Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 24 10 2016

SEE INSIDE

The Essequibo

By Tajeram Mohabir

No. 104714

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Storm slams No.19 Village ... rips off 4 & 5 roofs, residents lose millions Pages

A house belonging to cane harvester Alimudeen Gobin which was completely destroyed by the 10-minute storm that visited Number 19 Village, Corentyne on Sunday morning. A distraught Khatoon Bassurdeen, 72, (inset) contemplates her losses

Derecognise them

... RUSAL workers urged to Page 3 cut ties with GB&GWU

Guyana, Chile to sign visa 9 abolition agreement Page

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

3

Derecognise them

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

... RUSAL workers urged to cut ties with GB&GWU

By Ariana Gordon THE Russian-controlled Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) has prepared a document indicating that its workers no longer wish to be represented by the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU).

The company is instructing its workers to sign this document, which the company would forward to the Government of Guyana with the hope that “the workers’ request would be respected”.

Guyana Chronicle has been reliably informed that this bauxite company has told its workers that it has found a union for them, and accordingly, “they must sign the document, and it will be forwarded to the Government to put the (GB&GWU) in its place.”

The BCGI has, moreover, issued contracts to those permanent employees who are perceived to be resisting the company’s position regarding the new union. “This contract gives the company the right to terminate an employee with just a month’s notice,” the source told Guyana Chronicle.

It has additionally been reported that the company has been intimidating its workers to obtain their support for the company’s intended actions.

One of the “contracts” issued to a permanent employee of BCGI and seen by this publication states that the contract is effective from October 10, 2016, and “shall remain in force unless terminated by either party in accordance with Clause 5 herein”.

C l a u s e 5 , h o w e v e r, speaks to “Liability to make good the damage”.

Clause 4, on the other hand, refers to termination of the contract. “This contract may at any time be terminated by either party in accordance with the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, No. 19 of 1997.”

Disconcertingly, the contract clearly states that the new agreement “replaces and supersedes all contracts of employment previously entered into by the parties”.

BCGI has long resisted recognising the GB&GWU. Contacted on Sunday, one BCGI employee told Guyana Chronicle that many persons have been duped into signing this

“contract” with the belief that they would be promoted and their wages and salaries enhanced. The employee, who has more than 10 years’ service with the BCGI, said: “They come and had a meeting with us and tell us that we will go to contract…. Some people ain’t read it, some people done sign it already; but when I read this contract…

“They keep saying they don’t want union; they are not prepared to work with no third party,” the worker recounted. The worker said that speaking out causes “lots of pressure (to) start coming down on me”.

“These people does push you a lot -- to the limit; (such) that you could do them anything…,” the frustrated worker told the Guy-

but “so many months after, nothing has happened for us”.

“Everybody waiting; they (the new Government) come in and say any problem we get, they willing to help us.

They made election promises. Ninety per cent of these workers are not comfortable…we want to protest, but the workers are scared.”

According to the worker, the time is ripe for the Gov-

frustrated worker declared.

“Workers are badly in need of this union (GB&GWU). You could deh and hear anything go wrong. We are willing to strike, but we have no union to represent us…,” the worker explained.

Attempts to contact Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, with responsibility for labour, Keith Scott, were

Flashback: Concerned workers listen to then Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, who had led a team to the bauxite company in November last year it tells you you’d no longer be a permanent employee, and all your benefits would be gone if you sign it.”

CLAIMS This employee said the BCGI management has repeatedly said that there is no need for a union to represent the workers, and has noted that it would find ways to ensure that the workers remain unrepresented. “They kept saying that they’d turn contract workers into permanent workers, and permanent workers into contract workers…but when they give me the contract to sign, immediately I tell them to give me some time… I asked them if I can come back with the contract, and they said no, so I took copies of it. They told me I can only get the contract after signing it,” this worker recounted.

According to the worker, who claims to be holding on only because of family commitments, the situation at BCGI is becoming even more frustrating, as management is hurling threats at workers. The worker likened the situation at the Berbice River company to what obtains under slavery.

ana Chronicle.

This worker says the company has given workers up to Tuesday to sign the contract. Asked what alternatives workers have who refuse to sign the contract, the worker replied, “I honestly don’t know.”

The worker explained that a work mate who is unwell was told by management that “if he don’t sign the contract he won’t get paid, and he won’t have a job… They didn’t tell me anything,” the worker stated.

Without representation from a union, the employee said, “it don’t be easy”.

Workers are forced to work in dangerous conditions, and are often threatened when they refuse to carry out functions that are unsafe. “If you refuse to work how they want you to work, they tell you pack up and go along,” the worker revealed.

CAMPAIGN PROMISE For fear of victimization, this employee has requested anonymity, but disclosed that workers are pleading with the Government to assist them.

The employee said that before elections were held, many promises were made;

ernment to intervene and assist the workers of BCGI. “These people are taking advantage of us…they are doing what they have to do, but we have nobody to represent our interests…. By the time the Government decides to act, there will be no permanent employees here, just ‘contract’ workers.”

Additionally, the BCGI employee said, workers have not seen an increase in wages and salaries for a number of years. “…is like you in a slave camp… you scared because you have a family, and that ain’t supposed to be,” the

unsuccessful on Sunday, as his mobile device was switched off.

ALARM The National Association of Agricultural, Commercial & Industrial Employees (NAACIE) had in September expressed alarm that the interest and welfare of bauxite workers were being “increasingly dependent on the priorities of expatriate ownership and management”.

In a letter to the editor, which was published in the Stabroek News on Sep-

tember 1, 2016, NAACIE had said that it noted with trepidation the sidelining of legal representation of one union in the bauxite sector (GB&GWU) seemingly in preference to the relationship of a company (RUSAL) with Government.

“This is wholly reprehensible, as it undermines trade union democracy, whereby bauxite workers are now shrewdly being denied representation by the union of their choice”, NAACIE had said.

The union says representation by a trade union is a guaranteed right granted by the Constitution of Guyana, and noted that while the Department of Labour serves to conciliate on technical matters relevant to non-agreement, or statements between unions and employers, “never should any Government seek to usurp the status and role of a union elected by workers”.

“As one of the unions in the bauxite industry, (and as) a representative of workers employed by BOSAI Guyana, NAACIE views the infringements by the RUSAL employers with great concern”, NACCIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph had stated.

“NAACIE views the ongoing saga, whereby RUSAL is refusing to recognise GB&GWU in keeping with the Laws of Guyana, with disquiet… This is not what the Coalition Government promised. NAACIE supports union recognition for RUSAL workers, in keeping with the laws, and offers our unstinted solidarity to the GB&GWU. All the workers of Guyana respect the right to be unionized.”

Attempts to contact representatives of BCGI on this issue have proved futile.

Storm slams No.19 Village

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 24, 2016

... rips off roofs, residents lose millions

By Nafeeza Yahya HEAVY winds accompanied by rain on Sunday morning ripped through homes at Number 19 Village on the Corentyne Coast, leaving a trail of destruction and millions of dollars in losses in their aftermath.

According to residents, the storm damaged about 20 houses on the northern side of the public road in an ordeal that lasted no more than 10 minutes.

The storm had residents scampering for shelter with some thinking the world was coming to an end, while many others thought it was bandits trying to gain entry into their homes.

When this newspaper visited the scene, zinc sheets, branches and other debris littered the street as workers were busy trying to mend the broken roofs. Several sofas and mattresses were placed in the open to dry. Alimudeen Gobin, whose house was toppled, said he was not at home at the time the storm

This shed belonging to the Barafs was destroyed by the storm

passed. He is counting his blessings amid his losses, pointing out that if he were at home, he would have probably been seriously injured or dead.

“Me nah been home, but if me ben deh me would a dead because the roof fall down when the house topple and land straight on me bed,” he told the Guyana Chronicle.

Gobin, a cane harvester, related that when he arrived home to get ready for work at around 04:30hrs, he was shocked to meet his house completely destroyed and on its sides.

He was unaware of what had happened until he also saw the other houses nearby were also severely damaged. Nizam

This house was left without a roof after the storm

DATE: 22/10/2016 J

06 10 13 14 16 26 04

22/10/2016

04 12

16 21 22

22/10/2016

7

5

7

22/10/2016

2

3

8

Khalil, 50, said the experience was the worst of his life as he felt as if he was in a battlefield in Iraq.

“The rain was falling and then suddenly there was a loud bang then, it sounded like a million big fire crackers started going off Bang!

Bang! Bang ! All at the same time! I jumped up from bed and run in the hall and I see the ceiling caving in and I freeze. My daughter come and I hugged she, I started to feel rain drops and when I watch up I see the roof gone. We move to the back room and I just hugged me daughter and stayed there until everything stopped… I tell you it was the worst experience in me entire 50 year life. I feel like I was in Iraq in the middle of the war how this thing sounding, loud and vibrating.”

Khalil was not able to assess his losses fully, but estimated it will be over $1.5M since a lot of his electronic appliances were damaged due to the rain.

“I had a shed that I recently build that cost me $400,000, me nah know where the shed is. I can’t find the zinc nor the rafters – nothing -- the only thing I see is one post that still standing… I was able to find back some materials for the roof and a few fuh the ceiling. Me 55 inch TV, 2 desktop computers and a laptop all soak with water,” he told this publication.

BEGAN TO PRAY Khatoon Bassurdeen, 72, who lives a street away from the Khalils, said when she felt the vibration and saw her roof being ripped off, she jumped out of bed and began pray since she thought the world was about to end. “When me hear the heavy thunder and vibration and the roof fly off, I jump out ah bed in me nightie and start fuh See page 5

01 07

22/10/2016 09 10 15 19

20

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 24, 2016

Storm slams ...

Workers fix the roof of a house after the storm had passed

“When me hear the heavy thunder and vibration and the roof fly off, I jump out ah bed in me nightie and start fuh prostrate and pray to God, because me think the world a guh end; how me prostrate so long me knee all bruise up… me stay and prayed until everything quiet down then me get up and thank God fuh saving me life” -- Khatoon Bassurdeen, 72 A fence lost a few staves after a coconut tree broken by the storm fell on it

The damage done to the interior of the Khalils home by the storm From page 4 prostrate and pray to God, because me think the world a guh end; how me prostrate so long me knee all bruise up… me stay and prayed until everything quiet down then me get up and thank God fuh saving me life.”

Bassurdeen in tears said the experience was nothing like she ever experienced in her life and

does not wish to go through it ever again.

“Me just turn 72 yesterday and it did better God been tek me life in me sleep than fuh me experience that last night… me nah find me tennie fuh guh because blackout come and all light cut off me think me been ah guh dead. Me grandson Vikey who live next door run under a bed and hide, so me holler tell am fuh come

over . Me ah wan pensioner me nah know how me roof guh fix.”

Across from her home, the entire street was blocked up with the remains of a huge shed and parts of coconut trees. The shed belongs to the Barafs and was said to have cost approximately $2.5M to build. The family made the shed to accommodate their combines, trucks and other equipment that they use to harvest rice. According to Mrs Baraf, when the ‘terror ’ started, she thought it was bandits at first and clutched her family and moved to safety in a secured area in the home, and after calm was restored, they came out to see what had happened.

She said she was shocked to see the shed in the middle

of the street and immediately called out to neighbours to ensure they were safe. “ We c a m e o u t a n d see the shed in the middle of the street, my first thought was it fell on any of the neighbours’ house so we got flashlights and called out to make sure everyone was ok. We did not go back to sleep and when it got bright, we realised all four coconut trees broke off and fell into the street. The entire shed collapsed on the combines and fence, but luckily no one was hurt.” The storm left many houses without roofs and their interior destroyed. Residents told this publication that they are thankful that no one was seriously hurt and are asking for assistance to rebuild their homes.

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial Disagreement over the AG Report THERE is growing clamour for public officials, elected and appointed, to be mindful of what they say, how they interact with others, and how they conduct the people’s business. Advancement of media technology not only allows opportunities in real time to follow what someone says or does, but also aids in projecting an image or hurting the best of intent. In this Information Age perception, fortune, careers and reputations can rise or fall easily, and it helps to be mindful of the potential impact.

With specific reference to the 2015 Auditor-General’s Report, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has advised the society that Auditor-General Deodat Sharma had submitted same without regard for what he considered established customs and practices, and on the part of the media its reportage being so affected. The report prepared by the Audit Office is a vital and important piece of work in governance, given that it pays attention to the management of the State’s finances, and can help officials to improve on their performance.

The Finance Minister as political head of the ministry from which the nation’s finances flow, carries the responsibility to oversee implementation of the state’s programmes which are developed through government’s policies, and are expected to be executed within the confines of the law. The media has an important role to play in society.

Outside of mediating between makers and senders of the news, it also carries a civic responsibility to ensure accuracy in reporting and giving all sides a chance to be heard. It is therefore important for all to get it right.

Sharma in presenting the report to Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, had made known concerns about continued abuse of the Contingency Fund. On the minister’s part, he attended to his recall on departure from precedence, customs and practices, reporting relationships, the period the APNU+AFC had been in office, and their management of the Fund vis-a-vis previous administrations.

In a previous editorial, “The Auditor General’s Report” (3rd October) it was noted that this administration came to office in May 2015 and given the expected learning curve, there would be some teething problems, though it is expected efforts would be made to operate within the law

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

Seetaram’s letter consists of rather selective information Dear Editor, THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was indeed surprised and, also, not acquainted with some of the assertions and revelations made by Mr Abel Seetaram in his letter titled “Given the state of GuySuCo, benefits to estate managers must be trimmed,” that appeared in the October 14, 2016 Stabroek News.

