Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 24 08 2016

No. 104653

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

Solicitor General ...

PPP agreed to pay off BK …says US$5.7M represents payments for works completed

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A schoolboy having his teeth examined by a dentist during DIGICEL’s annual back-to-school dental outreach programme in Timehri on Tuesday. The programme was held in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Central Georgetown to promote good oral health among children.

See story on page 16

GPHC CEO to serve out contract off the job 12

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‘Satan’ charged with murder of Ann’s Grove 20 teen Page

Alvin Reid, called ‘Satan’ [Samuel Maughn photo]

GHRA wants constitutional reform before SARA Bill is Page passed 14

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Guyana to use UN summit to advance ‘green’ agenda PRESIDENT David Granger has met with senior officials of the various agencies responsible for protection and management of the en-

vironment, and has requested that, as a group, they prepare a document which details the priority areas, opportunities and other rel-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

From left are: Mr. Nikolaus Oudkerk, Mr. James Singh, Ms. Jenelle Christian, President David Granger, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers-Ceres, Mr. Vanessa Benn, Ms. Alona Sankar, Dr. Indarjit Ramdass and Mr. Damian Fernandes. They are at the Ministry of the Presidency evant information regarding Guyana’s biodiversity.

He explained that the information would be used to inform his bilateral talks with heads of states on the sidelines of the 71st Regular Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York next month, a release from the Ministry of

the Presidency (MoP) noted.

Promising to advance his administration’s green agenda during bilateral talks with those heads of states, the President said, “This is a country we love. It has tremendous wealth, and we can share that wealth for generations to come… We have poverty around us, and we need to make our wealth

work for us.”

According to the MoP release, the President informed that Government would be establishing a Department of Environment to better coordinate the work of the different agencies that deal with the environment, and help to address some of the challenges.

The release said the Head of State explained that, as it stands, there are problems with deforestation; a decline in, and smuggling of, wildlife species; and little to no mention of biodiversity, zoology and botany in the schools’ curriculum.

The release said the President also spoke of the vast potential of the Guiana Shield, and said that Guyana cannot wait for other counties within the Shield to act.

“Our responsibilities are massive to this and future generations of Guyanese…

Guyana is poised to play a dominant role in making the Guiana Shield central,” President Granger said.

He also spoke of the need for children to be taught at an early age about Guyana’s unique flora and fauna, in

order for them to develop a greater appreciation for the natural beauty that the country possesses. This, he said, would help to attract more young people to the sciences, where they would develop viable careers and at the same time emerge as strong advocates for environmental protection.

Held at the Ministry of the Presidency, the President’s meeting with these heads on Tuesday was attended by Head of the Guyana Forestry Commission, Mr. James Singh; Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Indarjit Ramdass; Head of the Wildlife Division, Ms. Alona Sankar; Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Mr. Damian Fernandes; Iwokrama Consultant Ms. Vanessa Benn; Mr. Nikolaus Oudkerk from the Ministry of the Presidency; Head of the Office of Climate Change, Ms. Jenelle Christian; and Advisor on Climate Change at the Ministry of the Presidency, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers-Ceres.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24 2016

Solicitor General ...

PPP had agreed to pay off BK -says US$5.7M represents payment for works completed THE US$5.7M being paid to BK International Inc. is not an out-of-court settlement, but represents payments owed to the company by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government for the operation of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill facility.

This was revealed by Solicitor General Sita Ramlal in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Ms. Ramlal explained that while in Government, the PPP, through its Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, had acknowledged its indebtedness to BK International long before the May 2015 General and Regional Elections.

“They admitted owing him (BK) for work that he had completed. The invoices were all there, and were approved,” she told this newspaper.

It was pointed out also that the claim initially made

by BK International and agreed to by the previous government was substantially higher than the US$5.7M being paid by the APNU+AFC Government.

“He claimed a lot more, and we negotiated it down…

There was no litigation in the sense (that) he filed an action on his own,” Ramlal further explained.

In light of a series of articles, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams made it clear that BK International did not file a lawsuit against the Government over the wrongful termination of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill contract, but had challenged the decision in the High Court. The PPP Government, through its then Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, had belatedly terminated the contract, on February 27, 2015, due to non-compliance with the Operations Management Requirements and the En-

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams vironment Permit which was granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That contract was for the period 2011 to 2021.

In response, the Managing Director of BK International, Brian Tiwari, filed an action in the High Court challenging the termination. The Attorney General’s Chambers represented the Ministry of Local Government (now Ministry of Communities) in that action.

On November 26, 2015, then Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang SC, CCH, ruled that the termination of the contract by the former government was not correctly done.

The effect of this decision was that the contract continued, and Tiwari could remain on site.

On December 30, 2015, the Attorney General caused a Notice of Appeal and an Application for a Stay to be filed against the said decision; and talks were entered into with Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and his team, Brian Tiwari and his team, and Attorney General and his team, with a view to resolving this matter. However, before any agreement was made to pay a percentage of the money owed, Cabinet first had to give its approval.

Minister Williams said it was important to resolve the matter, given the environmental and health risks the landfill sited posed under the watch of BK International, and also to retain funding. The In-

Managing Director of BK International, Brian Tiwari ter-American Development Bank (IDB) had refused to continue funding the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill (HBSL) project due to the poor services offered by BK; they wanted the company out. After a series of meetings, the parties agreed in January, 2016 to the re-

Solicitor General Sita Ramlal duced sum of US$5.7M in money owed for works that were satisfactorily completed by BK. Minister Williams, however, noted that when the matter initially engaged his Chambers, he had realized that BK International had breached the contract on several grounds, but he was

The Haags Bosch sanitary landfill facility

unable to proceed with the matter.

“I also discovered when I investigated the contract that BK had occasioned numerous breaches, and I said… that they should prepare some draft statements of claim and try to arrive at the notional damages that would have been occasioned by each breach… It transpired that the breaches were not followed up by the Government or whoever that was dealing with the matter…so BK continued performing under the contract, because the breaches that he made, in law it meant that they were waived.”

Nonetheless, with the matter between Government and BK International being solved, Government signed

a new contract last July, this time with Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. for the management and operation of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Facility at a cost of $221.4M, but only for a period of one year.

With that hurdle crossed, it is anticipated that the safety and environmental issues that had plagued the facility and neighbouring communities are being addressed through effective management on the part of Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. The new contract allows for new and improved features to be employed at the landfill facility to significantly enhance its ability to process and compact the waste, reduce the order, and combat fires.

Bauxite union slams gov’t for meeting with RUSAL 4

THE Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) said a planned meeting with the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) and the Ministry of Social Protection on Thursday is aimed at securing votes for a particular candidate at this weekend’s Congress of the People’s National Congress Reform.

The Ministry of Social Protection in an advisory on Tuesday said that it will meet Thursday with members of the mining firm RUSAL following a recent visit to communities in which the bauxite company has interests.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence and Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott among others will be part of the high level meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for 13:30h at the ministry’s

Department of Labour office on Brickdam.

Meanwhile, in its statement the GB&GWU said continued engagements with BCGI by the ministry in the absence of complying with the 2012 High Court’s ruling to reissue letters for the commencement of arbitration signals government’s complicity with a foreign management to disrespect the nation’s judiciary, laws and rights of Guyanese labour.

“Commitment was given to the Court to re-issue the letters by the Attorney General Chambers who represented the Government in the presence of the GB&GWU’s lawyer Basil Williams, presently Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

The original letter issued by then Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul which was challenged in court by BCGI addressed the company as

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

…says motive to secure congress votes for a candidate

Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence RUSAL. BCGI is owned by Russia Aluminium (RUSAL) and the Government of Guyana.”

According to the union, the PNCR, the major party in the APNU, when in opposition held the Bharrat Jag-

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deo-administration accountable for refusing to respect Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act. Chp 98:07 that would see BCGI treating and negotiating with the GB&GWU in good faith.

“The PNCR during the leadership of Robert Corbin, who was also Leader of the Opposition, brought before the National Assembly and debated a no-confidence motion in then Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir for his failure to discharge his duty under the laws.”

The union added that when the Donald Ramotar administration-under whom arbitration letters were issued-refused to comply with the Court’s ruling, the present Attorney General and President, who are also Chairman and Leader of the PNCR respectively, condemned the PPP/C government and

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called on them to act. “The APNU and AFC made the BCGI matter a major plank in its campaign for office and secured the overwhelmingly confidence of the workers/ electorate in Region 10 where the company operates.”

“It is the view of some, including aggrieved workers, that government has timed the BCGI meeting in order to come out and make bold statements after, in effort to influence support and votes for certain candidates at the PNCR Delegates Conference scheduled for this weekend.

“The President is principal custodian of the Laws of Guyana. The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs is the principal legal advisor to the Government on the laws. Both gentlemen are called on to say to workers, their union (GB&GWU) and the society whether they hold

in esteem the 2012 Court’s ruling and if so when will it be implemented?

It is a universal principle where the court does not stipulate time, decisions are meant to be implemented forthwith. Four years is more than enough time to uphold the court’s decision,” the union charged.

