Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 25 08 2016

10% salary increase No. 104654

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‒ Gov’t makes final offer for public servants earning below $99,000 ‒ GPSU to respond after a meeting of its general council 7 P.

Fostering Fostering the the Chinese Chinese connection connection

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, with wife Sita next to him, shares a light moment with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin and Political Affairs Officer Wang Xue Jun at a reception Wednesday evening for Guyanese heading to China for technical studies and to welcome back members of the Guyanese media and the Police Force who were recently on an exchange visit to China. (Samuel Maughn photo)

US$5.7M 3 Businessman justifies Norton to deliver apology Friday project targets shooting at car on 5 ‒ Gov’t says needs Sussex Street bond ‒ says felt at-risk youths his bridge threatened by 'bandits' because Diamond bond not ideal 4 P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Relocation of Walter Roth Museum put on hold

Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, addressing toshaos on Day Three of the National Toshaos Council Conference (GINA photo) The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology is housed in this building on Main Street, in downtown Georgetown

NO decision will be made on the relocation of the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology until consultations have been had with the museum staff and stakeholders, including the leaders of the 212 Indigenous villages, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister

of Education announced Wednesday.

“What I have done, is I have asked the President (David Granger) to put the question of the movement of the Walter Roth Museum on hold until I have had an opportunity to discuss the matter more thoroughly with

the people, the anthropologists, the toshaos and so on,” Minister Roopnaraine is quoted by the Government Information Agency (GINA) as saying.

He was speaking during his engagement with Amerindian leaders of the National Tohaos Council (NTC) at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre, Liliendaal.

The Minister’s announcement was met with loud applause from the indigenous leaders, GINA stated.

According to GINA, the Minister assured the Toshaos that the matter is one that is at the heart of his very own family.

The Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP) had recently announced that the museum was being relocated from its Main Street, Georgetown location and that the building would be used as a department for the Ministry. It was announced that the museum would be shifted to the Natioanl Museum.

The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology contains a wealth of historic information and artefacts about the Amerindian people with the aim of keeping the legacy of

Guyana’s first people alive.

Patrick Gomes, toshao of Maruranau Village, Region Nine decried the government’s decision to move the Museum, on the grounds that the artefacts contained within are those founded several hundred years ago, and that many will not be able to survive relocation.

Gomes called on all the indigenous leaders present at the NTC to make a recommendation to the government that the museum remain at its present site, “because we do not want to lose our heritage and our connection to the past.”

The indigenous people need to “have that connection to the past, to know

where we came from, where we are going and what we have,” Gomes noted.

Acclaimed to be the oldest such museum in the English-speaking Caribbean, the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology was established in 1974, but was not opened to the public until 1982.

The museum was founded with the collections of Guyanese archaeologist Dr Denis Williams. In 1980, the ethnographic collections of Dr Walter Roth, J.J. Quelch and Sir Everardim Thurn were transferred to the Walter Roth Museum from the Guyana Museum.

An ethnographic collection of the Wai Wai peoples was presented to the museum in 1991 by local cultural anthropologist, Dr George P. Mentore.

The museum’s collections also include excavated artifacts from all ten administrative regions of Guyana.

The museum is a non-profit institution created by the Government of Guyana to collect, exhibit and conserve artifacts relating to the nation’s ancient cultures, to conduct anthropological research and disseminate knowledge of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana through its inhouse and outreach programmes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

US$5.7M project targets at-risk youths

‒ 4,000 persons to be trained in 20 communities in ‘grass root attempt’ to reduce crime

By Svetlana Marshall OVER the next four years, the Ministry of Public Security and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will attempt to transform the lives of 4,000 atrisk youths in 20 communities as a way of reducing crime and violence.

On Wednesday, the Ministry and the IDB launched the “Community Crime and Violence Prevention” component of the programme at the cost of US$5.7M, which represents 38.2 percent of US$15M budgeted for the Citizen Security Strengthening initiative.

Delivering the feature address at the Shopping Plaza Tarmac in South Ruimveldt, Vice-President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said this aspect of the programme is a “grass-root attempt” designed to address crime and violence within communities by reducing the contributing factors and simultaneously strengthening the protective factors.

Cognizant of the short and long-term impact of crime and violence on human development and the economic well-being of the country, Minister Ramjattan said the Public Security

Ministry with local and international support will continue to find solutions to the problems affecting youths – a percentage of whom are considered to be both perpetrators and victims of crime and violence.

Government, he said, is aware that there is a link between illiteracy and unemployment, and unemployment and crime, and as such will be fostering youth development with the emphasis on education.

Through this component of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme, he said at-risk youths will be empowered.

“We will be spending some US$3M on providing technical and vocational education and training to cover all costs associated with re-enrolling youths in skills training and entrepreneurship training.”

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, who was also present at the launch along with the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, said the Government regards crime prevention a national priority.

But government, she said, cannot do it alone as she called for a collaborative movement.

“Crime Prevention can-

At the launch of the Community Crime and Violence Prevention programme are, from left: Clement Henry, Project Coordinator of the Citizen Security Strengthening programme; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Acting Police Commissioner (Administration), David Ramnarine; and Gladwin Samuels, Deputy Director of Prisons

not be tackled by the Government alone or by the Ministry of Public Security alone. It requires an integrated, multi-agency approach where all relevant departments view crime prevention as a shared responsibility and collective priority,” she told those present.

Minister Henry said it is time to reclaim communities that are constantly plagued by crime and violence.

“We have to reclaim our communities, child by child, family by family, community by community. Every community can become a safe place, but for this to happen, every citizen must play a role,” Minister Henry posited.

According to the Junior Education Minister, the issue of crime and violence must be addressed at the root, noting that children from an early age must be taught how to cope with and deal with conflicts and problems without using force.

While the Government is playing its part through the implementation of projects, programmes and policies such as the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme,

Minister Henry emphasized that parents must also play their part in positively affecting the lives of their children.

One of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme Community Action Specialists, Mark Ross, explained that the 20 communities being targeted were selected following an intense study based on a two-stage methodology.

“In the first stage, crime data at the community level for murder (2010, 2011 and 2013) and domestic violence, robberies, breaking and entering and larceny (20112013) were used to identify 25 communities with the highest crime rates in Guyana,” he further explained.

According to him, the shortlisted communities were then ranked in terms of suitability for intervention, based on a range of additional criteria including the percentage of youths and young adults, the percentage of persons who have primary or lower education, the percentage of persons who have no formal qualifications, the percentage of unemployed persons, the population size within each

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Norton to deliver apology Friday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

- Gov’t says needs Sussex Street bond because Diamond bond not ideal

MINISTER of Public Health Dr George Norton is expected to Friday deliver a written apology to Speaker of the National Assembly for misleading the House on the contract for the rental of a pharmaceutical bond on Sussex Street, Georgetown.

It is unclear if Dr Norton will also hand over all documents related to the contract to the Speaker at the same time.

Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo Wednesday suggested that Norton was ordered to apologise in order to save him from Parliamentary sanctions.

But the Opposition is not taking the matter that lightly.

“He lied to the Parliament so he has to face the consequences in Parliament,” Jagdeo declared at a press conference at the headquarters of the opposition PPP in Georgetown.

On August 8, the Minister told the House that a contract was signed with Linden Holdings Incorporated, owned by one Larry Singh, to rent the storage bond on Sussex Street in the city for $12 million a month; the first month’s rent was handed over, along with an additional $13 million, which the Minister said was for a security deposit.

The Minister told the House that the bond was certified by an agency un-

der his Ministry and that it had met international standards – standards of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).

He said that the contract with the company was decided on as it was cheaper than what was being offered by the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation.

It is unclear what aspects of his statement Minister Norton will be apologising for.

Mr Jagdeo described the sub-committee appointed

by Cabinet to review the decision of the Ministry of Health as a “cover -up committee.” The Cabinet had appointed Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minis-

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ter of State Joseph Harmon and Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman to review the contract.

The committee was set up a day after Dr Norton’s revelations in the National Assembly.

Jagdeo believed that the real test would be “whether they are prepared to terminate this contract and to give us the real details.”

He said an external investigation should be done as it must be made known “who directed them to Larry Singh - who has never stored drugs before.”

According to the report of the sub-committee, the contract was signed on July 20, 2016 following a demand by the New GPC Inc. for US$137,533.32 (at a rate of US$45,884 per month) for the months

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Dr George Norton

of March, April and May 2016.

Cabinet had decided to end its arrangement with New GPC and approved the lease of a “suitable warehouse.”

The Sussex Street bond was secured at a monthly rental of $12,500,000.

According to the report, Norton “was acting in accordance with a Cabinet directive when he tasked the

Ministry’s staff to secure a suitable bond.”

Government argued that while its storage facility located at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has space it is not ideal.

“It is unadvisable to locate all supplies in one location as a fire or some other natural or unnatural disaster can have calamitous consequences to the national health care system,” the report added.

The report noted that the location of the government bond can affect distribution given the consistent travel woes along the EBD roadway.

“The general terms of the lease are not altogether unfavourable to the Ministry of Public Health as the lessor is obligated by the terms of the agreement to maintain the facility at a standard.

“However, the agreement could be strengthened with more specific terms that address insurance, maintenance,” the report of the sub-committee stated.

Additionally, the report noted that the rental sum of $12,500,000 should be re-assessed as it is “likely that a similar facility could be maintained at a lower rate.”

If there is a refusal by Linden Holding to re-negotiate it has been recommended that government terminates the contract and build and operate its own facilities.

Dr Norton is to submit his apology to the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland on Friday. His apology ought to explain the circumstances to which his utterances were made.

It was also recommended that the government releases all documents relative to the matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Businessman justifies shooting at car on his bridge

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- says felt threatened by bandits - to face charges of murder, attempted murder

THE Tucville, Georgetown businessman who fired at a car on his bridge, killing a youngster and leaving a woman hospitalised, has reportedly told police he feared he was being attacked by bandits.

Dead is 24-year-old Colin Perreira, called “Malcolm” of 213 Barr Street, Kitty. His female friend, 22-year-old Gailann Chacom of Region One, is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports indicate that Chacom was in Georgetown visiting relatives.

The businessman has been identified as Robert Benn, a licensed firearm holder. This newspaper understands that Benn reportedly opened fire with a 9 mm handgun when he saw the car - Toyota Allion PRR 4393 – turning on his bridge. Reports indicate that Perreira was teaching Chacom to drive at the time of the shooting.

Benn reportedly told the police that he felt threatened when he saw the car turning on his bridge since he believed the vehicle had bandits.

Benn remains in police custody and according to police sources, he will be charged with murder and attempted murder.

Perreira was shot multiple times about the body

and six bullet holes were registered on the front windscreen of the car; the shooting occurred around 20:50 hrs.

