Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26 05 2017

Police assist families of slain cops Page 16

No. 104924

FRIDAY MAY 26, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Preserve the ‘free state’

–President urges dismantling of old divisions

Page 3

The Golden Arrowhead flutters in the midnight sky as Guyana ushered in its 51st anniversary as an Independent nation at D’Urban Park (Adrian Narine photo)

31 women Five female to receive prisoners national awards pardoned Page 8

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Small Business Bureau gets new CEO Page 11

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

Five female prisoners pardoned PRESIDENT David Granger has pardoned five women whom he considered fit and proper to receive such pardons effective from May 26 in observance of Guyana’s 51st Independence anniversary.

The President pardoned the women in accordance with the powers granted to him under article 188(2) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

The women pardoned are Jenny Henry, 22; Neeta Shamlall, 56; Margo Gordon, 35; Cleva France, 32; and Nesha Rambaran, 44, all of the New Amsterdam Prison.

These prisoners have

Neeta Shamlall

Cleva France

Margo Gordon

Jenny Henry

Nesha Rambaran

served a portion of their respective sentences for offences ranging from larceny,

fraud and assault causing bodily harm; a release from the Ministry of Public Secu-

rity said.

“It is expected that this expression of compassion

and humanity by His Excellency will result in families being re-united, and the

pardoned offenders leading good and useful lives hereon,” the release concluded.

Preserve the ‘free state’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

–President urges dismantling of old divisions

THE ATTAINMENT of Independent status some 51 years ago represented a ‘free state’, and President David Granger believes that all citizens should be inspired to work together to preserve the ‘free state’, establish a ‘green state’ and create a ‘cohesive state’.

In his Independence Day address themed ‘Diversity and Destiny’, the Guyanese leader stressed the need to recommit to social cohesion by learning to accept and respect each citizen’s values and beliefs as well as to share “the common space we

sity, political inclusivity and social equality. The ‘free state’ recognises our common and complex heritage. It reminds us of Chinese Arrival Day, celebrated on 12th January; of Portuguese Arrival Day, celebrated on 3rd May; of Indian Arrival Day, celebrated on 5th May; of African Emancipation Day, celebrated on 1st August and of Indigenous Heritage Month, observed throughout September,” the President said.

He noted too that the notion of a ‘free state’ “recommits us to dismantling the divisions of geography,” while adding

each community and in each social stratum. The ‘cohesive state’ is not a political expedient. It can be realised only by respecting the differences and the diversity of society and by the removal of anger, hatred, ignorance and poverty. It can be created by mutual respect for each other’s cultural and religious differences,” said President Granger.

Additionally, he said the country’s national tapestry is stronger because it is weaved “from our separate, but sturdy, strands. It is more resilient because it represents and reflects the talents of different

President David Granger is greeted by members of the Disciplined Forces upon his arrival at D’ Urban Park for the flag-raising ceremony to commemorate Guyana’s 51st Independence Anniversary (Adrian Narine photos) our coastland, hinterland, highlands, islands, wetlands, grasslands, lakes, rivers, rainforests and waterfalls – are our birthright.

He noted too that the country’s bio-diversity represents an “endowment of our ancestors, the patrimony of all Guyanese and the bequest we hold in trust for posterity.”

The ‘green state’ he noted can flourish and furnish a ‘good life’ for future gen-

erations to engendering a spirit of shared social responsibility.

“The ‘green state’ must embody a common commitment to the environment that arises from our unique, shared patrimony and that will lead to a prosperous future,” said President Granger, who extended fraternal congratulations to all Guyanese. President Granger reminded the gathering that the achievement of

Independence on May 26, 1966 represents a moment in history when after 350 years of Dutch and British colonization, we abolished foreign rule. The birth of a new nation also represented a new life, with the hope of equality and the eradication of poverty.

It was then that Guyana adopted its own constitution and erected institutions to govern it and guarantee its freedom.

Prime Minister and First Vice-President of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo greets members of the Disciplined Forces upon his arrival at D’Urban Park call our homeland.” He noted that Independence Day celebrates the unique combination of people who came to Guyana: the Africans, Chinese, Indians and Portuguese, who with the Amerindians have contributed to the “creation of a multi-racial and multi-religious state.”

“The ‘free state’ is one that is free from discrimination; it is one that is built on the basis of respect for cultural diver-

that disparities between the hinterland and coastland and rural and urban communities, must be eliminated so that no group feels excluded. The Head-of-State made it clear that a cohesive state constructs a multi-cultural society which creates conditions for diverse peoples to co-exist.

“Society needs to be strengthened in each occupational sector, in each geographical region, in

groups.”

“Guyanese, Independence bequeathed to us a state through which we became heirs of a magnificent patrimony. Guyana is a beautiful, blissful and bountiful country that is becoming a ‘green state’.”

Meanwhile, President Granger noted that the concept of the ‘green state’ is a natural product of our “verdant and luxuriant environment”- the country’s ecosystems –

All smiles! These two young ladies raise their flags and pose as they await the commencement of the programme

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Police hunt Manchester attack ‘network’ A SIXTH person has been arrested in the UK over Monday’s bombing at Manchester Arena, as police said they were investigating a “net-

work”.

Police said they had arrested a woman after an armed raid at a block of flats in Blackley, north Manchester.

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 22, including children, and injured 64 outside an Ariana Grande pop concert.

In Libya, the bomber’s father, Ramadan, and younger brother, Hashem, have been arrested, Reuters is reporting.

Hashem, 20, was reportedly arrested in the capital, Tripoli, on suspicion of links with socalled Islamic State, according

to Reuters.

Older brother, Ismail, 23, was detained in Chorlton, south Manchester, on Tuesday.

Their father was in Tripoli when he was arrested, Reuters has told the BBC. A fifth UK arrest on Wednesday, in Wigan, involved a man who was carrying a package that is now being “assessed”, police said.

Eyewitness Connor Britton told the BBC the man had been held by “undercover armed police”.

He said workers in his office had been told to stay inside and lock their windows, and that a red package had been “moved to a clear part of the street”.

The UK terror threat level is now at its highest level of “critical”, meaning more attacks may be imminent.

Meanwhile, military personnel are being deployed to protect key sites after the UK’s terror threat level was raised on Tuesday night.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: “Monday’s attack was more sophisticated than some of the attacks we’ve seen before, and it seems likely, possible, that Abedi wasn’t doing this on his own.”

Meanwhile, the New York Times has obtained photos which it says were gathered

by UK authorities at the scene of the attack, including the remnants of a backpack, nuts and screws, and a device identified as a “possible detonator”.

The paper says the alleged evidence suggests “a powerful, high-velocity charge, and a bomb in which its shrapnel was carefully and evenly packed”.

UK authorities have reacted with consternation to the publication of the pictures.

One Whitehall source told the BBC there was “disbelief and astonishment” across Whitehall.

Senior people in counter-terrorism policing also told the BBC the leak undermined the relationship with important partners, and undermined the investigation and the confidence of victims, witnesses and their families.

BBC security correspondent, Frank Gardner said that the bomber is thought to have been a “mule”, using a device built by someone else.

Salman Abedi is understood to have been a 22-year-old born in Manchester to Libyan parents, and a former University of Salford student.

He attended Burnage Academy for Boys in Manchester between 2009 and 2011, and The Manchester College until 2013.

Hamid El-Said, who worked for the UN on tackling radicalisation and now works at Manchester Metropolitan University, said Abedi had had “a really bad relationship” with his family, and his parents had tried but failed to keep him on the “right path”.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Troubled dad sent for ‘psych’ evaluation

--after confessing he likes ‘em lil’ A FATHER of two sentenced last March to the maximum prison term for indecent exposure in front a girl’s school, reappeared in court on Tuesday charged with the same offence, this time at a school for boys.

The magistrate said the location Christopher Julien was found with his pants down was “very disturbing”. He pleaded guilty and was sent for psychiatric evaluation.

In March, Julien, 39, of San Fernando was sentenced to 60 days in prison for indecently exposing himself while standing opposite the Anstey Memorial Girls’ Anglican School. Months earlier, he was sentenced to 40 days for a similar offence.

Police prosecutor, Cleyon Seedan told the court that officers saw Julien on Monday with his jersey raised and his pants and underwear to his knees. He was holding his

‘privates’ in his hand. “At this point in time the students were attending school,” Seedan said.

When he was told of the offence of indecent exposure, Julien told officers, “I like them lil’ children” The officer held onto his left hand to arrest him, and Julien started pulling away in a violent manner. “While the defendant was fighting up, he eventually freed himself and started running,” Seedan said.

Officers chased Julien and held him a short distance away. Constable Tidd later charged him with indecent exposure, resisting arrest, and escaping lawful custody.

Defence attorney Chantal Paul said her client became afraid that he was going to be arrested and started running.

She said Julien was earlier urinating, and “did take some time to pull up his pants.”

She admitted the construction

worker and father of two adult children was charged in the past with the same offence.

Senior magistrate Cherril-Anne Antoine reviewed Julien’s criminal record, which showed he was charged with indecent exposure in June and November 2016, and March 2017. He was also charged in the past with possession of marijuana and larceny. Paul said the drug may have had a part to play in his appearances before the court.

The magistrate asked if he had a history of mental illness, to which Paul said her client was evaluated twice in the past and was found to be stable. Paul said she also told him about again being psychiatrically checked, and he had declined.

The magistrate sent him to St Ann’s for observation and report. He will return to court on June 6. (TrinidadExpress)

Man jumps off overpass --and lives!

THE day after his 33rd birthday, a man jumped off a highway overpass in Chaguanas on Monday.

He survived the 14foot drop with broken limbs, police said.

The man is warded at the Eric Williams Medical

Sciences Complex in stable condition.

A police report said that at around 22:50hrs, officers of Central Police Division were on mobile patrol along the Solomon Hochoy Highway when they received information that a man was attempting to jump off the overpass at Endeavour.

When police arrived, the

man had already jumped, and was found lying on the north- bound lane.

An Emergency Health Services ambulance responded, and the man was taken to the Chaguanas District Health Facility.

The police report recorded the man’s date of birth as May 21, 1984.

(TrinidadExpress)

Protesters in Brazil set ministry on fire ANGRY demonstrators in Brasilia have started a fire inside the ministry of agriculture, and have damaged several other ministerial buildings.

Brazilian authorities estimate around 35,000 are marching in the capital.

Troops are being deployed to defend government buildings, and there is a heavy police presence on the streets.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Michel Temer, fresh elections, and for economic reform plans to be withdrawn.

Mr Temer has faced new corruption allegations in the last week, and is facing growing pressure to step down.

According to reports, several ministries are being evacuated because of the protests, but not before the agriculture ministry was damaged.

“There was an invasion of the ministry’s private entrance. They lit a fire in a room, broke photos in a gallery of ex-ministers, and confronted police,” a spokesman told the AFP news agency.

There have been clashes between police and demonstrators, and local media report one person has been

injured and several have been detained.

Planned demonstrations began peacefully around midday before clashes with police erupted.

Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at some demonstrators, and video footage showed other members of the crowd smashing windows or setting makeshift barriers afire.

Last week, testimony released by the country’s supreme court alleged that Mr Temer had taken millions of

dollars in bribes since 2010.

The plea-bargain testimony came from bosses of a giant meat-packaging firm.

In response, Mr Temer vowed to prove his innocence and remain as president while so doing.

On Saturday, he filed a petition to have the investigation suspended, but reversed that decision on Tuesday.

Mr Temer took office a year ago after his predecessor, President Dilma Rousseff, was impeached. (BBC)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Our 51st Anniversary TODAY, Guyana celebrates its 51st Anniversary of political independence. This milestone, when compared to many countries around the world, makes Guyana a relatively young nation.

But in a world that is becoming more complex and fastpaced, where forces of global trade can leave young societies dependent or lagging, threats of terrorism make us vulnerable, what Guyanese can maintain and deepen is that unity of purpose that birthed this nation.

Our country, irrespective of historical hostility between and among groups, on the eve of independence, saw the unanimity of purpose and aspiration to be “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” At this stage of the nation’s evolution, we need to not only recognise and acknowledge the contributions of each group, but also find ways in which we build an environment of equity.

Historical differences that may have divided us must now serve as lessons to unite us. The tendency to blame others for our present state of achieving the much sought after national unity, where they are deceased, those alive must take responsibility for either failing to learn from their missteps or moving to correct them. The divisive boast of which group did more than which is counter-productive to the accurate evolution of the nation and the role each played, at different periods and collectively, in its development.