The union is also calling on the government to advise whether the Minister of Social Protection is operating on her own to trample on the judiciary and rights of Guyanese labour: “for clearly, it is either the Cabinet has no regard for the independence of the Judiciary and the Rule of Law or forces within are bent on embarrassing this branch of government and dragging the country into further disrepute. This nation deserves the truth.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Karrau residents want audit of village finances

RESIDENTS of the small Region Seven indigenous village of Karrau are upset that no financial statement on the state of the village’s finances has been made available for over a year, and they are calling for intervention of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

Located close to the town of Bartica, Karrau generates large sums of revenue via mining, logging, and its toll gate which is utilised by miners who traverse the community to reach their respective operations located in concessions aback the village.

Residents contend that when the current village council assumed office last July, a sum of $7M was in the village’s coffers; and given the scale

of activities which have occurred over the past year, that sum should have been doubled. But Toshao Bertille Thomas told this publication that the village currently possesses $1.29M. He said that, over the past year, various sums of money were spent on projects at the village, and since most persons are working, the council has been unable to conduct checks and balances of its financial records.

He said the finance committee was, on two occasions, asked to produce a report, but this never materialised.

Currently attending the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference in the city, Thomas said the council met two weeks ago with the village at a general meeting,

and the issue was raised. According to him, the finance committee was given until September 25th to produce its report on the village’s financial status.

Residents are, however, contending that the authorities should intervene and audit the finances of Karrau.

“Over a year has passed and no financial statement has been presented to the residents, even though they have been pleading and literally begging for a financial report at every village general meeting”, the residents noted in a letter seen by this publication.

The residents are also contending that at the last meeting, held two weeks ago, Toshao Thomas “boldly and rather bravely indicated that there were no financial records (not even basic led-

Cops find cocaine, gun in Diamond house

POLICE arrested two men and seized an unlicenced gun and suspected cocaine early Tuesday afternoon at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

In a release the police said that about 13:30h ranks detained two persons who were found in a house at Diamond, East Bank Demerara with a .32 revolver and six matching rounds. A small quantity of suspected cocaine and cannabis was also found.

An investigation is in progress.

The weapon that was found in the house

gers); and he himself does not know about monies expended and generated”. They said the village council’s treasurer was also asked by residents to provide a financial report for the past year, and he also was unable to provide same to the residents.

Residents are demanding intervention of the subject minister under section 33 of the Amerindian Act of 2006. The Residents are

treating this matter very seriously, and have vowed to explore all avenues to ensure that the principles of accountability and transparency are upheld, it has been noted.

Given its current financial state and the seriousness of the issue, the village has cancelled all Heritage celebrations.

Thomas has noted that the annual Heritage celebrations, slated for September

4, have appeared too close to the date when school is expected to reopen. He said that a decision was made to instead hold a fundraising event, where craft and other products would be on sale to generate funds.

Residents have noted, however, that they would be awaiting the outcome of the report of the village’s finance committee before partaking in any fundraising event.

Venezuela public workers face sack over referendum

VENEZUELAN public sector workers who signed a petition backing a referendum to recall President Nicolas Maduro could face dismissal, a spokesman of the governing Socialist Party said.

The spokesman said President Maduro had ordered that any manager in five key ministries who signed the petition should be sacked.

The petition is the first step

towards a referendum, which could see Mr Maduro ousted.

Mr Maduro has been in power since 2013.

48-HOUR DEADLINE He is a supporter of the “Bolivarian Revolution”, the socialist movement his predecessor in office, Hugo Chavez, founded.

Government critics argue that their socialist policies have

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driven Venezuela into a severe economic crisis.

They have called for a recall referendum to be held this year to remove Mr Maduro from the presidency, and trigger fresh elections.

They handed in a petition to that effect in May, signed by almost two million people, many more than the 1% of registered voters they needed.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

The future of SOCU and SARA Dear Editor,

I wish to share some of my thoughts on SOCU and SARA, and similar institutions which have been established.

What we have are excellent systems on paper. A lot of training for personnel was done and continues to be done, but at the end of it all, the successful implementation hinges on integrity. If integrity is missing, those

institutions would achieve very little, if anything.

Who at SOCU leaked confidential information to the media? Is he/she on that newspaper’s payroll? This leak has compromised the investigation, will jeopardise other cases, and places the organisation in disrepute.

The solution is to train some of the young University of Guyana graduates who have no association or previous experience with any of

these institutions.

The problem is one of recycling the same staff, instead of removing those guilty of wrongdoing; so they are being shift around the GPF and are now being transferred to other agencies, like SOCU. Finally, the representatives of the Bar Association are calling for special court judges to expedite these matters and avoid delay. I agree with this, but delay is some-

times caused by the said legal fraternity for various reasons, such as more legal fees.

It will be a good thing for the lawyers to be honest with their clients, work for their fees and demand speedy trials for their clients, instead of asking for other dates or sending their clerks to the courts to collect same.

The change must start with the legal fraternity.

Dear Editor,

WITH considerable disappointment, I ask what has happened with this year’s ‘Green Conference and Expo’?

Thinking that the Georgetown Municipality was serious about greening our city and making it a model to other towns in Guyana, thus supporting the President’s

initiative of a green economy, I kept passing by the Independence Ground, hoping to see them setting up again for this year’s edition of the Green Conference and Expo, but this seems not to be.

The City Council needs to be a little more persistent than this. Not because its first conference and expo last year was an abysmal failure

means that that body should give up and not have it again.

It is an important concept that should be developed.

What City Hall needs is experienced and skilled events coordinators, so that its personnel would not try to do it themselves, as they lack the knowledge in this subject area and the competence in planning and coordinating an

Expo. It was much too expensive a venture, when it should have been a profit-making venture.

There is GuyExpo, the Building Expo, the Wedding Expo etc; so why no Green Expo?

Best regards, DEODARIE PUTULALL

Dear Editor,

HOW many times more must the clueless Town Clerk, the Mayor of Georgetown, and the City Council be allowed to fail before the Government realizes that these failures reflect against them and say enough, and put a stopping to the destruction of the capital of Guyana?

The most recent flop is the purported ‘pilot flea market project’ which was set up by the city administration to allow persons selling back-

to-school items to vend on Regent Street between Cummings and Alexander streets; but it was a colossal failure which neither vendors nor shoppers supported.

How could they be so ill-advised as to believe that vendors, who are now unionized and who have been ill-treated by the Council for so long, would just jump at the first opportunity given by the Council to sell? Do they understand the difference between flea market vending and street vending?

The first thing the Coun-

cil’s administration has to understand is that there is need for consultation with the citizens of Georgetown, whether it is the vendors, business persons, home owners or visitors.

There is need for discussion and consensus on everything that affects our people. They can’t just dream up some half-baked idea and then jump to implement it unilaterally.

Why do they have a Public Relations Department; just to write letters and send out erroneous press releases?

The practice of Public Relations is a two-way street.

Clearly, the Mayor and Town Clerk -- who have been travelling the world rather than using their initiative to come up with unique ideas that can be applied to Guyana -- chose to plagiarize wholesale the American concept of a flea market.

This flea market idea -and worse yet, on a Sunday -shows how disconnected the Council is from the citizenry.

Sincerely, JAMES MCONNELL

Vigilante Green Conference and Expo 2016 justice

IF allowed to go un-noticed and unchecked, the recent acts by members of communities in beating or killing persons accused of involvement in criminal activities could wreak mayhem in the society. A society is designed to be governed by laws, and such laws are not to be observed only by some, because they are there to protect the rights of every citizen, regardless of the circumstance.

Any individual who is accused of, or known to be involved in, criminal activities must be charged by the police and brought before the court. The court in a law-abiding society is the institution that determines guilt and prescribes penalties consistent with the statues.

However tempting the urge to seek ‘justice’ at one’s own hands, laws are not being driven or interpreted by feelings.

The upsurge in vigilante justice has its genesis in persons and groups supporting the execution of some by the death and phantom squads during the crime spree of 2002-2006. Casualties also involved known innocent persons going about their daily business and eking out a livelihood. One such instance was Rodwell Ogle, a young food vendor of Rasville, who in 2002 was shot and killed by the infamous Axel Williams for $20 which was due to him for the food Williams had bought.

The failure to activate the Coroner’s Act to determine the cause of death of those killed at the hands of vigilante justice and hold the responsible accountable emboldened others to think that they, too, could commit similar acts and get away with them. Following that infamous period, a number of citizens have resorted to pulling their firearms and shooting persons whom they alleged were in the process of trying to kill or rob them.

Many of these persons were not charged, neither was any inquest held; which represented another flagrant violation of the law. Rather than activating the legal systems to bring about closure to these shootings, the Police Force, as an institution, not only determined guilt but also the circumstance that led to the cause of death in many of the cases.

The prevalence with which vigilante justice has occurred within recent days has caused President David Granger to speak out and make his position known:- that such acts have no place in the society. Only after the President went public with his position did the Police Force moved to assure the society that perpetrators are being, and will be, sought after.

While the President has made known his position on the matter and assurance has come from the Police, the latter being paid to serve and protect the citizens, much more is needed to bring about the necessary change in behaviour.

Where the view is held that if one considers an act

ANONYMOUS

The M&CC pilot flea market project

committed against him/her illegal, he/she shall respond in similar manner against the individual as a point of securing justice, such view needs to be disabused. Justice is for the court to determine, and thinking otherwise requires a level of training not only acquired in the classrooms but also in the community.

Persons perceived as criminals or shady characters are products of the society, and cannot be left to determine the values for society. Consequently, it may require the development of programmes to help those who may have committed offences, found guilty in the court and were incarcerated to be reintegrated into the community from which they came.