Residents in the area described the businessman as a harsh and ill-tempered individual.

“This man is always having problems with people,” one resident said.

A cousin of the dead man who requested anonymity said she is traumatized at the senseless killing. “It’s not like he was sick and he died, then it

would be different.

“He leave the house to make two drop-offs and he never returned home.

“This man has a twoyear-old daughter who will never know her father.”

She explained that when relatives visited the East La Penitence police station, the businessman was there with his lawyer.

P e r r e i r a ’s m o t h e r, Cerene Roberts, said she was at a church event at the Melanie School Ground, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday night when at

21:30 hrs she received several calls simultaneously informing her that someone had shot her son in Tucville.

Ms Roberts said she visited Perry Street, Tucville, where she was shown the area where the shooting had occurred.

“I last saw my son at 1PM Tuesday afternoon when he came home to use the washroom..and I never heard anything from him after.

“This man [the shooter] must be crazy.”

Dead is 24-year-old Colin Perreira called ‘Malcolm’

The car the duo was in when the businessman opened fire killing Colin Perreira in the process. Six shots were fired at the front windscreen.

Injured: Gailann Chacom

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial Hillary Clinton’s emails headache

IT was Bernie Sanders during a Democratic presidential primary debate last October, in responding to a moderator’s question about then rival Hillary Clinton’s emails controversy, said: “The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails. Enough of the emails. Let’s talk about the real issues facing America.” While Mrs Clinton nodded and smiled assent to Sanders’ comments, from news that continues to circulate around the emails, it seems as though persons are not quite yet sick and tired of it and find such useful for political and economic mileage.

It is no secret that the dislike for Bill and Hillary Clinton, more particularity by Republicans, has fuelled a literary enterprise, where authors have written best sellers and made millions writing stories, good and bad, about the politics, public and private lives of these two. It is not an unfair statement to say that the Clintons are among, if not the most, simultaneously vilified and admired political couple.

Mrs Clinton’s pursuit now for the United States’ highest office, like much that have surrounded her public life, is evidently not going to be without its challenges. Where Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has sought to cast her in the light as “crooked Hillary,” the Clinton Foundation as a “pay- to-play” institution and is threatening to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate it should he become president, the Associated Press (AP) story of August 24 “Many donors to Clinton Foundation met with her at State” will undoubtedly add to her headache and distraction.

According to the report, “More than half the people outside the government who met with Hillary Clinton while she was secretary of state gave money — either personally or through companies or groups — to the Clinton Foundation.” It goes on to say that “at least 85 of 154 people from private interests who met or had phone conversations scheduled with Clinton while she led the State Department, donated to her family charity or pledged commitments to its international programs, according to a review of State Department calendars released so far….”

It should be said that AP made it known that such actions do not appear to violate legal agreements Mr and Mrs Clinton signed with the State Department before she assumed the secretary portfolio in 2009, though AP and experts say such raise questions about access and influence. And here is where Trump is using the opportunity to “prove” that he has been right all along about the Clintons and the use of the foundation, even though he donated more than $100,000, but was quick to say he never personally benefitted from his donation. The Clinton campaign has responded to the AP’s story by challenging its veracity, which Campaign Manager Robby Mook called “outrageous” and asked that the focus be placed on what matters to voters, even as he identified and stated that Trump has ties to foreign leaders and countries and urged the media to pursue the information.

Last week the Clintons made a commitment to put distance between them and the foundation. Should Mrs Clinton win the presidency, the Clintons have committed that the foundation will not take foreign money and former President Bill Clinton will leave the institution.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Society must hold this government accountable Dear Editor

THOSE in society who fought for change in the manner in which the government functions and elected representatives conduct the people’s business carry a corresponding responsibility to hold this new administration accountable to universally acceptable standards.

People want this government to succeed, especially coming after years of gross mismanagement, abuse of State resources, deceitful and contemptuous politicians, violation of laws, time-honoured principles and transgression of workers’/citizens’ rights. If this administration had stuck to doing the things they said when in opposition and demanded of the PPP/C when on the other side in the National Assembly, the crises we are witnessing today would have been avoided.

Government is not managed by gut feelings and friendism, but by internationally acceptable principles, conventions, charters and laws. When a group who has made the decision in the first instance on the bond matter, from within has identified three to investigate it, such does not happen in an environment where good governance is held in esteem.

Where a minister today thinks it is acceptable to commit an egregious act on behalf of the State and refers to such as a “learning experience,” that he nor the party he associates with would not have allowed the PPP/C to do and expects a mere apology will suffice, are double standards and crass contempt for the people. Had a clerk committed a similar act that worker would not have escaped accountability under the claim of “learning experience,” but the matter would have been placed in the hands of the police where it rightfully belongs.

It is an affront to the intelligence of Guyanese to ask us to accept that the bad decision and abuse of taxpayers’ money in selecting the Sussex Street bond has to do with location and road traffic considerations, as against the bond at Diamond that meets storage requirements. A storage bond that houses the nation’s drugs and pharmaceutical supplies cannot be likened to the storage facility of the various state-owned health institutions. With proper management each health institution should have stock on hand to meet short-term needs, including emergencies, which makes the claim of “emergency” an excuse.A health institution, by its very nature, factors in emergencies in competency

planning.

If elected representatives can get away with lying to the National Assembly and by extension the people, and keep their jobs, these same representatives have no moral authority to say to appointed government officials that they cannot keep theirs for doing the same thing. And should such be the approach to governance, this nation will sink deeper into the morass. Constitutional commissions are independent bodies, whose functions are established in the Constitution and conduct circumscribed by said instrument and the laws.

If there exists a disagreement with a decision made by any constitutional body, such has to be adjudicated and pronounced on by the court.

Further to the above, those speaking out against this administration’s misconduct are being subjected to personal ridicule and denial of their rights and roles in society similar as happened under the PPP/C. That such pursuit is designed to silence persons so this administration can repeat the PPP/C’s mistakes and not be held to account should not be tolerated or supported. Equally, it must be condemned the thin-skinned tendencies by some in the administration to public outcries and their

abuse of the people’s privilege. Ours is a representative system of government and those elected to represent us, whether a ballot was cast for them or not, once being paid by our tax dollars are duty bound to abide by established rules, time-honoured principles, and laws.

The business of governance does not belong to a party or group. It belongs to the people who have elected representatives to manage their affairs. And whichever party or group demonstrates the inclination to see and treat the people’s business otherwise, we, the people must stand up, make our voices heard, and refuse to relent until the desired change is achieved. Good governance will never be achieved in the face of complicity and silence to wrong- doings. If it was wrong under the PPP/C it cannot be right under the APNU+AFC. Where the APNU and AFC in opposition condemned the PPP/C’s wrongs in government, they carry a greater responsibility to avoid said and similar wrongs. Each and every one of us must see to it for the sake of our and the nation’s growth and development.

Regards LINCOLN LEWIS

The IAC raised a range of issues with President Granger Dear Editor THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) has noted remarks

by Carl Veecock, Markham, Ontario (Kaieteur News24th August 2016) letter to the Editor regarding the IAC’s recent visit to President Granger to discuss the organization’s “upcoming play on social cohesion.”

The IAC however wishes to make clarification that the organization’s visit to President Granger was not based entirely on the “upcoming play on social cohesion,” but to discuss several issues that the IAC felt that HE should be apprised of. The full meeting of the IAC with President Granger consisted of: 1. Unity Play The IAC first informed President Granger of its recently completed stage play titled “I am US”, written by IAC Executive member Neaz

Subhan, which deals with the problem of Social Cohesion in the Guyanese society as general elections approach. The IAC invited stage actors and cast members Mr Godrey Naughton and Mr Kirk Jardine to explain the objectives of the stage play to President Granger. The IAC presented a copy of the stage play to President Granger.

2. ERC Establishment The IAC enquired into the restoration of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and was given the assurance

by President Granger that the (ERC) will be restored when Parliament reconvenes after its recess.

3. 100th year of last “coolie” Ship The IAC informed President Granger that the last “coolie” ship from India arrived in British Guiana on 18th April, 1917 and that the organization has planned a series of cultural events includ-

AP’s revelations and the Clintons’ commitments come against a background where the candidate faces trust and “highly unfavourable” issues with the electorate and where in the latter instance, her rival’s rating is higher (Trump 42% to Clinton’s 33%), and in the presence of polling that shows were the election to be held today, she would win. Unfavourable figures are taken from Gallop polling conducted between June 14-23 and published 1st July 2016. Though the presidential election is in the homestretch, i.e. less than three months away, a week is a lifetime in politics, and anything

ing a stage play to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the arrival of the S.S. Ganges which brought 437 persons.

The IAC suggested to President Granger that this commemoration coincide with the unveiling of the 1838 (Indian Indentured) Monument, which is a gift from the Government of India to the people of Guyana. The IAC led the call for the 1838 Monument during the time of the previous government. The monument has been completed and is ready to be shipped to Guyana for installation at Palmyra, Region Six, Berbice.

4. Communal Land concerns The IAC requested clarification from President Granger and what he meant by “anomalies” and “controversies” pertaining to communal and proprietary villages established by formerly enslaved

persons between 1839 and 1860 and his proposed communal lands commission to deal with these problems. The IAC was informed by President Granger that no lands will be taken away from anyone, but problems relating to land ownership involving the descendants of the commonly owned lands involving land titles will be resolved by this commission. The IAC intends to follow up these matters with the President. Further, the organization will reach out to other stakeholders including the political opposition, religious groups, the international community and civil society on these and other matters relating to the Indian community.

Yours Sincerely, SAIRA ALLI Secretary, Indian Action Committee

can happen in between; this election is being watched with much anxiety by people and governments around the world.

Outside of the candidates’ history-making moments, the U.S. is considered the bastion of democracy. Its leadership plays a very influential role in global relations and efforts at country and human development. Against such a backdrop, there will be abiding interest in how the emails issue plays out and the measurable impact, if any, on polling, which is the only gauge for election watchers until the election is held and the results declared.

10% salary increase

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

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- Gov’t makes final offer for public servants earning below $99,000 - GPSU to respond after meeting of its general council

THE government has made a final offer of a 10 percent increase in salaries for public servants working earning below $99, 000, and has made an offer of 1-6 for other categories of workers.

The GPSU is to respond to the government’s final offer after a meeting of its general council.

Below is the full statement from the Ministry of the Presidency.

• On Wednesday August 24, 2016, the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) concluded discussions on Wages and Salaries for Public Servants within the Bargaining Unit for 2016.

• The negotiations were conducted in the spirit of cordiality and mutual respect, and were consistent with the obligations of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Guyana Public Service Union and the Public Service Ministry for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes.

