Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20 12 2016

Here comes the bride P.15

$500M final No. 104771

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‒ Jordan tells owed D’Urban Project contractors

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PPP old guard returns to CC Slain bandits were ‘career crooks’ Page 7

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No black Christmas, GPL promises Page 12

These children re-enact the biblical story relating to the birth of Christ at the ‘National Festival of Carols and Lessons’ held at the D’urban Park on Sunday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Unacceptable

‒ Patterson slams Dynamic Airways over flight woes Pa9ge

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

US$1M supermarket opens at Great Diamond ‒ creates jobs for more than 60 REBECCA Zhang, Managing Director of Freshco Supermarket which recently opened here, has expressed confidence in the local economy.

“We believe in the Guyanese economy, and as such, we are investing here,” she said of the business located at lot 1 B, Public Road, Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

The US$1M mega supermarket is yet another to meet the needs of a growing population. It came into being after Zhang made a trip along East Bank Demerara three years ago.

“As Americans on vacation, I and my dad took a drive from the airport to Georgetown looking for a quality, comfortable shopping location to get some beverages and other

supplies. Tried as we did, we couldn’t find any of an international standard to make us feel like we were at home.”

This, she said spawned an idea: “This is a beautiful country but it needs some investment to serve as an example of what people should be able to experience when shopping for supplies: food items, groceries, baby items etc. I shared the idea with my dad and he was all for it, so I went back to the US and began planning the way forward.”

Zhang said through multiple consultations and some setbacks, she was able to convince some investors to buy in to the idea.

“There was no major launch just yet but we will eventually. However, we could

The newly-opened supermarket at lot 1 B Public Road, Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara

Inside the sprawling Freshco Supermarket

not wait until the festive season to get started with sales to save residents along the East Bank corridor from having to go all the way to the Capital City to get much-needed supplies, so here we are… our doors are opened and we are ready to serve. We have our location which is spacious and carries a wide a variety of brands as

possible to cater to the needs of all level of shoppers. We also have excellent parking space and we ensured that we created employment for upwards of 60 people.”

The business will soon launch the international Chinese/ Indonesian cuisine Restaurant under the Freshco brand.

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$500M final GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

‒ Jordan tells owed D’Urban Project contractors

THOUGH the total debt on the controversial D’Urban Park Development Project (DPDP) is approximately $798M, the Government of Guyana has made it clear that its allocation of $500M will have to be sufficient to offset the expenses.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan told reporters on Monday during a press conference at his Main Street, Georgetown Office, that the APNU+AFC administration can only “accommodate $500M as a full and final settlement”.

He made it clear that Homestretch Development Inc (HDI), the building company would have to make some apportioning relative to the debts owed.

“This is a take it or leave it situation,” declared Jor-

dan, adding that “So if you were owed $2M by HDI… and it works out that you can only get $1.2, then you could either accept the $1.2 as final settlement or sue HDI.” The Finance Minister said those owed have options and noted that the court is the best option for recourse. “… so you don’t have to take the money, you could sue HDI for the amount owed by HDI.” Asked whether he believes the $500M is enough given the outstanding amounts, the Finance Minister said, “It has to be enough as a full and final settlement, you have a choice, you can refuse and go to court and sue HDI or you can accept it as the full and final settlement.”

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Last week, during the Consideration of Estimates of Expenditure for Budget 2017, People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) Member

of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill called on Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson to provide details on the $500M allocation.

Patterson told the Committee of Supply that the $500M allocation was earmarked for the off-setting of debt to DPDP and HDI. He said too that HDI submitted an audited report which indicated that some $60M was donated for the beginning of the project.

Meanwhile, Edghill in November by way of a parliamentary motion had called on the Government to release the names of the financiers of D’Urban Park, the cost of the project and the private organisers who were involved in the project from its birth to April 2016, when

Minister Patterson managed the project.

The minister had said that the first phase of the project was funded by HDI however; it was revealed that HDI was incorporated in January 2016, some months after the project started.

It was during that debate of the motion, that the Minister of Public Infrastructure disclosed the directors of the company but failed to mention Education Minister, DR RUPERT ROOPNARINE Dr Roopnaraine sits as a Director on the company’s board; a post he was asked to take up by President David Granger. The DPDP through HDI was tasked with preparing D’Urban Park for the

country’s 50th Independence celebrations held in May. The D’Urban Park Project was authorised by Cabinet and works began in the last quarter of 2015. At that time, there was no budget and the team of persons working on the project was tasked with getting the site ready for the celebrations.

“This meant relying on donations. It was no small task. Works were conducted in the full view of the population. Trees were cut down, sand and loam delivered to the site, bridges, drains and stands were constructed,” said Dr Roopnarine during his explanation of his involvement in the project to the National Assembly.

Dr Roopnarine has also denied any wrongdoings.

Debarment Committee next year ‒ defaulting firm, individuals face expulsion COME 2017, a Debarment Committee will be established to expel defaulting firms and individuals who have been non-compliant with the Procurement Act. Finance Minister Winston Jordan made this announcement during his end-of-year press conference on Monday.

He said efforts are being made to “bring back

some respectability” to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), noting that there is evidence of more transparency in the body.

“Everything is being done in the open… we have some ways to go but now we have a Public Procurement Commission that will be overseeing them,” he told reporters.

According to Jordan, the Bid Protest Committee is also functioning and since its establishment has produced two reports. But he said it is important for a Debarment Committee to be established.

“They are going to be looking to set up a Debarment Committee and so on, they are working… it is provided for in the Act and it is

meant to debar individuals and firms who have been non-compliant or have ran afoul of the Procurement Act.” Additionally, the Minister said technical assistance is being provided by the Inter-American Development Bank to streamline the operations of procurement administrators.

The assistance provided will assist the entities in pre-

paring procurement plans; develop a website and information system that provides relevant information to the public.

It is expected that the Debarment Committee will be established early in the new year and according to the Minister of Finance, the Committee will aid in enhancing accountability and transparency in the area of public procurement.

The Bid Protest Committee and the Public Procurement Commission were recently established and have resulted in greater scrutiny being placed on the NPTAB, thereby resulting in the end of “backroom deals in Robb Street”.

The Finance Minister made it clear that local contractors would have to improve their modus operandi Turn to page 15 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday , December 20, 2016

Cuba unveils home Internet trial scheme

The Cuban Government has announced a twomonth trial scheme to allow Internet access in private homes.

State-run telecommunications company Etecsa will install Internet in some 2,000 homes in the capital’s colonial district, Old Havana.

The company has also reduced by 25 per cent the fee charged to connect to the web, which most Cubans can only access from public wi-fi hotspots.

Cuba has one of the lowest online connectivity rates in the world.

Many Cubans hope the country’s communist Government will eventually expand the scheme, says the BBC’s Will Grant in Havana.

Details are scarce, but the authorities say the experiment will be extended if it is approved after the twomonth trial period.

Cubans still struggle to get Internet access in most parts of the country

Last week, Etecsa signed an agreement with Google to provide faster access to content including Gmail and YouTube.

Google will install local servers that will speed up connection to its services.

Much of the island’s Internet infrastructure is ob-

solete.

Google and Etecsa reached agreement in the final weeks of Barack Obama’s presidency, but it is not clear whether his successor, Donald Trump, will change US policies towards Cuba. (BBC News)

Suriname signs US$30M agreement with Islamic Bank Gillmore Hoefdraad, Minister of Finance of Suriname, made a special visit last week to Saudi Arabia where he signed a US$30M syndicated murabaha (non-interest-bearing) term sheet for supporting Suriname’s economic development through financing strategic imports.

This is according to press release from the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group.

The $30M financing extended to Suriname is to support the agricultural, medical and industrial sectors. Supplies that will be purchased under this

arrangement include basic goods, raw material for production of basic goods, inputs for the agriculture sector, in addition to medicine and medical supplies.

Commenting on the signing, Hani Salem Sonbol, ITFC CEO, said, “This trade financing is at the heart of ITFC’s role in supporting the development of strategic commodities that underpin a nation’s economic welfare and thus provide sustainable livelihoods to a significant proportion of the population.”

Moreover, ITFC is indirectly contributing to the social welfare and economic recovery of Suri-

name.

Hoefdraad commended the role of the IsDB Group in Suriname’s socio-economic development. He added that Suriname relies heavily on imports for consumption; and this operation will benefit all economic sectors.

“Sustaining these imports is of strategic importance to the economic development of the country,” he said.

The IsDB Group has provided financial assistance amounting to US$145 million for the health, education and transport sectors of Suriname. (Caribbean News Now)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday , December 20, 2016

Russian ambassador shot dead in Ankara gallery

Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov lies on the ground after he was shot by unidentified man at an art gallery in Ankara. Hasim Kilic/Hurriyet via REUTERS

The Russian ambassador to Turkey was shot in the back and killed as he gave a speech at an Ankara art gallery on Monday by an off-duty police officer who shouted “Don’t forget Aleppo” and “Allahu Akbar” as he opened fire.

President Tayyip Erdogan, in a video message to the nation, cast the attack as an attempt to undermine NATO-member Turkey’s relations with Russia - ties long tested by the war in Syria. He said he had agreed in a telephone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin to step up coop-

eration in fighting terrorism.

At a special meeting at the Kremlin, President Putin ordered increased security at all Russian missions and said “the bandits” who committed the act would feel retribution.

“We must know who directed the killer’s hand.” The assassination of an ambassador, not least of a major power such as Russia, marks a dangerous escalation of tension in the region and beyond. Security sources said he was off duty and some witnesses said there was no security scanning machine at the entrance.

The attacker was smartly dressed in black suit and tie and stood, alone, behind the ambassador as he began his speech at the art exhibition, a person at the scene told Reuters. “He took out his gun and shot the ambassador from behind. We saw him lying on the floor and then we ran out,” said the witness, who asked not to be identified. People took refuge in adjoining rooms as the shooting continued. A video showed the attacker shouting: “Don’t forget Aleppo, don’t forget Syria!” and “Allahu Akbar” (“God is Greatest”) as screams rang out.

He paced about and shouted as he held the gun in one hand and waved the other in the air.

Russia is an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and its air strikes helped Syrian forces end rebel resistance last week in the northern city of Aleppo.

Turkey, which seeks Assad’s ouster, has been repairing ties with Moscow after shooting down a Russian warplane over Syria last year. The gunman was killed by special forces. Three other people were injured. “We regard this as a terrorist act,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

“Terrorism will not win and we will fight against it decisively.”

GULEN Erdogan, who has faced a

Nine dead as truck ploughs into crowd at Berlin Christmas market

A truck plowed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin on Monday evening, killing nine people and injuring up to 50 others, police said, in what appeared to be one of the deadliest attacks in Germany in decades.

Police said on Twitter that they had taken one suspect into custody and that another passenger from the truck had died as it crashed into people gathered around the wooden huts serving mulled wine and sausages at the foot of the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church in the heart of west Berlin.

“We heard a loud bang,” Emma Rushton, a tourist, told CNN. “We started to see the top of an articulated truck, a lorry ... just crashing through the stalls, through people.”

The incident evoked memories of an attack in Nice, France in July when a Tunisian-born man drove a 19-tonne truck along the beach front, mowing down people who had gathered to watch the fireworks on Bastille Day, killing 86 people.

That attack was claimed by Islamic State.

Police at the scene told German media that the crash appeared to be a deliberate act.

A government spokesman said Chancellor Angela Merkel was being briefed by her interior minister and the Berlin mayor on the situation. Police said there were no indications of further dangerous situations

Police and emergency workers stand next to a crashed truck at the site of an accident at a Christmas market on Breitscheidplatz square near the fashionable Kurfuerstendamm avenue in the west of Berlin, Germany, December 19, 2016. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

in the area and urged people to stay away from scene.

“I’m deeply shaken about the horrible news of what occurred at the memorial church in Berlin,” Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

“Many people who visited the Christmas market today have died and even more are injured.” The truck veered into the market at what would have been one of the most crowded times, when adults and children would be gathering in the traditional cluster of wooden huts that sell food and Christmas goods in an annual celebration replicated across Germany and much of Central

Europe.

Police cars and ambulances converged quickly on the scene.

