Guyana Chronicle Epaper 26 06 2017

From two cows to conglomerate Page 11

‘Fed a bunch of lies’ No. 104955

MONDAY , JUNE 26, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

... Min. Lawrence says she never approved purchase of emergency drugs

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Girls’ night-out turns tragic

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Dead: Debra Pompey

Ex-serviceman shot dead in Sophia Page 2

An excited Miss World Guyana 2017, Vena Mookram, is crowned by last year’s queen Nuriyyih Gerard as first Princess Manisha Wong (right) and second Princess Ariel Ghanie look on. The pageant was held last night at the Marriott Hotel (Samuel Maughn photo)

Positive impact –– students’ attendance, performance improve since operation of David G boats in Pomeroon

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New Integrity Commission soon Page 10

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Herstelling man killed in hit-and-run

A FORTY-NINE-YEAROLD carpenter, Kalicharan Goordial, alias James, was on Saturday afternoon killed during an alleged hit-and-run accident at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

According to the police, the accident occurred at about 15:00hrs at Second Street, Herstelling, a mere few streets away

from Goordial’s home in Creekdam.

The police say that based on their findings, the driver of the motorcar involved in the accident, PVV 4911, was going about his business when, upon turning a corner, he unavoidably hit Goordial.

“Investigations revealed that the pedestrian, who was said to be highly

intoxicated, was lying on the centre of the crossstreet, which adjoins to Second Street,” the police said in a statement.

Although the driver of the motorcar fled the scene of the accident, the police noted that residents in the neighbourhood rushed the Goordial to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, but by the time they got there, he

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 26, 2017

DEAD: Kalicharan Goordial

was already dead.

The driver was later arrested, and a breathalyzer test done, which, though it cleared him of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, does not exonerate him from causing Goordial’s death.

As such, he is in police custody, assisting with their investigations into

the tragedy.

M e a n w h i l e , G o o rdial’s sister, Jasmattie, with whom he lived, told the Guyana Chronicle that when she left home that morning, she never thought it was the last she would ever see her brother alive.

“I went out earlier in the morning,” she said, “and when I was coming back around 4:00pm, I saw a crowd with police and residents surrounding somebody who was lying on the floor.

“When I checked, I saw it was James.”

A distraught Jasmattie said her brother was basically an easygoing person, but liked to take a few drinks from time to time.

He was not married, and had no children.

Jasmattie said a post mortem examination is expected to be conducted today.

Ex-serviceman shot dead in Sophia A SOPHIA resident was found dead on Saturday night on the ‘C’ Field, Sophia Access Road, Greater Georgetown.

Dead is 49-year-old Trevor Dublin, called ‘Corner Man’, of Lot 385 ‘C’ Field Sophia. According to the police, Dublin, who was shot in the chest, was found at around 22:00hrs by a mobile police patrol.

The body, which bore a single wound to the left side of the chest, was clad in a dark-coloured shirt, long blue jeans and a black longboots. Lying next to it was a knife and a toque.

The deceased, an ex-serviceman, had been employed with BK International.

An ‘E’ Field resident is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Positive impact 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 26, 2017

–– students’ attendance, performance improve since operation of David G boats in Pomeroon River

by Tajeram Mohabir

JUST over 18 months ago since its introduction, the two David G speedboats donated by President David Granger himself to improve access to education by students in the Pomeroon, have been making a positive impact.

Boat captains Nicholas Gonsalves and Percival Samuels told the Guyana Chronicle that with the vessels now at their disposal, more students from the deep riverine communities are attending secondary schools on the Essequibo Coast.

Prior to its introduction, parents, depending on the distance they live in the river, paid as much as $5000 to transport their children to school.

Many had complained about the burdensome transportation costs and related their plight to Mr Granger, who was Leader of the Opposition at the time, and who promised to address their concerns.

Soon after being elected to office in the 2015 Regional and General Elections, the President set about fulfilling his promises and boats were

Rudolph Garraway there (schools) students’ access is a challenge due to unaffordable transportation costs, among other issues.

The initiative was geared at enhancing students’ attendance at school in a school system affected by a high dropout rate, poor attendance and performance and truancy in remote areas.

In most of these areas, education is seen as a past time rather than a priority.

“Without investment in our education, the future of this country is highly uncer-

ly at the time the Guyana Chronicle visited the port, but boat operators resolutely stood close to the river dam waiting for passengers.

Gonsalves and Samuels sat quietly under a narrow tent as they watched villagers chat and play domino close by.

They told this publication that the vast majority of the 60 students they transport from the Pomeroon to Charity attend the Charity Secondary School, while a few attend the 8th of May Secondary School and Anna Regina Multilateral.

On a visit to the Charity Secondary School, the headteacher was not present, but a senior teacher who was holding for her.

She expressed a willingness to speak with the Guyana Chronicle, but requested anonymity, citing a rule that bars public servants from speaking to the media.

‘VERY GOOD’ She related that since the advent of the boats donated by the President, attendance from students in the Pomeroon though not “excellent” has been “very good” and they have also

Boat captains Percival Samuels (left) and Nicholas Gonsalves stand behind the two David G speedboats (in green and yellow) moored in the Pomeroon River e-Government network and teacher said it would be great Alphonso while the region we have faster access to the if the region could get a new provides fuel and pays the Internet. The challenge is that boat. captains and bowmen. at four ‘o’ clock (16:00hrs) Rudolph Garraway, a The committee member they have to catch the boat so member of a committee set- also pointed out that monies they do not have much time up to manage the boats told spent to do minor repairs on at the library and when they Guyana Chronicle that he the boats are not refunded by eventually reach home, it is is aware of the plight of the the region and most of the dark and they do not have parents and would be look- repairs are done on weekends access to electricity.” ing to acquire a new boat. and holidays.

The boats donated by Due to the distance and the President transport a fix NEW BOAT heavy rains, this publicanumber of students who are “We collect a minimal tion was unable to get into registered by the respective fee of $200 from each stu- contact with any of the parcaptains. dent, we use some of that ents of students who utilise The senior teacher also money to do emergency re- the boats, but Gonsalves pointed out that a few poor pairs but the rest is sitting and Samuels said from parents of students from the in the bank, over $700,000. the feedback received, the Pomeroon who have not been At some point in time, we parents are very thankful registered to travel with the will be looking to acquire for the initiative by the David G boats have indicat- a new boat because we are President. ed that they would be taking beginning to see the need “Hardly a student who their children out of school. for another one,” he said. is registered with the boat They complained of the Repairs to the boats, he does not turn up to go to high transportation cost and said are funded by prominent school,” Gonsalves said as the Charity Secondary School Charity businessman Alfro Samuels nod in affirmation.

The boats transport students from riverine communities deep in the Pomeroon to Charity distributed to the people of The Pomeroon, among a number of other riverine communities.

This gesture, which is part of the President’s 5Bs Initiative (boat, bicycles, buses, books and breakfast), has been warmly welcomed by residents as it has helped to fill a conspicuous void in education in some far-flung communities.

And this is while the physical infrastructure is

tain and so anything that we do [to] add to this investment is crucial,” the President had said at the handing over of the boat gifted by CGX Energy incorporated.

The boats ply as far as St John’s, some 20 miles from Charity downriver and Karawab, about 50 miles upriver from the bustling port at Charity, not far away from where cane juice and eggball sellers vend their trade.

It was raining persistent-

shown signs of academic improvement.

But the senior teacher noted that there are a few challenges.

“What we have found is when we gave the students homework; in the majority of cases they do not complete it. It is not that they are tardy with their work. We have a library that they can use and a computer lab. The school was also recently connected to the

The majority of students transported by the boats attend the Charity Secondary School

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

Qatar demands difficult to meet, says US Some demands set by four Arab states on Qatar in return for lifting sanctions will be “difficult to meet”, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says.

However, Tillerson said the proposals provided a basis for dialogue leading to a solution of the crisis.

On Saturday, Qatar’s foreign minister rejected the list of 13 conditions imposed by Saudi Arabia and its allies, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain.

They accuse Qatar of backing terrorism - a charge it denies.

Qatar has been under unprecedented diplomatic and economic sanctions for more than two weeks, with Iran and Turkey increasingly supplying it with food and other goods.

The four countries also want Qatar to reduce its ties with Iran and close a Turkish military base, setting a deadline on Friday of 10 days.

Among other things, the fellow Gulf states have de-

manded the closure of Al Jazeera TV, which is funded by the Qatari government.

Tillerson said Qatar was assessing the demands and stressed there were “significant areas which provide a basis for ongoing dialogue leading to resolution”.

He urged the countries to sit together to stop terrorism and counter extremism.

“A lowering of rhetoric would also help ease the tension,” Tillerson said.

After the demands were made on Friday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the dispute was “a family issue” that the countries should work out together.

On Saturday, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, quoted by Al Jazeera, said: “The US secretary of state recently called upon the blockading nations to produce a list of grievances that was ‘reasonable and

The land borders have been closed for days now

actionable’.

“The British foreign secretary asked that the demands be ‘measured and realistic.’ This list does not satisfy that [sic] criteria.”

He said the demands were proof that the sanc-

tions had “nothing to do with combating terrorism... [but] limiting Qatar’s sovereignty, and outsourcing our foreign policy”.

Al Jazeera accused them of trying to silence freedom of expression, adding: “We

assert our right to practise our journalism professionally without bowing to pressure from any government or authority.”

Qatar’s main import routes - by land from Saudi Arabia and by sea from container ships docked in the UAE - have been disrupted, and much of the surrounding airspace has been closed to its air traffic.

However, the small but wealthy country has so far

avoided economic collapse by finding alternative routes.

Qatari citizens living in neighbouring countries or with family living there have been hit harder, Reuters news agency notes, because of ultimatums issued for them to leave.

The United Arab Emirates has been trying to mediate in the crisis.

UAE’s foreign minister said on Saturday there would be a “parting of ways” with Qatar if it failed to meet the demands.

“The alternative is not escalation,” he said. “The alternative is parting of ways.

It’s very difficult for us to maintain a collective grouping with one of the partners... actively promoting what is an extremist and terrorist agenda.”

US President Donald Trump has taken a hard line towards Qatar, accusing it of being a “high-level” sponsor of terrorism.

However, the Arab states involved in the crisis are all close allies of the US, while the largest US base in the Middle East is in Qatar.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

Five charged over Nine killed as Guatemala shelter fire Colombia boat sinks

The search and rescue operation is continuing

Thousands called for justice and the president’s resignation in the weeks following the fire

A judge in Guatemala has charged five more people over the deaths of 41 teenage girls in the fire at a government-run shelter in March.

The five include two police officers and three government officials who were arrested earlier this month They are facing various charges, including manslaughter and negligence.

Prosecutors say the fire at the Virgen de la Asunción shelter began when one of the girls set fire to a mattress after a riot.

They had been locked in a room after trying to escape and protesting against overcrowding and alleged sexual abuse by staff.

Reports say the capacity of the home in San José Pinula is 400. But that many more children were living there at the time.

The officials charged are

senior members of social and child protection agencies. Two - Brenda Chaman Pacay and Harold Augusto Flores - are accused of manslaughter, and a third - Gloria Patricia Castro Gutiérrez - of negligence.

The police officers - Luis Armando Pérez and Lucinda Marroquín - face abuse charges.

The former director of the shelter, the former minister of social welfare and his deputy were charged in April.

They were sacked by President Jimmy Morales after the fire on 8 March.

The tragedy has put a spotlight on failings in Guatemala’s child protection services.

Months before the tragedy, prosecutors had recommended that the shelter, near Guatemala City, should be closed over allegations of

All the victims were women aged between 14 and 1

abuse.

Morales also called for the shelter’s closure, but many Guatemalans have called for his resignation.

The shelter takes in children up to the age of 18 who have suffered abuse or have been abandoned.

Local media said the shelter was also functioning as a juvenile detention centre, to which judges were sending adolescents involved in criminal cases.

(BBC)

At least nine people died when a passenger boat sank on a reservoir in north-western Colombia, police say.

About 28 people are missing after the fourdeck Almirante vessel went down near the tourist town of Guatapé, 45km (28 miles) east of Medellín on Sunday.

There were about 150 people aboard. The boat sank in less than five minutes, eyewitness Juan Quiroz told

the BBC. Leisure boats quickly came to the rescue, hauling victims from the water and the top deck of the vessel.

Army helicopters and divers have been sent to the scene.

“The situation looks serious,” a local government official told AFP news agency.

More than 20 people were taken to a hospital in Guatapé.

Luis Bernardo Morales, a fire service cap-

tain involved in the rescue operation, said the boat was very close to the port when it sank.

“We do not know whether it was a mechanical failure, an overloading or something to do with the currents that caused it to sink,” AFP quoted him as saying.

