Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28 04 2017

Enrico Woolford new chair of NCN

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No. 104896

FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Investments are what we need … President tells Guyanese in UK during town hall meeting

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President David Granger interacting with members of the Guyanese diaspora in London who turned out in their numbers to meet with him on Thursday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Evidence against registrar grows

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–– HR manager, other staffers give incriminating statements to cops

Nandlall charged for Energy Narrative awarded US$70M contract stealing law books Page 10

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–– to study utilisation of natural gas for electricity generation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

Investments are what we need

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… President tells Guyanese in UK during town hall meeting PRESIDENT David Granger said that his overwhelmingly successful engagement over the past few days in London is a clear indication that there is renewed interest and investors’ confidence in Guyana.

He noted that while there is still a lot more work to be done, the current mood of restored democracy in the country has made it an extremely attractive investment destination. The President wrapped up a four-day visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday, during which he met with Queen Elizabeth and other top officials. Speaking at a town hall meeting with

Guyanese in the diaspora, the President said that what Guyana needs now more than ever, is a surge in entrepreneurship and for its own people to come home with their capital and technical ‘know-how’ to play their part in the local economy.

He was at the time addressing members of the diaspora at a forum in London.

The Head of State explained that this renewed interest stems not only from the discovery of petroleum, but also from the steps that the Government has been taking over the past two years to ensure that Guyana a lawful state. These steps include the passage of legislation to fight corruption,

money laundering and the financing of terrorism, the holding of local government elections and the setting up of the Procurement Commission and other constitutional bodies to improve transparency and accountability and to foster good governance.

“What we need is investment and this is where you, who have saved your money, can look at Guyana as a safe destination; we have Brazilian investors, we have Chinese investors, we have Canadian investors, we have Russian investors and, in our minds, we are confident that if Guyanese see that the door is open to them too, they will see their homeland, their

motherland as a safe destination for their investments,” President Granger said.

The Head of State explained that the diaspora can play a role in transformation of the country’s economy, which has been largely dependent on primary products. “In Guyana, our economy has been dependent for over 350 years on a few limited commodities… Unless we become a manufacturing country, unless we move our economy forward we will always remain poor… We have to work together to transform our economy and that is why we are here,” he said.

Speaking of the country’s abundant natural resources,

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge addressing the large gathering

President addressing members of the Guyanese diaspora in London. Seated at the head table are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge and Guyana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Hamley Case

the President said that Guyana’s tourism potential is wealth in itself, but investments are needed in order to convert that wealth into a good quality of life for citizens. He also spoke of the country’s ‘green’ development thrust as well as its renewable energy potential, ranging from solar to biomass to wind and hydropower.

After the President’s presentations, attendees directed questions and comments to the Head of State, as well as to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Carl Greenidge, calling on Government to do more in the areas of education, social protection

with regard to domestic violence and suicides, the arts and cultural development, security transparency and diaspora engagement.

President Granger outlined what was being done in each of these sectors, but also called for the support of the diaspora through non-governmental organisations and civil society movements, particularly in the area of the arts and social development, while committing to continuing to tackle the challenges the country faces for the benefit of all Guyanese. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Enrico Woolford appointed NCN chair VETERAN broadcaster and Ministerial Advisor on Public Telecommunications, Enrico Woolford, has been appointed chairman of the new Board of Directors of the National Communications Network (NCN).

Woolford will be backed by a group of experts in the field of communication, including the Director of the Government Information Agency, Beverly Alert; News Source Editor-in-Chief, Gordon Moseley; Broad-

NCN Chairman Enrico Woolford

caster Margaret Lawrence; and Information Technology (IT) Consultant Michael Leonard, who have all been named directors of the new board, in addition to Kamal Persaud and Dane Gobin.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon made the announcement during a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday.

He said it is Government’s expectation that the new board, which will serve from May, 2017 to

Board Director Gordon Moseley

April, 2018, will focus on policies that will pave the way for timely delivery of accurate information to the citizenry.

