Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23 05 2017

Manchester Arena blast...

19 dead, scores injured

Page 17

No. 104921

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

Price: $80

Registrar on fraud charge …Azeena Baksh for court today on obtaining money by false pretense charge

(VAT Inclusive)

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Youths ‘aspire to inspire’ – with launch of innovative STREAMS project Page 11

Members of STEM Guyana-the national team that will represent this country at the inaugural Robot Olympics in Washington, DC July showcasing how they build a robot at the launch of the Youth Innovation Project Guyana in commemoration of National Youth Week 2017 (Samuel Maughn photo)

Region 8 floods

Overnight rains keep water level high Page 10

Page Hutson 15 confirmed as education chief

‘You deserve more’ …Ramjattan seeks bigger

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subvention for Salvation Army

‘You deserve more’ 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

…Ramjattan seeks bigger subvention for Salvation Army

By Shirley Thomas MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has commended the work of the Salvation Army’s Drug Rehabilitation Programame, stating that it stands in his estimation as the number one humanitarian programme in the country.

Alluding to the annual subvention of $10M granted to the organisation by the government to administer the programme, Ramjattan said based on the remarkable results being seen,he is of the view that this amount should be increased, adding that he thinks the programme is being ‘short-changed’.

Minister Ramjattan made these remarks on Saturday evening as he delivered the feature address at the Salvation Army Men’s Social Service Centre’s Fifth Gala Fund Raising Dinner at the Pegasus Hotel, Savannah Suite. Minister Ramjattan

was at the time performing the duties of the President who is the patron of the organisation. His Excellency President David Granger is on official business in Saudi Arabia.

Under the theme, “Mobilising to reduce the scourge of drug in our society,” Ramjattan commended what he described as the “noble humanitarian work of the Salvation Army in Guyana. “Indeed I want to believe that the work of the Salvation Army is just magnificent and with the little that they do, it has to be that they are all men and women here who not only give of their possession and their time, but they give of themselves.” Citing Khalil Gibran take on ‘giving of self’ he quoted: “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

Meanwhile, on the subject of the subvention granted

than that,” he declared, to applause from the supportive gathering. Ramjattan, though acknowledging that both he and President Granger would want to do much more than that, pondered the realities of where would the money come from, concluding, by and large, that: “… yes, the commitment is there and we will try our best to do as much as possible to give more than the $10M.” Minister Ramjattan however, submitted that support of that nature can also come from other activities.

Minister Of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

by government for the drug rehabilitation programme, Ramjattan said the grant now stands at $10 M per year.

He said however, knowing of the work they have been doing, “I’d rather suspect that we are short changing them…We have to do better

SUBSTANCE Turning his attention to the abuse of drugs, Ramjattan said the number of Guyana’s young people falling prey to substance abuse was pathetic. He alluded to the large number of people plagued with poverty, which runs across the Caribbean and Latin America and sees drugs, crime and poverty as going hand in hand, adding

that it is now most rampant in Latin America as against other areas in the world.

He said that while Guyana does not produce cocaine, sordidly, this country has come to be seen as a drug trans-shipment point, since coca- producing countries send the cocaine to Guyana; it’s airlifted and dropped off in the interior, then brought to Georgetown for onward trans- shipment to other countries, using various means. Likewise, he said there are people who will distribute it, so that it filters down to persons who eventually become substance abusers.

The minister said this issue is creating an additional problem for Guyana, and noted that it is precisely why it was necessary for the government only a couple of months ago to launch the Drug Master Plan Strategy for the years 2017- 2018. “ “In that plan, major developments in relation to

interdiction; major developments as to how we go about working with our partners internationally, especially the Drug Reinforcement Agency…How it would strengthen those International Organisations like Interpol and Europol. And for the very first time – getting more scholarships for our policemen and officers and agents of CANU to do the interdictions,” Minister Ramjattan said.

To this end the minister said that it was important that those law-enforcement measures be complemented by what is being done here by the Salvation Army, in relation to the victims that this scourge has created.”

He outlined that it is the distribution market that creates the victim, with the result that agencies like the Salvation Army, Phoenix Home and government have to do the work of rehabilitating those who have become victims of the scourge.

Sailor remanded for possession of ‘ganja’ A SAILOR caught with almost two kilos of cannabis, was on Monday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a drug trafficking charge.

Jermaine Black, 25, of Wakenaam, Essequibo de-

nied the allegation which stated that on May 19, 2017 at Water Front, Port Kaituma, he had 1814 grams of marijuana in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Black’s attorney, Darren Wade argued that the alleged

Jermaine Black

narcotics were not found in his client’s possession and neither does his client have knowledge of the drug.

Police Prosecutor, Arwin Moore told the court that the marijuana was found in two boxes which were concealed inside of a locker belonging to Black. According to Prosecutor Moore, Black has the keys to the locker and told police that someone had given him the boxes.

The Chief Magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Black until August 8. The matter was transferred to the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Registrar charged with fraud …Azeena Baksh for court today on obtaining money by false pretense charge REGISTRAR of Deeds, Azeena Baksh has been charged with obtaining money by false pretense and is to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court today for formal arraignment.

Police instituted the charge on Monday on Baksh on allegations that she unlawfully paid herself gratuity amounting to $4.5M when she was not a contracted employee. Baksh has also been accused of waiving outstanding fees due to the registries in the sum of over $7M. Police are still investigating this matter.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that the charge against Baksh is that while being a Judicial Service Commission appointee,between May 2014 and January 31, 2017 in Georgetown with intent to defraud the state,falsely pretended that she was Deeds and Commercial Registry contractual employee and as such caused or procured money from the Ministry of Finance,specifically a total of $4, 534, 846 to be paid on account of herself as if she was a contracted employee.

Back in April the Ministry of Legal Affairs had said that staff of the Deeds and Com-

mercial Registries Authority (DCRA) had called upon it to investigate complaints of alleged financial improprieties committed by Baksh.

The ministry said it has referred the complaints to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) through Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum. According to the ministry, both the Human Resource and Accounting Departments have complained that as Head of the Budget Agency and sole person in authority to approve and sign off the payroll of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority and one of the main signatories of the Authority’s bank account, the acting Registrar allegedly unlawfully paid herself gratuity, well knowing she was a pensionable employee, having been appointed by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC). “Registrar Baksh further allegedly unlawfully paid herself a higher salary than was approved by the JSC,” the ministry stated, adding that the Deeds Registry officers have disclosed that these payments started since 2014 and continued up to the present and amount to nearly $4.5M.

Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh

Baksh was appointed Acting Registrar of Deeds from July 16, 2012 with a stipulated salary of $326,171 monthly and was entitled to duty, entertainment and house allowances as well as subsistence allowance when working outof-district, duty-free concessions every three years, leave passage allowance and 42 days annual vacation leave.

Additionally, she was entitled to security at her residence, paid residential and mobile phone charges and monthly internet service charges. There was no mention by the JSC

of a bi-annual gratuity as she was employed on the fixed establishment. In May 2014, the Deeds Registry was merged with the Commercial Registry pursuant to the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act No. 4/ 2013.

By virtue of this legislation, all positions were made contractual except that of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Deeds, whose tenure remained unchanged pursuant to Article 199 of the Constitution and the aforementioned legislation.

Evidence provided shows that Baksh instructed and signed off on the payment of gratuity to herself and other members of staff who were entitled for the period May 2014 to November 2016. Additionally, it was discovered that Baksh had also paid herself $400,000 monthly as of May 2014, despite the fact that her salary should have been $359, 604 by virtue of the public service increases.

However, through her attorney Nigel Hughes, Baksh had denied the charge,stating that on February 13, 2013, Cabinet decided that all staff of the Registry who opted to transfer to the Deeds and Commercial Registry would

Duo busted with illegal gun, ammo remanded TWO men who were nabbed by police with an illegal firearm and ammunition in a car with false number plates, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday.

Jamie Marks, 27 of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara and Mark Griffith, 19 of One Mile, Linden were separately charged

with the illegal possession of a gun and ammunition.

It is alleged that on May 19, 2017 at Duncan Street, Georgetown they had a 9 mm pistol along with nine matching rounds in their possession without being the holder of firearm licences.

Both men denied the charges and were remanded to prison. The matter is adjourned until June 12. Marks

was additionally slapped with another charge, which alleged that on May 19, 2017 at Duncan Street, Georgetown he fraudulently placed a fake licence plate, PNN 1154 on a motorcar, which is registered under PVV 3532.

He denied the charge and was granted $100,000 bail. The matter is adjourned until June 12; he however remains on remand for the

other charge.

According to reports, acting on information received, police trailed the men after suspecting that the registration plates on the car were false, and subsequently intercepted them on Sheriff and Duncan Streets.

A search was carried out on the vehicle and the unlicensed gun and ammunition were found.

be paid severance and would be offered contract gratuity appointments. “Pursuant to the issuance of the Cabinet memo, the staff of the Deeds and Commercial Registry were written to by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Legal Affairs on the 19th May, 2014, providing them with two options, either refuse the offer of employment with the Deeds and Commercial Registry and be transferred to another Government Ministry or Department, or accept employment with the deeds and Commercial Registry and receive severance under the termination and severance Act.” Hughes pointed out that his client accepted the offer of employment with the Deeds and Commercial Registry and was paid severance in keeping with the offer of the permanent secretary.

He said the payment of salaries is prepared by the Human Resources Department and submitted to the finance department for disbursement. “Ms Baksh does not have the authority to direct the Human Resource Department or the Finance Department, to make any payment of salaries; these departments report to the governing board of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority; nor has she ever authorised the Human Resource Department to place any member of the Deeds and Commercial Registry on the payroll.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Trump tells Israel Iran will never have nuclear weapons [BBC] - US President Donald Trump has told Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that Iran will never have nuclear weapons.

He suggested the Iranians thought they could “do what they want” since negotiating a nuclear deal with world powers in 2015.

Mr Trump arrived in Israel from Saudi Arabia, where he sought to win Arab states’ support for fighting extremism.

He has called for a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.

However, he has been vague about what form it should take, saying he prefers to leave it to both sides to decide between them in direct talks. The two-day visit to Israel forms part of Mr Trump’s first foreign trip as US president. Speaking in Jerusalem, he said Iran had negotiated a “fantastic deal” with his pre-

decessor, Barack Obama, winning “a lifeline and prosperity”.

But “instead of saying thank you”, the Iranians were backing terrorism, he said. In a speech earlier on Monday, he accused Iran of “deadly funding, training and equipping of terrorists and militias”.”Iran will never have nuclear weapons, that I can tell you,” Mr Trump told Mr Netanyahu.

In a deal with world pow-

ers in 2015, Iran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for tangible economic benefits, and the White House confirmed last month that the deal was still holding. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who was re-elected for a second term last week, championed the 2015 deal but on Monday he appeared to sweep aside international concern about Iran’s missile programme.

“The Iranian nation has decided to be powerful,” he said on state TV. “Our missiles are for peace and for defence...

American officials should know that whenever we need to technically test a missile, we will do so and will not wait for their permission.”

Mr Rouhani also played down Mr Trump’s strong criticism of Iran at a sum-

mit in Saudi Arabia at the weekend, saying: “Who can say regional stability can be restored without Iran?”

Speaking about the prospect of a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, Mr Trump said, “I’ve heard it’s one of the toughest deals of all”.

But he added that he had a “feeling that we’re going to get there eventually”. President Trump believes he is the world’s greatest dealmaker and making peace between Israelis and Palestinians after a century of conflict would be the world’s biggest deal, writes Jeremy Bowen, the BBC Middle East editor. During the US election, candidate Trump expressed views that seemed to fit neatly with those of the rightwing Israeli government of Mr

Netanyahu - favouring expansion of Jewish settlements on occupied territory and a tough line towards Palestinian aspirations for independence.

But in office, President Trump has been more nuanced - so there has been some nervous speculation on the Israeli right that he might demand concessions from their side, our editor says. But most people, on both sides of the argument, are deeply sceptical about the chances of any progress, no matter what President Trump says or does while he is here, our editor adds.

Israel and the Palestinians have not held direct talks in just over three years.

Mr Trump is due to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem on Tuesday.

French host humiliated gay men on live TV BBC] - A record number of people have complained after a French TV presenter posted a spoof ad on a gay dating website and made fun of people who responded live on air.

Cyril Hanouna used a feminine tone of voice and tricked those he spoke to into revealing their sexual fantasies. One of the victims was left in a “state of appalling distress”, LGBT campaigners said.

They accused the presenter of homophobia.

Nearly 20,000 complaints about the segment on Mr Hanouna’s nightly show Touche pas à mon poste (TPMP - “Don’t touch my TV” in English) had been made to the media regulator by Monday afternoon, reports said.

Mr Hanouna had posed online as a bisexual man called Jean-José who was “very sporty and well endowed” and “liked being insulted”, Ouest France newspaper reported.

He engaged in suggestive chat with the men who responded as guests, a studio audience and more than

Reu-

Mr Hanouna said he was “hurt” by allegations of homophobia

a million viewers watched.

Nicolas Noguier of Le Refuge, an association that works with young victims of homophobia, wrote on Facebook that one hotline operator had spent most of the night talking to one of the men Mr Hanouna deceived.

“We were devastated by his tears and his fear of being found out by his parents and those around him,” Mr Noguier said. Joël Deumier, president of SOS Homophobie said the segment was “scandalous, shameful

and homophobic”.

“When you let people get away with behaviour like this, you trivialise homophobic discourse. The sketch was deeply homophobic,” he said, quoted by the Gay Times.