Guatapé is a popular Andean resort town, known for its water sports and recreational activities.

(BBC)

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Editorial

IT’S now almost 22 years since the West Indies were dethroned as the champions of world cricket.

An entire generation has grown up knowing and thinking of the West Indies as world beaters in a sport that holds pride of place in the cultural psyche of our society.

This is in stark contrast to the previous generation, which was socialised in a Caribbean which dominated the sport for almost two decades — the longest any team has dominated a team sport. Here was the Caribbean, the smallest region in terms of land-space and the poorest in terms of economic indicators, beating the world and controlling the content of a game which was originally intended to subjugate its peoples. The West Indies cricket team of that time showed the world that when the playing field

is even, our people could compete and win, despite our structural socio-economic challenges.

But this very society that produced cricketers who were able to combine physical skills with nationalist consciousness has for the last two decades failed to reproduce that brilliance.

Our team has fallen from grace so badly, that we now languish at the bottom of the heap in the longer formats of the game and “blow hot and cold” in the shortest version. This past year we began with a rare triple-triumph—our male Under-19 team won the World One-Day championship; our male senior team won the World T20 Championship; and our female team matched their male counterparts by winning their own world title. The Caribbean society was on a high – justifiably so.

But in a matter of weeks, it all came tumbling down. The T20 captain was fired for using his victory speech to draw attention to the dire state of West Indies cricket. He has since been banished from the team. The coach was also summarily fired. Many fans agreed with the skipper’s stance, but the rulers of the game in the region thought that he had embarrassed the region.

In the end, it is they who have the final say, while the rest of the society helplessly look on. The lesson here is that despite our climb to the top of the cricketing world, that success was not translated into a change in the authoritarian structures and relations which govern our cricket and other institutions.

Here in Guyana, we have a board which is unrepresentative of the coun-

try, nor is it accountable to anybody outside of itself. We have the tragedy of a small clique of governors which have been entrenched in power because there have not been any proper elections since 2009. Neither the West Indies Cricket Board nor successive Guyanese governments have mustered the courage to settle the impasse. In the meantime, Guyana’s cricket, as is the case with West Indies cricket as whole, continues to decline. Not even charges of financial improprieties during the 2007 World Cup have caused any shift in the status-quo.

The crisis in the governance of cricket in the region has been a major factor in the decline in the fortunes of our team. Relations between the board and the players on the one hand and between the board

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

and the support staff on the other hand, have deteriorated to the point where the public is frequently treated to public quarrels among the various sides. Clearly, the present leadership has failed the region and should be removed. But as we have seen in the past, a mere change of personnel has done nothing to stop the rot.

But the crisis has also been exacerbated by the attitude of the top players who often place money before service to the region.

In an era of boundless individualism, our cricketers have not been shy of openly showing preference for playing in the financially lucrative private leagues, rather than for the West Indies. Often, the unreasonable demand for more money coupled with the desire to play for the region only when they are off-duty

from the private tournaments have been the major reasons for the clash with the board.

So, we have to agree with Professor Hilary Beckles, that responsibility for our cricket problems lies with both players and administrators. The inability of both sides to acknowledge that truth is a major stumbling block.

We are never going to improve if our senior players do not participate in the local and regional competitions—such participation is critical to lifting the standard of our domestic cricket. Similarly, if we do not make our boards more accountable to the people of the region by democratising their structures and practices, there will always be tension, which in turn impedes progress.

Misinterpretation of God’s words to serve ignorance Dear Editor: FOR Muslims, Ramadan is generally a time for reflection, being thankful and remembering how many blessings we are privileged to have. It is also a source of great pride that within both of my home countries (Guyana and the United States) we enjoy the freedom to worship and be Muslims, my daughters have rights, can wear whatever they choose and be full participants in a peaceful, free society.

Unfortunately, however, many Muslims live under horribly violent circumstances and still others

are brutalised by inhuman cultural practices in their countries. The unrelenting, infectious wave of hate that seems to be sweeping our planet has yet to indicate when it will recede and subside.

The heart-breaking truth as a Muslim, is that the religion that once introduced the wisdom of ancient civilisations to scholars in Medieval Europe, is now serving as a crutch for those who preach wanton destruction; the anathema of human civilisation.

They misinterpret the words of God to serve ignorance. One of the stories I constantly remind my

daughters about is when the Quran was first introduced to the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), the angel Gabriel admonished him to "Read!", doing so repeatedly, berating him to read and understand the words being revealed.

The significance of this is enormous; being that the first instruction to our Prophet was to read and gain knowledge. Yet, these many centuries later, the loudest and most dangerous voices are preaching and propagating everything that is the opposite of knowledge and understanding.

This will cease only when we Muslims universally find the moral courage

to rebut and reject discrimination and division and the false belief that others do not deserve rights because they look, behave, worship, or live differently than ourselves.

These advocates of violence begin with language that vilifies and segregates, denigrating all who are outside of an arbitrarily determined 'acceptable' boundary.

This particular Ramadan, I have been repeatedly horrified by the deadly events that have occurred, but, it is both selfish and arrogantly insular to think that it does not or cannot eventually affect our comfortable lives.

All violence and hatefulness are obscenely fertile, it effortlessly spawns similar sentiments and actions, and will continue to do so, until we all resolutely and absolutely say it is simply not 'ok' and take concrete steps to defeat Islamist extremism and radicalisation.

At that time, an important victory will have been won by us all, when we decide never to use the unyielding polemics of religion, ethnicity, misogyny, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, etc. as the flimsy justifications for propagating hate and intolerance, selectively invalidating and denying our

compassion and empathy to those we consider unworthy.

Islam was once known for spreading scientific knowledge and enlightenment, promoting peace by codifying human rights that protected women and the vulnerable and abjectly rejecting the coarseness of ignorance. I, for one, refuse to cede the belief in this Islam to radicals and extremists. Peace has to be possible, but it requires a collective and conscientious effort.

Sincerely, SCHEHERAZADE ISHOOF KHAN

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

President extends St. John’s Day greetings

President David Granger hosted a fundraising luncheon for the St. John’s Association of Guyana, of which he is the patron, at the Baridi Benab at State House. In this photo the Head of State is chatting with the Chairman of the Association, Vibert Parvatan and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

PRESIDENT David Granger has extended greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of the observance of St. John’s Day, the Christian celebration of the nativity of St. John the Baptist.

St John is the patron saint of the international organisation known as the St. John Association, a Ministry of the Presidency release said.

The Association in Guyana has an exceptional track record of humanitarian, char-

itable and civil work since its formation in 1933. Its medical brigade–the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade–has provided Guyanese with training in ambulatory, emergency and first-aid medical care and disaster response.

The St John’s Ambulance Brigade seeks to establish a company in the capital town of every administrative region here to provide and train persons in emergency medical care.

The President said it is his Association’s wish that every household should have at least one member who is trained in first-aid and that every family should have access to health and safety information and every business enterprise – small, medium or large-scale – should provide first aid to its staff and customers, should the need arise.

He also wants every region and every neighbourhood to have an emergency health response system, including personnel trained to respond to health emergencies.

“I take the opportunity of the observance of St John’s Day to urge more Guyanese to register for the Association’s programmes and initiatives. I thank the officers of the St John’s Association of Guyana for their service to our people. I wish them continued success in their efforts to expand the services they provide to all,” the President said.

Eid-Ul-Fitr Messages PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER

I EXTEND greetings to all Muslims and to all other Guyanese on the occasion of the happy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims performed acts of abstinence and engaged in ritual fasting and prayer.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion for both Muslims and non-Muslims. The festival’s exuberance is expressed in the congregations in the masjids and the coming together of families and friends to strengthen human ties and to help those who are in need.

Eid-ul-Fitr emphasises the values of compassion, friendship and kindness. These values reinforce social harmony by improving human relations and showing compassion towards others. Islam, in this way, is an integral and indispensable element of Guyana’s cultural character.

Eid-ul-Fitr strengthens social consciousness and reinforces social cohesion by promoting care, charity, tolerance and mutual respect.

PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wishes to extend to the Muslim communities in Guyana and the Diaspora, Eid Mubarak on the auspicious occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr.

This joyous observance marks the end of the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from many natural human urges.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and it was during the month of Ramadan that the Holy Quran was revealed and charity is urged. As this significant occasion is being observed, it allows an opportune moment for reflection on its pertinent messages which have relevance for all mankind. It embodies the virtues of sacrifices, generosity and charity and brings peace and unity.

As Ramadan culminates with the feast of Eid-Ul-Fitr, deprivation through fasting brings sympathy and appreciation of the sufferings of others, while charity teaches to give rather than expect. These values of humanity are of extreme importance in helping to build a better country and world all desire.

The PPP wishes to draw from the rich virtues of this occasion to reiterate that sacrifices bring success and that hope is alive and must never be lost. Once again, the party extends greetings to all, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters on this happy occasion. Eid Mubarak!

Shooting the messenger Dear editor:

IN a very corrupt society and one in which the will of the people has been sidelined as politicians pursue narrow interests, whistleblowing is an important avenue through which corruption can be uncovered. As one considers the mountain of evidence of mismanagement, fraud and corruption highlighted in the reports of the forensic audits that were commissioned by the coalition government when it took office, one is awed at how so much went unchecked and unexposed for so long across so many organs of the state. Unless whistleblower legislation is ratified and supported by a will to implement, whistleblowing will remain costly to whistleblowers.

Whistleblower legislation will be corrosive to the stomach of a sitting government in a corrupt society and it is not altogether surprising that the coalition government appears to have lost its appetite for implementation, though it had drafted an act

and held consultations after taking office. We have not yet realised enactment of such a law and when this is compared to some others that have been pushed through within the government’s first two years in office, it is easy to deduce the order of priorities.

Without whistleblower legislation, retaliation by the politically connected and the powerful can mean dire consequences for those who attempt to expose wrongdoing. Such retaliation can range from public labelling and ridiculing to loss of employment, other employment hardships and even worse. Consequences may also extend beyond the person directly drawing awareness, to family, friends and loved ones. Awareness of the potential for such retaliation can instill fear and serve as a warning to those who might contemplate exposing corruption. When this prevails, the cost is borne by the country as it continues to support parasites.

We have witnessed such retaliation by government before to whistleblowers and

to those who stand against corruption. In fact, TIGI highlighted the realities of an absence of whistleblower legislation in its November 13, 2012 column (Stabroek News) and called for enactment of protection. Almost five years later, this Shoot the Messenger concept is still applicable, given that the circumstances are set for bludgeoning Ms. Sherilyn Marks into oblivion or worse, for exposing the abuse of power

by APNU Councillor, Ms. Carol Joseph.

In this case, Ms. Marks who was a nurse at the Fort Wellington Hospital, revealed that Ms. Joseph, while a sitting APNU Councillor in the local government council of Region Five, abused her power to leverage prescription painkiller injections.

This revelation by the nurse was made following two complaints to her superiors in Region Five and to the Minister of Public Health.

Ms. Marks was in a position where she considered herself exposed to eventually being held accountable for administering the prescription narcotic, Pethidine, more

frequently and in a larger amount than usual to Ms. Joseph, but her cries for help went unanswered by her superiors at the level of the region and by the Minister of Public Health.

The failure of the Minister of Public Health and the officials in the region to act, was perhaps exacerbated and encouraged by the absence of a functional Integrity Commission to which Ms. Marks could have complained. We now know that in the circumstances, she was either going to be beaten into submission or face retaliation for resisting –- exactly the choices available when whistleblower protection is absent in a corrupt society. TIGI therefore salutes Ms. Marks for taking a stand. Exposing the situation was the correct thing to do, given that the system and the individuals in authority had failed her.

If all that the ministry had done was ignore Ms. Marks, this would be better than that which has occurred and that which has been set in motion. Instead, it retaliated. The first bit of retaliation was the transfer-

ring of Ms. Marks to another facility without her having requested it. Ms. Marks’s move to address the matter publicly after two attempts to urge the responsible officers to act appears to have embarrassed people of power who condoned Ms. Joseph’s actions. The transfer was a pathetic response, but one that sounded the alarm that whistleblowing will still not be tolerated. The transfer was done without consideration of any hardships or other changes in Ms. Marks’s circumstances that would result. This is inferred from the fact that she was not consulted on her transfer.

She was therefore treated like an expendable pawn for going public.

The response is now being taken further to the stage of attempting to institute charges against Ms. Marks for breach of confidentiality. A disproportionate and public response has a long history of setting the stage for control and the message to be gleaned is that vicious retaliation by those with connections and power towards those who dare to expose

wrongdoing is alive and well in Guyana. We do not support breaking the law and it is not yet known whether Ms. Marks broke any laws or codes of conduct. However, when those who have abused their power and those who have ignored their responsibility as public officials do so with impunity, while those who dare to expose wrongdoings are made to feel the consequence, it is mere lip service to the idea for those in authority to proclaim support for whistleblowers.

