Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26 07 2016

TUESDAY JULY 26, 2016

No. 104624

Price: $80

UTTERLY DESPICABLE (Vat Inclusive)

- Gov’t condemns Jagdeo’s ‘race-baiting’ in New York

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Dress code debate takes to the streets Page

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The small group which protested against dress code in front of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. At right is Francis Bailey; second left is Sherlina Nageer

Police City in hunting new financial strain operational costs triple murder -forasportable toilets, road 2 sweeper bite 11 suspect Page

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Sexagenarian freed 17 of rape indictment Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Dress code debate takes to the streets

By Vishani Ragobeer A GROUP of outspoken citizens yesterday held a small picketing exercise outside the Georgetown Magistrates Court to back demands for the taking of an ‘holistic’ approach to the dress code debate.

Sherlina Nageer, well-known activist and member of the band of protesters said this whole thing about dress codes is not only a nuisance, but “oppressive” as well as “repressive to women and hard on poor people.”

“Why should persons not be allowed entrance into, or service from, public entities because of how they are dressed?” she asked.

She also feels that this dress-code business has no place in

the school system, as in children wearing uniformed clothing as currently obtains, and should be diminished or gotten rid of entirely.

In the Guyanese school system, uniforms are put in place to debar segregation, and to allow for all children to be presented in a same manner, despite their different social backgrounds.

However, Nageer feels that because of the demand for children to be uniformed, those whose parents cannot afford it are being denied their rights to access an education.

In short, she feels that dress codes should be removed entirely, and that citizens should have the freedom of wearing whatever they feel comfortable in, “as long as you’re not naked.”

Francis Bailey, another protester out on the streets yesterday, couldn’t agree more, as it is unfair to citizens coming especially to a public office in Georgetown from a distant location to be disallowed from receiving a service, just because of how they are dressed.

He is also of the opinion that the edict is “unlawful”, as nowhere in the Constition does it say how persons should or should not dress.

The outcry by citizens to remove dress codes is one which has indeed taken a forefront in Guyana’s public interest. Many public organizations have recently lifted stringent dress codes, and this protest sought to have more organizations diminish and maybe even remove these dress codes.

Police hunting new triple murder suspect - man said to have shared a relationship with victims’ close relative

RANKS of the Police ‘B’ Division are now seeking a new suspect, who is said to have critical information about the triple murder that recently rocked the Region Six community of Black Bush Polder (BBP).

This new development follows a visit by top ranks of the Police ‘B’ Division, headed by Commander Ian Amsterdam, to family members of the victims at their Lot 183 Mibicuri, BBP home late on Monday afternoon.

Detectives have been working around the clock, and have detained several persons, 10 of whom are still in custody even as they seek the new suspect.

“The men in custody are persons who would have had the opportunity to commit the crime. It is not yet clear whether they actually pulled the trigger,” Amsterdam said

when quizzed on who the men were.

The commander has also confirmed that all the persons arrested have been swabbed for gunpowder residue and the results should be available soon.

None of the men are licensed firearm holders, he said.

“We have the pieces of the puzzle, it’s now a matter of putting (them) together,” the ‘B’ Division Commander said as he updated reporters on the gruesome murder.

“We are now in a better position to intensify questioning of the suspects in custody,” he said, pointing out that ranks from the Major Crime Unit are en route to Berbice to assist with investigations.

According to the commander, one of the rice farmer’s workers, who has

been in custody since Saturday, had invited the trio to fish in the area, and was seen with them earlier on the day of the murder.

The commander has confirmed that the worker had previously shared a relationship with a very close family member of the victims.

The man now wanted by the police was reportedly with the trio earlier on the day of the murder, and he and a security guard who is currently held for questioning were overheard saying: “Like them boys kill them man at the back deh.”

Meanwhile, the post-mortem which was performed on the three men on Monday revealed that they were all killed as a result of shotgun wounds.

Naresh Rooplall, 35, died as a result of shock and haemorrhage due to a single gunshot wound to the neck. Jaikaran Chan-

dradeo, 37, also died as a result of shock and haemorrhage from a single gunshot wound; while Pawan Chandradeo, 16,

died from shock and haemorrhage, a fractured skull and laceration to the brain occasioned by a gunshot wound.

‘B’ Division Commander Ian Amsterdam and ranks speak with relatives of the murder victims on Monday

Missing barber’s mother asking for help finding him EVER since 24-year-old Navendra Hemrup, called “Vishal”, left the home he shared with his mother, she has not seen or heard from him.

Kamma Jaikarran told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that when her son left home on June 7, they used to reside in an apartment at Craig Street, Campbellville.

She now lives in Alberttown, and is asking that anyone with information about her son’s whereabouts contact her on telephone number 695-4134. She just wants to know that he is safe, and to urge him to return home.

She was not at home when he left, Jaikarran said, as she’d gone to spend time with her companion at his house.

But when she returned the following day, she realised her son was not there; that he’d upped and left without saying where he was going, which was unlike him.

After a quick check of his belongings, she also realised that he’d taken a few pieces of clothing with him.

Prior to his going missing, she said, “Vishal”, who turns 25 next month, operated a barber shop not far from the Kitty Police Station on

Alexander Street, Kitty.

Upon realising that he was missing, Jaikarran said she not only reported the matter to the police, but also began asking after his whereabouts from some of his friends.

After speaking with some of them, she believes that he may very well have ventured into the interior, so as to escape his problems, because he owes some people money.

Friends told her that a customer of his had encouraged him to go in ‘the bush’ and work. Perhaps he did just that, she said.

What is worrisome, however, is that not once has he tried to call her since he left.

And when she tries calling him on his cell-phone, somebody else answers. At one time, she said, the man at the other end of the line told her that he’d bought the ‘sim

card’ from a man at North West District.

Jaikarran said that of late, she’d noticed that her son was acting depressed, but when she asked what was wrong, all he told her was that he was in heavy debt, but that he’d discuss it in detail with her later.

Missing: Navendra ‘Vishal’ Hemrup

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

UTTERLY DESPICABLE

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- Gov’t condemns Jagdeo’s ‘race-baiting’ in New York

GOVERNMENT has strongly condemned recent statements made by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who told a gathering of New York-based Guyanese that Guyanese of Indian origin are under assault in Guyana.

“There is an assault on our democracy. There is an assault on people of Indian origin. There is an assault on supporters of the PPP,” he said at an Albion Reunion celebration. “It’s good to see so many of you out here, and that you keep the spirit of our community alive. This spirit is essential here for our people to make progress, but it is the same spirit that we need badly back in Guyana now -- a spirit of community, to ensure that we defend our people through these dark times,” Jagdeo stated.

He added: “What we thought would never return to Guyana in just one short year has returned with full force, and even worse in some regards than the Burnham era.”

He told the audience that the current coalition government has been “snatching people’s land that has transport”, and that 140 new taxes have been introduced in this year’s budget; and those taxes largely target poor people, but mainly the rural poor. “…and you know who live in the rural areas – it’s mainly our supporters,” he stated. “So our country has taken a turn for the worse; it’s something that we have to live with, but I want to say that we are going to work hard, and whenever the elections come again, we’re going to take back Guyana; we’re going to take it back from these people,” Jagdeo added.

DESPICABLE In a statement on Monday, Government said Jagdeo’s claim that there is an “assault on people of Indian origin” is despicable, without any basis, and is a complete figment of his imagination. On the contrary, the policies of the Coalition Government are designed to achieve the good life for all Guyanese; not a handpicked few, as was the case under the PPP regime, which was rejected by the Guyanese electorate on May 11, 2015 in free and fair elections.

“Speaking to a predominantly Indo-Guyanese audience, Mr Jagdeo attempted to inject among them a feeling that they are victims. The recent census has shown that the exodus of Indo-Guyanese was not abated during Mr Jagdeo’s 12-year tenure as President.

“Instructively, the single largest exodus went to the United States of America, where they live and work under the presidency of an African American.

“Also, under Mr Jagdeo’s presidency, Guyana witnessed

under the regime of Mr Jagdeo, no one has been charged with treason. There have been no political killings, as happened when the peaceful protesters of Linden were gunned down in 2012,” the Government said.

It added that Jagdeo ought to swallow his spurious racist claims, because, under the PPP administration, Indo-Guyanese rice farmers were tear-gassed and assaulted, and mainly Indo-Guyanese sugar workers were brought to their knees as the Jagdeo-led administration dragged the sugar industry into bankruptcy and indebtedness of over $100B. Racism, the Government said, is the well-known last refuge of the politically desperate, and the Coalition Government calls on all right-thinking and patriotic Guyanese to reject Jagdeo’s continued attempts at sowing racial divisions in society.

COURT MATTER Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo the incestuous relationship with drug lords that spawned the death of hundreds of young people and several episodes of massacres and assassinations, including that of a sitting government minister.

INSULTING “Mr Jagdeo is in fact insulting the intelligence of Indo-Guyanese and all Guyanese who have repudiated him for the pervasive corruption under his regime.

“The Coalition Government remains committed to stabilising the Guyanese economy after years of lawlessness, nepotism, corruption, cronyism, mismanagement, misrule, and the flagrant misuse of resources,” the Government said.

It noted that, though alarming, these hateful divisive utterances are not surprising, as they represent what appears to be a well-orchestrated plan of propaganda which has been spewed locally, but which is now being taken internationally by the opposition PPP. “All Jaganites will hang their heads in shame that Mr Jagdeo has descended into the racist cesspit, while pulling with him the PPP that had once boasted of a credible record as a multi-racial party.

“Guyana, under the rainbow Coalition of the APNU+AFC, has a genuinely multiracial Government made up of six political parties and all ethnicities. Guyana has a functioning parliamentary democracy, an independent judiciary, and a free press. There are no political prisoners in Guyana; and unlike

In mid-December last year, Supreme Court Judge Navindra Singh had thrown out a private criminal charge of racial incitement brought against Mr Jagdeo by Attorney–at-Law Christopher Ram. The judge had ruled that the evidence was insufficient to constitute the charge of racial incitement, for which the former president was accused over remarks he made at a public speech at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant earlier in March 2015.

The charge was that had Jagdeo uttered words causing racial or ethnic hatred, contrary to Section 139 D (1) (a) of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03.

The former President was widely reported as having reportedly uttered, “The opposition consistently shouts about the racism of the PPP, but they practise racism. The opposition beat drums at six in the morning and say ‘let us throw out those coolie people’.”

The case was being heard by a magistrate at Whim, but the judge had said that particulars of the offence did not disclose sufficient facts for the offence, and had ruled that the case must be discontinued at the magistrate’s court.

Section 139D (1) (a) of the Representation of the People Act, CAP 1:03 of the Laws of Guyana, provides that any person who makes or publishes any statement which results or can result in racial or ethnic hatred among the people shall be liable to conviction.

The judge had stated that for the charge to be valid, the statements must be shown to be calling for, supporting, or encouraging the hatred of one group by another race or ethnicity.

“The Court does not find that the particulars of the offence have disclosed such facts,” he had ruled.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

FBI concludes intelligence training in Guyana United States Ambassador Perry Holloway (sixth left) and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan (at his left) with local security and other officials

THE United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), a branch of its Department of Justice, last Thursday concluded a three-day financial and intelligence training assignment in Guyana, which was done at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre.

A release said the course

was designed to provide foreign law enforcement personnel with a baseline understanding of how to fully integrate financial intelligence into criminal investigations; and to conduct a real-world practical exercise using real financial intelligence information associated with the foreign law enforcement’s investigative

subject(s).

Course topics included information on the basic tools needed to uncover the trails of money that support

terrorist activity generated by narcotics cartels or resulting from other illegal activities.

The goals of the course

were to apply financial analysis techniques to improve the investigative assessment of intelligence target operations, and to prepare financial analyses in the context of critical thinking and structured analytic techniques.

Further, the course provided tools and techniques to analyse financial networks that result in the devolvement of actionable intelligence, the release said.

Early this year, United States Ambassador Perry Holloway also handed over remote video training equipment valued at over US$23,000 to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, and pledged his Government’s “support for similar type activities that could ultimately lead to enhancing the security of Caribbean nations”.

The equipment allows

for enhanced training opportunities and greater coordination among Caribbean Basin Security Initiative nations.

The Initiative is a tailored combination of audiovisual hardware, a secure Learning Management System (LMS) called CBSI-Connect, and connectivity working together to provide participating police academies with the ability to collaborate and share training in a virtual secure environment built exclusively for Caribbean law enforcement.

Current participating countries are Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Suriname, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic and Guyana.

Foreign Service no place for ‘party patronage’ ‒ President Granger tells local diplomats PRESIDENT David Granger told local diplomats on Monday that the Foreign Service is not a place for “party patronage”, but a “place for hard work and professionalism”.