Rushton told CNN the truck seemed to be traveling at about 40 mph (65 Kmh). Asked how many were injured, she said that as she walked back to her hotel, she saw at least 10.

Julian Reichelt, editor in chief of Bild Berlin, said that there was currently a massive security operation under way. “The scene certainly looks like a reminder of what we have seen in Nice,” Reichelt said.

(Reuters)

string of attacks by Islamist and Kurdish militants as well as an attempted coup in July, identified the attacker as 22-year-old Mevlut Mert Altintas, who had worked for Ankara riot police for two and a half years. CNN Turk TV said police had detained Aydintas’s sister and mother.

A senior security official said there were “very strong signs” the gunman belonged to the network of the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara says orchestrated the failed coup in July. Erdogan has denounced Gulen as a terrorist, but the cleric, a former ally, denies the accusation. Gulen described the killing as a “heinous act of terror” that pointed to a deterioration of security in Turkey resulting from Erdogan’s wideranging purge of police as well as the army, judiciary and media following the coup bid.

The government says Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania since 1999, created a “parallel network” in the police, military, judiciary and civil service aimed at overthrowing the state.

Suspicion could also fall on a group such as Islamic State, which has carried out a string of bomb attacks in Turkey in the last year as Ankara has pressed a military campaign against the militants in Syria.

The group has urged “lone” attacks in the West. (Reuters)

Trump wins U.S. Electoral College vote; some electors break ranks

People protest against U.S. President-elect Donald Trump REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Republican Donald Trump prevailed in U.S. Electoral College voting on Monday to officially win election as the next president, easily dashing long-shot hopes by a small movement of detractors to block him from gaining the White House.

Trump garnered more than the 270 electoral votes required to win, even as at least half a dozen U.S. electors broke with tradition to vote against their own state’s directives, the largest number of “faithless electors” seen in more than a century. A core of Democratic activists around the country had hoped to convince Republicans to cross lines and vote for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who won the nationwide popular vote on Nov. 8.

In the end, however, more Democrats than Republicans

split with their party. Four Democratic electors voted for someone other than Clinton, while two Republicans turned their backs on Trump.

Bret Chiafalo, 38, of Everett, Washington, was one of three electors from his state to vote for Colin Powell, a former Republican secretary of state, rather than Clinton, saying he believed Powell was better suited for the job than Trump.

The founding fathers “said the electoral college was not to elect a demagogue, was not to elect someone influenced by foreign powers, was not to elect someone who is unfit for office. Trump fails on all three counts, unlike any candidate we’ve ever seen in American history,” Chiafalo said in an interview.

(Reuters)

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Confronting armed robberies

RECENTLY, there were several stories of robberies being committed. Homes were allegedly broken into, banks attacked, people robbed while plying their trade and after completing bank transactions. Tens of millions of dollars were allegedly stolen, properties damaged, and some persons have suffered bodily injuries.

The Guyana Police Force advises that crime has decreased compared to the same period last year. Statistical evidence is irrefutable and important in evaluating progress, or the absence thereof, and serves as a critical component in planning and deploying of resources.

When a robbery occurs, people who are affected -directly or indirectly -- feel scared and threatened. And where, in instances of such nature, people live in the moment and worry about the possibility of it happening to them, that fear will cause them to question the credibility of the police statistics. Another aspect of our society that ought not to be overlooked is that crime is used as a wedge issue. This serves as political mileage -- to ‘prove’ the failure of the other political group, and stoke racial tension on stereotypical assertion of which group is villain and which is victim.

Reacting to robbery through polarised lenses does not aid in its elimination. Instead, it leads to creating and fomenting lopsided views that could miss the source(s) of the anti-social behaviour and treat with same in a surgical manner. These are the realities that confront the Police Force and the policy makers; and seeking to address robbery, these must become factors of consideration in planning and decision-making. Every citizen has a responsibility to self and the environment to help in preventing robbery. This requires taking the necessary precaution not to be targeted, being aware of one’s surroundings, and reporting any suspicious activity.

It does not hold true that keeping large sums of money on one’s person or in the home is the safest or wisest decision. Held notions that it is unwise to put money in the bank because it’s yours or the bank will steal it must be reviewed through practical, life-saving lenses. It must be recognized that placing one’s money in the bank can ward off potential danger to one’s life. The bank cannot legally steal your money, and there is proof of transaction in one’s bank account and periodical review through bank statements.

If money is legitimately acquired, there ought to be no problem in having it deposited in a bank account, including complying with the needed paperwork to prove identity and the source of legitimacy, should these be called for in order to protect the integrity of the banking institution.

It helps in fighting robbery and other crimes when both the account holder and banking institution confirm to the required expectation.

Where banks and Government are concerned, it is to

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday , December 20, 2016

National alcohol policy needed urgently

Dear Editor,

AS AT end July 2016, according to a report from the Guyana Police Force, there have been 1,035 traffic offences caused by drivers being under the influence of alcohol.

The lack of an explicit and articulated national policy on alcohol is an indicator of the disregard and lack of commitment by the leaders of the nation, throughout the years, to reduce the consumption of alcohol and minimise its harmful effects.

The laws that do exist are not enforced.

It is imperative that the Government implement measures to reduce the accessibility and availability of alcohol. The Government must value public health and welfare over political investors. Businesses have ethical and social responsibilities to Guyana, and they must value the welfare of the country

over profits.

The Government should implement laws to prohibit alcohol companies from sponsoring sports or cultural events. Open bar promotions which allow customers to drink as much as they want to for a fixed price should be banned, because these promotions encourage excessive drinking.

I propose an increase in the minimum age limit of alcohol consumers to 21, and an increase in the minimum age limit of purchasers of alcohol to 21. The Government should also consider reforming the Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2008 and reduce the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit to 0.05%, and drivers under the age of 21 should have a zero BAC limit.

It is my hope the Minister of Finance strongly enforces the increases in the liquor penalties, as stated

in the budget. A National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control should also be formed. This Committee should be responsible for establishment of an enforcement surveillance centre for alcohol control regulations, and be funded by the taxes collected from producers and importers of alcohol.

Guyana’s national drug is alcohol. We have a tendency to regard the use of other drugs with animosity even as we celebrate the use of alcohol. Any altered state impairs one’s judgement, but alcohol seems to do so with gusto and social acceptability. The culture surrounding drinking is particularly what makes it so dangerous.

Alcohol is a toxic, carcinogenic and addictive substance. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which in turn impairs motor functions and motor performances. Prolonged alcohol use can lead to the develop-

ment of chronic diseases and other health problems, including high blood pressure; heart diseases; stroke; liver diseases; cancers; learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor academic performance.

Women who binge drink are more likely to have unprotected sex and become engaged in risky sexual escapades. Additionally, alcohol has a large social impact.

It can destroy relationships between friends and family members, lead to interpersonal violence, and increase the risk of road traffic accidents. Alcohol is also associated with child neglect and abuse, as well as with absenteeism in the workplace.

“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise”, Proverbs 20:1.

Yours faithfully, MATTHEW GAUL

Shock at resignation of Law Dept. Head Dear Editor,

I WRITE this letter in utter shock at the resignation of Mr. Ronald Singh, Head of the Law Department at the University of Guyana.

As a former alumnus, I find it most disturbing that someone of the calibre of Mr. Singh should resign; he was instrumental in bringing about the betterment of the department. Whilst studying at the University of Guyana, I found that Mr. Singh guided students in a direction to ensure they were greeted with a pass grade when they

open their academic profile.

He was also instrumental in ensuring that other lecturers did the same.

I can testify about the vindictive nature of some other lecturers in the department, but that would take up 89 pages of valuable newspaper space.

Mr. Singh had aimed to do what the past departmental head had not done; that is: have an extremely approachable personality whenever a student had an issue. There was no reason to take three deep breaths before entering his office. Many of the argu-

the benefit of the bank, the security of the people, and work of the Police Force to examine and move with haste to convert cash into other representative money outside of hard cash.

Bank cards (credit and debit) and cheque books have proven to reduce the risk of being robbed of one’s hard-earned money. Outside of these being safe and reducing the need to have to carry or store large sums of money, they are among the most trusted ways to conduct money transactions around the world.

Putting this infrastructure in place can be costly, no doubt.

At the same time, we need to ask ourselves if we can continue not to do so, when, in addition to the world moving ahead and leaving us behind, robbery is taking a toll on the society and the people.

Where an image is presented to the world that Guyana is not a safe destination, it could divert needed foreign exchange. Admittedly, robbery/crime has its genesis in the

ments made by students and communicated to the other relevant authorities were often ignored. This begs the question why.

Why is Mr. Singh, as the head of department, resigning? It is up to the students and alumni to assume the reasons, but the answer is clear as day: The dark days continue to be upon us; political and administrative victimisation will continue. No wonder emigration seems to be the only viable alternative.

I will return to Guyana when the economy has stabilized, poor decisions are seldom

made, and certain ministers and the administration of all sectors are thoroughly examined.

To Mr. Singh I wish all the best in the future, and I hope that the level of disrespect given to you by your superiors, and even those below you, is not meted out to you again.

I fear that I will be victimized for writing this letter, especially by the University of Guyana. So I ask to remain anonymous.

Regards, FORMER ALUMNUS

society, and where man’s first institution is the family, it is expected that socialisation takes into consideration instilling values that “thou shall not steal or covet thy neighbour’s goods”. Similarly, it cannot be lost sight of that, outside of the family, there are other influences, sometimes overpowering, that fuel and propel crime. The sources of these must not be ignored in acknowledging and putting measures in place to curb crime.

Through intelligence-gathering, the police should have data on the causes of crime. And though the degree of the respective causes is not known, the lure of instant gratification, poor family structures, peer pressure, glamourisation of crime, the influential and well-connected not being held to account for their criminal conduct, a lessthan-strong judicial system, unemployment and poverty are factors influencing criminal activities. Tackling crime ought not to ignore these factors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

PPP old guard returns to CC Clinton Collymore

Hydar Ally

Gail Teixeira

Clement Rohee

Donald Ramotar

Dr. Roger Luncheon

A GENERATION of politicians referred to as the old guard of the People’s Progressive Party -- Donald Ramotar, Clement Rohee, Gail Teixeira, Indra Chandarpal, Clinton Collymore, Hydar Ally, Komal Chand and Roger Luncheon -– has been returned to the powerful Central Committee of the opposition People’s Progressive Party following the conclusion of that party’s 31st delegates Congress on Monday.

The results of the voting, according to observers, undermine calls for reforms from the party’s de facto leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his feature address at the congress opening on Saturday. Jagdeo himself, a two-term president and current opposition leader, beat the field to come in with more than 718 votes -- close to one hundred more than his nearest rival, Dr. Frank Anthony, who collected 620.

Immediate past President Donald Ramotar, though managing to stay in the top five, was beaten by Anthony and Teixeira. Ramotar

received 570 votes to Teixeira’s 583. Anil Nandlall, with 548 votes, also came in ahead of party General Secretary Clement Rohee, who collected 522 votes. Other party officials in the top 10 are: Ganga Persaud, with 512 votes; Irfaan Ali, with 511; Zulfikar Mustapha, 496; and Shyam Nokta, 495.

The others who make up the 35-member committee are: Indra Chandarpal, Roger Luncheon, Pauline Sukhai, Nigel Dharamlall, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Hydar Ally, Vickram Bharrat, Dharamkumar Seeraj, Komal Chand, Colin Croal, Allister Charlie, Brian Allicock, Neil Kumar, David Armogan, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Vishwah Mahadeo, Clinton Collymore, Kwame McCoy, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Faizal Jaffarally, Majeed Hussain, Rickey Ramdat, Claire Singh, Anand Persaud and Mitra Devi Ally.

Jagdeo told delegates on Saturday, at the congress held at Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast, that the party must reform if it is to regain power in 2020. He told the congress, the first since the

party lost office less than two years ago, that Guyana has to steadfastly abide by its founding principle, which is to exclude no one based on their race, religion or gender.

And on that note, in a militant tone, he declared, “We will be taking our campaign to our traditional supporters,” as well as [to] “those [who] did not support us.”

