Guyana chronicle e paper 22 04 2017

China to help develop local fisheries sector Page 15

Treasonous No. 104890

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

…Top Cop says alleged plot against President treasonous ...DPP to return file in new week …dismisses claims of police involvement

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One of the ‘terrorists’ who were holed up in a house at Timehri, East Bank Demerara is being escorted to a police vehicle during the Guyana Police Force’s Operation Assurance 11” simulation exercise, which was aimed at testing the force’s readiness to fight terrorism. (Adrian Narine photo)

Jail for Ed Ahmad

…fumes as judge hands down twoyear jail sentence

Woman charged ‘Protecting Mother Earth’ with murder of -Pres Granger recommits brother to Green State agenda Page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

‘Protecting Mother Earth’ - Pres Granger recommits to Green State agenda

WITH strong support of the ‘Earth Day 2017’ theme, “Environmental and Climate Literacy,” government has launched deeper into its campaign to raise the bar on climate change awareness, and will stand on its promises to the world to dedicate -additionally -- two million hectares of its forest for conservation as it moves to transformation into a Green State.

President David Granger made this disclosure on Friday at the national Earth Day Programme hosted by the Department of Environment within the Ministry of the Presidency. Earth Day is celebrated universally today (April 22), but Guyana moved ahead yesterday with an open-air programme and tree- planting exercise at Parade Ground, even as President Granger among several

President David Granger leads the way in planting a tree at the Parade Ground during Earth Day observances yesterday.

In April 2016, President Granger had signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the United Nations (UN) Convention, pledging an additional two million hectares of forest for purposes of conservation, for the benefit of all humanity in an effort to combat climate change. Additionally, Guyana has dedicated a day in October as ‘National Tree Day’, encouraging involvement of the entire country in creating a green state.

In sealing his commitment to the creation of a ‘Green State,’ President Granger presented a coin created specifically to proclaim further Guyana’s dedication.

Several of the green and gold coin labelled “Cooperative Republic of Guyana – The Green State”, were presented to several international partner organisations, including the United Nations and FAO

A section of the audience at the ‘Earth Day’ programme yesterday other Guyanese pledged to “ensure that (their) actions and those of (their) family and friends will help to promote the sustainable use of Guyana’s natural resources, protect our flora and fauna; and prevent damage and degradation of the environment.

“Guyana emphasises the need to build greater awareness of the adverse

effects of climate change, and its threats to planet earth.

The territory which we have planned to place under conservation is not bad lands or desert. They contain a variety of ecosystems teaming with rich and unique biodiversity.

They include our grasslands, our wetlands, our highlands and rainforests,” President Granger told the audience.

as a reminder.

According to President Granger, “The conservation and protection of these areas represent our continued commitment to mother earth.

Guyana is on the pathway to becoming a green state and the coins which I just presented to our international partners represent our commitment to becoming a Green State.”

Guyana, in participating in ‘Earth Day’ observances, has been reminded that hu-

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Treasonous GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

…Top Cop says alleged plot against President treasonous -DPP to return file in new week

…dismisses claims of police involvement

By Rabindra Rooplall COMMISSIONER of Police, Seelall Persaud, has said that two persons were interviewed in connection with the alleged plot to shoot President David Granger while he is on one of his many outreaches and that file which is at the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), will be returned early in the new week.

The commissioner was at the time speaking Friday at “Operation Assurance 11” at Timehri, where the joint services concluded a simulation exercise on terrorism. Also at the event were Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and senior members of the joint services.

The Top Cop noted that the allegation is one of treason, “any plot to kill the president or to overthrow government is

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

one of treason, and on the other hand if someone tells a police officer something that is false and causes the officer to act in accordance with the call of duty, then there is a charge in giving

false information.”

He explained that security of the state apparatus is the number one function of the Police Force, “if you want a country go into chaos then attack the state apparatus and make it dysfunctional and its chaos, a threat against any President cannot be pushed under the carpet.

“Even if there are elements within the force with an objective to prevent a professional investigation, it is difficult to implement and almost impossible to do that,” the police chief said.

Seelall explained that the matter was investigated and sent for legal advice and that was returned on Friday, but a recommendation was made by the police legal advisor asking for a confrontation with the person making the allegation to clarify various issues within the

Ed Ahmad fumes as judge hands down two-year jail sentence [NY Daily News] - A New York-based Guyanese who hoped he could skip prison for helping bring down a powerful politician did not get what he wanted. Instead, Brooklyn Federal Judge Dora Irizarry sentenced cooperator Edul Ahmad to two years behind bars Friday for running a mortgage fraud scam.

Ahmad was an asset in the feds’ case against ex-state Senator John Sampson, Irizarry said. But the judge also said she couldn’t ignore the harms of Ahmad’s $3 million scheme.

She laid into Ahmad for a property sale that, she said, broke the terms of his cooperation agreement.

“To me, it does not show full remorse. It does show someone who feels he’s ready to do what he needs to do, laws be damned, rules be damned.”

While it wasn’t the probation sentence Ahmad, 50, was looking for, it also wasn’t the six- to seven-year term he could’ve received. Ahmad was a key witness in the 2015 trial against Sampson, which ended with obstruction-of-justice convictions but acquittals on other counts. And before Ahmad took the stand for at least half of the prosecution’s case, Ahmad wore wires and turned over evidence that helped the feds build the case against Sampson. Sampson

Edul Ahmad (TODD MAISEL/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

is appealing his conviction.

Prosecutors said Ahmad’s work earned him a shot at a sentence below federal recommendations. On Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Solomon told Irizarry that Ahmad’s cooperation was “impressive,” once he started talking.

Ahmad was “one the best at making recordings,” he said — Sampson often talked quietly, so Ahmad repeated what he said so it’d be loud and clear for Uncle Sam. Solomon said Ahmad did make some serious flubs — like telling prosecutors the night before his testimony about the improper sale of a property discussed in the cooperation agreement.

Irizzary questioned just how

useful Ahmad was on the stand.

She pointed to articles in newspapers such as the Daily News, where a juror called Ahmad “dirty.”

She said she couldn’t understand “why the government is giving such short shrift to a blatant breach of the cooperation agreement.” Solomon said he wasn’t asking the judge to overlook it.

Ahmad’s lawyer, Samuel Kartagener, said he was “taken aback” by Irizzary’s views. He urged the judge to take the good with the bad.

“I don’t think it suggests Mr Ahmad should lose all credit for his cooperation here. He is remorseful for the errors he made.” Ahmad told Irizzary he meant no harm with the deal — which was an effort to stop a foreclosure on a property.

Irizarry wasn’t buying that Ahmad — a sophisticated, onetime Lamborghini-driving businessman — didn’t know what he was doing. “You knew you had to disclose to the government if there was any transaction on a property.”

It was a lapse in judgment, said Ahmad. “I never meant to break the cooperation agreement.” After sentencing, Ahmad declined to speak to reporters. Kartagener said he and his client were “disappointed with the result.”

investigation, then the file was returned to the DPP once again.

He said early next week the file will be returned and the relevant action will be taken. The commissioner said only two persons so far are being investigated and this surrounds the person making the allegation and a witness who has given the police a statement.

MTV report Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, commenting on the matter, said there was a notification pertaining to MTV Channel 65 Friday afternoon stating that there will be a news report later in the evening that surrounds a report that policemen were involved in the assasination plot against President David Granger.

“I want to say that is absolutely untrue, there is absolutely no information like that and that can constitute public mischief by MTV and its reporters, public mischief that can lead to prosecution and it can also lead to revocation of licensing,” Minister Ramjattan warned.

He said the investigation that is ongoing is one of a sensitive nature, since it deals with the security of the President of a democratic country, “we don’t want the throwing off of stability as a result of mischief.”

Ramjattan said that he hopes the news outfit did not interpret “Operation Assurance 11” which was executed by the police force to mean that there

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

was a connection with the alleged plot against the President.

It was just a staged performance to test the readiness of the police force to deal with bombs and local and international terrorism.

Commenting on the HGP Nightly News airing of the interview Thursday with the man making the allegations, Ramjattan said such action is irresponsible of the media outlet and the operatives. “Lots of people use this thing called freedom of the press…but I suppose the sensationalism that it will bring and probably selling the news and outlet was at the back of their mind rather than the more sensitive and significant matter which is security of the state,” Ramjattan said. Offering his opinion on MTV News Update, the police commissioner said “reporters have to behave in a responsible manner, the media

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is extremely powerful, with the type of influence they have over members of the public; with great power comes great responsibility and if that television station makes certain statements without evidence, they will meet the full force of the law, especially at a time when we are trying to build public trust.”

Meanwhile, in an interview on Nightly News, a man who was approached to carry out the act spoke of a $7M bounty that was offered him to shoot at President Granger during one of his outreaches. The $7M it was said was offered by a prominent individual. The whistleblower in the interview stated that the businessman told him “…

President Granger, we have to have him assassinated before he moves from where he is living, before of course if he moves his security will enhance and you can’t get to him.”

The informant explained that the businessman entered his house and brought out a large weapon which he collected and minutes later returned. He explained he had approached the businessman to conduct a business worth $6M when the proposal was made to find someone to assassinate the President and he will be paid $7M. “The next day I go back to he and said watch, me ain’t deh in them thing yo know, me aint even want you tell me back about that,” the informant said, claiming that he never killed anyone before and is just a businessman.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

U.S. will not give Exxon permission to drill in Russia

The United States will not make an exception for American companies, including oil major Exxon Mobil Corp, seeking to drill in areas prohibited by U.S. sanctions on Russia, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday.

The unusually direct statement served to clarify that the United States would maintain a tough stance on sanctions against Moscow.

“In consultation with President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department will not be issuing waivers to U.S. companies, including Exxon, authorizing drilling prohibited by current Russian sanctions,” Mnuchin said in a statement.

The United States and European Union imposed economic sanctions on Russia over its annexation of the Crimea region in 2014 and its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions forced Exxon, the world’s largest publicly traded oil producer, to wind down drilling in Russia’s Arctic in 2014. “We understand the statement today by Secretary Mnuchin in consultation with President Trump,” Exxon spokesman Alan Jeffers said.

Exxon had asked for and received in 2015 and 2016 waivers to operate a joint venture with Russian oil producer Rosneft in Russia. European Union sanctions do not keep European oil companies from

operating in Russia, a point of annoyance for Exxon. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Exxon had in recent months applied for a Treasury Department waiver to drill with Rosneft. Jeffers said Exxon had not applied for waivers from Treasury since Trump took office.

Any such request would have drawn attention because Exxon’s former chief executive, Rex Tillerson, is now U.S. secretary of state. Under his leadership, Exxon lobbied Congress on Russia sanctions, and Tillerson opposed sanctions against Russia in 2014, saying they would be ineffective. U.S. lawmakers are investigating possible ties between some Trump

campaign aides and Moscow.

Republicans in Congress as well as U.S. allies in Europe are anxious about any sign that the Trump administration might ease some of the sanctions imposed on Russia.

During his confirmation hearing in January, Tillerson said he never personally lobbied against sanctions and that he was not aware of Exxon Mobil directly doing so, later acknowledging that he spoke to former U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew regarding gaps between American and European sanctions on Russia. Tillerson has pledged to recuse himself until the end of this year from any matter involving Exxon Mobil unless he is authorized to participate.

Mnuchin’s statement will likely serve to clarify the U.S. stance on sanctions against Russia at a time when American allies are looking for clues to U.S. policy, observers said. “It’s good from a regulatory perspective as it provides clarity to U.S. companies, but it’s also great from a foreign policy perspective,” Edward Fishman, a fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank and former State Department official during the Obama administration, said of Mnuchin’s statement.

“Any uncertainty about the future of sanctions scares our allies and encourages Russia to prolong its aggression in Ukraine.” (Reuters)

He also has until early May to sell his Exxon Mobil stock.

SANCTIONS CLARITY U.S. companies frequently file license applications to the Treasury Department asking permission to undertake activities that would otherwise be barred by sanctions.

The U.S. government weighs each application based on national security interests, the law and other factors.

The refusal is unlikely to affect Exxon Mobil’s bottom line, as it has not been able to operate in Russia for several years, but it does hinder its growth potential.

Treasury almost never comments publicly on license applications.

PAHO targets 640 million for Vaccination Week More than 60 million people will be vaccinated against a series of dangerous diseases during the 15th Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA), the largest immunization initiative of the continent.

Coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), VWA celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this year, and runs from April 22 to 29.

The slogan for 2017’s campaign is “#GetVax to cel-

ebrate a healthy tomorrow,” encouraging people and their families to get vaccinated today and enjoy good health tomorrow. It highlights vaccines that offer protection against highly contagious, debilitating and potentially

deadly diseases. The characters of Sesame Street illustrate the 2017 campaign poster, which notes that vaccination is “An act of love.”

“During these past 15 years, we have demonstrated that vaccination is one of the

most powerful strategies to prevent diseases and save lives,” PAHO’s Director Carissa F. Etienne said. “PAHO is committed to continue working closely with the countries to immunize the entire population and fa-

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cilitate the introduction of new vaccines at affordable prices,” she added.

