Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 25 10 2016

Quicker results for zika ‒ now possible at Woodlands Hospital

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Cementing relations No. 104715

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016

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Guyana, Chile ink open skies, visa-free travel pacts President David Granger is greeted by President of the Republic of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, outside of the Palacio de la Moneda, the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile, which also houses the offices of three cabinet ministers: Interior, General Secretariat of the Presidency, and General Secretariat of the Government (MoTP photo)

Robust vetting of GDF Big boost to wedding …several with criminal recruits links turned away tourism Page 4

… Marriage Act to be amended Page for speedier weddings 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Soldiers in pickle for posting ‘measly’ meals on Facebook

By Alva Solomon

“HE LATE…or misbehave”, one comment read.

“At least add some vegetables & give dem some swank to carry it down”, another read; but several ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who had photographed their meals and later posted the pictures on social media networks last week had received the tailings of lunch after they had turned up for lunch later than the stipulated lunch hour.

This is according to GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier George Lewis, who noted that those ranks

would be disciplined for violating the army’s media policy. He said disciplinary measures would not include dismissal.

“In cases like this, you would try to counsel the ranks,” the Chief of Staff told the Guyana Chronicle.

Explaining the incident, Lewis said, “The incident occurred because those ranks -- and we know who they are -- arrived at the dining hall after the specific lunch period”. He said the ranks were advised that the lunch period was already over, but the caterers provided them with food that was left in the pots.

Brigadier Lewis said the

ranks probably used this colloquial term: “You ain’t got nothing left back deh?” when they realised they were late for lunch.

“What is disturbing is that they violated the GDF media policy,” he explained. “We may have WIFI, but the policy dictates you should not be posting certain pictures, such as the operations room, arms store…,” the Chief of Staff added. He opined that the ranks were wrong in posting the pictures.

A number of persons have shared their opinions regarding the incident, and many persons have criticised the army for the quality of food depicted in the pictures. Conversely, others have spoken highly of the quality and quantity of food available to army ranks.

The Chief of Staff explained that if the ranks in question were not satisfied

with the food served, there are a number of levels at which they could have vented their frustration.

Following the incident, he said, all the ranks at the location were assembled and were guided on what to do in event of occurrence of a similar incident.

He also disclosed that there exists a system which caters for late meals at military bases. “There is a system (through which) you can request late meals,” the Chief of Staff disclosed, noting that if there is an activity which concludes after the designated meals time, the meals for the affected persons are catered for.

The Chief of Staff told the Guyana Chronicle that the meals provided to ranks have improved significantly over the years. He noted that a number of males and females from the GDF have been trained at the Carnegie

A meal which army ranks photographed and later posted on social media last week

School of Home Economics to bolster the menu standards. At the same time trained civilian cooks are also in the employ of the army.

ARMY SERVES TOP MEALS Asked whether he eats the meals provided by the

army, Brigadier Lewis said: “As Chief of Staff, I eat most times lunch, meals on the base…from time to time breakfast; but I would say to you (that) I have no difficulty eating the meals in the GDF, and I would say to you it is of high quality.”

He added that there are persons in the army who are diabetic and who have special eating needs, and they are catered for.

With the advent of social media, a number of pictures have been posted online, mainly on the social platform Facebook, by ranks of the disciplined services. In some cases, ranks have posted pictures while posing with arms or in uniform; while, in other cases, there are pictures of ranks on operations, including army ranks engaged in paratroop operations.

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Cementing relations GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Guyana, Chile ink open skies, visa-free travel pacts

PRESIDENT David Granger on Monday kicked off a two-day State Visit to Chile, during which the two countries sewed up agreements for visa-free travel and the operation of commercial air service.

President Granger arrived in the Chilean capital of Santiago to much pomp and ceremony, and has laid a wreath at the monument of Bernardo O’Higgins, a Chilean Independence Leader and delivered a lecture to 80 Chilean and international students at the Andres Bello Diplomatic Academy of Chile. The lecture was titled ‘The Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace’.

Guyana and Chile first established diplomatic relations in 1971.

Guyana and Chile have inked the Open Skies Air Services Agreement and the Reciprocal Visa Abolition Agreement at the Palacio de la Moneda, the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile. The agreements were signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Carl Greenidge and Chilean Foreign Minister Mr. Heraldo Muñoz,

in the presence of President David Granger and President Michelle Bachelet of Chile, following bilateral talks between the two Heads of State.

The Open Skies Agreement creates the framework for current and future airlines of both Chile and Guyana to explore the option of launching commercial flights that cover the transport of passengers and cargo between the two States, the Ministry of the Presidency has said in a statement. The Visa Abolition Agreement opens the way for visa-free travel between citizens of both countries.

Both agreements are expected in the long term to promote improved travel between Guyana and Chile and other countries in South America.

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, these agreements come at a time when Guyana and Chile are working to further solidify relations.

During their meeting on Monday, President Granger and President Bachelet discussed opportunities for trade, capacity building in

telecommunications, geological mapping in the field of mining, and environmental management. Speaking after the signing of the agreements, President Granger said the discussions opened the door for deepening trade cooperation, not just at a government-to-government level, but also among the members of the private sector.

“We have opened the door more widely to trade, because the Caribbean is an expanding market -- a small but expanding market; and in the Caribbean Community, we have what is called the [CARICOM] Single Market and Economy (CSME), and we would like Chile to bring its tremendous experience in agriculture and the production of other goods through agro-processing into the Caribbean,” he said.

Guyana’s Head of State, who will assume CARICOM Chairmanship in 2017, noted that the deepening of Chile/Guyana relations also contributes to expanded relations between Chile and the regional body. President Bachelet, last July, visited

President David Granger and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet pose for a photograph before engaging in talks at the Palacio de la Moneda (MoTP photo)

Guyana and attended the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting; held bilateral talks with the Guyanese President, and inaugurated the first permanent Embassy of Chile in Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Chilean leader said that regional integration is important to the people of Chile, and noted that there are several areas

of common interest between that country and Guyana.

She described the visit by President Granger as important in furthering the relationship with the Caribbean and Latin America.

Raising the issue of regional safety and security, President Bachelet said that countries in the region must work together to develop

responses to the challenges of narcotics trafficking, the reduction of violence, and the impact of climate change. She added that Chile is focused on advancing such themes as democracy, promotion of human rights, and promotion and defence of human rights.

President Granger met with the Chilean President after participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of the Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins. He placed a wreath made in the likeness of the Golden Arrowhead and designed with fresh flowers at the monument which honours Bernardo O’Higgins, a Chilean Independence Leader who is credited with helping to free Chile from Spanish rule in the Chilean War of Independence.

Following the bilateral talks and the signing of the agreements, the President delivered a lecture to 80 Chilean and international students at the Andres Bello Diplomatic Academy of Chile. The lecture was titled ‘The Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace’.

Caribbean vulnerable to threats of their security ‒ Pres Granger tells Chilean students

THE security concerns of the big powers and the fact that some seem to behave as though the sovereignty of the small states is only “conditional” raise questions about the Caribbean Community’s capacity to preserve peace, even among its member states.

President David Granger made this comment during a lecture he delivered to 80 Chilean and international students at the Andres Bello Diplomatic Academy of Chile on Monday.

That lecture was titled “Caribbean as a zone of peace”.

A former Guyana Defence Force commander and a retired brigadier, President Granger said the small states of the Anglophone Caribbean are not only vulnerable to threats to their security; but are, on their own, also inca-

pable of responding to those threats decisively.

“Collective action is a necessity, given the scarcity of the human, financial and technical resources required to address the multiplicity of security issues. ‘Old’ threats, including invasion, insurrection, intervention, international and domestic terrorism, mutiny, maritime disputes, secession, territorial claims and coups d’état are still remembered,” President Granger said.

He said, too, that “new threats have emerged in the forms of transnational crimes, narcotics-trafficking, gun-running, money-laundering and illegal migration. These threats have been aggravated by other social aspects of crime, such as the deportation of criminals from metropolitan countries.

“The region has also wit-

nessed the emergence of organised crime and violent ‘posses’ and gangs,” he declared.

The Guyanese Leader told the students that the variety of threats faced by the countries of the Caribbean is best illustrated by the security incidents which occurred in small states over the past fifty years. He said the world and the hemisphere are well aware of the vulnerability of small states, especially of the Caribbean; and noted that the special characteristics of the security threats they face have long been recognised by the international community.

Granger reminded the students that the United Nations General Assembly had, in 1994, approved a Resolution which, inter alia, emphasized: the vulnerability of small states to external threats and acts of interference in their

internal affairs; the vital importance for all states of the unconditional respect by all states of all the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non- interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and the peaceful settlement of disputes and their consistent application; the importance of strengthening regional security arrangements by increasing interaction, cooperation and consultation; that relevant regional and international organizations can provide assistance, when requested by small states, for the strengthening of their security, in accordance with the principles of the Charter; that the Secretary General should continue to pay special attention to monitoring the security situation of small states, and

President David Granger

to consider making use of Article 99 of the Charter; that the Security Council and other relevant organs of the United Nations should pay special attention to the protection and security of small states.

He said, too, that the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, in Resolution 1567 of 2nd June 1998, noted: “The small island states have concluded that their security is multidimensional in scope and application, and encompasses, inter alia, the military-political aspects traditionally associated with the security of states; the protection and preservation of the states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity; freedom from external military attack and coercion; freedom from external interference by states or by nonstate agents in their internal political affairs; protection from environmental conditions and ecological disasters which could imperil their viability; the link between trade, economic development and security; and the ability Turn to page 5 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Robust vetting of GDF recruits …several with criminal links turned away

By Alva Solomon THE Guyana Defence Force is ramping up its fight against narco-trafficking here; and new Chief-of-staff, Brigadier George Lewis, has promised a more robust regime of vetting for prospective members of the military.

The GDF had in the past attracted unsavoury char-

acters; only late last year, 27-year-old Lance Corporal Aaron Eastman was charged, along with three others, for possession of arms and ammunition.

Eastman and the three other men were, in December 2015, nabbed in a car on Regent Street with a sawn-off shotgun and a revolver with matching ammunition. At time of the arrest, the soldier

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was illegally absent from work, having abandoned his post; and was driving around with suspicious characters.

He was caught wearing an overcoat over his uniform, and was driving the car with a shotgun under the seat. The other weapon was found under the other front passenger seat.

Eastman was enlisted in the GPF on April 10, 2006.

The police had linked at least one of the suspects in that car to a robbery at AH&L Kissoon.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, Brigadier Lewis noted that the army enlistment systems cater for the vetting of persons prior to their being recruited, and also while they are on the job. He noted that vetting involves a process wherein background checks are undertaken, and he said senior officers are not exempted from the vetting process. ”Even if you are commissioned, even if you are successful in the recruitment course, you are vetted,” Brigadier Lewis said.

He said an arms storesman receives “even more detailed vetting”, and this is relative to the nature of the job.” For a soldier to be posted to any other sensitive area, additional vetting of the individual must be done to ensure “we select the right persons going to those positions; persons whom (we) can trust”.

The Chief-of-Staff noted that the army had, in the past, parted company with a number of recruits who were undergoing training because their vetting had proved them undesirable, and he added that vetting is carried out before the recruitment process is completed.

If it is discovered that persons who had committed civil offences -- which can range from murder to petty theft –- have attempted to join the GDF to gain shelter, the army would, in some cases, terminate their

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recruitment. “We have, in the past, picked up some unsavoury characters, persons whose past was a little shady; and once we detect that, we would part company”, the Chief of Staff said.

SHAKE-UP Following his ascension to the Chief of Staff post, Lewis said, several appointments were made in the various units within the military.

Colonel Patrick West was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, and Inspector General Colonel Gary Beaton was moved from being head of the Coast Guard and was appointed Adjutant General.

Colonel Nazrul Hussain was assigned to being Commandant of Guyana People’s Militia; Colonel Paul Arthur was appointed Quartermaster General, and Commander Orin Porter assumed responsibility for the Coast Guard.

“Indeed we have a very strong officer corps, and they are the senior to middle level managers,” Brigadier Lewis told the Guyana Chronicle.

Speaking about the training of officers, Lewis said that on entering the GDF, the individual undergoes initial training, a standard one-year for new officers; and after completion of that course, the individual would complete a number of other courses, gets promoted and, if qualified, undergoes other tests at the next levels.

The GDF also administers “a strong” Warrant Officer Corps, Brigadier Lewis said, and the ranks here would provide handson leadership to the junior ranks. In this aspect of the Force, the Warrant Officer is required to undertake a number of courses in management and leadership programmes, in order to be qualified for further ascension.

“It makes them better prepared, and equips them to better perform their duties”, the Chief of Staff said.