Jagdeo has said that the message of the PPP will be taken far and wide: to every street, every village and every community. “We have to be an Opposition for Guyana, not only for the PPP. We have to create space for those who did not support us; we have to be broad-minded and have a sympathetic ear to all suffering Guyanese,” he said.

He is contending that the party needs to decentralise its operations.

Meanwhile, not much has come out in regard to the deliberations at the congress, but in an editorial on Sunday, the Guyana Chronicle had said that note would have been taken of the open advocacy by new ideologues close to Mr. Jagdeo for the

PPP to abandon its politics of “tokenism”, under which a handful of prominent Afro-Guyanese has been incorporated into the electoral slate of the party, without any power or influence at the party’s leadership level.

The editorial says that: “as an alternative to the so-called multi-ethnic alliance, there is a lobby for incorporation

of another form of tokenism from among the strident rightwing Indian rights advocates.”

Observers believe, too, that a compromise would be made as a concession to Mr. Jagdeo, who favours a strategic partnership with the business community, especially its Indo-Guyanese component.

According to the editorial, the more immediate concern, however, would be to strengthen the lacklustre political leadership of the party, especially after the departure of key lieutenants of Cheddi Jagan, such as Ralph Ramkarran, Moses Nagamootoo and the late Navin Chandarpal.

Vandal caught breaking into GNNL bond

By Clestine Juan

WITH the aid of a ‘step’ made of newspapers, Clive Bobb made his way into the bond of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) at Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown with intention to vandalise the building.

He was, however, caught red-handed and handed over to the police.

At about 18:15 hours on Monday, an employee who was outside of the GNNL main building saw a man emerge from the abandoned bond next door with a quantity of wood in

his hand. The man dropped his booty and attempted to run away when he saw the employee, but was caught, and had his identity established as 41-year old Clive Bobb, a resident of Tiger Bay in Georgetown.

A woman was allegedly only recently sexually assaulted by Bobb in the area of the GNNL bond. He had attempted to drag her into the bond, but the woman managed to get away.

The GNNL bond had, in 2014, been damaged by fire, but firefighters were able to save the building and prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings.

Captured: Clive Bobb

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Linden airstrip will materialise ‒ but not in 2017, says Morian

By Vanessa Braithwaite WITH a sum of $214M being allocated in the 2017 budget for the rehabilitation of several hinterland airstrips, Region 10 Councillor Gordan Callender is of the opinion that the Linden airstrip should have been given priority.

Earlier in the year, Councillors were asked to make a proposal for the rehabilitation of the airport by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Officials of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure after recognising the potential of the airstrip dubbed it second to none and requested that a proposal be completed at the regional level.

Disappointment began to step in after reports in the media revealed that several hinterland airstrips were listed for rehabilitation in 2017, but Linden’s airstrip was not listed.

Some of these include airstrips at Eteringbang, Kurupung, Paramakatoi, Kato, Kopinang and Monkey Mountain.

Callender voicing his disappointment at a recently held statutory meeting stressed that the airstrip’s rehabilitation would benefit the mining town tremendously, especially its economy and as such should be prioritised.

Regional Chairman, Renis Morian said the airstrip’s rehabilitation would mate-

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian

rialise though not in 2017.

He posited that given the overcrowding which occurs at Ogle, the next frontier for small craft is Region 10.

“We’ve sent the concept with the airstrip note to the Ministry of infrastructure

and we’re looking forward to seeing work done on the airstrip…. not only works done, but Lindeners being a part of the work force upgrading the airstrip. We would have taken engineers and they said that it’s the best they have seen… so we would like to see the airstrip up and running,” Morian said.

He also revealed that correspondences will be sent to the Aircraft Owners’ Association as it relates to the upgrading of the airstrip.

“We would like to carry them on a tour to view the airstrip, with the view that this airstrip will be working

by Government in 2017,” he added.

The 5000-foot-long airstrip, which has a clearance of 300 feet, lies in the heart

of the bauxite mining area of Linden, but has not been utilised for years. Given its capacity to accommodate international flights, even jets, the aim is not to only upgrade the airstrip but to develop it into a local airport.

This would be practical since Linden is the gateway to the interior regions. Many employees of international gold and timber companies are from Linden, and if the airstrip is developed, it would save them money, as they would no longer have to travel to Georgetown to be flown into the interior locations.

Other miners can access their areas of work easier than having to journey through the trail. Linden could become a hub for

those frequenting the interior locations; and, like Bartica, the airstrip can possibly attract investors to the town, thereby improving commercial activities and reducing unemployment in the region.

Other enterprises such as shipping and beverage companies which have branches in Linden, can also benefit from the airstrip being operational.

The proposal highlights the need for the airstrip to be fenced, equipped with a hangar, adequate lighting, waiting area, toilet facilities, security, air bag and a taxi service. There was also a recommendation for a hotel to be constructed near the airstrip, for the convenience of passengers and crew members in cases of delay.

Teenager charged with brazen Cocaine in suitcase: Computer technician gets 3 robbery of cambio dealer

By Clestine Juan ONE OF THE alleged gunmen who recently carried out a brazen armed robbery on a Corentyne cambio dealer carting off almost $22.5M worth in cash and jewellery was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday.

Clive Vanlewin, 19, a farmer of Sand Hill, Berbice River appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court unrepresented and was not required to plea to the charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that on December 12 at #79 Village, Corentyne Berbice, Vanlewin while being in the company of others, robbed Devendra Churaman called “Katak” of a quantity of foreign currency and gold jewellery valued $22.5M. The police prosecutor strongly opposed the farmer being released on bail, noting that several other persons were expected to be charged for the same robbery. He further pointed out that Vanlewin was a part of the 15 – member gang which robbed Churaman. The Chief Magistrate remanded Vanlewin to prison until December

Clive Vanlewin

29, 2016 and transferred the matter to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

At around 01:45hrs on December 12 gunshots rang out in the cambio dealer’s Albert Street, Corriverton residence as 15 men armed with AK47 assault rifles, shotguns and cutlasses broke down a steel door to gain access into his home.

According to Churaman, five of the men entered his home while the others kept guard at the side of his house, on the street and on the fence while discharging several rounds in the air, and setting alight fire crackers. After gaining entry into the home, the bandits used a sledge

hammer to break a steel door, gaining access to the businessman’s bedroom.

There, they held him at gunpoint and forced him to lie on the floor while the other bandits demanded cash and jewellery.

According to the 48-year-old dealer, he told the bandits he did not have money and one of the bandits rushed up to him, threatening him with a cutlass. At this point, he handed over some money. The bandits ransacked the home and took away jewellery worth over $1M and over $20 million in US and Guyana currency. The bandits also took away the surveillance footage from the home before escaping.

Crime scene investigators were able to recover eight spent shells (7.62), two spent shell gauge cartridges, one warhead, 21 live (7.62) rounds and fire crackers at the scene of the robbery.

Last Wednesday, an identification parade was held when the businessman pointed out Vanlewin. This newspaper was reliably informed that during the ordeal, the mask of one of the bandits came off, briefly revealing his identity.

years’ jail, $4.1M fine COMPUTER technician Colin McEwan of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, who attempted to smuggle to Bermuda, via false walls in his suitcase, 1.536 kilograms of cocaine, which has a street value of $4.1M, was on Monday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined $4.1M by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The 36-year-old was caught trying to smuggle the cocaine while he was an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on December 15, 2016; and when he appeared before the Chief

Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts, he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford-Thompson told the court that the father of four had checked in as a passenger on a Caribbean Airlines’ flight scheduled to travel to Bermuda. However, when he placed his suitcase before the airport scanner, suspicious images were observed inside, so a CANU officer approached him and requested to examine the said suitcase. The officer pierced the walls of the suitcase with a metal object and a whitish substance

was observed. The officer conducted a field test on the substance, and it tested positive for cocaine.

McEwan was arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters, where he confessed and gave details of the incident. He also assisted ranks in finding his associates.

Attorney-at-law Gordon Gilhuys begged Chief Magistrate Mc Lennan to show leniency to his client, since the man had admitted to the offence and did not waste the court’s time. The lawyer pointed out that his client is the sole breadwinner of his family, which included newborn twins.

No bail for woman allegedly caught with ‘cocaine’ in suitcase

By Clestine Juan ANDRA Paula Winfield, who was allegedly caught with almost six pounds of cocaine hidden in the walls of her suitcase at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), was yesterday denied bail and remanded to prison on a drug trafficking charge.

Winfield,42 of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was arraigned in a Georgetown court before Magistrate Annett Singh on a charge that she had 2.548

kilograms in her possession for trafficking on December 16 at the CJIA. She pleaded not guilty to the charge. Winfield was represented by attorney Max McKay. According to Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharat Mangru on the day in question Winfield was checking in at the airport for a flight destined for Toronto, Canada.

Mangru noted that when the woman was questioned

by Immigration officers about her Canadian address

she could not provide them with an answer.

The officers became suspicious and checked Winfield’s suitcase where it was discovered that the walls inside were false and a quantity of narcotics was concealed inside.

The Prosecutor objected to bail on the ground that no special reason was raised by Winfield’s lawyer for the granting of bail.

The Magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favor and remanded the woman until January 10.

Unacceptable 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

‒ Patterson slams Dynamic Airways over flight woes ‒ airline says situation expected to be fixed today

By Alva Solomon DYNAMIC Airways’ flight schedule is expected to be rectified today; and the airline, apologising to dozens of passengers affected by its delays last weekend, has announced plans to introduce a regular daily service between Guyana and New York.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, under whose ministry airline operations fall, noted during a radio show on Monday that the situation was “very unacceptable”.

He has also pointed to consumer protection mechanisms which the travelling public can approach.

Dynamic Airways’ operations in Guyana are handled by Roraima Airways, and the CEO of that domestic airline, Captain Gerry Gouveia, told reporters at a Duke Lodge press briefing on Monday afternoon that the delays were being fever-

Roraima Airways CEO, Gerry Gouveia

ishly addressed. He said 280 passengers were expected to land at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in a flight coming from the JFK Airport in New York, as the problem is being sorted.

Hundreds of passengers are expected to be ferried between CJIA and JFK over the course of Monday and Tuesday, as the airline

works to satisfy its disappointed customers.

“We are extremely sorry, and apologise to the passengers for the delay and the cancellation,” Gouveia said.

He noted that the airline is committed to the safety of passengers, and, as such, the airline preferred to ensure the aircraft’s airworthiness.

Gouveia said the company is extremely sensitive of the effect the situation has had on Guyanese passengers, especially at this time of the year.

Regarding compensation measures, he said, airlines follow the requisite regulations as mandated by the regulatory bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).

There was a myriad of complaints by passengers regarding the service centre of the airline, and Gouveia said this aspect of the three-

year-old operation has to be improved. He suggested that a call centre be opened in Guyana to address customer concerns, and noted that the matter has been on the table for some time.

In addition, he said, the inflight service, which he graded at three on a scale of one to 10, has to be improved. “We are in the process of doing that,” he added, noting that the airline has been moving more of its aircraft to Guyana with a long-term plan of introducing a daily service between Georgetown and New York.

Saying that Dynamic Airlines has demonstrated its commitment to serving the Guyanese public, Gouveia noted that the airline’s record speaks for itself.

Minister Patterson has noted that, as at midday on Monday, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) had met with representatives of the airline, and thus he would be furnished with

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

a report on the travel delays.

“Obviously, this is something that is very unacceptable,” he told radio host Stan Gouveia on HJ’s 94.1 FM Radio. Patterson said the necessary measures will be implemented once he receives the report.

Concerning customer concerns in regard to the airline, Patterson noted that there is a local consumer protection body at which persons can register their complaints. The agency would address such concerns, he promised.

“It’s an unfortunate situation, (and) we have to look into (it),” he said.

Regarding sanctions, Patterson said he has asked the GCAA to determine what legislative authority it has and can act on regarding penalties and fines for airlines.

Meanwhile, following reports that a young woman’s wedding plans were affected by the Dynamic flight delays last weekend, Gouveia has said he would be willing to meet with the couple. He hinted that Roraima Airways, which is the host of the annual Wedding Expo, would be willing to compensate the passenger “only because of the sacredness of marriage”.