In similar manner, programmes need to be put in place, not only to stymie but to help others from moving into a life where crime is seen as the preferred choice.

The society needs role models. It needs leaders at all

levels -- be it in government or non-government -- that the people can look up to, emulate their behavior, and want to live like them. If this society continues to be one where the privileged can break the laws, in instances such as the abuse of the State’s property/resources, giving preferential treatment to drug-pushers, taking bribes, and covering up of criminal activities, what such persons will be helping to do is defeat the values the society yearns to have and uphold.

Stamping out vigilante justice requires the collective to work towards bringing it to an end. Any failure to pursue this avenue risks every facet of society becoming engulfed, and the innocent paying for the guilty. It cannot be over-emphasized that the responsibility for dispensing with justice continues to be vested in the court of the land and such must be held sacred at all times.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

The true ideological face of 1823 Dear Editor, THE hostile email and Facebook narrative purportedly written by Dr. Melissa Ifill and the Kaieteur article on August 21, 2016 by Freddie Kissoon -- directed at whether the President was making an ideological error that bordered on betrayal in commemorating the 1823 Insurrection at the current monument at Thomas Lands -- were impulsive and not tactically weighted from the perspective of what was important in the entire event.

That the monument was a source of contention in 2011 is not ignored. The turning of the sod had, in 2010, commenced between Afro-Guyanese groups and the PPP government at the Parade Ground as an act of good faith. That good faith was flushed in the wake of the Year of the African.

Without any collaboration, the then 2011 Government decided to place the monument at Thomas Lands. To compound this, we learnt that Government had intended to convert the historic Parade Ground into a car park through its obvious favourite foreign company. This car park was to be shared by the GRA. Thus the emergence of the 1823 Coalition in the face of that administration’s contempt for African Guyanese, disrespect, and shameless bigotry. I was an affiliate of the Coalition, and even submitted a monument design to the ministry, for which I received no acknowledgement.

What struck me with the current mentioned missives, especially the hostility in Dr. Ifill’s, was how two prominent members of that group could fail to recognise that most of the books, booklets and artwork on that incident were suggested by me and were from publications by Free Press ‘Themes of Afro Guyanese History’ ‘Kwamina the illustrated booklet’ etc; and that no other local publishing entity has, with no overwhelming support

for nineteen years, covered so much of Afro-Guyanese history as the Emancipation magazine.

That publishing group is owned by Ret. Brigadier David Granger, now President.

The then minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, was given the option of engagement, which he contemptuously rejected.

So why not this Government? It was loose-cannon behaviour that made me step away from the coalition, and it still persists.

The 1823 Insurrection occurred in the now Paradise-Bachelor ’s Adventure-Melanie village district.

Twice during Emancipation, in 2010-11, I was invited by my friend Floyd Hendy to lecture at the location of the village monument. These were the people that Anand Persaud of Channel 65 addressed as hooligans in 2001 when his political friends in Enterprise were shooting at their homes. I was a visitor to this village in my ‘roaming days’.

The other face of the Thomas Lands monument is that, since its building, our schools have been visiting it; citizens unaware of the 1823 Coalition have been photographing themselves before it; its persona has gone beyond that struggle; that struggle has won the historic Parade Ground, and it has seen a cultural face.

The 200 Anniversary of the city of Georgetown occurred in 2012. The then PPP ignored it. I initiated an idea to my colleagues at ACDA to begin a Kreole Day, held at the Parade Ground. Some members of the coalition supported, and it was successful.

We did a 200 Anniversary TV show with then Mayor, Hamilton Green, and all were enlightened and elated by his knowledge of our city.

I have witnessed one of the many historical re-enactments overseas. I had suggested this for 1823 to the people at Bachelor’s Adventure, to the Steering committee of ACDA, to members of the 1823 Coalition. The first lively approval of the concept came

from the President when I raised the idea again when he met with us last Friday.

90% of the history that we know of other nations come from their dramatisations, whether falsifications or not. Ask ten school children what the Non-Aligned Monument is all about and they will not be able to tell you. Dramatise it, and they will remember the play. Put a monument and sit on one’s laurels and fail to excite their minds, and the next explosion of self-absorbed venomous diatribes you pen on Face book and email will be to accuse probably the Prime Minister next time, because someone else didn’t educate people to respect it and they stole the metal plaque from the monument and sold it to a scrap iron trader.

Regards, BARRINGTON BRAITHWAITE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

The thin line between vigilantism and anarchy

By Akola Thompson WHENEVER I think of the term “vigilante justice”, I think about what the word ‘justice’ means, and how too often those wishing to set themselves up as purveyors of the law attempt to skew its definition.

The truth is that I can understand vigilantism. I can understand why and how the rule of law erodes when justice continually becomes frustrated and hindered. I can understand why, when someone looks at a victim, they feel the intrinsic need to lessen their plight and fight for them.

I really do understand, but I believe it is not something any rational or civil mind can support; because while it can yield a temporary belief that ‘justice’ has been done, it largely contributes to a visible breakdown in the system.

There exists in all of us the desire to avenge the wronged and to want justice for ourselves. However, at no time must this desire cause us to attack, maim or kill someone merely because they “looked suspicious”, or even because they might have committed a crime. Unless of course we are defending ourselves, we should never let persons strip us of our sense of reasoning and morality; because, despite how just we believe

it to be, vigilantism is a slippery slope to anarchy.

Justice, for me, means due process. Yes, this often has its flaws, and it is through these flaws that vigilantism was born; but due process exists for a reason. So while we can all understand that sometimes criminals slip through the cracks of law enforcement and the judiciary, we should not perpetuate a practice of promoting a self-serving system wherein anyone seeing it fit can impose their own rules and punishments.

There is, of course, the question of whether vigilantism can be morally justified in cases where there is an absence of legal order, or what we conceive to be appropriate punishments for criminals. Any loss of life, whether that life was bad or good, is a tragedy; and living in a society where law prevails, it should not be acceptable for citizens to take the law into their own hands. If we continue to let vigilantism go unpunished, we not only give into the idea that persons should die or be badly beaten because of some real or imagined transgression, but we also become indistinguishable from the alleged criminals we seek to punish.

That, I believe, is one of the things I find most troubling about vigilantism. While it is definitely not something to be

taken lightly, I cannot help seeing the irony in the fact that, in supposed acts of goodwill, we often maim and murder as we ‘rationally’ break the law in pursuit of justice. We have in our society, and in societies around the world, a very romantic perception of vigilantism, which have caused entire industries, such as the comic book industry, to be based on it. We see these vigilantes as being selfless persons or groups who are trying to bring a sense of order to the dysfunction that can often be the legal system. However people, in their fervour to support vigilantism, fail to ask several questions, a major one of which is ‘what if the person is innocent?’

Aside from that, vigilante groups can often be prone to biases and corruption; and often, instead of actually getting rid of an oppressive or inefficient ruler, a space is created which anyone thinking they are fit can fill.

Much like all other debatable topics, there will always be those who believe that vigilantism is right. As a people, we must learn to take impartial, dispassionate stances on issues such as vigilantism; and for those who do not agree with this suggestion, I would just like to say one thing: Anger does not justify violence, emotion does not justify killing, and injustice definitely does not justify injustice.

UN accredits new Guyana Permanent Representative THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Ambassador Michael TenPow has been accredited Guyana’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Nations.

This accreditation took place on August 22, 2016, according to a release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry; and Ambassador Ten-Pow has presented his Letter of Credence to Mr. Ban Kimoon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in a ceremony at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Ambassador Ten-Pow replaces Ambassador George

Talbot as Guyana’s Representative at the United Nations, and Ambassador Talbot is now Guyana’s Ambassador to Brazil.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said Ambassador Ten-Pow began his career in the Foreign Service of Guyana in 1980 as Desk Officer for Venezuela, and later Head of Frontiers Divisions. He joined the United Nations in 1986 as a French/Spanish Translator and served for a number of years at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile.

Upon his return to Head-

quarters in 1991, he served successively as Reviser, Training Officer, Chief of the English Translation Service, and Acting Director of the Documentation Division of the United Nations.

During the period 20132015, he joined the World Bank in Washington DC as Senior Programme Manager for Conference Services, returning to the United Nations in 2015 as Acting Director of the Documentation Division, and later as Special Advisor to the United Nations Coordinator for Multilingualism.

The new Permanent Representative received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French, Spanish and Portuguese from

Ambassador Michael Ten-Pow (left) is seen with United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon the University of Guyana with distinction, and earned postgraduate diplomas in Translation and Interpretation from the University of

Geneva in Switzerland, and a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in International relations from the City University of

New York.

Ambassador Ten-Pow is married to Bonnie TenPow, with whom he has fathered three adult children.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24 2016

Region Two to revive rice cereal industry - First time ever budget consultations held

IF ALL goes well, Guyana can soon see the return of the much-loved rice cereal, as plans move apace at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon /Supenaam) to resuscitate this now defunct industry.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt has disclosed that, as part of its 2017 proposed work programme, the Council will pursue major developmental projects in collaboration with various ministries and other government agencies.

The region is expected to bring the once thriving rice cereal factory back into operation, he said, as he noted that the council also has plans to block drainage in the Pomeroon to increase crop production, and create access road and drainage and irrigation networks in areas where lands were allocated by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to residents for farming and entrepreneurial ventures.

