Colour and cheer Page 16
… as Guyana celebrates 51years of Independence
Housing for all No. 104925
SATURDAY MAY 27, 2017
Price: $80
(VAT Inclusive)
… hundreds flock housing expo opening … Bulkan says gov’t to reassess role in housing development Page 8
Hundreds turned out on Friday to the Ministry of Communities Housing Solution 2017 and Beyond Exposition being held at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara. In this Delano Williams photo, patrons could be seen visiting the many model houses that were on display
Engineers wrap up damage assessment of Region 8 floods Page 3
Cocaine-in-weave Guyanese jailed in Bahamas Page 13
PM debunks ‘10pm parliament curfew claims … says Nandlall must Page 11
purge his contempt
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 27, 2017
‘What’s in it for me?’ –– visiting professor highlights inclusivity in petroleum sector By Alva Solomon PROFESSOR Jorge Manuel Guira, Director of the University of
Reading Law School on Thursday afternoon emphasised the importance of the citizenry in development of the country’s
Professor Jorge Manuel Guira , Director of the University of Reading Law School, addresses the audience on Thursday afternoon at the Theatre Guild petroleum sector. At the same time, the visiting academic pointed to the benefits of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) , which he noted is a good long-term plan, which will see the country prosper. Professor Guira was at the time presenting a lecture titled, “Paradise found in Guyana? Meeting the challenges of oil and gas exploration and production,” at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston. Speaking to a sizeable audience, Professor Guira noted that the long-term plans of the authorities
should consider the “local content” of the sector. He said that “it’s not just build a road or having a building,” but also other areas of development such as providing education, training, network and eco-system development. He noted also that persons can also network with other entities here and overseas aimed at developing the economy. “So that everyone can make more money, can do better and there is a genuine eco- system which benefits the citizens of the country,” he added. Professor Guira noted that the government is “living in interesting times, a term which he likened to the “Chinese Curse “ a term which states “may you live in interesting times.” He said that for the government, it is not easy to develop a new sector within a short space of time. He said that there are key challenges which the authorities face as regards the evolving petroleum sector. He listed them as sustainability, transparency and anti-corruption, education and training as well as the Venezuela border controversy. In addition, he noted that relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) , especially with Trinidad and Tobago , an oil-producing nation , should also be considered.
A section of the audience
As regards the government’s response to those challenges, he said that there are positive responses however, he noted that it is still early days. He said that implementation of the laws and institutional support are key to the sector’s future. He said that in the production of oil and gas, a company’s operations lasts approximately 25 years .The time period includes the issuance of licences by the state, seismic and research analysis, exploration and drilling the development phase and later, abandonment. Meanwhile, Professor Guira noted that for the SWF to be effective, it must “be checked with accountability and strong oversight to preserve capital, while capping spending.” He said that if the authorities wish for the country to be truly wealthy, “you must invest and not consume.” A new Sovereign Wealth Fund -- a stateowned fund which will reinvest oil and gas revenues -- and a new Petroleum Commission, a regulatory agency, are centrepieces of the proposed legal and institutional framework. The framework is being developed to provide oversight of the sector in the lead-up to first oil, which is forecasted for the year 2020.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 27, 2017
Engineers wrap up damage assessment of Region Eight floods … communities’ water, infrastructural needs to be addressed
THE teams from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Engineer Corps, which were dispatched to the flood-affected communities in Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), have completed their assessments and are in the process of preparing their reports to hand over to the administration for action. This is even as the residents have expressed their satisfaction with the response by the Government to their needs, after the devastating flash floods last week, which left several homes destroyed and villagers displaced, the Ministry of the Presidency reported Friday night. According to the ministry, following a visit by Minister of State Joseph Harmon last Sunday to the villages of Itabac and Kanapang, which suffered infrastructural damage, two engineers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as well as technical staff from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) were deployed by the government to conduct an assessment of the damaged roads and buildings and to facilitate water-quality testing and set up purification systems, with a view to determining the long-term response that will be required from the state. The damage to the road between Kanapang and Itabac, which was one of the major concerns raised by the villagers during the minister’s visit, was examined by Captain Daniel Seeram, Officer Commanding 42 Field Engineers Company and Captain Jocelyn McAllister, Engineering Officer. They also examined the school building and houses, which were badly damaged. In an invited comment, Captain Seeram said that the team conducted assessments and observations in Itabac, Kanapang and Kaibarupai. The initial assessments, he said, were made for general infrastructure in the villages, approaches to the villages, the trails and bridges, along with any damage done to homes and Government buildings. “One major concern was the bridge and that is totally displaced and dilapidated. The rise in the water level and the force of the water shifted the bridge off its trestles, making it impassable to vehicles and other trans-
GDF Engineer, Captain Daniel Seeram, speaking with residents portation. The trails between the bridge and Itabac are also in a deplorable state. This is a hazard for persons moving between the villages. In Kanapang, also, the airstrip is unserviceable, resulting in planes landing in the ball field,” Captain Seeram said. The residents said that they are heartened that the Government has listened to their needs. Ms. Karsha Lewis, a resident of Kanapang, in an invited comment, said that the village is most grate-
ful and appreciative of the efforts of the Government. “The Government has been doing a good job in sending foodstuff and other relief for the people here and it has been very good, so we want to say thanks. For everyone here particularly, who have lost all that they had, it means a lot and the village of Kanapang says thank you,” she said. Mr. Yaron Jaron, another resident, said that while he has lost everything, he is
hopeful that the Government will provide the necessary assistance to help him to rebuild. “The Government has been helping and I would be appreciative of the Government’s help to rebuild,” he said. Meanwhile, a team comprising representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the GWI visited the affected communities to conduct further assessments
The damaged bridge between Itabac and Kanapang
of the damage and impacts to housing, agriculture and water. Thus far, GWI said that the water system in the community of Kanapang was reported to have been contaminated; with the water in the well now having a very discoloured appearance. The well at Itabac, on the other hand, is currently unserviceable as the solar panel, which powers the well, was struck by lightning during a recent thunderstorm. Mr. Jamal Duncan, Hinterland
Engineer, said that the company has taken note of all the issues identified and will be working to address these in the coming weeks. Mr. Michael Gouveia, Coordinator for the Hinterland Regions at the Ministry of Public Health, in an invited comment, said that the ministry has been working with the villages to establish care instructions, which can guard against water-borne diseases. He noted that while there is no health crisis at this time in the region, the ministry is ensuring that preventive measures are taken seriously. The health team in the region comprises doctors, nurses, immunisation officers, environmental and health officers, veterinarians, surveillance officers and an official from the Pan American Health Organisation. In the meantime, over at Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), joint field assessments continue to investigate the level and extent of flooding, in addition to the impacts to the communities. While water has receded from some areas and mostly farmlands are now severely affected, Phillipai is reported to have experienced storms with very high winds during the previous period of heavy rainfall, which resulted in the felling of trees in the area. Additionally, the community has suffered several landslides resulting in several trails through the village, being covered in slush. Reports were received that the airstrip in Paruima, which is approximately 60 feet above the normal level of the river, has been flooded. Additionally, erosion of the river bank has started to occur. The CDC however, has already deployed 142 relief hampers to its Forward Operations Centre at Kamarang for distribution to the communities, even as it is preparing child-specific hampers for distribution to infants and school- aged children in the flooded communities. In addition, the RDC, which had worked alongside the CDC earlier this year to complete the Regional Multi-Hazard Preparedness and Response Plan, has activated its Disaster Risk Management Committee and has been actively responding to the flooding in the area.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 27, 2017
Tillerson declines to host Ramadan event at State Department-sources Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has declined a request to host an event to mark Islam’s holy month of Ramadan, two U.S. officials said, apparently breaking with a bipartisan tradition in place with few exceptions for nearly 20 years. Since 1999, Republican and Democratic secretaries of state have nearly always hosted either an iftar dinner to break the day’s fast during Ramadan or a reception marking the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the month, at the State Department. Tillerson turned down a request from the State Department’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs to host an Eid al-Fitr reception as part of Ramadan celebrations, said two U.S. officials who declined to be identified because they
were not authorized to speak publicly. According to an April 6 memo seen by Reuters, the office - which typically initiates such events - recommended that Tillerson hold an Eid alFitr reception. His rejection of the request suggests there are no plans this year for any high-profile Ramadan function at the State Department. The month of fasting and prayer for Muslims gets under way in many countries on Saturday. When asked by Reuters to comment on Tillerson declining a request to host an Eid al-Fitr event in July for Ramadan, a State Department spokesperson said: “We are still exploring possible options for observance of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan. U.S. ambassadors are encouraged to celebrate Ramadan through a variety of activities, which are held annually at missions around the world.” Muslim activists have accused President Donald Trump’s administration of having an unfriendly attitude toward Islam,
encapsulated by its attempts to ban citizens of several Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. The administration says that while it strongly opposes Islamist militants, it has no quarrel with Islam. Aides point to Trump’s visit this month to Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam where he addressed the leaders of more than 50 Muslim countries, as evidence of that. Members of Congress, Muslim civil society and community leaders, diplomats from Muslim countries and senior U.S. officials usually attend the State Department Ramadan event, a symbol of the U.S. government’s diplomatic efforts with Muslim countries and people. If Tillerson avoids hosting one this year, that could send a message “that it is not as important to this administration to engage with Muslims,” said former U.S. diplomat Farah Pandith, who served in the Bush and Obama administrations and helped plan Ramadan events at the White House and State Department. Tillerson issued a statement on Friday to mark the start of
Ramadan, which he called “a month of reverence, generosity, and self-reflection.” “Most importantly, it is a cherished time for family and friends to gather and give charity to those who are less fortunate,” he said. PAST RAMADANS Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright started the tradition 18 years ago of America’s top diplomat hosting a public event for Ramadan, a lunar month. The secretary of state of the time usually gives remarks there on the meaning of Ramadan. In April, the State Department’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs made a request to Tillerson’s office that he deliver remarks at an Eid al-Fitr reception this year, and suggested a two-week range of dates in July. The event would serve to “highlight State Department initiatives and the importance of Muslim engagement,” the memo said. It noted that by hosting a reception just after Ramadan, rather than an iftar - an often sumptuous dinner at sunset - a State Department event could be held any time of the day,
thus preventing “a very late evening for the Secretary.” Several weeks later, that office and other offices at the State Department were alerted that Tillerson declined the request, the officials said. Reuters was told of the request being declined but did not see Tillerson’s reply. An official with the Office of Religion and Global Affairs did not respond to a request for comment. Several prominent Muslim-American groups in the Washington area who are normally invited to the Ramadan event told Reuters this week that they had yet to receive an invitation from the State Department, which they said was unusual. “If they’re having one, we haven’t been invited,” said Rabiah Ahmed, spokeswoman for the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Washington. A representative for her group has been invited to the State Department event in the past, she said. FRAUGHT RELATIONSHIP Trump’s administration has had a fraught relationship with Muslims. As a presidential candidate, the Republican urged a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States, called for more surveillance of mosques and warned that radical Muslims were “trying to take over our children.”