The President said that although the concept may be difficult for some persons to accept and understand, because of their belief that there should be a reward system, the ambassadorial appointments should be meritorious. “…it is not an appointment for party supporters,” the President emphasized, while making it clear that his administration’s ambassadorial appointments were based

on merit.

His advice was, however, simple and to the point: represent the national interest.

The economy, political government, social cohesion and security are four critical areas that impact the development of the country, the President pointed out.

For far too long, Guyana has been heavily dependent on rice, bauxite, gold, diamond, sugar and fish. It is time for the country to further diversify its economy by focusing on non-traditional products and services, such as eco-tourism. However, in moving forward, Guyana needs the Caribbean Com-

munity, the President said as he underscored the importance of having under-developed and developing countries work together to achieve a common good.

Amidst concerns about the progress made by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the quest to truly establish a Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), President Granger said that, regardless of one’s evaluation of the Caribbean Community, it is the economic basis on which Guyana’s turnaround will occur.

“We need the Caribbean; we need to be able to sell our products not to 750,000 persons, but to five million or 10 million or 15 million (persons). So it is not the matter of option, it is obligatory for us to enter more forcefully into the Caribbean; and even if it faltering, fortify it so we can have a market for our produce,” he told the Guya-

nese diplomats.

In the area of security, President Granger said it is important for the country to resolve the ongoing territorial controversy with Venezuela.

“Unless we solve the territorial problem, we will not be able to attract the quality of investors we need, the number of investors (we need),” he posited. “In fact, the Venezuelans have been scaring away investors for 50 years, contributing to our underdevelopment,” President Granger added while alluding to the threats made by Venezuela’s Ottawa Ambassador to the Guyana Goldfields Inc., which operates mines at Aurora in Guyana’s CuyuniMazaruni region.

In October, 2015, Venezuela had issued a letter to the Canadian mining company, objecting to its operation here.

President Granger called on all diplomats to educate themselves on the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy and similar issues of national and international interest. “You must understand it inside out,” he advised them.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

14 Venezuelans to be deported

The Venezuelan female nationals speaking with their interpreter

“NO WORK and no water!” cried 14 Venezuelans on Monday when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with entering Guyana illegally by sea on July 20 at Eteringbang, Cuyuni River; and disembarking without presenting themselves to an immigration officer.

Speaking through an interpreter, the foreign nationals -- five women and nine men -- pleaded guilty to the charges while explaining to the court that they had come to Guyana for betterment, because of the economic crisis in their country.

The nine men -- all miners, ranging in age from 20 years to 42 years -- are: Gabriel Cheverria, Richard Delgado, Edgar Castillo, Leonardo Liendro, Jose Sudero,

Dannys Diaz, David Rengel, Jesus Figueria and Ramon Rodriquez.

The five women, aged from 22 to 30 and all single mothers of two or more children, are: Kisriana Garcia, Helle Burgos, Yecser Toledo, Erik Maza and Yineurys Lara.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, they told the court that they had ventured into Guyana because they had no other alternative; since there was no food, job, or clean water in their country.

“Guyanese come over into our country and work freely, so we tried the same thing,” 26-year-old Yineurys Lara, a single mother of three, told the court with the aid of a translator.

The men stressed that they had come to Guyana to “try their luck” seeking work,

to send money back home for their families.

They were each fined $10,000, in default of paying which they would be sentenced to six days’ imprisonment. They were ordered to be kept in police custody until they reached the nearest port of exit, from where they would be deported.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge had in May, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle at the Georgetown Club, noted Guyana’s willingness to extend a hand to neighbouring Venezuela. With this situation at hand, Minister Greenidge was keen to note that Guyana is concerned with what has been transpiring within her neighbour to the west. This concern, he told this publication, extends to the point where Guyana

Digicel amateur DJ competition heats up THE first audition of the Digicel summer “Bring the Beat” amateur DJ competition, launched on July 15 in the Savannah Room of the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston Georgetown, has seen more than 100 persons competing to represent the bigger, better network.

Equipped mostly with laptops and other gadgets, many young men awaited their turn to compete; and Advertising Manager Ramesh Roopchand has said the amateur DJ competition is designed to target young, aspiring DJs -- both male and female -- who are

familiar with Serato and Virtual DJ programmes.

He added that the competition will allow DJs to show their versatility, mixing skills, microphone skills; and perform the music, not just play it.

Roopchand said auditions will be taken to Linden, Essequibo and Berbice.

Monday’s audition session saw amateur DJs doing a live five-minute demonstration on set, after which demos will be posted on social media for voting, to allow a weekly elimination process to take place.

All participating DJs will have to set up relevant

social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat to attract their maximum following and create a fan base for voting purposes. Prizes include a Pioneer DJ Console and more than $1M in cash.

The judges of the competition are DJ Ogawe Hinds, called ‘DJ Garwin’; Businessman Ravi Persaud; Digicel Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James; and Radio Announcer/DJ Rocky Carew.

The next audition session will be held at the 704 Sports Bar and Lounge on Lamaha Street on Friday, July 29th.

The Venezuelan males being escorted to court

would try to ensure that it does not contribute to the problems, including through making comments which are inimical to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Mr. Greenidge was of the view that Guyanese would, if they deemed it necessary, try to provide humanitarian or other assistance to Venezuela.

Given the unfolding crisis, some Guyanese “clearly

may come (home); and if they decide to, we (Guyana) have an obligation to accommodate them. If a crisis is announced on the other side, we will do what a good neighbour is obliged to do — which is to help them,” the Foreign Affairs Minister had said.

He did not share the view that there was likely to be an influx of Venezuelans here due to the ongoing crisis,

and had contended that the Government of Venezuela had the capacity to control movement of its people.

The Venezuelan economy has, over the last three years, been on a downturn, and that country’s political opposition has contended that this has resulted from the poor policies implemented by the Nicolas Maduro-led Administration.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Complexities of Global Terrorism

LAST Thursday, 14th July, in Nice, France, 31 year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a truck which he used as a weapon to ram into a celebratory crowd, killing at least 84 and injuring dozens. Bastille Day, or Freedom Day, is celebrated in that country on 14th July.

The Islamic State (IS) has claimed the killer as one of its soldiers. To hit a country on a day it is celebrating its freedom can be interpreted as mocking its freedom or attempting to take that freedom away.

Similarly, on 11th September 2001, when the World Trade Center in New York, USA was bombed by terrorists, the significance of the number was not lost sight of. The Americans record their date as the month, day, and year; thus 11th September meant for them 9/11, which is the telephone number for “emergency”.

Additionally, because the Trade Center was seen as the centre for business in New York, it constituted an attack on that city’s economic nerve centre.

Wars in the past have seen countries fighting against countries; or a group within a country attacking the state, seeking to take control of the government. Those wars were somewhat confined to heavy military hardware.

In the current sphere, where terrorism has taken root and is being advanced, war has become very sophisticated. It is being fought by using highly intelligent mechanisms to hit countries and groups at strategic times and important places, disturbing national events.

The new form of global war by those waging it has two characteristics. One, it is perceived to be an act against what is considered Western imperialism. The other factor is that, within the Islamic religion, those waging the war are considered to have an extremist perspective of the faith and want to impose same on the entire Muslim world. The commonality driving both wars is intolerance of, or a narrow perspective on, issues such as the practice of the faith, sexual orientation, women’s and children’s rights.

Efforts by the formal economy to change the world and do business differently have seen the development of satellites which laid the foundation for the revolution of modern communication technologies and trade, unhindered by borders and brick walls. The information communications technology (ICT) breakthrough, while lauded by those who benefit from the formal system, has made the security of the ordinary tenuous.

There was a time when, wherever war was taking place -- be it in Europe, Asia or Africa -- the leaders would have assembled at a table in the same building at the same time, seeking to come up with resolutions to the problem(s) that may have caused the war. Today there is what is dubbed a global war against terrorism, but the actual faces of the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

A response to Nowrang Persaud

Dear Editor,

IN RESPONSE to our invitation to become part of the solution to social pathologies such as alcoholism, suicide, rape, drug use, child abuse, domestic violence and the like, Mr Nowrang Persaud stated, “While I unconditionally applaud all efforts to minimize the negative fallout from alcoholism, suicide, domestic and other forms of violence, I firmly believe that the chances of success in remedial or corrective actions are greater, if we work at the grass-roots level where we can more effectively --as indeed I have been trying to do for the longest while -- help to minimize the incidence and the problems”.

The Caribbean Voice (TCV) could not agree more.

In fact, TCV conducts a monthly outreach to various communities in Guyana (two have been done so far in July – St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Mora Point, Mahaicony) as well as monthly self-esteem workshops for youth and students. TCV is also aware of the work done by the many NGOs on the ground in communities, having brought over 70 of these NGOs together for the only-ever National Stakeholders’ Conference on Suicide and Related Is-

sues, last August at the Cara Lodge - one of our many, many partners.

Even though TCV is manned by unpaid volunteers, who also work 9 to 5 to put food on the table and take care of families; and even though our only funding comes from our own pockets and the support of friends and well-wishers, our approach has been holistic. Thus, in addition to the community outreaches and workshop, we are engaged in regular media advocacy to disseminate information to combat myths and misinformation, on the one hand, and bring awareness, on the other.

Additionally we, (along with others) are also engaged in ongoing lobbying that has seen the launch of the suicide hotline last year and a promise made by the Minister of Education to have counsellors placed in schools.

We continue to lobby for the latter, as well as measures to tackle pesticide suicide (citing the Shri Lankan model as an exemplar); integration of mental health care within the existing physical care system (as advocated by the World Health Organization); relaunch of the Gatekeepers’ Programme (which would directly impact communities); giving more teeth to the Sexual Offences Act;

persons involved in terrorism are not being seen; so it is difficult to find resolutions to the war between the terrorists and the non-terrorists.

In the absence of dialogue between the terrorists and the formal system, a resolution becomes complex. As formal universities speak about distance education through the use of the ICT, the terrorists have established their own brand of education and distance learning. This is not monetarily paid for or formally regulated as to who can have access; as such, it allows impressionable minds from all over the world to access same and be influenced. This form of education contributes to individuals establishing their own groups, or acting alone, in demonstrating against a system that they may perceive to be repugnant.

In the case of the killer from Orlando, Florida, the evidence revealed to date is that he acted alone but was influenced by IS. In this new environment, IS -- which claims to be a state, though operating within a state -- were world

sensitivity training for police and other government personnel, and so on.

To this end, we have also held meetings with many policy shapers and decision makers, and are seeking to have further meetings.

Also, we currently have two online petitions calling for the establishment of a registry of sex offenders and raising the age of consent to 18 years. We hope to present the signatures for both petitions to the President sometime next year.

It is within the holistic context that the Voices Against Violence Candlelight Vigil on September 10 is located. At the minimum, the vigil will bring communities together to focus on anti-violence and, hopefully lay the groundwork for these communities to continue to act together in combating all forms of violence, while agitating for resources and support from various levels of government, as well as facilitating community/NGO collaboration.

Additionally, in collaboration with partners and other stakeholders, TCV engages in pro-bono counselling and counselling support with respect to the range of issues – suicide, child abuse, domestic violence, rape, alcoholism, drug use, incest.

Finally, considering that Mr. Persaud claims to be

engaged in social activism at the grass roots level, and given that we strongly believe in, and foster, the collaborative approach -- conference last August, workshops and outreaches in collaboration with NGOs such as GIVE Foundation, Orchid Foundation, Save Abee Foundation, Monique’s Helping Hands, CADVA, NJASM Humanitarian Mission, Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation, Citizens Against Rape, and others; a dozen NGOs already partnering in the vigil with more to come on board, as well as a number of individual social activists -- we again extend an invitation to Mr. Persaud to become a partner in this effort as a first step to joining the collaborative and holistic approach, which is not only highly cost effective but gets more done every time and with greater and more enduring impact.

Given his expertise and experience, Mr Persaud should be very much aware of the many advantages of a collaborative, concerted, holistic approach to problem solving.

THE CARIBBEAN VOICE 1936 Daly Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460 718-542-4454 caribvoice@aol.com

governments to engage with its leaders, IS has little or no control over splinter groups/individuals claiming association, operating on their behalf, or buying into its ideology. These realities pose another conundrum in the fight against global terrorism.

Man’s security is being challenged. The level of sophistication of those bent on terroristic acts requires vigilance by all. At the same time, no longer can persons depend on government to put a fool-proof system in place to protect them as citizens. As society evolves, values change and the one-size-fits-all is not delivering across the board.

Consequently, leaders, researchers and thinkers need to return to the drawing board, examine what may have gone wrong, and seek to put corrective action in place.

