Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 27 01 2017

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No. 104806

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

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Smoke out leftover gangs (VAT Inclusive)

–– police charged to rid country of criminals

Border protection

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–– PM urges greater inter-agency collaboration to defend border Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo inspects the Guard of Honour at the opening of the Annual Police Officers’ Conference, Eve Leary, Geogetown on Thursday (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

1 dead, another Glaring 7 8 irregularities injured in uncovered at GRDB Warlock shooting Page

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Ex-cops among trio remanded on gun, ammo charges 5 Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

PM: Gov’t does not encourage attacks on the judiciary

PRIME Minister with responsibility for the state media on Thursday said he is distancing himself ”from perceived scurrilous attacks in the Chronicle newspapers against the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary who will, less than a month from now, demit his substantive office as Chief Justice at the end of a distinguished career.”

Nagamootoo’s comments come against the background of unwarranted criticisms by attorney-at-law, Ralph Ramkarran against this newspaper’s reportage on recent court decisions by Chancellor, Carl Singh and other matter related to him demitting office.

The Guyana Chronicle

has already said in an editorial on Wednesday that “from our vantage point, these stories were covered, because in addition to the title Justice Singh holds and his influence on the judiciary, they were considered newsworthy.”

The Guyana Chronicle also maintains that there has been no campaign to discredit Justice Singh, as a person or his office, or to be contemptuous of the court. Neither has our coverage relating to him and his service been one of a government-directed policy to discredit this public servant.

Nagamootoo who is performing duties as President went on to say that his Government has been leading the way in ensuring the independence of both the legislature

and the judiciary, and making them financially and administratively autonomous.

“In as much as any citizen, or the government for that matter, may criticise decisions emanating from our courts which, after all, are not cloistered halls immune from public scrutiny, our Government does not encourage attacks on the legislature and judiciary. It is not Government’s policy or decision to besmirch the character of any judicial officer.

Our Government would not condone attempts, however well-meaning or veiled, to impugn the integrity of judicial officers.”

Attorney General, Basil Williams who has also been accused of attacking Jus-

tice Singh on Wednesday dismissed the allegations, noting that the judiciary was “emasculated” by the former People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Speaking at a news conference Williams said the criticisms made against him and the APNU+AFC Administration have no merit as it relates to the alleged interference in the Judiciary.

He believes that the critics are confusing the concerns of letter-writers and others with that of the Attorney General and the Government.

“For my part, I don’t have to do anything; the acting Chancellor himself established a precedent in the case of the acting Chief Justice Ian Chang last year,” he said, adding that it was Justice Singh who advised him that the former acting Chief Justice needed to proceed on pre-retirement leave and then demit office upon attaining age 65.

“The acting Chancellor Carl Singh gave me the particulars for Mr Chang… that is how we were able to determine [his pre-retirement] because of the advice given by the acting Chancellor Carl Singh… The acting Chancellor who is Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) supplied me with all that information, so it would be strange to me that having done that in the case of acting Chief Justice Chang, in his case that it would be different,” the Attorney General said.

He said by the establish-

ment of the precedent, the Chancellor would have to proceed on pre-retirement leave and then on his birthday, which is February 23, he would have to demit office as was the case with the former Chief Justice.

Rule of law Meanwhile, Nagamootoo said since the APNU+AFC Coalition Government assumed office some 20 months ago, Guyana has enjoyed an unenviable image of a peaceful country, determined to uphold the Rule of Law, restore clean and accountable governance, and to distance our administration from both the pervasive corruption and executive interference that had characterized the not-sodistant past.

“We must all bask in reflected pride and glory that in our democratic Guyana, we enjoy an open, multi-party parliamentary system. We have a free and plural press, where journalists are not persecuted and media are not suppressed. But we demand the right to fair comments, the right of reply and constructive and contemporaneous criticisms, however robust.”

He said it is good to know also that Guyana has no political prisoners in jails and though “we have the death penalty in our Statutes, there have been no judicial executions over many years.

We have achieved all these positive attributes due to the fact that there is open and free political space in which the separation of powers is very much evident.”

“That is why, as Prime Minister with responsibility for the state media, I want to say this: while I would not interfere with editorial discretion, I disassociate myself from perceived scurrilous attacks in the Chronicle Newspapers against the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary who will, less than a month from now, demit his substantive office as Chief Justice at the end of a distinguished career.” “I say this because I feel that the national security architecture is better protected with an independent and strong judiciary, and when the branches function independently but in a way that cumulatively (a) enunciate policies and administer them; (b) make laws and approve public spending; and (c) protect constitutional rights and dispense justice that would enable them to ensure law and order, public safety, good governance and the rule of law,” the prime minister continued.

He said the benefits of working together are manifestly reflected in the satisfactory performance of the Guyana Police Force over these past 20 months, for which I congratulate officers and ranks for responding to the challenges that we faced in the security sector with courage, resolve and purpose.

“Effective law enforcement is intertwined with the policies adumbrated by the Executive, the laws that are made, unmade or reformed in the Legislature and the administration of justice by the Judiciary. It is within this wider context of our lawful and impregnable system of inter-action and cooperation that you have shattered the predictions of the messiahs of gloom and doom, who often boast of a “crime spree” and “crime spiraling out of control” in Guyana.”

Border protection

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

… PM urges greater inter-agency collaboration to defend border

By Navindra Seoraj PRIME Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, on Thursday urged greater inter-agency collaboration in an effort to protect this country’s vast border.

Speaking at the opening of the annual police officers’ conference Nagamootoo

encourage participation of civil society in crime detection, community protection and intelligence gathering; build functional cooperation with neighbouring states, friendly countries and international agencies in the fight against trans-border and transnational crimes, and ensure that the three

and no agreement with the narco-syndicate to be an auxiliary of the national security apparatus.

“It seems not so long ago that we experienced the gruesome episodes of torture, executions and use of excessive force, which had impugned the professionalism of the Guyana Police

illustrated by compelling statistics, that the Guyana Police Force lessened the incidence of crime and that police ranks responded positively by apprehending suspects, putting them on trial, and playing useful prosecutorial role in seeing that justice is done. “You have sent a strong message that

and 11 robberies in which firearm had been used.”

Nagamootoo said in Guyana, though “we have a strict law enforcement reputation that we are seeking to re-build, we have resorted to what might appear to be a human approach to ensure public safety. We experimented with a gun

employed intelligence to break-through serious Crime cases. There were 40 such break-through including: 10 murders and firearm related robberies. Information provided also resulted in 78 arrests of persons wanted for serious crimes.

Nagamootoo told the officers that no one can take

Officers participating in the police annual conference share a photo moment with government officials including Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) said that the conference is being held at a time of great changes in the world. “A new President took office in the United States and he immediately started to implement his campaign promises. One of those is the erection of a wall along the Mexican border.”

Nagamootoo said President Donald Trump, has identified a law-enforcement function of the wall, that is, to lock out criminals from the United States of America. “It is not for us to say whether we agree or disagree with this decision.

But unlike the USA, Guyana has extensive borders with three countries, and the mere length of our borders would not allow us to build any walls,” the Prime Minister said.

He said for Guyana, the better option would be to: promote inter-agency cooperation among our intelligence, defence, security and law-enforcement agencies;

branches of Government in Guyana – the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary - work in comity and share in the governance process in such a way as not only to prevent abuse of powers but to strengthen our democratic system and to effectively enforce public policy.

He told the law men that as the law enforcement arm of the Executive, “you need to know and respect tenets of democracy, such as the separation of powers that guide the Executive in its relations with the Legislature and the Judiciary.” “We are all better together; stronger, too. So I ask you, as law enforcement officers and ranks, to respect our laws, our institutions and our democratic traditions.”

He said since coming into office the APNU+AFC Government can proudly proclaim that Guyana has no death squads, no extra-judicial killings, and no electronic support architecture for the criminal enterprise

Force. Fatal shooting by the police, fell from 17 cases in 2008 and 13 in 2013, to only three such cases last year.”

Nagamootoo told the officers that they have distanced themselves from contamination of past lawlessness and excesses in less than two years must be justification to say, “well done”. You could do better.”

He said it was once noted that there are “lies, damned lies and statistics”.

“So, I should be careful to use statistics that show that in the last 20 months, when compared with the corresponding period, percentage-wise, the incidence of crime has fallen. But no amount of statistics would compensate for the tragic consequences that follow criminal activities -- the loss of loved ones, the agonies of survivors, damage, deprivation of property and mental depression.”

He said citizens can be comforted by the facts, as

you would deal condignly with law-breakers and that our system of justice ensures that those who do the crime, they would do the time!”

He said no statistics are more compelling than those for 2016 when there was a 63% detection rate for murder. Of the 142 reports, 89 cases were made out. I understand in police lingua, this is called the clear-up rate, and 63% represents the highest such clear-up rate for murder in fifteen (15) years.” At the same time, compared to 2015, there has been a 16% reduction in the serious crime rate in 2016 (from 392 to 328 reports).

These offences include Robbery under Arms (firearms used), Robbery with Violence, Rape, and Larceny from the Person.

“Our Government also notes with satisfaction that last year the Major Crimes Unit busted 37 cases in 2016, which include 10 “cold cases”, 11 murders

amnesty and we also witnessed pardon of prisoners.

We implemented a curfew to allow unfettered drinking in public places until 2 a.m.

I commend our Minister of Public Security for these innovations and also other measures that were intended to reduce the incidence of lawlessness and criminal activities.”

But it would appear, he said that “we could never guarantee a no-crime environment. Last year, even in the most unsuspecting place, the central prison, crimes were being hatched and hardened criminals were ready to confront law enforcement. The consequences, in one instance, were fatal.” “I recall that incident to show that the scope of work by the disciplined forces from patrol duties to prison deployment is very wide and full of challenges.

“However, you met those challenges. You responded not only physically but you

credit away from them for what they have done collectively. “But you were not alone. Under the leadership of President David Granger, your Commander-in-Chief, the National Security Committee and the Defence Board have been reactivated, and have been meeting routinely. As a result, there have been interagency cooperation, maritime aerial surveillance, border patrols and purposeful deployment of our limited resources; material and personnel resources.

Our ranks in the joint services went on feet, bicycles, motor cycles, horseback, ATVs, jeeps, helicopters and in aircrafts, wherever the situation required. Ranks have been deployed and are permanently stationed on board the M.V. Tamakay, a floating police station in the Waini River.”

He said the combined and determined efforts of police ranks have produced results.

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Smoke out leftover gangs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017 every division which assisted them in achieving their targets. Some of the units which were developed include the gender-based-violence and anti-narcotic units as well as a serial crime unit.

As such, with focus on capacity building and expansion, the force saw an increase of its manpower by 896 new recruits in 2016.

Recruits were given the opportunity to receive training both locally and abroad in all aspects of the force’s operations.

–– police charged to rid country of criminals

IN recalling the horrid past of “gruesome tortures and executions” in Guyana, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who lauded the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for their good work in reducing crime, also called on them to “Smoke out left over gangs.”

Nagamootoo was at the time referring to the crime spree during the period 2002-2006 but, with a 16 percent decrease in serious crimes and a 64 percent increase in the number of murder cases, which were cleared up in 2016, the GPF has indeed showed signs of smoking out gangs and earning its worth of being lauded for their good work, said Nag-

amootoo at the launch of the Police Officer’s Annual Conference held at Eve Leary.

Although officers have done exceptionally well over the past year, it was pointed out that there is much room for improvement, thus at this year’s conference 175 officers will deliberate on current challenges and issues facing the force and seek to derive new strategies which will help in their fight against crime.

Conducted under the theme: “Forging ahead with professionalism and intelligence-led policing in collaboration with stakeholders”, the two-anda-half-days conference will seek to address major

social issues such as gender-based violence and so on, which constitutes and contributes to crime in society, while also moving to enhance its investigation capacity and develop an information command center.

This was according to Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, who indicated that with their sight set on new goals, it must be noted that in 2016, there was a break-even in reports of murder, with a clear up rate of 64 percent, a percentage decrease in robbery-under-arms where firearms were used, with a 15 percent clear-up rate.

Besides, he made mention of the fact that there was a 17 percent decrease in armed robberies, where other instruments were used by the perpetrators, with a clear-up rate of 23 percent, a 25 percent decrease in rob-

bery-with-violence, with a 27 percent clear up rate and a 9 percent decrease in robbery-with-aggravation with a 32 percent clear-up rate.

It was also stated that the force was also able to crack 37 cases, which included 10 cold cases and were able to arrest 78 persons, who were wanted for committing serious crimes.

During that period

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud the Police Commissioner pointed out that they developed new units in

Trial against McCoy postponed … technical difficulties cited in testifying via Skype MAGISTRATE Annett Singh has set February 07 as the date when social activist Mark Benschop will testify against People’s Progressive Party (PPP) member, Kwame McCoy. Benschop was expected testify on Thursday via Skype at the commencement of trial but the matter was forced into an adjournment due to techni-

charged: Kwame McCoy

Mark Benschop

cal difficulties.

McCoy is charged with damaging a motor vehicle belonging to Benschop on March 5, 2011 at Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

It is alleged that on March 5, 2011 at the same location, he stole an Acer Laptop valued $120,000 property of Benschop and the final charge alleged that on the same day, at the said location, McCoy unlawfully assaulted Benschop.

The incident allegedly oc-

curred outside McCoy’s home while Benschop was attempting to take photographs of McCoy’s residence. It was reported that at the time of the attack Benschop was running an online radio and a website and was investigating reports that McCoy was building a house worth $100M. Benschop had alleged that while he was taking the photographs, McCoy and two other individuals assaulted him. He said that McCoy was one of the individuals who smashed his vehicle window and made off with his computer and other valuables from the vehicle.

McCoy, who resides at Lot 336 Section ‘A’ Diamond, East Bank Demerara is on a total of $275,000 bail – $200,000 on the first charge, $50,000 on the simple larceny charge and $25,000 on the unlawful assault charge. The charges against McCoy came based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

Ex-cops among trio remanded on gun, ammo charges

THREE men who were recently arrested in connection with the discovery of guns and ammunition during a police raid at a John Street, Campbellville home, were remanded to prison on Thursday by City Magistrate Faith McGusty.

