Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 22 05 2017

Region Eight floods unprecedented Page 5

–– water continues to recede

Not done yet No. 104920

MONDAY MAY 22, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–– but houses for Independence Expo already attracting swarm of visitors

Page 3

Banks DIH records $2.54B profit Page 2

Global terrorism fight must not exclude small states Page 12

–– says President at Arab-Islamic-American Summit

One dead in Durban Street accident Page 10

Workers at work on this clay brick house at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara being built by S. A. Associates as part of government’s housing solutions (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

Banks DIH records $2.54B profit

BANKS DIH Limited on Sunday announced that the group has made an unaudited profit of $2.54B before tax over the past six months, (period ending March 2017) as compared to $4.09B for the same period last year.

In an advertisement

in the daily newspapers, Chairman of the Company,Clifford Reis, C.C.H,said the aforementioned profit for 2016 included a gain of $1.375B arising from the sale of the Company’s holding of ordinary shares in Banks Holdings Limited.

The interim financial

statements for the half year stated that the unaudited operating profit before tax for the parent company stands at $2.05B compared to $1.95B in 2016, while the unaudited profit after tax was $1.32B compared to $1.22B in 2016, representing an increase of $100.0M or $8.2

per cent.

“On December 1, 2016,the company re-purchased 150,138,464 of its ordinary shares, representing 15 per cent of the issued share capital, from Banks Holdings Limited.

However, Banks Holdings Limited still holds 5.88 per cent of the issued share capital of the company,” the chairman’s report stated.

Accordingly, the consideration for the re-purchase of ordinary shares was $5.524B, financed through cash resources of $4.524B and borrowings of $1.0B. Some $36.79 was the price per share and was based on a valuation conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers in December 2015.

The valuation determined that the 20 per cent shareholding of BHL in the issued capital of Banks DIH stands at fair market value between $37.00 and $40.00 per share.

The Net Asset Value of shares as at March 31, 2016 was $27.13;September 30, 2016 was $28.54,and March 31, 2017 at $28.02, the report stated.

Meanwhile, the group’s third party revenue for the six-month

period ended March 31, 2017 was $14.94B as compared to $14.60B for the corresponding period last year, representing an increase of $34.0M or 2.3 per cent.

The interim report said Citizens Bank Guyana Incorporated, a 51 per cent owned subsidiary of the company,achieved an unaudited profit after tax of $288.7M compared to $440.8M achieved last year.

In January, the bank opened the doors of its new $2.5B corporate headquarters and main office at lot 231-233 Camp Street and South Road,to better serve customers.

“The results of the group for the first six months were influenced by the maximisation of operational efficiencies, the increased cost of doing business and the reduced spending by consumers.”

It was noted that the Capital Expenditure Programme was limited to investment in critical areas in the long-term development aspect of the company. These included initial payments on a new biscuit packaging line, a new 1.7MW power generating plant and water storage tanks.

Banks DIH Chairman Clifford Reis “In the second half year, it is proposed to complete construction of the new workshop facilities and the modernisation of Demico House facilities,” Reis said.

Meanwhile, Reis noted that the board of directors has approved an interim dividend of $0.27 per share unit to all shareholders whose name appear on the register as at May 18, 2017. The cost of the dividend payment will be $229.5M. Notwithstanding the profits and plans, the company has made it clear that “the prevailing economic conditions and the limited supply of foreign exchange will definitely challenge our performance”.

Not done yet 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

–– but houses for Independence Expo already attracting swarm of visitors

By Svetlana Marshall CONTRACTORS are applying the final touches as they gear up for the Cen-

of various sizes, structure and designs.

Manager of S. A. Associates, Kwasi Amsterdam, said his company has made

been plastered and painted.

Ahead of the housing expo, hundreds of persons have already visited the model village as they seek

This unique house is being built with purely greenheart wood. It consists of three bedrooms, two toilets and baths, and a spacious kitchen and living room with an inside staircase (Samuel Maughn photo) tral Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) “Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond” exposition set for Independence Day. Billed for May 26-28, the expo is set to have on display 10 low-income, five moderate and eight middle-income houses, as well as six duplexes and two single units, built by the CH&PA and private contractors.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the model village at Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara on Sunday, the contractors were completing the interior of the houses, many of which are about 80 per cent completed.

The housing solutions range from two-bedroom wooden and concrete duplexes to single-flat, two and three-bedroom houses

significant progress despite constant rains.

“We have been doing great so far. We had a little setback with the weather, but so far so good,” Amsterdam said.

S. A. Associates is the lone company building a claybrick house for the housing expo.

Claybrick houses are nothing new to Guyana.

For many, claybrick is the preferred material because it is made from natural materials, have stood the test of time, and is considered to be a non-combustible material.

The 650sq feet, single-flat building has two bedrooms, a toilet and bath, kitchen and a sitting room.

It was noted that the exterior of the house will be polished while the interior of the house has already

Neil Kurt Rogers of General Contractors Association of Guyana

Sewdayal Munilal, the contractor attached to DuraVilla

Manager of S. A. Associates, Kwasi Amsterdam

to learn more about the housing solutions being offered by the Government through CH&PA. According to Amsterdam, on a daily basis, groups of persons visit S.A. Associates’ claybrick house.

“Every day more and more people are coming.

We even have late-night visits. Two families came 10 pm one night while we were working,” he pointed out.

Neil Kurt Rogers of General Contractors Association of Guyana, said the influx of persons since the construction of the houses began has been impressive.

General Contractors Association of Guyana is in the process of building one of the low-income homes.

“It is 600sq ft, but we are trying to make it as spacious as possible,” he told this newspaper.

Like many of the oth-

er houses, the single-flat house has two bedrooms, toilet and bath, along with kitchen and sitting room.

“We are just about done. We just have a few more things to do, but those will be finished in time for the expo,” Roger said.

Arch-Tech Design and Construction Manager Kurt David said his company has constructed two

One of the two-bedroom, single-flat duplexes being offered by government

See page 4

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

From page 3

Monday, May 22, 2017 - 2:00 hrs | 14:30 hrs Tuesday, May 23, 2:30 hrs | 14:30 hrs Wednesday, May 24, 3:30 hrs | 14:30 hrs

This two-storey duplex is designed to accommodate two families. Each side has two bedrooms on the upper flat, along with a common toilet and bath, while the lower flat consists of a kitchen and living room along with an inside staircase leading to the rooms (Samuel Maughn photo) houses for the expo – a two-bedroom house that is near completion and a three-bedroom house, which has already been completed.

“The larger of the two is 924sq feet and the other is 750sq feet,” he said. Da-

vid said many persons have expressed their interest in buying the houses.

Another unique solution being provided is a complete greenheart, wooden two- storey house with three bedrooms, two toilets and baths, and a spacious kitchen and living room with an inside staircase.

This unique house is being constructed by DuraVilla Homes Guyana.

The contractor on site,

Sewdayal Munilal, said the greenheart wood was specially processed for the house.

“The materials are like no other, they are of an extremely high quality,” he said.

Contractors were also completing the concrete and wooden two-bedroom duplexes being constructed

by Government along with the two single units that the CH&PA is also funding.

Perseverance was stra-

tegically chosen because the layout is set to accommodate 570 houselots, some of which will help with reducing the 25,000 housing applications’ backlog within the CH&PA system.

Some 200 houses have already been built in the area and the houses that will be on display at the expo will add to the community. At the end of festivities, the houses will be sold.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 22, 2017

Region Eight floods unprecedented

water continues to recede

By Svetlana Marshall AS water continues to recede in the flood-affected areas in Region Eight, people are beginning to see the real impact of the flash floods which took Waipa, Kanapang, Kopinang, Chiung Mouth, Itabac, Kaibarupaui and Chenapau by surprise.

Reports coming out of these areas indicate that 22 houses in Kaibarupaui have been completely destroyed, while 26 houses remain under water.

The situation is the same for the other villages with the main access road at Kanapang completely washed away.

After visiting some of the flood-affected areas on Sunday, Amerindian People’s Association (APA) representative, Michael McGarrell, who hails from Chenapau Village, told the Guyana Chronicle that “the water is receding in all locations.”

“People are now beginning to really see the impact of the flood. In Kaibarupaui, 22 houses have been completely destroyed, 26 still under water. Most people have lost everything,” McGarrell said, as he painted a vivid picture of the situation. “Thankfully,” he said, there has been no casualty as result of the flash flood.

Over at Waipa, the water is receding, however, it remains high at the moment, the APA representative reported.

“At Kanapang, the floodwater is receding, but I don’t know the exact magnitude of the damage there,” he said.

However, McGarrell was able to confirm that the road leading to the village has been washed away.

“Road access to Kanapang has been cut off until we find an alternative route,” he posited, while disclosing that the community is now being accessed by river from Orinduik.

RISING APA Executive Member Laura George told the Guyana Chronicle that as of Sunday, the Ireng River, which separates Guyana from Brazil, was rising again, noting that the damage done has been significant.

“The flood has rendered

the farms useless,” she posited, while emphasising that many of the farms are water-logged and severely damaged.

Given the situation, George said residents in the affected areas have informed the APA that they will need a supply of food for at least one year.

“Their farms are useless.

Their domestic water supply has been compromised. It is smelly, and when they bathe, it’s itching their skin,” George reported.

Currently, there are urgent calls for tarpaulins to assist residents whose homes were washed away or who are otherwise affected by the floods.

Reflecting on the entire situation, George said many of the families have been left with “nothing” and are clearly devastated.

“They never had a flood like this, so high and so extreme, never to this magnitude and they are traumatised.

When you see fathers cry, it is sad. They have never seen water rushing the way it did.

It wasn’t a regular flood,” the APA Executive posited.

In recent days, relief efforts have been upped by the authorities, including the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which established a Forward Operations Station at Orinduik.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe, led a team by boat to Waipa and Kaibarupai. The relief

supplies consist mainly of food, medical supplies, clothing and water-purification agents. The APA has also transported food supplies to Mahdia for shipment to Orinduik, from where it will be boated upriver to the affected communities.

PERSISTENT RAINFALL

Guyana’s border with Brazil, overtopped, and as a result, several nearby villages were inundated.

Several government agencies, including the Ministry of State, Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, the Ministry of Public Health and the CDC are coordinating relief efforts.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) stated

What’s left of the Alleluia Church at Kaibarupaui following the floods

eral villages in Region Seven have also suffered flooding, but not to the level of severity of the villages in Region Eight.

The villages affected in Region Seven are Purima, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipi, Kamarang and Duebamang. The Region Seven Regional Disaster Risk Management Systems (RDRMS) and Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee (RDRMC) have been activated. A team is being deployed to the affected villages to conduct assessments and reconnaissance.

Mainly farmlands and some residences have been flooded

in the Region Seven villages.

Members of the public who wish to make donations to the flood-relief efforts are asked to do so to the CDC headquarters on Thomas Road. CDC telephone numbers are 226 1114, 226 8815, 226 1027, 225 5847 and email info@cdc.gy and opsandtrg. cdcgy@gmail.com The items required are water, bleach, biscuits, rice, flour, sugar, salt, powdered milk, cooking oil, margarine, toilet paper, matches, canned foods, potatoes, tea bags, soap, soap powder and clothing.

Residents of Chenapau being supplied with bleach, oil and other food items during an APA outreach (Photo by Michael McGarrell)

The floods have been caused by persistent rainfall over the past two weeks, which resulted in several waterways surpassing their optimum levels. In addition, reports are that the Ireng River, which lies on

A house under water at Kanapang (Photo by Michael McGarrell)

Food supplies arrive at Chenapau, much to the satisfaction of residents

on Friday that the CDC has conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the affected areas.

There have been no reported deaths, missing persons or serious injuries.