Strong military hardware (bombings and shootings) have not delivered the peace and tranquility in and across countries and regions, as the terrorists seem to be a few steps ahead of the formal security system.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Suggestions for the M&CC Dear Editor,

THESE days, all one hears from the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown are demands for more income, for new revenue streams, and for more financial burdens to be placed on the backs of the poor citizens, many of whom are pensioners, unemployed, or are struggling to make ends meet.

How about if the Council tries a new approach; and that is to exercise fiscal restraint and reduce its expenditure, rather than increase its income? Here I would like to put forward just a few of over a hundred suggestions that can save the Council tens of millions each month: 1. Curtail those frequent and unnecessary trips overseas by municipal officials, with the provision of per diems and in many instances airline tickets which cost the citizenry substantially, and for which hardly any tangible benefits are ever seen.

2. End the lease arrangements with private companies for the provision of luxury toilets and portable toilets around markets, residences of Council’s officials, and other municipal locations; replacing them with permanent public conveniences built by the Council.

3. End the leasing of a motor car for hundreds of thousands of dollars a month for a senior officer.

4. Eliminate the considerable entertainment expenditure that is incurred by the administration of the Council, including frequent lunches and dinners at high-priced restaurants.

5. Get rid of the special contractor whom the Council has engaged within the last year to weed our parapets and clear our drains. That contractor has earned hundreds of millions of dollars to date; have him replaced by municipal workers who did the job in the past but are currently left to idle.

6. Purge the Council’s human resource base of the

scores and scores of children, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends of some senior administrators, councillors who have returned from the last term, and the Mayor. They are being paid super salaries for hardly doing anything.

7. End the illegal, subjective and corrupt granting of interest waivers that are being granted by ‘The Fantastic Four’ to special property owners who are not entitled to such discounts. It is costing the City hundreds of millions of dollars.

8. And finally, forthwith withdraw the security and other staff and attendants that are currently being utilized by the former Mayor and being paid for by the Council.

Surely, the Municipality should not carry the wage and other bills of the aforementioned.

I am still waiting for a forensic audit to be done at this organization.

Sincerely, RILEY MATTHEWS

Madam Mayor, please put your house in order Dear Editor,

THE Mayor of Georgetown, Ms. Patricia ChaseGreen, could not be serious when she declared that her deputy, Mr. Sherod Duncan, was not legally entitled to transportation and other facilities, thus the reason why the Council was not providing him with any.

This explanation would have been within acceptable norms, and would have been tolerable had the Georgetown City Council been a

well-run, responsible, accountable and trustworthy municipality. It is not; and, clearly, the Deputy Mayor is being mistreated, persecuted and victimized for his differing views from the ‘The Gang of Four’.

If indeed the Mayor and City Council, as an entity, is maintaining such high legal and fiscal standards as she would like to insinuate, then can any of its officers explain how come the Council is providing to the immediate past mayor, at the expense of the citizenry,

an entourage of bodyguards; security personnel posted at his residence; a chauffeur, gardening staff and other attendants; along with a vehicle, to which he is neither legally nor otherwise entitled?

Please, Madam Mayor, put your house in order. You are no doubt aware of the nepotism, corruption, cronyism and bullyism that are all hallmarks of the Council’s administration.

Faithfully yours, JAMES MC ONNELL

Ridiculous dress code also in force at GuySuCo Dear Editor, RECENT comments in the media on the silliness of the dress codes being enforced at Government offices must not be seen as applicable only to the latter; they are also applicable to GuySuCo offices, where their enforcement appears even more ridiculous.

I recall quite vividly two occasions, not so long ago, when I personally experienced the stupidity of the GuySuCo dress code. On both occasions, I was operating voluntarily as the onsite project manager for the construction of the Blairmont Crematorium & Memorial Garden. I was refused entry into the Blairmont Estate Office compound because I had on short pants (I do not normally wear short pants in public, except when I have to be in the sun for long periods).

The first time when I was refused entry, I was trying to meet in the Blairmont Estate office a staff member who was then also serving voluntarily as the secretary of the Crematorium project; I had to access some documents in her possession. I was refused entry into the compound, let alone the office, so the staff member had to be called to

come out to the road to meet me with the document.

On the other occasion, I was similarly refused entry as I tried to meet with the Estate Manager on a matter that was, ironically, of more direct interest to the Estate itself than to me.

What was also ridiculous about these incidents was the fact that I was well-known as an upright and respectful previous executive of GuySuCo and resident of Blairmont Estate; In my earlier career, I was actually a member of the senior management staff there

for quite some time, and I do know from personal experience that in the pre-GuySuCo days, expatriate senior staff used to wear short pants as a matter of course to go to work in the very offices.

As far as I know, the rule against short pants for both males and females still applies to all GuySuCo offices. I believe the case for change is as strong here as it is for all Government offices.

Yours sincerely, NOWRANG PERSAUD

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Consult, not dictate - President Granger urges City Council

PRESIDENT David Granger has reiterated his charge on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to consult with City residents on critical issues so as to avoid the escalation of conflict between the Council and the people.

The President was at the time speaking with journalists on his weekly televised programme, ‘The Public Interest’.

While President Granger has stated clearly that he will not interfere in the work of the Town Councils across the country, he said it important for the Council to work in the best interest of the people.

The interest of all citizens must be seen as a priority for the Council, and as such, consultation has to be an integral

part of the process through which citizens can have a voice in what they consider to be in the best interest of the country.

“Georgetown is a national capital and not just any other municipality. It is the capital of the entire state and there needed to be responsiveness on the part of the Council to the Central Government’s interest [and] the national interest. I actually advised that every member of the Council was responsible for a particular constituency and they should visit their constituencies… my own view is that there should be greater consultation. That is the message I had felt that I had transmitted to the Mayor and Councilors. That in everything they did, they need to

be assured of not necessarily compliance, but consultation with the stakeholders, whether it is the vendors or other people…,” the President said

President David Granger

on the programme.

President Granger said while changes are a necessary part of development of the Capital City and the lives of residents there, it is imperative that consultations be held so that citizens are part and parcel of the process.

“Vending is a legitimate economic activity and if there needs to be changes, in accordance with sanitary rules or safety rules, there should be consultations and adequate preparations for the vendors.

Similarly in other matters, now the matter of the parking meters has arisen and the matters of container tax, I would urge the Mayor and

City Council to embark on a consultative process. I will not interfere, to the extent that they feel that the Council itself is acting within the law. I am not interested in a conflictual situation or in a confrontational situation. It is my view that consultation is the way to go.”

Additionally, President Granger said like vendors were consulted and advised on the need for change so too must every other process involve consultation.

“Similarly for every major measure that will have an effect on the residents of Georgetown, corporate

residents, private property owners, there must be information and communication.

They should be directing and not dictating. I am simply asking for the process to be open and transparent so that people know what the decisions are made by the people,” President Granger said.

The President said after two decades there has been a return of local democracy to Guyana and as such it is critical the Councillors re-election to office is dependent upon their performance over the next two and a half years and not their personality or party affiliation.

GEA records increase in fuel seizure GUYANA Energy Agency (GEA) has registered a 76 per cent increase in fuel seizure.

For the first six months of 2015, the Guyana Energy Agency’s (GEA) Fuel Marking Division seized 6,200 gallons of fuel, but while the amount seized for the same period this year has increased by 75 per cent, the number of confirmed incidents for the year stands at 15 – a decrease from 22 last year.

“The quantity of fuel seized increased greatly following two large seizures in the Mahaica and Pomeroon areas,” GEA explained in a press statement on Monday.

Investigations into these matters are still ongoing.

For the period under review, a total of seven charges for the offence of possession of illegal fuel were instituted, representing an increase in the total number of charges filed for the previous year where only five were instituted.

As at June 30, 2016, six prosecutions were engaging the Courts.

It was also noted that for the period January to June 2016, the division marked 107 shipments of fuel legally imported. Additionally, the inspection unit has exceeded the number of sites visited and samples collected, when compared to the same period last year.

“The agency’s laboratory analysed a total of 23,251 samples for the first half of this year, as compared with 20,926 for the same period last year. Results of the analysis indicate that while more samples are being taken and tested in the laboratory, the amount of significant dilution of the fuel marker remains under three per cent. This is a testament to the effectiveness of programme as from its inception this has decreased from 34 per cent in 2006,” the energy agency pointed out.

The GEA said the inspectorate, using strategic sampling and monitoring activities and maintaining a permanent presence in Regions Two, Seven and 10, continues to effectively discharge its duties, greatly aiding in the curbing of the scourge of fuel smuggling.

The work of the division is complemented by the support of sister agencies on the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband which comprises the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast

Guard, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Customs and Anti-Narcotics Unit.

For the year, 16 joint operations were conducted with the various agencies.

Recognising the need to resolve incidents without reverting to sometimes lengthy legal proceedings while maintaining a punitive element in determination, the GEA continues to accept compensation from offenders in accordance with the Act. For the first half of the year, the sum of $1,214,500 has been accepted in three incidents as compensation, exceeding the quantum received the previous year. This sum, as mandated by statute, is paid into the Consolidated Fund.

“The Fuel Marking Division has always striven to execute its mandate in an effective, efficient and equitable manner. The task of maintaining an effective programme, however, requires the assistance of members of the public. If you have information or knowledge of suspected fuel smuggling activities, please do not hesitate to contact the Guyana Energy Agency on 226-4424, ext 239, 204, 227 or 629 3391,” the GEA said.

The Marking Division was made a part of the GEA in 2003 following an assessment of taxation losses being incurred in the country as a result of fuel smuggling.

Fuel smuggling refers to the importation and distribution of petroleum and petroleum products, particularly petrol (gasoline) and diesel, by both legitimate and illegitimate businesses without the necessary taxes having been paid.

With this illicit trade estimated to have been accounting for one-third of the fuel imports of the country, the Government sought to implement fuel marking and testing services so that a definitive means could be found by which illegally imported fuel could be identified and persons found dealing with same could be prosecuted.

Authentix (then called Biocode), an external company, was contracted to and still provides and supports the marking and testing services while the Guyana Energy Agency Act was amended to provide the legislative framework for the marking, testing and enforcement arms of the programme.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Sound mind in a sound body GUEST COLUMN by Peter Haynes A sound mind in a sound body; if the former be the glory of the latter, the latter is indispensable to the former. – Tyron Edwards THE above statement may also be described in another way: True education is not only about the development of the mind, but also about the development of the body and the spirit.

I would like to use the statement primarily with reference to the Minister of Education, under whose portfolio Sport falls.

The Honourable Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine has the qualifications, experience, and ability to know why a healthy body is necessary for a healthy mind. His doctorate is one associated with the Arts, or more particularly with languages.

However, if there is anyone who is not aware that he is capable of administering sport, please be advised that Dr. Roopnaraine was a Guyana Scholar in 1962, having gained distinctions at the GCE Advanced Level in Latin and Spanish. At the same time that he topped the country at the A level examinations, the Minister was also the captain of the Queen’s College Cricket Team. Under his leadership, Q.C. topped the Northcote Cup (Intermediate) competition and was promoted to the Case Cup competition – first class. Rupert Roopnaraine was a spin bowler who was also reasonably competent with the bat.

He proceeded to Cambridge University in England and continued to excel both in academics and in cricket, earning a “Cambridge Blue” and captaining the University against Oxford University at Lords – achievements that, in my opinion, speak volumes about his sporting abilities.

The question that this profile brings to mind is: how can we begin to realize that concentrating only on academics interferes with the development of the body? As Dr. Roopnaraine’s example demonstrates, it is safe to say that the diverse activities complemented each other. I make this point and use the Hon. Minister as an ideal example to confront those parents and children who seem to be convinced that concentrating on writing twenty (20) subjects at the CXC is a feat that they must strive to achieve, and this at the expense of participating in wholesome sporting activities for a minimum of one hour at least three times a week, which is the minimum amount of exercise recommended for children by the medical profession – not by sports advocates.

It is a well-known fact that children preparing for the CXC exams leave home at six o’clock in the morning to attend private lessons, and do so again in the afternoon after school.

Parents who promote, encourage, or support such schedules for young children are indeed very selfish, their main objective being to raise a child who gains passes in twenty (20) subjects at the CXC. Alarmingly, many such students cannot even write a job application or an original essay. The Minister of Education has advocated on a number of occasions for children having a “rounded” education. In saying this, he does not mean that to be rounded a child must have twenty (20) CXC passes at Grade One; he means that children who have completed their secondary education either at the CXC or the Advanced level are prepared for functioning successfully in the world which they will have to face.

