Guyana chronicle e paper 23 04 2017

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No. 104891

SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2017

Price: $140

Tap Diaspora (VAT Inclusive)

for hinterland airstrips upgrade: Kirton

St. George’s Cathedral taking shape MISSING windows, rotten boards and other unsightly features of the historic St. George’s Cathedral will be a thing of the past.

The once tallest wooden structure in the world is getting a much-needed facelift.

In an effort to restore the building to its former glory, church members organised fund-raising activities and received donations from worshippers.

The rehabilitation will see replacement of rotten boards and broken windows and repainting of the structure, among other works.

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‘I’m not in contempt’ ... AG says in response to judge’s complaint Pa8ge

Five Miles battles dry season Page 13

– Banks DIH, Fire Service and BK step in to help situation

Five homeless in Corentyne blaze

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Five homeless in Corentyne blaze A FAMILY of five is now homeless, after a fire of unknown origin destroyed their dwelling at Lot 41 Miss Phoebe, South, Port Mourant,Corentyne,Berbice The fire, which started at approximately 07:30 hrs, quickly spread through the home.

According to Tilack Sookram, 37, a security guard attached to Hack’s Rice Mill, at around 06:30 hrs, he and his wife left for work and the market respectively. “ I was at work when I get a call that a house catch fire .

While I was coming through I was looking to see where get the fire only to reach and see my house burn to the ground.”

He believes the fire may be electrical in origin, since on numerous occasions they would experience electrical shortages in the house.

“I usually get electrical problem coming from the post. Many times things blow in the house because more than one appliance on at the same time.”

Though the house belongs to an overseas-based Guyanese,

Sookram and his family Sookram and his family have been occupying it for the past five years and during that time he related, they purchased all basic amenities which were all destroyed.

He noted that he had savings of $375,000 in cash which was destroyed, and an estimated $800,000 in losses for the household appliances and furnishings.

His wife, Mohini Ramdass ,28, was emotional as she disclosed that they had nowhere to go and the only thing that remained was the clothing on their bodies .

She said her fouryear-old was left with only the diapers he was wearing, while her two older children (5 and 8 yrs) lost all their school paraphernalia.

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Tap Diaspora for hinterland –– Kirton urges Government airstrips upgrade

PRESIDENT of the Florida-headquartered Guyanese-American Chamber of Commerce, Wesley Kirton, has thrown out the suggestion to Government to look to the Diaspora for investment in upgrading airstrips in the country’s hinterland.

He threw out the suggestion while chairing the first Annual General Meeting of the National Air Transport Association of Guyana held on April, 19 here.

Kirton said that Public/ Private Partnerships involving Diaspora entrepreneurs could provide for the upgrade of several airstrips in Guyana’s interior to include asphalted runways, small terminal buildings with bathroom and other facilities, security and even small hangars for aircraft that could be based in various hinterland locations, thus saving them having to fly to the City when they do not need to.

“I would like to posit the idea that Government look to the Diaspora for investment through Public/ Private Partnerships to upgrade the many airstrips in the interior, which serve the mining and indigenous communities and which could also help spur the de-

velopment of agri-business.

The facilities which this investment should include are the provision of asphalted runways with bathroom and other facilities, security and

count,” Kirton said.

He has since reported that minister in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure with responsibility for aviation, Annette Ferguson, has in-

was the keynote speaker at NATA’s first Annual General Meeting during which Kirton’s suggestion was made and among others participating were U.S. Ambas-

Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Ramesh Ghir.

Kirton also spoke of the importance of international air links with Guyana, pointing to the fact that Guyanese

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson and GCAA Director-General, Egbert Fields with others following the Annual General Meeting storage… even cold storage for agriculture produce from the various locations. I hope the Honourable Minister might look into this possibility although I know that there are national security considerations that would have to be taken into ac-

vited the Guyanese American Chamber to submit a concept paper that would outline how such a Public/ Private Partnership would function. Kirton said that such a paper will be prepared and submitted within 30 days. Minister Ferguson

sador to Guyana, Mr. Perry Holloway, Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Colonel. (ret’d) Larry London, GCAA Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Fields and Chief Executive Officer of the

in the Diaspora look forward to heightened levels of customer service from many of the airlines serving Guyana and destinations in North America.

“We in the Diaspora are also stakeholders in that we travel in large numbers and

represent the single largest category of passengers using these services. We deserve higher levels of quality customer service. However, I must say that I am aware of the efforts of the GCAA to ensure that these airlines ensure that they provide internationally acceptable levels of service to Guyanese and that safety is never compromised.

I also want to point out the critical role that air transport has to play in facilitating the efficient and affordable movement of products, especially agricultural produce to markets in North America. Our agri sector remains critical, notwithstanding the country’s oil discoveries,” Kirton told the meeting.

He also praised the domestic air transport operators for forming themselves into an association and for seeking to provide safe and cost-effective service to passengers travelling to the hinterland.

“Again the Diaspora has an interest here, since when we come as potential investors or bring potential investors, we want to ensure safe and reliable transport around the country, not to mention when we come home with our families to enjoy all that Guyana has to offer.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Trump’s ‘big announcement’ on tax to be broad principles: official President Donald Trump’s promised “big announcement” next week on overhauling the U.S. tax code, a top campaign pledge, will consist of “broad principles and priorities,” an administration official said on Saturday.

The President unexpectedly said on Friday at a Treasury Department event that there would be “a big announcement on Wednesday having to do with tax reform”.

In a Twitter message on

Saturday, he wrote: “Big TAX REFORM AND TAX REDUCTION will be announced next Wednesday.”

Asked for details, the administration official, who asked not to be identified, said, “We will outline our broad principles and priorities” on Wednesday.

Trump has struggled as President to advance his domestic policy agenda, including on taxes, even though his Republican Party controls both chambers of Congress.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters, April 21, 2017 (REUTERS/Aaron P. Bernstein) With his 100th day in office only a week away, he has yet

to offer any formal legislation or win passage of a major bill he favours.

Most recent Presidents had legislative wins under their belts by this time in their administrations.

Under U.S. law, only Congress can make significant tax law changes, though the President often drives the tax agenda by offering legislation.

The administration official said, “We are moving forward on comprehensive tax reform that cuts tax rates for individuals, simplifies our overly complicated system and creates jobs by making American businesses competitive.”

As a candidate, Trump

raised high expectations in financial markets and the business community for changes in the complex, loophole-riddled tax system.

In his “Contract with the American Voter”, he vowed to work with Congress on tax legislation “within the first 100 days of my administration”.

The action plan promised large tax cuts for the middle class and businesses, a reduction of tax brackets to three from seven, simplified tax forms and an offshore profits repatriation tax holiday.

Since then, no legislation or formal tax plan has been presented by Trump. He has at times expressed support for

a plan drawn up by House of Representatives Republicans, but his views are unclear on a section that deals with taxing imports.

In February, Trump promised a “phenomenal” tax plan within a few weeks, without offering details. No plan followed.

Last month when an attempt supported by Trump to repeal the healthcare law known as Obamacare collapsed in Congress, Trump said he would refocus on taxes.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Thursday he expected Congress to approve a tax plan this year.

(Reuters)

Saudi king restores civil service and military allowances: TV Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issued a royal decree on Saturday restoring financial allowances for civil servants and military personnel that had been cut under austerity measures.

“The royal order returns all allowances, financial benefits, and bonuses to civil servants and military staff,” said the decree, broadcast on

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state-run Ekhbariya TV. In September Saudi Arabia cut ministers’ salaries by 20 per cent and scaled back financial perks for public sector employees in one of the energy-rich kingdom’s most drastic measures to save money at a time of low oil prices.

The measures were the first pay cuts for government

employees, who make up about two-thirds of working Saudis.

The decree said they were a response to the sharp drop in the price of oil, the main source of state revenues.

It said the measures had helped the kingdom begin achieving the objectives set out in its economic reform programme, Vision 2030, which include improving state revenues and curbing the budget deficit.

Other decrees appointed one of Salman’s sons, Prince Khaled bin Salman, ambas-

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sador in Washington and another, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, state minister for energy affairs.

Further decrees replaced the kingdom’s information and civil service ministers and set up a committee to investigate allegations of abuse of the civil service office.

A national security centre was established under the royal court and Ibrahim al-Omar was named governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, known as Sagia.

(Reuters)

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Venezuela opposition holds silent march Thousands of Venezuelans marched in silence to remember those killed in three weeks of protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

In the capital, Caracas, protestors dressed in white were blocked from reaching the office of the Roman Catholic archdiocese.

Similar marches took place across the country.

Opposition leaders blamed the deaths of about 20 people on a heavy-handed police response to their protests. (BBC)

Thousands of Venezuelans marched in silence to remember those killed in three weeks of protests against the Government of President Nicolas Maduro

Jamaica foreign minister to launch Diaspora conference in US

Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith Jamaica Foreign Affairs ing for in May, depending on Minister Kamina Johnson the time. We have not been Smith will visit the US to able to map other locations,” attend two Jamaica 55 Di- she added. aspora conference launches Since the official launch in Miami and New York on of the conference earlier this April 24 and 25. month, the minister said that The Miami launch, to Jamaicans overseas have be held at the Miramar City shown “excitement and enHall, Miramar, Florida, is the thusiasm across the board first in a series of Diaspora about coming home”. launches for the Jamaica 55 “We certainly are lookDiaspora Conference sched- ing forward to having them uled to take place at the here from July 23 to 26 in Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown, Kingston, as the downtown, Kingston from City celebrates its 145th anJuly 23 to 26. niversary as our capital, and The New York launch as we celebrate our 55th anwill take place at the Con- niversary of Independence,” sulate General of Jamaica in she noted. the City.

She encouraged JamaiAddressing journalists cans to log on to dca@mfaft. at the Ministry’s quarterly gov.jm for further details press briefing recently, John- of the conference or to get son Smith said that she will in touch with the nearest be leading a team from the consulate or mission in their Ministry to the two launches area. to address the Jamaican comThe Jamaica 55 Diaspora munity and to “drive interest’ Conference was officially in Miami and New York. launched on April 4 at the The minister said that office of the Prime Minister other launches will be held, in Kingston. if there is time before the The conference is conconference. vened every two years by “The time is short, so we the Ministry of Foreign Afare looking at whether the fairs and Foreign Trade, in schedule can permit a Lon- collaboration with several don event, which we are hop- partners. (CMC)

Lilian Tintori, wife of a jailed opposition leader led one of the Caracas marches. The protests began after the government-backed Supreme Court tried to strip some powers from Congress

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Editorial

THERE is evident discord between Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), Mr. Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer, on the functioning of SARU and the stewardship of the PPP/C government. The back-and-forth has now descended into an assault on the elderly population. The Leader of the Opposition sees response to the extant issue deserving of calling the CEO not only a “fossil” or “insignificant,” but a “geriatric” who got employment through connections not ability.

Mr Jagdeo was once President of the Cooperative Republic. This is a title whose holder would have had the responsibility of protecting every group in the society from marginalisation. As Leader of the Opposition, no less dissimilar responsibility is expected.

Though society could be better served should the cross-talk between the two, given their positions, be more substantive

and evidence-based, it does not excuse insulting a demographic whose contributions to society predate him.

Experience will advise that unbecoming behaviour towards the elderly is not new.

During Mr Jagdeo’s presidency, there was similar display of behaviour towards those who sought to hold him accountable, though in that instance he referred to them as “old.” Accountability seems to be an aspect of governance he finds irritating and deserving of lashing out at any who dare speaks of it or holds him to it.

Elderly supporters of the party should be concerned that he finds their group irrelevant and deserving of being constantly demeaned. Whereas at least three-quarters of Guyana’s population is 40 years and younger, it is worthy of noting that in their eyes Mr Jagdeo could be equally considered a geriatric, who should be at home in a rocking chair, and not holding the titles he presently hold. Were he a career public servant, he would be preparing for retirement,

and he also needs not forget that he is relatively old compared to most and can likewise be demeaned and ostracised.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic takes pride in talking up Dr Cheddi Jagan’s legacy and what he stood for.

When Dr Jagan was elected President in 1992, he was 74 years. Mrs Jagan was 77 years when elected in 1997 and President David Granger was 70 in 2015. Mr. Jagdeo probably doesn’t see any of these persons in a positive light or deserving to be president, an office he is seemingly aspiring to get to in 2020, when he will be considered as entering the ranks of the elderly.

The United Nations (UN) sees ageism as discriminating against a person because of age, with specific focus on the elderly. It warns of “scientific research disproving many stereotypes about inevitable and irreversible declines with age.” Attitude of intolerance to those considered older and therefore irrelevant in society does not augur well.

Last week, this newspaper

carried a story that Guyanese are living longer and of the necessity for the need for ensuring the elderly are properly treated. Based on Mr Jagdeo’s expressed opinion and the fact that the PPP/C has not distanced itself from his crass statements it would be reasonable to assume dis-interest in support for policies and programmes designed with the elderly in mind.

The society must see it incumbent upon citizens to treat every demographic with respect. Our culture would advise the that UN reinforces an aspect of our values. The elderly historically, though there has been slippage, has been respected not only for their wisdom but also their skills and experience acquired over the period. Age has no place in determining ability and performance and this needs to be the factors in determining contributions to society. At this same time, such recognition does not mean younger demographics should be excluded from being allowed to play a meaningful

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

role in society.

Recently an act of ageism was witnessed in the trade union, particularly in the campaign for the presidency of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU). It is surprising that the trade union which prides itself in fighting against discrimination, that some within the GPSU membership and among the trade union leadership, were using age as the factor against the incumbent seeking re-election. The government, in fair national assessment of ageism, has too said age is being used as a determining factor for persons

to continue to serve on state boards.

