designs were memorable scenes to behold.

The movement is growing in stature and one which is becoming a model to be emulated, especially by other villages whereby women are willing to rise above the barriers of gender inequality. While their passage of dutiful patronage is being recognised, it is also of significance that the regional administration has supported their cause by providing a rehabilitated building in which they can formally meet in Henrietta and which is also being used for their promotional and educational activities.

The region therefore will be much richer in institutional and capacity-building through the remarkable strides of the Women of Substance in Region Two. Regards Elroy Stephney

the elements of destruction to hijack the GCCI as a junior Private Sector Commission (PSC) corporation.”

They also allege that the voting process was skewed, as nomination forms were not placed in a sealed ballot box in accordance with the rules.

According to the said rules, “Nominations for members of the Council duly nominated and seconded by a member shall be submitted by placing the nomination form in a sealed ballot box to be placed in the office of the Proper Officer no later than seven days prior to the meeting.”

The said rules also provide that if, however, there are more than 21 nominations for the election of members to the Council, “there shall be a ballot for their election at the meeting,” which process should be supervised by “the Proper Officer.”

The rules also state that the “voting papers” should be prepared by the “proper officer” and should, on application, be handed to each member qualified to vote. At the completion of the voting exercise, the voting paper should be placed into a locked ballot box.

STANDARD PRACTICE Asked for a comment on Sunday, GCCI President Vishnu Doerga told the Guyana Chronicle that the allegations are inaccurate, since the election followed standard practice, based on the established rules that govern elections.

Doerga explained that notice was sent out three weeks before the AGM to all members, a requirement which he said is mandatory. He noted, too, that nominations and elections are to be done on

GCCI President, Vishnu Doerga

the same day as the AGM and voting by secret ballot.

“The ballot box was empty, and it was verified to be empty...It was empty and verified, then locked and then opened for counting,” a surprised Doerga said, adding: “There were no more than 21 options; the votes were tallied, and one week from now there will be elections for the executive.

The rules state that elections are to be held no later than March 31, and notice was done 21 days before.”

Contending that the information the media has been fed is misleading, Doerga said: “The election was done in full sight of all members present by secretariat staff.” As he went on to explain, he has been a member of the GCCI for four years and that the very rules and procedures that were employed in the past were employed at last Thursday’s election.

Moreover, Doerga stated

that the attendance at the AGM was the highest in recent times, “capping a year where every single key performance metric was at an all-time high for 128 years. Membership, projects, surplus, advocacy, members support, training activities etc.”

When asked why he believes some members of the GCCI would make such allegations against the organisation, Doerga said: “A lot of members showed up who generally do not show much of an interest in the activities of the Chamber and seem to have been instructed to vote in a particular way to move the Chamber in a different direction.”

Doerga said though encouraged by the turnout, he is, however, concerned about “this new-found interest,” but quickly pointed out that the situation illustrates democracy at work and noted that “persons will get the leadership they deserve.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

Family cries out for justice … as four-year-old laid to rest

By Fareeza Haniff IT was a sad day in Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, when fouryear-old Ramkaran Mohan, known as “Ram,” was laid to rest, five days after he was struck down obliquely opposite his home.

Hundreds flocked the Tuschen house before making their way to the Ruimzeight Cremation Ground, where the grieving family said their final goodbye.

His mother, Anna, repeatedly fainted during the service and had to be rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital after she failed to regain consciousness at the cremation site.

It was a sad sight indeed as his grandmother, Bibi Khan, screamed helplessly while his seven-year-old brother clutched the father and looked on.

But even as the parents grapple with the loss of their child, the alleged perpetrator was released from police cus-

Family members prepare the body for cremation tody shortly after the accident and is back on the road.

On March 14, at approximately 11: 30hrs, Ram, along with his seven-year-old brother, Komal, were accompanied by their uncle, Michael Plass, to a shop obliquely oppo-

site their Lot 1088, Tuschen residence, to purchase a ball to play cricket when he was struck by a silver-coloured Toyota Premio bearing the number plate PVV 5084.

The car was driven by a woman identified as Grace

Alves, from the same area.

According to Ram’s grandmother, Bibi Khan, they were waiting to cross the road and the boy was holding onto his uncle’s hand when the car turned from the corner and “hooked” him out of

the uncle’s hand, dragging him several feet away before coming to a halt.

The child was rushed to the Leonora Diagnostic Centre and was subsequently transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he succumbed a few hours later.

The female driver and the car were taken into custody, but according to Commander of ‘D’ Division, Leslie James, the woman was subsequently placed on $20,000 station bail.

When asked if she will be charged, Commander James told the Guyana Chronicle that the police have received conflicting reports as to how the accident occurred. He said two witnesses reported that the child ran into the path of the car while another witness stated otherwise.

Commander James, however, noted that the police will be seeking the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward.

Meanwhile, relatives of the victim are not at all happy with the police investigations and are calling for justice to

Dead: Ramkaran Mohan also called “Ram” be served. The relatives have alleged that the woman is not a licensed driver and she works the private car as a taxi in the area.

The family questioned the motive of the police after the woman and the car were released. They plan to hire a lawyer to ensure justice is served and are prepared to organise a large protest if the woman is not charged.

Bridging the marketing gap –– ECCI hopes inaugural trade fair will sell ‘Cinderella County’

PLANS are afoot to make Essequibo a more commercialised district by bridging the gap between the Cinderella County and local and foreign markets.

In order to promote its lush greenery, potential for agriculture, tourism and other attractions, the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) will soon launch its inaugural Agro and Trade Fair billed for the Anna Regina Centre Ground from April 7 to 8.

“There has never been a forum on the Essequibo Coast that will bridge gaps and bring purchasers to meet farmers,” ECCI President,

Mr Deleep Singh said.

“So we want to make the local businesspersons find markets both locally and internationally.”

Essequibo, known for its proliferation of rice fields, is reportedly on the verge of an “economic depression” because of a fall in demand for rice, so they are looking to increase the number of economic activities and promote overlooked areas in order to “attract some big contracts”.

Singh said that while they are looking at a more value-added approach for rice, it must be remembered that Essequibo is also 90 per cent agro-based, so they are

not solely dependent on that commodity.

Farmers have adjusted to the economic situation, and started focusing on other lucrative crops such as citrus, coffee, plantains and bananas, and have also begun investing heavily in cattle and poultry- rearing.

Coconut has also been another popular product which is being exploited and used to its full potential.

Although there is an abundance of activities, Singh pointed out that the true potential of the county has to be highlighted to the public, because all the commodities can be available but without the markets they would be pointless.

For instance, the cereal factory has not yet kicked off because of lack of markets, but with the advent of the ‘Expo’, the ECCI is very optimistic that the factory will be up and running soon.

“I envisage that within another three to four years, the region will get better,” Singh said.

He sees the exposition as being “a stepping stone” for progress in Essequibo, as with a theme like “Essequibo means business”, they are hoping to make the event an annual one that will grow over time.

Their aim, he said, is to work on developing the pos-

President of the ECCI, Deleep Singh itive aspects of the county, given that the ‘Expo’ will not only promote the commercial operations in Essequibo, but also create employment and

be used as a catalyst to push its economy to another level.

By working collaboratively with the Ministry of Business and the Ministry of Agriculture, they have started to market the fair and get local, regional and even international businesses on board.

Meanwhile, other interested persons are being advised that the ECCI will provide 1-10 10” x 10” tents with one table and two chairs for a contribution of $15,000 for the two nights, which will enable persons to display, promote and market their products to the anticipated thousands of persons who are expected to visit the expo.

Please do the bridges –– Region 10 residents urge Gov’t

RESIDENTS of the mining communities of Region 10, including Coomacka, Nottinghamshire, Three Friends and Old England are satisfied with the extensive repairs done to their communities’ access road, but are disappointed that two main access bridges

remain in threatening condition.

The road repairs commenced after an eight-day protest by residents prompted the intervention of Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock and junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson.

“Works on the road is completed, they ran the entire road, to where they finish is really nice,” Coomacka resident Dexter Harding said.

Residents however were concerned about the state of the bridges.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Councillor and

Community Leader, Dexter Harding said the deplorable bridges pose a serious threat to life and limb.

“As for the bridges, no movement on the bridges, we need to keep probing the necessary authorities to get some movement because if something happen we will get the blame,” Harding said.

During the ministers’ visit, the residents reinforced the

need for urgent repairs to the bridges since it was close to collapsing.

“Our main focus now is our bridges. We know that once our bridges do, our roads can be done,” said one resident to the ministers.

They also revealed that $4.5M was paid to a contractor to do repairs to the bridges but he allegedly carried out substandard work

and the situation was not improved.

With the impending rainy season, residents are concerned about whether attention will be given to the bridges as promised.

Regional Chairman, Renis Morian also expressed concern over the situation, saying that he will again bring it to the attention of Minister Ferguson earliest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

Nagamootoo attends centenary anniversary in TT

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo joined Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, in observance of the 100th anniversary of the abolition of Indian Indentureship in Trinidad and Tobago.

The event was recently held at the National Cultural Centre in Chaguanas, Trinidad.

The prime minister was among several speakers at the opening ceremony and during his remarks, he iterated the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural mix of the Caribbean and noted outstanding contributions of East Indians and their descendants to nationhood and all-round development.

A statement from his office on Sunday said he was accompanied by High Commissioner, Bishwaishwar Ramsaroop-Maraj.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (front right) stands with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Keith Rowley (centre) and President of the Indian Diaspora Council, Ashook Ramsarran (front left) and other executives at the 100th anniversary celebration of the abolition of Indian Indentureship at the National Cultural Centre in Trinidad

TWO vehicles were on Friday handed over to the Ministry of Public Health

by Global Fund, an international financing organisation, which provides grants to support Tuberculosis (TB), Malaria and HIV/ AIDS initiatives.

The vehicles are to be used by the Ministry of Public Health to aid in the fight against TB in Regions Three and 10.