Minister Harmon said, additionally, roles of boards are confused with management.

“Of course, they are a board and not the management of NCN, and so generally sometimes boards need to understand that they drive policy and they are not there to do dayto-day management,” he posited.

The life of the last board, headed by Bishwa Panday, came to an end last year.

The minister of state said too that Cabinet also approved a board of directors for the Privatisation Board. That board will be headed

by Dr Grantley Walrond. Minister Dominic Gaskin, Junior Minister of Finance Jaipaul Sharma, Sabrina Savory and Grantley Colbert are also members of the board.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

Cabinet green-lights pedestrian overhead crossing at Providence

THE National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has awarded millions of dollars in contracts, including US$364,246.80 for the construction of a pe-

destrian overhead crossing at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday at the

Ministry of the Presidency.

It was disclosed that the contract was awarded to S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services.

Already, contracts have been awarded for the con-

struction of similar overhead crossings at Diamond, Houston, Peter’s Hall and Eccles. The pedestrian overhead crossing at Diamond will also be constructed

by S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services, but at a cost of US$364,727.

The other three overhead crossings are being constructed at a cost of US$1M. Last year, Government had signaled its intention to construct overhead pedestrian walkways.

With more than 10,000 vehicles entering the country every year, traffic congestion on key arteries leading to Georgetown contin-

ues to be a major bugbear.

This congestion has been contributing heavily to delays for workers at peak travel times – in the morning, between 07:00hrs and 09:00hrs, and evening – from 16:00hrs to 18:30hrs.

The East Bank Demerara road is among the busiest in the country, providing linkages to not only the villages along the way, but to the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which leads to the West Demerara, Essequibo, Linden and by extension to the hinterland.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the country’s main port, is located at Timehri, further compound-

ing the situation.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Minister Harmon also disclosed that a students’ dormitory will also be constructed at Liliendaal, Region Four. The dormitory, which will fall under the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, will be built at a cost of $186.3M by BK International Inc. In the agriculture sector, the pump basin and steel revetment at Manarabisi Pump Station, Region Six, will be rehabilitated to the tune of $19M.4M. The contract was awarded to D. Sawh Mechanical Workshop.

Similarly, the timber wharf and scour protection at Mibicuri Pump Station at Black Bush Polders, Region Six will be rehabilitated at the cost of $31.9M. That contract was also awarded to D Sawh Mechanical Workshop.

Over in Region Three, a drainage structure will be constructed from Bushlot to Triange at Wakenaam Island. The earthen embankment will also be rehabilitated. The contract for this project was awarded to S. Maraj Contracting Services at a sum of $24.4M. A $15.7M contract was also awarded to Hope Estate Farmers Community Council for the initial cleaning and manual monthly maintenance cleaning of 23,104 rods of drainage and irrigation channels within the area. The contract is for a period of seven months from May to December 2017.

A similar contract was awarded to Crabwood Creek Water Users’ Association for the initial cleaning and manual monthly maintenance cleaning of 29,330 rods of drainage and irrigation channels within the Crabwook Creek area. The $15.7M contract is for a period of 11 months from February to December 2017.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

Nandlall charged for stealing law books … released on self- bail amid drama

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Thursday officially charged former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall with Larceny By Bailee in connection with a number of law books which he carried away from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, saying he was given

tioning on Monday Nandlall claimed that the books were secured in a house and the keys were with his wife overseas, the former AG subsequently told reporters that he had no intention of returning the books.

Meanwhile Nandlall, speaking with media operatives after leaving the courtroom, said the charge is not

relationship with the supply of the law books, I was being supplied those law books that predated a decade before my appointment.” Nandlall said.

Over the last two years, Nandlall has repeatedly confirmed that while he was AG, law books were purchased for him by the state with approval by former president Ramotar. The missing

Nandlall flanked by lawyers and a supporter while leaving the Georgetown Magistrates Court (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) them by former President, Donald Ramotar during his tenure in office.