The RDC has approved its proposed $4.7B budget for 2017 at its August 9 statutory meeting, after a series of consultations with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), the Anna Regina Town Council, the Water Users’ Association, the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Group, programme managers, and other key stakeholders.

It was the first time that budget consultations were ever held in the region.

“During the deliberations, emphasis was placed on sustainable developmental projects that can positively impact the lives of residents in all communities in the region,” Ramdatt disclosed.

Key priority areas identified include construction of bridges at Golden Fleece, Queenstown, Anna Regina and Charity; and upgrading of roads in Good Hope, Johanna Cecilia, Perseverance, Pomona, Affiance and Better Success.

planned to purchase a boat and engine to transport students in the Lower Pomeroon to Wakapao, and for the use of Wakapao, Bethany and Mashabo communities.

Among other plans for the region are the upgrading and maintenance of

REGION Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt received a copy of the 2017 work programme from Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson on August 9, 2016 Ramdatt revealed that support has been sought from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for the upgrading of the Onderneeming Sandpit Road.

According to the Chairman, plans are also in train to rehabilitate the roads leading to Mainstay, Tapakuma and Lima Sands; and also ensure the maintenance of several community roads. The region also plans to enhance several community playgrounds, as a decision has been taken to support development of playgrounds, as against play parks. The RDC has proposed the purchase of brush cutters to maintain playgrounds in the region.

Among other initiatives are the construction of a new building for the Abram Zuil Secondary School; extension of the Charity Secondary School, and extension of the Kabakaburi Primary School to provide access to secondary education in the Upper Pomeroon.

There is also a planned extension of the Malborough Primary School to provide access to secondary educa-

tion in the Lower Pomeroon.

Ramdatt has said that, for the health sector, the region is expected to construct a new wing at the Suddie Public Hospital, rehabilitate the Oscar Joseph District Hospital, and install oxygen lines at the Wakapao and Kabakaburi Health Centres.

“Generally, provisions will be made for infrastructure that can ease the burden on rice farmers by enhancing drainage and irrigation access dams,” Ramdatt detailed.

He said maintenance of all-weather roads in cultivation areas and construction of timber revetments at Huis’t Dieren Relief and Riverstown Creek are also among the proposed plans.

The Region Two Administration has, moreover, agreed to construct a road to link the Essequibo Coast at Tapakuma to the Pomeroon at Siriki.

The Aurora Land Development Project is expected to promote crop and livestock production and establish pastures to promote cattle and diary production.

The region has also

sluices, pumps, excavators, trenches and main canals; the rehabilitation of regulators and culverts, and the construction of irrigation checks at Better Success. The budget has also included a plan to clear the outfall canals to

enhance residential and cultivation drainage, the de-silting of canals and trenches, and the purchase of two long-boom excavators to enhance drainage and irrigation works in the region. (Ministry of Communities)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

‘Dr. Yog’ publishes 108 inspirational stories, poems

THE third volume in the series of inspirational short stories, ‘A Garland of Pearls, Vol III’, was launched recently at a simple but inspirational event at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal.

Dr Yog Mahadeo said that this third collection of 108 inspirational stories and poems represents the essence of timeless stories, brought through the ages by the oral tradition. The inspiration to compile these stories came from his parents, according to the author.

He recalls the ‘inspiration time’ from his mother and father “from the time we were babies. Many of the stories apply to any religion and have been adopted, and sometimes customised by various religions,” said Dr. Mahadeo.

“These stories and poems reflect a collection of thoughts and feelings over

Dr. Yog Mahadeo presents a signed copy to Dr. William Adu-Krow of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization one’s lifetime. A timeless treasure.” He also credits the completion of Volume III to his family, Anita, Yoga and Arya and his siblings Dr Vishwa, Vidya, Dr Shan and

Jag Mahadeo.

Speaking from the closest position of being the author’s wife, Anita, the CEO of Inspire Inc., spoke of the author’s love for helping every-

one and for selfless sacrifice.

Dr. Yog, as he is frequently called, has among other qualifications, a doctorate degree in finance and a diploma in journalism and profes-

sional writing. He is currently reading for his law degree at the University of Guyana and continues to give motivational speeches and sermons in many places.

He is the well-known architect of the 10/10 softball game in Guyana, the annual Phagwah festival and numerous other initiatives. He still makes time to visit various communities and engage in self-help work while motivating and inspiring those who connect with him.

“Life teaches us to take all its challenges and yet give to everyone a garland; give love; be forgiving and loving.

Take the stones thrown at you and string them together with love, create a garland of pearls.” These were the thoughts expressed by Dr Yog at the launch of the book.

He quoted from Rudyard Kipling’s “If” and asserted that it is only when we can remain connected with God

and see that our own individual happiness is a product of making everyone else happy, that there can be development of body, soul and country.

He pointed to the final poem of his book, “From Georgetown to Ma” as reminiscent of his frequent trips to spend time with his mom who passed away in 2014.

“My parents were my heroes. I owe thanks to them for everything ever achieved.” He dedicates the book to his elder sister whom he fondly calls “Deedee” who resides in the USA. ‘A Garland of Pearls, Vol III’ is available in paperback format and following in the tradition of Volumes I and II, the stories are illustrated by local artists.

The launch event also featured a cultural event of poetry and dance, as well as speeches from family members of the author, including his eldest son Yoga Mahadeo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

GPHC CEO to serve out contract off the job GOVERNMENT has decided to allow Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Michael Khan, to serve out his contract off the job, and not to re-employ him after his contract would have expired.

Well-placed sources have confirmed that this decision was arrived at during mediation proceedings between Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GPHC, Dr. Max Hanoman; and has been communicated to Khan, whose contract expires in August 2017.

The GPHC Board had recently reinstated Khan when his leave expired, but Minister Norton objected to that decision.

Guyana Chronicle was told that after the Board had deliberated following the completion of an investigation, Dr. Hanoman had written Dr. Sheik Amir, acting GPHC CEO, informing him that a decision had been made to reinstate Khan, who was then sent a letter instructing him to resume duty.

Khan had been sent on leave to facilitate a forensic audit into the operations of the GPHC. Dr. Hanoman had said that no serious issues had been cited in the report, thus Khan was not debarred from resuming duty as GPHC CEO. “So it is only right that he be allowed to return to work”, Dr. Hanoman had said.

However, Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, had stressed that the evaluation of the audit report on Khan was still incomplete, and until the process was finished, Khan would remain off the job.

Michael Khan, CEO of GPHC Demerarawaves has reported that among the findings in the investigation, conducted by the accounting firm Ram and Mc Rae, was that Khan had instructed that a total of Gy$1.4 million in income tax not be deducted from his responsibility allowance, which amounted to Gy$4.4 million at a rate of Gy$100,000 per month from January, 2011 to September, 2014.

“We consider this action by the CEO as a serious breach of the law and an abuse of his authority, warranting some

sanction by the Board of the Corporation,” Demwaves quoted the report as saying. The report also stated that “in breach of the law”, Khan, in a handwritten note, subscribed to the memo to the Director of Financial and General Services that the “allowance should be paid tax free.”

“Mr. Khan must have been aware that the Board made no decision on the tax implications of the payment to him of a responsibility allowance, that the payment by law is subject to PAYE (Pay As You Earn), and that the tax is deducted from responsibility allowances paid to other members of staff of the corporation.”

According to Demwaves, the investigation also found that there was poor internal control and the absence of standard operating procedures for departments, especially Finance and Pharmacy. This, overall, has led to micromanagement of the GPHC by the CEO in areas such as all payments of petty cash, payroll, payment to suppliers etc; the signing of contracts, handling of purchasing, and mailing of bank drafts to overseas suppliers; and approval of all requests for purchases.

Khan had been CEO of the GPHC for a number of years September 9, 2015, when he was sent on administrative leave to allow for investigations to be conducted into the operations of the institution. Mr. Alan Johnson, who formerly headed the New Amsterdam Hospital, was tasked with acting in the capacity of CEO in Khan’s absence. He is now on leave.

It was always held that Khan’s return to the job would be determined by the findings of the investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24 2016

CH&PA Board allegedly ‘refocusing’ housing sector MINISTER of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has refuted allegations that the Board of Directors of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) may be contributing to a slowing down of activities in that sector by contending that the CH&PA Board is ‘refocusing’ the housing sector.

Several senior housing officials, however, blame the CH&PA Board for “stymieing progress”, with one senior housing official, who requested anonymity, saying that of the more than $5 billion allocated to the Housing Ministry in the 2016 budget, only approximately $100 million have thus far been spent.

“This is because of the Board,” that official said. “Every week is meeting after meeting, and nothing is coming out of it.”

The Guyana Chronicle was told that 59 ‘turnkey’ homes have been completed but need repairs, while more than 100 are incomplete. Some homeowners are yet to receive their houses because of the incomplete buildings, while others cope with faulty structures despite paying off the ministry.

“This means that some people are paying mortgages for houses they cannot occupy, while having to (pay) rent and (other) bills at the same time,” the source contends.

The issue of theft is among the many other challenges

facing completion of the turnkey homes. Theft was alleged in the disappearance of materials and appliances for the turnkey houses, but little information was reported to the police.

“So what is the solution?” this staff member asked. “They are pretending like everything is okay, (but) everything is not okay. Where do we go from here?” the staffer questioned rhetorically.

The source contends, “The (Housing) minister’s hands are tied; plus the Board doesn’t report to her, they report to Minister Bulkan. She cannot do anything. The Board says they are refocusing, but every week is four, five meetings and nothing (is being done).”