Last month, Global Fund gifted the Ministry three ATVs for use in Regions One, Eight and Nine for the fight against TB, HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Dr Joann Simpson, focal point person for Tuberculosis in Region Three, said TB is a major public health concern and noted that the prevalence

of the contagious disease is the highest recorded in the Americas.

She said with the vehicles, health workers would be in a better position to track TB patients, who of their own volition stopped taking medication prescribed to them.

Dr Simpson said too that the two vehicles will assist the two regions Directly Observed Treatment shortcourse (DOTS) initiatives.

Meanwhile, World TB Day will be observed on Friday, March 24, and Dr Simpson is urging all citizens to remain alert about the air-borne disease, a statement from the Ministry of Public Health stated on Sunday.

There are two types of the disease drug resistant and sensitive and according to

Two more vehicles to aid in fight against TB

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, stands with other health officials and representatives of Global Fund on Friday at the Ministry of Public Health the doctor, patients with the former type require two years of continuous treatment, while those with sensitive TB are to be treated for six months

with a “cocktail of four medications to help reverse the disease”.

TB is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuber-

culosis, which can attack any part of the body, but usually affects the lungs.

The disease was once a leading cause of death in

the developed world, but is now more of a problem for the developing world, where some 80 per cent of cases have been found.

Toshao Lenox Shuman cleared of wrongdoing TOSHAO of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Lenox Shuman has been cleared by the authorities of several allegations which were levelled against him last month.

Late in January this year, Shuman stepped down as village leader as the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the village investigated

several allegations levelled against him.

Reports are that the investigation found nothing wrong in the conduct of the toshao.

Villagers had filed a petition seeking an investigation into the conduct of the village leader.

The village chief noted on social media, that on January

29, 2017, he faced the “potential impeachment” as chief.

He said that as dictated by law, he stepped aside to gave way to an investigation.

He encouraged villagers to conduct themselves in a dignified manner and continue to uphold the laws; his statement spoke to unification, as well as to respect for the

privacy of his family.

The vocal Shuman, who is well known for donning traditional indigenous garb, sits on the National Toshaos Council (NTC) as the body’s vice-chairman.

He was elected to that post in August 2015, following a meeting of indigenous leaders at the Arthur Chung Inter-

national Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

A month earlier, he was elected village leader of St Cuthbert’s Mission. Following the 2015 general and regional elections, Shuman returned from Canada where he worked as an airline pilot. His term as village leader ends in 2018.

Toshao Lenox Shuman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

Cherish your daughters –show them the way

IF YOU want your daughter to grow into a strong independent young woman; self-sufficient, caring, thoughtful of others, intelligent and confident, then it all starts with you. Whether your daughter belongs to a nuclear family or a one-parent family, the road your daughter will ultimately take to a successful outcome begins with you.

Firstly, you should have an idea of the type of qualities you want to instil in your daughter and begin working towards them. One of the most important elements in the early years would be to cultivate (and then later on establish) a solid, friendly and caring relationship with

her, while she is growing and discovering the world: A relationship where interaction and communication are consistent. This can be done through playing, singing and talking to her, reading to her and appreciating her responses. The relationship may change shape as she gets older but if it’s a good one, it should remain strong through her adolescent years and into adulthood.

Don’t give your daughter mixed messages. As she grows, stay steadfast in nurturing, loving and disciplining her. Stick to the boundaries you make, although you may need to bend them occasionally when the need arises,

but do not ‘give in’ to your daughter’s ‘cute face’ or her tantrums, stay loving, but stay firm... Although girls rarely get beaten as harshly as boys, try not to introduce beating as a way of discipline. Children have difficulty understanding the concept of being beaten by someone who loves them.

When girls accept being beaten, as a child, they may accept the same punishment as an adult (domestic violence).

Parents who are firm and fair when disciplining their daughters, can work wonders with just a look of disapproval (from parent to child) or a few choice words of reprimand.

Parents need to be in agreement with decisions

Five injured in Yarrowkabra accident FOUR children and an adult were injured when the driver of vehicle PSS 7468 in which they were travelling from Linden to Georgetown lost control around Yarrowkabra, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway

and the driver crashed into the trees on the parapet off the carriageway.

All five were taken to the East Bank Regional Hospital where they were admitted in stable condition.

made for their daughter, even if they live apart. Girls, being that more perceptive than their male counterparts, can easily figure out how to get around their parents individually and ‘play one off’ against the other when given the opportunity: Even more so, if their parents hardly communicate.

Parents should keep a united front and never quarrel or disrespect one another in front of their daughter.

Girls are constantly bombarded with outside influences so parents should aim to be one step ahead, to keep them on track and to preserve their innocence for as long as possible. So listen to and interact with your daughter in order to steer her away from negative influences, help her to make ‘her own’ sensible decisions.

Be a good role model, your daughter will learn more from

you based on the examples you set than from the things that you say.

Good self-esteem and self-respect are necessary for girls to get by and do well nowadays. Parents can build their daughter’s self-esteem by making her feel valuable and important. Compliment her achievements even if they do not live up to expectations: show her unconditional love. You can challenge her to do better next time, hence building her assertiveness and determination.

So much in todays’ society tends to be based on ‘looks’ with the media, music and social networking reinforcing the illusion that girls and women need to be ‘sexualized’ to have any true worth. While adults know this is not true, this type of pressure is bound to play on the minds of young devel-

oping girls, especially those who were not taught that ‘genuine people’ love you for who you are and not based upon the things you have or how you look.

With parental involvement, communication, loving care and understanding, parents can help keep their girls on track, while building their self-assurance and confidence to see them through those difficult ‘identity seeking’ adolescent years.

If you would like some advice on your parenting skills call the CPA on 227 4082 If you are concerned about the welfare of a child ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

All not so quiet in hinterland –– jurisdiction records five ‘disorderly murders’, 14 firearm busts

IT’S barely three months into the year, but already the hinterland or ‘F’ Division as it is known in Law Enforcement circles, has had five “disorderly murders”.

But that’s not all. According to the jurisdiction’s divisional commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram, the police have also seized 14 illegal firearms so far for the year.

“Disorderly murders”, Budhram says, have always been a challenge for the police in the hinterland, as miners are in the habit of imbibing heavily and getting into drunken brawls, particularly over women.

Besides alcohol abuse, the jurisdiction, which is heavily into mining, is also beset by such other challenges as domestic violence and worksite disputes involving workers

‘F’ Division Commander, Ravindradat Budhram and bosses.

The latest “disorderly murder” to have rocked the area occurred last Thursday, claiming the life of 24-yearold Arnold Gordon of Kumu Village, in the Central Rupununi.

In order to address the issues and perhaps keep the murder rate down, Budhram said the government has implemented what is called a Social Crime Prevention Programme in several areas, which primarily targets early school leavers and unemployed youths.

That programme, he explained, focuses mainly on the empowerment of youths by helping them develop skills and moral values in order that they may become productive and contribute meaningfully to the society and at the same time enhance police / community relations.

Meanwhile, the latest gun-bust occurred on Sunday morning at Tabatinga, in Lethem, and involved the arrest of a 34-year-old resident at his home with an unlicensed shotgun and three live cartridges.

He is currently being processed for court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

Land of the iguanas LOCATED in the delta of the Essequibo River, Leguan is 18 square miles in size and is home to less than 3000 residents, the vast majority of whom are East Indians.

About 80 per cent of residents on the island, which was first occupied by the Dutch before Britain took over, are East Indians; 15 per cent are of African descent and the remainder are of mixed race.

According to the residents, the island about 30 years ago had a population of about 8000 with 36 villages, but due to heavy migration, some villages were abandoned and only 27 remain today.

Leguan is primarily an agricultural island and was first utilised by the Dutch to cultivate cotton. When that industry declined, attention was turned to sugar which was eventually phased out on the island.

As sugar declined, rice became the dominant crop and even to this day, it remains the mainstay of economic activities on the sparsely populated island situated close to Wakenaam, another of the 365 islands in the Essequibo River.

Residents also engage in cattle-rearing, livestock and cash crops cultivation, as well as the hunting of iguanas which are in abundance on the island, to sustain their livelihoods.

They say from what they were told, when the Dutch

first came to the island, they saw so many iguanas that they decided to name the island leguan.

The Dutch word when translated into English means “Land of the iguanas.” From then to now, the iguanas are still in abundance on the island and can even be found on road shoulders, some as long at five feet.

Elderly residents related that in the 1980s, the migration began and continued even today. It was fuelled by lack of economic opportunities and development and

The Leguan stelling, located in the village Enterprise, at dawn

have access to nursery, primary and secondary education, but they have to leave

seen many young people leaving the island in droves to pursue opportunities in

Farmers socialising under a tree after tending their farms in the backlands

limited education opportunities.

Students on the island

The recently constructed road covers a distance of about eight miles, starting at Enterprise and ending at Endeavour

their abode if they want to pursue studies at the tertiary level.

Lack of job opportunities aside from farming has also

Students riding from school

Georgetown, other parts of Guyana, the Caribbean and farther afield.

Those who have migrated took up residence in other

parts of Guyana, while others settled mostly in the Caribbean, the U.S., Canada and the UK. NEW ROAD Last year, asphalted roads, covering a distance of about eight miles were constructed in the Region Three island for the first time, much to the relief of residents there.

They related that prior to the new road, the crushand-run road network was in a deplorable state, recalling that oftentimes tractors and trailers used to get stuck in the huge potholes which look like ponds when it rains.

With a new road built to the tune of millions of dollars at their disposal, taxi drivers can now move around without much fear of wear and tear on their vehicles, schoolchildren can ride confortably to school on their bicycles and farmers can now easily transport their produce to the Enterprise stelling.

Leguan is one of the very unique places in Guyana when it comes to security. Thefts and robberies are practically non-existent on the island and many residents sleep with the doors of their

homes open.