The villages are located mainly in valley areas, where water from the excessive rainfall pooled and resulted in excessive flooding, the DPI stated. Villagers have relocated to higher ground in proximity to the various villages.

According to a release, the CDC has received reports from regional authorities that sev-

In this photo, a young lady from Kanapang is making her way to safety.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 22, 2017

Tackling Teenage Pregnancy TEENAGE pregnancy remains a significant issue facing this country and has been so for a long time now, despite efforts by governments to effectively tackle it. The rate of pregnant teenagers is indeed alarming and in February of this year, statistics from the Linden Hospital Complex show that 18% of the deliveries done at the hospital are on teenagers ranging from the ages of 13 to 19. As a matter of fact, a UN Population Fund report last year revealed that Guyana has the second highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Shamdeo Persaud, recently revealed that the teen fertility rate skyrocketed to 6.5 when compared to 2.6 for the overall country in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. Four out of every 100 15-yearolds are pregnant and 16 of every 100 under-19s have already given birth.

There are many factors which lead to teenage pregnancy, including sexual violence, poverty, poor education and limited opportunities, all of which our young women face in Guyana. The current administration, in an effort to address the issue head on, launched its evidence-based, Teen Prevention Pregnancy and Empowerment initiative last year, which

targets the 10 administrative regions.

We believe that this is an ambitious and commendable programme, which is being executed by the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations, such as the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association and Youth Choice. Youths between the ages 15 to 19 will be educated on the disadvantages of teenage pregnancy and early sexual activities, but this is just a one-year intervention and thus why we believe that the Ministry of Education should seriously consider introducing sex education in the schools curriculums. This topic will provide the kind of social guidance that is necessary to positively impact on the questionable choices made by young people.

Teaching children about the disadvantages of early sexual intercourse at a young age will only stand to benefit them in the long run. The Ministry of Education should be commended for soliciting the services of a consultant from UNICEF to draft a policy for the re-integration of teenage mothers into schools. The subject Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, had told this newspaper recently that Guyana does not have a policy that caters for pregnant teenagers and the decision as to whether a pregnant teen can continue to attend school before

and after pregnancy is left to the head of the institution or the regional authorities. This draft policy will now ensure that the affected students can be re-admitted to the same school or another learning institution.

Pregnancy forces many young girls to drop out of school as it is an obstacle to their early ambitious plans in life and force most of them to find ways and means to provide for themselves and their newborn children. Teen mothers should not be prevented from studying simply because they are pregnant.

Jagdeo has been dismissive of President’s advice Dear Editor,

PERMIT me to comment briefly on the present stage of the constitutional process for, and of, the appointment of the GECOM Chairman.

The President having rejected Mr Jagdeo’s first list of six nominees, the Leader of the Opposition (having requested and being furnished with advice as to the President’s advised interpretation of the characteristics/qualifications of the GECOM Chairman pursuant to Article 161) has submitted another list of six (6) nominees: Waldrond (Attorney–at–law), B.S Roy (Retired Judge), Gouveia (Businessman/Pilot), Sagar (Socio/Politico activist), Ramlall (Retired Judge), Khan (Attorney-at-Law). It is public knowledge that Anil Nandlall (PPP/C–MP and Attorney-at-Law) is Mr Jagdeo’s spokesperson on constitutional matters. In a published letter criticizing the President’s advice/clarification as requested by Mr Jagdeo, this is what Mr Nandlall wrote: “It is quite ironic that the Leader of the Opposition (LOO) requested of the President clarification, instead he received a maelstrom. In the end, even God may not now qualify to be Chairman of GECOM” (KN Monday, March 27, 2017 under caption “President trying

to rewrite this article of the Constitution). This might suggest to an objective, officious bystander like myself that Mr Jagdeo has been dismissive of the President’s advice, at worst; or, at best, been defiant of the advice. The result is that, as it appears to me, the LOO has with persistent obstinacy submitted a list that he knows is flawed and would not be (in the words of the Constitution itself) “… not UNACCEPTABLE TO THE PRESIDENT…” (article 161(2)).

Editor, constitutional interpretation can sometimes be a difficult and esoteric matter.

But, there can be nothing difficult or esoteric about the plain, simple, English words: “not unacceptable to the President.” A primary school student would understand them to mean that ALL SIX (not, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) MUST BE ACCEPTABLE to the President; and, so that out of, or from among those six acceptable as options, the President would choose one. There must be a very cogent and purposive arithmetical reason why the Constitution makers required six names to be submitted for the President’s choice.

The option of six acceptable names cannot be reduced to one or even five; and yet be six! An analogy in criminal law process might help to elucidate the point. Consider the analogy

of a defendant having in criminal trial process a right to three options out of which he/she is entitled to choose or elect one when asked to lead a defence : (1) giving sworn evidence (2) making an unsworn statement and (3) remaining silent. It is the defendant’s entitlement to choose or elect one of those three options. So put as would amount, in point of law, to everyone of those three options, for the defendant’s election of one. In courts, entire criminal proceedings can, and has been vitiated for failure to so put those options. I would submit that similarly, a failure by Mr. Jagdeo to have a list with all six options meeting or satisfying the constitutional requirements of article 161, for the President’s choice or election of one has an equal vitiating or invalidating effect. I ask this lawyer’s question: can Mr. Jagdeo, constitutionally, submit a list of five(5) nominees? Not at all. And, this is so, even if all five were acceptables. So, constitutionally, the LOO’s list is rejectable if ex post facto (ie alter its make and submission) it is found by the President to be a mixed list of acceptables and non-acceptables. From my position, what I think or say (whether benevolently or malevolently) about any one of these six nominees is of no political significance or relevance in this appointment pro-

cess. But as devil’s advocate, I could not leave unquestioned the taunting (almost duping) nomination of Walrond, who Mr. Jagdeo should have been advised by his legal adviser/ spokesperson was automatically disqualified by association, by marital relationship, with the lead counsel (and presumably the intellectual author) in what is popularly known as the “Jagdeo Third-Term” candidacy case. Nor, could I leave unquestioned Ramlal’s nomination as his medical unfitness is seriously called into question. Nor, Gouviea’s as his pro-PPP/C groundings (as it were) seriously brings his requisite impartiality for chairmanship into question. A mere perception by the President of any negative factor as regards any one of those nominees is a sufficient constitutional basis for disqualification. Moreover, the President can resort to any material or information (even hearsay) for that purpose; and, no reasons for disqualification has to be given by the President.

Under article 161, acceptability is left entirely to the President’s evaluation and assessment, deploying and using all the official investigative facilities and sources at his disposal. Due diligence in the exercise of this appointment function might suggest that even a nominee within the “Judge” category might be investigatable. The

story is told of Lord Chancellors and Chief Justices in England’s vaunted judiciary who were dismissed for bribe-taking and other forms of corruption (the learned reader is referred to the Barnwell case (1993)49 WIR 96 at page 98). Another reason for the President’s justification for utter due diligence and circumspection about Mr. Jagdeo’s nominees is, ominously, this: the chairman’s instrument naming a Presidential candidate as having won the presidency, is constitutionally conclusive evidence of his/her election in any court (article 177(6) invoked by Bernand, CJ in the case of – Application

by Aubrey Norton for writs of Certiorari and Prohibition (1997) – concerning the highly controverted 1997 General Election). As I reflect now on that tumultuous election, I have to say that the real reason was the highly questionable acts and omissions of the then Chairman Doodnauth Singh (I recall that Guyanese had even coined an epithet – “Rignauth Singh”).

The President being a keen practitioner of history cannot be oblivious to the lessons of that history. For as I fear, if he does, I daresay that history will not judge him kindly. So, it is not only of some importance, it is of paramount importance that President Granger be respectfully invited to pursue standards (even if unprece-

dented) in his appointment of a GECOM-Chairman. There is no question of any violation of any citizen’s fundamental rights (as Nandlall argues). The simple rebuttal to that argument is that no citizen (no matter how pro democracy their activism may be) has any fundamental right to be appointed GECOM Chairman.

I end this short letter with a poignant reminder to Mr. Jagdeo and his legal adviser that article 111(1) of the Constitution provides that in the exercise of such function as to appoint a GECOM Chairman from among the six nominees submitted to him, the President “shall act in accordance with his… own deliberate judgment…” as to whom he finds acceptable or unacceptable. I, for myself, interpret Mr. Jagdeo’s second list submitted in plain defiance of the President’s clarifications, as an illegitimate pressure to coerce the President into accepting his (Mr. Jagdeo’s) own self-interest policy of selection, on Mr. Jagdeo’s own terms and criteria. That cannot be right. And, Anil Nandlall’s misapprehension, miscomprehension and confusion about the clarifications are all self-induced.

Yours truly Maxwell E. Edwards (Attorney– At–Law)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 22, 2017

GAWU must be a responsible union Dear Editor, WITH reference to articles published in the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News on 17 May, 2017 and titled ‘Berbicians in big protest’ and ‘Business people, pensioners, taxi drivers join massive protests’, respectively, while on the one hand, the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) would like to applaud the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) for its noteworthy ability to mobilize a large cross-section of the public around issues in the sugar industry, the corporation has strongly concluded that the union has lost its way as a workers’ representative organisation and seems to have as its priority, advocating and mobilizing around another cause.

It is important to note that GuySuCo did not arrive at this deteriorated state overnight, this is the result of years of decline in several aspects of the business and to which GAWU has and still is directly contributing to the decline of the sugar industry. For example, the table below shows that from 2001 to 2016, there were over 3,000 strikes, over one million Man Days lost and over G$ 2 Billion lost in wages to workers as a result of being influenced by GAWU to strike.

GuySuCo wishes to remind GAWU that the core of its current business is to produce sugar and every other aspect of its operations must evolve around that understanding. Additionally, its engagements with stakeholders such as unions, in this instance, GAWU, must be based on the

simple understanding that if and when sugar production is not the priority, then the corporation’s ability to pay wages and salaries, pay creditors, provide health, drainage and irrigation, community development and other services, will be severely impaired.

An even more important point to note is that the corporation has customers who expect a reliable supply of sugar. Basically, in essence, the corporation is a business.

In this letter, the corporation wishes to specifically address some of its challenges in managing its business, many of which GAWU has contributed towards. Over the years, it has been grappling with numerous practices which are not enabling its growth and development, one of which is attendance at all of its estates. For the First Crop 2016, the planters turnout at estates were: Skeldon 66.4%, Albion 66.67%, 65.33%, Blairmont 66%, 72.5%. For the Second Crop 2016, the percentages were as follows: Skeldon 68, Albion 71, 62, Blairmont 68, 73.5. Harvesters turnout for the First Crop were: Skeldon 50%, Albion 57.3, Rose Hall 59.5%, Blairmont 57.57%, Wales 65.33%, Uitvlugt 48.67% while the Second Crop 2016 percentages were: Skeldon 56.33, Albion 63.33, Rose Hall 61.33, 65.33, Wales 64.00.

It is ironic that on May 17, 2017, when the workers were protesting with GAWU, there was some 242 tonnes of sugar that could have been processed by the factory at the Rose Hall Estate; this was valued at G$ 17,000,000, all of which was lost/ spoiled because the workers were

on strike protesting with GAWU. The Man Days lost up to May 14, 2017 at that estate, is 2,542 and the corresponding wages that were lost is G$5,663.086 M. The Man Days lost from strikes on May 15 and 16, on the estate, were 617 and the wages lost was G$1,350.523, the total wages lost by those employees for the crop was G$7,013.609.

All of the above are based on the direct involvement of GAWU. In March, GAWU encouraged the cane planters at the East Demerara Estate that they must not take up harvesting work, even though the harvesters turn-out at that estate was 59 percent and it was lagging behind on achieving its target for the crop.