Trump has since toned down his rhetoric and courts have halted his temporary travel ban on people from six mostly Muslim countries. White House officials did not respond to a request for comment on whether they would continue the tradition this year of hosting a Ramadan-related event at the White House. The State Department celebrates other religious traditions though some of those commemorations are not as well-established as the State Department’s Ramadan event. In 2014, then-secretary of state John Kerry hosted the first ever celebration at the State Department marking Diwali, the Hindu festival. The White House also traditionally hosts annual Christmas and Easter events as well as a Seder dinner to mark the Jewish Passover. The top U.S. diplomat has personally hosted a Ramadan event every year since 1999, often in the State Department’s grand Benjamin Franklin room, apart from three years. In 2006 and 2015, deputies of the secretary of state at the time hosted either an iftar dinner or an Eid al-Fitr reception. In 2014, Kerry hosted a reception for Eid al-Adha, another important Muslim holiday. (Reuters)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 27, 2017
CDB puts spotlight on environment, private sector growth As the 47th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) closed on Friday in Providenciales, the institution’s Governors identified environmental sustainability, gender equality and private sector growth as key priorities for the Region. They also challenged CDB to pursue bold and transformative social and economic change that can make a tangible difference to the lives and livelihoods of Caribbean people. During the Meeting, held May 24 to 25, 2017, Governors received an update on critical operational developments that could have implications on CDB’s day-to-day management, and considered strategic shifts that could enhance the Bank’s effectiveness and responsiveness to its borrowing
member countries (BMCs). Governors noted the acute environmental vulnerability of the Region and urged CDB to continue to play an important role in helping its BMCs build resilience. President Dr. William Warren Smith said CDB’s commitment to this role was evidenced during the Meeting, at which CDB signed an agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the second Climate Action Line of Credit. “This will facilitate increased climate proofing of critical infrastructure in the Caribbean. The Line of Credit for Euro 100 million is the largest single loan made by EIB in our Region. We are very encouraged by the strong statement of confidence in CDB that this line represents,” the President said in his closing statement.
He also noted CDB’s partnership with CCRIF SPC on the Integrated Sovereign Risk Management Project, which aims to enhance the countries’ ability to take account of the full spectrum of risks they face and make adjustments to their risk management strategies. The Bank’s Governors also highlighted the importance of elevating gender as a core development priority within the context of the Sustainable Development Goal 5. Under the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, Governments, including those of the Bank’s member countries, have committed to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. “We continue to make significant strides in achieving gender-related development
outcomes. The percentage of projects that have been gender-mainstreamed is almost 100%; and a large portion of infrastructure projects now include gender components that screen for differential gender impacts,” said Smith. Private sector operations also received considerable attention from Governors, aligning with CDB’s position that private sector growth must be a cornerstone of Caribbean development. The President noted the Bank’s work to identify and tackle impediments to business development, including collaborating with development partners, including the Inter-American Development Bank through the Compete Caribbean project. CDB, he mentioned, is also supporting
More heat for CJ, JLSC Chef Justice Ivor Archie and the members of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission “must do the honourable thing and step down.” That’s the view of Senior Counsel Martin Daly after the Judiciary issued a statement yesterday saying the 53 part-heard matters left by former chief magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar now have to be restarted as ‘de novo’. The decision to restart the matters de novo was taken at a meeting on Wednesday convened by CJ Archie and which comprised the Director of Public Prosecutions, vice president of the Law Association, members of the Criminal Bar, Acting Chief Magistrate, senior magistrates and the Registrar of the Supreme Court. But Daly said the “restarting of the 53 part-heard matters is the inevitable but shameful result of a serious blunder of the
Judicial and Legal Service Commission, for which they are yet to shoulder responsibility.” He said it was “shocking that the release does not contain an apology or any kind of pardon.” The outspoken Daly said he stood firmly by his initial position that “the Chief Justice and the JLSC should do the honourable thing. That has not changed and the lack of an apology in the release has done nothing to soften my position.” Daly added: “I certainly hope that public spirited lawyers will examine whether the accused persons who are not on bail have been deprived of the protection of the law under the Constitution and in effect have been put in double jeopardy unless they get bail now.” Head of the Criminal Bar Association Pamela Elder SC meanwhile accused Archie of
“bumbling and fumbling” his way through the judicial mess he created when he elevated Ayers-Caesar to the bench with the part-heard matters unresolved. Today makes it just about one month since the judicial mess unravelled and even with the announcement that the matters will be heard de novo, and a commitment from the Judiciary that they will be “prioritised,” there is no clarity on just how the matters could proceed with urgency, she said. Elder was not invited to Wednesday’s meeting, but said if she were there she would have a number of questions. “Why all those legal minds just realised the matters had to be restarted de novo? Why wasn’t the courtesy extended to the attorneys involved in those part heard matters to attend the meeting and articulate their views?
Would the transcripts of evidence of the former proceedings be made available free of charge to attorneys?” Elder also noted the CJ offered “no apology” for the length of time it took to come to a decision which many attorneys had determined since the situation unfolded more than a month ago. She said if the CJ wanted the cooperation of attorneys involved in the affected cases, courtesy demanded that he spoke to them. “If you are looking to restart, what concessions will be made to attorneys who already have matters scheduled? I stress if you want the cooperation of attorneys you should speak to the attorneys involved,” Elder said. “What is their expectation? You have caused the chaos, you have not spoken to the attorneys involved and you expect them to waltz into court and say I am ready to start over a matter! That is a wholly unreasonable
reforms that improve customs logistics, and ultimately reduce the cost of doing business. In his reply to Governors’ statements, the President said that expansion of the Bank’s membership, both borrowing and non-borrowing, could deepen CDB’s impact through funds such as its Special Development Fund (SDF), which is the largest pool of concessionary resources. Through the SDF, the Bank tackles deep-seated poverty in some of its most vulnerable BMCs. “New BMCs will have the effect of increasing support for the SDF, and augmenting capital while providing portfolio diversification opportunities. New non-BMCs, which are investment grade, would also expand the callable capital base and undergird the Bank’s market rating,” he noted. Smith
also urged the Governors to think about wider issues that could stymie the pace of membership expansion. “Within this context, we must think about how we, as a Region, can look outward even as large countries look inward. For me, this will undoubtedly determine how we go forward. These times require us to be bold and ambitious. Harnessing the future requires us to shed some of the inaction of the past,” he said. During the closing ceremony, the Chairmanship of the Board of Governors was handed over from the Turks and Caicos Islands to Grenada, where the 2018 Annual Meeting will be hosted. Germany and Mexico will serve as ViceChairs of the Bank’s Board of Governors.
…after ruling Ayers-Caesar cases must be redone expectation with all due respect to the CJ.” Elder would not say whether attorneys representing the accused may want to make applications for the matters to be stayed. But other legal sources told the T&T Guardian that attorneys can file constitutional motions seeking stays on their clients’ matters. One attorney said lawyers representing the accused can argue that it is not fair to try their clients afresh because of their inability to locate critical defence witnesses or find money to pay for their defence. Reinstate her - Khan Senior Counsel Israel Khan said yesterday’s decision “demonstrates that the entire JLSC is not au courant with the criminal justice system as it relates to preliminary inquiries.” He said “through the faux pas of the JLSC and lack of due diligence, hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars have to be spent on the matters which
they need to fast track.” Khan was also upset because given the decision, “the JLSC should not have forced Ayers-Caesar to resign, they should have left her as a judge and let other magistrates take up the matters. But their first instinct was to sacrifice her when all of them wrong.” He added that “everything must be done to reinstate her as a judge. It is not too late.” He also wanted to know “why did it take so long to decide that the matters needed to be restarted de novo.” Yesterday’s statement said acting Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle will preside over the indictable matters, while all the summary matters will be assigned to a magistrate at the St George West Magistrates’ Court. Eight other court matters which have not been started will be managed by the Acting Deputy Chief Magistrate. (Trinidad Guardian)
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Editorial
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 27, 2017
WI not in ICC Champions Trophy NEXT week, the International Cricket Council’s Champions Trophy (ICC) tournament will commence without the West Indies. It is a sad and depressing fact that Caribbean citizens must come to grips with, that a team that once dominated the world stage, today cannot make the cut for a prestigious tournament, but the likes of Bangladesh, with less talent maybe and a relative newcomer when compared to West Indies will be on show, while our boys compete with Afghanistan back home. This ICC tournament is second in importance only to the Cricket World Cup. It first took place as the ICC Knock Out Tournament in 1998 and has been played every two years since. Its name was changed to the Champions Trophy in 2002, and has never been won by England, with India and Australia having won it twice each as leading winners. New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka (as co-champs with India in 2002) have also all emerged victorious. The number of teams competing has varied over the years; originally all the ICC’s full members took part, and from 2000 to 2004, associate members were also involved. But since 2009, the tournament has involved only the eight highest-ranked ODI teams as of six months prior to the tournament. The West Indies failed to qualify for the 2017 Champions Trophy in England as they were not among the top eight ODI teams, paving the way for Bangladesh’s entry. West Indies won the World T20 last year, and this tournament will be the first time since its inception in 1998 that the Caribbean team
will not be a part of a premier event – and the first time since 2006 that Bangladesh has returned. None can deny the impact this has caused on cricket fans. Cricket is part of our identity, a rallying point of togetherness and the setting aside of our differences to be under one banner. The West Indian cricket team dates back to the 1880s, with the West Indian Cricket Board (WICB) joining the Imperial Cricket Council in 1926, and playing its first international match in 1928. This long and distinguished career predated the independence of Caribbean countries and established the foundation from which later integration efforts were built. Today, West Indian cricket comprises a multi-national team representing a sporting confederation of 15 mainly English-speaking Caribbean countries, British dependencies and non-British dependencies. This long and storied legacy has not been without its ups and downs. Frankly, there have been expressed concerns about the direction of the WICB, given its survival and success is important to reinforcing the identity of the peoples of the Region, solidifying the unity of purpose as outlined in CARICOM and attendant institutions, and ensuring a positive reputation on the world stage. Within recent years, the WICB and players have been experiencing various challenges, both in performance in the field and administratively. When the former T20 captain Darren Sammy, at the final of the last tournament felt compelled to publicly address what he considered to be unsavoury treatment of the players by the WICB, it was worthy of being
Puruni road in deplorable state
Dear Editor
PLEASE permit me a space in your column to express the distress and the plight of miners who contribute greatly to the GDP of this country. We pay a lot of royalties to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which are supposed to be for the purpose of enhancing the mining industry. Roads are very important to miners in gaining access to their work lands. The Puruni road, being one of the major roads, is in a
deplorable state and funds have already been budgeted for this road. It is time for these funds to come out of the newspapers and be put to work. At this point, many miners have closed their dredges because it is very expensive and impossible to get to their work ground. The road is impassible, trucks are being covered in slush, bikes and cruisers cannot pass and people are being stranded. Miners do not know who is responsible for the repairs and maintenance of roads and bridges, but
at this moment many of them need urgent attention. The syndicate body is appealing to the rightful authorities, asking for these roads to be urgently dealt with, because people’s lives are disrupted, vehicles are damaged and the journey that takes hours now takes days. This is a real nightmare and is unacceptable. Regards Leon Moses Secretary National Mining Syndicate
paid attention, but instead the players were punished and isolated. What we have now is that those players with the needed skills and talent are not playing the game and instead of making progress the team has been dropping back. Losing out on a space in the eight teams competing in the ICC Championship might be bad, but what is worst is that the West Indies is currently in a race to actually qualify for the World Cup. Everyone knows that the major problem with the West Indies team is the non-accountability of its administrators. This is a serious problem in the Caribbean at all levels of our society. While we support a separation between sport administration and politics, we do believe that a mechanism can be found whereby the WIBC can be more accountable to the Caribbean nation. The game is too vital to the nation, too broad in its reach and too central to the region’s sense of self to be left to the whims and fancies of a dozen men. We simply cannot and should not continue like that. Ultimately something has to be done about West Indies cricket. While the administration of the game must be reviewed and reformed, perhaps revolutionized, such change by itself will not revive our fortunes. Similar energies have to be expended on creating and nurturing also a new nationalist spirit among our players.