Maintenance issues on one of its two Boeing 767 aircraft, followed by a truck accident on another aircraft of similar type, resulted in Dynamic Airlines flights being long delayed last weekend. More than 600 passengers were affected by those delays.

Taxi driver robs passenger, escapes twice A TAXI driver is now on the run after allegedly making off with a customer’s valuables in the wee hours of the morning on Monday, and later in the day eluding lawmen on his trail.

According to the customer, who gave her name as “Sasha”, it all began around 01:30hrs on Monday when she and some friends flagged down a taxi, HC 2302, outside the Everest Cricket Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Sasha said when one of her friends reached home, she and the others went to help her inside, and in doing so, she thoughtlessly left behind her handbag with all her belongings in the waiting taxi.

“When my other friends and I turned around to go back in the taxi,” she said, “we realised he’d fled with my stuff, including my iP-

The taxi driver is said to be driving this car: HC 2302

hone and my handbag with my belongings, such as money, ID etc.”

The young lady said she managed to track down the vehicle, using the GPS on her iPhone, and contacted the

police for assistance.

“I tracked him down, using my iPhone, and got the police to accompany me to confront him,” she said, adding: “After two hours of trying

to catch up to him, I finally caught him at Stabroek Market parked in the taxi area.

“I approached him and asked if he had just picked up me and my friends, to which he admitted. I then

asked for my belongings, and he pretended not to know what I was talking about, but eventually reached over into the passenger side floor and picked up my phone.”

When she asked for the rest of her things, he tried bluffing his way out.

“When I asked for my bag,” Sasha said, “he claimed he didn’t know I’d left it, and that a passenger he’d just dropped off might have gone with it.

“I called him out on his bull!@#$ and kept asking for my bag, but he kept denying having seen it. I asked why he left with my things after we asked him to wait, to which he lied saying one of my friends paid him and told him to leave.

“This was untrue, since I was the last person to leave the car and no one ever

turned back,” she explained.

The young lady said she is disappointed in the action taken by the police, who could have arrested him on the spot, however, the ranks asked him to drive to the police station, but the taximan fled.

“The police that accompanied me told him to go to the station, and that he was getting locked up,” she said.

“They attempted to drive behind him, but, of course, he got away. I also think the police should’ve searched his car and arrested him there and then, since it was obvious he stole my belongings.

“He had already begun to charge my phone! But they didn’t even ride with him to the station; they foolishly gave him the opportunity to get away,” the young lady noted.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

37 trained to tackle trafficking

Participants of the trafficking in persons training course for frontline officers, conducted by the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons on December 13 and 14, 2016 at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre

SOME 37 frontline officials recently completed a trafficking in persons training course organised by the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (TIP).

The course, which began on December 13, saw participants from several of Guyana’s administrative regions representing entities that included the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigation and Immigration Departments, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), ministries of Public Security, Social Protection, and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Community Policing entity.

The two-day training programme was aimed at equipping local stakeholders with information on the nature of the crime of TIP; functions of the Task Force; services available locally; how to identify, assist and refer victims; and best practices for investigating the crime.

Additionally, the course was geared at creating a network for exchange among frontline officers and other stakeholders in different regions of Guyana who may come into contact with potential cases of trafficking in persons; as well as to garner information to make the Task Force operationally more effective and efficient.

The Ministerial Task Force on TIP intends to target other entities -- including the judiciary, media, and the general public -- in its coordination of similar training courses and implementation

of sensitisation initiatives, as it seeks to increase the effectiveness of the Government’s efforts to tackle the scourge, a statement from the Ministry of Public Security said on Monday.

“The Task Force remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders, local and international, in combating trafficking in persons in Guyana; and wishes to extend its gratitude to INTERPOL; the United States Embassy; Task Force member agencies and departments: the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Ministry of Social Protection’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit, for their contributions to ensuring the success of the trafficking in persons’ training course for frontline officials, and their unwavering support in the overall fight against trafficking in persons in Guyana.”

Ms. Tanisha Williams-Corbin, Coordinator (ag) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit, Ministry of Social Protection, opened the training course with a presentation on the definition of trafficking in persons, and presided over the interactive case study exercises.

Oliver Profitt, Coordinator (ag.) of the technical arm of the Ministerial Task Force on TIP, highlighted the Task Force’s functions, activities and plans; while Task Force member Neil Bacchus, Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Peoples Commission, presented on the role of the Commission in the fight against human trafficking.

Additionally, presentations on victim identifica-

tion, referral and assistance training and investigative skills training for human trafficking investigations were also delivered by Inspector Fiona Harris of the Guyana Police Force’s Immigration Department and W/Constable 21232 Ranata Mc Bean of the Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department’s Major Crimes Unit, based on information received through training from INTERPOL. Officers of the Guyana Police Force benefited in October from INTERPOL training in combating trafficking in persons. INTERPOL was at the time in the training phase of its project to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the Caribbean.

A number of Caribbean Governments have been collaborating with INTERPOL with the aim of improving the Caribbean’s institutional capacity to combat trafficking in persons.

In April, 2016, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons welcomed INTERPOL to Guyana for a Trafficking in Persons Needs Assessment. This needs assessment, along with corresponding activities conducted in other Caribbean countries, has given rise to a series of training courses for officers who work in combating trafficking in persons in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean, the Government Information Agency (GINA) had reported.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Slain bandits were DR dancers charged with forgery, ‘career crooks’ overstaying TWO bandits who were slain during an exchange of gunfire with police on Sunday night were ‘career crooks’, the lawmen have confirmed.

Having since been identified as 22-year-old Jamal Letlow, called “Gaza”, of John Fernandes Squatting area, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown; and 23-yearold Shaquille Fraser of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara and Lot 153 Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown, the young men had just robbed six persons at Lot 53 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown when police engaged them in a gunfight.

Police described the men as known characters that had brushes with the law. Jamal Letlow, a fish cleaner at the Meadow Bank Wharf, was a father of two and husband of a pregnant wife.

Police said he was also

wanted for armed robbery committed on Christopher Persaud at John Fernandes Access Road on October 25 last.

The outlaw was related to Constable Marlon Letlow who was killed by miners in October 2012 after allegedly robbing their camp in the mountainous Paramakatoi community of the North Pakaraimas in Region Eight.

Constable Letlow was killed along with Constable Leadon Aaron, whose body was burnt almost beyond recognition.

Reports are that the two cops had been confronted by their intended victims, who sought to defend themselves.

Aaron had received the first gunshot, and had lost control of the ATV, hurling Letlow, who was also mortally wounded, into a nearby clump of bushes, where he was eventually left to die.

The badly injured Aaron was

subsequently tied to a tree and set alight.

According to police, at about 20:30hrs on Sunday, the Seaforth Street victims were in a yard celebrating a family reunion when the armed bandits pounced on, and relieved them of their valuables. During the ordeal, the bandits discharged several rounds in the air, and decided to flee the scene as a number of public-spirited citizens decided to pursue them.

A police patrol in the area was contacted, and the robbers were cornered inside the compound of the Campbellville Secondary School, where the ensuing gun battle left the bandits mortally wounded.

Police have reportedly recovered an unlicensed revolver with five live rounds and several spent shells. Stolen articles gained from the crime were also recovered by

Dead: 22-year-old Jamal Letlow, called “Gaza”

police, including five cellular phones, a chain and cash.

Taken to the Georgetown Hospital with gunshot injuries, the men were pronounced dead. Both men bore multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies.

THREE Dominican Republic nationals who are said to be exotic dancers at the Rio Inn Strip Club appeared on Monday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with passport forgery and overstaying their time in Guyana.

Stephanie Herrera and Sorblbed Diaz, both 25, and 29-year-old Cynthia Delarosa were separately charged with overstaying their time in Guyana by almost a month. Herrera and Diaz pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that they were permitted to stay in Guyana from October 12 to November 11, but remained until December 15 at Georgetown. Delarosa was, however, permitted to stay from February 21 to March 21, but overstayed until December 15.

The Dominican Republic nationals, who spoke to the court with the aid of a

Spanish interpreter, were represented by Attorney Mark Waldron. The women denied that they conspired with persons unknown to forge Guyana Immigration Service arrival and departure stamps inserted on a page in their Dominican Republic passports.

Waldron explained to the court that his clients had entered Guyana lawfully via the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, and that they had stayed at the Rio Inn/Strip Club, where they work as dancers.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones strongly opposed the women being released on bail, since the defendants have no ties to Guyana. The Magistrate overruled the prosecutor’s objection and released the women on $40,000 bail each. The matter has been transferred to the Court 12 Night Court for December 28 calling.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Jordan bats for Salaries Review Commission

By Ariana Gordon

FINANCE Minister, Winston Jordan is of the view that a Salaries Review Commission should be established here as is the case in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

Speaking at his year-end press conference on Monday, the Minister of Finance said having such a commission would remove the burden of dealing with salary adjustments from the Executive.

“I believe what we need is a Salaries Review Commission that would deal with offices like the legislature, judiciary because these are always going to be contentious areas…”

The minister said in other Caricom member states that have established the commission, it is tasked with reviewing salaries on a tri-annual basis.

He said too that certain

categories of workers earning over $1M are complaining that their salaries are too low.

Additionally, the minister chided efforts by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) to paint the picture that the Coalition Government has paid its ministers excessively since taking office.

He rebutted the 50 per cent pay out to all Government ministers, noting that 50 per cent salary increase was paid in June 2015 to eight ministers of the Government.

“The percentages vary,” he added, noting that the 50 per cent mantra is inaccurate.

Jordan told reporters that Government ministers received as low as 4.7 per cent up to 50 per cent increase in their salaries and said Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo received the lowest salary increase.

Only senior ministers of the Government and the three

Vice-Presidents received 50 per cent increase in salary, he stated.

“If you really want to compare percentages then fine, the entire increase ranging from 4.7 per cent for Mr. Nagamootoo to 50 per cent for other ministers was $65M annually. You know what’s the bill for the 1-10 per cent increase that we paid this year? --- Billions… couple billion dollars!” Jordan declared.

Additionally, the Finance Minister has made it clear that since receiving an increase in salary back in 2015; Government ministers are yet to benefit from more.

“Ministers have not enjoyed any subsequent increase – we have not enjoyed any subsequent increase… and I don’t see us getting one in a hurry.”

In a bid to justify the actions of the Government, Minister Jordan reminded

that during the period to which ministers received an increase in their salaries there was an increase in the country’s minimum wage from $39,520 to $55,000.

“The ex-president increased his salary from $200,000+ in 2006 to $1.3M in 2011 that is a 500 per cent increase,” said Jordan in defence of his Government’s actions.

Meanwhile, during his 2017 budget debates presentation, Prime Minister Moses lashed out at the opposition for spreading what he deemed to be untruth about the salary increases.

He said the Official Gazette outlines the increases received by all Cabinet ministers. Cabinet ministers are now receiving $10,439,124 annually, a 50 per cent increase from what was previously stated in the Principal Act. Also benefitting in the 50 per cent increase grouping

is Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland, who will remain on par with Cabinet ministers as well as the Leader of the Opposition, whose monthly earnings will be just under $870,000 from the $579,000 monthly under the previous administration.

M e a n w h i l e , Vi c e Presidents are being paid $11,135,064 per annum while Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo now earns $20,580,000 annually, receiving a monthly salary of over $1.7M. Junior Ministers of Government earn $8,346,492, an over 16 per cent increase from the annual salary of a Cabinet minister under the former administration, who was earning $6,959,412 annually.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, o t h e r Members of Parliament received a 20 per cent salary increase, taking their annual salaries from $2,002,116 to

$2,402,532.

Additionally, the Prime Minister said Parliamentary Secretaries, as well as the Chief Whip and the Chief Opposition Whip also received salary increases of 12 per cent on their salaries.

“In 1992, as senior minister my salary was $20,483.41, by 2015, a senior minister was getting $579.951 monthly. In 1992, PM got $28,725.83 but in 2015, salary was jacked up to $1,549,389. AG salary in 2015 was higher than PM at $1,630,935.