Guyanese -- regardless of diversity -- must recognise and appreciate that Guyana is the only place we can truly call home and therefore must have a vested interest in protecting

it, resolving our differences and working in harmony. Fifty-one years after from whence we came should only matter as to where we were born in this beautiful land. To ignore that this anniversary finds sections of society and individuals disgruntled is to ignore the importance of every group and individual in the nation.

Similarly, efforts to ensure national unity and cohesion should not see bystanders but groups and individuals seeking to get involved. At the most basic of analogies, a nation can be likened to a family unit. There will be conflicts and discord, but neither should undermine the importance of keeping the unit together. Where Guyanese are perceived to be disunited when it comes to the preservation of the nation and the achievements of their ancestors, it creates opportunities for external forces to undermine our quest for peace.

External threats as in mistreatment of Guyanese workers and misplaced claims to our territorial integrity require singleness of purpose and commitment to ensure that those who seek to violate us know that we would cherish and defend forever the nation that gave us birth. The resources of this country are meant to be exploited by the people, for the benefit of the people. It requires not only vigilance in ensuring that these are secured, but also warding off any invader that seeks to violate us and our resources.

The management of the nation’s business, the growth and development of its citizens require the involvement of all. To the extent that the laws of Guyana allow for this, it is urged

that it be respected. Irrespective of our breed, hue, or quality, as Guyanese we must strive to live up to the ideals that we stand firm in the never-changing creed of national unity.

This means that our development not only requires, but must see singleness of purpose in stamping out corruption, discrimination, and all practices inimical to the process.

As citizens, it is important to put our proverbial shoulders to the wheel in moving the nation forward. To the extent where any feels excluded or is excluded, the responsibility becomes all to help in removing perception of alienation.

Nation-building is hard work. None can pretend it would be easy. And because it is hard work it requires the inputs of all, understanding and respecting the rights and freedoms of all. This nation is fortunate to have a blueprint in helping us to achieve this, i.e., the Guyana Constitution. When these fundamentals are acknowledged and reinforced in our daily lives, Guyana can climb the glorious perch to fame and prosperity.

GAWU betrayed sugar workers for 23 years

Dear Editor

I AM very impressed with GAWU’s recent reply to a letter that was published in Guyana Chronicle’s letter column dated May 22, 2017, under the heading, “ GAWU says Seetaram’s letter an attack on the people.”

GAWU was trying to reply to my letter that was published in the said newspaper dated May 19, 2017, under the caption, “GAWU, PPP using schoolchildren during protest.” I was writing about the PPP-led organised protest that was held in Canje, Region Six. What impressed me is that GAWU is claiming that the union was very disturbed to read my letter. I know that everyone in GAWU and the PPP will be upset because it is the truth. Those two entities never like to hear the truth, since their aim and agenda are to spread lies about what’s taking place in the sugar belt. So, I am

proud that the truth is now disturbing the union.

At no time nor in any line in my letter did I attack the people. I did not reprimand the young man for taking part in the protest. What I did was to tell GAWU and PPP to stop using our children for their own selfish political gains. That’s all I did say to the union and its partner.

Neither did I fail to say the truth about what’s happening in the sugar industry and who caused this situation to come upon the workers and their families.

I am no cheerleader for the government, but steps need to be taken if the sugar industry is to survive.

GAWU must understand that closing a few estates does not mean that the sugar industry will be closing down. That is what GAWU is telling the workers; they are fooling them so as to gain their ways into the hearts of the workers.

I can’t see why joining a protest will make a bankrupted industry survive? So when

GAWU talks of people joining the protest, they must tell the nation, what they have been peddling that caused the people to be afraid and join the protest? GAWU needs to come clean with the workers, tell the truth of the situation and what triggered the positive move to save the industry by this government.

GAWU mentioned in their letter that they respect the workers. Well, it took them 23 years to realise that they did not respect the workers and their rights. For 23 years under the PPP, GAWU disrespected workers’ rights.

For 23 years GAWU allowed workers’ rights to go away and have their representatives do what they wanted to workers. If GAWU was respecting the rights of workers, they would have never had closeddoor negotiations with the PPP and GuySuco for 23 years without the workers’ inputs. They would not have allowed NIS to rip off the contributions of workers.

GAWU does not need to remind me of the closure of the estates (Diamond and LBI) under the PPP, which they agreed to. GAWU could have represented those workers at the time who lost their jobs and incomes. GAWU should have ensured that those workers’ welfare was looked after, rather than to throw the workers’ rights away. During that closure, workers were transferred to other estates. Today this same GAWU does not want workers to be transferred, because it’s an APNU+AFC Government.

What is wrong now if the workers have to be transferred to other estates? But in the PPP’s days, GAWU encouraged the closure of those estates and neglected the rights of the workers that paid them from their sweat and hard-earned cash. Today the song of this union is different.

I am not bothered by the workers and their families’ resistance, they have the right

to protest. What I am bothered about is the way GAWU and the PPP are lying to the workers and their families for political gains. I am bothered by the misinformation that GAWU is peddling to the workers that are making their lives become miserable. This union does not care what happens to the workers and their families’ mental health, all they care about is power in the political arena again.

I Don’t have to lobby anyone, we all know that the sugar industry is in deep crisis and cannot find its way back if all the estates keep operating. Mr Editor, it amazes me the way GAWU deals with my letter, they did not say anything to defend what I wrote, but in their barefacedness want to confront me. Please allow me to remind GAWU as to what I mentioned in my last letter, so that they reply to.

In this way we maybe know the truth.

They did not tell the

workers and protesters that they are the ones who ensured that sugar workers suffer. They never told the protesters that under the PPP they had plans to close the industry, but were afraid because of their political future if that was to be done. They never told the workers that GAWU sold out their rights while the PPP was in power.

They never told the workers about the estates they closed and that many had lost their jobs and livelihoods.

It is a shame to see the nasty and dirty work that the PPP and GAWU officials are doing. They are back to operation destroy Guyana if we can’t get power. All that the PPP wants is power. I will say this: as long as a country is on its way towards betterment and an opposition political party wants power, they will organise mass protests and strikes.

Regards Abel Seetaram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Kissoon’s lapses Dear Editor,

I WRITE to offer a few comments on Freddie Kissoon’s article –“The unbelievable country in 21st century,” which was published in Kaieteur News on May 23, 2017. The focus of Kissoon’s letter was the operationalizing of the Georgetown City Council.

At the outset, I wish to state that except for Freddie’s comparison of the functioning of the incumbent Council with the previous one – which I disagree with – I believe he has made a fair assessment of the situation.

Editor, if truth be known, I agonised over writing this letter after having agreed with most of what Kissoon wrote. My difficulty is that I don’t want to appear as being mean-spirited for criticizing my comrade and friend, Freddie, for what some may say was a minor lapse on his part. I however felt that it was very important for me to differentiate between what appears to be ‘minor lapses’-- whether intended or otherwise – with my perception of an emerging trend by persons engaged in criticizing governance measures under the APNU+AFC coalition government, who demonstrate they have short memories when they narrate the development of events under the PPP regime, be it at the central, regional or local government levels. In operating this way, the objectivity of the analysis engaged in this practice often suffer.

In his letter, Kissoon

wrote, “…Mayor and City Council has not brought a superior form of municipal democracy. On the contrary, the PPP-dominated council had fewer authoritarian traits.” He asked, “How does one explain this?” And he goes on to offer for this, which is not an issue I wish to address in this letter, since my concern at this juncture is with the premise he used that led to his explanation.

Kissoon in his letter committed the grievous error of equating the quality of democracy in the present Georgetown City Council with the previous council. In doing so, he ignored some of the important developments within the Council which led to the decline of Georgetown during the administration of the PPP government.

The present council is an elected body with less than two years’ experience, whereas the previous council was one that was in place for more than 16 years and had long outlived its democratic mandate. It was allowed to function to give the PPP more political control of city governance than it would have been able to command in democratic elections. Major decisions of the council were in the main, ignored.

Developmental projects were implemented,only if they had the blessings of the ruling party or, were initiated by the ruling party on conditions which it determined. In the municipality of Georgetown and other local government areas, citizens experienced

the suspension of local governance democracy for more than a decade and a half.

Imposed in its place was the dictatorship of the Minister of Local Government.

A non-elected body under the domination of a party and government that is the minority in the council can’t be used to measure democracy as against an elected one.

If Kissoon had said the elected council has not brought a superior form of municipal democracy I would have agreed with him, not because I believe in the accuracy of the statement, but because I see it as in keeping with the implicit spirit of the criticism, i.e., of demanding better from those in control of City Hall.

Kissoon and I parted company when he said, “On the contrary, the PPP-dominated council had fewer authoritarian traits.”

I was forced to ask myself which country is my friend and comrade speaking of, or was it a tongue-in-cheek statement by him? I don’t think that I need to list here for anybody’s benefit, examples of the anti-democratic practice of the council and the extent to which democracy in the Council was undermined by the Minister of local government and the acting town clerk when the PPP was in office as evidence to justify my rejection of Kissoon’s contention on this matter.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

Karrau Mining Syndicate frustrated Dear Editor I penned this letter with great concern as the President of the Karrau Mining Syndicate.

In May 2016 we made application for some lands in Kurubrang, after a long slapping around and many phone calls to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Permanent Secretary, the ‘Closed Area Committee’ eventually called us to a meeting in November 2016.

The Karrau Syndicate endured expenses of over $160,000 to attend this meeting which we were led to believe would resolve the issues concerning our land application. Instead we were asked a set of irrelevant questions; (1) What we want the land for?

(2) What mining equipment do we have, etc?

Only to be told that we were the wrong ‘set of people’ which they had called to the meeting, but we would still hear from them.

This meeting was an absolute waste of time, as a matter of fact, the entire ‘Closed Area Committee’ is a bureaucracy invented by the PPP Administration to manipulate the distribution of lands to the detriment of small miners. Everyone is now wondering why Minister Trotman is keeping this monstrosity?

In March 2017, we attended a meeting with Minister Trotman, Minister Simona Broomes, several GGMC officials and the executives of all the mining syndicates. During this meeting we were informed that our land was approved for prospecting and published in the Gazette dated March 16, 2017 by a special or-

der from the Minister. However, to date we have not received any formal documentation that would permit mining, which is required by law before we can start working.

I assure you that all Syndicates are prepared to be compliant, but corruption continues to be the order of the day because of GGMC and its bureaucracy. Mr. Editor, the mater is urgent because while syndicates are waiting on GGMC to process our land applications, the said lands are being raided. If this is not resolved quickly the lands will be worthless by the time they are licensed to the syndicates.

Regards Judith Blair President Karrau Mining Syndicate

Dog food business a nuisance Dear Editor As a concerned resident living in South Ruimveldt, Jackenville, Georgetown, I have observed that, the owner of a dog food business located at the above address, is conducting his business under insanitary conditions that are affecting the residents of the said area, since

the waste from his business are clogging the drains.

Residents have complained numerous times about the insanitary conditions to City Hall but nothing has been done.

After investigating this matter personally I found out that the owner has no permission to conduct such business in the vicinity. On behalf of the

residents of this community, we can no longer continue to endure the unhealthy condition while the proprietor continues his business at the expense of our health. We are kindly asking the relevant authority to look into this matter speedily.

Regards Concerned Resident

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

31 women to receive national awards

THIRTY-ONE women from various fields are among those who will be conferred with national awards by President David Granger for their outstanding service and sterling contributions to national development.

The announcement was made hours before Guyana celebrated its 51st Independence anniversary.

According to a Ministry of the Presidency release, leading the list of 69 awardees is acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Madame Yonette Decina Cummings-Edwards, who has been recognised with the Order of Roraima.

Madame Justice Edwards, who boasts an illustrious legal career that commenced in 1988, was sworn in to her current post on March 28, 2017.

She served as a judge on the Court of Appeal of Guyana for several years and is now the second woman to be appointed to the position of acting Chancellor of the Judiciary.

Acting Chief Justice, Madame Alison Roxane Mc Lean George, who was admitted to the Bar in October 1990, for service as a Senior State Counsel, Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution and Director of Public Prosecution, has been named among the recipients for the Cacique’s

Acting Chief Justice, Roxane Mc Lean George

replanting projects, has been named as a recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement alongside Secretary General of the Guyana Red Cross Society, Dorothy Fraser; Chief Librarian of the University of Guyana, Gwyneth George; veteran journalist Julia Ann Johnson; General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) Coretta McDonald; veterinarian, Dr. Karen Pilgrim and veteran educator Gem Ann

recipients for the Arrow of Achievement.