The Uitvlugt Estate is being identified for upgrading and has a programme to increase its production from 20,000 to 40,000 of sugar annually, however, for this to become a reality, the estate is in need of planters and harvesters in order to increase its planting and harvesting programme. The corporation has therefore endeavoured to transport its employees from Wales Estate to the Uitvlugt Estate, but the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union has encouraged some 375 cane transport operators and cane harvesters that they should insist that the corporation terminate their services and demand severance, this is despite that fact that if Uitvlugt does not increase its harvesting and planting capacity, it can be closed. If this happens, the businesses, families and the communities which receive drainage, health, other

community development support and the 1,750 employees would be affected. The Uitvlugt Estate is the largest business in West Demerara. With its present approach to the business of sugar, if this happens, GAWU will then seek to mobilize the West Demerara community against the closure, as in the case of Rose Hall Estate.

Hence, the corporation wishes to urge sugar-dependent communities, that at some point, the protest has to stop, and businesses, families members and other operatives in these communities need to get out into their communities and encourage the planters and harvesters to come go out to work and to work more than four days per week to ensure that their estates achieve their targets.

We look forward to the support from residents, businesses, families and officials in the West Demerara communities to ensure that the Uitvlugt improvement programme is a success.

On the point of the reorganizing of the corporation, members of the public could not possibly think that there are no programmes in place to create new opportunities for employees from Rose Hall, Skeldon and East Demerara Estates and surrounding communities. Is it really possible for every plan that corporation has for restructuring, not to be viable? Is it really possible for the corporation to not have

developed a strategic programme to address employment and other matters arising out of the restructuring programme? Or is it that GAWU’s perspective is based on its motives and motivations?

It has become clear that it is not within GAWU’s best interest to inspire hope about the future of the industry neither to in the most minute way, ascribe some value to the reorganization programme for GuySuCo? Or in the least, allow our employees who are members of their union some space and the freedom to at least merely listen to their employer with some objectivity?

With the State Paper on the future of the sugar industry being discussed, an opportunity has been created for sections of the public to become engaged in discussions on whether the new structure for GuySuCo will result in reduction in foreign exchange earned? What are the plans for the use of excess land from estates? What could the finances which will no longer be required

by GuySuCo be used for, some G$ 15 to 18 billion? And perhaps the most important question, what will happen to employees?

The corporation has concluded that clearly, GAWU has lost its way as a stakeholder that should be involved in workers’ representation and it seems to have assumed another role which is not in support of the sugar busi-

ness. The behaviour of the union has now become predictable and that is, to continuously criticize the efforts of the management of GuySuCo’s and resist any form of progress, while creating instability in the corporation Finally, the corporation is of the strong view that the time has come for GAWU to show what is the added value which the union brings to the partnership and its relationship with GuySuCo? And secondly, what added value do they bring to the table going forward?

The corporation will be disseminating information on the details of the reorganization programme over the coming weeks.

Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer Communications Department Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) Head Office La Bonne Intention Estate, LBI, East Coast, Demerara Tel. Nos. 592-220-2891-4, 6139404 or 624-0207 (Mobile nos.)

Fax: 592-220-2694 Email: audreyannat@guysuco.com Website: www.guysuco.com

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

17 arrested in Legalising homosexuality police raids no straightforward matter, –– guns, ammunition, narcotics and a case of bribery unearthed

A 41-year-old Mahaica businessman and his wife are among 17 persons arrested on Saturday for various offences, among them unlawful possession of a firearm, bribing the police, and trafficking in narcotics.

According to the police, the businessman, of Helena #1, was arrested on Saturday night with an unlicensed .32 pistol and 50 matching rounds, and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition.

The unlicensed .32 pistol with 50 matching rounds and 17 live 9mm rounds seized on Saturday from the premises of the Mahaica businessman Reports are that acting on a tip-off, police ranks swooped down on the suspect’s home at around 22:55hrs and conducted a search, during which the illegal weapon and ammunition were found in his bedroom Shortly thereafter, the suspect’s 40-year-old wife went to the Mahaica Police Station and offered a bribe

The unlicensed revolver seized on Saturday by the police from the Goedverwagting resident of $525,000 to one of the investigating ranks to forego the charges against her husband. She, too, has since been arrested, and the money lodged with the police. Both husband and wife are being processed for court.

Meanwhile, several operations carried out in ‘C’ Division (East Coast Demerara) on Saturday have resulted in 15 other persons being arrested, including a 49-year-old for trafficking in narcotics, and the seizure of four motorcycles suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.

Saturday also saw a resident of Goedverwagting being arrested and taken into custody for the unlawful possession of a firearm.

Police, acting on information, went to the Stabroek Market in the vicinity of the Digicel outlet around 15:30hrs and conducted a search on the 21-year-old construction worker and found an unlicensed .38 revolver without ammunition on his person. He is being processed for court.

says Greenidge WITH Guyana recently indicating that it will move to a referendum to determine the legality of homosexuality, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge believes that the situation is a sensitive one and requires careful attention.

Guyana had voted against funding for an independent investigator appointed to assist with protecting the rights of gays, and transgender people, at the United Nations and Greenidge in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle recently, said government is not against the funding, but rather is against certain provisions contained in a particular resolution rather than against the entire agenda.

He maintained that Guyana has not changed its position on the matter, while noting that the same resolutions are put to the table years at a time, but oftentimes return with changes.

“But it is also the case where a resolution comes and it has been changed and you may find that the way the resolution is changed means that we can’t agree with the resolution, although the issue itself is an issue that we would have discussed before.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that many of the Organisations for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries have undergone social and political changes, which have resulted in their populations growing accustomed to or accepting “certain types of behavior.” “… but this is Guyana and in these countries you have a different mix of not only ethnic groupings, but you have religious groupings,” he stated, while adding that in giving consideration to the particular issue, there is need for the

government to listen to the views of its constituents.

Guyana is the only country in South America where homosexual acts remain illegal.

“Whilst the government may feel itself advanced compared to these persons, these are their constituents and you can’t impose upon them a belief, especially because that is the belief that is in the north… since the U.S., or UK behaves this way, we demand that you do the same.”

He opined that some of these issues are reactionary and it would take time trying to improve the country’s standing and bring citizens to a point where they can have dialogue about the matter objectively.

PROTECTION “The laws themselves provide certain protection for groups, I think by and large that is reasonable, but the people that implement the laws can be unhelpful or downright ignorant, if not malicious and you can’t always account for that,” said Greenidge.

He made it clear that his administration respects the rights of all persons, but must take into consideration certain implications before signing on to resolutions. That is not to say the government is against the LGBT community.

Last January, President David Granger said he is prepared to respect the rights of adults who indulge in practices that are not harmful to others. The President’s position on the matter was made known following calls for there to be a re-examination of the country’s anti-LGBT laws.

On his television programme ‘The Public Interest’, the President said: “I would like to feel that there

should be some element, first, of respecting the human rights of individuals, and second, at the governmental level, free choice; that persons should be able to express their views freely without necessarily sticking to a party line.”

Here, homosexual acts carry a possible punishment of life imprisonment.

Section 352 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Section 352: Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission, or procures or attempts to procure the commission, by any male person, of any act of gross indecency with any other male person shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for two years.

Section 353 states: Everyone who (a) attempts to commit buggery; or (b) assaults any person with intent to commit buggery; or (c) being a male, indecently assaults any other male person, shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for 10 years.

Section 354 and 355 further states that: Everyone who commits buggery… shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for life.

VOTE Meanwhile, last month, it was announced that Guyanese will have a chance to vote on whether they believe homosexuality should remain a criminal act, or if those laws which criminalise it should be struck down via a referendum.

The government made this announcement in a letter to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) following the 161st Ordinary Period of Sessions, which addressed issues of human rights violations against

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge young persons in Guyana.

According to the Government in its letter, there are mixed views on the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sexual identity and repealing of the laws to decriminalise homosexuality.

The Executive added that with these existing circumstances, more needs to be done regarding a collective and consensual approach and the implementation to fulfil such rights.

The government pointed out that the issue of repeal was brought to the attention of the National Assembly on several occasions, but it was deemed unfit for that arm of government to make a decision on the matter.

As such, the government noted that “… it was recommended, that the matter be taken to a vote, where the people of Guyana will decide by a referendum on these matters.” It is unclear when the referendum will be held.

Over the years, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) has been lobbying support to get the government to decriminalise homosexuality and laws which discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and identity.

Greenidge believes that the government has made a commitment to hold a referendum on the issue, then it will honour it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

BK helps aid efforts to Region Eight

BK International, through one of its subsidiaries – BK AIR (formerly Jags Aviation) has stepped in, providing air transportation of much-needed food, clothing, water, cleansers and medical supplies to the people of flood-hit Region Eight.

This was the second time in a week that BK AIR was on the move to provide relief support to the affected residents.

The week before, BK AIR flew Toshao Alvin Lazio and his family along with the corpse of his son to Kopinang for burial, after the Toshao had issued a public call for help to transport his son’s body to his hinterland home for burial.

A week later, BK AIR responded to a call from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the

Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs for help by providing an aircraft on Friday, May 19 to airlift much-needed supplies.

These included “manna paks” foodstuff, clothing and anti-bacterial products from Hope for the Nation NGO to flood-affected Region Eight.

Hundreds of residents in scattered villages in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) are facing a dire situation as a result of severe flooding. Residents have been affected in five villages, among them being Kaibarupai, Sand Hill, Chenapau and Waipa.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Principal Regional Development Officer Anil Roberts and Project Officer for Regions Eight and Nine, Besham

Ramsaywack, accompanied by BK International Public Relations Officer (PRO) Ras Leon Saul and a GINA reporter on Friday afternoon flew into Chenapau to deliver the supplies.

The delegation was met at the airstrip by Chenapau’s Toshao Edward McGarrell and his deputy Henry Fredericks, along with many anxious and displaced villagers, who joyously welcomed the relief supplies and the visitors.

Minister Garrido-Lowe assured them of the government’s commitment to helping them in their time of trouble and promised more supplies and visits from officials.

In Chenapau, some 15 households (about 75 persons) and 39 farms were affected, along with the

road becoming impassable.

More than 1000 residents are affected by flood in the areas flooded out.

Clothing has been de-

stroyed and animals -- pets and livestock alike -- have perished.

According to Chenapau Toshao Ed-

ward Mc Garrell, approximately 95 per cent of his village has been affected in some way or the other.

Residents of Chenapau offload supplies from the BK AIR plane

The extent of the flood (Photo by Ras Leon Saul)

Minister Garrido-Lowe is introduced to one of the flooded-out villagers, Austin Kanichio. Corporal Porter is in the centre

Minister Garrido-Lowe stands with Toshao Edward McGarrell and his family

Stanley T. McGarrell, 85 years old and Cecil Baptiste, age 56 – originally from St. Lucia who came for Carifesta in 1972 and never returned to St. Lucia. He has been living in Chenapau since 1982

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

Is yours that ‘special’ family?

THERE are a number of foster parents in Guyana who have given children a stable, secure home. Fostering is not a permanent solution for a child in care, but it does offer a child some normalcy to their otherwise upsetting ordeal of being separated from their family.

It is always hoped that one day the child will be reunited with his/her family.

Foster families make a huge difference to a child’s life, because children need to belong, they need to bond with people and feel love, trust and security.

Regardless of their age, children need to be around people who care for them, people they can depend on. People with whom they can sit and have a meal , people who make them feel welcomed.

They need people they can share with: holidays, festivals, good times and even hard times.

Dependency during childhood is normal; during adolescence, children tend to spend more time with their peers discovering the world from a new perspective as they prepare to embark on adulthood.

But they still need adults: positive adult inputs in their lives are a substantial part of the building blocks that make up their existence. Without these inputs, children and young people often fail to reach their fullest potential, they can become adults who are lacking in social/emotional development.

