Guyana Chronicle Epaper 26 07 2017

UG central to fulfilling green state agenda –President

Page 19

No. 104985

WEDNESDAY , JULY 26, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Exxon strikes more oil at Payara … gov’t hails discovery as major step in Guyana’s emergence as an oil-producing state

85 back at Camp St brick prison

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Roraima pilot dies in plane crash Page 2

Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier, Patrick West engages prisoners who were relocated to the Brick Prison at the Camp Street facility on Tuesday( GDF Photo)

Top Cop called brother of alleged plotter in police presence CoI hears ...

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Page 9 Roraima Airways pilot Colin Martin

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Roraima pilot dies in plane crash RORAIMA Airways pilot, Colin Martin, perished on Tuesday afternoon after the Britten -Norman island aircraft he was operating crashed on landing at Eteringbang, in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

Reports are that Captain Martin who was alone at the time was approaching the runway at the border location when he lost control of the aircraft bearing registration 8R-GRA. Police Divisional Commander, Rabindradath Budhram told the Guyana Chronicle that the man’s motionless body was retrieved from the aircraft and flown to the city Tuesday night. Aviation sources said that the pilot was shuttling between Eteringbang and other airstrips on Tuesday.

Roraima Airways Captain Martin, who pilot Colin Martin served the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in the past, has been described by colleagues as one of the hardworking pilots at Roraima. He was credited with undertaking a number of medical evacuation flights from the hinterland. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

In August 2016, the same aircraft which was involved in Tuesday’s incident sustained substantial damage after it encountered mechanical problems during take-off at Eteringbang. The pilot lost control of the aircraft at the time and later crashed in a valley during an aborted take-off attempt. He escaped unhurt.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

Early attempts to discredit assassination plot allegations

By Svetlana Marshall

NO serious effort was taken in the initial stage of the investigation into the plot to assassinate President David Granger, Senior Superintendent Rishi Dass, told a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Tuesday.

Dass said rather there were attempts to discredit the claim. Dass, the Deputy Crime Chief, appeared before the Commission which is inquiring into the alleged plot to assassinate the President. Earlier in the year, Andrif Gillard alleged that Nizam Khan asked him to kill President Granger in 2015, an allegation Khan has denied. According to Gillard he had approached Khan to loan him $6M but Khan instead offered him $7M, noting that he would not have to repay the money if he killed the President.

When he appeared before the Commissioner, Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe, the Senior Superintendent said during the investigation in the month of April, the Crime Chief, Wendell Blan-

–– deputy crime chief

hum proceeded on a fiveday leave, and as such he assumed the acting position.

Upon taking up the mantle, Commissioner Slowe questioned whether Dass had seen any effort by the investigators to corroborate the story told by Gillard and was told no.

The Senior Superintendent explained that based on the report filed, Gillard and Nizam Khan were the only ones present when the alleged plot was discussed.

According to him, while acting as Crime Chief he instructed the investigators to return to the scene where the alleged plot was discussed to gather additional information. It was put to Dass by Commissioner Slowe that “a month after… you saw no effort made on the part of the investigating officers to get people who would have been able to support the story told by Gillard,” and he responded in the positive.

“Let’s talk about the witnesses now to discredit

the story, you saw evidence of this?” Commissioner Slowe asked and again was told “yes,” while making reference to Leon Baldeo and Lloyd Adams. Baldeo had contended that Gillard had offered him $50, 000 to support his story. “But you didn’t find it strange, as a seasoned man, efforts were made to discredit the story but no effort made until you instructed to try and get people to support the story?

Isn’t that strange?” Commissioner Slowe further questioned and again Dass responded in the affirmative.

That aside, the Deputy Crime Chief told the Commission that he had known Gillard and Khan prior to the allegation. It was explained that while working at the Grove Police Station in the early 1990s both Gillard and Khan were known for assisting the Guyana Police Force.

Back then, they were “friends” to the Police but Dass made it clear that they could no longer be considered his friends. “Nizam’s brother, Imran Khan, I know him by seeing him,” the Senior Superintendent posited.

He, however, did not know Baldeo and Adams prior to the allegation.

While cross-examining Dass, retired Chief Justice, Ian Chang, who is representing the interest of the police, enquired whether in 2016 Gillard had told him Nizam Khan went into his taxi service and removed two radio sets.

“I can’t recall,” Dass responded and again Chang questioned whether Gillard had informed him Nizam Khan had threatened to pull his gun on him, and was again told no. “He didn’t say that, he said Nizam tried to shoot him, that’s all he said,” the Senior Superin-

Senior Superintendent, Rishi Dass. tendent said. Additionally, Dass made it clear that he was never told by Gillard about the plot to assassinate the President.

Dass told the Commission too that he was uncertain whether Baldeo and Adams voluntary went to the police and gave information or whether they were sought after by the police. “The police did their investigation but they came and give statements to the police but I don’t know how the police came to take statements from them,” Dass said.

Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, had also grilled Dass, questioning if part of what he had presented to the Commission was made on “hearsay” and was told yes. Ram sought to make it clear that “hearsay” is of no evidential value. “My understanding that the role of an investigator is to find facts, is that correct? It is not to corroborate, is that correct?” Ram asked and was told “yes” by Dass.

However, in a report compiled by Dass, he had concluded that based on the facts gathered Gillard’s allegation though very serious is indeed a “malicious one.”

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Exxon strikes more oil at Payara

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

… gov’t hails discovery as major step in Guyana’s emergence as an oil-producing state

EXXON Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) on Tuesday announced it has discovered additional oil in the Payara reservoir offshore Guyana, increasing the total Payara discovery to approximately 500 million oil-equivalent barrels.

These positive well results increase the estimated gross recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block to between 2.25 billion oil-equivalent barrels and 2.75 billion oil-equivalent barrels, the company said in a statement.

The well was successfully drilled by ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited and encountered 59 feet (18 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone in the Payara field. It was safely drilled to 19,068 feet (5,812 meters) in approximately 7,000 feet (2,135 meters) of water. The well is only 12 miles (20 kilometers) north-

west of the recently funded Liza phase 1 project on the Stabroek Block, which is approximately 130 miles offshore Guyana.

“Payara-2 confirms the second giant field discovered in Guyana,” said Steve Greenlee, President of ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “Payara, Liza and the adjacent satellite discoveries at Snoek and Liza Deep will provide the foundation for world class oil developments and deliver substantial benefits to Guyana. We are committed to continue to evaluate the full potential of the Stabroek Block.”

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana

Limited holds 25 percent interest.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources in a statement said it joins with President, David Granger, and the Guyanese people in congratulating ExxonMobil and its joint-venture partners Hess and CNOOC Nexen for their latest efforts that led to the confirmation of the volume of the petroleum reserves that were announced regarding the Payara 2 well in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. “The announcement marks another important milepost in the journey towards Guyana’s emergence as an oil producing state, and reinforces the reality that Guyana must continue to steadily and carefully build capacity in a race against time before that date,” the ministry stated.

The ministry said it looks forward to the support of all stakeholders, “as we work to-

Police to escapees: ‘Surrender all’ THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is appealing to the prisoners who escaped from the Georgetown and Lusignan prisons to surrender in order to “avoid any serious confrontation that is likely to result in the use of force.”

The Force in a press release on Tuesday also appealed to members of the public, relatives and friends to give any relevant information as to the whereabouts of these escapees so that they can be captured and returned to the prison.

Those on the run are: Clive Forde known as “El Sinkie”, Kendall Skeete, Paul Goriah, Shawn Harris known as “Shawny”, Pascal Smith, Kerry Cromwell, Mark Royden Durant known as “Royden Williams and Smallie”, Stafrie Alexander Hopkinson, Uree Varswyck known as “Malcolm Gordon” and Cobena Stephens known as “OJ”.

Durant, Hopkinson, Varswyck and Ste-

phens had escaped from the Georgetown Prison on July 9, following a fire which destroyed most of the prison buildings and which subsequently led to the relocation of the prisoners to the Lusignan pasture on the East Coast of Demerara.

But, between Sunday and Monday, 13 high-profile prisoners escaped from the Lusignan holding facility by digging a hole under a pit-latrine which they built themselves. Within 24 hours of being on the run, a total of seven prisoners were recaptured on Monday evening at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara and in Georgetown.

Anyone with information that may lead to their arrest are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2256411, 225-8196, 225-2227, 227-1149, 2267065, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

gether to ensure that there is a strong regulatory and fiscal framework in place so that the production of petroleum could be done in a transparent and accountable manner and in a way that is respectful of our environment. We are thankful to all our local, regional and international partners who have committed to working with us to bring us into readiness for oil production. We call on the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to embrace this new reality that has dawned upon our beautiful country and to prepare themselves to take advantage of the opportunities it presents.”

Back in June the ministry had approved the ExxonMobil Liza Phase 1 development plan and issued a production licence for the Liza field. This was an important milestone towards the first phase of oil production at the Liza field offshore Guyana. Production is expected

to begin in 2020. Following the approval of the Production Licence and environmental permit, it is expected that ExxonMobil and co-venturers Nexen and Hess will make a final investment decision on the Liza Phase 1 development.

In a separate process, the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency issued the Liza field environmental permit on June 1. The environmental permit ensures that the environment is protected through the lifecycle of the project. The Liza Phase 1 development plan includes completion of a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, had said that approximately two billion barrels of oil have been discovered in the Stabroek Block by ExxonMobil and its partners.

The Government and

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana will receive a royalty of 2 per cent on gross earnings and benefit from 50 per cent of the profits from the sale of petroleum once production commences.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

CCJ orders release of men on death row in Barbados

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Jul. 25, CMC–The Trinidad based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on Tuesday quashed the convictions of the two men – Vincent Edwards and Richard Haynes – who sentenced to death for murder committed in Barbados in 2006.

The men were set free on Tuesday, after being imprisoned since 2007. They were charged for the murder of Damien Alleyne on July 21, 2007, almost a year after Alleyne’s death on August 11, 2006.

The court records stated that Alleyne was discovered by his girlfriend not far from her residence on the night of August 11, 2006. She told the police that she heard explosions, which sounded like gunshots and later found him lying on the road. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Following their arrest Edwards and Haynes were convicted of murder and sentenced the death.

On August 19, 2015,

the appellants sought leave to appeal to the CCJ. The regional court in handing down its ruling, held that the convictions could not be upheld as the sole evidence presented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was “not sufficient to ground a conviction having regard to the provisions and the general spirit of the Evidence Act”.

In a statement, the CCJ said the only evidence linking the appellants to the murder was their alleged oral confessions made to police officers in separate interviews with the officers while at a police station July 19, 2007 – almost a year after Alleyne’s murder.

“Mr. Andrew Pilgrim, QC argued that there was no case to answer as this sole evidence was unreliable and as such the judge should have dismissed the case against the appellants.”

The CCJ considered whether a defendant may be convicted in circumstances where

the only evidence against him is a disputed and uncorroborated oral confession allegedly made to investigating police officers whilst the accused was in police custody. The judgment of the Court was delivered by the Justice Anderson, with a concurring judgment by Justice Saunders.

“The Court acknowledged that, prior to the Evidence Act, there was case law that supported the position that a man could be convicted of an offence where the sole evidence against him was an alleged oral confession provided that the jury was warned that such a conviction may be unsafe. The CCJ, however, highlighted that the purpose of the Evidence Act which was passed by the Parliament of Barbados in 1994 was “to reform the law relating to evidence in proceedings in courts…” and to apply “standards that are more stringent than the common law, [compel] the

judiciary to be guided by fresh approaches and [require] the executive to make available to the police new technologies.”

The Court stressed that the evidence against the accused men had to meet the appropriate standards outlined in the well-known decision of R v Galbraith.

This meant that the evidence had to be reliable, especially in these proceedings where the punishment for murder in Barbados was death.

The CCJ stated that based on the spirit of the Evidence Act “alleged confessions made while in police custody could only meet this standard where it was supported by sound or video recordings of or by some other independent evidence linking the accused to the offence.”

The CCJ said that in this case, there was no other evidence and as such the judge should have dismissed the case against the appellants.

BVI Premier faces no-confidence vote TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Jul. 25, CMC – The main opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is planning to move a motion of no-confidence against Premier and Minister of Finance Dr D Orlando Smith when the House of Assembly next meets on August 1. premier orlando smithThe no confidence vote is being sought for his handling of the Territory’s finances, in the face of mounting criticisms over the lack of transparency and accountability. The Order Paper that was leaked to the press, states that opposition leader Andrew Fahie will move the motion mainly on the grounds of what he considers to be the mismanagement of the territory’s financial affairs.

The Opposition is accusing the government of not abiding by the principles of transparency and accountability. It noted the cash-flow challenges facing the government, as well as the failure of the administration to bring financial statements to the House in a timely manner. The motion also highlights various instances of questionable

spending by the government.

These include the cruise pier project that had a cost over-run of more than US$30 million and the US$7.2 million pumped into the privately owned BVI Airways. However, the governing National Democratic Party (NDP), with its 11-2 majority is expected to throw enough support behind the Premier for him to survive the motion. The NDP has been in the hot seat over its handling of the Territory’s finances and those concerns were also raised by Governor John Duncan, who shamed the government over lack of priority when it comes to spending.