At the outset, we must express our strong disagreement with Mr Seetaram’s view that the industry is no longer viable. We wish to draw to the author’s attention that the sugar industry’s viability and future are secured by pursuing certain diversification which has been publicly distilled on several occasions. These endeavours, we must remind, were reflected in the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar industry.

While, indeed, the European Union (EU) price cut posed challenges to the industry, it cannot be ignored that the industry’s production has fallen deleteriously in recent years. For 2016, sugar production is expected to reach about 194,000 tonnes, according to GuySuCo. It is a dramatic fall from the target of 242,000 tonnes declared in the 2016 Budget. It is agreed that the industry’s productive capacity is far in excess of the budget target, but the industry continues to be hamstrung by various agronomic maladies.

Careful attention to this important aspect of the industry’s operations is required most urgently.

The author also makes reference to the denial of “several packages”.

This is indeed a startling revelation and he may want to share with the union and/or the public the details of these “packages”? From the GAWU’s point-of-view, we have always sought to ensure that sugar workers and all workers the union represents get the maximum pos-

sible benefits and that their rights and conditions are safeguarded and promoted. We have never and will never engage in action/s which are inimical to such positions and we find Mr Seetram’s assertions most disturbing and untrue.

We are pleased, however, to note the author’s support for workers to enjoy improved pay and benefits. It is noted that he seeks to juxtapose the denial of such improvements in 2015 and 2016 to profitability.

This raises the question and to ask if “profitability” is the only criterion used to determine improvements for workers’ wages in the state sector?

Moreover, isn’t it discriminatory for sugar workers to be the only group of state employees to not benefit from improvements, especially in view of the rising cost of living?

It may also be interesting for the author to know that many sugar industries in the world to our knowledge, in one way or another, receive some form of state support in these times.

Such support takes account of the very important economic and social contributions the industry makes to the country. Furthermore, Mr Seetaram may also find it of interest to learn that the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in assessing a request for financial assistance to aid the industry’s mechanisation, said:- “… it is economically viable for the GoG to continue subsidising and protecting the cultivation and harvesting of sugar cane and processing of sugar for export and local consumption.”

The CDB further said:- “Projects and programmes that enhance sugar cane cultivation and sugar manufacturing have the potential to earn foreign exchange, but may not be always financially profitable. Consequently, given the importance of foreign exchange to the economy, such operations may, at times, need government’s protection and/or support in meeting operating and capital costs.”

Apart from the almost 17,000

and honour campaign commitments. It was therefore heartening to hear Minister Jordan reiterate the commitment to transparency and accountability and taking no offence to the Audit Office holding the administration to such standard.

It should be said that where customs and practices are in conflict with the law, the law supersedes.

Constitutional amendments in 2001 made the Audit Office independent of the Executive and established a reporting relationship with the National Assembly.

The issue of the amount of money used from the Contingency Fund by previous governments, though important for comparative analysis, of equal importance is that of accounting for the management of the budgetary allocations within the confines of the laws. In the abuses of the Fund by the PPP/C, irrespective of amount, it would be to the nation’s benefit when incumbent and future administrations avoid similar malpractices.

direct employees, the sugar company also facilitates close to 2,000 small to large cane farmers. It is estimated that tens of thousands of other Guyanese are indirectly employed due to the sugar industry. Additionally, one cannot ignore the services the industry provides to various communities and employees of the sugar estates.

Given the direct and indirect employment of the sugar industry, the economic importance of GuySuCo cannot be understated. Following the rebasing of the GDP in 2006, the industry’s yearly contribution is about 5 per cent of national GDP and about 19 per cent of agricultural GDP. Importantly, too, it is still among the largest sources of foreign exchange, and it’s probably the largest net foreign exchange earner.

Should the industry be minimised or be gotten rid of altogether, as is being promoted in some quarters, there will be severe repercussions for all Guyanese. For instance, in the areas of its operations, it is the single most important economic activity and source of employment.

The industry also supports the rice, cash-crop farming and other agriculture sub-sectors in several areas, and helps to manage the anti-flood control systems with its vast network of drainage and irrigation. If the multiplier effect is considered, the economic impact is extended directly and indirectly to commercial banks, insurers, suppliers and service providers.

Clearly, the letter appearing in Abel Seetaram’s name consists of rather selective information and, unfortunately, excludes important data that could have provided a far better understanding of the industry at this time.

Yours faithfully, SEEPAUL NARINE General Secretary Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

The nation has not forgotten shadow minister of finance Carl Greenidge’s relentless pursuit to have the PPP/C administration conform to the law, including placing into the Consolidated Fund revenues garnered from a number of agencies such as the Lotto, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and NICIL. Where these continued not to happen the society did not expect this. It was expected that these would have been corrected as matter of priority and law on the APNU+AFC’s ascension to office and such expectation is reasonable Outside of Guyanese needing to have confidence in their Government and the system of governance, Guyana’s failure to conform to international best practices has consequences in our ratings by reputable international institutions and countries that want to do business with us. With an eye to these, it remains important that we seek to do the right thing, relational and operational.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

‘Green’ investments in Guyana, Guiana Shield good investments ––President tells IDB

PRESIDENT David Granger has enlightened senior operatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on the appropriateness of investing in Guyana and the Guiana Shield as a whole.

He met on Saturday with Graham Watkins, Principal Environmental Specialist at the IDB; and Juan Pablo Bonilla, Manager of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Sector of the IDB, on the sidelines of Conservation International’s Annual Board Meeting in

Washington DC; and in an invited comment following that meeting, President Granger said, “The Guiana Shield is the single most important zone of biodiversity in the world today, and it is much better than anything you can find in Africa or Asia in terms of the richness of its biodiversity. So that’s a big plus; and, of course, Guyana is central.

“Despite its relatively small size in relation to Brazil and Venezuela, Guyana is a central part of the Shield…

In terms of investment hori-

Training teachers for managerial responsibilities MS. Denise Belgrave, Chairperson of the Education Committee of Region 10 is reported (Guyana Times, 22/10/16) to have said that: “Training, guidance essential for teachers performing management duties.” Besides my continuing professional interest in both teaching and management development, this interesting report aroused some special nostalgia in me going way back to the early 1960s.

Since that time the late Mr. Neil Cadogan of New Amsterdam, who was the Education Officer overseeing the schools in East Berbice recognised the need for the kind of management training of which Ms. Belgrave spoke.

He accordingly sought help from the late Mr. Harold B .Davis, who was then the Bookers Sugar Estates’ Director of Personnel Management (now Human Resource Management) and famous for his passionate dedication and sterling contribution to Management Development. (in keeping with this noble passion, Mr Davis also founded the Guyana Institute of Management which unfortunately became defunct).

In response to Mr Cadogan’s intuitive need analysis, Mr Davis suggested a series of Saturday seminars on Supervision and Management for the Head Teachers and graciously advised Mr Cadogan that I was capable of conducting the suggested seminars. At that time I was the ‘Personnel Manager’ of the Rose Hall sugar estate in Berbice.

Accordingly, Mr Cadogan and I embarked on the Saturday seminars which were well attended and I believe much appreciated. I thought of recounting the foregoing as our current education administrators might draw some parallels from same and possibly consider taking similar cost- and time- saving initiatives.

Another cost-effective and perhaps more appropriate approach could be the ToT model (Training of Trainers) whereby all Head Teachers are specially trained and required to orient, teach and induct regular teachers who have the potential for managerial roles, so that a sufficient cadre of professional teachers are available for appointment to supervisory/managerial positions.

Yours sincerely, NOWRANG PERSAUD

zon, we impressed upon the bank that an investment in the Shield, an investment in Guyana, would be a good investment for (the IDB to make).”

With reference to potential investment areas, the President said the priority areas for Guyana are institution building -- to strengthen Guyana’s institutional capability; and infrastructural development, particularly the generation of sustainable energy.

“We saw this as a part of a partnership with other states in the Guiana Shield, particularly Suriname and Cayenne,” the Ministry of the Presidency quoted the President as saying, in a release.

The IDB officials also identified agriculture and forestry as other areas of possible investment.

According to its web-

President David Granger with Head of Conservation International Guyana, Dr. David Singh; and Vice President of Amazonia Americas Division of Conservation International, Lisa Famolare, during a meeting with Climate Change and Sustainable Development Sector Manager, Juan Pablo Bonilla; and IDB Principal Environmental Specialist, Graham Watkins site, the IDB’s 2012–2016 strategy is designed to help Guyana achieve continued economic growth, while at the same time promoting the sustainability of the coun-

try’s natural resource endowments.

Specifically, the strategy primarily seeks to support Guyana’s objective of achieving sustainable

private sector-led growth by giving priority to investments that promote the sustainability of its natural resources through green investments.

727 graduate from PYARG programme

By Vishani Ragobeer

S E V E N h u n d re d a n d twenty-seven youths between ages 14-24 on Saturday graduated from the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG) and they were urged by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to continue to build on their successes.

“Even though we all start from humble beginnings, we can all excel in life and we can become what we have dreamt and chose to be,” the Prime Minister told the graduands.

He said for the nation to progress, the capacity of young people has to be developed and pointed out that this can be achieved through formal and informal education programmes.

T h e P YA R G p r o gramme, he said is one such initiative (informal programme), noting that it has managed to enrich the experiences of young people through a voluntary exercise.

The skills learnt during the programme are geared to help participants develop the right attitude to become worthy citizens of society.

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnarine, who

A Gold Medal awardee receives his certificate from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo also addressed the graduation ceremony, said Guyana’s progress as a nation can be no swifter than the progress it makes in education.

And on that note, he commended the programme, pointing out that it builds the psychological skills of the participants while empowering them economically, culturally, organisationally, socially and communally.

“Never lose focus of your passion and purpose,” the minister beseeched the graduands.

T h i s y e a r, t h e 1 8 t h PYARG graduation ceremony saw some 529 students graduating with Bronze medals, 161 with Silver and 37 with Gold.

The PYARG, a youth centred programme, has reached out to some 18,000 youths

aged 14-24 over the years.

It provides them the opportunity to be involved in skills training, community service, physical recreation, adventurous journeys and explorations -- all of which serve to enrich their lives while benefiting communities.

Each category of the programme has a duration of 16-18 months.

8

Engagements over

By Margaret Burke

THE Guyana Coconut Festival concluded on Sunday, and the four days of activities (October 20 – 23) were not wasted. However, it is left up to all the powers that be to protect, nurture, and bring to maturity what can turn out to be a ‘giant’ of an industry in Guyana.

Va r i o u s s t a k e h o l d e r s played their part, and promised to continue to do as much as is now within their power to help ensure that this industry rises.

Stakeholders from all across the country, as well as those from overseas in addition to those from international agencies, did what they were asked to do up to this point: they were all engaged, now it is time for the marriage!

Dean and Senior lecturer of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry of the University of Guyana, Dr Elroy Charles in engaging the conference noted that, “Its aim was to provide a place of education, learning and research of a standard required and expected of a University of the highest standard, and to secure the advancement of knowledge and the diffusion and extension of arts, sciences and learning throughout Guyana.”

“UG recognizing the need to build this capacity in the Agricultural Industry has offered for the first time a degree in Agriculture in 1977.” He further explained that the programme remained as a general degree until 1996 when UG initiated the semesterisation, at the same time updated the curriculum with the Faculty of Agriculture that introduced options in Animal Sciences, Crop Sciences and Soil Sciences and at the same time introduced an annual course, namely Research project.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 24, 2016

--time for marriage and to fructify plans, Coconut Festival hears

Dr Elroy Charles “The course has allowed faculty and students to engage in a number of research that supported the industry, even this third most important crop, coconut,” re indicated.

Dr. Charles went on to explain that the Faculty maintained its goal which is to create teaching and learning opportunities for students to gain the necessary knowledge, engage in training and develop skills to discover, generate, disseminate and apply knowledge of the highest standard, to enable them to manage and develop the Agriculture resources of Guyana and the region. Hence, UG has embarked on supporting this important industry through its mandate.

A coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, also known as a dry drupe. However, when using loose definitions, the coconut can be all three: a fruit, a nut, and a seed.

“Even prior to this coconut festival, UG has shown its leadership in directing fundamental research in the areas of: Pest and disease Management- e.g., the control of the red palm mites; By product testing and

cy in the industry, the Dean has made recommendations for appropriate biotechnology, which will ensure quality planting material for markets needs and its environment; secure investment opportunity, hence guidance and knowledge to link production and productivity.

In terms of inputs, there be reliable and regular supply, which is needed to guarantee production; At the same time, Coconut fiber, also known as coir, having safety and quality of comes from the inner husk of coconuts products to maintain market development e.g., the testing ment and its assessments. the sector and the quality of its with consideration given to use of rancidity in quinches to imR and D. In addition, let it be of fertilisers.

He noted that food security prove the product, fibre board FOUR FACULTIES known, that the university is technology as a cooling agent INVOLVED already offering the MPhil and is not only providing food but in poultry house materials, UG has initiated this de- PhD in Biodiversity and this safe food as well, and that activated charcoal as water velopment through its own programme will see research market communication is thus filters, among others; Product curriculum development pro- done in the areas of Systemat- required for timely production. use- e.g., through the use of cess among four science fac- ics, Biodiversity Services and Dr Charles added that knowlcoconut fibre as bedding ma- ulties: Faculties of Technol- Climate studies, among others edge on practices for suitable terial for mushroom, nursery ogy, Natural Sciences, Earth which can further support the and safe food and nutrition is and in hydroponics,” the Dean and Environment Studies and development of the (coconut) also required.