Guyanese are not fooled by the antics of Jagdeo Dear Editor, FACED with growing evidence of its corruption in government, the PPP is desperately trying to divert attention by saying that coalition officials are stealing billions. No evidence is given, but their senseless rants continue. In a recent statement, the PPP gave as an example of how these officials are “bleeding the Treasury of billions,” the appointment of Minister Bulkan of “the Mayor and Deputy Mayor”. It did not say for which municipality. The PPP also cited among its phone “corruption list” the purchase of what it described as “luxury vehicles” for the prime minister. I have read previous reports in the
PPP-controlled Guyana Times that seem varying from $50 million and $100 million were spent on these vehicles. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) had revealed that $23 million was voted for an SUV for former Prime Minister Hinds in 2014, but the money had disappeared. OPM had stated that the former Finance Minister took the $23 million and bought vehicles for himself instead of the them PM. This is misappropriation, but the PPP did nothing! The $23 million was restored in the 2015 Budget. By that time, the vehicles used in the PM’s detail were in poor condition. The PM’s vehicle would “wobble” when it negotiated high bridges, and it had broken down in the middle of the road when the
PM was on his way to a State function. The old vehicles were re-sprayed in that their colour changed from white to black, but this did not improve their working conditions. The frugal person he is, the PM advised that the new sum be used to buy three vehicles instead of one. This could hardly constitute any abuse, but the Jagdeo-Ramotar clique has been on a witch-hunt of the coalition’s prime minister who was a key player in the removal of the corrupt PPP administration from office. Guyanese are not fooled by the antics of Jagdeo and company, who are now facing the music for their misdeeds. Regards Early Hamilton
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 27, 2017
Lawrence calls for cheaper vaccines, medicines
…in address to World Health Assembly THE urgent need for stronger systems to monitor health risks globally as well as to assess the impact of climate change on their occurrence was underscored by Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence recently at the 70th World Health Assembly. In her address, the minister said “More emphasis should also be placed on research of new treatments and cures, along with the development and production of global stocks and the availability of vaccines and medicines at a reasonable cost.” She believes that collectively, the World Health Assembly can motivate global action with the greatest local impact on sustainable development as a group by sharing best practices, innovation and solutions that will serve to enhance the health and well-being of all. Themed, “building better systems for health in the age of sustainable development,”
Minister Lawrence believes that a unique opportunity presents itself to address some of the most challenging global health issues and deliberate on appropriate solutions that will ensure the world is safer, healthier and responsive to the needs of inhabitants. In the case of Guyana, the Minister of Public Health said challenges are related to non-communicable diseases, global health security threats and access by all to the determinants for good health. “I have no doubt, Madam President, that this Assembly will facilitate a clear path to good health and well-being, by building consensus on the acceleration of the NCD Goals adopted by the 2014 Review meeting of the Political Declaration of the 2011 UN High level meeting, and WHO Goals and targets particularly with regard to the marketing of harmful substances (tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy fatty, salty and
sugary foods and beverages), and the access to prevention and treatment technologies, including diagnostics, medicines, screening measures and risk factor mitigation,” she said. Additionally, Lawrence noted that the global food, beverage, medical technology and pharmaceutical industries have become so powerful that Small Island and Developing States (SIDS), and “countries with low-lying coastal zones like mine with limited regulatory and monitoring capacity, cannot effectively impact on the negative effects of the activities of these giants.” The Minister of Public Health said too that the collective efforts of the Assembly’s ability to negotiate better solutions for healthy foods and beverages, high-quality, effective and safe medicines and other medical technologies to stimulate the promotion of health and wellness is minis-
cule as individual SIDS, but more impactful when voiced together. Lawrence said development in the context of climate change, globalization and the ability to purchase has placed health at risk and noted that those changes “not only allow extremes of weather, raising sea levels and temperature fluctuations to impact health, but also benefits the rapid movement of goods and services to enhance well-being.” Given the aforementioned, the minister said there has been an increase in extreme weather, flooding and drought with the propagation of insect vectors spurring outbreaks like Chikungunya and Zika. Additionally, Minister Lawrence made it clear that rapid access to health resources and technologies with timely interventions and solutions have been seen, while referencing the responses to the Ebola outbreak and the Zika epidemic here and across the region.
PPP ministers, family and friends cashed in on gov’t scholarships Dear Editor, I READ a statement from the PPP saying that the Coalition Government was spending
millions of dollars on scholarships for ministers and other officials. I have also read where the two ministers had been granted schol-
U.S. recommits to partnership with Guyana SECRETARY of State of the United States, Rex Tillerson, said his country remains steadfast in its partnership with Guyana to achieve goals beneficial to both peoples. Tillerson made the remarks in a message to the Guyana Government on the occasion of this country’s 51st Independence Anniversary. “On behalf of the United States of America, congratulations to the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on their 51st anniversary of independence,” Tillerson said in the statement. He added that the
United States and Guyana are committed to working together to create a more secure and prosperous future. “Guyana’s leadership role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a testament to its vision to building a brighter future, not only for the citizens of Guyana, but for all people in the broader Caribbean region. The United States remains a steadfast partner as we strive to achieve mutually beneficial goals and objectives. We wish all Guyanese people a happy Independence Day celebration.”
arships, having applied for same before they became junior ministers. The PPP could not seriously make this charge as it was under its government that this practice was institutionalised. I have seen a list of PPP Ministers and their
relations who were granted scholarships -- all fully paid for by the Government. I am prepared to share this list with you Editor, the next time the PPP again mentions this issue. Regards Name Provided
IAC extends Ramadan greetings THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to extend Ramadan Mubarak greetings to all the citizens of Guyana, especially those who are adherents of Islam, the religion of peace, at the beginning of this holy month which is observed by over one billion people globally. The IAC urges those persons who are truly observing the religious customs and traditions of this holy month to practise and teach self-discipline, self-restraint and to be generous to the less fortunate while obeying God’s commandments.
The IAC recognises that the observances of the holy month promotes great spiritual virtues and blessings and teaches respect for all of god’s creations and religions. The IAC calls on all our political leaders to learn the principles and lessons of this holy month of Ramadan to build bridges and not walls, where in our country there would be harmony and peace. Once again Ramadan Kareem to all Muslim brothers and sisters from the IAC, promoting our festivals; arts; cultures and religion.
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence
Housing for all 8
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 27, 2017
… hundreds flock housing expo opening
… Bulkan says gov’t to reassess role in housing development By Zena Henry GOVERNMENT will be taking greater steps into the background, to enable the full elevation of the housing sector and to ease the financial strain being placed on the state. This was the indication of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan in his address at the grand opening of the much-anticipated “Hous-
ing Solutions 2017 and Beyond” exposition, being held at Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara for the next three days. Before a massive gathering that included First Vice-President and Prime Minster Moses Nagamootoo, Minister with housing responsibility Valerie Adams-Patterson, other government ministers, Central Housing and Planning Au-
thority (CH&PA) top officials, the diplomatic corps, special invited guests and citizens, Bulkan related the state’s inability to efficiently construct homes and provide them within a timely manner. The minister acknowledged the unabated challenge of housing the nation regardless of the movement in the population. He said that the last government started to develop 38 housing schemes
A section of the gathering at the formal opening ceremony
consuming some 4200 acres of land and approximately $13B for development. Of 20,000 houselots that were given out in the 38 schemes, only 4000 homes were built, while, at the same time it is estimated that a further $16B is required to complete the infrastructure in those areas. Even if that amount of money is spent, it is not guaranteed that construction of houses could start, Bulkan
Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson, speaking at the opening said. The last government’s enabling environment and to 1000 homes project started allow the private sector in an in 2013. On May 19 2014, open and competitive process construction started on the to produce the goods, in this first 50 batch of homes, but case houses.” Bulkan charged by May 2015, when the A that the government has learnt Partnership for National Uni- that it is too expensive or unafty + Alliance For Change fordable for the state to provide (APNU+AFC) government one houselot per person and took office, citizens could thus recognises the need for not immediately occupy any higher density-modelled homes of the 50 houses. “This im- to be pursued. Another lesson mediately informed us that learnt is that, “a robust, open the approach was wrong, that and transparent…,”process is the state is not there to be an needed for the total involveefficient builder of homes, on ment of the private sector. paper it may have appeared Bulkan insisted that to represent an option to de- it is just too expensive liver a cheaper unit, but the for government alone practice informs us different- to buy land, develop it, ly,” Bulkan stated. put in the infrastructure He continued that the role such as water, electricity of the state should be as a “… See page 9 facilitator and to create an
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 27, 2017
Housing for ... From page 8
etc. and then build properties for different calibres of home-owners. The minister thus reminded that some 758 units of 530 duplexes and 228 town houses will be built under this government, to maximize land use and increase affordability, while building cohesive communities in 10 locations across six regions. It was Minister Patterson’s undertaking therefore that once she held the post of Minister responsible for Housing, that she would aim to hold a housing expo in every new housing scheme. Patterson who birthed the housing expo initiative in a surprise announcement said that the housing ministry had lowered the land cost for the properties displayed at the Perseverance model village. The low-income earner would now pay $300,000 instead of the initial $500,000, while moderate and middle income earners pay $500,000 and $700,000 respectively. The minister noted that potential home-owners can contact their contractor of choice to build the home they want from the model village. Single- unit homes were built by private contractors. They are allowed to price the properties. Minister Patterson has expressed concern however that contractors will be responsible for keeping the homes built in the particular categories within the set price ranges. “God forbid that these homes do not meet the people they were intended to,” the minister contended. She praised the hard work of her staff, partnering agencies and sectors for making the housing expo a success. CH&PA CEO Lelon Saul told the gathering that on display are single units and duplexes, showcasing construction techniques and building various houses. CH&PA has six duplexes and two single units about 600 to 800 sq. ft. Private contractors have a total of 18 buildings ranging from low to middle income. Saul said that, “As an independent nation we can ill afford not to adequately house our citizens.” He said the current housing need is 8001 new and renovated units per annum over the next eight years. Prime Minister Nagamootoo commended the organisers of the housing event for reminding Guyana that the dream is not lost; “…that it is still possible to house all our people.” He said the government is working to not only give houselots, but also to ensure that homes are developed on them soon after.
Scores flocked the Housing Expo on Friday
Some of the visitors at the exposition
Prime Minister Moses Nagmootoo, Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan and others touring the housing exposition site
Patrons of the exposition inspecting the model houses
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was joined by several other ministers and officials to officially declare open the exposition
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 27, 2017
President chairs Caricom bureau meeting … discussion centred on agenda for next summit
PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday visited the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat at Liliendaal, where he chaired a video conference meeting of the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government (HOG), ahead of their July meeting in Grenada. The Bureau is a Sub-Committee of the Conference comprising
the incoming Chairman, Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of Grenada; immediate past Chairman, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica and current Chairman of the Conference, President Granger, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a release. They were joined at the open meeting by a number of other heads of state, including Prime Minister Andrew Hol-
ness of Jamaica and Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, Mr. Carl Greenidge and Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. In an invited comment, Minister Greenidge said that the meeting of the Bureau functioned as a sort of preparatory meeting for the HoG Conference.