In 2015, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome were eliminated in the Re-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

CTO strives to position Caribbean as a sustainable tourism region The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has declared its support for actions that make a difference as the world celebrates Earth Day on Friday.

In a message to mark the occasion, CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley said that it is no secret that “the very foundation of Caribbean tourism is our unparalleled natural environment; one that is rich in biodiversity, is virtually unpolluted, boasts landscapes that draw visitors

from across the globe, and sustains life and livelihood.”

He added that in the Caribbean “we have a sacred duty to protect these assets by insisting on the development and adoption of sustainable tourism practices, while responsibly sharing our natural treasures with travellers to our shores.”

“As the Caribbean’s tourism development agency whose purpose is: Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Carib-

bean, the CTO is intimately attuned with the need to respect our earth. It is our belief that there will always be conflict between respect for our planet and the desire to profit from invaluable natural assets that we possess,” he continued. The CTO Secretary General said the region must recognize that destroying the planet in pursuit of economic growth is an existential threat to both present and future generations.

“It is for this very reason

that the CTO strives to position the Caribbean as a truly sustainable tourism region – a region that leads the global response to climate change by pursuing carbon neutrality, one that actively manages its land, water, and energy resources and decisively employs technologies that drive resource efficiencies across its tourism supply chains.”

He said the CTO will also continue to provide the relevant authorities with the tools and data necessary to

PAHO targets 640 million ... gion and in 2016, country efforts helped achieve measles elimination. Vaccination against these diseases continues to help minimise the risk of importing these diseases into a country in the Region. Furthermore, millions of people have been vaccinated to keep the western hemisphere free of polio for 25 years.

The countries of the continent anticipate vaccination against rubella, measles, diphtheria, mumps, whooping cough, neonatal tetanus, flu, yellow fever, rotavirus, bacterial pneumonia, and the human papilloma virus (HPV). The campaign acknowledges achievements reached through immunization during the last 15 years and what is planned moving forward.

Since 2000, new vaccines

against rotavirus, pneumococcus, and HPV have been introduced in countries and territories of the Region.

Currently, 34 countries and territories vaccinate against pneumococcus, 20 against rotavirus, and 24 against HPV. These achievements have been possible thanks to the dedication of thousands of health workers, who played a key role to reach everyone in their communities and take vaccines to the most vulnerable populations and hard-to-reach zones.

“We have achieved a healthier region thanks to vaccination,” said the chief of PAHO’s Comprehensive Family Immunization Unit, Cuauhtémoc Ruiz-Matus.

“We will continue working so no children will suffer or die from a disease that we can prevent with vacci-

nation,” he added. Actions for Vaccination Week in the Americas have also gone beyond the immunization field. Health personnel took advantage of the initiative to implement other health actions, like deworming, vitamin A administration, and breastfeeding promotion. Similarly, community mobilization for vaccination has helped close gaps that separate people from needed attention.

Vaccination Week in the Americas started in 2003 as an effort by the countries of the region to combat a measles outbreak between Colombia and Venezuela.

Although health workers vaccinate people daily, the special effort to combat the outbreak grew into an annual event to promote vaccination and reach those who

may have missed routine immunization. Versions of Vaccination Week were subsequently adopted in other WHO regions, and in 2012, it became a global movement when the World Health Assembly endorsed World Immunization Week and 180 countries around the world began celebrating it.

REGIONAL LAUNCHES IN MEXICO AND BRAZIL Meanwhile, a series of launch events for Vaccination Week will take place in Mexico and Brazil. On April 24, Mexico will host the first regional launch.

activate tourism policies and regulations that serve the best interest of the region, while advocating for more responsible behaviour from the larger nations around the world.

“We are pleased that Earth Day 2017 focuses on Environmental and Climate Literacy, as we have been developing our Caribbean Tourism Climatic Bulletin in partnership with our colleagues at the Caribbean Institute for

Metrology and Hydrology (CIMH).” Once finalised, the bulletin will be a guiding tool for tourism policymakers and businesses to better understand how climate change will impact their livelihoods, and how they can adapt for success while contributing to a better state of affairs.

“When seeking to protect our planet, one of the greatest challenges is to enlist all citizens to join the effort,” he said. (CMC)

Continue from page 4 This activity will take place at 10 am in the main courtyard of Mexico’s Secretary of Health, located in Lieja 7, Mexico City. The Secretary of Health, Jose Narro, and PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne, are participating, along with other authorities. Mexico has a long history in carrying out vaccination campaigns and other integrated activities to protect its population’s health. The country holds National Health Weeks in February, May and October, so it doesn’t plan additional activities during Vaccination Week in the Americas. The intensive

vaccination activities it carries out each May have contributed to the regional achievements of Vaccination Week in the Americas.

The second event is on 29 April, when an indigenous village in the Brazilian state of Rondônia, known as Linea 9 Amaral and belonging to the indigenous group Suri, will host a regional launch of Vaccination Week to bring vaccines to a priority group of this initiative. The activity will take place under the framework of celebrations for Vaccination Month of Indigenous People, organized by Brazil.

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Editorial

AMBASSADOR Dag Nylander, Personal Representative of United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Guyana last week for two days, during which he met with President David Granger and Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greendige.

The ambassador’s visit was the consequence of Guyana’s request to the UN to intervene, with the aim of bringing closure to the controversy over Venezuela’s claim to almost two-thirds of our territory. This is an issue Guyanese, irrespective of internal differences, would like to see resolved once and for all.

While by nature we are a peaceful people, who since independence have forged international relations build on non-alignment to any

external political force and seeks cordial relations with all, it has not diminished our determination to not give up what belongs to us.

The 1899 International Tribunal unanimously settled a border dispute, when it awarded Essequibo to Great Britain, thereby heading off what could have been a war with Venezuela, Great Britain and the United States.

An arbitral award is final and binding on all sides.

This is the position Guyana respects and shall not deviate from.

In light of the recent oil find Guyana, now more than ever, needs to have the issue resolved, not as a matter of urgency, for the territory belongs to us, but that of a matter of utmost national interest. Small in size and military might though we may be perceived, our

understanding of the geopolitical environment with our emerging presence and role in the world’s oil economy we fully get. The utilisation of our natural resources in the territory wrongfully being claimed by our neighbour, Venezuela, is not only important, but vital to our growth and development.

In the 21st century we stand as resolute as we were in the 20th century, when 55 years ago Venezuela communicated to the UN it no longer honours the Arbitral Award, because it sees it as “null and void.” The view of Venezuela, though it rightfully opens itself for speculation as to intent, it needs not be forgotten the 1899 panel deemed the award the “full, perfect and final settlement.”

The years of the Geneva Agreement (1970-1992)

and subsequent appointment of Good Officers to help the two countries utilise diplomacy to resolve the matter, though it has kept the channel of communication opened and cordial, it is time to wrap it up. The UN, like Venezuela and Guyana, is fully aware that a controversy of this nature in a resource-rich environment, while it can achieve the progress for those to whom it rightly belongs, it can also spill over into attracting unsavoury conduct and characters. The sovereign wealth of this country, wherever it exists, has to be exploited and used for the benefit of the people.

Development, human and environment, is also an important aspect in the work of the UN. No doubt Ambassador Nylander will have this foremost in his

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

mind as he begins establishing the framework to bring resolution to a matter of interest to both countries. Guyanese remain steadfast in our conviction that our territory was judicially settled in 1899. Only recently Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Sir Shridath Ramphal, reminded that the Good Office Process only holds good up to the end of 2017, saying that “by the end of the year, if it doesn’t yield satisfactory progress of a solution, then we go to the ICJ [International Court of Justice]. So we can look ahead to 2018 seeing us in the court, which we hope will put an end to this evil.”

Sir Shridath stressed that while the Good Of-

fices Process would not have an immediate impact on oil explorations here, it is important to have the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela resolved as soon as possible. “Well, it wouldn’t have an impact now… The oil is not now; production is years away.

But what we should do now is prepare for it; and because it is not a good time economically, people are impatient, inevitably, but we have to prepare properly; we have to secure that oil. We have to get rid of the Venezuela issue, and we have to do all that, as the lawyers say, seriatim; one after the other,” Sir Shridath said.

Water level in Hubu Gov’t sugar decision shortsighted Backdam has improved Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

THE Guyana Water Incorporated wishes to respond to the Guyana Times article titled, “Water is life, but this water is killing us,” published on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

In keeping with our mission “To deliver safe, adequate and affordable water and to ensure safe sewerage systems for improved public health and sustainable economic development,” the Guyana Water Incorporated has been working tirelessly over the past years and continues to work to ensure this is a reality nationwide. As such, the residents of Hubu Backdam, Region Three, are no exception.

The community of Hubu Backdam was being served by the Vergenoegen water treatment plant. Because the plant was operating above its design capacity, residents were receiving a low level of service and in some cases, no service at all. In light of this fact and repeated complaints from the said residents, GWI moved to activate the Hubu well at a cost of three million dollars. Activation of this well resulted in elevated water pressure to above second-floor level and 24 hours supply. Upon completion of the project, residents expressed satisfaction with the well being restored. However, similar to some 50 percent of our well stations across the country,

water from the Hubu well supplies untreated water and therefore has an average iron content of 8mg/l.

Because of our commitment to provide safe, potable water to all Guyanese, GWI will re-examine the likelihood of serving the residents of Vergenoegen, while improving the quality of water from the Hubu well. GWI apologises for the inconvenience caused and wishes to assure residents that every effort will be made to improve the water quality being delivered to residents of Hubu Backdam.

Regards LEANA BRADSHAW Public Relations Officer Guyana Water Inc

IT was disturbing to learn from President Granger in his address at the opening of the West Berbice Expo that Guysuco will keep ‘open’ three estates – Albion, Blairmont, and Uitvlugt. While it seems the President sought to put a positive spin to the depressing news, I wish to advise the President and his communications team that no amount of lipstick on a pig would change the disheartening announcement.

The President in his address also referred to the various other agricultural outputs produced in Region Five. While some of the President’s figures seem suspect, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. Probably with the exception of rice, very little, if any, of the region’s agricultural output is exported. This is simply due to the fact that we are not able to be competitive.

Now, this very situation becomes confusing if not worrying. Rather than seeking to correct the competitiveness issues, the Government is pushing GuySuCo which has literal-

ly no experience in areas like livestock, aquaculture, orchard farming, rice, etc to compete with existing farmers. This is especially disconcerting, taking into account we have a small and declining internal market coupled with economic contraction which is reducing incomes. In such circumstances, the Government has seen it wise somehow to have a state-owned corporation which will benefit from certain fiscal incentives and other state-support in competition will small, peasant farmers who cannot compete. Many of those farmers would be forced out of business, as Guysuco will be invading their markets. It is simply making a terrible situation even worst. The situation can be likened to digging a hole to fill a hole.

A smart Government would have sought to remedy the competitiveness issues to ensure that farmers have an opportunity to sell their outputs and at the best possible prices. But this seems not to be the case of the Granger Administration. Many experts have said, time and again, that Guyana has significant opportu-

nities to can and preserve fruits and vegetables for the export market. Those experts have also pointed that a big bugbear is the high cost of energy to operate a cannery or food-processing plant.

Here is where a great winwin opportunity exists. GuySuCo, which already operates in many rural farming areas through the establishment of co-generation plants at their estates, could sell electricity to canning and processing plants at a reasonable cost, thus facilitating value-added agriculture while enhancing sugar revenues. In such a scenario, a major obstacle would have been surmounted and served to further deepen the agricultural drive in Guyana. But rather than developing such linkages which benefits all involved, the Government for whatever reason is seeking to increase food supply without any commensurate expansion of demand. This is most shortsighted and backward.

Regards PATRICIA PERSAUD

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Passage of SARA Bill a courageous act to protect the national patrimony Dear Editor, HISTORY was created in Guyana on Thursday 13th April, 2017, when the country’s National Assembly debated and passed the State Asset Recovery Bill, which paved the way for establishment of the State Asset Recovery Agency. It should be noted that Guyana, through the passage of that bill, which was facilitated by the APNU+AFC coalition, demonstrated that it was prepared to comply with the provisions of the UN Convention on Corruption that was signed by the PPP government in 2008, but which that regime did nothing to implement.

During the parliamentary debate on that bill, the opposition PPP continued its vicious attacks on the bill, consistent with its approach after the David Granger-led government announced the establishment of the State Asset Recovery Unit within the Ministry of the Presidency. Minister of State Joseph Harmon in his address to the parliament, reminded the house and the nation that when the APNU+AFC government came to office in 2015, it asked persons who had acquired state assets illegally to return them and many failed to do so.

Among those who failed to adhere to the government’s request were members of the PPP leadership and former government officials.

Given its 23-year rule which produced unprecedented corruption in the country and the criminalisation of the state, the PPP leadership is aware that it is being held accountable for the disappearance of numerous state assets and the accumulation, at home and abroad, by its members, of massive proportions of wealth during that period.