• The negotiations were conducted within a two-month period from June 22, 2016 to August 24, 2016, during which period both the GoG and the GPSU presented proposals and recommendations having mutually agreed that relief for public servants was both immediate and necessary.

This timespan was influenced by requests made by the union for information and data which the GoG as far as possible, sought to provide.

• The initial proposal of the GPSU was for a 40% across-the-board increase for public servants. This was subsequently adjusted to 25%. The union had also requested that allowances be included in the negotiations.

• In response, the

The Government re-considered its position and a final offer was presented as follows:

GoG proposed a differentiated approach to increases that sought to provide the greatest relief to those within the lower salary bands of the Public Service wages and salaries structure. In this regard, the Government proposed the following: • persons earning below $100,000 would receive 5.5% • persons earning $100,000 to $300,000 would receive 5% • persons earning $300,000 to $800,000 would receive 4.5% • persons earning $800,000 to $1,000,000 would receive 2% • persons earning over a $1,000,000 would receive 1% The below $100,000.00 percentage offer of 5.5% was later increased to 6% The GoG also agreed to consider a review of allowances for public servants immediately upon the conclusion of the negotiations for wages and salaries. As a consequence, a Tripartite Committee comprising representatives from the Department of the Public Service, the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Public Service Union was established to address this issue.

The GoG’s proposal took into consideration the fundamental need for a restructured Public Service which included the adjustment of scales for wages and salaries; the implementation of a merit increment system; and a resolution of the issue of bunching. It was pointed out to the union, that each of these would entail an additional cost to Government and result in increased earnings for Public Servants.

The GOG’s proposal was rejected by the union.

It was pointed out to the GPSU that the GoG’s final offer for wage and salary increases for Public Servants had taken into consideration the current socio-economic environment; the difficulty in agreeing to increases that would entail having to raise additional revenue and the unsustainability of any further addition to its offer with regard to the current and future budgets.

The GoG reiterated to the union that its members were also the Government’s employees and that the Government was equally mindful of the need for financial relief for the workers under consid-

eration.

The union was also reminded of the relief measures that were granted to public servants since the ascension of the new administration to office in May 2015. Those measures

included an increase of the minimum wage to $50,000; a 5% across-the-board plus $5000 increase, all within the 2015 National Budget, and, a one-off bonus of $50,000 for Public Servants earning below $500,000 per month in December

2015.

The GPSU agreed to consider the Government’s final offer and indicated that a response will be forthcoming after a meeting of its General Council.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Rusal to correct safety breaches by month-end SOCIAL Protection Minister Volda Lawrence will meet with officials of the Bauxite Company Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) Thursday for a progress report on a number of safety and other violations which the company had agreed to correct.

A recent workplace inspection conducted by the Ministry of Social Protection at the BCG Inc at Aroaima, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice) found several infractions that pose threats to life and limb of its employees which the company has agreed to remedy by August 30, 2016.

A release from the Ministry of Social Protection noted that when Minister Lawrence, junior Minister Keith Scott and a team of officials recently visited the mining company, they found violations of the labour laws and regulations which included the absence of fire extinguishers in some areas and failure to post the Health and Safety Policy and the Occupational Safety and Health Act at the health centre.

The company also had insufficient lighting at the cafeteria, inoperable fans, toilets in unsanitary condition and where they were found, fire extinguishers were not serviced or mounted in the accommodation area.

Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence

General concerns raised by workers included inadequate compensation for work outside of employees’ job description; problems with submission of sick leave, retirement benefits, and annual leave; safety in the workplace, lack of workers’ representation; victimisation for speaking out; poor conditions of work and the status of the tax-free overtime which was reported by the Government in December, 2015.

Minister Lawrence committed to addressing the is-

Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, interacts with workers of the bauxite company

AFC to attend PNCR’s congress …says presence a sure sign of the “unbreakable bond of the coalition” THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has announced that it will be joining other coalition allies in attending the opening session of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)'s congress tomorrow, stating that their presence there will assure Guyanese and the diaspora of the “unbreakable bond of our six-party coalition.”

The AFC also sent its fraternal greeting to the PNCR. “Together, in a spirit of mutual trust and respect, we have embarked on a united political journey for the greater good of a better Guyana. Despite many attempts in the past, the political unity demonstrated with evident

strength today among the coalition partners had eluded our beloved country for decades,” the AFC said.

According to the party, previous leaders here experimented with various forms of coalition-building and had advanced ideas for lasting political unity, all of which remained elusive before the formation of the historic APNU+AFC electoral front and subsequently Coalition Government. “These past efforts, upon which we have built the Coalition Government, included critical support, National Patriotic Front, caretaker government of national reconstruction among others.”

The AFC also con -

The state of one of the toilets in the company

gratulated His Excellency, President Brig. David Granger on being returned, unopposed, as Leader of the PNC. “President Granger’s re-election gives Guyana the assurance that our coalition will move forward with a common agenda to build a clean and green economy under strong, stable, mature, responsible and visionary leadership. The AFC wishes the PNC leadership, membership and all delegates a successful and peaceful congress and looks forward to working closely with the party in achieving the good life for all Guyanese,” the AFC statement read.

sues of safety, workers trade union and violations of the labour laws. According to the release, she noted that the government is moving to have an Industrial Tribunal Court, and draft legislation would be placed before the National Assembly soon.

Plans are also apace to have an amendment to the Fines Act and Labour Act, which states that the maximum a Magistrates Court can award is $100,000 to an employee.

The minister opined that there should be a workers’ benefits plan at the company and a trust fund. In addition, she enquired about vaccination of children in the community, since schools were on the premises, and suggested that parents of those children should present their vaccination cards to the clinic.

The Labour Department will conduct training at BCGI for employees in various labour and related areas and a follow up inspection will be conducted in September.

The release further noted that the management of the BCGI expressed readiness to correct the breaches and stated that they were looking forward to support from the various government ministries, to enforce their standards in every respect.

Guyana priming to host inaugural Coconut Festival

At yesterday’s media briefing are, from left, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr George Jervis; Minister of Business and Tourism, Mr Dominic Gaskin; and Director-General of Tourism, Mr Donald Sinclair

GUYANA is to host its first ever Coconut Festival to showcase the diversity of the humble coconut, a fruit that is widely referred to as “the Swiss Army Knife of the plant kingdom”.

The event, according to Director-General of Tourism, Mr Donald Sinclair, is to be held during the course of Coconut Awareness Week, which is slated for October 15 – 23.

As suggested by Minister of Business, Mr Dominic Gaskin, who has portfolio responsibility for Tourism, the proposed festival has tremendous possibilities, as it presents Guyana with “a re-

freshing opportunity to do something new and non-traditional.”

But to do this successfully, he said, we’d first need “to look beyond our domestic market,” as there’s “a seemingly endless market” abroad for the coconut and its many by-products, which can be produced right here in Guyana.

Surprising as it may seem, the coconut, according to Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr George Jervis, has been one of Guyana’s top three exports for the latter part of the past decade.

But what is even more

surprising, he said, is that the very coconut we export is being imported “as a manufactured value-added product” and is sold in our market.

The coconut, its variety of uses, and its creative and economic possibilities will all be highlighted during the awareness drive.

The festival will be fostering the Regional Programme for the Development of Coconut of which Guyana and eight other Caribbean countries are a part.

Exhibitors will be drawn from countries such as Suriname, Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland and India, as well as other Caribbean countries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Linden bridge toll could give town $3M monthly THE reintroduction of a toll station in Linden, Region Ten will significantly boost the town’s economy, former Chairman of the Linden Interim Management Committee (IMC), Orin Gordon said on Wednesday.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Gordon said based on previous collections at the Kara Kara Toll Station, the town has the ability to rake in approximately $3M monthly or more than $36M on an annual basis.

Last Thursday, the Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan approved the Linden Town Council (Toll) By-Laws 2016.

The By-Laws were subsequently gazetted on Saturday, thereby allowing for the imposition of tolls for the use of the roads by 18 categories of vehicles, particularly vehicles passing through the town with fuel, lumber or merchandise. The tolls will range from $2000 to $7000.

The re-operationalisation of the toll system in

Linden comes approximately three years after it was closed by the then PPP/C Administration.

Gordon explained that a toll station was opened in Linden in 1997 under the stewardship of then Mayor Stanley Smith, following an order by then Local Government Minister, Clinton Collymore.

The move, Gordon further explained, was in response to cries of Lindeners.

“They felt that it was unfair to have persons come into Linden sell,” Gordon said.

Tolls were collected until 2011 when the Town Council took several persons to court over their failure to pay the required tolls. In the court, it was explained by the council’s legal representative that tolls were being collected in accordance with Chapter 28:01, Section 301 of the Municipal and District Councils Act but the judicial officer had noted that the act was not specific and as such a By-Law was

Attempted robber, thrashed by residents, refused bail COLIS Amos, 21, seen here at the Georgetown Magistrates Court Wednesday, was denied bail on a charge that he attempted to rob a man in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, on August 17, using a 9 mm pistol.

Amos is one of two men who were severely beaten by residents for attempting to rob Roger Lovell. The other accused, Patrick Goodluck, 22 of North Sophia, Georgetown, was charged on Monday.

According to reports, on the date in question, one of the suspects acted as a lookout while the other made his way into Lovell’s home and woke him up by beating him with the gun.

Colis Amos

Lovell used his bed sheet to wrap the bandit’s arm and tug him towards a window.

required.

By 2011, Gordon had already assumed leadership of the council, and had crafted a by-law to legalise the collection of tolls. That By-Law was adopted by the then Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall on September 1, 2011.

In response to the Minimum Wage Order of 2012, Gordon said mechanisms were put in place to “tighten-up” the operation at the Toll Station in a quest to increase the salaries of the council’s workers who were paid below the $35,000 minimum wage.

“We decided to hire some rural constables to assist in the management of the booth and they were doing a fine job under the leadership of Avery Trim and others,” the former IMC Chairman posited.

He also noted that the rural constables were able to increase the tolls collected from $700,000 to approximately $3M. Much to his dissatisfaction, Gordon said either in June or July of 2012, the council received a Local Government Ministry instruction, which stated that it was to close the toll station, but the instruction was met with major objection.

“A couple of miners, I was told had complained to the government about having to pay the tolls and Cabinet instructed the then Minister Norman Whittaker to close the booth,” Gordon explained.

Gordon said he rejected on the grounds that the revenues collected at the boost were critical to the operation of the Council and an alternative financial source was not provided.

However, after returning to Guyana from China, he was informed that the current Town Clerk Janella Bowen

had closed the booth on the instruction of Minister Whittaker.

“I saw a letter in which he (Whittaker) threatened the Town Clerk that if she didn’t do it, this and that would have happened,” Gordon recalled.

The booth was officially closed on September 26, 2013.