The case was called before Magistrate Fabio Azore and Nandlall, 44, of 28-29 Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that he fraudulently converted 14 Commonwealth Law Reports valued at GY$2.3 million to his own use, as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

He is being represented by a battery of lawyers, led

by Glen Hanoman. He was released on his own recognizance and later stepped out of the prisoners’ dock to sign the recognizance.

Nandlall initially was scheduled to appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday afternoon. However, the magistrate stood the matter down for Friday for hearing at 09:00hrs at the Georgetown Magistrates Court. This action by the magistrate was met with much disappointment by the Special Prosecutor assigned to the case, Patrice Henry and Head of SOCU, Sydney James.

The SOCU head had told the Guyana Chronicle earlier in the day that Nandlall was not cooperating with investigators. According to James, even though during ques-

surprising, since he said it has a political and sinister motive. “The books are presently US$2,000 and the state will spend millions to prosecute this charge and it will go nowhere, the charge should not have been filed since I’ve already instituted proceedings in the constitutional court, since the constitution is very clear that a magistrate ought to defer to the superiority of the High Court and to the superior law of the land,” he told reporters.

BREAKING HIS SPIRIT Nandlall said he is humbled at the expense to which the authorities are willing to go in breaking his spirit, but the charge has catapulted him into the line of many illustrious politicians who were also charged as part of the political struggle.

None of the politicians Nandlall referred to was charged for allegedly stealing state properties. “The criminal justice system is being used as a political instrument, the state paid my light bills, phone bills, and also my subscription fees, the state can’t claim my cellphone because they paid my phone bill, they can’t claim my electrical appliances because they paid my light bill, similarly they can’t claim the law books, because they don’t have any

books were bought from Lexis Nexis (U.K.), publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports, and are said to be worth over US$2.5M. However, after the PPP was unseated in 2015, Nandlall took possession of the books which were bought for him as AG, by the state.

At a press conference held at Freedom House today after being released

by SOCU, Nandlall said that the law books are in his possession and he has no intention of returning them to the State. He subsequently secured an order in the High Court which bars the police from seizing the books.

FLAGRANT MISUSE Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Melissa Tucker, had told the Audit Office that the alleged pact between Nandlall and Ramotar, regarding the purchase of law books was a “flagrant breach” of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA).

Tucker had made the comments in her response to the Auditor General’s findings into an audit of the missing books. The Auditor General in its conclusion had said that the Commonwealth Law Books acquired by the

ministry were not subject to storekeeping procedures and were not required, since they were part of his condition of service. However, the then Permanent Secretary, Tucker, made it clear that the ministry was never privy to any condition of service for Nandlall, which included the purchase of law reports. Tucker said the “the alleged agreement between the former AG and former President Ramotar circumvents the procedural accountability of the Budget Agency that is governed by the Stores Regulations 1993 and the FMAA 2003.” She added that the purchase of the law books, with public funds for Nandlall’s personal use was, “A flagrant misuse of public funds. Property bought with public funds by

the ministry ought to remain the property of the ministry,” Tucker stated.

She said, “The ministry feels compelled to remind you (Auditor General) that according to the FMAA: Public money means all money belonging to the State, received or collected by officials in their capacity or by any person authorised to receive or collect such money.”

In addition, Tucker stated that Section 48 of the FMAA, which speaks of the misuse of public funds, provides that: “A minister or official shall not in any manner misuse, misapply, or improperly dispose of public money.”

Additionally, the audit had found that the books were not subject to storekeeping, accord-

ing to Section 18 of the Stores Regulations 1993, which states, “All goods purchased shall be taken to the store and shall be subject to storekeeping procedures outlined in these regulations.” Stating that the ministry had no evidence of the agreement between Nandlall and Ramotar, Tucker said that, “Even assuming that there was such an agreement, the use of public funds in this manner is against the FMAA.” She added that in respect to one law book valued $174,498 purchased on March 18, 2015, it was received by the permanent secretary on June 2, 2016 and was placed in the library.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

Private education and VAT SINCE the announcement of VAT on private tuition fees, this matter has been gaining much public attention and it is encouraging that the Government has indicated that the measure will come under review.