In the debate, the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, The Hon Basil Williams, made the point that the bill was government’s reaffirmation to stamp out corruption and that there would be no safe haven for corrupt persons. In other words, the APNU+AFC government has signalled that wherever the people’s stolen assets are

stashed they will be tracked down, confiscated by legal means and returned to the people.

It is clear that the government is trying to ensure that persons involved in the operations of the Public Service, who used and those who intend to use their positions to illegally amass wealth, will not benefit from their illegal actions. It is this realisation that has driven and is still driving the PPP’s hostility to the establishment of the new agency and its mandate that is embodied in the legislation.

Given this situation, real politics made it impossible for the opposition and the government to find common ground in parliament on the asset recovery legislation.

Because the PPP had made it very clear that, no way under the sun it was prepared to support the State Assets Recovery legislation, its posture in parliament during the debate and its eventual abandonment of the parliamentary process on that day must be seen for what it was, a mere playing to the galleries of its constituents. I posit here that it was always the intention of the PPP to stage a walkout from Parliament on that day, for whatever reason they chose. It was an integral part of their tactics to undermine the process that day. I was therefore not surprised when Mr Anil Nandlall, former Attorney General and now PPP spokesperson in parliament on legal matters, chose to speak late in the debate. Nandlall, by his own admission, knew that there was a time constraint on the process, but he delib-

erately refused to recognise the significance of this when the speakers’ order of presentation was put together.

By delaying his presentation in a debate which he believed should have been open-ended, he thereby created the atmosphere to justify his party’s representatives abandonment of the process.

Therefore, for the PPP to accuse the government of denying Nandlall his right to make his address is hogwash, since it was the PPP’s decision that determined which of their parliamentarians would speak and when.

I will add here that it is politically naive for the PPP to make such a major mistake and don’t expect the government side to make political mileage on its blunder.

The debate on the SARA legislation was not an ordinary one. The political stakes were high. Both opposition and government wanted their positions to prevail, since the political consequences of not doing so have the potential of determining which party could win the 2020 general and regional elections. In passing the bill, the government has made a significant step in fulfilling its election promise to fight corruption and recover stolen state assets. In doing so it has enhanced its electoral fortunes come the next elections.

For the PPP, its attempt to delay the passing of the bill by appealing for it to be sent to a parliamentary select committee, if conceded to by the government, would have been a major victory for that party. It would have meant that their intention to kill the bill before it was debated and

passed would have succeeded, thereby ensuring that the extent of the wrongdoings of former government officials and their cronies, including the acts of rape of the country’s resources, would have remained hidden. This would have provided the PPP leadership (i) with the space it needs to consolidate its support base for the 2020 elections; (ii) to continue its masquerade of misrepresentation of information; (iii) provide it with more space to propogandise its supporters with mythical explanations that the government’s accusations against them of corruption was nothing but the spewing of hot air; and (iv)

that the government was just being vindictive and spiteful in its pursuit of alleged wrongdoings by them.

Putting aside partisan considerations, the passing of the State Asset Recovery Bill is an important victory for the nation in the fight against corruption, holding public officials accountable for their criminal actions and depriving them from benefiting from the acquisition of illegal wealth. The nation will be well served when the billions of dollars in stolen assets are returned, allowing the government to have more money to spend on wages and salaries and the social sector. Equally

important, the bill, after it is assented to by His Excellency David Granger, will act as a deterrent to the criminally inclined and reduce the losses that the nation suffers annually from the viciousness of the greedy.

History will recall that the APNU+AFC government’s passing of the State Asset Recovery bill was a courageous act to protect the national patrimony and to ensure that future generations of Guyanese have the necessary resources and wealth to have a good life.

Regards TACUMA OGUNSEYE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

‘Protecting ... manity has no other home but ‘earth and its ecosystems’ and as we work harmoniously with the earth, caring for it, then mother earth will care for us in return. Guyana shares a vital position, being at the centre of the Guianas Shield which is particularly filled with biological and ecological diversity and wealth.

“I’m convinced that in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the earth… Guyana is a small state playing a big role in protecting mother earth. Guyana, geographically, is at the centre of the Guiana shield, one of the

supplies and diverse ecosystems remain intact for the benefit of all humanity, and of course present and future generations.”

“Guyana’s forestry store nature’s delicate balance,” President Granger told the gathering, and said the country’s forests which cover 85% of its lands provide essential environmental services.

“Guyana is a net carbon sink… Guyana’s intact forests also reduce land degradation, enhance soil nutrients and promote water retention.

Guyana therefore is a protector of mother earth, because these vital environmental services are provided by our forests,” President Granger further said.

He pointed out that not

Continued from page 2 environmental times,” current issues which confront us should challenge us to find solutions, since the issues will not disappear automatically. She has lauded the encouraging participation of youths in greening the environment and challenged all stakeholders to become equally passionate.

“It is therefore our collective responsibilities to ensure that we address these issues seriously, prudently and with urgent attention…. young people are involved in movements that promote a healthy environment – from providing training and encouraging awareness and action to establishing environmentally friendly start-ups.

I therefore challenge you as stakeholders to be active

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Nicolette Henry, plants a tree signifying youth participation in creating a ‘Green State’. world’s biologically and ecologically most diverse tracts of tropical rainforest.”

With the shield covering an area of 2.7 sq. kilometres -- an area larger than Greenland – and containing 15% of the earth’s freshwater supply – Guyana is responsible for protecting natural resources which provide sustenance, succour, shelter and security for present and future generations, helping us survive, President Granger said.

“We feel that the Green State is an extension of our moral commitment to ensuring that mother earth is protected and preserved. The Green State will ensure the promotion of harmony between humanity and between humanity and the habitat of our rich fauna. Guyana contributes to ensuring that the shield’s rich flora and fauna that its abundant water

only now has Guyana been a guardian of the earth through environmental conservation policies, but reminded that the country had since 1989 set apart perpetually 371,000 hectares of forest at the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation to be used as a model conservation and sustainable forest management.

The late President Desmond Hoyte at the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Malaysia 28 years ago, through concern at the degradation of the environment and threats to present and future generations, had made the commitment.

Meanwhile, Director of Environment Ndibi Schwiers, said while the environment constantly changes and this generation is “undeniably living in challenging

participants in all fora that are concerned with environmental protection and to be worthy advocates of environmental issues,”Schwiers told the gathering in her opening remarks.

She said the creation of a green state is a guaranteed platform for the generation of income with employment opportunities and activities also being provided through the process.

“We took a pledge today to be good stewards of the environment. We cannot end there … If Guyana is to truly become a green state it is imperative that you remain committed to the tenets of the pledge and also hold your families, friends, neighbours, even those you don’t talk to… hold them all accountable to the pledge,” the Director of Environment said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Operators’ association to regulate drones THE local aviation authority and owners and operators of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have agreed on the establishment of a drone operators’ association to properly regulate their use.

The use of drones here is relatively new and they are used mainly for specific purposes.

However, the number of drones currently being operated is enough to cause the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) Director-General, Captain Egbert Fields, to commence the process of regulating the use of the unmanned aircraft.

A recently held consultation seminar between GCAA representatives and operators of drones which included contractors, surveyors, and recreational operators, was well attended when it was held at the Umana Yana last Thursday.

The GCAA has so far

issued directives on the operation of drones, while it works with stakeholders to create definitive regulations.

In order to get the message of concerned stakeholders across to the agency, Fields suggested to the attendees that they form themselves into an association with one voice.

“It was decided to have the association formed, so that they can relate to the GCAA, rather than constantly having individual persons” in some cases making the same enquiries.

The director-general also related that the authority has noted stakeholders’ concern about the “onerousness” involving whatever process is put in place.

Fields said they requested that a special person or department be designated to handle the concerns of drone operations in the country.

This department, it was noted, would deal with the

granting of permits and its application among other services, so as to prevent burdensome or inconvenient waiting to receive requisite service that would allow them to legally operate their drones.

Already, operators are moving toward organising themselves, Fields told the Guyana Chronicle. He said the GCAA has already been approached by one stakeholder, who is in receipt of names and relevant information that might be needed for the creation of a drone operators’ association.

Fields said the GCAA will soon be laying the regulations for drone operations and all comments and suggestions made by stakeholders will be considered.

The current drone operation directive has been issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 2000, Section 6, sub-section 2 (i) and has been in effect since

GCAA DirectorGeneral, Captain Egbert Fields

February 27.

UAVs are aircraft that are capable of being flown without a pilot being onboard. It is either automatic or controlled remotely by a pilot located outside the aircraft.

They are used for specialised services such as ag-

‘Resign from the PNC? That means I am dead’-- Carol Joseph

FORMER APNU+AFC Councillor of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Carol Smith-Joseph last night debunked media reports that she had resigned from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). She also said that her resignation as a RDC councillor was not due to any disaffection with her party.

She stressed: “I have no problem with the PNC. I am still a member of the PNC and though not serving at the level of the RDC because I am hampered somewhat by my medical condition, I remain ready to serve the PNC and my country in any way possible or necessary,” she said.

Smith-Joseph stressed that she had been a member of the PNC for the past 44 years and had no intention of changing her political loyalties at any time in the near or distant future.

“Resign from the PNC?” she asked incredulously when contacted. She added: “That means I am dead.”

cial media by Staff Nurse Midwife Sherilyn Marks, who had accused her of abusing her authority as a regional councillor to get excessive quantities of pain-killing drugs for her medical condition. She said that the allegations which were published in certain sections of the media were examples of skewed and irresponsible journalism which has no

Lead APNU+AFC Councillor in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Joseph tendered her resignation from the RDC of the region by letter with effect from April 20th last. In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the RDC, Joseph did not indicate reasons for her resignation, but later in an interview with the Chronicle cited a health condition as being the main reason for her “ calling it a day.”

She last night again vehemently denied rumours that her resignation had to do with recent statements in the print medium and in so-

basis in reality. She said that the insinuations were currently being examined by her lawyer with a view to taking legal action against the offending news outlets. In addition to the abuse-of-authority allegations, Joseph and Abel Seetaram are being investigated for alleged fraud at the Mahaicony-Abary Rice Development Scheme (MARDS).

riculture, construction, photography, surveying, search and rescue, observation and patrol and aerial advertising, among others.

Among the directives issued by the GCAA are the flying distances for drones, locations prohibited to their use, requirements for operating in certain locations, for example within private domestic spaces and documents required for types of drones within the framework of maintaining security, safety and more recently, privacy.

Persons’ privacy was a major topic when the GCAA officials gave scenarios of how intrusive persons can be using drones. Drones carry cameras that do videoing or photographing, or both.

People’s privacy can easily be invaded by persons prying with UAVs and worst, making whatever private information recorded public.

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Operating drones, for example, within the Guyana Defence Force’s military space is a direct security concern. Situations where persons can access and even record information within such sensitive spaces are among concerns the GCAA wants to prevent through regulations.

In developed countries where the use of UAVs are greater, authorities continue to battle with regulating the use of drones as persons still operate within aerodrome traffic zones and crowded spaces, increasing safety risks.

Drones have caused numerous near misses with airplanes and other aircraft in the United States.

In other cases, drones have been known to seriously injure persons. In one case, a woman had her chin and forehead slashed when a drone crashed into her face.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Ex-cops celebrate golden jubilee in NY …Dr Frank Denbow lauds rich accomplishments

By Frederick Halley GUYANA’S Minister of Citizenship and retired Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix, was among the attendees as the Guyana Ex-Police Association of America (GEPAOA) celebrated its golden jubilee at the Grand Prospect Hall, Brooklyn, New York, last Saturday night.

The black tie affair, which also featured an awards ceremony for long-serving and founder-members attracted a wide cross-section of the Guyanese community, state officials and sister organisations.

Guest speaker, renowned Guyanese medical practitioner Dr Frank Denbow, implored members of GEPAOA to treasure and carefully record their work for posterity so that the rich culture of excellence and accomplishments can be preserved for generations yet unborn. According to Dr Denbow, the founders of the organisation “were extremely proud of the police force in Guyana and being a child of the 1960s, I can understand why I was fortunate to have as my father, Frank Denbow, who was a member of the Police Service Commission from 1965 to 1974 and as a result, I met

the founding fathers of the association, disclosing that in the coming months his body will reflect on how faithful “we have been to their vision and ideals.” He said it was a result of their tenacity that GEPAOA was born on April 16, 1967. Charles opined that many people were critical of the journey, but pointed out that “men and women of goodwill and resilience were determined to prevail, so much so, we are the proud owners of our building and bus. So as we look back to whether we have been true and faithful to the dreams of our founding fathers, we can

selves for the new challenges and opportunities that our organisation faces.”

Touching on a new 10-year strategy, Charles disclosed that it provides a sound platform. “We must constantly rethink our tools, our systems, our responses.

We must be wary of providing old answers to new problems, such as how we finance our organisation. We must seize the windows of opportunity that open only once, such as the cohesion that represent all races who served in the Guyana Police Force and have migrated to these shores. Above all, we

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix (right) presents an award to founding member and past president Oscar James.

people like Mr Carl Austin, Mr Lloyd Barker and Mr Joe Braz ,all exemplary policemen and public servants.”