In Gordon’s opinion, the Gazzetting of the ByLaw is somewhat belated and should have been done immediately after the 2015 General Elections.

Linden’s Deputy Mayor Waneka Arrindell dispelled the notion that the imposition of the tolls would be a financial burden to the people of Linden and the business community.

“This council is made up of Lindeners who have this community at heart.

This toll booth will bring well needed finances to this community,” she posited.

According to the ByLaw, “vehicles mentioned in the Schedule registered in the name of a person living in Linden shall pay a toll determined by the Council twice a year in January and July.” However, the Deputy Mayor assured that consultations will be held before a figure is arrived at.

“Lindeners will not face the day to day toll; there will be discussions with the Linden Chambers of Commerce and businesses as we work on a cost that is suitable and that will not affect the businesses negatively in this community. This will be paid twice a year. No taxies, busses, private or hire cars, will pay the toll,” she explained.

With the revenues collected, the Deputy Mayor said the Council would be able to clear its debts and execute much needed works in the Town.

Man killed outside prison identified as psychiatric patient THE man who was shot dead by police Friday last after behaving disorderly outside the Camp Street prison has been identified as 25-year-old Shane Scippio of West Coast Demerara.

According to a family friend who requested anonymity, Scippio had been a psychiatric patient for several years and bore a tattoo marking on his upper back that stated “C.P.O”.

Police had reported that the man went to the Camp Street Prison, on John and Durban Streets, and behaved in a disorderly manner.

He reportedly threw down some steel barriers, in the presence of the ranks, guarding the perimeter of the prison. He was taken into custody by ranks of a police patrol but subsequently returned and continued the said behaviour and action in front of the prison.

According to the Police,

Dead: Shane Scippio

the constable, rank armed with a service weapon and under the supervision of a subordinate officer, approached the suspect. The suspect then reportedly attacked the rank, to which he (rank) discharged a round, hitting the suspect to the abdomen.

Investigators noted that the rank’s weapon has been lodged as the probe continues.

PPP will not ‘beg’ gov’t to share power ‒ Jagdeo

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference on Wednesday at Freedom House

OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo Wednesday said the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is not opposed to working along with the APNU+AFC coalition government, but will not “beg” to be part of the government.

Mr Jagdeo was at the time responding to a report of the United States Agency

for International Development (USAID) on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance of Guyana. The agency said that the PPP had “refused the offer to form a government of national unity.”

According to the Opposition Leader, “there has been no formal proposal to the PPP for power- sharing” Turn to page 12 ►

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US$5.7M project targets... community and the ethnic composition of each community.

In the end, Vreed-enHoop in Region Three, Al-

bouystown, Charlestown, Sophia, South Ruimveldt, Alberttown, Kingston, La Penitence, McDoom, Providence, Annandale, Buxton/

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016 From page 3

Friendship and Enmore in Region Four, Rosignol in Region Five, Friendship, Albion, Port Mourant, Adelphi Village and Angoy’s Avenue

in Region Six and Wismar in Region 10, were the 20 communities selected.

“The specific objective of this component is to improve behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution in target communities, which will contribute to the overall aim of the programme which is to contribute to a reduction in crime and violence in Guyana, especially in the targeted communities and among youths,” he noted.

This component, Community Crime and Violence Prevention, is therefore designed to address the high incidence of violent behaviour at the level of the community, which is a result of the prevalence of social norms that tolerate the use of violence within interpersonal re-

lationships, low employment and education levels and low participation of community members in resolving community problems.

“This component aims to address community crime and violence vulnerability through differentiated social-prevention interventions focused on developing a common core of skills and capabilities among community members to allow them to cope with violence, unemployment, and counterproductive behaviour risk factors and stimulate protective factors,” Ross said.

Three types of interventions will be carried out in existing community facilities, targeting individuals, families, and the community. These are the behaviour

change and awareness-raising campaigns, socio-educational and employment-related activities to create opportunities for economic integration and productive use of time to reduce probability of involvement in criminal activities; and mechanisms to help community members to identify problems and develop bottom-up solutions to prevent crime and violence through Community Action Councils (CAC).

IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen, the Public Security Ministry Permanent Secretary Daniella McCalmon and Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Sherod Duncan were among other officials present at the launching ceremony.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Ramjattan reiterates need for periodic review of firearm licences

By Svetlana Marshall

OUTRAGED over the reckless shooting to death of Colin Perreira by a licensed firearm holder, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has underscored the importance of having holders of firearm licences constantly reviewed.

The Security Minister explained that while persons would have initially qualified for the acquisition of a firearm licence, many of them would have become ineligible as they aged.

“Some of these people get old, they get mentally depressed,” he said, while emphasising that the process to repossess the licences of persons no longer eligible to have a weapon will commence soon.

This initiative, springing from weekly Cabinet discussions and some lobbying by colleague ministers, is supposed to target those who no longer need a firearm, are mentally unfit, or were wrongly issued firearm licences.

Commenting on Tuesday night’s shooting, the Security Minister said he received the

news with much sadness.

“It is an extremely sad story. I could not believe that someone, from what I am being told, just see a car turning into his driveway, and then he comes down like a cowboy and starts shooting. We got a lot of people who are not mentally sound in this place with firearms,” he said.

Perreira, 24, of 213 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was shot dead and his female friend critically injured, after they were riddled with bullets by a businessman while in the vicinity of Perry Street, Tucville. The businessman, identified as Robert Benn, opened fire on the couple who were in a car based on his suspicion that they were bandits.

Persons undeserving of firearm licences could include those with criminal records acquired before or subsequent to receiving a firearm licence, who maintained possession of their firearms, regardless; and those who accessed a shortcut in legally acquiring a weapon. Allegations did surface that the full application process was not being utilized, thus persons were making money off the sale of gun licences.

The Guyana Police Force, in collaboration with information technology company Brains Street, is designing and building an integrated crime information system to allow inter-agency access by security forces to various types of crime-related information. Ramjattan said the programme is moving along, but more equipment has to be acquired to facilitate the national network.

A special “firearm management system” is included in the crime information system to help the agencies determine the legality of a firearm holder, since such persons would be listed in a database of registered gun holders. The firearm management system would also provide a paper trail as to how a gun was acquired, since it would show the steps that were taken, all the way to the Firearm Licensing Board.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and divisional commanders who are the first set of authorities to be approached in the licensing process, will help review licences to determine whether they should be renewed.

Small miners awarded high-yield lands MINING lands for small miners were granted Wednesday after the Closed Areas Committee, working under the guidance of the Ministry of Natural Resources, re-

viewed some of the applications.

In February last, Minister Raphael Trotman inducted members of the Committee and urged them to ensure that lands awarded

to small and medium-scale miners by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are high-yield lands.

The Committee is chaired by Attorney-at-Law Turn to page 17 ►

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and acting GGMC commissioner Newell Dennison (standing in the back) with Closed Areas Committee officials and several small miners who were present to receive their claims

11

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PPP will not ‘beg’ gov’t... and his party will not “beg to be part of this government.”

However, Mr Jagdeo said his party and the coalition government can “work together for the people of Guyana,” but that this has to be done on clear principles.

“We’re not anxious or begging to be in any form

within the executive,” he stated.

The former President noted that the PPP has made clear areas of concern and has indicated to the government that when it is “done with campaigning” talks can begin.

“They are still in cam-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016 From page 9

paign mode…they are busy trying to destroy reputations,” said Jagdeo.

Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Basil Williams, last week said he believed the opposition party will eventually join the coalition government. He said while

the PPP is an opposition party, persons need not be “carried away by what they are doing.”

The PNCR is the largest party in the coalition bloc that unseated the PPP from the seat of government in the general elections of May, 2015.

Williams, who is also Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, noted that the coalition government remains committed to democracy and is open to talks with the PPP on issues of national

importance. “…we have always been inclusive as a party; the branches of our Palm Tree have always included all the ethnicities and all people of this country.

“We are the ones that always strove to have inclusive governance and we brought those parties to APNU and we were able to bring in the AFC into the realm.

“And we believe that the PPP [are] going to come… they’re going to come and

we don’t want them to come kicking and screaming - they must come of their own volition when they see the benefits of inclusiveness,” said the PNCR Chairman.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had been reported as saying back in June, 2015 that the PPP was invited to thrash out the terms of reference under which both sides would operate, but the PPP claimed that it received a letter from APNU and not from the government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Basil Williams unopposed as PNCR Chairman also nominated for this post, but are not interested in the position. There were 73 nominations for the members of the central executive committee.

The Biennial Delegates’ Congress will be held under

PNCR Chairman Basil Williams

BASIL Williams will likely return as Chairman of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) when the 19th Biennial Delegates’ Congress is held this weekend, as he is currently unopposed.

Initial reports had indicated that Williams, the current Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, was being challenged for the chairmanship of the party by former party leader Robert Corbin, the Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence and Lurlene Nestor. However, they have all signalled non-interest.

Like Williams, President David Granger will head into the conference unchallenged for the position of leader of the 59-year-old party.

However, there are several nominees vying for the position of Vice- Chairman.

These include Lawrence, Dr George Norton, Joseph Harmon, Aubrey Norton, James Bond, Dawn Hastings, Winston Felix, Beni Raymond and Clement Corlette.

Sources indicate that the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, will likely return unopposed as treasurer. Larry London and Annette Ferguson were

Body of man found in Corentyne backlands

THE body of a fisherman was discovered at around 19:30 hrs in the backlands of Number 68 Village, East Berbice Corentyne.

Dead is Levan Chanderpaul. He was discovered with his hands and feet bound and with marks of violence about his body.

According to a police source, the body was discovered by a young man who was making his way out of the backdam; the source revealed that Chanderpaul was before the courts for threatening language and a simple larceny charge in which he was schedule to make a court appearance on August 23 last, but was instead represented by his mother.

He was also charged with robbery under arms and was remanded to prison.

The Police have since launched an investigation.

the theme, “PNCR-Vanguard of a Green Economy” in keeping with President Granger’s push for a green Guyana.

“As the largest massbased party in Guyana and the largest partner in the

coalition, APNU+AFC Administration, the People’s National Congress/Reform will lead and show leadership as we work towards achieving the goal of a Green Guyana,” said Williams.

Over 500 delegates and several hundred observers from all 10 administrative regions of the country; the North America Region; and the United Kingdom are expected to attend the Congress.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

THIS PAGE IS COMPILED BY THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION ON THE LAS INFORM PERSONS ABOUT THE SERVICES OFFERED; PROVIDE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING

CENTRAL RECRUITMENT Services to emp The micro cred AND MANPOWER AGENCY

Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer: Ms. Valarie Moore The Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency is a division of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security that interacts with employers and persons seeking jobs to facilitate job placements. This Agency, formerly known as the Employment Exchange, was established by the Government of Guyana in October 1944, for the purpose of collecting and furnishing information to employers who wish to recruit workers and persons who are seeking employment.