Teon Alleyne, 30 of Long Creek, Soesdyke, Linden Highway; ex-cop Andrew Pollydore, 29 of Lamaha Place and 35-year-old former policeman, Lloyd Roberts, of North Ruimveldt, denied the four joint charges, which include two counts of illegal possession of ammunition and two counts of illegal possession of firearms.

The court heard that on January 22, 2017 at John Street, Campbellville, the men, who are all miners, had an AK 47 rifle in their

Ex-policeman, Lloyd Roberts possession, while not being the holders of a firearm licence. It is alleged that they also had 7 .68×39 rounds of ammunition.

It is further alleged that the men had a 9mm Glock pistol in their possession along with 20 live matching

Teon Alleyne

Ex-policeman, Andrew Pollydore

rounds of ammunition.

Roberts was represented by prominent Attorney, Nigel Hughes, who informed the court that his client does not reside at the premises, which the police raided.

The Attorney further explained that Roberts was

called at the Campbellville home to pick up a document, but was arrested by the police when he arrived at the home.

“Shortly after Roberts arrived at the premises the police raided the house and my client was found in the sitting room,” Hughes pointed out.

Trial date set for case against Duncan

CITY Magistrate Fabayo Azore has set February 17, 2017 as the trial date for former Board Director of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Carvil Duncan.

Duncan is accused of con-

Former GPL Board Director, Carvil Duncan spiracy to steal over $27M from the company. The trial date was set on Thursday and it was revealed that a total of seven witnesses are slated to testify.

On January 4, 2017, Magistrate Leron Daly had recused herself from the case against Duncan, explaining that she had previously dealt with Duncan’s other matter, which she dismissed last November.

Daly transferred the matter to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for reassignment and the Chief Magistrate later transferred the matter to Magistrate Azore for trial.

Duncan is before the court in relation to a charge, where he is accused of conspiring with another to steal $27,757,547, belonging to GPL between May 7 and 8, 2015. It was reported that Duncan and a former senior GPL official, Aeshwar Deonarine, were part of a multi-million-dollar fraud at the power company. The men are alleged

to have illegally transferred close to $28M to their personal bank accounts from GPL. The Government had asked the police to investigate Duncan and Deonarine last July. It was reported that the

men paid themselves without authorisation.

The discovery of the suspicious transfers was made by independent auditors, who were probing an account which holds proceeds of oil

shipments from Venezuela. It was while tracking payments to GPL that auditors unearthed the strange transactions.

Police issued an arrest warrant for Deonarine after he fled the country.

The lawyer claimed that his client was living in fear since he and his family received death threats from competitiers in the gold industry.

However Police prosecutor, Seon Blackman strongly opposed Roberts being released on bail since it was revealed during investigation that he is a tenant at the said apartment building where the raid was excuted.

The Prosecutor further informed the court that when police raided the apartment, Roberts blurted out, “I’m responsible for everything…I is rent the house.”

Prosecutor Blackman also objected to bail for the other accused. They were remanded to prison until February 14, 2017.

Police had noted that

ranks acted on information received on January 22, and swoopped down on the accused at about 18:00 hrs.

A search was carried out and ranks found an AK47 Rifle, a 9MM Pistol three magazines and eighty live rounds and several cellular phones.

Andrew Pollydore, a former Guyana Police Force (GPF) rank and Teon Alleyne were jointly charged before a City Magistrate in 2014 with carjacking. Pollydore was also charged in 2013 with receiving stolen property.

Ex-policeman Lloyd Roberts was freed in 2010 by a City Magistrate for the murders of Romeo De Agrella and son Clint De Agrella, who died in March, 2007 at Iron Punt, North West District from multiple gunshot wounds.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Security Sector Reform Action Plan

THE presence of retired United Kingdom (UK) military officer, Russell Combe in Guyana to oversee the implementation of the Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP) is encouraging. There is no denying that crime continues to be a major concern for all Guyanese, and its frequency relative to our population size a deterrent to the diaspora and business community, domestic and international.

Statistical report by the Guyana Police Force, which shows reduction in the different categories of crime in 2016 compared to 2015, with the exception of road accidents, is still being met with skepticism. This skepticism is understandable, not only because citizens harbour some distrust in the Police Force, crime is often used as a wedge issue and for political gain, but the fear that they too are vulnerable. Crime functions at different levels in society and is informed by multiple causes. It is invariably driven by socio-economic factors such as poverty, weak judiciary, weak and unenforceable laws. Eliminating it cannot ignore attending to the root causes.

Crime also has a political component. It is not unusual in fragile societies such as ours where divisions are strong and institutions of state are weak and compromised to see politicians capitalising on these features to engage in or lend support to criminal activities. Regardless of who does this or which side of the divide it occurs, such acts undermine the stability of a nation and by extension, its government and people.

Though the average person holds the view that he or she is more likely to be affected by blue collar crime, the presence of white collar crime, porous borders and underpopulated hinterland have allowed rogues to undermine our collective security. That the SSRAP is taking a comprehensive approach to crime management where technical and other support will be given to empower our law enforcement, Guyanese must make the most of this international developmental aid.

The structures the SSRAP tackles on implementation will not only aid in performance improvement, but also job satisfaction. At the same time where government has acknowledged improve remuneration for law enforcement officers is also important to insulate them from engaging in the very acts they are employed to avoid, realisation will go a far way in boosting performance, job satisfaction, and improving recruits both in quality and quantity.

Every effort made to improve national security redounds to the benefit of every citizen, and also makes the country a more attractive place for tourism and vacation preference and to do business. Where undoubtedly the country and its people stand to benefit from this projected political bi-partisanship will make the work of law enforcement most rewarding. The unfortunate tendency in our society to want a government that has not attracted our vote to fail, taking such an approach to crime makes none safe.

In the interest of preserving this nation as a unit and avoiding creating any window of opportunity for partisan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

Time to bring Waddell killers to justice

Dear Editor,

JANUARY 30, 2017 will mark the eleventh year since the assassination of my brother and comrade, Ronald Waddell, who was shot multiple times by state-sponsored gunmen after he entered his car in front of his residence at Sea Glimpse, Subryanville, opposite the sea wall.

I want to use this opportunity to reflect on the life and work of Waddell, who in my opinion, was a multi-talented person. In the period when he bestrode the earth, Waddell was a journalist, a popular television talk show host, a politician, a Rastafarian, a cultural activist and a fighter for African Liberation both at home and abroad.

At the time of his death darkness had already descended on the community where he lived. Persons on and around the seawall area were going about their business when suddenly, mayhem reigned.

There were several reports from eyewitnesses, who spoke about hearing rapid gunfire and seeing, illuminated on the sky line, (tracer bullets) as the sound of the deadly gunfire rang out. In the aftermath, it was discovered that the victim of that vicious attack was Ronald Waddell and by then, the gunmen had made good their escape in a waiting motor car. Throughout these 11 years the law enforcement authorities in Guyana appear to be either impotent or reluctant (or both), to investigate the circumstances around this most heinous assassination and in the process, bring to justice, not only to those who carried out the execution, but also the intellectual authors who planned the crime.

When the news broke that Waddell was killed and the manner in which the execution was carried out, public opinion was that the PPP regime was responsible for the killing.

People concluded that the rulers conspired with their then ally, the infamous drug lord, Roger Khan, to take him out. Even some of Waddell’s detractors across the political

divide, including some within the PPP, were united in their belief that the killing was political and that the rulers were involved.

The regime, faced with widespread public condemnation, was forced to release a statement condemning the killing as unfortunate and promised to bring to justice, those responsible. The statement was deemed an act of hypocrisy on the part of the regime. It was far from convincing. Only the politically-naive at the time believed that there was no government involvement in the killing.

The fact that Waddell was an uncompromising critic of the regime and an advocate for the empowerment and liberation of Africans could not be denied. He seized on every opportunity to make his positions known and he fearlessly spoke out against the PPP government’s oppressive policies, which marginalised the African poor and powerless.

His advocacy on these issues offended the rulers and their allies in the drug trade. As a result of incurring their wrath several death threats were directed at him. There was a deliberate and systematic policy by the regime and their allies to ostracise and deem him a racist. Waddell was also subjected to public verbal attacks by officials of the , including then President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The extent of the PPP’s disaffection with Waddell and, confirmation of that party’s and Roger Khan’s involvement in his execution was revealed in a US court in 2010, during the trial of Khan‘s American Attorney, Robert Simmels, who was charged with witness tampering. In Simmels’ criminal trial Selwyn Vaughn, a self-confessed former member of Khan‘s phantom/death squad, who gave a sworn testimony as a prosecution witness, said that elements of Roger Khan’s death squad, acting under instructions from Khan, carried out the execution of Waddell.

Vaughn further testified that he was the lookout man in the operation. He told the

grandstanding, there is utility in ensuring that every step of the way the SSRAP, as it is being implemented, the society is kept abreast.It is also helpful that actions that could create fodder or lend perception to allegations of wastage of resources, corruption, and the Government of Guyana undermining the nation’s sovereignty be avoided. It doesn’t take much in this polarised polity for citizens to become side-tracked and the best of intent derailed.

In recalling a 2009 allegation by the then government that the SSRAP implementation meant Guyana’s sovereign-

court that after the execution, drug kingpin, Roger Khan, immediately called Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who at that time was a Senior Minister in the PPP government, and informed him that the operation was successful. Vaughn also testified that Khan instructed Ramsammy to ensure that no medical attention should be given to Waddell when his body arrived at the Georgetown Public Hospital. In his sworn evidence at Simmel’s trial, which was not refuted by the defence, Vaughn stated that Khan indicated to Ramsammy that he must “Let him (Waddell) die”.

Vaughn’s unchallenged testimony at Simmel’s trial was a clear indictment of the PPP regime and Roger Khan’s collusion in the assassination of Waddell. Comrades involved in the struggle against the PPP’s oppressive behaviour understood the political context of the execution and were not fooled by the regime hypocritical statement on the killing.

It is now 19 months since a change in government in Guyana and surprisingly, there is no indication that the incumbent coalition government intends to treat the matter of Waddell’s assassination as one of high priority. Throughout the country and particularly, in the African community, there is growing uneasiness that the execution of Waddell and the killing of the more than four hundred citizens, who died extra-judicially, the majority of them at the hands of state sponsored killers, during the PPP’s rule, have been put on the back burner. For many Guyanese this is a troubling development given the commitment by the APNU+AFC coalition, who while in opposition committed to pursue and bring to justice those responsible for these blatant acts of murder. It is understandable that while the PPP was in office the law enforcement agencies never carried out any serious investigations to find Waddell killers. But, in the new dispensation ushered in by the results of the 2015 elections the fact that there is no

statement emanating from the powers that be that these killings will now be treated with the seriousness they deserve is at best, extremely worrying.

Over the years many persons within the African community have, on the occasions of great disaster, personal and national, been consoling themselves and each other with the saying “God works in mysterious ways”, in making these statements they have been implying that God, in periods of great distress, will deliver justice when the authorities fail to act. Notwithstanding the value of faith, I have over the years told myself that those of us who expect God to intervene as they want, have to take to the streets and demand justice for Ronald Waddell, Courtney Crum Ewing and the more than 400, mainly Africans men killed extra-judicially when the PPP was in office . It is then more likely that divine intervention will be manifested. We must remember it is written that God help those who help themselves.

It is my conviction that it is our ongoing patriotic duty to continue to expose the wickedness of the former rulers and demand justice for our martyrs.

As an African community and as a Guyanese nation we have to keep reminding ourselves of the horrors of the past, and ensure that the past is not repeated.

We owe this to those who perished as a result of the PPP’s reprehensible behavior, we owe it to ourselves and we owe it to future generations. We must say no to state-sponsored political killings. In the absence of a national agreement on the establishment of a truth commission, the best way to ensure that this evil does not raise its head again in our country, is to bring to justice those responsible for these crimes, including the intellectual authors, many of whom were officials in the former regime.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

ty would be subverted by the UK- though that government played a role in its conceptualisation and development- this became the major reason to scrap this US$4.7B project.

Guyana can ill-afford to go down this road again. Recognising these aforesaid factors, it would be incumbent on law enforcement, the subject ministry and minister to ensure proper implementation and take pro-active approaches to minimise the propagation of fake news, in realising a project that is of importance to the country and people’s security and development.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

Glaring irregularities uncovered at GRDB –– former GM gave misleading statements to obtain money from PetroCaribe Fund

By Alva Solomon FALSE and misleading statements by Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) from the former General Manager (GM) to the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela in order to obtain monies for the lucrative PetroCaribe Fund were among the glaring financial irregularities highlighted by Nigel Hinds Financial Services in its forensic audit of the Rice Development Board.

And the “alacrity” with which the report was handed over to Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud by Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma on Wednesday is an indication “that we should expect fast movement”, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said.

He made the comments when he addressed the media at a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Geogetown.

Trotman said the audit report indicated that via to the PetroCaribe Fund, the financial vehicle which saw millions of dollars passing through the accounting unit of the GRDB, there were “glaring” financial irregularities which were uncovered by the auditors with “no traceable signs that these were ever approved”, minus promissory notes in some instances.

The audit was conducted for the period 2011-2015.

“I believe if at the level of the Police Force, that there is the belief that charges to be laid, then at that stage something is expected,” Trotman said.

He said some of the persons mentioned in the report had resigned when the Government changed in 2015,

Former GRDB General Manager, Jagnarine Singh and as such, the issue of persons being sent on leave may not arise.

One such person is former GRDB General Manager, Jagnarine Singh.

In the report, which was seen by this publication, the auditors said that Singh often provided “misleading and false statements” when reporting to the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela to obtain payments from the PetroCaribe Fund.

A whopping US$553M were disbursed from the fund as an offset to the rice and paddy exports to Venezuela, the report said.

PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT According to the report , Saj Rice Inc, one of the largest millers in the country based on transactions with the GRDB, received “preferential treatment” by being allowed to direct the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) on how payments in US dollars from the GRDB’s accounts “must be” allocated for rice/paddy shipped by that rice milling firm.

Of note, the auditor

pointed out in the report that the GBTI holds the largest US dollar bank account of the GRDB, while at the same time CEO of that bank was a member of the rice development board between the years 2011-2015.

The auditor went on to state that the CEO of Saj Rice, Carlos Colombia, accompanied Singh on “multiple occasions” to Venezuela and the businessman’s costs for such trips were paid for by the GRDB. In addition, the Rice Development Board also footed the bills for Mr Colombia’s trips to Venezuela, “with no

accompanying GRDB representative”.