Among the Medal of Service recipients are businessman Patrick Nigel de Groot, Camille Patricia Carrington and George Barclay, a Guyana Chronicle journalist with more than 50 years of service in the media.

President David Granger has said that the conferring of national awards is recognised as a mechanism, provided under the

CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque

Crown of Honour, along with Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin La Rocque.

Environmental activist and pilot, Annette Arjoon-Martin, who has been a driving force in marine conservation and mangrove

Rohlehr, among others.

Meanwhile, veteran journalists Enrico Woolford and Adam Harris, artist and sculptor Winslow Marcellous Craig, Human Resources Management and Organisational Development Specialist Sandra Jones are all among the

Constitution of Guyana to give due national recognition to outstanding citizens.

The regular conferral of national awards is a commitment made by President Granger.

Under the current administration, 51 Guyanese women have already been

conferred with national awards. In 2015, 19 women from a total of 53 received national awards.

The Order of Roraima was received by one person; three received the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH); seven received the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA); five received the Medal of Service (MS) and three received the Disciplined Service Medal (DSM).

In October 2016, a total of 32 women received awards; four received the CCH, 14 the AA, 12 the MS and two received the DSM. A total of 86 individuals were conferred with awards. Additionally, 12 groups were conferred with the MS insignia on the occasion of Guyana’s 46th Republic Anniversary in February, earlier in 2016.

The President and members of the Advisory Council for the Orders of Guyana offer sincere congratulations to all the persons who have been honoured.

ORDER OF RORAIMA 1 Yonettte Decina Cummings-Edwards Cacique’s Crown of Honour 1 Alison Roxane Mc Lean George 2 Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith 3 Moeenul Hack 4 Irwin La Rocque 5 Murtland Raphael Massiah Golden Arrow of Achievement 1 Ramsay Ali 2 Annette Arjoon 3 Lloyd Fitzgerald Austin 4 Everette Lancelot Carberry 5 R h o d a A m e l i a Stephne Clarke 6 Winslow Marcellous Craig 7 J o s e L o u i s D a Silva 8 Jennifer Dewar 9 Dorothy Fraser 10 Gloria Regina Fraser 11 Ameena Gafoor 12 Samuel Jaidatt Goolsarran 13 Gwyneth George 14 Adam Elias Harris 15 Hilton Gregory Hemerding

Acting Chancellor, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

16 Sandra Hooper 17 Julia Ann Johnson 18 Sandra Valerie Jones 19 Raymond Mark Kirton 20 Hemraj Kissoon 21 Doris Ann Lewis 22 To t a C h a r r a n Mangar 23 Hyacinth Gloria Massay-Thomas 24 Julie Andrea Matthews 25 Coretta McDonald 26 George Gladstone McDonald 27 Ann Elizabeth McLennan 28 Marie June Mendes 29 Abena Nkenge Moore 30 Cecil Norman Murray 31 Vibert Virnen Parvatan 32 Jawahar Persaud 33 Karen Pilgrim 34 Andrew Godfrey Proctor 35 Khakan Ally Ramjohn 36 Gem Ann Rohlehr 37 Sonya Indira Roopnauth 38 Pradeep Parmanand Samtani 39 Godfrey Steve Statia 40 Barbara Patricia Thomas-Holder 41 Desmond Trotman 42 Patrick Everton Williams 43 Enrico Mortimer

Woolford 44 John Carlson Yates MEDAL OF SERVICE 1 Sandra Michelle Adams 2 John Andries 3 George Rupert Barclay 4 Erma Hyacinth Bovell 5 Camille Patricia Carrington 6 Patrick Nigel de Groot 7 Denise Dias 8 Merlene Ellis 9 Joan Anges Fredericks 10 Heeralall Makhanlall 11 Jenevieve Jenny Murray 12 Julio Perreira 13 Ryan Perreira 14 Emelda Sandy MILITARY SERVICE MEDAL 1 Lt Col Lawrence Anthony Fraser 2 Lt Col Ramkarran Doodnauth DISCIPLINED SERVICES MEDAL 1 Assistant Commissioner of Police Nigel Anthony Hoppie 2 Acting Director of Prisons Gladwin Andrea Samuels 3 Deputy Chief Fire O f f i c e r Wi n s t o n M ichael McGregor

Veteran Journalist, George Barclay

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

St Joseph celebrates founding, independence anniversary

STUDENTS and teachers of St Joseph High School went all out to showcase their rich culture, diver-

sity and energy as they celebrated 120 years of existence and Guyana’s 51st anniversary of inde-

Students depict creativity and diversity through a cultural dance

pendence on Thursday.

The audience became quickly enraptured by nonstop blasts of cross-cultural presentations, humour, education and a host of other vibrant activities which included reflections of their time at the school by past students.

Decked out in an array of cultural attire, students and distinguished persons gathered to witness the event that featured dances, poems and songs.

The cultural dances and national songs did not fail to enthrall all those gathered in the auditorium as they swayed, laughed and rocked to the beat of African and tassa drums.

Most of the enthusiasm continued through the day with multi-cultural presentations.

Aside from the colourful aspect of the programme, students were edified by craft, posters and other creative pieces that were on

display at the entrance to the school.

The event was the ninth of its kind, and every year the members of the school

try to do something innovative to capture the eyes of students and to promote a balance between creativity and academics.

These dancers captivated the gathering with a lively performance

Some of the unique outfits worn by students

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

Study recommends enhancement of tourism industry

THE tourism industry is changing and Caribbean countries must adapt in order to make the most of the emerging economic development opportunities.

This is according to a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) study, titled “Tourism Industry Reform, Strategies for Enhanced Economic Impact” released on Thursday.

The study puts forward recommendations and strategies to enhance the economic impact of tourism in the bank’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).

“Tourism is the engine of growth and a major foreign exchange earner in many Caribbean countries. During the last two decades, we have witnessed a distinct shift in the profile of visitors to the Caribbean and as a result, in the industry’s structure.

Dr Amos Peters (standing), economist, CDB, addresses the audience during the seminar These changes in the industry have signalled a need for policy-makers and key industry players to rethink their strategies for improving the competitiveness and safeguarding the medium to long-term development prospects of the industry in

this region,” CDB President, Dr Warren Smith noted.

Dr Justin Ram, Director of Economics, CDB, said the study is significant, as it provides much-needed empirical analysis focused on the economic impact of the industry.

Small Business Bureau gets new CEO

LOVELL PORTER has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Business Bureau (SBB) effective June 1, 2017.

Lovell holds a master’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in human resource management and a doctorate in veterinary medicine.

He was selected from a list of 28 applicants of whom 17 were interviewed and four shortlisted.

The mandate of the SBB includes monitoring the implementation of the Small Business Act of 2004, improving access to finance for micro and small enterprise, and developing and monitoring the im-

plementation of the Small Business Procurement Programme.

It is also the executing agency for the Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) Project and the Building Alternatives for Vulnerable Groups Project, funded through Guyana REDD + Investment Fund (GRIF).

Minibus ‘tout’ accused of chopping off man’s thumb A ‘TOUT’ was on Thursday released on $90,000 bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the offence of wounding.

Devon Charles of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, denied that on May 20, 2017, at London Street, Stabroek Market, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Leon Hinds with intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm.

Charles’s attorney, Paul Fung-a-Fat, in his application

for bail told the court that on the day in question, Hinds attacked his client with a knife and his client armed himself with a cutlass and chopped the man in self-defence.

However, Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore explained that both Charles and Hinds are ‘touts’ at the Route 47 bus park and on the day in question, the men had a misunderstanding over a passenger.

Moore noted that Charles became annoyed, armed himself with a cut-

lass and dealt Hinds several chops about his body, severing the man’s left thumb in the process.

The prosecutor made no objection to Charles being released on bail, but requested that reporting conditions be attached.

The chief magistrate therefore released Charles on $90,000 bail and ordered him to lodge his passport at the court and report every Friday to the Brickdam Police Station.

“This research provides the opportunity for broader, critical, evidence-based policy-making in the tourism industry where business strategies have clearly evolved over the decades.

These strategies are continuing to evolve, forcing the need for more frequent and timely analysis on which to base changes in policy and strategy, so as to maximise economic impacts,” he said.

The study characterises the causal relationship between tourism activity and GDP growth in the region, drawing on data from each of the BMCs between 1989 and 2014.

Two major trends that are particularly significant were identified in the evolution of the tourism industry.

First, there has been a slowdown in the growth rate for long-stay tourism arrivals in BMCs, with an average rate of 2.5 per cent, compared to 4.5 per cent globally.

Second, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cruise arrivals in the BMCs, with the number of cruise visitors more than tripling over the period under review. This is noteworthy, as the impact of tourism on GDP growth varies significantly by arrival type.

Five broad recommendations are presented for consideration by regional

stakeholders: (1) Leveraging tourism as a tool for economic development, diversification and stimulating growth and linkages in other sectors such as agriculture and creative industries; (2) Organising the tourism industry through coordination among stakeholders; (3) Conversion of more cruise ship visitors to long-stay visitors ; (4) Exploring further opportunities for regional collaboration; and (5) Preparing for the tourism industry of the future by staying aware of new trends and adapting accordingly, such as the shared economy and greater use of technology through the entire visitor experience and tourism value chain.

The study was presented during a seminar at the CDB’s 47th annual meeting of the Board of Governors, which is being held in the Turks and Caicos Islands and ended on Thursday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

We are stronger united –– Dr Norton says

SOCIAL Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton has issued a call to Guyanese to tackle the challenges facing the country head-on in unity.

In his Independence Day message, Dr Norton said

Guyana has come a long way, but has much potential to advance beyond where it is today.

As such, he said his ministry endeavours to take the lead in “this vital process of nationhood by nurturing

individual and community relationships towards building a more unified country.”

The minister called on Guyanese to reflect on the country’s achievements thus far and resolve to move forward with a spirit of shared nationhood to further realise the country’s motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

“Let us also use this celebration to display, as best as we can, our national pride, as we must be proud of who we are as a people,” the social cohesion minister said, noting that Guyana 51 years ago broke free from the chains of British rule by gaining Independence.

“This day, each year, remains one of our most

significant observances,” he said, pointing out that Guyanese across the country stand in solidarity in observing the milestone which was attained through hard work and the sacrifices of fore parents.

Dr Norton stressed the importance of remembering and recognising all who played an important role in Guyana achieving independence, including the late former Presidents Dr Cheddi Jagan, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Janet Jagan, the first man in British Guiana to formalise labour negotiations, the late Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, late trade unionist Jocelyn Hubbard, and the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, former Agriculture Minister.

“It is because of their hard work and that of many other persons that we are able to chart our own destiny.

However, with this right, as

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton is widely expressed, there are responsibilities.

Our main responsibility as a people is to continually move Guyana’s development forward with the same resoluteness as our ancestors,” the minister added.

Lottery Committee, CH&PA audit reports with police CABINET has directed that the reports and reviews of operations of the Guyana Lottery Committee (GLC) and Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for investigations.

On Tuesday, Minister within the Ministry of Finance,Jaipaul Sharma handed over the forensic audit reports and reviews to Cabinet.

The reports focus on the operations of the GLC for the period of November 1, 2011 to May 31, 2015, while that of the CHPA focuses on the period of January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2015.

Cabinet instructed that both reports be sent to the Guyana Police Force to determine whether there is any criminal culpability.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Scenes from Guyana’s 51st Independence celebrations

One of the several groups of African dancers that entertained the D’Urban Park gathering at Guyana’s 51st Independence anniversary celebrations

A group of the Amerindian dancers who performed as part of the cultural mix last night at D’ Urban Park

One of the many thrilling fireworks display last night

Waving their Golden Arrowhead high: These girls ensure they had a good time when they came out last night for Guyana’s 51st Independence flag-raising ceremony

These Indian dancers performing a cultural item before the packed gathering at D’Urban Park

The “Going Green” theme was evident in last night’s cultural presentations at Guyana’s 51st anniversary celebrations

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Harmon plugs national unity at Region Three flag-raising MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon, on Thursday urged residents of Region Three to use the occasion of the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary to embrace each other irrespective of cultural, social or political differences.

Harmon also urged the Region Three residents to work along with the Government to build a unified, socially cohesive society.

He was at the time addressing residents and regional officials at the Region’s Flag-Raising ceremony, held at the Regional Democratic Council’s Office, Vreed-enHoop.