“So, these defenders of the poor, these non-pick pocketers, climbed up the gravy train by stealth! In 1992, the Opposition Leader was paid $24,988.41, in 2016 it is $870,000… but the chief defender of the poor rejected the $870,000 and chose pension of $1.4M,” the Prime Minster said of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

No black Christmas, GPL promises

By Svetlana Marshall ALTHOUGH unable to give that 100 per cent assurance that there will be no power outages during the festive season, the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has said it is putting measures in place to ensure that Guyanese have a bright Christmas.

This assurance comes after Guyanese, particularly those residing in Regions Three and Four, were faced with a series of power outages for the past week.

At an emergency press conference at the power company’s Kingston Head Office, GPL Chief Executive Officer (ag) Renford Homer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical) Elwyn Marshall explained the reasons for the “unfortunate disturbances”, while unfolding plans to minimise the risk of a recurrence of power outages.

Frankly speaking, Marshall told reporters, GPL is still analysing some of the

information to determine what would have caused disruption in the flow of electricity early Sunday morning, and what would have caused the delay in the pursuit of having normalcy restored.

“Since last Tuesday, we had a fair amount of unexpected and so-far-unexplained outages within the Demerara-Berbice System,” he added.

However, in an effort to provide some amount of clarity on the situation, the technical officer said that last Tuesday, at about 20:30 hours, a conductor at the Kingston Plant failure resulted in the line linking the Kingston and Sophia Sub-stations to “trip”, resulting in a total power outage.

He explained that conductors carry power from the generators to the load. In a grid, conductors may be classified as belonging to the transmission system, which carries large amounts of power at high voltages from the generating centres to the load centres; or the distribution system, which

feeds smaller amounts of power at lower voltages.

Marshall said it took the technicians approximately three hours to have the system restored to normalcy. Then technical problems were experienced on Friday, December 16; Saturday, December 17; and Sunday, December 18, resulting in a series of power outages that affected the commercial districts, besides Alberttown, Queenstown and Prashad Nagar, and villages on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara.

“On Sunday we managed to restore normalcy at probably (about) 08:00 hours, and since then we haven’t had any major outage within the system,” he said.

On the topic of generation and increased capacity, Marshall explained that the once problematic submarine cable has been fixed approximately one week now, and GPL will be moving to capitalise on it.

SYSTEM COMPLETE “This means that the De-

merara-Berbice System is now complete in terms of the capacity in Berbice and the capacity in Demerara are all available to satisfy the demand,” he posited.

According to him, GPL currently has a firm capacity of 104 megawatts of electricity, excluding the generation of power available to the company from the Skeldon Factory.

Sheldon has the capacity to generate a minimum of eight megawatts.

“As of today, we have 112 megawatts of generation capacity. Our peak in December is expected to be at 108/109 megawatts,” he posited, while noting that the company’s largest demand is in October, when peak is at just over 110 megawatts.

“So, as we stand, we have sufficient capacity to meet the peak,” the technical officer added, although acknowledging that there is not much reserve.

He said GPL landed itself in this position because there is a unit at the Wartsila Plant

GPL Chief Executive Officer (ag) Renford Homer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical) Elwyn Marshall at Monday’s press briefing.

at Garden of Eden which is in need of new piston crowns and cylinder liners. The parts were ordered and were available to be shipped since last week, but the air freight company has been unable to make the shipment due to the festive season.

However, parts are expected to be in Guyana today, paving the way for the Garden of Eden Wartsila Plant to be fully operational and add an additional 5.5 megawatts of power before Christmas.

“This would give us a reserve of close to 10 megawatts, which traditionally we like to operate with a reserve that allows for the failure of our largest unit. Our largest unit right

now is 8.7 megawatts, so we would like to have at least nine to 10 megawatts (reserve),” Marshall explained.

He said the reserve would significantly reduce the risk of widespread power outages for extensive periods during the festive season. It was also noted that, in the lead-up to the festive season, GPL has intensified its maintenance operation.

Additionally, in response to the picketing exercise conducted by some of its workers, GPL has asked its contract workers to be on standby in case of an emergency.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Masquerade Jamboree off to a grand start AMIDST talk about the preservation of this fading art form, the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport on Monday launched what is called the National Masquerade Jamboree on Main Street in downtown Georgetown.

The event has also seen veteran flautist Mr. Rudolph ‘Putagee’ Vivierous being recognised as the doyen of the masquerade.

The promotion of this festival is a collaborative effort between the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and the US-based Guyana Cultural Association (GCA), whose members were flown to Guyana by Fly Jamaica Airlines specifically for the occasion.

At the launch yesterday, Festival Coordinator Ms. Linda Griffith said the three-day activity is being featured in the festive season, allowing masqueraders opportunity to flounce, celebrate and compete in various areas; spread the story of the masquerade, and tell what the art form is all about.

Yesterday’s event marked the official opening of the jamboree, and masqueraders in brilliant apparel turned out in their numbers, some on stilts, along with the famous Mother Sally and ‘mad-bull’ dancers and other flouncers and players of the musical band.

‘Putagee’ Vivierous, who was hailed as one of the longest-serving and most talented masquerade flouncers, will be featured widely during the entire festival.

As a result of his significant contribution to preserving the art form, he has been named a recipient of the GCA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 in the

Masquerade stalwart Rudolph ‘Putagee’ Vivierous in action yesterday at the launch of the Masquerade Jamboree Festival on Main Street

USA. Now an amputee, Vivierous, one of the oldest masqueraders alive, sat yesterday in his wheelchair and joyfully played the flute in his band, causing Griffith to remark that “though he has lost his leg, he has not lost his sting.”

Masquerade bands from Ann’s Grove, Victoria and Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara; and Linden, Upper Demerara River, among other communities, gathered to dance, with little Levi Barry -- a mere three years old -- flouncing skillfully to the great pleasure of the audience.

Dr. Rosalind October-Edun, an executive of the GCA, said though many

youngsters are not familiar with the art form, “masquerade lives, and will live on.”

The GCA has collaborated meaningfully, in a project which began in 2012, to ensure the art form does not disappear from Guyana’s rich culture.

Dr. Edun hailed Vivierous as a “stalwart” in the field, and “a Guyanese icon when we talk masquerade.”

She said a research done by Dr. Paloma Mohamed has revealed much about the art, and highlights the work of Vivierous in its preservation and development. Findings of that research will be presented and discussed at a forum over the next two days.

A “flounce-off” will be staged tonight at Plaisance, and a book for children, written by Juliet Emanuel on the topic of masquerade, will be launched on Wednesday at the National School of Dance.

Festival Coordinator Ms. Linda Griffith addressing masqueraders at the launch yesterday on Main Street outside the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport

Masqueraders in action yesterday (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

50 Linden youths ‘work-ready’ 14

THE first ever ‘work-readiness programme’ to be staged in Linden came to a successful end with a simple graduation ceremony held on Saturday last, where 50 young Lindeners who had participated in the programme received certificates.

Coordinated by the Christian Development Foundation in collaboration with the Region 10 Democratic Council, the programme saw these young school-leavers being placed at various organisations for a period of six months, to enable them to gain working experience to augment their qualifications. During this time, they received a monthly stipend of $15,000.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian, who had conceptualized the programme to address the unemployment situation confronting Region 10, charged these newly-trained youths during the graduation ceremony to use the training they had received to pilot themselves in their chosen career paths.

Morian revealed that the

One of the participants of the programme receiving her certificate from Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph

programme commenced with 38 students, but during the stint some of them moved on to tertiary institutions; and so others filled the gap, thus increasing the number of participants in the pro-

gramme.

He said a committee was formed, and the Office of the President was approached to assist with funding for the programme. This was provided in the sum of $3.2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

million dollars.

He explained that the youths were placed in relatively close proximity to their homes, so as to reduce transportation costs. Among the institutions that participated in the programme were the Ministry of Education, Health Centres, Bosai Minerals Inc., Banks DIH’s Linden branch, and the Linden Hospital Complex. Many of these organisations have already expressed interest in retaining some of the trainees for permanent employment.

Guest speaker during the graduation proceedings was Regional Executive Officer Gavin Clarke, who encouraged the participants to always maintain their integrity as they move on to other means of employment.

Clarke also encouraged those who were not retained to stay focused. Whatever it may be, he said, one’s integrity is the main quality that should be maintained in one’s place of work.

“You are going to be remembered for your integrity, and people are going to re-

spect you for your integrity.

It matters not how smart you are, but when you can judge fairly and when you can do things that are right and just, people will remember you,” he said.

Clarke also encouraged the participants to leave a mark wherever they go, so that when they leave persons would know that someone is missing. He also advised them to follow their dreams and never give up.

Clarke described himself as a humble child who had grown up in a home of limited means, and he said his dream of becoming an engineer had seemed elusive. Today, he said, as a result of following his dreams, he proudly stands as a professional engineer and Regional Executive Officer of Region 10.

“If your dream is big enough, the facts don’t matter,” he advised his audience.

As a result of the work-readiness programme, Jamal Williams, one of the participants, came closer to pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor, since he

was placed at the Accident and Emergency Department of the Linden Hospital Complex.

“It was very educational; I had a lot of exposure.

When it comes to accidents and other emergency procedures, I had a lot of exposure,” he disclosed. Williams is hoping to further his studies next year at the University of Guyana. He wants to be a qualified medical doctor.

After completing his secondary education, he worked for a short while at a grocery store, since finance did not enable him to immediately pursue his studies; but as a result of the programme, he is now able to do so.

Morian said he is ecstatic with the results of the programme, and is hoping that the next batch can commence shortly. He hopes that more students would be able to benefit, and more organizations -- especially private ones -would come on board. He is soliciting more funding from the Office of the President, so that this would be possible.

GPL workers strike against 2% pay hike ‒ management, union reps. for talks today Following threats of countrywide strike action by technical staff of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) on Monday, the management of the power company is expected to meet with the workers’ union representatives today.

Plans are afoot to improve the 2% increase offered by the power company to the affected workers, and retroactive payment is likely.

Staff of the technical departments of GPL’s offices across the power grid banded together and downed tools on Monday morning, protesting the 2% salary increase which the management of the power company imposed. The offer followed a year of meetings with the National Association

of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), which on occasions were at a standstill as the two sides could not agree on the level of improved wages and salaries for the workers.

Acting GPL CEO Renford Homer noted at a press conference at the power company’s offices on Duke Street, Kingston on Monday afternoon that the entity is negotiating wages for 2016 with the union. He said NAACIE had rejected the proposal made by GPL earlier this year, and talks had broken down to a point where things had come to a standstill. Following Monday’s actions, Homer said, the two parties have agreed

to meet today, and the power company’s management will place an improved offer on the table.

Homer added that the percentages can, before the end of 2016, be worked in favour of the affected employees, and they should be able to receive a retroactive payment.

A number of GPL employees protested outside the company’s Main Street, Georgetown offices on Monday, with some travelling from as far as Berbice to join their colleagues. The workers, who man the national power grid on a 24-hour basis, contended that the 2% increase offered is unreasonable and does not cater for increases in the cost of living.

GPL employees downed tools on Monday

Thus they are calling on subject Minister David Patterson to intervene on their behalf.

An Area “A” Victoria employee who spoke to this publication on Main Street

described the situation as “heart-rending”. He noted that the men work for 24 hours from Sunday to Sunday.

“It’s unfair to us that

we got to be working under these conditions thinking that the management have us at heart, but that is not the case”, another employee said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Here comes the bride

Mother: Guyanese bride-to-be didn’t miss wedding GUYANESE bride-to-be Leezel Cambridge, who was reportedly caught up in the Dynamic Airways’ snafu over the weekend, didn’t miss her wedding after all.

Her mother, Ms. Dionne Wilson, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that contrary to the New York Post report, Leezel was not scheduled to be wed on December 18, but on December 24.

This was confirmed by other relatives of the bride, including an uncle, all of whom said the wedding is going ahead on Christmas Eve as planned, as a change of date had never been contemplated.

Contacted by the Guyana Chronicle, the bride’s mother appeared surprised it had been assumed that her daughter was to have been married last Sunday.

She said Leezel’s wedding is an “all-white” affair, and the reception is billed for Clonbrook Housing Scheme on Christmas Eve night.