On making further checks of the records , the auditors discovered that during the period May 2011 to May 2015 , the monetary values attributed directly to the Saj CEO trips to Venezuela amounted to “per diem” payments in excess of G$5.2M while airfares for his trips were found to be G$2.8m in costs.

Further checks of the financial records of the GRDB indicated that there are no existing board minutes of the Procurement and Tender Board Sub-Committee (PTBSC) meetings between 2011

and 2012. This is despite many tenders and evaluation documents resulted in procurement during that time.

“This confirms that the GM, Jagnarine Singh and DGM, Madanlall Ramraj, processed procurement documents that bypassed the PTBSC process,” the auditor reported, noting that the move ultimately undermined the governance structure and opened the procurement process to “potential fraud”.

According to the report, the numerous improprieties discovered during the audit resulted from the abject fail-

ure of the Board of Directors to recognise and effectively address the “abuses” by senior executives of the GRDB, namely Singh and his deputy and other managers.

The report stated that during the period 2010 -2015, the board of the GRDB comprised of Chairman, Nigel Dharamlall (2010-2012); Vice-Chairman, Dharamkumar Seeraj (2010-2015); Leekha Rambrich, Mohammed Sattaur, Bobby Gossai Jnr, John Tracy, Badrie Persaud, Dindyal Permaul and Sase Gunraj, among others .

Suspicious financial transactions red-flagged at GRDB THE practice of “highly irregular” and “very suspect “ transactions by employees of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), who cashed cheques at the rice board on behalf of suppliers was one of several financial impropriates red-flagged by auditing firm, Nigel Hinds Financial Services .

A copy of the forensic audit report conducted by the firm for the period November 1, 2011 –May 31, 2015 was this week handed over to Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud, by Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma.

According to the report, during the scouring of the financial records of the GRDB, more than G$9.8M, which was “supposedly due to suppliers” was paid to employees of the rice board via cheques.

The employees would then cash the cheques, and according to the audit report, the monies would be “supposedly” paid to the suppliers.

Friday January 27th, 14:30 hrs (Days) Saturday January 28th, 05:30 hrs (Day) Sunday January 29th, 05:30 hrs (Day)

“This practice is highly irregular and very suspect,” the report stated, noting that there is absolutely no business benefit to the GRDB in the practice.

According to the report, the practice creates a number of risks, and these include the opening of avenues for the misappropriation of GRDB resources.

One employee, at the time received a sum of $4.1M in that regard, while others included an accountant and cashier received $1.1M and $4.7M respectively.

The auditing firm noted that the evidence gathered leads it to believe that “there is a strong possibility that invoices were created or duplicated by staff”. The firm recommended a detailed transactional investigation into the practice.

It was noted too that the absence of invoices or receipts for payments calls into question whether employees were required to make the payments in question to third parties on behalf of the GRDB.

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Bartica Massacre trial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

‘Anaconda’ refuses to attend court THE start of Thursday’s morning session of the Bartica Massacre trial in the High Court before Justice Roxane George SC and a 12-member jury, was delayed as one of the three accused refused to attend court despite intervention by members of the Guyana Prisons Service.

Justice George SC told the court that a situation has developed and asked Chief Prison Officer Roddy Denheart to explain what happened.

He told the court that Dennis Williams was informed that he has to attend court on Thursday and indicated that he is not coming and refused to come out of his cell and get dressed despite efforts to persuade him.

Williams on Wednesday had discharged his attorney Saphier Hussain.

But Justice George SC told the court that she has

decided after conferring with the Chief Justice that Hussain continue to represent Williams as a State assigned attorney given the fact that the accused is not present in court to speak for himself.

The judge added that if Williams does not want to attend court for the trial, he cannot be forced or compelled to do so, and as such, the proceedings went on as per norm after hours of delay.

At this point, Hussain said he is appearing under protest but had no choice given the judge’s decision after which he called two witnesses for the defence.

Roger Simon called “Goat Man” in leading his defence, elected to remain in the prisoner’s box and narrated a story.

He began by greetings the court after which he said, “Meh Worship meh in jail for eight years and nine months punishing for something I

know nothing about.”

Simon added that on February 17, 2008, he was working in the interior at Corn Field, 14 Miles Potaro, on a land dredge which was owned by Brian Chase.

NOWHERE NEAR He said, “I, Roger Simon better known as ‘Goat Man’ was nowhere near Bartica on the night on February 17, 2008.”

Simon told the court that on February 18, 2008, at about 03:30 hrs, a man came to the camp on a four wheel bike and called out the dredge owner, Brian Chase and they had a conversation after which he was told there was a “big” shooting in Bartica and he decided to leave the backdam and go to his family there.

However, on April 8, 2008, he was in McKenzie, Linden, liming with a friend when he was picked up by the

police after a woman, who was robbed gave a description to the cops matching his.

He was taken by four policemen to the station and grilled about the Bartica Massacre and a week later while still in the lockups he was again questioned about the incident and told the cops he knew nothing about it.

Simon said he was taken to the CID Headquarters and further questioned about his involvement in the Bartica Massacre, then taken to Brickdam lockups and the next day was transported to Eve Leary once again and grilled even more.

He related that he was then placed on an identification parade, wearing the same clothes he had on when he was arrested and placed in the lockups at McKenzie Police Station.

He was subsequently taken to the then Crime Chief’s office and was told he has to

attend court because he was picked out in the identification parade.

At court, he saw for the first time the four others who were jointly charged with him and ever since he has been in jail, Simon said.

‘GO AHEAD’ Chief Prison Officer Roddy Denheart told the court during the afternoon session of the trial that his superior went to Dennis Williams and again spoke to him about his attendance but he stood his ground and refused but send a message to the judge “to go ahead and try the case”.

Brian Chase was called

by Simon’s lawyer Peter Hugh to testify on behalf of the defence.

Chase, the owner of mining, trucking and security service businesses said he has been in the profession of mining for 32 years, and

in February 2008, he was mining at Kaburi Backdam, District Three, at a place called “Corn Field”.

He said he knows Simon for more than 15 years, but he worked for him for the first time in February 2008, at his mining camp where he had in his employ nine men.

Chase told the court on February 17, 2008, he got a message for Simon from a man who came to the camp, and as such, he relayed the message to him after which he left the backdam for his home.

And after sometime he heard Simon was held for the Bartica Massacre and he and a team of miners, shop owners and transportation operators subsequently visited the Bartica Police Station and gave a statement to the police as it regards to the whereabouts of Simon on the night in question.

1 dead, another injured in Warlock shooting

By Ravin Singh ANDREW Lawrence Fraser known as “Zeggy” was last evening gunned down in the East Ruimveldt community of Warlock, while Junior Abrams was injured during the incident.

According to eyewitnesses, about 20:00 hrs, a tinted silver 212 car and a Toyota Allion stopped at a food stand in Genip Lane, Warlock, where two men exited the cars and opened fire on Fraser, 30, and Abrams.

After the two men were hit, the shooters then made good their escape.

Police arrived not too long after and took the in-

Andrew ‘Zeggy’ Fraser who was shot and killed in Warlock on Thursday evening

jured Abrams away, but Fraser was reportedly left on the scene since it was dark and he could not be seen.

A man who found Fraser said he had a gunshot wound to his jaw. Reports suggest that Fraser was hit five times.

Abrams was said to have been hit three times about his body.

The two were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where Fraser, of 565 East Ruimveldt, was pronounced dead.

His weeping mother Jean Adams, told reporters that her son had moments before his death, informed her that he was heading out to get something to eat.

The shop where Andrew ‘Zeggy’ Fraser and Junior Abrams were purchasing food when they were shot She said moments after she heard several shots but was not sure if they were gunshots. Moments later, her other son came to her with the sad news that “Zeggy” had been shot.

She said that her son, who is a clothes vendor in the Arcade, was scheduled to leave the country on Saturday.

The woman described her son as a hard-working individual, who she said did not have issues with anyone.

She added that he would often tell her about purchasing a car and building a house in the near future.

The eyewitness who spoke to this publication said that he found the incident to

be a strange one, since two of his friends in the area reported to him that they saw two vehicles blocking the entrances to the street during the time of the shooting.

When Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene of the shooting last evening, police had already cordoned off the area.

Fire destroys Lima house FIRE on Wednesday night destroyed a house at Lima, Essequibo Coast, leaving one man homeless.

According to reports, the fire started around 23:20hrs and the owner of the house was not home at the time.

Rameshwar Parasram told the Guyana Chronicle that he was awakened by heat and brightness, as a result of the fire coming from his neighbour’s house at Lima Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

He immediately drove to the Anna Regina Fire Station, which responded promptly to his report.

Parasram said he was fearful of the fire since the burnt building is located close to his house. According to him, the occupant of house had not been seen for some days prior to the fire.

After the fire damage was visible on the house gutters, windows and a tractor, which was parked in the yard under a shed.

He thanked the Guyana Fire Service and public-spirited citizens for their efforts in putting out the blaze.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

The fire-ravaged building at Lima, Essequibo Coast

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

AFC leadership

Ramjattan, Trotman confident ahead of vote

OVER a decade after they both broke away from their parties to form the fledgling Alliance For Change, Raphael Trotman and Khemraj Ramjattan will battle each other for the post of leader at this weekend’s congress on the West Demerara.

It is a situation that the party in its formation would not have anticipated, given that it encouraged a rotation of the post of leader. And though this has worked in the selection of presidential candidates for the 2006 and 2011 elections, the founder leaders this time around prefer the top post be determined by the ballot.

AFTER receiving what he deemed as good support from party members in the nomination stage, incumbent Leader of the Alliance for Change, Khemraj Ramjattan said he is optimistic about returning as leader of the Party at this weekend’s congress.

The AFC’s congress, which is slated for Saturday at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, will see Ramjattan running against Trotman and Vice-Chairman, Moses Nagamootoo, for the post.

When questioned on Thursday about his chances, Ramjattan said that he has been a good leader and has led the party well, thus he believes that he will be returned

Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

to the helm. “There is no exclusionary rule that prevents me from running again and that is why we did what we did in the formulation of it.

But if that was to be made, 12 out of the 16 names would have to come off,” said the AFC’s leader.

He indicated that it would be an undemocratic move to prevent the membership from having a leader of their choice, Ramjattan stressed, noting that there will also be election for a new Chairman, which he has also been nominated for.

The nominees for this

post also include Nagamootoo, Catherine Hughes, Ramjattan and Trotman. The position was previously held

by Nigel Hughes.

For the Vice-Chairman position, AFC delegates have nominated the incumbent; Nagamootoo, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Catherine Hughes, Audwin Rutherford and Trotman.

Meanwhile, Trotman , the current Minister of Natural Resources told reporters on Wednesday evening at a reception at the Chinese Embassy on Mandela Avenue, that the AFC will remain

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes united, despite the outcome of the elections. He said that he has been nominated by several persons and he plans to represent them to the best of his ability. The founding member noted that he will serve in whatever capacity he is elected within the party, noting that his nomination provided him with added confidence to serve the AFC. Trotman said that the elections will capture the vision of the AFC, noting that the party brings strength and value to the Coalition government. “And we meet the people’s expectations, the people

expect us to be a strong and vibrant party,” he said.

Trotman added that the AFC‘s vision is not premised on race but rather a “commonality of purpose,” noting that whoever presents the best possibilities to the party will become eventual winners.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes told Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday evening that the elections will provide the party with an opportunity to regroup and “get back out on the road”.

She said that she is honoured to be nominated for the ViceChair and Chairmanship of the party. She described the AFC as “a baby,” noting that she is committed to the development of the party.

Hughes said the party has an important role to play in the political landscape of Guyana, as she noted its 11 years in existence. She said the elections follow a democratic process, and the results will be up to the membership to decide.

Hughes noted that the philosophy of the AFC is to bridge the racial divide, noting that there is a history in Guyana of looking at race during elections processes.

“I would like to think we represent a wide cross section of Guyanese,” she said, noting that competency and commitment is of more value

to the AFC. She also refuted suggestions that the AFC has “died “or is “swamped” by the APNU. Asked what she brings to the table for Saturday’s elections, Hughes believes that there are not many women participating at the political level in Guyana. She said the constant negatives and personal attacks could be a factor, noting that politics here has not really matured.

She noted that certain situations require a woman’s perspective.

According to Hughes, the party is young and its members sit around a table and discussions are open for anyone to make an input. Hughes said it has not been easy transitioning from opposition to government, noting that the party has done research and remains committed to the governance of the country. Hughes also spoke to the women’s arm of the AFC, ‘Women for Change,’ which she said is looking to expand its reach.

As it relates to the road ahead, she expressed hope that the thinking within the AFC continues being one which is “out of the box”, as she recalled the party being considered the one who “will push the envelope.”

She said being in government is different, noting that the party has a responsibility to play its role within the government.

Parking meter controversy

Gov’t will intervene only if absolutely necessary

By Ravin Singh INTERVENTION by Government in the parking meter controversy would not be expected at this point in time since the Executive has made it clear that it will only do so if it is absolutely necessary.

This was according to Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, speaking at a post-Cabinet press conference on Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

“No,” Trotman said, when asked if Government is likely to intervene, given the rejection of the parking meters by sections of society.

He said City Hall is an autonomous body, and it should be allowed to function with the autonomy mandated by the Constitution.

He added that Government continues to take note of the situation, and while there are some empty streets, it is too early to draw a de-

finitive conclusion on the matter.

Further, the minister said that Government is aware and has observed protests and picketing at the early stages

progresses we will need to hear from private sector, and a number of voices before Government even considers weighing in on the matter,” the minister told reporters on

Boot (One of the vehicles wheel-booted on Thursday by the City Constabulary for failing to pay while occupying a parking spot in Georgetown) of the implementation of the project – one he says many believes to be unpopular.

“But I believe as time

Thursday.

Speaking to the fact that the Executive has not recused itself from the matter entirely,

–– Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman Minister Trotman said it is an issue which has been ongoing for a number of months and Cabinet has examined it both from a financial and a legal standpoint.

He said two reviews have been presented, one from the Ministry of Finance and the other from the Attorney General’s Chambers, and in both cases, recommendations were made.

“So Cabinet has not at all removed its interest in the matter,” he said, adding that at the same time, local democracy has to have a level of autonomy to see its way.