He explained that the army administers training to the officers from the time

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Brigadier George Lewis

they enter the GDF until retirement, and ranks are exposed to training overseas through bilateral training agreements with other countries, including the United States of America, China and Brazil. Some ranks train in Jamaica among other regional jurisdictions.

But what happens in the case of the other ranks -those soldiers who enter the army from the level of private after enlistment, and who may not be as skilled as the officers on entering the GDF? THE OTHER RANKS In this regard, Brigadier Lewis said, after a new soldier has graduated from the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School, he/she is assigned to a unit and “is immediately put in training in the unit to make him/her functional.”

As an example, he said that if the rank is assigned to the Signal Department, the rank would undertake a grade three Signal Course in order to effectively operate and communicate in that unit.

“If he goes to the Special Forces, he would do a grade three Paratroop Course; if it’s Infantry, he would do a standard Infantryman’s course”, he explained.

“So, at that entrance

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level, just immediately after entering the GDF and graduating from the basic recruitment course, when (recruit) graduate, they go to the unit and they are involved in training specific to their roles”, Brigadier Lewis said.

He added that the ranks are required to undertake a Junior Leaders Course, and would undertake training at the level of Lance Corporal and Senior Private. He said that course is done after the rank would have served two years, and it is done in order to prepare the rank for commanding at the junior level.

He said the training involves core skills, shooting and running, “but it involves a certain amount of leadership”.

After 4 to 6 years of service, the rank would return to undertake a Section Commander’s Course; or if the rank belongs to a specialist unit, the grade two Signal Course, which equips the ranks with knowledge and management skills to command at the next level.

“At that time the person would be a corporal”, the Chief of Staff said.

Some 7 or 8 years later, the ranks are exposed to the Platoon Sergeant’s Course, or another course at that level. ” The platoon trains them to command at the platoon level”, he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Gov’t sees mischief … in PPP's quarrels over reduction in budget for constitutional agencies THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has objected strongly to the Coalition Government’s decision to cut the budget requests of several constitutional agencies, while chiding the move to have the 2017 budget read before year-end.

But the administration says the opposition party is up to its old tricks and mischief.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the party’s headquarters located on Robb Street, Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira described Government’s actions as “highly unacceptable.”

Budget estimates for Constitutional Agencies were presented a few weeks ago to the parliamentarians for perusal and ultimate deliberations this Thursday. With support from her party members, Anil Nandlall and Juan Edghill, Teixeira accused Government of attempting to weaken and undermine the constitutional bodies.

She argued that constitutional agencies ought to be provided with the requested amount of finances, noting that the “slashing of the requested budget to less than what was received in 2016 is highly unacceptable.”

The Opposition Chief Whip referenced the reduced budgets for Parliament Office, the Auditor General’s Office, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Supreme Court , the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Indigenous People’s Commission to name a few.

“This is a clear case of the

From left to right: Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and former Junior Minister of Finance Juan Edghill at the press conference at Freedom House on Monday

abuse of the spirit and letter of the Constitution, which guarantees and protects the independence of these bodies listed in the third schedule,” she stressed. “The Government is once again violating the Constitution by the emasculation of these bodies.

How can the Indigenous People’s Commission budget be slashed…; how can you cut the DPP’s and the Supreme courts budget with the issue of backlog of cases and the dire need for more prosecutors; how could one cut the GECOM budget when the Government is well aware of the GECOM decision to hold a new house to house registration in 2017, the last one taking place over 10 years ago?” questioned Teixeira.

The party claimed that the Indigenous People’s Commission’s budget has been cut from $32M to $24M, the Auditor General’s Office’s budget has been reduced by $30M and GECOM’s cut from $5B to $2B.

Contacted for a response, a Government spokesperson indicated that the major recommended reduction is for GECOM, which just come out of Local Government Elections (LGE) and the next LGE is in 2019 and National Elections are next due in 2020.

MISCHIEF “So there is no need for a large GECOM allocation in 2017 since this is not an election year. This must be known to the PPP; therefore, their protestation is a hollow claim and is seeking to mislead the public with deliberate mischief. A similar contention was made by the Opposition with regard to the 2016 budget, but not a single one of the agencies' work was compromised or stymied in any way. It is an old argument which the PPP is rehashing.

The constitutional agencies present their ideal budget, but this is met within the context of available resources. The

Caribbean vulnerable to...

to maintain and protect democratic institutions which ensure domestic tranquility…”

The OAS General Assembly, again in a Resolution adopted at the fourth plenary session held on 4th June 2002, observed: “that the security of small island states has peculiar characteristics which render these states especially vulnerable and susceptible to risks and threats of a multidimensional and trans-national nature involving political, economic, social, health, environmental, and geographic factors; that these security threats assume great significance in the security agenda of small island states because of the size of these states, their openness, and their limited capacity to manage these

threats; and that there is a pressing need for a more effective management mechanism to assist the small island states in dealing with

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such multi-dimensional and trans-national threats to their security in a coordinated and co-operative manner…”

Minister of Finance has to consider these budgetary requests and several other submissions and try to allocate based on available revenue," the Government spokesman said.

Additionally, the parliamentary Opposition labeled the early presentation of the 2017 budget a “serious risk” as it believes the Government will have two budgets running simultaneously.

“By bringing the 2017 budget on November 28, 2016 — whilst the books close on December 31, 2016, the Government in fact will be bringing to the National Assembly a preliminary

budget as the 2016 budget would not have been completed as yet. In order for the Government to prepare and publish the budget allocation, it would be unable to present actual figures of expenditure for the years 2016.”

Teixeira finds it “incomprehensible” how Government will spend over $9B requested in Supplementary Financial Paper No.3 of 2016, which will be put before the House on Thursday before the budget is read.

HAMSTRUNG She said too that the PPP would be hamstrung in the 2017 budget debates as it would be unable to have actual or revised figures from the Government. “This move we believe is intended to obfuscate the challenges in regards to accountability and transparency in the expenditure of the 2016 budget and the three supplementary financial papers. The Government’s dismal record of expenditure, procurement write-offs and deals… will play havoc with accountability issues,” declared the Opposition Chief Whip.

Meanwhile, Edghill, a former minister within the Ministry of Finance under the

PPP Administration, questioned the motive behind the allocation of funds for several constitutional agencies that are not currently functioning, including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Public Procurement Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Public Service Appellate Tribunal.

“How did they determine these figures?” asked Edghill who also questioned the allocation of funds for the Office of the Ombudsman. “The Ombudsman has died… there has been no renaming of an Ombudsman… How can you have a budget?”

Meanwhile, Nandlall agreed with his parliamentary colleagues and noted that the constitutional bodies are protected by the Constitution and from any form of interference from the Executive. “This is so because the role of these bodies is primarily to oversee the functioning of the Government and in any democracy – for that oversight to operate effectively then they must remain separate and apart from the Executive Government and they must be free in the discharge of their functions from any interference with or influence from the Executive.”

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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 POVERTY is, in real terms, the economic and social deprivation people suffer, which prevents them from meeting basic needs. October 17th was designated International Day to end Poverty. The World Bank (WB) is optimistic that this is possible, given that statistics between 2012 and 2013 show 100 million people have escaped extreme poverty -- which represents 250,000 persons every day.

The Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, had in July advised that the WB had elevated Guyana to an upper middle income country. For many, this economic status is elusive; as, within our midst, there remain the working poor and those living in extreme poverty.

Poverty not only negatively impacts the standard of living of the poor, but that of the entire society. It compromises the health and longevity of the entire society as a result of greater risk to infectious diseases, hunger, and the inability to pursue education; thereby robbing the nation of its most vital resource needed for development. In areas where poverty pervades, citizens’ rights are more likely to be transgressed and laws violated, given the limited or non-existent access to justice and the stigmatisation that come with being poor.

Statistics mean nothing to the poor when they have to live in the scourge. In communities such as Plastic City, the Lombard Street area and Albouystown, people are clothed in squalor; children play on empty stomachs, and make their beds on the hard ground or worn clothing. Poverty is real, painful and dehumanising. These people have become the invisible-visible: in our vision; but we look the other way, not wanting to be bothered, or feeling helpless in the midst of it all.

In 2001, then President Bharrat Jagdeo and Leader of the Opposition Desmond Hoyte signed an Agreement committing to having Government address the depressed communities of Fyrish/ Gibraltar, Hogstye/Lancaster, Blueberry Hill/Victory Valley, West Watooka, Enterprise, Buxton, Meten-MeerZorg and De Kinderen. Nothing was done by way of national programmes to honour the commitment to the society. In the meantime, the state has facilitated the building of middle and upper class housing developments such as the Professional Housing Scheme, Windsor Forest, Pradoville 1 and 11.

Depressed communities -- like Albouystown and the Lombard Street area -- sink deeper into poverty and become garrison communities as other similar communities are being thrown up. The basic human right to live a life in dignity is being compromised on the part of the poor, and discarded on the part of the state, which shoulders the responsibility to ensure its citizens’ basic socio-economic needs are met, given that these form the basis for empowerment. Poverty

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Time to turn to wind Dear Editor,

WITH the amount of blackouts this country is facing each day, I would suggest that the Hon. Minister of Public Infrastructure should move towards wind power, wherein we can have a more stable and efficient power supply.

The first thing he should know is that wind is modern energy. If we are talking about going green, then our environment depends on our ability to turn to sustainable and competitive energy sources -- energy that does not pollute, create waste, or produce greenhouse gases.

Guyana is primed in a big way for wind power: economically, politically and geographically. If you look around all over the country, especially in the coastland and the interior, you would see that wind energy can be a significant driver for clean energy, and would also create new jobs for the economy.

With continued increases in generating capacity, the result would surely be a win-win situation all around.

If Guyana can go this route, it could double the energy needs by 2030 -a challenge that is further heightened by concerns about

reducing CO2 emissions and decreasing the unprecedented costs for fossil fuels.

As a renewable and clean source of energy, wind power can emerge as a significant part of the overall solution to blackouts in this country.

First of all, Guyana’s unique infrastructure along the Atlantic coastline allows its capacity to be added quickly, contributing to energy security -- which is becoming increasingly important in today’s world and to Guyana on the whole.

At the same time, the development in wind technology would reduce the rising fuel prices.

Guyana has vast tracts of open space and excellent wind resources, and is well positioned to take advantage of the abundance of wind power. We need to think outside of the box; every megawatt of installed wind power creates employment in manufacturing, construction and operations, as well as provides jobs and generates broad economic growth.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, there are grounds for optimism which point to an energy– security future for Guyana.

Regards, MOHAMED KHAN

What has become of Buxton cricketers?

Dear Editor,

IT WARMS my heart to see the media highlighting the plight of the disadvantaged in this country. As a Buxtonian and an ardent cricket enthusiast, I just couldn’t resist penning this letter. It seems that the infighting that occurred over the years at the East Coast Cricket Board level and the Demerara Cricket Board level has left one question unanswered: What has become of Buxton Cricketers?

Throughout the years, those cricketers have shown what it means to rise above adversity. They have travelled far and wide throughout this country when teams have refused to visit their ground, and have recorded more-than-credible performances against several teams.

However, for some rea-

son, Buxtonians are not worthy of playing for the East Coast teams, nor are they worthy of being selected to Demerara/National trials to stake a claim in the national team. It has gone to such an extent that one of the most accomplished athletes of this village (Buxton), a cricketer at heart, plies his trade in the football arena, instead of being solely committed to cricket.

The only reason Clive Andries is playing cricket, from my estimation, is due to his passion for the sport., Whether or not football is playing, he makes the time to play, and contributes extensively to the success of the Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Team, whether by bowling his off-spin or unleashing his Andre Russell-style of brutal innings on opponents.

Due to the neglect of these cricketers, it seems

there isn’t the desire, like in years past, to do the necessary training etc.; because the reality is that the chance of selection is not there, or has not been there for whatever reason, over the past 3 years; especially since the fracture in the Demerara, Guyana and East Coast Cricket boards.

Admirably, the team continues to churn out credible performances; a case in point being the ‘A’ team winning 4 out of their last 5 games. Just imagine what can be accomplished if they are motivated by a level playing field, equal opportunities and the necessary support.

Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club had to have been doing something right over the years, because they have produced outstanding CXC & CAPE performers, graduates from the University of Guyana, graduates from GTI, and also graduates

from CPCE. And to this date, none of their players has been associated with criminal activity.

The question has to be asked: When will the time come for these cricketers to be given a fair share of the proverbial ‘cricket pie? Only God knows. One thing is for sure though: throughout all the adversities faced by this cricket club since its existence in 2000, these cricketers have continued to play the sport they love so dearly.

As a Buxtonian, I must say thanks to all those persons who have played or are playing for the Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club, and to those persons or entities that have contributed in whatever way -- small or large -- to the development of the sport in this village.

leads to stigmatization, and stigmatisation leads to citizens being treated ‘anyhow’.