President David Granger in discussion with Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Carl Greenidge and Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque at the CARICOM Secretariat (MoTP photos)
President David Granger made his first visit to the CARICOM Secretariat since taking office today to Chair a meeting of the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government via video conference. The Head of State is pictured here with Secretary- General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque
“The purpose of the meeting, in a sense, is to flag early for the CARICOM Heads, issues that may need their attention, so that when they arrive at the meeting, not only would they have seen an agenda or annotations, but they would be up to date with some events, which may be moving quickly between now and that time,” he said. This meeting also comes ahead of the Community Council of Ministers meeting, which will be held next Monday in Guyana to determine the provisional agenda of the HoG meeting. Among the likely agenda items at the HoG meeting are the advancement of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), security, renewable energy, reparations and in health; Non-Communicable Diseases, in foreign policy; border issues and future trade relations with the United Kingdom in the post- Brexit era. Ambassador LaRocque, also speaking after the meeting, said that CARICOM remains a strong and unified body. He said that the meeting
of the Bureau is one of the mechanisms that help to strengthen coordination and responsiveness among member states. “Anytime you’re discussing a matter, whether it is something you agree on or something you don’t agree on and you’re able to sit around a table and have discussions, in a frank manner, in a manner that allows for all the views to be aired in a respectful manner, that, in itself, is strength. We’re not talking at each other across a table. We’re talking around a table and it serves only to strengthen it. The Foreign Ministers met in Barbados last week and also they have made a determination that there must be more frequent, informal interactions. The Bureau is operational. I suspect you’re going to see something every similar being, very soon, operationalised in the context of the Foreign Ministers,” he said. The secretary-general added that the regional body boasts heads of government who are committed to the maintenance of the strength of the Community. He said, “One of
the recurring themes of the Heads, whenever they meet, is the preservation of CARICOM unity; the preservation of the CARICOM brand; the value of the CARICOM brand internationally, obviously regionally, but internationally as well, and the cohesion of such a brand and the recognition that the more we work together as small states in a huge world, is the more we will get and succeed in what we want to get.” Having learnt that he has been honoured with a National Award, Ambassador LaRocque said he felt honoured to be recognised for his work and shares that honour with his team at the secretariat. “It is a significant and tremendous honour to have received; well I haven’t received the award, but I learned of the announcement that I have been selected among a few persons for recognition of the work that is being done on behalf of the Community here in Guyana. I have been in Guyana now for many, many years so it is a distinct honour,” he said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 27, 2017
PM debunks ‘10pm parliament curfew claims … says Nandlall must purge his contempt
PRIME Minister and Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Moses Nagamootoo, has strongly debunked opposition’s claims of a “10pm curfew” on parliamentary sittings. Opposition MP, Anil Nandlall, had told a news conference at the last sitting of the House that the con-
stant closing of sessions at 22:00hrs can be described as continued stifling of debates in the National Assembly. Nandlall said that this practice seems to have become a permanent feature of the Assembly. He said that it merges into a complete authoritarian takeover in Guyana, where at every level there are attempts to deny people their
basic freedoms. He argued too that the question must be asked as to “why is it that a parliament, whose function it is to allow in a democracy, robust and elaborate debate, is being denied to the opposition in the Guyanese parliament repeatedly?” However, in a statement Prime Minister Nagamootoo said he has noted statements
Gaitree Rookhum elected President for Women Lawyers Association ATTORNEY Gaitree Ramona Rookhum was elected President of the Women Lawyers Association at the entity’s recent Annual General Meeting. In a release the association stated that Shellon Boyce has been elected Vice-President; Secretary
Attorney Gaitree Ramona Rookhum
Chandrawattie Persaud; Treasurer Alanna Lall; Assistant Secretary Treasurer, Nekeisha Persaud; Committee Members Jaya Singh Backreedy, Denise Hodge, Coleen Sparman-Stephen and Anita Mohan Hamilton. Ms Rookhum was admitted to practice in 2008, where she joined the chambers of Messrs Hughes, Fields and Stoby and is currently the Associate to Richard B. Fields, Esq, SC, practicing general civil law. She takes the helm as the Association celebrates its 30 year anniversary after being founded in 1987 by the Honourable Madame Justice Desiree Bernard, retired; She was the first female judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice with its charter secretary being the late Deborah Jan Backer. Through the past three decades the Association has
been led by Sheila Chapman, Pearlene Roach, Claudette La Bennett, Susan Moore, Anande Trotman, Rose Benjamin-Noble, Roxane George, Rose Cadogan, Sandra Bart, Dale Kingston, Gem Sanford-Johnson, Sandra Kurtzious, Emily Dodson, Simone Morris-Ramlall and most recently Sadie Amin. The Association is known for its publications of the Law and You, the Constitution and You and Local Government and You. These are user-friendly booklets explaining prevalent laws and procedures in layman terms and its annual activities include educational and humanitarian outreaches to women and children, visit to the inmates at the women’s prison in New Amsterdam and continuing legal education workshops for members.
Guyana to participate in regional and international workshops GUYANA will participate in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA), workshop to be held in St. George’s, Grenada from May 30 – June 2, 2017. Cabinet on Tuesday approved Financial Analyst II in the Project Cycle Management Division, Tracy Blair and Head of Regional Planning, Miguel Choo-Kang of the Ministry of Finance participation at the workshop. The workshop, which is being conducted by the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC), will seek to ensure that there exists in participating countries, capacity among officials to manage public investments across the stages of planning, allocation and implementation. Meanwhile, Cabinet also announced Guyana’s participation at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the Council of National Nursing Association Representatives Congress in Barcelona Spain, on May 25 – June 1, 2017. During the course of this training, the
nurses’ Congress is expected to demonstrate and advance the contributions of nursing to sustainable health policies and evidence-based health care and to provide opportunities for the exchange of experiences within the nursing community. Veronica Douglas, a Senior Nurse attached to the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), will attend represent Guyana at the Congress. Guyana will also be represented at a workshop on the World Census of Agriculture 2020 round, to be held in Port-ofSpain, Trinidad and Tobago from May 22-26, 2017. Senior Statistician of the Bureau of Statistics, Ms. Jacqueline Tull, will be attending the workshop, which is expected to bring together regional Statistical Officers and regional and international specialists. This will facilitate proper planning and preparation for a successful National Agricultural Census in Guyana. Guyana has not benefitted from an agricultural census since the early 1950s.
made by Nandlall that “the constant closing of sessions at 22:00 hrs (10 pm) can be described as continued stifling of debates in the National Assembly”. “Mr. Nandlall displays woeful ignorance of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, and he is misinforming and misleading the public,” the PM stated. He explained that the Standing Order 10 provides for mandatory time during which Sittings of the National Assembly are held. It says: “Every Sitting SHALL begin
PPP MP, Anil Nandlall
at 2:00 pm and SHALL end at 10:00 pm.” These hours could be altered only by resolution of the Assembly.” As regards the Sitting on May 8th last, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said he personally initiated consultation with the Opposition for debate on its Motion on the Commissioner of Inquiry into Land Titling and Ownership to start at 9:00 p.m., “Since there were 15 speakers listed, it was not possible to finish the debate at that sitting. I consulted with the Clerk of the National Assembly and with former Speaker, Honourable Raphael Trotman, whether there is precedent for debate on a motion to be resumed at a subsequent sitting. After assuming that this was feasible, I conveyed to Honourable Gail Teixeira, Opposition Chief Whip that the debate could resume on June 16. She agreed to my proposal,” Mr Nagamootoo explained. He said he then conveyed this understanding to the Speaker and informed him that, upon resumption of the sitting, he would move a motion to this effect. “Mr.
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo Nandlall’s allegations are therefore totally false, without merit and are aimed at discrediting the Honourable Speaker, and debasing the integrity of our parliamentary democracy. Mr. Nandlall should purge his contempt for insinuating that the Speaker was “guillotining” debates.” “I reiterate that Guyana enjoys a free and open parliamentary democracy, and the Legislature under the Coalition Government, has been granted financial autonomy and independence in keeping with a Constitutional command.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 27, 2017
Continue to be a model region –– Garrido-Lowe urges Region Two administration MINISTER within the Ministry Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, has challenged the Region Two administration to continue being a model region, as she joined residents there in celebrating Guyana’s 51st independence anniversary. Minister Garrido-Lowe was at the time speaking at the flag-raising ceremony
at Damon Square, Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. She said despite the difficult circumstances that led to independence, “we are beginning to mature and settle into nationhood. Ours has been a history rich in diversity, challenges, success and growth.” However, she noted that “in the first half of our inde-
pendent nation, if we are to be honest with ourselves, we have under-achieved and we look to the next 50 years for exceptional growth, development and prosperity.” Region Two is also one of the most productive agricultural regions, and the minister pointed out that “from your rice to your coconuts, to cash crops to your fish, you play an integral
role in feeding Guyana. “This Government sees a central role for Region Two and the Essequibo Coast, not only in producing agricultural produce, but also in broadening your involvement in value-added products. This is an area that you have already begun to lead with coconut oil, cereal and a number of other products. It has been your
ingenuity and industriousness which has driven this process, sometimes, against great odds.” This, according to the minister, “is testimony to the Guyanese spirit, which must be at the centre of our development thrust.” Essequibians, the minister noted, are also exceptional environmentalists, pointing out that “visitors to this region are always impressed with and marvel at how clean and neat you have your yards, roadside and environs. You are leaders in this regard. The rest of Guyana can use your region as a model. I offer you my highest commendations for this.” The minister added: “We have talents, skills, intellect and other admirable human attributes which once we work together, will pole vault Guyana forward into a modern, model nation-state.” Meanwhile, in echoing
the minister’s sentiments, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that since gaining independence, all Guyanese must endeavour to ensure that “there is no place for those who seek to sow division of our people.” Many national personalities are from Region Two. Among them are international cricketer Ronsford Beaton; Utam Kumar, the winner of the 5k wheelchair race; and Joel Fredericks, current chair of the National Toshaos Council. Residents were also reminded that the Foundation for the Good Life for All Guyanese is belatedly beginning to take shape. The flag-raising ceremony also had in attendance Member of Parliament Hemraj Rajkumar, former Member of Parliament Isahak Basir, regional officials, toshaos, members of the Disciplined Forces and hinterland scholarship students.
Guyanese to participate in UN 2017 Summer Youth Assembly GUYANA will participate in the twentieth session of the United Nations’ Summer Youth Assembly to be held at its headquarters in New York from August 8-13, 2017, which will focus on involving youth leaders in advancing measures for sustainable development under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). The green light for the attendance of four youths to the event was given by the Cabinet at the recent meeting held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. The attendees are Ms. Miracle Miller, who is a Youth and Community Development Worker attached to the Come Alive Network; Mr. Riaz Rupnarine, a Youth and Community Development Worker with the Jacklow Youth Organisation; Ms. Adeti de Jesus, who holds the position of Senior Research Planning and Development Officer in the office of the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment and Mr. Ronald Austin Jr., who is a Senior Education and Training Officer, also attached to the office of the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment. Their attendance will be in pursuit of the aims and objectives of the National Youth Policy that was approved by the National Assembly in October, 2016.