TIGI adds its voice to the few who have condemned the obviously retaliatory action against Ms Marks and implores others -- both within and external to her ministry -- particularly those who proclaim their support of workers’ rights, to rise to her defence. Condoning retaliation against whistleblowers is a backward step in the fight against corruption.

Yours sincerely, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 26, 2017

Girls’ night-out turns tragic – leaves one dead, five injured

DEAD: Debra Pompey A GIRLS’ night out turned tragic on Saturday when the car in which they were travelling became involved in an accident in the vicinity of Liliendaal, on the Railway Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is 36-year-old, Debra Pompey of Belle West, Canal Number 2, West Bank Demerara.

The accident, which rendered injured the five other occupants of the ill-fated vehicle, among them the driver, reportedly occurred at around 23:40hrs on Saturday.

According to the police, based on their investigations, motorcar PSS 7195 was proceeding west along the embankment when the driver, 27-year-old Tecona Welcome, lost control of the wheel.

Among those injured when the car crashed into the southern rail of the westernmost of the two bridges at Liliendaal were 20-year-old Rodlyn Grace of Blygezeight Gardens; 18-year-old Shameica Martin of Beterverwagting, ECD; the deceased’s 26-year-old sister, Tushana Hubbard;

Rodlyn Grace, 20

Saskiya Boyer, 30

The ill-fated vehicle in which the girls were travelling and 30-year-old Saskiya Boyer of Lodge.

According to the police, all four of the injured girls are institutionalsied at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC),

but Welcome, who suffered a fractured left arm, was discharged and is assisting with the investigation.

A breathalyser test found that she was un-

Tecona Welcome, 27 der the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred.

When the Guyana Chronicle paid a visit to the home of the deceased, Pompey’s distressed mother, Ms Jennifer Clyne, said both of her daughters were in high spirits when they left home that evening.

“The last I know they were at a bridal shower with their friends,” she said, “but around midnight, I got a call from a guy who said that my daughters were in an accident.”

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Pompey was already dead when her mother arrived at the hospital. And though both of her sister’s legs are broken, her condition is listed as stable.

Pompey, a former employee of Medicare Pharmacy, was neither married, nor had any children.

A police source has confirmed that the four other girls who were injured are also in stable condition and will be discharged from the hospital soon.

Elderly man struck down AN elderly man, identified as “Murselene” of First Street, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara was on Sunday struck down on the public road at West Meten-Meer-Zorg as he was crossing it.

Eyewitnesses say the elderly man, who is believed to be in his 70s, came out of his yard and attempted to cross the road without looking at the traffic. As he made his way over the road, a motorcycle travelling east and bearing the number plate CJ 2191, struck him down.

Coincidentally, an ambulance was passing by and public-spirited citizens flagged it down and placed the injured man inside. Accompanied by one of his sons, he was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, but was later transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

The rider of the motorcycle sustained minor injuries, while Murselene, who reportedly suffered internal injuries, was bleeding from his mouth. Reports indicate that the elderly man’s condition is stable.

The rider of the motorcycle just after the accident

Public-spirited citizens assist in transporting the injured elderly man to the ambulance

‘Fed a bunch of lies’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 26, 2017

... Min. Lawrence says she never approved purchase of emergency drugs

PUBLIC Health Minister Volda Lawrence has denied approving the purchase of some $605M worth of emergency drugs by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) when she appeared before the Public Procurement Commission, according to a reliable source.

Minister Lawrence appeared before the commission on Friday as an investigation continues into the controversial procurement of over $605M in critical drugs in short supply in March 2017 for GPHC. ANSA McAl, the Trinidad and Tobago conglomerate, supplied the bulk of the drugs.

Ansa McAl was among four companies shortlisted, including New GPC, Health 2000 and ChirosynDiscovery from which

these emergency supplies were procured.

According to a reliable source, the Public Health Minister told the commission headed by Carol Corbin that it was the then Chief Executive Officer (GPHC) Alan Johnson, who had issued the purchase, maintaining that she never granted any approval.

Minister Lawrence reportedly told the commission that about one month after taking up the public health portfolio, she met with GPHC’s senior management officials and the then CEO after receiving continuous complaints of a shortage of drugs at the country’s sole referral hospital.

Prior to that meeting in February, the GPHC management assured Lawrence that there was an adequate

supply of drugs to cater for patients’ needs.

Following persistent public complaints, Lawrence again summoned another meeting with GPHC officials and it was then that the dreadful drug shortage was exposed.

“It was not until she called the second meeting that they admitted that there was a shortage,” the source told this newspaper.

“I was fed a bunch of lies and false information,” Lawrence reportedly told the commission, while expressing her disappointment in the former CEO. Faced with the shortage of over 200 drugs and medical supplies, Minister Lawrence reportedly queried whether there was a system in place for the acquisition of drugs on an emergency basis and was told “yes.”

Five held for unlicensed gun, ammo FIVE persons are in custody after police found an unlicensed semi-automatic .32 pistol with nine live matching rounds during a stop and search of a motor vehicle on the Mabura trail, Up-

per Demerara River late Sunday night.

Police in a release said the discovery was made around 22:00 hrs and the persons held are assisting with investigations.

The items seized by police late Sunday night

“She was told that there was a system in place to acquire drugs in cases of emergency. There was no such system to fast track the purchasing of drugs, they just came up with that plan,” the source told this newspaper.

She then advised the administration to utilise the necessary system they assured her was available to remedy the situation in the shortest possible time.

Lawrence would learn after the fact, that an emergency procurement document was sent to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and later withdrawn.

MOLE A mole in the GPHC system was believed to be tampering with information to benefit one of the local drug-importing companies.

“All this was unknowing to the minister,” the source said, adding that “The situation had gotten really bad.”

To further compound the situation, the then CEO had reportedly written the Chairman Berkley Wickham of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, contending that approval had been granted by the Public Health Ministry for the procurement of the drugs to be fast tracked.

Johnson reportedly advised Wickham to see an attached document which

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence the minister had allegedly decision to fast track the signed. procurement of critical A c c o r d i n g t o t h e drugs was necessary to source, Minister Lawrence safeguard the health of the said she “never signed any nation. document.”

“My priority is to en“A draft document sure the nation’s health from GPHC was prepared is given top priority. and sent to the minister to The health system will be signed but she said, she not be held hostage by never signed it because unprincipled persons of obvious concerns,” the and therefore I made the source recalled. decision to shortlist the Among the misinfor- critical but unavailable mation circulating about items and the suppliers her alleged involvement in with the ability to proordering the procurement vide them on time to of the critical items contro- avert deepening the drug versy, Lawrence informed demand difficulties,” the commission that she Minister Lawrence said had never held discussions in a statement. with any supplier concernOn Sunday, it was ing the procurement of the explained that the nordrugs. mal procurement proWhen the story erupted cess would have taken in mid-March, Minister between three to six Lawrence in a press state- months, and GPHC had ment had said that the said that the drugs were Public Health Ministry’s needed within two weeks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 26, 2017

Communication is the key

IF you want to protect your child from sexual abuse, then find a way to talk about it, regardless of how awkward it may be for you. Getting important facts over to children is a part of parenthood and when you get right down to it, it’s really not about you at all: it is about the safety of your child.

CHILD-FRIENDLY, CHILD-APPROPRIATE You can begin to teach your child from a very young age, that no one should touch their private parts. You can teach this along with all the other things you teach them with regard to their safety.

For example, from the ages of 0 -5, you may teach: don’t eat food that has dropped on the floor, wash your hands before meals, clean your teeth at least twice a day, etc. So teaching children about sexual abuse can begin on a small scale, appropriate for their age. It doesn’t have to be taught as if it is something strange or unique, it is

simply just another way of helping to keep them safe.

As they grow and develop, children will hear things on the radio or at school: they may see things on television or just in passing. Whichever way it happens, children will pick up on the words ‘child sexual abuse’ and it is the duty of parents to explain to them what sexual abuse is. If you keep the lines of communication open, chances are your child may ask you a series of questions pertaining to a range of things.

Therefore, if or when they ask about sex, sexual abuse or other subjects that are thought to be ‘taboo,’ answering in a child-appropriate manner shouldn’t be too hard a task.

COMMUNICATION Communication is one of the most important assets a parent will ever have when bringing up a child.

These lines should be kept open at all times and against all odds.

When a child can look into his/

her parents’ eyes and ask, ‘Daddy, what is sex?’ and the father can give a child-appropriate answer, that is good communication. When a child tells a parent, ‘I don’t want to go to Aunty Rose’s house, because Cousin Gilbert keeps bullying me’ and the parent is able to respond accordingly and sort out the problem, this fosters a good understanding and mutual respect between parent and child.

Children must feel able to express themselves and parents must listen to them and believe them. If children do not have the privilege to do this over relatively ‘small things’, then if and when something grave occurs, they will not notify their parents at all and no doubt the parents will be the last to find out, when in reality they should be the first.

How much a child will confide in a parent has a lot to do with the way parents respond. Over time, children can pre-empt their parents’ reaction to information and therefore they prefer to keep certain things a secret.

Unfortunately, in some cases, this can include sexual abuse.

When children confide anything to their parents, parents should respond with an open mind, seeking to understand the child and what he/she might be going through. It may seem like a small matter to an adult (on the grand scale of what adults have to deal with on a daily basis), but it is of importance to the child and therefore needs to be acknowledged and dealt with satisfactorily.

Parents must bear in mind that all children are vulnerable to sexual abuse and perpetrators come in all shapes and forms, even close relatives. Learning (and practising) ways to keep your child safe is imperative in this day and age.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

New Integrity Commission soon

PRESIDENT David Granger is expected to unveil a new Integrity Commission soon, now that nominees have been identified and submitted by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

The Integrity Commission Act allows the commission to comprise a chairperson and not more than four other commissioners.

It also caters for a secretary to oversee the day-to-day work of the commission and other officers for its proper functioning. Having responsibility for governance, Prime Minister Nagamootoo was asked to submit a list of nominees.

The persons serving as commissioners themselves are expected to be of good standing and are required to declare their assets to the President.

In his weekly column in the Guyana Chronicle, “My Turn,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo on Sunday, June

25, 2017 said the selection of qualified nominees for the positions was no simple task.

“Selection has to take into consideration not only the professional qualifications of the nominees, but ethnic and gender balance,” the prime minister said.

He noted too that some persons were concerned about the requirements, particularly with the one that calls for full disclosure.

“Many persons who were approached expressed great interest in serving, but some didn’t like the idea of making declarations of their assets, especially those in business and professional private practice,” he explained.

Nonetheless, the prime minister made it clear that moves by the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration to restore integrity in public life must go on.

“I am grateful to those

who stepped forward to do duty for their country. Yet, I suspect that the critics, cynics and oppositionists would take a swing at the commissioners and would try to besmirch their characters,” he posited.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo noted that these criticisms would more than likely be peddled by the parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) – which has fallen short in making meaningful contributions to the development of Guyana.

“When I shared with the Leader of the Opposition the draft Code of Conduct for persons in public life, he quickly but intemperately moved to deem it ‘crap.’Though he refused to submit any proposals, I took scraps and pieces from his public pronouncements and tempered and improved sections of the code which has since been gazetted for inclusion in the Integrity

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Commission law,” the prime minister explained.

The Integrity Commission (Amendment of the Code of Conduct) Order 2017 was Gazetted on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 by the prime minister. It is expected to be laid in the National Assembly soon for review by a Parliamentary Committee, paving

the way for its enforcement.

In keeping with the 10 Principles of Public Life – accountability, dignity, diligence, duty, honour, integrity, loyalty, objectivity, responsibility and transparency – the order addresses issues of bribes, discrimination, gifts, conflict of interest, use of official influence, handling of classified information, use of public property, sexual misconduct and entertainment.

In underscoring the need to have the required legislation and systems in place, Prime Minister Nagamootoo pointed out that “over the past 10 years, Guyana has carried the unenviable stigma of being ranked the second lowest in the Caribbean on the corruption perception index.”

He noted that for the greater part of that period, Guyana had no Integrity Commission. Since 2009, the commission was without

a chairman, and by 2012, the commission had lapsed.

The Integrity Commission Act came into effect on September 24, 1997; however, the commission was operationalised two years after under the chairmanship of Bishop Randolph George, now deceased.

It had operated out of an office located at State House.

“Our Government re-affirms its commitment to strengthening the quality of public office in Guyana. For this, we need not only relevant codes and laws, but a reconstituted Integrity Commission to whom persons in public life should declare their assets and incomes, and which should monitor conduct of office-holders to ensure that they do not benefit from disproportionate wealth, or gain personal advantage and advancement from such office,” the prime minister stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

From two cows to conglomerate

-- Imam Bacchus and Sons is largest private sector employer on Essequibo Coast IMAM Bacchus and Sons is a household name on the Essequibo Coast, but little do many know that this family business that is more than 50 years old started from a very humble beginning.