He pointed out too that President David Granger accepts and recognises that this is the Capital City. As such, he noted that Cabinet will continue to observe and only intervene if it feels it is absolutely necessary.

Asked whether he be-

lieves enough consultations were done, Trotman contended that consultations are never enough and there will always be groups that believe they were omitted.

However, he noted that the idea about the parking meters has been a live one for many months.

“And I believe we need to wait to see how it will be implemented. I believe the visual of empty streets says a lot and that the peoples’ voices are not to be ignored, so time will tell.

The Council is a democratically-elected one and they make decisions which are not only in its best own interest but in the interest of the people,” he said.

Paid parking in the City took effect on Thursday, with several cars being wheelbooted by City Constabulary for not adhering to the by-

laws which require drivers to pay $50 for 15 minutes of parking at identified spots.

There have been widespread rejection of the parking meters and many have described the fees as “burdensome.” On Tuesday evening, disgruntled citizens staged a protest outside of the residence of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, expressing their frustration.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has rejected the introduction of these meters outside of schools. While Smart City Solution – the company contracted to manage and operate the meters – has said that they are prepared to offer reduced prices for teachers, this was rejected by the union which is calling for complete removal of the meters in front of schools.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

China celebrates year of Rooster

By Vanessa Braithwaite

NEWLY-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Cui Juianchun, on Wednesday toasted to a renewed friendship with acting President Moses Nagamootoo, along with other Government officials at a welcoming reception held at the Chinese Embassy which also simultaneously ushered in the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Ambassador Juianchun, who came to Guyana three weeks ago, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming welcome and hospitality he has received from the Government, the Chinese community and the people of Guyana.

He committed to promoting friendship and cooperative relations with Guyana and wished all Guyanese a prosperous Chinese New Year -- the year of the Rooster.

Ambassador Juianchun in his presentation outlined the economic progress made

by China in 2016 and how the Government of the People’s Republic of China will continue to strengthen weak

tions to Guyana. In June, the two countries will celebrate 55 years of bilateral relationship.

there are great potentials and broad prospects for cooperation, I am willing to work with the Guyanese people

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, shares a toast of renewed friendship with Chinese Ambassador Cui Juianchun and to usher in the Chinese Lunar New Year. Also in photo is wife of the ambassador Liang Huili, the Prime Minister’s wife Sita Nagamootoo and Minister of State Joseph Harmon areas, such as decreasing poverty levels and strengthening supply and demand techniques.

Even as China strengthens its economy, the country will strengthen its contribu-

The Chinese Ambassador also lauded President David Granger for recently designating Chinese Arrival Day as a holiday.

“As the new Ambassador to Guyana, I recognise that

and all communities here across Guyana to enhance our friendship and broaden our cooperation… I believe with the concerted efforts of the two Governments and peoples, we can bring our

friendly and cooperative relationship to a higher level,” the ambassador said.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, performing duties as President, also called for strengthened friendship between the two countries, positing that the Lunar New Year is a time of recommitment, renewal and strength.

Speaking extensively on China’s economic progression, Nagamootoo said Guyana is proud to have such a successful country.

“It serves to remind all of us on our mutual dependence on each other… Guyana therefore looks forward to being able to continue doing business with China in an atmosphere of mutual respect, in keeping with the aspirations of capacity of our countries,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

He alluded to the many areas in which Guyana and China has worked closely and the important role China plays in Guyana’s development.

“China’s assistance to

Guyana spans many areas and has made an impact on our lives in several ways. We are grateful for the construction of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, the offered exchange programmes for journalists and security personnel and other professionals, we are grateful for the services of your medical brigade and for the assistance to expand and improve Guyana’s public infrastructure, public safety and security and to provide language and cultural support,” the Prime Minister said.

He remained confident that China will continue to support Guyana’s quest to achieve a green economy, and provide a good life for all Guyanese.

The reception also saw in attendance former President Donald Ramotar, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, several past and present Government ministers and Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and private sector representative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

British security expert is now advisor to President Granger

BRITISH Senior Security Sector Reform Advisor, Mr. Russell Combe, who will serve as the Advisor to the President under the United Kingdom’s (UK) Security Sector Reform Programme (SSRP), met with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon Wednesday, where he was assured of Government’s commitment to ensuring the crafting and implementation of the five-year strategic report.

The advisor will produce the report at the end of his one year placement in Guyana.

Mr. Combe is from the Olive Group, which was contracted by Engineering, Design, Construction, Management (AECOM), on behalf of the United Kingdom Government.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, during the meeting, Minister Harmon reminded that the US$4.7B programme was scrapped in 2009, by the People’s Progressive Party

ing crime in Guyana by 2011.

Nevertheless, Minister Harmon assured that the new administration is serious about seeing the programme come to fruition so as to make the country a safer place.

“Since we came into office, the President recognised the importance of this sector and all of the Government officials see how important it is to follow up on this exercise.

We are looking for an architecture that goes beyond individual governments,” Minister Harmon was quoted in the release as saying.

It was further noted that the Government is optimistic that after the SSRP has been implemented; Guyana’s security sector will be significantly strengthened, allowing for enhanced crime fighting capabilities and a safe and secured country. Minister Harmon said that once agencies such as the Police Force have been strengthened through the programme, law enforcement

…will serve for one year under security sector reform programme

Group has partnered for the provision of such services.

My terms of reference are, in short, to deliver a review of security sector requirements for the President,” he said.

Questioned about the stakeholders he expects to engage with over the next year, Mr. Combe said, “The Police would be a very important instrument of the security sector, the Guyana Defence Force, the Ministry of [Legal Affairs], the [Guyana] Prison Service, and everybody who is involved in providing security to the people of Guyana.”

The five year strategic plan, Mr. Combe said will give the Government a reasonable time frame to be able to implement some, if not all, of the recommendations that will be made.

“There will be a lot of recommendations, which we

From left: Mr. Nick Forwood, Director- Strategic Defence and Security Management Services and Defence; Engineering, Design, Construction, Management (AECOM), Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Mr. Russell Combe, Senior Security Sector Reform Advisor Civic (PPP/C) Administration after the British Government had requested to have oversight of the programme, to ensure that there was ‘value for money’. The former Government saw this request as a move to intrude upon Guyana’s sovereignty.

However, the British Government had said that the then Government had submitted a different proposal — one which had focused on police modernisation rather than employing a holistic approach to reform, as was originally requested. The intention of the British was to build a workable basis for improving national security, while reduc-

officials would be in a better position to effectively carry out their duties.

Mr. Combe, whose office will be housed at the Ministry of the Presidency during his one-year stay in Guyana, said that his posting here will see him looking at the needs of the security sector through all the stakeholders and will be working closely with the Head of State.

“One of the recommendations that needs analysis [done in 2016] is that there should be a security advisor to the President, imbedded in his office and that was successfully bid for by AECOM, which is the company with which Olive

will hopefully be able to implement sooner. There were previous efforts made and good work was achieved in the security sector reform but it fell short of actual implementations. So some of those recommendations we are looking at closely to see if it is still applicable today.

Some may have been overtaken by events. Others may need to be reinvigorated to be very appropriate to be implemented sooner rather than later. I am hoping that there will be some results achieved during my time here,” the security expert said.

In 2016, just under a year after assuming the Presidency, President David Granger met

with Baroness Joyce Anelay, Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations (UN) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Greg Quinn, with the request that consideration be given in restarting the programme in Guyana. Last year, a team visited the country to perform

scoping works to prepare for the arrival of the senior advisor.

The Plan would provide for the building of the operational capacity of the Police Force, from the provision of a uniformed response to serious crimes, forensics, crime intelligence and traffic policing to the strengthening of policy-making across the security sector to make it more trans-

parent, effective and better coordinated.

It would also ensure the mainstreaming of financial management in the security sector into public sector financial management reform, creating substantial parliamentary and other oversight of the security sector and building greater public participation and inclusiveness in security sector issues.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

Parents protest deplorable conditions at Patentia Secondary School

Students of Patentia Secondary protesting the poor state of the school on Thursday PARENTS, students, and teachers of Patentia Secondary School, West Bank Demerara, staged a picketing exercise on Thursday, call-

ing for issues such as wood ants and bat infestation to be urgently addressed.

The protest bore fruit as soon after representatives from the Education Ministry, including Regional Education Officer, Penelope McIntosh, arrived on the scene, all too glad to provide a temporary solution to the situation.

She met with the teachers in a classroom at the neighbouring Patentia Primary School and offered that affected areas be temporarily closed, and pleaded with the teachers to return to duty.

The teachers complied and McIntosh declined to comment on the situation when approached by the Guyana Chronicle.

Parents on Thursday locked the school gates in protest over the conditions of the school which have not been fixed even though complaints were made since last September.

In support, the students held up placards saying “No More Wood Ants”, “We Need Proper Environments”, “Fix Our Toilets” and “Flies and Mosquitos Live at Patentia Secondary School”.

The school has a student population of some 800.

The protesting teachers also refused to comment on

the issues affecting them, saying it is against protocol for them to do so, but Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President Colin Williams was not prepared to be silent.

“The teachers teaching [and] bat dung coming down on them, the children eating in the same room and these kind of things, and we can’t encourage that any longer.

This been going on for quite a long time, the headmistress said she call umpteen times,” Colin conveyed.

Only recently the PTA prevented a bee invasion.

On the issue of the bats, Williams indicated that the Education Ministry did come before to address the matter, but what was done has left much to be desired.

They simply removed the ceiling but did not deal with the bats, and that only resulted in less obstruction for the bats as they roamed, the PTA President said.

Several classrooms were also affected by termites.

This aside, there were several overflowing garbage bins and heaps of garbage at one of the entrances to the school.

Patentia Secondary School has a large yard space meant to be a playfield but it is taken over by thick vegetation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

Albouystown Health Centre ‘turns’ sex spot

COUNCILLOR Malcolm Ferreira recently expressed concern that due to the stalling of repair works to the Albouystown Health Centre, persons have been using the facility for all manner of things, including as a place to have sex.

This, he told a Council meeting, was brought to his attention by residents in the said community. Ferreira wanted to know just when the work would be completed.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen concurred that a number of unwholesome activities are carried out around the health centre because there is no security there.

According to her, the work should be completed by the end of February.

She observed that oftentimes, people would lime in their vehicles outside of the centre while drinking alcohol and playing loud music.

As a result of the non-functional facility, the mayor also noted that there have been complaints of

Councillor Malcolm Ferreira says persons have been using the Albouystown Health Centre for all manner of things, including to have sex financial strains on residents who would now have to make their way to the Dorothy Bailey Health Centre or to the one in Festival City to access services.

Councillor Heston Bostwick, stood up to say that Ferreira’s reports are true and that he can produce evidence to support such if he has to.

The health centre has

been out of order since around June 2016 and City Engineer, Colvern Venture, had cited lack of finances as a problem.

Venture had said that it was difficult for him to offer a specific time as to when works would be completed on the clinic. “I am not able to get materials on time,” he had stated.

Family of Essequibo accident victim seeks justice

THE family of an Essequibo Coast contractor, who was struck down by a minibus some two years ago is seeking justice since the convicted perpetrator, who was sentenced in absentia remains on the run.

Ramesh Jaigopaul, 45, of Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast was struck down by minibus BLL 3414 on August 25, 2014 at Walton Hall Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

The father of two, who was hospitalised for a brief period, died on August 31, 2014.

The minibus driver, Hardin Sitaldin, known as “Troy”, was charged for causing death by dangerous driving and was placed on bail.

Police said the driver appeared in court on four occasions before he absconded and was eventually sentence in absentia to 50 months imprisonment.

Sister of the dead man, Anita Persaud, told Guyana Chronicle that her brother’s post-mortem revealed that he died of multiple injuries as a result of the accident.

“By the time of the funeral, he (the driver of the bus) was already charged and out on bail,” she said.

Dead: Ramesh Jaigopaul

“When my mother or sister go to the station, we keep asking about the case and the police said they don’t have any information on the man’s whereabouts, but police said an arrest warrant is out for him.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

Gov’t to push ahead with constitutional reform this year

PRIME Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, intends to have the Constitutional Reform Bill placed once again on Cabinet’s agenda with the aim of having it tabled in the National Assembly by mid-year.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Prime Minister said Constitutional Reform remains a commitment of the APNU+AFC coalition government and noted that “Cabinet must give the go ahead for this Bill to be tabled in Parliament.”

Before taking office in May 2015, the coalition had vowed to have the establishment of a Constitutional Reform Committee with a mandate to complete consultations, draft amendment and present same to the National assembly for approval within nine months of holding office.

The failure of the administration to fulfill its manifesto promise has resulted in many criticisms, given the fact that the coalition had campaigned heavily on constitutional reform.

In its manifesto, the APNU+AFC had said that the Constitution in its current form does not serve the interest of the country or its people and noted that with a new constitution the requisite checks and balances will be in place to bring together the coalition’s belief on liberal democracy.

“Freedom of speech, reduction of the power of the President and the Bill of Rights will be enshrined in the document,” the coalition had said.

Meanwhile, last November, Government through the Prime Minister said it intends to roll out its Constitutional Reform programme, with the establishment of a Constitutional Consultative Commission, and then the setting up of a secretariat to drive the process. Nagamootoo, who has oversight for governance, said his office has submitted a $80M budget for the programme.

A Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR) was established last August to draft a work programme

and make recommendations for constitutional reform. The Committee comprised Attorney Nigel Hughes, former Director of Transparency International, Attorney-at-law Gino Persaud; Professor Harold Lutchman; former magistrate, Geeta Chandan-Edmond; and former chief economist at the Central Bank, the late Haslyn Parris.

The Prime Minister received the report of the SCCR April 2016, and has since revised it and is expected to table the revised version to Cabinet soon. The report, among other things, has recommended that there be a three-tier system where legal minds who serve on the Constitutional Reform Commission would prepare a draft document, which speaks to the recommendations of the SCCR. It is the intention of this administration to have that draft document circulated to stakeholders so that their views can be taken into consideration, after which the Prime Minister would review and submit it to Cabinet.

Upon the approval of Cabinet, the document would be laid before the National Assembly for debate, after which it is likely that a referendum would be used to have the recommendations adopted.

Meanwhile, the steering committee in its report made recommendations for a structure of the commission and secretariat. Contending that the previous Constitution Commission was “too large,” the Steering Committee recommended that the membership of the Constitutional Reform Commission not exceed 11 persons.