The poor and poverty stricken areas are also more likely to see constant harassing/ raids by police, which create breathing ground to nurture criminal minds and activities, since invariably it becomes a system of survival and ‘us versus them’.

The gulf between the rich and poor in our country cannot be swept under the carpet. Poverty is a scourge, and must be fought. While the WB holds optimism of the possibility of ending poverty, it can only be aspired

for in Guyana when serious and concerted attention is being paid to it. Guyana is one of the few nations that have abundance of land, and areas can be set aside to develop subsidised housing projects. This can provide the poor with appropriate and habitable shelter, inclusive of the basic amenities such as water and electricity. Similar approaches are utilised in other societies to ensure that even while persons may be poor or would have fallen on hard times, their dignity is not shattered. Our public health services are mostly accessed by this demo-

graphic, and it may require strengthening these services to avoid citizens sitting at out-patient departments/institutions, waiting for extended periods before being able to access care.

Human dignity is important to man’s self-worth, and being poor is no justification to deny or ignore it. Education is an important investment in helping citizens to escape poverty. Our curriculum must be more diverse, with focus on skills needed for development, and in recognition that for our children to succeed in adulthood, they must have options that

would facilitate the pursuit of their field of competence or interest.

Society has a responsibility to the vulnerable in our midst to ensure they can live their lives to the fullest. More avenues for employment and economic opportunities open possibilities for more and higher paying jobs, and benefit the people and economy.

Consequently, it becomes a matter of import to examine the practicality of developing a national policy that would see the addressing of poverty as an important pillar in development.

Regards, MARVIN CATO

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Quicker results for zika testing - now possible at Woodlands Hospital

By Shauna Jemmott THE Woodlands Hospital has collaborated with US company Co-Diagnostics to revolutionise testing for zika and other diseases with the establishment of a Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at its Carmichael Street, Georgetown facility.

At a press briefing on Monday, officials of Co-Diagnostics presented to the Laboratory of the Woodlands Hospital several kits that would facilitate testing for thousands of persons, with results being delivered within 45 minutes. The small but sophisticated and mathematically constructed equipment, which can be used to test for zika and its related diseases –- dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya –- can also be used to test individuals for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

A team of inventors, doctors and scientists travelled to Guyana to deliver the equipment to the Woodlands Hospital and to train technicians at its laboratory to use them, Chief Executive Officer of Co-Diagnostics Dwight Egan said.

Co-Diagnostics, a company at the forefront of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, created this new class of molecular diagnostics which provides fast, reliable, accurate and affordable testing and saves clients thousands of dollars.

“Our goal was to combine very low-cost tests with very low-cost equipment so that

codiagnostics.com, Co-Diagnostics said “Co-Diagnostics’ CoDx portfolio of molecular diagnostics development products and tests represent a radical new advancement in the understanding of molecular interactions of DNA.” The product was constructed through mathematical innovations which would enable testing at a more af-

Developer of the zika testing equipment, Dr. Rebecca Garcia, speaks at the press conference while Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Co-Diagnostics, Dwight Egan, and Molecular Scientist Dr. Jana Kent look on it could actually be used and fordable cost, and serves technology, with one lab be put to use in a developing a wider population with a containing thousands of tests world,” Egan said. capacity to offer 48 tests at which can be offered at a On its website at http:// one time. cost of aproximately US$10

Time for a change -Vendors’ union calling for removal of Mayor, Town Clerk

CITING injustice and non-cooperation, the Guyana Market Vendors’ Union (GMVU) is calling for the removal of City Mayor, Patricia ChaseGreen and Town Clerk, Royston King.

The Union made its position known yesterday

two parties at reference so as to pave the way for better cooperation between itself and officials of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

GMVU President, Eon Andrews told members of the media, “For too long vendors have been lacking the respect they deserve as

One of the “empty promises” at reference is the commitment by the M&CC to building a more modern market facility for vending.

“A structure was presented to the city to be built in place of the Stabroek Market wharf, and now we are not hearing anything about

Vendors protesting yesterday in front of City Hall (Photo by Samuel Maughn) during a picketing exercise outside City Hall indicating that it has had enough, and is calling for the removal of the

“People can be tested more often. They can be tested in batches of 48 at a time.

It connects with a small computer, and these two pieces combined comprise of a diagnostic laboratory. In about 45 minutes…it demonstrates to them whether or not they have any particular disease,” Egan explained.

He described it as a neat

commercial operators,” and that the last straw was “the empty promises” made by the Mayor and Town Clerk.

it,” Andrews said, adding: “Unless the leaders at City Hall are removed, then there will be nothing that

will change, because they have no vision.”

Meanwhile, one of the vendors lamented that she has been bullied and barred from plying her trade. “Ev-

(Gy$2,000) for a single test.

It is available in the finest hospitals and laboratories across the world.

Co-Diagnostics has chosen Woodlands Hospital Laboratory because the hospital is a “premier hospital in Guyana” and has “a good laboratory”.

Woodlands Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Neville Gobin has said he is thrilled that Woodlands has been selected for the new laboratory upgrade and the launching of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory here.

As an obstetrician, Zika testing is of particular interest to him, he said; and many women who become pregnant are very afraid (since) zika has a negative effect on the foetus.

“It’s a low-cost equipment… it’s a low-cost test… the results are available in 45 minutes,” he said.

The test will be a good replacement for the rapid testing which Woodlands used previously, but which had been criticised as being inaccurate and inconsistent.

“This really would sort of change many things for the benefit of our country and

our patients. Not only Woodlands, but the entire country will benefit. I am glad that Woodlands Hospital has been chosen, because little did I know that the fame of our lab has gone as far as Canada,” Dr. Gobin said.

Dr. Gobin received a call from the office two Fridays ago, when the contact was established.

Developer of the test, Dr. Rebecca Garcia, said it took her only two and a half days to develop the testing equipment. She said the new Co-Diagnosis technology is focused on a worldwide application, and the company is working on having it released on emergency in the USA. She said the test is based on a rapid-pro technology created originally by Dr. Brent Satterfield, who has engineered new diagnostics for various laboratories and public health institutions. It was originally implemented in Guatemala.

The team, which arrived in Guyana just before the Monday press briefing, is also scheduled to meet with Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton to discuss the technology and zika detection.

ery time I go out to sell my bread,” she said, “it is taken away by the City Constabulary. And I don’t know why, because I have been doing this for years.”

Other vendors who were a part of the picketing exercise complained about having to face similar treatment, and called for justice to be served.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Big boost to wedding tourism … Marriage Act to be amended for speedier weddings GOVERNMENT will soon amend the Marriage Act to facilitate speedier weddings in a bid to boost wedding tourism in this country.

During his recent address to the National Assembly, President David Granger hinted at the move. “Your Government will amend the Marriage Act to put new procedures in place for non-nationals applying for a Special Marriage Licence.”

Managing Director of the Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerald ‘Gerry’ Gouveia, who holds an annual wedding exposition here, had long lobbied for the Marriage Act to be amended to facilitate tourists tying the knots at the event. Gouveia had said that the absence of legislation was one of the main hindrances to the expo expanding, and he had criticised the current legislation, which requires that couples travel to Guyana two weeks in advance of their wedding, in order for their marriage to satisfy all legal require-

Government will soon amend the Marriage Act to facilitate speedier weddings as it seeks to boost wedding tourism in this country

ments.

“Change the legislation!

You cannot have a legislation that says people must come here two weeks before they get married…. We need to change the legislation,” Gouveia had said. “The waiting period is much shorter elsewhere in the region -a matter of a few days -- and understandably, that situation is much more attractive for people who simply want to fly in, get married, enjoy a nature-filled honeymoon here, then leave,” he said.

“I have been discussing

the issue of looking at the legislation to make the lead time shorter with local officials for some time now; but, frankly, there is no evidence that any progress has been made,” Gouveia said.

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes had then given Government’s commitment to seek amendments to the laws by the second quarter of 2016. “Wedding tourism holds huge potential, and we are definitely happy to lend our support,” Hughes had said. She had even assured that the process to amend the

legislation had started.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has declared 2016 ‘The Year of Romance’ in the Caribbean – which celebrates everything romantic about the region.

Through the campaign, CTO said, its member countries and hotels would highlight the Caribbean as the leading choice for a romance vacation for consumers and travel planners selling the region.

“With over 30 destinations to choose from, the Caribbean region provides the perfect backdrop for a

romantic getaway: highlighted by pristine beaches, secluded accommodations, an abundance of land and water activities, top-notch spa services, and personalised attention that meets the needs of the most discerning traveller,” said Hugh Riley, secretary general of CTO. “The Year of Romance in the Caribbean will spotlight the romantic features of our region beyond the traditional times of year, such as Valentine’s Day. A romantic theme is easily embraced by all of our member destinations 365 days a year,” Riley noted.

Throughout the year, CTO, in cooperation with its private sector partner the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, would assist member countries with an assortment of ideas which can be implemented around the theme of romance, to appeal to consumers, travel agents and tour operators.

Innovative ideas will be developed around first-time or second-time marriages and the renewal of vows; as well as the most romantic locations to “pop the question”

or to say “I do”.

“We anticipate that in addition to the ideas we provide our members, the countries and hotels will develop their own plan of action for promoting romance in their individual destinations,” said Riley; adding: “The theme is inclusive of our partners, both public and private sector. Caribbean hotels, travel agents and tour operators are urged to create their own romantic ideas or adopt ones being embraced by the destinations. We envision airline partners getting involved with their own ‘love is in the air’ offers, and recognising bridal parties onboard who are heading to a destination wedding in the Caribbean.

We think video bloggers, too, will get involved in featuring the winners of the most romantic ideas.”

CTO has envisioned 2016 The Year of Romance in the Caribbean as a catalyst for sellers and promoters of weddings and honeymoons, bridal publications and websites, as well as wedding planners and service providers at the destination end.

Bail should be deterrent to recidivists – says acting Police Commissioner ACTING Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine has said the judicial system needs to play a role in fighting crime, lamenting that too many recidivists are being granted bail for serious crimes.

“One of the disturbing things when persons are charged with firearm offences is they are granted bail in the courts,” Ramnarine noted.

He explained that criminal law is intended to protect society, and while considerations of fairness may suggest a particular outcome, this result may not be justified if it means exposing the public to substantially greater harm.

Providing an example, the acting Police Commissioner pointed to the cases of four defendants who were recently charged with unlawful arms

and ammunition being granted bail.

In three cases, he said the High Court granted bail and in the other case bail was granted in the Magistracy.

“Bail ought to be a serious deterrent to crime, in some cases persons are granted $200,000 bail, $180,000, $50,000, in one of the cases a guy was charged for unlawful possession of arms and ammunition and he was granted bail. While on bail he is arrested and charged with stealing an ATV valued over $3M and he is granted bail again,” the acting Top Cop said.

He also noted that the defendant is now a prime suspect in the robbery/murder of a Brazilian national in the interior where a firearm was used.

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

Ramnarine was at a loss as to why the judiciary could be so insensitive in the dispensation of the granting of bail.

“What happened to the recent gun amnesty? Did the criminal elements bring in their firearms during the gun amnesty?” The Top Cop

asked, adding that “It is clear that they did not.”

“This is total disregard to people being found with firearms well after gun amnesty when they had an opportunity to surrender their firearms, which they have not,” he contended.

The Top Cop said the ille-

gal firearms were not surrendered, but are being used to terrorise, rob and kill people.

“The amount of bail granted in the court makes a mockery of how a responsible authority behaves in these matters,” Ramnarine declared.

He emphasised that the Police Force is a microcosm of the wider society and one element in the criminal justice system.

“I will not take responsibility for the behaviour of other people who constitute and have a role to play in other elements in the criminal justice system,” Ramnarine said.

Only recently, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams observed that a total breakdown of coordination in the justice system here allowed convicted drug trafficker,

Barry Dataram to flee the jurisdiction in a bid to escape imprisonment.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Williams said during the initial stage of his trial, Dataram was granted bail by former Chief Justice, Ian Chang after he was refused bail in the lower court; and once this was done, there should have been an immediate alert in the system, with the immigration, police and prison services activating surveillance mechanisms.

He said it is clear that this was not done, and when Dataram realised that he was going to be jailed, he took advantage of a weak system and escaped.

“Luckily, our neighbour (Suriname) again was able to come to our rescue, and I must commend them for their efforts,” Williams had said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Prison escapee Former teacher killed in Goed nabbed in bus POLICE have recaptured one of two convicted prisoners who escaped from the Lusignan Prison on September 20, 2016.

Acting on information, police apprehended 26-yearold Fauouse Shakir of Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

This newspaper understands that he was captured in a route 44 minibus on

Monday in the vicinity of the Kitty Service Station.

A police report noted that ranks extracted the convict from the bus, who initially denied his identity but subsequently retracted his statement when prison officers positively identified him.