Mr Hanouna said on Friday that he felt “hurt” by allegations of homophobia and said it was “everything he had been fighting against for years and the opposite of TPMP”. The presenter had also used a photo of YouTube star Max Emerson’s torso for the profile picture without permission, the Gay Times reported. Mr Emerson has spoken out on social media, saying he hopes Mr Hanouna “learns a lesson”.

Mr Hanouna’s show has been the subject of complaints about sexism and homophobia before.

In October a male guest on his show kissed a female guest on her breast after she rebuffed his requests for a kiss. That prompted more than 250 people, including then women’s rights minister Laurence Rossignol, to complain to the regulator.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Venezuelan man set alight during protests [BBC] – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused opposition protesters of setting alight a government supporter in Caracas on the 50th day of protests.

Orlando José Figuera suffered burns to 80% of his body after he was engulfed in flames. Officials said he was also stabbed in Saturday’s protests.

Witnesses said the crowd

had accused the man of being a thief. On the same day, an opposition activist was shot dead, bringing the total number killed in recent protests to 48. The attorney general’s office said gunmen allegedly opened fire on the demonstrators in the western city of Valera.

Edy Alejandro Teran Aguilar died from a gunshot wound to the chest, while two others

were wounded. Protesters demanding President Maduro step down and hold elections took to the streets across the country on Saturday to mark the 50th day of the increasingly violent demonstrations which have overwhelmed the country in recent weeks. “A person was set on fire, beaten up, stabbed… They nearly lynched him, just because he shouted out that he was a

Orlando José Figuera was seen engulfed in flames

Brazil police raid Sao Paulo ‘Crackland’

[BBC] - Brazilian police have arrested nearly 40 people for drug trafficking offences in central Sao Paulo where crack cocaine has been sold and consumed freely for years. About 500 armed police officers were involved in the operation.

Dozens of addicts reacted in anger, vandalising cars and looting shops. Sao Paulo’s centre-right Mayor Joao Doria said the operation marked the end of impunity in the area, widely known as Cracolandia or Crackland.

Critics say the move will merely push the problem to other parts of the city. Mr

Doria promised to knock down many buildings and redevelop the streets near the Luz train station that have become an open-air drugs market over the past decade. “Crackland doesn’t exist any more and it won’t come back. The government won’t allow it,” said Mr Doria during the operation.

He also announced that CCTV cameras would be installed in that part of the city. But he later admitted in a press conference that “it will be difficult to put an end to a historical problem”.

“Police will be deployed here permanently and the problem will be reduced,” Mr

Doria said. The governor of Sao Paulo, Geraldo Alckmin, said state rehab centres had 3,000 places available for addiction treatments.

The mayor and the governor recently announced a plan to combat drug trafficking in the region.

The previous left-wing mayor of Sao Paulo, Fernando Haddad, had a programme that tried to solve addiction through therapy and without the use of force by police. But many were critical and felt that something had to be done about Crackland, which became a no-go area for most residents of Brazil’s largest city.

The authorities say cheap hostels used by addicts in the area will be closed

‘Chavista’,” President Maduro said, referring to the ruling Socialist movement set up by his predecessor Hugo Chavez.

Speaking on his weekly TV programme, Mr Maduro described it as “a hate crime and a crime against humanity”.

It is thought 46 people were injured in the demonstration in eastern Caracas where Mr Figuera, 21, was hurt. Journalist and politician Earle Herrera said the man had been accused

of being a thief, according to AFP news agency. Venezuelan Information Minister Ernesto Villegas tweeted it was “growing insanity”.

“A human being is set on fire at a ‘peaceful demonstration’ by the opposition in Caracas,” he wrote, posting a video of the incident. Despite having the world’s largest known oil reserves, Venezuela is facing a shortage of many basic items, including food and medicines.

Its economy has collapsed, with inflation expected to top 700% this year, and crime is rampant. The opposition is calling for early elections and the release of opposition politicians jailed in recent years, saying the socialist governments of Mr Maduro and his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez, have mismanaged the economy since coming to power in 1999.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Independence of the judiciary In what was probably President David Granger’s most forceful presentation to the Judiciary, should it be heeded, Guyana is bound to find itself sitting proudlyamong nations where the rule of law reigns supreme. Efforts and recognition by the APNU+AFC Government to create the environment where an independent judiciary can function ought not only to be noted but determinedly pursued.

At last Wednesday’s installation ceremony for acting Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, SC, and Justice Dawn Gregory as Justices to the Appeal Court, the President said, “The judicature is fundamental to good governance because it protects the people’s rights and prevents the emergence of autocracy.” The appointment of the two justices to this five-man court -- now bringing the number to three, which is the minimum requirement to have sittings -- is sure to have a positive impact on the society that the wheels of justice will continue to turn in the nation’s highest court.

The judicature is a co-equal branch of government, ranking in equal importance to the legislature and executive.

The checks and balances these branches place on each other; their true worth and importance to society and governance can only be felt when they are understanding of their role, and uncompromising in discharging it. As equal as the executive, it has daily administrative responsibility for the State, guided by the rule of law, and the legislature’s role of oversight of and giving support to the executive through bills and other requirements, the role of the judiciary is to adjudicate the law and serve as the nation’s judicial compass.

As President Granger rightly pointed out at the ceremo-

ny, the judicature was set up under the Guyana Constitution to be an independent branch, free of interference from the executive and legislative. Acceptance of this role will not only see the rightful securing of financial autonomy that came with the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act of 2015, but also moving to ensure daily management is free from the influences and subjugation of the other branches.

This, too, was not lost sight of by the President, who noted that the judiciary has a vital role to play in maintaining its own independence.

It is not an unfair statement that the reputation of this branch has come in for questioning and ridicule. Some factors giving rise to this are prolonged acting appointments in the highest offices which lend to impression such are deliberately done by the politicians to keep it under its thumb.

Under-staffing, huge backlog of cases, disappearance of case jackets, case deferrals, discontent with the jury system, poor storage and retrieval of records, have contributed to the disenchantment. Where there have been rulings that have caused society to think decisions were arrived at inconsistent with the rule of law such also feed into negative perception.

Restoring credibility and the people’s confidence require doing the requisite work. Where society sees this branch failing in the discharge of its duty it could createopportunities for the rise of might is right, vigilante justice, and rise of autocratic government. If prior to Wednesday any reservation was harboured there would be obstruction by the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo Government in ensuring the restoring of credibility and pinnacle place in

society, there is no need to feel constrained or contained in the inherent noble pursuit. One of the things progressive societies rely on is an efficient and effective judiciary. And while no system is perfect what people desire is the system striving for perfection, instead of settling for or falling into mediocrity. The judiciary must go forward fearlessly discharging its constitutional function and zealously guarding its independence.

It could not be more concisely put than President Granger’s timely reminder that, “Judicial independence acts to prevent the derogation from the rule of law.

Respect for the rule of law is the foundation of a lawbased society, one which can be sustained only by an independent judiciary.” It is now up to this branch to live up to society’s expectation, and where it is inclined to demonstrate it is so willing to, it inevitability will have the support of the people.

An all-time West Indies T/20 team Dear Editor

NOW that we have seen lists of an all-time IPL, XI and the greatest T/20 players of them all in two publications in www. cricinfo.com on May 20 and 21st, 2017, we find it convenient that Caribbean people should now select and publish our own all-time Twenty/20 team, especially because we have won the World Twenty/20 Championships on two occasions – in 2012 and 2016 – under the captaincy of Darren Sammy.

Here is our twelve man team, with some convenient statistics: The two championship wins by the West Indies in 2012 and 2016 is the most by any international team. Gayle

holds the world record for the most Twenty/20 runs, being the only individual to reach the 10,000 mark10137 - and the highest score of 175* runs from 20 overs is also a world record. Narine has scored the fastest 50 - 54 runs from 15 deliveries-.

Narine and Badree have always been among the most economical bowlers in the world at this level. All of those selected have also represented the West Indies in the 50 over format of the game.However, Pollard and Badree are the only two who have

not represented the West Indies at the Test match level.

The twelve member panel has selected Gayle, Bravo and Narine in its all-time IPL XI. Additionally, Gayle, Pollard and Narine have been selected among the eleven greatest

over the first 15 or so years of T/20 cricket. It was also disclosed that statistically, Andre Russell would be a certainty in any such list, however, he was set aside due to his current ban for breaking anti-doping whereabouts regulations. With pride

and passion they have played, giving their all, while giving us great joy and jubilation and they have all made us feel proud to be Caribbean people.

Mortimer George is a former Secretary- 1976 to 1983- of the Berbice Cricket Board, Guyana. He is a Life Member-1987-, Hero Award Receipient-2008,and an Inductee into the BCB Cricket Administrators Hall of Fame -2014. He has written three books and a magazine, including The Guide: 75 years of Berbice Cricket and the Phenomenon: 75 years of Berbice Cricket, both published by www.lulu.com in 2014.

Regards Mortimer George

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

GAWU says Seetaram’s letter The parking meters project an attack on the people should be abandoned

Dear Editor

OUR Union was very disturbed to read Mr Abel Seetaram’s letter appearing in the May 20, 2017 Guyana Chronicle titled “GAWU, PPP using schoolchildren during protest”. We see Mr Seetaram’s letter as an attack on people who are simply standing up and defending their livelihoods.

While Mr Seetaram choose seemingly to castigate the young man for taking part in the protest on May 16, 2017,he fails to mention, conveniently or otherwise, that the protest was spurred as a result of the harsh policies embraced by a Government of which he is foremost cheerleader.

The participation of young students joining their parents, teachers and others serve to dramatize policies by this Government which will certainly affect their future. Their participation hopefully can bring about more effectiveness to continuing heartless approach by this Government which are affecting working people

and the poor countrywide.

With respect to the sugar industry, we cannot ignore the fact that it is the Government which has taken on board and is promoting plans to miniaturise the industry.

Certainly, they cannot escape blame for the difficulties which have emerged and are ahead for sugar workers and their families and the sugar-linked communities.

Wales presently is a painful and glaring example We wish to advise Mr Seetaram, for his records, that prior to closure of Wales in 2016, the last estate that was closed was Diamond in the mid-1980’s. Between then and 2016, cane cultivation, on a smaller scale, continued to 2009 and many of the workers who were retrenched took up employment at Wales. Regarding LBI, when the factory was closed many workers were either transferred to the Enmore factory or took up employment in the LBI field workshop which remained operable until it was closed in 2016, despite undertakings by GuySuCo that this was not in their projections.

The GAWU is also charged by Mr Seetaram as only now raising its voice for the sugar workers. This is a most ridiculous statement.

Our Union has always stood in the defence of workers and a strong advocate of workers improvement generally. In passing, we merely wish to reflect on the article in GuySuCo’s name alluded to the militancy of the workers which appeared in the May 21, 2017 edition of Kaieteur News.

For obvious and understandable reasons, Mr Seetaram seems very much bothered by the workers and their families’ resistance in the sugar communities at this time. We urge him to lobby his contacts, who traverse the corridors of power in our country, to listen to the people’s cries and to have them abandon their callous plans which will wreck the lives of too many of our working people and their families.

Regards Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union

Dear Editor, I SHOULD be grateful if you would publish this letter on the abandonment of Parking Meters in Georgetown. The revenue generated under this proposal can be garnered easily without additional cost of staff, equipment, materials, and administration.

A small increase on fuel at source can provide the revenue for subvention, equalled to the accurate net estimate of the revenue from the proposed parking meter project.

The additional revenue can be collected by the relevant government agency at source from distributors up front.

Parking Meter Negotiating Committee, let good common sense prevail; take the right course of action in the interest of all, and negotiate the abandonment of the

project.

The following extract from my earlier letter in February 2017, states in part: “A Smarter Alternative to Parking Meters The City Council of Georgetown should consider a smarter alternative to collect more revenue than by what is considered by many as an ill-conceived, burdensome and expensive parking meter venture for a small return, even if all the meters are fully used. The negotiating brains in the City Council should have explored the best possible options for revenue generation, and after careful study, canvassed views of the consuming public, residents and businesses in the city. This should have been the decision of a duly constituted full Council meeting, although not the best options Here is an option: The

City Council should negotiate with Central Government for a subvention to cover the estimated net income from the parking meters. Government can institute a small increase in the price for each gallon of fuel, collected up front from the few distributors for this venture. This small increase in the price for fuel can be extended to the entire country as vehicles use and park in other cities and along public roadways. This can contribute to the subventions for other Municipalities and Regional Councils. This is a more equitable solution.

The parking meters should therefore be abandoned along with Smart City Solutions. The same negotiators of the Council should negotiate the scrapping of this venture”.

Regards Samuel J. Goolsarran

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

‘G’ Division cops Second suspect to be tackling youth charged this week employment Bread vendor’s murder…

– to host career fair on June 17 DIVISIONAL Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police, Stephen Mansell is of the opinion that one of the best ways of controlling crime is to establish solid trust with the public.

“We need to establish a good relationship with our communities. At the same time, we need to make sure that school-leavers are employed; we need to keep them occupied meaningfully,” the commander said.

And this is primarily why the police in ‘G’ Division, which is his jurisdiction, will be partnering with both the public and private sectors on June 17 to launch the Essequibo Coast’s first ever Career Day Fair.

As the commander has promised, this Career Day Fair will be a vital experience for youths of the Cinderella County.

“We are asking various sectors to open a booth to display their goods and services; we expect businesses to advertise their job vacancies along with criteria for employment,” he said, adding: “We are targeting unemployment here, they may be persons out there who don’t know where there’s an existing vacancy, and this fair could mean hope for them.”