According to BVI Platinum news, in a recent interview Governor John Duncan said that one of his disappointments is that the BVI has not been able to make progress with transparency.

“I would say those are one of the areas where all I have been able to do is highlight the problem. I don’t feel we have made the progress that should have been made. I have been highlighting the problem of institutions that we should have as a modern democracy,” Duncan said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26 2017

US House backs new Brazil trade chamber postpones Russia sanctions decision on taxing U.S. ethanol

The US House of Representatives has voted to impose fresh sanctions on Russia, despite President Donald Trump objecting to the legislation.

Senior officials will be targeted in retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the US 2016 election. The bill is likely to complicate President Trump’s hopes of improving relations with Russia. It needs to be passed through the Senate before it can be sent on to the president to be signed. The White House says it is reviewing the bill, and it is unclear whether the president will veto it.

“While the president supports tough sanctions on North Korea, Iran and Russia, the White House is reviewing the House legislation and awaits a final legislative package for the president’s desk,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

Russia’s relationship with the president has dogged his first six months in office, amid allegations Moscow interfered to help Mr Trump get elected.

Mr Trump has also piled pressure on his attorney general over the Russia inquiry. He has publically labelled Jeff Sessions “weak” and said he was “disappointed” in Mr Sessions’ decision to recuse himself from the investigation.

The House voted overwhelmingly to back the measures, which will also see fresh sanctions against North Korea and Iran over ballistic missile tests. The bill, which passed by 419 to three, was described by House Speaker Paul Ryan as a sanctions package that “tightens the screws on our most dangerous adversaries

in order to keep Americans safe”.

The planned sanctions on Russia were drawn up in part to further punish its annexation of Crimea in 2014. They will place new restrictions on oil and gas projects, affecting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany.

The legislation codifies sanctions imposed by Barack Obama over Russia’s Ukraine interventions, which would make lifting them more difficult. It also expands restrictions on doing business with Russian companies, in particular on energy development. That has the Europeans very worried they’ll be penalised for supporting Russian pipeline projects.

But what concerns the White House is a measure that limits the president’s traditional right to waive the sanctions: he would be forced to consult congress first. That and the broad bipartisan support for the legislation shows just how wary lawmakers are about Mr Trump’s pro-Moscow approach. The Senate had overwhelmingly passed an earlier version of the bill: the differences between the two have to be worked out before Mr Trump decides how to respond. The White House has suggested the president may support the bill after some changes to the original draft, but he would have little room to manoeuvre anyway because Congress almost certainly has enough votes to override a veto.

Prior to the vote, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said such measures would plant a “dangerous mine” under the foundation of ties. Mr Ryabkov said: “All this is

very worrying. We can see no signs that that Russophobe hysteria that has engulfed the entire US Congress is dying down.”

After it passed, Russian MP Leonid Slutsky said the sanctions “undermine the prospects for the restoration of Russian-American relations and further complicate them for the foreseeable future”. “Opportunities for diplomatic manoeuvring” are now “extremely” small, he told Russia’s Interfax news agency.

NEXT STEPS If the legislation passes through the Senate, it would provide a headache for President Trump, who has signalled a more conciliatory approach towards Moscow. The president could veto the bill, but in doing so would fuel suspicion that he is too supportive of the Kremlin, correspondents say.

White House spokes woman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Monday: “He’s going to study that legislation and see what the final product looks like.” The US already has a raft of sanctions in place against Russian individuals and companies over Crimea. In December, following claims of election hacking, then President Barack Obama also expelled 35 diplomats and closed two Russian compounds in the US. (Reuters)

Brazil’s foreign trade chamber, Camex, has put off for 30 days a decision on whether to impose a tariff on ethanol to curb a surge in imports from the United States, a senior government official who attended the meeting told Reuters on Tuesday.

The official said the chamber, which represents eight ministries, could not agree on applying a tariff and may consider quotas for imported ethanol at its next meeting. The quota proposal to be discussed would allow in 500,000 tonnes a year of ethanol and apply a 20 percent tariff on any imports beyond that quota, the source said.

Brazil’s ethanol producers, particularly in the northern of the country where most of the U.S. ethanol is entering the market, had demanded tariff protection and the Agriculture Ministry recommended a 17 percent levy.

But other ministries opposed the tariff as bad for relations with the United States because it could bring retaliation by a U.S. government that is keen to protect U.S. businesses. Brazilian ethanol imports jumped 330 percent in the first half of 2017 compared to the same period a year earlier to around 1.3 million cubic meters, mostly from the

United States. Experts say a tariff would destroy the free trade in ethanol that the United States and Brazil established in 2009. “Today’s delay is another opportunity for cooler heads to prevail and for Brazil not to turn its back on market-driven competition,” said Joel Velasco, Latin America expert at Albright Stonebridge Group.

Velasco, who led the efforts of Brazil’s sugar cane lobby UNICA to expand biofuel markets in the last decade, said a quota would undermine the credibility that the sugarcane industry has built around the world.

(Reuters)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Addressing parking in the city

THERE can be no honest denial that parking in Georgetown is a logistical nightmare and begs urgent attention to bring about some semblance of order. Those who don’t park on the roadways, double park, park in “no parking zones,” or would park anywhere, including on the pavement. In all instances, such acts are illegal, point to insensitivity toward others who have to use public thoroughfares, putting lives at risk, and an overall disregard for law and order.

The pavement was not meant or constructed for parking but for pedestrians safe use of the roads and the descent to see this as appropriate parking space not only damages the infrastructure, but must not be condoned. Another problem is that businesses and home-owners commandeer the parapets in front of their premises and put up no-parking signs or barriers to prevent others from parking. Those parapets are the property of the City Council and are public thoroughfares.

Though it is wrong to park in front of a gate or entrance which hinders smooth ingress and egress, the parapets cannot be blocked.

A few months ago, citizens were in uproar about a parking meter system being installed in the heart of the city.

None could fault the denizens who felt the decision was taken without their involvement, the ticket fees too high, business losing sales, and the ratio of revenue payment in a joint venture between the Mayor and City Council and Smart City Solutions (SCS) disproportionately tilted to the latter.

There is no argument being made here for SCS, but recognition that there is a congestion crisis and unruly road behaviour in the city which are deserving of attention. None can effectively argue that the traffic and parking do not need regulating. The volume of vehicles has outgrown parking areas, leading to congestion, nightmare in finding parking, and

the increasing of poor road ethics. Businesses too do not have personal parking facilities for their staff and customers. Then they are others who would park their vehicles, not because of doing business in the vicinity, but that of selfishness.

Parking meters do not only serve as revenue sources, they also help to bring about order to traffic and prevent congestion. Recognising that people woud have to pay to park, they are likely to be more mindful of their time and where they park, lending to order, less congestion and earning revenue for infrastructural maintenance and development. The weeks of protest against the Council’s decision to enter into a contract without the public’s knowledge and input, the contract legality questioned, along with the percentage of revenue going to the SCS vis- a-vis the Council, are not without due consideration. There’s a concern the project could have attracted local public/ private partnership, given that only meters are required and where the council is cash-strapped, they are legitimate local businesses from which funding could have been sourced.

The tepid public response to the hearings being held by the Council is disappointing. It was weeks of protest that led to central Government’s intervention to halt the parking meter project, pending engagement in public consultation, which saw a special council committee established to follow through on this task, and it should have been overwhelmed with responses, including recommendations.

Where the committee noted its failure to attract audience it is reasonable to wonder if other approaches were looked at such as hosting broadcasting (radio and television) programmes, allowing for public call-in and/or submission of opinion via write-in (electronic and snail mail). This recognition does not ignore commendable efforts at outreaches, though it is hoped that such was through a scientific method

which would allow for broad-based, representative samples.

Conversely, citizens too have to be aware that having protested for the opportunity to be involved, when such presents itself, failure to make the most of it can also be interpreted as disinterest and may set the standard for exclusion on other future matters. Persons also should want to avoid having to say later, based on any decision the council would likely make, that they regret not seizing the opportunity to offer their inputs.

At the same time, responses by some council members to the public’s protests against the parking meter may have turned citizens away. Where this may be the case, it is important to recognise interest requires not being immobilised by the past. The Council will shortly meet to deliberate on the report of its special committee, which is expected to include the public’s feedback and recommendations and will help in advising any further re-negotiation on the parking meters. This report will only be able to provide information from the public’s standpoint, based on the interaction it had with the committee.

Opposition politicised serious efforts at prison reform Dear Editor, THE news that 13 prisoners escaped from the makeshift Lusignan Prison, and renewed unrest in the Camp Street prison make it difficult at this juncture, to have a comprehensive, objective discussion, on where and with whom responsibility for the 2017 Camp Street Prison riot lies.

When we add some of the inherent problems the country is faced with-(a) political polarisation; (b) social and class prejudices; and (c) emotions and fear – the task of analysing the situation in our attempts at arriving at a decision as to the reasons for what occurred, becomes more difficult. These negative conditions have always existed in this society. However, they have become more entrenched in the minds of the people since the most recent jailbreak and fire. Citizens remember our horrific

experiences of 15 years ago after prisoners escaped from the Camp Street Prison. I will submit here that, in spite of these concerns, there is some value in using the heightened public interest to promote some degree of understanding, and I hope, acceptance, on this complex social/economic/ and human problem.

I believe that on this most important national issue, we, the people of Guyana, are yet to arrive at a consensus on how to address these problems. On the issue of crime and punishment in the country, we are still miles apart on what our approach to it must be. The present administration came to office at a time when Guyana was facing its deepest crisis in the social, economic and political spheres. Corruption was rampant, the cost of living was spiralling out of control and a criminal cabal was in charge of the government.

Every area of national life

was negatively impacted. Of great relevance to the crime/ punishment debate must be the role of the criminalisation of the state, which took place under the PPP/C, and the corrupting influence it had on all of the institutions in the society and on the public’s consciousness. It is against these hard realities that the recent jailbreak and fire took place. The responses of both the government and the society must be seen and appreciated in the above context.

President David Granger to his credit, after taking office has demonstrated leadership on the need for prison reform and the need for human treatment of incarcerated citizens. He used the instrument of “Presidential Pardon” to release offenders of minor crimes. This policy became a controversial issue with the opposition PPP leading the charge. In the process, they accused the President of implementing a

policy that is soft on criminals. For the opposition, political mileage was the name of the game. This for them was more important than addressing the problem of overcrowding in the prisons, and giving young male offenders and women, who were convicted on minor offences, a second chance.

The government’s intention to initiate new approaches in dealing with offenders was not seen by the PPP as an enlightened policy.

They deliberately set about to cause hysteria by taking advantage of the citizens’ fear. The opposition propaganda resonated far beyond its own constituency. The same tactic was used when the President expressed his opinion that he wanted to see the police apprehending offenders, rather than shooting and killing them. The opposition and government detractors wasted no time and propagandised that the

President was encouraging crime and criminals and, in doing so, make them feel they can act with impunity.

These detractors chose to ignore the sound logic and thinking behind the President‘s position, that is, a dead man is of no help to the police and security forces in their job of defeating crime and dismantling the criminal enterprise. It is clear that the opposition PPP and its supporters’ activism were directed against the use of intelligence-gathering as an effective tool in the Guyana Police Force’s crime-fighting apparatus. We must ask ourselves, why this is so?

I wish to focus here on the criticisms in the media that the government did nothing to implement the recommendations of the CoI into the 2016 prison riot that resulted in 17 inmates being burnt to death in their cells.

Those – as is the case of the political opposition -- who

argue that the government did nothing are merely engaged in propagandising a ridiculous position, or, they are unaware of what the government has done in terms of implementing recommendations from the CoI. An objective criticism would be that the regime was unable or failed to implement significant aspects of the CoI recommendations.

But, in so far as Guyana is concerned, every issue is a zero-sum game, with the intention of making political mileage or to achieve public recognition, even if to do so means taking advantage of the masses’ vulnerability on this sensitive matter of crime. In a cynical way, we shortchange ourselves as a nation by our failure to separate polemics from clinical examination of social/economic issues.

The timely intervention which was made by the Turn to Page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26 2017

Urgent action required to stamp out corruption Dear Editor I REFER to the Kaieteur News letter dated July 8th and 16th highlighting corruption in the forestry sector.

Corrupt practices mentioned in the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) are similar to those alleged by many gold and diamond miners in various articles, including several in this newspaper.

The writer highlights corruption in land allocation and revenue collection, victimisation and inaction by the commission and management who sit in Georgetown doing nothing while massive malfeasance takes place in the ‘Bush.’

One could be forgiven for confusing the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) with the Guyana Geology and Mines

Commission (GGMC), which also falls under the purview of Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman. Despite many complaints in the media and even picketing by small miners, the corruption continues unabated. The minister has not even reduced it.

Urgent action needs to be taken, because we are now hearing about the formation of yet another commission; this time for the new oil-and-gas sector, which will also fall under this minister.

If the performance of the two commissions under his current ambit were to be used as a yardstick, it would serve only as a warning to our emerging oil-and-gas sector.

One suggestion is for the government to start by abolishing the commission system, which currently serves as an excuse for doing nothing

Opposition politicised...