In expounding further, he stated.

Agriculture and Forestry, by industry,” Dr Charles said. noted that in order to ensure There are many voices offering courses that are relimproved techniques for crops to the future direction of this evant to the industry’s needs, THE WAY FORWARD industry. Importantly, this fu- for example, in biotechnology, Throughout the conference there must be the maintenance ture should be directed by a food sciences, and even further the coconut industry here has of appropriate temperature to clear policy – a policy that allowing its students and staff been seen as having tremen- keep healthy foods, as well as has emanated from a wholistic to consider this industry in dous potential, which when precise systems of management needs assessment of the sector. its research and development steered along the correct path to ensure and improve producOne that is not directed by trajectory. could simply, ‘make our coun- tion and productivity.

Communication through partisan interest, but driven In particular, the Faculty try rich’. by a number of key stakehold- of Agriculture and Forestry, The University of Guyana, extension services must be ers, such as UG, Ministry of recognizing the shortage in through its major players, is available through which there Agriculture, NAREI, IAST, capacities to build the Agricul- ready to play that role. In fact, can be appropriate management Food and Drugs, FAO, IICA, ture sector, has endeavoured to Dr Charles stated clearly that techniques used to improve the CARDI, other NGOs and the offer among others, the MSc is UG and especially his and sector and more so the coconut private sector bodies, each Agrotechnology and Agribusi- other relevant faculties have industry, he asserted.

Dr Charles noted, “UG performing its unique role for ness, which will commence in not only now been focusing the sector’s improved produc- 2017 and will offer courses in on this industry. He men- will not stand be a bystander tion, productivity and product the concentration of Agron- tioned, as stated before, that but will continue to take the development. omy, Animal sciences, Food they have been ‘on the ball’ initiative in ensuring that He mentioned that UG Sciences, Biotechnology and for some years now and so it this industry and others are stands willing to further sup- Agribusiness. is that they are now looking at developed to further Guyport this industry through the “No doubt, this direction the way forward, in an effort ana’s prominence. UG will building of capacities, offer- and its outputs are expected to further advance the cause of collaborate with its partners in ensuring that this becomes ing training, and conducting to energise the industry to see the industry. research and product develop- growth and improvement in In order to ensure efficien- a reality.”

One hospitalised in Herstelling accident

EYEWITNESSES have said that the driver of Mazda motor car PTT 5087 was speeding when his vehicle hit Toyota motor car PMM 2954 on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) carriageway in the vicinity of Herstelling, causing it to flip several times. One vehicle ended up turned turtle in a nearby drain while the other lay toppled on its side.

The cars were both heading in a southerly direction; and while Vishnu Rampersaud, driver of Toyota PMM 2954, escaped without a scratch, the driver of Mazda PTT 5087 had to be rushed to

Vishnu Rampersaud inspecting his damaged vehicle following the crash (Samuel Maughn Photo) the Georgetown Public Hospital. Fortunately, the other four occupants of that vehicle, which included a child,

escaped unhurt.

Detailing the events leading up to the accident, Rampersaud said he had left the

This toddler is being held by a relative who visited the accident site after the crash, while some of the occupants stand next to the Mazda that was involved in the accident (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Demerara Harbour Bridge, heading towards Diamond, EBD; and in the vicinity of the police station, he saw a vehicle in his rear view mirror approaching at a very fast.

“By the time I look back in the mirror, the man lash my vehicle from the back, causing my vehicle to topple two times, landing on the top. By the time I come out of my vehicle, people in the area tell me the driver run away,” Rampersaud said. He added: “I was wearing my seat belt, and I thank God I wasn’t hurt. I am thankful.”

An occupant of the Mazda said she did not know what exactly had happened.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

Guyana, Chile to sign visa abolition agreement

THE Presidents of Guyana and Chile are to sign a Reciprocal Visa Abolition Agreement along with the Open Skies Air Service Agreement when President David Granger visits Chile on a State Visit this week.

The State Visit begins today and will end on Wednesday, a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency disclosed on Saturday.

President Granger is also slated to deliver a lecture at the Andrés Bello Diplomatic Academy of Chile. The President’s lecture will be on his vision and assessment, as well as the strategic implications of his call for the Caribbean to be preserved as a zone of peace.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Guyanese Head of State said that relations between Guyana and Chile and the Spanish-Speaking country and CARICOM [Caribbean Community] are cordial and strong.

Guyana’s President David Granger and Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet shake hands during their meeting in July. At left are Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge and the acting Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Audrey Waddell “Chile is a key member of UNASUR [The Union of South American Nations], CELAC [Community of

Latin American and Caribbean States] and MERCOSUR; and it (was) only this year (that) an embassy

Gov’t parts ways with Pulander Khandai GOVERNMENT has parted ways with Pulander Khandai, politically appointed Permanent Secretary at the Teaching Services Commission.

Well-placed sources told the Guyana Chronicle that Khandai, who had over the years hop-scotched around several ministries, was served with notice to that effect by the Ministry of the Presidency. His last day on the job will be November 30.

Khandai has served as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. He is one of several permanent secretaries who had been appointed by the former administration who had not come through the Public Service system.

President David Granger, on assuming office, has made the rebuilding of a

professional public service a key part of his administration’s programme of governance. At a meeting he had held with permanent secretaries last June, President Granger had told the senior public servants that their position was the pinnacle of the professional career of a public servant, and his government would ensure that the conditions under which they functioned were as close as possible to ideal, and that there was a high level of satisfaction and commitment among them.

He explained that, like law and medicine, public service is a profession that requires a high level of competency and professionalism.

“Ministers may change, but permanent secretaries are meant to be permanent… to run a ministry continuously for a long period of time.

Every day, and whoever the minister is, the permanent secretary must be able to

discharge his/her function in an efficient manner; but they cannot do that unless they are educated,” President Granger had said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who holds the portfolio for Public Service. Harmon had emphasised at that meeting that permanent secretaries have a critical role to play in the functioning of the ministries.

He had informed the permanent secretaries that the President would soon introduce a draft strategic plan for the various ministries, outlining a broad framework within which each ministry would function, and what they should focus on. This draft plan would also highlight Government’s green agenda.

Minister Harmon had said, “The first and foremost responsibility of every government ministry is to push that green agenda.”

9

was opened in Georgetown.

I would say the relations are cordial and strong, and they are growing in strength now,” he said.

This week’s visit to Chile by President Granger follows Chile’s President, Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet, visiting Guyana in July, when she held bilateral talks with President Granger and participated in the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting.

“This is a step towards strengthening the bonds between Chile and the Caribbean, too. Chile particularly has a large maritime zone, and the Caribbean really is a maritime zone; so we expect that there will be a good base for bilateral cooperation,” said President Granger, who will assume Chairmanship of CARICOM in 2017.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

The day my life changed Part Two

I LAY on the floor by my bedroom door crying. My body in pain and my mind filled with the worse grief I have ever experienced in my short life. Earlier that day my Uncle Mikey sneaked into our house and sexually assaulted me, yes me, an 11-year-old girl. I was home alone; too ill to attend school and now my whole life has changed in the most horrible way possible.

My grandfather picked me up and took me to my bed, but I couldn’t stop crying.

I could see the concern in his eyes as he called my mother. She came quickly and asked me what was wrong? I shouted out through my sobs and tears, that Uncle Mikey hurt me ; I don’t know if they understood or if I was making sense, but I said it over and over again as I pointed

to the sheets and my soiled nightdress on the floor.

That was the first time I saw my grandfather cry, he got up with tears in his eyes and left the room. My mother calmed me down by wrapping her arms around me, her body felt weak and cold.

She kept saying everything is going to be alright baby; everything is going to be alright… Her warm tears touched my cheeks and her words comforted me.

My mother got the police and the Childcare and Protection Agency involved. Uncle Mikey was arrested and we had to go to court where I gave evidence.

I was surprised when they let Uncle Mikey out on bail pending a trial. After that, every time the case was called to court, he got bail. It seemed as if he was free: Free to go where he liked and do what he liked, free to have fun and get on with his life. Free to rape another little girl if he wanted to. But I wasn’t free, because

I was the victim of a brutal sexual attack and my life changed forever on that day.

Sometimes when I was happy or having fun it would come flooding back through my mind: what he did to me and how helpless I felt. He put me through a lot of pain, he is a wicked man.

So much time has passed and there still hasn’t been a trial, Uncle Mikey just keeps getting more bail. Next week, I will be 17 years old and I am writing my CSEC exams soon. I am too ashamed to go to court now and talk about what he did, it seems so long ago. It is already a dark shadow over my life that causes me pain deep inside. And it hurts even more when I think that he may never go to jail for the crime he committed against me.

(A true story as related to a Childcare and Protection Officer) The justice system should work in favour of our children, but in delaying justice the system is denying justice to the

children who are victims of abuse. What type of message is this sending to the perpetrator and to our society on the whole?

So many child sex offenders walk free after a period of time, as if the crime never happened. While in contrast the victims are scarred for life. Perpetrators deserve to go jail for their heinous acts against children, so whenever and wherever possible we must advocate for effective teamwork among the police, medical staff and the courts, to ensure speedy, effective results and incarceration for ALL child sex offenders. (Names and locations have been altered to protect identity) If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Agency Hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@ gmail.com A message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

Mahaicony murder suspects for court today

THE two suspects who confessed to the murder of 56-year-old businesswoman, Bibi Nesha Shairoon called “Shakeela” are expected to make their first court appearance today to answer to the charge of murder.

Shairoon was Monday last found dead at her home at Lot 3, Novar, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

The businesswoman was found with her hands and feet bound and with injuries to other parts of her body.

The two suspects, a 14-year-old and a 25-yearold gave police a detailed statement about the murder after being grilled.

The duo admitted to beating the woman in her head with a frying pan.

The mother of three, who only last month celebrated her 56th birthday, had also

Dead: Bibi Nesha Shairoon been robbed earlier this year.

According to an autopsy done on Tuesday, Shairoon died of blunt trauma

to the head.

The 25-year-old suspect, a fisherman of Rosignol, Berbice, reportedly told investigators that he had owed some money to a drug dealer, and as such, he and the teenager planned the robbery on the businesswoman.

The suspects related to investigators that when they entered the woman’s house, she put up a fight but was struck to the head with the frying pan and subsequently collapsed.

The 14-year-old boy had previously worked with Shairoon to clean the yard and perform other tasks.

On the night of the murder, the teenager told the fisherman that he had a job for them to do and was taken to the woman’s

Bandits rob Berbice businessman THE HOME of businessman Jacob Mootoo of Alness Village, Corentyne in Region Six, was invaded by two armed and masked men in the wee hours of Sunday, and an undisclosed sum of money and two cellphones were taken away.

Mootoo, who operates a grocery and off-licence shop, said that at about 02:00h on Sunday, the men gained access to his home through a front window on the upper flat of his two-storey home by smashing out the grillwork.

“I was in bed, and got up to close the side window -- since it started to rain and I usually leave that one open -- when I heard a loud sound by the front window. I done know is thief, so I tried to holler and run downstairs,” he said.

Mootoo related that as he ran downstairs, his wife followed him, and he picked up a cutlass to confront the bandits. As he was making his way up the stairs in the dark, he fired several chops in the direction of the bandits, who retaliated by firing two shots, both of which missed him.

Mootoo said the men then turned around and left through the very window from which they gained entry into his home. They carted

off an undisclosed sum of cash and two Sumsung Galaxy cellphones.

Mootoo’s (reputed) wife, Vimla Motee, said that when she heard the noise, she ran to awaken her sister who was in the next bedroom. However, the sister was not responding, and she ran downstairs to hide. Moments later, she explained, her sister opened her door but was confronted by the two men, who took away her cellphone. She also ran and hid in the shop.

Motee said that as her sister came to hide in the shop in the lower flat of the building, she opened a window and yelled: “Thief!

Thief!”

Her screams alerted neighbours and the police were contacted. They arrived in less than 10 minutes, but the bandits had by then already escaped.

No one was injured during the ordeal, and police have since launched an investigation into the robbery.

The Mootoo shop that was robbed in the wee hours of Sunday

house. From reports, the teenager had gone to the woman’s house earlier in the night and removed several boards to gain access to the home.

The Saturday before the body was found, the teenager reached the woman’s house 45 minutes before midnight and he crawled into the house through the opening and

opened the back door for the other suspect.

The woman was reportedly sitting on a chair in her bedroom and realising that she was still awake they confronted her and demanded money.

After receiving a bag containing $300,000, the duo who wanted more tied her up but she put up a fight.

It was at this point she was

struck to the head with the frying pan.

The teenager was subsequently arrested hours after the woman’s body was found.

The second suspect was arrested one day after police received information about his whereabouts and his possible involvement in the murder.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

Hair and Nail Expo a success

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Region 10 Cosmetologist and Barbers Association hosted another successful Hair and Nail Exposition on Friday and Saturday at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Hall in Mackenzie.

The event saw several nail technicians, barbers, make-up artists and hair dressers showcasing their skills in a most creative and admirable way.

Each participant had their individual booth set up with hair, nail and makeup products on sale, in addition to cosmetics and costume jewellery.

The aim was to lure potential clients to their booths to increase their clientele and also have friendly competition with other cosmetologists in an effort to better their skills and share more ideas.