The Minister of State said Guyana has come a long way but has much more to achieve. He referenced achieving national unity, which he said would significantly aid in the country’s development. “We can only truly be united as a people if we understand and appreciate each other in all our diversity. True national unity has to be based on mutual respect, mutual trust and common understanding. At the basis of all this must be an appreciation of our respective histories including our struggles as separate groups before our Independence. I am convinced that our genuine appreciation of each other’s values and norms along with mutual trust and respect would help to bring about the social cohesion and national unity without which we would never realise our true potential as a nation. We will never develop by half or by fractions,” Harmon was quoted as saying in a Ministry of the Presidency report.

Harmon noted that the thrust towards the establishment of an independent nation was a bold political decision but more than that, he said, it was an act of faith on the part of the country’s founding fathers and their

Regional Chairman, Mr. Julius Faerber delivering his remarks

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon delivering the feature address at the 51st Independence Flag- Raising ceremony at the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) Regional Democratic Council

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon stands at attention as the Golden Arrowhead is hoisted. At far left is Member of Parliament, Mr. John Adams and Regional Chairman, Mr. Julius Faerber, while to his right is Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Denis Jaikarran.

conviction, that despite the differences and diversity, Guyanese would rise to the occasion and establish a united and prosperous nation.

To this end, he said that the Government is firm in its conviction that Guyana can only become a truly developed and prosperous nation on the basis of national unity.

“From the inception, it was recognised that nation-

al unity was indispensable to our success as a people.

Throughout our 51 years of Independence, there has been a consistent clarion call by all who would like to see Guyana foster true development, for national cohesion for national unity. “ In our quest for social cohesion and national unity, we can deduce many lessons from the historical struggle

Students of the Good Intent Culture Group performing a dance at the event earlier today

of our people in their peculiar circumstances throughout our history. Our common struggles against the colonial masters have set the stage for the moulding of our nation.

No matter how deep our differences seem to be, the ties that bind us and the values that unite us far outweigh those differences,” Minister Harmon said.

The Minister of State said

while there are persons bent on preaching and practicing division, Guyanese must resolve to come together as one and cooperate for the good of their communities, their regions and ultimately, their country. “Towards this end our Government renews its pledge to work towards making Guyana a nation in which we can build a truly inclusionary democracy. We

A section of the audience at the Flag Raising ceremony, earlier today, at the Essequibo Islands- West Demerara (Region Three) Regional Democratic Council office

shall continue to create the conditions in which all our people in all regions are allowed to play a meaningful role in order to create an enabling environment for the orderly development of the nation. We shall work towards a future that is culturally enriching, economically self-sustaining and politically cooperative. We shall never rest from working to fulfill our promise of a good life for all Guyanese.”

Harmon charged the residents to resolve to strive together to foster true development so that all can enjoy the ‘good life’ here.

Meanwhile, he said his government will not only pursue a ‘green’ economy but economic prosperity so that all Guyanese can enjoy a better quality of life, in an independent state. He noted that this year’s independence theme “Unity in Diversity in a Green Economy” is most appropriate as it emphasises unity, appreciates differences and identifies the strategy for economic thrust to prosperity.

Echoing similar sentiments, Chairman of the Region, Julius Faerber, said the future of any region or country depends on its people and their ability to unite and work together.

He noted that since Independence, steps have been taken in the country to ensure a unified, prosperous nation but the citizens must now work together and also do their part to ensure that the goals are achieved. Before the Flag-Raising ceremony, attendees were treated to cultural presentations including poems, songs and dances from the Good Intent Culture Group, the West Demerara Secondary School and the President’s Youth Award- Republic of Guyana (PYARG). (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

GPL launches ‘SMS Freedom’

CUSTOMERS can now access their Guyana Power and Light (GPL) billing

information from their mobile devices as the power company recently launched

A GPL flyer provides information on how to use “SMS Freedom”

what it has described as an “easy-to-use facility to retrieve your current electricity bill informationSMS Freedom”.

With SMS freedom customers have to text their reference number to GPL numbers 624-0400 or 608-8400 and within one minute, the customer will receive a response via text with their current bill amount and due date, as well as their last payment amount and payment date.

In a statement to the media on Thursday, the power company said “SMS Freedom” service “is fast and simple, works with any mobile phone and can be conveniently used by customers any time”.

Each customer’s reference number is constant and printed on their monthly bills.

“GPL is working to provide its customers with improved customer services. This initiative allows customers anywhere, across the country to swiftly get their billing information when they need it,” the statement added.

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Police assist families of slain cops THE Guyana Police Force Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc on Thursday gave monetary donations to 10 families in honour of those members who died in the line of duty.

The event was held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary.

Chairman of the Foun-

dation, Reverend Dr. Murtland Raphael Massiah spoke to the recipients on grooming their children and allowing them to earn a good education.

He said the foundation will continue to support such causes since it is important that mothers also create an environment for their children to excel.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

Seated are some of the recipients of donations from the Guyana Police Force Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc with members of the foundation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

Ezekiel Edward wanted by police POLICE are seeking the whereabouts of Ezekiel Edward called ‘Kezie’ in connection with the murder of Roy Roland which occurred on May 17 at Merry Gold Street, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown.

Reports indicate that Roland called ‘Gangster Roy’ had returned from Suriname

Dead: Roy Roland

The police said that a 9mm spent shell was found at the scene where Rowland’s body was discovered. Relatives of Roland claimed that he was not a bad person and

Wanted: Ezekiel Edward called ‘Kezie’ two weeks before he was shot to the head.

The father of two was said to be a fisherman in neighbouring Suriname.

However, cops suspect that during their trips out on sea, Rowland and his crew members might have got involved in other activities which may have included drug dealing.

Vendor accused of smuggling alcohol to prisoner AN East Bank Demerara man, who was allegedly caught by police at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court lock-ups with “vodka” in two water bottles, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday.

Mark McLennan, a vendor of Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the offence, which alleged that on May 24, 2017, he brought two tropical mist water bottles with suspected alcohol inside for Howard Rambarose, a prisoner, who is on remand for murder.

Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore made no objection to the accused being released on substantial bail. According to Moore, ranks became suspicious after they examined the content inside the bottles and a strong scent of alcohol emerged. The officers seized the bottles and arrested McLennan, who was taken to the Brickdam Police Station, where the substance was tested positive for alcohol.

The Chief Magistrate released the vendor on $50,000 bail and transferred the matter to City Magistrate, Judy Latchman for June 12, 2017.

was never involved in any illegal activities; however, residents have said otherwise.

Police arrested a suspect who is assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Ezekiel Edward called ‘Kezie’ is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411,

227-2128, 226-1389, 2267065, 268-2343, 268-2298, 225-2227, 911 or the nearest police station. His last known address is Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

18 months jail for miner charged with robbery

A MINER appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, charged with two robbery related offences.

Daniel Parris of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment after confessing to one of the robbery charges. The

court heard that on April 28, 2017 at High Street, Georgetown, with the use of personal violence, Parris robbed Paul Ramdeholl of a $140,000 Samsung cellphone, a phone case valued $4,000 along with $50,000 cash.

Police Prosecutor, Arvin Moore said that on the day in question, Ramdeholl was walking along High Street

when he was approached

by Parris who snatched and threw him on the ground.

Moore pointed out that the victim became afraid after the accused demanded that he hand over all valuables to him. The accused took the items and made good his escape.

The victim reported the matter to the police.At a later date Ramdeholl saw the ac-

cused in the Ruimveldt area and pointed him out to the police. Parris reportedly confessed to the crime and admitted that he stole the phone but had already sold the articles.

“I’m sorry that I committed this offence...I ask you for leniency, “ the unrepresented accused told the court. He was sentenced to 18 months for this offence.

Daniel Parris

Meanwhile, Parris was remanded to prison after denying the other robbery charge, which alleged that on March 13, 2017 at High Street, while being armed with a knife, he robbed Boyd Jacobs of a BLU cellphone valued $18,000 and a $15,000 mountain bike. He was remanded until June 9, 2017.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

PAC must be engine of green growth –– says President at launch of commission’s five-year Strategic Plan

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday said the Protected Areas System will be implemented through a regionalised approach countrywide, with ‘green’ regions being administered by ‘green’ capital towns, which will each eventually have one legally designated regional protected area.

This, he said, would require every citizen to exercise stewardship over the natural patrimony of their region, even as the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) is expected to be the engine of ‘green’ growth as the success of the ‘green’ agenda will be determined by the efficacy of the commission’s work.

President Granger, who was speaking at the PAC’s fifth anniversary celebration, said the establishment of these areas will devolve greater responsibility for conservation and environmental protection to the regions.

“Biodiversity conservation is the cornerstone of Guyana’s ‘green’ agenda, which places emphasis on the protection and preservation of our luxuriant flora and abundant biodiversity,” the President said.

The head of state, highlighting also the critical role of conservation, said it ensures sovereignty over the country’s national patrimo-

work with the Department of ny and is one of the means dedicated geographical spacthrough which citizens ex- es, which Guyana needs to the Environment to identify areas to be placed under conercise control over “our ter- achieve the long-term conserservation and protection in ritory.” vation of its ecosystem. fulfilment of our international It also ensures the surThe President restated commitments,” he said. vival of the Guiana Shield, Guyana’s commitment to At the ceremony, The of which Guyana is a part achieving the targets set unand which, as one of the world’s last remaining intact areas of pristine rainforests and is home to a significant portion of the world’s known biodiversity and freshwater supplies.

Further, President Granger said conservation ensures that these forests provide climate-mitigation services to the earth and facilitates regulating services such as water storage and pollination and ensures environmental sustainability by preventing the destruction of natural habitats and the degrada- President David Granger addressing those gathered at the fifth anniversary celebration of the Protected tion of the land.

Areas Commission DEFINING ROLE PAC also launched its fiveRecognising that re- der the United Nations Conyear Strategic Plan 2016sponsibility, which is vested vention on Biodiversity, as 2020, under the theme “Proin the commission, Presi- well as to place at least 17 per tecting Nature and Improving dent Granger pointed out cent of terrestrial and inland Lives,” which is expected that the body has played, water areas and 10 per cent to foster increased beneso far, a defining role “in of coastal and marine areas fits-sharing, develop monidentifying, evaluating and under a system of protection. itoring and administrative managing the protected “The Protected Areas systems, strengthen policy areas system.”

Commission, by enlarging, frameworks, increase national The commission’s work, extending and expanding and international appreciation he said, has furnished the the National Protected Areas for Guyana’s protected areas framework for establishing System, will ensure that these system and improve public the ecological and environ- targets are met. The Protecteducation and awareness of mental integrity of those ed Areas Commission will the protected areas system.

Frankfurt Zoological Society’s Technical Advisor, Dr Anouska Kinahan, who has worked in several protected areas in Africa and other parts of the world, speaking on the launch of the management plans underscored that they are critical for the effective management of any protected areas system.

“They provide the critical direction towards a common

goal; essentially, a good plan is like a roadmap, it shows the final destination and identifies the most effective and efficient way to get there, “Dr Kinahan said.

She noted that it must be implemented and used as a daily working tool for developing work plans and importantly, its progress towards achieving the goals of the protected areas system must be continually monitored.

“These plans must be reviewed regularly and amended where necessary in response to changing circumstances. For these reasons, the protected areas management plans are five years and all of them contain operational and evaluation frameworks,” the technical advisor said.

FINAL DRAFT Dr Kinahan disclosed that the approved management plans for Shell Beach and the Kanuku Mountains protected areas have been completed, with the Kaieteur National Park management plan is its final draft awaiting a public review.

In each of these management plans, the technical advisor said there are common themes, mainly the wise use of resources, so that present and future generations can benefit.

The reason for these common themes is to ensure that plans at all levels can be streamlined, so that roadmaps for individual sites are all moving towards achieving the overarching goal of the protected areas system.

Head of the Department of Environment, Ndibi Schiwers, applauded the work of the commission to date, noting that notwithstanding the

challenges the delivery of service has been commendable.

The signing of a multi-million dollar project with the KFW Development Bank by the PAC for the development of Guyana’s protected areas was mentioned as among some of the most notable achievements

by Schiwers.

These achievements, she noted, are demonstrative of the PAC’s ability to build a solid platform “to meet its international obligations of conserving an additional two million hectares of its land and waterways and the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals, of which biodiversity and ecosystems protection are central to achieving sustainable development.”