The agency registers applicants for employment, taking specific note of their occupational qualifications, experiences and desires, and interviews them for employment and evaluates, if necessary, their physical and vocational abilities.

KEY FUNCTIONS ● Register unemployed persons seeking employment ● Maintain a record of notified vacancies mainly in the public and private sectors ● Match jobseekers with vacancies and arrange interviews for job seekers ● Provide advice and career guidance and counselling to those seeking employment Employers seeking staff: Send your vacancies to us listing: Job titles Job description Basic qualifications/skills required Renumeration package Contact information and application deadline

Job seekers Come into our offices with your original documents: Identification (ID card/passport, birth certificate) Valid Police Clearance Driver’s license Qualifications, if any The CRMA has offices in Georgetown and outlying Regions, as follows: Head Office Lot 1 Water & Cornhill Streets Stabroek, Georgetown.

Tel 225 3032 Region #2 Regional Democratic Council Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast Tel 771-5162 Region # 3 Ministry of Social Protection WD lot 26 Klien Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara Region #5 Regional Democratic Council Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice Tel 232 2944 Region # 6 Ministry of Labour, Human Services & Social Security 21 Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam. Tel 3332885 Region # 10 RDC Building 12 Wismar Street, Mc Kenzie, Linden - Tel. 444-6299

Greater emphasis is now placed by the Ministry on empowering are being boosted, including the micro credit programme, as the stronger families.

The Women of W

Female single parents can access the Women of Worth (WOW between $100,000 - $200,000 for expansion of small business ini Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) is the lending institu

The People of Worth En (POW Next month, the Ministry plans to roll out the People of Worth

persons living in unions based on certain criteria and under condi

Who is eligib

Beneficiaries or eligible persons are those in disadvantaged an ness venture for at least one year and demonstrate the capacity to will be drawn from the eight administrative regions where GBTI

Website : crmajob.com

URGENT NOTICE TO ALL OLD AGE PENSIONERS Old Age Pensioners need to have the new ID cards

All Old Age Pensioners will need the new nine-digit identification cards to uplift their pension in 2017. Hence, the Ministry is asking those pensioners who still have the old ID cards to get the nine digit identification cards issued in the last Registration Cycle by the Guyana Elections Commission. Pensioners can take advantage of the ongoing registration cycle at GECOM offices countrywide to get their new ID cards, if they have not already done so.

The new ID cards will be necessary because the Ministry will no longer be issuing pension voucher books. Instead, it will be automating the system so that Old Age Pensioners will receive their payment once they produce their nine-digit National Identification Cards at Post Offices across the country.

How to acce

● Visit the Ministry of Social Protection to be registered under th ● Have an interview with a Micro Credit Officer to determine you ● Once eligible, the Ministry will give the applicant a letter of rec ● The Bank then works with the borrower to prepare a business (prepared on a monthly basis) and this is done free of cost

You can contact the micro credit unit at 357 East and Lamaha S

Ministry need Cooperative & Fr

The Ministry of Social Protection is seeking auditors to conduc the Cooperative and Friendly Society Department.

Interested Auditors are encouraged to submit an applicatio 31, 2016.

Please note that applicants must be recognised by the Instit Authority as an Auditor suitably qualified to conduct audits.

Applications should be addressed to the Assistant Chief C Probation & Social Security Officers distributing OAP books

► Child Protection hotline #: 227-0709

► Trafficking in Persons hotline #: 623-5030

Streets, Stabroek, Georgetown. ► Labour Department: 227:3133; 226-6997; 225-7302

► Old Age Pension 223-6

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

ST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH TO SENSITIZE THE PUBLIC ON SOCIAL ISSUES; G ACTIVITIES;AND HELP GUYANESE GET MORE INVOLVED IN SOCIAL PROTECTION ISSUES.

power families

dit programme

people to achieve the good life. Consequently, several initiatives Ministry recognizes the need to implement services that support

Worth Programme W) micro credit loans programme under which they can access loan

itiatives. The loan period is twelve to twenty four months and the ution.

ntrepreneurial Resources WER) h Entrepreneurial Resources (POWER) Programme for males and

itions similar to the WoW programme.

ble for loans? nd difficult circumstances; who have been engaged in a small busi-

repay a loan, based on the proposed venture. Thus, beneficiaries has branches.

ess the loans: he Single Parent Registry or as a couple

ur eligibility for the loan commendation to take to GBTI s plan inclusive of a cash flow projection for the next 12 months

Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or via telephone number: 227-3497

ds auditors for riendly Societies

cting audits of Cooperative and Friendly Societies on behalf of

on and curriculum vitae to the Department on or before August

tute of Chartered Accounts of Guyana and the Guyana Revenue

Cooperatives Development Officer, Lot 1, Water and Cornhill

6027

► Probation Department: 22-6-6212; 22-70129; 22-8912

► Recruitment Agency: 227-4254

► Board of Industrial Training: 2251077

► Receptionist: 225-4565

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14 trained for Radio Paiwomak

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

…as gov’t announces more radio stations for hinterland

FOURTEEN (14) new trainees from across the North Rupununi, along with the current staff of Radio Paiwomak, participated in a threeday basic broadcasting skills workshop earlier this week.

The media workshop which took place at the Bina Hill institute in Annai, Region Nine, where Radio Paiwomak is located, was sponsored by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and conducted by Dr

Rovin Deodat, Radio Specialist and Communication Consultant to the OPM. The modules for this workshop covered basic skills required for speaking, reading, writing and interviewing on the radio by new community volunteers, a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) stated. The workshop was a direct result of a promise made to Radio Paiwomak by Prime Minister Moses Naga-

mootoo on a recent visit to the area. After noting the small staff of the radio station, the Prime Minister promised to arrange for more trained volunteers to assist the Coordinator, Virgil Harding and his staff of three, to continue serving the communities of the North Rupununi.

In his opening remarks, Dr Deodat indicated that this workshop was fulfilling part of the commitment made by the Prime Minister when he visited

Radio Paiwomak on July 22, 2016. The PM also promised the assistance of OPM in upgrading the broadcasting equipment of Radio Paiwomak, after the necessary assessment was carried out. The trainer also revealed that Radio Paiwomak is now seen by OPM as part of the regional network of community-oriented radio stations, which also include Radio Lethem and Radio Maburama. Radio Piawomak is the first Commu-

Dr Rovin Deodat and participants of the workshop nity Radio Station to have been established in Guyana, under a UNESCO initiative, and began broadcasting in the year 2000.

It is currently supported by the National Communications Network (NCN) and OPM. Meanwhile, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, has said that radio stations will be established in areas such as Aishalton, Region Nine; Moruca, Region One; and Orealla Region Six. The minister made this announcement on Monday at the opening of the 10th annual National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference which saw 212 indigenous leaders participating, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC). Communication is a necessary and essential tool, Minister Allicock said, as he noted the importance of bridging the gap between the coastland, and the hinterland through Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

“For us in Guyana, we’ve known that there is a division in terms of the coastal area, where the majority of the population resides, and the hinterland.

Sometimes you travel to the hinterland, and it’s like you are in a different country. This is why the Government is ensuring that we have connections across

this country, because we believe that if we have communication, we have access to information, and if you have information you have knowledge and knowledge is power,” Minister Allicock explained.

The Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister noted that this project is just the beginning of a larger programme to ensure that communities across the country, even the most remote ones, are connected with the rest of Guyana through communication.

Once the funding is made available, the project will be rolled out in stages, Minister Allicock assured. Community radio stations were established in the newly named towns of Lethem in Region Nine and Mabaruma in Region One this year. These two are in addition to Radio Paiwomak, which was the first community radio established in the early 2000. The aim of the government’s community radio stations project, which is implemented by the Office of the Prime Minister, is to link the indigenous communities through communication. The established radio stations are all affiliates of the National Communications Network (NCN) and are broadcasting on the national frequency.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Small miners awarded...

Dela Britton, who also serves on the Public Utilities Commission, and includes Abiola Henry; Euliene Watson, Technical Officer,Mining, Ministry of Natural Resources; Clayton Hall, Ministerial Advisor, Ministry of Natural Resources; and Mr Aseef Balmacoon, representative

of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

The claims were handed over to some of the recipients Tuesday at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Upper Brickdam, Georgetown.

In attendance were Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, the repre-

sentatives of the Closed Area Committee, and GGMC officials, including Acting Commissioner Newell Dennison.

Mrs Britton said the applications were reviewed according to guidance from the subject minister and permanent secretary.

She said the committee

From page 11

has received 120 applications to review, and 51 of those that were favourably reviewed were sent to the minister.

Minister Trotman thanked the committee for a job well done, and he also thanked the miners who were patient and expressed

great faith in the process.

“We wanted to make sure the process was fair and transparent and we chose not to go by way of lottery, because sometimes that’s literally pulling a pig from a bag,” he explained.

One miner, Colin Nelson, said he had been wait-

ing for eight months for the application to be processed.

“Finally I’m elated that this letter has been given to us and we can move on from this stage,” he said.

“The GGMC will guide me on the next steps; I honestly wish I can [start] working tomorrow.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Robbery motive being investigated in Better Hope pensioner’s death AS investigations continue into the death of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara pensioner David Ramkissoon, three persons are still in custody, with Police now believing that the man was murdered during a robbery for millions of dollars he reportedly had in his possession.

The man’s son, Annand Ramkissoon, his employer and another person are being held in Police custody in connection with the death of the 76-year-old.

The son reportedly told Police that his father had millions of dollars stashed in the house.

This newspaper had re-

ported that the pensioner was found dead in his home by relatives Sunday evening.

Nalini Ramkissoon, wife of the suspect, Annand Ramkissoon, said on Monday that she and other relatives went to a creek on Sunday as part of a family outing, but her fatherin-law opted not to go. Upon their return from the outing, she and her husband found their rooms ransacked and the pensioner lifeless body on a chair in the living room.

Neighbours were alerted and the police were called.

The elder Ramkissoon was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Dead: Annand Ramkissoon

Former Supreme Court Registrar dies FORMER Registrar of the Supreme Court (ag) Rashid Mohamed died Tuesday night at the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Mr Mohamed was 62-years-old.

The funeral service will be held on Friday at the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) compound at 15:00 h.

Many who knew him said that Mohammed had been at the Supreme Court Registry in excess of 36 years and was very helpful.