WILL BE COMPENSATED At a press conference held late Monday, Roraima

Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Captain Gerald Gouveia, asked about a widely shared news report regarding a bride-to-be who had missed her wedding as a result of Dynamic Airways’ flight cancellations, said the couple would be compensated with a honeymoon package.

Captain Gouveia said his staff was trying to locate Cambridge, so that he could make it up to her and her spouse. “I would like to meet (her) and her husband and offer them some compensation package; maybe a weekend for their honeymoon at ‘Arrowpoint’, and maybe fly them to Kaieteur Falls,” he said. Cambridge, who migrated permanently to the USA a few years ago, is mother to a daughter fathered by the man to whom she will be married.

Dynamic Airways flights from JFK to Guyana were cancelled on Saturday morning, leaving about 1,000 travellers stranded at the Queens airport, the New York Post reported.

LEFT STRANDED The newspaper yesterday reported that Cam-

Debarment... as the APNU-AFC Government will ensure that it receives value for money. Over the years there have been several criticisms about contractors carrying out shoddy works across the country; and the lack of proper accountability measures had resulted in millions of dollars in losses in the area of infrastructural development.

A fitting example is the Kato Secondary School located in Region Eight which initially cost the Government $728.1 million for the initial construction and at least another $140 million to rehabilitate, auditing firm Rodrigues Architects Limited

From page 3

had stated.

Other examples include the $350M East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) Northern Relief Channel Public Road Bridge at Hope, East Coast Demerara in Region Four.

Reports indicate that both approaches (east and west) have begun to sink causing a “depression” which results in a sudden rise and ending in an abrupt drop and the poorly constructed High Street, Georgetown building originally earmarked to be occupied by the Ministry of Social Services.

bridge missed her own wedding and was among those left stranded at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

“Among those left high and dry by Dynamic International Airways was Leezel Cambridge, 27, a

bride-to-be who missed her own wedding because of an unexplained snafu in the 2a.m. flight,” the New York Post stated.

The report also said Cambridge’s husband “had to tell their 300 guests, who were already waiting

at their venue, that she wouldn’t be making it…”

The report also said that Cambridge “spent Sunday, which was supposed to be her wedding day, curled up on the airport’s floor with her wedding dress and 15 of her family members.”

Her mother, however, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that while Leezel was indeed affected by the flight delays, if she arrives in Guyana today, she would be right on time for her wedding this weekend.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

PCL 4-Day Tournament

Jaguars romp to 10-wicket win after Permaul’s 5-53

By Rajiv Bisnauth

A DOMINANT Guyana Jaguars proved too strong for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, as they won the fifth round Regional FourDay Championship fixture by ten wickets yesterday at Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

A handful of die-hard spectators watched as the tourists were bowled out for 235 in their second innings, with left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul again the principal tormenter, claiming 5-53, to earn match figures of 9-84.

Fast bowler Keon Joseph (2-38), left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (292), and left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer (1-29), all complemented Permaul, in a disciplined bowling effort for the two-time defending champions.

Jaguars, meanwhile, collected 20.6 points to move to 67.4 points, clinching their first victory since the opening round when they crushed Jamaica Scorpions.

The Jaguars had been given a victory target of just 20 runs after they established a first-innings lead of 216 on Sunday.

The two openers Rajendra Chandrika (4 not out) and Shimron Hetmyer (17 not out) overhauled the target in just 2.4 overs to complete the match, which was dominated throughout by the Guyana Jaguars.

Starting the day with 120 runs behind the Jaguars’ first-innings total of 378, the visitors progressed from their overnight 96-2, to 112 before rain interrupted proceedings, after 3.3 overs in the

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day’s play.

Opener Kyle Hope, who showed enough resilience to stay put at the wicket when play ended on the third day, added ten runs to his overnight total, including two sweetly-timed boundaries off Joseph, while nightwatchman Khery Pierre was on five.

After 64 minutes, the game restarted. Skipper Leon Johnson introduced spin at both ends. However, the ploy brought immediate success as Motie sent back Pierre (5) off the third ball of his spell, as Johnson held on to a straightforward catch at first slip.

Jason Mohammed joined Hope, and stalled the hosts’ progress for the next 15.3 overs, with Mohammed the more attacking of the pair, striking an array of boundaries.

With the duo in command at the crease, Joseph returned for another spell and finally broke the promising 35-run stand when the 28-year-old Hope was caught at midwicket by Hetmyer from a miscued pull, ten minutes before lunch.

The right-hander occupied the crease for 237 minutes, faced 189 balls and struck three fours and a six off Permaul in his 40.

When play resumed 20 minutes into the post-lunch session, Mohammed, in company of Yannic Cariah collected a couple of boundaries off Motie, but his innings was shortlived when he was caught at the wicket off Reifer for 36.

He faced 66 balls, with four fours and a six.

Cariah and Yannick Ottley took the total to 207 before the left-hander Cariah,

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who stroked four boundaries in his 27 was trapped leg-before wicket to Permaul.

It quickly became 2218 with Ottley taken at the wicket, off Permaul for 21, and Roshon Primus was removed by Motie for 11.

Permaul mopped up the innings with the wickets of Marlon Richards and Steven Katwaroo. Shivnarine Chanderpaul was named man-of-the-match for his first-innings 143.

Scores in the match: Guyana Jaguars 378 &21; T&T Red Force 162 & 235.

The tournament takes a long break for the Christmas/New Year ’s holidays before the Regional Super50 Tournament sets in.

SCOREBOARD T&T Red Force 2nd innings K. Hope c Hetmyer b Joseph 40 I. Khan lbw b Joseph 3 I. Rajah c wkp. Bramble b Permaul 63 K. Pierre c Johnson b Motie 5 J. Mohammed c wkp. Bramble b Reifer 36 Y. Cariah lbw b Permaul 27 Y. Ottley c wkp. Bramble b Permaul 21 R. Primus c T. Chanderpaul b Motie 11 S. Katwaroo c wkp. Bramble b Permaul 7 M. Richards c Hetmyer b Permaul 7 JR Jagessar not out 0 Extras: (nb-10, w-1, lb-1, b-4) 16 Total: (all out, 95 overs) 235 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-96, 3-112, 4-147,5-168, 6-207, 7-216, 8-221, 9-228.

Bowlers: Joseph 14-4-38-2, Reifer 9-0-29-1, Motie 36-1192-2, Barnwell 6-1-7-0, Permaul 38-10-53-5, Johnson 2-0-10-0.

GUYANA Jaguars 2nd innings R. Chandrika not out 4 S. Hetymer not out 17 Total: (no wickets, 2.4 overs) 21 Bowlers: Jagessar 1-0-15-0, Cariah 1-0-1-0, Rajah 0.4-0-5-0.

Guyana Jaguars won by 10 wickets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Nair hits 303 not out, India declare at 759-7 (REUTERS) - Karun Nair made an epic unbeaten triple-century to power India to their highest-ever innings total against a demoralised England in the fifth and final Test yesterday.

Nair became the second Indian batsman to score a Test triple-hundred and his 303 not out helped the hosts post a massive 759 for seven before skipper Virat Kohli declared.

After conceding a 282run first-innings lead, England finished on 12 for no loss, needing to bat out the final day to save the match and prevent a 4-0 series loss.

Skipper Alastair Cook was unbeaten on three at the close with Keaton Jennings on nine after a difficult day in the field for the touring side.

Nair struck his 32nd four off Adil Rashid to bring up his triple century before raising his bat in celebration as his coach Anil Kumble, a keen photographer, captured the moment on camera.

Nair was at the other end when Lokesh Rahul, his partner in a 161-run fourth-wicket stand, fell agonisingly

his 10th Test fifty before he fell for 67 to a brilliant diving catch by Jos Buttler off Broad.

Virender Sehwag is the only other Indian to make a Test triple-century, achieving the feat twice.

SCOREBOARD

Karun Nair’s innings is the highest maiden century for India.

short of his double-century on Sunday by playing a rash shot when one run away from the milestone.

Playing only his third Test, Nair brought up his maiden century in the morning session, turned it into a double after tea and accelerated to reach the 300-mark in an innings which also includ-

ed four sixes.

Resuming on 391 for four, India lost Murali Vijay for 29 but Nair and Ravichandran Aswin added 181 runs for the fifth wicket to put the hosts firmly in command.

Batting down the order following a shoulder injury, Vijay became debutant Liam Dawson’s first Test victim

when the left-arm spinner trapped him lbw.

Nair, dropped on 34 by Cook, enjoyed another slice of luck when he hung out his bat trying to leave a Stuart Broad delivery, the deflection running past slip to the boundary.

Ben Stokes bowled with hostility, generating reverse

swing from an otherwise flat track, and nearly had Nair caught at mid-off with another short delivery.

Nair was on 217 when Joe Root dropped him at slip off Jake Ball and the batsman also survived a stumping opportunity.

Ashwin hit a six off Moeen Ali and registered

ENGLAND 1st innings 477 (M. Ali 146, J. Root 88, L. Dawson 66 n.o., A. Rashid 60) INDIA 1st innings (Overnight: 391-4) L. Rahul c Buttler b Rashid 199 P. Patel c Buttler b Ali 71 C. Pujara c Cook b Stokes 16 V. Kohli c Jennings b Broad 15 K. Nair not out

303 M. Vijay lbw b Dawson 29 R. Ashwin c Buttler b Broad 67 R. Jadeja c Ball b Dawson 51 U. Yadav not out 1 Extras: (b-2, lb-4, w-1) 7 Total: (for 7 wickets declared, 190.4 overs) 759 Fall of wickets: 1-152, 2-181, 3-211, 4-372, 5-435, 6-616, 7-754.

Bowling: S. Broad 27-6-80-2, J. Ball 23-2-93-0 (w-1), M. Ali 411-190-1, B. Stokes 20-2-76-1, A. Rashid 29.4-1-153-1, L. Dawson 43-4-129-2, Root 2-0-12-0, K. Jennings 5-1-20-0.

ENGLAND 2nd innings A. Cook not out 3 K. Jennings not out 9 Extras:

0 Total: (for no loss, 5 overs) 12 Fall of wickets: Nil Bowling: I. Sharma 1-0-2-0, R. Ashwin 2-0-7-0, R. Jadeja 2-0-3-0.

Pakistan’s brave chase at the Gabba falls short

… Australia survive scare to win by 39 runs (REUTERS) - A relieved Australia captured Pakistan’s last two wickets to win a captivating first day-night Test in Brisbane yesterday by 39 runs but the touring side won huge admiration for their dogged fourth innings resistance.

Chasing a Test record 490 for victory, Pakistan had resumed the fifth and final day on 382 for eight and paceman Mitchell Starc proved the game-breaker when he ended a stubborn 71-run ninth-wicket partnership between Asad Shafiq and Yasir Shah.

Starc struck with a searing delivery that pinged off Shafiq’s glove for an easy catch to David Warner in the gully, bringing to an end a heroic knock of 137.

Yasir fell moments later to seal the win, run-out by home skipper Steve Smith with a di-

rect hit for 33, having failed to ground his bat after an aborted single as Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 450.

Australia take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series but Pakistan showed impressive fight to turn the match into a cliffhanger and will head to the second game in Melbourne on December 26 with renewed confidence.

Starting the day needing 108 runs to win but with only two wickets intact, the tourists maintained a sliver of hope with middle-order batsman Shafiq at the crease after he cleaved a magnificent unbeaten century on day three.

Australia’s nerves were becoming increasingly frayed as Pakistan approached their target but the relief was palpable when they finally sealed a victory that looked a formality a day earlier.

Misbah-ul-Haq said. “Asad Shafiq - that was a superb knock. So, a lot of positives, and I’m happy and proud the way the team played.”

“I lost all my fingernails, I think,” joked Smith. “Some game of cricket, wasn’t it?

“Credit’s got to go to our bowlers, they really stuck at it and got us over the line.

“That wicket, I guess, of Asad showed the class of Starcy with a ball that was 60 overs old and quite soft ... but what a game of cricket.”

RODE LUCK Australia appeared bemused to even be competing on day five and it manifested itself in Smith’s conservative field settings.