‘WICKED AND MISCHIEVOUS’ Contacted, Housing Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson refused to comment on the matter, and directed all questions to the Communities Ministry. Minister Bulkan, however, described the assertions of the senior housing staffer as “wicked and mischievous.” He said the CH&PA Board is not interested in carrying on the projects of the previous administration, and are thus “focusing on a review of the CH&PA.” He mentioned review of the Remigrant Scheme among other ideas, before describing the challenges inherited from the

former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. Bulkan said the true purpose of the housing projects were “poorly disguised” in the former government’s claim to help low and middle income earners.

Bulkan said that $59 million have been approved for the repair of faulty turnkey homes, but he was “not in a position” to give an update on when work will commence on those homes.

CONDOS Guyana Chronicle understands that the Housing Ministry and the CH&PA Board are currently talking about building condos and housing complexes, but plans are still at conceptualization stage. In the meantime, citizens who are still waiting to access homes received from the Government have expressed discontent with the time being taken to rectify the problems at those houses.

One housing staffer has said she feels “inadequate and useless”, since “many people are calling for updates on their homes and we have nothing to tell them.”

Numerous calls to the CH&PA Board Chairman Hamilton Green’s cellphone over the past few days have gone unanswered; and it was disclosed on Monday that the Chairman is currently out of the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

GHRA wants constitutional reform before SARA Bill is passed THE Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is of the view that in order for the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill to be successful in Guyana, there needs to be constitutional reform.

The bill is slated for debate in the National Assembly in October and if passed, will see the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) become an agency, the State Asset Recovery agency (SARA) which will make the body’s operation more efficient. But the GHRA believes that the constitution is in need of overhauling before the bill can

be made operational.

The Association in a statement on Tuesday welcomed the debate and public comment on the Bill, but explained that much of it seemed to be focused on the technical aspects. But according to the GHRA, the Association is more concerned about the consequences of putting the Bill into effect with Guyana’s current political environment.

According to the GHRA, “Our current constitutional and legal systems in which the SARA Bill will operate have been fundamentally flawed since the 1978 Constitution

was approved by a turn-out of 14% of the population. No amount of tinkering and prevarication can disguise its deformity.”

The Association further pointed out that the Constitution was fashioned to reflect the powers accumulated in the hands of the then President Forbes Burnham.

“Despite avowals about constitutional reform since 1992, succeeding Governments could never embrace the uncertainty this implied. Dr. Jagan’s appeal to his personal integrity, i.e. that the excessive powers were safe in his hands, has become a mantra for subsequent Presidents. The Constitutional Reform Commission recommendations of the late ‘90s were largely axed by the Parliamentary Oversight Committee (under the chairmanship of the current Prime Minister), reflecting a disturbing capacity of Parliamentarians to suppress reforms aimed at weakening the over-weaning powers of the Presidency to their own benefit.”

The statement further noted that the legitimacy of the SARA Bill rests on ignoring the structural deformity of Parliament since no Parliamentarian can challenge the Bill (from the Government side) nor welcome it (from the opposition side) without risking expulsion from Parliament by their party leader.

“The Government is not seeking all-party support on the merit of the Bill but is relying instead on its Parliamentary majority - a power struggle without politics.

Instead of mechanisms to ensure moderation, candidates for the Directorship of SARA are required to possess the qualities of sainthood, essentially the same argument used

by Dr. Jagan.”

It was noted that the GHRA has issued numerous statements and organized several civic coalitions since the mid1990s calling for constitutional reform of the electoral and parliamentary processes.

“In light of this experience, the GHRA has no realistic expectations that the current incumbents will go further than their predecessors without sustained civic and public pressure.

Our releases and our actions will continue to be focused in this direction.”

The Association had previously expressed concern about the powers which SARA has.

“The sweeping powers available to the Director of the Agency and the manner of his or her appointment” is of great concern to the GHRA. Relative to the powers, the GHRA believes that the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Head of Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the Bank of Guyana, private banks, and the Chairperson of the Guyana Gold Board are just a few public and private entities that are required to comply with the requests of the Director of SARA. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Legal Affairs hosted a public consultation on the draft State Assets Recovery Bill at the Pegasus Hotel.

The draft bill aims to recover unlawfully acquired state assets from public officers past and present through civil proceedings, and is in consonance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

The Bill stipulates the functions of SARA to include investigating whether state property was obtained through unlawful conduct involving a public official or any other person and the tracing and identifying of property wherever situated, suspected to be state property obtained from unlawful conduct involving a public official or any other person.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Digicel, Rotary launch annual dental outreach for youths in Timehri

By Vishani Ragobeer

DIGICEL Guyana yesterday launched their annual backto-school dental outreach programme in Timehri in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Central Georgetown to promote good oral health among children.

This outreach programme, which has been an annual event

for some six years now, began yesterday and will continue on weekdays until September 1, according to Digicel Communications Manager, Vidya Sanichara.

The programme will be offering free dental services to youths in various locations which are provided by the Rotary team, using the fully-equipped dental bus.

She also noted that this programme began at Timehri, but will be expanding to six other locations, namely: Berbice, Essequibo, Mahaica, Hararununi (Soesdyke/Linden Highway), Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and finally culminating grandly in Georgetown at the National Cultural Centre tarmac.

Sanichara said that some

80-100 youths are being targeted at each of the various locations. However, the team is well-equipped to accommodate many more youths if they turn out.

This outreach comes through Digicel’s acknowledgement of its corporate responsibility for giving back to the community. In addition to providing free dental services

to the youths, each youth will benefit from a back-to-school package and a dental kit from the Rotary Club.

The Communications Manager also said that over the years the number of persons attending these outreach programmes are increasing and as a result she feels that this is a programme which really “hits home”, especially for the persons living

in out-of-town areas and those who may not necessarily be able to afford dental services.

A parent yesterday also spoke about the Dental Care Services being provided to her child. The parent, Ms. Odessa Pollard said that this is very “convenient” for her and for persons like her who live in Timehri, “instead of travelling to Georgetown.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Some children from Timehri waiting to enter the dental bus to receive the services being offered by Digicel in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Central Georgetown

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Digicel Communications Manager, Vidya Sanichara speaks about the success of Digicel’s back-to-school dental outreach programme

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Georgetown Mayor accuses PSC of stalling container fees GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has criticized the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) slothfulness in addressing the cost for the contentious container fees issue, declaring that she is not sure if the delay is a means of stalling the work of City Hall.

Chase-Green was angry at Monday’s statutory meeting when she pointed out that the PSC promised to form a tripartite committee between the M&CC and the government to look into the matter. The M&CC submitted the names of their representatives in the allotted two days only to have two more weeks passed without hearing anything from the PSC. “I don’t understand if this is a way of stalling what is happening at the City Council. I am asking the Town Clerk to write to the PSC to find out what is happening with the tripartite meetings. We are coming to the end and my understanding of the meeting that we had was that we were supposed to meet and complete at least by the end of this month.

“Even though we are collecting the $5000 retroactive from August 1, in the interim I don’t want to have an interim of five years. I need to have that interim period completed as early as possible so that we can move forward with our bylaws as regards container fees,” ChaseGreen stated.

Meanwhile, when contacted for a comment on the issue, a source at the PSC, who requested anonymity, told this newspaper that this is not the first time that the mayor has sought to attack the Commission.

The source said the PSC wrote to City Hall that very Monday but perhaps the letter did not yet reach the Mayor at the time she was addressing the statutory meeting.

According to the source, the PSC named its representatives in the letter and also requested to know who the government nominees are to sit at the meetings. The source said the PSC also requested to know the date for the first tripartite meeting.

The M&CC had decided to reduce the container fee from $25,000 to $5,000 following a meeting on August 5 with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the PSC. It was agreed that the reduction would be an interim measure and that the fees would be collected at the various ports and wharves from August 1. The discussions were held on the possible implementation of per tonnage per cargo fee for all cargo within vehicles of specific type of weights traversing the streets of the City.

The $25,000 container fee which City Hall sought to implement attracted much criticism from members of the business community and the PSC. Some businessmen had also resorted to the courts, accusing the M&CC of illegally implementing such a fee. The court had ruled in favour of the businessmen.

City Hall had said that the money is needed to repair roads, which the containers have damaged over the years. Meanwhile, according to the release, the August 5 meeting with the private sector representatives was held in an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24 2016

M&CC still to decide on seven-storey building THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is still to decide if it will grant permission to the owner of the building at Robb and Camp Streets to construct a seven-storey building.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen, at Monday’s statutory meeting, observed that a ten-storey building can be found on the same Camp Street, opposite the George-

town Club, and hence there should be no discrimination in the process.

She also noted that this is not the time for the M&CC to be holding up development in the City and the creation of employment.

“I don’t understand why we would object to a seven-storey on Camp and Robb Streets, but if you go further down on

Camp Street, you would see a 10-storey building.

How do we say no to seven and yes to 10? I don’t know what were the criteria used,” Chase-Green expressed.

The owner would have already completed all the works and documentations he needed to have, and it is before the Council for approval for the seventh storey.

Initially, he had applied for a six-storey building, and in the process, decided he wanted to have seven stories.

He was then advised by the former mayor to go forward with the six-storey

building, and then come after with the seventh.

Chase-Green said that as a result, there would have been some hiccups and some objections from both the M&CC and the Ministry of Housing.