City water service back to normal THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has said that water service was restored to normalcy on Friday, May 26 at 17:30hrs (5:30pm). This followed the completion of works by GWI and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). GWI would like to extend its gratitude to the GPL engineers for their efforts in assisting to rectify the situation and to customers for their patience. GWI will be visiting the wards in Georgetown to ensure that the level of service has been completely restored throughout the city, as the restoration process will take place over a period of time. The water-service disruption in Georgetown occurred on Wednesday last, due to an electrical fault.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 27, 2017
Cocaine-in-weave Guyanese jailed in Bahamas A WEEPING young mother threw herself at the mercy of the court before being convicted on drug charges on Thursday. What was supposed to have been just a three-day, first-time trip to The Bahamas has turned out to be more than two years. Linda Latoya Reynolds, 22, a native of Guyana, was arraigned yesterday before Magistrate Andrew Forbes on one count of possession of drugs with intent to supply and another count of importation of dangerous drugs. The charges stem from an incident on May 23, when Reynolds was searched at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). She had a connect-
ing flight from Suriname to Jamaica and ended up here in the capital. During the search, officers discovered two pounds and 15 ounces of cocaine, packaged and taped under a stocking cap that was placed under a long wig on Reynolds’s head. Reynolds was subsequently arrested. The young mother pleaded guilty to the charges, but begged Magistrate Forbes to consider the fact that she is the mother of a four-year-old she left at home in Suriname with a friend. She said she tried hard to find a job and she had no food to provide for her child. This led her to ask a female friend to borrow money. However, the friend in turn told Reynolds that
she had a job for her to do, which turned out to be trafficking cocaine to The Bahamas. Reynolds said the plan was for her to meet a female at Orange Hill in New Providence to exchange the cocaine for $2,000. When asked by the magistrate if she gave any thought to the consequences of being caught here or in Jamiaca, Reynolds said “no.” Meanwhile, her attorney Jairim Mangra, asked the court to consider that his client was remorseful and had no previous convictions in this jurisdiction. He noted that she was used simply as a “trafficking mule.” Magistrate Forbes said he took all points into consideration, but that the mitigating factor was that
the accused indulged in illegal activity. Reynolds was sentenced to 28 months at the Bahamas Department of Corrections and on the second count she was given 18 months, with both sentences to run concurrently. (The Bahamas Journal)
Contract awarded for emergency repairs to MV Kanawan CABINET on Tuesday noted the award of a contract to the tune of $13,048,010 for emergency repairs to the generator set of the Transport and Harbours Department Ferry, MV Kanawan. The contract has been awarded to Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited. The MV Kanawan was inoperable from April 26 to April 30, a period of five days, due to the failure of the generator.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 27, 2017
Indigenous body backs CoI into land ownership FOLLOWING a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), members of the latter body have thrown their support behind the government’s land commission of inquiry (CoI). This follows the recent holding of the NRDDB board meeting which was held last week at the Bina Hill Institute at Annai. According to a release from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, later cast away all doubts regarding the CoI one day later when he met with members of the NRDDB. The NTC attended the opening of the statutory board meeting of the NRDDB last Wednesday at Bina Hill Institute, where members and partners of the board were told by three members of the NTC that government has plans to utilise funds allocated for the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project. Addressing leaders a day later, Minister Allicock said he felt disrespected by the NTC leaders, whom the ministry noted were “acting in isolation and have been misleading residents of indigenous villages and
communities before fully comprehending the TORs set out in the CoI”. Allicock stated that funds allocated for the ALT Project will be expended on that project, thus dispelling claims by the NTC members. He said the CoI was set up to investigate issues regarding all ethnicities, noting that several executives from various indigenous groups had attended discussions on the issue. He said despite the negative forces, the government will continue to promote unity amongst Guyanese, noting that instead of coming on board and assisting the CoI to formulate a plan of action, the NTC has chosen to venture into murky waters. According to the release, several Toshaos who attended the statutory meeting last week were unsure of the position taken by the NTC. Chair of the NRDDB, Anthony Andries, said he is convinced that the NTC Executive is blatantly refusing to deal with the facts, or they are using this as a political strategy. “For me is either of the two because if they didn’t tell us well this is their stand and this is the other part of the story, but they didn’t do that. I also think that they have withheld key information from us, they didn’t share the ALT part”,
Andries said. Young Indigenous leader Jessica George encouraged colleagues to “let us make wise decisions so that we as leaders in our communities can make a difference.” Russian Doric, a youth representative on the NTC and the Toshao of Yupukari and its three satellites lamented the fact that the NTC should be the body to change the trajectory of the lives of the indigenous peoples. Toka Village Leader, Delano Davis, said he believes the NTC is pushing a political agenda, noting that the village will not follow such a path. Annai Village Council Toshao Mark George, who also has responsibility for four other villages in Wowetta, Rupertee, Kwatamang and Surama, said “we are in agreement because we need to have our land protected; we don’t want nobody coming in and interfering, so we are in full support and we would also like the ministry to share more information with us as it happens”. Recently, a statement published in the media from the NTC threatened political ramifications at elections in the year 2020. Government has since dispelled the position taken by the NTC executives, noting that they were being politically driven.
Convicted drug trafficker gets $200,000 bail pending appeal hearing A MOTHER of four was sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $4.5M after she was found guilty by Magistrate Alex Moore for being in possession of 14,446 grams of cannabis sativa at her home at Lot 42 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice. She was however granted bail days later, pending an appeal hearing. Following a bail petition at the Berbice High Court, Rosalin Fernandes was granted $200,000 bail. Fernandes, 38, had been given an additional six months after she was also found guilty of being in possession of 22 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Police Corporal Winston Poliah had led the evidence of Lance Corporal 22436 George of the serious crime unit. On November 15, 2016, the policeman had led a party of ranks to Lot 42 Stanleytown, the home of the defendant, after they received pertinent information. A search was conducted by Constable 20974 Beaton who found a peach-coloured plastic bag which
contained 12 ziplock bags under a board in the vicinity of the bathroom. The contents were a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa,which when weighed amounted to 22 grams. Further, checks were made and the policeman found 19 other plastic bags containing parts of the ganja plant, which was unearthed in the back bedroom on the lower storey. The discovery was made in the presence of the defendant. After being told of the offence, and was cautioned, the defendant said, ‘Officer please for a chance nuh, I got four children. Me husband bring the weed from the creek. I does sell the weed to support dem children.” Initially, following the police arrest, the defendant had admitted having the 22 grams of cannabis sativa in her possession for the purpose of trafficking and had denied the greater amount. However, at her trial, she had pleaded not guilty to both counts of trafficking in narcotics.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 27, 2017
Good things in store for Madhia -- Broomes tells residents of earmarked town THE Golden Arrowhead was on Thursday hoisted in Campbelltown, Mahdia, amid celebratory cheers with Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry Simona Broomes promising residents that good things are in store for them. Speaking to a favourable crowd who braved the threatening showers to show their support for this national occasion, Broomes clad in a Golden Arrowhead dress and shoes, told the residents she is happy to celebrate Guyana’s 51st independence anniversary with them, since she is a Mahdian by heart. Broomes said Mahdia has come a long way since the 2015 general elections but a lot more is in store for the community, which is earmarked for township status. “I know Mahdia. I love Mahdia and I cannot wait for that moment to come. You, I know, would want that moment to be hastened too, that moment when Mahdia will take its place alongside the other towns of our country,” Broomes said. Taking the residents down memory lane, the Natural Resources Minister reminded them of the community’s rich history and its dependence on mining which has resulted in it being a cosmopolitan community, comprising both Guyanese and foreigners. In the past, however, as the challenges of mining increased, things began to take a slippery slope. Broomes reminded the residents that the former administration had marginalised the community. Efforts are now being made to repair the road linking the Denham Suspension Bridge over the Garraway Stream, which links Mahdia and Bartica.
“Comrades and friends, I trust that you will accept my apology for turning my presentation into a history lesson, I thought however, that it would be good for us to remind ourselves that this community has a rich history and I think that it is entirely appropriate that we utilise this the 51st anniversary for our country’s independence to reflect a bit on your community,” she posited. BE OPTIMISTIC She also encouraged the residents to be optimistic on what is to come. “For with township beckoning and with the investment in infrastructure being a commitment from your government, you can rely on progress and growth.”
cipitated by Regional Executive Officer (acting) Gavin Gounga, who also spoke of the progress the community has seen, especially in the area of infrastructure, since the APNU+AFC Government was elected to office. “Here in Region Eight, we have seen where we came from and where we are and I hope we all can see where we are going. We had laterite road, now we are having concrete road, a major development after just two years of Government which is transforming this country and this region as we can see, our Government is working and working tirelessly to change the lives of every Guyanese,” he told the residents, while encouraging them to also play their roles in Mahdia’s development. “We as citizens in this coun-
Minister Simona Broomes giving the feature address at the Mahdia flag- raising ceremony
Students of the Mahdia Secondary School performing renditions of Guyana’s folk songs
Similar sentiments were pre-
try, we also have to continue to work hand-in-hand, cooperate
Minister Simona Broomes (second right) and regional officials await the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead
to build this nation, we cannot expect government to do everything,” the acting REO posited. The residents were also reminded by a representative of the Mahdia Gold Mining Association of the benefits of mining syndicates. There are two in the community. These associations, residents were told, will foster development for the small miners and by extension the development of Mahdia. The flag-raising ceremony saw an array of cultural performances by students of the Mahdia Primary, Secondary and the Mahdia School of Excellence. The children grabbed the attention of the crowd with their dances, dramatic pieces and folk and national songs. Following a march-past by the Guyana Police Force, the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted at midnight.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 27, 2017
Colour and cheer
…Guyanese usher in 51st Independence anniversary in grand way By Tamica Garnett and Vishani Ragobeer IT was a night of colourful celebration of our culture, landscape and national pride, but that by no means diminished the awe and excitement that Thursday night’s 51st Independence flag raising ceremony inspired in the thousands who packed the D’Urban Park venue, or caught the spectacle on television. From the wave of cheers and applause that came with President David Granger’s 11pm arrival, to the breathtaking fireworks that marked the ceremony’s closure, it was another year, another well-celebrated year of being an independent nation. But nothing evoked pride like seeing the majestic Golden Arrowhead again raised in a symbol of Guyana’s freedom. Musical interlude and performances by singer Abel Stokes entertained patrons, who began arriving from early Thursday evening, hoping to secure the best seats in the house that afforded the best view of the stage. There was also steel band music and the sweet serenade of an encouraging choir uniformly decked out in white, as all awaited the president and prime minister’s arrival. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo arrived first to a thunderous welcome and so was President Granger, who brought the patrons to their feet cheering and waving. The ceremony then promptly got started with a flamboyant dance illustrating Guyana’s vibrant fauna, by a collection of young dancers. They were soon after joined by a display of the culture of the first race to populate Guyana’s terrain–the Indigenous peoples. Decked out in their traditional garbs,
A mixture of dancers entertaining the large audience (Delano Williams photo)
and hoisting the tools of their ancestors. The African dancers next entered the mix, taking centre stage before slowly fading to the side and clearing the way for the Indian dancers. A presentation from a Christian dance group was also a part of the late night’s demonstration. Before long it was time for the Guard-of-Hon-
our march in preparation of the raising of the flag. Here members of the armed forces marched onto the square. There were mixed reactions from the crowd as the most anticipated moment, the hoisting of the flag, finally arrived. Guyanese present either stood in silence and awe or screamed excitedly, there was no
in between. The soldiers steadily hoisted the flag and just as the Golden Arrowhead kissed the top of the 200 feet pole, all in attendance rejoiced triumphantly at Guyana’s milestone. The thousands of Guyanese present at the D’Urban Park stood up and cheered as the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted to declare Guyana’s 51st Inde-
pendence Anniversary. If one could see what pride looked like, or heard what it sounded like, that would have been exemplified when patriots stood at attention and belted the words of the National Pledge and all four stanzas of the National Anthem as the wind rippled through the Golden Arrowhead. Overwhelming sense of pride
Soldiers marching off the square after their military display (Delano Williams photo)
A section of the large crowd
Meanwhile, Guyana Chronicle chatted with few members from the mammoth crowd as they waited. Jackie Selman, who came out with her daughter and nephew to enjoy the festivities related that being at the D’Urban Park filled her with an overwhelming sense of pride. She expressed that seeing fellow Guyanese of all ethnicities congregated here to celebrate the nation’s independence anniversary was truly amazing and shows how far we have come. Benjamin (only name given) was actually spending the anniversary here in Guyana after “many” of being abroad. “You don’t get this feeling anywhere else in the world,” she stated last. Elizabeth Drayton, Benjamin’s sister disclosed that in fact she has been able to celebrate all of Guyana’s Independence anniversaries from 1966 to the present and she related that each year just seems to outdo the year before. Both sisters urged all Guyanese to join in the celebration of our 51st Anniversary. A veteran of 23 years in the National Service and Guyana Defense Force (GDF) and an undoubted patriot, Oswale Yaw, could not control his excitement and stood tall awaiting the ceremony. Yaw said that even though this is the year after our Jubilee Anniversary, the celebrations seem nonetheless. He expressed that it was remarkable how all Guyanese could come together to celebrate an occasion important to all of us and urged unity among all Guyanese. As the theme for this year’s Independence Anniversary stated, “Unity in diversity in a green economy”, the flag raising ceremony truly reflected unity among the diverse Guyanese population in attendance.