However, before reaching this stage, legislation will be required to establish the body.

In its report, the SCCR said the Constitutional Commission should consist of four or five constitutional law experts, two or three judges, foreign constitutional law experts (Commonwealth), experienced lawyers, civil society and academics.

Accompanying this proposal

was a list of experts, who enjoy the confidence of the committee. These experts include: Sir Fenton Ramsahoye, SC; Miles Fitzpatrick, SC; Rex McKay, SC; Ralph Ramkarran, SC; Douglas Mendez, SC; Stephen Fraser; Dr. Lloyd Barnett; Dr. Nigel Harris; Sir Shridath Ramphal, and Rashleigh Jackson, among others.

Additionally, the report said a three-tiered system for the Commission should be considered, noting that a set of legal experts (6-11) should prepare a draft-based document, incorporating some of the recommendations of the Committee.

That document, according to the SCCR, should then be shared with wider stakeholders, including representatives of political parties and civil society.

The expanded commission, the SCCR said, should include one representative from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Alliance for Change (AFC), the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the Trade Unions, a youth representative, the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), the Indigenous Peoples, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), the Hindu Community, the Christian Community

and the Islamic Community.

The Committee had also recommended that representatives from each of the non-party political groups be appointed by the respective organisations after a verifiable electoral process is determined by the National Assembly or a select committee.

The SCCR in its report said the established commission should be headed by a chairman and deputy chairman and they should have administrative staff at their disposal. A Documentation and Research Department, Public Education and Information Department, and a Document Replication and Distribu-

tion Department were among the divisions recommended by the SCCR, in addition to a secretary to the commission, a confidential secretary to the secretary and a deputy secretary.

A Financial Administration and Project Monitoring Unit have also been recommended.

“The CRC should strongly consider the hiring of a public relations team, tasked with the responsibility of disseminating to the general public its work, including submissions received and its programme and the reception of submissions by the public,” the SCCR proposed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

Armageddon Clash 2017 --for National Gymnasium tomorrow

EMPIRE Media Inc. is once again set to host one of the biggest clashes on local shores with a lineup of Guyana’s best DJs and Selectors tomorrow at the National Gymnasium.

The event, dubbed Armageddon will see five DJs compete for $500,000, a trophy and bragging rights.

In a press release, the entertainment company said that the event promises to be a night of “musical slaughtering” when the DJs and Selectors meet head to head.

“It is no secret that the entertainment/dancehall industry has been dying for this sort of event, and we proved that with the large attendance at the Art of War DJ Competition,” the release said.

REIGNITE THE FIRE Armageddon will serve to further reignite the fire of this art form in Guyana, with the hope of including regionally and internationally acclaimed sound systems and DJs in the near future. There will be four rounds in the competition: ROUND 1: Good over Evil: God Bless round (10 minutes) ROUND 2: Release the Beast: Anything goes (10 minutes)

ROUND 3: Crossing over: Hip Hop/Rap (10 minutes) ROUND 4: Final Round: Singer Artiste/Vocal Artiste only The Armageddon sound clash will be judged by the audience, who will be asked to vote by a show of hands.

Tickets for the event are $1,500, and are available at: Nigel’s Supermarket Depot, White Castle

Fish Shop, and Korner Kick Restaurant and Bar. Gate opens at 18:00hrs, and the event starts at 21:00hrs sharp.

For more information, you can either like our Facebook page, ‘Empire Media Inc’; follow us on Instagram @empiremediainc; or call Kirt Williams on 602-5154, David Williams on 687-0989, or Eusi Davis on 862-2330494.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

The science of faith and prayer --and The Way of The Ancients “FAITH can move mountains” is a common metaphor we apply to our human endeavours from day to day. It has its origins in the bible, and expresses the determination of ‘mind over matter’; that faith and works-based determination can triumph over plausible obstacles.

This force in the human being is not harnessed only by positive energies.

The world once celebrated Leni Riefenstahl’s 1935 ‘Triumph of the Will: Hitler’s Rise to Power’, then cursed the biography and its filmmaker as nazism outpoured its nature.

I think that it is because of the misuse; the manipulation and perversion of belief doctrines regimented in religious authorities over the ages that exploited, stole from and misused the imagination of the common masses; that science, in unfolding many natural laws once conceived and presented as magical, has developed a disdain for religion, and has too quickly dismissed it. This, however, had to happen so that a clinical eye would evolve to explore further, and find a relationship between science and God. MIND OVER MATTER Last December’s issue of the National Geographic carried an article titled ‘Mind over Matter’, with a proverbial and shouldbe-obvious caption, “You’re not just what you eat, or do, or think; you are what you believe”.

This article brought scientifically recorded and tested experiments of faith, as it applied to healing, into the public arena, with some older suggestive case studies to back it up.

The article did not present a magical ‘this-isit’ formula; nor should our many ‘conmen’ of religion and sallawalla mysticism

find further cause to pounce on our magic-seeking citizenry. The conmen and women are making enough money already to pay for TV ads and programmes.

What, essentially, was conveyed by the study is the recognition of how the brain acts to inhibit pain, and trigger the release of neuro-transmitters into the central nervous system to regulate the pain signal and the process that, in this case, initiates it.

The complex mechanism is the human personal belief system. The faith of the individual and the person or persons praying for that individual must be together; sincere and not dramatic, which, in our world of mirages, is a rarity.

That entire experience can be summoned up in the Gospel of John 17:20: “The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, lo here! Or, lo there! For behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.”

This passage of scripture, when translated and compared to the current medical scientific study, tells us what the brother titled ‘The Christ’ understood then; what we are discovering now. Or, should I say, what we are rediscovering now.

THE HEALING POWER This reality of the healing power of faith does not belong only to Christianity, Islam or Judaism; the Shaman or Tribal Healer was also recorded as pronouncing with success, using ritual approaches with the same biological connection initiated through the mind/spiritual circuitry.

This is described as the ‘placebo’, which the Webster Dictionary defines as: A: “An inert medicament or preparation given for its psychological effect,

especially to satisfy the patent, or to act as a control in an experimental series; B: Something tending to soothe or gratify.”

This human faculty is innate but remote to the active consciousness, and has to be ignited by a belief system that generates a personal belief response, and then applies this mental/ spiritual marriage of healer and believer in defence against ailments, real and imagined.

I once saw a documentary filmed in India where a doctor gave a patient some harmless tablets. Though nothing was wrong with her, his counsel was not enough; she had to get those tablets to sooth an invisible ailment. We all know, or have known, people like this. But this ‘placebo effect’ does not stand alone in the all-ofhuman belief culture.

The reference from the New Testament dictates, “Faith without works is nothing”. So, if the knowledge comes to you that fried foods generate fats, and that without exercise, it could bring on a heart condition, it will! If ‘the works’ of discipline that the knowledge commands is not adhered to!

Faith alone will not be good enough; the discipline of exercise, and watchwhat-you- eat are all part of the package.

Serious faith in the purer tenets of a belief system is proven to be an efficient ally in the rehabilitation of drug addicts and mental-health patients. The classic publication, ‘Narcotics Anonymous’ prides itself in being a book that’s not about addiction but of the recovery from addiction. This book presents case study after case study confessions from addicts worldwide, from the new world to the old world.

The healing process shares two profound common traits: ‘Bonding’, as in

tribal bonding, what we call today ‘group therapy’; and the constant reference to the belief and faith in God. It does become more difficult to dismiss this evidence, even as we are aware and can point to the pantomime of the business of religion literally in our face.

EXORCISM OF GUILT There is a method used in some parts of Africa, where a violator would be surrounded by members of his tribe who would perform what I can only describe as an exorcism of guilt; the unlocking of the

Kingdom of Heaven within.

These tribal members would surround this transgressor and chant to him all the good things known about him; his good deeds from childhood, immersing him in memories of how he should be, from what he has accomplished before.

In our fragmented, pretentious society where irrational false values are even more revealing now that social media offers an honest platform for everyone, from the village idiot to the King and Queen in his/her new clothes. Sometimes it is their children

who unveil it all.

That African process would be quite impossible, because that act is driven by collective belief and sincerity. But, here in Guyana, there are also small groups who are concerned and sincere; religious heads that are committed and everyday good people.

We all encountered such people who can tap into the inner fount of our healing process. And we have to be grateful for them, both males and females; they are the balance in an otherwise dismal terrain.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

Be entertained by

Creolerock.com

--as Gavin Mendonca expands Creole Rock brand IT HAS been almost a year since local musician, Gavin Mendonca launched his debut album, Creole Rock: The Beginning.

Since then, he has sold over 400 physical copies, while benefitting from Online sales via iTunes, and and royalties from having his album streamed via Spotify.

Now, Gavin is ready to take his brand one step further with the launch of his website, creolerock.com which will bring all his musical endeavours on one platform, while he presents his music to the world.

“As a musician and entrepreneur, I came to the realisation that with today’s technology, the world is my market,” Gavin said.

“Everyone uses the Internet more and more these days.

As a musician with a Guya-

nese product to sell, I realised that I do not have to limit myself to the physical market, but I can gain international reach via my own website.”

LOCAL artiste Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts is bringing her ‘A’ game for Mashramani 2017, by releasing new music and a music video for the Mashramani season.

Today, Vanilla will launch the video for her single, Mash up de Place which was released earlier this month. According to a release, Mash up de Place has been quite popular on the airwaves, having been featured as Song of the Day, Song of the Week, and Booming 9.

Vanilla also launched a second Mashramani tune, We run Tings, yesterday, and she will continue to serve the local airwaves by releasing a

third single later in February to add to the road march soundtrack.

According to the release, though the artiste has been taking a step back on the music scene, several factors have spurred her creativity, which led to these new projects, including calls from fans and support from her producer and writer, Mr. Burchmore Simon, to release new music.

She also made the observation that the airwaves needed local music to support the Mashramani festival.

“So, Mash up de Place kind of revived it, and now I have noticed more songs are being released for the sea-

DIGITAL HUB Launched on January 23, the website is intended to serve as a digital hub for all things Creole Rock-related.

That includes tours, events and ticket sales, as well as his work with rock band, Feed The Flames; his work with Kross Kolor Records; the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival and other projects.

“The main thing right now that will generate traffic to my website are my two radio programmes,” he said, adding: “Every week, I will be uploading one new episode of each programme as online Podcasts.”

His two radio programmes

have been receiving much attention since their introduction to the airwaves. Radio Rock ‘n’ Roll airs live on 100.1 FM every Monday evening, and features 100% Caribbean Rock music.

“I have already established strong relationships with the rock movements in Trinidad and Suriname, as well as Aruba, Brazil and the Netherlands,” Gavin said.

“The show will also feature pre-recorded interviews with bands from around the Caribbean. So, after it airs live on Fresh FM, it will be uploaded to creolerock.com where anyone in the world can tune in and listen to the best of Rock Music from the Caribbean,” he added.

His second show, ‘Today’s Playist’ features 100% Guyanese music, and airs live every Saturday night on

98.1FM. Now, with podcasts being uploaded to his website, people worldwide will get an earful of the best of Guyanese music.

son,” Vanilla said. The artiste also credits the efforts of Hits and Jams Entertainment with helping the song to catapult to popularity, and admits that this is the first time she has received such avid support for her music from the company.

Noting that she looks forward to their continued support, the release goes on to say that this is especially notable, since Vanilla has been among the list of local artistes calling on radio stations and promoters (including Hits and Jams) to give more support to their work.

and We run Tings will form part of of her upcoming album, which, Vanilla said, is “coming along beautifully”.

Set to be released this year, songs for the album will be recorded in the Sound Garden Studio, and will be a product of Kross Kolor Records. The finished product, she said, will see a fusion of sounds, and a step away from her old material.

Referring to it as “an experiment”, Vanilla said that the album will also feature some crossover work, including from fellow Kross Kolor Artiste, Gavin Mendonca.

“I’ve been working to build the brand, Vanilla and so these mixtures of things will look to make the brand stronger; and that includes crossovers and mixed genres,” she said.

With regard to her brand, the release says that Vanilla is also working to expand other aspects of her image, which fall within the film and fitness industries. Vanilla is currently working on some new film projects, while continuing to build her fitness portfolio.

CONTRIBUTIONS Gavin’s work to push Guyanese music on the airwaves has, in his eyes, helped to answer the call by local musicians to increase the local content being played on the radio.

“I believe that ‘Guyanese Radio’ should be exactly that: Guyanese, creating a platform for artistes to have their music featured on national radio,” he said.

“I have enough Guyanese music, very well produced and great songs too, to run for five hours straight.

“And this is only songs that were released in 2016! I

am sure there is much more music out there that I haven’t gotten my hands on as yet, so there should be no excuse by any radio station saying ‘We don’t have enough local content.’”

PLANS FOR 2017 Now, with his website launched, Gavin will continue to promote Creole Rock: The Beginning on a larger scale, while working to push his other projects as well.

With a soon-to-be-released album from Feed The Flames, and an upcoming show in Trinidad for the band, as well as the highly anticipat-

ed Rupununi Music and Arts Festival, which Gavin plays an integral role in promoting, he is sure that the Online platform will help to garner a large audience.

The young musician will also link talents with local Soca queen, Vanilla to merge his Creole Rock Sound with her upbeat rhythm to create an even more original content for music fans’ listening pleasure.

As for a second album, Gavin admits that he has already written new material, but is hoping to sell 5,000 units of Creole Rock: The Beginning before venturing in that direction.

Vanilla promises to ‘Mash up de place’

UPCOMING ALBUM Both Mash up de Place

Vanilla taking Mash Fit 2017 participants through their paces

FITNESS ENDEAVOURS Vanilla currently serves as an instructor at Space Gym and Fitness 53, and also leads the annual Digicel Mash Fit event. This is the third year

The video

that she will be hosting Mash Fit, the six-week-long fitness extravaganza that allows gym buffs to work on that ‘Mash’ body, or just lose some weight through an intense daily workout.

“We get a lot of success stories every year; the first year we had about eight to 10 persons losing between 15 and 20 pounds. Last year, our aim was to get one person to lose 50 pounds, and we got very close with 49 pounds,” she said.

Focus is also placed on providing nutrition and other

health tips during the sixweek stints to help get persons on a healthier track.