According to some residents, the only “little offence” that is committed is when a sheep or goat happens to be close to a filled rum shop amid a drink and a gaff in full swing.

“It is goat or mutton curry for the boys. It is an understandable thing, no big offence. That is how we celebrate down here,” one resident told the Guyana Chronicle as he noted the easy going life on their island, which seldom has reports of domestic violence and other social ills.

At about 05:00 hrs, residents on the island are in their farms, working until 09:00 hrs before returning home for a rest. At 15:00 hrs they return to the field and work until 18:00hrs. During the downtime, farmers usually meet to socialise under a big tree or in a nearby bar.

Leguan has a rich colonial history, but all the historical buildings on the island have been consumed by the elements, except the St. Peter’s Anglican Church which is in need of urgent repairs.

Along the beaches and foreshore of the islands, Dutch bottles, seals, coins and other artifacts can be found.

Leguan has a police station, a cottage hospital, nursery, primary and secondary schools, a magistrates court, a guesthouse, a plantain chip factory, rice mills and religious places of worship. There, African and Indians coexist in harmony and Muslims, Hindus and Christian leaders regularly speak in each other’s places of worship.

A coin bearing the image of King George 111 that was washed up on the Leguan foreshore. This coin was issued in 1817

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

190-year-old church needs urgent repairs THE St. Peter Anglican Church, one of the oldest places of worship on the island of Leguan, is 190 years old and is in need of urgent repairs.

Even in a ruined state, the church holds services twice every month and on special occasions on the Christian calendar.

At first glance, the landmark building appears to be an abandoned structure. Its doors were tightly locked; some of the windows were opened, some broken; the pews were dusty and look like old furniture; the roof is in a deplorable state and the exterior of the building,though it appears in good condition needs painting.

Just opposite the church, at left, is the bell tower, which appears to be abandoned years ago. The steps to the tower are out of place and there have been an appreciable buildup of dust in the tower.

The church,which is located in the village of Enterprise, was built in 1827 and boasts of tiled sanctuary, massive brickwork, asphalted floor, architectural rafters and windows portraying events in the life of the patron Saint

The St. Peter Anglican Church at Enterprise, Leguan, Region Three

Peter.

Saint Peter also named Simon, formally a fisherman, was a disciple of Christ who is recognised as the leader of the disciples in the early Christian church.

The church was first opened for service on December 9, 1827. According to the National Trust of Guyana,

the structure was replaced by the present one on June 29, 1855.

Prior to the erection of the first church, services were held under a clump of bamboo trees.About 17 percent of the residents of the island are Christians.

On November 25, 1826, a meeting was held in the

house of Captain Thierens of Plantation Vissailvalligheid.

At this meeting it was decided that a church and parsonage should be built. A site was chosen on the front lands of Plantation Enterprise, Leguan. On December 9, 1827, the church was opened for service.

The church, which is built

of bricks, was originally covered by a roof of wallaba shingles which was later replaced by metal roofing.

At the left of the North Western entrance stands the detached bell tower, surmounted by an octagonal brick spire. With this artistic design and leaning tower, St Peter’s Church is located on

10, 843 acres of land and is regarded as one of the finest brick structures constructed in Guyana.

Minister of Business and Tourism,Dominic Gaskin,on a recent visit to the island stressed the need for the restoration of the building;pointing out that it has the potential to be a useful tourism site.

He told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the Draft Tourism Policy calls for the acceleration of plans for the delineation and upgrading of heritage trails/ districts in Georgetown, Essequibo and Berbice.

GINA said within that framework, the Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Business intends to work closely with the National Trust of Guyana and other bodies to bring to prominence those aspects of the building’s heritage that have value as tourism attractions.

Visits to the site can be included in tourism tour packages, Minister Gaskin told GINA, pointing out that “… some form of restoration needs to take place on the building and surroundings.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

Aurora: a once thriving sugar plantation

By Mohamed Khan OUT of the 37 sugar plantations on the Essequibo Coast, Mr Clarke’s plantation Aurora was the finest one in 1869.

It was later amalgamated with Spring Garden in 1876. However, it did not remain for long under canes.

It became a mere grazing ground for the cattle of

the time-expired Indian immigrants from 1880. Africans slaves were brought on the first slave ship to work on this plantation, and then Indian immigrants joined them until slavery ended.

The leaders of the African slaves then bought Good Hope and settled there .The chimney which was built by the British in 1905, is still standing there near to the seashore, mark-

ing the site where sugar works once stood.

This estate realised a fair fortune within its short term of operation. It was an old Muscovado estate with common processing machinery. It produced 1,170 tonnes of sugar with acreage of 714 in canes, 12 acres in plantains and 241 acres uncultivated.

It had a population of 243 creoles or African, and 306 unindentured and indentured Indians. There is still a large area of fertile land available for any description of cultivated produce, unsurpassed by any on this fertile coast.

The plantain disease was proving to be a scourge of the peasantry in the second half of the 19th century.

The state of Aurora estate is not only a standing example of what it has degenerated to, but for intelligent, forethought of those who fought the battle of immigration and slavery.

After the amalgamation of Aurora and Spring Garden, Mr Clarke set up a set of vacuum – pan machinery which superseded the old Muscovado-type ones mainly because of the English tariffs which discouraged the import of high-quality raw sugar.

But it had some setbacks of labourers at reasonable rates, difficulty in drainage and shipping with sea and erosion threatening the narrow dam.

Mr Clarke then decided to make an advertisement for a certain number of thousands of tonnes of rock- stones to make a barrier from the sea and land.

The colonial civil engineers have expended large sums in an attempt to defend the adjoining property and the Neptune system of well-bound groynes in tim-

ber was used to keep out the sea. But the ocean still kept forcing itself on the narrow strip of sea defence dam.

TRADING POINT The estate was located near the Essequibo River bank for easy access to shipping of its sugar, rum and molasses. It boasted the finest cane lands in the colony of British Guiana during the 18th century.

The very fine mixed soils of sandy loam and shell which crop out on the coast in front of Aurora helped to make it one of the most salubrious places.

The chimney was constructed of red bricks on a huge concrete base by a bricklayer from England named Gordon, and it served as a beacon to ships approaching the 37 sugar estates on the Essequibo Coast.

When sugar cultivation came to an end, the estate became the home of Bobby, Indira and Krishna Misir.

The new owners cultivated the land immediately around their neat ranchstyle buildings. The comfortable homesteads with vegetable garden, flowering trees and fruits trees of all kinds attached formed a truly pleasant sight. Much has been written about the perils of sugar dependency on the Essequibo Coast.

The Dutch introduced sugar here in the 17th Century and almost all the agricultural land under rice cultivation was once under cane.

The tall brick chimney and wheels of the sugar mill abandoned in 1876 are still standing there. Indra Misir told me that she will keep the surrounding of the chimney clean each day; the family continues to preserved this place since it was bought by Bobby Misir senior.

The tall brick chimney at Aurora, Essequibo Coast

They want it to remain one of Essequibo’s heritage sites, but need Government input for the young generation and visitors to see and learn of its history. The fragile sea dam was lately repaired

by BK International to keep the sea out. This

village has a population of 3000 people, the majority of whom are East Indians and are rice farmers. It has shops, a police station, post office, two new primary and nursery schools and a health centre. The Pomona/Good Hope NDC office is also in Aurora.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

Mangroves a frontline defence -- in protecting Leguan from the encroaching Essequibo River JUST over six years since a sea defence breach at Cane Garden, Leguan, caused flooding at the northern end of the island and losses of rice and cash crops, mangroves are being used as a frontline defence to prevent a recurrence.

Mangroves protect people, houses and farmlands from natural disasters such as storms, floods and tidal waves. Their trunks and branches act as barriers, helping to reduce the impact of waves, flooding and storm waves.

The area where the breach occurred was once a thriving mangrove forest, but with many residents at the time cooking on firesides, the forest became a reliable and easily accessible source for fuel.

Around the same time, the natural coastal cycle of the Essequibo River had changed and sand instead of mud began to accumulate in the roots of the plants, causing them to gradually die out.

The mangrove forest was a buffer against the high-tide waves, reducing the force of impact before the waves reached the earthen sea defence dam.

With the destruction of the forest due to the felling of trees and the work of natural elements, the area where the trees once were became prone to erosion and eventually the earthen sea defence dam at Cane Garden was left exposed.

It was just a matter of time before a breach occured, and in 2010, it happened. It was first spotted by residents who implored officials of the then Government to promptly address the problem, but their advice was not heeded.

And what was initially a 9.6-foot breach, ended up being a breach measuring 5,670 feet, requiring the construction of some 500 metres of rip-rap sea defence and a groyne field costing millions of dollars to keep the sea at

District Three (Leguan) Engineer Seenarine Nandram

bay.

Residents told the Guyana Chronicle that due to the late response of the then authorities, the breach quickly widened and the sandbags and tonne sacks used to seal it proved ineffective.

This temporary measure was effective in other areas in the Essequibo region, but with no mangrove forest in place, it could not withstand the turbulent waves that battered the earthen sea defence dam.

Farmlands in the area were inundated and had to be abandoned for close to a year-- in some cases longer-as authorities battled to seal the widening breach.

LOSSES Awadh Gewan, who was forced to abandon his farm and move his cattle to higher ground, said all his cash crops were lost on the day the raging waves breached the vulnerable and neglected mud dam.

“We complained to them before that the dam was weak, but none of them paid

any serious attention, so when it [dam] break, it was not too much of a surprise.

“But the problem get worse when they [authorities)] take long to respond. The breach get bigger and bigger and it

come around, talk with we, take down we information and promise we compensation but we never see them back,” Gewan said, as he tended his ochro plot with the help of his wife.

He said about 30 years ago, in the area where the breach occurred, there was a thriving mangrove forest, but it vanished some years ago after large deposits of sand got into the roots of the trees.