When children miss out on some of the basic foundational factors that help them develop into rounded adults, it can’t simply be ‘fixed’ when they are adults, that is why we must find ways to help them while they are young and growing day by day and that is why fostering can make a huge difference to a child’s life.

The foster care unit works ardently to assess the status of children who could be placed with foster parents. Other CPA officers work with the parents of children in care, to help them provide an adequate home that hopefully will result in reunification. Children always prefer to be with their parents or family members.

However, some parents never seem to get it right and some don’t even try; this

means, there are children who have spent most, if not all of their childhoods in institutional care. Imagine what it must feel like for a child to leave institutional care at 18, without ever experiencing a family attachment?

Many potential foster parents who approach the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) show an interest in fostering a baby or young child. But these older children need to connect and feel like part of a family too. These are children who may have reached adolescence but have never felt the warmth of a family home or experienced the security that a family life can provide. They have never ‘belonged to’ or been a ‘part of’ anything but institutional care, therefore a whole chunk of social/emotional development is yet to be fulfilled before they embark on adulthood.

They need families who can offer this type of care and attention, it is almost like mentoring, but in fact it is bonding, guiding and assisting a young person’s development. It is inviting a young person

into your home to be part of your family, to bond with your family, and share with your family, the way families do. Children who aged-out of the institutional care system (by turning 18) usually have a plan (for work to support themselves) and accommodation: however, what they do not have is the guidance and security of a family to whom they can turn, should they need to.

Adults, who come forward to help a child in this way, will be vetted and a police clearance will be obtained by the agency, but this is a small price to pay in order to help a young person. In helping him/her , you are assisting in the potential development of a whole generation.

You can contact the foster care unit on 227-4082 If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, you can ring the CPA hotline 227 0979 or email chilcaregy@ gmail.com A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

One dead in Durban Street accident

By Rabindra Rooplall ONE person is dead and 13 others have been hospitalised after a pickup slammed into a route 41 minibus BVV 5273 at the intersection of Durban and Smyth Streets, Georgetown on Sunday.

The dead man was unidentified up to press time.

The minibus driver who has been identified as Osafo Edgill of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is in a serious but stable condition.

Reports indicate that the minibus was proceeding east along Durban Street at a fast pace when pickup GRR8350,which was proceeding south along Smyth Street failed to stop at the intersection, resulting in the collision.

The minibus slammed into a nearby utility pole, cracking it while the Toyota Tacoma hit a blue car PLL 4474,parked next to

‘Classique GT Beer Garden’.

The Tacoma’s driver was identified as Elton Carter of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, and according to police, he was uncooperative when asked to do a breathalyser test, claiming he has chest pains.

He had no signs of serious injuries.

The owner of the parked blue car,Christopher Lesparance told the Guyana Chronicle he was watching football on television in the beer garden when he heard a loud sound.

He related that when he turned around, he saw the minibus and a passenger hanging through the window bleeding profusely.

On examination of what had happened, Lesparance said he noticed a pickup had slammed into his parked car on the sidewalk.

Residents in the area

The Tacoma pickup that crashed into the parked car on the sidewalk said the driver of the Toyota pickup left the accident scene and his relatives informed police that he was injured and was taken to receive medical attention.

“I blame passengers for this because if they

should hold one head and speak up when traveling in a speeding recklessly driven vehicle, the driver will either have to drive more carefully or put them all out. But some of passengers bash you when you

speak out while traveling in such conditions instead of supporting you,” one resident said, adding: “If you people don’t say anything then drivers will continue to play in traffic with your lives and the lives of

your children.”

Traffic Officer,Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud said lack of care at intersections is one of the most prevalent causes of accident in Georgetown.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

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Better days ahead for Alexander Village –– Minister Harmon assures residents

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon on Saturday visited Alexander Village, Georgetown, where he not only met with residents to listen and address their concerns, but also donated a quantity of sports equipment to the youths of the village to keep them meaningfully occupied.

Minister Harmon, who was accompanied by representatives of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the Ministry of the Presidency, during a community meeting at a resident’s house in Fourth Street, Alexander Village, pledged to do everything possible to address challenges plaguing the community, ranging from lack of proper drainage, crime and security, the lack of street lights and a playground for the children.

He noted that the meeting was organised in an effort to hear directly from the residents and that the government is cognisant that there are many challenges, which affect residents’ daily lives.

He said, however, that the administration is committed to building stronger, healthier, more vibrant communities and as such, will ensure that the voices of citizens are heard.

Minister Harmon noted that the new administration has placed significant focus on strengthening the capacity of the people and improving their lives, and this can be seen in the allocations made in the national budget in the areas of education, public infrastructure, health and security.

Brighter days are, therefore, ahead for the citizens and their communities, he said.

With regard to drainage in the area, Minister Harmon committed to engaging the M&CC with the view of working out some possible solutions.

The representatives of the council also assured the residents that the matter will be raised at the council’s meeting. However, Minster Harmon urged the residents to play their part too, in ensuring that once the drains have been cleared, garbage and other materials are not dumped into them.

“The Mayor and City Council had done work here a few months ago and so I will engage them. However, you, the residents, have a responsibility too. The citizens must take responsibility.

We share some amount of responsibility in ensuring that it is kept clean.

Some of these things are due to human action, like the dumping of garbage and so on into the drains and so we must decide to take care of what we have,” he said.

PETTY CRIMES Some issues were raised in relation to petty crimes in the area and Minister Harmon has undertaken to speak to the divisional commander of the Guyana Police Force to see what can be

done to strengthen security in the area.

Even as the country continues to pursue a ‘green’ economy, the minister used the opportunity to congratulate the village on the cleanliness of its environs, as he noted that it represents one of the tidiest, cleanest villages around the country.

“I would like to commend the residents for the way they keep their environment clean. I think if we kept competitions for the best-kept communities, Alexander Village will run away with the prize very often. You are aware of the push we are making for a ‘green’ state and a ‘green’ economy, and I think we can have a better place, environmentally, if we start from our homes and how we deal with our environment. So it is good to see it starting here and starting with you. This should be a model community for the rest of Guyana,” Minister Harmon said.

He urged the residents to work with the Government, the M&CC and all other agencies to help improve the lives of citizens so that a better country can be developed.

DONATION In addition, Minister Harmon donated a quantity of basketballs, footballs, cricket bats and board games to Kennard Lovell, a villager, who has opened his home to the youths in the community, providing a safe space where they can spend their leisure time.

His home offers a library, gym, reading classes, games, bicycles and quadracycles, which he has built himself for the younger children, free of cost.

Praising the initiative by Lovell, Minister Harmon said he is happy to make the donation, which will assist the children and add to the resources presently available.

Lovell, in an invited comment, said he is grateful for the donation from the minister as it is costly to replace the gear and it will certainly go a long way in adding value to the lives of the young people in the area.

“I have always loved children and so when I came here and realised that there was no place really for young people and children to be, I decided to see what I can do to assist and here we are today,” he said.

Meanwhile, the residents expressed gratitude to the minister for visiting them and listening to their concerns. “Minister, we want to thank you for being here and we are very glad to have you with us today,” Rohini Boodram said.

Another resident, Mr. Winston Raynard, said, “Most of the issues that were aired, I know that they will be addressed, because we have the minister of state with us here and we know that he will assist.” (Ministry of the Presidency)

Minister Harmon hands over the sports gear to Kennard Lovell and two children from the community

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

Global terrorism fight must not exclude small states –– says President at Arab-Islamic-American Summit

PRESIDENT David Granger on Sunday said that global partnerships to combat terrorism cannot exclude small states, since conflict between and within such states, or between a small state and other states,

can endanger the peace of all countries.

The Head-of-State, who was at the time speaking on the sidelines of the Arab-Islamic-American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said the majority of the states of

the world can be described as small states and, as such, the world cannot be made secure without addressing the threats faced by those countries.

“The international community, therefore, must be

encouraged to work towards the establishment of a global security system, which would provide protection for small and large states,” the President said.

The Guyanese leader added that small states like

Guyana, lacking the means to combat transnational threats, such as terrorism, must be able to rely on the protection afforded through international cooperation, multi-lateralism and international law.

Small states, he noted, lack the capability to effectively combat transnational security threats on their own and also face environmental threats, such as the adverse effects of climate change and natural disasters,which can have implications for their security.

According to President Granger, small states, with adequate international support and cooperation, can avoid becoming contaminated by the ideologies of extremism.

“Terrorist organisations can be extremely resilient.

They are becoming diffused and when facing rout in one jurisdiction are shifting their operations to others, including small states. Small states have been known to be recruiting centres for terrorists,” he said.

As the current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), President Granger said the regional body is a willing ally in the ‘just’ war against terrorism and extremism.

He said, too, that Guyana welcomes the partnerships being forged to combat the global scourge and alluded to the fact that small states must remain integral to all partnerships even as the quest for a more comprehensive global agreement on terrorism is pursued with resolve.

President Granger said that the Arab-Islamic-American Summit is a bold initiative that seeks new approaches to building effective security partnerships to prepare for, to prevent and to protect citizens from the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

“Terrorism is an international menace. No state is safe from its reach. It endangers human safety, undermines national security and imperils the future of all peoples. The Arab-Islamic-American Summit is a unique interstate response.

It could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive global partnership aimed at making our world a safe, stable and peaceful place,” he said.

Host of the event, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in his address at the Summit, committed to constructive cooperation to reject extremism, work on fighting all forms of terrorism, to stop its financing and propagation, dry up its sources and to stand firm in confronting the scourge, which poses a danger to all of humanity.

The Saudi leader said

that Islam is the perfect example of co-existence and harmony. However, what has been seen are attempts by “presumed Muslims” to present a distorted image of the religion; one that seeks to conflate the great religion of Islam with violence.

“One of the most important goals of Islamic Sharia is protecting life and that there is no honour in committing murder. Islam is the religion of peace and tolerance that urges its followers to develop earth and not corrupting it. It considers killing an innocent soul tantamount to killing all of humanity,” he said.

To combat this type of extremism, Saudi Arabia, today, inaugurated a Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology (GCEI), which will promote moderation, compassion and support the dissemination of positive dialogue. Participating in that ceremony today, President Granger said it is a concrete expression of the philosophical approach, which defined the discussions at the Summit.

“The Cooperative Republic of Guyana welcomes the inauguration of the Global Centre for Combating Ideological Extremism.

Ideologies of extremism require both security and non-security responses. Extremism flourishes where international conflicts persist; is fomented where historic injustices are left untreated; is fostered where people are rendered stateless or are hindered in their right to self-determination and to a homeland; and festers where attempts are made to settle disputes through threats or the use of force,” the President said.

United States President Donald Trump, who is on his first overseas trip since taking office, along with King Salman, officially activated the Centre by placing their hands on a miniature globe, followed by the launch of a splashy welcome video.

Speaking earlier at the Summit, President Trump told the world leaders that they must be united in pursuing the goal of conquering extremism and vanquishing the forces terrorism brings with it. The American Leader said that it is not a battle between different faiths, sects or civilisation, but a battle between “barbaric criminals, who seek to obliterate human life and decent people, all in the name of religion”.

The Summit was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of fellow CARICOM member state, Suriname, Ms. Yldiz D. Pollack-Beighle, who travelled to Saudi Arabia with the Guyanese delegation. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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Big companies must pay

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

–– for occupying council reserves, says New Amsterdam mayor

By Telesha Ramnarine NEW Amsterdam Mayor Kirt Wynter is recommending that major utility companies, such as the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), come forward and pay for the enormous amount of space they occupy on council reserves.

Wynter, during his presentation at the opening of the inaugural Municipal Conference on Friday, noted that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) should also contribute to the coffers of the municipalities for the damages done on roads when they conduct their various operations, such as laying pipelines.

The two-day conference, organised by the Interim Management Committee of the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM), was opened at the Marriott Hotel and continued the following day at the Regency Suites Hotel.