And then there were fireworks to end the night (Delano Williams photo)
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Youth urged to invest in their future
FIRST Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger on Thursday urged youths at a National Youth Week Symposium to seek inspiration from individuals who have overcome adverse circumstances and to invest in themselves by capitalising on the opportunities available to them. The Symposium was held at the Guyana Police Officers Training Centre, Eve Leary, Georgetown. “Let us be inspired by the teenage mothers, who struggle to raise their children in the best way possible, while continuing their education and serving as mentors for their peers… Let us be inspired by the differently-able child, who wants to lead an independent life. Let us be inspired by the young women and men, who decide that they will become entrepreneurs. Let us be inspired by the young girls, who have been trafficked, who take their courage in their hands and identify the predators, even more so when they begin to develop a sense of selfworth and recognise and stand up for their own humanity… Let us be inspired by the young members of the LGBT community, who demand equality. Let us be inspired by the youth, who speak out against HIV stigma and discrimination… They demonstrate to me that our Guyanese civilisation is growing and developing in a positive way, because if we let our minds roam free and
Mr. Adrian Alfred, Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Ms. Nicolette Henry and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger at the head table at the National Youth Week Symposium
understand and appreciate the views of others, we will become a better-informed, more open-minded society,” she said. The First Lady said that while many of this generation may not have benefited from the same kind of nurturing environment that she experienced, it is not too late for young people to take charge of their lives. She also said that in the light of the fact that more than half of Guyana’s population comprises youth, the onus is on the adults to accept that the torch has already been passed on to the younger generation and as such they must be “nurtured, guided and encouraged to pursue
the path to your own and our country’s development”. Further, she said that in keeping with the theme of the week of activities, “Inspiring our youth: Celebrating their achievements” it is also important that the sentiments expressed therein become a reality. “Having given our youth the environment and the tools through which their minds can blossom, let us celebrate their creativity, their innovation and their boundless energy and enthusiasm, as they contribute to the growth and development of our beautiful country, this dear land of Guyana,” she said. Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Ed-
ucation, Ms. Nicolette Henry, said that the National Youth Week Celebration is a demonstration of the Government‘s commitment to youth. “Many of the young people and some of you in the audience were involved in a number of activities that not only showcased your talents and skills, but also recognised your worth to the nation. You were provided with opportunities to interact and learn from one another, to air your views and to learn about possible courses of action that you can pursue for your own development… The more opportunities you have the better it will be for you to become fully empowered,” she said.
In an invited comment, Ms. Saskia Hinds, a Four Humanities student at the St. Rose’s High School said, “My expectations are that after this Symposium that youths will be more informed about the things that are happening around them and the tools that they can use to make life better for [themselves]. I think that it was very important that [the First Lady] was here because she is very influential and she is very involved in youth programmes and I think that she will have an influence on the youth. I think they will listen to her.” Her classmate, Ms. Alleah Hamid, expressed similar sentiments. “I personally
A section of the audience at the National Youth Week Symposium
was very honoured to be here. It was very interesting the way [the First Lady] spoke about youths and the empowerment of youths… With the technology that has been going around the world, Guyana needs to be more [tech savvy],” she said. In addition, Ms. Alliyah Adolphus, a Four Arts student at the North Ruimveldt Secondary School said that she was particularly impressed with the First Lady’s presentation. “I felt her participation was meaningful since she compared her life to our present [generation] and it is far different. She compared the different usage of technology… Its advances [have] contributed really meaningfully to our society… I expect that they are going to have more technology programmes for the youth and I hope that they do so because in our current society technology is something that most youths use almost every day,” she said. The Symposium also included presentations by Mr. Ryan Belgrave of the Guyana Youth and Students Movement, Ms. Cynthia Rutherford of the Alliance For Change among others. It also featured a panel discussion under the topic “Youth Employment, Entrepreneurship and Technology”. Students were also treated to an inspiring spoken word performance by Ms. Nacaesy Adams. (Ministry of the Presidency)
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ChildLink urges teachers to watch children closely
CHILDLINK Inc is calling on teachers to be more vigilant in observing behavioural patterns in children which may indicate abuse as it seeks to strengthen efforts to end abuse of children in Guyana. Stacy Parris, a Childcare Counsellor and Trainer attached to ChildLink made the call even as she tackles the problem of abuse head-on in an aggressive Child Rights Alliance (CRA) campaign to sensitise and engage students of several schools in various regions in open discussions on child abuse and child rights. According to a Press Statement from ChildLink, primary and secondary schools in Regions Three, Four and Five are involved in the sensitisation sessions with Parris, a trained childcare counsellor and students are engaged in discussions relating to child abuse, preventative measures and the rights and responsibilities of the child. ChildLink said the counsellor’s work in CRA and previous projects highlight the important roles teachers can play in increasing the number of reported cases of child abuse.
The statement said ChildLinK Inc has collaborated with Family Awareness Consciousness Togetherness (FACT), Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship and The Orchid Foundation in the project, and are also using the expertise of Parris to counsel and sensitise students and train teachers in new approaches to address violence in schools. The organisation reported that Parris has observed that there is a gap between students and teachers in dealing with such issues as “Children are generally of the view that they cannot be open and honest to their teachers. I would ask students (who were abused), ‘Why is it that you never told your class teacher, a particular subject teacher or even your head teacher?’ And they would often ask, ‘Who can I trust?’” the childcare counsellor said. GENUINE INTEREST She said that if teachers genuinely show interest in students and are more vigilant, they can bridge that gap. “Teachers have their curriculum to teach, registers to update, work plans and other reports to pro-
duce and that is going to take up most of their time. But if teachers really want to help their students to learn, a holistic approach is crucial. A child cannot learn effectively if their world outside of school is unbalanced. Teachers should have a genuine interest in their students and be able to get to know them better. Know a little about the child’s home situation and their community. A teacher must also be vigilant in order to observe changes in a child’s behaviour,” Parris explained. Several behavioural changes indicate a child is a victim of abuse, and the counsellor explained that each child has her/his own mechanisms of coping as it is understandable that each is unique. Some students can even become aggressive towards teachers as a way of attempting to regain some of the power they have lost to their abuser. “Some children display aggression as a coping mechanism. This can be fighting, cursing or even retaliation towards teachers. This is the child’s way of regaining some of the power they lost to the abuser. Some children keep their pain in-
side and withdraw from social interactions. This may be their coping mechanism because the abuser is someone the child trusts so now it is difficult to trust again. Others may cry often, while some may be jumpy at the slightest touch. There are abused children who find it difficult to concentrate and can regularly seem to be day-dreaming. Others may either want to regularly engage in conversations about sex or experiment with sexual acts on other children. Then there are those who are constantly showing signs of pain in a particular body part. The signs of abuse depend on the nature of the abuse and the personality of the child that is abused,” the counsellor explained. UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOUR Parris further explained that a teacher who does not understand a child’s situation can misinterpret the behavior-change of that child, creating unnecessary conflict between teacher and student and student and other students in some cases. “Teachers are not just teachers. They are also
childcare providers. They are surrogate parental figures for children. I know that teachers are not ‘Wonder Women’ or ‘Supermen’ but it is just putting in a bit more effort with the necessary support from stakeholders. Teachers can improve a child’s life or even save the life of a child,” Parris said. ChildLink also pointed out that while child abuse experienced by children attending school is largely underreported, children who develop a greater understanding of abuse and their own rights to protection are more encouraged to report cases to facilitators. Some 473 children from five schools in regions Three, Four and Five have been sensitised so far and as a result, 34 - or 1 in every 13 students - indicated to a facilitator that they were victims of some form of abuse. “While those figures are not indicative of the national situation, they are nonetheless disturbing. The cases of abuse reported to the Child Rights Alliance facilitators are physical, sexual and neglect. ChildLinK and the CRA partners follow the protocol of Guyana’s child
protection system by reporting child abuse cases to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA),” the statement said. Parris highlighted one case in which a Grade Seven male student was referred to her by a teacher, who complained that the student was often unpunctual and “takes her for his eye pass” by regularly sleeping in class. According to ChildLink, the student related to Parris that he was forced by his stepfather to make a few hundred blocks every morning. “If he failed to make his allotted quota, he would be forced to stay home as punishment. The child was also physically and verbally abused,” Paris said. Parris said after she shared the child’s dilemma with the teacher and it was recognised that the child’s sincere interest was in attending school, “It changed her perception of the child and the teacher now shows compassion to the student.” The matter was resolved after a report was made to the relevant authorities and the child now has a new home, is punctual and no longer sleeps in class.
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Thompson clashes with Schippers to headline Diamond League meet EUGENE, Oregon (CMC) – Elaine Thompson will renew her rivalry with Dafne Schippers in an all-star clash in the women’s 200 metres which will headline the third stop of the IAAF Diamond League at the Prefontaine Classic on Friday and Saturday. Thompson, the Rio Olympics sprint double champion, will be seeking to consolidate her position as the undisputed top female sprinter in the World today, when she faces a strong field, as some of the world’s best athletes compete in the historic surroundings of Hayward Field. The Jamaican has been installed as favourite for the half-lap sprint following her strong start to the season. She clocked 22.19 seconds to win the event earlier this month at the Doha DL meet and dismissed her challengers with a time
Elaine Thompson
of 22.09 secs at the IAAF World Challenge meeting last weekend on home soil. Dutchwoman Schippers, the reigning 200 world champion, who won the women’s 200 DL Trophy last year, was the runner-up to Thompson at last year’s Olympics in Rio and at the DL in Doha, but she will have to run very hard to prevail over the long-legged Jamaican. Also down to face Thompson is 2012 Olympic 200m champion Allyson Felix, whose resumé also includes three world titles over the distance. She warmed up impressively with a clocking of 11.07 over 100 last weekend in Kingston which was only good for third, behind compatriot Morolake Akinosun and Trinidad & Tobago’s Michelle-Lee Ahye, both clocking 11.06. The Bahamas’ Shaunae Miller-Uibo, the woman who denied Felix an Olympic 400 gold in dramatic fashion last
year in Rio, could also provide an outside challenge to Thompson, but it is American Tori Bowie, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist, who looks to be the biggest threat following her 22.09 last month in Gainesville in the American state of Florida. Omar McLeod is another Olympic gold medallist from Jamaica who will be on display. Though the men’s 110 hurdles will not be an IAAF Diamond League event at the meet, he will nonetheless be keen to continue his dominance over rivals such as world record-holder Aries Merritt, 2013 world champion David Oliver, Olympic bronze medallist Dimitri Bascou and European indoor champion Andrew Pozzi. The women’s 100 sees veteran Jamaican Veronica Campbell-Brown and a host of the world’s top sprinters line up against Haiti-born American world indoor champion Barbara Pierre. Each of the competitors in this weekend’s DL events will be seeking to score points, available to those in the top eight of each discipline, to qualify for the DL Finals on August 24 in Zurich and September 1 in Brussels. The winner of each discipline on those evenings will be crowned IAAF Diamond League champion and earn US$50 000 along with a Diamond Trophy.
GCA extends condolences to the Richmonds THE Executives and members of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Daniel Richmond. According to a release from the association, the end of life (death) has always been a point of consternation. “Coming to terms with our own mortality is perhaps one of the biggest reality checks that in most cases invoke fear, anxiety, tending towards absurdity. Sometimes death can seem distant, especially when the victims are not known to us. The haze that covers death finally clears up when those closely known to us finally succumb,” the released added. Further the release stated that the untimely death of Richmond has shocked
the cricket fraternity in Georgetown and beyond. Daniel spent most of his cricketing life, playing for T&HD, Police Sports Club and Third Class Association in Georgetown. After retirement, he later became a coach, umpire and book-scorer. He was always close to the ears of the young cricketers to lend some advice, something he thoroughly enjoyed. There is no doubt that his death is a big blow to his family, friends and colleagues but his life and death remind us of our mortality, that our time to make a mark on our families and communities is limited. How well we use this time determines the legacy that we will leave behind for posterity. May his soul rest in peace,” the release concluded.