Dr Denbow, who is an internist in Morristown, New Jersey, pointed out that “in those days the police force was held in the highest esteem by all and sundry, and those members who came to the United States exemplified that spirit of fairness, justice and a generosity of spirit as shown by the work they did in the early days of this organisation and continue to this day.

“You have much to be proud of and I remember the outpouring of grief and pride when hero detective Holder of the New York Police Department (NYPD) and a son of one of your own was martyred back in 2015.You have continued your stellar work in helping to uplift many of the less fortunate children in Guyana and you have rightfully taken your place in the vanguard of the fight for betterment of our lovely native land of many waters.”

GEPAOA president Leroy Charles paid homage to Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, presents an award to past president Leon Gibbons.

say with pride that we have played our part.”

Charles told members of the audience that GEPAOA was able to remain a dynamic institution in a fast-changing landscape. “Some of the decisions needed for that dynamic flexibility were not without their controversy.

Now we must redesign our-

must continue to be at the centre of social and economic transformation and in the creation of fair and inclusive societies that provide opportunities for all, irrespective of their circumstances of birth.”

Alluding to the fact that GEPAOA’s mandate remains as relevant as ever,

Dr Frank Denbow delivering the keynote address at the function.

Charles reminded his members that “no organisation has a divine right to exist.

Indeed, an institution like ours must count as success that day when it puts itself out of business. As the winds of change, economic change, blow across our cities, we should stand steadfast to reach those challenges…”

Awards were presented founding members, past presidents and members who achieved more than 10 years of service. Among those extending greetings to GEPAOA on the historic milestone were Deputy Consul General Jacquelyn Hamer of the Guyana Consulate, New York, the Guyana Ex-police Association of Canada, which was represented by a contingent of members, Former members of the |Guyana Police Force and the Cambridge Academy Alumni Association.

Special recognition was afforded to members of the 50th anniversary committee which comprised chairman Michael Jones, members Leila Williams, Gem Sampson, Joy Burkett, Simone Burkett, Irwin Daniels, Colin Griffith, Derrick Trotman and Albert Verwayne.

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Henry Chester (right), hands over a token of appreciation to GEPAOA president Leroy Charles on behalf of the former members of the Guyana chapter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

AFC alarmed by reports of alleged plot against President Granger

-urges law-enforcement agencies to act swiftly THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has learnt, with alarm, details of an alleged plot to assassinate Head of State and Commander-InChief, President David Granger.

The AFC condemns this dastardly and diabolical plot and urges our law-enforcement agencies to bring these criminal plotters and their handlers to swift justice.

The AFC notes that since the assumption of office by the coalition Government, there has been a well-orchestrated campaign of character assassination of leaders of Gov-

ernment and naked threats have emanated in social media posts. It also recalls that the police were called in to probe allegations of the private residence of the Prime Minister being staked out by a known criminal element.

Our party cautions that race-baiting and inflammatory utterances by persons opposed to the coalition Government have formed a bizarre backdrop for opportunistic elements to execute acts of criminality and terror. The party urges all Guyanese to be on the alert

and to stand firm against and renounce criminal acts that could destabilize our democracy and threaten the stability of our state.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency, disclosed that the administration has been provided with some information by the police about an ongoing investigation of this nature. The investigation has reached a point where advice of the police legal advisor is also being sought, Harmon said.

Gov’t entities to benefit from expertise of Japanese volunteers WITH the recent arrival of 10 volunteers from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Guyana continues to benefit from the expertise of senior Japanese professionals who will be based here until October this year.

They will work in the Ministries of Agriculture, Education, Communities, and Public Infrastructure, as well as with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Guyana Water Inc., Guyana Energy Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority, among other entities.

According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs release, the volunteer programme, through which experts between the

ages of 40 and 69 are able to contribute their services, began dispatching senior professional volunteers with a range of skills to Guyana since 2008.

So far, 49 persons have served here with the recent arrivals forming the largest batch to come at the same time. Expressing appreciation for the ongoing service from the Japanese Government, Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vanessa Dickenson, said, “This significant contribution of expertise by the Japanese volunteers will assist in complementing the work of the respective sectors in which they’re based.”

According to Ms. Dickenson,

Guyana has already benefitted from the presence of Japanese professionals in the areas of environmental education, swimming, agricultural drainage and irrigation, rural engineering and information technology.

Additionally, in 2016, under the auspices of the JICA knowledge co-creation programme, 10 Guyanese were trained in environment conservancy, solid waste management and disaster management. The volunteer programme is being implemented under the 2005 Agreement of Technical and International Cooperation signed by the Governments of Guyana and Japan.

Japanese volunteers under the Japan International Cooperation Agency senior volunteers programme pay a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The volunteers will be based in Guyana until October this year

Harmon made the disclosure when asked about the alleged plot by a reporter. “While we have a popular President that all the people around the country love and embrace him, there are sometimes misguided people, especially of what they see on facebook and copycat type of issues and therefore we always have to be careful,” Harmon said.

He explained that since the investigation is ongoing he is not at liberty to disclose in any great detail the nature of the inquiry.

“I have the full confidence of the ability of the security forces to protect our President and the ministers of Government, who have

been elected by the people to run the Government,” Harmon noted. When asked if names of high-ranking policemen were listed as being involved, Harmon said he was not briefed about such information. $7M bounty Meanwhile, in an interview on Nightly News, a man who was approached to carry out the act spoke of a $7M bounty that was offered him to shoot at President Granger during one of his outreaches. The $7M it was said was offered by a prominent individual.

The whistleblower in the interview stated that the businessman told him “…

President Granger, we have to have him assassinated before he moves from where he is living, before of course

if he moves his security will enhance and you can’t get to him.”

The informant explained that the businessman entered his house and brought out a large weapon which he collected and minutes later returned. He explained he had approached the businessman to conduct a business worth $6M when the proposal was made to find someone to assassinate the President and he will be paid $7M. “The next day I go back to he and said watch, me ain’t deh in them thing yo know, me aint event want you tell me back about that,” the informant said, claiming that he never killed anyone before and is just a businessman.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

GuySuCo moves head office to LBI

-Ogle complex to become training facility THE Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) wishes to inform members of the public that its head office locations at Ogle Estate, East Coast Demerara and Camp Street will be operational from the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Estate compound from Monday.

The Ogle location housed the offices of the

Chief Executive Officer, the Finance and Human Resources Directors along with the Finance, Marketing, Legal and Human Resources Departments for more than fifteen (15) years. The Information Systems Department at Camp Street will also be relocated to LBI. The Materials Management Department (MMD) which is also found in the

Ogle Estate compound will remain at the same location, as well as the Ogle Diagnostic Centre (ODC), until further notice.

Other departments that constitute the head office and already located at LBI are; the Agriculture Research Centre, the Factory Operations Department, the recently resuscitated Field Equipment Unit, the

The former head office of GuySuCo at Ogle, East Coast Demerara

Agriculture Engineering Department, Cane Farming and the Occupational Health and Safety department. The move is a part of the corporation’s programme to rationalize and re-organise to become more resilient and sustainable. The Ogle Estate compound will be converted into a National Training Complex.

Back in February 2016 President David Granger had conducted a survey of Ogle location as a possible location for establishment of the Public Service Staff College. During the visit, GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer Errol Hanoman had announced the plans to move the company’s operations, and, as such, the premises will be vacant. He noted then that the building and other facilities at the location have the potential to

be developed and used as a training complex.

A release from the Ministry of the Presidency had quoted President Granger saying that upon his assumption to office, he had made it clear that the future of Guyana depends on an efficient, reliable and dependable Public Service. Therefore, training in key areas is critical to ensuring that this goal is accomplished. The Head of State had announced that the college is expected to have four faculties: International Relations (Foreign Service), Defence, Public Administration and Information Technology.

“I have no interest in having an unprofessional Public Service…I also said that I did not just want an efficient Public Service, but an ‘unbribable’ Public Service; professional peo-

ple, people who can do their trade and people who are prepared to do their jobs without fear or favour,” he said. The college is expected to provide university-level diploma qualifications, and the President expects that, with this training, within the next four to five years, the level of professionalism in the Public Service would be much higher than it is today.

“I don’t want people walking off the street to become Public Servants, because in the Public Service, the Foreign Service, every branch of government, I expect professionals, and part of professionalism is knowledge. You can’t be a professional unless you know what you are doing; and to gain that knowledge, you need to be trained,” President Granger said.

Mason allegedly caught with over six pounds ‘ganja’ A MASON who was allegedly caught by police with over six pounds of marijuana, was remanded to prison on Friday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Raymond Vankanie, 35, of Vryheid’s Lust, West Canje, Berbice, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on April 19, 2017 at New Amsterdam, Berbice, he had three kilograms, 432 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

His lawyer, Paul Fung-a-Fat, told the

court that on the day in question his client had borrowed a friend’s

Raymond Vankanie

car and did not know that the narcotic was inside. However, the chief magistrate remanded the father of one until May 8, 2017 and transferred the matter to the New Amsterdam Magistrates Court.

According to reports, on April 19, the police acted on information and set up a sting operation in New Amsterdam, Berbice, during which Vankanie was intercepted with over six pounds of marijuana in his car.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Minister Ally makes pitch for unity at CIOG forum MINISTER of Social Protection, Amna Ally, participated in “The Deen Intensive Programme: Peace, Love, Harmony and Tolerance” held at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) Headquarters, Woolford Avenue on Saturday 15th April.

Minister Ally conveyed greetings from His Excellency President David Granger to the sheiks, Sh.

Momenul Hack, Sh. Ahmad Dabbang, Sh. Abdul Aleem Rahim and Sh. Mustafa Kanikir (representatives from Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica and the UK) and other participants of the seminar.

The minister congratulated the CIOG on this initiative which saw participation from all three counties of Guyana. This initiative, which plays an important role in realising

social cohesion in Guyana, is close to the heart of Minister Ally, since it was once her portfolio in the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

Minister Ally reminded them that for Guyana to realise its potential we must recognise the need for peace, love, harmony and tolerance. This activity will be ongoing for the next few days at the CIOG Headquarters , Woolford Avenue.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, makes her presentation in the presence of several leaders of the CIOG

Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally in deep meditation during the programme

Woman charged with murder of brother AN EAST Bank Demerara woman was remanded to prison on Friday by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan for the murder of her young brother.

Debbie Hansraj

Debbie Hansraj, 25, of Grove, EBD, was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that between April 17 – 18, 2017 at Covent Garden Seadam, EBD she murdered 21-year-old Vishal Hansraj.

The unrepresented woman was remanded until May 8, 2017. According to reports the stabbing stemmed from a heated argument between the siblings after Vishal confronted his sister, who had allegedly wounded their mother.

Reports indicate that Vishal had armed himself with a knife and attempted to injure his sister, who in retaliation relieved him of the weapon and used it to stab him twice.

Both of them were reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The injured man was rushed to the Di-

DEAD Vishal Hansraj

amond Diagnostic Centre, after which he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed the following day.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

China to help develop local fisheries sector

-pact signed for training, feasibility study THE Ministry of Agriculture and the Embassy of China in Guyana on Friday signed an agreement which paves the way for advancement of the fisheries sector.

As part of the agreement, the Chinese Government will be assisting Guyana in the areas of training of its technical officers and the completion of a feasibility study which will serve as a guide to advance aquaculture production.

The team, who will be visiting the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station at Mon Repos and fish farmers in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six, will also be working with technical officers in the Fisheries Department by conducting practicals to boost fingerling production.

During the meeting, a Partnership Agreement was also signed by Permanent Secretary (ag), Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Joylyn Nester-Borrowes and Counsellor, Economic and Commercial Officer, Chinese Embassy, Mr. Shen Huiyong.

The Agreement among other things will facilitate a training exercise for technical officers and fish operators in September 2017. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, in

welcoming the delegation underscored the importance of aquaculture to Guyana’s GDP, adding that government remains committed to facilitating development of the local aquaculture sector.

According to the minister, this initiative is the latest in a string of similar initiatives by donor countries, multilateral financing institutions and the Government of Guyana to not only diversify agriculture, but to boost exports also.

The fisheries department this year will be working directly with farmers to pioneer new technologies and increase productivity through the improvement of fingerlings and building ties with new markets and buyers for the sector.

In 2016, the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station produced 114,705 fingerlings as opposed to 77,694 produced in 2015. Already for this year (first quarter),

Permanent Secretary (ag), Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Joylyn Nester-Borrowes and Counselor, Economic and commercial Officer, Chinese Embassy, Mr. Shen Huiyong

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder and officials from the Chinese Embassy and his ministry

the production of 15000 fingerlings has already been recorded as the department continues to make strides by assisting farmers to not only access larger quantities, but diversify their incomes, increase earnings and create new jobs.

“The fisheries sector continues to play an important and direct role in national food security...Guyana is committed to the sustainable management of the sector and is committed to working with its partners to ensure that the sustainable fishing practices are carried out,” the minister said.

In the Caribbean, the fisheries and aquaculture sec-

tor is a major economic contributor to domestic markets.

It is also a significant employer with about 116,000 people directly and over 225,000 indirectly employed.