On Friday, the participants gave back to the community by pampering all elderly customers for free.

They were also provided a meal.

Nedd, who emerged second walked away with a hamper of nail products.

Crystal told the Guyana Chronicle that the win was indeed surprising as she

One of the models at the Hair and Nail Exposition in Linden Saturday was the continuation of showcasing of skills during the day but during the night there was the annual nail battle and fashion show.

Four seasoned nail technicians took part in the competition in which they had one hour to do a complete nail design.

They were judged on creativity, originality and neatness. The winner Crystal Alleyne walked away with $50,000, while Wendy

is not a nail technician by profession.

“I feel ecstatic and excited, I’m especially proud of myself because I don’t do nails on a day to day basis, so I felt I was at a disadvantage, so I’m very proud of myself,” she said.

The nail battle was followed by the cat walk fashion show where several models flaunted designs of clothes made with hair and extravagant and uncommon hair styles.

Organiser of the event, Fnit Small said the idea of hosting the expo was birthed four years ago after being a hair dresser and realising the plethora of things that can be done with hair.

Being the first person to design an entire outfit of hair, she then formed the Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Nail Technicians.

Small said that the event was well supported by Lindeners, though there were expectations of a larger crowd.

According to Small, the expo has many benefits for the participants.

“It is all about showcasing one’s craft. We just don’t want to be in the box, but to put ourselves out of the box and make ourselves marketable... many persons said that after the expo their clientele grew significantly and they built stronger relationships with their competitors by sharing ideas to take back to their shop and they also have a boost in business for the couple days,” Small said.

She also revealed that for the first time this year, differently-abled young women participated and even modeled.

One hair dresser said the expo has benefited her tremendously as it allowed her to perfect her skills.

She said working around others and practicing her skill in a wide opened space with several onlookers has boosted her confidence level and her self-esteem grew.

Small is encouraging all Lindeners and cosmetologists to get involved in next year’s exposition.

Motorcyclist killed in accident ONE week after a 60- year-old motor cyclist was killed on the West Bank Demerara (WBD) roadway, another was killed Saturday night on the Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara Public Road.

Dead is 58-years-old cyclist, Albert Shivdyal of Goed Fortuin.

On October 14, the other cyclist, Clement Skeete called “Rastaman” of Bagotville was riding across the road from west to east and ended up into the path of a motor car.

Investigations have revealed that

motor car PNN 7289 was proceeding north along the western driveway at a fast rate, while the cyclist was proceeding in the said direction but on the eastern side of the road.

It was alleged that the cyclist then crossed the road from east to west, into the path of the car and was struck down.

He was picked up by ranks of a police patrol and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

ARIES If you’ve been playing the waiting game in the emotional arena, it could be time to turn your anticipation into action. You’re riding high on the energy of the playful Leo Moon in your 5th House of Romance. However, the urgency to free yourself from complicated entanglements standing between you and your happiness might prompt you to overreact. Instead of taking a risk, exercise a small dose of caution so you won’t do something you’ll regret. A new kind of love may be within reach, but you still have work to do before it’s yours.

TAURUS You may be excited and uneasy at the same time today, not quite knowing what to do with desires that don’t fit your usual patterns. You might have the opportunity to participate in a social event involving eccentric people that stretch your mind. You’re not even sure why you’re tempted by exotic food, weird music or unconventional art.

A sudden attraction to someone who isn’t your type or boredom with your current situation can shake your world now. Nevertheless, staying open-minded could turn your day into one you’ll never forget.

GEMINI Your mental intensity takes your conversations to a place you rarely go. However, your unusually penetrating perception could also introduce distrust while Mercury swims in Scorpio’s tumultuous waters, turning your mind’s eye inward to uncover the root causes of your current dilemma. Unfortunately, a sudden wave of desire doesn’t necessarily correspond to your intentions. Allow plenty of time to sort out the differences between what you feel in your gut and what your mind is telling you before making a major move.

CANCER On one hand, you yearn for the comfort of being with someone who accepts you as you are. On the other hand, you might sacrifice your true feelings to maintain stability, so that those close to you may not even know the real you. Don’t be afraid of changing your style and shocking someone with a personal disclosure today. If you are open and honest about your truth, your relationships will develop to reflect your integrity.

Discomfort is often the source of growth.

LEO Your adrenaline surges today as unfamiliar emotions whisk you into new relationship territory. However, interactive Mercury’s presence in mysterious Scorpio and your 4th House of Foundations prompts you to delve deeper into your psychological, spiritual and emotional roots. While you may be fearful of what you don’t understand and can’t control, you’re willing to explore the unknown because you believe stability is waiting on the other side of the fence. Sigmund Freud wrote, “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.”

VIRGO Volatile emotional dynamics can set your nerves on edge today. It’s more than likely that you will pursue connecting with a free-spirited person or revitalising the flagging energy in an existing relationship. But you may be more suspicious of others now that curious Mercury is taking up all the oxygen in your 3rd House of Data Collection.

Your current hunger for answers could be annoying if you turn it into an interrogation, so ease up on your investigation before you alienate those around you. In the words of Plato, “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”

LIBRA A sudden jolt of awareness can be upsetting, but only if you try to hold on to your previous agenda. Plans with a friend or partner may be disrupted today as the sparks fly, highlighting shocking Uranus in your 7th House of Others. Although you are known to step into the role of peacemaker, you’re no pushover now as communicator Mercury sinks into fixed Scorpio. Rather than waiting for something to happen, take control and turn the tables. Be the revolution, declare your independence and let freedom ring.

SCORPIO Your laser-like mental radar sees through people’s charades and hones in on the facts.

Your discernment powers are strong now that cerebral Mercury is camping out in your perceptive sign. However, you might erratically jump to an incorrect conclusion even if you have solid information at your disposal. Your desire for excitement is irrepressible today and could influence your behaviour. Even if you believe you know the truth, let your emotions settle before you say something you can’t take back. Thinking before acting is wisdom, but acting before thinking is regret.

SAGITTARIUS A sudden change in the emotional landscape can push you to the edge in a relationship now. Your urge to express what’s in your heart is so persistent that you might open up to a complete stranger if you have nowhere else to share your secrets. Although impulsive actions could inadvertently create distance with an existing friend or lover, your real goal is to demonstrate your passion for life. Discussing your feelings instead of acting them out leads to solutions rather than problems CAPRICORN Anything goes as unusually deep feelings bump up against external resistance today.

Nevertheless, you’re likely to express your desires no matter how odd they may sound.

In fact, remaining open to new forms of pleasure can bring unexpected rewards. Just as easily, your love life could be turned upside down when sweet Venus runs into reactionary Uranus, upsetting your plans or radically altering the direction of a relationship.

Honest communication leads to understanding, intimacy and mutual appreciation.

AQUARIUS Very little escapes your incisive thinking now; your perceptions are on point and you are a force to be reckoned with in your interactions with others. Nevertheless, a simple flirtation can heat things up so quickly that you don’t take time to logically consider the consequences of your actions. Making decisions on the spur of the moment might feel empowering, but may lead your heart into an emotional briar patch. Let your desire for truth override your need for pleasure and your heart will be happier in the long run PISCES You may act impulsively one moment and freeze with fear the next. Or you might attract people whose behaviour is as bewildering to you as yours is to them. Cerebral Mercury enters penetrating Scorpio and your 9th House of Higher Truth, empowering you to go the distance in your thinking. Unfortunately, your good sense could be shortlived as sudden attractions to new people, things or ideas turn into major distractions.

Ben Franklin advises, “If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.”

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

The charitable community of Dartmouth

DARTMOUTH, on the Essequibo Coast, was at one time referred to as “no man’s land” since it was a bushy strip of land that was never utilised for cultivation by the Dutch and British colonisers.

The area during the time of slavery was said to be somewhat of a maroon community, because slaves who escaped from their masters used to go there and take up residence among the thick vegetation.

The village has a proud history of being a sanctuary for the distressed.

During the period of Indentureship, Indians who were thrown out of their logies by plantation owners also used to seek refuge at Dartmouth. There they were welcomed by the African settlers and provided with food and temporary lodging until they ‘got

was at the time inaccessible.

At about 1860, leadership tendencies in the village began to emerge, and a system of democracy, communal work, religion and education took shape.

Dartmouth has pro-

Hopkinson is currently the Regional Executive Officer of Region Two. The most famous Dartmouth resident was the late statesman Dr. Ptolemy Reid, one time Minister of Agriculture and Prime Minister of Guyana, whose

pregnant woman delivered twins at the Charity stelling and there was no hospital nearby to provide her medical attention. Dr. Reid, who saw the delivery, was greatly concerned about the situation, they say. At the time there was

into a cottage hospital.

This decision, they say, brought joy to the hearts of the residents of the Essequibo Coast, especially those in the Charity/Pomeroon community.

The residents also related that Dartmouth, over

drainage system; a health centre; a community centre ground; nursery, primary and secondary schools; shops, and a spanking new modern hotel. The village is located some eight miles from Anna Regina, heading in the direction of Charity,

A bust of the late Prime Minister Dr. Ptolemy Reid is in the compound of the Dartmouth Nursery School

The 8th of May Secondary School in Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast

A small stallholder who set up shop at a road corner in Dartmouth back on the feet’.

Dartmouth at the time was a cul-de-sac. There was no road leading to Charity, and the area going further towards Charity was a dense jungle.

The Indians at the time referred to the village as “ludgejaa”, an Urdu word meaning “turn back”, since the area beyond the village

duced a number of outstanding Guyanese.

Among them are the Annamantadoos (Indians of Madras descent), who were doctors; and the Brummels and Clays, who were community leaders.

The first Chairman of Region Two, Mr. Kenneth Hopkinson, hails from Dartmouth. His son Rupert

statue adorns the nursery school in the village. Dr. Reid is remembered as a benevolent man. Dartmouth residents relate that before he became a Government minister, Dr. Reid had been a school teacher and a vibrant community leader.

The residents recalled an incident in which a

A child poses for a photograph at the side of the Dartmouth Public Road a dispensary at Charity which was housed in a two-storey building. Below was the dispensary and above the dispenser’s quarters. Following the incident, the residents say, Dr. Reid ordered that a building be constructed next to the dispensary to accommodate the dispenser, and the upper flat of the dispensary be converted

the years, has developed by leaps and bounds. Following Emancipation, freed slaves bought the village from the British planters, and in the process of time, transformed it from a virtual swampland into a thriving, bustling community today.

To d a y D a r t m o u t h boasts of durable farmto-market roads; a good

and is primarily a farming community. The friendly residents cultivate mainly cash crops, rear pigs and do mining for a living.

Some residents have taken up jobs in the Police Force, and like some villages on the Essequibo Coast, Dartmouth has been affected by migration.

Residents also related that the village once had a very rich spiritual culture.

They told Guyana Chronicle that, years ago, when the river defence for the village was being built, part of it cut through a burial ground; and despite all efforts by the engineer, it was failing to hold.

To remedy the problem, the villagers say, an Obeah Man was summoned, and after a reading, the engineer returned to work and the sea defence has been holding together solidly, even to this day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

15

16

Bridge to undiscovered ‘Dubai’ ––Chamber applauds announcement to bridge Essequibo River

THE announcement by President David Granger that Government will, in 2017,

begin negotiations with national and international parties to bridge the Essequibo

River has been welcomed by the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

Speed boats at the Supenaam stelling waiting to be filled The President made this announcement during his address to Parliament on October

Dileep Singh 13; but he did not go into details about the project, except to say: “We aim at improving the pace of economic development…”

The imposing Essequibo River, with a length of 630 miles, is the largest river in Guyana, and is the largest river between the Orinoco and Amazon rivers. The vast Essequibo River is home to 365 islands, of which Hogg Island is the largest.

President of the Essequi-

bo Chambers of Commerce, Dileep Singh, told Guyana Chronicle that bridging the Essequibo River would be an immense undertaking, and would be a gem if it ever becomes reality.

Persons currently use the ferry stellings at Good Hope and Supenaam to access the Essequibo Coast in Region Two. The Kayman Sankar airstrip at Hampton Court is also an access point to the region.

Travelling to Georgetown by ferry takes 90 minutes, and by speedboat it takes 45 minutes.

By plane it takes a shorter time, but it is far more expensive than the other two means of transport.

“A bridge across the Essequibo River will reduce transportation cost, increase commerce, and open up thousands of acres of arable land for agriculture cultivation and cattle rearing,” Singh said.

Singh noted that the bridge should not be any ordinary bridge. Ideally, he said, a project of that scale should be done

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016 in phases, and should be built to connect the islands of Wakenaam, Leguan, Hogg Island, and even Bartica.

“This will allow for island-hopping, and it in a way will connect the hinterland to the coastland, since persons from the hinterland come through the Essequibo Coast to journey towards Georgetown and the coastland,” the president of the Essequibo Chambers pointed out.

Singh noted that it would be great if the Government would also look at connecting the smaller islands and invest in making them into world class tourist destinations. “Right in the Essequibo River, nothing artificial is required. It is ‘Dubai’ waiting to be discovered. By connecting the big and small islands in the Essequibo River and building (a) strong road network, it would open up a huge treasure trove in business, commerce (both local and overseas investments), agriculture, and

tourism. It would create a surge in economic activities never witnessed before.”

Singh underscored that roads are vital arteries that enable development, and with a direct link to Georgetown, the cost in terms of time and the burden of transportation costs would be significantly reduced. This would enable goods manufactured in Essequibo to become far more competitive and more widely accessible throughout Guyana.