Seeing the way Mash Fit has impacted people’s lives, Vanilla lauds Digicel for hosting the event annually. Moreover, she commends them for still providing the opportunity for persons this year, despite not having a 2017 Mashramani band themselves.

Fans can look forward to many more projects in the pipeline from Vanilla as she continues to expand her brand with her musical, fitness and filmmaking talents.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

THE hog of the parties are going down on Saturday night, from Palm Court, Club Privilege to 704 to… the National Gymnasium Tarmac!

Leading the list is the Armageddon Clash 2017 at the Tarmac, which will see local DJs pitted in a lethal battle with money and pride at stake!

704 is having another birthday shindig in the sports bar, while upstairs at the Club, they’re looking for Soca addicts in need of a fete.

Friday will see many of the clubs being open, but with nothing special going on. So, the doors will be free all night; that includes Palm Court, 704, Pegasus’s Aura, and Bunker 81 (formerly Club Latino). Tower Suites has themed events at the poolside and upstairs at Club Privilege.

By Sunday, it’s time to mellow down and think about Monday. Not much going on, as usual, but Tower Suites poolside could be the place to be, if you’re looking for some family fun in the sun.

TODAY The ‘Jamaican After-work Lime’ continues at Tower Suites Poolside!

Come enjoy live entertainment, and the best Jamaican-style buffet in town! Lime starts at 16:00hrs, so see and be there early to secure your seats!

Buffet includes jerk chicken, fish, beef, pork and much more!

Boss-Lady Fridays continue at Club Privilege! LADIES FREE ALL NIGHT! Bottle Service will be available!

Come and be a part of this #Bossy event!

TOMORROW

704 turns THREE! And they want you to help celebrate their birthday anniversary in style, at the 704 Sports Bar! Enjoy beer specials, Moet Specials and reduced prices on lots of other drinks, along with FREE 704 De-stressers and Caribbean Cremes!

Calling all Soca Addicts! 704 Club is set to feed your addiction with “Addicted to Soca”! So when you’re done with the birthday celebrations in the sports bar, head upstairs to the club and prepare to fete all night long!

West Siderz Music will be in the house! Admission? $2000.

See Guyana’s deadliest DJs and Selectors battle it out at Armageddon Clash 2017 at the National Gymnasium Tarmac on Mandela Avenue!

Selector Face, DJ Magnum, DJ Antzman, Hot Rass and many others competing for $500,000, the grand trophy, and, best of all, bragging rights! Tickets are $1500.

Introducing Privilege Saturdays at Club Privilege! From this Saturday, ladies can enjoy the privilege of being free before midnight!

And to dance the night away to music by DJ Energy, and enjoy Hennessy specials all night long!

Hits and Jams presents a party called “Single!”

But whether you’re single, married, or ‘just deh’, it doesn’t matter; just head on down to Palm Court, and celebrate your status!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 27, 2017

Team Gizmos and Gadgets ...

From back page

hour drive.

This brought John Maikoo into the battle as he maintained the pace and moved the side up to second with the-then race leaders Team Top Power (Brian Ten Pow, Kevin Jeffrey and Shan Seejattan) and third place E-Racing (Jason Gonzalves, Marcel Profitt and Denzil Hopkinson).

On the final leg was when ‘the beer team’ really began to show their strength with Raymond Seebarran closing the gap on team top power with just over five minutes remaining.

They pushed into the lead with two minutes left on the clock, with E- Racing further demoting top power to third in the final minute.

Nonetheless, Team Top Power, who led for most of that race, still had a silver lining on an otherwise stormy cloud, with Brian Ten Pow producing the fastest time of the class, a blistering 40.168.

In the earlier 500lb class, the team of Matthew Phang, John Phang and Steven Nobrega raced from flag to flag untouched, Matthew picking up the fastest time of that class which was a 40.142.

They held off the earlier challenges of Team Nexus (Matthew Vieira, Elliot Vieira and Nikhil Seereeram) who eventually finished second with Team Adrenaline Junkies (Nyron Maraj, Ken Sue and Shayne Seebarran) finishing third.

The championship, organised by GT Motorsports will be run once monthly, under the title sponsorship of Secure Innovations and Concepts as the company’s CEO Harold Hopkinson confirmed during the presentation.

GT Motorsports owner Vishok Persaud confirmed that the novel event will take the form of a championship, running once a month for the remaining eleven months and that space is being made to include more teams.

Other sponsors on the night, Auto Fashions, presented Ten Pow a set of Weathertech all weather mats for the fastest lap time in the 600lb class and Farfan and Mendes donated the fastest lap time award of a Kercher sweeper to the 500lb winner, Matthew Phang.

Monster Energy was the official energy drink sponsor.

Martinique to host Caribbean Cup final THE Caribbean Football Union (CFU) announced yesterday that Martinique will host the finals of the 2016/17 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup from June 22-25, 2017.

CFU officials also conducted a draw for the semifinals that produced Jamaica-French Guiana and Curacao- Martinique pairings. Both matches are slated to be played on June 22.

Three days later, the semifinal losers will meet in the match for third place, followed by the final.

Each of the final-four sides topped their thirdround groups in a competition that started in March 2016, earning them each a ticket to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will be played July 7-26 in the United States.

Haiti – winner of the Caribbean Cup fifth-place playoff - can still secure a place in the biennial CONCACAF event, but it must prevail over Nicaragua in a two-legged qualifying playoff.(Sportsmax.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

Warner, Head send records tumbling on Australia Day

DAVID Warner and Travis Head combined for Australia’s highest ODI opening stand, blasting 284 runs to end the Pakistan series on a record-breaking high.

As the Adelaide crowd celebrated Australia Day, they were given plenty to cheer about by Warner (179) and Head (128), who scored the vast bulk of an imposing 3697.

As well as breaking new ground for their country, the opening pair fell just two runs short of Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga’s all-time record of 286, set in 2006.

Warner’s sixth hundred of the 2016-17 calendar ties an ODI record set by Kumar Sangakkara, while Head’s maiden international 50-over century suggests a destructive partnership that could be in place for this year’s Champions Trophy.

In response, Pakistan capitulated to 312 all out despite Babar Azam’s century, as the hosts wrapped up a 4-1 series win.

But the day belonged to

Warner, his explosive improvement in the series seeing him score 58 in the first three games - and 309 in the latter two.

It could have been all so different however, had Pakistan captain Azhar Ali clung onto a sharp diving catch when Warner edged Mohammad Amir into the cordon.

The last ODI at the Adelaide Oval had featured a spell of bowling brilliance from Wahab Riaz that had Shane Watson hopping around his crease, but bat comfortably won the battle with ball this time around and once Amir’s early swing faded, and the left-armer burned Pakistan’s review, Warner and Head dominated.

Warner was already 35 off 25 deliveries when Amir thought he had him caught behind - the 30-year-old responded by belting the hapless Hasan Ali (2-100) for two fours in the next over, as he was consigned to become the 10th bowler in ODI history to concede 100 runs in a match.

Wahab (1-62) and Moham-

mad Hafeez (0-43)

combined to slow things

down a touch, but Warner was still ticking along nicely and two sixes from Hafeez’s fifth over restored

fensive push took him to three figures and around the square in leaping celebration.

Head was yet to pass 50, but a boundary did the job in the next over and a homeground hundred was not far behind on the cut shot.

Warn e r ’ s fourth maxim u m h a d

David Warner and Travis Head bring up the highest first-wicket partnership by an Australian pair in ODIs.

order.

Warner reached the nineties from 65 balls, but then took 12 deliveries to negotiate his way to 99 before a de-

put the stand into Australian record territory but the cramping left-hander was eventually out in the 42nd over and carving Junaid Khan (2-61) to point,

sparking a chaotic end to the innings that continued with captain Steve Smith (4) falling after two balls.

A Glenn Maxwell cameo alongside Head put the crowd on alert, while the South Australia captain was given a standing ovation from the field when he fell to Hasan, who had the last laugh, but not

the loudest.

Sharjeel Khan helped Pakistan to 140-1 before he went for a 69-ball 79 but, though Azam struck his fourth ODI ton, Pakistan never looked like reaching their target and Mitchell Starc (4-42) starred with the ball to ensure a dominant Australia win.

SCOREBOARD

AUSTRALIA innings D. Warner c B. Azam b J. Khan 179 T. Head c Az. Ali b H. Ali 128 S. Smith c Riaz b J. Khan 4 G. Maxwell c Hafeez b Amir 13 M. Wade c Malik b H. Ali 8 P. Handscomb c Hafeez b Riaz 1 J. Faulkner not out 18 M. Starc run-out (Rizwan) 6 P. Cummins not out 1 Extras: (b-1, lb-4, w-6) 11 Total: (for 7 wickets, 50 overs) 369 Fall of wickets: 1-284, 2-288, 3-323, 4-336, 5-342, 6-351, 7-367.

Bowling: M. Amir 10-0-71-1 (w1), J. Khan 10-0-61-2 (w-2), H. Ali 9-0-100-2 (w-1), M. Hafeez 7-0-43-0, W. Riaz 10-0-62-1 (w2), S. Malik 4-0-27-0.

PAKISTAN innings Az. Ali lbw b Starc

6

Sh. Khan c Wade b Starc 79 B. Azam c Head b Hazlewood 100 M. Hafeez c Smith b Starc 3 S. Malik retired hurt 10 U. Akmal c Wade b Cummins 46 M. Rizwan c Starc b Cummins 6 M. Amir c Maxwell b Faulkner 17 W. Riaz b Starc 17 H. Ali stp. Wade b Zampa 13 J. Khan not out 0 Extras: (lb-2, w-13) 15 Total: (all out, 49.1 overs) 312 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-140, 3-145, 4-220, 5-246, 6-276, 7-282, 8-312, 9-312.

Bowling: M. Starc 9.1-1-42-4 (w-3), J. Hazlewood 10-0-74-1 (w-5), P. Cummins 10-0-60-2 (w2), J. Faulkner 9-0-60-1 (w-1), A. Zampa 9-0-61-1 (w-2), T. Head 2-0-13-0.

De La Hoya arrested for suspected DUI in California (THE Sports Xchange) - Boxing Hall-of-Famer Oscar De La Hoya was arrested early

Wednesday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence in Pasadena, Calif.

De La Hoya was stopped for speeding in his Land Rover on Del Mar Boulevard, at which

NKRUMAH Bonner scored an unbeaten half-century as the Leeward Islands coasted to a seven-wicket win over the Kent Spitfires in the CWI Regional Super50 tournament on Wednesday.

Sent in to bat, the Spitfires failed to get any real momentum at the crease before eventually being dismissed for 216. Gavin Tonge proved to be the chief tormentor of the English batsmen after capturing 4 for 39 as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Opening batsman Bell Drummond lasted 28 balls and scored 18 runs before being dislodged by young pace bowler Alzarri Joseph.

Tonge then struck quickly to remove his opening partner Sean Dickson (22) and the next batsman up Sam Northeast in quick succession - a blow from which the visitors never really recovered. Calum Hagget provided solid batting at the lower end of the order as he top-scored

with 45 runs from 92 balls to bring some respectability to the innings.

In their turn at the crease, Montcin Hodge (34) got a solid start but failed to carry on after being dismissed by Adam Riley whose two wickets for the

innings was the most for the Spitfires.

Kieran Powell then added 31 before being dismissed by Hugh Bernard, before Bonner hit a patient 78 off 128 balls and proved the catalyst for an easy victory.

Bonner leads Hurricanes to seven-wicket win over Kent Spitfires

SCOREBOARD

KENT SPITFIRES innings D. Bell-Drummond lbw b Joseph 18 S. Dickson c Hosein b Tonge 22 S. Northeast c Bonner b Tonge 13 D. Stevens lbw b Cornwall 7 A. Blake wkp. Hamilton b Cornwall 19 A. Rouse b Peters 35 C. Haggett c Cooper b Tonge 45 M. Coles c Cornwall b Tonge 18 A. Riley not out 21 I. Qayyum run-out 18 H. Bernard not out 0 Extras: (b-5, lb-3, w-8, nb-1) 17 Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 233 Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-50, 3-58, 4-64, 5-85, 6-129, 7-181, 8-201, 9-232.

Bowling: Cooper 10-0-36-0 (w-2),

Joseph 10-1-47-1 (w-1), Tonge 10-1-39-4 (nb-1), Cornwall 10-135-2 (w-1), Hosein 3-0-22-0 (w-1), Peters 7-0-46-1 (w-3).

HURRICANES innings M. Hodge c Northeast b Riley 34 K. Powell c Riley b Bernard 31 N. Bonner not out 78 C. Hughes c wkp. Rouse b Riley 38 J. Hamilton not out 36 Extras: (b-1, lb-1, w-13, pen5) 20 Total: (3 wkts, 43.3 overs) 237 Fall of wickets: 1-58, 2-96, 3-160 Bowling: Coles 7-0-31-0 (w2), Haggett 7-0-36-0 (w2), Stevens 8.3-0-39-0 (w2), Riley 8-0-41-2, Bernard 6-0-40-1 (w2), Quayyum 7-0-43-0.

point the investigating officer smelled an alcoholic odour in the car and administered “a series of field sobriety tests,” according to ESPN. The 43-year-old De La Hoya failed the tests and was arrested at 01:57hrs, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A 1992 Olympic gold medal winner and 10-time professional world champion, De La Hoya is no stranger to substance abuse.

He checked himself into rehab in 2011 after admitting he had issues with cocaine and alcohol and had been having suicidal thoughts.

Two years later, de la Hoya also

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checked into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.

He failed to show on Wednesday at a news conference in Los Angeles to promote Golden Boy’s HBO fight card on Saturday night.

He won titles at 130, 135, 140, 147, 154 and 160 pounds.

He won bouts against Hall-ofFamers Julio Cesar Chavez Sr (twice), Pernell Whitaker and Arturo Gatti. He also fought other greats, including Felix Trinidad, Hector Camacho Sr, Bernard Hopkins, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Shane Mosley (twice) and Manny Pacquiao.

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He went 39-6 with 30 knockouts in his career.

Oscar De La Hoya is a 1992 Olympic gold medal winner and 10-time professional world champion.

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28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

Serena storms, Venus rises to set up retro family final

By Nick Mulvenney

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Serena and Venus Williams swept through their last-four matches at the Australian Open tennis yesterday, setting up a retro family final that will be their ninth meeting in a grand slam title-decider.