“In my understanding, the Ministry of Housing is talking about the skyline limit. The skyline limit, to my knowledge, is 150 feet, and the building at Robb and Camp only reached 98 feet,” said the Mayor.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

‘Satan’ remanded for murder of Ann’s Grove teen

By Rabindra Rooplall

ALVIN Reid, called ‘Satan’, of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) who allegedly murdered a teenage girl from his village was remanded to prison Tuesday after he was charged with the capital offence.

The matter was transferred to the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court and Reid was remanded until September 28, 2016. He was unrepresented by counsel.

Reading the charge to the accused, Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul stated that it is alleged that between the 8th and 9th August, 2016 at Hope, ECD, Alvin Reid murdered 14-year-old Malika Hamilton of Ann’s Grove, ECD.

When asked about his occupation, Reid told the court that he works in the “interior”. He further related that he doesn’t have any children and was never charged with any offence before.

In giving a summary of the facts, the prosecutor said the deceased and the accused were known to each other and on August 8th they both went to swim at Hope Canal and the teenager was not seen until her body was discovered the following day in the canal. The prosecution further noted that a post-mortem examination revealed that the teen died of asphyxiation due to drowning.

An investigation was launched and the accused was arrested and charged for the offence of murder.

Dead: Malika Hamilton Alvin Reid, called ‘Satan’ [Samuel Maughn photo]

When magistrate Ally-Seepaul asked if the investigation was completed, the prosecution replied in the affirmative.

Further the magistrate asked the accused if he wished to say anything and Reid replied by stating that he was beaten by the police while in custody at the Turkeyen Police Station.

“I get beat to talk things me aint know maam,” Reid said.

“All of them I can point out maam, they went out to drink and come back and beat meh.” A relative whispered in the background: “Is good for you, feel how she feel when you were killing her.”

This newspaper had reported that Reid, who is a known felon, was considered the prime suspect in the murder of the Ann’s Grove girl whose body was discovered in the Hope Canal.

Government Pathologist Dr. Nehal Singh conducted an autopsy on the body of Hamilton and found she was brutally bludgeoned to her head, strangled and dumped alive in the Hope Canal. The second-year Hope Secondary School student died of ‘asphyxiation’, a condition of severe deficiency in the supply of oxygen to the body as a result of abnormal breathing. An example of asphyxia is choking.

The ‘Miss African Calabash 2014’ beauty queen had left her home at Lot 11, Two Friends Village, Ann’s Grove, ECD but never returned. Her body was fished out of the Hope Canal the following day, where it was spotted by the canal’s ranger.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24 2016

Chinese experts assist GPL in retrieving damaged submarine cable A TEAM from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) with assistance from a team of submarine cable experts from China retrieved GPL’s submarine cable from the Demerara river bed in order to assess the extent of the damage to the cable on August 18.

A release from the power company noted that GPL had conducted a comprehensive test on the cable subsequent to a total shutdown on July 12, which attributed the incident of faulty insulation at the connection or “Pot Head” linking the 69KV submarine cable to the overhead transmission lines at Kingston.

According to the release, preliminary distance readings obtained from the protective devices at substations at Kingston and Vreed-en-Hoop concluded that the tests indicated damage to the cable.

“An inspection of the cable was necessary in order to determine the extent of the damage. And having established the degree of damage the submarine cable experts have since recommend a remedial course of action, that is to remove the section of the damaged cable and to join the cable using a special submarine cable jointing kit that GPL is currently pursuing in order to bring the cable back into operation in the shortest possible time,” the GPL release noted.

In the interim the GPL has confirmed that there is sufficient capacity within East Demerara and Berbice to meet the electricity demands of its customers.

Thieves raid Lethem Store A YOUNG Lethem businessman, who said he acquired loans to start a photography business from scratch, is now counting millions of dollars in losses after thieves broke into the shop on Monday night.

Yimochi Melville, 34, who was born and raised at Lethem, closed up his business, Melville’s Photoshop, around 19:00hrs Monday, only to discover the next morning when he and his three staff members showed up for work about 08:30hrs that several Yimochi Melville items were missing.

The business, which offers such services as printing, photocopying, typing, events photography, and computer repairs, is located at Lethem’s airstrip, which usually has no security.

Melville told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that the effects of the robbery are quite adverse, as, among other things, many of the laptops which were stolen belonged to his customers.

Other items stolen include three high-powered desktop systems (which he had built specially for video editing); two Canon Rebel XS Camera with assorted lenses; one Canon XA10 video camera, including bag and assorted lenses; four external hard drives (with many hours of work); flash drives, SD cards, 3-12v to 110 Realtree camouflage inverters, two point-and-shoot cameras, one Canon SX50 Camera, and even his father’s leathercraft that he was selling for him.

“This morning I opened my store to discover that it was broken into, and a quantity of equipment and goods stolen. Access was gained by cutting a padlock on a grilled window,” Melville explained.

The businessman is worried about how he will manage to pay his loans at monthend. To the best of his knowledge, the police have not found any leads so far.

“Please, if anyone has information that could help with the recovery of these items, please help me,” Melville plead.

He can be reached on telephone number 685-3997.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Wednesday August 24th, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Thrusday August 25th, 2016 - 10:30 hrs Friday August 26th, 2016 - 12:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 24 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 24, 2016

Guyana start U-15 Centrobasket Championship campaign today THE Guyana Under-15 Centrobasket team will have their first shot at

progressing to the ultimate goal of capturing Centrobasket gold

when the team take on Panama today.

The players, howev-

er, carry no pressure on their shoulders, despite being the first Guyanese

Junior team to play at the Centrobasket level.

Guyana are at the tournament on the heels of the U-16 team finishing with silver in the recently concluded Caribbean Basketball Confederation U-16 Basketball Championships.

However, this current unit sports two players from the U-16 squad in Roydon Glasgow and Jermaine King.

According to coach Lugard Mohan, despite the team’s preparation time, he is satisfied with the team and the level they are at.

“I don’t make projections, but I’m satisfied with what we have and the level we are at, given the time we had to prepare the team,” stated Mohan.

Mohan also had positives to say about the team: “The good thing is, we have 6 or 7 of the players that are 14 years and under, which is definitely a plus, since our main

focus is development.”

“Players are also buying into to the system and drills the coaches had them going through,” Mohan added.

Mohan closed by stating most of the players, to his surprise, had developed in the short preparation time.

“Most of the players surprisingly developed in that short preparation time. It therefore means, these youngsters have nowhere to go but up, so this group is definitely a positive sign for the future of basketball in Guyana.”

The full team comprises Kwesi Roberts (captain), Josiah Daniels, Shaquawn Gill, Roydon Glasgow, Corey Graham, Jether Harris, Isaiah Hintzen, Jermaine King, Immanuel La Rose, Lugard O. Mohan, Kobe Tappin, Anthony Yansen.

They will face Panama at 17:45hrs local time.

Pepsi/Michael Parris U-16 boxing on this Sunday BOXING action returns to the National Gymnasium this weekend with the second instalment of the Pepsi/Michael Parris Under-16 tournament.

Hosted by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), the tournament will feature nine gyms inclusive of the Rose Hall Jammers of Berbice as well as the Carryl and Pocket Rocket Gyms of Linden. Action gets underway at 13.00hrs on Sunday.

The defending champions Essequibo are also in the mix with the GBA trying to secure the participation of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC).

GBA president Steve Ninvalle in an invited comment today said, “This is effectively the fourth year that DDL is continuing its sponsorship with the sport and we are very enthused that they are looking at boxing in this way.”

The first instalment of the tournament was in early April and took the form of an International schoolboys event.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 24, 2016

CAS upholds Russia ban for Paralympics

By Brian Homewood

ZURICH, (Reuters) Russia has lost its appeal against a ban from next

month’s Rio Paralympics because of a state-sponsored doping programme, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said yesterday.

The decision to exclude Russia’s team, initially made on August 7 by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), means at least 260

competitors from the country are now set to miss the September 7-18 event.

The IPC went further than the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which stopped short of a blanket ban on Russia at this month’s Rio Games and left the decision instead in the hands of international sports federations.

Russia can now appeal to the Swiss Federal Court although it can only overturn the CAS ruling on the basis of a procedural mistake and not on the merits of the case.

Alexei Karpenko, a lawyer representing the RPC, said an appeal would be considered once CAS had issued its full, reasoned decision.

Their team topped the medal table at the 2014 Winter Paralympics in the Russian city of Sochi after taking second place behind China at London 2012.

The country’s exclusion from Rio will hit hard in a country that has long drawn pride and prestige from its history of sporting success.

Performers carry the Russian national flag during the closing ceremony of the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, March 16, 2014. (REUTERS/ Alexander Demianchuk/File photo) CAS, sport’s highest tribunal, said its panel found the IPC “did not violate any procedural rule in dealing with the disciplinary process” which led to Russia’s suspension.

It added the ruling was “proportionate in the circumstances” and that the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) “did not file any evidence contradicting the facts on which the IPC decision was based”.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko called the CAS’ decision unlawful and politically motivated.