The decision to review came amid much public criticism and protests from a wide cross-section of society and undoubtedly shows that the administration is attuned to the voices of the people. It is not clear however, what will be the outcome of the review which will be known by the next budget, but the dissenting voices have been calling for the VAT on private tuition not to be lowered but to be repealed.

And quite interestingly, the vast majority of private schools clamouring for removal of the tax are not tax-compliant, while the Government has defended the tax, contending that it is vital revenue for improved services provided by the State. Some would ask what locus standi schools which have not been paying their taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) have to criticise the Government for taxing private education.

Especially when the revenue is needed to enhance the lives of the citizenry, without any prompting, and not trying to be even, all private schools breaching the tax laws must be made to honour their obligations to the State, and stern action should be taken against those found wanting in quality education delivery.

Many have also asked the question as to whether the tax on private tuition is absolutely necessary, given the challenges of the public, primary and secondary school system. The public school system is far from perfect, but this APNU+AFC government has shown that it is committed to fixing it. A Commission of Inquiry

into the school system which was launched several months ago has been completed and the findings will be presented today.

However, there are problems, some more telling at the primary school level. Of the 13,000 who sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) every year, less than 1000 are placed at the senior secondary schools since that is the amount of space available.

Many candidates who fail to master the basics in literacy and numeracy are exported into the secondary school system; and because there is hardly any remedial programme tailored for them, for the vast majority, it is a sail through. There is little wonder why even though English is not a second language in Guyana, our students continue to perform poorly in the subject at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

For Mathematics, the results are also less than flattering and not worthy of remembering. Here is where private schools come in and have enjoyed noteworthy successes over the years in helping students to reach their full potential. On this score, we recognise the laudable achievements of private schools such as: the Success Elementary School in Georgetown and the Saraswati Vidya Niketan Secondary School on the West Coast of Demerara. These are not the only private schools which have been doing excellent work, there are several others, but over the years they have distinguished themselves in helping students who would have otherwise slipped through the public school system. VAT on private tuition has seen many demonstrations and also some private schools raising their tuition fees, putting additional strain on parents, many of whom are not well off.

Although interested parties are disappointed that a deci-

sion was not made immediately to remove the tax measure, both the President and Prime Minister have promised that a review will be done for the next budget cycle. Listening, an essential feature of a vibrant democracy is now gaining momentum and hopefully will become fairly routine in enhanced governance procedures. A high level of citizen involvement in the democratic process and influence on political decision-making will be essential for maintaining a vibrant democracy, even as the rule of law is impartially maintained. Avenues must also exist for discussions on policies and processes via free and plural media. We should celebrate the recent protests as a sign that our democracy is getting stronger and recovering from an earlier era when a huge underground economy flourished and the rule of law was compromised by untouchable drug barons, death squads and massacres.

IDB funding available for creative industries Region Five Chairman again treading on wrong path Dear Editor: ON several occasions I have written about the possibilities which exist for the creative industries in Guyana and the rest of CARICOM. The creative industries are well suited for young entrepreneurs involved in digital design, fashion, music and craft production. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is offering some assistance through a joint programme with Miami Dade College borsch entrepreneurs from the Region and Miami.

I am not aware that this information has been shared in Guyana, so I ask that you publish this as soon as possible since the deadline for submission of projects is fast approaching. These are the kinds of opportunities that Go-Invest and the Ministry of Business should be promoting locally. I hope they have been doing so and it is me who is not up to date.

Miami Dade College (MDC) in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is launching an open call to select the most innovative start-ups in the creative and cultural industries – what the IDB refers to as

the Orange Economy – from Latin America, the Caribbean, and South Florida.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 4, at 5:59 p.m.