In the days when Queen’s College participated in several sporting activities at the First Division level, playing sports at school was literally mandatory; and if my memory serves me correctly, exemption from participating was permitted only after a medical doctor certified that the child had a disability. Moreover, it was not unusual for schoolboys from the top secondary schools to be selected to represent the country on national teams – and not junior national teams, but senior national teams. Many of these schoolboys who represented national teams also emerged as Guyana Scholars, and they did not attend “extra” lessons before or after school either.

If to achieve the goal of passing twenty (20) subjects at the CXC or eight (8) at the Advanced level requires pupils attending private lessons before and after school, it might well be supposed that their teachers are not fully executing the duties for which they are receiving taxpayers’ dollars. Are these teachers shortchanging the system and the children by requiring the children to attend extra lessons, either at their homes or at some other location, to make up for what they should have been taught in the classroom? If that is the case, what are the Heads of schools doing to monitor and evaluate the performances of their teachers? Or are these Heads part of the scheme to make extra money from selfish parents?

I am advocating for sports to be a part of the curriculum of every school in Guyana. This is not new for Guyana, and is not rocket science! It happened before, and it was done successfully for games such as cricket, soccer, table tennis, athletics, basketball, chess, badminton and volleyball, to name some that can be immediately returned to the school curriculum.

For this to work, the education system must appoint in each school a teacher whose sole responsibility is sports, and this person would operate in conjunction with the school’s Games Captain, to supervise the formulation and execution

of the programme for Forms One through Six. Each school term would have two or three games assigned, viz. the games spread out through the school year, and the time-table could read as follows: Mondays 3-4 pm Form One; 4-5 pm Form Three; and 5-6 pm Form Five, with Tuesdays using the same times for Forms Two, Four, and Six. There could also be inter-house games at the junior and senior levels for the designated sports in each term. It is accepted that such a programme would be costly to implement initially, as sports equipment must be adequately provided; but I am sure that the parents, realizing that their children have the talent and potential to succeed at a certain sport, would spend some of the funds now going to private after-school lessons to give their children some, or all, of the necessary personal gear.

Sad to say, almost every school with a space designated as a playing field has a space unfit for games, which really resembles a pasture; so we have work to do. But finding equipment for sports and getting playing fields into a fit state do not require a whole lot of planning: these need commitment. If such resolve could be drummed up and sustained, Guyana could look forward to the organising of inter-school, inter-district and inter-region tournaments that benefited from collaboration between the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Teachers Union.

Having introduced the NSC and the GTU into this conversation brings me to the issue of coaching. Many, many years ago, when sports activities were taken seriously, the then National Sports Development Council employed at least twenty (20) coaches -- former national players who were qualified to offer instruction in their respective sports. Their work was essentially geared to the development of sports in schools nationwide, so that development was not restricted to the coastlands in the following sports: athletics, basketball, boxing, cycling, cricket, football, hockey, swimming, table tennis and volleyball.

In closing, I suggest that the national associations, the Teachers Union, parent-teachers associations and the Ministry meet for an intensive one-day workshop to discuss the development of this programme. Inclusive in this discussion should be the appointment of coaches and mapping the way forward for the comprehensive development of sports in Guyana.

Importantly, parents should be advised of the very important role of play in the development of their children; and that development of children will not have a chance to happen if children are forced to devour their school books for twelve hours a day six days a week or more.

Start date set for trial of KN grenade accused CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan Monday set the date for the commencement of the trial against three men for the grenade attack on the Kaieteur News in June.

The trial is set to begin on September 8 along with 23 police and civilian witness are expected to testify in the matter.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers on Monday told the court the files and investigation was completed and expressed readiness for the commencement of trial.

Jeffers further disclosed that the matter would remain indictable, since the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) does not apply to a charge of such nature.

The men will remain on remand.

The three alleged masterminds, namely Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown; Joneil Howard, 20, of Lot 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown; and Leroy Williams, 25, of

Lot 11 Durban Backlands, Georgetown are currently on remand for the indictable charge.

On Tuesday, June 14, the trio was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for unlawfully and maliciously conspiring with other persons to cause explosion by way of a grenade likely to endanger

lives, and cause damage to property on June 4, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

Howard surrendered on June 13 shortly after a wanted bulletin was posted for his arrest.

Police are, meanwhile, still looking for 20-year-old Shemar Wilson, called ‘Abdue’, in connection with the

same incident.

According to reports, three persons, including the driver, were in a silver-grey Toyota Spacio from which the grenade was thrown.

Prior to the attack, the occupants were seen parked in James Street, Albouystown.

When the device was tossed at the publisher’s vehicle, a security staffer

had heard an unusual sound near the Lexus SUV which was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. Upon checking, the staffer spotted the grenade lying near the right front wheel.

Staffers were, at the time, participating in a wake for Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, who had passed away earlier the

same day.

Video footage from a Kaieteur News CCTV camera showed the grey Spacio heading north, but slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The vehicle then accelerated after the device was thrown, but later crashed in the vicinity of Norton Street and Mandela Avenue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Dutch team modernising City drainage

By Navendra Seoraj A DUTCH team has begun working on a computer (hydraulic) model for drainage in parts of Georgetown, to help predict the vulnerability of certain areas during rainfall.

The seven-member Dutch Risk Reduction (DRR) team of masters’ students from Delph University of Technology in the Netherlands will be working collaboratively with the Ministries of Agriculture and Public Infrastructure, the University of Guyana (UG), the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the National Task Force (NTF) to achieve their goal.

This was announced during a press conference on Monday at the Ministry of Agriculture, where Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson indicated that the team was here last year to conduct a survey of the City’s drainage system, and they made a number of recommendations to the Government.

“Most of what was highlighted in the recommendations shows that modernisation is pivotal to the improvement of the City’s drainage system,” said Minister Patterson.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, during his re-

Government ministers and other officials share a photo opportunity with the Dutch team that is here to remodel the City’s drainage system (Delano Williams photo) marks noted that the team has the important task of assisting with the development of a new pilot system and design model to improve the drainage and irrigation system in Georgetown.

The team will be working alongside local engineers to measure parts of the drainage system while putting a computer (hydraulic) model together from which they will be able to say which areas in Georgetown are vulnerable to flooding at any time during rainfall.

To begin the test and complete the hydraulic mod-

el, the local engineers headed by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Dutch team will be working every day in the Liliendaal and South Ruimveldt catchment area, given that those are two of the most flooded areas despite the pump systems there, said Minister Holder.

“When the model is prepared, a team from the University of Guyana will add to it and test it continually.

The team will also use the information from the model to train young engineers so what we will have the trans-

fer of information and technology so we can develop further systems throughout Guyana on our own,” Holder said.

Head of the DRR team, Joost Remmers said that from the outset of their interactions in Guyana and their understanding of the Georgetown Water and Sewerage Master Plan of 1994, Guyana is determined to lower the number of flood events in Georgetown from three to four times a year to once every two to five years.

COMMUNICATION PLAN The Dutch team’s 2016 report on drainage in Guyana stated that a communication plan needs to be developed to increase the understanding of Guyanese about what it means to live in a flood-prone country.

The report said: “Flood-

ing will remain an issue in Guyana and in Georgetown.

Because of this, the DRR team posited that the communication plan needs to explain the principles of living with water and this can be best served through a pilot project.

Further, the report noted that frequently there is a loss of awareness by Guyanese as it relates to flood threats.

It also mentioned that this loss of awareness influences behaviour regarding the existing water management infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the NTF, Joe Singh highlighted that water management is a critical area of focus since most of the agriculture is practiced in the low lying areas of Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six. CLIMATE CHANGE “We need to be able to

adapt to climate change where our water resources and management is concerned. Even in the height of the El Nino period we are still faced with some occurrences of heavy rainfall that can cause flash floods in many high risk areas,” Singh said.

He noted also that the effects of proper drainage have positive impacts from an agricultural perspective, such as salinity control, flooding, crop yields, soil erosion and water supply.

While the natural drainage systems are still in use, these channels are not sufficient. He said that improved drainage methods and systems are necessary, along with the work of the NTF for the socio-economic growth and well-being of the people of Georgetown and the country as a whole.

Bench warrant issued for Raymond Pestano JUSTICE Jo Ann Barlow on Monday issued a bench warrant for murder accused Raymond Pestano who faces a joint indictment with his father Roy Pestano Snr. The Pestanos are accused of killing their relative Davindand Ramlagan on October 19, 2002 at Number 41 Village, West Coast Berbice.

At Monday’s hearing, the senior Pestano had reported to the Berbice Assizes, accompanied by his Attorney Peter Hugh, as the State had expected to commence the third trial.

However, the co-accused and the attorney could not state the whereabouts of the younger Pestano. Consequently, an arrest warrant was issued.

Meanwhile, after the jury had failed to arrive at a verdict at the conclusion of the second trial, the men through their attorney made a bail petition before the then Chief Justice, Ian Chang and was granted pre-trial liberty in the sum of $450,000 each.

Raymond Pestano

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

City in financial strain

- as operational costs for portable toilets, road sweeper bite ALTHOUGH Acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe has cited a lack of finance at the City Council to efficiently care for “important” works in the City, councillors have been told that more than $6M are being spent on a monthly basis to pay for the services of a road sweeper, and just about $1M are being spent to rent portable toilets.

The use of the road sweeper -- a vehicle with

all important to us, but we do try to do it in phases, one at a time. We are doing it in baby steps; we do not have enough to do big steps, but we doing baby steps, and I am quite certain we will get there,” she said.

Shortly after her comments, Councillor Bishram Kuppen reminded that at the previous statutory meeting he had recommended that the services of the mechanical road sweeper be discon-

uals to construct and operate sanitary facilities in certain parts of the City. Many of those private contractors and facilities have been so badly managed that people don’t want to use them. We have to relook at the whole question of maintaining the public facilities,” he said.

Councillor Malcolm Ferreira said he is not asking for the road sweeping to be discontinued, just for the bill to be justified. “This is

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan presiding over Monday’s statutory meeting huge brushes that sweep in a circular fashion and collect dust –- and the rental of portable toilets have been severely criticised by some councilors, and a call has even been made to discontinue their use.

At the Council’s fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall on Monday, the acting Town Clerk reported that there are several issues in every department of City Hall, and authorities there now have to prioritise.

“There are so many (issues) that we may not be able to address all simultaneously, but what we are doing is addressing them in phases. All our facilities are important to us; we would like to look at all those facilities like yesterday, but, unfortunately, finances within the Council do not allow it,” Munroe stated.

Councillors have heard how Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine is currently housed in a building that urgently needs repair. “…but we could not do that immediately; we really cannot address all the issues at one time. They are

tinued.

“This is a complete waste of time. The Council can save money. I would recommend we discontinue the service of the road sweeper. The way road sweepers work, they have to sweep the parapets of the road, not the middle of the road, where all the dust accumulates. Most of the roads in Georgetown have vehicles parked on both sides, so I don’t know when they are sweeping, or what they are sweeping; but it’s a complete waste of the City’s money,” he declared.

Acting Mayor Sherod Duncan then pointed out that City Council is spending about $1M on portable toilets. He recalled that the Council had previously had many public conveniences built.

Councillor Oscar Clarke said he could see the need for the portable toilets, as many new parks are being made available but they do not have toilet facilities.

“And so the cost for portable toilets has escalated. In the past, the Council had given contracts to private individ-

the final time I am asking.

It seems as though we ask, ask, ask, and no one sends or put forward…they only give us what they want us to have. So I am not going to ask again. I will go out in the fields and compile my report and submit it to the Council.

“I can’t interfere with their work, but I can monitor from afar, and cameras allow me to zoom right up to the closest inch. So I will compile a report on how much distance they cover and so, in order to justify the amount we spending each month.”

Councillor Akeem Peter questioned why the City Council could not look at purchasing its own portable toilets, instead of paying for rental each month; while Councillor Ivelaw Henry observed that a comprehensive review of the road sweeping is needed.

The acting Mayor concluded this discussion with a request that the administration report on the road sweeper, including the contract and scope of work, for attention of councillors at the next statutory meeting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Jagdeo appointed FAO ambassador for forests, environment GUYANA’s former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has been appointed a special ambassador for forests and the environment with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva made the announcement on the final day of the 23rd session of the Organization’s Committee on Forestry (COFO) in Rome.

As special ambassador, Jagdeo will promote the role of forests in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; raise awareness of the vital contributions of forests to food security, rural poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration; and encourage actions to support the sustainable use of forests and other natural resources.

Jagdeo served as twotime President of Guyana, between 1999 and 2011; becoming the youngest head of state in the world at 35.

The former President was the one who launched the Jag-

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo deo Initiative to create a more competitive agricultural sector in the Caribbean by 2015.