Rashid Mohamed

Thursday, August 25, 2016 - 10:30 hrs Friday, August 26, 2016 - 12:00 hrs Saturday, August 27, 2016 - 13:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Sri Lanka level series despite Faulkner’s hat-trick

Gov’t pledges support for future Olympians

By Stephan Sookram

Amila Aponso quickly wraps up Australia’s last two wickets to finish with returns of 4 for 18 in only his second ODI, sealing Sri Lanka’s 82-run win.

(REUTERS) - Australia’s James Faulkner claimed his maiden hat-trick but could not deny Sri Lanka a series-levelling 82-run victory in the second one-day international yesterday.

Faulkner dismissed Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera to achieve the feat but ended up on the losing side as Australia, chasing 289 for win, were all out for 206 in 47.2 overs.

Matthew Wade top-scored for the touring side with a fighting 76 but Sri Lanka’s biggest win over Australia in terms of runs means the teams move to Dambulla for Sunday’s third one-dayer with the five-match series level at 1-1.

Australia needed a strong start to chase down such a big total but Thisara Perera (3-33)

dismissed openers David Warner and Aaron Finch to reduce the tourists to 16 for two.

Skipper Steve Smith (30) rekindled Australia’s hopes of a fightback and Wade showed tremendous grit down the order but it was not enough to complete what would have been a record chase at the ground.

Left-arm spinner Amila Aponso was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, claiming 4-18 in his second one-day international.

Sri Lanka posted 288 before being all out in the 49th over, losing their last five wickets for 27 runs.

After opting to bat, Sri Lanka lost openers Danushka Gunathilaka and Tillakaratne Dilshan off successive deliveries inside the first 19 balls.

Kusal Mendis (69) and

Dinesh Chandimal (48) revived the hosts with a 125-run stand.

Mendis cruised to his second successive fifty but Adam Zampa (3-42) dismissed both batsmen.

Kusal Perera (54) added 103 runs with skipper Mathews (57) to consolidate Sri Lanka’s position but Faulkner and Mitchell Starc (3-53) ripped out the lower order.

Faulkner trapped Perera lbw with the final delivery of his eighth over.

The all-rounder dismissed Mathews with the first ball of his next over, caught at long-off, and bowled Thisara Perera with his next to become the sixth Australian cricketer to claim a one-day hat-trick.

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA innings D. Gunathilaka b Starc 2 T. Dilshan b Lyon 10 K. Mendis lbw b Zampa 69 D. Chandimal lbw b Zampa

48 A. Mathews c Henriques b Faulkner 57 D. de Silva c Smith b Zampa 7 K. Perera lbw b Faulkner 54 T. Perera b Faulkner 12 S. Prasanna not out 2 D. Perera b Starc 5 A. Aponso b Starc 2 Extras: (b-4 lb-7 w-9) 20 Total: (all out, 48.5 overs) 288 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-12, 3-137, 4-146, 5-158, 6-261, 7-279, 8-279, 9-286.

Bowling: M. Starc 9.5-0-53-3 (w-2), N. Lyon 9-0-49-1 (w-2), J. Faulkner 9-0-45-3 (w-1), T. Head 4-0-41-0 (w-2), A. Zampa 10-0-42-3 (w-1),A. Finch 2-0-7-0, M. Henriques 5-040-0 (w-1).

AUSTRALIA Innings

D. Warner c Chandimal b T. Perera 1 A. Finch b T. Perera

4 S. Smith c D. Perera b Aponso 30 G. Bailey b Aponso 27 M. Wade c Gunathilaka b T. Perera 76 M. Henriques stp. Chandimal b Prasanna 4 T. Head c Dilshan b Mathews 31 J. Faulkner lbw b Aponso 13 M. Starc c & b Mathews 0 A. Zampa c Dilshan b Aponso 5 N. Lyon not out

4 Extras: (b-1, lb-3, w-7) 11 Total: (all out, 47.2 overs) 206 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-16, 3-41, 4-102, 5-118, 6-182, 7-184, 8-185, 9-202.

Bowling: A. Mathews 6-0-17-2, T. Perera 5-0-33-3, A. Aponso 9.2-018-4 (w-1), S. Prasanna 8-1-48-1 (w-3), D. Perera 10-0-43- 0 (w-1), T. Dilshan 5-0-23-0, D. de Silva 4-0-20-0.

THE government of Guyana will utilise its partnership reaches and the full ability of its resources to assist in the preparation of future Olympians, starting with those for the 2020 summer games in Tokyo, Japan.

During an appreciation ceremony last evening for the six athletes who represented Guyana at the recently concluded Rio Olympics junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry confirmed that the Government is looking at providing more exposure for the younger athletes.

In this regard, the state is committed to more partnerships with the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the private sector, saying, “We know that Guyanese can become world class athletes if they are given the necessary exposure and training.”

“I wish to let you know that through the government of Guyana, the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport is prepared and we are going to commit to providing you (athletes) in partnership, of course, with the necessary resources for the continued preparation and training in your particular discipline,” she continued.

The minister said, “We intend to support you to participate and compete in international meets wherever they exist and that will help you to master your skills. We recognise that in order for you to reach your full potential, you must be exposed to the kind of competition that will bring out the best.”

She outlined some of the issues plaguing local athletes - infrastructure, equipment,

coaches as well, but confirmed that the government is working to correct these deficiencies, the most recent of which was a meeting with the GOA boss K. Juman-Yassin to find possible solutions.

In brief remarks, GOA president Yassin contended while Guyana did not medal at the event, one must take into consideration that those athletes who stood atop the podium are full-time athletes who dedicate their lives to mastering their niche area.

“When we look at the medal table of the countries that won medals, whether it’s gold, silver or bronze, 78 countries of 207 won medals.

Out of the 78 countries, several won various medals. If somebody were to calculate the amount of medals various countries won to the number of athletes, you would see it’s much lower.”

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alfred King, commented, “It would suggest to us (Government) that there is hope if we adopt and create the right environment and resources, the right programmes. We might be able to see better returns than just participation. But as a country, we are proud of our involvement, we are proud to have been recognised internationally.”

Of the six competitors, Hannibal Gaskin (swimming) and Winston George (athletics) were on hand to collect instruments of appreciation from the ministry, with representatives collecting on behalf of Troy Doris (triple jump), Brenessa Thompson (athletics), Aaliyah Abrams (athletics) and Jamila Sanmoogan (swimming).

Caribbean Children’s...

From backpage

ball Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, who lauded the initiative by saying, “We, at the GFF executive committee, believe that this is the perfect opportunity to further our youth development programme.”

He noted the emphasis on the youth league recently, citing the current NAMILCO U-17 tournament, adding that the tournament is testimony to diplomatic relations being strengthened.

Meanwhile, senior project officer of the National Sports Commission, Seon Erskine, wished the participants well and urged fair play.

In Zone A, Gall Hall (Barbados), Gairy John (Trinidad),

Wales (Barbados), Morvant Academy (Trinidad) and Guyana’s Den Amstel and Victoria Kings will battle while the Zone B will see Waterford Camptown, Paradise and Empire of Barbados play Elcock Academy (Trinidad) as well as Guyana’s RP warriors and Grove Hi-Tech.

At the U-17 level, Fruta Conquerors will join the Grove Hi-Tech side as well as East Veldt and Pele sides as Guyana’s representatives in Zone A, along with Cosmos (Barbados) and Creek (Trinidad).

Zone B will see Gall Hall and Paradise of Barbados take on Morvant Academy and Black Waters of Trinidad together with Alpha and Santos of Guyana.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

McGrath feels easy money has an adverse effect on fast-bowlers FAST-bowling legend Glenn McGrath has lamented the fact that the abundance of Twenty20 leagues across the world has an adverse effect on bowlers and youngsters around the world.

The Australian legend feels young fast-bowlers stop working hard after initial success.

The 46-year-old, who claimed 563 wickets in 124 Tests and 381 wickets in

Glenn McGrath

Saints, Hikers register wins in GHB indoor tournament

SAINT Stanislaus and Hikers registered victories when the Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB) Lucozade indoor tournament continued on Tuesday evening at the National Gymnasium with a double-header.

According to a press release, Saints blanked Old Fort Knockers 4-0, while Hikers secured a 7-4 win against Georgetown Cricket Club’s Vintage.

In the opening game, Yonnick Peters netted a double for Saints in the 29th and 32nd minutes, while Joel Hunte opened the scoring with a field goal in the 10th minute. This was followed by a penalty corner goal off the stick of Hilton Charles in the 19th minute.

In the second game, the score was tied at 1-1 at the end of the first half after Aroydy Branford opened the scoring for Hikers in the 3rd minute, but this score was levelled by Vintage’s Alan Fernandes who registered a field goal in the 20th minute.

On resumption for the second half, Eric Hing sent Vintage into the lead with a 21st minute field goal, but Branford levelled the score for Hikers with a 23rd minute field goal.

Two minutes later, Randy Hope sent Hikers back into the lead with a field goal and Michael Harding extended the lead for the Hikers side with a 28th minute field goal.

Fernandes then responded for Vintage with a 31st minute field goal and in the same minute, Harding netted a field goal for Hikers.

GHB president Philip Fernandes subsequently netted Vintage’s final goal in the 33rd minute but Hikers were not to be outdone as Hope and Jamari Assanah found the back of the opposition’s net in the 35th and 37th minute respectively.

The tournament will continue this weekend at the same venue with six more matches.

250 One Day Internationals (ODIs) during a 14-year career, is currently working with the MRF Pace foundation in India. McGrath wants young cricketers to continue working on their skills even after they achieve success.

“Biggest issue which I find, probably not just in India, probably around the world is how hard they are prepared to work.

“And if they do get a

little bit of success playing in IPL or Big Bash in Australia, is that they get to that level and they think they have made it and they stop working hard and they stop training much,” McGrath said to the Times of India.

“Young bowlers have to be prepared to work hard and then work even harder to stay there, there are no easy options or shortcuts.

“Sometimes, I see young

cricketers reach a certain standard then all of a sudden they get paid good money and they stop working.

“I think money should always be secondary. It’s great that cricketers are earning good money. But if money is secondary, it’s all about going out there performing at their best and keeping themselves in the best condition.

“Then that money will be there all the time. And

I think that’s the attitude young cricketers should have. Ultimate goal should be representing your country,” the legend added.

The fast-bowler is one of the most decorated players to represent Australia, winning three World Cup titles during his career, while his haul of 563 Test wickets is the most by a pacer with the top three positions occupied by spinners.

(REUTERS) - Cillian Willis has become the first professional rugby player to sue an English club for clinical negligence over concussion in a landmark case for the sport, his solicitor said yesterday.

The former scrumhalf is taking the action against Sale Sharks over two head injuries he suffered in a game against Swansea in the LV Cup in March, 2015.

The Irishman, a cousin

of former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll, received treatment in the first half for a head injury before receiving a second head blow.

Willis was replaced in the game and never played professionally again. He had suffered previous concussions and was forced to retire aged 28.