Chairman, of the prison CoI (SN Sunday, July 16.2017) adds some balance to the debate on the issue of responsibility. Mr. Justice James Patterson said that neither the President nor the Minister of Public Security should be blamed for the prison riot that resulted in destruction of the Camp Street jail. He also made the point that it is unfair to accuse the government of not putting in place the CoI recommendations, since many are not possible in the short and medium-term, bearing in mind limited resources, both institutional and financial.

Mr. Henry Jeffrey also in his column, “Future Notes” published in the Stabroek News, (July 19. 2017) captioned, “Class, ethnicity and jail,” made an excellent contribution to the debate which I recommend to readers. My engagement of the critics should not be seen to mean that I believe the APNU+AFC government has

done everything in its power to make good on the CoI. It is my view that sufficient attention and resources were not dispensed to deal with the potential prison crisis which the CoI was intended to prevent.

I end by posing this question to readers in the hope that they will answer to themselves, truthfully.

Would the country have accepted the government implementing a policy which would have allowed the same categories and numbers of inmates to get early release, self or reduced bail to address the overcrowding in the prison, if it was not burnt down? My own judgement is that the President and government would have come under serious public pressure and possibly street demonstrations similar to the parking meter protest. To the extent that the society accepts the measures stated above, it

in these sectors. Another is for the President to replace the minister who is willing and able to go into the ‘bush.’ We need persons who are capable of solving the various challenges existing in the forestry and the gold and diamond- mining sectors.

Time is against us Guyanese, if we do not start solving these problems now, we will not only be hearing of massive corruption in the ‘bush,’ but come 2020 and beyond, we will also be hearing of massive corruption out in the ‘ocean.’ Then our oil and gas will go the way of our gold and diamonds, whereby an elite few become super rich and the masses benefit nothing from the immense wealth of this nation.

Regards Donovan Jones

From Page 6 is only because people are convinced that given the situation, it is almost impossible to do otherwise.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

Windsor Estates residents being held ransom by E-networks Dear Editor

I HAVE been a resident of Windsor Estates for more than a year. I am concerned that the residents of my community are being prevented from receiving services that can be provided to us by GT&T. On driving into the community one morning, I noticed that GT&T workers were trying to get into the premises to give us the Blaze High speed internet service from GT&T. However, I have discovered that our community representatives, Navigant Builders, are in an agreement that prevents another internet provider from coming into Windsor Estates to provide service.

I am very upset about this. I have worked long and hard to buy my land in this community, only to hear that I cannot get good internet because of some ‘secret’ agreement between E- Networks and Navigant. Was any secret payoff made? I need to know, as I am not getting answers from the people who are to represent me and my family. I did not plan to invest my money into my property only to hear that such behaviour is happening here. And arrangements made to disenfranchise people who have worked hard? Why can’t the PUC take up this issue? My neighbours and I are very upset and the

next step for us is to mount a silent protest to stop this corruption. The people of Windsor Estate need answers.

Why can’t we get the GT&T fibre-optic service that is being provided? My transport for the land is constrained by some secret arrangement as I did not buy my land with those conditions. If I had known I would be a part of this, I would have looked to some other community to buy land. We need action from the Government to stop this illegal action.

Regards Concerned Resident Windsor Estates Community

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Duke of Edinburgh’s Int’l Award strategy session on at Pegasus

THE Duke of Edinburgh International Award has been formally launched here and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs , Sydney Allicock has plugged sustainability through partnership as key as the venture takes effect.

The Vice-President made the assertion at the Duke of Edinburg International Award Americas regional conference which opened at the Marriot Hotel, Kingston on Monday.

The conference concludes today.

The award rebrands the “Presidents Youth Award Republic of Guyana”.

According to a release from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, rep-

resentatives are meeting to develop a Global Strategy for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award 2018 – 2023 with the aim of reaching as many young people as possible globally. The Foundation is looking to complete the Global Strategy Document for publishing in January 2018.

Minister Allicock in his remarks said “you’re gathering here from across the Americas and I believe that if we could use the power of reasoning to be that guiding light, it can help us to have this wonderful group of young people to be able to be developers and that sustainable driving force of our people within the Americas and who knows we can be an example

to the entire world”.

He expressed the hope that stakeholders can benefit from suggestions to ensure communities are united and make the country more supportive rather than competitive. He said in the industrialised world the focus is on competition but in the indigenous communities, focus is placed on support.

“We can be able to all benefit from the suggestions that will make us a stronger people, that will make our communities united, that will make us more not competitive as such, but supportive. I know in the industrial world it is more about competition but we in the hinterland believe in supporting one another”

he said.

At the forum, Allicock promoted Guyana’s thriving tourism sector with specific mention of the giants that can be found here including the ant eater, the largest fresh water scale fish the Arapaima, the giant anaconda, the Harpy Eagle and the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation.

General Secretary of the Foundation, John May, expressed optimism on the future of the planet given the fact that young people globally has seen it fitting to make positive contributions in this regard.

“What is fascinating to see is that we have a generation of young people joining the award now, joining the activities we hope to facilitate, who are not driven by saying the what’s in it for me question but by the question of what’s in it for society, what’s in it for us, what’s in it for our planet so Minister, your words about cooperation and collaboration I think are absolutely appropriate” May emphasised.

Referring to the “Giants” Minister Allicock spoke of, May noted that another giant can be added to that catalogue

in that “it’s not just an anaconda but also the thoughts that we can have, and if over the next two or three days we as a group of leaders who are helping to imbue in the next generation of leaders great thoughts, we can have giant thoughts and aspirations then our young people can do anything”.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award which is the world’s leading youth achievement award and has been running for the past 60 years in more than 140 countries and territories around the world, has equipped and empowered in excess of 1.3 million young people to transform their lives, become active and emerge as leaders of tomorrow.

The programme was introduced in Guyana in 1998 with the first batch receiving bronze awards in 1999. To date, close to 50,000 young people have benefitted in the areas of vocational skills, community service enrichment, physical education and building team work capabilities.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Alfred King, who joined the programme from its inception said “ the

award is bigger than saying it is a thing for young people.

It is a total package or experience provided to transition young people successfully from adolescent into adulthood making them productive, positive citizens and in so doing causing them to use their leisure time wisely based on their own abilities, levels and maturity to pursue these activities”.

Government and private sector responses have been commendable as they both work in unison to equip the nation’s young people with the essential tools necessary to motivate them during that critical transition process, of which they are rewarded.

The programme has also seen close to 40 leaders adequately trained annually to deliver rich supervision to the young people.

Guyana was unmatched as it relates to voluntary work in spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention. One such programme was “HIV/AIDS Edutainment” where Government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) ramped up awareness through campaigns such as dance, poetry, drama, radio programmes among others.

Statia urges GRA staff to take role seriously – work on improving customer service

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Tuesday held its graduation ceremony which saw 102 Custom Officers I and II being promoted after a period of training.

The objective of having employees undergo customs, trade and excise training is to strengthen their skills so as they may improve on their on-the-job performance.

The graduation was held at the Guyana Police Force Officers Training Centre on Camp Street, and saw many senior staffers and other officials in attendance.

In his feature address, Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, who celebrated his first anniversary with GRA on Tuesday, told the large gathering that when he joined the company he recognised the need for training.

He said that having learnt that since 2012, there’s been no formal training for employees, he immediately began organising a two-phased training programme for Custom

Officers I and II. Those officers who excelled were promoted, while those whose grades fell below par will be given a chance to redeem themselves, he said.

He urged that the 102 graduands, having come this far, will take their role as custom officers seriously, and understand where they are headed since half the time when things go wrong, it is they who are often made out to be the villains.

Turning his attention to other matters, Statia said that one of the agency’s goals under his watch, besides having ongoing training programmes, is to minimise the use of paper and to have a fully electronic system in place by yearend.

The GRA boss explained that the private sector wanted less time for the clearance of goods and less paperwork, and with the advent of oil and gas in Guyana, they wish to move in that direction of eliminating the long paperwork process.

Statia added that regard-

less of what is being said out there, Guyana is ranked the second best to Panama, and they are constantly improving in terms of efficiency.

He told the gathering that since they are in the business of collecting taxes, they have had a better collection this year and he was in talks with the Finance Minister Winston Jordan to put in place an incentive scheme for employees to benefit.

Statia admonished employees to walk proud in their uniform since they will ensure that all custom officers are well-rounded in all sections to be elevated.

Top performers were presented plaques and bars of promotion, as well as certificates.

Also making remarks was Head of Human Resource Management Department (HRMD), Glendon Harris, while Deputy Commissioner, Lancelot Wills and Chairman of the Board, Rawle Lucas also spoke.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

CoI hears ...

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Top Cop called brother of alleged plotter in police presence

By Svetlana Marshall IN the middle of an active investigation into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud had reportedly called the brother of the prime suspect on his cellular phone in the presence of investigators, Detective Corporal Keon Benjamin disclosed on Tuesday.

Detective Benjamin was among five police investigators on Tuesday who appeared before the commission enquiring into the alleged plot to kill President Granger. In giving his testimony before the commissioner, former Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe, Benjamin recalled that on March 29, 2017, while at the Criminal Investigations Department (C.I.D) Headquarters, he was instructed by Detective Sergeant Komal Petamber to take a statement.

The corporal said it was while he was taking the statement that Imran Khan, the brother of the primary suspect Nizam Khan, started using profanities while in the confines of the C.I.D. Nizam had been taken into custody that night after reports surfaced of the alleged assassination plot.

“Imran Khan was using a lot of ‘S’ and ‘F,’ I told him to desist from using those words and he continued using them,” Cor-

poral Benjamin recalled.

According to him, Imran Khan nevertheless continued boasting that he would have the police fired as was done with three others.

Upon failing to adhere to the orders of the police, Imran Khan was arrested.

It was then discovered that he was a licensed firearm holder, and had a .45 pistol in his possession. Corporal Benjamin took possession of the gun in addition to a cellular phone and lodged them before placing Imran Khan on “the bench.”

As he was being pressed by Commissioner Slowe to explain why as the arresting officer, he did not charge Imran Khan for disorderly behaviour; Detective Benjamin disclosed that during the process of lodging the phone it rang.

“The cell phone ring and I showed Sergeant Petamber that Mr. Seelall’s name showed up,” Corporal Benjamin said.

According to him, Sergeant Petamber sought advice from Assistant Superintendent of Police Peter Alonzo, and was told to give Imran Khan the phone. Imran Khan reportedly went a short distance away from the detectives in the room, and spoke with the commissioner of police.

“He told us it was the commissioner of police, his friend,” Corporal Benjamin said, while noting that Imran Khan had made the remark in the open. The detective then told the commission that it was not long

after that Inspector Prim Narine walked in and took over the matter. “When Inspector Narine came in, he [Imran Khan] alleged that I assaulted him, and I told Inspector Narine that I didn’t assault him,” Benjamin said.

Commissioner Slowe had expressed alarm that Imran Khan had been released without being charged. Benjamin’s disclosures came one day after the commission was told that the commissioner of police had ordered the release of the alleged plotter and his brother.

On Monday, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mitchell Caesar, told Commissioner Slowe, had it been up to him, the men fingered in the alleged plot to assassinate the President would not have been released as quickly as they were.

Earlier this year, Andriff Gillard alleged that Nizam Khan asked him to kill President Granger sometime in 2015, an allegation Khan has denied.

According to Gillard, he had approached Khan to loan him $6M, but Khan instead offered him $7M, noting that he would not have to repay the money if he killed the President.

ASP Caesar had explained that due to the gravity of the allegation, the two men would have remained in custody until such time as deemed fit for their release. “Notwithstanding the fact that he was on

Man shot by police A MAN, reportedly of unsound mind, was shot by police at Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Tuesday.

Injured is Charles Peters, 36, of Melanie Damishana, ECD. Reports indicate that Peters, a father of two, reportedly attacked the lawmen, who shot him.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted.

CHARLES PETERS

leave, you didn’t find it strange?” asked Commissioner Slowe, but Caesar responded in the negative, maintaining, however, that he would not have placed the accused on bail, but he was so instructed.

Caesar’s position was also held by Inspector Narine, who also testified before the commission on Monday.

Narine said he received a call from the commissioner of police, who after enquiring about what was transpiring at the CID,

instructed him to release Imran Khan, the brother of Nizam Khan on his own recognisance and place the duo, Nizam and Gillard, on station bail.

“I called Mr Caesar and told him what the instructions were, because the commissioner was on leave. He said to carry out the instructions and bail was set…” Narine n o t e d d u r i n g h i s e v idence-in-chief.

During cross-examination, retired Justice Ian Chang representing the

interest of the police, questioned whether it was improper to take instructions from the commissioner of police while he is on leave, and in response, Narine said “To some extent,” explaining that it depends on the instruction.

In addition to Detective Benjamin, Senior Superintendent Rishi Dass, Detective Sergeant Chetram Sewsankar, Detective Corporal Keron Pickering and Inspector Suraj Singh also appeared before the commission.

Against The Grain

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

Sex education and LGBT exclusion

By Akola Thompson

DURING my formative years at high school, there were many questions I had regarding sex.