It all began with Imam Bacchus, who along with his three brothers was forced to move from Hamburg Island also known as Tiger Island due to flooding sometime in the 1920s. The exact date in not known.

The settlers were relocated to Bush Lot, a now busy village in the sprawling and serene township of Anna Regina.

Bacchus and his brothers were in their 20s and 30s at

the time, according to his son Samad Baksh, his dad, being a poor man, appreciated the value of hard work.

Bacchus, who was a coconut picker and tailor at the time of the relocation, came with two bulls and worked tirelessly to change his lot. “My dad really worked hard, he related to us about life in those days. He used to rent the bulls to plough the rice fields in the morning, pick coconuts during the day and sew in the night.

Of course, he had his three brothers with him and they worked as a single unit,� a beaming and relaxed Baksh told the Guyana Chronicle.

As the family gathered their wealth, they had

enough to purchase a shop at Adventure, some nine miles from Anna Regina and soon after bought a rice mill at Middlesex, a village located some eight miles from the Supenaam stelling.

By then, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Bacchuses was fully kindled and they soon set sight on expansion and made full use of the opportunity when it presented itself.

Baksh related that it was sometime in the 1930s or early 1940s that a larger rice mill and estate were up for sale at Belle Plane on the once Dutch-inhabited island of Wakenaam in the Essequibo River and they seized the deal.

The park owned by the Bakshes located in front of the supermarket at Affiance. It is opened to all well-behaved residents for free

The chowmein factory in Affiance is one of several businesses owned by the Bakshes

Businessman Samad Baksh on an inspection of his rice factory

THRIVING REGION The shop at Adventure was sold and the money and other savings were pooled to purchase the estate on the 17.5 square mile island situated at the mouth of the Essequibo River, which was a thriving rice-growing region at the time.

The Bacchuses worked the mill for many years and

grew in wealth. Their families expanded with some members pursuing other interests.

It was time for Imam Bacchus to move on and in 1950, the brothers purchased the estates at Taymouth Manor, Affiance and Colombia on the Essequibo Coast and Imam, who was born on Hamburg Island, returned to the 60-mile coast.

A shrewd businessman, Imam kept Affiance and sold off Taymouth Manor and Colombia to clear outstanding debts from the purchase of the three villages.

Being a very large estate, some areas in Affiance were also surveyed and sold to rice farmers, a move that enabled farmers who had Turn to Page 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

Dartmouth: the home of red beans cultivation

LITTLE do many persons know that the red beans in white plastic bags found on the shelves in shops and supermarkets in the Essequibo region and Georgetown mostly likely have been produced at Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast.

Dartmouth is a vibrant and predominantly Afro community that relies on agriculture for a livelihood, a tradition that has been passed down to villagers from several generations, dating back to the abolition of slavery.

Elderly villagers say cultivation of the red beans in the village began in the 1970s and they have been planting it since in their very young days, following their parents to the farm.

According to them, the majority of the beans sold on the Essequibo Coast is culti-

vated in Dartmouth, and for many, it has been the means that enabled them to raise their families.

One such person is Megan Benn, 59, a mother of seven. Benn related that she has been planting since she was a girl in school and continues to cultivate a two-acre plot with the help of her son.

She said in her earlier days, it used to be blackeyed peas but in the 1970s, attention shifted to red beans as there was greater demand for that commodity.

Benn nor any of the other villagers were able to say what led to the shift in demand, but noted that since then many of the villagers switched over from blackeyed peas to red beans cultivation.

Today, some 100 acres of land in Dartmouth are under

source of non-meat protein.

Commercial buyers from across the country frequent Dartmouth every fortnight to make their purchases, which they resell in the Essequibo region and Georgetown.

Orpheus George

red beans cultivation.

Research indicates that red beans help to lower cholesterol levels due to the large amount of soluble fiber they contain. They are also relatively low in calories and when combined with brown rice, provide a complete

Red beans, when combined with brown rice, provide a complete source of non-meat protein

LOVE FARMING According to Benn, tending to her field is hard work for someone her age, but she finds it very difficult to divorce herself from the land.

“In a bumper crop, I reap about 2000 pounds of beans and it sells at between $100 to $140 per pound. Enough money to support myself and grandchildren, but lately the weather has been messing up the business,” she said.

The mother of seven grown children said drainage and irrigation in her farmland is poor, resulting in a sizeable portion of her farm being lost to flooding.

“I used to reap 2000 pound of beans, but the last crop I was only able to reap 1500 pounds. The authorities need to came in and fix the problem. When it rains, the rice fields flood and the water drain into the red beans farms and it is affecting we poor farmers,” she said, as she stood in the bottom house of her humble abode.

Because of heavy rainfall, this publication was unable to visit the farm to have a first-hand look at the situation.

And just as the interview with Benn was winding down, an old man on a bicycle with a shovel about the same as his height, emerged from the dam leading to the backdam, and the villagers

Megan Benn

called out to him to chat with this publication.

According to them, Orpheus George, 84, is a man with institutional knowledge having been a farmer practically all his life.

George enquired which publication he was speaking to, recalling that many years ago he had spoken to a journalist on a drainage matter and when he opened the paper the next day, he saw a headline that made him nearly faint.

The elderly man recalled he was in church when he saw his photograph and a big screaming headline “Popular Dartmouth resident Brother George endorses PPP”.

OUTRAGEOUS LIE “I did not know what to do, whether to run, walk, holler or hide, but the thing was an outrageous lie. The next thing I know, the news reach America and the Americans start to ask my church who is the Brother George that is a church member declaring allegiance to a political party. I am a devoted churchman, I

am not PNC or PPP, I am a man of God,” he said, pointing out that never before he had to do “so much explaining” in his life to dispel a lie.

After some encouragement by the villagers, Brother George parked his “Big Ben” bicycle that keeps a loud drumming sound when in motion, put down his shovel that looks like a lance from a distance and agreed to talk with this publication.

He related that as a young man, he had noticed that many of the villagers were planting red beans and he never wanted a stiff competition and decided to plant rice as a main crop with some red beans.

And after several years as a farmer, he got a job as a lorry driver in the 1970s with the Ministry of Agriculture and had to sacrifice his red beans plot, as it was demanding too much of his time.

Brother George said he quitted the job after several years with the Ministry of Agriculture and returned to farming and has not given up since, even though a miller still owes him for paddy he had supplied from the last crop.

“Rice is not doing well and you have rates to pay; it is better you use the land since it keeps you fit and disciplined,” the oldest farmer in the quiet village said.

Aside from red beans, farmers in Dartmouth also cultivate coconuts, rice and bananas and reared goats, sheep and pigs.

Many years ago, the village was the leading supplier of pork on the Essequibo Coast.

Dartmouth is a vibrant and predominantly Afro community that relies on agriculture for a livelihood

Serene Bush Lot

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

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-- enjoys a proud history of resistance and unity

By Mohamed Khan

BUSH Lot on the Essequibo Coast was purchased by a group of Africans in 1840.

The total abandonment of sugar cultivation came to an end in 1883. A large proportion of the smaller estates which was unprofitable, such as Bush Lot, was amalgamated with its bigger neighbor, Anna Regina.

The Moss family had acquired Anna Regina in 1823 and later Thomas Moss, one of the sons, took it over in 1865 as well as Henrietta in 1874, Richmond in 1878 and La Bella Alliance in 1883.

Immediately after Emancipation, the white plantation owner and the government took a decision not to sell land to the freed slaves.

The general aim was to ensure that the Africans continued to work on the plantations. In 1840, the plantation owners decided to reduce the wages to pressure the African labourers.

The labourers were told that the move was necessary, because things were bad and the export price for a tonne of sugar had dropped below the cost of production.

The plantation owners also discontinued their allowances of food and medicine to the labourers, as they sought to deprive them of their subsistence in a bid to force them to accept lower wages.

They also prevented the labourers from fishing in the estates canal, destroyed their pigs and chopped down

their crops and fruit trees which they grew on small plots.

When the labourers resisted, they were thrown out of the plantations. In response to the harassment, they went on strike, which greatly affected sugar production since the indentured Indian and other imported labourers were still insufficient to do all the work.

These African labourers were of the view that if they stayed on these plantations, they will have no economic future and they will have to work all their lives on the es tates.

They saw their other African brothers buying up abandoned cotton and sugar plantations and they felt that they too must buy their own lands.

During the period of strikes, a group of them pooled their savings and purchased Bush Lot on the Essequibo Coast. The moving away from the plantations placed added pressures on sugar production and the plantation owners continued to used devious means to force them to return to work.

They let loose water from the estate canals and flooded the nearby villages. They felt that by doing this, the Africans would return to work on the estates.

Bush Lot also faced administrative problems during the 1840s.

The group had no experience in cooperative management and since all their savings were used to purchase the lands, they had nothing left to maintain the roads, bridges, sluice gates and drain-

age canals.

As a result, the condition of the village deteriorated. Bit by bit, they started to dig the trenches and canals and build the roads with shovels. The sea was their biggest problem.

They had to build the sea dam to avoid the water from coming inland. This was a monumental task for them.

They worked day and night to stop the erosion of the narrow dam and at last they succeeded; but flooding continued due to heavy rains and even though they lost their crops, they never went back to the estates to work.

The African slaves and the time-expired Indian immigrants were living side by side. The Indians were living on a strip of land called Settlement next to Bush Lot. After the great floods at Hamburg, the plantation owners decided to move the residents to Gugish Berg, which was called Bush Lot Settlement, in compensation for their passage back to India, with two acres of paddy fields.

This was the first time the Indian immigrants and the African slaves were living as one. They would visit each other and help in whatever work they had. After a time, some of the Bush Lot Africans started to wear dotie and pagri (Indian wear) and spoke Hindi.

Today, Bush Lot has been transformed into a prosperous village with a modern market, businessplace and churches of all denominations. The villagers live in harmony and most cultivate rice for a living.

A memorial has been set up at the site where the indentured Indian immigrants lived at Bush Lot

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From two cows... previously rented farmlands, to own lands for the very first time.

Baksh said his dad invested some of the money earned in the establishment of the mill at Affiance and there he made a profit. He subsequently went into rice cultivation to help support

the mill.

The mill produces for the local market and occasionally would produce for export.

Since its establishment in the early 1950s, it has since been upgraded in 1960 and 1990, allowing for better quality and output.

STRIKE Baksh also noted that up to 1963, it was all rice business for his dad until the 80-day strike broke out.

During the time, residents demanded that goods be distributed by Imam, who by then had developed a reputation as a reputable

businessman and had the trust of the people.

According to Baksh, the authorities were happy to find someone chosen by the residents, since some shopkeepers had significantly inflated the prices for basic goods, making them out of reach for the many poor residents.

For him, the move by his father was more than just business, but also the provision of service to the residents.

When the strike eventually ended in 1964, Imam established the Imam Bacchus General Store, which sits obliquely to the Imam Bacchus and Sons Supermarket

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017 hardware and tractor division. It is also a distributor From Page 11 for NALICO products, groceries as well as rice, poultry in Affiance.

From then on, while he and chowmein.

The latter three are prokept the mill and rice fields going, he began to import duced by Baksh, whose sardines, milk, rope, bat- businesses include a rice teries, cloth, split peas and mill, supermarket, chowmein factory and poultry channa, among other items.

The store functioned farm.

The poultry farm and until 2009, when it was rethe chowmein factory were placed by the supermarket.

Today, the store has established in the 1970s and been converted into a li- together with the rice mill brary (upper flat) and pre- and supermarket employ a school (lower flat), which workforce of some 250.

Hundreds more are emare managed by his son ployed indirectly.

Imam Baksh.

Imam Bacchus and These facilities are located in the vicinity of a well- Sons is the largest private kept park, outfitted with employer on the Essequibo tables, lights, swings and Coast, and the businesses other playground equipment. today managed by Baksh The modern supermarket and his sons remain strong which is accessed by the from the solid foundations main road houses an eatery, established in its humble Western Union outlet and a beginning.

The Bacchus and Sons Supermarket at Affiance, Essequibo Coast

One of several large chicken coops aback the Bakshes’ estate

The rice factory that has been operated by the Bacchuses/Bakshes for more than 50 years

Inside a section of the supermarket at Affiance

A playground on the Bakshes’ estate kept in good shape

Goats are also being reared on the Bakshes’ estate

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 26, 2017

Essequibo man

ISAHAK Bashir, CCH, is a retired political activist and a father of six children. He was born in Jacklow, a small but well known village in the Lower Pomeroon River, but later settled on the Essequibo Coast as an adult seeking elevation in life.