Esan Fraser, another farmer who was affected, said he could not have cultivated his 180- acre plot of land for five years, pointing out that it caused him great strain to maintain his family.

“Is only last year I restart planting and them told me that I have to pay rates for the land, even though I could not use it for five years. Them want me to pay $110,000 per year for the five year. I can’t afford that.

I had to work with people to support my family and it was a real struggle. The amount they are asking for is unfair and I am hoping that they reduce it, because for five years I could not cultivate

Leguan Mangrove Ranger Donald Ramlakhan

Fraser acknowledged that heavy buildup of sand resulted in the mangroves dying out, but pointed out that the habit of residents cutting the trees for firewood made the

A section of the 500 kilometres of rip-rap sea defence that was installed, following the breach of the earthen dam in 2010

was hard for them to fix in a short time. I could not farm and I eventually had to sell out my cows. Some people

A thriving mangrove forest about 200 metres inland from the fortified sea defence at Cane Garden

my land,” he said in a sad tone.

CUTTING OF TREES

forest die a faster death.

Leguan Mangrove Ranger, Donald Ramlakhan, has been actively sensitising stu-

Esan Fraser stands behind his farm

dents, farmers and residents of the 18-square kilometre island on the importance of mangroves and the need to preserve them.

He said since the 2010 breach in the sea defence, a groyne field consisting of six groynes was built at Cane Garden, the northern end of the island to trap the mud washed up by the river, so as to allow for the replanting of mangroves lost in that area.

The groynes were built at a point in the village which experienced heavy erosion, but since its construction in 2012, it has been unable to accumulate the elevation of mud required to enable planting.

According to District Three (Leguan) Engineer, Seenarine Nandram, the groynes were constructed at the wrong end of the island, pointing out that where they are built will see the accumulation of sand and not mud.

“You have to look at the sediments deposited by Turn to Page 18

Hanuman glorified

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BUILT by a skilled rural sculptor named after a prince who laid down his life in defiance against worshipping a mortal in one of the legends behind the Phagwah celebrations, the (murti) statue of Hanuman towers over the island of Leguan.

Standing at a height of 52 feet, it is comfortably the tallest in Guyana and reportedly, the second tallest in the Caribbean.

Other huge statues of Lord Hanuman in Guyana can be found at Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara (22 feet built on a raised platform) and at Blairmont, West Bank Demerara (15 feet). The largest in the Caribbean can be found in Trinidad, at a height of 85 feet.

The marvel is the brainchild of Pandit Sunil Sharma, who recruited his master sculptor brother-in-law Prahalad (only name) to build it on a parcel of land located next to the Rama Krishna Mandir at Blenheim, one of eight mandirs on the 18-square kilometre island.

Incidentally, Blenheim is the largest village in Leguan.

According to Sharma, there is no significant event that drove the construction of the masterpiece, relating that it was an idea that crossed his mind and he threw it out to his congregation and received their full support.

Initially, they intended to build the murti at 20 feet in height, but his congregation thought it could be bigger, and bigger it eventually became.

When it was settled that the image of the devoted servant of Shri Ram (the avatar of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe) will stand at a height of two scores and 12, many in Leguan and across Guyana pitched in with contributions.

Work on the huge structure started in November 2014 and was completed last year to the tune of $2.4M. The grand commissioning of the murti was graced by then Social Cohesion Minister, Amna Ally.

VIBRANT CULTURE It stands out not only as a landmark, but also as a symbol of the vibrant Hindu culture on the sparsely populated island.

Some 70 per cent of the close to 3000 residents of Leguan are Hindus. Hinduism is the oldest religion in

real name is Sanatana Dharma. This Sanskrit phrase when translated into English means “Eternal Truth.”

Hindus believe in one Supreme God, who has many names and manifests in many forms, among them Lord Hanuman (considered to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer). Lord Shiva complements the divine trinity of Brahma (The Creator) and Vishnu (The Preserver).

The towering murti next to the Rama Krishna Mandir at Blenheim, Leguan

the world, dating back some 10,000 years and with a following of over a billion, it is the third largest religion in the world.

Hinduism is also a major religion in Guyana, as some 28 per cent of her population are Hindus. Only Nepal (81 per cent), India (80 per cent), Mauritius (54 per cent) and Fiji (33 per cent) have higher Hindu populations.

Quite interestingly, the word “Hinduism” is not the real word for the faith. That name was given by the Greeks and Arabs to the dwellers by the Sindhu River, India. The

Mangroves a frontline... the river in the northern direction. They are course particles and these are not conductive for the growth of mangroves. The groynes should have instead been built on the southern end of the island, where the sediments are fine and conduce to planting of mangroves.”

DIFFERED However, engineer at-

tached to the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Programme (GMRP), Luandra Jack, differed, pointing out that the groynes were able to halt erosion in the area where they were built.

She also pointed out that due to natural processes, the cycle of the river changes every 20 years, and while the amount of mud has not accumulated to allow for

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

planting of mangroves, the process has already started.

“At low tide, you can see that the mud is gradually building up; it is a process that will take time. At the southern end of the island, the river is very turbulent and if you put groynes there it might not work, because the waves would not allow for a buildup of sediments to enable planting,” Jack

The groyne field built at Cane Garden, Leguan, to facilitate mangrove cultivation

BRAVERY, INTELLECT Hanuman is glorified in the Sundarkand and Uttar Kand (books) of the sacred text, the Ramayana, the longest poem ever written as a personification of dedication, pure devotion, strength, courage and bravery and extraordinary intellect.

Son of Anjana, an apsara and father of Keseri, a brave chief among forest dwellers, Hanuman was a dedicated servant to Shri Ram (the Avatar of Lord Vishnu).

Against all odds, he crossed into Lanka on a spy mission to locate Sita, the wife of Shri Ram, who was abducted by the demonic king Ravana.

On his journey, he encountered the demoness Sursa, who had a boon that everything that crossed her path must enter through her mouth. At every attempt she made to swallow Hanuman, he made himself larger before assuming a tiny form, entering her mouth and exiting through her gill, thus fulfilling the boon granted to her.

On entering Lanka, he located Sita but was captured and brought before Ravana, who ordered that his tail be set on fire. Hanuman, recognising their plan to torture him, lengthened his tail to great lengths until there was no cloth left to wrap it.

And when it was lit, he made himself small, and leaped all over Lanka, setting the city on fire before joining the forces of Sri Ram, who by the time had seen the completion of the Ram Setu, the bridge over Lanka. The bridge is also referred to as Adam’s Bride, which is a real land bridge built some 3500 years ago, around the same age of the Ramayana.

Ravana’s army was defeated in battle as related in the epic Ramayana and when Hanuman was asked what boon he wished for, said he wished to live as long as men glorify the deeds of Shri Ram.

From Page 17 explained.

In an effort to restore Guyana’s coastline, the GMRP has planted some 400,000 black mangrove seedlings between 20102012, resulting in an additional 6.9 kilometres of coastline being protected by natural sea defence, with a buffer zone of 60-80 metres.

While there is no mangrove forest on shore at Cane Garden, inland, just over the mud dam, a thriving forest has regenerated naturally after being destroyed in the 2010 sea defence breach.

Underscoring the importance of mangroves, Ramlakhan said that apart from acting as a buffer against the forces of nature, they provide a habitat for biodiversity, including migratory birds and endangered species; capture carbon dioxide in their roots, stems, leaves and soil to help mitigate the effects of climate change; pro-

Cash crop farmer Awadh Gewan picks an ochro in his farm

tect Guyana’s productive coastal agricultural belt from flooding and salt water intrusion; sustain fisheries that provide jobs and contribute toward the

growth of Guyana’s economy; and provide natural learning environments and recreational areas for all to explore, discover and enjoy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

Rice farmers bracing on cattle, cash crops

WITH rice not doing well due to poor prices and partly bad weather, Leguan farmers are bracing on cattle and cash crops to earn a decent income.

Rice farmers told Guyana Chronicle that since the collapse of the Venezuelan market about two years ago, they have had to contend with low prices for their produce and therefore scaled back on cultivation to avoid operating at a loss.

According to Hemraj Sharma of the Rice Produces Association (RPA), cultivation this crop is down to 4,000 acres from around 7,000 the previous crop.

He said $1800 and $2000 for a bag of paddy is not sustainable for rice farmers and called on the Government to subsidise fertiliser and fuel and remove VAT on machinery and spares.

This, the Blenheim resident said will cut production costs for farmers and allow them to make a “reasonable” profit, pointing out that some farmers did not replant this

crop since rice nowadays is

has been assisting farmers

A cash crop farm at Uniform, located at the northern end of the island

“risky business”.

“Rice farming is the main cultivation on the island and when rice is not doing well, there is a slowdown in business as you see at the shops.

Even taxi drivers feel the squeeze as they get less work since circulation of money is less,” he said.

With limited resources, Sharma said the RPA

in every little way it could by providing them portions of seedlings and fertilisers.

Farmers also utilise the drying floor at Endeavour free of costs.

Even with the belt-tightening measures that they are forced to implement, some farmers remain optimistic that the industry will rebound from the slow period it is cur-

rently going through.

While rice is on the decline, some farmers have shifted their focus on cattle, which are not doing badly and cash crops, which are in demand at the Leonora and Parika markets.

“Right now the turnover is with cash crops,” the RPA representative, who is a farmer, said. His story was supported by other farmers whom this newspaper spoke with, which include Roberto Stuart, who lives at the opposite end of the island.

Stuart, a resident of Claremont, is into cattle and livestock. He said beef is not fetching the price it once had but he gets by, since the price and demand for pork on the island have not waned.

“Here is where I make it up. I get regular orders for pork and in some parts of the island the price has increased. Generally, I tried not to increase the price but to increase supply since in this way I do not lose customers and I sell more,” he said with a broad smile.

Cannot be plantain chips alone WORKS on the building that will house the plantain chips factory at Leguan have been completed, but the factory is yet to be up and running.