Shafiq and Yasir cantered past 400 and the Australian captain became fidgety as his front-line bowlers were dispatched regularly through the gaps.

Slow bowler Nathan Lyon was introduced and coaxed a nick from Yasir which pinged

SCOREBOARD

Player-of-the-match Asad Shafiq is dismissed for 137 on the final day. off his pad and flew just wide of Peter Handscomb at short leg.

Growing in confidence, Yasir then whipped paceman Jackson Bird off his pads for four at the square leg boundary to bring up the 50-run partnership with Shafiq.

Yasir then survived a missed stumping, a dropped catch and an overturned lbw decision by umpire Richard

Illingworth before Starc timed his intervention to perfection at the other end with a searing, short-pitched delivery that reared up on Shafiq.

Shafiq was named man-ofthe-match following his ninth Test century, the most ever for a number six batsman.

“The way the team, all the batsmen showed their character, that was wonderful,” Pakistan captain

AUSTRALIA 1st innings 429 (S. Smith 130, P. Handscomb 105, M. Renshaw 71; W. Riaz 4-89, M. Amir 4-97) PAKISTAN 1st innings 142 (S. Ahmed 59 n.o.)

AUSTRALIA 2nd innings 202 for 5 decl. (U. Khawaja 74, S. Smith 63) PAKISTAN 2nd innings (o/n 382-8; Target: 490 runs) S. Aslam c Renshaw b Starc 15 Az. Ali c Wade b Starc 71 B. Azam c Smith b Lyon 14 Y. Khan c Smith b Lyon 65 Misbah-ul-Haq c Wade b Bird 5 A. Shafiq c Warner b Starc 137 S. Ahmed b Starc 24 M. Amir c Wade b Bird 48 W. Riaz c Smith b Bird 30 Y. Shah run-out (Smith) 33 R. Ali not out 1 Extras: (lb-5, w-2) 7 Total: (all out, 145 overs) 450 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-54, 3-145, 4-165, 5-173, 6-220, 7-312, 8-378, 9-449.

Bowling: M. Starc 38-10-119-4 (w-1), J. Hazlewood 42-11-990, J. Bird 33-6-110-3 (w-1), N. Lyon 29-3-108-2, N. Maddinson 3-0-9-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday , December 20, 2016

Mane the main man as last-gasp Liverpool triumph

(REUTERS) - Sadio Mane struck four minutes into stoppage time to give Liverpool a last-gasp 1-0 win over derby rivals Everton that lifted them into second place in the Premier League yesterday.

Substitute Daniel Sturridge hit the post with a low, left-footed drive from 20 metres and Senegal forward Mane was quickest to the rebound, sliding in to convert from close range.

The victory pushed Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool side within six points of leaders Chelsea who won 1-0 at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

“We didn’t give one chance away and that’s very important against an opponent that only wants to dis-

turb your game,” said Klopp.

“The plan of Everton was wild football. They were chasing us everywhere, it is really difficult to play against this ... it’s a wonderful feeling to win.”

In a match with few chances, Everton lost goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg because of a leg injury after an hour and understudy Joel Robles had to make a fine, diving save from Roberto Firmino with 10 minutes to go.

Stekelenburg had denied Firmino in the 50th minute as Liverpool dominated, palming the ball away while Nathaniel Clyne’s effort from the rebound was blocked.

Firmino also attempted a scissors kick from a Clyne cross but his effort sailed

Barbados Pride settle for a draw

ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – Kevin Stoute hit a half-century and tried to set up a dramatic finish before the weather disrupted a match that promised much for the final time, forcing Barbados Pride to settle for a draw with Windward Islands Volcanoes in the WICB Regional 4-Day Tournament yesterday.

Stoute struck four boundaries in an even, unbeaten 50 from 63 balls in around 1 ½ hours of batting before the Pride declared on 200 for eight in their first innings which was badly disrupted by the weather over the first three days of this fifth round match at Windsor Park, in a bid to gain a few valuable bowling points.

Hometown boy Tyrone Theophile, not out on 27, and veteran left-hander Devon Smith, not out on 11, defied the Barbadians for 11 overs in close to an hour after the rescheduled tea break to reach 42 without loss before the weather interrupted once more, bringing the match to an anti-climatic conclusion.

The result meant that the Volcanoes earned 6.4 points from the contest, moving to fourth in the standings on

Kevin Stoute hit an unbeaten 50

41.6 points, and the Pride collected just four points, keeping them in third on 47.2 points, a long way behind front-running Jamaica Scorpions and Guyana Jaguars, winners in this round of matches.

The Volcanoes and Pride – like the rest of the teams around the League – will endure the long break in the Tournament for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, plus the Regional Super50 Tournament before picking things back up in March next year.

Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their first goal. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine Livepic)

over.

Tempers flared when

SCOREBOARD PRIDE 1st Innings (overnight 137 for six) O. Phillips c Theophile b Peters 28 A. Alleyne b Matthew 0 S. Hope c wkpr Ambris b Matthew 43 S. Brooks c Charles b Sebastien 1 R. Chase c Smith b Matthew 35 +S. Dowrich c Sebastien b Mayers 1 J. Carter c wkpr Ambris b Peters 22 *K. Stoute not out 50 K. Williams c Mayers b Matthew 1 K. Roach not out 6 Extras (b6, lb3, nb4) 13 TOTAL (8 wkts decl’d, 63.4 overs) 200 J. Warrican did not bat Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-44, 3-45, 4-109, 5-118, 6-118, 7-154, 8-163 Bowling: Matthew 18-652-4; Mayers 16.4-6-39-1; Peters 11-1-42-2 (nb2); Sebastien 14-1-38-1; Alexander 4-0-20-0 (nb2) VOLCANOES 1st Innings D. Smith not out 14 T. Theophile not out 27 Extras (nb1) 1 TOTAL (without loss, 11 overs) 42 J. Charles, R. Cato, T. Gabriel, +S. Ambris, *L. Sebastien, K. Mayers, A. Alexander, M. Matthew, K. Peters did not bat Bowling: Roach 5-1-160 (nb1); Stoute 5-0-22-0; Carter 1-0-4-0 Points: Volcanoes 6.4, Pride 4

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson was caught on the ankle by a late tackle from Ross Barkley in the second half.

There was scuffling among players from both sides before Barkley and teammate Seamus Coleman were booked by referee Mike Dean.

Earlier, the first half turned into a stalemate with both keepers seriously under employed.

Divock Origi missed a chance in front of Everton’s goal following a Clyne cross and Ramiro Funes Mori headed narrowly wide at the other end.

Liverpool then pushed back Everton, who have now gone 12 Merseyside derbies without a win and 20 with only one victory, in the second half and were ultimately worthy winners.

FIFA panel bans two former Honduran soccer officials for life (REUTERS)-_World soccer governing body FIFA’s independent ethics committee on Monday imposed life-long bans on two former Honduran officials for involvement in a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme to which both have pled guilty.

Rafael Callejas, former president of the Honduran Football Association (FENAFUTH) and a former member of the FIFA Marketing and TV Committee, and Alfredo Hawit Banegas, former acting president of CONCACAF - the confederation that runs soccer in North and Central America, as well as the Caribbean - were banned from all national and international soccer-re-

Former Honduran Football Association president Rafael Callejas.

lated activity, the ethics committee said.

Hawit and Callejas were among 16 people charged last December with bribery schemes for marketing and broadcast rights in a dismantling of a Latin American soccer network by U.S. prosecutors.

FIFA fines home nations for displaying poppies FIFA has fined all four home nations for displaying poppies during World Cup qualifiers around Armistice Day. England and Scotland players wore armbands featuring the symbol when they met at Wembley on November 11.

Wales and Northern Ireland’s respective games featured displays on the pitch or in the stands to mark the event.

England have been fined 45 000 Swiss francs (£35 311), Scotland and Wales 20 000 Sfr (£15 694) and Northern Ireland 15 000 Sfr (£11 770).

FIFA disciplinary committee chairman Claudio Sulser said he “fully respected” the commemorations but stressed the rules “need to be applied to all member associations”.

“The display, among others, of any political or religious symbol is strictly prohibited,” he added.

“In the stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else.”

According to the rule-making International Football Association Board (IFAB), players cannot wear “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.

But both England and Scotland players wore armbands featuring the poppy symbol during England’s 3-0 win.

There was also a display of poppies on big screens, a minute’s silence, playing of the Last Post and poppy T-shirts handed to the crowd.

Following Wles’ 1-1 draw at home to Serbia the next day, FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings looking at “fans in the stands wearing the poppy” and the presence of “a member of the armed forces holding a bunch of poppies at the exit of the tunnel”, according to the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

The holding of a minute’s silence, the laying of a wreath and a poppy display by fans before Northern Ireland’s 4-0 win over Azerbaijan on November 11 have led to the punishment of the Irish FA. FIFA has also punished the Republic of Ireland with a 5 000 Sfr fine (£3 930) after its players wore shirts commemorating the centenary of the Easter Rising earlier this year.

Both the FA and FAW have yet to respond but Scottish FA (SFA) chief executive Stewart Regan says it is “clearly disappointing” that FIFA has ruled

the poppy is a political symbol.

The SFA board will discuss the issue today to decide on any appeal and will request the full reasons from FIFA. It also plans to discuss the issue with the FA, FAW and Irish FA in the coming days.

The Irish FA said it was “disappointed”, adding it “will take further legal advice before deciding on a future course of action”.

In 2011, FIFA agreed that the England, Scotland and Wales teams could wear poppies on black armbands during November internationals.

England wore them during their 1-0 friendly win over Spain at Wembley, Scotland did so in a match against Cyprus and Wales wore them against Norway.

However, this year, under new president Gianni Infantino, FIFA indicated they could punish teams for breaking the rule before the November matches.

That led to UK Prime Minister Theresa May calling FIFA’s stance “outrageous”,” adding that it would be “absolutely right” for players to wear poppies.

A points-deduction was also a possible punishment open to FIFA. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Some associations think GOA voting process could use some change

By Tamica Garnett NOT all of the sporting associations who are expected to cast their votes tomorrow believe that the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) elections process, which provides for candidates to be nominated literally up to the last minute when contesting posts, is the best way to go.

With the GOA elections set to take place tomorrow afternoon at the GOA’s new headquarters in Liliendaal, some of the Association heads are surprised that they have not be approached by anyone seeking to be nominated for a post in the GOA executive.

“That’s quite surprising that no one has contacted us, because you know there would always be persons who would be lobbying and things like that,” Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president Steve Ninvalle said yesterday.

Steve Ninvalle President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson, also noted that he has not been approached by any candidate seeking to be nominated.

Not all of the 23 sporting Associations and Federations expected to participate were contacted yesterday. However, of those that were, they

think that it would not be an altogether bad idea for the nominations deadline to be before the elections day.

Such a process would allow for the nominees to be vetted.

As it stands, any elector could nominate an eligible candidate at the elections, the nomination is then seconded and that candidate is considered among the others when voting begins.

“I thought it would have been very nice to know beforehand who and who will be running. At least you get a chance to talk about it in your associations,” commented Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) president Ivan Persuad, who will be voting at a GOA election for the first time.

“In swimming it’s very clear, one week before you have to send in your list of nominees so we can know

Nine West Indians among 140 retained for next IPL season MUMBAI, India (CMC) – Nine West Indies Twenty20 stars that have enriched the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) have been retained for next season, organisers announced yesterday.

Jason Holder Superstars Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, as well as current West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite headline the list. They are included among 44 overseas players of the 140 in total kept when the window for the eight franchises to retain players for the coming season closed on December 15.

Current West Indies Test and One-day International captain Jason Holder and fellow fast bowler Jerome Taylor are the only two West Indians who were part of the IPL last season that were cut,

being dropped by Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians respectively.

Gayle and leg-spin bowler Samuel Badree were retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore which lost the Final this year against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Gayle and Badree are two of 20 that RCB have retained at a cost of close to US$9 million and will help to form the same core of players that played last season.

Bravo and his namesake Dwayne Smith have been kept by Gujarat Lions which retained 16 players at just over US$8.5 million, but also off-loaded eight players including star South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn.