Demand Solutions Miami will take place at the MDC’s Wolfson Campus, in downtown Miami this fall, when the 12 best start-ups from Latin America and the Caribbean and the five most innovative start-ups from Greater Miami will be presented. Participating ventures need to have an innovative product or solution to improve lives in the following categories: DESIGN WITH SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: urban, interior and industrial design.

Graphic arts, illustration and toys. Wearable technology, accessibility and cultural identity expression. Co-creation between craftsmen and designers.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION: intelligent clothes, organic clothes, and accessories.

MULTIMEDIA TO SAVE THE WORLD: videogames, support media for digital content, virtual reality, 3D printing and interactive audiovisual content.

GASTRONOMY AS AN AGENT OF TRANSFORMATION: recovery of ancestral and native recipes. Fusion cuisine, environmentally minded restaurants and chefs.

STEREOTYPE-FREE MUSIC: cultural and ancestral preservation. Music as an education and language preservation tool.

This open call will award prizes to start-ups that have an innovative product or solution (not just an idea) that has already been launched, or a minimum viable product (MVP) with existing users.

Participating entrepreneurs must be over 18 years of age and be either founders or cofounders of startups with a minimum of one year and maximum of three years of operation and implementation/commercialisation of their product or service. One of the founders or cofounders of each of the selected startups will have the chance to present his or her solution before a jury of industry specialists and potential investors during the Demand Solutions Miami in Oct. 2017.

Regards Wesley Kirton

Dear Editor,

IT is with very deep concern that I am once again penning yet another letter so that the public can be aware of the unscrupulous behaviour of the PPP regional chairman in Region Five. This said type of unwanted and unprofessional conduct had caused the council to go almost several months without a meeting in 2016. The RDC held its Statutory Meeting on Thursday, 20th April, 2017 in its boardroom. The meeting was off to a good start, although I had questioned the regional chairman of intentionally hiding correspondence coming to the region through his office for public sharing.

This matter was raised on several occasions. The chairman has been hiding those letters so that people in the region cannot benefit. The particular letter I am referring to was sent by the Ministry of Communities, Department of Housing for residents of the region who are qualified to have a $50,000 rebate during December 2016. This rebate would have benefited hundreds of poor families but instead, the chairman wants to make the councillors and administration a scapegoat by denying the people their benefits.

According to the chairman, during the time of the rebate he had proceeded on leave and all missives were handed over to the vice-chairman who will be acting as chairman. However, let me state that the chairman denied having knowledge of any first letter. The VC at the February and March month of the RDC Statutory meetings made it clear that when he received or had knowledge of the said letter the date had already passed.

The VC then went to the REO and shared the letter with him. However, the REO in the presence of the VC did make some contact with the said agency so as to see what could be done, but was told that the extension would not be possible because if granted it will have to be for all the regions. The contention here is, the chairman is denying having any knowledge of a first letter that will inform him and the region of the rebate, but admitted that four persons were given the opportunity to go and were all disqualified because of their income status.

It really puzzles me and the rest of my fellow APNU+AFC Region Councillors, who seem to be the only persons sitting on the council want an answer as to why the REO was never informed, so that he could have made public

for the people to benefit and where is the first letter if four persons went for the rebate?.

The chairman at the last RDC meeting said that he would launch an investigation into the matter. I hope that investigation will be done before the next statutory meeting in May 2017.

What the chairman is also trying to tell us as councilors, is that there was never a first letter but the last letter that came to his office after the process\rebate would have been concluded. It is a shame that this man is trying to pull wool over our eyes, but he must be aware by now, we on the APNU+AFC side are no walk overs and never will be, especially when he lies to the council and deny the people of the region their benefits.

The real problem started when we came to Any Other Business on the day’s agenda. I stood to enlighten the council of a matter whereby an excavator that was contracted to do works for NDIA within the region is being used\put to do private work at the back of Bath Settlement by the chairman and VC of the Bath\ Woodley Park NDC. On the 31st March, 2017, I received several complaints from residents of Bath Settlement that the machine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

Region Five Chairman ...