Shakir was serving a twoyear sentence for break and entry and larceny. He is expected to be charged soon

Caught: Fauouse Shakir

with escaping from lawful custody.

Still on the run is 22-yearold Rajendra Deonarine, of Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo. Deonarine was serving a three-year jail sentence for possession of cocaine.

Reports revealed that the duo used the Lusignan Golf Course as their route of escape.

WANTED: Rajendra Deonarine

9

Fortuin accident A FORMER schoolteacher was killed on Saturday night in an accident on the Goed Fortuin Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Reports are that 58-yearold Albert Rometh Shivdayal of Goed Fortuin was crossing the road on his bicycle a short distance from his home when he was struck down by a motorcar.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 21:50hrs on Saturday.

A post-mortem done yesterday at the Ezekiel Funeral Home at Best, West Coast Demerara (WCD) revealed that Shivdayal died of multiple injuries.

According to a police report, the motorcar (PNN 7289) involved in the accident “was proceeding north along the western driveway at a fast rate, while the cyclist was proceeding in the said direction, but on the

Dead: Albert Rometh Shivdayal

eastern side of the road.” It says that the deceased was crossing the road “from east to west [when he rode] into the path of the car and was struck down.”

He was subsequently taken by ranks of a police patrol to the West Demerara Regional Hospital at Best, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The police said, too, that while a breathalyser test

conducted on the driver of the vehicle has found no trace of blood alcohol, “a breaking distance of 126 feet from the point of impact was documented by the investigator.”

A relative of this driver is, however, disputing this assertion, saying that Shivdayal was dragged 188 feet from the point of impact, while his bicycle was flung 30 feet away.

Shivdayal, who has been described by other relatives as a jack-of-all-trades, also worked on occasion in the construction and veterinary fields.

According to his sister, Gloria, “He was a very kindhearted man, and always helped people. Anyone could have gotten him to help them. He was popular in his neighbourhood.”

At the time of his demise, she said, he was living by himself.

Gunman ‘Mad Max’ for court today Murder accused Britton to know fate on Thursday

NOTORIOUS gunman, Rawle Franklin called ‘Mad Max’ will appear in court today to answer to charges of illegal possession of a gun and matching ammunition.

Police during a ‘stop and search’ exercise on Saturday night found the items among three men, including Franklin in the East La Penitence, Geogetown area.

The two other occupants are both 38 years old and reside in North Ruimveldt and Sophia, respectively.

Police said about 22:00 hrs, ranks of a mobile patrol

Rawle Franklin, called ‘Mad Max’, when he was remanded in August 2015

The gun and ammo found during the stop-andsearch exercise

observed the men in a white Toyota Premio, in the La Penitence area, acting suspiciously, and decided to stop

JUSTICE James BovellDrakes, presiding in the murder trial wherein defendant Lloyd Britton is alleged to have shot and killed Elvis Fernandes, who was in a minibus on July 26, 2013, will on Thursday sum up the evidence and hand over the case to the jury for their consideration.

Lawyers for the State and the defence respectively addressed the jury on Monday, with the defence asking for a complete acquittal and

the prosecution for a verdict of guilty, in keeping with the evidence in the case.

In his request for a notguilty verdict, Defence Attorney Nigel Hughes contended on the basis of what he called scientific facts and the trajectory path of the bullet; while Tameeka Clarke, a prosecutor in the case, made the final address to the jury and noted that the defence had referred to the wrong window through which the bullet had been fired.

And, according to Ms.

Clarke, the man had said, “Don’t carry me to the PHG, carry me to a private hospital; the police are always at public.”

The accused, according to witnesses, was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.

Orinthia Schmitz is leading the case for the prosecution, while Nigel Hughes is defending. The case continues on Thursday at 9:00hrs, when the judge will begin his address to the jury.

and search the vehicle and its occupants.

During the search, police said a .40 Smith and Wesson Pistol with 14 matching rounds was found in possession of one of the men, who has several criminal charges, inclusive of robbery under arms pending before the court.

However, sources close

to the investigation identified the man as Rawle Franklin 28, of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.

Reports reveal that in August 2015, Franklin, who was wanted for at least 20 gun-related crimes turned himself into the Sparendaam Police Station. He was then charged and remanded to

prison. Additionally, he was charged with attempted murder and discharging of a loaded firearm with intent to harm.

Record reveals that in 2014, four matters against him were dismissed because of want of prosecution, while two were dismissed in 2015. Investigations are continuing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

‘Get your act Teen dies after falling off moving lorry together, or else’ ‒ Mayor warns owners of derelict buildings

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has held off tearing down certain derelict buildings in the City for another two months, so as to give the owners another opportunity to ‘get their act together’.

This was announced by Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green when she met recently with officers and councillors at City Hall.

“I received requests from some persons, and I have asked them to write to the Engineer’s Department.

Some of them are asking for an extension of two months to get their act together,” Chase-Green said.

According to her, some of them have expressed their willingness to comply with the M&CC order to take the structures down, and have even offered their help in doing so. As a result, those persons have been going in to look at their rates and taxes at City Hall.

The M&CC had earlier this month embarked on a campaign to demolish derelict buildings in the City.

The first one that was to be demolished is situated on Waterloo Street, a few doors away from John Lewis Styles.

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

Town Clerk Royston King had informed that numerous complaints have been received about this very building, and because the people there are very fearful for their lives, this one would be demolished first. Reports are that the owners of this building have already started works to have it demolished.

Meanwhile, City Hall is trying to ascertain who are the owners of some 52 buildings in North Ruimveldt, Kingston, Campbellville, Werk-en-Rust, Lacytown, among several other areas, in order to serve them requisite notices.

The City Engineer’s Department conducted an audit and found these buildings, which King had described as a threat to life and limb. Four

such buildings were taken down last year.

The Town Clerk had explained that the municipality would be taking down the unoccupied buildings first, and then would be moving to deal with the occupied ones.

However, he said the M&CC would be seeking the support of other agencies to see if they can assist in relocating some of the people.

“Many of these places do not have the basic sanitary facilities; they are extremely dangerous,” he said.

He said once the buildings are taken down, they will attach the cost of demolition to the rates and taxes of those concerned.

The Town Clerk had said the initiative of removing derelict buildings follows the launch of the Green City initiative, intended to restore Georgetown to its former glory.

“We’re having a holistic approach to cleaning up Georgetown and to pushing this whole concept of a Clean and Green City. It is an inter-departmental approach, wherein all the departments will be involved, including the Constabulary, Engineer’s and Public Health departments, along with the Volunteer Corps, as part of the Green City initiative.”

Suspects in Port Kaituma double-murder for court today TWO men who were arrested for questioning in relation to the murders of Brazilian miner Mario Pozzer and Hilton Smith, who were killed this month in Port Kaituma, North West District will be changed with both murders.

The men will make their court appearance today at the Georgetown Magistrate Court.

The murder accused were identified as Quincy Benjamin, 25, and Roberto Miggins, 34, of Port Kaituma.

The bullet-riddled body of 43-year-old Pozzer was found at 10 Miles, Port Kaituma on October13, by persons using the road.

From all indications, Pozzer was travelling to the backdam when he was gunned down. He was found next to the ATV he was using to get to his camp.

One day later, Smith, called “Hilary” of Pomeroon River, Region Two was shot and killed during a camp invasion at Mazawini, Port Kaituma, North West District.

Reports revealed that a

group of men armed with high-powered rifles pounced on the mining pit and opened fire.

This forced workers to run for cover in a nearby bush. The gunmen reportedly took away a quantity of raw gold. After the gunmen left, Smith’s body was discovered with several gunshot wounds.

His body was taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital Mortuary. Miners in the district have praised the “F” Division police and its commander in taking swift actions with the recent murders.

AN 18-YEAR-OLD West Berbice resident, sharing space with equipment in the rear of a moving lorry, died when the equipment, which was apparently not secured, knocked him off the vehicle.

Travel Blair of 118 Ithaca, West Bank Berbice was pronounced dead on arrival at the Fort Wellington Hospital minutes after the accident occurred on the Number 5 Village Public Road, West Coast Berbice around 21:45h Sunday.

This newspaper understands that the young man was among a team of youths, who accompanied the music set ‘Thunderbolt’ to play music at the horse race meeting at Rising Sun, West Coast of Berbice, earlier on Sunday.

The assignment was completed and the youth was among others in the rear of

Travel Blair

the lorry taking the equipment back to Ithaca, when a pallet, where one of the speakers rested, suddenly moved from its position.

The speaker then slammed into Blair and another young man, however, the other per-

son managed to hold on to the rails of the lorry but Blair was unfortunate.

“He get hit out the tray.

The driver didn’t realise what was happening. He continued driving. I had to bang on the side of the vehicle; shout for him to stop and then he stopped. I run back and see Travel lying down alongside the road unconscious and bleeding heavy,” the youth said.

He said the equipment was not properly secured and the sudden shift may have been caused by a gust of wind, since the lorry did not collide with any other vehicle or made any sudden movements.

Blair leaves to mourn his parents and two siblings.

The driver of the lorry is assisting police with the investigation.

City vendors to be licensed GEORGETOWN Mayor, Patricia Chase-Greene has announced that street vendors in the City will soon have to obtain licenses from the Council to vend.

Speaking at the Council’s Statutory Meeting on Monday, the Mayor said the licensing system will begin in 2017, and already, two meetings were held with the vendors to inform them about the impending decision.

“We had some fruitful discussions on the way forward as it regards to vending by stallholders and vending by street vendors,” she said, adding that “at one of the recent meetings held on September 4, we would have announced that the registration for street vendors will

take place in 2017”.

Mayor Chase-Greene also said that the vendors were informed of a list of criteria they will have to meet to sell, but the Council will not demand they satisfy all at once.

“We will take it step by step as we go forward in registering those vendors and have them comply with their medical certificates, with registration, with having their TIN numbers.”

On meeting the set out criteria, the vendors will be issued an “Identification Card” that will indicate that they are temporary street vendors, the location they are selling and what they are selling.

“That is the only way we can bring about some order,” the Mayor said, while affirming that “All street vendors must be registered according to the law.”

The licences arrangement will be applied to all vendors within Georgetown, from Agricola to Cumming’s Lodge and it will only apply to street vendors and not stallholders.

On a different issue, but still on vending, the Mayor said the only immediate relocation of Georgetown vendors will be the fruit vendors in the Parliament View Area.

They are allowed to sell temporarily in front of the old Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB).

This was another successful decision that stemmed from engagements with the vendors, Chase-Green said.

“All others vendors will be taken care of under the National [Capital] Planning Commission,” she said, pointing out that “When the recommendations come from that Commission, then this Council will act.”

4 yrs jail, $16.8M fine for drugs TROY VAN Doimen has been fined GYD$16.8 million and sentenced to four years in prison, after pleading guilty to possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan on Monday.

The allegation stated that 46-year-old, Van Doimen on October 22, at Fifth Avenue Bartica had in his possession 14.61 kilogrammes of marijuana.

When his turn came to plead to the charge, the accused stated, “Your worship

I don’t want to waste the court’s time. I am pleading guilty. I never had any trouble with the law, and I’m pleading for a minimum.”

The prosecutor facts stated that on the day in question, police acting on information went to Van Doimen’s home. A search was conducted in his presence, where police found bags containing leaves, seeds and stems under a chair.

He was told of the offense and cautioned. He then admitted to ownership

of the drugs.

The court heard that ranks took possession of the narcotics, arrested the defendant and took him to the Bartica Police Station.

When he was given the chance to address the court, Van Doimen said, “I’m asking please for a minimum because I have to take care of my three children.”

Magistrate McLen nan asked Van Doimen how he got the marijuana.

He replied that someone brought it and left it with him.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Ithaca to get major agro boost

By Clifford Stanley RESIDENTS of the Region Five community of Ithaca, situated on the West Bank of Berbice, are to benefit from new drainage and irrigation (D&I) infrastructure plus land preparation equipment and technical advice which would help to boost agricultural production on 900 acres of hitherto unproductive lands.

The opening up of unused fertile lands aback of Ithaca is being made possible under a loan granted to the Government of Guyana by the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF).

The name of the project is the Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID) programme in small-scale farming communities in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) and Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice).

Buxton, Triumph and Mocha villages are the three

small-scale farming communities in Region Four which would benefit from similar D&I systems and agricultural support under the scheme.

Ministry of Agriculture officials had up to Monday held two consultations with members of the Ithaca Agriculture Land Development Association (IALDA), who had identified the 900 acres of State lands aback of the village as most suitable for the project. The members identified land-clearing and the installation of a D&I network behind the village as a priority.

The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) advertised for consultants for engineering designs and supervision of these works last week. Ministry officials visited Ithaca on Monday, in the company of at least one prospective bidder, to show him what the job would entail -- a process described as a pre-bid meeting.