Brathwaite regained his place with the Daredevils, as one of five overseas players retained among the 18 at a cost of close to US$7.5 million.

Though they may have parted company with Holder, the Knight Riders have however, held on to spinner Sunil Narine and

all-rounder Andre Russell, as two of four overseas players retained as part of a group 14, costing a little over US $7.7 million.

how many persons are going up for president and so on, which I think is very clear and it gives people time to think about who they want to vote for.” He continued.

Ivan Persaud Persaud did, however, commend the fact that electors cast their votes by secret ballot, which allows each person to vote without having their votes scrutinised and perhaps

being discriminated against because of how they voted.

As it pertains to this system of “on the floor nominations”, incumbent president K.A. Juman-Yassin said that if any Association so desired to have this system changed they can apply to do so.

Yassin said as it is this is the system that he met when he took office and in all the years of elections no one has indicated that they would like it to change.

Like the Olympics, elections for the GOA are held every four years. Yassin has been president since 1996 when he took over from now deceased Justice Rudolph Harper.

On the issue of nominations, however, Yassin said that candidates have indeed been canvasing and he knows of several candidates seeking elections. He expressed that he preferred not to name the

KA Juman Yassin

individuals.

But for the position of the presidency he maintained that he knew of no one else looking to contest the position, but would however welcome any competition and leave the rest up to the democratic process ingrained in the GOA’s constitution.

Good performances land Dorado team in top 15

Samuel Badree The Indians have kept big-hitting Kieron Pollard and compatriot Lendl Simmons among six overseas players that help to form the 20 which the franchise retained at a hefty price tag of just over US$9 million – the highest of the franchises.

RCB and the Indians have retained 20 – the highest number of players – and KKR have retained the least number of 14.

Rising Pune Superstars released 11 players – the highest number – but Kings XI Punjab still have the biggest cap space of close to US$3.9 million to spend on bringing new playing resources to the franchise.

L-R, top performers are Daniel Winter, Soroya Simmons and Daniel Scott.

AS the Amateur Swimming way to 1 silver and 2 bronze personal bests in the process.

Ethan Gonsalves was the Association of Trinidad and medals in addition to setting Tobago (ASATT) Invita- new personal bests to finish other swimmer to finish in the tional came to a close, the in 12th position out of 32 top 10 with a position of 7th Dorado Speed Swim Club competitors in the Men’s out of 12 competitors in the team, representing Guyana, 15-and-Over category. Also 9-10 Men’s category.

The credible perforfinished 11th out of 28 par- finishing with medals were siblings Lian and Daniel mances with multiple perticipants at the Invitational. sonal bests and medals by the For the team, the top per- Winter.

Lian took home a bronze swimmers in the meet should former was Soroya Simmons, who finished with two gold, medal in addition to finishing serve to build confidence two silver, one bronze and 9th out of 17 competitors in the ahead of Guyana’s hosting of three ribbons en route to fin- Women’s 11-12 category. In the Developmental Goodwill ishing fourth out of 26 compet- the Men’s 13-14 category, Alex Games in 2017.

The team will return itors in the Women’s 15-and- finishing in the 8th position out of 22 competitors taking home home tomorrow. (Daniel Over category.

Daniel Scott swam his 1 bronze, 1 silver, with new Haynes)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 20, 2016

UDFA/GT Beer Christmas football

Hi Stars fly over Blueberry Hill 3-2, Shattas shoot past Rockers 2-0

By Joe Chapman HI STARS beat Blueberry Hill 3-2, while Silver Shattas remained unbeaten with a 2-0 victory over Net Rockers when the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA)/GT Beer 4th annual Christmas football championship continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Sunday night.

The win by Hi Stars came after they had taken a 2-0 advantage in the first half of play through their reliable striker Tony ‘Spirit’ Adams who netted their first goal in the 37th minute.

This was developed after a cross from the left flank saw a free ball that was pounced on by Ad-

Hi Stars scorers from left: Kwesi Martin, Michael Peters and Tony ‘Spirit’ Adams.

Conquerors head coach not totally satisfied with first half istry where the focus will be on professionalism and … Team captain relegated commitment.”

By Ras Wadada

HEAD coach of the Fruta Conquerors FC, Sampson ‘Bennaiah’ Gilbert is not satisfied with the team’s performance in the first half of the GFF-STAG Elite League, despite finishing second in the points table and is prepared to make the necessary adjustments for a better output in the second half.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport on his reflections of the first round of matches, the head coach, who rejoined the club in August for his third tenure at the helm of the coaching staff, related his dissatisfaction with the commitment of some key players.

“The team could have performed better with more commitment from the senior players who failed to step up and help the younger players who were playing at this level for the first time.

“For an important game against the Army these players neglected training to participate in street football, so our preparation was poor; but the result was not too disappointing. I was not sat-

isfied with the performance and wasn’t expecting any positive result.

“Our performance was so poor in the first half that we had a tall order to overcome in the second which we played much better in holding the Army to a scoreless half, the only team to do so,” coach Gilbert revealed.

“The main cause for the indifferent attitude of some players is the fact that players are hardly being compensated and the delayed process of payments of stipends by the GFF would have led to training, commitment and performance being affected.

The process of commitment has already begun as after the 3-1 loss to the Army the captain, Delon Williams, was relieved of his post for being disrespectful to me and the team,” the dreadlocked ‘Bennaiah’ stated.

Gilbert, who was the assistant coach at Alpha United last season, added that ‘the mass migration of players from the club after promises were not fulfilled also forced the club to expose new talents this season

Fruta Conquerors FC coach Sampson Gilbert and they responded admirably, especially 16-yearold wing defender Rishaun Ritch who, in my opinion, was a standout for a rookie’.

Looking ahead to the second half of the League, Gilbert hinted at being better prepared,” The 2nd round will be more competitive so we need to be better prepared and committed. The break offers all the teams the opportunity to get better organised, with tactical awareness being the emphasis. I am looking forward to using younger and committed players.

“I am also looking forward to the transfer window next month where I can get players who are committed and can fit in to our chem-

Coach ‘Bennaiah’ is however not in agreement with the extended break.

“The length of the time for the break is unusual since we are just six teams and the short playing time does not aid in the development of the younger players at this level. I think early January should be the restart.

“It is obvious that the Technical Committee is lacking knowledge and maybe it is time to involve the coaches. Decisions should not be related to off-field issues, but more on the impact of the players if the League is to grow,” Gilbert suggested In his general overview of the first half the coach stated, “The League was generally competitive and a good thing for the sport, but it needs more depth.

“To have a League at the highest national level is good for the sport. Regrettably, what appeared to have a football political flavour was the cause for four teams to withdraw.

I don’t think the effects of the withdrawals were considered,” Gilbert said.

ams who slammed home to score.

This was followed when Michael Peters came through the left side into the middle before hitting past Blueberry Hill custodian Dillon Hopkinson in the 44th minute.

But the Blueberry Hill side recovered and reduced the deficit by one after Oral Peters slot home his team’s first reply one minute after play resumed, in the 46th minute, and within an hour’s play in the 59th minute it was 2-2 as Blueberry Hill’s Rondell Arthur scored.

This made the game very interesting and it took the deciding goal in the 69th minute from Kwesi Martin, who collected a square ball from the left side, and head-

ed it past the out of position Hopkinson, for a 3-2 score, which was the eventual score in this game.

The second game of the night was one where neither side dominated on the wet outfield but Silver Shattas, through strikes on either side of play, registered by forward Colwyn Drakes in the 23rd and 88th minutes, saw them home against Net Rockers.

Tonight, Botofago play champions Federal Winners Connection in the first game at 18:00hrs and the second pits Kwakwani Strikers against Eagles United, in two interesting matches in the two group preliminary rounds to decide the final four going through to the semifinals.

IAAF set to launch Integrity Unit in April

The IAAF said a “fiercely independent” Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) is due to be operational next April as the governing body steps up its attempts to tackle doping in the sport.

Sebastian Coe vowed to reform the IAAF after

IAAF president Sebastian Coe athletics’ reputation was tarnished by revelations of doping, leading to a blanket ban being imposed on Russia for the Rio Olympics in August.

The organisation yesterday revealed it has started the recruitment process for four senior positions to work on the AIU, which will have a budget of $8million and be launched on April 3.

The AIU will manage all aspects of the anti-doping programme and take a key role in monitoring the compliance of member federations with the aim of ensuring they adhere to the Integrity Code of Conduct.

IAAF president Coe said: “Sport at its best is about the pursuit of excellence. It involves hard work, discipline, training, review, reflection, adaptation and change.

“Athletes are reflective by nature and good at objectively measuring themselves and their performance against the best in class.

As sports bodies we need to take the strengths of our athletes and turn them into the strength of the body that governs the sport. The Athletics Integrity Unit will do this.

“I am delighted that the planning for this is now well under way and will accelerate as we head towards the beginning of April 2017 when the unit is due to be operational.

“We’re now inviting individuals with the necessary skills and relevant experience for either the leadership role or board positions to register their interest.”

Conquerors head coach not totally satisfied with first half See Page 23 PCL 4-Day Tournament...

Jaguars romp to 10-wicket win after Permaul’s 5-53 See Page 19

Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble about to take the catch offered by Steven Katwaroo off Veerasammy Permaul (not in picture).

Guyanese openers Rajendra Chandrika and Shimron Hetmyer walk off the playing area after overhauling the victory target in just 2.4 overs. (Adrian Narine photos)

Western Tigers, Santos ease into STAG Nations Cup final 8

IT was a rainy night, not in Georgia but in Georgetown, as goals rained down when the STAG Nations Cup five association knock-out football championship continued last Sunday night at the Tucville Community ground.

The rain had not abated but that was no bother to Western Tigers and Santos who had downed their respective opponents, Flamingo and Herstelling Raiders, by 8-0 and 4-0 margins, to book their places in the quarterfinals on Christmas and Boxing Day at the Tucville and Buxton grounds.

Western Tigers were not daunted by the fact that Flamingo, on account of Shem Porter’s goal - the best goal in the championship to date - had defeated Mahaicony Thunders of Berbice on the opening day of the competition at the Golden Grove ground.

Coming up against the Tigers would have always

Santos FC team

been a monumental task given their recent run of form in the Georgetown FA Premier League. As the pundits had predicted, Western Tigers made light work of the Flamingos, prevailing 8-0.

Randolph Wagner led the Tigers with a second-half double in the 55th and 67th minutes but the platform for the win and quarter-final place - which will see them take on the winners of tomor-

row’s match between Pouderoyen and Mahaica Determinators - was set up by the two first-half goals which were scored by Andre Webber (12) and Dwayne McLennon in the 34th minute.

The other goalscorers were Rensford Coleridge (72), Shamar Wilson (83), Darren Benjamin (85) and Anthony Sancho, two minutes to full time.

Santos took care of Her-

Western Tiger Team

stelling Raiders 4-0 and had sealed the deal by the end of the first 45 minutes by which time they built up a 3-0 advantage with a brace from Keith Caines in the 7th and 32nd minutes while Orin Yarde had netted the first of his two in the 14th minute.

Yarde completed his brace in the 78th minute as Herstelling found it difficult to break down the 10-man

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Santos unit; the latter losing one of their players who received a straight red card in the closing moments of the first half.

Santos’ quarterfinal opponents would be the winners of the tomorrow’s main event between Uitvlugt Warriors and City side Northern Rangers at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

The Pouderoyen vs Mahaica Determinators show-

down is the supporting match on tomorrow night’s double-header card.

The final day of roundof-16 action is set for Friday at the Diamond ground when Ann’s Grove take on Den Amstel from 18:00hrs and Grove Hi Tech match skills with New Amsterdam United.

The quarter-finals schedule is as follows: Team: Western Tigers vs winner of Pouderoyen/ Mahaica Date: December 25 Venue: Tucville Team: Determinators Police vs winner of Grove Hi Tech/NA United Date: December 25 Venue: Tucville Team: Santos vs winner of Uitvlugt/Northern Rangers Date: December 26 Venue: Buxton Team: Riddim Squad vs winner of Ann’s Grove/Den Amstel Date: December 26 Venue: Buxton

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2016