The UN Principles for Older Persons Resolution (adopted 16th December 1991), in the section identified as ‘Participation’ advises that “Older persons should remain integrated in society, participate actively in the formulation and implementation of policies that directly affect their well-being and share their knowledge and skills with younger generations.” As a member-state of the UN, Guyana would be best served paying heed.

SASOD, GTU respond to Govt’s IACHR response Dear Editor, THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and Guyana Trans United (GTU) wish to comment on the response by the Government of Guyana to our submissions in the petition on the “Human Rights Situation of Young Persons in Guyana,” brought up by the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) member organisations during the 161st Period of Sessions of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) on March 22, 2017.

SASOD and GTU raised three key issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth: homophobic and transphobic bullying and discrimination in schools, leading to underperformance and school drop-outs; unemployment, underemployment and workplace discrimination; and health disparities and barriers to accessing quality healthcare services in Guyana.

The Government cited many provisions of the Guyana Constitution, stating that LGBT persons are well protected by the state, but failed to disclose that sexual orientation and gender identity are not included as grounds of protection in Article 149 on protection from discrimination in the Guyana Constitution, nor is it expressly referenced in any of

the other equality-rights articles of the Constitution .

On the matter of workplace discrimination, the coalition Government responded that Guyana has maintained its position in keeping with established human rights conventions by advocating for and providing equal opportunities for all Guyanese. “No person should be discriminated against on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation, since everyone has the right to work, pension and gratuity,” the Government’s response to the GEF submissions states. It then quotes Article 149 (A) of the Constitution, which states that all citizens have free choice of employment and further quotes Article 149 (F), which prohibits discrimination against women on the grounds of gender and sex.

SASOD recommended at the hearing that the Government of Guyana amend the Prevention of Discrimination Act of 1997 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for discrimination in relation to employment. These stated grounds will protect LGBT persons and offer legal recourse when they suffer discrimination. The APNU+AFC Government has not addressed this recommendation in its response. While LGBT persons are supposed to have the benefit of all their constitutional rights, including the right to work, they face discrimination

in fulfilling these rights, as sexual orientation and gender identity are not expressly included as grounds for protection in the laws themselves.

The Government in its written response to the IACHR has quoted a wide range of articles related to fundamental rights and freedoms in the Guyana Constitution. None of these provisions include any expressed references to protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The coalition Government in its written response has evaded the issues raised by the petitioners by citing these general provisions in the Constitution. Specifically as it relates to laws, policies and mechanisms to address discrimination against LGBT persons, their lack of specific responses demonstrates that the coalition Government has fallen woefully short in meeting its obligations to LGBT citizens, despite its two-year-old elections manifesto commitment and the often progressive rhetoric by its ministers in the press.

Students are being bullied and expelled from schools because of their real and perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. Employees and job applicants are being dismissed and told to subdue their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to appease employers’ and public biases. As recently as last month, two trans-

gender women were barred from attending their own matters in court by Magistrate Dylon Bess – which amounts to violations of several of the very fundamental rights and freedoms under the Guyana Constitution which the Government cited in its response to IACHR. Transgender persons are being placed in hospital wards that do not correspond with their gender identities and are being harassed by patients and healthcare workers alike.

There was response by the Government to these issues.

In addressing LGBT students who need protection from being bullied by students and school officials, SASOD and GTU recommended that the Ministry of Education update their Code of Conduct for teachers to include sexual orientation and gender identity as forms of discrimination that should not be perpetrated in schools. This recommendation was not addressed in the Government’s response either.

Our submission recommended practical interventions and policy updates which do not require legislative changes, but the Government’s response was heavily focused on decriminalising same-sex intimacy. The Government in recognising that human rights are the birthrights of all human beings, and in admittance that this has no exception and they are committed to implementing the rule of law,

contradicted itself by saying “as it relates to the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and one’s sexual identity, and the repealing of laws to criminalise homosexuality … much more has to be done regarding a collective and consensual approach and the implementation to fulfil such rights.” The state must meet its human rights obligations to all citizens without exception.

Laws and policies which are discriminatory against any group in society should be repealed forthwith. Is the Government suggesting that there is need for national consensus to respect and protect the rights of a minority group? Minority rights should never be subjected to majority rule. The true test of Guyana’s fledgling democracy will be how it protects the rights of its most marginalised and vulnerable citizens.

The Government’s response to IACHR inaccurately stated that it was recommended by parliament that decriminalising same-sex intimacy be taken to a vote where the people of Guyana will decide by a referendum. In November 2012, the National Assembly set up a special select committee to look at three sets of recommendations from the 2010 United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Guyana: abolition of the death penalty, prohibition of corporal punish-

ment in schools and protection from discrimination and decriminalising LGBT activities. The sloth-like parliamentary special select committee never began its work until a year later, commencing with the issue of corporal punishment. In November 2014, parliament was prorogued, thereby ending the life of the special select committee without any work starting on LGBT human rights issues.

According to the Government’s response to IACHR, His Excellency President Granger “has contended and signalled his support for the reformation of the laws with respect to the LGBTI community.” SASOD and GTU welcome and commend His Excellency for his support, but contend that the proposed amendment to the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997 and repeal of laws criminalising same-sex intimacy and cross-dressing require only a simple majority, which the Granger-led administration in parliament could pass, given His Excellency’s declaration and willingness to assent to these legislative changes.

Regards TWINKLE BISSOON Communications Officer, GTU JAIRO RODRIGUES Social Change Coordinator, SASOD

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

April 15, 2017 His Excellency President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Brigadier David Arthur Granger Ministry of the Presidency Vlissengen Road Bourda, Georgetown Dear Mr. President, RESPONSE TO COMPLAINT

I thank you for your letter of March 29, 2017 requesting a response to a report from Justice Holder in which he complained about my alleged behaviour in Court, transmitted by the Honourable Chancellor.

The following is my respectful response:I have read the complaint of His Honour Franklyn Holder contained in his letter dated March 24, 2017, and I specifically deny his contentions therein.

I must inform your Excellency that recourse to your good self, from an alleged complaint of behaviour in a Court of Law on the part of an Attorney-at-Law, is unknown to our Jurisprudence.

This is simply because from time immemorial, the common law has granted the power to a Judge presiding in a Court to cite and punish persons for contempt in the face of the Court.

In Guyana, the common law principles of Contempt of Court have been reduced into our law by Statute in 2010 namely the Contempt of Court Act Cap 5:05. Section 12 provides:12 (1) Where in the opinion of the Court a person has committed a contempt in the face of the Court, that is, in the presence or hearing of the Court, the Court may cause that person to be brought before it, either forthwith or at any time before the rising of the Court on the same day, and shall(a) Inform him of the contempt with which he charged; (b) Afford him an opportunity to put forward a defence to the charge; and (c) After hearing him in his defence and the evidence of any witness he may tender…

Contempt of Court is a criminal offence and Justice Holder was required under the provisions of section 12 of the said act, to inform the Hon. Attorney General of the Contempt with which he wished to charge him before the rising of the Court on the same day.

Justice Holder did not inform, warn or in any manner convey to the Hon. Attorney General that he considered he was being contemptuous before he left the courtroom that day and was therefore

functus officio.

Justice Holder could not lawfully almost two days later by letter purport to raise accusations of contempt against the Hon. Attorney General for what he alleges occurred in his Court previously.

But this is exactly what Justice Holder has done.

Further, Article 144 (8) of the constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana prescribes the conduct of a civil matter before a Judge to wit: 144(8)- A n y Court………… prescribed by law for the determination of the existence or extent of any civil right or obligation shall be established by law and shall be independent and impartial and ……… the case shall be given a fair hearing within a reasonable time.

Fairness under Article 144 (8) requires a Judge to give notice to the Attorney-at-Law in Court of any behaviour which is contemptuous, insulting, disrespectful and despicable in the face of the Court.

On a proper perusal of his letter of Complaint, the Learned Judge purports to list seven instances which in his opinion amounted to contemptuous behavior, yet in not one of them informed the Hon. Attorney General he was close to committing contempt or warned him or in any manner giving him notice of misbehaviour, or charged him for contempt; the seven instances which are denied by the Hon Attorney General, are:- In a rather loud and bellicose tone said I, the Judge must record the NO; - Previously the witness had said yes and the Court chose not to make a record of this; - I took umbrage to his tone and what he was insinuating, which was in effect the Court was being selective in recording the evidence; - Mr. Williams in a truculent manner…; - The last person who told him what he should not say was a Magistrate, he is now dead; - All morning Mr. Nandlall disrespecting you and you have not done anything about it; - I could say what I want to say when I want to say it.

I have always been like that.

The truth of the matter is that at the time Justice Holder left his Court, the Hon Attorney General was not accused by him of being contemptuous and it is to be noted that the Hon. Attorney General only received the letter of complaint after Mr. Nandlall’s scandalizing of Justice Holder, the Court, and himself and also after the Attorney General’s press conference more than 24 hours later.

The Learned Judge found no fault with the Attorney General in his Court but, without informing him be-

fore hand and giving him an opportunity to respond, he purports to go behind his back to complain to the President in order to have the Hon. Attorney General dismissed.

As a consequence, it is respectfully submitted that there is no foundation upon which Justice Holder could erect those serious allegations and sanctions he has proposed in his letter of complaint.

Excellency, on March 23, 2017, the Hon. Attorney General was subjected to a most disgusting display or lack of respect by Mr. Anil Nandlall for the sanctity of the Court presided over by Justice Holder.

Between the hours of 9:15 am to around 12:00 noon, the Hon Attorney General cross-examined Mr. Carvil Duncan and his Confidential Secretary.

Throughout the entire session, Mr. Nandlall interrupted the Court despite the pleas of Justice Holder for him to stop.

Throughout the session he prompted the witnesses before they answered the questions posed by the Attorney General, forcing the latter to go into the well of the Court, a privilege of Senior Counsel, to block their line of vision. Not to be undone, Mr. Nandlall resorted to throaty noises. Mr. Nandlall repeatedly hurled insults at the Hon. Attorney General throughout the session as the latter conducted the cross-examination.

On one occasion, Justice Holder alerted the Hon. Attorney General to the fact that they had an uninterrupted 10-minute break, because Mr. Nandlall was like a child playing with a toy, only this time the toy was a cell phone, the latter being forbidden in our Courts.

On the approach to noon, the Learned Judge indicated he was about to adjourn for

the day and the Hon. Attorney General requested permission to ask a final question of the Confidential Secretary, which was granted and asked.

Upon the answer of ‘No,’ to the question the Hon. Attorney General went back to his seat and as he turned to face the Court, he saw Justice Holder about to leave the Bench.

The Hon. Attorney General inquired of Justice Holder “Ex Abundanti Cautela (out of abundant caution) if he could clarify whether the Witness’s answer of ‘No’ was recorded.”

Surprisingly, Justice Holder’s response was that, “Mr. Williams you are not in control of my Court.”

The Hon. Attorney General agreed, noting in a conversational tone that it was Mr. Nandlall who had been seeking to do that the entire morning.

Justice Holder then said he understood the Hon. Attorney General to be saying that he deliberately did not record the answer ‘Yes’ earlier and he took great umbrage at that.

The Hon. Attorney General denied, saying that such a belief would not be on his record since he did not say that nor did he intend that contention.

To assure the Learned Judge, the Hon. Attorney General referred to a case years ago where a Magistrate made a similar accusation when he was before him claiming that when the Hon. Attorney General said he never failed a subject at law school, he understood he was saying that he the Magistrate had failed subjects.

The Hon. Attorney General said the Magistrate cited him for contempt and since then he has been very careful with his submissions to the Court, lest there be a recurrence. The Hon. Attorney

General then said incidentally, the Magistrate is dead now, to let the Learned Judge know that he was not someone who is still in the system.

The Hon. Attorney General in a reassuring tone told the Learned Judge that he knew him and if he had wanted to say what the Judge contended, he would have done so.

This engagement took no more than 3-5 minutes and ended when Mr. Nandlall made another interruption and Justice Holder left the Bench.

At no time was the Hon. Attorney General disrespectful, insulting or contemptuous of Justice Holder.

The Hon. Attorney General wishes to assert that at no time during that short engagement did the Learned Judge accuse him of threatening him, or threatening to kill him, nor has he in his letter of complaint expressed that view.

The Hon. Attorney General respectfully assures your Excellency that he was never contemptuous of the Court and if he were, the Learned Judge would have informed, warned, cautioned, cited and charged him for contempt.

Justice Holder has the distinction of being the first Judge in the 50 years of our independence to make orders against both the President and Prime Minister of Guyana in one fell swoop, without giving them a hearing. Therefore Justice Holder could not have fled the Bench because of the Hon. Attorney General, an appointee of the President.

There is no substratum to support an apology and Justice Holder would be in breach of Section 12 aforesaid if he seeks one after the rising of the Court.

On the contrary, the unsupported allegations of both Justice Holder and Mr. Nandlall severally, have brought the Hon. Attorney General into

public odium and contempt and he has suffered in the estimation of the right-thinking members of society.

I h a v e m a d e e ff o r t s through mediators to seek to meet with the Learned Judge to resolve any misapprehensions he might be harbouring, but without success.

Excellency, as to the future conduct of the case the question whether you and the Hon. Prime Minister could obtain an Article 144 (8) of our Constitution hearing, is paramount. The Hon. Attorney General humbly suggests that Justice Holder recuses himself and sends the matter back to the Chief Justice for re-assignment.