It was held under the theme, “Positioning Municipalities as critical partners in national development,”and provided an opportunity for officers of the country’s nine municipalities to rap on various local government issues affecting communities.

“I wish to highlight a very important form of revenue collection which many of our predecessors have overlooked. We collectively need to step up to the heads of all utility companies and demand that they pay our councils for utilising our reserves. GTT and GPL should pay for every pole they plant within our municipalities and GWI should also contribute to our coffers by paying for the damages done on our roads and along the road shoulders when they lay their pipelines. Colleagues, I urge you to let us unite in our calls for these major companies to adhere to our demands,” stated Wynter.

On another point, he observed that the municipalities are deprived of the

defraud our councils, and allow our constabulary departments to take stringent actions on those who are bent on acting in contravention of our municipal by-laws.

“We would like to plea for revenue from hucksters

New Amsterdam Mayor,Kirt Wynter access to a percentage of environmental taxes that Central Government receives from importers who trade non-biodegradable items.

“At the end of each day, our councils need to boost our Public Health Departments that are tasked with the collection of solid waste.

Central Government has a huge role to play by providing us at the local government level with resources that we can utilise to boost our enhancement projects and attract the relevant human resources to deal with our day-today activities in an efficient manner,” remarked Wynter.

ENFORCEMENT He continued that the generation of revenue will only come through the enforcement of municipal by-laws in the various towns.

“Over the past two decades or more, our decision makers became too flexible and the bigger municipalities have suffered the consequences of the lawlessness that took place prior to the local government elections in March 2016.”

According to Wynter, inadequate revenue collection is hindering municipal progress.

“We must seek to generate funds by collecting valued property taxes, implementing hefty fines on defaulters who continue to

and also revenue uplifted from GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority) within the municipality for a percentage to be awarded to the council.”

Wynter urged all Central Government agencies not to grant approval to persons

unless they are compliant with all the municipality regulations. He said a letter should show that the persons received the necessary approval by the municipality.

“I must emphasise that if it’s not stamped and signed

by the relevant personnel, a governing authority should not supersede that of the council.”

He urged his colleagues not to sit idly by and hope for changes, but to utilise their offices to make proposals.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

Rose Hall wants municipal court

By Telesha Ramnarine

ROSE Hall Deputy Mayor,Dave Budhu has lamented the absence of a municipal court and magistrate to hear judicial and legislative matters regarding the town council.

As a result, Budhu expressed that such a situa-

tion places the municipality at great disadvantage. He was at the time making a presentation at the opening of the first ever municipal conference.

The conference, organised by the Interim Management Committee of the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM), opened

at the Marriott Hotel Friday and continued Saturday at the Regency Suites Hotel.

It was held under the theme, “Positioning Municipalities as critical partners in national development” and provided an opportunity for officers of the country’s nine municipalities to rap on various

local government issues affecting communities.

During his appeal, Budhu said: “We are all familiar with the adage, ‘Justice delayed is justice denied,’ and given these small cases that emerge from the municipalities and the already over-burdened court system, one can only ask

Rose Hall Deputy Mayor,Dave Budhu the question, ‘What will happen to these cases?

“The answer is very simple. It will take additional time to be heard and adjudicated. By this time, the perpetrator would have already built his house or complete the construction or continued to engage in unwanted dumping.

“So in this regard I am making an appeal to the Chancellor of the Judiciary to appoint a magistrate that could handle various municipal cases on a scheduled basis for all the municipalities in Guyana.”

On another point, Budhu offered that the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, was enacted in the laws of Guyana since 1969 with some minor amendments to date.

As such, he believes that

these laws are now ineffective.

“It is necessary for us to make further amendments that will guarantee its effectiveness and responsiveness towards municipal needs,” he noted.

He said the fines too, are usually inadequate and reflect weakness in the laws.

“We need to unite our efforts to pursue the Attorney General Chambers for consultation and legislative reform which can address these outdated fines.”

With the exceptions of the New Amsterdam and City Councils, Budhu noted that there is a noticeable absence of adequate bylaws to effectively run the municipality.

For instance, he said Rose Hall Town and Corriverton have been without building by-laws and will usually have to refer to the general provisions made under the Health Ordinance Act. Budhu further recommended that by-laws regarding solid waste management also be pursued.

“In these by-laws, we should address issues of garbage separation, re-cycling and effective management of our sanitary landfill site,” he recommended.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

Municipalities showcase talent in street fair

MUNICIPALITIES from across the country on Saturday gathered on Regent Street, in front of City Hall to showcase their talent through various creations and activities at a street fair.

Georgetown Solid Waste Director,Walter Narine said the fair was held in conjunction with the Mayors’ conference.

Persons from different towns used the opportuni-

of re-cycling,” the Solid Waste Director said.

Passersby were intrigued by how basic materials that are tossed away as waste could be re-used as household necessities.

Meanwhile, persons from Linden showcased the locally made “pleasurable flavours” products such as hot sauce, green seasoning, cucumber, papaw, corilla and souree pepper sauce, an all-pur-

Promoting a green economy by selling plants to the public.( photos by Delano Williams) ty to showcase what their region offers to the rest of the country.

On display were mostly artwork, craft, food and unique activities that the municipalities undertake in order to keep their internal economy vibrant.

According to Narine, Georgetown used the opportunity to show persons how a shift to re-cycling can cut costs.

“Millions of dollars are spent every year on garbage collection but this can be averted once persons adopt the way

pose seasoning, sweet pepper relish and mango.

The product was created by Dianna Plowell from Ameila’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and has been in existence for over five years.

Other craftsmen/women also displayed their creations that were either machine or handmade.

Individuals who visited the mini-expo said the initiative was one that had the potential to grow and create a network among the towns.

A craftsman telling persons about his creations

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

End discrimination against ‘sicklers’ –– FACES calls for better healthcare

By Svetlana Marshall

FACES, a non-governmental organisation that is committed to the fight against sickle cell stigma – is advocating for Government to safeguard the human rights of “sicklers,” and to ensure that they receive the highest quality of healthcare.

The call comes days after a “sickler” (person with Sickle Cell disease) attempted to end the struggles of having to fight against the illness and simultaneously fight for quality medical care.

It is alleged that the “sickler” attempted to drink an overdose of pills about two days ago, after experiencing a “crisis” and reportedly feeling a sense of discrimination while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Sickle cell anaemia is

caused by an abnormal type of haemoglobin called “Haemoglobin S”. Haemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.

Passed down through families, sickle cell anae-

mia is a condition where the red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disc, take on a sickle or crescent shape.

The abnormal cells deliver less oxygen to the body’s tissues and can easily get stuck in small

President of FACES, Sabrina Kazim blood vessels and break into pieces. Because of the presence of these abnormal cells, there is an interruption of healthy blood flow, cutting down on the amount of oxygen flowing to body tissues.

Almost all people with sickle cell anaemia have painful episodes called “crises.”These can last from hours to days. “Crises” can cause pain in the lower back, leg, joints, and chest. Some people have one episode every few years. Others have many episodes each year and these “crises” can be severe enough to require hospitalisation.

FRUSTRATION In a message to the President of Fight Against Sickle Cell Discrimination (FACES) Sabrina Kazim, the “sickler” in distress wrote: “I was discharged, I am still having pain and its telling on my nerves, because the pain in my bones is wrecking my nerves and I can’t take it anymore and I can’t get to sleep at night and I am so fed up with the hospital running. I have been taking the medication at home and the situation remains the same. I am so depressed… I can’t continue to burden my family with my struggle.

Only who feels it knows it!”

It is alleged that last

month, when the sickler, in question, was admitted to the Male Surgical Ward at the GPHC, he was severely discriminated against while experiencing a painful “crisis.”

According to the “sickler,” the nurses on duty at the time refused to give him the opioid pain medication “Pethidine,” although his treatment sheet stipulated the times per day he was supposed to be given it.

Several pleas were made before the pain medication was given to the “sickler.” It was also alleged that the “sickler” was given a wrong injection. It was explained that a nurse administered a morphine injection to the patient although his chart stated that he is allergic to morphine. The nurse reportedly apologised profusely and quickly went and got the relevant drugs to combat the allergic reaction, which the patient started to experience.

When in “crisis,” the ordinary medicine or drug will not work for “sicklers.” Morphine and pethidine, which are controlled narcotics, are usually administered however, at the level of the medical institution during a period of admission. When patients in “crises” visit the hospital, ‘too often’ for treatment to be administered, some medical personnel not convinced that they are truly in “crisis,” reportedly take a non-cooperative approach.

NOT THE FIRST When contacted, President of FACES told the Guyana Chronicle that this is not the first time a “sickler” like herself has complained of stigma and discrimination in the wards of GPHC. Kazim said stigma and discrimination were among issues that led her

to form the organisation FACES. Upon hearing of the troubles faced by the “sickler,” Kazim said she made contact with the GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Johnson, who apologised for the treatment meted out to the “sickler,” and promised to correct the situation.

To effect positive changes, Kazim said she has reached out to the First Lady Sandra Granger, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and Social Protection Minister Amna Ally.

“Through FACES, I am hoping to work with the ministers and the First Lady to make the life of “sicklers” better. “Sicklers” would indicate their frustration from time to time, and I truly believe that it is time, the issues facing “sicklers” be addressed,” Kazim posited.

She said there has been significant improvement since FACES has been actively spreading awareness about the negative impact stigmatisation and discrimination have on “sicklers” as it relates to the administration of opioids.

Guyana, she said, however, is nowhere close to addressing the problems facing “sicklers,” pointing out that at some private medical hospitals, “sicklers” are still “blatantly” being denied pain medication.

According to Kazim, FACES will soon be teaming up with international and local organisations to ensure medical institutions adhere to the standards established for the treatment of “sicklers.”

“I know we are not in this fight alone, and so I am calling on all stakeholders to assist us by contributing food, pharmaceuticals and other hampers to distribute to each “sickler” in the organisation. We can be contacted on 592-6611705,” Kazim said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 22, 2017

Gafoors gives back for Ramadan

RAMADAN is an occasion for empathy, and Gafsons Industries Limited on Sunday fed thousands of persons, among them children and the elderly, at its Houston, East Bank Demerara complex.

Ramadan will start around May 27, and will continue for 29 or 30 days.

Executive Chairman, Mr Sattaur Gafoor and his wife Ameena Gafoor shared out cash and hampers, while company staff shared clothing and food.

Mr. Gafoor noted that

Mrs Gafoor said one of the greatest objectives of the month of Ramadan is to understand what others are going through, particularly those who are less fortunate. This occasion also allows muslims to give back and appreciate one’s blessings.

Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than at any other time of the year, because this month has been blessed

by Allah.

Almost all Muslims try

One of the many tables being served during the programme one of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to Allah, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust.

As such, possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need.

He said zakaat is one of the five pillars of Islam, and serves principally as the welfare contribution to poor and deprived individuals. The payment of zakaat is obligatory on every sane and mature muslim whenever there is an economic activity.

Gafoor explained that zakaat not only purifies the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed.

It also purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness, and it fosters instead goodwill and warm wishes for the contributors.

to give up bad habits during Ramadan, and some will try to become better muslims by praying more and reading more of the Qur’an.

Muslims believe that this is one way that the chaining up of the devils is manifested, since there is no other reason for them to do so.

Ramadan is also considered a time for intense prayer and religious devotion, with Muslims being encouraged to observe the five daily prayers throughout the day. Many will recite the Quran just before sunset and the start of their feasting.

Often, people will donate money to charity during Ramadan and help to feed the hungry. And muslims will also take the time to cut down on other vices such as gossiping, swearing and fighting.

One of the goals of abstaining from food and drink is to understand the situation of the less fortunate.