The collaboration between the Chinese and Guyana governments was lauded by the Permanent Secretary (ag), who pointed to the fact that much has been achieved and continues to be done to advance the industry.

The Fisheries Department, according to Mrs Nestor-Borrowes, this year will also be expanding its operations in the hinterland as focus is placed on the development of inland fisheries and aquaculture in Regions

One, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10.

“Among the key highlights, the programme will see the implementation of the Arapaima Management Plan and the active involvement of stakeholders in the Aquaculture and sports fishing,” the Permanent Secretary (ag) said. The minister was also accompanied by Chief Fisheries Officer (ag), Ms Ingrid Peters.

The Chinese delegation also comprised: - Mr. Xu Yi (Jason) who serves as Director, Ms. Wang Xiaoqin (Monica), Ms. Zhang Liyan (Olivia) and Ms. Wang Ying (Stella) who will all serve as programme coordinators.

P&P Insurance makes Mother caught allegedly smuggling donation to police THIRTY-NINE members of the Guyana Police Force currently attending the University of Guyana and Nations University were Friday the recipients of a quantity of stationery and other paraphernalia, compliments of P&P Insurance Brokers located at North Road and King Street, Georgetown.

The presentation was made by the company’s Director Mr. Vickash Panday to Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM, at his Eve Leary Conference Room, in the presence of the ranks and that of Second-in-Command of the Force’s Administration, Woman Assistant Commissioner Maxine Graham, DSM. Mr Panday explained that he is very impressed by the force’s performances over the years and also the fact that a large number of its members are being allowed to pursue studies at the University of Guyana as well as

drugs into prison

Company Director, Vickash Panday, hands over some of the items to Commissioner Seelall Persaud at his Eve Leary Conference Room, in the presence of the ranks.

other Institutions of higher learning, resulting in a more educated, professional, effective and pro-active police force.

Commissioner Seelall Persaud, in accepting the sizeable donation which is worth in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), thanked Mr.

Panday for his timely gesture and for his recognition of the many positive strides that the Guyana Police Force is making for its members and that of the public we serve.

The fields of study for the 39 ranks include; Masters in Public Management and Administration, Degrees and Diplomas in Pub-

lic Management, Social Work, Criminology and Psychology, International Relations, Banking and Finance, Sociology, Human Resource Management, Accounts, Biology, Computer Science and Cambridge Pre-Law

A MOTHER of two, accused of smuggling marijuana under her skirt into the Georgetown Prison for her reputed husband, was remanded to prison on Friday.

Parviena Kissoon, 35, of, Laing Avenue, Georgetown, appeared before city Magistrate Fabayo Azore, charged with having in her possession 278 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking on April 19, 2017. She pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison until May 12, 2017.

Prosecutor Simon

Payne told the court that on the day in question at about 13:05hrs, Kissoon went to the Georgetown Prison to visit her reputed husband, Kevin Singh, who is on remand.

Upon entering the visiting area, a prison officer noticed the woman pulled out a black plastic bag from under her skirt and tossed it across the room. She was arrested and the bag was retrieved and found to contain cannabis concealed in three parcels wrapped in brown scotch tape.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Haags Bosch operating almost to optimal efficiency -Puran Brothers praised for excellent management POINTING out what he referred to as drastic changes in the waste-management practices at the Haags Bosch landfill facility, Site Manager Lloyd Stanton detailed that Puran Brothers Disposal Inc has already been operating at 75 percent contractual efficiency.

In addition, the company has displayed a compliance rate of 95 percent in accordance with clauses in the contract, as they relate to the equipment required. Stanton was at the time providing an update on management of the facility by the disposal company, which is the current sanitation service providers working on the site.

A high-level team from the Ministry of Communities recently met with Puran Brothers Disposal Inc to assess the state of compliance with the standard operationing procedures as contained in the contract for management of the Haags Bosch landfill facility at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

The company has begun submitting monthly reports to the site manager

and have since established a maintenance record that is on par with the service requirements. Stanton also revealed that the ministry has approved a list of permanent and temporary pickers and buyers, as well as a list of regulations that will govern the conduct of the employees.

The operators are now working to establish and

formalise a registration sheet for every vehicle involved in waste management that enters the site. According to Stanton, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing to conduct consultations with all waste-management service providers, to ensure that they have operational permits.

The EPA will also conduct a site and staff inspec-

tion during the month of May. It has been over five months into the contract and Permanent Secretary Emile McGarrell applauded the company on the level of progress so far. He also praised the contractors for the state of the facility after significant strides were made towards restoring some semblance of order and integrity.

McGarrel informed Puran

Brothers that the ministry intends to have a facility which can be used as a demonstration site and can be replicated at other facilities to be established in all 10 regions.

He noted that the ministry is also committed to ensuring that the site is managed differently from the manner of management that previously existed.

Since the new contractors began operations, the site has never been closed for any

Officials from Puran Brothers Disposal Inc during discussions with officials of the Ministry of Communities

reason (emergency or otherwise) and has so far been operating close to optimum.

The contracting company has reported that businesses have been dumping asbestos and smouldering materials at the site. However, appropriate mechanisms have been put in place to detect harmful substances and the errant businesses will soon be written to on account of the violations.

Operations Manager Rufus Lewis stated that designated areas have also been identified for quarantine of trucks ferrying suspect materials to the dumpsite.

Lewis also disclosed that by the end of April, seven employees would have been trained to deal with hazardous waste.

Lewis mentioned that Puran Brothers has submitted a draft contingency plan that is currently being vetted and fine-tuned to cater to any eventuality. Going forward, strict quality control measures will be used to manage the future operations of the site.

All persons entering the Turn to page 18

GuySuCo’s future to be decided by Parliament

…White Paper for House on May 8 THE future of the sugar industry will be decided when a White Paper is laid in the National Assembly on May 8, 2017, according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Thursday at a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency.

A ‘White Paper’ is a government report giving information or proposals on an issue. The draft White Paper on the sugar industry’s future was submitted

by Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder to Cabinet for its consideration at its Tuesday, April 18 meeting.

Cabinet discussed the submissions in the draft White Paper and granted its approval for the docu-

ment to be laid in the next sitting of the National Assembly. “This (the laying of the White Paper) here is another attempt at basically engaging all stakeholders in an important decision that has to be made on the sugar industry,” he said. He explained that the laying of the document in the National Assembly would continue the government’s trend of ensuring openness, transparency and accountability in the determination of the way forward for the industry.

Harmon noted that discussions on the White Paper will surround the feasibility of amalgamating some of the sugar estates and factories where appropriate, the requirement for divestment

of some facilities, and the utilisation of some of the facilities of the estates, particularly the land, for sugar workers and cane farmers to undertake agro-based activities.

Minister Harmon reiterated the administration’s position is that, “the sugar industry is not being closed down.” He explained that based on the financial and economic realities, the government has to make some adjustments to the industry. “These adjustments are what are going to come before the National Assembly in the form of the White Paper,” Minister Harmon explained.

The Commission of Inquiry’s (COI) report into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was presented

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

in the National Assembly and is now a matter of public record. The consultations (on the future of the industry,) between the government and the industry’s stakeholders are also a matter of public record, the minister pointed out.

At that consultation, the government did provide for the stakeholders and other entities, which may have proposals on GuySuCo to put them forward.

“As you have known, the Leader of the Opposition (Bharrat Jagdeo) has been saying they have a plan for GuySuCo, so we say put your plan on the table, and let us discuss it, but we have heard nothing from them, other than talk up to now,” Minister Harmon said. He explained that the government did in fact receive some proposals from GAWU, which were taken into consideration in the preparation of the White Paper.

Minister Harmon pointed out that government expects that in the National Assembly the

debate on the White Paper would take place, but that it would get the clearance and go ahead to ensure that it put systems in place to reverse the fortunes of the industry. It has become a necessity for the government to make urgent decisions on the sugar industry, given the financial and technical evidence presented. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan in his presentation of the 2017 budget had indicated the status quo of the sugar industry can neither be sustained nor maintained. According to the Finance Minister as currently structured, the industry would require government’s support to the tune of $18.6 billion and $21.4 billion for the years 2017 and 2018, respectively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Take a break from the kitchen -- and make Restaurant Week a success, Haralsingh urges

By Shauna Jemmott RESTAURANTS across Guyana will be engaged in a more festive promotion of local culinary culture as the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) launch one of two Restaurant Week celebrations for 2017.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh made the announcement Friday at a press conference to launch Guyana Restaurant Week at the Ministry of Business, Georgetown.

In an effort to embrace, celebrate and elevate Guyana’s culinary culture, the GTA in collaboration with THAG engaged several restaurants in a series of local food fest offers.

Restaurant Week begins on April 27 and ends on May 7.

“It’s basically 10 days of lunch and dinner specials… the original objective remains the same and we are happy to see that the objectives are being achieved [which are] to promote and encourage locals and visitors to dine out and enjoy the great food that Guyana has to offer,” Harals-

Restaurant Week Planning Team, from left to right: President of THAG Andrea deCaires, Anita Ramprasad, Marketing Manager Kevin Daby, Surida Nagreadi, Executive Director of THAG, Treina Butts, and GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh at the launch of Restaurant Week (Photo by Sherah Alleyne) ingh told reporters.

He announced that several restaurants have expressed an interest in participating in the food art, in which they will use only ingredients indigenous to Guyana to create

delicious and unique menus for sampling and consumption.

The GTA is encouraging Guyanese to rest from their kitchens and participate in making Restaurant Week a

bigger and better event.

“Next year, we’ll look at perhaps rolling out or even in Tourism Awareness Month of this year to other towns across Guyana. For instance, Linden Town Week begins

this weekend and they have three packed days of activities, and similarly, Bartica Town Week is coming up and it creates many opportunities for this culinary celebration,” Haralsingh said.

The fest comes at a time when Guyana commemorates two national holidays – Labour Day on May 1 and Arrival Day May 5.

Guyanese are encouraged to “come out to these restaurants for an opportunity to try the restaurants to experiment with the menu.”

Restaurant Week is growing into a great contributor to the tourism industry and Haralsingh pointed out that even if tourists do not go out anywhere, one can guarantee that “they eat three times a day.”

Menus will be offered at affordable prices.

Head of the marketing team for Restaurant Week, Kevin Daby, said the event has already created a stir on social media and an Instagram competition will allow a participant to win a trip with Fly Jamaica, to any one of its destinations.

He said Guyanese and foreigners alike have tapped in online to see what Restaurant Week is all about and what it has to offer this time around.

The Facebook page can be located by clicking at https://www.facebook.com/ guyanarestaurantweek/.

SOL Guyana staff spruce up manatee holding pond ON March 25 last month employees of SOL Guyana Inc converged on the Guyana Zoological Park/ Botanical Gardens for the annual sprucing up of the manatee-holding pond.

This is seen as part of Sol’s corporate social responsibility and as a means of giving back to the society while at the same time enhancing the environs.

In a release, the company said the Zoological Park/Botanic Gardens is one of the few places in Guyana where manatees can be viewed. The species on display is the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus Manatus) and though they might resemble seals or sea lions, their closest relative is the elephant.

Manatee populations are declining for a number of reasons; these include encroachment on

Sol Guyana employees in the Botanical Gardens

their natural habitat, human pollutants and collisions with watercraft.

Against this background, Sol’s annual gesture helps to call attention to these gentle giants by making their holding area more aesthetically pleasing and therefore more inviting for visitors. Sol is a Shell licensee and uses Shell trademarks under licence. The Sol Group of companies operates in 23 countries across the Eastern Caribbean, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti, The Dominican Republic, Bermuda,The Bahamas, The Cayman Islands, Belize Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Sol supplies fuels, lubricants, bitumen and LPG through an extensive service station network, with marine, aviation and commercial operations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Bandit shot, accomplices arrested Labour Week kicks

A 23-year-old Laing Avenue, Charlestown resident who traded bullets with law enforcement officials, minutes after he (suspect) and an accomplice robbed a Bourda Market vendor of $400,000 cash as he (victim) was about to enter his Pike Street Kitty yard, is under police guard, in a stable condition at the G.P.H.C., nursing a gunshot wound to his right foot In a release police said enquiries disclosed that about 14:30hr on Friday the 56-yerold vendor left his place of business and proceeded

to his home in a taxi. He arrived about 14:45 hr and was about to open his gate when the suspects, one armed with a handgun, approached on a motor cycle, pounced and relieved him of the cash mentioned from his person and made good their escape, east along Pike Street, Kitty.

The matter was reported and within minutes, police ranks on a mobile patrol responded and confronted the bandits, who discharged several rounds at the officers.

The police returned fire hitting one of the suspects who fell. His accomplice managed

to escape. Acting on information the ranks immediately proceeded to a house in Duncan Street, Kitty, where they conducted a search and found an unlicensed revolver with two live rounds and one spent shell. Four males and two females who were in the house have been taken into custody. One of the females is said to be the girlfriend of the wounded suspect.

The police have recovered a part of the stolen cash from the suspect who tried to dispose of same after being shot. Investigations are in progress.