Moreover, the hearing of this matter should be conducted in a courtroom where there is a Voice Verbatim Digital Sound Recording System or any other contemporaneous recording to avoid the ‘last bastion of a lawyer’s servitude’ before our Courts.

I wish to reiterate to your Excellency my steadfastness in support of your Presidency and our cause to restore the rule of law and give to every Guyanese a good life.

I believe that enough damage has been done to me personally and my reputation and the administration of Justice to detail a rebuttal of the issues raised in the event your Excellency remits this letter to the Chancellor and the tendentious issues lead to unnecessary angst.

Excellency, you have the assurances of my highest consideration.

..........................................

HON. BASIL WILLIAMS, S.C.,M.P Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs 1

I’m not in contempt

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

... AG says in response to judge’s complaint

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, has informed President David Granger that there is no merit to Justice Franklin Holder’s allegations of contempt, maintaining that at no time was he disrespectful, insulting or contemptuous.

He is also suggesting that the judge should recuse himself from the Carvil Duncan case.

The Attorney General was at the time responding to President Granger based on a letter of complaint filed by Justice Holder concerning his behaviour in court on March 23, 2017.

In his letter of complaint, Justice Holder contended that the Attorney General’s statements in the court, were disrespectful and contemptuous. He is now demanding a “genuine and meaningful” apology.

But in a letter addressed to President Granger on April 15, which was seen by the Guyana Chronicle, the Attorney General dismissed the claims.

Alluding to the Contempt of Court Act Chapter 5:05, Minister Williams pointed out that there are provisions in the law for a Judge presiding in a court to cite and punish persons for contempt.

Because Contempt of Court is a criminal offence, the Attorney General argued that Justice Holder was required under the Act to inform him of the offence committed before adjourning the matter on the same day.

“Justice Holder did not inform, warn or in any manner convey to the Hon. Attorney General that he considered he was being contemptuous before he left the courtroom that day and was therefore functus

officio.

Justice Holder could not lawfully almost two days later by letter purport to raise accusations of contempt against the Hon. Attorney General for what he alleges occurred in his court previously,” Minister Williams argued.

In his letter to the President, he stated too that Article 144 (8) of the Constitution requires a Judge to give notice to the Attorney-at-Law in Court on any behaviour which is contemptuous, insulting, disrespectful and despicable in the face of the Court.

“On a proper perusal of his letter of Complaint, the Learned Judge purports to list seven instances which in his opinion amounted to contemptuous behaviour yet in not one of them informed the Hon. Attorney General he was close to committing contempt or warned him or in any manner giving him notice of misbehaviour, or charged him for contempt,” he told President Granger.

Minister Williams said the truth of the matter is that at the time Justice Holder left his Court, he was not being accused by him of being contemptuous. He said it was only after Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall had made some scandalous statements, that a letter of complaint was filed by the High Court Judge.

“The Learned Judge found no fault with the Attorney General in his Court but, without informing him before hand and giving him an opportunity to respond, he purports to go behind his back to complain to the President in order to have the Hon. Attorney General dismissed.

As a consequence, it

is respectfully submitted that there is no foundation upon which Justice Holder could erect those serious allegations and sanctions he has proposed in his letter of complaint,” Minister Williams said.

The Attorney General told the President that it was Nandlall who was disrespectful in court, while Duncan and his confidential secretary were being cross-examined.

“Throughout the entire session, Mr. Nandlall interrupted the Court despite the pleas of Justice Holder for him to stop.

Throughout the session, he prompted the witnesses before they answered the questions posed by the Attorney General, forcing the latter to go into the well of the Court, a privilege of

approach to 12:00hrs, the Learned Judge indicated that he was about to adjourn for the day, noting that it was then he requested permission to ask a final question of the confidential secretary which was granted and asked.

“Upon the answer of ‘No,’ to the question the Hon. Attorney General went back to his seat and

President David Granger

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

Justice Franklin Holder Senior Counsel, to block their line of vision. Not to be undone, Mr. Nandlall resorted to throaty noises.

Mr. Nandlall repeatedly hurled insults at the Hon. Attorney General throughout the session as the latter conducted the cross-examination,” Minister Williams complained.

He recalled that on the

as he turned to face the Court, he saw Justice Holder about to leave the Bench.

The Hon. Attorney General inquired of Justice Holder “Ex Abundanti Cautela (out of abundant caution) if he could clarify whether the witness’s answer of ‘No’ was recorded.” Surprisingly, Justice Holder’s response was that, “Mr. Williams you are not in control of my court,” he stated.

Reportedly in a conversational tone, Minister Williams said he agreed, while positing that it was Nandlall who had been seeking to do that the entire morning.

It was then that Justice Holder openly stated that he had taken umbrage to the question asked by the

Attorney General, which suggested that he as the Judge did deliberately did not record the answer ‘YES’ earlier. But this was denied by the Attorney General.

“To assure the Learned Judge, the Hon. Attorney General referred to a case years ago where a Magistrate made a similar accusation when he was before him, claiming that when the Hon. Attorney General said he never failed a subject at law school he understood he was saying that he the Magistrate had failed subjects.

The Hon. Attorney General said the Magistrate cited him for contempt and since then he has been very careful with his submissions to the Court lest there be a recurrence. The Hon. Attorney General then said incidentally, the Magistrate is dead now, to let the Learned Judge know that he was not someone who is still in the system,” Minister Williams explained to the President.

The Hon. Attorney General respectfully assures your Excellency that he was never contemptuous of the Court and if he

were, the Learned Judge would have informed, warned, cautioned, cited and charged him for contempt.

The Attorney General is maintaining that at no time was he disrespectful, insulting or contemptuous of Justice Holder.

“The Hon. Attorney General respectfully assures your Excellency that he was never contemptuous of the Court and if he were, the Learned Judge would have informed, warned, cautioned, cited and charged him for contempt.”

He is of the strong opinion that there is no “substratum” to support an apology, contending that Justice Holder would be in breach of Section 12, if he seeks one after the rising of the Court.

“On the contrary, the unsupported allegations of both Justice Holder and Mr. Nandlall severally, have brought the Hon. Attorney General into public odium and contempt and he has suffered in the estimation of the right-thinking members of society. I have made efforts through mediators to seek to meet with the Learned Judge to resolve any misapprehensions he might be harbouring, but without success.”

The Attorney General, in his letter to the President, suggested that Justice Holder recuse himself and send the matter back to the Chief Justice for re-assignment.”

He opined too that the matter should be heard in a courtroom where there is a Voice Verbatim Digital Sound Recording System or any other contemporaneous recording to avoid the ‘last bastion of a lawyer’s servitude’ before the courts.

9

SUNDAYCHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Then and Now

I WOULD look out involuntarily every time I approach the “Lowtan Turn” at Cotton Tree in West Berbice for a lamp post where, a few years ago, a cardboard poster was mounted with the slogan: “Down with CorruPPPtion”.

That slogan said it all: the post-Jagan PPP government had become synonymous with corruption. Even erstwhile Jagan loyalists like Ralph Ramkarran and Joey Jagan accused the regime of “pervasive corruption” in the run-up to the May 2015 elections.

QUAGMIRE OF CORRUPTION We are close to two years after those elections and, not unsurprisingly, people seem to forget the quagmire of corruption into which Guyana had sunk. Guyana was way down at the bottom of the corruption perception ladder, ranking 136 in 2013, among 175 countries.

We are still crawling out from the dark hole with the index showing Guyana at 108 in 2016.

Corruption was Guyana’s single biggest human rights violation, as moneys that should benefit our people were diverted into the bottomless pockets of public officials and their cronies. The fence to keep government officials away from the public purse was broken since 2009 when the Chairman of the Integrity Commission resigned.

That pervasive corruption had eaten into the sinews of public life by the time Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo completed his unbroken, 12-year stint as President. So, now, when we hear a jingle begging for his return, I just shrug like my gardener, who disdainfully responded: “bring back who?”

UNBRIDLED POWER It was the frightening spectre of cor-

ruption and authoritarianism that resulted in the once formidable PPP losing its iron grip on unbridled power at the 2011 polls when it was reduced to a minority government. By May 2015, it lost the government.

It was therefore a reasonable expectation that the multi-party, multi-ethnic Coalition that succeeded that regime, would have changed Guyana’s image as the Caribbean’s, corruption capital. At least, it was expected to lay the groundwork for this over the past 23 months, even though it would take years to exorcise this cancer.

Fair-minded people would admit that an opening has been made for clean, decent business. Gone are the ugly sores of mega contracts going to cronies for kick-backs.

The open, incestuous relationship between the ruling elite and the narco-criminal enterprise, the phantom killer-squads, money launderers and swindlers has been contained.

OUR OWN JUMBIES Yes, over these two years we have been haunted by some of our own political jumbies, when we encountered mini episodes of overzealous business dealings as in cases such as the D’urban Park project and the pharmaceutical bond fiasco.

But there were no cover-ups. Explanations were sought and answers were given, repeatedly, including in the National Assembly.. I think that we have had our full share of public criticisms and we have collectively learned our lessons.

That lesson is underlined by the need in public life for timely, frank and full disclosures.

It was the lack of disclosure, after billions were spent without parliamentary approval, that led to a motion of no confidence being tabled by me against the PPP government. That motion triggered the

prorogation of parliament. Fresh elections were prematurely set, and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.

GOOD GOVERNANCE The image today is not the same. A new contour of good governance is emerging, perhaps too slowly, but people are already seeing evidence of a new, structured and orderly social development, everywhere.

Georgetown stands out for what it no longer is: a once garbage-infested, floodprone, unsightly capital city.

Though heavily criticized, the D’urban Park is a new symbol of pride. In an hitherto urban jungle, there now flutters our majestic, giant Golden Arrowhead. It is visible from all approaches, and invites our daily display of quiet patriotism.

There is, however, imperceptible evidence of our renewal that would include the legal and institutional groundwork for a better, law-governed society. The landscape for a more inclusive and accountable governance process has been enhanced by measures, such as follows:1. Holding of local government elections.

2. Establishment of new towns.

3. Commissioning of regional, relay radio stations.

4. Anti-money laundering law; Public Procurement law and establishment of a public procurement commission.

5. Draft revised Code of Conduct for persons in public office.

6. Initial steps for Constitutional Reform.

7. Establishment of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative multi-stakeholders group to help protect proceeds from oil and gas.

8. Passage of State Assets Recovery Agency law, to secure the people’s properties from unlawful appropriation; and enactment of reformed Telecommunications law to not only encourage competition but to stimulate better services 9. Ensuring financial autonomy of both the Parliament and the Judiciary, thus promoting respect for the separation of powers and the Rule of Law and 10. Sparing no efforts at the diplomatic and political fronts to protect Guyana’s land and maritime zones from unlawful claims and encroachment.

PROTESTS AND PICKETING In these two years, there have been perhaps more sporadic protests and picketing than in any other corresponding period.

No protest was broken up by police; no one was slapped or stripped; no one was arrested or tear-gassed; no one was injured or killed. Protests were met with limited compromise, not stubborn resistance or intransigence.

Only an authoritarian state would respond to people’s concerns with suppression of public dissent or curtailment of press freedom. We had put that era to an end in May, 2015.

[The writer, a lawyer, journalist and author, is Prime Minister of Guyana]

GWI to resuscitate wells, build new ones

By Navendra Seoraj PLACING a water well in every community might be the solution to water shortages around the country but, one well per community is not good enough, GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Richard Van-West Charles has said.

“One well in each community around the country is not good enough because we need a backup in case one well goes down,” he told the Guyana Chronicle during a recent visit to Lethem, Region Nine.

Communities equipped with one well suffer tremendously when there is a problem with their water system.

Persons in some communities go for days without water when the well is

GWI CEO, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles out of commission, mostly because they have no alternative water source.

Last June, according to reports, residents of the New Diamond Housing Scheme suffered because of

an inoperative water-well.

GWI’s alternative to this situation was to supply water to residents by means of trucks and canters and this was still not enough for the entire community.

The alternative was and is still being used in some parts of the country when the well becomes dysfunctional.

Dr. Charles said the company will be looking to develop new wells and resuscitate old ones.

“We found 21 old wells that we will resuscitate and use… some of the old ones that we will rehabilitate are the wells at North Ruimveldt, Sophia, Turkeyen and Better Hope,” he said.

GWI will be employing new drill mediums such as air, to complete and build new wells.

According to reports,

about 20 wells will be constructed across the country, in every region, this year.

Wells are to be completed at Oronoque and Yarakita in Region One

(Barima-Waini); Lima in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Wakenaam, Vergenoegen, Pouderoyen and Westminster in Region Three

FLASHBACK- GWI officials testing the new water system in Karrau

(Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Diamond and Sparendaam in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Central Ruimveldt in Georgetown; Rose Hall and New Amsterdam in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Bartica, Tasserene, Wayeleng, Chinoweing and Karrau in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Chenapau and Campbelltown in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and at Rupertee, Aranaputa, Wowetta, Marcanata and Kwaimatta in Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo).

With the new systems being put in place, maintenance, Dr Charles said, will be top priority on the company’s agenda, because in the past, wells were not properly maintained.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Treating the least among us with respect and dignity

RECENT news that the state was able to record increased tax revenues, growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the passage of the State Asset Recovery Bill (SARB) could be considered positive indicators of governance. Revenue increase could be an indicator that the collection system has improved and/or the expansion of the tax base has begun to register.