It is eight years since the American sisters, who have a combined age of 71 and 29 slam titles between them, last faced each other across the net for one of the sport’s four major prizes.

Younger sister Serena was at her brutal best on Rod Laver Arena as she brought an end to the dream run of Mirjana Lucic-Baroni at Melbourne Park, thrashing the 34-year-old Croatian 6-2, 6-1.

Venus, 36, had a much tougher time and needed to draw on the experience of 73 grand slam campaigns to rally from a set down for

cider either, but yesterday was all about family pride.

“For us both to be in the final is the biggest dream come true,” the 35-year-old Californian said.

“She’s my toughest opponent; no one has ever beaten me as much as Venus has. I just feel like no matter what’s happened we’ve both won.

“It is definitely 100 percent the best-case scenario that I could have ever dreamt of.”

Serena Williams will regain the number one ranking if she wins the final.

a 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-3 victory over compatriot Coco Vandeweghe.

Serena, who beat Venus in her older sister’s only previous Australian Open final in 2003, does not expect sentiment to play a role in tomorrow’s title-de-

FAIRYTALE While Serena was finding her feet after four months out with a shoulder injury and Venus has ended a eight-year grand slam final drought, Lucic-Baroni’s fairytale return from years in the tennis wilderness trumped them both.

A doubles champion at Melbourne Park as a 15-year-old, Lucic-Baroni’s career went into a tailspin on the back of trauma in her personal life

before she battled back to reach yesterday’s semi-final as world number 79.

Her left leg heavily strapped, she came out firing winners as if her life depended on it but was simply unable to stay with the world number two in the 50-minute contest.

The six-time champion was all but untouchable when her first serve hit the mark and she sealed the win when Lucic-Baroni smashed a forehand into the net, reaching her 29th grand slam final where she will bid for a 23rd major title.

Serena gave her opponent a huge hug at the net before watching on smiling as Lucic-Baroni took a selfie as a memento of her day in the sun.

“Honestly she’s an inspiration, she deserves all the credit today,” said Serena.

Lucic-Baroni offered “zero excuses” for her defeat and said she had been overwhelmed by the messages of support she had

Federer beats Wawrinka to reach Australian Open final ROGER Federer beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 to reach the Australian Open final and stay on course for an 18th Grand Slam title.

The 35-year-old will face Rafael Nadal on Sunday if the Spaniard beats Grigor Dimitrov in today’s semi-final.

The Swiss, returning from a six-month lay-off to rest his left knee, last won a major at Wimbledon in 2012.

He is the oldest man to reach a Grand Slam final since Ken Rosewall did so at the 1974 U.S. Open at the age of 39.

“I couldn’t be happier right now,” said Federer. “I felt like everything happened so quickly at the end, I had to check the score.

“I never ever in my wildest dreams thought I’d come this far in Australia. It’s beautiful, I’m so happy.”

Federer’s extraordinary run in Melbourne had already seen him beat top-10 seeds Tomas Berdych and Kei Nishikori to reach the last four.

Seeded 17th following his injury, Federer had an 18-3 record against the fourth seed and reigning U.S. Open champion coming into the semi-final, but the two had never played a fiveset match.

Both players needed medical treatment during a match of high intensity but it was the 17-time Grand Slam winner who finally prevailed after

Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka are good friends off the court. top 10 for the first time in over three hours five minutes.

Federer will now seek a 14 years.

After beginning his fifth Australian Open title, and his first in Melbourne comeback with victories since 2010, when he plays in against Britain’s Dan Evhis 28th Grand Slam final and ans and France’s Richard 100th Australian Open match Gasquet in the Hopman Cup - a non-ranked event on Sunday. played in the first week of January - Federer played FEDERER’S REMARKdown his chances of going ABLE RETURN What makes Federer’s run far in the Australian Open.

But, after reaching his first to the final remarkable is the combination of being in the Slam final since the 2015 U.S. twilight of his career and not Open, he finally spoke about having played competitively the prospect of winning in since his Wimbledon semi-fi- Melbourne.

“I can really actually talk nal exit last year.

Federer missed the about playing a final - I’ve Olympic Games and the been dodging that bullet for a rest of the 2016 season to few rounds,” he said.

“I’ll leave it all out here in have “more extensive rehabilitation” on a knee injury Australia and if I can’t walk suffered in February while for five months that’s OK.” Wawrinka noted how he ran a bath for his twin the tour and the fans had daughters.

He played just seven tour missed Federer, saying: “Evevents last year, leading to his eryone wants even more dropping out of the world’s to see him play, to see him

win. He’s flying on the court.

He’s playing amazing tennis. He’s the best player ever.”

Former world number one Federer started the match brightly and had three early break points before converting his first set point, on Wawrinka’s serve, in the 12th game.

Wawrinka, the 2014 Australian Open champion, was broken for the second time at 2-3 in the second set as Federer maintained his impressive standards.

Clearly frustrated, the 31-year-old Wawrinka cracked his racquet in two over his left knee and, after the set, left the court with a trainer for treatment to his other knee.

But he came back superbly to win the third set in 26 minutes and break Federer in the ninth game of the fourth set to take the match to a decider.

Federer went off for a lengthy medical timeout for treatment to his leg as the physical nature of the match started to tell.

He also came back fighting and broke Wawrinka in the sixth game when the U.S. Open champion double-faulted on break point.

There was no let-up as Federer completed a stunning victory to the delight of the majority of fans in Rod Laver Arena.

(BBC Sport)

Venus Williams won the last of her seven Grand Slam titles in 2008 at Wimbledon.

received.

“I felt like the whole world is with me and supporting me, sharing this really amazing moment with me,” she said. “It’s really filled my heart with so much joy.”

Venus needed almost three times as long to overcome world number 35 Vandeweghe, who broke the 13th seed on her first service game and won the opening set on a tiebreaker.

CLUTCH POINTS The big-hitting 25-yearold’s hopes had rested on the accuracy of her serve and booming winners but her challenge faded as the unforced error count racked up and her first serve success rate hovered around the 55 percent mark.

The key to seven-time major champion Venus’s victory, though, was her ability to raise her game at decisive moments and she

saved 12 of 13 break points she faced, seven in the second set alone.

Venus danced around the court in breathless delight at her victory and gave the crowd an elaborate version of her traditional twirl, having ensured she would become the oldest Australian Open finalist in the professional era.

“Everyone has their moment in the sun,” Venus added. “Maybe mine has gone on a while but I’d like to keep that going. I got nothing else to do.”

Vandeweghe was visibly upset at losing her first grand slam semi-final, indulging in a “feel-sorryfor-myself moment”, as she described it.

“But you have to give credit where credit’s due,” she said. “My opponent played better than I did today when it mattered, in the clutch points.”

Egypt claim last place in African Nations Cup quarterfinals

EGYPT reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals as Group D winners with a 1-0 win over already qualified Ghana, who finish as runners-up.

Mohamed Salah provided the decisive moment, lashing in a free-kick through a gap in Ghana’s defensive wall.

A mistake by Ghana keeper Brimah Razak presented Marwan Mohsen with a chance to double the lead but he shot over.

Daniel Amartey missed Ghana’s best chance, heading wide from Christian Atsu’s freekick to the back post.

The result means Egypt will face Morocco and Ghana will take on DR Congo in lasteight matches on Sunday.

Record seven-time African champions Egypt knew a point would be good enough to take them through to the knockout stage and, after Roma forward Salah put them ahead, they were content to sit back and protect their position.

But for all Ghana’s increased possession, Avram Grant’s side - not helped by the loss of captain Asamoah Gyan to injury on 40 minutes

- could not find the cutting edge up front to get back on level terms.

And when it appeared they might breakthrough after Atsu’s excellent jinking run had earned him a good shooting chance, the ball bobbled up off the much-criticised Oyem pitch and bounced off his shin as he took aim.

Emmanuel Badu’s low drive from 25 yards brought a decent save from Egypt’s 44-year-old goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, and the Nations Cup’s oldest ever player was also equal to Jordan Ayew’s fizzing effort late on.

Given Ghana’s lack of goal threat, Grant will be concerned that Gyan’s injury will rule the striker out of the match against DR Congo.

Egypt will take confidence from inflicting a first defeat on Ghana in Gabon - it was also the first goal the Back Stars had conceded at the tournament - as well as standout performances by midfielder Mahmoud Hassan and centre-backs Ali Gabr Mossad and Ahmed Hegazy.

(BBC Sport)

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

United edge past spirited Hull reach League Cup final t o r e a c h (REUTERS) - Manchester United reached the League Cup final but were made to sweat as Hull City won the second leg of their last-four encounter 2-1 yesterday to come within one goal of forcing extra time.

Hull’s Oumar Niasse scored in the 85th minute to reduce the aggregate deficit to 3-2, but there was to be no fairytale comeback for the Premier League relegation strugglers who were spirited in their efforts to overturn their 2-0 first-leg defeat.

Tom Huddlestone had put the hosts ahead after 35 minutes from the penalty spot, but they were unable to turn the screw and allowed a much-improved United to claw their way back into the match after the break when Paul Pogba stabbed in an equaliser.

Niasse steered home a David Meyler cross from close range but Jose Mourinho’s side held on to set up a clash against Southampton in the final at Wembley on February 26 after the Saints upset Liverpool on Wednesday at Anfield.

Hull faced a daunting prospect to drag themselves back into the tie and made seven changes to their starting lineup in a sign that manager Marco Silva had perhaps already decided a Wembley final was beyond them.

The encounter had the feel of a foregone conclusion too, as both sets of players seemed to be going through the motions in a dour opening 25 minutes when neither side created a chance.

Hull City’s Michael Dawson spurned the first glimmer of an opening when he was

tackled as he looked to pull the trigger, but the deadlock was broken after 35 minutes following a penalty decision that caused initial confusion.

Replays showed that United defender Marcos Rojo had barely tugged the shirt of Hull’s Harry Maguire, who tumbled to the ground prompting referee Jon Moss to award the spot kick that Huddlestone rifled into the bottom corner.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic drew a superb one-handed save from David Marshall, but it was not until the second half that United showed true signs of life.

They had their own penalty appeal waved away when Chris Smalling tumbled to the ground after contact with Huddlestone, sparking an angry touchline reaction from Jose Mourin-

Morgan, Root and bowlers seal T20 win in Kanpur AN impressive England bowling display laid the foundation for a comfortable seven-wicket victory over India in the first Twenty20 international.

Expertly varying pace and length, England restricted India to 147-7, off-spinner Moeen Ali’s 2-21 the standout.

Sam Billings took 20 from the second over of England’s reply, with Eoin Morgan (51) and Joe Root (46 not out) completing the chase in 18.1 overs.

The second of the three T20 matches is in Nagpur on Sunday.

England will look to wrap up the series after putting in their best performance of a tour that saw them heavily beaten in the Tests and squeezed out in the one-day internationals.

The home side rested spin-bowling tormentors Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, but even their presence would have been unlikely to derail an England side that won their first T20 match in India since an agonising defeat in the final of the 2016 World T20.

It was England’s bowling which was found wanting

Eoin Morgan strikes four international half-century. in what turned out to be the highest-scoring three-match ODI series of all-time.

But in Kanpur they learned quickly after initially bowling too full pace quartet Tymal Mills, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett and Ben Stokes mixing back-of-a-length with changes of pace.

Moeen also went through his repertoire, conceding only one boundary and having the incredibly dangerous Virat Kohli superbly held at mid-wicket

by Morgan from his first delivery.

KL Rahul, Yuvraj Singh

sixes in his eighth T20 and Hardik Pandya fell to the short ball, the latter giving pacy left-arm T20 specialist Mills his first international wicket.

India found the boundary only three times between the 10th and 19th overs and it was left to former captain MS Dhoni, who took 12 from the final over, to add some respectability.

Still, the hosts seemed at least 20 below par on a good pitch, with England so in control that leg-spinner Adil Rashid was not called on to bowl.

(BBC Sport)

ho as his 54th birthday threatened to turn sour.

The United manager’s

mood mellowed, however, with 25 minutes remaining when Pogba pounced on a misplaced ball from Huddlestone in his own area to stab United level on the night and restore their twogoal aggregate cushion.

Rojo and Niasse rat-

tled the crossbar with headers at either end before the latter set up a nervy finale for United, who will bid for a fifth League Cup triumph and first since 2010 when they face Southampton next month.

Manchester United’s Paul Pogba scores their first goal. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith Livepic)

Former Windies batsman Sylvester Joseph joins regional umpires list

FORMER Leewards and West Indies batsman Sylvester Joseph has joined the ranks of regional umpiring officials after successfully passing the exams.

The three-year process comprised a three-part course that included a written exam in 2015, a practical in 2016 and an oral exam earlier this year.

As a result of passing the exam, the former Leeward Island international is now qualified to officiate at local and regional matches.

Although he admits to being a bit put off by the

length of the process at first, Joseph now finds it intriguing.

“When I set off three years ago I thought about it and at first it seemed like a very long process, but after the years went by and I entered into the arena of umpiring I found it very interesting; and because of the captaincy (in my playing days) and so forth, I would intermingle with the different umpires on the laws and regulations of the game and so forth and so I (fit) the bill and it really helps me.

It’s real relaxing even

though it’s difficult and I enjoy doing it,” Joseph told Antigua Observer.

Sylvester Joseph

Thirty-three women players invited to Demerara trials

A RELEASE from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday indicated that 33 female players have been invited for a two-day trial, scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday at the Everest Cricket Club ground, starting at 08:00hrs daily.

According to the release, the trials will be used as a yardstick to select a Demerara team for the GCB

Women’s Inter-County 2017 tournament.

The players invited a re : A n g a l i e M o h a b ir, Ashley Singh, Cassie Charles, Chitra Mohabir, Grace Ishrilall, Gai Singh, Shamika Edwards, Tishawn Ward, Sapria Sahadeo, Solendid Hodge, Mantana Cambridge, Nafeza Persaud, Gayanamattie Sawh, Chandraoutie Ramkissoon,

Jessica Orford, Sabita Persaud, Yogeeta Balkishun, Mandy Mangru, Latoya Smith, Leana Harris, Hema Singh, Keisha Fraser, Loushana Toussaint, Hasena Mohamed, Sherry-Ann-Fraser, Abigail Scott, Amanda Persaud, Shelly Balkishun, Akaze Thompson, Odessa Oneil, Keysia Schultz, Letisha Jordon and Cynthia Rampersaud.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

Bolt, Jamaica teammates Legal team advises ordered to return relay medals Carter to appeal

By Kayon Raynor

KINGSTON, Jamaica (Reuters) - Usain Bolt and his Jamaican teammates who won the 4 x 100m relay at the 2008 Beijing Games have been told by the country’s Olympic Association to return their gold medals following Nesta Carter’s failed drug test.