Businessman allegedly utters forged cheque

A BUSINESSMAN accused of uttering a forged cheque to Toolsie Persaud Limited was released on $75,000 by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Friday.

Jerome Singh, 53, denied that on October 21, 2011 at Toolsie Persaud Limited, he uttered to a cashier a cheque

Jerome Singh

in the amount of $667,870, knowing same to be forged.

The court heard that Singh purchased several items from the Hardware store and paid with a forged cheque, which later bounced when taken to the bank. The matter was adjourned to May 12, 2017.

Haags Bosch operating ...

From page 16 compound must be appropriately outfitted with the requisite safety gear. In addition, the roads leading to the site are being paved and there is no concern as it relates to noise, smoke, dust or other types of pollution.

Lewis said that with the daily covers and compaction, the company has managed to eradicate any incidence of rodents burrowing in the cells or cracking the surface.

The operations manager pointed out that since the necessary resources are more forthcoming, performance is of a higher quality in all regards.

He pledged that with the help of engineers and technical expertise, Puran Brothers

will pursue every initiative that will ensure the site is transformed into a sanitary landfill. Landfill Technician, Hubert Urling, said that there has been a vast improvement in the management and operations of the facility.

“When we took over this place there was garbage everywhere. We’ve had several stumbling blocks along the way, but we are well on our way to ensure this facility is at the standard at which it should function,” Urling underscored. Head of the Sanitation Management Unit, Gordon Gilkes, said he was happy that the company is working to deliver on a promise to bring relief to the residents living in the vicinity

of the landfill site.

He explained that although residents adjacent to the landfill continue to experience some level of discomfort, there have been measurable improvements.

Director of Puran Brothers, Lakenauth Puran, expressed satisfaction that his company has been given the opportunity to fulfil a promise to ensure the site is brought in accordance with standard outlined for a landfill facility. The company was informed that the ministry will be taking a more enlightened view in the monitoring process and will be facilitating regular and sporadic checks at the facility. (Ministry of Communities)

off on Sunday

-unions plan unity rally, parade WORKERS Day (May 1st 2017) will, once again, be characterised by a united May Day rally and parade in Georgetown, the Guyana Trades Union Congress has said.

“Workers’ day offers us the opportunity for the working-class t o a s s e s s t h e p r e v a i ling situation, celebrate victories, and to reflect [on] the challenges on the road ahead,” the umbrella union said in a release. It added that the rally will feature addresses by leaders of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (F.I.T.U.G) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (G.T.U.C), as well as representatives of the Government and the Opposition.

This year’s celebra-

tions will be observed under the Theme: “Organizing – Necessary Pre-requisite In Building A Strong United Trade Union Movement.” The two bodies are of the strong view that unity, strength and solidarity are key and necessary ingredients at this time.

Labour Week will commence on Sunday with a church service at the St James the Less Church, David Street, Kitty, Georgetown. On Sunday afternoon, a wreath-laying and tribute ceremony to pay our homage and respect to the Father of the Trade Union Movement, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow at the forecourt of the Public Building. That activity will see tributes being

led by both the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (F.I.T.U.G.) and Guyana Trades Union Congress (G.T.U.C) and the laying of wreaths at the base of Critchlow’s monument.

The two bodies are pleased “that our observances will be celebrated in unity and togetherness.

We hope such developments will augur well for the Guyanese working people, especially in view of the contemporary situation. In the times ahead, our organisations loom forward to greater collaboration and co-operation as we seek to advance and defend the cause of the Guyanese workers,” the GTUC said.

Opposition Leader has duty to report illegal activity- Minister Harmon OPPOSITION Leader Bharat Jagdeo is obligated as a citizen and Leader of the Opposition to report to the police any information he has on illegal activity, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said.

The minister was responding to questions from the media on Jadgeo’s recent allegations that the government is supporting fuel-smuggling rings. Local media reported the opposition leader’s claims earlier this week.

“If Mr Jagdeo is aware of a fuel-smuggling ring, it is his duty as a citizen, as a leader of the opposition to report that information to the police,” Minister Harmon said.

The Minister of State pointed out that this Administration has given the Guyana Police Force “unfiltered access” to government offi-

Minister of State Joseph Harmon cials during investigations.

“We have given them unfiltered access to our permanent secretaries and several other officers in the ministry,” Harmon explained.

Minster Harmon gave the assurance that the government will “never be a part of any such activities” and

encouraged the opposition leader to hand over any information he has to the police.

Meanwhile, Harmon noted that the opposition leader was being cheeky to suggest going head to head with the President on a polygraph test.

“The polygraph test that was done was done on May 11, 2015 – that was Election Day when the people decided what they wanted; and so we don’t require new polygraph tests, if Mr Jagdeo wants to be tested he’s free to do so, but certainly I don’t see the President going head to head on any polygraph testing,” Minister Harmon said.

The Minister added that the President is “acting in the best interest of Guyanese and so are his ministers,” in response to questions on members of the government taking a polygraph test.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

CARIFTA Games team returns home to heroes’ welcome ELEVEN of the 12 athletes who participated at the Flow CARIFTA Games arrived home yesterday afternoon and were greeted in what has been dubbed a ‘heroes’ welcome’, by an enthusiastic party that included Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) president Aubrey Hutson, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, some parents, supporters and several other excited well-wishers.

Hooper was the only overseas-based athlete on the team and she returned to the U.S. The athletes were toasted in the VIP Lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. It was a grand cele-

bration for the team. Police escort was then provided for their journey to Georgetown and a motorcade around the city.

The successful Guyana team returned with eight medals from the esteemed meet, including a historic win of the Boys’ Junior 100m gold medal.

Overall they collected four gold, one silver and two bronze medals. As a result Guyana finished fifth of 28 countries that participated in the event.

The Boys’ Junior 100m gold went to Linden’s Compton Caesar, who also won bronze in the 200m. Of the other medal winners Linden’s Chantoba Bright finished with

one gold and a bronze, Anfernee Headecker had one silver, Claudrice McKoy won one gold and a bronze, and Natricia Hooper finished with a gold as well..

“What you were able to achieve over the weekend is what we could call the resurrection of Guyana’s place as it relates to athletics,” Jones told the gathering just before he toasted to their success at the airport.

However, missing from the greeting delegation was Minister of Sport Nicolette Henry, who was also not present when the team came down to Georgetown.

In Georgetown, President Granger hosted the athletes at State House, giving them en-

couraging words of gratitude for what they have done for Guyana.

But it was not just all words. As a thank-you, the President gave each member of the team, officials included, a commemorative 2017 Independence gold coin, which has not yet been released.

The athletes ended the evening as guests at the National Sports Award ceremony at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel. The Linden athletes on the team then spent the evening as guests of the Pegasus Hotel.

There are expected to return to Linden today, again under Police escort, where other festivities, including a motorcade, await them.

Windies women take on Pakistan, SA in official warm-ups LONDON, England (CMC) – West Indies cricketers will play official warm-up matches against Pakistan and South Africa ahead of their campaign in the ICC Women’s World Cup starting this June in England.

The Caribbean side face the Pakistanis in Leicestershire on June 20 before clashing with the South Africans two days later in Oakham.

West Indies then play their first game of the tournament on June 26 when they take on reigning champions Australia at the County Ground in Taunton.

Captain Stafanie Taylor said the two official warm-up games would be crucial in her side’s preparation “We are waiting eagerly for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 and these practice matches will be just the kind of preparation we need ahead of it,” the Jamaican batting star said.

“We know this is going to be a tough tournament but we have the confidence of the

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West Indies Women … one of the favourites in the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup. ICC World Twenty20 victory behind us and go into the World Cup with confidence.”

West Indies were good enough to reach the final of the last tournament four years ago in India before going down to the Aussies by 114 runs.

The reigning Twenty20 World champions West Indies will enter the tournament as one of the favourites, especially having matured as a 50-overs side in recent years.

Each side will play the other once in the round-robin

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preliminary phase with the top four advancing to the semi-finals.

The tournament runs from June 24 to July 23 and will see 31 matches played across five venues.

West Indies, along with Australia, England and New Zealand, qualified automatically for the tournament based on their top-four ranking in the ICC Women’s Championship, while India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan came through a qualifier staged in Sri Lanka in February.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Sad Southgate leads tributes to former teammate Ehiogu

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Soccer mourned the untimely death of former England and Aston Villa defender Ugo Ehiogu yesterday with national manager Gareth Southgate paying tribute to a “colossus”, friend and true gentleman.

Ehiogu, who worked as Under-23 coach for Premier League title contenders Tottenham Hotspur, collapsed at the North London club’s training ground on Thursday and was rushed to hospital.

He died early yesterday of a cardiac arrest, aged 44.

“Losing him at such a young age is difficult to come

Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate played together for almost 10 years.

to terms with,” said Southgate, who played alongside

Ehiogu at Villa and Middlesbrough for almost 10 years and was also with him in the England squad.

“Most importantly, he was a gentleman and he is one of those characters that people would find it difficult to have anything bad to say about.

“I probably played more games with Ugo than anybody else in my career and, while in many ways he was a gentle giant away from football, he was a colossus on the pitch,” added the England manager.

Ehiogu, who started out as a trainee at West Bromwich Albion but spent most of his career at Aston Villa, was capped four times by

England.

He would doubtless have won more caps but for injury and competition from younger defenders like Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.

As well as playing more than 200 times in nine years for Villa, London-born Ehiogu played 126 games for Middlesbrough after becoming their then-record signing for £8 million in 2000.

He won the League Cup with both clubs.

Also playing for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League, Ehiogu scored a winner against Celtic in the 2007 Old Firm derby with a spectacular overhead kick

that was later voted the club’s goal-of-the-season by fans.

He ended his professional career at Sheffield United in 2009 and joined Tottenham’s coaching staff in 2014 after a spell with the England Under-20 side.

Championship club Villa said they would be holding a minute’s applause before their home derby against Birmingham City on Sunday with both sets of players wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.

Tottenham, who are playing league leaders Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley today will do likewise.

The club also cancelled

academy matches scheduled for the weekend and postponed Monday’s Under-23 game at Manchester United.

“He was a person who always helped us a lot and we will miss him greatly. We are all in shock, it happened so quickly,” manager Mauricio Pochettino told the club website.

“It’s a huge loss both personally and for all the Tottenham Hotspur family.”

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson said Ehiogu was one of the rocks in the team in the most successful period in the club’s history.” He wasn’t just a good footballer, he was a great man,” Gibson said.

James leads Cavs to record second-half comeback win over Pacers (REUTERS) - LeBron James engineered the NBA playoffs’ biggest second-half comeback as the Cleveland Cavaliers overturned a 25-point deficit at halftime to beat the Indiana Pacers 119-114 in Game Three of their series on Thursday.

James scored 41 points, pulled down 13 rebounds and dished out 12 assists as the reigning NBA champions beat the Pacers in Indianapolis to take a 3-0 lead in the bestof-seven first-round series. It was his 17th career playoff triple-double. Only Magic Johnson, with 30, has more.

“I didn’t know it was the biggest comeback,” said James, who became the third-highest scorer in the playoffs with 5 670 points, ahead of Kobe Bryant and trailing only Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

“I just try to put myself in position to help my teammates win. I try to empower them,

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

make them better, make them believe we can be great every night.”

Until Thursday, no team had come from more than 21 points behind at halftime to win a playoff game - the previous record was set in 1948 by Baltimore against Philadelphia.

The Cavs were down 74-49 at halftime, after earlier trailing by 26 points.

“I don’t settle for being not as great as I can be,” James said. “It’s not going to result in a stat line like this every night.

The only thing that matters is the win and that’s what I’m here for.

“To win on the road in the post-season is already tough enough. To win in the fashion we did tonight is even tougher.”

Ex-Costa Rican soccer chief banned for life by FIFA

By Simon Evans

(REUTERS) - The former president of the Costa Rican Football Association, Eduardo Li, was banned from the game for life by FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee yesterday, the organisation said.

Li is one of 42 individuals and entitiesn charged in a U.S. investigation into the biggest corruption scandal in the history of FIFA. He was among seven soccer officials arrested at a Zurich luxury hotel in May 2015.

Li, who was also a former member of the executive of CONCACAF, the regional confederation for North and Central America, pleaded guilty in a U.S federal

Former Costa Rican Football Federation (FEDEFUT) president and FIFA executive committee member Eduardo Li court in October to taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes.

U.S. prosecutors alleged Li and others engaged in schemes involving over $200 million in bribes and

kickbacks that were sought and received by soccer officials for marketing and broadcasting rights to tournaments and matches.

In court, Li had said he negotiated a $500 000 bribe, of which $300 000 he actually received, to award a Miami-based unit of Brazil’s Traffic Group media and marketing rights for 2022 World Cup qualifier matches.

Li also said he had agreed to accept a separate $500 000 bribe, $230 000 of which he received, from Panama-based intermediaries in exchange for awarding a U.S. company a contract to be the Costa Rican national team’s uniform sponsor.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Injured Starc, Lynn in Australia’s Champions Trophy squad (REUTERS) - Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc and batsman Chris Lynn have been named as part of a formidable squad for next month’s Champions Trophy in England and Wales despite nursing injuries.