As a trade unionist, I am ever mindful of national growth that does not result in direct growth to citizens/ workers. I am most comfortable with national growth being measured not by the GDP, but by the Human Development Index (HDI),

which tallies the well-being of each demographic and makes for better indicator of real growth. The Green Economy measures growth using the HDI and should Government use this tool, it will present credible assessment of the impact of its policies and programmes on the individual/worker’s development. Where poverty and other deprivations exist, GDP growth is meaningless to the affected, and serves as reminder of their exclusion and marginalisation.

The passage of the SARB is important in eliminating corruption which is a prerequisite in the quest for good governance. Corruption is a human rights violation and its elimination

must be pursued relentlessly, across the board, and within the ambit of the law. While some view the SARB as a controversial piece of legislation, when put to the test it must not only be for those of the past administration, but also for those presently in the seat. All must be held accountable and as a people we must see to it.

Government by the people must be translated to governance for the people.

When we cast our ballots, having exercised the responsibility to determine who manages our affairs, they become our representatives.

Having signed up for the job and being paid by us to do the job, it matters not whether our representatives are in the Executive or Legislative branches, or their placement on the regional and local government councils. As citizens we must expect and demand good governance, since such practice is hinged to our day-to-day well-being.

This society continues to face the situation where elected officials are more interested in using the people’s power for their per-

sonal benefit, rather than improving the people’s lot.

Let me make it very clear, the power leaders exercise is vested in them by the people.

Proper use of this power will see treatment of the people with respect and dignity.

The reference to the least among us in this context speaks to individuals and groups, irrespective of social or economic standing, whose well-being is determined for them by a few in the corridors of power. These few are making decisions without the people’s inputs and expect conformity from the people.

Efforts to strip persons of their dignity and respect, inclusive of their role in society, must not be countenanced by any one of us. The departure from the political leadership by Carol Joseph, a person with whom there was public disagreement on an issue, exemplifies a concern of treating a vulnerable demographic. From all observations, her political colleagues were aware of the violation of the law in pursuit of acquiring prescription medications for personal consumption. It would help

to recognize that the act indicates a problem exists that should be addressed.

Substance dependency can lead to abuse, which becomes symptomatic of a problem, if not treated, can escalate and result in further damage to self and others.

This undoubtedly hardworking political comrade needs the support of the party leadership, government, and society in arresting and treating her situation. Here is where resources, through institutions and laws, ought to be provided by government to ensure persons live normal lives.

Watching this administration’s interaction with members of the international community regarding the management of our oil and gas resources, and their several decisions released to the public about the distribution of wealth from these resources, putting it mildly, is being contemptuous of the people. That the masses are not in the corridors of power does not mean the administration should forget whose power they are using. The handling of this situation is tantamount to the children of Guyana standing on the outside, looking through a barbedwire fence, as leaders make decisions with foreign nationals that would immeasurably impact their lives, without first having any meaningful engagement with them.

Let me draw context to this disdain by making comparison to similar event of equal national proportion.

In the 1970s when Guyana was proceeding with nationalisation, which meant major economic impact on the society, the Forbes Burnham government engaged in

widespread consultation and decision-making. A national negotiating team, comprising of stakeholders and technicians, was established.

There were committees in various communities to advise this team and there were consultations with various stakeholders, including the political opposition, trade unions, and others. Similar treatment is not happening with oil and gas, though precedence exists.

This administration wax about inclusionary democracy, which is required by the Guyana Constitution (Article 13), but no illusion is harboured there will be parliamentary inclusion in determining what will and ought to be done with the new sector. The culture of parliamentary majority will conveniently hold sway. The trade union, whose involvement in national decision-making is prescribed as a fundamental right (Article 149C), continues to be denied its role in influencing decisions for our constituents, i.e. past, present and potential workers. Letters to President David Granger seeking engagement with his administration, as per constitutional duty, is yet to bear fruit.

At the start of Labour Week, I say without contradiction that the workers/people’s power is being abused, and this is because leaders continue to think ‘to hell with masses,’ having achieved the vote on Election Day. In principle, there is support for any public agitation by groups or individuals to bring attention to matters of concern to them, where elected officials continue to act as masters of the people and not their representatives.

11

SUNDAYCHRONICLE April 23, 2017

The Ethnic Trap Facing the Government

ONE of the consequences of the PPP’s two-decade tenure in office, is that it has become much more difficult to deal with Guyana’s long-standing ethnic problem.

On the one hand, the PPP’s mode of governance, grounded as it was in complete political domination, which in Guyana translates into ethnic dominance, ensured that African-Guyanese developed a very deep fear and hatred for that party. On the other hand, those who benefited from the transfer of State resources into private hands were almost exclusively Indian-Guyanese. In addition, the PPP created a new class of mostly Indian-Guyanese bureaucrats, whose salaries, perks and power elevated them to elite status.

In other words, the PPP’s domination praxis was deeply ethnicised. I think this was deliberate. Whereas the African-Guyanese elites tend to have a simplistic attitude to race and ethnicity, their Indian- Guyanese counterparts tend to be much more aggressive on these issues.

Part of the explanation for this lies in the relationship of our political leaderships to their followers.

PNC leaders and the African-Guyanese elites tend to be mostly urban in outlook and are usually out of step with the cultural motions of their followers. Race and ethnicity for them tend to be political tools to be used to gain power. There is very little ethnic emotions in their relationship to African-Guyanese—a tendency that is shared by African-Guyanese elites in general. There seems to be little confidence in the ability of African-Guyanese masses to overcome. Hence, there are little policy initiatives aimed at empowering the group beyond the bare minimum. African-Guyanese power elites, except for a brief period under Burnham, tend to accept the failed model of one tide lifts all.

PPP leaders on the oth-

er hand, have generally remained very close to the Indian masses. Hence, they are more sensitive to the ethnic reflexes of their followers. Many PPP leaders are rural people who, even as they look out for themselves, do not totally disconnect from the ethnic emotions of their followers. So, they are naturally less inclined to embrace the notion of “one size fits all” when it comes to ethnic empowerment. In that sense, they are much more ethno-racially literate than their adversaries.

When the PNC left office in 1992, they left behind clusters of African- Guyanese political enforcers and a class of government wage-earning bureaucrats. There was no new class of African-Guyanese entrepreneurs or super-rich African-Guyanese whose wealth came from the transfer of State resources. This is not to say that African-Guyanese were powerless in 1992. On the contrary, they controlled the military forces and the public service—political power.

From the time the PPP took office, it set about dismantling the centres of African-Guyanese power. It undermined the military and eventually co-opted its leadership. It further pauperised the Civil Service. It allowed bauxite to die a brutal death.

In its place it created a tiny cluster of African-Guyanese hustlers by dangling before them individual wealth.

On the other hand, sugar was hugely subsidised as an ethnic gesture to sugar workers. State assets were transferred into the hands of both the old and new Indian-Guyanese economic elites.

Indian-Guyanese bureaucrats loyal to the PPP controlled the levers of political power.

Indianists who sought to ar-

ticulate an alternative Indian nationalism were bullied and eventually co-opted. By the time the PPP left office in 2015, practical control of all levers of formal power was firmly in the hands of the Indian- Guyanese elites. The PPP has left Guyana an ethnic trap that would stymie any effort at correcting the PPP’s wrongs.

What this has meant is that any turning back of the wrongs committed by the PPP has had ethno-racial consequences. Correcting sugar and rice means walking into an ethnic trap.

Given the ethnic manner in which the PPP treated with the sugar problem, any attempt to solve that problem is bound to have ethnic consequences. I don’t see how the government will do right by sugar and not face the politically devastating charge of racism.

Removal of PPP loyalists from mega-salaried government jobs has landed the government in the same trap.

Most of these political positions were staffed by Indian-Guyanese, so if you were going to clean the system, you invariably would have to go after mostly Indian-Guyanese. The same thing goes for State Asset Recovery—who were mostly the recipients of State transfers? There cannot be avoidance of the ethnic trap if there is going to be any serious State Asset recovery.

On the other hand, African- Guyanese were so battered under the PPP, it really would take some particular policy initiatives to correct that. The ethnic imbalance in the commercial sector, for example, is so blatant, I don’t see how that would be corrected without direct government intervention. We are expecting oil wealth, but that wealth

would be arriving in the context of an ethnically imbalanced political economy.

The new elite empowered by the PPP would not sit by and allow its newly appropri-

ated wealth to be recovered by the government; it would fight with ethnic fear, economic sabotage and even violence. So, even as we criticise the government for its sloth in moving to dismantle the

criminalised State, we have to be mindful of the ethnic trap it has to deal with.

More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@ aol.com

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Diaspora hears Govt’s development plans

By Francis Quamina Farrier

MEMBERS of the Guyanese Diaspora in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area of the United States, filled the public area of the Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC, on Friday.

They were invited to meet and interact with three senior ministers of the Guyana Government. It was coincidental that Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs and fourth Vice-President, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; and Minister

of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, were all in the U.S. capital, on various government business.

Guyana’s Ambassador to the USA and the OAS, Dr Riyad Insanally, took the opportunity to invite the three senior Government operatives, as well as members of the Diaspora, to meet at the embassy, and have what turned out to be a very lively and far-reaching interaction.

It was the first time in the history of the embassy that three senior Government ministers were there at the very same time. The gathering

included Guyanese who make frequent visits to their homeland, as well as those who have not returned, in some cases, for over two decades.

Many serious issues were raised and discussed by the ministers and those members of the diaspora present.

In his opening remarks, Minister Sydney Allicock spoke of the need for “the branding of Guyana and what we have to offer the rest of the world.”

He also spoke of the on-going need for the protection of the environment in hinterland areas, including water

Ambassador Riyad Insanally introduces Minister Sydney Allicock, Minister Winston Jordan and Minister David Patterson to the audience (FQ Farrier photo) security. Tourism in Region Nine, as well as the enactment of laws for the protection of the Giant Ant Hills in the Rupununi, was also discussed.

Minister Sydney Allicock also spoke of the improvement of infrastructure such as bridges and roads in the Rupununi, as well as the improvement of agriculture.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, apprised the gathering of the foreign currency situation in Guyana at this time, citing the foreigners who come to Guyana and buy up foreign currency.

The finance minister also urged the gathering to desist from bad-talking Guyana to non-Guyanese, and gave the

example of Jamaicans who never speak ill of their country to non-Jamaicans.

He also urged them to return to Guyana, whether permanently or on occasions, and give of their talents to help in the development of Guyana.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson spoke of plans for the construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, which the coalition Government has favoured.

The continuing repairs and construction of the country’s infrastructure were also discussed, as well as the way Government intends to use the oil revenue.

The plans for better elec-

Members of the Diaspora

tricity supply and the extension of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport were also discussed.

From the floor came many questions and comments, including the crime situation and concerns for the safety of citizens. There was also the issue of those Guyanese who do not readily welcome those from the Diaspora, as well as those from the Diaspora who tend to go to Guyana with a superiority complex.

Cosford Roberts told the ministers that his company Organic Development Corporation, is about to be registered in Guyana. There is to be a meeting of the Diaspora in Guyana in July.

13

Five Miles battles dry season

SUNDAYCHRONICLE April 23, 2017

–– Banks DIH, Fire Service and BK step in to help situation

By Svetlana Marshall BANKS DIH Limited, BK Quarries and the Guyana Fire Service have stepped in to provide much-needed water to the residents of the Five Miles Housing Scheme as the extended dry season continues.

On Saturday, Banks DIH handed over 20 five gal of bottled water to the Bartica Mayor and Town Council for distribution to residents of Five Miles.

For weeks, residents of the affected community have had limited access to potable water due to the extended dry season.

Additionally, the Guyana Fire Service Bartica Branch assisted the Town Council in providing water for domestic purposes to the affected residents, however, due to the poor state of the main access road leading to the community, it will not be able

to continue.

As such, BK Quarries has agreed to partner with the municipality to have water supplied Wednesdays and Saturdays until the dry season is over.

“As mayor, I applaud the stakeholders’ support.

It is my belief that the objective of a better life for all needs the support of all stakeholders to make it a success,” Bartica’s Mayor Gifford Marshall told the Guyana Chronicle.

“The benefits of corporate social responsibility are always life-changing,” he added, while expressing “heartfelt thanks” to those who have been working tirelessly to ease the plight of the residents.

Over the past two weeks, the mayor and Town Council has been providing water to residents, but single handedly, it had proven to be a very expensive venture.

On a weekly basis, it cost

the Council approximately $400,000 to supply the residents with water. Despite its limited finance, Marshall told this newspaper it was a necessary move.

Situated five miles from Central Bartica along the Potaro Road in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District, the housing scheme lacks basic necessities, not just water but also electricity and healthcare services.

Given the situation, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) had signalled its intention to drill two wells in the area, one at Three Miles, Bartica and the other between Three and Five Miles, Bartica.

“The intention is that those wells will bring some amount of relief to the people of Five Miles Housing Scheme. But in the meantime, Council would have to put some resources towards getting water to the residents because we have an extended dry season

Banks DIH Bartica Branch Manager, Brenda Murray, handing over the water to Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, in the presence of two residents going on and we can’t afford to let the residents go through this any longer,”

Some of the residents of Five Miles Housing Scheme who received water from Banks DIH and BK Quarries

the mayor explained.

Commenting on the water situation, Ramchand Jailall, GWI’s Planning and Implementation Director said GWI had encountered difficulties while drilling the well.

“They (have) encountered heavy rock formation. So now they are upgrading the rig so they could go back to continue drilling because it is not clay, it is rock, so they now

have to penetrate through those rocks to determine if there is water-bearing stratum below those rocks,” Jailall had explained.