Reiterating that the partnership between the police force and the public sector would also serve as a deterrent to crime, Commander Mansell observed: “Less jobs automatically means more crime, so, from Monday, we would have banners advertising the career day. Also, we would be visiting schools directly to interact with youths; liaising as it were with the Department

of Education.”

But the upcoming fair is but one of the many ways that ‘G’ Division has been partnering with the public and private sectors, as another is a proposed multi-purpose training centre at Affiance, which is currently under construction and expected to include a section for the teaching of Information Technology.

As the commander has observed, the force has for some time now been engaging some 200 youths in four different communities.

“We can say that the tree we planted has taken root and is bearing fruit,” Commander Mansell said.

“The youths in Dartmouth are benefitting well from the training they receive on Sundays, especially in IT. “We are hoping to bring Charity on board very soon, since there’s a hub there as well.”

Commander Stephen Mansell briefing ranks on the launch of the Career Day Fair slated for June 17

Wanted ‘Trini’ conman caught – Likely to be charged today A Trinidadian fraudster who has been eluding the police since 2014 was apprehended over the weekend and is expected to be charged and placed before the court today.

The suspect, Daniel Ali, had managed to illegally sell several vehicles after renting them from unsuspecting local car rental establishments on East and West Coast Demerara.

When contacted, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said after the suspect is charged and prosecuted, he will be deported to Trinidad.

Blanhum confirmed that Ali was arrested at Ogle, East Coast Demerara; that the Guyana Police Force has informed its counterparts in Trinidad about the arrest; and that the deportation process has been activated. He said that multiple charges are expected to be instituted against Ali today.

Reports are that Ali had scammed his way around Guyana, relieving persons of their hard-earned cash, jewellery, laptops, cellular phones, cars and whatever else took his fancy.

Ali had also been posing as a representative of

‘Trini’ conman, Daniel Ali

the United States Embassy, collecting monies from them on the promise he could get them an American visa.

A 23-year-old ‘D’ Field, Sophia labourer, who police believe was the one who shot and killed bread vendor Andre Alexander on May 5, is expected to be charged this week following legal advice.

He is believed to have been in the company of ex-solder, Shaquille Grant and another man who is still at large. Grant has since been charged with Alexander’s murder and was remanded to prison on May 15.

According to reports, days before the bread vendor was killed, three men stood on a bridge in Sophia and plotted how they would rob him. Their motivation was the gold rings the bread vendor wore. Another suspect, who is still at large, is believed to be the owner of the motorcycle on which

DEAD: Bread vendor, Andre Alexander

two of the killers fled.

Reports indicate that while the suspect has admitted to being among the individuals who robbed Alexander, he has denied shooting the vendor. The robbers had fled with cash and loaves of bread, but did

Ex-solder, Shaquille Grant has already been charged with the murder

not get the rings.

Alexander died during surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Staff there later handed over the rings to the slain man’s relatives.

Police visit relatives of Uitvlugt man found hacked to death

Superintendent Linden Isles and Commander James and other ranks meeting the relatives of Clinton Walkes

POLICE recently paid a visit to the relatives of Clinton Walkes, the man found chopped to death on May 7, at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara as investigations into his demise continue.

Led by Commander of ‘D’ Division (West Demerara and East Bank Essequibo), Assistant Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, the team comprised his second-in-command, Superintendent Linden Isles; Community Relations Officer, Inspector Andre Grant; and Head of Cops and Faith ‘D’ Division, Pastor Anderson and other ranks.

The team reportedly met with the deceased’s father, Mr George Walkes and other relatives, and assured

them that an investigation is ongoing and persons are assisting and that they should not hesitate to contact the police with any information pertaining to the matter.

Pastor Anderson asked the family not to take matters into their own hands, but rather let justice take its course. He also led them in prayer, asking God to comfort them in their period of grief.

The team also paid a visit to the home of robbery victim, Roshnie Ganindan, at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, and met with residents of the community and discussed various issues, such as what would make their community safer. Commander James also asked residents to remain calm

and to be alert; to take each other’s phone number so they can communicate in the event they see strange-looking persons lurking around their village, and in so doing help the police continue to work on ensuring all communities in the division are safe and crime-free.

Superintendent Isles, on the other hand, promised to continue working with the community’s policing group.

Mr Bridgemohan Narine, a teacher, thanked the commander and his team for taking time off to listen to their concerns, and promised that the community will work closely with the police at helping to fight crime and bringing perpetrators to justice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Maduro wants Guyana’s backing amid civil unrest

By Ariana Gordon

WRACKED by civil strife,Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Reina Diaz has issued a call on both the Guyana Government and the people of Guyana to support her country’s president, Nicholas Maduro in his call for dialogue with the opposition, so as to end that country’s ongoing unrests.

The call by Guyana’s Spanish-speaking neighbour comes at a time when the United Nations has restarted the Good Offices Process between the two countries to bring to finality the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. At a news conference held at the Venezuelan Embassy, the Ambassador made it clear that the Venezuelan president is doing all he can to have a democratic resolution to the months of riots and violence occurring in the Spanish-speaking country.

She believes that support from the government of Guyana, other regional governments and international bodies will aid in the reduction of what she described as acts of terrorism from radical

Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Reina Diaz

opposition supporters. “We are grateful for the support of the governments of this region and governments of the world to respect that no ill will is shown by the State.

We are grateful for a show of support for dialogue which the government has asked as a means of solving internal problems,” said Ambassador Diaz, who spoke through a translator.

The Venezuelan envoy has noted CARICOM’s statement on the country’s ongoing struggles and also pointed to support received through CELAC and other regional

bodies.

“President Maduro has been clear in his call for dialogue…on the national level, he is finding ways to get out of the situation, in peace and democracy,” Ambassador Diaz noted. Venezuela is due for an election in January 2019 and according to the Venezuelan Diplomat, Maduro has done the right thing by calling for the National Constituent Assembly which reinforces that the original constituent power rests with the people of Venezuela.

CARICOM Foreign Ministers last week at the twentieth meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) noted that the solution to the present situation in Venezuela had to be sought internally and supported by a mediated process.

“They were of the view that the deeply entrenched positions needed to be softened so that trust could be built on both sides in order to facilitate dialogue so that the people of Venezuela could peacefully overcome their crisis,” a statement from the CARICOM Secretariat said.

Meanwhile, Article 347 of the Constitution of Venezuela states that the power which belongs to the people “may be exercised by calling a National Constituent Assembly for the purpose of transforming the State, creating a new juridical order and drawing up a new Constitution.”

Article 348 says that a National Constituent Assembly may emanate from the President sitting with the Cabinet of Ministers from the National Assembly, by a two-thirds vote of its members; from the Municipal Councils in open session, by a two-thirds vote of their members; and from 15 per cent of the voters registered with the civil and electoral registry.

Additionally, Article 349 of the said Constitution states that the President of Venezuela shall not have the power to object to the new constitution.

“The existing constituted authorities shall not be permitted to obstruct the Constituent Assembly in any way,” the Constitution states.

Ambassador Diaz made it clear that President Maduro is steadfast in his call for there to be “dialogue in peace.” The opposition has not heeded the call made by the Venezuelan President on May 1; there are 18 political organisations

affiliated with the opposition parties, the envoy disclosed.

According to the Ambassador, in 2014 and 2016, it was the same political opposition which called for the National Constitution Assembly.

President Maduro she said has proposed to involve the masses, which includes the most vulnerable of the country’s population: farmers, students, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples,to name a few.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Diaz said her country is also concerned about international reportage of the unrests in Venezuela. She said reports by the foreign media are not focused on the efforts being made by Maduro to end the unrests. In fact, she said more emphasis is placed on what she described as the “so called peaceful protests.”

Moreover, she noted that the opposition is working in tandem with those who claim to “be owners of the world” in a bid to overthrow the Bolivarian Revolution Government. She noted that those guilty of acts of terrorism are the same people who in 2002 attempted to overthrow the government and believes that the advancements and achievements of the current government ought to be taken

into consideration. “These supposed peaceful demonstrators have the clear objective to overthrow the legitimate president of Venezuela and reverse the social achievement of the Venezuelan people,” she said while adding that there is an international media campaign “which falsifies the reality…present images that travel the world.”

It is her belief that the efforts of the opposition are to show “national commotion” so as to allow foreign intervention. “The Opposition funded by foreign aid and with media support have created matrix of hatred, persecution and aggression towards government officials and to all those who sympathize with the Bolivarian thinking,” the envoy added while stating that the opposition and the media are attempting “to make people believe that there are violent protest all over the country when in fact most of the manifestation have mainly occurred in three states (out of 24).”

Several international bodies have called on Venezuela to call elections soon to put to rest the ongoing violence and protests in the South American country which have left several dead and others badly injured.

CARICOM foreign ministers call for non-interference in situation in Venezuela CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM) Foreign Ministers have ended a meeting in Barbados Friday calling for non-interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela where at least 40 people have been killed in street demonstrations aimed at forcing the Nicolas Maduro government out of power.

In a statement issued, the foreign ministers “decried the violence taking place and deplored the resulting loss of life and property”. They said that they had “deliberated on the changes taking place in the international environment as well as in their wider regional environment and on their implications for the co-ordinated foreign policy positioning of their countries.

“They reiterated the importance they accord to maintenance of the rule of law, respect for human rights and democracy, as well as to the fundamental principles of non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. These values and principles were viewed

as being of paramount importance when addressing international situations of concern.”

Earlier this week, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister,Dr. Ralph Gonsalves cautioned CARICOM to refrain from allowing a small group of powerful nations to dilute the “collective strength” of the 15 member regional grouping on the Venezuela issue. Gonsalves, in a three-page letter to CARICOM leaders warned that a wedge is being driven through CARICOM over a plan for “regime change” in Venezuela and the group of powerful nations with the Organisation of American States (OAS) have an “agenda of naked self-interest”.

He said the group has “strategically invited select CARICOM countries to their meetings and ignored the others.As a result, they have succeeded in dis-uniting and weakening CARICOM countries whose only strength lies in our solidarity. This worrying development has been

particularly manifest in matters relating to Venezuela,” said Gonsalves in his May 10 letter.

He acknowledged that CARICOM member states could have a role in promoting dialogue to help resolve the conflict in Venezuela and he warned fellow regional leaders against allowing themselves “to be ambushed into breaking our solidarity and aligning ourselves with fair-weather friends”. Gonsalves also accused OAS Secretary General,Luis Almagro of being a “chosen and willing tool” in the plot to topple the Nicolas Maduro administration.

In their statement issued at the end of the 20th meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), the foreign ministers said that they were “united in their view” that respect for these values and principles in addressing international situations of concern “would prove valuable and pertinent in addressing concerns over the situation in Venezuela.

“Persuaded that the solution to the present situation had to be sought internally, supported by a mediated process, they were of the view that the deeply entrenched positions needed to be softened so that trust could be built on both sides in order to facilitate dialogue so that the people of Venezuela could peacefully overcome their crisis,” the statement noted.

It said that the ministers also “decried the violence taking place and deplored

the resulting loss of life and property”. On Thursday, the United States government said it would be imposing sanctions on members of Venezuela’s Supreme Court following a series of rulings that Washington said had usurped power from the nation’s opposition-controlled congress and sparked a deadly wave of unrest. The U.S. Department of Treasury said it was freezing the assets of eight Venezuelan government officials on the Supreme

Court in an effort to support the Venezuelan people “in their efforts to protect and advance democratic governance.”

A ruling issued in late March that stripped Venezuela’s congress of its last powers was later reversed amid a storm of international criticism. But near-daily anti-government protests were triggered by the ruling and have continued across the country, with more than 40 people killed. (CMC)

Gov’t saddned by terror attack in UK

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is deeply saddened by the horrifying terrorist attack in Manchester, England. Our prayers and thoughts are with those who have been affected. On behalf of the people of Guyana, the government extends deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The Guyana government condemns, in the strongest possible terms, this heinous attack and stand with the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Region Eight floods

Water level rising in rivers due to overnight rains In this photo taken by a resident of Kamarang over the weekend, a shop was under several inches of water, a situation which residents said they never experienced before

AS the authorities continue to monitor flood waters in Region Eight, residents of several North Rupununi villages have commenced harvesting several crops in anticipation of high water levels.

On Monday, reports were that the water levels in several rivers and creeks in the Potaro/Siparuni area (Region Eight) have risen following overnight rains on Sunday , mainly in the vicinity of several flood-hit communities such as Chenapau and Kanapang.

Regional officials at Region Eight told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday that relief supplies are being ferried to the affected areas

daily. At the villages of Kaibarupai, Waipa, Sandhill, Kopinang information relating to damage is being compiled by the regional authorities.

A helicopter took relief supplies during the afternoon hours on Monday to Kanapang as relief efforts to assist residents there have been increased. While the situation remains serious at those villages, the weather cleared during the day. Persistent rains over the past two weeks have contributed to floodwaters rising in mainly low-lying areas in the hinterland villages. Major waterways, such as the Ireng River on the Guyana/ Brazil border have over-

topped, leading to concerns of relocation to persons in the area.

ASSESSMENT Over at Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has dispatched teams to the villages of Jawalla and Kako to assess floodwaters there. Reports are that some 80 families at Jawalla are unable to access their homes as a result of flooding. At Kako, the entire village was flooded on Sunday. There are also reports of flooding at low-lying areas at Kamarang.