Jagdeo will also draw on his experience serving on the UN Secretary-General's High Level Advisory Group on Climate Financing, as a patron of the Delhi-based World Sustainable Development Forum, as an IUCN Patron of Nature, and President of the Assembly of the Korea-based Global Green Growth Institute. Jagdeo was also elected, and served, as COFO Chairperson for the 22nd and 23rd sessions of FAO’s forestry committee.

“Dr Jagdeo has been working with FAO to promote environment and for-

estry around the world, and we are very happy he joins his voice to our efforts,” said Graziano da Silva, thanking Jagdeo for accepting the role of special ambassador.

Describing his appointment as a “great honour”, and acknowledging FAO’s work in “so many areas critical to life and well-being on our planet”, Jagdeo pledged to continue raising the profile of forests and advocate for global recognition of their importance.

The United Nations has a tradition of enlisting the support of prominent individuals to underline priority issues and to draw attention to its activities. (FAO)

IAC to pay tribute to Bollywood icons THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) will on Sunday be holding an “Evening of Entertainment” at the National Cultural Centre.

Proceedings will include tributes to the late legendary Bollywood playback singers Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh Chand Matthur and Kishore Kumar.

Sunday marks the 36th death anniversary of Rafi, who passed away in 1980; Mukesh died on August 27, 1976 and Kishore died on October 13, 1987. Considered three of India’s greatest singers, each man had made immeasurable contributions to Indian music through thousands of songs, and each even now has a large global following.

An IAC release said the icons continue to be household names in Guyana, and

their music continues to be immensely popular. Following the death of Rafi in 1980, local Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore singing competitions were introduced as fans found ways to honour the memories of these stalwarts.

“The IAC, in its continuous efforts to aid in the preservation of Indian culture, has, over the years, held simple events to honour these singers. It believes that the treasure of music they gifted the world is irreplaceable and timeless, and must be preserved. Music is an integral part of culture, and it is in this context that the ‘Evening of Entertainment’ is being held. A number of local singers will be paying homage to these legends, while the (Jewan Ka Nritya) dance troupe led by Roshini Boo-

dhoo will perform relevant dances,” the release said.

In addition to the tribute, the show will include, as a bonus, the comedy “Choti Backoo”, spoofing the title of the popular Indian Soap “Choti Bahu”, a hilarious exchange between the old and young generations that will leave the audience in stitches from laughter. Written and directed by Neaz Subhan, winner of the Best Playwright Prize in 2013 for “When Chocolate Melts”, it stars Michael Ignatius, Chris Gopaul, Romel Edmondson, Nirmala Narine, Narda Mohamed and Paul Budhna.

The show commences at 19:00 hrs. (7pm), and tickets costing $1500, $1000 and $500 and are on sale at the National Cultural Centre.

Kishore Kumar

Mukesh Chand Matthur

Mohammed Rafi

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Hundreds celebrate international Eid Fest HUNDREDS of persons of diverse religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds throughout Guyana, the Caribbean and North America converged on the picturesque Anna Catherina Islamic Complex on the West Coast of Demerara to join the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman and the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) in celebration of the 13th Annual International Eid Fest Programme at the ACIC on Sunday last.

The audience was mesmerised by the performance of local group Indus Voices, led by Amar Ramessar, which provided musical interludes of qaseedas, ghazals and other renditions during the programme. The voices of the Indus Voices’ singers resounded in the air and held in thrall the audience through magnificent performances of qaseedas, ghazals and Sufi renditions.

Indus Voices, formed seven years ago, comprises a set of very talented Guyanese artistes ranging from percussionists to keyboardists to vocalists, all lead by Amar Ramessar. The group has done many charity shows across Guyana and internationally, as well as in countries such as Grenada and French Guiana. It has also performed at the first-ever Rupununi Mu-

sic Festival in Guyana, and done numerous local performances, such as the farewell ceremony for the Caribbean Development Bank Heads of Government Meeting held in Guyana two years ago.

The group’s magnificent performance, watched by Shazard Ali, Public Relations Officer of the Anjuman Sunnatul Jamaat Association Inc. (ASJA), the largest Islamic organisation in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, has earned the group an immediate invitation to perform during the staging of the International Qaseeda Mehfil in Trinidad and Tobago, from August 11 to 15, 2016.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, representing President David Granger, brought greetings to the Guyanese Muslim community from the Government of Guyana. In her dynamic presentation, she congratulated the administration of ACIC for its continuous development, and stated that the Government of Guyana is following the growth of this institution closely and with great pride.

“The celebration of Eid provides national integration and the feeling of brotherhood, which is imperative not only in Guyana but throughout the world,” Minister Ally

-- by persons purporting to be followers of Islam not be allowed to happen in this beautiful country of Guyana, where all people exist in great unity, respect and love.

Khan said that while the existence of the ideology which gave rise to these atrocities is evident, Muslim leaders here in Guyana must work feverishly to rid the community of the spread of this ideology.

He cautioned that Guyana needs to be very wary of Muslim scholars coming to these shores to give “performances” and to indoctrinate people.

The programme was chaired by ACIC’s Public Relations executive, TV Host Reyaz Hussain. Making brief remarks at the event were Liaison within the Ministry of the Presidency, Malcolm

Harripaul, and Hajji Roshan Khan.

ASJA Public Relations Officer Shazard Ali also covered the event for IBN TV 8, the most popular TV Channel in Trinidad and Tobago.

Hosting of this year’s programme was dedicated to the late Mohamed Azeeze Imran, described as an ardent promoter of these kinds of events during his lifetime and as a dedicated member of ACIC. Though residing overseas, his family members continue to support these activities in his name.

The event, first observed in 2003, brings together leaders of all Muslim organisations and jamaats from across Guyana, as well as members of the wider society, in celebration of one of Islam’s greatest festivals.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, addressing the ACIC gathering said. on the Muslim community She urged the wide and to be wary of what is hapdiverse audience, which in- pening in the world, and to cluded Pastor Ronald Mc- ensure the atrocities comGarrell and Pandit Deodatt mitted against human beTillack (who brought greet- ings -- including Muslims ings from the Christian and Hindu communities respectively) not to forget the ideals cultivated during the beautiful month of Ramadan; and urged the gathering to cultivate three qualities in their lives: love, peace and unity.

Ally also pledged Government’s continued support for institutions such as ACIC and SADR, for the remarkable work they are doing for the country.

President General of Sections of the gathering at the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman and the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex Annual International Eid Fest Programme ACIC, Hakeem Khan, called

Caroline Benn bowled for splendid 102

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric NURNEY Village centenarian Caroline Marks, nee Benn, passed away peacefully at her granddaughter’s home at Lot 192 Amsville Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam last Thursday.

Her granddaughter Wendy Burnette told the Guyana Chronicle that her 102-yearold grandmother had complained of not feeling too well and was taken from her home to the New Amsterdam Hospital. Afterwards she was taken to Amsville where she died surrounded by her relatives and loved ones.

On August 16, 2014 during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, ‘Mama’, as she is fondly called, sang the old time favourite hymnal, ‘It is no secret what God can do, what he's done for others, he'll do for you.

With arms wide open he'll pardon you, it is no secret

what God can do,’ as she sat on her back stairway of her daughter Ulele’s home, overlooking several pig stys at Nurney Village, Corentyne.

The bespectacled woman chanted the hymn, made popular by the late American country singer Jim Reeves, after being asked about the secret of her longevity.

Benn had gotten ‘a clean bill of health’ after visiting medical practitioners two days before her 100th birthday.

Then, she mused ‘Dis time nah long time’ as she conversed with the Guyana Chronicle in the village she called home for over a century.

“In my younger days you could have ran around naked, without the thought of being sexually abused, but not now. You don’t know who to trust now. It was a must that you go to church. You had to remember God for it is He who

has given us the strength but now dem young people nah want to go to God’s house,” she had said.

She added: “Lang time we worked hard at the farm, planting rice, plantain, eddoes, cassava and other cash crops to supply the family needs but now some people don’t want to work but yet them want to eat.”

Born on August 16, 1914 to Delia Benn and Francis Marks, who incidentally also lived at Nurney Village, ‘Mama’ , who is the lone survivor of five siblings, recalled her childhood years when after working with her siblings and parents on the farmland, they would go to the Missionary Church for service.

“We went there without shoes,” she had recalled, while pausing intermittently, and gazing ahead, tilting her head to the left as if to relive

those fond moments.

“Coconut oil was used to rub our skin. My sisters and I had our hair plaited and ribbons affixed… We were a happy family. I went to the Scotts School when CN Natoo was the Head Master, but I left at Standard Three as I had to then assist with household chores while my older siblings and parents left for the farm.

“I was never married but I got three children - Ruth, James and Ulele. I continued working on the farm, right here at Nurney… I never left this place… My children are all grown and the eldest one with whom I once lived, died, so I am now with my youngest child.

The centenarian had advised those striving to reach the century to “Honour your father and mother that your days would be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

The late Caroline Benn

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Prime Minister commits to upgrading Radio Paiwomak PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has made a commitment to support the upgrading of Radio Paiwomak, based at Bina Hill in Annai, North Rupununi.

On a recent visit to Regions Eight and Nine, the Prime Minister toured the Radio Paiwomak studio and observed the shabby conditions under which employees work, including the lack of suitable chairs and furnishings for announcers. Broken windows were in evidence, as were rotting and leaking roofs and unsuitable conditions under which the equipment were being stored.

He immediately asked that Radio Paiwomak Coordinator Virgil Harding meet with the Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, to itemise the station's needs and to provide immediate support to upgrade the facilities.

Harding also asked that the 100-foot transmission

tower be extended by another 50 feet, and that directional antennas be installed to allow signal reach to be extended as far as Fairview on the bank of the Essequibo River.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo committed to giving this request consideration in the 2017 budget. A structure to facilitate better compensation for the Radio Paiwomak administrator and announcers will also be pursued as part of the next budget cycle.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo instructed that plans be put in place to conduct an introductory training programme for new broadcasters to train persons in the North Rupununi who are interested in radio broadcasting.

During the visit, the Prime Minister and his delegation, which included Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, also met with the executives of

the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), to listen to issues of concern.

The Prime Minister presented a Certificate of Recognition to the NRDDB for the work it has been doing in social and economic upliftment of the North Rupununi.

He presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Annai Secondary School for winning the inaugural LCDS Climate Change National Quiz Competition, and he gave solar LED lights to children of the community to assist them at nights in reading and preparing for classes and examinations.

Radio Paiwomak, the first hinterland community radio station in Guyana, was launched in 2000. It has provided continuous service to communities of the North Rupununi for almost 16 years, and broadcasts in English and Amerindian languages.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Virgil Harding speak with other officials in the Radio Paiwomak studio (OPM photo) In 2015, the station suffered from a critical loss of power, but the Office of the Prime Minister presented it with batteries costing several

hundred thousand dollars, thus allowing it to continue broadcasting uninterruptedly, the Office of the Prime Minister has said in a release.

The North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) comprises 18 villages and three satellite communities.

Lethem Mayor perturbed by intruding bikers

By Alva Solomon CLOSE to 300 motorcycles operated by riders from neighbouring Brazil rode into Lethem on an “international motorcade” on Sunday, and the town’s mayor says he is deeply concerned by the event.

Reports are that the mid-morning event commenced at the border when the bikers -- who rode various models of motorcycles, including the famous Harley-Davidson brand -- assembled at the border checkpoint.

After clearing immigration, the male and female bikers rode into Lethem through several streets as the town’s residents looked on.

There reportedly were more than 500 persons who

crossed the border on the bikes, since many carried pillion riders. The numbers were considered significant in terms of the number of “foreign bikers” assembling in one day at one of Guyana’s newest towns. The bikes included customised rides with specially designed colours and insignias.

Lethem mayor, Carlton Beckles, told this publication that the bikers rode around the town without seeking permission from the municipality. “I will be sending a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, because I am very much perturbed by this,” he said.

Beckles noted that one of the organisers of the event had called him on Satur-

day afternoon and requested that he address the bikers at Lethem, but this was not possible because he was out of town. He noted that the request, coming the day before the event, did not consider the municipality’s mandate of managing the affairs of the town.

He said it was the first time he had been aware that such a large gathering of bikers had assembled in the border town, and he noted that persons would, from time to time ride across to Lethem from Boa Vista in small groups.

The bikers are planning a much larger event at Boa Vista later in the year, and many Guyanese riders from Lethem are slated to join them.

The bikers in Lethem on Sunday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Region 5 not sleeping - REO says public works going full steam ahead

By Clifford Stanley REGION Five Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison has refuted allegations that the public works programme of the region is being stalled due to the impasse between the Regional Chairman of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)-dominated Council and the APNU+AFC councillors.