Wi l l i s ’s s o l i c i t o r s McHale and Co told Reuters that the case is going to court but did not make any

further comment.

The Rugby Players’ Association said it did not know of any other cases of players taking similar legal action.

Sale said they would not comment on the case which is not likely to be heard for at least 18 months.

Concussion is rugby union’s most common injury. A study published by Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association said the number of such

injuries suffered by professional players in England rose by 59 per cent in the 2013-14 season, the last where figures are available.

On average there were 10.5 concussions per 1 000 playing hours.

Concussion has also been identified as a serious problem in other sports and in the United States has been the subject of legal action by thousands of former American Footballers against the NFL.

Former player sues English club over concussion

Guyana suffer first loss at the hands of Panama … go down 101-24

IN their first game of the 2016 Centrobasket U-15 Championships, Guyana suffered a demoralising loss at the hands of Panama, yesterday.

From the tip Panama controlled the tempo of the game, getting quick buckets and scoring in transition off Guyana’s turnovers.

The closest point in the game was in the first quarter when Guyana trailed by 5 points with a score of 7-2. From there it was nothing but offence,

Head coach Lugard Mohan

as Panama turned on the jets en route to a blowout with a first-quarter score of 37-9.

The second quarter saw the Guyanese hold Panama down to 16 points with better defence. However missed shots and turnovers were again the bane of the GT side.

The second quarter finished 53-15 with Guyana scoring only 6 points, while Panama finished the first half leading by 38.

The second half was a track meet for Panama who ran in transition off the numerous Guyana turnovers.

Guyana scored only 9 points in the second half, with 5 in the third quarter and 4 in the last quarter.

On the other end of the floor Panama scored 48 in the half, with 28 in the third and 20 in the fourth. The game finished 101-24 leaving the Guyana side with much to think about as they go forward.

With the youthfulness and mental toughness of the side, it is interesting to watch the way the unit will bounce back from the demoralising loss.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

England beat Pakistan in rain-affected first ODI (REUTERS) - England beat Pakistan by 44 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis scoring method in a rain-affected first one-day international in Southampton yesterday.

Pakistan made 260 for six in their 50 overs and England moved on to 194 for three in 34.3 overs, Jason Roy making 65 and Joe Root 61, before rain brought a premature end to the match.

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali, who won the toss, hit 82 to lead his team to a below-par total in bright sunshine and ideal batting conditions.

Azhar started slowly but increased the tempo

second-wicket partnership of 89 with Root.

Roy was caught on the long-off boundary off Mohammad Nawaz and Root was run-out after being called through for an impossible single by captain Eoin

Morgan but England were always ahead of the required run rate.

Morgan finished on 33 not out with Ben Stokes on 15. The second game in the five-match series is at Lord’s on Saturday.

SCOREBOARD Jason Roy takes the aerial route during his top score of 65 for England. to strike nine fours before top-edging leg-spinner Adil Rashid to Moeen Ali at short fine leg.

Babar Azam scored 40

and Sarfraz Ahmed 55 but the touring side never really broke the shackles imposed by a disciplined England attack in which Rashid was the

most successful bowler with figures of 2-51.

England lost Alex Hales for seven but Roy flayed six fours and a six and shared a

PAKISTAN innings Az. Ali c Ali b Rashid 82 Sh. Khan c Buttler b Wood 16 M. Hafeez c Hales b Root 11 B. Azam lbw b Rashid 40 S. Ahmed c Wood b Woakes

55 S. Malik c Rashid b Plunkett 17 M. Nawaz not out

17 I. Wasim not out

18 Extras: (w-4)

4 Total: (for 6 wickets, 50 overs) 260 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-52, 3-113, 4-178, 5-224, 6-226.

Bowling: C. Woakes 10-2-43-1, M. Wood 10-0-57-1 (w-3), L. Plunkett

10-0-53-1, J. Root 4-0-26-1 (w-1), M. Ali 7-0-30-0, A. Rashid 9-0-51-2.

ENGLAND innings J. Roy c B. Azam b Nawaz 65 A. Hales c Hafeez b Gul 7 J. Root run-out (, Az. Ali) 61 E. Morgan not out

33 B. Stokes not out

15 Extras: (lb-6, w-7)

13 Total: (for 3 wickets, 34.3 overs) 194 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-116, 3-158.

B o w l i n g : I . Wa s i m 5 - 0 - 2 3 - 0 , M . Am i r 6 - 0 - 3 - 0 , U. G ul 6 - 0 4 6 - 1 ( w - 2 ) , W. R i a z 6 - 0 - 3 0 - 0 (w-1), M. Nawaz 6.3-0-31-1, S. M a l i k .

East Bank/Upper Hart clean sheet helps Manchester City reach Champions League Demerara franchise confirms team for 3-day Franchise League THE East Bank/Upper Demerara franchise has confirmed its team for the upcoming Jaguars Franchise League three-day competition.

The contracted players on the East Bank/Upper Demerara franchise are Trevon Griffith, Sherfane Rutherford, Tevin Imlach, Vishaul Singh and Steven Jacobs. The other players are Shivram Persaud, Ryan Shun, Budah Baksh, Stefon Brown, Leonard Caleb, Colin Benn, Mark Rhobe and Danny Narine.

The standbys are Ershaad Ali, Deonarine Seegobin, Travis Primo, Sagar Hetharamani and Bhojnarine Singh.

The coach is Clive Grimmond and Rohan Sarjoo is manager.

The League, which bowls off tomorrow with four games, comprises eight franchise teams countrywide.

The other franchise teams are: Upper Corentyne (Nigg to Skeldon), Lower Corentyne (Albion to New Amsterdam), West Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, West Demerara and Essequibo.

Trevon Griffith Each franchise will have its own base ground facility for practice, training and games along with its own set of officials.

It was confirmed that the Upper Corentyne franchise will have Port Mourant Community Centre ground as its base ground facility while Lower Corentyne will be based at the Albion Community Centre ground.

West Berbice will travel to Young Warriors Cricket Club ground, East Coast Demerara at Enmore Community Centre ground. Georgetown will be based at GCC, East Bank/Upper Demerara will be at Everest.

West Demerara will be at Wales and Essequibo was confirmed for the Imam Bacchus ground.

JOE Hart marked his first start of the season, and possibly his last for Manchester City, with a clean sheet as Pep Guardiola’s side advanced to the Champions League group stage.

Keeper Hart, who is expected to leave with Claudio Bravo close to signing, was rarely troubled after being made captain against Steaua Bucharest.

Leading 5-0 from the first leg, City rested several key players.

Fabian Delph’s header from Jesus Navas’ cross made it 6-0 on aggregate.

Hart was dropped for City’s first three games as Guardiola opted for Willy Caballero instead.

However, the City boss

Joe Hart was made captain by Pep Guardiola for the night. had hinted at his pre-match news conference that Hart would start this one - and he gave the 29-year-old the added responsibility of leading the team out.

Hart’s every touch was applauded by home supporters while there were

many banners on display in support of the England keeper.

In the 66th minute of his 348th start for the club, while a Steaua Bucharest player was receiving treatment, the Etihad reverberated to chants of “Stand up

if you love Joe Hart”. He responded by shaking his head and touching the club badge on his shirt.

Hart had little to do as the visitors sat back.

He produced a couple of examples of short, sharp distribution with his feet contrary to the perceived weakness that may have counted against him under Guardiola - while making two saves to keep out substitute Nicolae Stanciu’s free-kick and then blocking Alexandru Tudorie’s effort.

He also celebrated Delph’s goal by raising both arms and punching the air.At the final whistle, Hart applauded all four sides of the Etihad along with his team-mates.(BBC Sport)

Development League for Women’s football

WOMEN footballers would soon take their pentup skills to the pitch when a Development League for Member Associations (MAs) of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) gets underway.

Each respective MA will run off its competition to determine the winner who will advance to the grand finale

of the tournament, which is being partly funded by the world governing body FIFA. GFF PRO Debra Francis told Chronicle Sport yesterday that “the plan is to kick off the tournament before the end of this month”.

Additional sponsorship is currently being sought by the GFF for this inau-

gural competition.

Meanwhile president of the Women FA (WFA) Charmaine Wade, in an invited comment, said that while she has heard of the plans nothing official has been sent to the WFA. Wade added that since being voted into office, last year November, her executive tried to get an audience with the

former Technical Director of the GFF on the way forward for women football but all attempts proved unsuccessful.

According to Wade, a proposal plan for 2016 has been sent to the GFF and “hopefully we can sit with the GFF at some point and solidify a plan for women football”. (Ras Wadada)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

Director of Sport hands over flood lamps for MSC ground D I R E C TO R o f S p o r t Christopher Jones came through on a promise to the Linden Community when he formally handed over to the Region, yesterday, 15 flood lamps and 10 bulbs that will be erected at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) facility to support the existing fixtures.

Jones had committed to providing lights for the facility, in a meeting with the MSC management and the Boyce/Jefford Committee last month, stating that such developmental initiatives were an important facet of the work of the Ministry of Education’s Department of Sport.

The initiative was fa-

ILLUMINATION! Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left) hands over one of 15 flood lamps that will be erected at the MSC ground to Regional Executive Officer of Region 10, Gavin Clarke, yesterday while in background from left, Colin Boyce, MSC president, Avery Trim and Edison Jefford share the moment in Linden.

cilitated under the Ground Enhancement Project and delivered to the Region that’s now the conduit for the project.

The 1000W Quad Voltage Metal Halide Flood Fixture and 1000W E40 Metal Halide Lamp Bulbs will be erected in time for this weekend’s Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic VII at the MSC facility. The lamps and bulbs cost $1 798 000 of a $2M grant under the project.

Regional Executive Officer of Region 10, Gavin Clarke, received the items yesterday on behalf of the Linden community. MSC president Avery Trim had welcomed the collabora-

tive efforts that is seeing a much-improved and developed facility.

“We are appreciative of these kind sentiments and we will continue to work to get this venue up to the level that we know it to be,” Trim had said. “MSC is upbeat about sports within the community and it is only fair that they have a proper facility.”

The facility was a hive of activity yesterday with works ongoing on repainting the stands, along with several other corrective and renovation works. The outlook of the ground was fully grassed and flat with just the marking and final rolling to be done.

Windies, India T20s

Florida to get taste of top-class cricket THE United States will get a rare taste of world-class cricket this weekend when Florida will play hosts to two Twenty20 internationals between the West Indies and India.

It is just the third time that full international cricket matches will take place in the U.S., following on from the West Indies’ matches against New Zealand and Sri Lanka in 2010 and against New Zealand again two years later.

But this is the first occasion that the world’s most popular team will grace U.S. soil.