Meanwhile, North Rupununi residents have commenced harvesting several

crops, mainly cassava as they foresee flooding of the flatlands in the area. According to Mike Williams of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) residents of several villages in the area have informed him of their predictions. As such he noted that persons are harvesting their cassava and converting the crop in farine. He said the problem would be sourcing markets for the staple and according to him, persons are looking at selling the commodity outside of the region, including at Mahdia.

Reports are that access to the village of Karasabai is being hampered by flooding, including a bridge which was constructed recently.

According to Williams, persons in the village have notified the authorities in the region that the roadway into Karasabai was impassable, mainly for vehicles.

Elsewhere, he said that there are no other indications of flooding at the moment. However, given past experiences, residents are not ruling out floodwaters as the annual May/June rains prevail. Residents of Kanapang village will be benefiting from a gas stove, as well as a quantity of mosquito

nets and footballs, one day after they requested same from Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, during a visit to the village on Sunday, Toshao Charles Lewis requested assistance from the Minister, in the provision of a stove and other utensils for the school’s kitchen, as everything had been washed away by the floodwaters. He also requested a quantity of mosquito nets and footballs for the children. In response, Minister Harmon pledged to see what could be done to immediately assist the village.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Office of Gaico Construction and General Services Incorporated, Komal Singh, who is a close partner of the CDC, was contacted and he immediately offered to provide assistance. The gas stove, equipped with all fittings, as well as a cylinder of gas, will be provided for the community. According to the release, Singh said that the company strongly believes in corporate social responsibility and, especially at this time, it is even more important that people come together to assist the affected residents.

“For our company, we have always believed in corporate responsibility and since we saw the flooding last week, we immediately contacted CDC and contributed foodstuff and cleaning agents. When we heard about the need for the stove, we thought that it would be a tangible donation because even if it’s one item, it is going to be able to satisfy a mass of children and so we responded,” he said.

The items will be taken to the CDC’s Forward Operations Base at the border location of Orinduik, after which it will be shuttled to the village by the end of today, Tuesday. The CDC has identified additional needs of the residents in the affected villages and these include water tanks, buckets, water purification tablets, mosquito nets, insect repellent, mattresses, tarpaulin, clothing, rechargeable lamps and sports equipment.

All donations can be made to the CDC at its Thomas Lands location and the National Emergency Operations Centre can be contacted at (592) 226-1114, 226-8815, 226-1027 or 225-5847 or (592) 6231700/600-7500.

‘It’s alive and kicking!’

Parking-meter consultations begin today

By Telesha Ramnarine “IT’S alive, it’s kicking, and it’s well! It’s not going to die!” Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green said on Monday about the controversial parking meter project.

The seven-member committee, headed by Councillor Malcolm Ferreira, finally broke its silence at yesterday’s statutory meeting, and provided an update on new developments as far as the renegotiating of the contract is concerned. He did so at the instigation of the mayor, who felt it was only common courtesy that

they should.

It was later learnt that a statement was sent Town Clerk Royston King since last Friday, but according to the mayor, she did not receive one. As a matter of fact, she told Chronicle just recently that in the same way the public is in the dark about any new developments surrounding the project, so too was she.

Meanwhile, Councillor Ferreira announced yesterday that the renegotiating committee will be hosting a series of public consultations with stakeholders from today until Thursday, between 14:00 and 19:00hrs.

“The main objective,” he said, “is to listen to concerns and suggestions on the implementing of parking meters within the city.”

He said, too, that the committee is expected to have talks today with the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM), the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

On Wednesday, it will meet with taxi and minibus operators, as well as with the owners and operators of vehicles used for commercial purposes.

On Thursday, it will be

the turn of private residents within the metered zone, as well as residents outside of it to meet with the committee.

The mayor recently hinted that the renegotiating team might need to seek an extension of the three-month suspension order from the government in order to get its work done.

She reiterated that there was nothing sinister about the original parking meter contract, which is why she chose to recuse herself from the renegotiating team.

“I want people to see that I have nothing to do with it; there was nothing corrupt about it,” the mayor said.

“I was accused of being

corrupt; people were saying money was paid to us and all that, so I just decided I would take my hands off and allow people to investigate.

“I know I am clean. The team that negotiated in the first instance was not part of a corruption; they did not have anything under the table. We think we did everything above board and that was our best shot,” she added.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan had communicated Cabinet’s decision for a 90-day suspension of the metered parking system, but the town clerk had opted to go after legal advice to challenge the minister’s order, resulting in a majority vote by city councillors to

put such an order on hold.

Minister Bulkan was subsequently directed by Cabinet to immediately suspend operation of the by-laws which govern the project.

The City Council, thereafter, approved a seven-member team to negotiate a revised parking meter contract with Smart City Solutions, the company to which City Hall granted the concession to install meters in the city.

Councillor Ferreira was elected chairman of the team that comprises Councillors Noelle ChowChee, Carlyle Goring, Tricia Richards, Ivelaw Henry, Roopnarine Persaud and Heston Bostwick.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Youths ‘aspire to inspire’ – with launch of innovative STREAMS project

By Vishani Ragobeer YOUTHS across all ten administrative regions of Guyana will be identifying and responding to challenges in their communities through the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPoG), launched Monday at the Umana Yana.

Incorporating the areas of “STEAMS” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Anthropology, Archaeology, Arts, Architecture, Mathematics and Spirituality), the Youth Innovation Project seeks to engage young people between the ages of 16 and 35.

Participants may be individuals or teams of no more than 10 members with a named leader and an identified expert in the project.

Youths will be allowed to identify challenges or issues affecting them in their respective communities, and design, develop and produce innovative ideas to combat these challenges while fostering a “green” economy.

This youth innovation project, established under the theme, “Aspire, Inspire to reach”, will be administered from the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) of $50M which was introduced in the 2017 National Budget.

In her address at Monday’s launch, Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport,Nico-

Minister of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan (third right), who’s performing the duties of President while the Head of State is away on official business, admires this replica of a “Rice Husk Particle Board”, which won Abram Zuil Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast the 2014 Sagicor Visionary Challenge Award.

Sharing his admiration are Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Mr Jaipaul Sharma and Minister within the Ministry of Education, Ms Nicolette Henry, second and first right respectively

lette Henry stressed that the programme at hand reflects a cognisance that youth are the backbone of any nation and are able to change the future of society.

“The vision of this country lies in the hands of our young people,” Minister Henry said. “They are filled with tremendous and towering ambitions.”

But, to enable the inherent innovation and creativity of youths, she said, they must be guided, empowered and given the platform.

Thus, she noted that the re-establishment of National

Youth Week and this Youth Innovation programme were both designed to showcase and exploit the talents and abilities of our Guyanese youths.

She reflected upon the 2017 National Budget, of which 17.2% (almost $43B) was allocated to education, and noted that it is through projects like these that the government’s commitment to education and youth is affirmed.

For this week, too, she said that youths will be able to interact with relevant stakeholders, discuss prob-

Members of the National School of Dance in action (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

lems, and be informed about support opportunities.

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK The launch of YIPoG initiated the activities and events planned for National Youth Week 2017, which runs from Sunday May 21 to Saturday May 27 under the theme, “Inspiring our Youth, Celebrating their achievements”.

Not only will the weeklong event seek to highlight the creative and innovative solutions the youths of Guyana can develop in response

to challenges they face in their respective communities through the commencement of the YIPoG, but to also underscore what contributions Guyanese youths have already made, according to Minister Henry.

Notably, the concept of “STEAMS” was established

by Minister Henry as an improvement on the better known concept of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

According to the Minister, the expansion enables a wider approach to challenges in the Guyanese society.

“This is the first government programme of its kind that has a focus on the issue of youth innovation only,” she said.

Project pioneer, Ms Brigette Hinds, said the exercise is intended to have Guyanese youths produce “out-of-the-box” solutions to challenges and issues posed to them in their communities.

As she explained, proposals will be accepted from Monday, when the project was launched, until June 30. Those proposals, she said, will be reviewed and judged between the months of July and August, following which the winners will be announced and receive the appropriate funding for the commencement of project prototypes in September.

Finally, from September to November, the projects will be evaluated.

Utilising the reactivated E-Governance project, the

YIPoG will be connecting with youths all across Guyana to enable an all-inclusive approach to tackling problems in communities and regions, thereby contributing nationally.

Timely communication and dissemination of project information will be enabled through the E-governance project. Attributing to this, Hinds highlighted that the two projects from every region will be selected, totaling 20 projects overall, and she while she anticipates adequate funding will be given to each project, $2M is the general amount allocated for the implementation of feasible projects.

The best projects in the categories of ‘Most Relevant to Sustainable Communities’, ‘Most Creative and Innovative’, ‘Best Plan and Project Design’, ‘Best Use of STEAMS’ and ‘Best Presentation’ will be awarded also, according to Hinds.

The YIPoG is the Department of Youth flagship programme for 2017, but will be encompassing several other government ministries alongside many regional, international and corporate agencies.

Additionally, the YIPoG will be supported by the Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Programme (YEST); the Volunterism Support Platform (VSP); and the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG).

At the launch Monday of the YIPoG project and Youth Week. Seated from left, in foreground, are: Director of Youth, Ms Melissa Carmichael-Haynes, Minister Nicolette Henry and YIPoG Manager, Ms Grace Roberts-Simon

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

“May your choices reflect your hopes not your fears”– Nelson Mandela AS I drew closer to my chemo finish line I wished I could throw my body over it and complete the race like Shaunae Miller’s Gold at Rio,but Cancer is a marathon race not a sprint, there are steps that have to be taken and hurdles that must be crossed before being even close to completing the race, and by completing I mean surviving.

One such hurdle I was being faced with as the curtains on my treatment were coming down ( just 2 more left! ) was that of my next

move : radiation/ radiotherapy.

I had been so consumed by the chemotherapy that I had not examined in detail what radiation would entail.

Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells. Other names for radiation therapy include radiotherapy, irradiation, or x-ray therapy. Other drugs are used along with radiation;these are called radiosensitizers, eg. Chemo.

This means they can actually make the cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, which helps the radiation to better kill cancer cells.

There were three ways in which radiation can be given; as far as I was aware I would be having the external (beam) radiation at the Cancer Institute. External radiation (or external beam radiation) uses a machine called a linear accelerator (often called a “linac” ) that directs high-energy rays from outside the body into the tumor. In my case the tumour had been removed via

surgery and this would target the area where the tumour was as well as the surrounding lymph nodes.

The dose needed to kill the tumour or affected nodes is too strong to be given at once. The total dose of external radiation therapy is usually divided into smaller doses called fractions.

The most common way to give it is daily, 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) for 5 to 8 weeks. Weekend rest breaks allow time for normal cells to recover. I recall Devika telling me her radiotherapy lasted approximately 30 days, 5 days a week for 5 mins each.

She related to me how fatigued and tired she would feel after her sessions which were pretty painless but the weak feeling would come on after, thus leaving her to spend most of her days in bed. Of course this was only temporary but it did take a few months before Devika regained her ‘normal’ energy

levels.

Radiation itself didn’t scare me but did this mean I would be radioactive? Like should I stop using the microwave and my cellphone?

Sounds funny but here are some possible side effects: 1. Fatigue (in part due to energy expended in replacing normal cells killed in the process) 2. Skin irritation, redness, lesions, peeling 3. Hair loss 4. Loss of taste 5. Erectile dysfunction 6. Decreased blood count (may be monitored by the clinician overseeing the treatment) 7. Increased susceptibility to infection 8. Difficulty swallowing and decreased appetite 9. Oral mucositis (cells of the mouth rapidly dividing) 10. Younger patients receiving radiotherapy are more likely to develop secondary tumors because of their longer

post-treatment life span.

11. Large tumor masses often contain oxygen-poor cells in the centre that are resistant to radiation therapy and therefore not affected by the therapy.

Well at least I know I can cross out erectile dysfunction ( ha ha) but only by doing it will I be sure of how my body reacts. I still had two more cycles of chemo to look forward to before becoming a walking radioactive biological hazard ( i joke). It was still a long way away from what was going on; my chemo side effects had decreased after the second week of my last (5th) session;well all except the hives which I had still not adjusted to - would you adjust to random spurts of itching all over your body all day? Yeah I think not, definitely the worse effect ( aside from the vomiting) I have dealt with thus far;I doubt the radiation can beat this but only time will tell.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Trotman, Teixeira to observe UK elections NATURAL Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman and Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, have been selected to be part of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Observer team to assess the upcoming United Kingdom election.

The elections will be held in June. According to a release from the Parliament Office in Guyana the Guyanese officials will be part of an Election Assessment Mission (EAM) of the UK General Election in June 2017 and contribute to recommendations to improve future UK general elections.

The mission, which is being arranged by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK), as it did in the 2015 and 2010 general elections, will also observe elections in seven other UK constituencies to

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

oversee: polling; counting and post-election complaints or appeals.

The Mission will compromise of up to 34 Commonwealth parliamentarians and election officials from 23 countries and territories.

They will monitor Election Day procedures at polling stations, meet with candidates, returning officers, local officials, community groups and other relevant stakeholders in order to assess the conduct of the election.

Head of Mission, Sebastian Pillay, MP, from Seychelles was quoted in the release as saying, “Exercising the right to vote is a fundamental part of democracy. CPA UK’s Election Assessment Mission will seek to ensure the UK election process is legitimate and representative of the electorate. On behalf of the team, we look forward to engaging with the democratic process in the UK.” Additionally, Chief Executive of CPA UK, Andrew Tuggey, CBE, was also quoted as saying, “This third UK Election Assessment

monwealth and thank them for their commitment. Their assessments will add value to the UK’s electoral processes, and I know they will find the Mission extremely interesting and worthwhile.”