Georgetown today is more populated than at any time since its founding. With limited job opportunities in rural areas, Georgetown has become a hotspot for job seekers, be it a job working in a store or in a top Government office. As a result of this, Georgetown, with limited job opportunities, has become densely populated.

Directly connecting the City with the vast Essequibo would ease population pressure and open up greater social and economic opportunities for

residents through commerce, tourism and agriculture. Previously uninhabited or unoccupied areas in the Essequibo River would be opened up for cultivation or tourism activities; and with the discovery of oil here, Singh has cautioned the Government not to be entirely reliant on oil revenues to manage the economy, but to seriously look at bridging the Essequibo River and opening up more lands for agriculture.

Part of the oil wealth, he said, can be invested in longterm projects, such as developing the smaller islands in the Essequibo River into tourism destinations.

Trucks at the Good Hope Stelling traversing the bridge to a waiting ferry

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

Bridging a gender gap ––female engineers Reid and Crandon holding their own

WITH more freedom of choice and access to education today, women are breaching gender barriers and are entering fields once believed to be reserved for men. And they are out to prove that they can be as good as anyone else.

A few generations ago, women were largely confined to roles as housewives; and those who worked occupied posts in the teaching and nursing professions, while others worked on farms and did domestic and secretarial duties. Of course, there were the exceptional few, such as Mrs. Janet Jagan and Mrs. Viola Burnham, who transcended the womenfolk of their generation.

Today, old beliefs are changing, albeit slowly in some traditionally male-dominated professions, including in the army, the Police Force, and notably in the field of Civil Engineering. Years ago, a female engineer was practically unheard of in Guyana, not because women were banned from the profession, but because engineering, being a field job, was viewed as a profession for men.

Today, there are more than a handful and even with a ratio of 1:8 in favour of males, with some of the women coming from conservative families, the sign of change is evident.

And it has happened without many stereotypes.

Shaleeza Reid, 25, of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, told Guyana Chronicle

ly put down the phone and reported the matter to my supervisor.”

Reid, diminutive in stature but firm in speech, said her supervisor promptly intervened and put the stubborn contractor to his place.

‘THAT LIL GIRL’ She also recalled another instance early in her practice, when she was referred to as “that lil girl” by another contractor, who later changed his perception of her after he saw her work.

With four years’ experience under her belt and with a Master’s degree in Business Management, Reid, who works in the Procurement Department of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, has a solid grasp of her work. She is now setting sight on working with one of the international organisations that deal with big projects.

This young lady who had been a high-flyer in school told this publication that, from very early, she knew what she wanted to become in life, and her inspiration came from looking at the Discovery Channel, particularly the two series “How it is made” and “Mega Structure”.

On completing her secondary education at the Anna Regina Multilateral School, where she obtained 10 grade ones at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, Reid won the Ann Blue Scholarship; and after working for a year to save some money, she headed to the University of

Denita Crandon at work on the Durban Park Project earlier this year presentations of foreign consultants while in the employ of the Public Infrastructure Ministry cannot be put into practice. And this is because some senior folks at that ministry are too accustomed to doing things the old way.

Like Reid, Denita Crandon, 30, also of Henrietta (reportedly the only female engineers from the Essequibo Coast), seems to share this sentiment.

She also noted that working with some contractors can be a challenge.

Shaleeza Reid at work in the office that while she is treated as an equal among her male colleagues, there was an instance in which she was bulled by a contractor.

“It was about four years ago; I had just started practising. I noticed a particular contractor (who) seemed interested in doing his own thing and I told him, ‘no, this is not the way it should be done,’ and he was very upset and spoke rudely to me. I listened to him and calm-

Guyana, where she successfully read for a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineer.

“I always wanted to become an engineer. Unlike what some people think, I don’t believe that it is a profession reserved for any particular gender. It is a job for anyone who has the ability to do it,” Reid, who hails from a humble background, said.

But she lamented that most of what she was taught at UG and leant from

NOT EASY “If you allow yourself to become intimidated by them, they will walk all over you,” she said, adding: “Instead of arguing with them, I simply write them on their faulty work, and insist that all of them refer to me as Ms. Crandon, not babes, honey, and those kinds of ridiculous names.”

Crandon told this publication that she also developed a love for the profession from an early age; but this love came from accompanying her father, who is a contractor, to his work site.

With a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and four years of practical experience, Crandon said, she is treated

as an equal at her workplace, and her supervisors are also sensitive on which areas female engineers work.

“We have had instances (when) residents become rowdy because of a deplorable road and would believe that the engineer is a Government representative and would be abusive. In these situations, and in restive communities, males are assigned those projects,” she said.

She also noted that working in a male-dominated environment could be a challenge, but it is important that females always value self-respect.

“If you don’t respect yourself in a male-dominated profession or a male-dominated work environment, you will not get the respect you deserve. So it is important that you always hold your ground and do your work competently,” Crandon said, adding: “I get a great sense of satisfaction when my work passes all levels of scrutiny.”

In their line of duty, Reid and Crandon are frequently out in the field during sun and rain, and they seem little bothered by it.

“Because it is a profession we love,” they told Guyana Chronicle.

Empowerment through agriculture

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

–– Mashabo women in forefront of settlement’s ‘agro’ drive

FOUNDED some six years ago, members of the Faith Farmers’ Group at the Indigenous settlement of Mashabo continue to invest their faith in agriculture as a means of empowerment and sustenance of their livelihoods.

The group, made up mostly of women, had a few years ago seen the need for a vibrant village farm, since villagers had to travel out of the scenic community to get their greens and vegetables from sellers on the Essequibo Coast main road.

To get out of the 17.5 square mile village, residents have to cross the breathtaking Itiribisi Lake to get to Huist T’Dieren, a journey of about five miles that takes some 40 minutes

takes a visitor about three hours to navigate the attimes one-foot-wide hilly pathway surrounded by thick vegetation to reach Huist T’Dieren. Here is the point of access to the villages along the 37.5 mile coast from the main public road.

Head of the farmers’ group, Elaine Charles, told the Guyana Chronicle that the journey out of the village to buy greens and vegetables was long an arduous, and this is what really made a village farm necessary.

“It was no easy journey; but now, even though the hot weather has been taking a toll on our farm, it has not destroyed it.

We plant red beans, bitter cassava and cash crops, and most of (our produce)

support their families.

When the produce from the village farm is sold to the village shop, the proceeds are turned over to the settlement’s nursery and primary schools, which offer hot meals to the students in a programme that

Elaine Charles

One of the many benabs at the Mashabo waterfront by speedboat. But this is not the only exit point of the village, which is believed to have been first settled by Carib Indians some 300 years ago.

Mashabo is connected to Huist T’Dieren by a rugged two-mile-long trail with unforgiving terrain. It

is sold to the village shop which is managed by the Village Council,” Charles said.

The richly fertile fiveacre farm supplies the village with produce yearround, and enables the planters to earn an additional income to better

runs from Monday to Friday during the school year.

The meals consist of fish and chicken and greens and vegetables. Some of the chicken and fish are supplied by villagers, but rice and other groceries are purchased by the shop from the supermarkets on

the bustling coast.

Aside from it providing an additional income, the women see the farm as a means of empowerment, as it in a way helps them to directly participate and contribute to the development and sustenance of their community.

cultivation to 10 acres, and Charles is hoping that with some support from Government, the villagers would be trained and could one day acquire a plant to process their cash crops.

Residents also engage in farming and fishing, but they depend mainly on

benabs.

In the afternoons, when not in the playfield or doing household chores, residents can be seen relaxing under the benabs, taking in the fresh, cool breeze while observing activities ongoing on the lake.

Recently, the Gov-

A bridge connecting a trail from Huist T’Dieren to Mashabo

Toshao Sylvin Raphael The cassava from the farm is processed by the women into cassava bread and cassareep, and sold to the 450 residents in the settlement. This is the only agro-processing that is done on the settlement.

The group, in the near future, intends to expand

forestry and mining to earn a living.

Charles said the farmers’ group also engages in sewing and produces the school uniforms for the children in the settlement. But the machine that was given to the group by Government a few years ago went down, and the village in now reliant on a machine owned by Charles. She is asking the Government to generously provide a new sewing machine to the people of Mashabo.

Mashabo residents are a happy people, and they are very welcoming to visitors. Apart from a shop and schools, the village has a health centre, community ground with pavilion, village office, headteacher’s and teacher’s quarters, and several newly-constructed

ernment introduced the Hinterland Employment and Youth Services Programme in Mashabo, and the 20 participants from the settlement have welcomed the initiative. Under the programme, residents are instructed in capacity-building, life skills, entrepreneurship, eco-tourism, agriculture, and the flagship course: concentrated language experience.

Toshao Sylvin Raphael also told this publication that the programme is very useful in terms of building human resource capacity for development of the village.

And on this point, he called on Government to help the community build a guest house and promote Mashabo as a tourism-based destination.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

Rooster Coconut Water hits market –demand from consumers climbs over 100 per cent in mere weeks

THE first coconut factory erected on the Essequibo Coast has begun operating, and has started to export products to the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

This factory, located at Land of Plenty, is the property of Roopan Ramotar, who told the Guyana Chronicle that he is full of hope that his business would emerge as a local industry leader.

“With just over a month in operation, we have already secured a market in Trinidad and Tobago, which I supply with 12,500 litres of coconut water every month. Right now, we are doing 20,000 litres per month, (but) the factory has the capacity to produce some 30,000 litres,” a happy Ramotar said.

And he has good reasons to be happy.

Initially, the factory was supplying between 12 and 24 bottles of the health beverage to supermarkets and shops on the Essequibo Coast; but mere weeks into operation, demand for the beverage has climbed handsomely.

Supermarkets and shops are now requesting between two and four cases (24 bottles per case) of Rooster Fresh Pomeroon Coconut Water, which comes in two-litre and 500ml bottles. The two-litre bottle of the refreshing beverage is retailed at $1000 per bottle, while the 500ml bottle retails at $300 per bottle.

Because of the demand, Ramotar said, he is looking

at producing a smaller bottle to reach out to consumers at all ends of the scale and to compete more directly with established beverage producers and distributors here.

According to feedback, the Rooster Fresh Pomeroon Coconut Water is in quality

the Essequibo Coast, with the majority being sold in the township of Anna Regina.

As the name suggests, the coconut is harvested in the Pomeroon. From there it is transported to Land of Plenty, where it is processed.

The processing begins with

ported into another room, where they are loaded into a large, cool aluminium filler; and from there, the water is poured into two-litre and 500ml bottles, which are then taken for storage in 12-foot storage containers.

The process is simple, but because of the sheer volume

publication that he is in the process of setting up a distribution outlet in Georgetown.

Georgetowners will soon have a taste of fresh Pomeroon coconut water which has no additives. When the Georgetown facility comes on stream, he would be ramping up production at the factory to meet the new demand.

But he also has an eye out for foreign markets, since his intention is to grow the business into an industry leader. Currently, the factory is producing only coconut water, but in the near future, Ramotar intends to also produce coconut milk and virgin coconut oil, among other products.

“Right now we are taking

things one step at a time,” Ramotar said, as he urged the Government to pay more attention to the manufacturing sector.

According to him, the cost to manufacture is very high, and thus it is a challenge for local producers to compete with those from sister Caricom nations.

And on this note, he added that because of free trade, those countries benefit more from Guyana than Guyana benefits from them. He suggested that Government can correct this anomaly by offering local manufacturers VAT exception on their products, or by reducing the rate they pay in VAT.

Roopan Ramotar

Rooster Fresh Pomeroon Coconut Water, fresh from the factory and taste superior to its competition on the Essequibo Coast.

Practically all of the 6,500 litres produced for local consumption is sold on

the nuts being washed and dried, before being taken into a separate room where they are cut and the water loaded into aluminium cans.

The cans are then trans-

of coconuts, the operation is manned by 15 staffers who each have clear lines of duty. At Ramotar’s coconut farm in the Pomeroon, where 200 acres of coconut are harvested and 300 acres are under cultivation, another 15 persons are employed. The factory has also created indirect employment for the boat operators and truck drivers who transport the commodity from the farm to the factory.

Ramotar, who is highly encouraged by the response from consumers, told this

Roopan Ramotar’s coconut factory at Land of Plenty, Essequibo Coast

Damon 1834 slave rebellion

By Mohamed Khan

THE official results published in 1842 show there were 37 sugar estates on the Essequibo Coast. These sugar estates stretched from Walton Hall in the north to Spring Garden in the south. Creolese or natives were usually of African descent.

There was a rallying cry of most planters throughout the post-Emancipation years, and there were even serious attempts to restart slavery after it had been brought to an end on August 1, 1834.

The slave owners fought hard against the emancipation of their slaves.

When the Emancipation Act was finally passed in 1833, it did not automatically give the slaves their freedom. Slaves therefore became apprentices, and continued to work with their former masters for low wages. Because of the way this system worked, the end of slavery did not mean free-

dom for the slaves.

Apprenticeship was seen by the slaves as another form of slavery. True freedom came in 1838 when the apprenticeship system was

plantations from Richmond to Walton Hall had no option but to continue working for their former masters.

Africans were reservoirs of plantation labour. Damon

This bronze monument of Damon is located next to the Anna Regina Town Hall on the Essequibo Coast abolished.

But even then, those former slaves who were on the

was one of those apprentice slaves who worked on Plantation Richmond in the north.