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Finch tons up as Australia edge out Sri Lanka AUSTRALIA almost made a mess of chasing down 319 against Sri Lanka, but Aaron Finch (137) and Travis Head (85) got them home. Aaron Finch scored a fine 137 to help fire Australia to a two-wicket win over Sri Lanka, in their opening Champions Trophy warm-up at The Oval. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews hit 95, while Asela Gunaratne hammered 70
from 56 deliveries at number seven as they reached 318-7 after Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first. Moises Henriques returned useful figures of 3-46 from eight overs, accounting for Niroshan Dickwella (41), Kusal Mendis (5) and Mathews. The likes of David Warner and Steve Smith have been billed as the Aussies’ major threats, but Finch was
the bedrock of a chase that stumbled towards the end. Finch belted six sixes and 11 fours in his 156-minute stint at the crease, as the likes of Warner (19), Chris Lynn (19) and Henriques (10) struggled to offer resistance. Travis Head took on the mantle, hitting a composed 85 not out, but Glenn Maxwell’s departure for a duck and Matthew Wade going for 13 left the all-rounder with
work to do alongside the tail. However, Head smartly farmed the strike to secure victory with two balls to spare. Australia face Pakistan in Birmingham on Monday before they start the Champions Trophy against New Zealand at Edgbaston next Friday. Sri Lanka face the Black Caps in non-competitive action before getting their tournament underway versus South Africa. (Sportsmax)
Aaron Finch
Blake vows to let feet do the talking A SEEMINGLY resurgent Yohan Blake, once thought to be the heir apparent to Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt, has vowed to let his feet do the talking in response to critics who have come to doubt his credentials.
mate Bolt, but even thought of as a direct rival to the world’s fastest man. After claiming the World Championship 100m title in 2011 Blake went on to set the second fastest times ever over the 100m and 200m distances at 9.69 and 19.26.
Yohan Blake
Several seasons ago, it seemed the sky was the limit for the runner, who was not only tipped as a replacement for his more illustrious team-
In 2013 things took a dark turn for the sprinter, after he suffered a serious hamstring injury. The following year, Blake’s problems were com-
pounded after he suffered what could have been a career-ending tear in the other hamstring, from which he has struggled to get back to his best. For some, the 26-yearold will never get back to the heights that saw him so close to Bolt, but he has vowed to prove them wrong. “I will let my feet speak,” Blake told the Jamaica Observer in a recent interview. His confidence will not have been hurt by an impressive 9.93 seconds clocking at last weekend’s Jamaica Invitational and the 2011 World Champion believes much faster times are in store. “I am feeling good; this is my first 100m this season and running 9.93 seconds, I am really happy,” he added. “I felt really good and just went with the flow ... coach said to come out here and take it easy.” (Sportsmax)
Cleveland Cavaliers set up Golden State Warriors rematch
CLEVELAND Cavaliers set up their third straight NBA Finals appearance against Golden State Warriors with a dominant 135102 win over Boston Celtics. Kyrie Irving and LeBron James combined for 79 points at Boston’s TD Gardens to claim the bestof-seven Eastern Conference finals 4-1. James, 32, surpassed Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan as the all-time leading scorer in the play-offs. The Warriors swept San Antonio Spurs 4-0 in the Western Conference finals. They were crowned NBA champions in 2015 but were defeated last year as Cleveland’s 52-year wait for a major sporting title came to an end. Game one of the NBA Finals takes place at the Warriors’ Oracle Arena in Oakland on Thursday, June 1
(02:00 BST on Friday).
KING JAMES PASSES AIR JORDAN Cavs small forward James hit a three-pointer
LeBron James
from the left wing in the third quarter to pass Jordan’s record of 5 987 play-off points, which had stood for 19 years. James, who is chasing his fourth NBA title this year, finished with 35 points in the game to set a new mark of 5.995 points in 212 play-off games, while six-time NBA champion Jordan set his record in 179 games. He has scored 955 of those points against Boston, the most for any player against any team. Victory secures a seventh consecutive NBA Finals for James, winning two titles in four appearances with Miami Heat between 2011 and 2014, before returning to home-town team Cleveland. The Cavs also set a franchise record for most points in a quarter in the play-offs by recording 43 in the first quarter of game five against the Celtics. (BBCSport)
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GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)
Extra Time
GFF HOSTS ORDINARY CONGRESS
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will host its Ordinary Congress today with a packed agenda ahead. Among the key areas is the President’s address and the presentation of the GFF’s Strategic Plan – “Finding Our Focus”. Other broad areas of the Congress are proposed Members’ Financial Assis-
tance (MFAP), presentation of the financial report, review of the Elite League issue, members’ proposals, and areas under governance and administration including presentation of the GFF’s Disciplinary Code. The Congress is the highest decision-making body of the GFF and meets annually.
“This is an exciting time for football and the Executive Committee is delighted to meet with our partners and discuss the plans and programmes to move the game forward. It will be a very productive Congress.”
WALTER MOORE TALENT ID INITIATIVE COMPLETED
Former Golden Jaguars’ defender, Walter Moore, and his club coach Kristian Heames were in Guyana from the 19th – 21st May, 2017 to conduct a Talent Identification programme, which will result in potential players being identified for trials and possible professional contracts in Europe.
Kristian Heames highlights technical areas to the players during a training session
Walter Moore demonstrates defensive techniques to National U-17 player
The initiative is part of the new philosophy of the technical programe of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), which actively seeks to involve past and present national players as part of the technical development programme.
Golden Jaguars’ defender Walter Moore
Wayne Forde, President – GFF
well as participated in a press conference. Additionally, he conducted an orientation session with the technical staff and facilitated his first training session. On the final day of the talent Identification initiative in Guyana (Sunday, 21st May, 2017), Moore and Heames sat for an exclusive interview
Moore and Heames participated along with Gregory Richardson – another national player – in the national U17 camp held during the same period and were involved in the assessment of players as well as coaching sessions. On day #1, he had a breakfast meeting with the GFF Executive Committee and the Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, as
with NCN Sport and Chronicle Sport. This was done together with Greenwood and Richardson. President Wayne Forde later joined the discussion. A range of issues were discussed including the experience of the team with the national U17 squad, some of the potential talent, the relationship between the initiative and the technical programme, the capacity of the technical staff to bridge gaps and other aspects of the technical programme including the women’s programme and senior men’s team. During the trip, GFF honoured Moore for his contributions to football in Guyana. This was done on Saturday, 20th May, 2017 via a presentation of a plaque by President Wayne Forde. Listen to the audio of the press conference here...https:// soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc/press-conference-walter-moore-andcoach-talent-id-initiative Listen to the audio of the entire interview here... https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc/ interview-walter-moore-clubcoach-kristian-heames-iangreenwood-and-wayne-forde
Press conference held on 19th May, 2017; (L-R) Debra Francis GFF Communications Officer; Wayne Forde GFF President; Walter Moore, Kristian Heames and Ian Greenwood GFF Technical Director
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES: NATIONAL TEAMS’ CAMPS: U15 Males – 29th – 31st May, 2017
*The National U15 team will participate in the SOUALIGA tournament in St. Martin from 1st - 5th of June, 2017. A shortlisted squad of sixteen players will be part of the travelling party.
GFF ORDINARY CONGRESS: Saturday, 27th May, 2017 Start of the GFF-Pele Alumuni Frank Watson Intra-Association National U-15 Tournament – June, 2017 Restart of GFF-NAMILCO ThunderBolt Flour Power National U-17 Tournament – 10th June, 2017
NEXT EDITION:
Thursday, 1st June, 2017
PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE
For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096
e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_
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Cautious but optimistic as he prepares for South American Juniors DUBBED the biggest athletic meet ever held locally, the South American Junior Championships will take place next weekend and Guyana will be represented by almost 50 athletes. Many of the local athletes are excited and have high hopes of making Guyana proud. Over 300 junior athletes from across 13 nations will be competing. Athlete Daniel Williams is hopeful of do-
ing his country proud and adding to the medal count at the prestigious meet. The 17-year-old recently returned from the CARIFTA Games where he was not at his best. He participated in both the Boys’ youth high jump and 400m but failed to medal in either of his events or to improve on his season’s performance. All that aside the Lindener still remains one of Guyana’s bright-
er young athletic prospects and will strive to redeem himself come next weekend. Wi l l i a m s e a r n e d his first medals at age nine at the Nationals in the Boys’ Under-10 100m event. That performance inspired him to pursue an athletic career Thereafter, Williams joined the Upper Demerara Schools Track Club. Trained by coach Johnny Gravesande, he clinched his first
Daniel Williams
gold medal the very next year at Nationals Schools competition. Every year since then, Williams has s e c u re d m e d a l s . H e eventually copped bronze at the Caribbean Teachers Union Games and last year, in his best athletic achievement, he re turned as Guyana’s top performing athlete from the South America Youth Championships, with two silver medals and a bronze.
Stewart to lead Young Windies on southern Africa tour ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Emmanuel Stewart will have five new caps to lead when the West Indies Under-19 squad embark on a tour of southern Africa in July. The West Indies Cricket Board yesterday announced a 15-member squad that will take on South Africa in five Youth One-day Internationals and Zimbabwe in three. “The squad is well balanced with a number of multi-dimensional players which will provide depth in all departments,” said head coach Graeme West. “This team is still very young in comparison with the previous squad, but it’s already a very united group that works well together and has a great desire to learn and improve.” Stewart and vice-captain Kirstan Kallicharran are the only two remaining members from the World Cup-winning squad of last year. The new players are: Trinidad & Tobago left-handed batsman and part-time
off-spinner Keegan Simmons, nephew of former West Indies batsman and head coach Phil Simmons and cousin of West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons; Guyanese wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Persaud, along with pacer Cephas Cooper of Trinidad & Tobago, Darren Nedd from Grenada, and Barbadian Nyeem Young. The remaining eight players were part of the team that played in the Regional Super50 Tournament in January/February in Antigua, including Bhaskar Yadram. The slow bowling all-rounder from Guyana is the only player in the squad that has moved on to make his first-class debut, playing for reigning three-time Regional 4-Day champions Guyana Jaguars against Leeward Islands Hurricanes last April. The WICB said in a media release that the tours were being undertaken as part of the team’s build-up to the ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand from January 12 to February 4 next year.