Now 83, Bashir nowadays spends life quietly at his Hampton Court home, where he meets visitors daily and is being taken care of by his children.

In his earlier days, he said he received his primary education at the Jacklow Anglican Primary School and, after sitting the School Leaving Examination at age 14, he came out to the coast to attend a private secondary school.

He related that just before he sat the Junior Cambridge Examinations, the school that he attended closed down and he subsequently did a General Certificate in Education programme offered by Bennett College in the UK. During that programme, he learned the Geography of the British Empire, as well as English, Mathematics and Drama.Upon completion, he returned to his home village where he engaged in farming, cultivating coconut and ground provision.

Bashir also said he managed a complex there that produced coffee and rice. After working for a few years, he took a break and did a course in Mechanical Dentistry and worked for three years with a certified dental surgeon.

Having born in a riverine community, Bashir from an early age learned to swim and to operate a speedboat and would on occasions ferry passengers on the Pomeroon River and to Moruca and Barima-Waini.

On these journeys, he came into contact with many people and made many new friends, and in 1957, he accepted a job offer at the Albion Dis-

(Bashir) always practiced a different kind of politics from what he saw around him.

According to him, while he held passionate views on national issues, his politics was never one of hate as he has always, even to this day, believed in social cohesion and nationalism.

Isahak Bashir tilleries Limited (ADL) at Uitvlugt, where he worked as an assistant distiller for three years.

At Uitvlugt, Bashir recalled he met Harry Persaud Nokta and subsequently CV Nunes, both of whom went on to serve as ministers under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration.

Through encouragement from these gentlemen, he was gradually drafted into the fold of the PPP and became an active member of their political activities, an occupation that saw him travelled extensively both locally and abroad.

In 1976, Bashir accepted an invitation from then PPP leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan to serve as a parliamentarian at a time when the PPP was engaged in extra-parliamentary struggles.

Bashir related that during that time there were many dramatic incidents in Parliament, some of which he orchestrated without any serious reprimand.

But he was eventually expelled in 1991, after he hurled a drinking glass at then Speaker of the House, Sase Narain, who was trying to prevent Dr Jagan from speaking on a motion to prolong the life of Parliament.

Dr Jagan at the time was gaged for unbecoming parliamentary conduct.

Now in his twilight years, reflecting on the incident, a smiling Bashir said the Speaker was a courteous guy and he

He related that during the time Dr Jagan was in opposition, he (Dr Jagan) was an advocate of power sharing, a national front government and compromise or alliance, but these never came into being under the PPP. Bashir said when Dr Jagan died in 1997 before serving out his first term

in office, these proposals died with him.

In 2001, he said knowing that the PPP would have won the election, in a letter to the press, he urged the party to take Dr Jagan’s proposals on board but was accused of wanting to break up the party and was shunned ever

since.

Failing to heed sound advice, he said, in the long run caused the PPP to lose the government, pointing out that Mr David Granger, some 14 years after and under a six-party coalition under a similar platform, contested the national elections and won.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

Guyanese celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr MUSLIMS all across the world and here in Guyana on Sunday celebrated Eidul-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of compulsory Fasting which was observed during the holy month of Ramadan.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith and is sacred to Muslims as it was during this month that the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) As the date of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon, there may be variations in the exact date that it is celebrated around the world.

Muslims celebrate Eid by performing the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer, giving money to the poor, sending Eid greetings and feasting with their families and friends.

The phrase commonly used by Muslims as a greeting on this day is “Eid Mubarak”, which is Arabic for ‘blessed festival’.

The celebration was introduced by Prophet Muhammad whom Muslims believe

to be the last Prophet sent by Allah (God). Many Muslims attend communal prayers and listen to the Eid khutba (sermon).Eid is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal. Shaww?l is the tenth month of the lunar Islamic calendar.

The Department of Public Information/Government Information Agency (DPI/ GINA) spoke to a few of the Muslims who were gathered at the Queenstown Masjid for communal prayers in observance of Eid. Brother Neil Bacchus shared his experience.

“The month of Ramadan was a wonderful experience.

This Ramadan month unlike the previous Ramadan month has been really overwhelming for me. It has been one of the months, I really enjoyed and the mindset I had at the beginning of the month, I came to an understanding where I was able to fulfill all my obligations in this month.

In fact, it flew so quickly, I could not even believe it ended but it was a wonderful month… I can say for my

Ramadan, it was a wonderful experience and I look forward by the grace of God almighty to sustain myself from where I am and for the rest of the year, and move on until the next Ramadan,” Brother Bacchus explained.

Brother Zahid Ally also shared his feelings about Ramadan and the Eid celebration.

REALLY GOOD “The month of Ramadan was really good. You are supposed to live a life after the month of Ramadan in obedience to God almighty all the time, not only in the month of Ramadan. Whatever good you did in the month of Ramadan, it is supposed to continue in the other months and your prayers is supposed to continue. The prayers do not end in the month of Ramadan. It is a crash course and you reform yourself, and you should continue in that way, so may Allah help us that we will be more close to him and be more righteous.”

Leading the gathering in the khutba (sermon) was

Muslims were encouraged to continue to not stray from what they have learnt during the month of Ramadan

Shaikh Abdool Aleem Rahim, who encouraged Muslims to continue to not stray from what they have learnt during the month of Ramadan.

“The day of Eid is a day of thanks; it is a day of showing gratitude to Allah for all of his favours upon us which we can never count but especially for having witnessed the month of Ramadan… So my dear brothers and sisters, as we enjoy this day of Eid,

let us make some resolutions for this coming period of time. What do I want to keep doing that I was doing in the month of Ramadan? I was reciting the Quran everyday so I want to continue the Quran every day; it may not be as much but let us make that plan, let us put that into action everyday,” Rahim encouraged.

During the Month of Ramadan, all Muslims above the age of puberty kept away

from food, drink, and all sexual relations from dawn to sunset, and any act or thought that was deemed haraam (unlawful).

Haraam refers to anything that is prohibited according to the Islamic law or would result in sin when committed by a Muslim. It is the belief of the Muslims that if they do all of the above, it will help them to become closer to Allah (God). (DPI/GINA)

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$1B for major health projects

THE World Bank has signalled its willingness to fund a menu of health projects in Guyana totalling US$5M (GUY$1B).

The Public Health Ministry projects include de-

veloping its entomological services; using ultrasound techniques to identify foetuses with microcephaly; and strengthening the capacity of communities nation-wide to control breeding sites of

vectors, by using innovative techniques.

Last Friday, the World Bank’s Practice Manager, Health, Nutrition and Population Global Practice, David Dulitzky; Health Specialists,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 26, 2017

The World Bank representatives from left to right: Health specialists Neesha Harnam; Practice Manager, Health, Nutrition and Population Global Practice, David Dulitzky; and Senior Operations Officer, Carmen Carpio Neesha Harnam; and Senior Operations Officer, Carmen Carpio, met with a team of public health officials led by Junior Public Health Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings.

“We hope that health is a priority in the next four years,” for the Guyanese government, Dulitzky said during the meeting at the ministry’s secretariat on Brickdam on Friday.

Dulitzky explained that the bank meets quadrennially to consider funding public health projects of the nature presented by the public health minister.

“We hope the Ministry of Finance finds these agreed programmes of work, attractive,” he added. The World Bank officials were also scheduled to meet with officials from the Finance Ministry.

On the issue of insect study, Dr Horace Cox, MoPH Director of Vector Control Services, noted that the ministry wants to “upgrade an existing biologist to an entomologist.”

Cox anticipates that a resurgent and expanded entomological unit will need two medical epidemiologists; 14 surveillance officers; 14 epidemiology nurses, and 50 assistants spread throughout the 10 regions of Guyana.

In addition, he anticipates a legal framework review to assess the authority of Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) “to require households to address unsanitary conditions” of their environments.

The financial support from the World Bank will also be used to train health workers and social workers to provide psychosocial support for families with risk of Zika abnormalities to their new-born, Cox said.

He said part of the funding will also be utilised to help devise long-term programmes for extended care needed by children born with microcephaly.

The funding from the World Bank is also critical because “exposure to vec-

tor- borne diseases has an economic cost,” Dulitzky reminded during the meeting, emphasising that the World Bank is very concerned about the ability of countries’ preparedness to “manage health emergencies.”

Cox in his presentation pushed for construction of an entomology lab outfitted with all the necessary paraphernalia, including laboratory and field equipment, vehicles and machines for the job.

Dr Troy Sagon, who is attached in the Chronic Diseases Unit, also added that the MoPH wants the capacity to test for diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid and the various forms of cancer.

When she spoke, Dr Karen Cummings told the World Bank that the country is determined to narrow the gap in medical services and standards between the country’s heavily populated coastal areas affected by Aedes-borne diseases and its sprawling hinterland communities affected by malaria.

Currently, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) swallow up some 70 per cent of the MoPH annual fiscal estimates, Cummings reminded.

When the bank’s representatives enquired about the status of Yellow Fever (YF), here, Cox said “there is no case of Yellow Fever in Guyana.”

The country has achieved some 95 per cent vaccination coverage in the country, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Shamdeo Persaud confirmed.

“I am hopeful that the key programmes get the World Bank’s financial support,” Dr. Persaud said.

Based on these discussions, Senior Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and Dr Cummings will be presenting the multi-million dollar projects to Cabinet this week for approval.

Although the Wold Bank is willing to finance these initiatives, approval must first come from the Cabinet.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 26, 2017

Floods receding

By Vishani Ragobeer WITH several pumps and kokers in full operation, heavy water accumulation in several East Coast Demerara villages caused by heavy rains over the past several days, are beginning to recede.

The twin pumps at Liliendaal were pouring out water when the Guyana Chronicle visited on Sunday. A worker on site said the pumps have been in operation since Saturday night.

Heavy downpours Friday night and Saturday morning caused flooding in a number

inundated communities.

Once the weather holds, he said, the water in the affected communities should recede fully by Wednesday.

High tide on Sunday afternoon forced pump and koker operators along the coast to close up shop but once the tide receded, these structures were back in operation.

The Guyana Chronicle also visited areas on the West and East Banks Demerara and noticed that accumulated water in most villages had receded. At Bagotville and La Grange, West Bank Demerara, the kokers were open and

A yard in Buxton still under water on Sunday of East Coast Demerara villages resulting in losses of cash crops and livestock.

The attendant at Liliendaal said the pumps have been operating without hiccups, pointing out that the entrance to the pumps are cleared every day as well as the canal that feeds directly into the pumps.

Further along the East Coast, a number of communities including Better Hope, Success and Buxton were still inundated and the water has been draining but very slowly.

At the Friendship/ Buxton drainage pump, the manager noted that the kokers were open all day in an attempt to provide relief to the

water was rushing out. Same was happening at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

On Saturday, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson led a team of engineers and government officials on a visit to the communities of Buxton, Vigilance and connecting East Coast Demerara villages to tackle the effects of the heavy rains that left many homes flooded.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, who was also part of the team, provided critical updates on the works being undertaken by his Ministry, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

According to the Hy-

dromet Department, over the next few days, cloudy to overcast conditions with isolated thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall are expected.

In addition, inland and coastal areas can expect 20 to 80 millimeters of rainfall. Citizens are urged to take precautions as the relevant authorities continue with their mitigation efforts.

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Water gushing out of the pumps at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (Adrian Narine photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

Urgent repairs for Bagotville’s hobbled bridge

By Navindra Seoraj MINISTER of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, has conceded that the main access bridge at Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, is in crisis and in urgent need of repairs.

During an interview with the National Communications Network (NCN), which was broadcast on the company’s Facebook page, Patterson gave as the reason for the bridge being in the state it is in, the inordinate number of heavy-duty vehicles that traverse it every day.

“The alternative bridge which commuters use is also being threatened, so the broken one needs to be repaired as soon as possible,” Minister Patterson said.

The minister is expected to meet with the community’s Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and other stakeholders during this week.

He said that while it is an emergency, they need to get the finances in place so that work can commence soon.

The ministry is nonethe-

less hoping that work can commence within a week, so that it can be completed

by September, Minister Patterson said.

Residents told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that the bridge has been broken for days, and that the situation is hampering progress in the area.

A market vendor from the neighbouring village of Nismes said since the bridge has been hobbled, he’s been having a hard time getting his produce to the market at Bagotville.

“Because the bridge is broken, trucks do not get to move freely, so drivers are forced to choose the longer route which connects Bagotville to Dairy,” the vendor said.

But even the alternative route is in a deplorable state, so residents are calling on the government to assist them as soon as possible with fixing that bridge as well.

Persons say that although the bridge has been in “a terrible state” for the longest while, the NDC has been making no effort to have it repaired.