Starc was forced to pull out midway the India tour last month with a fractured foot while Lynn has been sidelined with a shoulder injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Both are expected to be fit for Australia’s

opener on June 2 against New Zealand.

“Our medical staff will continue to monitor Mitchell and Chris’s recovery from their respective injuries but we are hopeful they will be fit in time for the team’s departure on May 18,” selector Trevor Hohns said in a media release.

J a m e s F a u l k n e r, man-of-the-match in the 2015 World Cup final against New Zealand, has been omitted from the 15-man squad named on Thursday, with selec-

Mitchell Starc

tors opting for all-rounders Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.

Young fast bowler Pat Cummins and James Pattinson, on the comeback trail after suffering stress fractures in his back, were included in an imposing pace battery along with Josh Hazlewood and John Hastings.

“Both James and John have made very good returns from injury and are bowling well for their respective teams in the English county com-

petition as well as both contributing well with the bat,” Hohns said.

“When you also add Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins to the fast bowling artillery it becomes a very exciting proposition for Australian cricket.”

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa is the sole specialist spinner in the squad, while batsmen Usman Khawaja, George Bailey and Peter Handscomb have missed out.

World champions Australia, who lost their top

ranking to South Africa earlier this year, will bid for their third win in the quadrennial one-day international tournament after back-to-back triumphs in 2006 and 2009.

Squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Shafiul back in Bangladesh squad for Champions Trophy (REUTERS) - Paceman Shafiul Islam, who last played one-day international cricket in October 2016, has been named in Bangladesh’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy in June, the country’s board said on Thursday.

Shafiul, who has played 56 ODIs and taken 63 wickets in the 50-over format, has been missing from the international scene since picking up a hamstring injury in a domestic league match last

Hom were dropped from the squad in the wake of the recent drawn series in Sri Lanka.

The Champions Trophy, to be played between the top eight ODI sides of the world, starts from June 1 in England. The 2006 edition was the last time Bangladesh played in the

Shafiul Islam last played ODI cricket in 2016. year. His last ODI was Nurul Hasan, paceagainst England at Chit- man Subashis Roy and tagong. all-rounder Shuvagata

Holders Real to face rivals Atletico in Champions League semi-final (REUTERS) - Eleven-time champions Real Madrid will take on neighbours Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final after the draw pitted last year’s finalists against each other.

The other semi-final will feature Monaco v Juventus.

Monaco and Real will play the first leg at home on May 2 and 3 respectively, with the return fixtures being played on May 9-10.

Real Madrid beat Atletico in the final in 2014 and again in 2016 but playing the second leg away could favour their bitter rivals.

Emilio Butragueño, former Real Madrid forward and the club’s current Director of Institutional Relations said: “We know each other well. It’s the fourth season in a row

we’re facing them in Europe and they’re a tough opponent.

“In theory it’s better to play the return leg at home but that all depends on the result of the first leg.

“When we played against Bayern it seemed that having the second leg at home was an inconvenience but we got through,” he added.

The second semi-final pitches a free-scoring Monaco side, who have scored 24 goals since reaching the group phase, against the steely Juventus defence, the Italian side having conceded only two goals in the campaign. “ M o n a c o ! S t ro n g team with many talented players and an impressive run this season. We have to be careful, but

the goal is clear,” Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira said on Twitter.

Monaco, who were knocked out by twotime champions Juve in the 1997-98 Champions League semi-finals and in the quarter-finals two years ago, have never won the competition but reached the final in 2004.

“This Monaco team have no limits. They are young and fearless,” said Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasiliyev.

“They (Juventus) have reinforced their squad in the last two years, but so have we,” added Vasiliyev.

Real and Juventus are still undefeated in the competition.

The final will be played in Cardiff on June 3.

tournament.

The South Asian nation has been grouped with Australia, England and New Zealand in Group A. Defending champions India are in Group B with neighbours and arch-rivals Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Squad: Tamim Iqbal,

Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehedi Hasan, Sunzamul Islam, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (captain), Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

WICB shocked by Bravo damages claim - Grave WEST Indies Cricket Board (WICB) new CEO, Johnny Grave, claims the body has been taken aback by a damages claim from suspended batsman Darren Bravo when an end to the impasse seemed imminent.

Bravo has not appeared for the West Indies since November of last year when he was pulled from the team’s tour of Zimbabwe after posting an offensive tweet regarding WICB president Dave Cameron.

The player took excep-

Darren Bravo tion to the Cameron’s assertion that he was not given a better retainer contract be-

cause he had not deserved it and the incorrect suggestion that he had previously

held an A contract. Bravo voiced his displeasure on social media platform Twitter where he called the top official an “idiot”.

The WICB had demanded that the tweet be removed in 24 hours and an apology, none of which has been acquiesced to so far. After months of negation Grave claims he believed a solution was at hand.

“I thought everything was agreed with his legal advisrrs. We didn’t want this to play out publicly but

yes, it is true, his attorney is asking for damages and West Indies supporters deserve an explanation as to why he is not in the squad in Jamaica,” Grave told Espncricinfo, after claiming that terms of an apology from both parties had already been agreed to.

“There is still a lot of sympathy for Darren. He was frustrated at the time of that tweet and we understand that.

We want to move on and we want to move on with him.

But that issue does have to be

resolved before he can play for West Indies,” he added.

Bravo claims for damages amount to US$120 000 and takes into account a loss of earnings for both the Zimbabwe and subsequent Sri Lanka tour, but also BPL and PSL contracts, and regional Caribbean competitions.

Grave admits the inclusion of the T20 competitions was another surprise as the player has been quickly given No Objection Certifications (NOC) upon request.

(Sportsmax.com)

Blatter says met U.S. lawyers, but is not a suspect Yorke bemoans lack of

By Brian Homewood

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said yesterday he had met lawyers from the U.S. Justice Department but was not a suspect in their soccer-related corruption investigations.

The 81-year-old, banned for six years by FIFA’s own ethics committee at the height of a scandal engulfing world soccer’s governing body, told journalists he had met the U.S. lawyers in October or November, without going into further details.

Several dozen soccer officials, including some from FIFA, were indicted in the United States in 2015 on corruption-related chances.

Blatter was not among them, although he subsequently said his lawyer had advised him not to travel abroad.

“I have had very little contact from my American lawyers because I was never a person of inter-

Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter est under scrutiny by the American justice,” he told a group of international reporters yesterday.

“I have been investigated in two or three matters ... but there is no wrongdoing.” There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Justice Department.

‘STILL POPULAR’ Blatter and Ex-UEFA president Michel Platini were banned from all football-related activities in 2015, initially for eight years, over a 2 million Swiss franc ($2 million) payment FIFA made to Platini in 2011, with Blat-

ter’s approval, for work done a decade earlier.

Blatter said yesterday he had become a ‘punching bag’ for all FIFA’s problems but that he was still generally liked by his Swiss compatriots.

“Here in the city of Zurich and Switzerland in general, I am not only accepted but they like me,” said Blatter, who has denied all charged against him.

“I don’t have the impression that I am a rejected man. Why should I be rejected? I have done a good (job at) FIFA ... I feel that wherever I go the people

and young people recognise me and want to take a picture and say hello. There are still fans who write to me.”

He said Swiss prosecutors had not contacted him over a separate case initiated in September 2015 against him relating to accusations of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation.

“I have never heard anything, my lawyer has heard nothing about that,” he said.

“That does not surprise me, because there was no reason to open a case against me.”

“I have been interviewed and I will be interviewed in future but not in these cases; I am interviewed in cases concerning the activities in FIFA, as a person of information.”

Swiss authorities have also opened investigations into the decision to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively, into Germany’s successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup and against former FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke.

Waugh leads Australia U-19s to series win A COMPOSED half-century from Austin Waugh has helped Australia Under-19s take an unassaible 3-1 series lead in the fourth youth one-day international against Sri Lanka in Hobart.

Waugh, the son of former Test captain Stephen, struck a measured 60 off 125 balls to dig Australia out of early trouble and reach the victory target of 163 with four wickets to spare at Kingston’s Twin Ovals.

The right-hander grabbed his shirt on reaching 50, later explaining the gesture was to show his pride in representing his country.

Waugh, who came to the crease at 3-2, patiently

Austin Waugh made 60 off 125 balls to dig the Aussies out of early trouble. compiled his runs and was eventually out with Australia 23 runs shy of victory.

Merlo (43 not out), with

the latter getting Australia home with 26 balls to spare to seal the five-game ODI series.

Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Kamindu Mendis won the toss and elected to bat but the visitors soon found themselves in trouble.

Opening bowlers Zak Evans (4-30) and Ryan Hadley both made an early breakthrough, before leg-spinner Spoors and Iain Carlisle picked up a wicket each following in their footsteps.

Sri Lanka were reduced to 4-39, with key quartet Vishva Chathuranga, Lasith Croospulle, vice-captain Haditha Boyagoda and skipper Mendis all back in the shed.

From there though, Jehan Daniel (36) and Krishan Sanjula (29) led the revival, as the visitors inched past 100 at a rate of three runs per over without any further loss.

But Sanjula, Ayana Siriwardena and Daniel fell in quick succession, before some lower-order resistance from Rashmika Dilshan (25 off 50 balls) and Nipun Ransika (28 off 29) ensured the hosts batted through their overs to set a competitive total.

Evans’ effort was his third four-wicket haul for the series, which concludes with the fifth and final 50over clash at the same venue on Sunday.

(Cricket Australia)

black managers in football

… `We can’t even get an interview’

FORMER Manchester United star Dwight Yorke has decried a lack of black coaches in football after claiming to be frustrated by several attempts to secure a position.

The retired Trinidad

le are the only managers from Black, Asian or any other ethnic minority in Europe’s top four divisions.

“Football is a global sport and black players have contributed to the global sport for a num-

Former T&T and Manchester United footballer Dwight Yorke. and Tobago international, Yorke, who won the Premier League three times at United, in 1998-99, 19992000 and 2000-01, has claimed it is impossible to even secure an interview despite having the requisite coaching badges.

“If it’s not because of the colour of our skin, then tell me what it is?” the former Trinidad and Tobago player said.

“I’m speaking out about it. Be fair. At least give us an interview.”

Brighton’s Chris Hugh and Carlisle’s Keith Cur-

ber of years,” he added.

“Look to the Premier League. Are there any black managers?

“Look at the Italian league? Are there any black managers?

“The list goes on,” Yorke said.

“People like myself, who have good credibility in the game and played at the very top level, you’d think would get a job or at least be given an interview, but you’re not even getting an interview.”

(Sportamax.com)

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Yearning to go pro – Guyana’s Chelsea Edghill is taking it step by step

By Tamica Garnett THESE days, Guyana’s table tennis starlet Chelsea Edghill is busy with college but playing way more table tennis now that she’s living in the United States.

But a longing to make it into the table tennis big leagues is still one of her foremost desires.

The 19-year-old is currently doing her undergraduate in Chemistry at Lindenwood University in Missouri, also functioning on the school’s table tennis team, training under coach David Cabreba. While training in the U.S., she’s able to participate in a lot more tournaments that she ever could while in Guyana, but the national women’s singles champion is hungry for more than that.

“There’s only so much that can be done at the college level and I really yearn to play at a professional level,” Edghill acknowledged

earlier this week. But of course finances play a major role in holding the Junior Sportswoman-of-theYear back from her goal.

Nonetheless, for the time being her passion for the sport keeps her going.

“At times you wonder if it’s all worth it, knowing that you can be so much better, but then you remember the main reason why you’re playing – the love of the game - and that’s what keeps you

going,” she expressed.

“Eventually I will call it quits but that’s no time soon.”

As she bides her time and waits to see just how far she’ll go, in the meantime she’s

Regional Competition She won the women’s Open of the South Bend Open table tennis tournament, was a quarterfinalist in the Under-2450 category of

been putting together quite an impressive rap sheet of performances. So far for the year she’s already placed second in the women’s singles of the College National Districts Competition and had a third place finish in the singles at the College National

the same tournament, and a quarterfinalist at the College Nationals.

She’s definitely been busy! Last year she took part in 10 tournaments, including Guyana’s National Table Tennis Championships, where she won the women and women’s Under-21 singles titles.

Next month she represents Guyana at the Islamic Solidarity Games and hopes are high to see how well she finishes. But following that, the former Junior Sportswomanof-the-Year, will be slowing things down a bit, for health reasons.

“I’ll be taking a break to examine my shoulder. I was diagnosed with tendonitis of the biceps and rotator cuff, and I would like to get a second opinion,” she explained.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

WICB/PCL 4-day cricket ...

Jaguars crumble to Cornwall off-spin for 187 on opening day

By Rajiv Bisnauth OFF-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall sparked an unusual Guyana Jaguars’ batting collapse as Leeward Islands Hurricanes took control on day one of the final round of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day game at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence yesterday.

The hosts crumbled for 187 just after tea, eroded by Cornwall who grabbed his 11th five-wicket haul. The 24-yearold ripped through the batting on a pitch that offered consistent turn and bounce, with the last seven wickets tumbling for only 86 runs.