According to him, within two to three weeks, GWI will be able to determine if there is water-bearing stratum in the identified area. If the exercise proves to be futile, Jailall said another area would have to be selected.

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Some local manufacturers have fallen short –– in implementation of national and international standards

By Svetlana Marshall EXECUTIVE Director of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Candelle Walcott-Bostwick,has said that some local manufacturers have fallen short in the implementation of national and international standards needed to be competitive on the global market.

Walcott-Bostwick was at the time speaking during the first National Codex Committee (NCC) Stakeholders’ Forum held recently at De Impeccable Banquet Hall, Brickdam, Georgetown, under the theme: “Food and Nutrition Security: Food Safety, the Key.” It was organised by the GNBS in collaboration with the CODEX Alimentarius International Food Standards, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Board and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The Codex Alimentarius (Latin for “Food Code”) is a collection of internationally recognised standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and other recommendations relating to foods, food production, and food safety.

In the presence of Chile’s Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas Rachel; Esso Exploration and Production

Company Environmental and Regulatory Advisor, Dan Steurer, and other key stakeholders, including representa-

GNBS Executive Director Candelle Walcott-Bostwick discussing the importance of implementing standards established by Codex tives from the FAO and WHO Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Board, Walcott-Bostwick said implementation of standards outlined by organisations such as Codex will enable local producers and manufacturers better access to regional and international markets.

“Our local manufacturers have to recognise that if we do not implement the standards which provide confidence and in the case of food safety, if we don’t

implement standards that would indicate that a particular food or product is safe, our products would not be able to access regional and global markets,” she explained.

TREMENDOUS EFFORTS At the level of GNBS, the directors said tremendous efforts are being made to ensure that the country’s local industries are up to date with international standards governing a wide range of industries.

Additionally, she said the GNBS will be working with the ministries of health and agriculture to bring about greater awareness on the standards that currently exist within the local arena and the need for implementation.

“If we want to ensure that our products are competitive, now is the time for us to implement the standards that are available.”

The NCC which was resuscitated on March 5, 2014, is a body that is designed to advise the Government of Guyana on the implications of various food standards and food-safety issues, which have risen in the overall context by the work undertaken by the CODEX Alimentarius Commission.

The CODEX Alimentarius international food stan-

dards, guidelines and codes of practice contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of this international food trade.

Chile’s Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas Rachel Consumers can trust the safety and quality of the food products they buy, and importers can trust that the food they order will be in accordance with their specifications.

NCC Vice-Chairperson, Maxine Parris-Aaron, further explained that the forum was held to build awareness on Code Alimentarius and its benefits to Guyana’s food safety structure and the constant modification of Global Food Safety.

“The National Codex Committee... felt that this

forum was necessary and timely, given the impending passage of the Food Control Bill, the dynamics of food safety globally and the urgent need for our country to improve and increase its participation in activities and work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission,” she told those present.

COORDINATED APPROACH Meanwhile, Ambassador Rojas Rachel, in delivering brief remarks, said the agro food sector in Latin America and the Caribbean Region faces a number of challenges – challenges which must be addressed through a coordinated approach.

“Among those challenges, climate change is a growing concern. We must adapt our productive cycle and system to it. Extreme weather conditions and their impact in agriculture are more common every day. Recent studies have singled the Caribbean Region as one of the most vulnerable areas to be affected by climate change,” he explained, adding that these natural disasters can overall affect the production of food derived from agriculture, and other related activities such as fishing and tourism in rural areas.

He said too that new

trends that favour protectionism, and new forms related to different types of regulatory requirements could threaten the ability to gain access to markets that have traditionally provided better opportunities for producers.

“All of the above require better coordination of our countries regionally and globally, by improving our trade and economic cooperation and integration,” he maintained.

Ambassador Rojas Rachel said at the core of these issues is the need to improve sanitary and phytosanitary standards, as well as the Region’s food-safety systems. They are crucial requirements to access the international and local markets and to guarantee consumers the quality of what they are buying, he emphasised.

Presentations were also given by Andrea Mendonca, technical officer, GNBS; Mark Pierre, agricultural health and food safety specialist, Ministry of Agriculture; Suresh Amichand, senior inspector, Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Board; Grace Parris, lecturer and manager, Agroprocessing Facility, Guyana School of Agriculture; and Anthony Ross, quality assurance manager, Sterling Products Limited, among others.

Sunday, April 23, 2:30 - 14:30 hrs Monday, April 24, 3:00 - 14:30 hrs Tuesday, April 25, 3:00 - 14:30 hrs

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Digicel gifts to schools

On Saturday Digicel Guyana handed over a quantity of back-to-school supplies to the Regional Education Officer Mrs. Baramdai Seepersaud of Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam.

Digicel made the contribution during their visit to the island for their second annual Triple Treat curried duck and softball cricket competition. The donation

was made to assist those vulnerable children in the outlying areas of Region Two. “The new school term begins on Monday and we thought it would be the best time to assist those who need it most. Giving back to those in need and supporting community and family oriented events is something that Digicel

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always finds time for, this is no different. We know this will reach the children thanks to the Department of Education” said PR manager, Vidya Sanichara.

Mrs. Seepersaud thanked the cell phone company for their ‘timely’ donation, noting that it would go a long way for those children and parents who are in need.

The Department of Education in Essequibo usually conducts school visits at the beginning of the new school term and will be distributing the school packs during this time. Students that will benefit from Digicle’s donation are from Lima Sands, The Pomeroon, Mainstay, Tapacuma, Capoey, Dredge Creek, Mushado and Bethany.

Two grand melas to commemorate East Indians’ arrival THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) will be hosting a grand mela in Essequibo and another in Berbice to commemorate the 179th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians in Guyana.

According to a release, the Essequibo Mela is scheduled for Sunday, April 30 at 16:00hrs at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, Region Two, while the Berbice event will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017, a national holiday, at the Albion Sports Complex, Region Six, at 16:00hrs.

These activities are also part of the overall centenary commemorations of the ending of emigration of indentured labourers from India and the arrival of the last Coolie Ship S.S. Ganges with the last batch of indentured labourers.

The IAC, which was established in 2003 to preserve and promote Indian culture, is confident that the melas will be attended, as in the past, by large disciplined crowds.

The cultural programmes will include traditional Indian dances; features from Guyanese artistes; singers and musicians in addition to food, games and other attractions.

Live music and entertainment will be provided by Dak’s New Generation Band.

Security will be provided by the Guyana Police Force. Admission is free and no alcohol is allowed.

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SUNDAYCHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Hundreds of West Ruimveldt children feted

By Shirley Thomas

HUNDREDS of children from West Ruimveldt and its environs last Wednesday converged at the David Rose School compound where they were given a gala annual Easter treat, compliments of Bishop Godfrey Morris of St Anthony’s Divine Inc of Queen’s, New York, USA. Bishop Morris, who is Guyanese by birth and now resides in the USA, grew up in West Ruimveldt, but has

lawns.

Bishop Morris, seemed to have quite a lot on his hands, but with the help of his volunteers was able to keep things under control, occasionally ushering volunteers into an office, where items were repackaged for distribution to the keenly enthusiastic and appreciative children.

In a brief comment to the Sunday Chronicle, Bishop Morris modestly asserted: “I am here to give back to

Culture, Youth and Sport, to work along as a liaison officer. The leadership of the group, as well as members, has expressed gratitude to the ministry for its support.

That group, known as Mistique Dance and Empowerment Group, has a motto and vision by which they are guided. Expressing the joy experienced at being able to undertake this gesture, Bishop Morris said the church catered for about 300 children this year, along with about 20 adults.

The David Rose Easter party: At right is Bishop Godfrey Morris; Colin Blaize (second left) Zoan Peters (centre) with others at the Easter party a close affinity for the children of that neighbourhood.

Being aware of the vulnerability to which they are exposed, he has purposed in his heart to contribute positively towards empowering them spiritually and educationally, so as to enable them to become citizens of worth.

The afternoon was action-packed. The mood was one of excitement. There was food galore and bubbly kids, prim and dandily dressed, were having a whale of a time, as they played games, darted in and out of the building and onto the

the community where I was raised. I was born in Albouystown and I was raised in East Ruimveldt and because of the blessings of Almighty God, am able to bless these wonderful children.”

He said he’s been doing it on a yearly basis and would travel to Guyana each year with representatives of his church for the occasion.

And here in Guyana, the church has been able to organise a Youth Empowerment Group with Colin Blaize as President and Zoan Peters assigned by the Ministry of Education Department of

“I am passionate about what I am doing and we’re basically giving the kids a treat: Giving them food and drink, goodies, snacks; clothing; crayons, books etc.”

Meanwhile, President Colin Blaize, alluding to the Youth Empowerment group they’ve established, said: “This is a way of empowering the young people, because they are very vulnerable in this neighbourhood. Not only East and West, but we also extend a hand to Albouystown, Alexander Village, East La Penitence and others.

Children at the party held at the David Rose School

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Doris and Johnson share 2016 Sportsman of the Year Award; Thompson is Sportswoman OLYMPIC men’s triple jump finalist, Troy Doris, and Guyana Jaguars’ skipper,Leon Johnson, were on Friday night jointly awarded the 2016 Sportsman of the Year Award at the National Sports Award gala in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel.

Olympian Brenessa Thompson, who last year broke both the 100m and 200m records, was named Sportswoman of the Year.

Doris and Thompson, who both reside overseas, received their awards in absentia.

The ceremony, organised by the National Sports Commission (NSC)which is headed by Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, was greatly commended for being a significant upgrade from past hostings.

In the junior category, Linden’s Chantoba Bright, a CARIFTA Games gold medalist and South American Youth Championships bronze medalist, won the Junior Sportswoman of the Year Award.

Caribbean pre-cadet table tennis gold medalist, 11-year-old Kaysan Ninvalle became the youngest Junior Sportsman of the Year.

Doris came on the scene with a bang last year, when he received widespread publicity after setting the national record at 17.18m, ranking seventh in the world. He went on to represent Guyana at the Rio Olympics and finished seventh in the finals,

the first Guyanese to make an Olympics finals in over a decade.

Guyana Jaguars four-day cricket skipper,Leon Johnson was top scorer when Guyana won their ninth Regional First-Class title in 2016. The 29-year-old also played for the West Indies against Pakistan in the Test series in the United Arab Emirates.

Following his award, Johnson said it was something he has been dreaming of achieving for some time now.

“I was happy to win this award. When I won the Junior Sportsman of the Year in 2006, and I went to the awards, and I looked at the board and there was a lot of big names as you would call it, and I said to myself, one day I would like to be up there as Senior Sportsman of the Year;so I was happy that it happened to me for 2016,” A total of 21 categories were put forth for this year awards ceremony, however the Female Person with Disabilities category had no nominee, while no winner was announced for the Male Sports Official of the Year.

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) was the Sports Association of the Year, while the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association was awarded the Most Improved Sports Association of the Year.

Guyana Chronicle’s Tamica Garnett won Sports Journalist of the Year (Print),while Newroom’s Treiston Joseph won Sports Journalist of the Year in the inaugural online category. NCN’s Travis Seymour won the Sports Journalist of the Year (Non-Print).

Full list of awardees are as follows: Senior Sportsman of the Year: (Joint) Troy Doris and Leon Johnson Senior Sportswoman of the Year: Brenessa Thompson Junior Sportsman of the Year: Kaysan Ninvalle Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Chantoba Bright Most Improved Association: Guyana Boxing Association Sport Association of the Year: Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation Female Sports Personality of the Year: Lavern Fraser-Thomas Male Sports Personality of the Year: Kevon Bess Male Coach of the Year: Sebert Blake Female Coach of the Year: Ann Gordon Female Sport Official of the Year: Leona Kyte Sportsman of the Year (PWD): Kevin Douglas Sport Journalist of the Year (Print): Tamica Garnett Sport Journalist of the Year (Non-Print): Travis Seymour Sport Journalist of the Year (Online): Treiston Joseph Sport Photographer of the Year: Esan Griffith Sport Team of the Year: Under-16 CBC Basketball Boys Corporate Sponsor of the Year (Large): Digicel Corporate Sponsor of the Year (Small): P&P Insurance

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Chelsea beat Spurs 4-2 in thriller to reach FA Cup final

By Martyn Herman

LONDON,(Reuters)-Late goals from Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matric settled a rip-roaring FA Cup semi-final 4-2 in Chelsea’s favour over title rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Saturday.

It was only the fourth time in the famous old knockout competition that a semi-final had featured the current top two in the top flight and it did not disappoint.

Brazilian Willian, surprisingly selected ahead of Hazard in the starting line-up, twice put Chelsea ahead in a sizzling contest, first after four minutes with a free kick and then close to halftime from the penalty spot.

Twice Tottenham roared back with Harry Kane heading them level after 18 minutes and fellow England international Dele Alli

Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante fouls Tottenham’s Dele Alli Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic making it 2-2 with a superb finish in the 52nd minute.

Tottenham, who are four points behind Chelsea in the Premier League after a brilliant run of seven successive wins, dominated at times but their hopes of a first FA Cup final since 1991 were sunk late on by two moments of magic.

First Hazard, who replaced Willian with half an hour remaining, buried a low shot past Hugo Lloris after 75 minutes, then Matic’s 25-metre piledriver sank Spurs who have won only one of their last nine matches at Wembley and have now lost in seven successive FA Cup semi-finals.

Dhoni masterclass downs Sunrisers in last-ball thriller An incredible display of hitting from MS Dhoni saw Rising Pune Supergiant to a remarkable six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad from the final ball.