Many things were unclear or were cloaked in the culture of shame that often accompanies sex. My family never had a sit-down with me to explain the “Birds n Bees,” I was just expected to know. Everything I knew however was gathered from unrealistic romance novels or awkward, televised fumbling that was labelled as ‘sex.’ So, of course I still had questions and so did my peers. Unfortunately, the Internet at that time was not something that was available to me and “sex education” was still an alien concept, because all we were taught were abstinence-only approaches. There were never any ‘condom-on-the banana’ demonstrations or even conversations on what a condom was or why we

should use them.

After a pregnancy that kept me out of school for a year, I re-entered the school system at a private institution. They also did not have a comprehensive sex education programme. During the select science courses I had chosen however, we occasionally touched on and actually had conversations concerning sex and our bodies. I was already a mother of one before I by happenstance (through science classes rather than direct addressal) learnt about sex and my body and even here, I did not learn much. So, I think it would be safe to say that sex education for me, as a young woman, was disappointing and inadequate. As a young bisexual woman however, sex education for me was not only disappointing, it was non-existent, because the curriculum excludes anything that is not considered hetero.

Recently, my ever increasingly favourite maga-

zine Teen Vogue, did a piece on anal sex. With an opening saying, “When it comes to your body, it’s important that you have the facts. Being in the dark is not doing your sexual health or self-understanding any favors,” the piece takes a (LGBT friendly) clinical approach to explaining safe anal sex. The backlash was swift and brutal, with many saying the magazine was promoting sodomy amongst teens. Editor Phillip Picardi in response to the outrage shared his own history as a young gay male who did not receive sex education and who as such was unequipped to make smart and safe sexual decisions.

He talked about how he was never taught about condom usage and ended up having sex with an HIV positive person. He would find out that the person was positive afterward. It was only after this experience that Picardi was able to access the sex

education with which he had never been provided. Due to his experience, he wanted LGBT youths to know that when one talks about safe sex and prevention, it should not always be from a heterosexual standpoint, because ignoring the minority can be dangerous.

According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), lesbian and bisexual teens experience twice the risk of unintended pregnancy than their heterosexual peers. This is due to societal/personal pressures and lack/misinformed of knowledge regarding sex. The CDC also noted that the HIV infection rate is rising rapidly among those between the ages of 13 and 24, particularly among gay youth, who are having unprotected anal sex. In society’s bid to promote heteronormative ideas, they perpetuate dangerous environments and spaces for those not neatly fitting to the identity boxes they have been handed from birth.

In essence, a programme which is ideally supposed to address sex, sexuality and all the issues concerning that is one that is drenched in purity politics and anti-choice rhetoric. This is despite the large evidence arguing against the effectiveness of abstinence-only education. Only last year, the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association conducted a ‘snap survey,’ which focused on sexual trends among the adolescent and youth populations in the country. Carried out in eight of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, it was found that more than 50 percent of youths still in school are sexually active. (kaieteurnewsonline.com) Sex education leaves a lot to be desired in general. However, while the information heterosexuals receive in it is miniscule, when it comes to LGBT students, this information is practically non-existent. Sex education currently spreads heteronor-

mative ideas regarding sex and in doing so erases LGBT persons and their right to access of information.

What the lack of sex education does is help to perpetuate the miseducation of LGBT persons and safe-sex practices.

The fact that LGBT persons do not have sex the same way as heterosexuals is an issue that is cloaked in hate and embarrassment. Particularly when it comes to Men who have Sex with Men, the education of queer people in the area of sex is paramount to our society’s progression and diminishing of sexually transmitted diseases. We do not need to rewrite policies to ensure the inclusivity of LGBT students in sex education.

The education sector has a responsibility to ensure students are provided with a safe and inclusive education. Access to non-judgmental and accurate information should never be a point of contention.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

34 graduate from Bina Hill Institute THE Bina Hill Institute in Annai, Region Nine, has churned out another batch of graduates. The institute’s eighth graduation ceremony over the weekend saw 34 youths graduating after being certified in 11 technical skills.

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, told the graduates that their real journey starts now. “I know that some of you during the two years have been thinking that this is the end...But this was the time you were being prepared to begin your journey, the real journey into adulthood, to make your contribution to the development of yourself, your family, your community, your region and the country at large,” said Minister Allicock. He reminded them also to never forget their culture and the importance of agriculture.

Best graduating student, Jan Gomes, said that despite the challenging two years, she managed to stand firmly and complete her journey.

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, (centre); Region Eight Regional Chairman, Bonaventure Fredricks; Principal of the Bina Hill Institute, Victor Ferreira; board member of Bina Hill Institute, Colin Edwards,staff of the Bina Hill Institute and the graduates The Region Eight resident said, “At the end, it was very successful and I would like to thank the teachers, friends who encouraged me, give me support.”

Gomes explained that fitting in was a bit difficult, but in the long haul this was another challenge she over-

came successfully. “I met a lot of people with different backgrounds, with different cultures. I took up the challenge and I said I’m going to make it. It’s for my benefit.

It’s for my future and here I am today,” Gomes explained.

Rex John, another graduate, said that he will encour-

age his friends and others from his community, to take the opportunity to further their education at the Bina Hill Institute. John said that the institute was a lifeline in the difficult journey to furthering his education. “After leaving secondary school, I didn’t have no job, no op-

portunity or no nothing. I used to work at the backdam, but I heard about Bina Hill Institute and I came in to further my studies, especially in agriculture,” John added.

The Youth Learning Centre of the Bina Hill Institute was established in 2001.

It is a unique institution

that focuses on training hinterland youth in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Agriculture, Tourism, Business Studies, Life Skills, Traditional Skills, Basic Computer Skills, Mathematics, English and leadership training. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

‘Abolish the Wandering’ charge –RCC

THE Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) has partnered with the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic to provide legal representation for juveniles.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at the RCC office in Queenstown, Georgetown, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RCC, Amar Panday, said that the commission has been working to fill a breach in which a large number of juveniles who are detained at holding areas across the country do not have legal representation.

Funding for the partnering project is being provided by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in a finite arrangement. Panday said that when the funding period ends, other sources may have to be sought. To this end, he called for the government’s support. Panday said that another option would be for the subvention which the ROC receives to be increased, while another option would be for the establishment of a public defender’s office .

During the briefing , Panday noted that the body

Amar Panday , CEO of the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) speaks to the media during the briefing . Managing-attorney of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, Attorney –at-law , Shellon Boyce, is second from right while Andre Gonsalves of the RCC is at right. is supporting the abolishment of the charge of Wandering , an offence which leads to many children being housed at holding areas, including the Sophia detention centre as well as the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) on the Essequibo Coast. He said the RCC had made its position known in the past as

regards Wandering, adding that the Juvenile Justice Bill will abolish that charge. He said the child will not be criminalised or incarcerated if he or she is found wandering, especially if he /she lives in an abusive home.

As regards upgrading of the facilities where children are housed, Panday said the

RCC has been engaged with the Sophia centre since 2015 in the undertaking of development sessions. He said the body has recommended that the centre be upgraded to a “child-friendly “facility, noting some plans included the establishment of a sports centre at the facility.

As regards the NOC, the commission visited the facility for several years and recommended that the curriculum be widened to ensure that children’s stay is more reformative than punitive. He said the pending Juvenile Justice Bill will

also impact the curriculum.

Andre Gonsalves, the investigative officer at the RCC , noted that one of the issues facing the holding facilities is the lack of a grievance process, noting that the students do not have an opportunity to voice complaints against the administration of the facilities. Gonsalves said at the moment the staff would take on the responsibility of administering their own form of punishment.

He said at the moment Professor Duke Pollard is revising the Prison Act and

Gonsalves called for the revision of the Prison Act. He called for amendments to the act which addresses persons 17 years of age being sent to prison. Gonsalves called for it to be amended, so that the young offenders at 17 can be kept elsewhere until they attain the age to be placed in prison.

Last month, President David Granger indicated that he has commenced a process to look at the early release of girls and boys housed at the NOC. The Head of State visited the facility to speak with the 85 young people, the majority of whom have been committed to the institution for Wandering.

He said that as part of an overall plan to ensure improvements to the physical conditions and the programmes offered, Government will in the short-term be setting up criteria and a system to ensure that regular, early releases are an option for those who qualify.

In addition, the President said that Government, as it enters deliberations for the development of the 2018 National Budget, is looking to make interventions at the institution, which will ensure that the young people housed therein will be rehabilitated and equipped with skills that will facilitate a smooth re-integration into society.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

Third component of First Lady’s Early Childhood Development Workshop opens

THE Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, on Monday opened the third component of its Early Childhood Development Workshop with 37 exuberant stakeholders, who said that they were grateful for the opportunity to learn how to become more nurturing mothers and caregivers to young children.

The workshop, which is the first of its kind facilitated by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection, is being held at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

The objective of the three-part workshop is to provide the stakeholders with basic information and

skills in early childhood development and nurturing care practices for the healthy growth and development of the young child. The first component started on June 19, 2017 and was held at the Guyana Nurses Association. It was followed by the First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training, which opened at the Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) on June 26. At the close of the workshop, participants who fulfilled the requirements of all three components will be certified.

Facilitator of the workshop, Ms. Paulette Bollers said that she was pleased that the women had persevered and

CDB approves funding to boost CDEMA response capability THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a grant to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to assist with the review and strengthening of emergency-response procedures in participating states.

Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB, notes, “The Caribbean is among the most disaster-prone regions in the world. A recent disaster management readiness audit

by CDEMA has revealed an urgent need for improved planning and coordination across sectors, to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms at the national level. This grant supports improvements in these areas, which, if made, will significantly reduce potential losses due to hazard impacts.”

The grant will provide resources to review and evaluate the preparedness and response procedures of The Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti and Saint Lucia. This will include an assessment of the national-level actions undertaken in response to Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and the development of recommendations for strengthening readiness and response protocols and procedures in these countries.

Through the technical assistance intervention, support will also be provided for: the development of action plans, inclusive of a communica-

tions plan, for strengthening national preparedness and response in the four selected countries; creation of model guidelines for national shutdown procedures, including provisions for reaching the poorest and most vulnerable members of the society, including the elderly, women and persons with disabilities; and conduct of a regional workshop to discuss national preparedness.

The grant will be funded through resources provided to CDB under the African-Caribbean-Pacific-European Union-CDB-Natural Disaster Risk Management in CARIFORUM Countries Programme (ACP-EU-CDB NDRM). The intervention is consistent with the bank’s strategic objective of supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development within its Borrowing Member Countries. It also aligns with the CDB’s corporate priorities of promoting disaster risk management and climate change mitigation and adaptation and improved protection and sustainable management of natural resources.

It is also consistent with Result 2 of the ACP-EUCDB NDRM Programme to improve local, national and regional resilience through strengthened early warning, national risk profiling, community-based disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

that at the close of the week they will graduate.

Meanwhile, several of the participants, who were drawn from the Buxton Day Care Centre, Women Across Differences (WAD), the Lusignan-Good Hope Learning Centre, the St. John Bosco Orphanage, Sophia and the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana’s Georgetown district and other groups and communities, expressed

A section of the participants at the workshop gratitude to the First Lady for and I’m really grateful to the hosting the workshop.

First Lady for this programme Ms. Candaice Watson of because I’ve been waiting for Buxton, East Coast Demerara this opportunity for a very long (ECD) who is employed at a time,” she said. day care centre and who asMs. Candecy Burnette, pires to, one day, open her own a caregiver at the St. John child care facility, said that she Bosco Orphanage, who hails has benefited tremendously from Plaisance, ECD, said from the workshop. “This that the workshop has given workshop has taught me so her some new insight into many things that I didn’t know her role. “I’ve learnt so many about children; I’m still learn- things that I didn’t know and ing. I really love children … [the workshop] has helped

me to work with them and try to understand them [in a different way],” she said. The programme was chaired by Confidential Secretary to the First Lady, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Yvonne Smith of the Office of the First Lady.

Facilitator, Ms. Shavon Chester and Clerical Assistant, Ms. Glenis Grenion also attended the workshop. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

Gov’t slams poor management of GPSU credit union

THE Ministry of Social Protection said it is sorely disappointed with the conduct and behaviour of the Committee of Management of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union which it accused of acting against

the interest of its members and against the principles of prudent management styles.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Department of Labour it was stated that members of the society who are in excess of 14,000 and

have not been paid dividends for several years now because of the society’s inability and in some respects blatant refusal to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM).

An AGM is usually held upon the completion of the

Audit of the Accounts of the Society in conformity with the Provisions and Regulations as are contained in the Co-operative Societies Act, Chapter 88:01, of the Laws of Guyana.

“For more than one year now, the Ministry of Social Protection under whose supervision Co-operative Societies fall has been advising the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) on the necessary legal steps to be followed to ensure that the Audit of its accounts were completed so that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) could be held, to facilitate, among other things, the payment well deserved dividends to the members.

On the contrary, the Committee of Management demanded that the Ministry permit the society to continue enjoying a certain unfair advantage which had prevailed in the past, and which had been developed under suspicious circumstances.”

According to the ministry in spite of the several meetings and exchange of correspondences which clearly outlined its position of discontinuance of

the unfair advantage to the Guyana Public Service Union Credit Union, its Committee of Management continued to defy the Ministry’s advice and even threatened to institute legal proceedings if the unfair advantage, which, for all intent and purpose was discriminatory, was not allowed to continue.