Cornwall proved the bright spot for the visitors, claiming 6-68, with only skipper Leon Johnson (33),

Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall grabs his 11th five-wicket haul.

delivery to short mid-on.

However, Johnson who started positively, sweeping off-spinner Jacques Taylor to the fine-leg boundary, made good progress until lunch in tandem with Raymon Reifer.

But the hosts then squandered a promising position, with the continuous clatter of wickets having as much to do with undisciplined batting.

Immediately into the postlunch session Cornwall broke the 50-run fourth-wicket stand when he had Reifer stumped before Tonge found some extra bounce to have Johnson caught at the wicket, at 101-5.

Debutant Anthony Adams receives his cap from head coach Esaun Crandon.

Keemo Paul (30) and debu- Yadram and left-arm spinner ball innings, but after a promtant Bhaskar Yadram (25), Anthony Adams their first-class ising 35-run opening stand, the providing short resistance. debut. hapless hosts lost three quick Pacers Jeremiah Louis and The right-handed Yadram wickets.

Gavin Tonge chipped in with then took centre stage. He First-change Cornwall 2-27 and 2-37 respectively. got off the mark with an removed both openers, while In reply the visitors reached attractive drive to the cover Louis claimed the wicket of 62 without loss at the close, boundary off Louis, before Chanderpaul Hemraj, to soft trailing by 135 runs with all ten rushing into the 20s, with dismissals. Fudadin skied wickets standing. a lovely square-cut, a drive Cornwall’s first ball to cover, Montcin Hodge was un- through the covers and two Yadram was taken at leg-slip beaten on 32, while Chesney classic straight boundaries while Hemraj lofted a full Hughes went back uncon- off Tonge.On the other hand, quered on 29. fellow opener Assad Fudadin Opting to bat after win- was somewhat circumspect, ning the toss, the hosts handed hitting one boundary in his 31-

Christian to lead Essequibo in Under-17 Inter-county tourney THE Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) yesterday released its squad of fourteen players to participate in the annual Under-17 Inter-county tournament which is scheduled to commence on April 25 in Georgetown and also to involve Demerara and Berbice.

The squad was named by the selectors following two trial matches that were held

at the Imam Bacchus Cricket Ground in Affiance. The team will be led by former national Under-15 batsman Kevin Christian. The full squad reads: Kevin Christian (captain), Orlando Jailall, Mahesh Ramnarine, Saheed Hack, Mark Rankin, Dovindra Mohan, David Chalitar, Leon Swami, Romario Stephens, Lance Roberts, Reyaz Khan, Hamel Lam, Azim Mohamed and

Badesh Parsotam. Nandkishur Andrews is the coach and Nazeer Mohamed is the manager Meanwhile the squad is continuing daily sessions, including training and practice matches which are being organised by the ECB.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday April 22, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Brian Lara-1173 runs (2) Mohammad Yousuf-1214 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has taken most Test wickets against Pakistan to date?

(2) Which Pakistani has taken most Test wickets against the

WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Former national Under-15 batsman Kevin Christian

Louis then removed Anthony Bramble before Cornwall claimed the wicket of Steven Jacobs, and at tea the hosts were 165-7. After the interval, Cornwall completed his five-wicket haul, with Paul’s wicket before the innings came to an abrupt end.

Hodge and Hughes then made a solid start, and did not give any chance to the hosts’ bowlers. The pair mixed sound defence with some attractive shots.

They stroke a combination of ten boundaries, including two sixes, which came off the bat of Hughes. Play resumes today at 10:00hrs.

SCOREBOARD GUYANA JAGUARS 1st innings A. Fudadin c Carthy b Cornwall 6 B. Yadram c Chesney b Cornwall 25 C. Hemraj c Taylor b Louis 9 L. Johnson c wkp. Hamilton b Tonge 33 R. Reifer stp. Hamilton b Cornwall 13 A. Bramble c Cornwall b Louis 15 K. Paul c Tonge b Cornwall 30 S. Jacobs c Hodge b Cornwall 4 V. Permaul c Saunders b Tonge 12 C. Pestano c Peters b Cornwall 15 A. Adams not out 4 Extras: (nb-2, b-9, lb-10) 21 Total: (all out, 69.4 overs) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-51, 3-51, 4-101,

5-101, 6-136, 7-142, 8-165, 9-175.

Bowling: Tonge 13-4-37-2, Louis 13-5-27-2, Cornwall 26.4-11-68-6, Taylor 5-1-17-0, Berridge 3-1-140, Peters 2-1-5-0.

LEEWARD ISLANDS Hurricanes 1st innings M. Hodge not out 32 C. Hughes not out 29 Extras: (nb-1) 1 Total: (no wicket, 25 overs) 62 Bowling: Refier 6-4-11-0, Pestano 4-1-17-0, Jacobs 5-1-8-0, Paul 4-2-16-0, Adams 3-1-8-0, Permaul 3-2-2-0.

Raina reigns supreme as Gujarat topple KKR SURESH Raina struck a brilliant 84 to steer Gujarat Lions to a much-needed four-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League yesterday.

Gujarat had triumphed just once in 2017 prior to this encounter at Eden Gardens, while KKR had won four out of five and were flying high.

The hosts had looked set for a score north of 200 after explosive contributions from Sunil Narine (42) and Robin Uthappa (72), striking his second half-century of the season, before eventually finishing on 187-5.

Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum got the Lions off to an electrifying start during the powerplay, before captain Raina led his side towards victory with nine fours and three sixes in his 46-ball knock - the visitors getting over the line with 10 balls to spare.

Earlier, KKR had got off to a flyer courtesy of Narine, with the West Indian scoring all of his runs in boundaries as he powered nine fours and a six, before holing out to James Faulkner off the bowling of Raina.

Suresh Raina’s brilliant 84 contained nine fours and four sixes.

That set the platform for a powerplay. second-wicket partnership of Raina helped steady the 69 in 49 balls between Uthap- ship as wickets fell around pa and Gautam Gambhir (33), him, with fellow left-hander before the latter skied a slower Ravindra Jadeja (19 not out) ball from Faulkner to opposite joining him in a match-winnumber Raina. ning sixth-wicket partnership In response, Finch perished of 58 in 31 balls as the Lions for a quick-fire 31 from 15 skipper overtook Virat Kohli early on as he and McCullum once more at the top of the (33 off 17) helped the Lions all-time IPL run-scorers list. reach 72-1 at the end of the (OmniSPORT)

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 22, 2017

Chase, Dowrich rescue West Indies on day one K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) – High quality half-centuries from Roston Chase and Shane Dowrich averted catastrophe for West Indies and helped the Caribbean side make a strong finish to the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan here yesterday.

Slumping at 71 for five in the first over after lunch, the Windies battled their way back to end on 244 for seven, with Chase carving out 63 and Dowrich getting 56.

Together, they put on 118 for the sixth wicket, limiting Pakistan to the single wicket in the post-lunch session and repairing an innings which threatened to come apart at the seams after the untested batting line-up found itself exposed.

Even when Chase and Dowrich perished in successive deliveries on the stroke of the final hour, captain Jason Holder arrived to stroke a breezy 33-ball unbeaten 30, in an entertaining, unbroken 55-run eighth-wicket stand with Devendra Bishoo, which allowed West Indies to dominate the back end of the day.

The left-handed Bishoo chanced his hand in an unbeaten 23 from 35 balls, a knock that has so far included a four and a six.

Left-arm fast bowler Mohammed Amir was the best bowler, using friendly swing conditions early on to finish with three for 28 while leg-spinner Yasir Shah picked up two for 91.

On the occasion of the 50th Test at the historic ven-

Vishal Singh receives his Test Cap on debut from West Indies director of cricket Jimmy Adams.

Shimron Hetmyer receives his Test cap on debut from West Indies director of cricket Jimmy Adams on the first day of the first Test at Sabina Park. ue, West Indies made a nightmare start, crashing to 53 for four half-hour before lunch as Amir sliced through the top order.

His new-ball partner Mo-

hammad Abbas struck with only his second ball in Test cricket in the second over of the morning when he removed Kraigg Brathwaite without scoring to a catch

by Younis Khan at second slip with a single run on the board.

Debutant Shimron Hetmyer struck two boundaries in scoring 11 but never settled and lost his off-stump to one from Amir that jagged back in the ninth over at 24 for two.

Shai Hope fell for two in similar fashion to leave West Indies in deeper trouble, playing back to one from Amir that also came back sharply and losing his offstump spectacularly.

Left-hander Vishal Singh, also handed a debut with hometown boy Jermaine Blackwood dropped, failed to impress and spent 20 deliveries over nine before clipping an innocuous ball from left-armer Wabab Riaz low to square leg where Azhar Ali took a simple catch.

Kieran Powell, who made a patient 33 off 71 balls with two fours, then paired with Chase to steer West Indies to the safety of lunch at 71 for four.

Amir, however, stunned West Indies in the first over following the break when he got the leaden-footed Powell to spar at a wide ball and edge to Younis Khan at second slip, without any addition to the score.

Staring down the barrel, West Indies were rescued by Chase and Dowrich, both of whom played positively to take the embattled side to tea at 143 without further loss.

The right-handed Chase, who scored his maiden Test hundred at Sabina Park nine

Roston Chase salutes the crowd at Sabina Park after reaching his second Test half-century yesterday.

(Photo courtesy WICB Media) months ago, faced 151 deliv- the very next ball, Dowrich eries and counted seven fours missed a casual drive and was and a six while Dowrich, who bowled, leaving the Windies was more sedate, struck nine to start over.

But any hopes Pakistan boundaries off 130 balls.

Chase played positively had of running through against both pace and spin the tail were scuppered as and took a particular liking Holder and Bishoo scored to leg-spinner Yasir Shah, quickly to put them on the stroking him for a couple of back foot. off-side boundaries before lifting him straight for six.

Unbeaten on 47 at tea, WEST INDIES 1st innings he raised his second Test K. Brathwaite c Y. Khan b half-century, 17 minutes after M.Abbas 0 tea when he worked Abbas to K. Powell c Y. Khan b Amir 33 backward square for a single.

S. Hetmyer b M. Amir 11 Fellow Barbadian DowS. Hope b M. Amir 2 rich, on 27 at tea, brought up V. Singh c A. Ali b W. Riaz 9 R. Chase c W. Riaz b Y. Shah 63 his fifth half-century in his S. Dowrich b Y. Shah 56 ninth Test – 50 minutes after J. Holder not out 30 the break – when he slammed D. Bishoo not out 23 Amir to the ropes at extra Extras: (lb-17) 17 cover.

Total: (7 wkts, 81 overs) 244 Both perished in the next Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-24, 3-32, over, however. Chase tried 4-53, 5-71, 6-189, 7-189.

Bowling: Mohammad Amir to clear the ropes at long-off 19-9-28-3, Mohammad Abbas and was brilliantly held in the 17-4-42-1, Wahab Riaz 21-4-66deep by Wahab Riaz running 1, Yasir Shah 24-5-91-2. back and diving. And off

SCOREBOARD

Guinness Greatest of the Streets heads to Linden THE Linden leg of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets will kick off this Sunday at the Mackenzie Market Park from 19:00hrs with defending champions Team 25 back in the running.

They will join 31 other teams in Magic Star, Swag Entertainment, Goal Getters, Good Fellas, Araima Colo Colo, Future STAR, Hard Knocks, Cherokee Park, High Rollers, Constab, Main Street Panthers, Unknowns, South Stars, Mile Star, Coomacka, Amazings, Silvertown All-Star and Dream Chasers.

The other teams are Speightland, Jermaine’s and Family Silver Bullets, High Star, Bourda All-Stars, Dave & Celina All-Star, Ripping Bullets, Attackers, High Life Crew, Eagles, Trainline Warriors, Running Guns and Russians

In the night’s opening fixtures, High Rollers will play Silvertown All-Star, Dream Chasers take on Speightland, Jermaine’s and Family Silver Bullets challenge High Star and High Life Crew meet Eagles.

In the second round of games on the evening,, Amelia’s Ward Russians will go toe-to-toe with Constab, Main Street Panthers lace up against Unknowns, defending champions Team 25 play South Stars and Dave and Celina All-Star oppose Ripping Bullets.

The winners will receive a top prize of $400 000, with second-place securing $150 000, third-place $75 000 and fourth-place $50,000 The tournament will be played at three venues namely the Mackenzie Market Park, Silver City Hardcourt and Amelia’s Ward Hard Court.

Action in the Guinness Greatest of the Streets will head to Linden for the next round tomorrow.

Chase, Dowrich rescue West Indies on day one See story on page 31

BACK They’re back! The Guyana team to the 2017 Flow CARIFTA Games at the CJIA yesterday.

CARIFTA Games team returns home to heroes’ welcome

See story on page 25

CARIFTA winners: President David Granger (centre) with four of the Guyanese medallists.

From left: Compton Caesar, Claudrice McKoy, Chantoba Bright, and Anfernee Headecker (Photos by Delano Williams)

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Compton Caesar: Guyana’s first-ever Boys’ Junior 100m gold medallist SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2017