The game looked lost for Pune as they required 47 from the final three overs, but Dhoni crashed a remarkable half-century including a boundary from the last delivery when two runs were needed.

Rahul Tripathi scored his maiden IPL fifty for the hosts as he collected six fours and three sixes before he was run out on 59, but no other batsman could make a similar impact as the required rate continued to climb.

That was until Dhoni sprung into top gear, moving from 25 off 22 balls to his fifty with just seven more deliveries as he finished unbeaten on 61 from 34.

Earlier, Moises Henriques struck six fours and two sixes in his 28-ball 55,

A slow start did not deter MS Dhoni as he smashed a fifty to inspire Rising Pune Supergiant to a last-ball victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. while captain David Warner reclaimed the orange cap with a circumspect 43 from 40 as Sunrisers piled on 62 runs in the last five overs to reach 176-3.

Henriques brought his fifty up off 26 deliveries as he and Deepak Hooda (19) shared an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 47 in just 21 balls.

In response, Pune lost Ajinkya Rahane early but rebuilt well through Tripathi and captain Steve Smith, before the latter played on off the bowling of Rashid Khan for 27 to leave the hosts

needing 10 an over to lift themselves off the foot of the table.

Rashid then put the stranglehold on Pune, with his superb four-over spell of 1-17 coupled with the brilliant run out of Tripathi off his own bowling.

But Dhoni, ably supported by Manoj Tiwary (17 not out), saw his side home with another masterclass in finishing as he struck five fours and three sixes, two of those boundaries coming in Siddarth Kaul’s final over to cap a stunning turnaround.(Omnisport).

It was a huge win for Chelsea who have wobbled lately with two league defeats and they will face either Arsenal or Manchester City in the final when a “double” could be on offer.

After a resounding ovation for former England defender and Tottenham’s Under-23 coach Ugo Ehiogu who died on Friday the semi-final began at a high tempo.

Chelsea, with Diego Costa and Hazard surprisingly on the bench, settled quickly and struck first.

Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld was a touch fortunate to escape a red card when his desperate tackle ended Pedro’s marauding run, but greater punishment was exacted by Willian who curled a beautiful free kick past a flat-footed Lloris.

Tottenham were rattled as Chelsea swarmed around the pitch threatening a second

goal but Chelsea’s lead lasted only 13 minutes.

DELICATE HEADER Christian Eriksen’s corner was blocked but when the ball came back to the Dane he curled in a low cross and Kane, almost kneeling, feathered a delicate header beyond Thibaut Courtois for his 26th goal of the season.

Alli was becoming more involved and left David Luiz in agony after accidentally treading on the Chelsea defender’s ankle.

As Tottenham assumed control Eric Dier went close to giving them the lead with a glancing header from Jan Vertonghen’s teasing delivery that floated just wide.

Chelsea regained the lead out of the blue.

Eating up the ground on a forward run N’Golo Kante slipped a ball towards the overlapping Victor Moses

down the right and he was sent sprawling to the turf by Son Heung-min, playing as a left wing back, who needlessly slid in.

After a short delay referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the penalty spot and Willian dispatched it past Lloris.

Tottenham hit back again in brilliant fashion seven minutes after the break when Eriksen’s teasing ball left Luiz floundering and Alli, timing his run to perfection, stabbed the ball high past Courtois.

Conte reacted by introducing Costa and Hazard with Willian making way and it was Hazard who stunned Tottenham when he was allowed to much space and he fired home through a crowd.

Matic then sent Chelsea’s fans into ecstasy with an unstoppable fourth.

Mumbai march on with win over Daredevils MITCHELL McClenaghan and Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball as Mumbai Indians stretched their winning run to six Indian Premier League matches with a 14-run triumph over Delhi Daredevils to go four points clear.

McClenaghan has played a key role in Mumbai’s outstanding start to the IPL season and the left-arm quick took 3-24 at the Wankhede Stadium as Delhi could only muster 128-7 in reply to 142-8.

Pat Cummins and Amit Mishra took two wickets apiece in an Indians innings that never really got going, with Jos Buttler’s 28 the highest score for the leaders.

But McClenaghan claimed three wickets in his first two overs as the Daredevils were reduced to an embarrassing 24-6 and Bumrah took 2-21 after debutant Kagiso Rabada and South Africa team-mate Chris Morris combined for a 91-run stand to give the visitors hope of pulling off an unlikely win.

Buttler was dropped by Rishabh Pant on 11 and took advantage of that life

Mitchell McClenaghan with his nerve-popping celebration after ratting Daredevils’ top order. by smashing Rabada for six into the leg side, but the Proteas paceman had his first IPL wicket when he cleaned Parthiv Patel with the last ball of that over.

Sanju Samson ran the dangerous Buttler out with an underarm throw and Nitish Rana pulled Cummins (2-20) straight to Corey Anderson at midwicket.

The leaders continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and were 120-6 when Cummins saw the back of the clean-hitting Kieron Pollard (26 off 29).

Hardik Pandya (24 from 23) was run out in the final over of what was an

impressive display in the field from Delhi.

Zaheer Khan’s side made a horrendous start to their run chase, though, as Pandya ran Aditya Tare out in the first over and they were five down for just 21 when McClenaghan trapped New Zealand team-mate Anderson in front without scoring.

Rabada was recruited for his hostile fast bowling, but he made an impressive 44 from only 39 balls and Morris scored an unbeaten 52 off 41 deliveries to give Delhi a sniff, only for Bumrah and McClenaghan to put the squeeze on at the death. (Omnisport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

PCB is against ICC’s Big Three model …The current model gives greater power to the BCCI, Cricket Australia and the ECB

THE Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will oppose the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) “Big Three” model ahead of the chief executives committee meeting in April.

The “Big Three” model introduced in 2014 saw the ICC give greater financial power to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

While the ICC are try-

ing to make changes, the BCCI recently passed a unanimous resolution to ask them to retain the model until its annual general meeting in June.

“A resolution has been passed at the SGM that we will ask ICC to carry on with the existing model where Australia, England and India get the lion’s share of revenue,” ESPN quoted a top official as saying. “We will definitely work out a new model during the London

PCB chief Shahryar Khan is not happy with the Big Three model

ITF launch investigation as Nastase kicked out of Fed Cup tie

(REUTERS)-Former tennis bad boy Ilie Nastase found himself in deep water on Saturday after being booted out of Romania’s Fed Cup tie against Britain, a day after allegations that he made a derogatory comment about Serena Williams’ unborn child.

The 70-year-old former French Open and U.S. Open champion, who is captain of Romania’s Fed Cup team, was sent from his courtside chair after apparently aiming abuse at the umpire, British player Johanna Konta and visiting captain Anne Keothavong during the second singles rubber.

World number seven Konta was in tears when play was briefly suspended at the tie in Constanta where she was up against Sorana Cirstea, apparently because of remarks made by Nastase.

He was eventually excluded from the tie because of “unsportsmanlike conduct”.

Konta recovered her composure to win the last five games for a 6-2 6-3 victory that levelled up the tie at 1-1 after Romania’s number one Simona Halep had beaten Heather Watson.

“Mr Nastase was also removed from the grounds due to his serious misconduct,” the ITF said in a second statement.

“His accreditation was removed and he will play no further part in the tie.

meeting. This was today unanimously passed by the forum.”

However, the PCB is against the move with chief Shahryar Khan saying that Pakistan have already suffered due to the revenue model. They will also press a case against the BCCI in May’s meeting for their refusal to play a full bilateral tie against them since 2007.

“We were always against the Big Three revenue model,” Khan said, as quoted

on CricBuzz. “Pakistan has suffered a lot because of it as India didn’t fulfill the bilateral commitments with us. We will oppose it again if BCCI brings it up for discussion.”

“As far as my understanding goes, the final constitution could be formally adopted in June only. The upcoming meetings will decide that.”

The chief executives committee meeting of the ICC member boards will take place on 24 April.

Curacao force Haiti stumble on opening day in CONCACAF Under-17 football

CURACAO won a match in the CONCACAF Under-17 football Championship for the first time since it competed as the Netherlands Antilles more than 30 years ago, earning a 1-0 victory over Haiti to open the 2017 edition on Friday at the Estadio Maracana.

The result provisionally placed the Curacaoans second in Group A after hosts Panama beat Honduras 4-2 later in the evening.

Nathan Bernadina, who scored a team-high eight goals in Caribbean qualifying, netted the only goal in the 43rd minute.

The talented forward tapped in at the left post off a diagonal feed from within the box by Quincy Does.

Curacao returns to action on Monday against Honduras, while Caribbean champion Haiti will take on the Panamanians.(Sportsmax)

Romania’s head coach Ilie Nastase is escorted by stewards outside the arena where the FedCup Group II play-off match between Romania and Great Britain takes place, in Constanta county, Romania, April 22, 2017. Inquam Photos/ George Calin/via REUTERS his career often landed “The ITF has launched other human.”

ITF president David him trouble and earned an investigation into this matter as well as previous Haggerty said an investiga- him the nickname “Nasty”, began the tie under a comments made by Mr Nas- tion would be launched.

“This is unacceptable cloud after remarks overtase during the week.”

British captain Keo- behaviour by a Fed Cup heard at the official draw thavong, who said she was captain. No player, official, ceremony on Friday.

He was heard speaking made to feel “uncomfort- member of the media or able” by comments made fan should have to endure in Romanian to one of his

by Nastase at the official any kind of abuse, and Mr team members about Wilpre-match dinner, said the Nastase will rightly play liams’ baby.

“Let’s see what colour it abuse during play had been no further part in this tie,” he said. has. Chocolate with milk?” unacceptable.

“A formal investigation he was quoted by Romanian “We expected a patriotic crowd for the Roma- is already underway and any and some British media as nian team but we don’t decision or sanction will be saying.

Williams, who conexpect abusive language made by the ITF’s Adjudito be used ... what he said cation Panel. We are unable firmed her pregnancy directed to both Johanna to comment further on an through a spokeswoman on Wednesday, is engaged and myself is... language ongoing investigation.”

Nastase, whose be- to Reddit co-founder Alexthat is not appropriate for anyone to speak to any haviour on court during is Ohanian, who is white.

Orelien turns hero in Panama win over Honduras ANGEL Orelien scored two goals as time elapsed to give host Panama a 4-2 win over Honduras in the 2017 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship opener for each on Friday at the Estadio Maracana.

With the result, the Panamanians took over first place in Group A on goal difference over Curacao, which beat Haiti, 1-0, earlier in the evening.

With the match tied at 2-2 in the 87th minute, Orelien converted a penalty kick to give Panama the lead and then he added an insurance tally two minutes later.

Honduras took a 1-0

lead in the 16th minute, when Luis Enrique Palma fired a right-footed free kick off the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Jorginho Frias and into the back of the net.

Eduardo Guerrero demonstrated fine finishing ability to strike twice within three minutes, netting in the 21st and 24th minutes to put Panama ahead, 2-1.

Carlos Mejia leveled at 2-2 from the penalty spot four minutes into the second half for the Catrachos.

Panama returns to action on Monday against Haiti, while Honduras will look to bounce back against Curacao.(Sportsmax).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

GFF roles out National training camp schedule

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in a release yesterday said that they are delivering an intensive range of national team training camps for youth and senior, male and female teams in April and May, as the Technical Department works to bring elite players up to speed with the new national playing philosophy in preparation for upcoming competitions.

One of the highlights of the schedule is the selection of Guyana’s first under-13 boys’ squad, which has been made possible thanks to the success of the new, nationwide GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres, that have created a system for scouting and coaching talented youth players from all nine regional member associations this year.

Over the coming month, the GFF will host national training camps for U-13 boys, U-15 boys, and U-17 girls – in line with age groups covered by the elite Academy Training Centre programme – as well as camps for the Lady Jaguars and locally-based Golden Jaguars.

The camps will prepare

the U-15 boys’ team for a tournament in Saint Martin in June and a CONCACAF tournament in August, the U-17 girls’ team for a CFU tournament in August, and the Lady Jags for the CFU Caribbean Cup in May. “We believe this is the most complete and intensive training camp schedule the GFF has ever put together for its national teams,” said GFF Technical Director,Ian Greenwood.

The Technical Director added “this is an example of the way the new administration wants to operate: bringing our national set-up into line with best international practice and ensuring that our national teams are fully engaged in a professional, methodical structure.

“The GFF is committed to giving our best players, both male and female in every age group, the training and guidance they need to reach their potential as individuals and to succeed as squads at international level.

“Too often in the past, Guyana’s national teams have been starved of the training they need to compete with better-prepared regional rivals. We are mak-

ing this kind of training a top priority so that Guyana can make a statement at every level on the field of play” Greenwood further stated.

The GFF has also selected former and current national team players to participate in the coaching of the national team squads, including Akilah Castello, Tricia Munroe, Charles Pollard, Anthony Benfield and Bryan Joseph.

“It’s crucial that we involve current and former stars of the game in all of our coaching programmes, whether as part of the Academy Training Centres or within the national team structures,” said Greenwood.

“This system will help us to inspire the current generation with the wisdom of previous elite players, as well as creating a clear pathway for players to aim for as they look beyond their careers on the pitch” said Greenwood.

Golden Jaguars Vurlon Mills, Andrew Durant and Eon Alleyne are among some of the national team stars to get involved with coaching boys and girls at the Academy Training Centres in recent weeks.

U-15 Boys’ National Squad with GFF Technical Director,Ian Greenwood;GFF Youth Development Officer Bryan Joseph and GFF Youth Development Coach,Challus McKinnon.