An official from the MoA added that the work with the consultants is just for the D&I network. “The other aspect is land-clearing, and the Government of Guyana will be buying all the equipment to ensure that this aspect of the project proceeds as planned,” the official disclosed.

He said that, for example, the Government would purchase one long-boom excavator and a D6 bulldozer to be assigned for land clearing for Ithaca.

He said, too, that the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will be tasked with offering technical advice to the beneficiaries on what to grow and what to rear.

The Ministry of Agriculture is currently designing a model farm to show the farmers at Ithaca how to achieve optimal levels of production and productivity.

ASSISTANCE The Government would also purchase tractors and other land preparation equipment to assist the farmers with land preparation for the various crops they elect to grow.

The equipment would be kept by the National Drainage and Irrigation Agency (NDIA), and under RAID, the farmers would be able to access their use on formal request to the NDIA.

AVOIDING GLUTS “They will be advised to diversify their crops, so that they can satisfy bulk markets and avoid gluts; because everybody doing the same produce,” the official explained.

Farmers of Buxton, Triumph and Mocha would get similar levels of support un-

der the RAID programme.

The deadline for the submission of bids for the consultancy for engineering designs and supervision of the Ithaca project, like the three others, is November 22.

Officials of the Ministry of Agriculture said the engineering works on the ground for Ithaca and the three others should begin by mid-next year if all goes as planned.

The CDF was established under Article 158 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas “for the purpose of providing financial or technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors”. It is the centre-piece of the regime to address among the member states of CARICOM the disparities which may result from the implementation of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The Agreement Relating to the operation of the Fund was signed in July 2008, and the CDF began operating on August 24, 2009.

Projects funded in Guyana by the CDF under the first funding cycle were the construction of farm-tomarket roads at Parika in Region Three (Essequibo/ West Demerara); at Onverwagt in Region Five; and at Laluni and Kuru Kuru in Region Four.

CDF recently disclosed that Guyana would be the first member state to benefit from a new Country Assistance Programme (CAP) under its 2015-2020 funding cycle. This was so since Guyana has qualified to receive further support, having paid in full its assessed contribution to the organisation, a recent media release from the CDF stated.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

‘Hotplate’ buses Stop them, says Duncan causing chaos … too many children waiting on special buses at Stabroek Market Square

‒ Deputy Mayor complains about situation in Stabroek Market area

By Telesha Ramnarine MINI-BUSES and taxis, such as those in front of Demico and the old KFC building on the Stabroek Market Square, continue to operate in an ad-hoc fashion contributing to “total chaos” in the area.

Georgetown Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan made the observation recently as he was complaining to the City Council about various issues that are plaguing the said square.

What is more, Duncan noted, is that the constables on duty seem not to care when the rules are being broken on a daily basis.

“Where the Kitty buses are, when the lanes are full, the hot-plate buses are occupying almost half of the roadway. So traffic coming

from the Parliament Buildings has to use one lane because these other buses are waiting on the roadways,” Duncan explained.

He continued: “A lot of Kitty buses are on the hotplate almost in front of Demico on the people’s property on a consistent basis! What is strange to me is there were constables right in the area who seem not to care.”

Furthermore, the taxis in front of the ‘Satro’ building should not be there.

“Not only are there taxis there, but a special row is allocated to special taxis and a fee is charged. This is also the situation at the Alberttown bus area where lots of buses are on the hot-plate and I learnt that buses are parking directly in front of KFC. There are special buses. The streets are very filthy

and it is just total chaos there.

I saw one constable trying to man the entire area.”

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen subsequently asked Chief Constable Andrew Foo to assess the situation and present a report to the City Council.

Meanwhile, several taxi drivers who operate in the vicinity had staged a protest in front of the Public Buildings to express their dissatisfaction with the way City Hall had “unceremoniously” evicted them from that area.

The Council made a decision to have unregulated commercial activities relocated in an effort to restore the Stabroek area that had become a scene of lawlessness.

Among the groups removed from the area indefinitely were taxi drivers.

By Telesha Ramnarine

GEORGETOWN Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan has been monitoring the activities on the Stabroek Market Square on a daily basis and has found that an alarming number of school children gather on the bus park to wait for special buses.

What is more alarming is that they can be found there even during school hours.

“I have been listening to people in that area and there is cause for concern in the general day-to-day happenings there. At about 09: 40 hrs one morning, I observed more than 100 school children on the road there,” he related.

Duncan was addressing Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and other senior officers at a meeting recently.

According to him, nearly all of the Kitty buses were

empty as the students stood there to wait for their special buses.

The Deputy Mayor then pondered what the City Council could possibly do about this situation, but found that there was nothing specific.

He subsequently visited the Ministry of Education on the issue and learned that five welfare officers are assigned to about 95 schools in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica).

Of the five officers, two are on health-related leave, and one has been moved to another region.

“So we have two persons serving schools and to go out into the streets and deal with this kind of truancy matter,” Duncan pointed out.

“As the national Capital City, we cannot allow our school children to use our streets in this manner; to be on the road during school

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan

hours. I inquired from the Ministry if it was an exam morning but it seems like it is just a regular feature and I think we have to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry and the relevant agencies. These are our children and we have to play some role in curbing this kind of truancy. I think it is overbearing. We have to intervene,” he said.

US$15M tuna plant commissioned PRITIPAUL Singh Investments Inc. (PSI) will, within the next five years, invest US$15M in its Atlantic Tuna Plant, launched on Saturday at its Providence, East Bank Demerara location.

PSI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pritipaul Singh explained at the launching that the idea to venture into tuna production was a reaction to a highly competitive and hostile business environment.

He added that the tuna business is at its early stage, and therefore needs all assistance from all sources.

“To reach an entrepreneurial stage, it takes many years. Likewise, our tuna business is in the beginning stage; so it is a baby, and we need the support from all areas where we can develop into a way where we can be successful,” Singh said.

He detailed that the busi-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

ness is expected to provide employment for about 1500 persons, with over 5000 persons benefiting indirectly.

He noted that PSI contributes significantly to the taxes collected by Government; and in this regard, he is encouraging the Government to provide the necessary concessions to ensure the busi-

ness can continue to function at a rapid pace.

While the industry is expecting future challenges, it hopes to continue to receive support from the Government, the CEO said.

Also addressing the launch, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo expressed delight over the new industry. He explained that he came out of a fishing family, where his brothers and father would take to catching fish at sea, while he would sell the produce with his mother. He added that the business can be a challenging one.

The Prime Minister also said the fishing industry is a somewhat risky business, but it is also a profitable enterprise.

He said that Government fully supports the fishing industry, especially with its new addition of a tuna plant.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

President David Granger on State Visit to the Republic of Chile

President David Granger and his Chilean counterpart, Michelle Bachelet, and their respective delegations at the signing ceremony

Turn to Centre

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge exchanges documents following the signing of the Open Skies and abolition of visa agreement with his Chilean counterpart, Heraldo Muñoz Valenzuela

President David Granger and Guyana’s delegation loo Monument of the Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgin

President David Granger inspects a guard of honour ou of the Republic of Chile, which also houses the offices of the Presidency, and General Secretariat of the Gover

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, speaks during an official ceremony while President David Granger looks on

ok on as the Golden Arrowhead is being hoisted at the ns

utside of Palacio de la Moneda, the seat of the President of three cabinet ministers: Interior, General Secretariat rnment

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President David Granger addresses the audience during his State Visit to Chile

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY OCT 25, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

‘Tech’ specialist touts 0% taxes ‒ on purchase of crime-fighting equipment

By Rabindra Rooplall CITY businessman Mike Mohan is calling on the relevant authorities to review or eliminate altogether the tariff on surveillance equipment so as to make their purchase affordable.

And to do this effectively, Mohan, who is president of Starr Computers, is proposing that the Private Sector, Law Enforcement and the Government hold quarterly meetings to review the progress of his suggestion, and discuss strategies and technology updates.

He made the call last Friday afternoon at the opening of a two-day security forum and exposition organised by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at the Duke Lodge in Kingston.

The ‘tech’ specialist also touched briefly on the advancements in surveillance technology from video content analysis to preventative

analytic software, whereby the embedded algorithm helps the software learn to predict crime outcome before it occurs, while alerting Law enforcement control center to deploy its manpower towards strategic location.

In making his colourful presentation, under the theme, “Technology in the Fight against Crime”, Mohan combined current and future applications that can be used in finding a suitable and affordable solution in attacking crime.

In so doing, he explained that millions of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are installed in streets and businesses throughout the world, with the stated goal of reducing crime and increasing public safety.

“STARR, as a computer integrator company, has been trained and also represents multiple major brands, and has used its training and roadmaps to

employ valued security solutions at affordable pricing to the Guyanese public over the past two decades,” he explained.

BLUE-COLLAR CRIME Underscoring that in addition to blue-collar crime, attention also needs to be paid to white-collar and non-productivity crimes so prevalent here in both the government and private sectors, Mohan said: “Statistics have shown that the biggest loss by these sectors are from within. Blue-collar crime includes burglary, theft, physical injury, murder etc, and white-collar embezzlement, bribery and corruption.”

He said an introductory fix can be accomplished with the aid of surveillance, video content recorders, and security safes amongst other equipment for blue-collar crimes, while computer and software technology will

Attendees at the security forum and expo hosted by GCCI last Friday

suffice against white-collar crimes.

He further warned that non-productive crimes are now on the rise, with staff loyalty fast becoming a thing of the past and being replaced by tardiness, unproductive performance and personal agendas amongst other acts of disloyalty.

GCCI President, Vishnu Doerga called on the general public and business owners to safeguard themselves against criminal threat. He also recommended a review

of the entire national security apparatus, while calling for the removal of all duties attached to security management products.

Also speaking at the event was Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams, who underscored the progress being made by the Police Force in the fight against crime.

Former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Retired Brigadier General, Mark Phillips said that in a dynamic security

context, there is need for collaboration between the public and private sectors, civil society and the media to explore opportunities, and safeguard national interests, especially in the promotion of economic development here.

Divisional Officer of the Guyana Fire Service, Compton Sparman also spoke of the importance of fire prevention measures, and the need for businesses to be proactive instead of reactive.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Mayor: City Hall audit report ‘inconclusive’ GEORGETOWN Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, has deemed “inconclusive” an audit report into how City Hall had spent the $300M Government had allocated it last year.

A recent Guyana Chronicle article disclosed that the Auditor General’s 2015 Report had found several

discrepancies in the way the allotted $300M had been spent during the year under review. The sum of money was allotted for the Georgetown restoration initiatives for environmental improvement and improved health and well-being; and according to the Appropriations Account, the full amount

had been expended as at December 31, 2015.

However, according to the Mayor, though she welcomes any audit into the City Council, the manner in which it was done was wrong.

“This shows that there is no respect for the Council,” Green said, adding that the auditors went to City Hall, conducted their audit, and submitted a report to the Auditor General without first consulting with the Council.

Added to that, it was said that the auditors returned yesterday to conclude the audit, still without properly informing the members of the Council.

Thus Green has stressed that until the Auditor General submits a full report to the Council, rather than taking it to the media, the reports will not be vivid and accepted by the Council.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk Royston King has said that

the Auditor General had to meet a September 30, 2016 deadline, and due to the lack of communication, proceeded with the audit.

According to the report, there was no evidence of the Finance Committee approving 58 payments totalling $48.404M; and there was no evidence of receipt or payee acknowledgement of a payment of $750,000 to a contractor via cheque #164407587.

“The basis of award of several contracts for the weeding of parapets, desilting of drains, and cutting down of trees in various areas around Georgetown could not be determined due to the unavailability of the relevant supporting documents,” the report further noted; and as a result, it could not be ascertained whether proper transparency and accountability were exercised in the awarding of contracts.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Wednesday, October 26, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Thursday, October 27, 2016 - 10:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Bayliss to miss Apostle Ragnauth wins Dem. Life annual golf tourney West Indies

BALGOBIN `Apostle’ Ragnauth won the Lusignan Golf Club’s Demerara Mutual Life Insurance annual golf tournament which was staged last Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course.

Ragnauth, who is an Apostle of the Life Springs Ministries and a former East Demerara track athlete,won the tournament after returning a gross 69 and net 27, the same as the other top three finishers.However,it was his performance on the back nine that resulted in him winning ahead of Aleem Hussain (69/17), Parmanand `Max’ Persaud ((70/14) and Kalyan Tiwari (70/15) respectively in the Medal Play format tournament.

According to a release from the club, Avinash Persaud (71/2), Assrodeen Shaw (71/18), Deanand Bissessar (71/18), Gavin Todd (72/19), Hilbert Shields (72/16), and Patrick Prashad (72/9),all played remarkably well and deserve honourable mention.