India’s cricket board, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is expecting the 15 000 capacity Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale to be sold-out for the matches on Saturday and Sunday.

It promises to be a lucrative venture for both India and West Indies cricket, with tickets priced from $75 up to $250. But the game’s global governing body insists it also

fulfils the latest step in developing cricket in the United States.

Last year the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended the USA Cricket Association and took control of the right to sanction which events could take place in the U.S. That led to a three-match Cricket All-Stars tour last November, featuring legends of the game led by Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne.

And, in announcing the ICC’s approval of the series earlier this month, chief executive David Richardson explained what he hopes the U.S. will get out of matches between the sides ranked second and third in the T20I rankings.

“The ICC has approved these matches because we believe they can play a significant role in the long-term development of cricket in the USA and our ongoing efforts to unify the USA cricket community,” he said.

“Having the ICC World

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday August 25, 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) A Draw (2) Ravi Ashwin Today’s Quiz: (1) Who totalled most runs in the just-concluded four-match Test series between WI and India?

(2) Who took most wickets?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

T20 Champions playing India in Florida will undoubtedly inspire both existing and new fans and players, but perhaps more importantly, the sanction fees will be invested into the ICC’s ongoing work to lay a sustainable foundation for the development of cricket in America.”

It certainly promises to be a high-quality matchup. While the West Indies continued their struggles in Test cricket in recent weeks with a comprehensive 2-0 series defeat at home to India, they are the reigning kings in the sport’s shortest format having won the World T20 earlier this year.

However, disorder has never been far away in West Indies cricket in recent years. And it has reared its head once again just ahead of the series with

India, with the man who led the team to glory in the 2016 World T20, Darren Sammy, being replaced as captain by Carlos Brathwaite. Sammy has also been excluded from the 13-man squad to travel to Florida.

The West Indies Cricket Board has insisted that the decision was based solely on performance. And, if so, there may be some method in the sudden change this time around. Sammy contributed little with the bat or ball during the World T20, while Brathwaite, despite having only ever played eight T20 internationals, stole the headlines by hitting four consecutive final-over sixes to beat England in the final.

However, the decision has still sparked angry reactions among some supporters, par-

ticularly with Sammy enjoying a strong season in the Caribbean Premier League.

Along the way to the title, the West Indies beat India in the semifinals, ending their hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil and likely providing added motivation going into the two matches in Florida.

After an inexperienced team was fielded in a three-match series against Zimbabwe in June, the series will mark the first time that the bulk of the squad from the World T20 will be back in action in the format for their country. After guiding his team to a 2-0 Test series win in the West Indies, Virat Kohli will revert to just batting duties as limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni takes command.

Twelve of the 14 men select-

ed for the 20-over matches were in the Caribbean for the Test series, with the most significant player left out being Suresh Raina.

West Indies T20I Squad vs India Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Andre Fletcher, Andre Russell, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis, Jason Holder, Johnson Charles, Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, Marlon Samuels, Samuel Badree, Sunil Narine India Squad MS Dhoni (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav, Virat Kohli

Guyana produce silver medal performance

TEAM Guyana at the Caribbean Badminton Team Championships 2016 recorded a silver medal performance when the tournament climaxed on Tuesday evening.

After a two-day playoff against Aruba, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname & Barbados, the Guyanese succumbed to the Dominican Republic 3-2 in a tense match.

Narayan Ramdhani lost to Cesar Brito 11-21, 15-21 in the male final while in the Girls’ singles, Ambika Ramraj lost to Nairobi Jimenez: 4-21, 6-21. In the Boys’ doubles, Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra defeated Wilmer Brea & Bryan Cas-

Team Guyana at the Caribbean Badminton Championships 2016

tro 21-16, 21-9 while Priyanna Ramdhani & Ambika Ramraj thrashed Carmen Garcia & Francesca Matias: 21-9, 21-7 in the Girls’ doubles In the Mixed doubles, Jonathan Mangra & Priyanna Ramdhani lost to Argenis Marinez & Nairobi Jimenez.

Guyana had earlier defeated Suriname 3-2 in the semi-finals.

The Guyana players are now playing in the CAREBACO Regional Championships, open to Caribbean member countries only.

This is the third part of the CAREBACO events which began yesterday.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 25, 2016

CARICOM lauds ‘impressive’ Caribbean athletes

CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, has lauded the exemplary performance of the athletes of CARICOM Member States, stating that the Community was “immensely proud.”

In a congratulatory message to them on the just concluded Rio Olympics, the Secretary-General said the “phenomenal Usain Bolt’s completion of the trio of gold medals for the third consecutive Olympic places him among the pantheon of great Olympians.”

His colleagues, Asafa Powell, Nickel Ashmeade

and Yohan Blake assisted in ensuring the third gold medal was well earned in the sprint relay, he added.

The CARICOM Secretary-General commended the significant victories of Elaine Thompson whose triumphs in the women’s 100 and 200 metres were the first in those events since 1988.

He said Jamaican Omar McLeod scaled great heights in capturing the 110 metres hurdle crown, a first for Jamaica, while the Bahamian Shaunae Miller completed a sweep of the women’s sprint events for the Community, with her dramatic victory in

Usain Bolt

the 400 metres.

Congratulations are in order for all our medallists and other finalists in this hugely competitive global event. The performance at these Games underlined the tremendous skills and talent that reside in the Community’s youth and demonstrates that we have the capacity to lead the world in any sphere providing that we apply the necessary discipline, commitment and focus.

Well done to all our competitors and may you continue to strive to achieve even greater feats!, the statement concluded.

Kingsmead and Queen’s Park Oval outfields rated poor

… Boards have 14 days to respond THE outfields at Kingsmead and Queen’s Park Oval have been rated poor by the ICC match referees who oversaw the washed-out Tests between South Africa and New Zealand in Durban, and West Indies and India in Trinidad.

The ICC said the officials - Andy Pycroft in Durban and Ranjan Madugalle in Trinidad - had expressed concerns in accordance with clause three of the Pitch and Outfield

Monitoring Process. The match referees’ reports have been forwarded to the concerned home boards, the WICB and Cricket South Africa, which now have 14 days to respond. CSA’s response, the ICC said, will be reviewed by ICC general manager, cricket, Geoff Allardice, while match referee David Boon will assess the WICB’s reply.

Then, as per the rules, the grounds will either receive a warning or a fine not exceeding US$15 000, along

with “a directive for appropriate corrective action”. A repeat offence over the next five years would draw a fine not exceeding US$30 000.

In all, 11 sessions out of 15 were lost to a wet and soft outfield at Kingsmead, while in Port of Spain, West Indies and India were able to play only one session across five days.

It was the first Test played in Trinidad in August, which is the wet season there, and rain had hampered preparations

in the days leading up to the match but during the game itself there was largely sunshine.

However, with there not being enough covers at the ground to protect the bowlers’ run-ups or the outfield, and no super sopper available either, the outfield did not recover enough to allow play. The draw meant that India, who needed to win the Test to retain their No.1 Test ranking, lost the top spot to Pakistan. The Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board had already said it would investigate the reasons

behind the washout.

T h e D u r b a n Te s t was also scheduled in what is traditionally the off-season in South Africa, during the winter.

Rain forced the players off the field around lunch on day two, and the big damage was done to the outfield that night, when the ground took 65mm of water. Here, too, the covers did not protect large parts of the field, and the super sopper was made to stop operating for fear it would do further damage to the soft patches that persisted into day five despite no more rainfall.

There were concerns

over the Kingsmead outfield being underprepared even before the match began, as it had been relaid in June following complaints from South Africa and New Zealand that the surface was too hard during the limited-overs games played there last year.

Similar comments were levelled at Centurion, the venue of the upcoming second Test, but the SuperSport Park outfield was relaid in April once the season ended; work could not get underway at Kingsmead till the Comrades Marathon - for which it is the ending point - was completed on May 29.

Fixtures for Today’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic matches

Ground staff at Queen’s Park Oval dug up the outfield in a bid to get it to dry out. (AFP)

IN today’s u-17 matches, Zone A action will see Grove High Tech playing Creek from 10:00hrs, Pele will play Fruta conquerors from 12:00hrs, Cosmos will play Grove Hi Tech at 14:00hrs and East Veldt will play Conquerors at 16:00hrs In Zone B, Black Waters take on Santos from 09:00, Alpha take on Paradise from11:00, Gall hill oppose Black Waters at 13:0 and Paradise play Morvant at 15:00hrs In the open class, ‘A’ Zone action will see Gairy John will take on Morvant from 10:00hrs, Victoria Kings oppose Den Amstel from 12:00hrs, Wales are set to play Morvant from 14:00hrs and Gall hill takes on Gairy John from 16:00hrs.

In Zone B RP warriors lace up to face Elcock at 09:00hrs, Empire faces Grove Hi Tech at 11:00,hrs Paradise play Elcock from 13:00hrs and Warriors take on Waterford Comptown at 15:00.hrs

CARICOM lauds ‘impressive’ Caribbean athletes See story on page 27

Gov’t pledges support for future Olympians

See story on page 23 (R-L) Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael joins Permanent Secretary Alfred King, AAG president Aubrey Hutson, Junior Minister of Education Nicolette Henry, swimmer Hannibal Gaskin, athlete Winston George and GOA president K. Juman-Yassin. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic launched … President Granger urges fair play

By Stephan Sookram THREE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries joined forces yesterday to launch the Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic, which will run from August 24 to 30 at the Guyana

Defence Force ground.

Under the patronage of the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, H.E. David Granger, Tournament hosts Guyana, as well as touring football teams from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago will be engaged in Youth football

over the next six days.

During a brief opening ceremony yesterday morning, President Granger welcomed the guests to Guyana, adding that he is confident of a successful tournament where discipline will prevail.

He likened CARICOM to

a tree, saying, “At the top of the tree, you have the Caribbean heads of government, the branches being all the states of CARICOM from Belize and Bahamas all the way to Guyana and Suriname.”

“And then there’s the trunk, the CSME which holds us together, but right at the bottom you have the grassroots, and the trees cannot survive without the grassroots and this is where the Lashley Foundation operates,”

he added.

“This is a huge enterprise that is bringing together hundreds of young people from three CARICOM states. I congratulate and thank you for your efforts that you are putting into this.”

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Hamilton Lashley, Chairman of the Hamilton Lashley Human Development Foundation contended that “we’ve been having wonder-

ful cooperation with those associations in Guyana that have been helping us in this tournament; also I want to thank all of the persons who have been working with us on the ground.”

“This tri-nation partnership that we have developed will continue,” he added.

Also present was president of the Guyana Foot-

See page 23

President David Granger receives a salute from the Fruta Conquerors Football Club team prior to this morning’s opening of the Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic. (Adrian Narine photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016