Efforts to contact a councillor of the NDC has proven futile.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson concedes that the main access bridge at Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, is in need of urgent repairs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday June 26, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 25, 2017

Williams dethroned, `Obeahman’ Jeffrey is new `King’ of the road RAYNAUTH `Obeahman’ Jeffrey defied the odds and single-handedly won the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) senior 103-mile road race championship which was staged yesterday along the Georgetown, East Bank Demerara and Linden/ Soesdyke Highway.

Jeffrey returned a winning time of three hours, 59 minutes and 21 seconds in winning the grueling event ahead of Paul DeNobrega, Hamza Eastman, 2016 champion Geron Williams, Orville Hinds and Michael Anthony, respectively.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport after the event which was contested in ideal weather conditions for cycling, Jeffrey said from the start of the race on Homestretch Avenue, he decided to take a front position which he maintained until the end of the race which proceeded from the starting point to Camp Saweyo on the Linden

Soesdyke Highway before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

According to Jeffrey, on taking the lead position, he never looked back to see his nearest rival, and as such, he did not know what was going on behind him as he just kept pushing himself.

According to some of the other top finishers, the peloton was approximately three minutes behind Jeffrey on the downward journey and they could have pulled him (Jeffrey) in, but they failed to work in tandem which resulted in Jeffrey winning with almost 500-metres in hand.

According to a motorcyclist/cycle enthusiast who followed the race, after turning back, the peloton could have caught up with Jeffrey before turning on the Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara road, but it appeared as though the riders in the peloton were depending on

Williams to take up the attack, but instead, the Team Foundation (USA) rider decided to drop to the back of the peloton and no one else took up the challenge.

In the end, Jeffrey,who along with Williams, DeNobrega and Eastman are all based in the United States, went on to win unchallenged.

Asked how he felt about winning the road title, Jeffrey said he is elated, since in 2015 he was in line to win but suffered a broken collar bone from a crash and dropped out.

He said that in 2016, he won the individual time trial, but Williams was better than him and he (Williams) won, “but this year it is different, I am the King of the road”.

Asked to comment on his performance, Williams said he arrived in Guyana on Friday morning and was a bit tired “But you can’t get it right all the time”.

Rossi still a MotoGP winner at 38 (REUTERS)-Yamaha’s Italian great Valentino Rossi made history and returned to the top of the MotoGP podium for the first time in more than a year on Sunday after winning the Dutch TT at Assen by a fraction of a second.

The evergreen 38-year-

old beat compatriot Danilo Petrucci, on a non-works Octo Pramac Ducati, to second place by a mere 0.063 with rain midway through the race making conditions tricky.

Triple world champion Marc Marquez was third for Honda.

Rossi has now been a winner across all classes for longer than any other rider in the history of motorcycling, Sunday’s victory coming 20 years and 313 days since his first in what was then the 125cc category.

Fellow Italian Andrea Dovizioso finished fifth for Ducati to take over at the top of the standings, four points clear of Yamaha’s Spaniard Maverick Vinales who crashed out after starting in 11th place.

Rossi is now third overall and seven points off the lead.

He now has 115 grand prix wins across all classes, second only to compatriot Giacomo Agostini’s 122 victories between 1964 and 1977.

“This place is always special,” said Rossi of a circuit known as the ‘Cathedral’ of motorcycling. “I am so happy for me and my team

because I’m back in first place after one year and it was a great race.”

The victory was Rossi’s 10th at Assen but first since the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona on June 5 last year.

The Italian took the lead with 15 laps to go after starting fourth, with French Yamaha Tech3 rider Johann Zarco on pole for the first time, but was then overtaken

by Petrucci with five remaining after rain began to fall.

Rossi hit back on the following lap and held on to the finish.

Zarco fell out of contention after pitting to swap bikes with seven laps to go and then being caught speeding in the pitlane.

Vinales had made his way to fifth place before crashing at the chicane.

“I can’t explain what happened, because I don’t even know why I crashed,” he said. “I was pushing myself over the limit, trying to bring the Yamaha to the top and I think that if I hadn’t crashed I could have reached the riders in front.

“It was everything or nothing and finally I got nothing.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 26, 2017

Vettel penalised as Ricciardo wins chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix (REUTERS)-Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo won a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, with Formula One championship leader Sebastian Vettel finishing fourth after being penalised for swerving into rival Lewis Hamilton who came home in fifth.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas finished second after overcoming a first-lap collision with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, while Canadian teenager Lance Stroll was third for his first podium after being pipped on the line by Bottas.

Ferrari’s Vettel got a 10-second stop-go penal-

ty, which saw him drop from second to ninth, after he steered into race leader Hamilton under safety car conditions after a red-flag stoppage.

“Nothing happened, did it?” Vettel said to Sky Sports. “He brake-checked me as well, so what do you expect? I’m sure he didn’t do it on purpose but for sure it was not the right move.

“I got damage, he risked damage,” added the German. “After the incident, we were side by side, I raised my hand and showed him that I wasn’t happy with that.”

Vettel reacted incredulously when he learnt of

the 10-second penalty on lap 32, while Hamilton, whose hopes of victory were later ended when he had to pit due to a loose head rest, complained over his radio that the sanction was insufficient.

“I don’t really care about (what happened),” Hamilton responded.

“It’s done and dusted and we move on.

“I think it’s just not driver conduct. It’s dangerous driving and to get a 10-second penalty for that...

“I don’t need to say anything else.”

CRAZY RACE Vettel leads the overall standings on 153 points

Germany reach semis as referee needs VAR double-take (REUTERS)-Germany eased into the Confederations Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Cameroon on Sunday as the VAR system was again thrust into the spotlight when the on-field official needed two reviews of an incident to send off the correct player.

Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) just past the hour after a reckless high challenge by Ernest Mabouka on Germany’s Emre Can saw Sebastien Siani wrongly shown a yellow card in a case of mistaken identity.

But even then Roldan did not come up with the right outcome as he simply switched the colour of Cameroon midfielder Siani’s card

from yellow to red.

It was only after Cameroon’s players insisted the referee review the incident again that he realised his error, rescinded Siani’s sending off and instead flashed the red card to the correct culprit Mabouka, leaving coach Hugo Broos bewildered.

“Everybody’s confused including me,” the Cameroon manager told reporters.

“First of all I saw a red card, then it was a yellow card, then he (the referee) came to the jury next to the pitch, then he went again to player, then he gave a red card for another player, so don’t ask me what really happened.”

He added: “Both players had their legs really high. I don’t see why he had to give a

Germany’s Kerem Demirbay celebrates scoring their first goal as Cameroon’s Sebastien Siani looks dejected REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

red card to my player.”

Germany topped Group B to set up a last four meeting with Mexico at the same venue on Thursday after the first international goals for Kerem Demirbay and Timo Werner, who got two. Vincent Aboubakar scored Cameroon’s consolation.

The drama came on a landmark day for Joachim Loew, who celebrated his 100th win as Germany head coach in his 150th game in charge.

After the lengthy stoppage involving the red card incident, Germany made their numerical advantage count almost immediately as Werner also got his first Germany goal with an excellent header from Kimmich’s fine cross to the back post.

Cameroon were gifted a way back into the match when Marc-Andre ter Stegen let Aboubakar’s header burst through his gloves in what was a poor goal to concede for the Barcelona keeper.

Any thoughts of a comeback from the 10 men, though, were quashed when Werner lashed home his second as Germany’s young side went on to seal a comfortable win.

Germany took the lead in the 48th minute as a superb back-heel from captain Julian Draxler steered the ball into the path of former Turkey junior international Demirbay and he rifled a shot into the roof of the net.

Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia celebrates his victory over second placed Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and third placed Williams’ Lance Stroll. REUTERS/David Mdzinarishvili

ahead of Briton Hamilton on 139 and Finland’s Bottas with 111.

Australian Ricciardo’s first victory since he won the Malaysian Grand Prix last year lifted him to fourth on 92.

“I can’t really believe it,” said Ricciardo. “It was a crazy race. We knew the podium was a chance after the restart, then we heard of the

problems with Lewis and Seb. “(I didn’t think I’d win) for all my money, but this was the race we expected last year, all the safety cars and chaos. We had to stay out of trouble and certainly pulled it off today.”

The 18-year-old Stroll’s previous best had been a ninth-placed finish on home soil earlier this month, but he

kept his nerve under pressure to become the youngest Formula One driver to make the podium in his maiden season.

The anticipated Mercedes dominance was tested early on when Bottas came off the kerb and collided with Ferrari rival Raikkonen, forcing both Finns into the pits.

While Raikkonen was ultimately forced to retire later in the race, Bottas staged a remarkable comeback, emulating his fine performance on the Sochi street circuit to battle back to a podium position before overhauling Stroll on the line.

Force India’s Esteban Ocon finished sixth, equalling his career-best performance, although he may rue missing out on the podium after clashing with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, whose retirement ended his 37-race streak of consecutive finishes.

Ricciardo’s Red Bull team mate Max Verstappen, the pacesetter during practice on Friday, was forced to retire for the fourth time in the last six races with engine trouble on lap 11 after the Dutchman attempted to attack Perez and take third.

Kvitova wins first title since knife attack PETRA Kvitova completed an emotional Aegon Classic victory to seal her first WTA Tour title since being subjected to a career-threatening knife attack last year.

The two-time Wimbledon champion sustained serious hand injuries when an intruder broke into her apartment and attacked her last December.

It was an incident that could have called a premature halt to her playing days but, having returned at the French Open, the 27-year-old underlined her strength of character by coming from behind to defeat Ashleigh Barty 4-6 6-3 6-2 in Birmingham.

The result saw Kvitova take her 20th Tour title and first at the grass-court tournament.

World number 77 Barty made a bright start and, having forced a break in the third

Kitova’s career was endangered by a knife attack in December, but now Petra Kvitova is back to winning titles on the WTA Tour.

game, held her nerve when facing two break-back points as she served out the first set.

But she was broken in her opening service game of the second as Kvitova launched her fightback.

The Czech was largely dominant in the decider, earning three breaks to her Australian opponent’s one, and closed the contest by losing just one point in the final three games.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 25, 2017

Ismail and Luus clinch a thriller for SA SOUTH Africa had only won four out of 30 ODIs in which they had to chase 200 or more.

But victory looked a mere formality in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday when Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt, their openers, put on 113 in chase of 207.

Then, out of nowhere, they lost five wickets for 34 runs, three of them to run outs, to induce panic.

A cruise had turned into a full-blown collapse with Pakistan gleefully tightening the noose and it came down to the No. 9 batsman Shabnim Ismail, who had a poor day with the ball, conceding 52 off her nine overs for two wickets - expensive when taken into account the low-scoring contest - to introduce the calm back into South Africa’s chase as she hit back-to-back fours to clinch a three-wicket win with an over to spare.

Sune Luus contributed 15 valuable runs to an unbroken 30-run stand for the eighth wicket to deliver the knockout blow for Pakistan, who last won a World Cup match in March 2009.

All the tension began in the middle overs of the chase.

Nashra Sandhu, who took nine

wickets in five matches in the qualifying tournament to put Pakistan in the World Cup, bowled with immaculate control, conceding only 32 runs in a single spell of 10 overs.

Then, Sadia Yousuf, who dropped a straightforward catch at long-off to reprieve Lee on 46, picked up the big wickets of Chloe Tryon and Mignon du Preez as Pakistan brought themselves back to life.

had conceded 40 off seven overs until that point . Ayesha Zafar put down a tough chance at mid-off, the ball went to the boundary, South Africa sneaked home and Mir, who had been Pakistan’s most economical bowler with 1 for 27 off nine overs, was left to rue the crucial decision.

The trigger for South Africa’s collapse was the run-out of Wolvaardt. The 18-year old,

Sune Luus roars after Shabnim Ismail hit the winning boundary © In

With the equation down to 16 off 12 balls, Sana Mir, the captain who had one over left, punted on Kainat Imtiaz, who

playing her first World Cup game, batted fluently to bring up her fourth half-century in ODIs. But in the 31st over, she

was sold a dummy by the new batsman Trisha Chetty.

Wolvaardt was more than halfway down the pitch when her partner decided a second run was not on. South Africa, cruising high and happy at 124 for 1 at that stage, suddenly slipped into a hole. They were lucky to have got away.

When Pakistan reflect on the game, they’d perhaps point to the crucial 30 runs which they couldn’t get while batting as a reason for not getting in two crucial points. Opener Nahida Khan top scored with 79, the highest individual score for Pakistan in a World Cup, and potentially set them up for a total of at least 230.

But poor running and a succession of desperate strokes resulted in a middle-order muddle.

Two of their most accomplished batsmen - Bismah Maroof and Nain Abidi - were guilty of these indiscretions; both of them were stumped in an attempt to hit out when the situation demanded a calmer approach.