“In a final attempt to develop an amicable solution to the matter, the Ministry invited the Committee of Management to a meeting scheduled for 1:30 pm on 25th July, 2017. Rather than attending the meeting, the Committee rudely responded to the Ministry’s invitation and suggested that it would attend only when it was convenient to them to do so. That position adopted by the Committee is not only disrespectful but reflective of a desire to enjoy preferential treatment which borders on corruption.”

“The Ministry wishes to advise all members of the Guyana Public Service Credit Union that it is not to be held responsible for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) not being held at this time or any other time

Keith Scott Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection earlier.

Finally, the Ministry wishes to advise all Co-operative Societies and more particularly Credit Unions that the current dispensation does not allow for preferential treatment to anyone. The Law will be applied fairly, and equitably to all and sundry.

At this time, we have no interest in divulging the parameters of the unfair advantage which the Guyana Public Service Credit Union enjoy, but if we are forced to do so then by all means that will be done,” the statement signed by Keith Scott Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

Rotary Club of Georgetown installs new board

THE Rotary Club of Georgetown has installed a new Board of Directors,and inaugurated its 59th President, Clyde De Haas.

The directors took up their official positions during an installation ceremony held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on June 30, 2017, under the theme, “Rotary: Making A Difference.”

In his address, President De Haas promised that the Rotary Year 2017/2018 will be a successful one while expressing confidence in the new board’s ability to help Rotary ‘Make a Difference,’ through the expanse of youth and the wealth of experience.

He reassured the gathering that the club will continue to strengthen communities through various projects, many of which are underserved areas.

These projects include the drilling of a new water well in the community of Old England in Linden, the distribution of maternity-care packages, a commu-

President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Clyde De Haas and the new Board of Directors nity outreach programme in the Yarrowkabra area, the refurbishment of a Toy Library at the Linden Branch of the National Library, and the construction of a walkway for the children at the Bal Nivas Children’s Shelter in

Berbice.

Serving with President Clyde are President-Elect Harrinand Persaud, VicePresident Peter Peroune, Immediate Past President Lisa Foster, Board Secretary Alvina Rambarran, and

Treasurer George Edwards.

The Committee Directors are Administration Amanda Persaud, Foundation Roger Harper, Public Relations Ariane Mangar, Service Projects Pearson Burch-Smith, Membership Ramona Singh, New

Generations Natasha Backer and Sergeant-at-Arms Harryram Parmesar.

“The club expresses gratitude to our corporate partners, our Rotary family and supporters for their most generous dona-

tions and participation in our fund- raising events throughout the Rotary Year and look forward to their continued support, as we continue together to make a difference in the world.”

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City keeping a close eye

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

– on businesses in breach of sanitation by-laws AT l e a s t o n e C h i n e s e restaurant is about to be closed down, and several other major city businesses are under watch by City Hall for connecting their pipes to drains instead of to the city’s sewerage system.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen shared with city councillors on Monday how when she and a team visited one business place, they saw raw faeces and toilet paper flowing down a nearby drain after a toilet was flushed in

their presence.

Town Clerk Royston King recalled that a notice was placed in the press discouraging the practice, and that the Council will now have to take action, including against those businesses

that fail to have adequate fat/ grease traps that eventually results in the blocking of drains.

The mayor observed that this practice poses a number of dangers to council workers, who would have to go into the drains to get them cleaned. Furthermore, she referred to how thousands of people would have to tread through flood waters that would be laced with raw faeces.

In September 2016, King had given all property owners in Georgetown’s central business district 14 days to connect all pipes to the sewerage system, as opposed

to the city’s alleyways and street drains.

In a notice placed in the press, King said the M&CC would have started a campaign on October 5, 2016, to prosecute all property owners who have their soil pipes and other related (pipes leading from water closets, baths and sinks) outlets flowing into city drains. To date, no action has been taken.

“This is against the Georgetown Building Construction Public Health Provision Regulations, Section 19, which says, ‘Every new building shall be provided with such number of water closets, urinals, sinks, bath wastes or other sanitary

conveniences in accordance with the Georgetown Sewerage Regulations, as may be required by the City Engineer,’” King said.

He said the M&CC will also be moving to prosecute all property owners who have their roof gutter down-pipes draining directly into street drains and alleyways.

“This is against the Georgetown Building By-law Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01,” he saod, adding: “Property owners who are in breach of these regulations have 14 days to correct this negative public health situation.”

Stabroek Market vendors to be relocated next year

A MEETING has been arranged with vendors of the Stabroek Market, including those around the wharf area, to discuss relocation proposals that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) said it has already come up with.

Town Clerk Royston King announced last Monday that vendors have been invited to City Hall tomorrow (Thursday) and that the intention is to have them relocated during the first quarter of next year.

Since these are ‘legal’ tenants of the M&CC, King said it is only fair they be allowed to share their views and ideas on the relocation.

According to him, areas for relocation have already been identified.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen had time and again complained about the slothfulness of the Markets and Public Health Committee on moving the relocation process forward, and had even pointed out that it must do more than keep meetings.

“I am not hearing from the [committee] and I hope that we can start consultations with those persons, so

that they will be able to give us ideas of where they can be relocated while the wharf is being constructed,” she said.

The mayor feared that should no action be taken in this direction, the money for it could be redirected.

“Councillors, if we do not do that, we will not be able to get that wharf done and the money will be relocated and I don’t think under my stewardship I want that money to be relocated when we had been forewarned.

“We have to be very vigilant and very alert and, ensure that that market rehabilitation is not [prolonged] because of the lackadaisical way in which we approach the relocation of vendors,” said Chase-Green.

A source recently told the Chronicle that because City Hall is in such a cashstrapped state at the moment, the way forward regarding relocation will depend heavily on assistance from government.

In the past, the mayor had also expressed concern for finding adequate money to assist the relocation process.

“If the wharf is going to start construction in the first quar-

ter, we have to move all those people. We have to look; we have to find somewhere with sanitary facilities and running water, which puts a strain on council’s finances. Where do we get the money to find a new site to put people with the limited cash we have?”

Meanwhile, approximately $400M is to be spent on rehabilitating the dilapidated Stabroek Market wharf, the town clerk had told the Chronicle.

He had noted that the unsightly structure is soon to be torn down and replaced with a mall-like facility, complete with a boardwalk and entertainment area. “Vendors ought not to worry, as they will be given first preference to return, once the project has been completed. However, due to the modernisation, they will be asked to pay a little more rent,” King had explained.

The collapse of a portion of the roof three Septembers ago did not deter vendors from conducting business there. “The facility is not only an eyesore, it is ruinous and dangerous to the health and lives of persons who use it,” King said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday July 26, 2017

NAREI ramps up distribution of chemical to combat coconut pest

THE National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is continuing its distribution of chemicals to reduce the Red Palm Mite (RPM) population in the Pomeroon, Region TwoGuyana’s largest coconut producing district.

Between October 2016

dence of poor husbandry practices with little or no insect pest management.

The unsanitary condition of many farmers will negatively impact production in the district.

For instance, a recent study conducted by NAREI showed a decline in production in 2016 from

One of the farmers displaying her chemical to reduce Red Palm Mite and June 2017, a total of 633 farmers of the 713 coconut farmers in the district received chemicals accounting for 10,600 acres. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the other farmers also benefit from this initiative, NAREI said in a release. The chemicals being distributed by NAREI are: inisan; triazophos; and abamectin.

The distribution of chemicals in an ongoing process since the RPM population cannot be eliminated but reduced.

In addition, ever so often farmers are either expanding their acreage or new persons are joining the industry. And, importantly, farmers need to ensure proper farm sanitation.

There are about 5000 acres of coconut farms under cultivation for dry nut purpose in the Pomeroon River. Most of these acres are old estates, which are poorly maintained and manage, abundant, poorly drained and shows evi-

2105. This was caused by a number of factors including the RPM infestation. Thanks to NAREI’s intervention and Government’s allocation of $49M to purchase and distribute chemicals, production had increased during the same period in 2017.

However, production will only be maintained and rise further if coconut farmers give urgent attention to other faction such as improved drainage, good husbandry practices, fertiliser and insect pest management programme, along with new cultivation with younger trees.

It is important to note that the application of the chemicals to the trees would not have an immediate impact in coconut production. Increased production would be observed during the next bearing of coconuts.

In June 2017, NAREI attended a meeting held by the Pomeroon Exporter Producers Association (PEPA). One of the main issues raised by farmers is market availability for the expected rise in coconut production and other crops since this can lead to a drop in price. This will affect their livelihood. At

NAREI has been distributing chemicals to reduce the Red Palm Mite (RPM) population in the Pomeroon, Region Two

present some farmers complain that water nuts are being over mature (getting hard) on their trees since the main buyers are receiving sufficient supply. This is evidence that coconuts are readily available in the

district.

Farmers believe that the owners of bottling plants could increase their bottling operations and set a fixed price for water nuts throughout the year.

The current low sup-

ply of dry nuts was also raised and farmers were advised on the importance of good husbandry practices and farm management in order to maintain and increase dry nuts production.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

85 back at Camp St brick prison EIGHTY -FIVE five prisoners were tallied Tuesday after being transferred from the Lusignan Prison to the Camp Street brick prison facility, prison officials confirmed.

According to reports, the inmates after being transferred created a ruckus and complained about the building noting that the heat from the fire damaged the foundation of the building creating fears that the brick prison may collapse.

Prison officials, however, denied the allegation noting that the inmates were behaving badly because of the intense security. However, at the Lyken Funeral Parlour located at John and Norton Streets, less than a mile away from the prison, family members, relatives and colleagues of the late prison warden, Odinga Wickham, were paying their final respects to him.

Meanwhile, the Joint Service are continuing the hunt for the remaining prisoners from the 13 who dug their way to freedom on Monday morning at the Lusignan holding facility.

Seven were recaptured the same evening.

Early Monday morning, during a routine head-count, authorities discovered that

Fire tendersand an ambulance were seen around the prison during the transfer on Tuesday (Samuel Maughn Photo)

13 prisoners had escaped.

Prisoners were transferred to the pasture-like compound after a July 9 fire destroyed more than 70 per cent of the Georgetown Prison where they were being held.

Most of the prisoners were then sent to the prisons at Timehri, New Amsterdam, Mazaruni and at

Lusignan which is next to the holding facility. However, the high-profile criminals in the compound were eventually transferred back to the Georgetown Prison.

Director of Prisons, Gladwyn Samuels, at a press conference had noted that before the escape there were 99 prisoners in the swamped area, 104 in the

new holding area and 136 in the Lusignan Prison.

However, the 13 men managed to escape the prison during locking-down time and the tallying exercise on Monday morning.

Regarding what specific time the men would have made their escape, the Prisons Director said that he believes that the men

made their move between 01:00hrs and 02:30hrs when it rained heavily.

Questioned on what were the security arrangements at the time, he said there are three layers of security. “We have security officers that are within the Lusignan Prison, they are also supposed to assist the police in the tower situated

around the swamped area, the new holding area as well as the Lusignan Prison. The Guyana Defence Force, they provide what is called the outer cordon.”

Based on his direct observation of the swamped area, the prisoners made their escape in the vicinity of a make-shift toilet located in the north-eastern end of the holding area.

“What was revealed is that despite we would have provided the portable toilets, the prisoners, I am not sure if it was because of numbers or they were uncomfortable with the use of the portable toilets, but some of them resorted to using an area where the two fences come together like a ‘V’, and somewhere there in order to protect themselves from others seeing them when they are using the ‘toilet’ there was a zinc sheet erected.

The digging of the hole occurred in the same vicinity.”

According to Samuels, the men dug a hole which led them under the fence and outside the perimeter of the holding area. He said that the depth of the hole was approximately five feet and measured the same in length.

Town Clerk wants increase in container fees TOWN Clerk Royston King has urged Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, to urgently pursue the container fee issue with the relevant authorities so that the $5000 being charged currently for each container leaving the wharf can be increased to a more reasonable amount.

At the municipality’s fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall on Monday, King observed that since the $5000 was agreed to be charged in the interim, there has been no movement with the issue.

“And we don’t want the interim to become the permanent,” he said.

“We need to settle this issue so we can get a definite figure. $5000 is not enough; we’re denying shippers the opportunity to make their full contribution to the city,” he added.

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) had said in the past that it wants

$8,000 in fees for a 20-foot container, and $10,000 for 40 or 45-foot ones. These new figures were part of a proposal being mulled by a tripartite committee to look into the matter.

The M&CC, the government, and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) had agreed to get together to resolve the contentious issue.

Councillor Alfred Mentore had told fellow councillors that the new amounts being requested by the M&CC are fair and reasonable. Councillor Malcolm Ferreira, however, voiced his disapproval of the current amount in place for those in breach of the obligation to move their containers within a stipulated time. He had urged the Council to increase the amount from $2,500.

“I believe that’s low; it should be $8,000 and $10,000. People have to understand that a penalty

is a penalty; it’s nothing you can just pick up US$12 or US$50 and pay off.

“They (businesses) could put it (their containers) on the road for 10 days and pull out $25,000 out their pocket easy, because they have $50M worth in the container,” he said to councillors who were evidently in agreement.