In August last year, the Ministry of Business, in an advertisement in local newspapers invited interested investors to submit Expressions of Interest and their business proposal to get the factory going.

According to the ad, investors should have the capacity to take possession of the property immediately after signing the contract.

Community Development Officer, Amjad Shaw, told the Guyana Chronicle that efforts are still being made to locate an investor, and ideally, the factory should not be focus-

ing on making plantain chips alone.

“It should also be making eddo and cassava chips, and mango, guava and passion fruit juices. These fruits and vegetables are in abundance on the island and I believe that it would be vital to process them so as to make the factory financially sustainable,” he said, pointing out that most of the fruits and vegetables produced on the island are sold at Parika.

Global reports indicate that the demand for passion fruit is increasing every year on the world market. In Europe, consumption is rapidly expanding, with the fruit being used in sweets, jellies, cocktails, icings, salad dressings and cake fillings.

The mango, guava and passion fruit juices, he said,

can also be sold to schoolchildren right on the island.

The factory when up and running is expected to provide direct employment for about 20 persons on the island and indirect employment to scores more.

Leguan residents depend on farming to earn their livelihoods and many are into rice-farming. Rice has not been doing well and production has been reduced, due to poor prices and partly bad weather.

Shaw said in light of these circumstances, it would be important to get the factory in operation, as rice farmers who are interested can utilise portions of their land to cultivate produce required by the factory.

“It would be great when

The plantain chips factory at Leguan, which is yet to be operationalised

the factory begins to work. It will be a source of pride for local farmers and it will help to solve some of the issues of unemployment, especially unemployment among young people,” he said.

Personality profile ROBERTO Stuart, 44, is a father of four and resident of Claremont, a village with about 50 people and one of the smallest on the island of Leguan.

Stuart is pastor at the Wesleyan Church at Uniform, the nearby village and is also a cattle and livestock farmer. A jovial man, he told the Guyana Chronicle that he is originally from Wakenaam and started living at Leguan only after he got married.

He related that he met his wife as a pen pal after writing her a letter from the information he saw in one of the newspapers at the time.

Stuart said at first, it was no easy going, since he is of African descent and his wife is East Indian, and at the time they got to know each other, relations between the two ethnic groups were “not all that great.”

“My father-in-law did not like me. Of course, he did not know me. He was a miner and had a perception of Africans based on those of whom he interacted with or worked with.

Those in the mines I was told would recklessly spend out their money and did not appear to have a serious approach to life,” he said.

Stuart noted that instead of going overboard to explain that he is not an irresponsible man, he stayed quiet, and let his potential father-in-law observe for himself that he is a different person.

“It took him some time to be convinced that I am a good man before giving his approval for the marriage,” Stuart said, pointing out that he has been happily married for 17 years.

Three of his children are in secondary school and the other recently started kindergarten.

Roberto Stuart

When Stuart is not tending his animals, he spends the time relaxing, “gaffing” with his wife, helping his children with their homework and studying the Bible.

He said since moving to Leguan, life has been beautiful as there are lots of opportunities for farming, and life generally is quiet and easygoing.

But he noted that there is need for higher educational opportunities to be made available on the island, since students who finish secondary school have to move out if they want to pursue tertiary education and skills training.

That aside and a few minor social ills, the pastor told the Guyana Chronicle that life in Leguan is comfortable and enjoyable.

“In Georgetown, people busy, busy with work.

Not too much of that here.

Also, you watch National Geographic documentaries on TV. Here in Leguan with all dem iguanas, crabs, fish, birds, snakes and bush motorbikes (salipenter), we see National Geographic live, right here,” Stuart said, to much laughter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 20, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

By Rajiv Bisnauth BERBICE dished out a clinical performance, beating Demerara by five wickets in the final, to lift the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-County Under-15 title yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

It was another low-scoring game, and in the run chase Berbice batsmen stuttered early but skipper Marvan Prashad and Asif Amoi shared an unbroken 51-run six-wicket stand to seal victory.

Man-of-the-match and player of the tournament, Prashad remained unbeaten on 38, while Amoi was on 24 when victo-

ry was achieved in 39.2 overs.

Earlier, the Berbice bowlers were very disciplined and patient, and in the process they bowled a sparing line that kept the Demerera scoring rate in check;but in truth the hosts batsmen didn’t show a huge amount of scoring intent throughout.

A stubborn knock from opener Mahindra Dindyal with 24 was the only substantial contribution to their paltry total.

The hosts were undermined by Berbice’s fourprong spin attack, with off-spinner Prashad claiming 3-14, to be the chief destroyer. Fellow off-spinner Daniel Dharamdat with 2-13,left-arm spinner Akash Heralall (2-17) and Gourav Ramesh (2-24),all played their part.

After winning the toss and deciding to take first

strike,the Demerara batsmen were never comfortable against the spin from the onset, and eventually folded for 90 in 44.5 overs.

Openers,Shoib Shaw and Dindyal had a sluggish start and could only put together 16 runs in 12.3 overs before Shaw was bowled by Heralall for a 38-ball 9.

Chad Shivrattan joined Dindyal and the pair also struggled to score before a mix up saw Shivrattan being run out for four. Thereafter, Dindyal and Andre Seepersaud fared a little better at the crease, adding 30 for the third-wicket.

But the dismissals of Dindyal and Seepersaud (10) in the space of five balls saw little substance and far less stability from the rest of the hosts’ batting,which got caught in the web of Berbice’s spinners.

Only Brandon Jaikar-

ran (12) of the remaining batsmen reached double figures.

In their pursuit, Berbice lost half their side for just 40 runs. Anthony Williams, Dharamdat and Sarwan Chaitnarine went without scoring to medium pacer Devanand Khemraj and off-spinner Seepersaud respectively, while Ricardo Ramdial was run out for eight. Vikash Subramani was the other batsman dismissed to spinner Daniel Mootoo for 10.

However, Prashad and Amoi then consolidated and played within the situation to ensure Berbice’s victory, with 10.4 overs to spare.

Meanwhile, the junior selection panel named a 20-man squad for training ahead of the regional youth tournament. The squad is expected to be released shortly.

Rogers latest CARIFTA ... seconds to finish the race.

Another of the Girls’ U n d e r - 1 8 C A R I F TA Games qualifier was shining prospect,Chantoba Bright.

Bright, who has already qualified for the long jump and triple jump events, further qualified in the high jump at yesterday’s meet.

She won the event with a jump of 1.65m, equaling the high jump CARIFTA Games qualifying standard (QS).

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Also having merited inclusion on the team by clinching qualifying standards are Claudrice McKoy and Natricia Hooper, on the distaff side. Hooper is currently based overseas, and will be in the girls’ under 20 category, where she met QS in the 400m and high jump.

On the boys end there are Linden’s Daniel Williams, Tremaine Browne,

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From back page

and Tortque Boyce, all in the under 18 (youth) category.In the under-20 (junior) category there are Compton Caesar, Anfernee Headecker and Samuel Lynch.

With yesterday seeing the end of the qualifying period, the AAG is expected to pronounce on the final CARIFTA Games team shortly, and state if any unqualified athlete would be included on the team.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

Tigers roar to historic win over Sri Lanka in 100th Test (REUTERS)-Bangladesh secured their maiden test win against Sri Lanka, and their second against a major test-playing nation in the last five months, with an eventful four-wicket victory on the final day of the second Test at the P Sara Oval on Sunday.

Playing their 100th Test overall, the touring side chased down their target of 191 in the final session to level the two-match series at 1-1.

Bangladesh had lost 15 Tests and drawn two of their previous 17 matches in the five-day format against Sri Lanka and Sunday's victory is undoubtedly their best away from home after they beat England in Dhaka last October.

The South Asian nation's other Test successes have come against West Indies, whose glory days are long past and are no longer considered to be among Test cricket's major players, and Zimbabwe.

It was a great comeback for Bangladesh after they lost the opening Test at Galle by 259 runs to a side that blanked Australia 3-0 at home last year.

"The way we are improving, down the line we will win

Herath, celebrating his 39th birthday on Sunday, could not hold on to a return catch offered by Mosaddek Hossain, but later dismissed him for 13 with Bangladesh needing two for the win.

"We are bitterly disappointed but it's part of the game," Herath said. "I think every single area, bowling, batting and fielding will need

to improve.

"But this is not the time to talk about it. We will have a discussion later with the coaches."

Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 22 while Mehedi Hasan was not out on two after hitting the winning runs that sparked wild celebrations from the visiting team.

SCOREBOARD

Bangladesh celebrate their landmark victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Shakib, who set up the some games," Bangladesh na Herath had picked up two all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, wickets in successive deliv- win with his 116 in the first who was named player of the eries to reduce Bangladesh innings, fell for 15 with Bangladesh still 29 runs away series, said. to 22-2.

"We are having a very Tamim, who hit seven from a famous victory and good time at home but it's fours and a six, added 109 there were more nervous time for us to play outside for the third wicket with moments awaiting the tour(of Bangladesh) and play Sabbir Rahman before the ing side.

Mushfiqur Rahim was well. It's a very good sign latter fell for 41. for our cricket that we are "I think this win started given out leg before but the improving as a team." when we lost the match in Bangladesh captain managed Experienced opening bats- Galle," man of the match to overturn the umpire's deciman Tamim Iqbal anchored Tamim said. "We had a long sion on review with replays the chase with a stroke-filled chat with the coach, and the confirming the delivery was missing the stumps.

82 after home captain Ranga- players stepped up."