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira

Mission is a vital element of CPA UK’s commitment to enhance openness and transparency in parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth. Assessing elections upholds the core values of the Commonwealth.

“I warmly welcome parliamentarians and election officials from across the Com-

ELECTION ASSESSMENT MISSIONS CPA UK defines an Election Assessment Mission (EAM) as a very short mission comprising less than a week of deployment, covering election day and only one or two days before and after.

An EAM will only examine the administration of Election Day as opposed to the entire election period. CPA UK conducts EAMs as part of its parliamentary strengthening programmes, to enhance the skills and capacity of parliamentarians as election observers.

The Mission will observe the following UK constituencies: Gower (Wales), Manchester Central, Edinburgh West (Scotland), Birmingham Ladywood, North Norfolk, East Devon, Darlington, and Hendon (London).

The Mission will collate its observations and produce a preliminary report within a day of the general election and a final report with recommendations within 2 months of the election.

Following a recommendation from the 2010 Mission, voters queuing when polling stations close at 10pm can still cast their votes. Previously polling stations operated different rules due to a lack of clarity and consistency. As part of the 2017 Mission, CPA UK will also consider the outcomes from the 2015 Mission.

PAC zeroes in on pace Lethem Industrial estate project ACCOUNTING staff of the Ministry of Business were urged to improve their monitoring capacity for projects under the ministry, including calls for the employment of a project engineer to overlook, among other things, the Lethem industrial estate project.

According to the Audit Office of Guyana, the sum of $108.330M was budgeted for the period September-December, 2015 for the industrial development of the Region Nine town. In 2014, it was noted that a contract was awarded to a company in the area to the tune of $183M for infrastructural development works there. For both sums, $76M (2014) and $99M (2015) were paid to the contractor.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly grilled the Permanent Secretary and staff

of the Ministry of Business on the project on Monday.

ACAP Construction and Engineering firm, managed by one Alfred Ramsarran was contracted to undertake the project, however he has since migrated.

Permanent Secretary, Rajdai Jagernauth, told the PAC that while the project has passed its March 2017 deadline, it is in its phase two stage. She said works are undergoing in terms of the design of the industrial estate and contractors are on the ground to undertake works, such as drains and other foundation works.

Jagernauth said that in the past, there was lapses mainly regarding monitoring of the industrial site at the area.

She said that the fact that the ministry does not have an engineer under its employ has contributed to the oversight of

the project. The PAC questioned what moves have been made to improve monitoring of the project and according to Jagernauth, the ministry has been undertaking frequent visits to the area. While the PAC was unsatisfied with her answer, she said that for current works the ministry has acquired the services of a consultancy firm to monitor the project.

She said that the ministry had an engineer under its employ but the individual was also lax in monitoring the project. According to her, the Public Service Commission has advertised for the post, since the ministry has been without an engineer since July 2015. She said that last October the ministry advertised for persons to fill the post, however, such efforts have been unsuccessful.

Jagernauth , while admit-

ting that she is not satisfied with the ability of the ministry to oversee projects given its inability because the ministry is not fully staffed , she noted that “ those are some of the major concerns that we have”.

She said the ministry has been engaging consultancy firms to undertake its oversight mandate of projects.

Last November, the Ministry of Business noted that a new model has been chosen for the Lethem Industrial Estate, which will accommodate 70 businesses, with four of those being anchor tenants or large businesses.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, during an interview with the Government Information Agen-

cy (GINA), said the site is scheduled to be completed late this year or early in 2018. The estate was scheduled to be completed this year, but had to be reviewed because work appeared to have being done haphazardly, and the estate did not cater for small business.

There were also other major identified weaknesses.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Leguan Plantain chip factory by June THE Leguan plantain chips factory is expected to become operational by the end of June.

The factory which will provide employment to 30 persons will be the first of its kind on the island.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Business, Rajdai Jagernauth, told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly on Monday that the ministry is in the process of reviewing the qualifications of persons to manage the factory. She said after Expressions of Interest for operating the factory was advertised, the Ministry received only one response.

A similar factory was slated for the neighbouring island of Wakenaam , however the government has decided to discontinue with the plan. Jagernauth said that being guided by a review which was undertaken by the ministry in 2015, it was recommended that the project

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Business, Rajdai Jagernauth, and other officials of the ministry during Monday’s meeting

be halted.

The PAC requested a copy of the report on the firm which conducted the review and later determined that the project was not feasible for Wakenaam.

The Permanent Secretary noted that she was unaware of any other alternative regarding the Wakenaam fac-

tory plans.

In March, following a site visit by Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin and a team from the ministry, the Government Information Agency (GINA) noted that the Ministry has heeded the advice of the Sea Defence Board and will not proceed with the chip factory in Wakenaam. It was

noted that a structure there for the facility was built on land that is deemed prone to flooding and erosion.

The chips factory is one of four projects which fall under the $1 Billion Rural Development Fund (RDF) that was put on hold ion 2016 pending a review. In addition to the factories, two call cen-

tres have been planned for opening at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara and Tuschen on the East Bank of Essequibo.

In addition to funding in the 2015 budget, last year’s budget provided $195M for the completion of remaining works on the projects at Tuschen and Enmore and

Leguan.

Head of Industries at the Ministry of Business, Sharon Alexander in an interview with GINA said that in addition to the initial 30 jobs which will be created immediately upon completion of the chips factory at Leguan, over time, the employment number will increase.

A road and a bridge to gain access to the factory’s premises have been completed by the government so that the factory can become operational and provide benefits for the community.

PAC Chair, Irfaan Ali, told the team from the Ministry of Business that persons on the island of Leguan are already preparing to invest from their plantain farms into the factory.

He said there were also questions regarding the plans for the Wakenaam factory, since according to Ali, persons there were also preparing their farms for the project.

M&CC to launch school quiz Chaos in court as trio committed To help address indiscriminate to High Court for murder competition –dumping of waste THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has already received permission from the Ministry of Education to reintroduce the School Environment Quiz Competition that seeks to raise awareness of environmental issues.

The M&CC wants to reintroduce the competition, which it hosted many years ago, because it has been found that this is an “easy” way to send out important

messages, Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis told the Guyana Chronicle.

The focus of this year’s competition, which targets all government primary schools, is climate change, the environment, and global warming.

According to Lewis, the M&CC has found that the indiscriminate dumping of waste still poses a serious problem to the municipality, and hence, the Coun-

cil believes that spreading information, through the competition, can impact significantly on children, who can then transmit it to their families.

The M&CC has al ready given the schools the information that needs to be studied, and the preliminary round of the competition will begin on June 12. The semi-finals and finals will be held subsequently.

Contract awarded for the design of $300M sluice at D’Edward Village PREPARATIONS for the construction of a new four-door drainage sluice at D’Edward Village, West Bank Berbice, in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), got underway last week with the award of consultancy services for the design of the structure.

The contract for provision of consultancy services for its design was awarded by the responsible agency the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ ADA) to SRKN’ engineering.

The new sluice is intended to enhance drainage of all residential areas and agricultural land between the Abary

and Berbice Rivers: the Abary/Berbice Sub-Region of the Region. The signing was done in the Boardroom of the MMA/ADA at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice and General Manager of the MMA/ADA, Mr Aubrey Charles, signed on behalf of the Authority, while Dr. Krishna Naraine signed on behalf of the Company. The event was witnessed by veteran Civil Engineer, Mr Paul Sarran and MMA/ADA Board Member, Mr Milton Nedd. In keeping with the terms of the contract SRKN is expected to complete the designs for the new sluice within eighty four days.

Awards for actual construction will follow there-

after and the structure itself is expected to be completed within eighteen months.

Plans by the MMA/ADA to replace the aged 50-year old structure at D’Edward were first disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, earlier this year. He had said: “Right now there is a three-door sluice at D’Edward and that will be replaced by a four-door sluice.

The whole aim is to get rid of more water by gravity and a sluice is far more efficient than a pump.”

A reliable source disclosed that the new sluice will be constructed adjacent to the old sluice and the old sluice will be rehabilitated.

PANDEMONIUM broke out at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court Monday afternoon after three men were committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of re-migrant Agriculturist, Anthony Breedy.

Paul Goriah, 28, of Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, Donnel Trapp known as ‘Shortman,’ 21,of Timehri and Keimo Corbin known as “Trini,” 18, also of Timehri are currently on remand for the murder.

The trio is alleged to have committed the gruesome crime between March 12 and 14, 2016 at the Lot 67 Hill Foot, Soesdyke home of Breedy during the course of a robbery. Based on reports, the body of 60-yearold Breedy was found in the lower flat of his two-storey house, with multiple injuries to his head. His hands and feet were bound. It was reported that after Breedy was killed, his killers made off with his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and other belongings including an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.

On Monday, City Magistrate Leron Daly ruled that there was sufficient evidence against the men for the case to go before a judge and jury at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes.Howev-

Dead: Anthony Breedy

er,the decision did not go down well with the men, who started a ruckus in the prisoners’ holding area.

Donnel Trapp pushed Police Inspector Ram, who is in charge of the lockup

at the court; the prisoner threatened to kill Ram and advanced towards him. He had to be restrained by other ranks, but Trapp overpowered the police and threw a garbage bin at Ram. Trapp’s relatives rushed to his aid in an attempt to calm him but they too were assaulted. His mother fainted several times during the ordeal. The two other murder accused rushed to the woman’s aid while Trapp eventually calmed down.

Ranks from the riot squad were called in while the Court compound was on lock-down.

During Monday’s uproar, spectators flocked the upstairs of the court as they looked on in bewilderment.

Trapp being restrained by a relative outside the prisoners’ holding cell

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

GDF, UG in move to augment cadet programme THE Guyana Defence Force is collaborating with the University of Guyana to strengthen its Officer Cadet programme by adding an Associate Degree in General Studies component to it.

In a release the GDF said, “In a major shift for effective transformation for total national defence is embarking on an initiative to significantly upgrade its training of Officer Cadets, through the introduction of an Associate Degree in General Studies, as a compulsory element on their road to officership.”

This initiative, the army said, which is set to com-

Brigadier Patrick West and UG Vice-Chancellor, Ivelaw Griffith, during discussion with other officials

mence with the next cohort of Cadets on Standard Officers Course Number 50, is being undertaken in partnership with UG. To this end, the

GDF and the University of Guyana have held preliminary discussions regarding the move to enhance the training of the Officer Ca-

dets.

Additionally, in a follow up move, Brigadier Patrick West invited UG Vice-Chancellor, Ivelaw

Griffith and his team to visit the training facilities at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School at Base Camp Stephenson.

There, the visitors benefitted from a briefing regarding the use and administration of the facilities, which was followed by a tour.

Hutson confirmed as Education Chief MARCEL Hutson has been confirmed as the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Education.

Hutson has been acting in the position since August 2016 following the decision of the government not to renew the contract of former CEO, Olato Sam. In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), on Monday, Hutson said he assumed duties as CEO on May 10.

“I received a letter from the Public Service Commission giving approval for my appointment as Chief Education Officer,” Hutson said.

He described his confirmation as bringing legitimacy to his undertaking.

“Whatever I am doing now as a CEO, the confirmation brings legitimacy to the office,” Hutson said.

He continued: “Sometimes when you have an office,

Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson

but you are not confirmed, sometimes you tend to be wavering because you do not want to pretend to be what you are not, and so the fact of the matter is with confirmation brings legitimacy to the office, and therefore, I could be more confident and certain with what I am doing

as Chief Education Officer.”

Hutson said that at the end of his tenure he hopes to leave a legacy of literate and numerate Guyanese children. “I wish that my legacy can be that our children can read at grade level and our children are able to matriculate, that is, pass English and Mathematics and go on to higher levels of studies,” the recently appointed CEO said.

He believes that “Without a literate and numerate society, we cannot be productive and prosperous, and so I will be moving in that direction and I hope that many of my colleagues and stakeholders would come alongside me and the ministry as we move education forward.”

Hutson has a Trained Class 1 Grade 1 Teacher’s Certificate, a Bachelor of Social Science Degree in

Father jailed on cocaine charge ALAN Charles of Kitty, Georgetown, was sen tenced to one year imprisonment and fined $6,000 for being in possession of a utensil used for smoking cocaine.

Charles, 58, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday and pleaded guilty to the offence, which occurred on May 19, 2017 at Pike Street, Kitty.

The court was told that on the day in question, police ranks conducted raids in

Alan Charles

the area when they stopped and searched Charles, during which a glass pipe used for

smoking cocaine was found in his pants pocket.

Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves told the court that the instrument was tested and traces of cocaine were found.

According to the Prosecutor, Charles admitted that the item belonged to him and that he indeed uses it to smoke cocaine.

During a plea of mitigation, Charles told Magistrate Latchman that he was never charged before and that he has two children.

Sociology, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education Administration and a Master’s in Education Management, Planning and Supervision.

Additionally, he holds

a certificate in the Management and Delivery of Education in Guyana via the Ministry of Education’s first Teacher Cadet Scheme, a Certificate in Reforming School Supervision for Quality Improvement (IIEP) through the

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and a Certificate of Training in Project Management through the Government of Guyana and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

(GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Duo on drug trafficking charge Kitty man charged with smoking cannabis FOLLOWING a police raid in the Kitty, Georgetown area, a 22-year-old labourer, who was busted with cannabis in his haversack, was on Monday remanded to prison.

Ishaka John of ‘A’ Field Sophia had the charge read to him by City Magistrate Judy Latchman which alleged that on May 19, 2017 at Alexander Street, Kitty, he had 57.7 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

John denied that charge while his attorney, Everton Singh-Lammy told the court that the suspected drugs were

not found in his client’s possession.