Other winners were: Best Gross – Avinash Persaud (73); Nearest to The Pin (7’) – Gavin Todd; Most Honest Golfer – Guy Griffith.

one-day tour

In photo from left: Gavin Todd, Aleem Hussain, Kalyan Tiwari, Avinash Persaud, Balgobin Ragnauth, Mr Clarence Perry of Dem Mutual, Parmanand Persaud and Club President Oncar Ramroop.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, club president Oncar Ramroop expressed distinct gratitude for the nearly 25 years of unwavering support that Demerara Mutual had given to the Lusignan Golf Club. He noted that Demerara Mutual, in existence for some 125 years, serving the people of Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, is one of the main providers of Life, Health, Loss and other insurance coverage.

He also noted that it is their faithful, consistent, and remarkably long-standing support of

golfing in Guyana that makes them dear to the Lusignan Golf Club.

Responding to Ramroop, Mr Clarence Perry, Marketing Manager of the Demerara Mutual Group of Companies stated, “We are very appreciative of the gracious words of President Ramroop concerning Demerara Mutual. We can assure you that Demerara Mutual will continue to support golfing in Guyana and is likely to even increase this support in the future. In fact, we look forward to the time when members of Demerara

Mutual will have a permanent membership relation with the Club, and not only be here for tournament occasions.”

Ragnauth, styling himself as ‘a preacher who plays golf’, said, “My life as a preacher helps me in this game, because I am able to apply mental discipline to the sport just as I need to do in my ministry. In addition,the camaraderie at the Lusignan Golf Club is very refreshing and encourages me to play regularly. Moreover,my wife Pauline is also a big support and encouragement for me to play and do well.”

Kuznetsova edges Radwanska in Singapore stunner

By John O’Brien SINGAPORE,(Reuters)-Svetlana Kuznetsova dug deep into her reserves to overcome Agnieszka Radwanska 7-5 1-6 7-5 in their WTA Finals round robin opener yesterday, the late-arriving Russian upsetting the defending champion in a thrilling encounter.

In the second White Group tie of the day, Czech Karolina Pliskova outlasted Spain’s French Open champion Garbine Muguruza 6-2 6-7(4) 7-5 in another marathon match that finished at 1:21 a.m.

Kuznetsova only qualified for the elite eight-woman tournament on Saturday after winning the Kremlin Cup but she staved off exhaustion and a match point in the deciding set to emerge victorious over the world number three.

“At some point I was ready to just let it go and lie on the court and let them take me out of here but I decided to hang in there,” the two-time grand slam champion said.

The world number nine held a 12-4 record against Radwanska prior to the contest but after travelling from China to Russia to Singapore in consecutive weeks, few gave her a chance of recording an upset victory on Monday.

Both players looked

Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland congratulates Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia. REUTERS/Edgar Su comfortable on serve in the opening exchanges before Radwanska pounced in the fourth game, finding the corners with her backhand against a leaden-footed Kuznetsova to forge 3-1 ahead with the first break of the match.

The Russian was struggling to gauge the pace of the slow hardcourt at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, her shots finding the net with alarming regularity, but she survived another threat in her next service game to stay just one break down.

RESILIENT DEFENCE The 31-year-old was growing into the contest, moving

better and offering more resistance, and her improved play was rewarded in the seventh game when she capitalised on some sloppy play by the Pole to break serve before tying the set up at 4-4.

Kuznetsova continued to press and probe the world number three’s notoriously resilient defence, breaking once more thanks to a backhand winner and crosscourt pass before sealing the set when Radwanska plonked a return into the net after 50 minutes.

Radwanska adopted a more aggressive approach to start the second set and the strategy paid off as she began to dictate a ma-

jority of the points, racing to a 5-1 lead on three breaks of serve and sending the match into a decider with a gutsy hold.

The Pole carried her momentum into the third set, continuing to move the Russian around with her sliced backhand to edge ahead with an early break but Kuznetsova, who gave herself an impromptu haircut at the changeover, broke back to make it 2-2.

By this stage, there was nothing between the pair with Radwanska and her weary-looking opponent unable to hold serve as the tension mounted but it was Kuznetsova who got the decisive break to seal victory after two hours and 48 minutes on her third match point.

In the late encounter, Pliskova became the second player of the day to stave off a match point and win when the beaten U.S. Open finalist rallied from 5-2 down in the deciding set to grind down Muguruza in a titanic tussle between big servers.

Pliskova raced through the first set and was a break up in the second before the Spaniard roared back and had two chances to hold serve to claim victory but the Czech rediscovered her form just in time to reel off five straight games.

PAUL Farbrace will take charge of England’s ODI tour to the Caribbean next year with head coach Trevor Bayliss taking a break.

While it is a relatively short trip - England leave at the end of February, play three ODIs and return to the UK on March 10 - the decision to allow Bayliss to miss it provides a rare opportunity for a block of time to spend with his family in Australia.

England’s limited-overs tour of India finishes on February 1 after three ODIs and three T20Is. The decision is no surprise. With England’s schedule increasingly resembling the never ending tour, the ECB is keen to avoid players or coaches suffering from burnout.

Farbrace has stood in as England’s interim head coach previously. After Peter Moores was sacked in

May 2015, Farbrace took charge for the Test and ODI series against New Zealand in which the side’s limited-overs resurgence started.

Farbrace has been rested from the Test section of the Bangladesh tour. Ottis Gibson, the bowling coach, has stood in as Bayliss’ assistant, while Worcestershire’s director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, has joined the management team for a couple of weeks.

England face the longest home season in their history in 2017. It starts on May 5 with two ODIs against Ireland, encompasses the Champions Trophy in June, Test and limited-overs series against South Africa and West Indies and ends with a day-night game at the Ageas Bowl on September 29. They depart for a long Ashes tour shortly afterwards.(ESPN Cricinfo)

Ann’s Grove register...

From back page blanked BV Triumph United 4-0.

Ann’s Grove were led to victory by Graton Mentis and Shamar Brandon who scored in the 67th and 70th minute, respectively. Plaisance Panthers were led by Azandee King who netted from the penalty spot in the 9th minute with the sealer coming from Keion

English Racing Tips Catterick 08:20 hrs Brian The Snail 08:50 hrs Gin In The Rain 09:20 hrs Ballisteros 09:55 hrs Northside Prince 10:25 hrs Shouranpour 11:00 hrs Bahama Moon 11:30 hrs Jacobs Pillow 12:05 hrs Compton River Chepstow 08:30 hrs Compain De Classe 09:00 hrs Boa Island 09:30 hrs Istimaraar 10:05 hrs Mr Mafia 10:35 hrs Thistlecrack 11:05 hrs Persian Delight 11:35 hrs Thunder Pass 12:10 hrs Earls Court

Hamer in the 63rd minute.

Bachelors Adventure Paradise were led to yet another win thanks to goals from Teshawn Gordon in the 40th minute,Shemar Noel in the 50th minute and Colin Hendricks in the 70th minute.

Buxton United got their goals through a brace each from the consistent Kobe Durant (20th & 60th) and Isaiah Anderson (40th &75th).

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:30 hrs Rouge Allure 09:05 hrs Deputy Jud 09:40 hrs Danza 10:15 hrs Arissa 10:50 hrs Shwanky 11:25 hrs Chier Sioux American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Jaw Dropper Race 2 Z Ponti Race 3 My Country Race 4 Baby Bear’s Song Race 5 Manando Race 6 Lawyer Dave Race 7 Prince Zurs Race 8 Euros to Dollars Race 9 Keely Lover Race10 Larco Mar

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Stokes wraps up dramatic Test win

(REUTERS)-Paceman Ben Stokes picked up the last two wickets in three balls to give England a thrilling 22-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at Chittagong yesterday, as the tourists maintained their perfect record against the South Asian side.

It was England’s ninth straight Test win over Bangladesh but the hosts also had the chance to record a famous victory, requiring 33 runs when they resumed on 253 for eight on the final morning.

“It was a really good Test match, I didn’t think we will be here on day five looking at that wicket,” England captain Alastair Cook said. “Such a tight game and credit to both sides.

“Actually batters played pretty well on that kind of wicket. I am really happy

Joe Root consoles Sabbir Rahman after a heartbreaking loss for the hosts in the first Test in Chittagong. the first three overs safely, takthat we showed our character ing 10 runs off their target.

However, Stokes trapped and held our nerve towards Taijul in front and Cook sucthe end.” cessfully reviewed the umpire’s Bangladesh debutant Sab- not out decision to end the bir Rahman (64 not out) and dogged ninth-wicket stand of Taijul Islam (16) negotiated 25.

VETERAN spinner Rangana Herath will break a 30-year record when he captains Sri Lanka on their Test series against Zimbabwe after regular skipper Angelo Mathews pulled out of the tour due to injury.

Herath will take the reins for the two-Test tour after Mathews joined his deputy Dinesh Chandimal in with-

drawing from the trip.

The 38-year-old left-arm spinner, who took 28 wickets in Sri Lanka’s 3-0 series whitewash of Australia, will become the oldest player to make his Test captaincy debut since 1983.

A statement from Sri Lanka Cricket did not say why Mathews pulled out after being named in the original 15-man squad on

Bangladesh wanted Sabbir back on strike but Stokes needed only two more deliveries to dismiss number 11 Shafiul Islam leg before.

The batsman’s attempt to review and overturn the decision proved futile and Bangladesh were all out for 263.

Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim was proud that his team had competed so well despite this being their first test in 15 months.

“The boys really showed their character, they fought really hard over the last five days,” he. “I am really happy that after 15 months we played a test like this.

“Hopefully we’ll carry a bit of momentum forward from this Test.”

Mushfiqur said the loss of their last six wickets for 27 runs in the first innings had proved crucial, and pointed to

the 127-run sixth-wicket stand of Stokes and Jonny B a i r s t o w i n E n g l a n d ’s second innings as another key factor.

Stokes (2-20) was man of the match for his 85 in the second innings and four wickets in the first. Off-spinner Gareth Batty picked up three wickets for the touring side in the second innings.

“Not just with ball in hand but the way he batted, he balances the side,” Cook said of Stokes.

“Those cricketers don’t come around very often and he’s got an enormous heart as well. He’s a seriously good cricketer.”

The second and final Test will be played in Dhaka from Friday.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings 293 (M. Ali 68, J. Bairstow 52; M. Hasan 6-80) Bangladesh 1st innings 248 (T. Iqbal 78; B. Stokes 4-26) England 2nd innings 240 (B. Stokes 85; S. Al Hasan 5-85) Bangladesh 2nd innings (Overnight: 253-8; Target: 286 runs) T. Iqbal c Ballance b Ali I. Kayesc Root b Rashid M. Haque lbw b Batty Mahmudullah lbw b Batty S. Al Hasan c Bairstow b Ali M. Rahim c Ballance b Batty Sa. Rahman not out M. Hasan lbw b Broad

9 43 27 17 24 39 64 1

K. Rabbi c Ballance b Broad 0 T. Islam lbw b Stokes 16 Sh. Islam lbw b Stokes 0 Extras (b-9 lb-13 w-1) 23 Total (all out, 81.3 overs) 263 Fall of wickets: 1-35 T. Iqbal,2-81 I. Kayes,3-103 M. Haque,4-108 Mahmudullah,5-140 S. Al Hasan,6-227 M. Rahim,7-234 M. Hasan,8-238 K. Rabbi,9-263 T. Islam,10-263 Sh. Islam Bowling:G. Batty 17 - 3 - 65 – 3,M. Ali 14 - 2 - 60 – 2, C. Woakes 7 - 3 - 10 – 0, A. Rashid 17 - 2 - 55 – 1, S. Broad 15 - 4 - 31 – 2, B. Stokes 11.3 - 2 - 20 - 2(w-1).

Herath to captain SL for Zimbabwe Tests

CA confirm Dukes balls for Sheffield Shield (REUTERS)-Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed it will use Dukes balls, which are used in England, instead of the locally produced Kookaburra brand for the second half of the domestic Sheffield Shield in a bid to better prepare for the away Ashes series next year.

The balls behave differently through the air and off the pitch, with Australia’s inability to play the moving ball seen as one of the reasons why they have failed to win an Ashes series in England since 2001.

“Over winter we worked with Dukes to produce a ball that suited Australian conditions but also mirrored the look and feel of the English test ball,” said CA’s Head of Cricket Operations Sean Cary.

“We believe the English test Dukes ball will endure our conditions and will look to implement this in the second half of the Sheffield Shield. We wanted a ball that is fit for purpose.

“The purpose is to prepare our cricketers to be adaptable ... will hopefully lead to more success in both home and away series.”

Rangana Herath will become Test cricket’s oldest debutant captain in more than 30 years.

Friday, but official sources said it was related to a recurring calf muscle injury.

Mathews tore his calf during the fourth one-day international against Aus-

tralia in August and will rest ahead of Sri Lanka’s three-Test tour of South Africa starting late December.

The allrounder is expected to miss three weeks and is also in doubt for the ODI tri-series, also featuring the West Indies, that follows the Zimbabwe Tests.