SRI LANKA 1st innings 338 (D. Chandimal 138) Bangladesh 1st innings 467 (S. Al Hasan 116, M. Hossain 75, S. Sarkar 61, M. Rahim 52; R. Herath 4-82, L. Sandakan 4-140) Sri Lanka 2nd innings (Overnight: 268-8) D. Karunaratne c Sarkar bAl Hasan 126 U. Tharanga b M. Hasan 26 K. Mendis c Rahim b M. Rahman 36 D. Chandimal c Rahim b M. Rahman 5 A. Gunaratne lbw b Al Hasan 7 D. de Silva c Rahim b M. Rahman 0 N. Dickwella c Rahim b Al Hasan 5 D. Perera run out (Roy, M. Hasan) 50 R. Herath lbw b T. Islam 9 S. Lakmal c Mosa. Hossain bAl Hasan 42 L. Sandakan not out 0 Extras: (b-4 lb-8 w-1) 13 Total: (all out, 113.2 overs) 319 Fall of wickets: 1-57 U. Tharanga, 2-143 K. Mendis, 3-165 D. Chandimal, 4-176 A. Gunaratne, 5-177 D. de Silva, 6-190 N. Dickwella, 7-217 D. Karunaratne, 8-238 R. Herath, 9-318 D. Perera, 10-319 S. Lakmal Bowling: S. Roy 16-4-36-0 (w-1),

M. Hasan 24-0-71-1, M. Rahman 23-3-78-3, S. Al Hasan 36.2-974-4, Mosa. Hossain 3-0-10-0, T. Islam 11-1-38-1.

BANGLADESH 2nd innings (Target: 191 runs) T. Iqbal c Chandimal b D. Perera 82 S. Sarkar c Tharanga b Herath 10 I. Kayes c Gunaratne b Herath 0 Sa. Rahman lbw b D. Perera 41 S. Al Hasan b D. Perera 15 M. Rahim not out 22 Mosa. Hossain c Dickwella b Herath 13 M. Hasan not out 2 Extras: (b-4 lb-1 w-1) 6 Total: (for 6 wickets, 57.5 overs) 191 Fall of wickets: 1-22 S. Sarkar, 2-22 I. Kayes, 3-131 T. Iqbal, 4-143 Sa. Rahman, 5-162 S. Al Hasan, 6-189 Mosa. Hossain Did not bat: T. Islam, S. Roy, M. Rahman Bowling: D. Perera 22-1-59-3, R. Herath 24.5-2-75-3, D. de Silva 2-0-7-0, L. Sandakan 6-1-34-0, S. Lakmal 2-0-7-0 (w-1), A. Gunaratne 1-0-4-0.

Jadeja boosts India’s victory chance after Pujara double

By Amlan Chakraborty | RANCHI, India,(Reuters)-Cheteshwar Pujara compiled an epic double century and Wriddhiman Saha hit a career-best 117 to deflate Australia and put India in a strong position on the fourth day of the third Test on Sunday.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja then brightened India’s victory prospects dismissing David Warner and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon cheaply to reduce Australia to 23-2.

Matt Renshaw was batting on seven at stumps with Australia still 129 runs behind and under considerable pressure to save the match.

“Obviously we’ve got to save the game,” Australia coach Darren Lehmann told reporters, lamenting the two late losses.

“Once the ball gets a little bit softer it plays pretty well, so there’s no real demons in the track.

“It’s a case of obviously

applying ourselves much like Pujara and Saha did today,” he added.

Earlier, Pujara became the first Indian batsman to face 500 deliveries in a Test innings, spending more than 11 hours at the crease for his marathon 202 on the penultimate day of the contest.

Resuming the day with India 91 runs behind Australia’s first innings total of 451, Pujara and Saha frustrated the tourists and batted through the first two sessions to forge a 199-run seventh wicket partnership.

Both fell in the final session trying to accelerate with Australia looking pretty jaded by then.

Pujara faced 525 balls in his tireless knock, capitalising on the exceptionally fast outfield to score 21 boundaries at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium, which is hosting its first test.

Pujara was given out lbw to a sharply turning Nathan Lyon delivery when on 157 but he man-

Cheteshwar Pujara is pumped after reaching his double hundred in Ranchi on the 4th day. aged to prolong Australia’s misery by using review to get the decision overturned.

The 29-year-old took a single off Lyon to bring up his third double century before falling to the off-spinner.

Saha matched Pujara’s doggedness at the other end after surviving a couple of reviews earlier in the day.

Playing his second Test more than five years after his first, Australia paceman Pat Cummins (4-106) nearly

completed a five-wicket haul when Saha was given out leg-before.

The batsman immediately reviewed and replays suggested the ball would have missed the stumps.

Saha also got a reprieve on 51 when his fellow wicketkeeper Matthew Wade spilled an edge.

The stumper-batsman ducked well under the bouncers from Cummins and took a single off Glenn Maxwell to complete his century which drew his team mates in the dressing

room on their feet.

Once past his hundred, he too went for quick runs and fell to Steve O’Keefe who bowled a staggering 77 overs for his three wickets as Australia endured a tough day in the field.

Down the order, Jadeja clobbered a couple of sixes in his brisk unbeaten 54 to rub salt into Australia’s injuries, celebrating his fifty by twirling his bat like a sword.

Home skipper Virat Kohli called his batsmen in as soon as they crossed the 600-run mark and unleashed his spinners on Australia to drive home the advantage.

“I am very confident our spinners will bowl really well. There is rough, there are cracks...” Pujara told Star Sports channel.

The four-Test series is tied 1-1 with Dharamsala hosting the final match from Saturday.

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 451 (S. Smith 178no, G. Maxwell 104; R. Jadeja 5-124) India 1st innings (Overnight: 360-6) L. Rahul c Wade b Cummins 67 M. Vijay st Wade b O’Keefe 82 C. Pujara c Maxwell b Lyon 202 V. Kohli c Smith b Cummins 6 A. Rahane c Wade b Cummins 14 K. Nair b Hazlewood 23 R. Ashwin c Wade b Cummins 3 W. Saha c Maxwellb O’Keefe 117 R. Jadeja not out 54 U. Yadav c Warner b O’Keefe 16 I. Sharma not out 0 Extras: (b-14, lb-5) 19 Total: (for 9 wickets, 210 overs) 603 Fall of wickets: 1-91 L. Rahul,

2-193 M. Vijay, 3-225 V. Kohli, 4-276 A. Rahane, 5-320 K. Nair, 6-328 R. Ashwin, 7-527 Pujara, 8-541 Saha, 9-595 Yadav.

Bowling: J. Hazlewood 44-10103–1, P. Cummins 39-10-106-4, S. O’Keefe 77-17-199-3, N. Lyon 46-2-163-1, G. Maxwell 4-0-13-0.

AUSTRALIA 2nd innings D. Warner b Jadeja 14 M. Renshaw not out 7 N.Lyon b Jadeja 2 Extras: 0 Total (2 wickets) 23 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-23.

Bowling: R. Ashwin 4-0-17-0, R.Jadeja 3.2-1-6-2.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

Pujara’s marathon rekindles memories

...of Lara & Shiv as 500 club members C H E T E S H WA R P u j a ra,who scored 202 versus Australia in the third Test in Ranchi last week has become the first Indian batsman to face more than 500 deliveries in Test cricket.

All told,Pujara faced 525 deliveries, bettering the previous Indian record of 495 deliveries faced by Rahul Dravid when he made 270 versus Pakistan at Rawalpindi in 2003-2004.

The 29-year-old righthander from Gujarat now holds the Indian national record, as does national legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul,who holds the Guyanese national record for the most deliveries faced in Test cricket. Chanderpaul,however,is the second West Indian after world record holder Brian Lara (who did it twice) to have faced more than 500 deliveries in a Test innings.

Chanderpaul faced 510 deliveries in a painstaking 136 not out against India at the Antigua Recreation Ground in 2002. Lara topped Chanderpaul in his two world record

Cheteshwar Pujara feats in 1994 and 2004. made 259 at Bourda in 1972.

The Trinidadian mae- Turner’s knock had the most stro faced 582 deliveries deliveries faced against the when he plundered 400 West Indies in a Test innings not out against England in by a single batsman and also 2004 and 538 deliveries, also the most deliveries faced by a against England in 1994 at batsman in a Test innings in the ARG when he smashed the West Indies.

375. All three 500+ deliverIt is followed by Enies effort by West Indians glishman Andy Sandham’s were recorded at the ARG. 640 deliveries taken to make The world record for most 325 at Sabina Park in 1930. deliveries faced in Test cricket Chanderpaul’s score is is held by England’s Len Hut- the lowest by any batsman ton,who faced 847 deliveries who faced more than 500 dewhen he made the then world liveries in a Test innings. The record of 364 against Austra- next lowest was England’s lia at the Oval in 1938.

Clive Radley who scored 158 The second most deliver- (524 deliveries) against New ies faced is 759, by New Zea- Zealand in Auckland in 1978. lander Glen Turner when he Only six batsman have faced

Brian Lara more than 500 deliveries but scored less than 200 runs. In addition to Chanderpaul and Radley, there are Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad (187*), Kiwi Trevor Jarvis (182), England’s Wally Hammond (177) and Pakistani Shoaib Mohammad (163).

Jarvis’ knock was registered in the same Test as Turner’s at Bourda,when the pair put on a gargantuan opening stand of 387 when the Kiwis made 543 for 3 declared,responding to the West Indies first innings total of 365 for 7 declared. This partnership remains a New Zealand record and is the fourth highest opening partnership of all time after Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie (415), Vi-

Shivnarine Chanderpaul noo Mankad and Pankaj Roy medium pace of Sobers and (413) and Dravid and Viren- Lloyd. In the following Test in Port of Spain, the West der Sehwag (410).

The West Indian decla- Indies dropped Howard and ration in that Bourda run brought in Trinidadian spin fest was called when home- twins Inshan Ali and Raphtown hero,Alvin Kallicharan ick Jumadeen,in a series in romped to an even centu- which the West Indies bowlry batting at number six in ing relied heavily on spin.

During the five Test sea highly decorated line up which included Sir Garry ries the West Indians used a Sobers, Clive Lloyd and Law- total of five spinners - Holrence Rowe. During the New ford, Howard, Ali, Jumadeen Zealand innings,the West and Lance Gibbs.