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City businessman, Mr Sattaur Gafoor ensuring persons from homes for the elderly and others return via transportation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 22, 2017

Crown Prince rules Jamwest

... sweeps CMRC super-stock class

By Stephan Sookram in Jamaica

BRYCE Prince was royalty as he made a clean sweep of the super-stock competition of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) round one at the Jamwest Raceway in Jamaica.

Prince, riding for the Mohamed’s Enterprise team and starting the day on pole, was an absolute masterclass of a competitor as he romped home unbeaten at the Jamwest Raceway and in the process, setting a new superstock record of 1:15.5 In race-one, he dominated the competition from pole, leaving Jamaicans Robert Mc Donald and Kyle Reynolds,second and third respectively,with Trinidad’s Warren DeNobrega fourth, and the Guyanese duo of Heemand Boodram and Kevin Persaud in fifth and sixth respectively.

The fourth Guyanese rid-

er,John Bennett did not enter due to mechanical troubles.

Race-two saw him falling behind from the launch but he managed to retake the lead and open the gap.

Boodram managed to move up to second from his earlier fifth place finish while DeNobrega finished third, Reynolds fourth and Persaud fifth.

Race-three saw only Bryce completing the race, with Bennett crashing out while he was in sixth, Persaud falling on the last lap from second and Boodram not starting due to mechanical problems.

Prince wrapped up the weekend by telling Chronicle Sport “We learned the track pretty quickly yesterday. The track was pretty easy to learn. I think the trickiest part was trying to figure out where to ride to avoid some of the bumps and some of the lines were better than others,so you couldn’t take the ideal line.” “`We were able to get good starts in both the first and third race and were able to break away from the field and its three wins and set a new track record,so it was really good for Team Mohamed’s Enterprise to get out there and get a good dominating performance here for the first weekend,” he concluded.

In the group two class, Rameez Mohammed and Nazrudeen Mohammed faced mechanical troubles, though both managed to complete a few races.

In race-one, Rameez fell out with Nazrudeen running fifth,while mechanical troubles ensured several DNFs. At the group three end of things, It was all Paul Vieira of Trinidad who dominated on all three occasions ahead of countryman Ronald Worthman while Rameez Mohammed finished twice on the podium. The team returns home later this week.

Racing however ended prematurely after two marshals were injured during the final CMRC GP 4 four race.

Up to press time, the Guyana Chronicle was unable to confirm their exact injuries but a source close to the Jamaica Race Drivers Club (JRDC) confirmed that they were both in a stable condition.

Their names, which were given as Wendy and Tiffany,were behind the barrier for the start of the last Group Four race when the incident occurred,when contact between Doug Gore and David Summerbell Jnr. sent the former’s car into the wall and then sliding down the track.

The impact to the wall sent concrete flying which in turn hit and injured the two marshals who were there to register the order in which the cars crossed the start/finish line.

Meanwhile, of the two drivers involved, Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore suffered a broken elbow and bruised ribs and ‘King’ David Summerbell jnr walked away with bumps and bruises.

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:30 hrs Perfectus 09:00 hrs Elesian Fields 09:30 hrs Red Hot Russian 10:00 hrs Mr Micsteamy 10:30 hrs Russian Dream

09:50 hrs Merdon Castle 10:20 hrs Courier 10:50 hrs Yarmouk 11:20 hrs Arthurthedelegator 11:55 hrs Moonwise 12:25 hrs Yorkee Mo Sabee 13:00 hrs La Fritillaire

English Racing Tips Towcester 09:00 hrs Bestwork 09:30 hrs Barton Knoll 10:00 hrs Riddlestown 10:30 hrs Galactic Power 11:00 hrs Forever Field 11:30 hrs Midnight Walk 12:00 hrs Man In Black

Irish Racing Tips Punchestown 12:45 hrs Cook Islands 13:15 hrs Denham Sound 13:45 hrs Wee Tiger 14:15 hrs Westland Row 14:45 hrs Sharps Choice 15:15 hrs Broughtons Star 15:45 hrs Jetez

Redcar 09:10 hrs Benadalid 09:40 hrs Flashing Light 10:10 hrs UAE Queen 10:40 hrs Dakota Gold 11:10 hrs Khamarry 11:40 hrs Patchwork 12:10 hrs Av A Word 12:40 hrs Clenymistra

American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 The Schwam Race 2 Start Smok’n Race 3 Tango Delta Race 4 Groupthink Race 5 Blue Hen Madness Race 6 Cincy Belle Race 7 Discovery Bay Race 8 Everything Magic Race 9 Larco Mar Race10 Beautiful Maiden

Carlisle 09:20 hrs Ventura Dragon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 22, 2017

Champions Chelsea bid farewell to captain Terry with gold-topped trophy

By Clare Lovell | LONDON,(Reuters)-Stamford Bridge erupted in celebration on Sunday as departing Chelsea captain John Terry lifted the Premier League trophy in Antonio Conte’s record-breaking first season in charge, but the carnival atmosphere had a bitter-sweet edge.

Terry, 22 years at the club and 13 as captain, started the final league game of the season and wept as fans sang his name after unfurling banners describing him as “captain, leader, legend”.

In a piece of sentimental theatre, Conte substituted Terry with his successor as captain Gary Cahill in the 26th minute -– his shirt number –- of the 5-1 win over Sunderland and the emotional 36-year-old hugged team mates who formed a guard of honour as he left the pitch to a standing ovation.

Terry, who may earn a last run-out for the club he joined as a 14-year-old schoolboy at the FA Cup final at Wembley next Saturday, merited a supplement in the match programme handed out for free at the ground. He has made 717 appearances for Chelsea.

The visibly emotional former England captain thanked owner Roman Abramovich,

the supporters, his wife and children as well as staff and players in an address at the end of the game.

He said Sunday was “one of the most difficult days of my

club in 2003. During that time the club have also won four FA Cups.

TOUGH DAY But it was a tough day for

Chelsea celebrate with the trophy after winning the Premier League Reuters / Eddie Keogh

life”.

“You are the best supporters in the world,” he added.

“Thank you will never be enough but I will be coming back here one day and I love you all from the bottom of my heart,” he said, his voice cracking. He then hugged Conte and passed the microphone.

“He’s been fantastic and very important for me and the players,” Conte said while Cahill called him “the best centre half in Premier League history”.

It was Chelsea’s fifth title since Abramovich bought the

relegated Sunderland who finished the season bottom of the league on 24 points compared with their hosts’ 93. They did, though, surprise their hosts in the third minute by scoring their 29th goal of a miserable season, a rebound by Javier Manquillo.

Chelsea responded by battering the beleaguered Sunderland goal, finishing with five -- from Willian, Eden Hazard, Pedro and two by Michy Batshuayi in the dying minutes.

They became the first Premier League side to register 30 victories in one season.

The sun-drenched crowd

were in fine voice, breaking into chants of “Antonio, Antonio”, joined by Conte’s nineyear-old daughter Vittoria who sang her father’s name along with the supporters. She also got the chance to hold the trophy when the families joined the players for a lap of honour after the game.

A huge banner above the Stamford Bridge shed end proclaimed: “Thank you – Grazie” and the former Juventus and Italy coach, who has praised the sellout crowds and atmosphere at English grounds, acknowledged the chants by applauding the four sides of the ground.

Former captain Dennis Wise carried the gold-topped Premier League trophy to a rapidly-constructed dais and as Terry and Cahill lifted the trophy, blue-and-white bunting rained down on the players while cannons blew celebratory flames into the air.

Dozens of small children in Chelsea kit, the sons and daughters of the players and staff, joined the festivities as players sprayed Conte with Champagne and loudspeakers blared out “We are the Champions.”

The players are unlikely to be drinking much of the fizz, however, with their Cup final game against London rivals Arsenal only six days away.

Djokovic names Agassi as coach after Rome defeat by Zverev (REUTERS)-Novak Djokovic confirmed he will be coached

by Andre Agassi at the French Open after being humbled by German youngster Alexander Zverev in the final of the Italian Open on Sunday.

The Serb, beaten 6-4 6-3 by Zverev in the Rome sunshine, said he would join up with eight-times grand slam champion Agassi as he prepares to defend his Roland Garros crown.

worrying loss of form since completing the career grand slam in Paris last year where he beat Andy Murray in the final.

Boris Becker left the Djokovic entourage last December after three successful years together.

Djokovic, who turns 30 today, looked back to his dazzling best when he demolished Dominic Thiem in the semi-final on Saturday for the loss of

Manchester City, Liverpool deny Arsenal Champions League slot on final day

By Steve Tongue

LONDON,(Reuters)-Manchester City and Liverpool claimed the last two Champions League qualifying spots with comfortable wins on Sunday that meant Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal missed out on Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in 20 years.

The big guns blew away the rest on the final day of the Premier League season -- City thrashing Watford 5-0 and Liverpool beating relegated Middlesbrough 3-0 -- to leave the top six places exactly as they had been at the start of play.

That meant Arsenal failed to qualify for Champions League football for the first time since Wenger became manager in 1996.

Despite beating Everton 3-1 with only 10 men -- defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off and will miss the FA Cup final against champions Chelsea on Saturday -- Wenger’s team were left stranded in fifth position as Manchester City and Liverpool finished in the top four behind Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Latest media reports have indicated that Wenger will sign a new contract whatever the result at Wembley Stadium, in the face of disillusionment with his stewardship by many Arsenal fans.

“We were playing in a hos-

tile environment,” the Frenchman told reporters of his side’s difficult mid-season period.

“The players came back stronger in the last two months and I’m very proud of them for doing that.

“One thing you cannot question is my love for this club. I’ve turned down every club in the world to stay here.”

GOAL FEAST On a day full of goals -- 37 in the 10 matches -- Tottenham led the way with a 7-1 thumping of hosts Hull City four days after winning 6-1 away to dethroned champions Leicester City.

England striker Harry Kane scored his second hattrick of the week to finish as

knocked in five at Watford to give departing home manager Walter Mazzarri a miserable send-off.

The win kept the Manchester side two points ahead of Liverpool, whose comfortable success at home to Middlesbrough earned them a place in the Champions League playoff round.

Disappointed Arsenal could point out that their total of 75 points was more than they achieved in finishing runners-up last season and would normally have put them in the top four.

It emphasised how the top clubs have pulled away from the rest, with a gap of 15 points between Everton in seventh place and Southampton in eighth.

Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring their fifth goal with team mates Reuters / Stefan Wermuth Livepic

the clear winner of the Golden Boot with 29 goals from only 30 games.

“Finishing the season with seven goals in two games is perfect, hopefully I can continue it at the start of next season,” he said.

P e p G u a r d i o l a ’s C i t y

There was a similar gap between fourth-placed Liverpool and their Merseyside rivals.

CHELSEA CELEBRATE Chelsea’s 93 points was the second highest total since the Premier League began in 1992 and they became the first

Premier League team to register 30 victories in one season. They finished seven points ahead of second-placed Spurs.

Antonio Conte’s side were presented with the trophy after beating bottom club Sunderland 5-1 at Stamford Bridge, where departing club captain John Terry made an emotional farewell speech to the crowd.

“Today is one of the most difficult days of my life,” he said.

Sixth-placed Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-0 after resting several players ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax Amsterdam in Stockholm.

The struggles of old rivals Arsenal and United this season meant it was the first time both sides had finished outside the first four places in the top flight since the 1978-79 campaign.

United’s Josh Harrop, 21, scored the opening goal against Palace on his league debut while 16-year-old substitute Angel Gomes became the youngest player to feature for the Old Trafford club in the Premier League era.

Leicester City failed to secure the win they needed at home to Bournemouth for a place in the top half of the table, the 1-1 draw ending their poor defence of the title in 12th position.

Eight-times grand slam champion Andre Agassi

He did not say whether the partnership would be long term.

“I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris,” Djokovic said.

“So he’s gonna be there.