Acting commissioner of the PAC, Denise Fraser, speaking on recent achievements of the commission over the past five years said there has been infrastructural development at the protected areas including the Kaieteur National Park, with the inclusion of a warden’s quarters and guesthouse and installation of camera traps to monitor the movement of the animal population.

Ecological and threat-monitoring, Fraser noted, has also been initiated in the Kanuku Mountains protected area. She said that “we have been working not only on increasing our staffing, especially at the site level, but building capacity…we’ve also been involved in community engagements, in meetings, knowledge and attitudes and practice surveys [and] resource mapping.” (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

PPP: ‘We must toil harder to bring PNCR sees avenues for forging greater ethnic, religious and class unity’ of new democratic culture AS WE celebrate the 51st Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes all Guyanese, both here at home and our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, on our achievement of yet another year as a politically independent people and country.

The political developments of the past two years have opened new avenues for the forging of a new democratic culture so necessary for the achievement of real independence and social progress in our country.

Our Party is confident that if as a nation we can build a truly inclusive political culture in which all stakeholders are allowed to play a meaningful role and which can create an enabling environment for the orderly devel-

opment of the nation, we can look forward to a future that is politically successful, economically self-sustaining and culturally rewarding.

As we celebrate this 51st anniversary of Independence, the PNCR pledge to work with all responsible and reliable forces whose aim is to forge social cohesion and national unity. We believe that working together we can ameliorate the many known problems which have be-deviled our country and stymied our development. The PNCR is proud of our record in government and the important role that our Party and our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham played in our country’s struggle for independence.

Happy 51st Independence, Guyana!

THE Independence Anniversary of any nation is a time for both celebrations and reflections. As we celebrate this 51st Independence Anniversary, we must celebrate and salute the sacrifices and struggles of our leaders and fore-bearers who toiled indomitably to win, firstly, internal self-government and ultimately, political independence, from our colonial masters after centuries of brutal slavery, servitude and exploitation by foreign forces.

The PPP is proud of the

leading role it played in this struggle.

It is also a time for us to reflect upon the type of society and country that those who fought so relentlessly to liberate us from colonial rule, wanted to build and fashion for our future generations and to engage in a national introspection in order to examine, whether as a people and nation, we have achieved those objectives and realized those dreams.

It is only by engaging in such self-examination, can we be able to measure

our progress, recognize our strengths, identify our weaknesses and appreciate our challenges–all of which are so necessary for our future advancement as a people. The PPP has done this self-examination and wishes to acknowledge that although we have implemented transformative changes in Guyana during our tenure in office, we have to persevere even more, to bring greater ethnic, religious and class unity among our people; We have to toil even harder, to bring greater economic and

social prosperity to this land and we have to dedicate even more energies to improve our system of government, strengthen our democratic institutions and enhance the rights and freedoms of our people, if we are to realize the aspirations and goals of our independence architects. The PPP takes this opportunity once again to recommit ourselves to those independence ideals and pledge to continue to work selflessly with our people as they traverse along that path to achieve them.

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CARICOM hails Guyana on 51 Independence

“On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) I extend warm congratulations to the Government and People of Guyana on the occasion of the 51st Anniversary of the country’s Independence, Secretary General of Caricom, Irwin LaRocque has said.

He said Guyana has a proud tradition of being a leader in regional integration and has provided leadership to the Community in the area of Agriculture in its role as the country

responsible for that sector in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.

The progress made by Guyana over the last five decades is indicative of the determination and resilience of its citizens. This allied with the country’s natural resources, fertile agricultural lands, and thrust to a green economy bodes well for the nation’s future. This is underscored by the theme for this year’s celebration – Unity in Diversity in a Green Economy. Guyana has a proud tradition of being

a leader in regional integration and has provided leadership to the Community in the area of Agriculture in its role as the country responsible for that sector in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.

The Caribbean Community joins with the Government and People of Guyana in their celebration of this milestone and looks forward to continuing the journey together towards further progress of the country and the Region.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

‘Let’s collectively work to build Guyana’- GTUC THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) joins with all Guyanese, home and abroad, in observing the nation’s 51st birth anniversary. As this event is being marked, in whatever form, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that freedom was not achieved without pains and sacrifices.

From the earliest struggle against slavery, indentureship and colonization the people have displayed the propensity for intolerance against systems of domination. This inherent strain must not only be zealously proclaimed but equally demonstrated in the face of any threat to deny us our freedom.

Acts by foreign forces to undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity through contempt for the Laws of Guyana and the coveting of our lands must be strenuously resisted.

These acts represent other forms of whittling away at our freedom and depriving us the reward of a well fought battle. Internally, our forebears’ quest to forge a nation’s mighty soul and construct its frame, respecting of our diverse strains must not only be celebrated in remembrance but also in enactment. No Guyanese, irrespective of diversity, must ever be made to feel not a part of this society. The social, economic, cultural and political

rights and freedoms our ancestors fought for are meant to be for the benefit of all.

GTUC reminds all that freedom is not free. Freedom requires eternal vigilance and sacrifice not only to protect and defend the gains/achievements, but also to deepen, strengthen, and where possible, expand. As a proud contributor to this nation’s fight for self-determination, GTUC calls on all Guyanese to preserve and persevere. Guyana belongs to all her sons and daughters and remains ours to guard and build.

There must be no relenting of our duty in executing this noble task and calling.

Happy anniversary!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Let’s realise true national unity-IAC THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to convey greetings to all Guyanese citizens on the occasion of the Independence of Guyana from British colonial rule on 26th May, 1966; fifty one years ago.

The IAC calls upon all Guyanese citizens to remember and recognize all those persons who contributed to the ending of British colonial rule in Guyana including former Presidents,Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham and Janet Jagan, and stalwarts of the struggle for national liberation like Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Jocelyn Hubbard, Joseph Pollydore, Ramkarran, Ashton Chase SC, Jainarine

Singh, E.M.G. Wilson, Cedric Vernon Nunes, Martin Carter, Rory Westmaas, Eusi Kwayana, Brindley Benn, Moses Bhagwan and Reepu Daman Persaud.

The IAC, in recognition of the challenging history of Guyana during the past fifty one years dominated by authoritarian rule (1968-1992) and, especially the period from 1962 to 1964 when there was a state of undeclared civil war which resulted in: 1. Over 200 persons losing their lives 2. Over 900 persons suffering physical injuries 3. About 2700 terrorized families being displaced from their

homes as villages were engulfed in orgies of ethnic cleansing 4. Over 1700 cases of arson in which over 300 business places and houses were completely destroyed by fire during wanton acts of terror 5. Losses of over US$ 20 million in the local economy as opposed to an investment of US$2.2 million used to destabilize pre- Independence British Guiana,according to U.S. declassified documents.

6. The destruction of the Indo-Guyanese community at the adjoining villages of Wismar and Christianburg, where all 87 business premises and 215

homes owned and occupied by Indo-Guyanese were deliberately destroyed by fire between 24th and 25th May, 1964 followed by the evacuation of almost 3400 Indo- Guyanese persons under the protection of British military forces on 26th May, 1964, exactly two years before Independence.

The IAC joins with the political parties, religious bodies, trade unions and other civil society groups in the call for inclusion, genuine and lasting national unity in the drive towards economic development and prosperity. The IAC has recognized recent endeavors by certain elements of Guyanese society to ludicrously

portray the false impression that Indo- Guyanese were not involved in any meaningful manner in the struggles for Independence from colonial rule and therefore, to counter this anti- national behavior, the organization will resist any attempt, whether intentional or unintentional, whether subtle or openly, to miniaturise, minimise, deny or erase the important role played by Indo- Guyanese during the struggle for Independence.

To this end the IAC will continue to host lectures to highlight the contributions of Indo- Guyanese struggle. The IAC wishes to inform the citizens of Guyana that the organisation has heard the

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call by the APNU- AFC Coalition Government for inclusion and social cohesion but feels strongly that this call must be matched by action on the ground and, therefore, now calls upon the government to reach out to the sections of Guyanese society that did not vote for it in May 2015, so that real social cohesion and national unity may be achieved.

Let us all resolve to realise the dream of our foreparents and Independence heroes and heroines to make our 51st Anniversary a true national event.

The IAC wishes all Guyanese citizens a Happy Independence Day.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday May 26, 2017

Case dismissed against woman granted presidential pardon

A FORMER cashier of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, who was granted a presidential pardon in 2016, had the charge of simple larceny against her dismissed by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday.

Tiffany Peters, 26, was

granted a presidential pardon in 2016 after she was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment by City Magistrate Judy Latchman for stealing over $3M while being employed as a clerk at the court in 2014.

However, in January 2017, Peters was placed

Tiffany Peters

before the court on another charge which stemmed from the same offence.

The allegation read that between January 12, 2012 and August 7, 2012, while being employed at the Georgetown Magistrates Court as a cashier, Peters stole $1.1 million, proper-

ty of the state of Guyana.

According to Guyana’s laws, the person(s) could not be convicted within one year of their presidential pardon and it was on this ground that the chief magistrate dismissed the case against the young lady.

The chief magistrate in her ruling also pointed out that a person cannot be on trial for an offence that he/she was convicted/ pardoned on.

Peters was represented by Latchmie Rahamat and the case was prosecuted by Arvin Moore.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

50 Shades of MUA

--The dawn of a new trend in Guyana’s makeup industry

By Jasmaine Payne LAST Sunday afternoon, despite the rain and gloom that overshadowed Georgetown, almost 200 local makeup artists got dressed in their best and showed up at Tower Suites to attend ‘50 Shades of MUA’, the first in what is intended to be an annual event hosted by well-known makeup artist and owner of Bromeliad. rnc, Renee Chester.

The high-fashion event was a private one, aimed primarily at showing Renee’s appreciation for her past students, most of whom have gone on to become professional makeup artists themselves.

But more than that, the aim of the event was also to do quite a few other things, such as: To provide a platform for makeup artists to network; promote the new look of Black Opal Cosmetics, which now has a new logo, packaging and stylized name, BLK/OPL; and to encourage makeup artists to infuse a more fashion-conscious outlook into their everyday operations.

Attendees were treated to a PowerPoint presentation on BLK/OPL’s new branding, lots of giveaways, a mini fashion show with trendy looks that makeup artists could tap into, based on the types of events they

are attending, as well as an interactive session filled with ice breakers and tributes.

Now, almost a week later, social media is still buzzing with photos and discussions of the one-of-a-kind event, and Renee, still reeling from its success, revealed that she, too, was overwhelmed by the response it’s received.

“I wanted to make a change in the makeup industry,” she said. “I wanted to create a platform for makeup artists to network and share ideas; to create makeup unity.

“The market was wide open in Guyana for an event of this nature, and I wanted to put my stamp on it,” Renee

told The Buzz.

The idea for the event was inspired by her mentor, Trinidadian makeup guru, Arlene Villarule, during a trip to Trinidad in 2016 for a refresher class.

“One of the first things that stood out for me was the way she was dressed,” she said. “The second day she was dressed even better than before, and the third day, the same thing.

“And by the sixth day, I realised that this woman is more than what she can do with her hands! She is a Fashionista! ““She has a deep love and appreciation for the makeup

industry! She has been in it for 15 years and has a positive mindset!

“I wanted to celebrate her, and I saw so much of me in her, so I wanted to celebrate myself as well. And I wanted to do something for my students.”

Soon after, the name for the planned event was given to Renee early one morning by her boyfriend, photographer, Azikiwe Denheart.

“And I realised it was perfect.

There are so many shades of makeup, and so many shades of me. I used to dance, do poetry, model, and most of all, there are so many shades of these beautiful women who

Attendees at the event

do makeup,” she said.

A mini fashion show was held to promote stylishly professional looks for the modern MUA

ANNUAL EVENT Now, seeing the response to such an event through the attendance and through interested persons who wished they were on the exclusive list, Renee has decided that 50 Shades of MUA must grow, and is looking to not only make it annual in Guyana, but to also take it on tour in other parts of the country, the Caribbean region and the world.

“After seeing the response, I feel like I don’t really have a choice, because people want to be a part of that experience. So I will definitely do it next year, because the response was great and the requests to have the event again were positive,” she said. Plans are already in the making with Arlene Villarule, who is scheduled

Renee Chester during a presentation on BLK/OPL’s new branding to visit Guyana for a Master Class, to also host 50 Shades of MUA in Trinidad. And while the first event focused more on appreciation and awareness, Renee said that future events will take the form of trade shows, allowing participants to showcase their own skills and products while also offering classes in eyebrows, foundation, customer service, social media management and other areas. “My students inspired this event, and I want to push them to reach their potential.