Vice-captain Chandimal also won’t make the trip to Zimbabwe, allowing him more time to recover from a thumb injury he sustained during a domestic match last month.

There are three new faces in Sri Lanka’s Test squad - fast bowlers Kasun

Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara and allrounder Asela Gunaratne.

The first Test begins on October 29 in Harare while the second is scheduled from November 6 at the same venue.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Rangana Herath (c), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Madhushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Lahiru Gamage, Suranga Lakmal, Asela Gunaratne.

Australia quick Pattinson fit but rules out Test return (REUTERS)-Australia fast bowler James Pattinson is ready to return to cricket next month after being out of action since February due to injury but has ruled out playing Tests this year.

The right-arm quick returned from injury in the second test against New Zealand in Christchurch but was then sidelined due to a bone stress injury in his leg and then a relapse of stress fractures in his back.

The 26-year-old said he was considering a grade-cricket

James Pattinson comeback in early November, with a potential start in the Melbourne Renegades’ Twen-

ty20 Big Bash campaign and a Sheffield Shield game before Christmas.

“I’m off my long run next week. I’ll probably be playing grade cricket in the next couple of weeks and then see how I go from there,” Pattinson told reporters.

“I haven’t ruled out playing international cricket (this summer). I probably won’t play test cricket.”

Australia begin a threeTest series against South Africa next month before hosting New Zealand for three oneday internationals and three Tests against Pakistan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Ronaldo and Messi go head-to-head for Ballon d’Or again (REUTERS)-Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will resume their perennial battle to be crowned the world’s best footballer after they headed the shortlist of 30 players for the 2016 Ballon d’Or announced yesterday.

Barcelona’s Argentine great Messi, who took the honour for a record fifth time last year, or Real Madrid’s Portuguese three-time winner Ronaldo have taken the coveted accolade every year since 2007, when AC Milan’s Kaka won.

Despite a dip in form this season, Ronaldo, who inspired Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and Real Madrid to the Champions League crown last season, is hot favourite to regain his title.

He is one of six Real Madrid players on the list with Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos and Pepe as the European champions boast more candidates than any other club.

Messi and his two Barcelona striking partners, Neymar and Luis Suarez, scorers of

Cristiano Ronaldo

more than a century of goals between them in 2016, also feature on the list along with team mate Andres Iniesta.

Romantics will be delighted to see that Leicester City, fairytale winners of the Premier League, are represented by pauper-to-prince striker Jamie Vardy and England’s players’ player of the year, Algerian Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez and Borussia Dortmund’s Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are the only players

Mourinho accused Conte of humiliating United - Italian TV (REUTERS)-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho told his Chelsea counterpart Antonio Conte that his antics in whipping up the crowd during the London club’s 4-0 victory on Sunday were “humiliating”, according to Italian television.

The Portuguese went straight to Conte at the final whistle and spent several seconds talking into his ear.

Neither manager would reveal the contents of the conversation but Sky Italia said Mourinho told Conte in Italian: “You don’t celebrate like that at 4-0. You can do it at 1-0, otherwise it’s humiliating for us.”

Conte gestured to the

crowd to turn up the noise levels after N’Golo Kante scored Chelsea’s fourth goal.

British media reported that the ill-feeling spilled into the tunnel where a member of Mourinho’s staff refused a handshake from Conte, and others were involved in verbal disputes.

Chelsea’s manager denied that he had been trying to humiliate United.

“But after the Arsenal game we needed to improve. We had quality in the team, but we had to show it. In the last three games we have shown quality, scored goals and not conceded, which is very important.

“It is not easy to win 4-0 against a strong team like

Manchester United. This was the real Chelsea.”

Matic said he had respect for his former coach Mourinho. “He was our coach and we respect him, me especially.

He brought me back here from Benfica so I have big respect for him.”

“There has always been respect for all, and naturally for Manchester United,” said Conte. “Nothing happened.

I did something absolutely normal. I didn’t do anything to humiliate Mourinho.

“The players, after a 4-0 win, deserved a great clap.

It’s very normal. We live with emotions. If you want to cut the emotions, we can stay at home and I will change

Neto, Ali rack up wins at National Junior Chess Championships

`IT is believed that the player who starts with the White pieces, begins the game with a slight advantage.

Today,all of the top four players secured wins as the Guyana National Junior Chess Championships 2016 commenced at the Ocean Spray Hotel.

On board-one was the highly confident and more experienced player Roberto Neto who outplayed his opponent,Nellisha Johnson,in the Queens Gambit Declined. Johnson made one theoretical error which Neto was quick to pounce on and grabbed two pawns easily in the opening stage. Neto routinely converted his pawn advantage into a full point.

Board-two saw another QGD opening. This time it was veteran junior Saeed Ali vs Aravinda Singh. In this game, Aravinda fell to an opening trap idea and was a piece down in the early stage. With not much fight, Saeed brought home the full point.

Board-three was the game of the day and could have provided an upset. Jaden Taylor, 13yrs old and from Saints,playing with the

jobs.”

Since being beaten 3-0 by Arsenal last month, Chelsea have won three straight league games, scoring nine goals without conceding and now sit a point behind the leaders.

Conte’s decision to go with a 3-4-3 has reinvigorated the midfield, where Nemanja Matic and Eden Hazard enjoyed standout performances against United. Hazard’s goal took his Premier League tally to four, equalling his total for the whole of last season.

Matic said the Arsenal defeat had been the turning point in Chelsea’s transformation.

“I think the Arsenal game was a wake-up call for us,” he told the Evening Standard. “We knew that we had to do better, to work more and that’s what we have done. It’s easier to say you need to work hard, than to actually do it.

Lionel Messi on the list who hail from outside Europe or South America.

Shortlist:

France, with Antoine Griezmann, Hugo Lloris, Dimitri Payet and Paul Pogba, and Argentina, with Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala, are the best-represented nations with four players each.

France Football magazine, who have awarded the Ballon d’Or every year since 1956, announced the shortlist, with the winner set to be announced in January.

For the past six years it was the FIFA Ballon d’Or until world football’s governing body ended its association with the award in September.

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/Argentina) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund/Gabon) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid/Wales) Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus/Italy) Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/Belgium) Paulo Dybala (Juventus/Argentina) Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid/Uruguay) Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid/France) Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus/Argentina) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United/Sweden) Andres Iniesta (Barcelona/Spain) Koke (Atletico Madrid/Spain) Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/Germany) Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Poland) Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur/France) Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City/Algeria) Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina) Luka Modric (Real Madrid/Croatia) Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich/Germany) Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich/Germany) Neymar (Barcelona/Brazil) Dimitri Payet (West Ham/France) Pepe (Real Madrid/Portugal) Paul Pogba (Manchester United/France) Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid/Spain) Rui Patricio (Sporting/Portugal) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/Portugal) Luis Suarez (Barcelona/Uruguay) Jamie Vardy (Leicester City/England) Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich/Chile)

Narine stars for Devonshire Castle in T20 competition

Part of the action in the National Junior Chess Championships 2016 black pieces should have won his game against WCM Sheriffa Ali. In the opening,Jaden sac a pawn with which he gained better pawn structure, quicker development and piece coordination. By the middle game, Jaden pieces were menacing White’s position. A moment for three-fold repetition occurred but WCM on the third move avoided the repetition.

By end-game, Jaden had an out-

side pass pawn but WCM Ali’s fire within was still blazing as she played accurately and solidly until Jaden made that one decisive error to cause him the game.

Board-four saw a Saints Chess Club clash as Joshua Gopaul played Ghansham Allijohn. Both players played solidly in an Italian Game Opening. But Alijohn fell to the famous Bishop trap by the White pawns (c3,b4,a5).

FORMER national T20 all-rounder Ramesh Narine exhibited a fine display with both bat and ball in the first round of the Motie Lall, Jai Lall and Praboo Lall T/20 cricket competition played on Sunday for teams in North Essequibo.

Despite initial poor weather conditions,two matches were played at the Walton Hall ground.

In the first encounter which had to be reduced to a 12-over affair,Devonshire Castle humbled Sparwin by 72 runs .

Batting first,Devonshire Castle amassed 135-4 from their 12 overs with Narine stroking an unbeaten 87 including 8x6 and 5x4,to pul-

verise his opponents.

In reply,Sparwin were reduced to 63-7 when their overs expired. Narine was again destructive,this time with the ball,claiming 3-12 from 2 overs of leg-spin to enjoy an excellent match.

In the second game, Police ‘arrested’ Walton Hall to claim an emphatic 10 wicket victory.

In a game also reduced to 12 overs, Walton Hall was scuttled out for a meagre 40 in the eleventh over as Delon Parris was impressive,claiming 5-14 from three overs of controlled off-spin.

In response,Police raced to 42 without loss in five overs with Ravindra Ramnarine scoring a brisk unbeaten

32 containing 2x6 and 3x4s to lead the Officer’s discharge of duties on the field.

Meanwhile, the competition will resume this weekend with several matches to be played at various grounds across the Essequibo Coast.

The competition is being coordinated by the North Essequibo Cricket Committee and it is being played in memory of the Lall Brothers of Walton Hall.

It is the second year of the competition with Devonshire Castle being the defending champions.

Monetary incentives, trophies and other memorabilia will be presented at the completion of the tournament. (Elroy Stephney)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Elite Football Clubs give their views

THE current embroilment with some Elite clubs and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is seemingly unresolvable and adds to the many challenges the Wayne Forde elected Executive Committee has been up against since taking over the governance of the ‘Beautiful Game’ from a FIFA installed Normalisation Committee last year November.

Five resignations and two dismissals have occurred and the Federation has been without a General Secretary for over four months now.

Chronicle Sport in its continuing efforts to promote the sport caught up with the Elite Clubs to get their views on the expansion of the Elite League and the effects of the present stalemate.

FRUTA C ONQUERORS FC

“Fruta Conquerors has no problem with the expansion of the league to accommodate the two additional clubs. Based on the rationale put forward by the GFF on the expansion, it should first be highlighted that both clubs are recipients of an elite club license.In addition,what should be noted is that it is the GFF’s prerogative first and foremost by way of the GFF Constitution”.

“It is clearly stated by way of Constitution that they are the authority for the Elite

League. The other reasons that they have also put forward,even though debatable and we have no issues with them, in terms of the clubs chosen and reasons offered.

It should also be noted that the GFF also finances 3/4 of the league’s current operating expenses, and no other cost is borne by the clubs to participate in the league”.

“We would also like the public to know that during our deliberations on the review of year-one of the league,the GFF Executive did take a number of recommendations onboard as suggested by the clubs. It should be appreciated that this Elite League is still in its infancy stages and as such we felt that clubs should have been more accommodating to changes being offered as we search for the right formula and balance to have our own professional league in Guyana...but if at this early stage we are quibbling over the expansion of two teams, it sets a very bad precedent of what could occur should other issues surface”.

“The present situation is affecting our club in a big way, as the morale of the players is very low, the uncertainty regarding the restart date is causing anxiety, the coaches cannot set a proper training schedule as you do not want to peak the team too early.We are also concerned about the image that is reflected to persons outside Guyana, how can you recruit foreign players to come to such an environment where they are unsure if they shall ever kick a football? Are those clubs who recruited players since August paying them to just train? How do we compensate sponsors who would have been expecting the league to resume since the first week in September? If clubs were negotiating with sponsors to promote their brand for games

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday October 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) Conrad Hunte-142 (Barbados, 1958) (2) Nasim-ul-Ghani

Today’s Quiz: (1) Where and when did Pakistan last play a Test match in the Caribbean?

(2) How many Test matches Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis played in together?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

that should have started since September and we are now at the end of October with no idea of a restart date,who pays the compensation cost for lost time? These are real questions that the GFF has to take into consideration,not just how the other clubs are thinking about these issues, but the other larger issues as well with regards to contractual arrangements with sponsorsed players and others.”

“I hope that when the issue is settled (if it is) that we put a clause somewhere in the rules that such issues must never ever again disrupt the resumption of the league. What about if we had TV rights and a deal, and money was paid up-front to the GFF? It’s very sad to say but we truly lack professionalism.”

MONEDDERLUST FC.

“Our Club is not against

the expansion of the Elite League since Berbice is being starved of football

at the highest level and we being the only club from the ancient county,need to compete against quality players in an organized arena that is competitive.

More teams mean more football that is the simplest way we can put it.”

“The delayed start gives us the opportunity to be better prepared for the commencement of the Elite League, owing to the fact that there was an exodus of players on the passing of our late manager, Mr. Kevin Layne. The present situation is a huge blow to the image and leadership of the governing body,the GFF and the cooperation of its member Elite clubs.

It also will hinder sponsorship confidence and involvement as well as fan support”.