City Hall had decided to implement a $25,000 container fee, but this attracted much flak from members of the business community and the PSC. Some businessmen had also resorted to the courts, accusing the M&CC of illegally implementing such a fee. And, the courts had ruled in favour of the businessmen.

City Hall has stressed, though, that money is needed to repair roads which the containers have been damaging over the years.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26 2017

UG central to fulfilling green state agenda – President THE University of Guyana (UG) remains an important institution in helping the state to fulfil its green state agenda, currently being advanced by the government.

This was according to President David Granger on Monday during the opening of the institution’s inaugural Diaspora Engagement Conference, which was held at Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence. The one-week conference is being hosted by the institution with the aim of building a mutually- beneficial relationship with the diaspora.

With over 243 participants registered to attend, the Conference will attract persons from more than

management; solid waste management; ecological and environmental services; eco-education and eco-tourism; information and communication technology (ICT); and the generation of renewable energy.

The President referenced the fact that Guyana, which is located at the centre of the Guiana shields - one of the world’s last remaining track of virgin rainforest - is rich in bio-diversity. He noted that the country’s assets must be protected for mankind and for the sustainable development of countries which belong to the shield.

As of 2010, this country’s boasted 8000 plant

try’s coastal and riverine defenses, conservancies and draining and irrigation systems must be repaired and maintained consistently in order to protect human habitation from the effects of climate change.

And to achieve this, he noted that, “UG is central to fulfilling the scientific and technological objectives which the green state requires.”

According to the Headof-State, the country’s premier tertiary institution must drive the intellectual processes and bring development by becoming the incubator of technology and the nurturer of skills and talent.

Further, he said that

President David Granger outlining the Green State Agenda and UG’s role in contributing to the realisation of its fulfilment

Some of the participants at the opening of UG’s inaugural Diaspora Engagement Conference

12 countries spanning four continents.

Central to the engagements, is not only the contribution of the diaspora to the university or vice versa, but the contribution of the university to the country.

Examining the contributions the country’s premier tertiary institution could play in national development, was the Head-ofState, whose speech focused on the Green State Development Agenda.

Guyana’s green state agenda seeks to push the country along a developmental pathway. That development agenda seeks to promote an increase in investment in: biodiversity management; coastal zone

species; 467 species of fish; 130 amphibians; 179 reptiles; 814 birds; 225 mammals; 1,673 anthropoids; 1,200 fungi; 33 bacteria; 17 moss; and 30 viruses. In addition, the country possesses natural capital which ranges from the islands of the Essequibo, to the lowlands and hinterlands, to its spectacular rapids.

Despite possessing these “natural capital,” President Granger was keen to note that Guyana is “deficient” in the physical infrastructure essential for economic development - in the form of aerodromes, bridges, highways, housing, deep-water ports and stellings.

He said that the coun-

it must establish institutions to educate students to advance the green state development such as the biodiversity centre, while more Guyanese need to be trained in zoology, biology, engineering, technology, geology and agriculture.

The achievement of these, he said, will be the institution’s second scientific and technological shift – with the first being in the 1970s after the country had achieved republican status.

He recalled that at that time, the university attracted and employed lecturers from around the world, while expanding breadth of its programmes to include agriculture, education, earth and environmental

sciences, fisheries, the natural sciences and social sciences, and technology.

“In spite of its financial and material constraints then, the university provided opportunity for thousands of Guyanese who never before dreamt of acquiring tertiary education,” the President old hundreds of attendees.

Speaking at the opening of the Conference also, was Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, who hinted at the establishment of a diaspora engagement centre.

Building on this conference, Professor Griffith shared that: “We plan also to launch a centre for regional diaspora engagement that can take the work started here, forward”.

He said that the centre, once established, will host every two years, a conference that will bring Guyanese and the diaspora to their homeland to have engagements.

The VC further stated that one of the objectives of that centre will be to find a way to establish and manage a talent database. He explained that the database will contain information about who in the diaspora has what interest or skill, who wants to contribute, and will provide facilitation of those contributions.

“We plan not only to say we’re interested in diaspora, we plan to demonstrate by having a work programme that takes this conference into the future going from strength to strength” he added.

Young cyclist killed after hit by jeep A 24-year-old West Berbice cyclist lost his life on Monday night last after he was struck from behind by a Tacoma Jeep while he was cycling along the West Berbice Highway, at Lovely Lass Village.

The accident occurred at around 8pm and Keyfa Raphael Campbell, a carpenter of Number 29 Village, also on the Corentyne, was rushed to the Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital where he received emergency treatment before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was however pronounced dead on arrival.

His older sister, Patricia Bacchus, told the Chroni-

29, earlier in the evening to collect a SIM card which she had promised and had bought for him.

He collected the card and was on his way home on his bicycle when he met his demise. “He was a carpenter; a hard working young man and always of a pleasant disposition,” his grieving sister said.

Campbell has left to mourn six sisters one brother and his parents Beverly and Ray Halley. Meanwhile DECEASED: Keyfa Raphael the driver of the Tacoma veCampbell hicle GPP 4166 who is said to be a Trinidadian national cle that Campbell popularly was up to late yesterday afknown as “Done Dance” ternoon assisting the Police had cycled to her home some with their investigations distance east of Number into the fatal occurrence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Renewed calls for end to stigma against persons living with HIV/AIDS

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, wants the discrimination against people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) to stop.

According to the Minister, people living with HIV/ AIDS have the same rights as everyone else, as enshrined in the United Nations Human Rights Declaration. She said that the Ministry of Public Health is committed to providing quality HIV/AIDS prevention treatment, care and social support without discrimination. The minister was speaking at the National Conference for People Living with HIV (PLHIV), at the Regency Suites Hotel on Hadfield Street on Tuesday.

The one-day conference

From left to right- Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme (NAP), Dr. Rhonda Moore; Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; and UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Martin Odiit (DPI photo) was held to resuscitate the

network of Guyanese people

living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and was hosted by the National Coordinating Coalition. Dr. Cummings said that over the years, Guyana has made tremendous strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to the Minister, Guyana’s goal is to end AIDS by 2030 and achieve the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets.

Additionally, to end the stigma, the Ministry will be undertaking a survey to measure the level of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS that exist in Guyana, the Minister said. “To effectively conduct this survey, we need to work with PLHIV. Therefore, it is important that the opportunity of this conference is used to re-organize the network of PLHIV. Such that most PLHIV can be reached to inform the survey, and provide a representative analysis of stigma and discrimination”, Minister Cummings explained.

The minister further explained that data collected from the survey, will be used to guide the development of evidence-based programmes for people living with the virus. The survey can also

help to improve the self-esteem, boost morale, decrease isolation and depression, and improve health through access to better information.

Minister Cummings is also urging people living with HIV/AIDS to get the necessary treatment, as they are recognised by the government as productive members and contributors to society.

The Minister emphasized that the government will continue to provide resources to train and engage or employ people living with HIV in self-care, in HIV prevention, as community health workers in the practicalities and legal, and social aspects of HIV and counseling.

“We will also continue to ensure psycho-social support for persons living with HIV who, in revealing their status, may experience discrimination against themselves or their dependants”, Dr. Cummings explained.

Programme Manager of National AIDS Programme Secretariat, (NAPS) Dr. Rhonda Moore said that at the end of 2016, 8492 persons were estimated to be living with HIV. However, Dr. Moore pointed out that 84 per cent of the people who know their status were placed on medication.

“The encouragement that we want to give is to find yourself linked to a treatment site, and when you get to that treatment site do everything that you can to prepare yourself to work with the doctors to prepare yourself to start treatment. The studies have shown that starting treatment earlier leads to good outcomes in the future.

People live longer and they live healthier”, Dr. Moore explained.

Additionally, the doctor called on persons living with HIV to support others who really need care, and to ensure that they seek treatment. Dr. Moore acknowledged that some persons are living with HIV/AIDS, are coping with it while others are not. Additionally, a call was made for government to play a more integral role in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS, from UNAIDS Country Director Dr. Martin Odiit. Dr. Odiit said that the government should create and promote education and employment, promote and adopt workplace policies in the formal and informal sectors and strengthen organizations that supporting persons living with HIV/AIDS. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

‘Multi’ defeat Buxton Youth Achievers 5-3 on penalty kicks to reach semi-finals

By Rawle Toney

FOUR-time champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School defeated Buxton Youth Achievers 5-3 on penalty kicks yesterday at the Beterverwagting Community Centre ground, to advance to the semi-finals of this year’s Digicel Schools Football Tournament.

With the win, the Lindeners set up a rematch of last year’s final, against Chase Academy tomorrow at the Leonora Track and Field Facility at 16:00hrs.

The match between the school popularly known as ‘Multi’ and the East Coast Demerara-based school was far from entertaining, given the fact that ‘Multi’ controlled the bulk of the possession in the game and also kept the Buxton school at bay thanks Kevin Dare who marshalled the team’s defence well.

The two sides played to

a scoreless first half but it was ‘Multi’ who managed the go-ahead goal when Andre Mayers rifled a right-footed volley from just over the half-way mark on the pitch in the 47th minute to give his school and 1-0 advantage.

The goal brought life to the team who are chasing their fifth title and hoping to play in their seventh consecutive final, as captain Omar Brewley and forward Jehu Regis began to have their way with the Buxtonians’ defence but came up short.

However, things took a turn in the 64th minute when a Linden player handled the ball in the penalty area, forcing the referee to point to the ‘mark’ and it was Shemar Beckles, who stepped up for the challenge.

Beckles, the team’s captain, made no mistake in placing his effort well out of the reach of the Chris-

tianburg/Wismar Secondary custodian Nicolas Gentle.

The score line failed to spur Buxton to life as the Linden unit continued to control and dictate the pace of the game.

Regis had a chance to close things off in the dying stages of the game, but he was a step short in reaching the ball inside the six-yard box with his header attempt.

With the two teams failing to find the net at the end of 90 minutes, the game went to penalty. Lindeners were flawless from the penalty spot, while Buxton fell short, thanks to Gentle’s heroics between the uprights when he saved the East Coast team’s fourth kick.

After the game, head coach Delon Peters said that while he wasn’t pleased with his team’s performance, he was happy that they were able to get the win and advance to the semi-finals.

Defending champs Chase Academy maul Hosororo 10-0

By Stephan Sookram DEFENDING Digicel Schools Football Champions Chase Academic Foundation made light work of their Hosororo opponents in the quarter-finals of the 2017 edition of the tournament yesterday.

Playing at the Ministry of Education ground, Chase took control of the game quite easily and never looked back, their first goal coming in the 5th minute when Nicholas McAurthur burst the net with a firecracker.

Hosororo were beaten at all ends for this goal and it seemed the trend to carry on for the others with Ryan Hackett and Adrian Aaron all scoring within the first 20 minutes to send the score 3-0 up.

However, they could not

break the spirit of the Hosororo supporters who were the life of the party. Any time one of their players came into contact with the ball, even for a split second, they responded joyfully.

As the half wore on, so did the goal fest and Kevin Padmore found himself on the scorecard, this time in the 27th minute with Stephon Reynolds scoring just one minute later, to take the score to five and Rondel Peters scoring in the 43rd to end the half 6-0.

On resumption, the scoring subsided momentarily and many in the stands thought it was over, but that was not to be as Jermaine Garrett netted his first in the 69th and Hackett completed his double in the 73rd.

Peters also completed his brace in the 81st with captain Jeremy Garrett getting

into the action just before the close.

Meanwhile, over at Leonora Waramadong overcame Sir Leon Lessons 5-2.

The 34th minute marked the opening goal for Waramadong from Reon McNaughton as the half ended 1-0 with Sir Leon looking for the equaliser.

They got it two minutes into the second half with Tyrese Forde finding the back of nets and it was an even-stevens, and war from there on. Naughton again gave the Region Seven champions the lead then put them further ahead in the 55th.

Javin Castro added a fourth before Forde helped Sir Leon pull one back, but that was later cancelled out

by Ravi Ruddy, who scored the last of the game’s goals in the 87th minute.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Malcolm on that 1994 Oval Test, those nine wickets and making SA ‘history’

By Richard Edwards IN retrospect, it might have been better for someone to tell Fanie to forget what he was planning and pitch it up,” says former South Africa pace bowler Craig Matthews.

series in England since 1965.

A thrashing in the opening Test at Lord’s – a match which became synonymous with the dirt in Mike Atherton’s pocket – had once again heaped the pressure on coach, Ray Illingworth, and the skipper. A drawn Test at Heading-

out,” he says.

“But when we lost that match against South Africa at Lord’s I was thinking to myself that I was going to get a recall because that’s what happened in the ‘90s – you were in one minute and out the next. I was in good

Hansie Cronje is beaten by a Devon Malcolm thunderbolt. (Getty)

Unfortunately for South Africa’s batting line-up, Fanie de Villiers had the whiff of revenge in his nostrils and Devon Malcolm was just about to cop it.

It was late August 1994, with the sun beating down on a rock-hard Oval surface when de Villiers delivered that fateful delivery, a bouncer that hit Malcolm squarely on the Three Lions adorning his helmet.

It was rumoured to be revenge for the England man hitting Jonty Rhodes in South Africa’s first innings. Whatever the reason, the usually mild-mannered Malcolm was not a happy man.