So, future events will have a trade show aspect because a lot of my students are going into the retail market. Some have eye shadow palettes, some of them are private-labelling their products. I have my own line as well, and students have been asking me how I got into that, which indicates they are interested in going in that direction, and I am not in competition with anyone; I have extensive knowledge that I am more than willing to share,” she said.

MAKEUP WARS Speaking of competition, Renee said that the event was aimed at promoting the exact opposite. In fact, it is no secret that the burgeoning local makeup industry has brought with it much conflict among MUAs who are all clamouring to be labeled “The Best in Guyana”. But Renee is adamant that it is, in fact, the different talents and abilities of individual MUAs that should be celebrated rather than disputed. “What I did and who I am and who I am striving to become is the solution. I am comfortable and

proud of myself and people are proud of me and for those out there who are engaging in the negativity it doesn’t make any sense because it takes too much time and energy,” she said. But, a staunch advocate of professionalism herself, Renee believes that, more importantly, engaging in such feuds take away from the pride that one should invest into their work. “It takes away from your business, it takes away from your image and I don’t want that for Bromeliad and I also have a company to represent which is Black Opal International and so I am surrounding myself with a positive energy and a positive lifestyle and if this is how I have to do it, I am more than willing,” she said.

GRATITUDE AND CHARITY Renee is also thankful to her family for their support in executing this event, and in the entire success of her business. Moreover, as she reflected on her success, she sought to make the event into more than just about her.

50 Shades of MUA, therefore, provided the opportunity for Renee to look at how she could give back. The event saw her raising $101, 000 towards assisting in a bone marrow transplant surgery for her ten-year-old cousin who has been living with Sickle Cell Disease. Renee is grateful to the attendees for pooling their resources to assist in this cause, and admits that it is such acts of generosity that help her to continue to be generous in turn.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

The ritual and culture of building --from yesterday for tomorrow MY father built both furniture and houses, though I was not so inclined. And, as Karma would have it, he felt betrayed by my career choice in much the same way as I did when my youngest decided that she wasn’t going to do Technical Drawing for CSEC. But I did listen attentively to the lively discussions about the trade between my father and godfather and their friends while I sanded a piece of furniture in between contemplations of the forthcoming “pocket-piece” towards my plan to acquire the important things of that day at my age: Could be comic books, that macho James Bond swimming trunks with the “007” buckle, or a bicycle.

Those conversations would lay the foundation of what ‘building’ constituted. Whether constructing a bridge, a wardrobe, or a cottage, there were standard procedures that yielded expected satisfactory results; those fellows had trade books and magazines to back up their arguments. And that is why I am confused with what is going on today.

Some years ago, the “tailend” of a northern storm touched the coast of Guyana.

The newspapers carried an article of how the roof of a recently built house flew off. Then, months ago, I also read the tragic case of how a woman’s bathroom collapsed, killing her.

How could something like that happen? There are daily cases raised by friends, and sometimes by strangers in public transportation or while relaxing here or there, of walls in homes cracking; water seeping through tiled floors; windows falling out a few weeks after the owners moved in; and the hefty bills paid to so-called contractors.

Contractors have been

appealing in the newspapers for intervention. Obviously, at least the first two brothers of the three pigs of that popular nursery tale and their relatives have moved to Guyana and are in the business of construction.

Though we would rather discuss social ailments without reference to politics, I can’t, because the “politricks” is entwined in the fabric of our existence.

I can remember a political “ad” during the 2012 campaign where a young Guyanese was complaining about the PPP government turning fishermen into contractors. It wasn’t an exaggeration. To empower staunch supporters, strict standards were eroded. A good example was a staunch supporter and friend, from Grove, East Bank, of the then highest public servant

who was encouraged to go into mining, flaunted the mining regulation and was responsible for multiple deaths. Construction became an avenue to award, through the award secretariat of the Tender Board, dangerous, illegitimate empowerments to layers and facades of propped-up contractors to in the tradition of the ten per cent minister, whose son is entrenched in the name and being of the largest fabricated contracting entity inherited by the past regime.

EASILY IDENTIFIED The schools and government projects are easy to be identified, but it is the unprotected citizen that really is vulnerable. Who does he turn to for protection? What is in place to create the checks and balances to ensure that a contractor is even capable

of doing what he says he can.

Contractor and building services are recruited based on the only existing current mechanism, which is by “word-of-mouth” recommendation. As flawed and unpredictable as the method is, this is how vulnerable the situation has become. There is no directory, no website, no office that can provide you with recommendations on the different levels of building services, and physical contract awareness at the working-class level to ensure that you don’t build the contractor’s house while he drains you, his victim, both financially and mentally, providing substandard work that can be dangerous to his victim and his family.

The other factor, as for Georgetown, the few traditional offices to which the public leaned on have long become corroded, and its personnel unredeemable.

New national approaches will be the ‘chore’ of the

current administration for the monitoring with legal ramifications for the construction of homes especially. The burden of not having this in place is already evident.

People have died; those who are walking on concrete-tiled floors in their one-flat house that lacks construction plastic in the building process, from foundation to tile placement, will punish in different ways.

Cheating, or the ignorance of formulas for cement vs. sand/brick, will have homes where the walls crack, and the physiological stress conditions accelerate. The organic home rather than the house will suffer; then will it be realised that the recommendation by familiarity is not enough. Too late! Because, there’s no one to turn to; no contract exists. Then it might be said, “Is he yuh use! Schuups! Is who tell yuh about he?” Too late! Pretend you’re happy when...

Pre-and-post-Indepen-

dence construction left us with solid buildings, both wood and concrete. But they were found wanting in one area: There were no paved roads. Of course, there weren’t many cars either. Today, there is need for paved roads in the very planning of new housing areas. I should also include that the recent retreat of traffic as a result of the parking meters made me a believer that the parking meters, once issued appropriately, across our nation have a salvaging purpose, especially for pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and motorcyclists who die weekly because of the ‘don’t-give-a-damn’ attitude of auto drivers. At present, pedestrians are driven into the mudholes of the borders of our roads, or else... simply because there are no designated pavements.

And the ‘buy-de-book’ drivers have assumed that the entire road, except and even the trench at times, is their territory.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Latin Night with Desperados Tequila Beers Specials is on at the Vintage Wine and Cheese Lounge! Get two Desperados Tequila Beers for $1000!

TOMORROW

The Independence Celebrations are not over just yet! HJ presents celebration on the water with an “Independence Boat Cruise”!

Supplying the vibes will be Stitchie Vibes Machine, Super Ray, Fusion, Stereo Sonic and the Determine Sounds System!

Boat leaves T&HD’s Kingston wharf at 21:00hrs and anchors out in the Demerara River to party the night away!

Early bird tickets: $2000.

Party Saturdays continues at The Vintage Wine and Cheese Lounge. Party the night away with them this Saturday with DJ Doc. Enjoy Cocktail Specials!

IT’S another three-day weekend! And this one is going to be a really exciting one, because the Independence celebrations are laced with soca vibes parties which literally start with the break of day this morning!

The Independence celebrations, of course, kicked off since last night with the flagraising ceremony!

But also breaking the day was the HJ Independence J’Ouvert Party at the National Park, which was considered “THE” party to be at for the Independence celebrations! If you missed it, then you missed it big-time!

But if you did, do not despair! The soca partying is far from finished! From Club 704 to Club Privilege, to Palm Court, there’s soca at all the top spots tonight!

That aside, **the ten Miss World Guyana ten finalists are finally going to be sashed tonight at Giftland, so you can go out and rep your favourite, or just check out the delegates vying to represent your country on the world stage later this year.

Independence celebrations continue with a boat cruise on Saturday, while a few UG students are also hosting a stress release campus jam at Palm Cour! Earlier in the day Palm Court is offering the best atmosphere to sit, chill and tune into the FA Cup finals!

Famed Euphoria Dance Crew will be making a guest appearance at a dance concert at the Theatre Guild on Sunday!

TODAY

Hits and Jams is inviting you to celebrate your Independence at 704 Club at the “Soca Flag” party! Come with your flags to jump and wave the Golden Arrowhead high to the hottest soca songs being spinned by Fusion and the BOOM DJs, Selector Diamond, Gully Ras, DJ Energy and DJ Shizzle! All ladies free before midnite!

Boss Lady Fridays presents “Soca and Cocktails”!

The soca vibes will be provided by Soca King, DJ Energy, and Selector Charley! Cocktail specials for ladies all night!

Admission: $2000.

Tower Suites wants you to enjoy your Independence Day with them, at their Corona Ibiza Friday Pool Party and Lime! Sit, relax and soak in the sun, or the pool, while being entertained by some of Guyana’s best DJs! Party starts at 11:00hrs.

In celebration of Guyana’s 51st Independence Anniversary, Palm Court presents a “592 Independence Jamboree” featuring performances by only local entertainers.

There will be live performances by Timeka Marshall, Blaze Antonio and Kwasi Ace, with juggling by DJ Ryan and DJ Carl.

Find out who are the top ten finalists in the Miss World Guyana pageant tonight at the “Regional Appointment Ceremony” being held at the Giftland Mall!

Admission’s free, and dress code’s casually elegant!

UG students! This one’s for you! It’s “Campus Jam” at Palm Court!

Campus is on break, and we jammin’ still! Music by Determine Family, DJ Shizzle and Selector Carl! Tickets: $2000.

If you’re not going to miss the Chelsea Vs Arsenal FA Cup Finals, then you can watch the real magic LIVE and LOUD on Palm Court’s 11 big-screen TVs from 12:30hrs sharp!

Enjoy cold Budweiser specials from 12:00 to 15:00hrs, and munch on a serving of scrumptious BBQ wings for only $1000!

SUNDAY

Happy Feet Dance Studio presents, “Unveil: A Night of Dance” at the Theatre Guild, featuring guest appearances by the Euphoria Dance Crew, and soul singer, Trevaun Selman!

Start time: 19:00hrs! Admission: $1000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

GT Beer is official brand for Xtreme Clean ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal tournament BANKS DIH Limited under their GT Beer Brand yesterday became the title sponsor of the Xtreme Clean and Maintenance Co. Futsal tournament, scheduled to kick off tonight at the National Gymnasium with six games beginning at 19:00hrs.

Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters, indicated at a simple ceremony at Thirst Park that the company is “pleased” to be associated with the tournament.

“This is a format that we

at Banks own and GT Beer can be called the ‘Champion of Champions’ of football in Guyana. We want to thank Xtreme Clean for having us as a part of this tournament.

We are grateful to them and look forward to another successful tournament,” Peters said.

Managing Director of Xtreme Clean and Maintenance Co., Shanai Gomes, was elated; expressing her gratitude to Banks DIH for partnering with the new company, stating

that their support is indicative of how far Xtreme Clean has come as an organisation.

Some of the country’s top Futsal teams will converge on the venue for the event that is set to kick off at 18:00hrs each night. The tournament will continue tomorrow and Sunday. The other playing dates are June 6, 8 and 13 before semi-finals on June 15 and the final on June 17.

Twenty four teams were invited to participate in the tournament. The winning team

will win a whopping $500 000 (2½ ounces of gold) while second-placers take home $200,000 (1 ounce of gold), third-placers $100,000 (½ ounce of gold) and fourth-placers $50 000. Trophies will boost all cash prizes. The MVP will also receive gold jewellery.

The proprietor of the Xtreme Clean and Maintenance Company said that they have engaged all major stakeholders to make the event a success, including the Guyana Police Force, who will be providing

security every night for the Futsal showdown.

In addition to the hefty cash prizes for the teams, there will be giveaways each night for patrons, who will have the opportunity to win pennyweights of gold through novelty activities such as the penalty kick and freestyle skill challenge.

Other sponsors include Trophy Stall, Fasgrafix and Jefford’s Distribution and Sales; Giftland Distribution Store and FARMSUP Mining Investments Inc.

Forgotten Youth Foundation Inter-Gym Boxing tournament on tomorrow F O R G O T T E N Yo u t h Foundation will host the Malta Supreme-sponsored 20-bout Inter-Gym boxing tournament tomorrow at its gym at James and Bel Air Streets, Albouystown.

The programme will attract gyms from across Guyana including Young Achievers, Harpy Eagles, Pocket Rocket of Linden, Vergenoegen Gym of East Bank Essequibo, Rose Hall Gym of Berbice, Republicans and Impressive Youths Gym of Wakenaam.