ALPHA UNITED FC “We are not against the expansion of the League, but the manner in which it is being done is what we have a problem with. There must be proper consultation,since we had a two-year agreement which does not include any provision for relegation, promotion or addition in our mutual agreement. The

sides in this country,so the inclusion of these two teams will certainly help to boost gate receipts which the sport needs. It could only be a win situation for football in Guyana to have these two sides included.

We are hungry to get out on the pitch and play because we have been training hard.”

delayed start obviously will affect us economically and is a burden for our club to the extent we have stopped training from last week since there is no indication as to how soon we will have a start. It is unfair to clubs and players where the sport has reached and definitely it affected our national team in the recent CFU Championship”.

GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE FC “At this point and time we have no problems with Victoria Kings and Top XX being included in the Elite League. Both these sides have huge following and are among the top football

“This delay surely will affect the development of the League but we understand the present financial situation that the GFF is faced with that is preventing the payments to the clubs from last season.

I think the GFF needs to make a decision as soon as possible and have the League in motion”.

Tomorrow we will have the views of the other four Elite Clubs: Slingerz FC, GFC, Pele FC and Buxton United FC.

WDFA/Stag Beer Senior League

Pouderoyen, Uitvlugt, Beavers and Golden Warriors in winners’ row

FOUR teams registered victories over the past weekend when the West Demerara Football Association’s Stag Beer Senior League continued at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara.

On Saturday, Uitvlugt defeated Wales 4-0 to move to the top of the points standing with 22 points, while Golden Warriors beat jetty Gunners 2-0 on the same day at the same venue to move to eight place in the points standing with eight points.

On Sunday at the same venue, Pouderoyen defeated eagles 3-0 and Beavers secured a 3-1 win against bottom-of-the-table Vege Boyz.

In the Uitvlugt versus Wales game, Daniel Floy sent Uitvlugt into the lead with a 50th minute goal and doubled the score nine minutes later,

but this was after Jermine Accra had opened the team’s account with a 25th minute goal. The fourth goal was scored by Lerone Jacobs in the 69th minute.

As was anticipated,Uitvlugt took over the top of the points standing with 22 points from eight matches, having won seven matches and being held to a draw in the other for a plus-26 goal difference.

Wales on the other hand is placed eight in the standing with eight points from 10 matches. They won two, lost six and drew two.

Linden Gill and Shaquille Bristol’s eight and 48th minute goals respectively were responsible for Golden Warriors’ 2-0 win against Jetty Gunners.

Golden Warriors have so far played nine matches.

They won two, lost five and

drew two and has a minus seven goal difference.

On Sunday, Marvin Frank, Dwayne St. Kitts and Jermine McDonald found the back of Eagles’ net in the 33 rd , 55 th and 75th minutes respectively,to steer Pouderoyen to their 3-0 win.

The victory for Pouderoyen now sees them occupying the third spot in the points standing with 20 points from eight matches. They won six of those matches and drew two and has a goal difference of plus 24.

Eagles remain in the sixth position with 12 points from nine matches. They won three, lost three and were held to draws in the other three matches and has a goal difference of plus seven.

In the Beavers versus Vege Boyz’s game on Sunday, Jamal Holder, Gavin

Anderson and Lenny Semple scored for Beavers in the 34 th , 57 th and 61 st minutes respectively,while Shamar Marcus scored Vege Boyz’s lone goal in the 46th minute.

Beavers is placed ninth in the points table with seven points from eight matches after winning two of their games, losing five and drawing the other.

Vege Boyz on the other hand remains at the bottom of the table with three points from 10 matches. They won one and lost the other nine and has a goal difference of minus 31.

Den Amstel is second with 22 points,same as Uitvlugt,and each team has played eight matches, but Uitvlugt has a superior goal difference (plus 24) as against Den Amstel’s plus 12.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Pakistan close in on series-clinching win ABU DHABI: Pakistan pressed West Indies hard for a series-clinching win in the second Test after setting a daunting 456-run target on the fourth day in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

By close of play Pakistan had taken four wickets at 171 leaving the West Indies to bat out the fifth and final day today or score a further 285 runs with six wickets intact for an unlikely win.

No team has ever chased down more than the 418/7 West Indies managed against Australia at Antigua 13 years ago, and on a weary last day pitch they will need a huge effort to stop Pakistan from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Pakistan won the first Test -- a day-night affair played with the pink ball -- by 56 runs in Dubai.

Pakistan had declared their second innings on 227/2 at lunch, with Asad Shafiq unbeaten on 58 (his 16th Test half century) and Younis Khan on 29 to give their bowlers enough time to force a win.

Kraigg Brathwaite plays through the off side during his top score of 67 for the West Indies on the fourth day.

At close, Jermaine Blackwood was unbeaten on 41 and with him Roston Chase 17 not out as the two foiled Pakistan’s bowling during an unbroken 47-run stand for the fifth wicket.

The duo carried the fight initiated by opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who scored a fighting 67 with six boundaries and a six.

Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels (23) had added 49

for the third wicket but both fell in the space of 12 runs, Samuels giving a return catch to leg-spinner Yasir Shah while Brathwaite trapped leg-before wicket by Mohammad Nawaz.

Brathwaite had completed his 11th half-century with a three run drive off paceman Sohail Khan -- his first in this series.

West Indies’ task of saving the Test was made even more difficult after they lost Leon

Ali enjoys another fruitful season in Canada ALL-rounder Naveed Ali has enjoyed another fruitful year plying his trade in Toronto, Canada.

The tall,elegant right-handed batsman and right arm seamer/off spinner, who hails from West Demerara and represents the MYO Cricket Club and Cornelia Ida Cricket Club in Guyana, once again turned out for Ambassadors Cricket Club for a third consecutive year in the Scarborough Cricket

(SCA) Elite League and also made his debut for Lankans Cricket Club in the Toronto & District Association Cricket League.

Ali tallied 381 runs from 15 innings across the two leagues at an average of 33.6, compiling three half centuries and a highest score of 87 versus Go Green Cricket Club. In the bowling department, he managed to grab 26 wickets in 16 games with

best figures of four for 29.

Ali was also a part of the Ambassadors unit which clinched the SCA T20 title this year as well. He finished as the highest wicket-taker for his club with seven scalps from three games at an economy rate of four runs per over,with best figures of three for 21 against Victoria Park . He has since returned to Guyana where he continues to represent his two clubs.

Gear for Trivalta Football Club of West Coast Berbice

THE Trivalta Football Club of Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice,were the recipients of football gear from England- based Guyanese,Anthony Price,over the weekend.

According to Price, he is involved in a lot of charitable

work when home in England and this venture is not his first.

“The jerseys were donated by Sainsbury Supermarket manager Patsy Farr and Sainsbury is the first supermarket in England to donate here” stat-

ed Price.

He added that the venture was not simply ‘one and done’ but would be continued throughout the years.

“It is just finding a team which is in need of help” he concluded

L-R front row, Yvette Price, Anthony Price, Joycelyn Maxwell Price flanked by members of Trivalta FC

Johnson (nine) and Darren Bravo (13) with the total on 63.

Johnson tried to sweep a delivery from Shah only to drag it on to his stumps after hitting the bat and glove.

Bravo, who scored a fighting 116 in Dubai, slashed a drive off fast bowler Rahat Ali straight to point where Mohammad Nawaz held a head high catch.

Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed said: “We would have liked five down instead of four. But we

are in a commanding position and are sure that we will win the match tomorrow.”

Pakistan added 113 runs in the first session to set up their declaration.

Shafiq scored his second fifty of the match with three boundaries after Azhar Ali was dismissed for 79.

Resuming at 114/1 Pakistan were unable to score quick runs as West Indian captain Jason Holder kept a tight field, with only five boundaries in the session.

Ali, who scored a career best 302 not out in Dubai, edged

Miguel Cummins to slip where Holder took a sharp catch for the fast bowler’s first wicket in the series.

Ali hit five boundaries during his 137-ball stay at the crease.

We s t I n d i e s b o w l e r s tried valiantly for more wickets but spurned a review when Holder trapped Younis in front of the wicket but television replays showed the ball was missing the stumps.

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

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN 1st innings 452 West Indies 1st innings 224 Pakistan 2nd innings (overnight 114 for one) Sami Aslam c wkp Hope b Gabriel 50 Azhar Ali c Holder b Cummins 79 Asad Shafiq not out 58 Younis Khan not out 29 Extras (b4, lb3, w1, nb3) 11 TOTAL (2 wkts decl., 67 overs) 227 Fall of wickets: 1-93, 2-164.

Bowling: Gabriel 12-2-36-1 (nb2), Cummins 7-0-26-1 (w1, nb1), Brathwaite 15-2-33-0, Bishoo 200-77-0, Holder 7-0-22-0, Chase 6-0-26-0.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings (target: 456 runs) K Brathwaite lbw b Mohammad Nawaz 67 L Johnson b Yasir Shah 9 D Bravo c Mohammad Nawaz b Rahat Ali 13 M Samuels c & b Yasir Shah 23 J Blackwood not out 41 R Chase not out 17 Extras (lb1) 1 TOTAL (4 wkts, 62 overs) 171 Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-63, 3-112, 4-124.

Bowling: Sohail Khan 10-2-24-0, Rahat Ali 14-1-40-1, Yasir Shah 18-2-60-2, Zulfiqar Babar 15-5-32-0, Mohammad Nawaz 5-0-14-1.

Englandclose Women Pakistan inbeat on WI Women by 5 wickets in 5th ODI series-clinching win (See story on page 27)

Pat Holder donates trophies to Suriname’s President and Director of Sport

VETERAN sports personality Pat Holder on Sunday evening handed over two trophies to the Surinamese Director of Sport, Luciano Mentowikromo, at the IGG closing ceremony held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

One of the trophies is meant for Surinamese President, Desi Bouterse, while according to Luciano the other will be placed in the country’s Olympic Association archives.

The trophies were prizes that Holder won from participating in his first two cycling meets in Suriname in 1951 and 1952. He had Veteran sport personality Pat Holder handing over the trophies to won Bronze at both events. Suriname’s Director of Sport,

Soca Warriors U-20 beat St Lucia 4-0

TRINIDAD and Tobago National Under-20 Team striker Nicholas Dillon grabbed a hat-trick last evening as the young Soca Warriors cruised to an emphatic 4-0 win over St Lucia in finals of the Caribbean Cup action being played at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curaçao.

Versatile United States-

T&T National Under-20 coach Brian Williams

based full back, Noel Powder, got the other goal for the Trinbagonians team, which scored their opening goal in the third minute of play which they dominated, not giving up much.

The Brian Williams coached outfit now have four points from two Group B outings, after a goalless draw with Cuba on Saturday night, and are well

placed to advance.

The top two teams progress automatically to the Caribbean Cup semifinals and the CONCACAF qualifying round.

However, the third placed team still has a chance of getting to the CONCACAF finals.

The other top contender of the group,Haiti whipped St Lucia 5-1 on Saturday and met with Cuba late last night.

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U-17 League

Holder told Chronicle Sport he could think of no better people to take care of the trophies.

Earlier last year,Holder had made a similar gesture to Guyana’s President David Granger. Paying the President a courtesy call, Holder bestowed on the

President the second trophy he ever won some 66 years ago in cycling. Holder and President Granger attended the same primary school in Queenstown where both the 71-yearold Granger and Holder, now 82, lived during their younger days.

Taylor Swift helps U.S. Grand Prix to a record crowd (REUTERS)-Sunday’s U.S. Formula One Grand Prix reversed a trend of declining audiences with its biggest crowd yet, according to organisers who said 269,889 attended over the three days at the Circuit of the Americas.

The numbers were boosted by singer Taylor Swift holding her long-awaited first concert of the year on Saturday night after race qualifying, with some 80,000 watching.

The race, now in its fifth edition, reported a three-day crowd of 224,011 last year with the previous record of 265,499 set on its debut in 2012.

In 2013 and 2014 the official figures were 250,324 and 237,406 respectively.

Bad weather hit revenues significantly last year, with Saturday’s final practice taking place behind closed doors due to flooded conditions and qualifying postponed to the Sunday.

That race turned out to be the title decider, with Britain’s Lewis Hamilton taking his third world championship with Mercedes.

State subsidies, which the circuit needs to keep the race on the calendar, are based on a formula for calculating how much economic activity the grand prix generates for Texas and attendances play a big part in that.

Ann’s Grove register first win

ANN’s Grove finally secured their first win of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Intra Association Under-17 League which continued this past weekend at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara.

Ann’s Grove defeated Buxton Stars 2-0 with the

Graton Mentis (right) and Shamar Branch of Ann’s Grove United

other game on Saturday producing a similar result for Plaisance Panthers over Buxton Youth Developers.

On Sunday at the same venue, Bachelor’s Adventure/Paradise Sports Club thumped Victoria Kings 3-0 while Buxton United See page 23

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Musical artist Taylor Swift performs after the Formula One qualifying session for the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016