He was responding to a media report attributed to the Region 5 Chamber of Commerce headlined “Region 5 in slumber over stalemate at RDC.” “Region five is definitely not in slumber. The reports are patently false. Our work programme for 2016 is going ahead as planned and at full steam. The weather has been a bit of a problem in the case of road works but are we hampered by that situation at the RDC?” he asked, and answered “definitely not.”

He explained that “our not being impeded has to do with the way the system works. The RDC makes policies and the Secretariat implements those policies. The policies for 2016 were concretised in the 2016 budget

Regional Five REO Ovid Morrison which has been passed. We at the Secretariat are implementing those policies with funds allocated by Central Government. We don’t need any input from the RDC. We already have the funds.”

He stressed: “People making the statement that the region is sleeping, because of what is happening at the RDC level are operating under a totally false impression.”

Meanwhile, Regional Engineer Dhanpaul Sukha confirmed that the region had awarded approximately 85 per cent of the contracts for public works.

He said that there had been delays in the works programme, especially in

the road construction projects because of the inclement weather pattern and in some cases shortages of materials.

He added that now that the weather had improved, the works have picked up and the region was moving forward steadfastly with the execution of its budgeted programme.

“We will within the third and fourth quarter of this year, catch up in completing all of our programmed work as well as whatever projects we would have proposed for our savings,” Sukha said.

In its 2016 budget, Central Government allocated $2.66B to Region Five to carry out major developmental and maintenance works.

Of this sum, $390M was allocated for capital works while $2.72B is being expended on the maintenance of buildings and infrastructure.

Most of the capital allocation is being utilised for public works such as roads and bridges and land and infrastructural development. The sum being spent on such projects amounts to $120M, of which some $75M is being spent on road upgrades and other land development works and $25M on bridges.

Careless doctors will be investigated - if formal complaints are made, says Guyana Medical Council

THE Guyana Medical Council (GMC) has reportedly not received any formal complaint that doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) have repeatedly been misdiagnosing patients, resulting in their lengthened stay in the hospital and sometimes their deaths.

GMC Secretary Dr. Juanita Johnson told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday that the Council has not heard of the accusations, but any formal complaint made to the Council would be thoroughly investigated.

The Guyana Nurses Association (GNA), in a press statement issued on Friday, said: “If deaths in other departments are investigated like those in the Maternity Unit, it will shock the nation, as wrong diagnosis and poor management contribute to an alarming number of deaths, and nurses are aware. Are we the ones who misdiagnosed the patients and caused them longer hospitalisation stay, increasing mortality and morbidity rates?” the GNA asked.

The GNA suggested that doctors at the institution “spend time conducting research to improve their clinical practice, and leave the nurses to do nursing management; (since) the registered nurse has knowledge, skills and competency, and always displays same.”

Efforts by the Guyana Chronicle to contact either Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton or Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud for comment on the issue have been unsuccessful.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

ARIES - Although you normally enjoy the excitement of the adrenaline rush, you’re thankful when the energy settles down a notch today. But the stress isn’t quite over yet, even if you’re dealing with more mundane issues now. You could tighten up with fear because you probably don’t want to accept impractical solutions. Nevertheless, your obstinacy may not be enough to stop radical ideas from crashing through into your awareness. Resist less; move more.

TAURUS - It’s not wise to become overly comfortable with any one emotional posture today, since a process of change will take you through your paces. The Moon’s shift into sensible Taurus amplifies your feelings that conflict with your recently established goals.

Something must give, and fortunately, a late night rush of inspiration could bring the answers you seek. As author Paulo Coelho writes, “If you think adventure is dangerous, you should try routine.”

GEMINI - You’re not thrilled when the electrical storm that’s been stimulating your brain begins to dissipate. However, you’re eager to take the intellectual buzz of these past few days and use it to imagine how your future could turn out. But you’re not as interested in the practical logistics that lurk close by in the shadows. Try not to fight against your current destiny, even if it contains an overload of calendars and appointments. A late night Mercury-Uranus connection could bring brilliant insights while also keeping you up past your bedtime. True genius never sleeps.

CANCER - You might finally get the respite you crave as the demands of work begin to settle down today. However, you can’t assume that this less hectic pace will last for long. Thankfully, an illuminating Mercury-Uranus trine clears away your uncertainty with one momentary lightning-like flash of awareness. Even after the darkness returns, you’ll know exactly what to do. Your epiphany sticks with you once you see the situation in a bright new light.

LEO - A renewed interest in getting ahead at work grabs your attention today but you’re not driven to see results right away. Instead, your strategy is based upon gradual progress as the plodding Taurus Moon enters your 10th House of Career. Nevertheless, a wave of urgency emboldens you to ride high on new ideas as they begin sparking connections in your brain later in the day. Just make sure that your enthusiasm doesn’t leave your resources depleted. Let go of the things you can’t change while focusing on those you can.

VIRGO - You may spend a fair amount of time today mulling over recent events and trying to determine your next move. However, initiating action is not as high on your priority list as making a concrete plan for the future. Paradoxically, your practicality relaxes your mind, helping you to see the problem from a totally new point of view. A slow and steady approach ends up saving the day with an unexpected solution. A break from your routine offers you the fresh perspective you need.

LIBRA - If you’ve been running at the speed of light, it feels great to be able to slow down and take a few deep breaths. You might even get a bit lazy and try to avoid interacting with others. Although you may downplay your social involvement today, events will continue to vie for your attention until you acquiesce and participate more fully. The good news is that intelligent Mercury’s fortunate trine to brilliant Uranus indicates that stepping beyond your comfort zone now will likely bring surprising rewards.

SCORPIO - Following your bliss would be the natural and easy thing to do today if it wasn’t for other people’s expectations. The demands of a partner or coworker might seem excessive, especially if they hijack your personal agenda. Although you are tempted to lay everything on the line and choose one path over the other, it’s wiser to take a less extreme approach until later in the day. Clever thoughts and witty repartee enable you to talk about your dilemma without necessarily upsetting anyone along the way.

SAGITTARIUS - Although the idea of less involvement with others sounds great today, you might find it challenging to retreat into your private world. Nevertheless, you have a specific list of chores to finish and you don’t want to be distracted by everyone else.

Thankfully, you can accomplish an amazing amount of work in a very short time if you concentrate on your goals. Mental Mercury’s trine to ingenious Uranus in your 5th House of Creativity triggers so much innovative thinking that you will emerge the hero with time left over for rest and relaxation.

CAPRICORN - Your ability to filter out extraneous noise makes you an excellent problem solver today. However, you could be pulled into someone else’s drama if your boundaries are undefined. Your smartest strategy now is to withdraw from conflict as soon as you see it coming. Signing on the dotted line is best postponed until others are more willing to negotiate. Wait until your intuition grows stronger later in the day and new insights reveal surprisingly simple ways to resolve an existing issue. It is the journey, not the destination, that matters.

AQUARIUS - Think clearly, speak slowly and remain patient in order to calmly get your message across today. However, your certainty could be problematic if you’re unwilling to listen to the feedback you receive. Fortunately, an inventive Mercury-Uranus trine helps you leap over any obstacles created by your own stubbornness. If you can remain open-minded, effective communication becomes the key to your personal success story.

PISCES - You could easily overstep your bounds today, defending an indefensible position. Luckily, a crafty Mercury-Uranus trine enables you to smooth ruffled feathers by providing solutions that seem to come out of the blue. Although it might be exhilarating to stretch the limits by provoking others with your unconventional ideas, it’s wiser to step back when you get close to the edge of a cliff. Remember, you’re most convincing when you calmly address one subject at a time instead of overloading others with too much information. How you deliver your message makes all the difference in the world.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Moblissa residents bemoan transportation cost - appeal to Government for help to send children to school

By Vanessa Braithwaite RESIDENTS of the farming community of Moblissa on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway are soliciting the Government’s assistance to provide transportation for students, probably under President Granger’s 5 B’s initiative, before the reopening of school in September.

The residents took the opportunity to voice their transportation plight, among other matters, to Government representatives at the recently held ministerial outreach in Linden.

Denise Cornelius, a resident, speaking on behalf of the group told the Guyana Chronicle that lack of transportation for the students attending school in Linden, which is approximately seven miles away, is causing serious financial strain on parents who are just smallscale farmers.

“We have 14 high school children coming out of Moblissa to go to school every day. It is seven miles

in from the highway and we don’t have any transportation running in Moblissa, we have to pay $2,500 to get out and $2,500 to get in,” she revealed.

Several parents cannot often afford this hefty cost and the children are forced to walk the long distance, which deters many of them from completing their secondary education.

“Because of the transportation problem we have a lot of dropouts, you know the youths them when they reach a certain age they don’t want to work anymore, we have a lot of teenage pregnancy and all these things,” she bemoaned.

In addition to the physical fatigue of the students having to wake very early to walk the seven miles, in the evenings the walk is deemed dangerous as one young girl was recently robbed of her cellphone, money and other devices while walking home after lessons.

Representatives from the Ministry of the Presidency

Tuesday July 26th, 2016 - 10:00 hrs Wednesday July 27th, 2016 - 11:00 hrs Thursday July 28th, 2016 - 12:30 hrs

visited the community on Sunday and held meaningful discussions with the residents, even forming a youth group.

The representatives also promised to engage President Granger about providing a school bus or bicycles for the students to boost regular attendance and punctuality.

The Government representatives were still unable to bring closure to the decade-long issue of whether the community falls in Region 10 or Region 4.

Cornelius said that this ongoing situation has cost them many opportunities to receive much needed assistance as regional authorities would claim that the community is not in their remit.

“When we come to Region 10 for help they would tell we that ya no we can’t get help here, we have to go to Region Four,” she said.

She is calling on the Government to have these issues addressed since residents have been suffering for “way too long”.

Sexagenarian freed of rape indictment - after VC opts not to give evidence

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

SIXTY-six-year-old alleged rapist Winston Benn of Limlair Village, Corentyne, walked out of the Berbice Assizes a free man, after the virtual complainant opted not to give evidence against him.

The teenage mother of one was 14-years when the accused allegedly raped her between October 1, and 31, 2013.

In the witness box, the teen told Justice Jo Ann Barlow and the mixed jury that she did not wish to proceed with the matter.

She told the court that she is the mother of a two-yearold. Further, she is employed, and would like to move on with her life.

Her mother, who also testified, revealed that the decision was made following a lengthy discussion.

Meanwhile, the judge while dismissing Benn, urged the elder, to use the opportunity to improve his relationship with the younger generation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

DIGICEL schools football final four decided By: Ras Wadada

THE last four teams remaining in this year’s DIGICEL nationwide Schools KO football tournament have been confirmed and among them is the 5-time defending champions, Wismar/Christianburg Secondary School, who waltzed into tomorrow’s semi-final with an easy 6-0 drubbing of Tutorial Secondary, when quarter-final action climaxed at the Leonora Ground yesterday.

The Cup holders, playing confident and, at times, exhilarating football, completely dominated their Berbician counterparts to set

up a semi-final meeting tomorrow with Sir Leon Lessons (SLL).

Also securing a semi-final spot was the other Berbician quarter-finalist, Bush Lot Secondary, who also had little difficulty in getting past their opponents, Soesdyke Secondary by a 3-1 margin, for a meeting with Chase Academy in the other semi-final set for the Leonora Stadium.

In yesterday’s opening game, forward Titus Fraser blasted a hat-trick to propel Bush Lot into to their second semi-final berth in the history of the annual competition.

Fraser netted in the 4th, 14th and 80th minutes against a game

Soesdyke side whose consolation goal came off of the boot of Tyrone Khan in the 24th minute.

In the feature game played under the lights, the defending champions made light work of Tutorial in a lopsided affair that indicated the Champs are out to take their 6th consecutive title.

After a 17th minute conversion from just inside the area by Omar Brewley, the Lindeners toyed with their opponents for the remainder of the first period and failed to add to the score, as the ball was mostly played in the Tutorial half.

Within three minutes of the resumption, the lead was doubled

by a well put- together play that started on the right side. The wellmeasured cross found an unmarked Amar Jones at the far post, and he rose to meet the ball and rocked the nets to double the lead and seemingly took the fight out of the Berbicians.

On the stroke of the hour the Tutorial side changed Goalkeeper and within five minutes Antoine Gill made it 3-0, and then seven minutes later Brewley netted his second goal. Jermaine Kingston then added his name to the score sheet in the 85th minute, and one minute from full time Shaquille Campbell completed the 6-0 rout.

Tomorrow’s opening semi-final will see Chase Academy against Bush Lot Secondary, after which SSL will try to end the reign of Wismar/Christianburg Secondary.

Windies, Afghanistan confirm series WEST Indies and Afghanistan Cricket Boards have

agreed to play 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is in June, 2017 in West Indies. This will be the first time that two dynamic and entertaining sides of the Cricketing World face each other in a full series.