DETAILS OF THE TRAINING CAMPS ARE AS FOLLOWS: SQUAD

U-15 Boys Lady Jags U­­­­13 Boys U17 Girls U15 Boys Golden Jaguars Lady Jags

DATES

April 22 – 24 April 24 – 29 April 29 – May 1 May 1 – 5 May 5 – 7 May 7 – 11 May 11 – 22

Restructuring of Essequibo Cricket Board needed - says former president

By Elroy Stephney FORMER president of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), Prince Holder claims that the Board is dyfunctional and as a result it should be restructured.

Holder briefly served as the ECB head following the sudden resignation of Sheik Ahmad in 2013.He is currently the Chairman of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC) which is one of eight area committees comprising the ECB. Given the geographical nature of the existing committees, the task has been quite herculean to financially sustain their vibrancy,including the hosting of regular competitions.

According to Holder, the county has been without a major sponsor for the past three years which has severely affected the upliftment of the game in

the Region.

He alluded to previous and continuous sponsorship such as the Good Wood under-19 as well as senior inter-committee competitions which were quite beneficial for players who were eventually selected for inter-county tournaments.

Holder further mentioned that senior players were also engaged in additional limited overs and three day inter-county cricket that were either sponsored by corporate entities,including Kayman Sankar or the Board.

In contrast, he says that the current Administration is unable to attract sponsorship because of incompetence, neglect and lack of commitment to advance impacting initiatives and ideas.

Holder is also of the view that the Board seldom meets while the sub-com-

Prince Holder mittees,including that of sponsorship, finance and cricket development have been diluted into irrelevance.

The former ECB president also alluded to the ECB Hostel which is underutilised and remains in a state of disrepair. According to Holder,”The Administrator is being paid for non-performance since he does not occupy the office at the Hostel nor is he present in the various area committees to conduct cricket related activities.”

This he said is unac-

ceptable and must be investigated by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). He is also questioning the logic of the ECB to support an increasingly dictatorial GCB which he claimed has not been holding elections as mandated by its constitution.

“Why has the ECB abondoned the interest of its most celebrated cricketer,Ransford Beaton,who has been denied a retainer contract by the GCB and who continues to be sidelined by the very Board that the ECB is aligned with?he questioned.Given such inexcusable dilemmas, Holder is strongly in favour of the restructuring of the Essequibo Cricket Board.

He is further suggesting that the entire Board should resign en-block and be replaced by an Interim Management Committee (IMC) until such time that elections can be held since the term of the current Board has ended.

Holder also supports the establishment of a group of former top local cricketers who will advise the IMC on ways to improve, strengthen and sustain the capabilities of the players,with the aim of them gaining more national and West Indies selection.

The former president is also advocating for more coaches to be assigned to the Region and placed to work in schools. According to him, there is only one coach that is currently attached to the ECB, following the resignation of Vibert Johnson and the migration of Alfred Maycock. “ How can one Coach serve the entire Region, including in areas such as Wakenaam, Bartica, Leguan and in the Pomeroon?he further reasoned.

Holder is also critical of the ECB for(allegedly) transforming itself into a clique of members whom

he described as self-serving and even inactive.

Given his experience and willingness to contribute to the development of the game, Holder is contending that same can only be achieved with the restructuring of the ECB and the injection of fresh ideas.

The former president also questioned the ability of the acting president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Mr.Fizul Bacchus who is also the president of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB). This follows the resignation of Mr. Drubahadur from the GCB. Holder is of the opinion that cricket in Essequibo has massively deteriorated under Bacchus whom he opined does not have the qualities to lead the GCB or any cricket entity. “The ECB must be restructured as a matter of priority for sanity to be restored to Essequibo’s cricket,”he added.

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Boxers ready and rearing to go for GBBC’s Pro/Am card tonight at Giftland Mall

THE professional and amateur boxers slated to appear on the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) `Locked and Loaded’ fight card scheduled for the Giftland Mall, Pattensen, East Coast Demerara, tonight are ready and rearing to get into the `square jungle’to prove their point.

The card,which is being sponsored by Guyana Beverages under its brand Fruita orange juice, Ansa McAl under its Stag Beer brand, New India Assurance Limited and Turbo Energy Drink, will get underway from 19:00hrs at the Giftland Mall’s car park and will have as its feature bout, a flyweight contest between Guyana’s Dexter `De Kid’Marques and Venezuela’s Luis Alberto Requena Zarraga over 10 rounds.

Marques (15-2-0) will be seeking to shake off the ring rust due to 14 months of inactivity,and victory tonight will most likely guarantee him a Commonwealth title fight, which according to GBBC’s

Dexter Marques (left) and Luis Alberto Requena Zarraga during yesterday’s weigh-in at the Giftland Mall president, Peter Abdool, will be held here in Guyana at the new home of professional boxing: the Giftland Mall.

Once he is also success-

ful in that Commonwealth fight, the GBBC has plans for Marques to fight for a world title.So, this makes tonight’s clash with Zarraga

very much important.

According to Abdool, Marques is the best flyweight fighter in the Caribbean and despite being absent from the

ring for 14 months, he can still handle Zarraga and others better than him (Zarraga).

The co-feature event is a six-round lightweight bout between Imran `The magic’ Khan and Keeve Allicock.

Since turning pro in 2015, Khan has shown that he has what it takes to be a professional fighter, and that is aggression, but for some reason, he hasn’t worked on his stamina.He won his first professional fight by way of a second round knock-out over David Thomas, but lost his other two fights,both to Quincy Gomes after leading on the judges’ scorecard after three rounds.

However, Khan stepped up his preparation for tonight’s fight and is beaming with confidence.

GCCB’s president,Peter Abdool at the signing of contracts for the card a few weeks ago, had said Sunday’s card is a small card in terms of the number of bouts, but the quality of fights should and would be a booster to professional

fights and will serve as motivator that can see fight fans and enthusiasts coming out in their numbers to support boxers of their liking and the sport in general.

The other professional fight on tonight’s card brings together Edmund DeClou and Winston Pompey in a six-round super middleweight contest.

There will also be three World Boxing Council (WBC) amateur fights.

The first will be between Rewinne David and Akeela Malazon in a four-round lightweight bout.

Kelon Issacs takes on Euel Agustine in a light welterweight contest and Stephan Gouveia tackles Jackford in a welterweight bout over three rounds.

For the first time ever, Guyanese will be able to witness live Mixed Martial Arts as seven bouts are slated for the night and will include two professional and five amateur bouts.

Barca yet to rule Neymar out of today’s EL Clasico Hull, Swansea win to lift survival

BARCELONA boss Luis Enrique is still preparing for the possibility of suspended striker Neymar being available for today’s game against Real Madrid.

The Brazilian’s one-game ban for being sent off against Malaga was extended to three matches because he sarcastically applauded the fourth official when coming off.

The Spanish football federation rejected Barca’s appeal on Friday, so the club took their case to Spain’s Court for Sport (TAD).

TAD called an emergency meeting on Saturday, but it could not take place because all of its members could not attend.

With no judgement given, there could be some legal ambiguity on whether Neymar is eligible until a ruling is made.

TAD said: “All participants in sport are free to interpret the rules as they see pertinent in relation to their rights and interests, without prejudice to the fact that competent bodies may subsequently determine the correctness or incorrectness of their interpretation.”

Some reports in Spain claim Barca plan to take Neymar to Madrid with them.

Neymar Enrique said on Saturday: “The club have done things well, defending the interests of the player. I think it’s logical.

English Racing Tips Stratford 09:00 hrs Jack Snipe 09:30 hrs Derrick D’ Anjou 10:00 hrs Thisonetime 10:35 hrs Storming Strumpet 11:10 hrs The way You Dance 11:40 hrs Deise Vu 12:10 hrs Bound For Glory Wetherby 09:10 hrs Moriens Leam 09:40 hrs Honourable Gent 10:10 hrs Sheneededtherun 10:45 hrs The Click Leary 11:20 hrs Dinsdale 11:50 hrs Strongly Suggested 12:20 hrs Jane Lamb Wincanton

“I’m preparing for the game with and without Neymar - the club are right to do what they’re doing with the appeal.”

Real forward Gareth Bale could return from injury for El Clasico as they look to close in on a first La Liga title since 2012.

The Wales forward, 27, has missed the past two matches with a muscle injury but returned to training on Thursday.

Real, who have one game in hand, lead second-placed Barca, champions for the past two years, b y t h re e p o i n t s . ( B B C Sport).

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10:15 hrs Epona 10:50 hrs Roy’s Hollyhock

hopes, Boro sink deeper

(REUTERS)-Hull City and Swansea City earned valuable victories in their battle for Premier League survival but Middlesbrough slid further towards the drop after a 4-0 hammering at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Hull’s 2-0 win over Stoke City and Swansea’s identical scoreline against Watford increased the pressure on Crystal Palace and Burnley, who are hovering above the relegation zone and play Liverpool and Manchester United respectively today.

With four games remaining 17th-placed Hull are just a place above the drop zone with 33 points to the 31 of Swansea. Boro are in 19th spot on 24 points and Sunderland are bottom on 21.

Hull had a tough task after Oumar Niasse was surprisingly shown a straight red card after 25 minutes for a challenge on M’Baye Niang.

But the Tigers took the lead just past the hour when Liverpool loanee Lazar Markovic scored from

Swansea City’s Tom Carroll celebrates scoring their second goal Reuters / Rebecca Naden Livepic close range after his header had bounced down on the goal line.

Hull made sure of the points nine minutes later when Sam Clucas found the top corner with superb 30-metre shot. They have now won four consecutive home league games.

Spanish striker Fernando Llorente gave Swansea the lead with a trademark header from a corner in the 10th minute and the Welsh side were given a break when Marko Arnautovic missed a second-half penalty.

Swansea made sure of

the win when Tom Carroll’s shot found the top corner via a deflection off Joe Allen.

Time is running out for Boro who have not won in 16 league games and they endured a nightmare opening 20 minutes in which they conceded two goals and had midfielder Gaston Ramirez sent off for a second booking.

Josh King scored just 96 seconds into the match and Benik Afobe doubled the advantage for the Cherries.

Wi n g e r M a rc P u s h made it 3-0 and Charlie Daniels completed the rout.

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

President Granger urges more grassroots sports PRESIDENT David Granger believes that there should be more grassroots sports at the school and community level, while solidifying the Government of Guyana’s commitment at ensuring that his thoughts are brought to reality.

The President made the pronouncement during a courtesy call made by the returning contingent from the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games,at State House on Friday last.

Guyana finished the CARIFTA Games with eight medals (four gold, one silver and three bronze); a feat President Granger said all of Guyana should be proud of.

“The world of sport is very important particularly for young people” President Granger noted, while further adding “I always compare track and field with what happens in what used to be regarded as our prime sport; cricket. The only reason

CARIFTA Games Gold Medallist (U-18 3000M) Claudrice McKoy, presenting President Granger with a T-Shirt of Team Guyana’s participation at the event (Delano Williams photo).

WORLD RELAYS ...

Jamaica crashes out of 4x100 title race FOR several years, it was the United States that crumbled under the extreme pressure that comes with the men’s sprint relay, but this time, in the 4x100m heats on Saturday night (22), it was their arch rivals Jamaica.

For so long a model of consistency when it came to changeovers, perhaps such an error had been a long time coming, but it arrived in the first of three heats.

Jevaughn Minzie, their third leg runner, took off early – too early – as Kemar Bailey-Cole charged down the back straight Perhaps it was the difference in height, perhaps it was the fact that Bailey-Cole was put at full stretch, but when he tried to place the baton into Minzie’s hand, it missed and crashed to the track, their hopes of reclaiming their world relays title from the US falling with it.

“It was just a misunderstanding,” said Everton Clarke, their lead-off runner. “It happens in relays.”

As a result of the mishap, the Netherlands powered to victory in the heat in 38.71, a couple of metres

Andre De Grasse

clear of China (38.97), who also advanced automatically, and Australia (39.09) who reached the final as a non-automatic qualifier.

“In the final, anything can happen,” said Churandy Martina of the Netherlands shortly afterwards.

The second heat saw no such mishaps, with the first three legs teeing the race up perfectly for a sprint heavyweight clash down the home straight between Justin Gatlin of the US and Andre De Grasse of Canada. Just inches separated them across the line at the Olympics, and that was the case again here, with Gatlin taking the baton

a half-metre up then tussling with De Grasse for the entire home straight.

In the end, youth beat experience, with De Grasse even throwing a casual glance to Gatlin as he pushed past before the line, the Canadians taking the win by 0.01 in 38.21.

France, third in 39.10, advanced to the final on time.

The third heat proved a one-team race, with Great Britain and Northern Ireland powering away from the outset – Adam Gemilli’s third leg doing particular damage – before Daniel Talbot brought them home in 38.32 ahead of Barbados (39.26).(Sportsmax)

Guyana was able to rise so high in cricket and produce international greats… is because it had a broad base so by the time you reached the top you really had people of excellence.”

The Head of State continued “but when sports has a very narrow base you find that you do not get people consistently of international standard and I would like to express our Government’s commitment to ensuring that there is more grassroots sport in the schools and in the communities.”

The annual Upper Mazaruni District Games, which consists of several communities from the Hinterland coming together on their own and performing various types of sport over a week long stint every year, according to President Granger, is a perfect example of how working together could foster growth in sports at the grassroots level.