“I’m pretty easy-going,” he tells The Independent. “But even when Allan Donald, who’s a good mate of mine, came up and asked me if I was okay, I swore at him and told him where to get off.”

Malcolm insists he uttered the words ‘you guys are history’; Darren Gough, his partner at the other end, maintains that the threat, which remains one of the most well-known phrases in English cricket history, never left his mouth.

Whatever he said, the South Africans were left in no doubt that they had better muster all the protective armour they could, before they stepped out to bat for an innings that would decide the direction of their first

ley did little to alleviate that and meant that South Africa arrived at the Oval on the cusp of an historic triumph.

While England had once again stumbled their way through the summer, Malcolm had spent most of his kicking his heels around the county circuit, bowling for his county Derbyshire and biding his time before the call, inevitably, came for the Oval Test.

“I had played one Test match against New Zealand at Trent Bridge earlier in the summer but was then left

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form in the run-up to that match and was taking plenty of wickets in county cricket and I knew this was a match that England needed to win.

“The thing about the Oval pitch was that it was a very good track to bat on because the bounce was so consistent.

Once you were in, you were going to make runs but I always did pretty well there because the harder you hit the pitch the more you got out of it.”

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or one that made a draw inevitable. And when England made 304 in reply it was game on.

“Myself and Darren Gough had made a few in the first innings and had really attacked the South African bowling,” says Phil de Freit-

as. “We wrestled the initiative back from them. I reckon we set Devon up perfectly for what was to follow!”

With Malcolm silently seething following his blow on the head – and with rumours flying around the South African dress-

ing room that England’s spearhead was listening to the national anthem in his headphones before coming out to bowl – the endearingly inconsistent man from Derbyshire tore in like a man possessed.

(Independent)

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

GFF, Guyana Girls Academy to host ‘Summer Girls Academy’

By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday teamed up with the Guyana Girls Academy (GGA), to launch their ‘Summer Girls Academy’, catering for girls between ages 7 and 11, who are interested in the game of football.

The camp commenced today at the Transport Sports Club ground, Thomas Lands and concludes on Friday, July 28.

According to GGA president Colin Wilson the idea was to create a girls’ academy that would develop, train and educate players to compete at a collegiate, professional and international level as well as to help ignite a strong women’s football culture in Guyana that would continuously fuel the women’s national team programme.

GFF president Wayne Forde (first from right) and president of the Guyana Girls Academy at the launch of the ‘Summer Girls Academy’

“With this camp we are starting off with the younger girls and we are hoping to build from there so we can get as many girls as possible to create a bigger player pool for Guyana so they can com-

pete at the highest level in the future,” Wilson said.

Wilson, who is also a female football coach in the USA where he resides, told the gathering of media personnel at the GFF Secretariat yesterday that

“the idea is to get as many girls as possible. Obviously with me being up in the (United) States, I only have so many resources down here in Guyana. So with a few of the connections I made down here with the GFF and a few friends from ABSAA, I was able to get them to reach out to a few girls in Georgetown and also surrounding areas and they

were able to pool a number of girls.”

“I was able to do some crowd funding back in the States and to get the equipment for those girls so with the pool, we can start with that and for the next one, hopefully, it can grow and then we can branch out to all the other areas of Guyana.

“In about five to 10 years I am hoping we can get our own facility or be able to share a facility with one of the other organisations so we can have a year-round girls’ academy,” Wilson pointed out.

Wayne Forde, president of the GFF, stated the partnership with the GGA, shows his Federation’s continued effort to reach out to fellow Guyanese and those with Guyanese roots, in building a strong coalition that will support the development of football at every level of the game and every category of the sport.

Forde stressed on the efforts being made by his executive committee through Technical

Director Ian Greenwood, to bring some focus and structure to women’s football.

“Thank you for the interest and clearly the commitment, the resources, knowledge and experience you will bring to the work we are already doing here” Forde said, while offering the GFF’s continued support in ensuring the sustainability of the programme.

Meanwhile, Greenwood pointed out that “at the moment, women’s football locally is 20 years behind where it should be.

At the GFF we are re-launching women’s football in the country and that process started with the appointment of our very first Women’s Development Officer Tricia Munroe. We have a lot of activities now at the grassroots levels for female players.

“We currently have our U-17 national women’s team in training camp preparing for our tournament (CONCACAF U-17 Championship) which Guyana will be hosting.”

Kares Engineering softball cricket tournament bowls off Saturday

Some of the team captains pose with trophies up for grabs. Major Smith of the Ministry of the Presidency and Radesh Rameshwar of Kares Engineering Inc. share the moment.

ROSE Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, (RHTYSC) on Friday launched its first-ever Kares Engineering Patron’s Green Economy Softball Cricket Tournament, at its parent body, St Francis Community Developers Training Centre.

The tournament is organised by the Cricket Development Committee of the Club in honour of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Patron’s 72nd birthday.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster disclosed that the tournament would involve 19 teams drawn from across the Ancient County and bowls off this Saturday at the Hampshire cricket ground.

The teams are Set Up, Rising Star, Canje Pathfinders, Force, Grill Master, Fyrish, Shamie Grocery, Toopoo, Rising Star, Letter Kenny, Hustler II, Tain, Chaser, Maida,

Hard Knock, Underdogs, Guru Eleven, Hustler I and No. 64 Marines.

The winning team is set to take home $500 000 and a trophy, the runners-up $300 000 and a trophy, 3rd place $100 000 and trophy while the 4th place and man-of-the-final will pocket $50 000 each. Kares Engineering Inc. is the sponsor of the prizes, while other sponsors include the Ministry of the Presidency, S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies, B.K. International, Bakewell and KSM Investment.

The RHTYSC would be using the opportunity during the tournament to educate the Berbice public on Climate Change and Guyana’s push for a Green Economy.

The ‘Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Alcohol, Crime and Yes to Life, Education, Sports, Religion’ message would also be promoted.

The first round of matches will be played on an eight-over basis while the 3rd place playoff and final are to be 20 overs.

Only round-hard bowling would be allowed while only one non-Berbician would be permitted per team. The four semifinalists would be uniformed in polo shirts provided

by Mr Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Investment.

The fixture for the first round was drawn by representatives of the teams and the matches to be played are: Set Up vs Rising Star Canje Pathfinders vs Force Grill Master vs Fyrish Shamie Grocery vs Toopoo Letter Kenny vs Hustlers II Tain vs Chaser Maida vs Hard Knock Underdogs vs Guru Eleven Hustlers I vs No. 64 Marines.

Rising Star Cricket Club (West Berbice) BYE

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Guyana to open Centrobasket U-17 Championship against Bahamas today

By Rawle Toney GUYANA will open their campaign at this year’s Centrobasket U-17 Championship in the Dominican Republic against Caribbean Champions Bahamas, in a rematch of last year’s Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 final at 13:00hrs.

The Bahamas, considered the best basketball nation in the Caribbean, defeated Guyana by 27 points (84-57) when the two met at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on July 10, 2016.

“We think that the only way that we could compete is by being aggressive on the defence,” head coach Lugard Mohan told the media prior

Head coach Lugard Mohan

to the team’s departure for Santa Domingo yesterday.

“We did what we could with the time we had. Our preparation was based on conditioning, defensive mentality;

that’s our game plan basically.

I think we’re going to be at a disadvantage in terms of height, so that’s why we focused on our aggressiveness,” said Mohan.

Distinctly, Guyana will be undersized in comparison with the other teams in the tournament, especially those in their group (Bahamas, Mexico and Puerto Rico).

Asked how prepared, especially mentally, is the team, given the fact that they understand that they’re going to be outmatched with regard to height, Mohan noted, “I think we’re 50% there and that’s one of the things we have to work on, and that’s a work in progress. So when we get over to the Dominican Republic,

we’re going to be looking at the last scrimmage against Colts which would have been a good test for some of the teams we’re going to be facing in the tournament.”

Mohan still stressed that Guyana would’ve been better equipped if they had the services of Jordan Alphonso, who played an important role in the team’s success at the CBC tournament last year, but, stressed that the players are prepared to work extra hard to achieve their goal.

Apart from wanting to finish in the top three of the Centrobasket tournament and qualify for the FIBA U-18 tournament next year, Mohan opined that “the biggest take

Ganesh Parts & General Store renews sponsorship of Emancipation Horse Race Meet

Store manager Dheeraj Ramessar (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club event sponsor, Justice Cecil Kennard, as other staff members enjoy the moment.

AS support continues to pour in for this Sunday’s Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club Emancipation Horse Race Meet, longstanding sponsor of the annual event, Ganesh Parts and General Stores yesterday handed over its sponsorship.

At a simple presentation ceremony held at the Robb Street business location, store manager Dheeraj Ramessar,

in the presence of other store staff, handed over a cheque to the event’s organiser Justice Cecil Kennard.

The store is sponsoring the full purse for the ‘K’ Class Non-winners and ‘L’ Open category race, which will see first place take away $120 000, while second, third and fourth places will receive $60 000, $30 000 and $15 000, respectively

Ramessar expressed pleasure at supporting the event, especially because it is mutually beneficial to both parties, since it provides an outlet for the business to showcase its products.

Ganesh Parts and General Store has been a sponsor of the meet for over five years.

“Ganesh Parts and General Store is happy to come on board with Mr Kennard for

this event. We’ve been doing it over the last five years and we’re so happy to continue doing it. We’ve been using the meet as a means of exhibiting our tyres for the last couple of years at his races, and we’re happy with the kind of feedback we get from the customers,” Ramessar said.

In return, Kennard showered words of gratitude on the business for the much-needed support, “I would like to thank the company for coming on board.

They’ve been on board for over five years. As we know sponsorship is absolutely necessary for the successful promotion of any event including horse racing; and whenever a request is made the store never refuses us,” Kennard said.

He also took the opportunity to speak a little on how preparations for the meet have been coming along, and noted that the condition of the track is very promising, and come Sunday there will be nothing but excitement.

Pre-Emancipation dominoes competition set for Friday A BIG social cohesion pre-Emancipation Knock-out Dominoes Competition goes down this Friday, July 28, at the Lands and Surveys Commission from 16:30hrs.

The event is being organised by James ‘Uprising’ Lewis, and his COI team.

Almost 20 teams are already carded to participate including the home team: Lands and Surveys Commission, GuyOil, Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Business, Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Ministry of Public Health, Forestry, Ministry of the Presidency.

Other teams who wish to participate in the event can contact the organisers on 628-1656, 672-6179, or 666-5857.

Cash incentives, trophies and medals, will be going to the winning team, as well as the runners-up. The competition is being held to bring workers together through sports.

from the tournament is development”.

“Once you’re in basketball, you’re always a student, so development will be the biggest take from competing at the tournament,” said Mohan.

After today’s game against the Bahamas, Guyana will face Puerto Rico tomorrow at 15:00hrs, and then close off their group-play against Mexico on Friday July 28 at 15:00hrs.

Te a m s w i l l p l a y i n round-robin format for three days, after which, the top two teams from each group will advance to the next phase, where the first-place team of Group A will oppose the second-place in Group B and

vice versa.

The winners of the semifinals will advance to the ‘gold medal match’, while the losers will play for the bronze of the continental event.

The top three teams from the tournament will qualify to the FIBA U-18 Americas Championship 2018, to be played in St Catharines, Canada, June 11-17, 2018.

Nigel Bowen, Tramine Brown, Kelmar Carmichael, Akeem Crandon, Shamar France, Roydon Glasgow, Jether Harris, Andrew Johnson, Jermaine King, Kevon Wiggins, Anthony Yanson and Jahleel Young are members of Team Guyana, with Mohan being assisted by USbased Kenneth Avent.

DeNobrega, Gaskin and Sanmoogan participating at FINA Championships … Gaskin performs today

OLYMPIAN Hannibal Gaskin is set to perform in the men’s 100m freestyle today at the 17th International Swimming Federation (FINA) in Budapest, Hungary, where he is one of three Guyanese participating at the international meeting.

Hannibal Gaskin

Joseph DeNobrega was the first of the Guyanese to hit the pool, finishing second in his heats in the 50m butterfly with a new seed time.

Swimming in heat one of nine, DeNobrega took 27.50 seconds to complete the race, touching the wall just after Cote D’Ivoire’s Thibaut Danho, who won the heat in 25.74 seconds.

Ultimately, the 50m but-

terfly win went to Great Britain’s Benjamin Proud, who had a time of 22.75 seconds.

D e N o b r e g a ’s n e x t splash will be on Friday, when he takes to the deck for the men’s 50m freestyle.

Joseph DeNobrega

Meanwhile, aside from being in today’s men’s 100m, Gaskin will also be in the men’s 100m butterfly on Friday. Gaskin and DeNobrega are at the Championships along with fellow Olympian Jamila Sanmoogan, who will open her performance on Friday in the women’s 50m butterfly. She will then be out again on Saturday in the women’s 50m freestyle.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

Guyana to play Trinidad and Tobago Jerseys for players and coaches presented; competition to kick off shortly in preparation for CONCACAF U-15 Championship SPONSOR of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-11 League, USA-based Guyanese Ralph Green, recently presented branded jerseys to the association that would be handed over to the players and coaches of the 10 partcipating teams.