Nahida was forced back into playing the anchor role before she was run-out in the 39th over. Pakistan were clearly far from their best, and still they put on quite a show.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Malan leads England to T20 series win over South Africa (REUTERS)-England debutant Dawid Malan’s hard-hitting 78 helped the hosts to a 19-run victory over South Africa in their Twenty 20 international at Cardiff on Sunday to secure a 2-1 series win.

really in the run chase, especially after captain AB de Villiers was caught in the deep

by Alex Hales off the spin of Mason Crane for 35, leaving his team at 82 for four. They eventually fell short on 162 for seven.

The South African carted him for two sixes and a four before holing out and giving the 20-year-old his first wicket in international cricket.

But it was Malan who did the most to boost his chances of forcing his way into the

Eoin Morgan lifts the series trophy as the champagne corks pop in the background in Cardiff

The 29-year-old lefthander Malan, who was born in London and brought up in South Africa, blasted 78 from 44 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes as England, whose captain Eoin Morgan was rested, made 181 for eight.

South Africa were never

Chris Jordan picked up three wickets for England who will be delighted to have won the series while also blooding new talent.

One of those propsects, Crane, was delighted to have kept his nerve whilst facing a pounding from De Villiers.

England team on a longer-term basis, showing enormous confidence as he smashed his second ball over mid-wicket for six.

Malan has had to wait for his ability to be rewarded by the England selectors but he showed that, even when the

likes of Joe Root and Ben Stokes return to the side, he could be a very useful option.

“I didn’t think (the chance) would ever come but nice to show what I can do. It’s tough but you try and keep things in perspective and wait for an opportunity,” he said.

“To play for your country is a fantastic achievement. I’ve only played one game, especially with the guys we’ve got -- hopefully they rest a few in the next game as well.”

Jos Buttler, who stepped in as captain in the absence of Eoin Morgan, was full of praise for Malan.

“Dawid batted on a different wicket to the rest of us, made it look really good on debut. All the best teams have very good players missing out, with injuries, and with guys coming in there is pressure on you, you feel like you need to perform and it was a fantastic show of character from Dawid Malan,” he said.

The two countries will now face each other in a fourmatch Test series starting at Lord’s on July 6.

Kerley, Kendricks, Harrison set pace at U.S. championships

By Gene Cherry SACRAMENTO, California,(Reuters)-Fred Kerley ran the second fastest 400 metres of the year and Sam Kendricks soared to the outdoor season’s first six metre pole vault at the United States’ national championships on Saturday.

Keni Harrison, the world record holder in the women’s 100 metres hurdles, also joined the parade of Americans heading to August’s world championships in London with her first national title, winning in 12.60 seconds.

Kerley needed a little pressure from runner-up Gil Roberts to win the 400 in 44.03 seconds.

where Harrison set the world record of 12.20 last July.

Jasmin Stowers, who posted 2017’s leading time of 12.47 seconds, finished last in the final. The Americans also will be missing Brianna Rollins, who is serving a doping suspension, and Olympic bronze medallist Kristi Castlin, who finished sixth.

Quanera Hayes added another season leader, winning the women’s 400 in 49.72.

Robby Andrews edged Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz in the men’s 1,500 in 3:43.29 and Rio bronze medallist Jenny Simpson was first in the women’s race in 4:06.33.

Kendra Harrison aka Keni Harrison poses with United States flag after winning the women's 100m hurdles in 12.60 during the USA Championships at Hornet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The time, which trails only his season-leading 43.70, gave the 22-year-old the five fastest 400 metres for 2017 and sets up a mouthwatering showdown with South African world record holder Wayde van Niekerk at London.

Kendricks, the Olympic bronze medallist, took much pleasure from topping the six-metre barrier for the first time.

“It’s a career point,” the American said. “Every great jumper in history had at least one six metres jump.

“To be a part of that club, to be an elite top 20 in the history in the event is really cool to me.”

Harrison, recovering from a broken hand, already had a wild card berth to London as the 2016 Diamond League champion.

But she wanted the title and a chance to run.

“I am not race sharp yet ... since I sat out a month,” she said.

Nia Ali (12.68), Christina Manning (12.70) and Dawn Harper (12.78) will run with her in London,

Meanwhile, the Americans will have another strong women’s long jump team with Olympic champions Tianna Bartoletta (7.05 metres) and silver medallist Brittney Reese (6.98m).

The short sprinters will have their chance for titles on Sunday and Christian Coleman bounced back from an upset loss in the 100 metres to win his 200 metres qualifying heat in 20.34 seconds.

Isiah Young led qualifiers in 20.29.

Favoured Noah Lyles took his heat in 20.54 and Tyson Gay also advanced.

Justin Gatlin, winner of the 100, skipped the race.

Diamond League champion LaShawn Merritt, needing to compete to grab a wild card spot in the 400, did run but said he would concentrate on the 400 in the world championships.

Collegians Deajah Stevens (22.55) and Ariana Washington (22.57) led women’s 200 metres qualifying with top pick Tori Bowie winning her heat in 22.69, third fastest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 25, 2017

Windies Women look to turn the page against Aussie Women TA U N T O N , E n g l a n d , (CMC) – Twenty20 World Cup champions West Indies Women will look to turn the page on their ordinary form of the last three weeks when they meet Australia Women in their opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup here Monday.

The contest, which bowls off at 10:30 am (5:30 am Eastern Caribbean time) will be a rematch of the T20 World Cup final India last year when the Caribbean side dominated in style and a repeat of the 2013 World Cup final in which the Aussies got the upper hand.

West Indies will start as underdogs especially based on their form in recent weeks. They lost both official warm-up games last week to Pakistan and South Africa respectively and prior to that, went down to England, Southern Vipers and India in

other practice games.

However, captain Stafanie Taylor told a media conference here that her side had put the hiccups of recent weeks behind

West Indies Women captain, Stafanie Taylor

them and would be starting afresh.

“Warm up games are gone. We’re not focussing on what’s gone,” the Jamaican said.

“Tomorrow everyone’s on

a level playing field and we’re just trying to focus on what we need to do in that game.”

Australia, the reigning champions, are understandably tournament favourites and reiterated that status with convincing victories in their two warm-up matches.

They boast the world-rated likes of Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and Alex Blackwell but Taylor said West Indies would be focussed on executing their game and not worrying about the Aussies.

“We are not focussing too much on the Australians.

We’re trying to focus on our game and what we need to do as a team to win,” she explained.

“We know that Australia are going to come hard at us and as I said, we just need to focus on our game and what we do best. We can’t focus too much on the Aussies, we just

have to remember all the good things we did against them in the last World Cup and go out there and play our cricket.”

Taylor, who averages 44 from 98 ODIs, will lead her side’s batting, with help coming from fellow veteran Deandra Dottin, teenaged opener Hayley Matthews and former skipper Merissa Aguilleira.

However, it has been the Windies’ batting which has let them down on tour so far, highlighted in their dismal 63 all out in their second official warm-up against South Africa in Oakham last Thursday.

Their bowling has been more consistent with new-ball seamers Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman along with off-spinners Taylor, Matthews and Anisa Mohammed, looking in decent touch.

Despite the recent results, Taylor said her side had been working assiduously behind

the scenes to strengthen their overall game in preparation for the start of the tournament.

“We’re focussing on all

Australia Women captain, Meg Lanning

areas, trying to get everything right – that’s what you have to do to beat a team, especially a team like Australia,” she pointed out. “We know they’re a strong team so we know we have to get our team right.”

She added: “Everyone has their game that they’ve been working on in the nets.

Today is a day where people just need to top up and get ready for tomorrow’s game.”

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Stafanie Taylor (captain), Merissa Aguilleria, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shakera Selman and Felicia Walters AUSTRALIA – Meg Lanning (captain), Sarah Aley, Kristen Beams, Alex Blackwell, Nicole Bolton, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa, Elyse Villani and Amanda-Jade Wellington.

Gatlin looks forward to final showdown with Bolt Duguid wins feature cycling event at GOA’s Olympic Day observance meet

Usain Bolt (right) and Justin Gatlin

AMERICAN sprint star Justin Gatlin admits he is looking forward to one last showdown with world’s fastest man Usain Bolt at this summer’s London World Championships.

The meet is expected to be the last major championship of the decorated 30-year-old Bolt, who has announced that he will be retiring from the sport at the end of this season.

The 35-year-old Gatlin,

who has been Bolt’s closest rival for the last several seasons, ensured that he is on course to at least remain a part of the spectacle following a 100m win at United States Trials on Saturday.

The sprinter clocked 9.95 seconds to claim the top spot, in the process getting the better of young collegiate star Christian Coleman (9.98) the pre-race favourite for many heading into the

final.

Now on the horizon for Gatlin, who finished second behind Bolt at the 2013 and 2015 Worlds and 2016 Olympics, is another chance to test the mettle of the Jamaican.

“It’s going to be a changing of an era,” Gatlin told Reuters. “We are going to be looking at a person who came along and made his mark and who has not only excited the crowds but he has

made history over and over.”

“I always wanted to battle with the guys with the records,” the American said.

“When I came back into the sport, my goal was to be...I said to myself ‘I just want to be shoulder to shoulder with him’,” Gatlin told reporters at the U.S. nationals/world trials.

“It was just total respect for how fast he is, the competition he brings.”

NIGEL Duguid (Jnr) won the feature 10-lap race for boys 12-14 years when the Guyana Olympic Association in collaboration with Racing Secretary of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), Hassan Mohamed, organized the Olympic Day cycling event which was staged around the inner circuit of the National Park last Saturday.

Dugid won the event in 24 minutes 36.11 seconds ahead of Curtis Dey and Jason Cameron, respectively.

There was another 10-lap race for boys 12-14 years of age and this was won by Jonathan Ramschuit of Berbice who crossed the finish line ahead of fellow Berbicians, Kenwyn Collins and Jomar Holigan, respectively.

The lone mountain bike participant was Tyan Canterbury, who, despite not having opposition, rode the National Park’s mountain bike course in excellent fashion despite its soggy conditions.

Jeremiah Harrison was the top 9-12 years BMX rider as he won the three-lap race by outsprinting Jared Barrington to win in 10 minutes 52 seconds. Shay Sue-Hang finished third.

Lumesh Singh won the 6-9 years BMX one-lap race ahead of Alpha Harrison and Tylor Goring, respectively.

The Guyana Olympic Association’s Vice-President, Dr. Karen Pilgrim, delivering remarks at the conclusion of the activity, expressed her gratitude to the participants for participating in the activity, noting that Olympic Day is celebrated on June 23 each year by the affiliates of the International Olympic Committee.

She reminded that on June 23, it is important to remember the basic principles of Olympism, one of the main ones being Fair Play.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 25, 2017

Head coach Law rues West Indies tame bowling effort in second ODI

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Head coach Stuart Law has rued the tame bowling effort which paved the way for West Indies’ 105-run defeat to India in the second One-Day International on Sunday and says the Caribbean side is lacking the cutting edge.

Opting to bowl first in a contest reduced to 43 overs following a two-hour delayed start due to rain at Queen’s Park Oval, the Windies watched as the visitors piled up 310 for five with opener Ajinkya Rahane top-scoring with 103.

Captain Virat Kohli struck an imperious 66ball 87 while left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan

chimed in with 63.

“We didn’t bowl anywhere near as well as we could’ve done and that’s

here so you can live with that to a certain extent,” Law told reporters following the defeat.

India openerr Shikhar Dhawan finds himself stumped by wicketkeeper Shai Hope off off-spinner Ashley Nurse (out of photo). (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

probably the first time that’s happened since I’ve been

“But you’ve got to be better than that with the

GBA Andrew`Six Head’ Lewis National Novices C/ships

National Gymnasium to be transformed into war zone THE National Gymnasium on Mandel Avenue is expected to be transformed into a war zone beginning tomorrow night and continuing to Thursday as the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) stages the Andrew `Six Head’Lewis National Novices Championships.

Bell time is 19:00hrs.]

The war is anticipated to be between members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Gym and those from the Republican gym (Prisons), and when the Guyana Police Force’s Gym try to intervene, there sure will be brutal clashes between the three parties.

According to reports, over 75 boxers from 10

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gyms are expected to participate with the GDF being the defending champions, but with the advent of sev-

eral ‘out-of-town’ gyms emerging, the soldiers can be toppled.

GBA’s president Steve

Ninvalle is confident that this year’s championships will not be a walk in the park for the defending champions (GDF).

According to reports, the Republican Gym has been hard at training and in the recent past, has given the Army its toughest challenge and three years ago, won the national novice title and will surely try to emulate that feat, starting tomorrow night.

The GBA has partnered with the National Sports Commission, COURTS Guyana Limited, Guyana Olympic Association, Trustee’s Pawn Shop and Delmur Shipping in order to make the tournament successful.