Trouble started when Mr. Charles Bean, the proprietor of Richmond sugar plantation, began to create strife by killing the pigs and cutting down the fruit trees of the former slaves, which was a subsistence income for those ex-slaves. Bean claimed that the pigs were destroying the roots of the young canes.

Damon became enraged when he saw what Bean was doing, and called upon the other freed slaves from Richmond to Walton Hall to oppose him. He got 700 of the apprentices from Richmond to Walton Hall to down tools. They were forced to work by their former masters although slavery was ended.

On August 3, 1838, they protested the apprenticeship scheme. The following morning, the freed slaves were more than surprised, and became angry when they were ordered by their former masters to return to work.

By August 9, the labour situation worsened when ex-slaves from Richmond to Devonshire Castle downed

tools and gathered in the Trinity Churchyard at La Belle Alliance.

In the meantime, the white planters called for back-up troops to quell the quiet and peaceful demonstration.

About 40 soldiers from the West India Regiment, headed

by Captain Groves, arrived and took up position around the churchyard. Damon, who was considered one of the ringleaders of the workers, hoisted a flag on a pole as a sign of their freedom and independence from the planters.

The minister of the Trinity church appealed to Damon and the ex-slaves to go home, but they refused, saying that they were free and did not wish to return to the plantations to do forced labour.

Bean aggravated and worsened the situation when he used threats to arrest the ringleaders. He ordered the soldiers to open fire on the unarmed crowd, but the captain refused after recognising that it was no mob, but just a crowd of peaceful workers

gathered under their makeshift flag to show that they were a free people.

Governor Smyth addressed the workers at Plantation Richmond, telling them that the apprenticeship period was still in force and they should go back to work.

He arrested the leaders of the peaceful demonstration.

Damon was referred to as the “Captain” and ringleader of the unrest; and at noon on October 13, 1834, he was hanged for rebellion in front of the Parliament Buildings which now house the National Assembly in Georgetown.

At La Belle Alliance Christian Cemetery, there still stands a tall white cross where Damon and his 700 apprentice workers had gathered and protested against the forced labour system.

In 1988, a bronze monument created by sculptor Ivor Thom was erected next to the Anna Regina Town Hall in honour of Damon, the fallen hero from Essequibo.

22

Blackout woes

CONSTANT power outages (blackouts) have had Essequibo Coast residents fretting and fuming at the performance of the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), while members of the business community have been having a headache to deal with their losses.

When there is prolonged blackout, consumer traffic is significantly reduced and businesses without generators suffer losses due to spoilage.

Those with generators have to foot the fuel costs to put their generators

into operation -- money they can ill-afford at this time, since business on the Essequibo Coast has been experiencing a slowdown.

Though angry about the frequent blackouts, Essequibo residents also have a good sense of humour. They told Guyana Chronicle that last Tuesday’s power outage was the worst they had experienced. According to them, the blackout struck like a “brutal uppercut”, sending the entire Essequibo Coast into total darkness and requiring more than 24

hours to only partially recover. From homes to businesses and even to the hospitals, no one was spared.

There were some

concerns at the Suddie Hospital, the main hospital on the Essequibo Coast. At the time that the blackout struck last Tuesday, the generator

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016 at the hospital was down and regional officials had to scramble to get a replacement. They eventually moved a generator from the Education Department to the Suddie Hospital, but the entire process to get electricity back at the hospital took quite some time. Doctors who spoke under the condition of anonymity relat-

ed to this publication that this situation affected items that required cold storage.

There are two main generators on the Essequibo Coast, and they have been in operation for a long time, but have not performed up to speed for “sometime now”, residents say. Added to this, the cost for their maintenance is high. Notice of tender recently appeared in the newspapers for the acquisition of two new generators to replace the current ones, which residents say have been “giving problems”.

T h e y a re c a l l i n g for a speed-up of the acquisition process so that they could at least be spared the frequent blackouts they are currently experiencing.

Monday October 24th, 2016 - 13:00 hrs Tuesday October 25th, 2016 - 14:00 hrs Wednesday October 26th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 24, 2016

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 24, 2016

Suriname Majestic Kohli declared IGG winners guides India to seven-wicket win

By Tamica Garnett

Virat Kohli celebrates his 26th ODI century against New Zealand in Mohali.

(REUTERS)-Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 154 to make short work of a seemingly steep target as India beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the third one-day international in Mohali to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series yesterday.

New Zealand, who won the last match in Delhi to tie the series at 1-1, were all out for 285 in the 50th over after India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and opted to field.

India chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, riding on Kohli’s 26th century in the 50-over format.

The hosts lost both their openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane inside nine overs and, with the required run rate climbing, needed a solid partnership to get back on track.

Kohli, who was dropped on six by Ross Taylor off Matt Henry, and Dhoni (80), who promoted himself up the batting order to number four, provided just that with a brisk third-wicket stand of 151 runs.

India’s Test captain Kohli, who will turn 28 next month, finished things off with an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of

97 with Manish Pandey (28 not out).

With India needing 23 from 18 balls, the stylish right-handed batsman, who scored an unbeaten 85 in the first ODI, tore into paceman Trent Boult, hitting three fours and a six in his over to plunder 22 runs.

Earlier, James Neesham (57) and Matt Henry (39 not out) added 84 for the ninth wicket to prop up New Zealand after the touring side had been reduced to 199 for eight following a middle-order collapse.

Opener Tom Latham topscored for New Zealand with a 61 and the side were comfortably placed at 153 for two in the 29th over with a promising stand of 73 between Latham and Taylor (44).

But they lost their next six wickets for 46 runs needing some rearguard action from Neesham and Henry.

Paceman Umesh Yadav and off-spinner Kedar Jadhav each picked up three wickets for the hosts though the former proved expensive, giving away 75 runs in his 10 overs.

The fourth ODI will be played in Ranchi on Wednesday.

SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND Innings M. Guptill lbw b U. Yadav 27 T. Latham c M. Pandey b Jadhav

61 K. Williamson lbw b Jadhav

22 R. Taylor st Dhoni b Mishra 44 C. Anderson c Rahane b Jadhav

6 L. Ronchi st Dhoni b Mishra 1 J. Neesham c Jadhav b U. Yadav

57 M. Santner c Kohli b Bumrah 7 T. Southee b U. Yadav 13 M. Henry not out 39 T. Boult b Bumrah 1 Extras (w-7) 7 Total (all out, 49.4 overs) 285 Fall of wickets: 1-46 M. Guptill,2-80 K. Williamson,3-153 R. Taylor,4-160 C. Anderson,5-161 L. Ronchi,6-169 T. Latham,7-180 M. Santner,8-199 T. Southee,9-283 J. Neesham,10-285 T. Boult

Bowling: U. Yadav 10 - 0 - 75 3(w-3),H. Pandya 5 - 0 - 34 - 0(w-2), J. Bumrah 9.4 - 0 - 52 – 2, K. Jadhav 5 - 0 - 29 - 3(w-2), A. Patel 10 - 0 - 49 – 0, A. Mishra 10 - 0 - 46 – 2.

INDIA Innings Ro. Sharma lbw b Southee 13 A. Rahane c Santner b Henry 5 V. Kohli not out 154 M. Dhoni c Taylor b Henry 80 M. Pandey not out 28 Extras (lb-2 w-7) 9 Total (for 3 wickets, 48.2 overs) 289 Fall of wickets: 1-13 A. Rahane,2-41 Ro. Sharma,3-192 M. Dhoni Did not bat: K. Jadhav, A. Patel, H. Pandya, A. Mishra, U. Yadav, J. Bumrah Bowling: M. Henry 9.2 - 0 - 56 - 2(w1)T. Boult 10 - 0 - 73 - 0(w-2), T. Southee 10 - 0 - 55 - 1(w-2),M. Santner 10 - 0 - 43 – 0, J. Neesham 9 - 0 - 60 - 0(w-2).

AFTER Triumphing in four of the seven sporting disciplines and amassing 91 points, Suriname was last evening declared the overall winners of the Inter Guiana “Goodwill” Games, after Guyana finished behind with 85 points.

At last evening’s closing ceremony which was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH),it was announced that while Guyana made a clean sweep of the table tennis competition,dominated the athletics competition, and won the male volleyball competition, it was Suriname who walked away with wins in swimming, badminton, basketball and FUTSAL football.

Guyana and Suriname shared the spoils in the vol-

leyball competition in which Suriname won on the distaff side.

The various teams and individuals were presented with their prizes at last evening’s closing ceremony, where Suriname Director of Sport, Luciano Mentowikromo, during his address, congratulated Guyana on another successful hosting of the Games.

Mentowikromo further spoke of the opportunities that the Games present,to foster better relations between the participating countries by bringing the young athletes together.

“The value of the Inter Guiana Games should never be underestimated.

These youngsters;they are the leaders of the future, and the earlier we can create a bond between them the better our future will

be. By bringing the youngsters together we are putting together the foundation for the future.” Mentowikromo said.

The feature address of the night was delivered by Guyana’s own Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, who congratulated the various sporting associations that participated,commending them for taking the time to prepare the athletes.

He noted that this year’s hosting of the Games was an opportunity to identify shortcomings that may need to be rectified in the hosting of the annual Games, pointing out that Guyana is still at a disadvantage when it comes to competing in sports against countries like Suriname,because sports still remains largely left out of our school curriculum.

Gabriel says Aussie disappointment...

From page 31 away had given him a new perspective on his career.

“Coming back [early] from Australia, I had time to reflect and to come up with different ways of improving my career so I decided to get a little more fitter and I knew once I got fitter, I would be able to bowl better for longer,” he told reporters here.

“Plus, I’ve been trying a few things and I’ve been getting the encouragement from Bish (Ian Bishop) and Roddy (Estwick) and I’ve just been lucky enough to go out there and back my skills and my ability, and put all that I’ve practiced into the game and it went well for me today.”

He was the best bowler on Friday’s opening day with two wickets and returned on Saturday to snaffle another three and limit Pakistan’s powerful batting to under 500 runs.

On a flat track, he prised out Misbah-ul-Haq, lbw in the sixth over of the morning after the Pakistan captain had added only six runs to his overnight 90.

He then accounted for the dangerous Sarfraz Ahmed for 56 before knocking over Zulfiqar Babar without scoring, to log career-best figures.

“I think it was a good performance. It’s been some-

thing I’ve been waiting for a while now,” Gabriel noted.

“Unfortunately it took 20 Test matches to come but at the end of the day, I’ll still take it and I hope it’s a sign of good things to come.”

The 28-year-old said, however, that bowling consistently quick on flat tracks in the UAE had been a difficult prospect.

“I think it’s a bit hard [to

bowl on these flat wickets]. It takes a lot of effort out of you and you just have to believe in yourself and believe in your ability and go out there and put the ball in the right areas,” he pointed out.

“At the end of the day, fast bowling is pretty tough and I’ve been doing this for some years now so I’m pretty used to it. I just run in with each ball and put just as much effort as possible.”

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs Royal Master 08:55 hrs Groovy News 09:30 hrs Excalivar 10:00 hrs Long walk 10:35 hrs Jellyorum

11:30 hrs Zabeel Prince 12:00 hrs Longroom 12:30 hrs Goninodaethat

English Racing Tips Leicester 08:40 hrs Imperial City 09:10 hrs Toy Theatre 09:40 hrs Cockney Island 10:15 hrs Knight Owl 10:45 hrs Contentment 11:20 hrs Moderah 11:50 hrs Sitar 12:20 hrs Rebel Lightning Redcar 08:50 hrs Bithynia 09:20 hrs Scotch Myst 09:50 hrs Alqamar 10:25 hrs Italian Beauty 10:55 hrs Torremar

Ayr 09:00 hrs Progress Drive 09:30 hrs Blakerigg 10:05 hrs St Gregory 10:35 hrs Oscatara 11:10 hrs Newton Lad 11:40 hrs Mullaghboy American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Lagrats Race 2 Tiz Afleet Race 3 Cheeky Gal Race 4 J R Jellybean Race 5 Pachanga Party Race 6 Fortutious Race 7 Sir Douglas Race 8 Queen’s Princess Race 9 Hey bKiddo Race10 Grace H.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 24, 2016

Caribbean/World champion karateka,Tashana Wong, secures third degree black belt at grading exams

TASHANA Wong became Guyana’s newest third degree karate black belt holder after topping the Guyana Karate College’s (GKC) grading examination which was held last Saturday at the St. Joseph’s High School, Woolford Avenue.

According to a release, the GKC held the third of its triannual grading examinations for the year 2016, for students belonging to its dojos, and the afternoon saw Karatekas of all ages undertake testing for the various belt ranks from 9th kyu (white belts with yellow stripes) all the way to 1st kyu (brown belt).

Karatekas who underwent grading examinations at the Guyana Karate College.

England need two wickets, Bangladesh 33 runs to win Test (REUTERS)-England need two more wickets on the final day to keep their all-winning record in Tests against Bangladesh intact with the hosts 33 runs away from a famous victory in the closely-contested opening Test at Chittagong.

Chasing 286 for their first win in nine tests against England, Bangladesh reached 253 for eight when bad light ended play on the fourth day yesterday. Debutant Sabbir Rahman (59) and Taijul Islam (11) were at the crease.

England batted for some 20 minutes in the morning, adding 12 runs to their overnight second-innings total of 228 for nine before they were bundled out for 240.

Bangladesh left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan finished with 5-85.