"Playing with Twenty20 champions will boost technical prospects for us,”

Nasimullah Danish, Chairman of Afghanistan Cricket Board.

While CEO of the ACB, Shafiq Stanikazi, says “this is a major series with very attractive teams featuring some of the world’s best players.

We look forward to some very entertaining cricket in

T20 and ODI. On behalf of Afghanistan Cricket Board, I am very thankful to West Indies Cricket Board for agreeing to be hosts for the series.”

WICB’s CEO, Michael Muirhead noted that “this series will add to the variety of cricket our teams will be

Russia Rio decision sends... desire to compete as an independent athlete," added Niggli.

"Ms Stepanova was instrumental in courageously exposing the single biggest doping scandal of all-time.

WADA is very concerned by the message that this sends to whistleblowers for the future."

RUSSIA DECISION 'A CONFUSING MESS' Olympic organisers have

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been accused of a lack of leadership and creating a "confusing mess" over the Russia decision.

The United States Anti-Doping Association (USADA) said the IOC had delivered a "significant blow to the rights of clean athletes".

"Many, including clean athletes and whistleblowers, have demonstrated courage and strength in confronting

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playing for the next year and we are happy to be able to have teams visit the region to add exposure for all our players.”

The series is due to start mid-June and the specific dates and venues will be announced in due course.

(ICC Media Release).

From page 26

a culture of state-supported doping and corruption within Russia," said Usada chief Travis Tygart.

"Disappointingly, however, in response to the most important moment for clean athletes and the integrity of the Olympic Games, the IOC has refused to take decisive leadership."

The IOC also ruled that any Russian athlete who has 10:45 hrs Notarised 11:20 hrs Maljaa 11:55 hrs Parys Mountain 12:30 hrs Pure Art Beverley 09:10 hrs Chauvelin 09:45 hrs Quiet Moment 10:20 hrs Noodles Blue Boy 10:55 hrs Final 12:05 hrs Faintly 12:35 hrs San Cassiano Irish Racing Tips Galway 12:15 hrs Oathkeeper 12:45 hrs Briar Hill

served a doping ban will not be eligible for the Games.

That means it will not allow whistleblower Stepanova to compete as a neutral athlete in Rio. Tygart added: "The decision to refuse her entry into the Games is incomprehensible and will undoubtedly deter whistleblowers in the future from coming forward."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

England crush Pakistan by 330 runs to level series MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - James Anderson, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes took three wickets apiece as England completed a thumping 330-run win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the second Test at Old Trafford yesterday.

Chasing a mammoth 565 for victory, Pakistan found batting no easier second time around and were dismissed for 234 in the final session as England levelled the series at 1-1.

Anderson struck to remove Shan Masood for one, the opener edging a ball to Alastair Cook at first slip, before trapping Azhar Ali plumb lbw for eight.

Younus Khan then had a left-off before lunch when he was dropped in the slips

by Cook off Ben Stokes.

It proved a frustrating day for Stokes who later limped off with a calf injury.

Opener Mohammad Hafeez looked reasonably

Aussies include two spinners for Sri Lanka first Test

The two captains Angelo Mathews and Steven Smith with the trophy.

England batsman Joe Root was named man-of-the-match. Root is the third England player to make a 250 and a fifty in the same Test; Andy Sandham scored 325 and 50 against West Indies in Jamaica in 1930, and Graham Gooch made 333 and 123 against India at Lord's in 1990.

secure but fell on 42 when he was caught by Gary Ballance at short-leg off a full delivery by Moeen.

Younus continued to live dangerously and his patience snapped when he tried to launch a Moeen

delivery over the long-on boundary but was caught inside the rope by Alex Hales for 28.

Captain Misbah-ul-Haq smashed Moeen for six and played aggressively for his 35 before he was bowled by

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings 589 for 8 decl.

(J. Root 254, A. Cook 105, C. Woakes 58, J. Bairstow 58) PAKISTAN 1st innings 198 (Misbah-ul-Haq 52; C. Woakes 4-67) ENGLAND 2nd innings (overnight: 98-1) A. Cook not out 76 A. Hales c S. Ahmed b Amir 24 J. Root not out 71 Extras: (lb-2) 2 Total: (for 1 wickets decl’d, 30 overs) 173 Fall of wickets: 1-68.

Bowling: M. Amir 11-2-43-1, R. Ali 8-054-0, Y. Shah 9-0-53-0, Az. Ali 2-0-21-0.

PAKISTAN 2nd innings (Target: 565 runs) M. Hafeez c Ballance b Ali 42 S. Masood c Cook b Anderson 1 Az. Ali lbw b Anderson 8 Y. Khan c Hales b Ali 28 Misbah-ul-Haq b Woakes 35 A. Shafiq lbw b Anderson 39 S. Ahmed c Bairstow b Woakes 7 Y. Shah lbw b Ali 10 W. Riaz c Cook b Root 19 M. Amir c Broad b Woakes 29 R. Ali not out 8 Extras: (b-2, lb-4, nb-1, w-1) 8 Total: (all out, 70.3 overs) 234 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-25, 3-83, 4-102, 5-145, 6-163, 7-167. 8-190, 9-208.

Bowling: J. Anderson 16-2-41-3, S. Broad 14-3-37-0, B. Stokes 5.2-0-210 (w-1), M. Ali 18.4-1-88-3 (nb-1), C. Woakes 15.3-2-4-3, J. Root 1-1-0-1.

Woakes off an inside edge just before tea.

Sarfraz Ahmed was caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow off Woakes for seven, Anderson trapped Asad Shafiq lbw for 39 and Moeen had Yasir Shah lbw for 10.

Wahab Riaz top-edged Joe Root to Cook at short fine leg for 19 and Mohammad Amir, after making an entertaining 29, drove Woakes to Stuart Broad at mid-off.

Earlier, Cook and Root piled on the runs in the morning session, the captain making 76 not out and Root finishing unbeaten on 71 following his Test-best 254 in the first innings as England declared on 173 for one.

The third Test in Birmingham starts on August 3.

(REUTERS) - Australia will play two spinners in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Pallekele today, captain Steve Smith said as the world's top-ranked side eye a turnaround in their poor record on the slow pitches in Asia.

Smith confirmed his side yesterday with both off-spinner Nathan Lyon and left-armer Steve O'Keefe making the cut for the first match in the three-Test series.

"I think he has always improved. Each year he's played, he has improved," Smith said of O'Keefe, who took 10 wickets and made an unbeaten 78 in a tour match last week.

"In the tour match he bowled beautifully. He bowled the same ball and some skidded on and some spun - quite similar to (Sri Lanka spinner) Rangana Herath, the way he bowls in these conditions."

Smith, appointed Australia's Test captain after the Ashes loss in England last year, is yet to lose a Test match when leading the side.

However, he will have his work cut out in Asia with Australia having failed to maintain their high standards in these parts barring a series win over lowly Bangladesh in 2006.

"We'd like to turn that around," said Smith, the world's top-ranked Test batsman. "I think we've won one game out of our last 15 in the subcontinent.

"It's about making sure you have a plan from ball one as soon as you get out there and each individual is different."

Left-armer Mitchell Starc will be back after a long injury layoff to lead Australia's pace attack.

Smith wants his team to put pressure on the inexperienced Sri Lankan side, who are ranked seventh in the world, struggling after the retirements of batting greats Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

"They've lost a lot of runs in Mahela and Kumar, they were incredibly experienced players," said Smith.

"They've got a pretty inexperienced line-up and we'll try to get on top of that as much as we can."

Angelo Mathews' side, who lost their last two Test series in New Zealand and England, are reeling from injuries to their fast bowlers.

Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera have been ruled out while Suranga Lakmal is also doubtful due to an ankle complaint. Shaminda Eranga was recently suspended for an illegal action.

"It has been a very frustrating few months," Mathews said, adding the team needed a bigger pool of bowlers.

"Not only one bowler, we've lost so many.

"At international level, I can't go as a captain and say we don't have bowlers. If we don't have them, we need to know how to produce them."

Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith (capt.), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wkp.), Steve O'Keefe, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Sri Lanka (possible) Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (wkp.), Angelo Mathews (capt.), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Vishwa Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Smith receives ICC Test Championship mace AUSTRALIA captain Steve Smith yesterday received the ICC Test Championship mace and US$1M in prize money for leading his side to the number-one ranking on the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings on the annual April I cutoff date.

ICC chief executive David Richardson made the presentations to Smith in Pallekele. He captained Australia to 10 Test victories over the 12-month period.

“The mace is a symbol of excellence and recognition of a side’s outstanding achievement in the toughest format of the sport. Australia’s winning performances have been exceptional and they thoroughly deserve to be awarded the mace,” said Richardson.

“These are exciting times for Test cricket as the top four-ranked countries are in-

Aussie skipper Steve Smith receives the ICC Test championship mace from Chief Executive David Richardson.

volved in high profile series across three different continents showcasing the very

Emancipation tapeball cricket competition on Sunday FOR all workplace cricket teams, the National Cultural Centre tarmac is the place to be on Sunday, July 31 as the Golden Jubilee Emancipation tapeball cricket competition, courtesy of James ‘Uprising’ Lewis bowls off.

The competition is set to start at 09:00hrs and will run until a winner is declared.

Teams will be playing for a first-place prize of $20 000

as well as for the Media Social Cohesion trophy and medals; while second place will be awarded a trophy.

The competition is open to all ministries as well as workplaces and an entry form can be uplifted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on South Road.

The closing date for submission of entry forms and entry fee is July 28 with a cut-off time at 16:30hrs.

Dominoes competition billed for Friday THE lawns of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Protocol Division will be the venue for a six-team knock-out dominoes competition this Friday.

The competition has a scheduled start-time of 16:00hrs and, while it is open to all ministries and government agencies, the first six teams to register will be eli-

gible to vie for the first prize.

The first-place prize will be the Hon Mr Winston Felix trophy, $20 000 and medals while second-place prize is $6 000.

The closing date for entry is Thursday, July 28 at noon. Teams can contact James ‘Uprising’ Lewis on 592-628-1656 or 592-6726179 for more information.

best this format of the sport has to offer. I am sure the incentive of achieving the number-one ranking will further motivate them, bringing out the best in the players,” added Richardson.

Smith paid tribute to his

side, saying: “It is a huge honour to be the number-one ranked Test side in the world and the credit should go to all the work the players and support staff have put in over the last 12 months.

“I am really proud of our

young team and what we have accomplished so far but there is still more we would like to achieve.

“We now need to put in consistent performances, both at home and away, to continue to be successful and keep the number-one ranking.

“Winning away from home has often been a challenge for us, especially in sub-continental conditions, but this is something we are looking to change in this upcoming series against Sri Lanka,” concluded Smith, who won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Cricketer-of-the-Year in 2015.

Competition for the number-one ranking on the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings this year remains extremely tight as only 10 points separate the top four sides. Second-ranked India, third-ranked Pakistan and fourth-ranked England have a chance to move into the number-one position, de-

pending how West Indies-India, England-Pakistan and Sri Lanka-Australia series pans out.

To permanently shut the door on its nearest rivals, Australia need to beat Sri Lanka by 1-0 or better and at the same time hope that England win, at least, one Test against Pakistan.

If India win 4-0, England-Pakistan series ends in a draw and Sri Lanka win by 1-0 or better, then India will jump to the number-one position.

If Pakistan beat England and Sri Lanka defeat Australia, then Pakistan will claim the number-one ranking for the first time in their history, irrespective of how West Indies-India series finishes.

England too can top the Test rankings. But to make it happen, they will have to win the remaining three Tests against Pakistan and hope West Indies win, at least, one Test against India and Sri Lanka beat Australia.

Former German FA president Niersbach banned (REUTERS) - FIFA's Ethics Committee has banned Wolfgang Niersbach, the former president of the German Football Association, for one year for failing to report potential misconduct surrounding the award of the 2006 soccer World Cup in Germany.

The adjudicatory chamber of FIFA's Ethics Committee barred Niersbach from all football-related activity, it said yesterday. FIFA investigators had sought a two-year ban.

"The present case did not look into possible breaches of the FIFA code of ethics in relation to possible acts of bribery and/or corruption with regard to the award of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but only evaluated Mr Niersbach’s awareness of the said incidents and his failure to report them to the Ethics Committee in a timely manner," the panel said in a statement.

Wolfgang Niersbach, president of the German Football Association

Niersbach, who still sits on the world soccer body's Council as well as Europe's UEFA Executive Committee, resigned from the DFB presidency in November after he was unable to explain a 6.7 million euro (£5.6 million) payment from the German World Cup organisers to FIFA. A report in May from the

investigatory chamber of FIFA's ethics committee - an independent body - found Niersbach had violated its ethics code and recommended he be banned for two years from all football-related activity and fined.