We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us.

“We don’t have any longterm commitment. It’s just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit,” added the 12-times grand slam champion.

“Obviously, Andre is someone that I have tremendous respect for as a person and as a player. He has been through everything that I’m going through.

“He understands the game amazingly well.”

Earlier this month the former world number one split with his long-time coach Marian Vajda as well as fitness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch and physio Miljan Amanovic.

He said he wanted to rediscover the “spark” after a

one game.

But he was outplayed by Zverev who dominated the match after breaking serve in the opening game.

It was the biggest win in 20-year-old Zverev’s career as he became the youngest winner of a Masters 1000 tournament since Djokovic himself won Miami in 2007.

He controlled play from the back of the court with his fluid two-handed backhand and heavy forehand.

Zverev broke again in the third game of the second set and clinched the match with another break in the ninth game.

Victory will push Zverev into the ATP’s top 10 for the first time when the rankings are released on Monday.

“I’m very happy with the way I played and my performance all week, I think today was one of the best matches I ever played,” said Zverev. “I knew I had to be aggressive from the first point to the last.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 22, 2017

Warren `40’ McKay cops Banks Tottenham’s Kane wins DIH Powerade cycling event Golden Boot in 7-1 romp (REUTERS)-Harry Kane won the Premier League Golden Boot for the second successive year after scoring a second hat- trick in four days as Tottenham thrashed relegated Hull City 7-1 on Sunday.

Kane scored his first goal in the 10th minute with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area. He added a second shortly afterwards from Kieran Trippier’s volleyed pass.

goals from Ben Davies and Toby Alderweireld as Spurs followed up Thursday’s 6-1 romp at Leicester with another exhilarating show.

The seventh goal enabled them to pip champions Chelsea as the league’s highest scorers with 86 goals.

“We are delighted with the way we finished,” Kane said.

“To win 7-1 away from home is a great end to a great

Prize winners of the various categories of the Banks DIH sponsored Powerade 11-race cycle programme strike a pose with race organizer,Hassan Mohamed (extreme right) and Banks DIH’s Outdoor Manager, Mortimer Stewart (extreme left)

IN what can be described as a tactical move, Warren `40’ McKay, after trailing a trio of riders for most of 35 laps, sprang a surprise,with just about approximately 400 metres remaining in the 36-mile event,to clinch victory.

The activity was the feature 35-lap race of the 11race programme sponsored

by Banks DIH, under its Powerade Brand and which was staged around the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday and was coordinated by cycle-coach Hassan Mohamed.

The feature event saw

Paul DeNobrega, Christopher Griffith and Jamal John dominating the event from as early as the third lap and between them, they shared seven of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs with John claiming five and DeNobrega two. The other prime was won by Nigel Dugid.

McKay registered one hour 21 minutes 45 seconds in winning the event ahead of DeNobrega, John, Griffith, Alonzo, Ambrose and Mario King,respectively.

After three laps of intense rivalry were complet-

ed, DeNobrega, John and Griffith broke from the pack and no other cyclist responded.However,after the completion of 17 laps, McKay made his move and closed in on the leaders and with approximately 400 metres remaining,the three leaders started the `Cat and Mouse’ game and McKay, like the bigger `Cat’, pounced on the trio and being the powerful sprinter he is, sailed past them (trio) and won easily.

Dugid won the 10-lap event for juveniles in a time of 23 minutes 29 seconds from Briton John and Mar-

cus Keiler, respectively.

Junior Niles won the five-lap race for veterans under 50 years of age.

Second was Leer Nunes and finishing third was Ian `Dumb Boy’ Jackson.

Kennard Lovell was the winner of the five-lap race for veterans over 50 years of age,ahead of Linden Blackman.

Sean Budhan won the five-lap race for mountain bikers. Second was Ryan Canterbury and finishing third was Wayne Nurse.

David Hinds won the three-lap race for boys and girls 12-14 years of age.

Thompson equals world leading time in 200m at JII Meet

REIGNING Olympic sprint double champion Jamaican Elaine Thompson continued her superb form at the 14th staging of the Jamaica International Invitational (JII) at the National Stadium in Kingston with an easy victory in the women’s 200 metres.

The 24-year-old Jamaican won the race in a new meet record time of 22.09 seconds, an effort which equaled the fastest time in the world this year.

Americans Tori Bowie, on April 20 in Gainesville, Florida and Deajah Stevens, on May 14 in Eugene, Oregon both recorded 22.09 to jointly hold the fastest time in the world this year.

Thompson’s effort in the 200 metres came seven days after she clocked a world leading 10.78 seconds to outclass her rivals in the women’s 100 metres at the second meet of the 2017

Elaine Thompson continued her superb format the JII meet.

Diamond League series in Shanghai, China.

The 10.78 clocking was Thompson’s fourth fastest performance of her career, just 0.08 shy of her personal best, in what was her first

race in the Chinese port city.

That victory for Thompson came just a week after she outraced world 200m champion Dafne Schippers in the 200-metre race in Doha,

the first meet of the series, clocking a season best 22.19.

Prior to that performance in Doha, Thompson illustrated her sound form this season with a wind-assisted 10.75 (+2.2) in Kingston.

The Jamaica International Invitational is the first meeting of the 2017 IAAF World Challenge series.

The series comprises 10 meetings to be held in as many countries over the course of the late spring and summer, concluding with the Rieti Meeting in Italy.

In between, the series traverses the globe, with stops in São Bernardo do Campo (Sao Paulo), Hengelo, Turku, Ostrava and Madrid before the IAAF World Championships London 2017.

It will then pick up again with stops at longtime fixtures, Berlin and Zagreb, before the finale in Rieti.(Sportsmax).

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur with his Golden Boot award. Photograph: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

Dele Alli claimed the third just before halftime for the Premier League runners-up and top scorers.

Midfielder Sam Clucas pulled one back but Victor Wanyama and Kane, completing his fifth hat trick of 2017 in all competitions, emphasised Tottenham’s superiority with his 29th league goal of the season.

There were further

season for us.

“It’s massive to win the Golden Boot again. I said to retain it would be special with the injuries I’ve had but to score 29 goals in 30 games is something I feel proud of.

“Finishing the season with seven goals in two games is perfect, hopefully I can continue it at the start of next season.”

Amla hits 59 as South Africa avoid defeat SOUTH Africa narrowly beat Northamptonshire by 13 runs in an entertaining match at Wantage Road.

The Proteas lost opener Quinton de Kock to a seven-ball duck before Hashim Amla (59) and David Miller (51) helped the visitors to 275-7 from 50 overs.

England batsman Ben Duckett was bowled by Chris Morris to leave Northants 1-1 but opener Max Holden hit a run-aball 55 to accelerate the innings.

Tom Sole’s 54 pushed Northants close but Morris took 3-36 to ensure victory.

South Africa were without one-day captain AB de Villiers, who is still recovering from illness, but pace bowler Morne Morkel returned to the side and bowled accurately to finish with figures of 2-32.

The Proteas play the first of three one-day internationals against England on Wednesday, before the Champions Trophy begins on 1 June.(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 22, 2017

Richardson commits to coaching national youth teams - hoping to get GFF certification

By Rawle Toney

GREGORY ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson said that he’s willing and ready to embrace his new role with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), where he serves as a coach for the Federation’s national academy, working with the country’s National youth teams.

All part of the GFF’s plans, orchestrated by Technical Director Ian Greenwood, Richardson will join former national players,Bryan Joseph and Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard who have all committed to working with the local federal at the various levels of the national teams.

“I’m committed to coaching, you know, I’m trying to help the youngsters because it’s better to help the youths, so eventually you get them out at an early age. Eventually, everyone will want to come on board to play football because before some use to say that football has nothing to offer” Richardson said.

The 34-year-old is often times mentioned as one of the

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson (second from left) during a session with the National U-17 team over the weekend.

most gifted players Guyana has ever produced;his exploits saw him reach as far as the USA’s Major League (MLS) when he signed with the Colorado Rapids in 2009.

Also establishing his dominance in the Trinidad and To-

bago Pro League, Richardson found success in the second tier of USA’s football system with the Carolina RailHawks as well as with the Puerto Rico Islanders,and later Alpha United.

The foundation Pele FC

player, however, of recent has been finding favour with the Wayne Forde-led GFF, where his expertise on playing ‘upfront’ was highly sought after by Greenwood.

In fact, Greenwood told Chronicle Sport yesterday that

Richardson’s exceptional ability to control the game as a forward and his skill is something that’s seriously lacking in football in Guyana, while Forde stated that Richardson’s god-gifted skill will surely be needed in the country’s rebuilding process at the youth levels.

“If the GFF put that trust in me I will continue doing it because I love coaching and playing football,” Richardson said when asked if he intends to go all the way with the coaching role, as the GFF talks about investing in his future once committed.

“I coach, even at my club I would continue coaching because most times I don’t even feel like play, I just want to coach, especially with the those youngsters” Richardson said.

Richardson was a part of the Walter Moore scouting programme, where his former Golden Jaguars teammate along with the FF Jaro Coach,Kristian Heames,held a two-day scouting clinic with Guyana’s National U-17 players.

“Well the experience is good and we were able to see some of the good talent. We still have some more good players outside that didn’t come, but we have some promising players that could make it out there,so we’re trying to push them a lot now” “Majority of the players from Georgetown knows me. I coach a couple of them at Morgan and those from Chase and a few are with my club. I speak to them a lot, tell them what to do and what not to do, show them how to get certain things done and they adapted very quick” Richardson pointed out.

Despite still stating his willingness to don the colours of the Golden Jaguars once given, Richardson, however, stated that his primary focus now is to see the young players “get the knowledge of the game, understand the game the right way, because as long as they understand the game it will come easy to them.”

Richardson plans on using every opportunity given by the GFF to his advantage to help better his coaching ability.

Chanderpaul century halts Yorkshire progress

SHIVNARINE Chanderpaul hit a ton to help Lancashire fight back in the Roses match with Yorkshire at Old Trafford.

The Tykes began the day 421-7, and Jack Brooks soon scored the six singles he needed to complete his maiden first-class ton before ending unbeaten on 109 as Yorkshire declared at 448-8.

Ryan Sidebottom (2-41) then struck twice as Lancashire slipped to 68-4.

But Chanderpaul (106) and Ryan McLaren (63 not out) helped Lancashire reach 264-6 at stumps, 184 runs behind.

However, the dismissal of Chanderpaul by Ben Coad with fewer than five overs left in the day will reignite Yorkshire’s hopes of forcing victory if they can clean up the tail on the fourth morning.

It is also not yet certain whether James Anderson will bat, the 34-year-old England

fast bowler having had to leave the field of play on day one with a tight groin.

Chanderpaul’s knock, the 75th first-class century of his career and his fourth for Lancashire, came off 199 balls, including 11 fours and one six.

He and McLaren shared 112 for the sixth wicket as the Red Rose endeavoured to frustrate the visiting bowlers.

E a r l i e r i n t h e d a y, 32-year-old seamer Brooks

Shivnarine Chanderpaul has now scored four centuries for Lancashire - and four against Yorkshire

reached three figures for the

first time in his career, having passed his previous best score of 53 the previous day.

L a n c a s h i re ’s S h i v Chanderpaul told BBC Radio Manchester: “It was hard work out there. We lost some early wickets and someone had to dig in and lay the foundation.

Ryan batted really well, as did Dane Vilas.

“Hopefully Ryan can push on and get us beyond the 300-mark and put some

more bonus points on the board for us. If we get to 300, we are in a good position to not have to bat again in this match.

“I couldn’t believe that I missed that ball and got out. I was really looking forward to batting on tomorrow. I was looking at the scoreboard to see how many overs were left and trying to see out the evening. But that’s the way cricket goes.”