It would not be a stratIndians used nine bowlers.

Only opening batsman Roy egy which the Caribbean Fredericks and wicketkeep- side would carry on with for er Michael Findlay did not much longer,and certainly among the main reason why bowl.

The West Indies bowl- no batsman since Dennis ing attack included Bar- Amiss’ 262 from 563 debadian spinners David liveries in 1974 at Sabina Holford and Tony How- Park has managed to face ard along with fast bowler 500 deliveries or more in the Vanburn Holder and the Windies.

Spurs and United keep up pressure as City and Liverpool draw

By Steve Tongue LONDON,(Reuters)-Tottenham Hotspur kept Chelsea just about within their sights at the top of the Premier League on Sunday by beating Southampton 2-1 and Manchester United improved their prospects by moving into fifth place with a 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough.

Both clubs would then have been happy enough to watch Manchester City and Liverpool drop points by drawing 1-1 with each other, even though City manager Pep Guardiola unexpectedly described it as one of the best days of his coaching career.

His fierce Manchester rival Jose Mourinho was equally delighted with United. Before the match, Mourinho had deliberately played down his team’s chances at struggling

Middlesbrough because of injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion.

“The guys gave absolutely everything, they were magnificent,” he said after goals by Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Antonio Valencia moved United above Everton and Arsenal to their highest position for six months.

Middlesbrough were left in the bottom three, with crucial games to come away to Swansea City and Hull City after the international break.

Steve Agnew, temporary manager since Aitor Karanka was sacked on Thursday, said he was proud of them, however, and would like the job on a permanent basis.

There were two other happy managers following a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium, where James Milner’s

Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia celebrates scoring their third goal Reuters / Anthony Devlin Livepic seventh penalty of the season -- this one against his former club -- was cancelled out by Sergio Aguero’s equaliser.

“It is one of the happiest days of my career as a manager. I am so proud,” Guardiola told reporters.

His pride came less

from the result than “the spirit, the way we played”.

Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp rued missed chances but agreed that a draw was a fair end to an eventful encounter.

“Give me a few hours and then I’m happy,” he said. “To get a point at

Manchester City for (any) team in the world is absolutely OK.” City stayed a point ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand but fell two behind second-placed Spurs.

The London side seemed to be comfortably

on their way to a 10th successive home league win when Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli scored in the first half at White Hart Lane.

Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, called into the England squad last week, gave them some concern by pulling a goal back but Tottenham held on to stand 10 points behind leaders Chelsea with 10 games to play.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino was impressed once more with the versatility of Alli, who now has 17 goals this season in all competitions and will need to keep scoring in the absence of injured striker Harry Kane.

“I saw him at 17 playing for Milton Keynes as a holding midfielder,” the Spurs manager said.

“Maybe one day he will play like a goalkeeper or a centre back or fullback.”

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

Chase grabs seven as Pride beat Volcanoes by nine wickets BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) — Part-time off-spinner Roston Chase grabbed a career-best seven-wicket haul as Barbados Pride crushed embattled Windward Islands Volcanoes by nine wickets inside three days, to pick up their second straight win of the newly restarted Regional four-day championship here Sunday.

The hosts quickly wrapped up the Volcanoes innings for a meagre 71 after the visitors resumed the day at Kensington Oval on 34 for five, and then raced to their target of 41 for the loss one just one wicket, to complete victory half-hour before lunch.

Left-handed opener

Off-spinner Roston Chase celebrates another wicket as Windward Islands Volcanoes slump to defeat on Sunday. (Photo courtesy WICB Media Anthony Alleyne struck a quick-fire 26 from a mere 15 deliveries, with three fours and two sixes, be-

fore he was stumped off off-spinner Liam Sebastien.

Only last weekend at the

same venue, Pride inflicted a heavy innings defeat on Leeward Islands Hurricanes, also inside three days.

A m e re t h re e r u n s ahead at the start of Sunday’s penultimate day, Volcanoes needed a miracle to push the game into the final day but no such materialised as Chase, beginning the day with two wickets, took all five to fall to finish with seven for 22.

Fast bowler Miguel Cummins failed to add to his tally, ending with three for 47.

Sebastien perished in the day’s fifth over after adding just eight to his overnight five, lbw to Chase pushing forward and Kyle Mayers followed in the bowler’s next over, edging a defensive prod

Barcelona beat Valencia in six-goal thriller LIONEL Messi struck twice as Barcelona beat 10-man Valencia in a thrilling match to move two points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Eliaquim Mangala headed the visitors in front from a corner, before Luis Suarez steered in an equaliser.

Messi’s penalty made it 2-1 after Manchester City loanee Mangala was sent off for dragging back Suarez, but Munir El Haddadi swept Valencia level.

Messi scored his second after the break and Andre Gomes made it four late on.

Barcelona desperately needed a victory after losing ground in the title race with a surprise 2-1 defeat at Deportivo last weekend.

In the end, they should have won by more goals than they did - but they

Lionel Messi beat Valencia keeper Diego Alves at the near post for his 25th La Liga goal of the season were all over the place defensively for the first hour.

Luis Enrique’s threeman back line was caught out too often, with Munir denied by keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen when clean through seconds before Mangala scored from the resulting corner.

Valencia were equally

sloppy in defence, though.

Ezequiel Garay was outpaced down their right by Suarez on more than one occasion, and the Uruguay international was quick to pounce for the equaliser when the visitors switched off at a Neymar throw-in.

Mangala, already on a yellow card, could have no complaints about his dis-

missal just before half-time.

Enrique, though, had plenty of reason to fume when his own defenders allowed Munir, on loan from Barcelona, all the time he wanted to turn in Jose Luis Gaya’s pullback.

Barcelona did not seem to know how to cover their right flank defensively, and Enrique eventually sent on Sergi Roberto in a move to a back four.

That settled the home side, who could have had plenty more goals - with Neymar going closest as he hit the post with a free-kick.

In the end, they settled for two in the second half; Messi - La Liga’s leading scorer - caught out keeper Diego Alves with a near-post drive and substitute Gomes tapped in from Neymar’s pass.

(BBCSport)

Federer tops Wawrinka in all-Swiss Indian Wells final (REUTERS)-A revived Roger Federer beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday to earn a record-tying fifth Indian Wells title and distinction as the tournament’s oldest winner.

The win by the 35-year-

old Swiss master, who made a stunning return from a sixmonth layoff by winning the Australian Open in January, capped an impressive run in the California desert in which he did not lose a set the entire way.

The rematch of the Australian Open semi-final saw

the close friends hold serve until the 10th game of the opening set when Federer, ahead 5-4, outlasted Wawrinka in a thrilling 21-shot rally for the service break.

Wawrinka, who was making his first appearance in an Indian Wells final, broke right back and held serve to move

ahead 2-0 in the ensuing set but Federer never wavered.

Federer now joins Novak Djokovic a five-time winner at the event and becomes the oldest champion in the tournament’s history, surpassing Jimmy Connors who was 31 when he triumphed in 1984.

to Ashley Nurse at slip to depart without scoring.

Roland Cato, unbeaten on two at the start, was eighth out for seven with the score on 55, taken at short leg by Shamarh

Brooks before Kenroy Peters fell to a catch at midon without a run added.

Shane Shillingford then belted two fours and a six a top score of 16 before holing out to square leg.

SCOREBOARD VOLCANOES 1st Innings 293 Volcanoes 2nd Innings (overnight 34 for five) *D Smith c wkp Dowrich b Cummins 15 T Theophile c Nurse b Cummins 0 T Gabriel c Brooks b Chase 4 K Lesporis c Chase b Cummins 2 +S Ambris b Chase 5 R Cato c Brooks b Chase 7 L Sebastien lbw b Chase 13 K Mayers c Nurse b Chase 0 S Shillingford c (sub) Greaves b Chase 16 K Peters c Cummins b Chase 0 S Lewis not out 5 Extras: (lb1, w1, nb2) 4 TOTAL: (all out, 25.1 overs) 71 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-16, 3-20,

4-27, 5-27, 6-46, 7-50, 8-55, 9-55, 10-71.

Bowling: Cummins 11-2-47-3, Chase 12.1-4-22-7, Warrican 2-1-1-0.

PRIDE 2nd Innings (target: 41) A Alleyne st Ambris b Sebastian 26 O Phillips not out 8 S Hope not out 6 Extras: (w1) 1 TOTAL: (1 wkt, 4 overs) 41 Fall of wicket: 1-31.

Bowling: Lewis 1-0-16-0, Shillingford 2-0-13-0, Sebastien 1-012-0.

Scorpions record historic low as 25 wickets tumble on day two

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) — An astonishing 25 wickets fell on Saturday’s second day as the seventh round day/night game in the Regional four-day championship between Jamaica Scorpions and Leeward Islands Hurricanes swung back and forth at Sabina Park Opting to field first, Scorpions bundled out Hurricanes for 71 with West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor claiming five for 31 and captain and left-arm spinner Nikita Miller (2-4) and pacer Marquino Mindley (2-13) finishing with two wickets apiece.

Rahkeem Cornwall top-scored with 29 while the inform Kacey Carty chipped in with 26 but were just two of three in double figures.

In reply, Scorpions were sent tumbling for their lowest ever score in first class competition, when they were dismissed for a paltry 56 — falling below the previous 71 recorded 28 years ago.

Seamers Jeremiah LOuis (4-4) and Gavin Tonge (416) were the main destroyers with four wickets apiece.

With a slim 15-run lead, Hurricanes failed to capitalise, slumping to 31 for five at the close — an overall advantage of just 46 runs heading into day three.

Seamers Rovman Powell (2-3) and Taylor (2-16) bagged two wickets apiece to keep Scorpions in the contest.