“We are going to give 15 talented, young players the opportunity to represent West Indies, experience touring overseas and to play Youth Internationals,” said West. “We learnt a great deal about a number of the players in the WICB Regional Super50. This will be another opportunity to find out which players have the skillsets to perform consistently at this level and establish who will stand up when put under pressure by quality opponents.” West said the objectives for the tour is to win both series and establish the patterns of play and combinations that will be taken into the World Cup. “We will want to see growth and improvement in every game we play and we will want contributions from all members of the squad, so it will be important that the team acclimatise quickly and get off to a good start,” he said. SQUAD: Emmanuel Stewart (cap-
tain), Kirstan Kallicharran (vice-captain), Te-Shawn Alleyne, Alick Athanaze, Joshua Bishop, Cephas Cooper, Mykile Louis, Darren Nedd, Matthew Patrick, Joshua Persaud, Jeavor Royal, Kegan Simmons, Jeavier Spencer, Bhaskar Yadram, Nyeem Young ITINERARY West Indies Under-19s to South Africa JULY Tuesday 4 – Tour Match vs South Africa Under-19 XI – Varsity Oval, Durban. Thursday 6 – Tour Match vs Kwa-Zulu Natal Academy – Varsity Oval. Sunday 9 – First Youth ODI – Chatsworth Oval, Durban. Wedbesday 12 – Second Youth ODI – Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg. Friday 14 – Third Youth ODI – Pietermaritzburg Oval. Sunday 16 – Fourth Youth ODI – Pietermaritzburg Oval. Wednesday 19 – Fifth Youth ODI – Chatsworth
Oval. West Indies Under-19s to Zimbabwe JULY Sunday 23 – First Youth
RACING TIPS South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:20 hrs Rose In Bloom 09:05 hrs Morning Catch 09:45 hrs Platinum Prince 10:20 hrs Aviatrix 10:55 hrs Quippi Scottsville 08:45 hrs Sand And Sea 09:25 hrs Carry On Alice 10:00 hrs Attenborough 10:35 hrs Roy’s Air Force Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:50 hrs Clemmie 09:25 hrs Peticoatgovernment 10:00 hrs Brotherly Bear 10:35 hrs Acapulco 11:10 hrs Churchill 11:45 hrs Creggs Pipes 12:15 hrs Felix Mendelssohn English Racing Tips Chester 08:55 hrs Musical Terms 09:30 hrs Moonshine Dancer 10:05 hrs Fastnet Tempest
ODI – Venue to be decided. Wednesday 26 – Second Youth ODI – Venue to be decided. Saturday 29 – Third Youth ODI – Venue to be decided. 10:40 hrs Sands Chorus 11:15 hrs Headway 11:50 hrs Sir Valentine 12:20 hrs Voski Goodwood 09:00 hrs Mount Logan 09:35 hrs Billesdon 10:10 hrs Hyde Park 10:45 hrs Barsanti 11;20 hrs Top Tug 11:55 hrs Morache Music 12:25 hrs Contentment York 09:10 hrs Golden Stunner 09:40 hrs Frontiersman 10:15 hrs Theydon Grey 10:50 hrs Out Do 11:25 hrs Zaman 12:00 hrs Crimson Rosette 12:30 hrs Short Work American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Lone Trader Race 2 Refinance Race 3 Street Beat Race 4 Hard Story Race 5 Shiraz Race 6 Parety Mint Star Race 7 Game Factor Race 8 Big Handsome Race 9 Eloquent Riddle
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 27, 2017
Guyana drawn in Group ‘A’ of FIBA Centrobasket U-17 Championship
FOLLOWING the draw for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Centrobasket U-17 Championship, Guyana was placed in Group ‘A’ with Mexico, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. The host nation (Dominican Republic), Jamaica, Panama and the Virgin Islands will make up the teams in Group B. The Centrobasket U-17 Championship will be played in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from July 26 to 30 and will feature the participation of the National Teams from Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The competition system of the tournament consists of two phases. In the Group Phase, the
eight participating teams will be divided into two equal groups. Te a m s w i l l p l a y i n round-robin format for three days. The best two teams from each group will advance to the next phase, where the first-place team of Group A will oppose the second-place in Group B and vice versa. The winners of the semi-finals will advance to the ‘gold medal match’, while the losers will play for the bronze of the continental event. The top-three teams from the tournament will qualify to the FIBA U-18 Americas Championship 2018, to be played in St Catharines, Canada, June 11-17, 2018. Guyana qualified for the 2017 FIBA Centrobasket U-18 championship by finishing
behind the Bahamas at last year’s Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 tournament which was hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. After a sensational showing, Guyana went down 8457 to a well-oiled Bahamas team that breezed through
the tournament, having entered as clear favourites. Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) president Nigel Hinds recently stated that the ‘Land of Many Waters’ will be well represented at the games, where they will be making their debut.
Jamal John favoured to win GCF’s third points-race tomorrow
Jamal John
AS LOCAL cyclists prepare for the staging of the Guyana Cycle Federation’s (GCF) third points-race for the 2017 season, Team Coco’s Jamal John is highly favoured to win tomorrow’s event, which gets underway from 08:30hrs outside the Ocean View International Hotel, East Coast Demerara. John won the two previous points-races and stands at the top of the points table
with 30 points and will be seeking to add an additional 15 points to his tally by winning tomorrow’s event, which will see the cyclists travel up the East Coast of Demerara to Abary Bridge and back to finish at the place of origin. Close on John’s wheel in the points standing, with 20 points from two third-place finishes in the previous two races is Andrew Hicks. However, Hicks will not be a part of tomorrow’s event,
since he is currently in the United States on training. Following Hicks is Raphael Leung, with 13 points, Paul DeNobrega (12) and Briton John (12). Hamza Eastman is next with 10 points, but like Hicks, he too is training in the United States. Leer Nunes and Junior Niles also have 10 points and they are followed by Ian Jackson (4), Dwayne Gibbs Jr (4), Jason Cameron (3), Eric Sankar (2), Ralph
Williams (1) and Everal Murphy (1). The GCF is using the points system for selecting its national team for Regional and International competitions, despite the selectees not being reigning champions and in some cases, even being runners-up in national championships, resulting in Guyana being poorly represented at the recently concluded Pan American Road Race Championship that was held in the Dominican Republic. Apart from the poor decision of using the points system to select teams, the GFC executives selected Joseph Britton and its president Horace Burrowes to accompany the team and this proved to be a disaster for team members, as they were not adequately tended to during the gruelling 140k road race, which saw Hicks, although in the leading bunch and nearing the finish, suffered cramps. Contestants hailed from some of Pan American’s leading cycling countries including Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina, United States, Canada and Brazil among others.
ICFRA Chairman accepts invitation to GNRA 150th Caribbean C/ships
ICFRA Chairman Phil Harrison is at left.
PHIL Harrison, chairman of the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Association (ICFRA) Commonwealth Committee has accepted an invitation from the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) to be a part of Guyana’s 150th Anniversary celebration, which also doubles with the West Indies Fullbore championships from October 9 to 15 at the Timehri Rifle Ranges. According to Guyana’s Fullbore captain Mahendra Persaud, Guyana is once again privileged to welcome Harrison back in Guyana following his visit here with Middlesex Rifle Shooting Association of Great Britain in 2009. Harrison’s expertise in the technical aspect of the sport will go a long way in assisting the smooth flow of the championships which will have over 140 marksmen from around the world present and will be the biggest rifle-shooting event in the
Caribbean. Guyanese shooters hold the titles of the defending long- and short-range champions and will be looking to make a successful defence of those titles as they will take on Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda as well as some of the best nations at the world level, including Great Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, Scotland and Wales. According to the GNRA, the association has spent millions of dollars to refurbish the Timehri Ranges and the Guyana Defence Force has been very supportive in every regard. The logistics, in terms of accommodation and transportation, among other areas, have almost been ironed out and the Guyana team commenced training last Sunday, but the inclement weather caused the practice shoot to be cut short. However, the local marksmen will `play catch up’ today and tomorrow in order to get in shape.
KMTC Independence horse race meet fixed for tomorrow
An action-packed day of racing is anticipated.
THE Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) will stage its annual Independence horse race meet tomorrow at the club’s facility, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, beginning at 13:00hrs. The event, which will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) will see the feature event contested between horses classified E1 and Lower special weights over a distance of five furlongs, and carries a first prize money of $500 000. Other events include one for I ‘3’ and three-year-old Guyana-bred horses, and has at stake $200 000 for the winner. H1 and Lower horses will compete for a $200 000 first
prize money, while H1 and Lower animals will compete for a $260 000 first prize. Then organisers have set a race for L class animals, with the winner receiving $100 000. There will also be a race for J1 and Lower animals, which has at stake $160 000 for the winner. `K’ Class and `J’ Class animals will vie for supremacy for $120 000 and $140 000 respectively in two different races. Information from the organising committee indicated that a number of top local horses will be in action. It was also related that the track remains in excellent condition despite the current rainy season.
Guyana drawn in Group ‘A’ of FIBA Centrobasket U-17 See page Championship 31
GFF Ordinary Congress on today By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and their membership will gather today at the Park View Hotel from 10:00hrs, for the Ordinary Congress. However, the federation’s president, Wayne Forde, though not being specific, stated the Congress will see a representation from the GFF’s 22 members. According to Forde, while the Convocation was sent to each of their 22 members, some were reluctant to respond within the specified time, even after the federation had expanded the deadline period. “No one was left out; all of our members were sent the convocation on a timely manner and a few failed to respond in time; even as we called, emailed, extended the deadline, a few didn’t respond in time,” Forde said, when asked specifically about the representation of the four
Wayne Forde – GFF president Elite League clubs. STAG ELITE LEAGUE FIASCO Alpha United, Slingerz FC, the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Pele
refused to participate in the second staging of the STAG Elite League, calling the GFF’s move to expand the league from eight to ten teams illegitimate under the context of breaching the
Stewart to lead Young Windies on southern Africa tour
constitution. The Wayne Forde-led GFF thought it was best to invite Linden’s Topp XX and Victoria Kings from the East Coast of Demerara to be part of the STAG Elite League, but, the four aforementioned clubs argued that the federation’s constitution clearly states that in order for the clubs to be part of the league, they will first have to be a member for the GFF, using Article 9 and 10 of the constitution which speaks specially to membership. Forde, speaking exclusively to Chronicle Sport yesterday, however, when asked if the Elite League fiasco will be a topical issue at tomorrow’s Ordinary Congress, said, “No.”. I think out of courtesy, the Executive Committee will explain to our members how things went down and may answer whatever question they might have, but I don’t see this issue being a big issue tomorrow (to-
day).” INVESTIGATION INTO MEXICO GAME Forde confirmed that the Fruta Conquerors Football Club has tabled a motion mandating that an investigation be launched into the scandalous-switched Mexico FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifier. Guyana were due to face Mexico at the Guyana National Stadium during their historic run at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. However, the GFF sold the hosting rights for the game which was then hosted at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas. “Be It Resolved: That this May 27, GFF Congress mandates the executive of the GFF to commission an investigation within 14 days of this Congress’ consent into the fiasco of the Mexico-Guyana game in the USA and have a report of the findings presented to the next Ordinary
Congress,” the motion stated. “This is something that our executive committee would support because that investigation is going to be very wide-scale and as such it will cost us (the GFF) a lot, but now, with the congress calling for it (an investigation), we can now lobby FIFA for the funding to make that happen since it will have to be independently done,” Forde said. The Fruta Conquerors’ motion also asked: “Be it Further Resolved: That this investigation address whether any oral or written contract was entered into with players and staff for that game and if the-then GFF was a party to the same.” Forde also said that he campaigned on the grounds of unearthing the truth behind the proposed motion by the Conquerors club and as such, it is something that will have the fullest support of the GFF.
Sanchez named Arsenal’s Player-of-the-Year
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Alexis Sanchez
Emmanuel Stewart will lead West Indies Under-19s in July on tour of Southern Africa.
ARSENAL supporters have voted Alexis Sanchez as their Player-of-the-Year for 201617, but last season’s winner Mesut Ozil was snubbed. Alexis Sanchez has been named Arsenal’s Player-of-theYear by the club’s supporters, while Mesut Ozil failed to make the top three. Arsenal announced yesterday that Sanchez was the “overwhelming” winner of their fans’ vote after a stunning individual season that has seen him score 29 goals across all competitions.
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It is the second time in three years at the club that the Chile international has won the accolade and he came second the only time he missed out on top spot in 2015-16. Ozil was last year’s winner, but he has not been recognised in the top three this season, having received criticism from many observers for his inconsistent form, prompting manager Arsene Wenger to defend him. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came second to Sanchez, with Laurent Koscielny in third.
Sanchez, Ozil and Oxlade-Chamberlain face uncertain futures at Arsenal, with only a year left to run on their contracts and major speculation over potential transfers going into today’s FA Cup final against Chelsea. The final sees the Gunners chase a third FA Cup trophy in four years as they look to salvage silverware from a campaign that has seen them miss out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years. (Sportsmax) SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017