According to Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves, ranks during a police raid in the Kitty area, observed the accused acting suspiciously and conducted a search on him. The suspected cannabis was found in a haversack the accused had on his back. Magistrate Latchman however recused herself from the matter,transferring it to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The Chief Magistrate recalled the matter and remanded John until May 23, 2017,when he will appear before City

Magistrate,Fabayo Azore.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old construction worker allegedly busted during the police raid with over 6 grams of cannabis,was charged and released on $30,000 bail.

Eon Williams of Sandy Babb Street, Kitty appeared before Magistrate Latchman and denied that on May 19, 2017 at Kitty,he had 6.6 grams of cannabis in his possession.

The unrepresented man was released on bail after police prosecutor, Gonsalves made no objection. The matter was adjourned to June 12.

A 46-year-old man, who was caught by the police smoking a ‘joint,’ was released on $20,000 bail

by City Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Gavin Hinckson of Alexander Street, Kitty is alleged to have smoked cannabis on May 19, 2017 at Kitty Public Road, Georgetown.

Hinckson had initially pleaded guilty to the charge but after he was informed of the 1 to 5 years jail sentence the charge attracts, the unrepresented man quickly changed his plea to not guilty.

“Is bare smokers is be in deh, no thief man…them police run pon the Gaza and a set of people who been deh smoking start run,” Hinckson told the court.

The court heard that police during a raid in the Kitty area, saw the accused sitting under a shade on a bench with a cigarette like object in his hands smoking.

The ranks saw Hinckson as he huffed and puffed the object and contacted him. The object was searched and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stem suspected to be cannabis

were found inside.

“It’s just lil weed yuh boy smoking,” the accused allegedly told the police when he was questioned about the cannabis.

Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves made no objection to the accused being granted bail. Hinckson however told the court that he was only released from prison 10 months ago and would be grateful if he was not remanded.

Magistrate Latchman released the accused on $20,000 bail and adjourned the matter to June 20.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 02:30 hrs | 14:30 hrs Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 03:30 hrs | 14:30 hrs Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 04:00 hrs | 14:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Manchester Arena blast...

19 dead, scores injured NINETEEN people have been killed and about 50 injured in a blast at Manchester Arena, police have said.

Witnesses said they heard two loud bangs, reported to be in the foyer, after a pop concert by Ariana Grande.

Greater Manchester Police said there are "a number of confirmed fatalities and others injured."

The cause of the explosion is unknown, but the North West Counter Terrorism Unit is treating it as a possible terrorist incident.

BBC Home Affairs Correspondent, Daniel Sandford said senior counter-terrorism officers are assembling in London, and are liaising with the Home Office.

He said early estimates put the number of fatalities in double figures, although these are not confirmed.

Manchester Victoria Station, which is close to the concert venue, has been closed, and all trains cancelled. British Transport Police say the explosion was in the foyer area of Manchester Arena.

'SCREAMING AND RUNNING' The BBC's Tim Ashburn, who is at the scene, spoke to some volunteer paramedics who treated the injured for "shrapnel-like injuries".

A number of eyewit-

Police at work, closing off the streets surrounding the Manchester Arena late last night (Photo courtesy AFP)

nesses have described the confusion in the aftermath.

Andy Holey, who had gone to the Arena to pick up his wife and daughter who had been at the concert, said: "As I was waiting, an explosion went off, and it threw me about 30 feet from one set of doors to the other set of doors.

"When I got up, I saw bodies lying on the ground.

My first thought was to go into the Arena to try to find my family.

"When I couldn't find them, I went outside with the police and firemen and looked through some of the bodies to try and find my wife and daughter.

"I managed to find them

eventually, and they're OK. "It was definitely an explosion, and it was some force. It happened near the Box Office at the entrance to the Arena."

Robert Tempkin, 22, from Middlesbrough, said: "Everyone was screaming and running; there were coats and people's phones on the floor. People just dropped everything.

"Some people were screaming they'd seen blood, but other people were saying it was balloons busting, or a speaker had been popped.

"There were lots of ambulances. I saw somebody being treated; I couldn't tell what had happened to him."

Josh Elliott, speaking to

BBC Radio 5 Live, said he was shocked by news of the fatalities.

"A bang went off and everyone stopped and screamed; we basically hit the deck," he said.

"It was bedlam; it was horrific!

"We got up when we thought it was safe, and got out as quickly as possible.

"People were just crying and in tears; police cars were everywhere.

"We just wanted to get out as quickly as possible, because we didn't know what was going on."

Michelle Sullivan, from Huddersfield, was attending the concert with her daughters, aged 12 and 15.

"It was really scary,"

she said. "Just as the lights have gone down, we heard a really loud explosion; everybody screamed.

"When we got out, they just said 'Keep on running, keep on running!'"

Pat Carney, Manchester City Council's spokesman for the city centre, said the city's thoughts were with the families of those killed and injured.

"It's a very easy target; a concert hall where young people are enjoying music," he said.

"The public are really co-operating by staying away from what is basically now a crime site.

"The world we live in, police and the council have emergency procedures that

we practise all the time.

"Obviously, everyone in the city is shocked, having seen how young some of these people are.

"The police are treating it as a live site; we don't know if this is the end, or there are other incidents in that area... We don't know at the moment."

Within an hour of reports of the incident emerging, people began offering spare rooms and beds to people stranded in the city, using the hashtag #RoomForManchester.

Hundreds of tweets offering places to stay are being shared and re-tweeted thousands of times.

CANU releases Vieira without charge MOTOR RACER Stephen Vieira, who was arrested on May 18 in connection with the recent Zeelugt cocaine find, was released on Monday without any charge laid against him by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

Vieira appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday with his lawyer, Latchmi Rahamat when CANU Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford made an application for Vieira’s arrest warrant to be

recalled. The warrant was issued on May 16.

Vieira was arrested at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport after arriving on a flight from Jamaica.

He was detained by the police and later handed over to CANU. CANU issued a bulletin for Vieira two days after finding $550 million worth of cocaine in dugout timber pallets that were being prepared for export to the US. As investigations continue into the cocaine bust, race car driver Nazim Ga-

foor and his father, Tazim Gafoor were released Thursday last, but are required to visit CANU headquarters on a daily basis pending the outcome of the investigations.

Sawmill owner, Narine Lall is still out of the jurisdiction. On May 12, members of CANU swooped down on a lumber yard at Lot 227 Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, where they conducted a search on a truck that was laden with several pallets of 1×6 dressed lumber that was being prepared

for export to the US. During the search, several boards were reportedly drilled randomly and revealed a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine. The truck was escorted to CANU headquarters where the lumber was further examined and proved that each of the compromised boards had a dugout cavity with vacuum sealed plastic packets containing cocaine pasted therein. A total of 84.986 kilograms of cocaine were found.

Stephen Vieira and his attorney, Latchmi Rahamat entering the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Gov’t committed to working with Guyanese Diaspora – Min. Harmon tells workshop

EFFORTS by the Government to intensify discussions with the diaspora on entrepreneurial opportunities have advanced one step further with the hosting of the Go See Visit 2017 project.

At the opening of the three day conference being held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, Minister of State and acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Harmon hailed the conference for entrepreneurs from Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States as “historic”.

The project, Harmon said,demonstrates his government’s commitment to strengthening relations with those who reside abroad. He said too that the Project complements the initiative by his administration by helping to “tap up and tap into” human and financial resources available within the diaspora.

The government he said can provide assistance to interested entrepreneurs by facilitating structures and access to stakeholders, while helping to develop business ideas that have been proffered by those in the diaspora. Since taking office, Harmon said his administration has received several business proposals in the areas of Information Technology, agro- processing, financial services, tourism and customer services, renewable energy and health services.

“I have no doubt that this experience this week will surely concretise the decisions that you will make;you will venture wholeheartedly into the activities into which you want to engage in,” the Minister stated.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer for the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Owen Verwey told participants that the project represents “An opportune time to invest in the country.” The GO-INVEST head noted that apart from that there are a plethora of areas to which persons can invest in apart from the oil and gas sector and pointed to agriculture, renewable energy, agro- processing, tourism services, information technology, business outsourcing

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon addressing the workshop (Kennyann Bacchus photo)

Mission, IOM in Guyana, Robert Natiello makes a point at the ‘Go See Visit 2017’ forum on Monday (Kennyann Bacchus photo)

services, and mining among others. ing with their diaspora to better understand Regional Coordination Officer for the the complexity and practical implications Caribbean and Chief- of- Mission in Guy- for social and economic development. ana, Robert Natiello said there is a growing Additionally, entrepreneur and Diaspora recognition that transnational communities Representative of the United States,Clifton facilitate increased trade, investment and Mc Donald said all participating countries cultural linkages between countries.

Natiello stated that the resources that flow in the communities across borders are varied and range from skills, knowledge and ideas to cultural, capital and finance and trade linkages.

He said the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), through its work over the years, has Members of the Head-table,from Left:Entrepreneur Diaspora Representative, United States of America, Clifton garnered experi- Mc Donald; CEO for GO- Invest, Owen Verwey;Minister of State and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph ence in assisting Harmon;Regional Coordination Officer for the Caribbean and Chief of Mission in Guyana, Robert Natiello and Head, Diaspora Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Michael Brotherson,along with the participants who will be countries in the participating in the ‘Go See Visit Project 2017’ process of engag-

Norman McLean among nominees for registries board MAJOR General (rt’d), Norman Mc Clean, has been nominated by the Private Sector Commission to sit on the Governing Board of the Deeds and Commercial Registry.

In a release on Monday, the Attorney General Chambers stated that nominees for the Governing board of the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority have been identified and have been submitted to Cabinet for its next meeting for its approval of their appointments. Cabinet meets today.

The last board expired in May 2016 and the delay in constituting a new board was solely as a result of the Deeds

will benefit tremendously and noted that Guyana’s development and transition are important to those who intend to invest here.

Meanwhile, the Diaspora Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was created by the Government of Guyana to strengthen relations with overseas-based Guyanese, while encouraging trade, investment and other contributions.

The Government of Guyana and the IOM have also joined forces to establish Guyana’s Diaspora (GUYD) Project to collect data on skills and resources which will be used as a guide to a more effective engagement policy. The project undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is being held under the theme ‘Effective and Sustainable Diaspora Engagement for Development in the Caribbean (ESDEDC) Go See Visit 2017’.

The event which will see prospects being developed for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to create employment will conclude on May 25. (GINA)

and Commercial Registries Authority (Amendment) Bill 2017 being laid before Parliament. The board will be fully constituted after the Bill is passed in the National Assembly on June 15 2017, the AG chambers stated.

Those nominated include: Ms. Christine Mc Gowan as Chairman; Ms Zana Frank, Deputy Registrar of Deeds; Ms Nicole Prince, Registrar of the Commercial Registry; Ms Gillian Pollard from the Ministry of Finance; Ms. Aretha Henry from the Ministry of Communities; Ms Sharon Small, a nominee from the Guyana Bar Association; Mr Kumar Dorasami from the Guyana Association

of Legal Practitioners and Major General (rt’d) Norman Mc Clean the Private Sector’s nominee. The other three representatives await the passage of the Bill and include the representatives from the Ministry of Business, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Chief Valuation Officer. The previous Chairman was not re-appointed, as she is no longer a Compliance officer at a local Bank.

The Board is an independent body established to promote the proper and efficient performance of the functions of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority. The Board is

Norman McLean

expected to operate for a period of two years.

5 years jail for stealing gold chain A SHOPKEEPER was sentenced to five years imprisonment by City Magistrate Dylon Bess for stealing a gold chain.

Orin Favorite, 30, of Rosemary Lane, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown was found guilty of the charge on Monday, which stated that on July 28, 2016 at Leopold Street, he stole Charlie Hytmiah’s $135,000 gold chain. Favorite was out on $75,000 bail during the trial.

Orin Favorite

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

CFU Women’s Caribbean Cup postponed

By Rawle Toney

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, on Sunday informed Chronicle Sport that the May 24-28 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Caribbean Cup has been postponed until further notice.

“There’s a lot happening at the CFU,” Forde said, but did not go into details as it relates to the reason the tournament was shelved or when it will be played.

However, Forde said that the postponement affected the GFF’s programme, stating, “It’s affecting the hiring of a female coach because we did put out that advertisement, and we have a lot of good applications.”

The GFF had encamped 25 local players ahead of the CFU women’s championship, with the hope of seeing more local players involved in the Lady Jags squad, even though, according to Forde, Guyana’s women’s programme is not in a state to have predominantly locally based squad; a sentiment that was echoed by the federation’s Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

“The women’s national team is the country’s most successful team and we owe that the girls who are playing overseas,” Greenwood stated, adding, that absence of more local players on the squad resulted from a

neglected system in the past.

Greenwood, who will serve as head coach of the women’s team in the interim, noted that over time and with the continued development programme, the Lady Jags will see more local players in the line-up, but, given the high standard of play with the overseas-based team in the collegiate and professional leagues in the USA and Canada, that will take some time.

When the GFF hired Mark Rodrigues in 2010 to resuscitate the country’s women’s football programme, players with heritage ties to Guyana who are playing collegiate and professional league were assembled.

Rodrigues, due to the lack of any properly organised women’s football league and matches, was forced build a roster with predominantly overseas players.

The Lady Jags in 2010 had qualified for the CONCACAF Gold Cup; a feat that is yet to be accomplished by the Golden Jaguars (male senior national team).