Openers Tamim Iqbal (nine) and Imrul Kayes (43) gave Bangladesh a decent start on a Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium pitch that offered plenty of turn and bounce for the spinners.

England captain Alastair Cook started with spin from both ends but did not see any success until the 10th over when Tamim was out to a bat-pad catch off Moeen Ali. Kayes was the more attacking of the pair and he continued batting positively, adding 46 for the second wicket with Mominul, who was dropped on four by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow off Moeen.

The left-handed Kayes was not afraid to hit the ball in the

air against the spinners and also employed sweep shots, both conventional and reverse, to good effect to find six boundaries in his 61-ball knock.

However, he was out shortly before the lunch break trying to sweep leg-spinner Adil Rashid, the ball hitting his glove and looping to Joe Root at slip for a simple catch.

Mominul Haque (27) and Mahmudullah (17) both fell leg before to Gareth Batty, who is playing his first test after a gap of 11 years, shortly after the lunch break.

Shakib (24) then added 32 for the fifth wicket with Mushfiqur before edging Moeen behind to Bairstow.

Captain Mushfiqur Rahim (39) and Sabbir were the last recognised batting pair for the hosts and added 87 for the sixth wicket, putting the pressure back on England.

Batty returned for a spell and finally sent back Mushfiqur, caught at short leg with a delivery that spun sharply and bounced awkwardly for the batsmen to handle.

England thought they had the match in the bag when Stuart Broad, who saw Sabbir dropped on 34

by Bairstow off his bowling, dismissed debutants Mehedi Hasan and Kamrul Islam in quick succession.

But Sabbir and Taijul remained unbeaten, adding 15 for the unbroken ninth wicket to push the match into the final day.

Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan finished with five for 85.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings 293 (M. Ali 68, J. Bairstow 52; M. Hasan 6-80) Bangladesh 1st innings 248 (T. Iqbal 78; B. Stokes 4-26) England 2nd innings (Overnight: 228-8) A. Cook c Mahmudullah b M. Hasan 12 B. Duckett c M. Haque b Al Hasan 15 J. Root lbw b Al Hasan 1 G. Ballance c Kayes b T. Islam 9 M. Ali c Rahim b Al Hasan 14 B. Stokes lbw b Al Hasan 85 J. Bairstow b Rabbi 47 C. Woakes not out 19 A. Rashid lbw b Al Hasan 9 S. Broad run out (M. Hasan, Rahim) 10 G. Batty lbw b T. Islam 3 Extras (b-3 lb-8 pen-5) 16 Total (all out, 80.2 overs) 240 Fall of wickets: 1-26 A. Cook,227 J. Root,3-28 B. Duckett,4-46 G. Ballance,5-62 M. Ali,6-189 J. Bairstow,7-197 B. Stokes,8-213 A. Rashid,9-233 S. Broad,10-240 G. Batty Bowling: M. Hasan 20 - 1 - 58 – 1,S. Al Hasan 33 - 7 - 85 – 5, T. Islam 15.2 - 2 - 41 – 2,K. Rabbi

8 - 0 - 24 – 1, Mahmudullah 1 - 0 - 6 – 0, Sh. Islam 3 - 0 - 10 – 0.

BANGLADESH 2nd innings (Target: 286 runs) T. Iqbal c Ballance b Ali 9 I. Kayes c Root b Rashid 43 M. Haque lbw b Batty 27 Mahmudullah lbw b Batty 17 S. Al Hasan c Bairstow b Ali

24 M. Rahim c Ballance b Batty 39 Sa. Rahman not out 59 M. Hasan lbw b Broad 1 K. Rabbi c Ballance b Broad 0 T. Islam not out 11 Extras (b-9 lb-13 w-1) 23 Total (for 8 wickets, 78 overs) 253 Fall of wickets: 1-35 T. Iqbal,2-81 I. Kayes,3-103 M. Haque,4-108 Mahmudullah,5-140 S. Al Hasan,6-227 M. Rahim,7-234 M. Hasan,8-238 K. Rabbi To bat: S. Islam Bowling: G. Batty 17 - 3 - 65 – 3, M. Ali 14 - 2 - 60 – 2, C. Woakes 7 - 3 - 10 – 0, A. Rashid 17 - 2 - 55 – 1, S. Broad 13 - 4 - 26 – 2, B. Stokes 10 - 2 - 15 - 0(w-1).

Hamilton cuts Rosberg’s lead with 50th win (REUTERS)-Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton celebrated his 50th Formula One victory yesterday with a pole to flag U.S. Grand Prix drive that cut Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg’s overall lead to 26 points with three races remaining.

The Briton’s fourth win in five seasons at the Circuit of the Americas was his first from a pole position start in Texas and ended a barren and frustrating stretch dating back to Germany in July.

Rosberg, who has won nine races this year to

Hamilton’s seven, took second place 4.5 seconds behind after dropping back to third at the start before events lent the German a helping hand.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who had seized second at the start, was third

for Red Bull but his Dutch team mate Max Verstappen failed to finish after reporting “something hitting the engine”.

Rosberg’s advantage means he can still take his first title without having to win again this season.

This year, the GKC is celebrating the 10th anniversary since its establishment and the grading capped off a number of activities that were held this year to coincide with this significant milestone.

The Judging team was led

by Guyana-born Shuseki Shihan,Frank Woon-a-Tai,Chairman and Chief Instructor of the IKD, and it includes Sensei Jeffrey Wong,a 6th Dan Karateka,who is the Senior Instructor and Vice Chairman of the College,along with 5th dan Sensei Dr. Guy Low,5th dan Sensei Lavern Jones and Sensei Aubrey Bettencourt,who is also a 5th Dan Black Belt holder.

“Leading the list of promotions for these grading examinations for the GKC was the attainment of a Sandan rank or third degree black belt by Tashana Wong, a Caribbean and World Champion who has successfully represented the GKC and Guyana at many regional and international tournaments” the release stated, adding “Ms. Wong showed poise and grace as she went through her katas while displaying true grit, stamina and determination as she faced and defended herself against multiple attackers, predominantly males,who were physically sturdier and stouter than her and who were experienced martial artists.”

The other successful karatekas and the ranks the attained are: Moving from 10th Kyu to 9thKyu (White to White with Yellow Stripe) - Eli Jordan, Ameer Shariff, Daniel Amos, Prosper Jacobus, Josiah Ramnarine. David Persaud.Skipping from 10th Kyu to 8th Kyu (Yellow)

are Chinelo Enekwechi, Anusha Jodhan. And skipping from 10th Kyu (White) all the way to 5th Kyu (Blue) were Najuma Gibbs and Jermain Holder.

Moving from 9thkyu to (White with Yellow Stripe) to 8thKyu was Rizwan Mahadeo.

Moving from 7thKyu (Orange) to 6th Kyu (Green) were Rishabh Ramessar, Micaiah DePeazer, Omar Shariff, Joshua Aaron and Adisa Congreaves.

Whilst skipping from 7thKyu (Orange) to 5thKyu (Blue) were Jared Bird, Daniel Gonsalves, Jadon Lee, Laurie Baptiste, Aretha Trisho Persaud, Esha Fredericks. Moving from 6thkyu (Green) to 5thKyu (Blue) were Laurence Baptiste, Angelina Campayne, Amber De Goeas, whist skipping from 6thKyu (Green) to 4thKyu (Purple) was Jose Rodrigues.

Moving from 5thKyu (Blue) to 4thKyu (Purple) was Sherlock Scott while Somlata Bispat, Sophia Mittelholzer, Joshua Gibbs Grant (Sr) skipped from 5thKyu to 3rdKyu. Daniel Denny moved from 4th (Purple) Kyu to 3rdKyu (Brown), whilst Brandon Yong jumped from 4thKyu (Purple) to 2nd (Brown) Moving from 3rdKyu (Brown) to 2ndKyu Brown were Paula Louis-Grant, Jayden Jettoo-Sewnarine, Nathanael Archer, Nalini Rampersaud, whilst Javed Nurhausain skipped from 3rd Kyu (Brown) to 1st Kyu (Brown. Moving from 2nd Kyu (Brown) to 1stKyu (Brown) were Diego De Nobrega, Zaine Bispat, Jonathan Ng-A-Fook, Taissa De Nobrega, Josiah Dyall.

Mourinho’s United routed 4-0 on return to Chelsea

(REUTERS)- Jose Mourinho was humiliated on his Premier League return to Stamford Bridge where his former side Chelsea routed Manchester United 4-0 yesterday.

Having held out for 90 minutes at Anfield last Monday, United conceded the quickest goal in the Premier League this season to Pedro after 30 seconds and were then ripped apart as Gary Cahill (21), Eden Hazard (62) and N’Golo Kante (70) completed the scoring.

Most of the goals stemmed from poor defending as Chelsea found ever more ingenious ways to inflict pain on Mourinho. Marcus Alonso began the unravelling with a defence-splitting pass that found Pedro, while Cahill could not believe his luck when the ball fell to him in the area after Chris Smalling failed to clear a corner.

Two up at half time, when United replaced Marouane Fellaini with Juan Mata, Chelsea sat back and waited to hit United on the break with Hazard adding a third after a clever one-two and then Kante driving into the area unopposed to score his first goal for the club.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 24, 2016

Guyana coach disappointed after heartbreaking loss to Suriname

By Daniel Haynes IN one of the most exciting games played for the year, Team-Guyana saw its hopes of a third game in the best-of-three series dashed as their second game finished 66-63,in favour of Suriname. The home side, facing a must win situation, overcame a 14-point Suriname lead but were unable to hold on until the end.

For Guyanese fans, the game could not have had a better start,since Guyana jumped out to a 19-15 first quarter lead behind the scoring of Travis Belgrave, Stanton Rose and Nathan Saul.

The team would ride the momentum into the second quarter to lead 29-24 at the half-time break. Offensively, the team was in rhythm, hitting shots and beating the defensive press that Surina-

Stanton Rose driving for two of his 21 points. (Daniel Haynes photos) me had instituted in the first game.

At the start of the second half,however,Guyana struggled a bit on the offensive end, finding it hard to score. The turnover battle also started to slip away from Guyana,who gave the ball away 6 times in this quarter. Suriname had two back-to-back dunks off two

turnovers by Yamill Wip and Donyell Samson, which gave them some momentum. The quarter finished 45-41 with Guyana down by 4.

The fourth quarter seemed all but over as Guyana went almost 5 minutes without a basket while Suriname piled on the lead to 14. It was at this point that in almost movie-like fashion

‘It’s a measuring stick for where we are right now’

By Daniel Haynes SURINAME retained their Inter Guiana Games (IGG) swimming title following a dominant performance at the National Aquatic Centre yesterday.

The Suriname side finished with 268 points to Guyana’s 195,winning both male and female categories after all 24 events were finished.

The home team’s defeat came despite a 6 medal-haul from Olympian Hannibal Gaskin,who won 4 individual gold and 2 silver medals in the team events. It also came despite great efforts by the George sisters,Jadyn and Danielle.

The Suriname side looked completely in charge as 8 swimmers took home gold in more than one race with head hunters 16 year old male/ female duo,Juan Limburg and Anjali Rahan ,copping five gold medals each.

Limburg was seemingly unstoppable,winning the Boys 50m Breaststroke, 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 200m Medley Relay and 200m Freestyle Relay.

For Rahan, it was wins in the Girls 100m Backstroke, 100m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly and 200m Medley Relay,that saw her completing a well-rounded performance.

IGG veteran Valery Amstelveen took home four gold

-says National Swim coach after IGG swim loss

Hannibal Gaskin with medals medals and was accompanied by teammate Enrico Molly who also had four gold medals in his events. For Amstelveen,it was finishes in the Girls 50m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle, 200m Medley Relay and 200m Freestyle Relay. Molly achieved his golds with wins in the 100m Backstroke, 200m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke and 200m Medley Relay.

On the Guyanese end, Hannibal finished first in the 200m individual medley with a time of (2:23:26s), as well as first in the 100m Butterfly (1:00:56s) but did not beat his personal best.

He also won the 50m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle. It was the 200m Medley Relay and 200m Freestyle Relay where he picked up his silver medals.

Guyana’s other gold medal came from Jadyn George who won the Girls 200m Freestyle with her sister Danielle coming second in the same event. The sisters also finished second and third in the 50m Long course Freestyle event where Rahan finished first.

The sister’s showed that they were swimmers to keep an eye on.

Meanwhile, Suriname continued its gold sweep with Tatjana Graanoogst and Charissa Brown,who each claimed three gold medals,with the former winning the Girls 200m IM, 200m Medley Relay and 200m Freestyle Relay. The latter won the Girls 100m Breaststroke, 200m Medley Relay and 200m Freestyle Relay.

Rounding out the gold medal count was Jair Telting, Wendell Zinhagel, Marion Soeradi, Unique Soestosenojo and Roche Veldkamp,who won one gold each.

According to National Coach Sean Baksh “This was a measuring stick of where are now as a team, we can only work from here.” The next event on the swimming calendar is the National Schools Championships(Nationals)in November.

Troy “Rambo” David entered the game;coming on as a sub after a break in play. . David went on a 15-point blitz;hitting backto-back threes, scoring a layup, hitting another stepback three,scoring another layup and a free throw. At that point the Guyanese supporters went wild and it truly seemed as if Guy-

ana would win the game.

Everything was going the team’s way, up to the 1:08 second mark when the team led by 4.