Green, who was on a short visit to Guyana, was hoping to see the kickoff of the tournament but the current prolonged rainy season put paid to his hopes, as grounds on the East Bank have been rendered unplayable for the past two months and counting.

By Rawle Toney TECHNICAL Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Ian Greenwood revealed that the country’s National U-15 will spend five days in the Twin Island Republic, in preparation for the CONCACAF U-15 Championship, set for Bradenton, Florida, August 13-19.

Guyana will be grouped with St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Suriname in the tournament that features some of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football’s (CONCACAF) top teams.

Greenwood, speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, believes that the current bunch of players have what it takes to make it all the way at the tournament which will be played at the IMG Academy.

“The boys have been responding well (at training).

We’ve done a lot of work in terms of tactical formation in and out of position.” Greenwood said, adding “we’ve also unearthed two players who will get into the squad that came through the academy programme. So we’re very confident with what we’ve put together from December, and also looking at the boys from where we started to what we are now.”

A lone strike from Jermaine Garrett was good enough to help Guyana clinch a 1-0 victory over hosts St Martin to win the U-15

Technical Director Ian Greenwood passes out instructions to the players at their recent training session.

SOUALIGA Cup on June 4, with Greenwood stating that the tournament where they played undefeated, offered the perfect insight on whether or not the Guyanese players were ready to face some of CONCACAF’s top playing nations.

Greenwood, however, stated that after the team returns from their current break of encampment on August 1, they would spend the next five days going through some rigorous training, after which, the final

team for the CONCACAF tournament will be selected.

The team will then journey to Trinidad and Tobago, where they will face the Island’s National U-15 team who are also scheduled to participate in the tournament in Florida.

“We’re going to take the team to Trinidad for five days where we’re going to be playing the country’s U-15 National team,” Greenwood said. “We feel we’re real strong this year but playing against Trinidad

and Tobago, who happened to be one the strongest teams in CONCACAF at that level, we’ll be able to have a good idea of where we are.”

After their five-day stay in Trinidad and Tobago, the team will travel to Florida, with Greenwood being optimistic of a positive outcome, stating, “In our group, we feel very confident where we got St Lucia, St Kitts and Suriname. We feel that when we put this team together, we can beat anyone in front of us.”

GFF presents footballs to RMAs PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde has presented footballs to Regional Member Associations (RMAs) in preparation for the commencement of the Frank Watson National Intra-Association U-15 Tournament.

The presentation was made to officials of seven of the nine RMAs in the Boardroom of the Guyana Football Federation last Friday.

Those receiving were: Frank Parris of the Georgetown FA, Noel Harry of East Bank FA, Kelon Josiah of Upper Demerara FA, Keith Ojeer of Berbice FA, Carmel Williams of Bartica FA, Albert Tucker of Essequibo FA, and Adrian Giddings of West Demerara FA. President Wayne Forde in opening remarks said while he is aware that the inclement weather has affected football matches in the U-17 tour-

nament, he is hoping for an early start to the national U-15 tournament: “We would like to have the Frank Watson Intra-Association U-15 tournament kicked off.

clearly doing its part to ensure that each Association plays football, especially at the youth level, which is one of our most important development areas.”

thus creating another layer for youth football development. It is planned to roll out across the country from next month.

The league will feed di-

of polos also branded were presented to the EBFA Executive. The competition when it gets started will see association branded balls used.

Thirty-four numbered playing vests, one first aid kit, two captains’ armbands, five backpacks and 74 medals (first- to fourth-placed teams) were also donated by Green.

Only players born on or after January 1, 2006 will be eligible to participate in the tournament.

Agricola Red Triangle are the inaugural champions and will be going all out to

Ralph Green hands over one of the branded jerseys, along with the (finals) ball to EBFA president Franklin Wilson in the presence of association secretary Wayne Francois and Exco member Clive Matthews.

The jerseys are being worn by the Grove players.

In handing over the jerseys to EBFA president Franklyn Wilson, Green said that he was eager to see the players in action but is hoping to be back during the competition or for the conclusion to enjoy the youngsters in action.

He noted his pleasure in continuing to support grassroots development of the game on the East Bank and has promised to continue to work closely with the association to make the tournament a continued success where players will look forward to being a part of it, annually.

Apart from the players’ and coaches’ jerseys, a set

retain the crown but will have to contend with nine other teams. Craig Primary placed second last year with Grove Hi Tech third and Friendship All Stars, fourth.

Agricola’s Floyd Boyce was the MVP of the League.

He also finished as the joint top goalscorer with Grove’s Tyrese Jones. Agricola also won the best goalkeeper trophy which went to Adam Wilson.

The Most Improved Player award was presented to Joshua Moore of Craig Primary while Shavi Atkinson of Friendship All Stars was adjudged the Most Promising Player.

weekly coaching and mentorship in line with the GFF’s new national football philosophy, under the guidance of GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

In a related matter, Forde announced that the GFF is exploring some additional youth-oriented initiatives

for activation in the various RMAs, the details of which will be announced at a later time.

Further, the GFF, in support of youth football development, has donated six balls to the Fruta Conquerors FC’s summer camp.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday July 26, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Deandra Dottin-185 runs (2) Anisa Mohammed-7 wickets

GFF president Wayne Forde at centre with officials of nine RMAs

“If there’s any challenge beyond the weather you have been experiencing, by all means, be sure to let us know. The Federation is

The new intra-association tournament will involve U-15 club sides from all nine GFF member associations playing regular competitive football,

rectly into the new nationwide network of GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres where young players receive professional,

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who are the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 champions?

(2) Who was voted Player of the Match in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 final?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Annai Secondary beat Vryman’s Erven Maradona backs VAR despite ‘Hand of God’ goal 5-0 to advance to Digicel semis

Flashback: Diego Maradona’s handball goal against England in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup

The victorious Annai Secondary school team.

By: Colin Bynoe.

DIGICEL Schools Football quarterfinal stages began yesterday with a clinical display

by Annai Secondary School.

After demolishing Bush Lot Secondary 5-2 on Sunday, the team from Region #9 showed no difficulty in repeating their previous game score line. They poured in 5 goals once more to show their true dominance.

Played at the Burnham Park ground, the match was witnessed by a fair-sized crowd that included teachers and Astel Collins (PYRAG executive) who came along with the Annai Secondary team,.

With absolutely great weather, the game proved to be a difficult one for the

home team Vryman’s Erven Secondary (VESS).

In just the 5th minute of the game, nerves were shown, a terrible defensive error occurred in the 18-yard box. Vryman’s Erven’s Tierre Phillips was the defaulter; and as a result a penalty was awarded to Annai which they converted with ease.

This early goal left the Vryman’s Erven players in a spot of bother.

Annai Secondary controlled play from then on, as more goal-scoring opportunities were theirs for the taking.

They, however, failed to add to their one-goal advantage in the first half due to some decent saves from the Vryman’s Erven goalkeeper.

When the halftime whistle

sounded the score read 1-0.

After resumption, with both teams enjoying a 15-minute respite, it was Annai who seemed in a hurry to finish the game. They drilled home four additional goals before the final whistle. One of the goals resulted from a savage free kick that curled nicely in the air, a perfect header courtesy of Naidison Daniels in the 53rd minute.

The other goals were in the 60th off the boot of Sherral Daniels, Naidison converted his second goal in the 70th while Orville Daniels had his name on the score line in the 84th minute.

The win propelled Annai Secondary into the Digicel semi-finals.

Regional Under-19 championship

T&T, Guyana in strong positions but Barbados struggle BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago along with Guyana were in strong positions to force victory but Barbados faltered against Jamaica, on the pentultimate day of the first round of matches in the CWI Regional Under-19 three-day championship here Tuesday.

Leeward Islands fast bowler Kian Pemberton … snatched four wickets to peg back Guyana.

Playing at Conaree, T&T did well to dismiss Windward Islands for 153 to earn an 80run first innings lead and had reached 117 for two in their second innings at the close – an overall lead of 197 runs.

Resuming the day on 68 for five, the Windwards got a top score of 54 from Jeremy Layne to get up to their even-

tual total. They were tottering on 89 for eight but Layne struck six fours and a six in a 107-ball knock, adding 55 for the ninth wicket with Lee Louisy who made seven.

Aaron Maniram claimed five for 33 while Navin Bidaisee supported with for four 29.

Batting a second time, T&T lost Leonardo Francis cheaply for one with 11 on the board but Sachin Seecharan stroked 44 and Navin Bidaisee, 39 not out, to rally the innings in a 65-run, second wicket stand.

When the two were separated, Seecharan put on a further 52 in an unbroken third wicket stand with Christian Thurton (26 not out), as T&T closed strongly.

At Verchilds, Guyana stormed to a 221-run lead over Leeward Islands, heading into today’s final day.

Resuming their first innings on 17 for one, the Leewards were dismissed for a paltry 100 to concede a first innings lead of 120 runs.

Joshua Grant was the only batsman to pass 20 with 28 as seamer Ronaldo Ali Mohammed snatched five for 11 and off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, three for 33, to destroy the innings.

In their second turn at the crease, Guyana closed on 101

for five, getting 36 from opener Aley Algoo and 27 from Kevin Sinclair 27. However, pacer Kian Pemberton produced an outstanding spell of four for 35 to halt their progress.

Guyana were cruising at 81 for two but lost three quick wickets for 13 runs to crash to 94 for five as the Leewards clawed their way back.

At St Paul’s, Jamaica fought back gallantly against Barbados to leave that contest evenly poised heading into the final day.

Resuming on 11 for two in reply to Barbados’ 192, Jamaica were bowled out for 179 with Andre McCarthy getting 38, Brad Barnes, 30 and Kristoph Virgo, an unbeaten 23.

McCarthy and Barnes put on 54 for the third wicket to hand Jamaica a strong start to the day but five wickets tumbled for just 43 runs to leave the innings in tatters.

Shalome Parnell (22) and David Bird (13) then added 29 for the eighth wicket before Virgo and Bird put on a further 24 for the ninth, to hand Jamaica valuable runs at the end.

With a narrow lead of 13, Barbados then slumped to 33 for three as off-spinner Barnes snatched all three wickets to fall.

Barbados lead by 46 runs overall.

(REUTERS) - Diego Maradona has backed the use of video assistant referees (VAR) in football even though he is aware that his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal would not have stood if the technology had existed during his heyday.

The goal during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England is one of the most talked about in the history of football, alongside his brilliant solo run past five defenders in the same game that gave his side a 2-1 victory.

The diminutive Argentine, who tapped the ball over the head of onrushing goalkeeper Peter Shilton with his fist to score his country’s first goal, gained even more notoriety when he claimed afterwards it had been scored by the ‘Hand of God’.

“Obviously I think about it whenever I show my support for the use of technology,” Maradona said in an interview posted on global football’s governing body FIFA’s website

(www.fifa.com) yesterday.

“I thought about it and, sure, that goal wouldn’t have stood if technology had been around. And I’ll tell you something else: at the 1990 World Cup I used my hand to clear the ball off the line against the Soviet Union.

“We were lucky because the referee didn’t see it. You couldn’t use technology back then, but it’s a different story today.”

FIFA has tested VAR technology at several tournaments ahead of next year’s World Cup in Russia, including at last month’s Confederations Cup, and its head of refereeing Massimo Busacca said afterwards that the technology should be refined.

The governing body has already said it would like to use VAR at the 2018 World Cup, and football’s law-making body IFAB is expected to decide next March whether to allow them to become part of the game on a permanent basis VAR involves two video

assistant referees who monitor the action on screens and draw the match referee’s attention to possible officiating mistakes.

But criticisms include the time taken to make decisions and the referees’ criteria in deciding when to use the system, with some close calls being made without consulting the VARs. Maradona cited Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal for England against Germany at the 2010 World Cup and Geoff Hurst’s goal that won England the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966, which modern replays later showed did not fully cross the line, as instances where technology could have made a difference.

“People used to say that we’d waste a lot of time; that it would cause a lot of annoyance.

But that’s not the case,” he said.

“Football can’t fall behind. Given the rate at which technology is advancing and the fact that every sport uses it, how can we not think about using it in football?”

Amazon Warriors players begin arriving for CPL 2017 THE Guyana Amazon Warriors players began arriving yesterday ahead of their one week pre-tournament camp for the CPL 2017 tournament.

Those arriving at the CJIA yesterday were Jason Mohammed, Steven Katwaroo and Rayad Emrit .

Meanwhile, the players plan to get into some

The Amazon Warriors players as they arrive yesterday

physical work today at the Providence Stadium.The Guyana Amazon Warriors first match in this year competition is in Florida, USA against S.Kitts Nevis Patriots.

‘Multi’ defeat Buxton Youth Achievers 5-3 on penalty kicks to reach semi-finals See Page 31

The victorious Christianburg/Wismar Secondary following their 5-3 penalty win against Buxton Youth Achievers yesterday

Christianburg/Wismar Secondary goalkeeper Nicolas Gentle (left) and goalscorer Andre Mayers

Defending champs Chase Academy maul Hosororo 10-0

See Page 31

Maradona backs VAR despite ‘Hand of God’ goal See

Page 35

One of the many goals scored in Chase’s 10-0 rout of Hosororo. (Samuel Maughn photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2017