Ronaldo fires Real to first title since 2012 with win at Malaga

By Richard Martin

BARCELONA,(Reuters)-Real Madrid ended a five-year wait to win La Liga on Sunday as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema secured a 2-0 win at Malaga which clinched a 33rd league triumph.

Barcelona fought back from two goals down to beat Eibar 4-2 but the result could not stop Real from lifting the title.

Zinedine Zidane’s men only needed a draw to wrap up the title in their final game of the season and raced into the lead when Ronaldo latched onto a through ball from Isco to round Carlos Kameni. That goal ensured Real scored in every league game this season.

Malaga had nothing to play for but made a fist of the game and it took a fine save from Keylor Navas to prevent former Barca player Sandro Ramirez levelling from a freekick later in the first half and the striker also came close from a header.

Real also wasted chances to stretch their lead before Benzema bundled the ball in on the rebound in the 55th minute after Kameni had saved from Sergio Ramos following a corner.

There was a brief moment of concern when Ronaldo needed treatment after falling awkwardly from a challenge but the Portuguese, who scored for the fifth time in three league games, was able to finish the

game, easing Madrid’s anxieties before the Champions League final against Juventus on June 3.

Real finished the campaign on 93 points after a sixth straight league win since going down 3-2 to Barca in April.

Barca fell two goals be-

hind in their final game of the season against Eibar as Japanese forward Takashi Inui scored either side of the break with two thumping finishes in off the crossbar although the Catalans fought back to win 4-2 with the help of a double

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo reactsReuters / Juan Medina

from the league’s top scorer Lionel Messi.

The Catalans had missed a slew of chances before then and had a goal ruled out but they got a lucky break when Eibar defender David Junca inadvertently sent a loose ball into his own net after Neymar had hit the post.

Luis Suarez knocked in the equaliser in the 73rd minute after Messi had missed a penalty although the Argentine compensated by converting a second spotkick in the 75th and then rounded off the scoring in injury time.

Messi finishes top scorer in the league with 37 strikes, ahead of Suarez on 29 and Ronaldo on 25.

Also on Sunday Atletico Madrid said farewell to their beloved Vicente Calderon stadium in the most fitting manner with a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao thanks to a double by homegrown hero Fernando Torres on Sunday before they move to a new ground.

Atletico finished third with 78 points while Athletic missed out on sixth and a qualifying round spot in next season’s Europa League to Basque rivals Real Sociedad, who snatched a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo with an added time leveller from striker Juanmi.

Athletic are seventh but can still earn a place in the Europa League if Barcelona win the King’s Cup.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 22, 2017

Walter Moore scouting clinic becomes permanent fixture on GFF’s calendar ... Heames impressed with quality of players

By Rawle Toney

football.”

WAYNE Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), yesterday announced that the ‘Walter Moore Scouting Clinic’ will become a permanent fixture on the Federation’s calendar.

Moore, a former Golden Jaguars defender and his club FF Jaro coach Kristian Heames, conducted a two-day (May 19 – 21) talent identification programme, which will result in potential players being identified for trials and possible professional contracts in Europe.

This initiative is part of the new philosophy of the technical programme of the GFF, which actively seeks to involve past and present national players as part of the technical development programme.

“The Walter Moore scouting clinic will now become a permanent fixture on the GFF’s calendar and the GFF will fund it exclusively” Forde told Chronicle Sport

HEAMES IMPRESSED Before taking up a post as coach with FF Jaro last year, Heames from July 2008 to July 2016, served as Scout with English Premiere League club,West Bromwich Albion F.C.,also known as West Brom.

It was Heames’ maiden journey to the South American country, and the Englishman said that he was impressed with the level and quality displayed by the players who are all apart of Guyana’s National U-17 programme.

“The overall level is really good, working with the players, getting to see them both on and off the field was pretty good” Heames said, while singling out Chris Macy, Job Caesar, Cecil Jackman and Orville Daniels as those who stood out.

Heames reasoned that “players from different environment have different strengths and athletically players here are better than

GFF president Wayne Forde addressing the National U-17 players before the start of their two-day scouting programme at the #5 Ground,West Berbice on Saturday.

in an exclusive interview yesterday.

“Of course we will always use our network to see if we could bring in some sponsors, so what we will do over the next couple of months, the technical department and Walter will build the best model to see how this would work,” Forde noted.

The GFF top brass explained that “players in the

past didn’t see any long term in the sport that they had given so much to and I think that if there’s anything that you want to do as a leader it should be to inspire hope and that’s one of the things we’ve been doing, not only as an executive committee but as a technical staff.”

Forde also reasoned “if you’re a player and you see a structure curriculum where you have players knowl-

Demerara Volleyball Association serves off division 1 league

Action in the DVA’s First Division League’s opening night play at the National Gymnasium (Samuel Maughn Photo)

THE Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) served off their highly anticipated first division league at the National Gymnasium last evening.

Some of the country’s best players, both male and female will be on show during the championship, which will also see games being played at Goed Fortuin and Bartica.

Castrol Strikers, Bartica Warriors, Young Achiev-

ers and Demerara under 19 are the male teams competing, while on the Castrol strikers, Vanguards VC, Linden and Bartica Warriors are the female teams set to be on show in the league which will conclude on July 29.

President of the DVA Trevor Williams thanked the teams for not only showing up, but being well organized for the league.

Director of Sport Chris-

topher Jones lauded the efforts the DVA for ensuring that league volleyball is played and offered the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) full support in other endeavors of the association.

Ansa McAl under their Stag Beer brand, Office of the Prime Minister, NSC, Ministry of Social Protection, Trophy Stall and Bakewell are the league’s sponsors. (Rawle Toney)

edgeable and experience like ‘Jackie Chan’ (Gregory Richardson); Walter Moore returning with his coach from Finland, you’re seeing tangible evidence of development; that’s what we’re giving to this nation and so if that’s the added incentive that they needed all along for them (the players) to put that extra 100%, it’s very encouraging for Guyana’

many players in Europe but I would say that it’s their understanding of the game that needs to be worked on.”

“After speaking to the technical department, I’ve gotten a better understanding as to how Guyana’s football was structured previously,so that might be the case why players developed a lot of individual skills, may be they don’t have the access to the coaching and I like the fact that some of the things that are done here (at the GFF) is to bridge that gap” Heames opined.

Heames’ sentiments were echoed by the GFF’s Technical Director,Ian Greenwood, who said “we’ve got fantastic athletic ability, but that game understanding is a massive problem from what I first arrived but we’re looking to improve that now. We’ve got a playing philosophy where the work is structured through the academy training centres, so the amount of tactical work now with the national programme is vastly improving from what we would’ve had before.”

Browne says review of eligibility rule at advanced stage BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – West Indies chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne, has hinted that the process to amend the controversial eligibility rule was at an advanced stage.

Speaking to Massy United Insurances Line & Length TV Show here, Browne said the process was currently being discussed at the West Indies cricket committee level and from there would go on to the full board.

“There’s some discussion going on about revisiting the eligibility rule,” said the former West Indies wicketkeeper.

“It is with the West Indies cricket committee and then that will go to the board and see what happens from there.

“But I think it is important that we understand that our domestic cricket is key and players coming out of our domestic cricket and showing they can go to the international level and perform, is important.

“Yes, we have to look at it but we have to be mindful that we have to develop our product, we have to develop our

tournament. We have to develop it to a stage where we have a very good standard of regional cricket.”

WICB chairman of selectors Courtney Browne

The eligibility rule requires players to make themselves available for domestic tournaments in

order to qualify for selection to the West Indies side in the various formats.

H o w e v e r, t h i s h a s proved a sore point for marquee players over the years as it has required them to forego lucrative contracts in foreign leagues to return home.

Only recently, veteran right-hander Marlon Samuels was ruled ineligible for the one-day side because he played only two games of the Regional Super50 before heading to Pakistan to take up a T20 contract.

Last March, newly appointed Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, said the rule was in definite need of review.

QUIZ CORNER (MONDAY MAY 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) Mumbai Indians & Rising Pune Supergiants (2) Washington Sundar (RPS) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two teams were involved in the Eliminator game

in IPL 2017?

(2) Who was voted Man of the Match in the Eliminator game?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Walter Moore scouting clinic becomes See permanent fixture Page on GFF’s calendar 27

Crown Prince rules Jamwest ... sweeps CMRC super-stock class

See Page 23

Bryce Prince leads Robert McDonald through the corner of race-one of the CMRC super-stock class at the Jamwest Raceway in Jamaica.

(Photo by Stephan Sookram)

The wrecked remains of Doug Gore’s Audi TT

Mumbai win dramatic IPL final to complete hat-trick

MITCHELL Johnson took two wickets in the final over as Mumbai Indians beat Rising Pune Supergiant by one run in a dramatic Indian Premier League final to claim a record third title in Hyderabad.

Krunal Pandya top scored with a 38-ball 47 for a Mumbai side that could only post 129-8 after Jaydev Unadkat (2-19) set the tone with two wickets in an over in the Maharashtra derby.

Ajinkya Rahane made

44 after being dropped on 14 and captain Steve Smith (51) looked set to get Pune home for a first IPL crown at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, but Mumbai edged it to regain the trophy.

Pune only needed 11 off the last over, but Johnson (3-26) dismissed Manoj Tiwary and Smith after the first ball went for four, while Jasprit Bumrah (2-26) and Lasith Malinga also played key roles as Mumbai

snatched it.

Mumbai were beaten by Pune in the first qualifier, but the Indians delivered when it mattered most to pick up the INR 15 Crore in prize money and become the first side to win the IPL three times.

Unadkat got Pune off to a dream start, dismissing Parthiv Patel (4) and taking a magnificent low catch off his own bowling when Lendl Simmons (3) misjudged one that stuck in

the pitch three balls later in a magnificent third over that went for only two runs.

Mumbai were 8-2 when Rohit Sharma (24) arrived at the crease, but the India batsman injected some much-needed impetus by taking 16 off an over from Lockie Ferguson before Smith ran Ambati Rayudu (12) out with a superb direct hit.

Rohit was also on his way when Shardul Thakur took a

magnificent catch in the deep to give Adam Zampa (2-32) a first wicket, who tossed one up for Kieron Pollard to hit his first ball into the stands.

Krunal produced some much-needed late fireworks, hitting two sixes before he was out from the last ball of the innings from Dan Christian (2-34).

Rahul Tripathi (3) was given out leg before when the ball was going over the top of the stumps and Krunal gave Rahane a life by putting down a simple catch off Malinga.

Rahane took the role of aggressor with Smith biding his time on a tricky surface,

but Pollard dived forward to catch the opener off the bowling of Johnson to leave Pune on 71-2 in the 12th over.

The brilliant Bumrah saw the back of MS Dhoni (10) after Smith executed the switch hit expertly to hit Krunal for six in the same over and Pune were left needing 33 from four overs.

Smith lifted Bumrah for six over long-off in the penultimate over and ensure 11 runs were needed to win off the last over, but Tiwary and Smith were caught in the deep and Christian could only take two off the final ball from Johnson with four needed to win.(Omnisport).

Four-member team to represent Guyana at Pan American Karate Championships

Mumbai Indians cricketers celebrate with the trophy after winning the IPL 2017 title. (PTI) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

THE Guyana Karate Federation (GKF) yesterday announced that Guyana will be represented at the May 22 – 27 Pan American Karate Federation Championships in Curacao, by a four-member team.

While Shaqueel Amin and Keith Beaton will compete in the Kumite and Kata events, Sensei Amir Khouri and Sensei Christopher Chaves will be taking part in the Referee, Judge and Coach Courses.

The Pan American Karate Federation (PKF) is the Regional body of the World Karate Federation (WKF) - the recognized Olympic Body for Karate.

The GKF thanked the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) for their generous assistance, as well as the National Sports Commission for their support to the team.

MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017