David stated “I knew we were down and I did what I had to do”. However,it wasn’t enough as with 23.9 seconds left in the game, Emile LaRose of Suriname was fouled late in the shot clock and stepped to the line for two free throws.

He hit both,giving Suriname the lead. Guyana would once again try to score but the stiff defence of Suriname kept them in the game as LaRose came up with a steal to extend the lead to three points.

With 10 seconds left on the clock, Saul tried to draw a foul but there was no call and the game was over. It was a heartbreaking loss for the home side who,despite missing 19 free-throws and recording 21 turnovers,were less than

a minute away from a win.

For Guyana, Rose poured in 21 points, David had 15,while Belgrave and Saul finished with 12 and 10 respectively. For Suriname,Dancell Leter finished with 17,Yamill Wip finished with 13 while Bjoron Ewijk finishing with 10. Emile LaRose had 9 points with 5 of those being crucial.

Following the loss,Guyana’s coach Junior Hercules stated “We had good moments, but we failed to have consistent moments.

It’s disappointing but it’s basketball.”

Suriname’s coach Earl Sabajo stated that “This team has a lot of character;the feeling of winning this type of game is indescribable.”

The series finished 2-0 and the loss saw Suriname taking home gold in both male and female basketball.

Guyana win IGG table tennis

By Tamica Garnett THE Suriname table tennis players at this year’s Inter Guiana “Goodwill” Games were no match for the Guyana team, which took a clean-sweep of the wins as the table tennis competition of the Games concluded yesterday,at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue.

Backed by the likes of Caribbean bronze medalist Shemar Britton, and Elishaba Johnson on the boys team, and Priscilla Greaves and Naveah Clarkston on the girls side, Guyana won all ten of the matches played yesterday. The competition included 4 singles and a doubles match each for both the boys and girls side.

Britton started things off with a straight set win against Suriname’s Adesh Jawhir, winning 11-5, 11-3, 11-1.

Johnson then trounced Jared Sodgea 11-2, 11-4, 11-7.

In the boys doubles match,Johnson teamed up

with Nicholas Romain to form a powerhouse team that took on Jawhir and Soogea.

After losing the first two set 8-11, 3-11, Jawhir and Soogea managed to hold the Guyanese at bay enough to take the third set 11-8;but as the fourth set got underway the Surinamese could only get in seven points by the time Romain and Johnson wrapped up the set.

Britton was then back at the table to secure another straight set singles win, this time beating Jared 11-6, 114, 11-1.

Romain came up against Kono Abas, and wrapped up Guyana’s final boys’ team win in a four set battle that played out 11-7, 11-3, 10-12, 12-10.

In the girls’ matches,it was Greaves who played G u y a n a ’s o p e n i n g a n d closing matches to earn straight set wins. In the first match,she defeated Kristel Wijntuin 11-2, 11-4, 11-3.She was back at it again to take

out Sharifa Hooghart 11-6, 11-5, 11-2.

In between Greaves’ two games,Clarkston triumphed 11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4 over Hooghart.Guyana’s Selena Jackman took on Wijntuin and Hooghart.

Jackman also defeated Janily Tamrin 11-4,11-2,1311.

The doubles match saw Jackman and Phillips putting together a straight-set win that ended in three identical 11-5 sets.

Yesterday’s table tennis win followed Guyana’s victory in the athletics competition on Saturday night, when the locals almost made a clean-sweep of the wins in that completion. Athletics and table tennis were two of seven disciplines that were contested at the Games,which c o n c l u d e d y e s t e r d a y.

Swimming, badminton, volleyball, basketball and futsal were the other disciplines.

Guyana (left) and Suriname table tennis players and their officials following yesterday’s matches at CASH.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 24, 2016

Pakistan build commanding lead over Windies in Abu Dhabi

OPENERS Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam hit half-centuries to help Pakistan strengthen their grip on the third day of the second Test against West Indies in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Ali was unbeaten on 52 and Asad Shafiq five not out as Pakistan reached 114-1 at stumps, increasing their lead to 342 after dismissing West Indies for 224 in their first innings.

That had given Pakistan a first innings lead of 228 and left them firmly in control as they look to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan won the first Test -- a day-night affair played with a pink ball -- by 56 runs to take a 1-0 advantage.

But despite the West Indies falling 29 runs short of avoiding the follow-on, Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq decided not to enforce it and batted again.

Both Ali and Aslam survived leg-before decisions through referrals after onfield umpire Michael Gough had raised his finger on both occasions.

Gough has now seen four

“We are in a commanding position,” said Shah.

“We know the pitch will help spinners from tomorrow onwards so if we get a lead of 500 then we can press for a win.

“It was good to get four wickets but I was facing a bit of difficulty after bowling with the pink ball in the first Test and then switching to red here.”

Shah also dismissed Roston Chase (22) and Shai Hope (11) after lunch while fast bowler Sohail Khan bowled Miguel Cummins (three) to finish with 2-35.

Pakistan batsmen Azhar Ali (L) and Sami Aslam (C) run between the wicket as West Indies’ bowler Shannon Gabriel looks on during the third day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi on October 23, 2016 ©Aamir Qureshi (AFP) after West Indian captain overnight score before Jason Holder called for a they were bowled out of his decisions overturned at tea with Pakistani review. in the match with fellow Pakistan will look to leg-spinner Yasir Shah English umpire Richard Ilstretch their lead even fur- taking 4-86. lingworth forced to change Holder (31) and Gabriel ther to leave the West Indies his initial verdict three up against it on a wearing (13) frustrated Pakistan with times. fourth and fifth day pitch at a 27-run last wicket stand Aslam was finally disbefore Shah took the final Sheikd Zayed Stadium. missed when he was caught Earlier, West Indies wicket of Gabriel, caught at behind off paceman Shannon added just 118 to their mid-on to end the innings.

Gabriel for 50, although only

Resuming at 106-4, West Indies lost overnight batsman Jermaine Blackwood in the seventh over of the day when he edged Rahat Ali to wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed after scoring just eight.

Chase and nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo both survived lbw appeals but Sohail had the last laugh as he clean bowled Bishoo for 20, leaving West Indies struggling at 144-6.

The third and final Test will be played in Sharjah from October 30-November 3.(AFP)

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN 1st innings 452 West Indies 1st innings (overnight 106 for four) L Johnson lbw b Rahat Ali 12 D Bravo lbw b Yasir Shah 43 K Brathwaite run out 21 M Samuels c Sami Aslam b Rahat Ali 30 D Bishoo b Sohail Khan 20 J Blackwood c wkp Sarfraz Ahmed b Rahat Ali 8 R Chase c Asad Shafiq b Yasir Shah 22 +S Hope b Yasir Shah 11 *J Holder not out 31 M Cummins b Sohail Khan 3 S Gabriel c Sohail Khan b Yasir Shah 13 Extras (b2, lb7, nb1) 10

TOTAL (all out, 94.4 overs) 224 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-65, 3-106, 4-106, 5-121, 6-144, 7-169, 8-178, 9-197, 10-224.

Bowling: Rahat Ali 21-8-45-3, Sohail Khan 19-8-35-2, Zulfiqar Babar 216-39-0, Asad Shafiq 1-0-2-0, Yasir Shah 28.4-6-86-4.

PAKISTAN 2nd innings Sami Aslam c wkp Hope b Gabriel 50 Azhar Ali not out 52 Asad Shafiq not out 5 Extras (b4, lb1, nb2) 7 TOTAL (1 wkt, 39 overs) 114 Fall of wicket: 1-93.

Bowling: Gabriel 8-1-21-1 (nb2), Cummins 3-0-5-0, Brathwaite 13-2-270, Bishoo 12-0-45-0, Holder 3-0-11-0.

Suriname dismiss Guyana again in FUTSAL

…Dutch Coach offers advice

By Ras Wadada SURINAME’s national U-19 FUTSAL team once again made light work of their Guyanese counterparts when the two sides met yesterday morning at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), the final day of competition for the two nations in the annual Inter Guianas Games.

The 12-2 demolition of the home side improved the tally of both teams by a goal following

Saturday’s 11-1 hammering by the young Dutch. The victory also ensured the visitors the series after the organisers called off the 3rd game which should have been played after lunch yesterday. The decision not to play the final as was scheduled certainly saved the young Guyanese from further humiliation.

Stefano McDonald opened the scoring in the 6th minute and added two more in the second period to lead all scorers of the contest with a treble, while Terence Aro-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday October 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) 4 (2) 17 Tests

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first WI to score a Test hundred against Pakistan?

(2) Wes Hall once took a Test hattrick against Pakistan. Who was his third victim?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Suriname coach Prishad Parmessar

eman and Elyah Pengel netted a double a piece. There was one each for: Nazario Doesburg, Gerten Alphens, Gillaume Strooker, Ronaldo Iolud and Denilson Joekoe.

Guyana’s goals came in the first half through Captain, Kendolyn Lewis and in the final period it was Collyer Daniels who found the back of the net. At the interval Suriname led 4-1.

The IGG which was founded on football in 1967 saw for the first time the introduction of FUTSAL, replacing the ‘Beautiful Game’ and according to Suriname’s Coach, Prishad Parmessar it was a proposal made by Guyana, ”This as I understand is totally an idea of the Guyana Sports Commission to introduce FUTSAL in the Inter Guianas games”.

Coach Parmessar also told Chronicle Sport that he expected more from Guyana, “The games were easier than we expected because of the development Guyana has shown in recent years in field soccer we were expecting much stronger opposition. From what I see, the Guyanese players are Technically good but they are lacking Tactically”.

Parmessar stated that the infrastructure for FUTSAL was introduced in Suriname around 2000 or 2002 and since then it has grown to about 80 teams in both the schools and club systems, “Our FUTSAL season runs from January to AprilMay in the schools and from May to October for the clubs and what you find is the school players also play with clubs so they play a lot.

We have various categories and age groups for both male and female and about 80 teams within the schools and the same amount of clubs as well”.

Parmessar also explained the difference between FUTSAL and field football, “In FUTSAL the space is smaller so within a minute you get more touches than the outdoor football. You have to think and act faster and the Physical aspect becomes of lesser importance. It is smartness and shorter sprints in FUTSAL”, the Surinamese described.

The Dutchman suggested that ‘what needs to be done is to put a proper infrastructure in place. Get FIFA assistance to build proper facilities and courses for Coaches.

Without infrastructure you are wasting time”, Parmessar advised.

WICB President unapologetic over Phil Simmons sacking PRESIDENT of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Wycliffe Dave Cameron, believes history will absolve his organisation regarding the sacking of head coach Phil Simmons.

The WICB had come under pressure for the timing of the decision, the board sacking the coach, on the day the West Indies were to leave for the United Arab Emirates for a group of series against Pakistan.

According to Cameron, there would not have been an ideal time to fire the coach

and the WICB would always have come under fire for their decision.

“I think there’s never a good time to make a decision like that. If we waited three months, it would have been three months later to make a decision and really would not have been the right thing to do,” said Cameron.

The West Indies went on to take a 3-0 thrashing in the T20 series against Pakistan before being similarly blanked in three ODIs. The regional side are now fighting for survival, head-

Phil Simmons ing into Day 3 of the second Test of a three-match series.

They already lost the first Test by 56 runs.

The poor results have been blamed on Simmons sudden departure, with players Kieron Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo being most vocal.

“It’s what management, leadership is about and I think years later once all of this has died down and people have seen what we’ve actually put in place in the last two years, this will all go away and people will realise we had to take some very bold decisions at this point in time,” said Cameron.(Sportsmax.com)

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 24, 2016

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones (left) helps the Guyana’s IGG male volleyball team show off their shiny new trophy

T&T Pro League player suffers career threatening injury in crash

TRINIDAD and Tobago Pro League midfielder Sean Narcis has suffered career threatening injuries after being involved in a motor vehicle accident on Saturday.

The 31-year-old army man sustained injuries to his left eye, which although not life threatening could see the player lose use of the visual

organ completely. Narcis has since undergone surgery for the injury, but it is yet too soon to say whether the player will fully recover from the injury.

On Friday Narcis scored his second goal of the Pro League season in four games. While there are no official details of the accident it is believed

that KIA SUV owned by the player is thought to have collided with another vehicle.

Narcis sustained no other injuries in the incident.

Lieutenant Basil Thompson, the Defence Force FC team manager Lieutenant Basil Thompson, who was at the hospital to discuss the next steps in the player’s treat-

ment, confirmed the player had suffered only head injuries.

Narcis, a two-time (2010/11 & 2012/13) Pro League medal winner with Defence Force, scored his team’s second goal in a 3-2 defeat against Club Sando on Friday night at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

(Sportsmax.com)

Gabriel says Aussie disappointment was a blessing ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – When fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was forced out of the tour of Australia with injury last December, it seemed a massive setback but after picking up his maiden five-wicket haul here yesterday, the speedster pointed to that moment as the turning point of his career.

The strapping right-armer bowled with sustained pace to end with five for 97 as Pakistan, resuming the day on 304 for four, were dismissed for 452 on the second day of the second Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Gabriel, who picked up a left ankle injury during the Hobart first Test and had to return home, said the time See page 27

PakistanWomen build England commanding lead by over5 beat WI Women Windies wicketsininAbu 5thDhabi ODI See story on page 30

Suriname declared IGG winners The Suriname contingent displaying their hardware at the end of last night’s closing ceremony!

(See Story on page 27 )

The Guyana team at this year’s IGG after receiving their medals at last evening’s closing ceremony .(Samuel Maughn photos)

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016