“There were no reasons to dismiss (the appeal) but it happened,” Mutko was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency before adding “those bodies that should defend Paralympians do not do it and punish them instead”.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 08:40 hrs Grey Light 09:15 hrs Lady Linda 09:55 hrs Diamond League 10:30 hrs Roy’s Lioness 11:05 hrs Princess Analia English Racing Tips Lingfield 08:40 hrs Vatican Hill 09:10 hrs Miss Fay 09:40 hrs Conqueress 10;10 hrs Agerzam 10:40 hrs King Of Spin 11:10 hrs Masquersded 11:40 hrs Tommy’s Geal 12:10 hrs Cape Spirit

The whole dispute centres on a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report that found the Russian government and the FSB security service had, over years, covered up hundreds of doping cases across the majority of Olympic sports and Paralympic events.

STRONG TEAM Russia previously said the IPC’s decision was politically motivated and would punish dozens of innocent athletes.

Although not widely followed or celebrated in Russia, where rights campaigners say many disabled people are marginalised by regressive social attitudes and inadequate state support, Russian para-athletes are some of the best in the world.

CATTERICK 08:50 hrs Kyllang Rock 09:20 hrs Jazz Cat 09:50 hrs Arthurs Secret 10:20 hrs Baron Bolt 10:50 hrs Horsforth 11:20 hrs Second Serve 11:55 hrs Innocently MUSSELBURGH 09:00 hrs Souter 09:30 hrs Ralphy Boy 10:00 hrs Mappin Time 10:30 hrs La Bocouetteuse 11:00 hrs Irish Optimism 11:30 hrs Merchant Of Dubai

Following yesterdays’ verdict, the IPC said Russia had been banned for its inability to fulfil its membership “responsibilities and obligations”, particularly the anti-doping code.

“Although we are pleased with the decision, it is not a day for celebration and we have enormous sympathy for the Russian athletes who will now miss out on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games,” said IPC president Philip Craven in a statement.

“It is a sad day for the Paralympic Movement but we hope also a new beginning,” he said, adding that he wanted the ruling to be a “catalyst for change” in Russia.

The IPC said the 267 places secured by Russian athletes would now be redistributed.

IRISH RACING TIPS Bellewstown 10:55 hrs Coppertone 11:25 hrs Nutini 12:00 hrs Botanical Lady 12:30 hrs Accalia 13:00 hrs Catwildo 13:30 hrs Romanesque 14:00 hrs Tarzani 14:30 hrs Highland Fling AMERICAN RACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 North Star Boy Race 2 Double Dose Race 3 Bee Noteworthy Race 4 Afleet Martini Race 5 No Lunks Race 6 Forge Race 7 Emerald Pond Race 8 Saratoga Heater

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 24, 2016

Advantage Hamilton as Formula One breaks for summer

By Abhishek Takle

(REUTER) - Triple champion Lewis Hamilton is no stranger to speed but the rapid turnaround in his title prospects has left even the blindingly quick Briton stunned, as he heads into Formula One’s annual summer break firmly in

corner in his rival’s home German Grand Prix on Sunday.

The win was Hamilton’s sixth from the last seven races, matching the hottest streak of his career so far, and his fourth in a row.

The speed at which Hamilton has caught and overhauled Rosberg has been

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after the 2016 British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit, Towcester. control of the race for the championship.

Hamilton goes into the four-week holiday having extended his lead over Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg to 19 points, after sweeping to a dominant victory, leading from the first

remarkable.

The 31-year-old trailed his former childhood friend by 43 points following May’s Spanish Grand Prix, yet just over a week ago, in Hungary, he seized the overall lead.

“Kind of crazy,” said Hamilton after Sunday’s

race at the Hockenheim track. “It’s gone by so quickly.

“It was almost like it was only a couple of weeks ago that we were in Barcelona and I was 43 points behind thinking, jeez, I might come away 50 points behind.”

Hamilton has scored a total of 160 points from a maximum 175 on offer since claiming his maiden win of the year in the sixth race of the season in Monaco, following a difficult start to his bid for a third straight title.

By contrast, Rosberg, who won each of the opening four races, has scraped together just 98 points and finished on the podium only three times in the seven races since Hamilton hit his purple patch of form.

“Lewis doesn’t just seem strong in the recent grands prix,” Rosberg said after his latest defeat.

“Lewis is strong -- a big difference there. It’s always going to be a battle against him.”

ENGINE PENALTY Despite the rate at which Hamilton has caught and passed Rosberg, the Briton cannot afford to ease

First Test drawn as sodden outfield prevails at Kingsmead (REUTERS) - THE first Test between South Africa and New Zealand ended in a damp draw yesterday without a ball bowled over the final three-and-a-half days due to a sodden outfield at Kingsmead.

Only 100 overs were possible in the match with New Zealand frozen on 15 for two wickets in their first innings for 11 sessions after the players left the field prior to lunch on the second day never to return.

The tourists were replying to South Africa’s first-innings total of 263 all out on a difficult batting surface in what was the first winter Test to be played in Durban.

South African captain Faf du Plessis backed the decision to call off play.

“There were a few areas that were muddy and loose underfoot, so the umpires were worried that if you had to make a sudden movement or sprint, you could get badly

injured,” he told reporters.

“We respect the decision. From a captain’s point of view, if one of your fast bowlers runs around the

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson boundary and gets injured, you’d be pretty upset.”

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson also felt it was the right decision.

“It’s very clear that both teams were very keen to play, but we also respect that umpires are in charge of ground, weather and light,” he said.

“Even from the time we

arrived at this venue, we knew that the outfield was in a poor state and obviously it couldn’t handle the rain.”

The debacle will now place the spotlight on Cricket South Africa’s decision to play the game at Kingsmead, with no play possible for three days despite no rain Work was done to improve the outfield -- removing sand and grass and relaying it -after both teams complained that it was too hard when they played a one-day International at the venue last year.

The work was completed on July 1 but recent flooding and a lack of sunshine has not helped the grass to properly recover, leaving it soft underfoot and patchy. The latest rains have exacerbated the situation.

The timing of the work is now under question, as a similar process in Pretoria, where the second and final Test is to start on Saturday, was completed in April.

off and needs to put more distance between him and his rival.

He is set to collect a grid penalty or start in last place, most likely in next month’s Italian Grand Prix, after breaching rules on the number of engine components used during the season.

A race win is worth 25 points and victory in the

next grand prix in Belgium would give him enough of a cushion to stay in front in the event of such a scenario, putting him 26 points clear and just tantalisingly out of reach of Rosberg, even if the German finishes second.

“Do I feel like I’m properly ahead? Still not enough because I’m not a race win

ahead yet,” said Hamilton, who won at Belgium’s iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit last year and has got to be the favourite to repeat the feat when the season resumes on August 28.

“So I need to hope that I get the chance to get a race win ahead. I think then I would feel like I was ahead.”

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 24, 2016

Tavel Foundation Youth Organisation hosts successful camp

Students of the Tavel Foundation Youth Organisation August camp pose with their certificates.

THE Tavel Foundation Youth Organisation on Friday successfully brought the curtain down on its inaugural August youth camp at the Roxanne Burnham Gardens Park, East Ruimveldt.

The camp which was conducted by the Founder/ President coach Sampson Gilbert lasted three weeks and focused on football development both on and off the field including technical training, discipline as well as

laws of the game.

According to coach Gilbert, “The camp was totally successful. It had children ranging from 4 to 17 and in the feedback I realised that they were more aware of things that they did not know (after) coming to camp.

Things like how to socialise and manage their anger and how they carried themselves.”

He noted that the camp works with youths in the East Ruimveldt area and had the added bonus of using football

as medium to harness the attention and spare time of the youngsters and set them on a path to focusing on life skills.

“We tried to make indelible impression in the minds of the children and how they recreated after the camp and how they conducted themselves after. I could see that the camp was successful,” the coach continued.

Among the other initiatives focused on during the three-week camp included nutrition, hydration, warm

field trips to the museum, as well as education on the environment and the importance of keeping the environment clean.

The camp, which catered to 45 students, also featured officials from the Child Protection Agency speaking about child abuse and the importance of reporting abuse as well as their social behaviour.

The event will be an annual one according to coach Gilbert.

Olympic bronze medallist Walcott slams fragmented T&T THE winner of Trinidad and Tobago’s only medal at the just-concluded Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Keshorn Walcott, has chalked up the country’s poor performance to a lack of unity.

According to Walcott, who was featuring in his second Olympics, having shocked the world with a gold medal in London 2012, the camaraderie and team spirit were low in 2016.

“We did not do so well as a team this year because

KESHORN WALCOTT honestly, for my part, we

were not a team. We did not come together as a unit as in 2012. I was young in 2012 and I was one of the younger ones and I saw the gelling of the team, but here it was not like that,” said Walcott.

The two-Olympic medallist believes the lack of unity, in large part, was not the athletes’ fault, but rather the delegation sent to provide support.

“I would not say it was the athletes, I would have to say it was the heads.

You need to be able to

understand that for a team to be able to perform properly you need to bring them together,” he said.

“It is the environment.

When you as a team do not feel everybody is together (it) is like everybody is just concentrating on their own,” he added.

Walcott was quick to add that he did not want to dwell on those things, but preferred to look at the goals he had in front of him, and wanted other athletes to do the same.

Investigation into abandoned West Indies-India Test launched THE Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and the Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) have launched a joint investigation into the washout of the fourth Test between West Indies and India.

The Windies were 62-2 in their first innings when heavy rain in Port of Spain on the island of Trinidad cut short play on day one at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Despite sunshine and blue skies for the four following days, the out-

field retained too much water for the pitch to be playable, with West Indies losing the series 2-0.