Niersbach, who has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing, said at the time he disagreed with the severity of the recommendations.

He said he was being investigated now for failing to inform FIFA's ethics commission last year of the developments regarding the 2006 affair.

The committee's adjudicatory chamber had opened formal proceedings against Niersbach - who was a vice-president of the 2006 organising committee - following the investigatory chamber's recommendation.

Niersbach is also under investigation by Frankfurt prosecutors for suspected tax evasion

over the payment to FIFA. A DFB-commissioned report revealed in March that while there was no evidence of Germany paying FIFA members in return for their votes, payments were made to at least one former FIFA official through a web of accounts involving several other firms or individuals, including Franz Beckenbauer.

Beckenbauer, a World Cup-winning player and coach who headed the 2006 World Cup bid, admitted to making mistakes but denied any wrongdoing over the tournament in Germany. He is not suspected of tax evasion.

The World Cup affair, which has shocked soccer-mad Germany, was triggered by the payment from the DFB to FIFA, which the DFB said last year was the return of a loan via the ruling body from former Adidas chief Robert Louis-Dreyfus.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Guyana Women end T20 tournament with … Barbados beat Windwards big win over Leewards by nine wickets

By Rajiv Bisnauth GUYANA concluded their West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Women’s T20 tournament on a happy note, winning their final game against the Leeward Islands by 96 runs yesterday in the fifth-place playoffs at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Player-of-the-Match Shemaine Campbelle and Lashuna Toussaint laid the foundation for the comfortable victory with unbeaten half-centuries, before they bowled and also fielded brilliantly to emerge deserving winners.

The 23-year-old Campbelle continued her rich vein of form by smashing an unbeaten 70 to guide Guyana to 158-1, after the home side were put in to bat.

With 78 T20s to her credit, Campbelle cracked seven fours and two sixes in 53 balls and added an unbeaten 141 in 17.5 overs with Toussaint for the sec-

ond wicket. Toussaint, with five elegant boundaries was left unbeaten on 63 off 63 balls.

The Guyanese lost opener Melaine Henry in the third over, bowled by Shawnisha Hector for one at 11-1, but Toussaint and Campbelle were in their usual elegance, with Campbelle displaying an exemplary captain’s steadiness.

Toussaint achieved her fifty off 47 balls, with her fifth boundary and Guyana’s 100 came shortly after in the 15th over.

But Campbelle then produced another landmark - the first six of the game, which soared effortlessly over the mid-wicket boundary rope, off the bowling of medium pacer Jenisen Richards.

She then got to her 40ball half-century, the second of the tournament before she unleashed a second six over the long-on boundary off Hector.

The visitors’ bowlers were very ordinary, allowing the Guyanese pair to take

took complete control of the innings, and Leewards were bowled out for just 62 in 16.4 overs.

Off-spinner Plaffiana Millington was the pick of the bowlers, with 3-7, while Erva Giddings (2-14), Subrina Munroe (1-11), Tremayne Smartt (1-14) and Akaze Thompson (1-10), were the other successful bowlers.

Saneldo Willett and Amanda Edwards were the only two batters to reach double digits with ten each.

Player-of-the-match Shemaine Campbelle

full advantage in ensuring a commanding total.

The winning target of 159 would have always been a difficult task, and throughout the innings the visitors

routinely failed to put partnerships together and never threatened to surpass the target and lost the match comprehensively.

The Guyanese bowlers

DISAPPOINTED Meanwhile, after the game coach Andre Percival said that while he is pleased with the win yesterday, he is disappointed that Guyana could not have finished in a better position.

Further, Campbelle lamented the lack of outdoor training which contributed to the team’s poor showing.

In another fixture, Barbados whipped the Windward Islands by nine wickets in the third-place playoff. Winning the toss and electing to

bat first, Windward Islands were reduced to 98-3.

Openers Stacy Ann Adonis (11) and Glendeen Turtin (9) fell cheaply, but Akiera Peters and Afy Fletcher were the glue of the innings.

Peters top-scored with 39 not out, while Fletcher scored 25.

Shakera Selman dismissed both openers in a four-over spell that produced 2-14.

In reply, Barbados lost Rackel Williams (6), leg-before-wicket to Hayley Matthews at 18-1.

However, opener Kycia Knight and number three batter Deandra Dottin added an unbroken second-wicket stand of 81 to seal the match.

Player-of-the-match Knight raced to 46 not out off 36 balls, inclusive of seven fours and a six while Dottin ended on 25 not out, off just 19 balls. She found the boundary on four occasions.

Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica clashed in the final last night.

More sponsors on board for Russia Rio decision sends Guyana Cup horserace meet wrong message ‒ WADA PRESIDENT of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) Leckha Ramrich as well as principals of BM Soat Auto Spares last week joined the list of sponsors on board the 10th annual Guyana Cup horserace meet scheduled for the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne, Berbice on August 14.

According to a release, Ramrich, a horse racing enthusiast and businessman handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to Revon DeSouza, a member of the organising committee of the race meet.

Last week also, a representative of BM Soat Auto Spares joined their counterparts of the Auto Sales section in handing over their contribution to the event which is also being staged in observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary.

Eight races are carded for the day’s event which is being staged by the Jumbo

Jet Establishment in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club, whose grounds committee members are ensuring that the venue is in order and the track is properly graded and rolled for the mega event which has over $22M in cash prizes as well as other incentives at stake.

The feature event is for horses classified `A’ and Lower, battling or 1600-metres and the winner pocketing $4.5M. The co-feature event is open to three-year-old Guyana and West Indies-bred horses and they will contest a 1600m race as well with the winner receiving $2.4M. A two-year-olds race is also on the cards and this is open to West Indies-bred animals that will battle in a 1000m event for $1.2M. There is also a 1300m race for E’ Class and Lower horses with the winner drawing down $1M. In the eight-race card the winner of the 1300m race

for horses classified `G’ and Lowe will collect $700 000.

Horses classified `H’ and Lower will do battle over 1400m with the winner taking home $500 000.

A 1100m race is also on the day’s programme and is open to horses classified `J &K’ and Lower with winning earnings of $350 000.

Horses classified `L’ will contest a 1000m race with $250 000 at stake for the winner.

Trophies and other incentives will be at stake for the top jockey ($50 000 plus trophy)as well as for the runner-up jockey. The top stable and champion trainer will also be rewarded.

Apart from the cash prizes for the winners of each event, trophies and cash prizes are also on offer for the other top finishers of each event.

The day’s activity will be conducted under the Rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA).

of a full Russia team ban.

And WADA chief Olivier Niggli said the IOC's decision will "inevitably" mean "less protection for clean athletes".

WADA president Sir Craig Reedie said investigators had "exposed, beyond a reasonable doubt, a state-run doping programme in Russia that seriously undermines the principles of clean sport WADA president Sir Craig Reedie

THE World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is "disappointed" its recommendation to ban Russia from next month's Olympic Games in Rio has been rejected.

Following the country's doping scandal, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has left it up to individual sports' federations to ban Russian competitors.

WADA "stands by" its recommendation last month

embodied within the World Anti-Doping Code".

There was also concern expressed for Yuliya Stepanova, the Russian runner whose evidence helped expose her nation's doping scandal, but will now not be allowed to compete in Rio under a neutral flag.

"WADA has been very vocal in supporting Yuliya's

Turn to page 23 ►

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Hasim Amla & Dwayne Bravo (2) Dwayne Bravo & Darren Sammy

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which team was the first to be bowled out in Hero CPL 2016?

(2) Who is the first bowler to deliver a ‘maiden’ in Hero CPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Guyana take major medal haul at Caribbean Karate Championships GUYANA accumulated 40 medals from their participation at the just concluded 12th International Karate Daigaku (IKD) Caribbean Karate Championships held at the UTEC Campus in Kingston, Jamaica, which ran from July 18 to 23.

The country was represented by the Association Do Shotokan Karate – Guyana (ASK-G) with a 14-member team from the YMCA Dojo (Headquarters) and three members from the Guyana Karate College (GKC) and returned with 14 gold, 19 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

In the Team segment of the competition Guyana landed three gold, silver, and bronze medals each in the Team Bunkai.

The gold came in the Girls’ 17-19 category, the silver from the Boys’ 11-13 years, and the bronze in the Boys’ 14-16 years.

In Team Embu, Guyana were in for another nine medals once again in the same age categories.

Another twelve medals were won in the Team Kata, with nine from the junior age

The winning karatekas display their prizes.

categories, and for the team kata, with an additional three being won in the adult male category.

In the Team Kumite three bronze medals for the adult male category were awarded to Guyana team.

In Individual Kata Guyana amassed a total of two gold, one silver and two bronze, while in the Individ-

ual Kumite we ended with three silver and two bronze.

Girls’ 17-19 karateka Leah Shariff won gold in the Individual Kata and bronze in the Individual Kumite of her category. Also in this category was Minakshi Pooran who landed bronze in the Kata.

On the Boys side of this category Shane Wilson took

gold in the kata and silver in the kumite, while Kemo Cornelius earned a silver in the kumite.

The only other winner in the Individual Kata was adult male (20-39 years) bronze medallist Roger Peroune.

Other wins in the Individual Kumite included silver for Kelly-Ann Fortune (Girls’ 14-16 years), silver

for Keith Beaton (adult male) and bronze for Trevon Miller (Boys’ 14-16 years).

Other Guyanese who participated at the event included Tabita Goolsarran, Shakeem Walcott, Avinash Ramlogam, Daniel Jailall, Jordan Kong, Hodeal Agard, Roland Fanfair, Navindra Soodoo, and Leon Burnette.

Bolt begs Mourinho for wins

NEW Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho, has been asked by World and Olympic multi-champion Usain Bolt, to bring wins to the club he loves.

"I need you to win," said Bolt, who is himself, trying to put more notches in his win column with an attempt at winning three gold medals in three consecutive Olympic Games.

Bolt has asked Mourinho to do what he does after going through what he has termed a stressful period with the new coach's predecessor, Louis van Gaal. "(van Gaal) was really stressing me out," said Bolt, adding that he was happy the club had decided on the necessity for a change.

"I was very happy because I know that Jose Mourinho, like me, is a winner," said the big Jamaican.

Holder blames execution for heavy loss NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – West Indies captain Jason Holder on Sunday flagged a number of glaring areas where he felt his team went wrong but said the biggest flaw was in “execution”, after they tumbled to a heavy innings and 92-run defeat to India within four days in the opening Test.

The 24-year-old, in his sixth Test at the helm, faced a barrage of questions from members of the media at the end of the game, which ended inside the first hour after tea on Sunday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

Holder said his young team was hurting after the defeat and were examining where they went wrong over the four days.

“It is always tough playing catch up cricket. In the next match we need to bowl better in partnerships, string together more maidens over a period,” the Barbadian said.

“We have to build pressure. We weren’t able to do that in this match and scoring became quite easy for the Indian batsmen.”

Off-spinner Ravi Ashwin took seven for 83 as the Windies were bowled out for 231 in their second innings after being forced to follow-on on Saturday’s third day.

Things could have been worse were it not for some courageous batting from Carlos Brathwaite and Devendra Bishoo, who put on 95 for the ninth wicket, hold-

ing up India’s victory bid after West Indies slumped to 132 for eight before tea.

The strongly-built Brathwaite made 51 not out – his third half-century in as many Test matches – to follow up his 69 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January and 59 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last December.

Bishoo, meanwhile, made a career-best 45.

“Execution is the name of the game at the end of the day and in the end we have to admit we didn’t execute well enough. We need to string together partnerships for longer periods,” Holder said.

“Today Bishoo and Carlos showed what is possible once you give yourself a

chance to get in and play well. We had 20 to 30-run partnerships, but we weren’t able to convert them to bigger partnerships like India had when they batted and that is something we have to get better at.

“Test cricket is about occupying the crease for long times and we didn’t really show that here.”

Holder added: “We didn’t really bowl well in the first innings. It was a daunting task, trying to chase 560-odd. We obviously need to bowl a bit better. Shannon (Gabriel) bowled extremely well, Bishoo was decent. We just need to string together some more dot balls (and) some more pressure deliveries.”

The world's fastest man Usain Bolt is set to defend his gold medals in the 100m in Rio.

Guyana take major medal 27 haul at Caribbean Karate Championships P.

DIGICEL schools football final four decided Story on page 23

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Amar Jones (15) heads home goal number two for the Cup holders and defending Champions, Wismar/Christianburg.

Titus Fraser was the Bush Lot Secondary demoltion man with a hat-trick of goals

Wismar/Christianburg celebrates another goal ( )..( Photos by Adrian Narine).

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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016