Seibert Blake, coach of Forgotten Youth Foundation said that the tournament has been organised to promote the development of young

Banks Malta brand supervisor Marissa Peterkin made a presentation of medals to Blake during a handing-over ceremony at Thirst Park yesterday. Also in attendance was Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie.

boxers.

He thanked Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring the

tournament under the Malta Supreme brand.

According to Blake there

will be four levels of competition – Schoolboys, Juniors, Youths and Elites.

Starting-time is 16:00hrs and admission is free to the general public.

South Vryheid’s Lust Sports Committee to stage Day of Sports today THE South Vryheid’s Lust Sports Committee, in collaboration with former members of the Black Stallion Football Club, will stage a Day of Sports today in recognition of Guyana’s 51st Independence Anni-

versary celebration.

According to organiser of the event, Johnny `Overseas’ Barnwell, the day’s activities include a one-lap cycle race, which is open to all cyclists as well as a four-a-side small goal football tournament, a

penalty shoot-out and a basketball tournament.

Entrance fee for the football tournament is $4 000 per team, and the teams expected to be on show are Sophia All Stars, Better Hope, Vryheid’s Lust,

Plaisance, Ogle and North Sophia among others.

Trophies and medals have been donated by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and Tent City among others.

Snacks and drinks will be on sale..

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

India cricket board ICC security head Flanagan assures safety for players, fans advertises for new coach

Anil Kumble

BCCI has invited fresh applications for the post of head coach, a month before Anil Kumble’s contract ends.

THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not indicate if this meant Kumble would be replaced.

But Indian media reports cited sources as saying the board was unhappy with him

for demanding salary increases for himself and the team.

India had a successful year under Kumble, losing just one Test.

A BCCI statement said that as current coach, Kumble - a former captain of the Indian side - would be a direct entrant for the selection process.

Three former Indian

players - Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman- will be responsible for choosing the next coach.

Prior to the job, Kumble had no international or firstclass coaching experience but his leg-spin bowling made him India’s leading Test wicket-taker with 619 wickets in 132 games.

(BBCSport)

ICC-Committee recommends changes to DRS CMC – West Indies and other international teams are likely to welcome the ICC Cricket Committee’s recommendation that an “umpire’s call” verdict on an lbw appeal under the Decision Review System in Tests should no longer cost them.

The sport’s world governing body announced on Thursday that the Committee, under the chairmanship of current India coach Anil Kumble, will recommend that teams will not lose a review when an lbw review comes back as “umpire’s call”.

“Should that be adopted however, the 80-over top-up of reviews in Test cricket would be removed,” said an ICC media release.

“The Committee will (also) recommend to the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee that DRS should be able to be used in all Twenty20 International games.

“If the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee approves these recommended changes, the new ICC playing conditions will come into effect from October 1 this year.”

Presently, each team may make no more than two unsuc-

cessful review requests per 80 overs during a Test, and no more than one unsuccessful review request an innings during a Oneday International.

Under the DRS rule, only clearly incorrect decisions are reversed; if the video replay umpire’s analysis is within established margins of error or is otherwise inconclusive, the on-field umpire’s original call stands, hence the term “umpire’s call” for lbw verdicts specifically.

Several other recommendations were made by the Committee that met in London on Tuesday and Wednesday, and includes ICC umpires manager Adrian Griffith, the former Barbados and West Indies opener.

The Committee expressed unanimous support for the implementation of the long-mooted Test championship, deeming that context was crucial to the future of the international game.

It also reiterated its full support for the game being involved in the Olympic Games.

The Cricket Committee also considered the new Laws of Cricket (2017 Code) and has recommended the adoption of the majority of the changes to

the Laws, most significantly giving umpires the power to send players off the field in response to the most serious incidents of player misconduct, such as violence on the field.

All other offences would continue to be dealt with under the ICC Code of Conduct.

Other major changes to the Laws that will be adopted by the ICC are the restriction on bat dimensions (thickness of edges and depth of bat), and that a batsman will have made his or her ground when a bat bounces after being grounded behind the crease by a running or diving batsman.

A presentation on the findings of the no-ball trial held in England during the ODI series against Pakistan last year was given to the Committee, which recommended that the video replay umpire should call all noballs in international matches using instant replays.

The issue of concussion substitutes was revisited by the Committee again and it will recommend to the CEC that the Classification of Official Cricket be amended to allow members to run a two-year trial into the use of concussion substitutes.

COME to watch the Champions Trophy, safe in the knowledge that you are well protected. That is the message from Ronnie Flanagan, the chairman of the ICC’s anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU), in the wake of the terrorist attack in Manchester this week.

Flanagan said that cricket could not “yield” to the terrorists. “Basically come safe and secure with the knowledge that we will make this a safe and secure tournament,” Flanagan, who has experience in the police force, said at a media briefing in London. “Don’t let the terrorists have their way. In my experience sport can be a wonderfully positive influence in the face of adversity and in the face of terrorism. We have seen that in South Africa. I saw at first hand in Ireland.”

Following the attack in Manchester, which took place at a music concert, the UK government raised the threat level from severe to critical - the highest level. Armed military personnel have been deployed across the country to assist the police in averting any further attacks.

Flanagan’s past experience as a cop is highly relevant. Before arriving at the ICC, he was the Home Office chief inspector of constabulary for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and previously was the chief constable of the police service of Northern Ireland.

According to Flanagan the ICC and ECB were working closely with the police to make sure the teams’ movements will not be affected.

“I have every confidence that we cannot yield in any way to terrorists’ intentions,” he said. “I would ask the public to be vigilant and the old adage, if they see something, to say something. But come to our matches.

“But, come expecting some additional inconvenience, expecting pat-down searches, vehicle searches etc and searches of any equipment they bring with them. And there will be fast lanes for those not carrying equipment. So that might be an encouragement for people who might have normally brought picnics and all sorts of things.

Maybe they want to reconsider that. Perhaps this tournament just might offer a little opportunity to break through the gloom in some small way.”

It is understood that so far none of the eight participating teams have raised any concerns to the ICC. Training sessions have carried on as per schedule.

There has been no restriction on player movements, but the team managements have been briefed by the ICC security officials. Captains of various teams including India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka confirmed that; saying the players remained confident and secure.

“What happened here a few

days back was really saddening and very disturbing for everyone who saw it; especially a place like England has not had many of these incidents in the past,” Virat Kohli, the India captain, said.

“Yeah, for a few people it can be sort of a nervous time, but I don’t think as a squad you have time to focus on those factors because eventually you understand you are here for a sporting tournament.

“That for us remains paramount in our thought patterns.

I personally don’t feel any nervousness as such. I saw life resume pretty normally and that is always a healthy sign. There wasn’t anything disturbing to see on the streets to say the least, nothing different from what I have seen in the past. I am actually excited to play the tournament.”

India landed in London yesterday morning, and Kohli said the team had already been briefed about dos and don’ts.

“With the security information coming in it is very helpful for the players - what are the areas we can access, what times we can access them, what are the areas we need to avoid... All those things come into play when you have a situation like this, which the players need to respect. There is a lot at stake for everyone here: the cricketers, the ICC, ECB. Everyone is worried about everyone’s security.” (ESPNcricinfo)

Bangladesh rise to No.6 in ODI rankings BANGLADESH have climbed up to No. 6 on the ICC ODI rankings on the back of their first victory over New Zealand in conditions outside of home.

The five-wicket win came in Dublin where the teams were engaged in a tri-nation tournament with hosts Ireland ahead of the

Champions Trophy. Bangladesh now sit above three Full Members - Sri Lanka, Pakistan and West Indies and have 18 rating points behind England.

In the current rankings cycle, results between May 2016 and 2017 get 100% weightage and those between May 2014 and

QUIZ CORNER (FRIDAY MAY 26, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel; 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 10 wickets Suresh Raina-161 matches Today’s Quiz: How many sixes David Warner struck in IPL 2017?

Who was declared Man of the Tournament at the end of IPL 2017?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

2016 get 50%. Bangladesh won six out of 14 completed games between May 2016 and 2017, including a drawn series with Sri Lanka. They qualified for the Champions Trophy, a tournament they will play for the first time in 10 years.

Bangladesh had 18 wins in 28 completed games between May 2014 and 2016, when they made the World Cup quarter-final and earned series wins over India, South Africa and Pakistan.

The top eight teams on September 30 this year gain automatic qualification to the 2019 World Cup. At the May 1 rankings update, Bangladesh were in seventh place with 91 points, with Pakistan only three points behind them.

Their promotion now to No. 6 gives them a lot more breathing space.

(ESPNCricinfo)

42

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Vettel sets fastest-ever lap at Monaco Rooney left out of England squad (REUTERS) - Formula One leader Sebastian Vettel looked a good bet for Ferrari’s first Monaco Grand Prix victory since 2001 after the fastest lap ever around the metal-fenced street circuit in practice yesterday.

The four-time world champion topped the timesheets with a best effort of one minute 12.720 seconds in the afternoon. Mercedes title rival Lewis Hamilton had been fastest before lunch.

The German was the only driver to break the one minute 13 seconds barrier.

Triple world champion Hamilton, six points behind after five races, was only eighth in the later practice, with a lap of 1:13.873, more than a second off the pace.

The Briton, last year’s winner in Monaco, had produced a 1:13.425 effort in the morning, when Vettel had to settle for second.

Hamilton, whose Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas ended the day 10th, is hoping to equal the 65 career pole positions of late boyhood idol Ayrton Senna in tomorrow’s qualifying.

“We were good in P1 (first practice) but something went wrong in this session.

We need to figure out why,” said Hamilton. “This after-

Sebastian Vettel

noon, for whatever reasons, the tyres weren’t working.

That’s something we have to study and figure out to fix for Saturday.”

The top six in the afternoon were all inside last year’s pole position time of 1:13.622, set by Australian Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo.

Ricciardo was second fastest yesterday, 0.487 slower than his former teammate Vettel, in a boost for former champions Red Bull, who have had to watch as Ferrari and Mercedes fight for the race wins this season.

Ferrari’s 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen was third fastest, ahead of Toro Rosso’s

Russian Daniil Kvyat and teammate Carlos Sainz, with Max Verstappen sixth for senior team Red Bull.

Michael Schumacher remains the last Ferrari driver to conquer Monaco, whose tight and twisty harbourside street circuit promises to be an even greater challenge this year with faster and wider cars.

“We need to get into the rhythm and Monte Carlo is a lot about confidence at the end of the day, so you need to trust your car,” Vettel had said on Wednesday.

“I am confident that we have the tools so it’s up to us to find the right set-up to get into groove and have the

confidence. Wider car and wider tyres - it makes the track narrower I guess.”

Under cloudy morning skies, Britain’s Jenson Button returned to the cockpit as a McLaren stand-in for Fernando Alonso, who is competing at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.

The 2009 champion was 14th fastest in the morning and 12th in the afternoon with a time only a fraction slower than Belgian teammate Stoffel Vandoorne - a solid performance for a driver who had not been in a Formula One car since last November.

He also found that some things never change, complaining over the radio about the driving of others.

The second session was briefly red-flagged with half an hour remaining when Canadian rookie Lance Stroll, testing the limits on his first Monaco weekend, hit the barriers hard at the entrance to Casino Square. Stroll was not injured.

Britain’s Jolyon Palmer also had trouble when his Renault suffered a blown engine.

Practice in Monaco is always on a Thursday since Friday, the usual day for first running on track at other races, is a rest day.

Takkas pleads guilty to money-laundering FORMER Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) general secretary Costas Takkas pleaded guilty to charges of money-laundering conspiracy in a New York federal court on Wednesday.

The 60-year-old Takkas, a former attaché of former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, faced charges relating to the transmission of millions of dollars in bribes paid during the official’s tenure in office.

According to documents presented in court, Webb received a US$3M bribe to guarantee the media and marketing rights for the

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home World Cup qualifiers of Caribbean teams during the 2018 and 2022 campaigns.

One of the marketing companies involved in the deal, Traffic USA, conspired with Takkas to secretly funnel half of Webb’s $3 million bribe through front companies and accounts which he controlled.

The other, Media World, paid approximately $500 000 of its $1.5 million bribe through a sham transaction involving a false invoice, to accounts controlled by Takkas.

ENGLAND have omitted Wayne Rooney for June’s double-header against Scotland and France, casting doubt over his international future.

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has been left out of England’s 25-man squad to face Scotland and France next month.

The England captain was overlooked for Gareth Southgate’s last squad in March and again misses out for the World Cup qualifier in Glasgow on June 10 and away friendly against France on June 13.