“We have 1,000 athletes

from 10 or 12 villages just having fun, but what I am saying is right there in the hinterland you see people coming out and doing something, which I have never seen on the coasts…. I have never seen 10 villages raising their own money,walking great distances to live together for a full week having fun, playing sport and I believe that if we have that type of camaraderie on the coast we would see … young people coming together playing sport and interacting with each other and having good fun. I believe that as the years go by the standard of sport will raise and will rise” the President said.

President Granger believes that the achievements of the CARIFTA Games athletes should be celebrated by all Guyanese, and echoed his Government’s fullest support at ensuring that their exploit is either repeated or amplified at future regional and international events.

Matthews half-century keeps Barbados unbeaten

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) – Teenaged West Indies batting star Hayley Matthews made her presence felt, stroking an unbeaten half-century to fire Barbados to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Jamaica in the second round of the Women’s Regional Super50 here Saturday.

Set a meagre 88 for victory at the Arnos Vale Stadium, Barbados romped home in the 24th over with the right-handed Matthews carving out a delighful 56 not out.

Kycia Knight fell cheaply for five in the fifth over with the score on 20 but the 19-year-old Matthews partnered with Reshelle Griffith (14) to add 40 for the second wicket and take Barbados to the brink of victory.

Matthews struck 10 fours in her 73-ball knock.

There was no such enterprise from West Indies Women’s skipper, Stafanie Taylor, who was dismissed without scoring as Jamaica, sent in, were bowled out for 87 off 34.1 overs.

Her Windies teammate Chedean Nation topscored with 17 but it was medium pacer Deandra Dottin who shone, ripping through the innings with a spell of four for 22.

Fast bowler Shakera Selman, who has also played for West Indies, claimed two for 17.

At Sion Hill, former Windies captain Merissa

Hayley Matthews Aguilleira played a key earlier taken four for 22 role as Trinidad and Tobago from eight overs to wreck bounced back from their Guyana for 83 all out off first round loss to inflict a 42.4 overs.

She was supported six-wicket defeat on Guyby West Indies Women ana.

T h e r i g h t - h a n d e d off-spinner Anisa MohamAguilleira controlled the med who collected three defending champions’ run for 15.

In the other game ar chase with an unbeaten 30 as they overhauled a Park Hill, Twenty20 World Cup star Afy Fletcher propaltry target of 83.

When T&T slumped to duced a solid all-rounder 41 for four in the 15th over, performance to help WindAguilleira anchored a ward Islands brush aside match-winning, unbroken Leeward Islands by 75 runs.

Fletcher struck 29 in fifth wicket stand of 43 with Felicia Walters (15 not out) the Windwards’ 179 all out off 41.1 overs and to deny Guyana.

Aguilleira faced 50 de- returned to take three for liveries and counted four 23 as the Leewards were bowled out for 104 off boundaries.

Caneisha Isaac had 36.2 overs.

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

WICB/PCL 4-day cricket…

Hurricanes secure first innings lead over Jaguars

By Rajiv Bisnauth A gutsy seventh-wicket partnership between Jahmar Hamilton and Jacques Taylor did not only rescue the Leeward Islands Hurricanes from a perilous position but ensured the tourists took a marginal first innings lead when play ended on day two of the final round of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day game at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, yesterday.

Taylor hit a resolute unbeaten 60, while Hamilton constructed a fighting 37 as the visitors closed the day on 255, a first innings lead of 68 runs.

Jeremiah Louis was the other not out batsman on 20, when bails were lifted.

Hamilton and Taylor had carried out a salvage operation after they had been thrust together with the visitors at

Jahmar Hamilton

Jacques Taylor

Ramon Reifer

140-6,after the home attack had taken five wickets for 25 runs in the hour following lunch, including Montcin Hodge who topscored with a composed 70.

Left-arm seamer Ramon Reifer, who was the chief architect in the collapse during that period,was the most successful of the hosts’ bowlers with 4-47, while off-spinner Steven Jacobs and seamer Clinton Pestano chipped in with 2-52 and 1-51 respectively, as the

host were kept in the field all day.

The visitors who began the day at 62-0, lost Chesney Hughes who could only manage to add eleven to his overnight 29 before he was taken at the wicket off Pestano,but fellow opener Hodge maintained his intent of frustrating the hosts.

Resuming on 32, the right-hander started off slowly but gained momentum as the innings progressed to reach his

half-century off 174 balls in company with Kacey Carty.

The pair stood firm, and with the pitch seeming to have eased out considerably as compared to the first morning, the three-time champions were denied further success in the first session. At lunch the visitors were 110-1, with Hodge on 59 and Carty on nine.

Hodge got the second session going with a squarecut boundary off Permaul,but soon after the tourists’ batting

THE Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) will be hosting several T20 cricket matches as part of its anniversary celebration on Sunday April 30 at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara. Several past and

present national players are expected to showcase their T20 skills in what promises to be an action-packed day.

For the first time at this venue, hardball cricket will be played under artificial lights with 2016 T20 champions, Strathavon SC, ECCCC, Everest CC and East

Coast Combined competing for the Lakeram Ramkelawan Memorial Cup and cash prizes.

Players expected to highlight this event are Chatterpaul Hemraj, Sheik Mohamed, Imran Hassan,Shaheed Mohamed, Rohan Sarjoo,Eon

Abel and others.

The first game will commence at 09:30hrs, with the final being played under floodlights. Popular music system,along with food and drink bar will also be available.

Meanwhile, activities will conclude on May 1

disintegrated in dispiriting fashion, losing five quick wickets.

Reifer claimed the first three wickets in the session.

Carty was caught behind, while Akeem Saunders was taken at short mid-wicket.

Reifer then took the important wicket of Hodge who edged to first slip. Hodge faced 224 balls in an innings that had consumed 154 minutes and counted 12 fours.

Jacobs then removed Rakheem Cornwall, bowled between bat and pad without scoring before snatching the wicket of Sherwin Peters.

With the hosts’ successfully transferring the pressure, Hamilton and Taylor then combined to consolidate the innings with a steady stand which helped them recover and by the end of the session the visitors had equal the hosts first innings total.

Upon resumption they pair started to build a lead before Reifer broke the 71-run

stand when he had Hamilton caught at the wicket.

Taylor’s fifty came off 107 balls and despite Guyana taking the second new ball, Taylor and Louis continued their defiant batting display until the close. Play resumes today at 10:00hrs.

with the Enmore annual inter-block softball competition.

Both events are sponsored by Rajin Auto Paint, Nexa Autocolour, R.Kissoon Construction Service, Motor Trend Auto Spares and Repairs, Radesh Furniture Establishment,

D&E Tent Rental and Navindra Latchman, Cone Zone, Banks DIH and Young Takers Sound System.

All funds will go towards the ECCCC cricket programme for 2017.

Admission to the venue is free.

SCOREBOARD GUYANA 1st Innings 187 Leeward Islands Hurricanes 1st innings (o/n 62-0) M Hodge c Johnson b Reifer 70 C Hughes c wkp Bramble b Pestano 40 K Carty c wkp Bramble b Reifer 10 A Saunders c Paul b Reifer 4 J Hamilton c wkp Bramble b Reifer 37 R Cornwall b Jacobs 0 S Peters c Sub (Motie) b Jacobs 5 J Taylor not out 60 J Louis not out 20 Extras: (w-1, nb-5, lb-3) 9 Total: (for 7 wickets; 117 overs) 255 Fall of wickets: 1-79, 2-115, 3-125, 4-126, 5-129, 6-140, 7-211 Bowling: Reifer 25-9-47-4, Pestano 19-4-51-1, Jacobs 18-252-2, Paul 15-3-53-0, Adams 12-6-13-0, Permaul 28-15-36-0

ECCCC anniversary T20 festival billed for April 30

Lara XI vs Tendulkar XI to mark opening of Brian Lara Stadium on May 13 TWO of the best batsmen in history – Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar – will lead opposing teams on Saturday, May 13, in a match being played to mark the opening of the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.

The match is to be

broadcast globally and will feature local, regional and international players.

Trinidad and Tobago Sports Minister Darryl Smith made the announcement on Thursday following a meeting of the Cabinet.

The stadium has been

Brian Lara

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Courtney Walsh-63 wickets (2) Imran Khan-80 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best bowling figures in a Test innings by a WI against Pakistan to date?

(2) What are the best bowling figures in a Test innings by a Pakistani against the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

marked by controversy for more than a decade.

With an initial cost, in 2006, of TT$500 million, the project had been hit by significant cost overruns.

Construction was set to be completed by June 2008 but was eventually completed in March 2017.

Lara, who turns 48

in May, played 131 Tests for the West Indies between December 1990 and December 2006 when he retired as Test cricket’s leading run scorer with 11,953 runs at an average of 52.88.

During that time he scored 34 Test centuries and 48 half centuries.

He remained the lead-

ing run scorer until Tendulkar eclipsed his mark on October 17, 2008. The Indian master played

200 Tests and scored 15, 921 runs at an average of 53.78. He scored 51 centuries and 68 half centuries.

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 23, 2017

Scholarships for CARIFTA Games team AS the honouring of Guyana’s successful team to the CARIFTA Games continues, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones on Friday evening announced that the 12 athletes who represented Guyana will be receiving scholarships to the University of Guyana.

Jones dropped the bomb-

shell while delivering an address at the National Sports Awards ceremony, held at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel where the athletes were all guests at the ceremony.

Additionally, each of the athletes was presented with special National Sports Commission (NSC) medals.

“The National Sports Commission, through the Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicollette Henry, we are indeed committed to developing sports and our athletes in general.

As demonstration to you tonight, [we’re] using the AAG as an example, because of the commitment of the AAG,”

The Guyana team to the 2017 Flow CARIFTA Games after arriving home at the CJIA on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

Amir takes five on rainy day at Sabina Park KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder struck his fifth Test half-century but only 69 balls were possible as rain wrecked the second day of the opening Test between West Indies and Pakistan here Saturday.

When heavy rain brought an abrupt end to the already truncated day’s play at 3:05 pm (4:05 Eastern Caribbean time) after just 55 minutes of action, West Indies had reached 278 for nine, with Holder unbeaten on 55.

He had so far faced 69 deliveries and struck seven fours and two sixes.

Wet spots in the outfield and on the bowlers run-up had earlier forced the abandonment of the opening session, pushing back the start to an hourand-a-half following the scheduled lunch break at Sabina Park.

Resuming on 244 for seven, West Indies flour-

ished early as overnight batsmen Holder and Devendra Bishoo extended their eighth wicket stand to 75 – a record against Pakistan – before being separated.

On 23 at the start, Bishoo had added five when he lost his discipline, fished at one from impressive left-arm seamer Mohammed Amir and nicked a catch behind in the eighth over of the session with the Windies on 264 for eight.

Amir, Pakistan’s best bowler with five for 41, then struck again in his next over, removing Alzarri Joseph without scoring after breaching the right-hander’s defence and hitting middle and off.

Holder, resuming from 30, got lucky with a couple of streaky fours to third man to move into the 40s but there was no lack of conviction when he lifted seamer Moham-

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st Innings (overnight 244 for seven) K Brathwaite c Younis Khan b Mohammad Abbas 0 K Powell c Younis Khan b Mohammad Amir 33 S Hetmyer b Mohammad Amir 11 S Hope b Mohammad Amir 2 V Singh c Azhar Ali b Wahab Riaz 9 R Chase c Wahab Riaz b Yasir Shah 63 +S Dowrich b Yasir Shah 56 *J Holder not out 55 D Bishoo c wkp Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammed Amir 28

A Joseph b Mohammed Amir 0 S Gabriel not out 4 Extras: (lb17) 17 TOTAL: (9 wkts, 92.3 overs) 278 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Brathwaite), 2-24 (Hetmyer), 3-32 (Hope), 4-53 (Singh), 5-71 (Powell), 6-189 (Chase), 7-189 (Dowrich), 8-264 (Bishoo), 9-274 (Joseph).

Bowling: Mohammad Amir 24.311-41-5, Mohammad Abbas 224-63-1, Wahab Riaz 22-5-66-1, Yasir Shah 24-5-91-2.

mad Abbas for a beautiful straight six to reach his landmark, 40 minutes after the start.

There was enough time for Shannon Gabriel, unbeaten on four, to bludgeon Amir through mid-off to the boundary before the heavens opened a few balls later.

Jones said during his speech, which was met with resounding applause.

Jones noted that many of the athletes who took p a r t a t t h e C A R I F TA Games were part of an elite squad, developed by the NSC in conjunction with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG). He threw out the challenge for other sporting associations to fol-

low the example.

“We hope that many of the other disciplines and associations can follow suit.

Once we see the fruits of the elite squad from the various disciplines, the government of Guyana is committed to make similar incentives available to those athletes,” Jones said.

Ending with a total of eight medals, the humble Guyana team finished fifth

overall at the 2017 CARIFTA Games, out of the overall 28 countries that participated at the event. Guyana had four golds, a silver and three bronze.

Adding to that, Linden’s Compton Caesar put Guyana on the map with a historic win in the boys Under- Twenty 100m, the first time Guyana ever won a boys 100m at the event.

Scholarships for CARIFTA Games team See story on page 31

Doris and Johnson share 2016 Sportsman of the Year Award; Thompson is Sportswoman See story on page 24

The winners displaying their awards (Adrian Narine photo)

Amir takes five on rainy day at Sabina Park See story on page 31

Guyana Chronicle’s Tamica Garnett (right) receiving her Sports Journalist of the Year (Print) award from NSC Chairman,Ivan Persaud (Adrian Narine photo)

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

Mohammad Amir performs the sajdah after taking a five-wicket haul on the second day at Sabina Park.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, APRIL 23, 2017