Mike Fennell, Jamaica Olympic Association president, told Reuters that Carter, Bolt, Asafa Powell, Michael Frater and Dwight Thomas are being contacted following the ruling of the International Olympic Committee.

“I can confirm that letters have been dispatched to the five members of the gold medal-winning team

from the Beijing Games in 2008 requesting the return of the medals as directed by the IOC,” Fennell told Reuters by telephone yesterday.

Fennell, who previously served as president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, did not indicate whether a time-frame had been given, but he confirmed that Carter would be appealing against the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“In our discussions with Nesta so far he’s discussing that matter (appealing to CAS) with his attorneys, both local and in the UK,” Fennell told Reuters.

He did not comment on BBC reports that the Jamaica

LUCAS STREET, Barbados (CMC) – Teenaged opener Amir Jangoo stroked his second successive halfcentury as Campuses and Colleges Marooners defeated ICC Americas by seven wickets to post their second win of the Regional Super50 here yesterday.

Chasing a paltry 182 for victory at Windward Cricket Club, Marooners cruised to their target in the 46th over, with the

19-year-old Jangoo hitting a top score of 52.

Kyle Corbin carried his side over the line with a fluent, unbeaten 47 while Cassius Burton struck 38 and captain Jamal Smith, 36.

Fast bowler Keon Harding had earlier produced a superb 10-over spell of two for 27 to help restrict ICC Americas to 181 for nine off their 50 overs.

His Man-of-the-Match effort was supported by seamer

IOC's guilty verdict

Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates after his team won the men’s 4x100m relay athletics final in the National Stadium during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 22, 2008.

(REUTERS)

Olympic Association (JOA) might appeal against the ruling that they, too, should forfeit their medals.

In the case of Bolt, losing his would reduce his career haul of Olympic gold medals from nine to eight.

Jermaine Levy (2-43) and offspinner Vikash Mohan (2-45) who finished with two wickets piece.

Timroy Allen, batting at number eight, top-scored with 43 while Hakeem Dodson supported with 28 and Nikhil Dutta and Kamau Leverock, 26 apiece.

Sent in, ICC Americas slumped to 53 for five in the 17th over before staging a lower order rally. Dutta and Dodson added 36 for the sixth wicket before Allen posted 28 for the seventh wicket with Dodson and a further 60 in a critical eighth-wicket stand with Saad bin Zafar (25).

The right-handed Allen stroked four fours and a six in a breezy 50-ball knock.

In reply, left-hander Jangoo took the attack to ICC Americas in an 87-ball innings which was laced with six fours and a six.

Jangoo put on 81 for the first wicket with Smith whose knock came from 75 balls and included two fours and a six.

When three wickets tumbled for just 30 runs in the space of 42 deliveries, Corbin and Burton combined in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 73, to steer Marooners to victory.

The right-handed Corbin faced 59 balls and counted five fours and a six while Burton, also a right-hander, was equally fluent in hammering three fours and a six in a 43ball knock.

Jangoo, Harding carry Marooners to second straight win

SCOREBOARD

Left-hander Amir Jangoo hits his second straight half-century of the tournament.

ICC AMERICAS innings K. Leverock c Burton b Henry 26 S. Wijeyeratne c Henry b Harding 0 N. Kumar c Jangoo b Powell 1 A. Amsterdam c Harding b Levy 2 N. Dutta c Hinds b Mohan 26 N. Standford c wkp. Smith b Hinds 11 A. Dodson c Harding b Levy 28 T. Allen c Burton b Mohan 43 Saad bin Zafar c Corbin b Harding 25 Jasdeep Singh not out 1 C. Pervez not out 3 Extras: (lb-3, w-10, nb-2) 15 Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 181 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-4, 3-33, 4-39, 5-53, 6-89, 7-117, 8-177, 9-177.

Bowling: Powell 3-1-14-1, Harding 10-1-27-2 (w-6, nb-1), Levy

8-0-43-2 (w-4), Henry 5-0-15-1 (nb-1), Hinds 10-2-19-1, Deyal 5-1-15-0, Mohan 9-0-45-2.

CCC MAROONERS innings J. Smith lbw b Saad bin Zafar 36 A. Jangoo lbw b Jasdeep Singh 52 K. Corbin not out 47 V. Mohan lbw b Dutta 0 C. Burton not out 38 Extras: (lb-4, nb-7) 11 Total: (3 wkts, 45.4 overs) 184 Fall of wickets: 1-81, 2-110, 3-111.

Bowling: Pervez 7-1-29-0, Jasdeep Singh 9.4-1-36-1, Allen 3-0-9-0, Dutta 8-2-31-1, Leverock 1-0-9-0, Saad bin Zafar 10-0-361, Kumar 7-1-30-0.

Points: Marooners 4, ICC Americas 0.

NESTA Carter is being advised by his legal team to appeal the guilty verdict the International Olympic Committee handed down earlier yesterday regarding an anti-doping violation at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Carter’s sample from the 2008 Games was re-tested and found to contain the specified substance methylhexanamine. The stimulant was placed on the WADA list of banned substances in 2004 as a stimulant but was re-classified as a specified substance in 2011.

Nesta Carter

The ruling means Jamaica’s sprint relay team of Carter, Usain Bolt, Michael Frater and Asafa Powell has been stripped of its gold medals. It also means that Bolt no longer holds the distinction of winning three gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games.

However, there is still room for recourse for the beleaguered sprinter, who has been on a provision-

al suspension since early 2016.

Carter’s local attorney, Stuart Stimpson, said an appeal is expected to be filed within the 21 days in which the athlete is required.

He believes the athlete, whose 9.78 seconds set in 2010 makes him the sixth fastest man in history, has good grounds on which to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“The ruling gives rise, we believe, to good grounds for appeal,” Stimpson told Sportsmax. tv.

“There wasn’t due consideration to all the submissions that we would have made and the key points in it,” Stimpson added.

He said, however, that they did expect the IOC ruling.

“It had been one of my thoughts that it (a guilty verdict) could happen, based on the tribunal we had earlier,” he said.

“We had in our minds that the process wouldn’t end here, that it would continue onto CAS.” Meanwhile, Carter’s teammates have remained mum on the issue. Neither Michael Frater nor Asafa Powell was willing to comment on the development that has cost each of them an Olympic medal.

Both athletes leave for Australia later this week where they will represent the Usain Bolt AllStars in the Melbourne Nitro-Athletic Series.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday January 27, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Charles Bannerman-165* (AUST vs ENG, Melbourne, 1877) (2) Dennis Amiss-103 (ENG vs AUST, Manchester, 1972) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best innings figures by a bowler on his Test debut?

(2) What are the best figures by a bowler on his ODI debut?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 27, 2017

Jaguars lose by 41 runs despite Chanderpaul’s splendid century

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Shiv Chanderpaul’s splendid century proved in vain as Jerome Taylor produced an incisive five-wicket haul to wreck Guyana Jaguars and propel Jamaica Scorpions to their first win of the Regional Super50 here last night.

In a riveting contest at Kensington Oval, Scorpions posted 249 for eight off their 50 overs and then bowled out Jaguars for 208 off 44 overs, to come away with a 41-run victory.

The second half of the contest belonged to Taylor and Chanderpaul, the former Test teammates, who showed they were still very much at their best.

Taylor, who quit the longest format last year, grabbed two wickets in his opening spell and then returned late in the innings to grab another three, as he finished with five for 40 – his best figures in regional 50-overs competition Chanderpaul, discarded 19 months ago by West Indies selectors, showed he had lost little of his touch with a superb 101 which lifted Jaguars from despair at 14 for four in the eighth over and hauled them back into contention.

The veteran left-hander anchored two successive half-century stands with Raymon Reifer (25) and wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble (29) but once Taylor returned, Jaguars lost their last four wickets for 19 runs in the space of 25 deliveries, to collapse to their second straight defeat.

Rookie fast bowler Reynard Leveridge was brilliant up front in tandem with Taylor, and finished with three for 38.

Opener Chadwick Walton had earlier top-scored with 82 from 84 balls as Scorpions, opting to bat first in the day/ night encounter, managed to raise a challenging total.

Antiguan Devon Thomas stroked an unbeaten 56 while Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood chimed in with 42 and Brandon King, 21.

Off-spinner Steven Jacobs (2-27), left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer (2-41) and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (2-48) all picked up two wickets each.

The right-handed Walton was off to a flyer, slamming six fours and four sixes as he and Blackwood galvanized the innings in a 92-run, second wicket stand, after lefthander John Campbell had fallen cheaply for two at 18 in the fourth over.

Blackwood faced 59 balls and struck two fours and two sixes before going bowled by Jacobs in the 23rd over.

Walton followed soon afterwards, caught at longoff off Jacobs in the 29th over but Thomas and King put on 41 for the fourth wicket to revive the innings.

Thomas faced 74 balls and counted three fours in a controlled knock which ensured Scorpions gathered runs steadily at the end.

Jaguars were then rocked at the start of their innings when Taylor and Leveridge combined to blow away their top order.

Shimron Hetmyer was beaten for pace by Leveridge and bowled without scoring in the second over with three on the board and in the next over, Taylor brought one back to bowl captain Leon Johnson, also without scoring, with one

SCOREBOARD

SCORPIONS Innings +C Walton c Fudadin b Jacobs 82 J Campbell lbw b R Reifer 2 J Blackwood b Jacobs 42 D Thomas not out 56 B King c Fudadin b Reifer 21 R Powell c Barnwell b Bishoo 16 D Sewell lbw b Permaul 12 J Taylor b Permaul 0 *N Miller run out 6 D Jacobs not out 1 Extras: (b1, lb5, w5) 11 TOTAL: (8 wkts, 50 overs) 249

Did not bat: R Leveridge.

Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-110, 3-138, 4-179, 5-202, 6-229, 7-229, 8-243.

Bowling: Beaton 7-0-36-0 (w2), Reifer10-1-41-2, Permaul 100-48-2 (w2), Barnwell 3-0-24-0 (w1), Jacobs 10-2-27-2, Bishoo 10-0-67-1.

JAGUARS Innings S Hetmyer b Leveridge

1

A Fudadin b Taylor 3 *L Johnson b Taylor 0 S Chanderpaul c wkp Walton b Leveridge 101 C Barnwell c wkp Walton b Leveridge 1 R Reifer c wkp Walton b Jacobs 25 +A Bramble c wkp Walton b Campbell 29 S Jacobs hit wkt b Taylor 19 V Permaul c Jacobs b Taylor 4 D Bishoo not out 6 R Beaton c wkp Walton b Taylor 4 Extras: (lb1, w13, nb1) 15 TOTAL: (all out, 44 overs) 208 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-4, 3-13, 4-14, 5-91, 6-145, 7-189, 8-197, 9-199, 10-208.

Bowling: Taylor 9-0-40-5 (w3), Leveridge 9-0-38-3 (w8, nb1), Sewell 3-0-18-0, Jacobs 10-0-57-1 (w1), Miller 7-0-23-0, Campbell 3-0-15-1, Powell 3-0-16-0.

Points: Scorpions 4, Jaguars 0.

run added to the score.

Taylor struck again in the seventh over when he again got one to nip back and bowl Assad Fudadin for three at 13 for three.

A floodlight failure which took the players from the field failed to dent Scorpions’ momentum as on resumption, Le-

veridge picked up where he left off when he had Chris Barnwell caught at the wicket for one botching an attempted pull, at 14 for four in the eighth over.

Chanderpaul then put on show every inch of his experience as he struck 12 fours and a

six in a knock lasting just 96 deliveries. He posted 77 for the fifth wicket with Reifer, 54 for the sixth wicket with Bramble and 44 for the seventh wicket with Jacobs (19).

The 42-year-old raised h i s h a l f - c e n t u r y o ff 4 7 balls in the 22 nd over be-

fore reaching triple figures off 94 balls in the 42 nd over.

When Jacobs played back to Taylor in the 40 th over and went hit wicket at 189 for seven, Scorpions needed 60 from 61 deliveries.

But Permaul pulled Ta y l o r t o m i d - w i c k e t to depart for four in the 42 nd over at 197 for eight and all hope disappeared for Jaguars in the next over with two runs added when Chanderpaul gloved a pull at a wayward delivery from Leveridge and was caught at the wicket.

Bolt, Jamaica teammates ordered to return relay medals See story on page 30

Secure Innovations and Concepts Endurance Rental Cup

Team Gizmos and Gadgets and Guinness, Heineken sweep classes

By Stephan Sookram IT was a night of beverage giants reigning supreme in the Secure Innovations and Concepts-sponsored Endurance Rental Car Cup championship on Wednesday evening at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) headquarters, Thomas Lands.

Team Heineken ‘karted’ off the 600lb class while earlier in the evening, the Gizmos and Gadgets and Guinness-sponsored unit ran untouched in the 500lb division.

The Heineken team through the ‘hand in bag’ method drew Kart 7 and later drew the grid position 3 through their opening driver Vishaul Sawh.

H o w e v e r, a f t e r a sketchy start which saw them fall to fifth, the team clawed their way back into the contest, managing to get back up to third before the first mandatory driver change 20 minutes into the See page 26

Winners! From L-R, Team Heineken’s John Maikoo, Vishal Sawh and Raymond Seebarran stand with 500lb class winners Steven Nobegra, John Phang and Matthew Phang of team Gizmos and Gadgets and Guinness.

Part of the action in last evening’s Secure Innovations and Concepts Endurance Rental Cup (Delano Williams photo)

Jaguars lose by 41 runs despite Chanderpaul’s splendid See story on page 31 century BCA official Calvin Hope presents Jerome Taylor with his Player-of-the-Match prize. (Photos by WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

Wkpr Chadwick Walton sees Shivanrine Chanderpaul swings into the leg-side during his century at Kensington Oval last night FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017