Facing Trinidad, hosts and eventual winners Mexico and Canada, Guyana failed to pick

up a win, but put the world on notice that Lady Jags will be a force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean.

Despite reaching the penultimate round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers the ‘Golden Jaguars’ are yet to feature in a major CONCACAF/FIFA tournament.

However, in-fighting and a stagnant GFF, which led to the installation of a Normalisation Committee in 2014, saw the team miss several regional and international tournaments between 2010 and 2014 until the Clinton Urling-led body decided to bring Rodrigues for a second stint and this time the team reached the Olympic Qualifiers.

The Lady Jags had qualified for the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying in Houston, Texas, where they were grouped with Canada, Trinidad and Guatemala.

Guyana went down to Canada (5-0) and Trinidad (60), but won their first game at a CONCACAF tournament when they defeated Guatemala 2-1.

Cibao FC are Caribbean Club Champions CIBAO FC, a two-year-old football club from the Dominican Republic, are the new Caribbean Club Champions following their 1-0 victory over 2003 champions San Juan Jabloteh in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.

In the final played at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Richard Dabas scored the only goal in the 30th minute, to make Cibao FC the first team ever from the Dominican Republic to win an international title and

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qualify for the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.

As runners-up, San Juan Jabloteh will play in the 2017 Scotiabank CONCACAF League.

The history-making result was what the fledgling club had been aiming for. “Cibao is a new club and it is a great achievement for us to come here and go all the way to the final,” said Charles Herold, a 26-yearold Haiti international, prior to Sunday’s final.

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“It will a major accomplishment for us to win the title and qualify for the Champions League. This will be a very big honour for football in the Dominican Republic if we can win the championship after just two years existing as a club and also moving into a big competition such as the CONCACAF Champions League.”

That wish has now become reality.

Meanwhile, former champions Central FC, who were going for a third straight hold on the title, had to be content with fourth place after they lost out in a penalty shootout to Portmore United of Jamaica.

Portmore United, the 2005 champions, outlasted Central FC 5-3 on penalty kicks, to capture the match for third place following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

Maalique Foster completed Portmore United’s run of five perfect penalty kicks to give his side third place. Sean de Silva’s miss on Central FC’s first attempt proved to be the difference.

Central FC scored the match’s first (Jason Marcano 5th minute) and last (Keston George 90th+2) goals, but it also conceded once in each half. Damion Binns (32nd) and Cleon Pryce (77th) netted for Portmore United.

Both Central FC and Portmore United will play in the 2017 Scotiabank CONCACAF League.

(Sportsmax)

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Stokes wants more England team-mates in IPL

ALL-rounder Ben Stokes would like to see more of his England team-mates join him in the Indian Premier League (IPL)l.

Stokes became the IPL’s most expensive foreigner when he was signed

by Rising Pune Supergiant for £1.7M, and went on to win the most valuable player award.

He helped his side to second in the group stages before returning to England duty, while Pune went on to lose the 2017 final by one run.

“Everyone who goes there becomes a better player,” said Stokes.

The 25-year-old scored 316 runs at a strike rate of 142.98 and took 12 wickets at an economy rate of 7.18 in the Twenty20 competition.

“It would be great in the future if maybe the whole England team could be out there,” said Stokes, who scored his maiden Twenty20 century while in India.

“It’s not just the fact of playing in the tournament; it’s the exposure you get as a player.

“Playing in high pressure situations against all the best players in the world at what they do guys bowling at 150kph (93mph) and guys knocking it out of the park if you do not hit the areas you want to bowl.”

PRESSURE FROM THE FEE? Stokes played in the

Ben Stokes won the IPL Most Valuable Player award.

same team as former India captain MS Dhoni and current Australia skipper Steve Smith, with the latter praising the all-rounder during the tournament.

“To be part of a competition like that was an amazing experience - the biggest Twenty20 competition in world cricket – (as was) being able to share a changing room with the greatest players in the world, the greats of the game of cricket,” said Stokes.

“I didn’t go into the tournament worrying about (the fee). The biggest thing for me was making sure I left a good impression with my performances on the field.

“That’s what we pride ourselves on as cricketers.

All the pressure I put on myself was wanting to perform on the pitch.” (BBC Sport)

Hayden passes away after cycling accident

Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has died after a bicycle accident in Italy last week, the hospital treating him has confirmed.

Honda World Superbike rider Hayden, who won the MotoGP title in 2006, was hit by a car while training on a bicycle along the Rimini coast last Wednesday.

He was initially taken to a local hospital in Rimini before being moved to the Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, where he was placed in intensive care with his fiancée and family by his side.

Hayden’s condition remained “extremely critical” over the weekend but his death was confirmed on Monday.

Hayden had raced in the

Italian round of the Superbike World Championship at Imola the weekend before his accident.

A veteran of 218 MotoGP races, he won the world title with Repsol Honda in 2006 ending Valentino Rossi’s streak of five successive championship victories - and also raced for Ducati before switching to the Superbike circuit last year.

The American’s death comes exactly one month since professional cyclist Michele Scarponi passed away following a similar accident in Italy.

Scarponi - who was set to lead Astana at the Giro d’Italia - was hit by a van at a crossroads while out on a ride near his home in Filottrano.

(Omnisport).

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Johnson’s influence hailed by Rohit

IPL final match-winner much more than wickets and on-field influence, says Mumbai skipper

VETERAN paceman Mitchell Johnson, who took key wickets in Mumbai Indians’ IPL final triumph over Rising Pune Supergiant, has been hailed as an influential force off the field too by captain Rohit Sharma.

The 35-year-old Australian struck two crucial blows in the final over to drive Mumbai to a one-run victory in Hyderabad on Sunday.

Pune, who required 11 to win off the 20th over, buckled as Johnson snagged two successive wickets, including a dangerous Steve Smith on 51.

Johnson (3-26), India’s Jasprit Bumrah (2-26) and Sri Lankan veteran Lasith Malinga (0-21) choked Pune of runs in the final three crucial overs, ultimately denying them their target.

The left-arm quick, who retired from international cricket in 2015, was not first choice for Mumbai through much of the regular season

but an injury to Mitchell McClenaghan paved the way for Johnson’s inclusion in the semi-final - an opportunity he took with figures of 2-28, which subsequently saw him selected for the decider.

“We have got some proven match-winners in our squad.

It comes in healthy when the team requires them the most,” Sharma said.

“Mitchell McClenaghan, who was playing well for us, was injured and unfortunately he couldn’t find a place in the final, but we always knew we had a great back-up in Johnson, who is again a proven customer.

“He has done it for Australia and for Mumbai as well. He has been in this atmosphere as well. I could happily rely on him when I need (him) the most.”

Johnson, who played a key role in Mumbai’s 2013 IPL

Catch ‘em if you can: Parthiv Patel, Mitchell Johnson and Jasprit Bumrah set off on a celebratory run, Mumbai Indians v Rising Pune Supergiant, IPL final, Hyderabad, May 21, 2017. (BCCI photo)

(Indian Premier League) triumph, returned for a second stint after being picked in the February auctions.

Johnson only played five games for Mumbai this season,

with younger quicks Bumrah (20 wickets) and New Zealand’s McClenaghan (19 wickets) carrying the pace attack.

But despite playing limited games, the Australian

also played a role behind the scenes, Sharma said, working closely with bowling coach Shane Bond to sharpen Mumbai’s fast bowlers.

“To have him throughout the season is fantastic. He’s been talking to younger bowlers, sharing his experience, all those things have helped our youngsters,” said Sharma.

“You will hear (Jasprit) Bumrah talk about him in the future and how Johnson was helpful to him.”

Meanwhile, Pune coach Stephen Fleming rued the absence of England’s Ben Stokes, who was key to Supergiant’s surge to the play-offs before being recalled to play for England.

Stokes – whose A$2.8 million contract broke the IPL signing record for a foreign player – scored 316 runs in 12 matches, with a highest of 103 not out, and took 12 wickets.

“We would have loved hav-

ing Ben Stokes full time but we knew he would not be there. We did not spend too much time lamenting that,” said Fleming, a former New Zealand captain.

“From his point of view, he would have loved this situation. He is a big-game player.

Playing in the final, whatever competition it is, it is special.”

However he was “proud” of the team for turning around their fortunes after finishing seventh in last year’s tournament.

“We are not a skilled side in the IPL. In this campaign, we have had some players stand up from nowhere. We take real pride in that,” Fleming said.

“We have created an environment where some players excel. Jaydev (Unadkat) has been extraordinary, so has Rahul Tripathi and (Manoj) Tiwary.

“Big stars have stepped up at key times.

“Ben Stokes was fantastic for us.”

Football chiefs question Wembley after Millwall fan invasion (REUTERS) - English football chiefs said yesterday they would voice concerns to Wembley stadium over the way Millwall fans ran onto the pitch following Saturday’s League One playoff victory, raising fears that such invasions are on the rise.

The EFL condemned “unsavoury scenes” at the end of Millwall’s 1-0 win over Bradford City when hundreds of fans burst past

stewards.

A small number then taunted Bradford players as they went to the dressing rooms. Millwall manager Neil Harris ordered all supporters from the pitch and the club’s players condemned the behaviour.

“The EFL will be writing to Stuart McCall and his Bradford team to apologise for the situation they found themselves in,” the English Football League

said in a statement.

“The EFL will also raise a number of concerns with Wembley as to how the fans were not only able to access the playing area but then able to get so close to the Bradford City team, who showed great restraint given an incredibly challenging and difficult situation,” it said.

“We cannot allow a set of circumstances to

exist where the playing area becomes an appropriate place for fans to celebrate and Wembley, like stadiums across the country, have to be prepared to deal with the type of events that emerged on Saturday efficiently and effectively so as to ensure there is no repeat.”

The end-of-season playoffs are particularly emotionally charged, as teams seek promotion in a one-off

game at English football’s national stadium.

Next Monday Reading play Huddersfield in the Championship playoff to reach the Premier League.

Security will be tight for a game which is often referred to as English football’s most lucrative, with at least £100 million ($130.07 million) on offer to the winners.

The EFL said it had witnessed an “increased num-

ber of pitch invasions” at various grounds this season and will work with clubs and supporter groups over what “practical measures” could be taken to reduce the problem.

Millwall have a long history of crowd problems and in 2013 their supporters were criticised after some fought among themselves during the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Wigan, also at Wembley.

Thousands of pounds won on Terry’s 26-minute substitution

THOUSANDS of pounds have been won in bets on Chelsea captain John Terry being substituted in the 26th minute of his final appearance at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The 36-year-old had arranged to go off against Sunderland in the minute matching his shirt number. BBC Sport pundit Alan Shearer said it raised questions of integrity.

The Premier League is thought to be relaxed about the matter, and the Football Association is not commenting.

One bookmaker said it had paid out on three bets, with one customer claiming he had been paid at 100-1 on a £25 stake.

He was given his win-

nings after being involved in an exchange on Twitter with the bookmaker as to whether the substitution occurred in the 26th minute, when the board went up for Terry to come off, or the 28th minute, when he left the pitch.

The bookmaker said: “Clearly the send-off was planned for the 26th minute to commemorate JT - hence why we paid out.”

Another successful gambler, who staked £10, anonymously told the Press Association: “I only put money on this because I thought this is surely going to come in.

“I don’t normally bet. It’s only the second time I’ve ever placed a bet. I was surprised

John Terry is given a guard of honour as he leaves the pitch.

the odds were that high.”

Terry has admitted his 26th-minute farewell was his

idea and he had agreed it with manager Antonio Conte.

Conte said: “He deserved

this. He’s a legend of this club, not just this club but one of the best defenders in the world.”

Sunderland boss David Moyes said his side agreed to put the ball out to allow the substitution.

Former England captain Shearer said he was “not sure” about the timing of the guard of honour, adding on Match of the Day: “It was done with good intentions but I don’t think anything should be done that could undermine the integrity of the game.”

Fellow BBC pundit Garth Crooks was also critical, saying: “This has obviously been set up. I’m a bit uncomfortable with it.”

Chelsea gave a similar send-off to former striker Didier Drogba in a fixture against Sunderland on his farewell appearance at Stamford Bridge.

He was carried off by team-mates midway the first half.

FA rules on match-fixing state: “Fixing is arranging in advance the result or conduct of a match or competition, or any event within a match or competition.

“Fixing is prohibited and is treated very seriously.”

There is no suggestion the substitution was carried out in any way other than to mark Terry’s final appearance for the club. (BBC Sport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

GCB, ECB dodge Raphael’s questions on Drubahadur’s resignation

TO

… $2.5B GCB assets transferred to private company

MY RECENT request for Drubahadur to publicly account for his stewardship of the illegal Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has elicited a scathing attack on my reputation by the virtual oneman GCB and the impotent Essequibo Cricket Board.

Instead of answering my questions asked of Drubahadur, they unleashed a spate of nonsensical vitriol of no verifiable substance.

The personal attack against me is a ruse deliberately employed to evade answering my questions.

Drubahadur for his part appears to be too scared and incapable of defending himself.

Since I have no intention of engaging is any form of mud-slinging I will only deal briefly with the following pertinent issues.

1. The 2011 AGM/Election was illegal since there was no quorum as was clearly stated by Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang in his ruling on the matter of Angela Haniff vs Ramsey Ali/GCB).

It is important to note that the press, for the very first time, was deliberately prevented from attending the meeting while only a privately-hired videographer covered the proceedings 2. The Cricket Administration Act 2014 (CAA) evolved from the very ruling

by Chief Justice Ian Chang (Ag) that Guyana’s cricket was administered by legal nonentities that lacked persona and therefore needed to be made legal entities. In consequence he recommended that Government should set up an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the short-term resolution of the current cricket crisis and legislature as the long-term remedy.