As a result, India missed out on the 3-0 win needed to retain their place at the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings, with Pakistan displacing them.

The TTCB and QPCC will probe the circumstances that led to the lack of play, with the aim of avoiding a repeat in the future.

“As hosts, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and QPCC

regret that limited play was possible in the fourth Test match between WI and India at the Queen’s Park Oval,” a statement from TTCB president Azim Bassarath read.

“We have jointly launched an investigation to determine what occurred with a view to remedying the situation so that this does not occur in the future. “Once this has been done it will be presented to the WICB (West Indies Cricket Board). “(Sportsmax.com)

Mayor’s Cup quarter-final action now set for Sunday at GFC RAIN, clashes with other tournaments and other circumstances caused organisers of the Annual Mayor’s Cup football tournament to constantly reschedule matches.

This will, however, be resolved on Sunday as coordinator of the annual event, Lennox Arthur, is going full steam ahead in ensuring the quarter-finals of the tournament are completed on Sunday evening when three matches will be completed at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.

According to the former national coach, beginning at 16:30hrs Santos will face Police while from 18:30hrs, Western Tigers take on Eagles United.

The feature game involves Riddim Squad and Federal Winners Connection from 20:30hrs.

Den Amstel’s Gavin GraThe semi-finals are ham is the leading goalset for August 31 while scorer in the tournament. the third-place playoff as well as the final will be held on September 11.

Meanwhile, the leading goalscorer to date in the tournament is Gavin Graham of Den Amstel with three goals to his name. Fabian Crawford (Santos), Randolph Wagner (Western Tigers), Dwayne McLennan (Western Tigers), Nikosi Denny (Ann’s Grove) and Kevon Boston (Police) all have two goals each.

At the conclusion of the tournament, the player scoring the most goals will receive a three-piece suite, compliments of A.H. & L Kissoon Furniture Store.

The winning team of the final will earn $700 000 and the Aruwai resort trophy, while the runners-up will receive $300 000 and the Ansa McAl trophy.

The third-place will team cart off $200 000 and the John Fernandes Limited trophy. The fourth-placers will receive $100 000 and the Ministry of the Presidency trophy.

Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Limited has also donated hampers for members of the winning team in the final.

Also providing support for the tournament is Top Branz, distributor of Industrial Vehicle Batteries.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday August 24, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Ravi Ashwin (2) 23 runs

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the result of the fourth and final Test of the just-concluded WI/India series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Series at the end of the recent WI/India Test engagement?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 24, 2016

Caribbean Badminton Team Championships 2016 Lara praises QPCC’s value to T&T, Guyana secure wins Windies cricket over Barbados, Aruba

LEGENDARY former West Indies batsman Brian Lara underscored the value of Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC`) to West Indies and world cricket at the club’s 125th anniversary celebration at the Hilton Trinidad last Saturday night.

QPCC’s favourite son lit up the black tie event which was attended by two former West Indies greats in Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Everton Weekes, as well as Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar who

had a liking for me, so he, Willie Rodriquez and Bryan Davis use to sit with me and chat about the club.” Lara was able to take the gathering through a detailed history of the club.

“This club has produced 40 Test cricketers which is a tremendous feat for any club to achieve across the world.

The club has made a tremendous contribution to me and has opened many doors for me and for this I am thankful.

“We have had many

He heaped praises on Joey Carew who took him in, while at Fatima College and assisted in his development as a cricketer. “Joey Carew’s love for Queen’s Park was second to none and his love for cricket was pleasurable. He did a lot for the club and was really a great tactician who truly understood the game of cricket.”

Meanwhile, Gavaskar who had a brilliant Test career and mastered the West Indies at the Queen’s Park Oval on many occasions said that T20

The Guyana team at the Caribbean Badminton Team Championships 2016

Brian Lara and Sir Garfield Sobers during Queen’s Park Cricket Club 125th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre last Saturday night. (Photo by WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography) also delivered an address on the occasion.

Also attending were the entire West Indies cricket team, who were in Trinidad playing against India in the Seagrams Test series.

Lara traced the club’s deep history speaking of great players who would have passed through the gates at Tragarete Road.

“I was interested in the club’s history. Gerry Gomez

players coming through and going on to do wonderful things in world cricket and we as Parkites are very proud indeed.”

Lara recalled his first Test innings at the Queen’s Park Oval, when he was dismissed

by Pakistani Asif Mujtaba on 96 and said the members had to wait another 10 years before he finally got a Test century at the Oval and it came against Australia.

cricket is no threat to Test cricket as there is a place for all formats.

“There was also the same worry when one- day cricket came about but Test cricket survived and now comes the T20 and there is the same worry. I think that Test cricket is in no danger because of T20 and in fact we need to use all formats to build the sport.” (Reprinted from Trinidad Guardian)

Nine-man Roma miss out on Champions League

(REUTERS) - AS Roma missed out on the Champions League group stage after having two players sent off and losing 3-0 at home to Porto in their playoff second leg yesterday.

Roma, who drew 1-1 in Portugal, started as favourites but never recovered after Felipe gave the visitors an eighth-minute lead and the Italians imploded when Daniele De Rossi and Emerson Palmieri were shown straight red cards either side of halftime.

Monaco joined Porto in advancing with a

1-0 win over Villarreal, a 90th-minute penalty

by Fabinho securing a 3-1 aggregate victory.

Legia Warsaw, Celtic and Ludogorets Razgrad also qualified for the group stage, although none of them won on the night.

Poland’s Legia drew 1-1 at home to Dundalk but progressed 3-1 on aggregate, Celtic squeezed past Hapoel Beer Sheva 5-4 on aggregate despite a 2-0 loss in Israel and Ludogorets held Viktoria Plzen 2-2 away to complete a 4-2 aggregate win.

GUYANA’S Badminton team at the Caribbean Badminton Team Championships 2016 over the weekend successfully disposed of Barbados and Aruba and will now move on to the knockout phase.

On Sunday, Guyana defeated Barbados 3-2 with Jonathan Mangra beating Shae Martin: 21-13, 15-21, 21-19, while in the Girls’ singles Ambika Ramraj lost to Amanda Haywood 6-21, 9-21.

In the Boys doubles, Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra defeated Jehu Gaskin & Keshem Moore 21-15, 21-10. In the Girls doubles Priyanna Ramdhani & Ambika Ramraj whipped Cheyanna Burnett-Griffith: 21-14, 21-6.

In the Mixed doubles Narayan Ramdhani & Priyanna Ramdhani lost to Shae Martin & Amanda Haywood 16-21, 16-21.

Meanwhile yesterday, Guyana blanked

Aruba 5-0. In the Boys singles, Narayan Ramdhani crushed Efraim Van Der Linden: 21-7, 21-4, while Priyanna Ramdhani trounced Thyrza Van Der Linden: 21-10, 2110 on the distaff end.

In Boys Doubles action, Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra: thrashed Tim Hankark & Efraim van Der Linden: 21-3, 21-5 while Priyanna Ramdhani & Ambika Ramraj bettered Leyenne Schairer & Thyrza Van Der Linden: 21-8, 21-15 in the Girls’ division. Jonathan Mangra & Ambika Ramraj also teamed up in the Mixed doubles to demolish Jai Lalwani & Leyenne Schairer: 21-4, 21-6 The Guyana Badminton Team are currently playing in the Caribbean Badminton Team Championships which started on Monday August 22 2016 at the Centro Deportivo Sports Hall.

They faced Suriname late last evening.

Pepsi/Michael Parris U-16 boxing on this Sunday See story on page 27

Guyana start U-15 Centrobasket Championship campaign today See story on page 27

The Guyanese players at their first training session in Puerto Rico, Monday night.

New skipper Brathwaite not worried about Windies T20 egos NEWLY appointed Twenty20 captain Carlos Brathwaite does not expect a change in leadership to negatively impact the West Indies team.

Brathwaite recently replaced St Lucian Darren Sammy as head of the two-time World Twenty20 champions and is officially expected to take charge of the team in the upcoming series against India.

Despite being expected to take the reins of the squad over several more seasoned players the 27-year-old claims

the initial response has been good so far.

“I think a team like this will be pretty easy to lead, from the point of view that the dressing room is a fun place to be. I don’t think it’s a case where I have to negotiate too many egos,” Brathwaite said.

“The guys enjoy each other’s company. It’s just a matter for me to go there, do the things that I can do, firstly as a player and then a captain, continue to mould the team that Darren has started to mould, efficiently. The most

CAS decision a blow to all disabled people - Russia PM

West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite important thing is getting victories for the West Indies,” he added.

Brathwaite claims support from former captain Sammy was key in making the proposed transition to the job seem a lot easier.

“He just told me, ‘Congratulations’. He heard it before I spoke to him, and he just said, ‘Congratulations, it’s a big challenge’. He gave me his blessing and as a senior guy appreciated it, which allowed me to ease into the role.”

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

(REUTERS) - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to uphold a ban on Russia’s participation in next month’s Rio Paralympics was “cynical” and a blow to all disabled people.

Earlier yesterday Russia lost an appeal against its ban from the Paralympics because of a state-sponsored doping programme.

“The story with Russian doping is a Russia Prime Minister thick and very disgustDmitry Medvedev ing cocktail with 80 percent politics and 20 percent doping proper”, Medvedev said on his Facebook page.

“In some countries they find doping very quickly, in others never . ... This is complete double standards,” he added.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016