Rooney’s last international appearance came in the home qualifier with Scotland last November and his latest omission will cast further doubt over whether he has an international future, one year away from the World Cup in Russia.

The forward struggled to establish himself in Jose Mourinho’s plans for Manchester United this season, starting only 15 Premier League games and scoring five goals. He made a brief cameo as a late substitute when his club won the Europa League against Ajax on

Wednesday.

Rooney has 119 caps – six short of Peter Shilton’s record – and is already the country’s all-time top scorer with 53 international goals.

Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier gets his first England call-up, while Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson is the other uncapped player in the squad.

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland is back for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in the March 2016 international against Germany, while Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe is again included in a group of strikers that also includes Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy.

As well as Rooney, Everton attacking midfielder Ross Barkley and Arsenal’s Theo Walcott are high-profile omissions for England, who are top of Group F with 13 points from their first five matches.

“The Scotland game is one of football’s great fixtures,” Southgate told the FA’s website.

“We are in a place in the group where a win can really put us in a very strong position, and that is what we want to achieve.

“France is a great challenge for us. Our ambition with our friendly matches is to play the best possible teams – we have done that by playing Spain and Germany already.

“They are teams we want to test ourselves against and these are great opportunities to learn and improve.

“A game away in the Stade de France will be a brilliant occasion for the players.” (Sportsmax)

Ronaldo faces possible tax fraud charges Costas Takkas

Webb, who is currently under arrest at his home in Georgia, pleaded guilty to similar charges last year and will face sentencing later this year.

Takkas was, along with Webb, one of 14 officials arrested in Zurich two years ago. He faces a maximum of up to twenty years in prison.

(Sportsmax)

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CRISTIANO Ronaldo is facing possible charges of tax fraud in Spain.

Prosecutors have passed a file to the country’s tax office, which will decide whether to press charges against the Portuguese Real Madrid striker.

Reports in Spain say Ronaldo, 32, is suspected of defrauding 15 million euros (£13M) between 2011 and 2014.

In December, leaked documents suggested Ronaldo had avoided tax on income from image rights allegedly held in offshore accounts. He denied the claims.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was also implicated in those claims - published after an international consortium of journalists obtained a trove of about 18 million documents. He

also denied the claims.

On Wednesday, Spain’s Supreme Court confirmed a 21-month jail term handed down last year to Lionel Messi - but the Barcelona and Argentina forward is unlikely to go to prison.

Messi and his father Jorge, who manages his finances, were both convicted in 2016 of defrauding Spain of 4.1 million euros (£3.5M) in taxes. (BBCSport)

Cristiano Ronaldo

43

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 26, 2017

Sparta Boss eye another title in ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal tournament starting tonight THE proverbial ‘kings of futsal’ Sparta Boss, will begin their quest to claim another title when they play in the feature game on the opening night of the Xtreme Clean & Maintenance Co.GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament.

The inaugural tournament kicks off tonight at the National Gymnasium, where 24 of the country’s top futsal teams will take aim at winning the $500 000 first place prize. Second-, third- and fourth-place finishers are set to collect $200 000, $100 000 and $50 000 respectively.

With the likes of Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson and Devon Mill-

ington in their side, Sparta Boss will have to get past West Back Road, since the tournament takes an unusual format, with the 24 teams playing a knockout round, and the top 12 (three groups of four) playing a round-robin.

A Linden versus Georgetown clash will be the feature game of the evening, as Linden’s Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ champions Dave and Celena square off against Sophia from 19:30hrs, after the opening game between Agricola and Beterverwagting (BV)-A at 19:00hrs.

These two communities have long battled one another for supremacy in

Gregory Richardson

sports and this encounter will no doubt be used to reinforce that contention.

West Demerara Guinness champions Showstoppers will come up against Tiger Bay - a team searching to restore their reputation as being one of the best teams in the

Former WWE stars to invade Guyana on July 1

L-R: Minister Nicolette Henry, Max Massiah and Nick ‘the Gladiator’ Cara.

A NIGHT of live worldclass wrestling action is headed Guyana’s way for performances on July 1.

To make that a reality, Nick Cara aka ‘the Gladiator’, is here to promote ‘Thunda in Guyana’ that will feature 20 former WWE wrestlers at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on July 1.

The event is being promoted by the Maximum Sports Combat and Strength television show host Max Massiah and the Gladiator Championship Wrestling out of the USA. The New Boss and Gladiator as well as Massiah paid a courtesy call on Hon.

Minister Nicolette Henry on Tuesday.

Massiah said the idea for the show was birthed as part of the Maximum Sports Combat and Strength television programme’s 3rd Anniversary celebrations.

The show was to be staged on May 27 but that date would have facilitated only four matches so it has been shifted to July 1 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to make allowance for nine matches instead.

A tag team match is also included on the card of the No Holds Barred Tables, Ladders and Chairs (TLC) and promises to be a full adrenalin rush affair.

speed that are the main characteristics of the format.

Meanwhile, according to the organisers, every night two lucky fans will have the opportunity to win one pennyweight of gold or its equivalent. There will be several other novelty events which will allow patrons to win prizes.

Among the wrestling Superstars expected for the event are Ryback, Tyrus aka Brodie Clay, Buff Bagwell, Stardust, Al Snow, Carlito and MVP. The women will include Mandy Leon, the wife of CM Punk, and Hanya.

Additionally fans would be offered chances to take home US dollars, a car and possibly a motorcycle.

Also as part of the Wrestling package, part proceeds will be going to the less fortunate.

According to the promoters, the wrestlers will also be interacting with the fans and hosting motivational talks to some schools.

Devon Millington

shorter format.

All the matchups should give the tournament the ideal start, that is to entertain fans and put on display the customary skills and

Below are the fixtures for the first two nights.

To n i g h t ’s ro u n d o f matches: A g r i c o l a v s B V- A 19:00rs Festival City vs Albouystown - 19:30hrs Sophia vs Dave and Cele-

na All-Stars - 20:00hrs Showstoppers vs Tiger Bay - 20:30hrs Broad Street vs Kitty 21:00hrs Sparta Boss vs West Back Road - 21:30hrs Tomorrow’s fixtures: Tucville vs Melanie 19:00hrs Plaisance vs Alexander Village - 19:30hrs Bent Street vs Campbellville - 20:00hrs North East La Penitence vs Future Stars - 20:30hrs West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ vs North Ruimveldt - 21:00hrs Back Circle vs Globe Yard - 21:30hrs

Teams confirmed for Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-county tournament WITH the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)-sponsored Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Limited Under-19 Inter-county tournament set to commence on Monday, the four squads who will take part have been finalised.

The competition will feature the three county sides Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo and a fourth side in the Select Under-17 national team.

Both the GCB and Handin-Hand view this tournament as an invaluable one, as it will effectively facilitate preparation and selection of the Guyana Under-19 team, who will compete in the WICB Regional Under-19 tournament in St Kitts this year.

The tournament will start with the one-day format and the final will be played on June 2 at the National Stadium, Providence, commencing 09:00hrs.

The three-day format will commence with the first round of matches at 10:00hrs

on June 6 and will conclude on June 16.

Below are the four squads who will compete in the tournament.

DEMERARA: Bhaskar Yadram (captain), Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (vice-captain), Joshua Persaud, Raymond Perez, Navendra Persaud, Ramnarine Chatura, Richie Looknauth, Keshram Seybodan, Stephon Wilson, Sagar Hatheramani, Dwayne Dick, Kishna Singh, Garvin Boodwah, Dambuka Nqgando, Darshan Persaud, Mark Jeffers, Kennard Moonsammy, Mark Ramsammy and Himanauth Dindyal. Omar Hussain (nanager), Reon King (coach), Dhanpaul (assistant coach).

ESSEQUIBO: Mark Williams, Sachin Persaud, Kurt Lovell, Adrian Campbell, Mark Ramsammy, Joshua Jones, Quintin Sampson, Beesham Moses, Leslie Allen, Sheldon Charles, Mahindra Persaud, Chanderpaul Mohabir, Kellin Davis, Joel Fortune and Azeem Habib.

Loaknauth Persaud (manager), Andy Ramnarine (coach).

BERBICE: Adrian Sukwah, Kevin Sinclair, Sasenarine Sukhoo, Veramootoo Senwasane, Javid Karim, Matthew Hardyal, Daniel Samaroo, Emmanuel Seecharran, Karan Arjpaul, Keith Simpson, Deon Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Raymond Vankeric and Steve Deonarine. Michael Newland (manager), Adrian Amsterdam (coach).

GUYANA Under-17: Alex Alvin Algoo, Sachin Stefan Singh, Orlando Jailall, Junior Alvin Sinclair, Kevlon Alston Anderson, Kevin Imran Christian, Robin Williams, Lance Russell Roberts, Alphius Malcolm Bookie, Rajendra Singh, Nigel Deodat, Ashmead Romano Nedd, Pradesh Balkishun, Kelvin Umroa, Mark Gary Rankin, Gevon Shemar Schultz, Reyaz Khan and Qumar Tychicus Torrington. Nazeer Mohamed (manager), Orin Bailey (coach).

Cyclists Anthony, Hinds did Guyana proud in French Guiana THE duo of Michael Anthony and Orville Hinds did local cycling proud last Sunday when they competed in the 12th edition of the du Grand Prix Boulangerie Albert.

According to reports, Anthony placed fifth in the elite category and first in the category 3, while Hinds finished in the bunch.

Hinds was very aggressive and midway into the

race he, along with Teddy Ringuet, had over three minutes on the chasing peloton, but Hinds sat up due to becoming dehydrated and the two breakaway riders were then caught by a charging peloton.

Thereafter lots of attacks occurred. From a group of nine riders Theybyne Ludwig of ECG was victorious.

Patrice De Nays of VCG and Zephirin Jairus

of USLM placed second and third respectively.

The report stated that Anthony and Hinds rode brilliantly on the toughest race to date in French Guiana. It was a gruelling 134km race into the mountains of Cacao with gradients of 10 to 14 %.

The race got underway with 75 starters and only 30 riders completed the event.

India cricket board See advertises page for new coach 41

GT Beer is official brand for Xtreme Clean ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal tournament See Page 40

GT Beer Brand Manager Geoff Clement (third left) hands over the sponsorship to the Managing Director of Xtreme Clean and Maintenance Co., Shanai Gomes while the Banks DIH Events and Sponsorship Manager Mortimer Stewart (right) and Communication Manager Troy Peters (left), Xtreme Clean officials Kester Gomes (second left) and Seraiah Clarke share the moment at Thirst Park yesterday.

Drakes relishes World Cup preparation period for West Indies squad

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies Women’s head coach Vasbert Drakes said he was looking forward to the next month of preparation, as he gets his side in gear for the ICC Women’s World Cup, starting next month in the United Kingdom.

Team-bonding activities, personal development sessions and physical assessments will be on the schedule during a five-day camp when the 15-member squad assembles here today .

Following the team’s departure next Wednesday, they will have a 17-day training camp in the southern English city of Southampton before moving to the city of Leicester for the formal start of the Women’s World Cup programme.

“We are eager to get the group together,” said Drakes in a WICB media release.

“It’s an exciting line-up of players with a balance of established players, a couple of returnees and a group of four new faces.

“This camp will enable the team management unit to spend valuable time with the players and start to build the desire for success in the team, as they get ready to face the challenges of the World Cup.” Drakes added: “It will be a good opportunity for us to re-create the strong team culture that was a hallmark of our side over the last two years as we worked very hard to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. “We want to help the new players integrate, while

Vasbert Drakes

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rekindling the camaraderie and relationships with the familiar faces, so that there is a healthy team environment in which everyone can focus on performance and ultimately be successful at the World Cup.” The preparation period in England will include practice matches against an England Women’s XI on June 6 at Loughborough and the Southern Vipers on June 9 at the Ageas Bowl before they play official World Cup warm-up matches against Pakistan on June 20 at Leicester and South Africa on June 22 at Oakham.

“We will have almost a month in the UK prior to our opening game in the World Cup to get the team into game mode,” said Drakes.

“We will spend that time

trying to get acclimatised to the conditions and being purposeful in our build-up to the tournament, so that we can significantly improve on our past performances and prepare to take on the World.”

The Windies Women were runners-up at the previous Women’s World Cup in India, when Australia Women claimed their sixth title with a 114-run victory at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

Stafanie Taylor’s side earned automatic qualification to the Women’s World Cup following their fourth place finish in the ICC Women’s Championship – a tournament contested between the top eight sides in the World over the last two years.

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2017