09:15 hrs Viewpoint 09:45 hrs Blue Rocks 10:15 hrs Fab 10:45 hrs Peachey Carnehan 11:15 hrs Lucky Di 11:45 hrs Patanjali 12:15 hrs Right About Now 12:45 hrs Makhfar

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GBA president Steve Ninvalle

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ball. The way we started, the way we set the tone for our innings wasn’t how we wanted to do it and I think at times our plans didn’t quite work out.”

Opener Shai Hope’s classy 81 stood out in the Windies reply but they never quite recovered from a position of four for two in the third over, to end on 205 for six off their allotted overs.

Law, in his fourth series with the Caribbean side after taking over earlier this year, said the experience gained in the defeat would be beneficial to the young team.

“Some of our boys haven’t played a lot of international cricket so to get some time in the middle against some quality

bowlers is good for thei confidence,” the Australian pointed out.

“When we batted I thought Shai Hope played extremely well.”

With the gulf between the two sides evident in the encounter, Law said the Windies were aware of the odds against them up against a powerful India side.

However, he argued that West Indies still possessed enough ability to challenge the Indians, especially against the backdrop of their encouraging performances against Pakistan recently.

“We’ve got to understand that India are number three in the world for a reason and they’ve ben hovering around that top

three for quite a while now.,” Law explained.

“They’ve got some of the best players, if not the best players in the world up there so we know that we’ve got to play really well and compete really hard to get anything out of these games but there is no reason why we can’t.

“We pushed Pakistan all the way when they were out here recently. We beat them chasing down 308 in the first ODI and in the last two we nearly got over the line as well so those performances are in us.

“We’re lacking a little bit of something, a little bit of edge with our bowling and with our batting we are not quite getting off to good starts consistently.”

Thompson defends national crown in world-leading style KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Olympic double sprint champion Elaine Thompson unleashed a world-leading time to successfully defend her 100 metres title at the National Championships here Friday night.

Stadium.

Olympic sprint relay silver medallist, Simone Facey, clocked a season-best 11.04 seconds to be second while Jura Levy was third in 11.06.

Thompson’s time was just outside of her personal

Olympic double sprint champion Elaine Thompson

The 24-year-old, the first woman in 28 years to win both the 100 and 200 metres at an Olympiad when she dominated last year’s Rio Games, clocked a swift 10.71 seconds to star in the event at the National

best 10.70 posted when she took the 100m crown at last year’s National Championships.

Only last month, she raced to an impressive 10.78 in winning the Shanghai Diamond League.

“I’m really satisfied with this time,” Thompson said afterwards. “I was happy to come out here and go through the rounds smooth and healthy.”

Meanwhile, the resurgent Yohan Blake copped the men’s equivalent when he stormed to victory in 9.90 seconds.

The 27-year-old, widely regarded as the heir apparent to the retiring Usain Bolt, finished ahead of Julian Forte who was second in 10.04 while Senoj-Jay Givans finished third in 10.05.

“Every time I run I keep getting better,” said Blake, who took silver in both sprints at London 2012.

“Every day Usain Bolt has been encouraging me and I just want to maintain this form going into the World Championships.”

Asafa Powell picked up an injury in the semi-finals and sat out the final.

The upset of the evening came in the women’s 400 metres hurdles when Rhonda Whyte came with a late run to stun a strong field and win in 54.29 seconds.

The championships serve as trials for the IAAF World Championships in London from August 5-13.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 25, 2017

Second ODI at Queen’s Park Oval

Rahane, Kuldeep condemn West Indies to 105-run deferat PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Starlet Shai Hope struck a high class half-century but it failed to save West Indies from a 105-run defeat to India in the rain-hit second One-Day International of the five-match series here

for the Indians with three for 50 including the wicket of Hope while seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed two for nine in an early burst with the new ball.

Right-handed opener Ajinkya Rahane had earlier compensated for the gloomy

Ajinkya Rahane celebrates his century at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Sunday.

Chasing a difficult 311 in a contest reduced to 43 overs per side at Queen’s Park Oval, the Caribbean side were restricted to 205 for six, with Hope stroking an accomplished 81 off 88 balls.

Roston Chase chipped in with an unbeaten 33 while skipper Jason Holder made 29, but West Indies’ task was made more difficult after they slumped to four runs for two wickets in the third over and failed to find mount a significant enough recovery effort.

Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was key

weather by carving out a stroke-filled 103 while his captain Virat Kohli struck 87 and Shikhar Dhawan, 63.

Those three innings formed the foundation of India’s 310 for five after they were asked to bat first following a delayed start of two hours because of rain.

Rahane faced 104 deliveries and counted 10 fours and two sixes, adding 114 for the first wicket with Dhawan whose 59ball knock also included 10 boundaries.

Rahane showed his intent from as early as the opening over when he pulled fast bowler Alzarri

Joseph to the square leg boundary and followed up in the 20-year-old’s next over by clearing the ropes at backward point.

The left-handed Dhawan joined in the run-spree with two sweetly-timed off-side boundaries off seamer Holder in the fourth over, as India sped to 63 after the first 10 overs.

Dhawan raised his second half-century in three days in the 14th over of 49 balls before departing in the 19th over, drawn from his crease by off-spinner Ashley Nurse and stumped.

Rahane then combined with Kohli in a 97-run stand to further bury the hosts. He raised his fifty off 56 balls in the 20th over but then accelerated to reach his third ODI hundred off another 46 deliveries – raising the landmark with a scintillating cover drive off seamer Miguel Cummins in the 34th over.

When he departed two balls later bowled by one that clipped off-stump, Kohli took charge of the innings, smashing four fours and four sixes in a 66-ball innings.

Holder conceded 22 runs off the final over, while sending down three no-balls – two of which were high full tosses and resulted in him barred from bowling the last delivery of the innings.

West Indies were up against it from the third ball of their reply when left-

hander Kieran Powell was caught at the wicket without scoring off Kumar on review, without a run on the board.

Jason Mohammed followed in the third over, also without scoring, driving Kumar to backward point where Hardik Pandya snaffled a low chance.

With the innings wobbling, opener Hope then led the Windies recovery, putting on 89 for the third wicket with Evin Lewis who made a pedestrian 21 off 37 balls.

Hope raised his second ODI half-century off 65 balls in the 19th over and then upped the anti with leg-side sixes in successive overs from Kuldeep and off-spinner Ravi Ashwin.

Lewis perished in the 20 th over at 93 for three, missing a charge at Kuldeep and going stumped and Hope was finally prised out, lbw on review to Kuldeep in the 26th over – one delivery after clearing extra cover for this third six.

All told, he counted five fours and three sixes and when he departed at 112 for four, the required run rate had risen to 11.5 runs an over.

Jonathan Carter’s dour 31-ball 13 helped precious little and Chase and Holder’s 42-run, sixth wicket stand off 44 deliveries was well short of the torrent of runs required to threaten India.

Shai Hope slugs one down the ground in his attractive Half-century.

SCOREBOARD

INDIA (43 overs) A Rahane b Cummins 103 S Dhawan st Hope b Nurse 63 *V Kohli c Nurse b Joseph 87 H Pandya c Cummins b Joseph 4 Yuvraj Singh c wkp Hope b Holder 14 +MS Dhoni not out 13 K Jadhav not out 13 Extras: (lb4, w4, nb5) 13 TOTAL: (5 wkts, 43 overs) 310 Did not bat: R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, B Kumar, U Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-114 (Dhawan, 18.2 overs), 2-211 (Rahane, 34), 3-223 (Pandya, 35), 4-254 (Yuvraj Singh, 38.1), 5-285 (Kohli, 41.2) Bowling: Joseph 8-0-73-2 (w2, nb1), Holder 8.5-0-76-1 (nb4), Nurse 9-0-38-1 (w1), Bishoo 9-060-0 (w1), Cummin 8-0-57-1, Carter 0.1-0-2-0

WEST INDIES K Powell c wkp Dhoni b Kumar 0 +S Hope lbw b Kuldeep Yadav 81 J Mohammed c Pandya b Kumar 0 E Lewis st Dhoni b Kuldeep Yadav 21 J Carter lbw b Ashwin 13 *J Holder st Dhoni b Kuldeep Yadav 29 R Chase not out 33 A Nurse not out 19 Extras: (lb6, w3) 9 TOTAL: (6 wkts, 43 overs) 205 Did not bat: D Bishoo, A Joseph, M Cummins Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Powell, 0.3 overs), 2-4 (Mohammed, 2.5), 3-93 (Lewis, 20, 4-112 (Hope, 25.3), 5-132 (Carter, 29.2), 6-174 (Holder, 36.4) Bowling: Kumar 5-1-9-2 (w1), Yadav 6-0-36-0 (w1), Pandya 9-0-32-0 (w1), Ashwin 9-0-47-1, Kuldeep Yadav 9-0-50-3, Yuvraj Singh 5-0-25-0.

GFSCA sending two teams to 10th annual NYSCL Independence Softball Cup THE Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) is once again sending two teams to the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence/Legends Cup Softball tournament for the 10th consecutive year.

This will be held this weekend on June 30th to July 1st and 2nd at the Canarsie Park in Brooklyn, with the finals at the Roy Wilkinson Park in Queens.

The two teams are Floodlights and Floodlights Legends, and it must be noted that most of the players have already travelled to New York and the few remaining here will go early in this week.

Floodlights are the

defending champions for the tournament which was played earlier this year in Orlando, Florida.

Floodlights won that

Floodlights captain Ricky Deonarain

tournament and also won the Legends Cup in July 2015 in New York, but were pipped out in July, 2016 by local rivals, Regal Masters.

This weekend, they are confident to regain their softball supremacy over all their rivals in the New York Legend Cup, where 12 teams from around the USA, Canada and Guyana will be taking part.

The Independence Cup will also feature 12 teams in the Open Category .Both tournaments will be played simultaneously.

Ricky Deonarain is captaining Floodlights and Dharam Persaud Floodlights Legends, respectively.

Goordial Mattai, Ricky Deonarain, Jagdish Persaud, Dharam Persaud, Lakhram Singh, Gopaul Boj-Raj, Jailall Doedass, Vivakenand Ramsaywack,

Floodlights Legends captain Dharam Persaud

Hubern Evans is the coach for both teams that will come from: Unis Moh a m e d Yo u s u f , R a m o Malone, Ramesh Narine Deonarine, Lloyd Ruplall, Wayne Jones, Kamraj Sumair, Robert Mohan, Mahesh Lutchman, Tulshi Lutchman, Vishawnauth Lutchman, Anil Beharry,

Nadir Baksh, Mohan Sukhu, Richard Persaud, Surendra Nauth, Armogan Gopaul, Unos Baksh, Teekchand Madho and Ramchand Ragbeer.

Ming translates ... through the pack from way behind.

For the second race on Saturday, Rinus qualified in P1 and finished in first place.Calvin qualified in P5 and finished in second place while Lucas qualified in P7 and finished in sixth place.

Calvin turned in the fastest time for the weekend: 2 mins 10.163 secs.

The entire Pabst team

Continued from back page

were very pleased and happy, having won 4 out of the total of 6 top places in the two races, and are currently in the lead for the team championship.

The current leader of the series is Oliver Askew.

Round #5 of the series is scheduled for July 8-9 in Iowa, followed by round #6 on July 15-16 in Toronto, Canada.

Rahane, Kuldeep condemn West Indies to See page 31 105-run deferat GCF Senior National Road Race Championship See Page 26

Prize winners of the GCF’s Individual Time trials as well as the road races in each of the categories contested strike a pose after Sunday’s senior men’s road race.

Williams dethroned, ‘Obeahman’ Jeffrey is new ‘King’ of the road Ming translates F4 form to USF2000

Calvin Ming (left) celebrates his podium finish CALVIN Ming translated his recent Formula 4 form to the Cooper Tyres sponsored USF 2000, powered

by Mazda by picking up a second placed finish at the Road America Circuit in Wisconsin.

THE ‘Pabst Racing’ team drivers Rinus Veekay of Holland, Lucas Kohl of Brazil and Calvin Ming of Guyana, all had a very successful

weekend in the 4th round of the USF2000 series, which was held on Friday and Saturday at the ‘Road America’ circuit in Wisconsin.

The circuit is over 6.5 kilometres long with 14 turns over very undulating terrain with several elevation changes. The cars were clocked at speeds in excess of 140 mph and an average speed around the circuit of

over 111 mph. Each race is run for 30 minutes from start to finish.

For the first race on Friday, Rinus qualified in P2 and finished in first place.

Lucas qualified in P5 and finished in third place, while Calvin qualified in P15 and finished in fourth place after a very exciting drive, coming

Turn to page 31

Valentino Rossi pipped compatriot Danilo Petrucci to the line.

Rossi still a MotoGP winner at 38 See page 26

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MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017