The IMC held country-

wide meetings/consultations with all and sundry in Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara including Linden. The information gathered was collated and presented to Parliament for consideration and consolidation into the proposed Bill before being passed into law.

3. Parliament in its wisdom sent the proposed Bill to a Select Committee which also held nationwide interviews and received submissions from all Boards, Associations, Clubs, and individuals including the Guyana Cricket Board and both factions of the DCB before presenting their final document for passing into law.

This Parliamentary Select Committee comprised Dr Frank Anthony, Mr Anil Nandlall, Mr Neil Kumar, Mr Odinga Lumumba, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Mr Basil Williams, Mr Joseph Harmon, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan and Mr Christopher Jones.

All are eminent and capable gentlemen who are still Members of Parliament but now functioning on reverse sides of the floor and still responsible for taking our country forward. They sat for twenty-two meetings, held countless interviews and did an excellent job to produce the Cricket Administration Act. 4. It is quite preposterous of the illegal GCB and their cohorts to keep misleading the nation in almost every letter to the press that Claude Raphael and the entire Cricket Stakeholders of Guyana were in some conspiracy with Jagdeo/Nandlall to take over Guyana’s cricket. This is clearly being peddled to gain sympathy from the current Government.

Contrary to the misleading headline of the illegal

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GCB’s response, it is absolutely clear that the president of GCB is the automatic choice for representing Guyana on the WICB. See article #17 (a) of the CAA. They seem to prefer continuing the current lawlessness instead of enforcing the Cricket Law. 5. Referring to the Jadgeo/Nandall meeting with the illegal GCB, the Stakeholders and the Raj Singh faction of the DCB, it must be noted that every proposal made by Mr Jadgeo was in favour of the illegal GCB. I will list some: a) He suggested that we all come together with four from our group and eight from the illegal GCB to form the new GCB. This suggestion actually meant handing over the Board to the illegal GCB. We rejected that offer. b) Our group had recommended that the code of ethics of the Cricket Law should include a clause that precludes any person charged with treason, murder etc or living out of Guyana from being a member of the GCB and from representing this country on the WICB. This suggestion was disappointingly rejected by the-then government since its omission could not be of benefit to anyone on our team. c) Mr Neil Kumar then Director of Sport is on record as publicly stating that his Government is giving unflinching support to the GCB. We are well aware that the illegal GCB has an array of fence-straddlers who claim that they recognise

the CAA as the law of the land yet conveniently violate its tenets. Upper Demerara is still to be allowed to participate as a bona fide association within the GCB framework with hundreds of talented cricketers, both male and female, being deliberately sidelined. Berbice, East Coast and Georgetown are being subjected to regular and strategic subversive actions including the denial of subventions for cricket development.

Players are being taken from these areas and projected as the products of the GCB. Meanwhile the areas of East Bank, West Bank and Essequibo have had diminishing returns with regard to cricket organisation, development and production but hold all the senior administration positions.

I refer to Sean Devers Kaieteur News article dated Saturday May 13, 2017 lamenting the state of Guyana’s cricket in general and women’s cricket in particular. What a shame! Of course while Raphael is not the author of this article it is the same sorry tale for years but nobody seems to care.

Our young cricketers are now left “out in the cold”.

Also the photograph of the so-called AGM of Janu-

ary 2017 shows a photo of six purported GCB Executives.

Where are the other seven to make up the GCB executive of thirteen? That photo tells the whole tale of a failed cricket administration. Why was there no photograph of those in attendance to support their misleading claim?

Once again the press was locked out from this purported AGM and therefore could not report on the facts but only what the illegal GCB released to the media.

Here are the critical questions I asked of Drubahadur and which have not being answered by the GCB, the ECB and Drubahadur himself: 1. How, where, when and who voted for his election to the presidency of the GCB. 2. Definitively when he resigned from the GCB and the real reason for so doing, especially since he seems so vague on this issue approximately two (2) months after it was supposed to have occurred.

3. In clear terms what were his major contributions (lows and highs) during his term of office.

4. What legal mechanism was utilised to transfer all the assets (conservatively valued at $2.5 billion) to the privately-owned group named Cricket Guyana Inc.

No 6850 formerly-named D.E.B Essentials Organisation Inc. Also, Drubahadur must explain who is holding the Berbice Cricket Board’s shares in the Cricket Guyana Inc. since the incorporation document shows that shares for the Essequibo Cricket Board are held in the name of Fizul Bacchus and for the Demerara Board in the name of Raj Singh.

5. By what legal authority were Mr Chetram Singh and Mr Lionel Jaikarran empowered to effect such a transfer of the GCB assets to a private body.

The transferal of our state assets to the private company Cricket Guyana Inc. has been reported to the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) by Cricket Stakeholders across Guyana. It is only natural that actions will be taken by SARA and the Special Organised Crime Unit to recover and return these assets to the people of Guyana.

Free and transparent elections of the GCB and its membership must occur immediately. The nation deserves no less.

Claude Raphael Former Executive of the GCB Former Director of the WICB

Paul all-round effort propels V-Net Communications to title KEEMO Paul produced an excellent all-round effort to guide V-Net Communications to the James Lewis and Foreign Ministry Promotion-organised Pre-Independence Super Six title over Craig Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) at the National Cultural Centre tarmac on Sunday.

Paul, the Guyana Jaguars all-rounder, first captured three crucial wickets after the East Bank Demerara NDC won the toss and decided to bat.

They were restricted to 42-5 in their allotted overs before Paul returned to hit his way to 20, which eventually propel his team

The victorious V-Net Communications team pose with organiser James Lewis. to 46-4.

In the semi-finals, V-Net defeated Eccles NDC, while Craig NDC triumphed over the Guyana Forestry Com-

mission.

Eccles NDC batting first made 71-3. In reply V-Net reached 74 without loss in 5.2.

In the other semi-final, Craig NDC stifled the Guyana Forestry Commission to 53-2 in six overs before racing to 55-1 in 5.3 overs.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Still no timetable for Bravo’s return to Windies team - chief selector BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – With the critical tour of England looming, chief selector Courtney Browne has said there is still no timetable for Darren Bravo’s return to the West Indies side.

In fact, Browne told the Massy United Insurance Line and Length TV show that the responsibility was now on the 28-year Trinidadian to indicate his availability, with a solution to the impasse already on the table.

“I’m not sure (when he will be available for selection again), as I have said many times,” Browne said.

“There was some agreement between both parties (the West Indies Cricket Board and Bravo) but I think the ball really is in Darren’s court now to de-

termine that (availability).”

Bravo and the WICB have been locked in an impasse ever since the player was sent home ahead of the Tri-Nations Series in Zimbabwe last November for a controversial tweet in which he labelled WICB president Dave Cameron “a big idiot”.

Last month, newly-appointed WICB chief executive Johnny Grave said a deal had been struck with Bravo’s representatives but that move stalled because of legal action the player initiated against the board.

“I thought everything was agreed with his legal advisers,” the Englishman said recently.

“We didn’t want this to play out publicly but

Uncertainty surrounds the return of premier Test batsman Darren Bravo.

yes, it is true, his attorney is asking for damages and West Indies supporters deserve an explanation as to why he is not in the (West Indies) squad.”

However, a week later, Bravo’s lawyers refuted Grave’s assertion, contending no agreement had been reached while stressing that the player remained committed to playing for West Indies but “in an environment of mutual trust, confidence and respect.”

The left-handed Bravo, the region’s premier Test batsman with an average of 40 from 49 Tests, was sorely missed during the recent three-Test series against Pakistan which West Indies lost 2-1, to hand the visitors their first-ever win on Caribbean soil in nearly six decades.

Only last October, he made a superb hundred and a half-century in the opening Test against Pakistan in Dubai, nearly helping West Indies to avoid defeat.

His replacement in the recent Test series – 20-yearold Shimron Hetmyer – proved inadequate managing a paltry 96 runs from six innings.

West Indies are set to play three Tests away to England starting in August and Browne said his panel would continue to focus on players who were available.

“We can just work with the people that we have now as a selection panel and if and when Darren decides to come back, we will look at that,” the former Test wicketkeeper said.

GFF moving to protect player’s interest

“Most of the players were led to believe that they can sign quickly on a piece of paper and into Europe, if they the guidance of FIFA and then all of a sudden they’re an international footballer …” coming don’t make the cut, they’re CONCACAF; to ensure that

By Rawle Toney “Because of the limited opportunities that existed in the past for players to exit Guyana, the folks that would’ve approached players, always approach them with this notion that they’re doing them a favour,” said GFF president Wayne Forde during an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport.

He was sharing plans by his body to establish mechanisms to protect the interest of players as Guyana opens its doors to international scouts.

Senior National defender

Walter Moore and his FF Jaro coach Kristian Heames, recently conducted a three-day scouting clinic with the National Under-17 team players, in an effort to see who could fit into a programme at one of Europe’s top club.

“Most of the players were led to believe that they can sign quickly on a piece of paper and then all of a sudden they’re an international footballer, without taking the time to get the necessary people to vet those contract and to ensure they’re getting a good deal,” Forde highlighted.

FF Jaro coach and former West Brom scout Kristian Heames (second from left) during the Walter Moore talent-spotting exercise over the weekend.

He added, “So FIFA itself has taken many initiatives to protect players because

that’s a serious challenge for countries, particularly Africa with a wealth of talent, and

ending up on the streets, sleeping under bridges.”

Forde believes as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is embarking on several new programmes which will involve their national players, both present and past, being directly involved in the country’s youth system, the doors could open for a number of talent-spotting.

“The fact that we are now developing programmes that will make these opportunities very common to players who can perform to that level, it simply means that we’ll have to build regulatory infrastructure around it, of course with

no amateur player signs a professional contract, without the right level of representation,” Forde pointed out.

The GFF boss reasoned, “For starters, education is what is required. We need to be talking to our players and within the academy structure. That’s where information will be given to our players. We will let those players understand that their interest will be best represented with the GFF involved, and (we will) ensure that the people with the right credentials are looking after their business. We’ll have a carefully structured exit channel.”

RHTY&SC cricketers to organise Rose Hall’s 175th anniversary celebrations THE eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club M.S. (RHTY&SC M.S.) along with the club’s Social Development Committee would be hosting a series of activities to mark the 175th anniversary of the purchase of Rose Hall Village by 57 freed slaves.

The slaves bought the village of Rose Hall from European planter John Baird, on August 20, 1842, and laid the foundation for the township of Rose Hall, which is now considered the commercial district of the Ancient County

of Berbice.

Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, who would be spearheading the planning of the almost one-month-long celebration from August 19 to September 15, stated that the main objectives would be to honour the 57 former slaves, to educate residents on the history over the years, to promote social cohesion among residents and to inspire residents to work harder for more developments.

Rose Hall Town is the small-

est township in Guyana and is the home to numerous business entities - the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club M.S., the Central Chambers of Commerce and the International award winning St Francis Community Developers.

The cricket teams of the RHTY&SC M.S. are very proud to be representatives of the township.

Foster stated that the teams in 2016 spearheaded the 46th anniversary celebration of Rose Hall status as a town. The activities included a 40-page booklet on the town’s history, construc-

tion of a family recreational park, television documentary, tourist poster, youth career fair, medical outreach and military parade.

The RHTY&SC, Foster disclosed, would not be involved in this year’s 47th anniversary, but instead would concentrate on the 175th anniversary of the purchase.

The celebration would start with a religious service on August 19 and would conclude with a military parade.

Among the activities planned for 2017 are a Health

Fair/Medical Outreach, Evening of Music, Youth Career Fair, Community Project, Day of Sports, Tourist Posters, Public Exhibition, Annual Yard Fowl Competition, Feeding of the Poor and Decoration of the township.

The events would be held under the Patronage of the Club’s Patron, H.E. President David Granger. The club hereby invites all former and present residents of Rose Hall Town to join hands with the club to make the historic anniversary a memorable one.

The Mayor and Town Coun-

cil, under the leadership of Mayor Vijai Ramoo, at its General Meeting for May approved the RHTY&SC to spearhead the anniversary celebration and Foster expressed gratitude to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Town Clerk for their cooperation.

The teams organising the 175th Anniversary programme would be the Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female and Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.

Still no 23 timetable for Bravo’s return P.

CFU Women’s Caribbean Cup postponed

More than 100 rusted or defective Olympic medals returned

By Andrew Downie SAO PAULO - (Reuters) More than 100 medals won

at the Rio Olympics have been returned to organisers because they have rusted or developed black spots on them, the games’ spokesman said on Friday.

At least 130 medals, mostly bronze and including some from the Paralympics, are being fixed by the Brazilian Mint who made them for last year’s event, Mario Andrada told Reuters.

The most common issue is that they were dropped or mishandled and the varnish has come off and they’ve rusted or gone black in the spot where they were damaged,” Andrada said.

“The second thing is that a small few, about 10, had problems with the extreme cold.”

Andrada said the first problems came to light in October but called them “completely normal”.

The Brazilian Mint would fix any defects and return them, he added.

A total of 2 488 medals were produced for the Olympics and hundreds more for the Paralympics. The silver and bronze medals were produced using 30 percent recycled materials.

See page 19 Guyana women’s national team

Hayden passes away after cycling accident

See page 20 Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden

Cibao FC are Caribbean Club Champions

See page 19 Cibao FC are the first-ever team from the Doninican Republic to win an international title.

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TUESDAY, MAY, 23 , 2017