The first day of the contest was abandoned because of rain.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday March 20, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Courtney Walsh-7/37 (WI vs NZ, Wellington, 1995) (2) Viv Richards-6/41 (WI vs IND, Delhi, 1989) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has captained the WI in most Tests to date?

(2) Who has captained the WI in most ODIs to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 20, 2017

Jaguars on victory path after Permaul destroys Red Force with seven for 28 PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) — Veerasammy Permaul celebrated his call-up to the West Indies Twenty20 squad with the 21st five-wicket haul of his first class career, as Guyana Jaguars installed themselves as firm favourites to win their seventh round match in the Regional four-day championship against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force here Sunday.

The 27-year-old left-arm spinner, named in the Windies squad to face Pakistan later this month, claimed seven for 28, a spell which sent the hosts tumbling for a hugely disappointing 183 in their second innings, on the penultimate day of the contest at Queen’s Park Oval.

Set a paltry 56 for victory, Jaguars ended the day on three without loss, within touching distance of their second successive win.

Earlier, tail-ender Romario Shepherd gathered his maiden half-century in only his second

Veerasammy Permaul claimed his 21st five-wicket haul first class game as Jaguars, re- on exactly 50 at the start, addsuming on 246 for eight, were ed only five before perishing in eventually dismissed for 330 — a the day’s ninth over but Shepherd hit six fours in an 85-ball healthy lead of 128 runs.

Raymon Reifer, unbeaten knock to see Jaguars past 300.

Significantly, he put on 57 for the final wicket with Youth World Cup star Keemo Paul whose unbeaten 27 came from 37 deliveries and included three fours and a six.

Fast bowler Marlon Richards (4-57) and left-arm spinner Bryan Charles (4-91) finished with four wickets apiece.

Batting a second time, Red Force never really recovered from losing their captain Kyle Hope to the second ball of the innings, bowled by fellow Barbadian Raymon Reifer without a run on the board, and collapsed to 183 all out.

Isaiah Rajah top-scored with 40, Yannic Cariah got 30 while Evin Lewis and Richards chipped in with 25 apiece.

However, Red Force struggled to find partnerships and a stand of 48 for the second between Rajah and Lewis was the best of the innings.

The left-handed Rajah, who faced 84 balls and counted four boundaries, added a fur-

ther 39 for the fourth wicket with Cariah but the partner-

ship proved in vain as Permaul wrecked the innings.

SCOREBOARD RED FORCE 1st innings 202 Jaguars 1st Innings (overnight 246 for eight) S Hetmyer c Pierre b Charles 15 R Chandrika c Cariah b Richards 17 D Bishoo c wkp Katwaroo b Richards 39 A Fudadin c & b Charles 57 *LJohnsoncwkpKatwaroobRichards 7 V Singh c Mohammed b Pierre 22 R Reifer c Richards b Charles 55 +A Bramble lbw b Charles 4 V Permaul lbw b Richards 24 R Shepherd b Pierre 53 K Paul not out 27 Extras: (b8, w1, nb1) 10 TOTAL: (all out, 124 overs) 330 Fall of wicket: 1-27, 2-47, 3-136, 4-144, 5-149, 6-196, 7-201, 8-243, 9-273, 10-330.

Bowling: Richards 25-10-57-4, Philip 9-1-34-0, Charles 37-8-914, Imran Khan 25-1-88-0, Pierre 13-0-35-2, Mohammed 15-5-17-0.

RED FORCE 2nd Innings *K Hope b Reifer 0 E Lewis c Fudadin b Bishoo 25 I Rajah lbw b Bishoo 40

JMohammedcwkpBramblebPermaul 2 Y Cariah lbw b Permaul 30 I Khan c wkp Bramble b Permaul 28 +S Katwaroo lbw b Permaul 4 K Pierre c wkp Bramble b Permaul 19 M Richards lbw b Permaul 25 B Charles not out 1 A Phillip lbw b Permaul 0 Extras: (b5, lb2, w1, nb1) 9 TOTAL: (all out, 57.5 overs) 183 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-48, 3-52, 4-91, 5-123, 6-129, 7-140, 8-172, 9-183, 10-183.

Bowling: Reifer 5-1-21-1, Permaul 25.5-9-48-7, Shepherd 8-033-0, Bishoo 16-2-68-2, Johnson 3-0-6-0.

JAGUARS 2nd Innings (target: 56 runs) S Hetmyer not out 2 R Chandrika not out 1 TOTAL: (without loss, 4 overs) 3 Bowling: Richards 2-0-3-0, Phillip 2-2-0-0.

Position: Jaguars require 53 runs for victory with all 10 wickets intact.

Bayroc president says facility had been identified for FIFA Goal Project

By Joe Chapman

PRESIDENT of the Bayroc Community Centre,Lance Easton,yesterday afternoon said that as far as he was aware they are looking forward to the FIFA Goal (Special) Project coming to that facility,but the recent announcement that a 400m Synthetic Track being placed there and which would cost $210M from government coffers,was news to him.

Easton said that there was a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed and he recalled that in 2014 this activity began to take shape for the Goal Pproject when Sharma Solomon was regional Chairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice)

The Bayrock Community Centre ground in Wismar, Linden

and president of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA).When new Regional Chairman, Renis Morian,took over from Solomon, the plan

remained that Bayroc would have the facility.

Easton said he was there when Chairman of the Guyana Football Federation’s

Normalising Committee,Clinton Urling,called concerning this project being done at Bayroc,to the Regional Chairman’s Office.

He said Member of Parliament,Jermaine Figuiera,was told of this project then but never came to the office to discuss this matter at the time the discussion was going on.

According to Easton,over the past two years the matter went as far as obtaining a lease of ownership for FIFA with Director of Sport Christopher Jones. He said the matter was also discussed when Jones was in Linden where he met with various sports organisations at the Linden Concert Hall and School (LICHAS), and another time when Mayor

Holland brought up sports administrator Joseph’ Reds’ Perreira to meet with several sports bodies and discuss the administration of sport in the Mining Town. The topic of the FIFA Goal Project was again discussed. So it is disappointing that Mr Figuiera seemingly does not know about this being a priority for the Bayroc Community Centre ground, Easton lamented.

Minister of State,Joseph Harmon,who got involved in this issue and Easton noted there was also a letter prepared pertaining to the ownership with the involvement of Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, so that the project could be pushed ahead without any hindrances as required by

FIFA,the world governing body of football.

Speaking about the first consultation done at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN),Easton said he was unaware about this while notably the Mackenzie Sports Club was represented. Easton said he was not invited and he questioned that if the funds for the track was mainly for the laying of the track, he wondered where the other money was coming from , at the very least,to have the track fenced for security purposes.

The Bayroc top official said he was aware that the Providence FIFA Goal Project would be the first and then FIFA had identified the one at Bayrock to be a Special Project.

Kenwyne Jones recalled to T&T squad for World Cup qualifiers

EXPERIENCED striker Kenwyne Jones has been recalled to the Trinidad and Tobago national squad ahead of the country’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mexico and Panama later this month.

The twin island republic under new coach Dennis Lawrence will attempt to revive a flagging campaign, which began with back-toback losses to Costa Rica and Honduras.

The 32-year-old Jones was dropped from the national squad under the team’s previous coach Tom Saintfiet. Jones will be one of 26 players called by Lawrence who registered his first win as coach in a 2-0 win over Barbados last week. The squad includes 13 home-based players and 13 overseas-based players.

“I think the local-based players have responded very well to what we asked of them. We

prepared them physically, mentally and tactically we tried as best as possible.

We had to try and incorporate the players from abroad so we had to select based on the positions that were needed and required for what I want to do. In the end we put together a group that will give us the best possible chance of getting the result against Panama,” Lawrence said of the unit.

T&T SQUAD: Marvin Phillip, Jan

Kenwyne Jones Michael Williams, Glen- ers); Radanfah Abu Bakr, roy Samuel (goalkeep- Aubrey David, Curtis

Gonzales, Sheldon Bateau, Daneil Cyrus, Mekeil Williams, Tristan Hodge, Carlos Edwards, Alvin Jones (defenders); Andre Boucaud, Joevin Jones, Khaleem Hyland, Kevan George, Hughtun Hector, Hashim Arcia, Kevin Molino, Leston Paul, Levi Garcia, Cordell Cato, Nathan Lewis (midfielders); Kenwyne Jones, Willis Plaza, Jamille Boatswain.

(Sportsmax)

Jaguars on victory path after Permaul destroys Red Force with See story27on page seven for 28 GCB Inter-County U-15 final…

Prashad all-round efforts seal title for Berbice

The victorious Berbice team with GCB officials and representative of Dave West Indian Imports, Cliff Joseph,after their 5-wicket victory.

See story on page 23

Chairman of youth selectors,Nazimul Drepaul,hands over the Player of the tournament trophy to Marvan Prashad.

Rogers- Bright latestqualifies CARIFTA Games qualifier in another event Onasha Rogers

By Tamica Garnett CHRISTIANBURG’s Onasha Rogers qualified for this year’s Flow CARIFTA Games when she overpowered longtime rival Kenisha Phillips,while blazing to victory in the girls’ 100m sprint yesterday at the AAG Classic II,at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora.

Rogers became the latest athlete to meet a CARIFTA Games qualifying mark, barely making it in the qualifying period, as yesterday’s meet marked the final qualifying event. Playing second fiddle to Phillips since the season started, Rogers finally got her chance to shine as she came through in 11.98

seconds to the 12.02 seconds that Kenisha clocked.

The time was just inside the 12 seconds limit required to qualify in the girls’ under 18 category.

Rogers now joins a list that already includes 10 other CARIFTA qualified athletes, which already includes Phillips. Phillips has qualified for the 100m and 200m.

Yesterday was a bad day for the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Phillips who also took a beating in the 200m in which she lost to Police’s Alita Moore. Moore came in for the win with a time of 24.48 seconds, whereas Phillips took 24.51

Chantoba Bright

Turn to page 23

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MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2017