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is being used to do private work that will benefit a few in the said area, the location was at the back of the burial ground.

Upon my visit to the said area the next day, I saw the excavator doing some work. When I enquired from the operator, he told me that he was assigned to fill a breach on the dam that will cause flooding. It was evident that some private work was also done. I then left and on April 4th, 2017, again I received several calls, whereby residents complained about the said machine being used to clear bushes for the two individuals and the NDIA\ Machine supervisor to plant cash crops. On the 5th April, 2017 I informed the REO and just after lunch, we visited the area.

The machine was seen clearing bushes.

The REO then enquired of the operator, what was the purpose of clearing the bushes and who directed him to do so. The operator said that he was mandated by the two individuals from the Bath\Woodley Park NDC and the NDIA\Machine supervisor to do same. However, it was very evident that no excavation works were done to the nearby canal. We were also told that he was mandated to make stop offs for a few private rice farmers.

The REO, who is the administrator of the region and was given the task to mandate those NDIA-hired machines on a daily basis, told the operator to cease works until he (REO) gets back to him. At around 15:00 (3 pm) on the same day, I received more calls that the machines moved farther down the said dam clearing bushes. I then went again, upon enquiring from the operator as to, who gave him permission to restart working he said to me, that the said three persons make contact with NDIA Georgetown and an official (name called) told them to continue the work.

I again made contact with the REO and told him of the happenings. Pictures were taken on both occasions, when the REO visited and when I revisited the area on the said day. Upon hearing this, the chairman got upset and said that he needs evidence of the allegations. I offered to provide him with pictures immediately but he refused, saying those pictures may not be good for evidence.

I then asked him to consult with the REO of the region who is also the Clerk of the Council, because he was present at the site.

He again refused, saying that is also not enough evidence. This is where the clerk then asked the chairman if he is questioning his creditability and integrity at this moment especially towards this matter which he knows and was part of the visiting team.

The chairman still said that cannot be enough evidence. I then asked, are you (chairman) saying that the clerk would lie to this council, although he is in the pictures that I can provide? Be-

cause the clerk is also answerable to the council, the uproar started as the chairman denied the councillors orders for the REO to address us on this matter. Furthermore, it then seems as if the chairman was questioning the truthfulness of the clerk who is the REO and saying he would lie, which will put the REO’s reputation at stake. The clerk then asked that if the chairman is suggesting to the council that he is not proper to address the matter, when he was asked by councillors to do so, and that he would leave because it will put a dent to his reputation for not answering and telling the council the truth about the said matter. The chairman in his hasty and nasty matter told the clerk that he can walk out when he feels like. That is when the APNU+AFC councillors saw the disrespectfulness shown to the clerk by the chairman and proceeded to leave the meeting in support of the clerk.

Furthermore, the chairman told staff and heads of department that also proceeded on leave that they are APNU+AFC supporters\workers in the region and that is why they are leaving.

This was told to us by the staff and heads of department after we left the boardroom. The PPP chairman seems to be calling upon himself yet another repeat as to what had happened in 2016. This young man needs to learn and allow the people of the region to benefit when they ought to. He needs to stop having his cabals using the machines for their personal work.

I would like to clearly say that, we the councillors sitting on the APNU+AFC government side of the house are calling for the Regional Chairman to immediately apologise in writing to the Council, the clerk of the RDC, who is also the REO and to all RDC staff and Heads of department who were present on the April 20th, 2017 sitting of the RDC. Failing to do same as requested, we should again chart another course until he shows some respect to the RDC and people of Region Five. This has nothing to do with politics, but merely about the manner of how the chairman is handling the region’s affairs. Our people should have benefitted from this government initiative but the PPP chairman plays politics with them. This PPP Chairman continues to show his disrespectfulness to the council, administration and to the people of Region Five and we the councillors on the APNU+AFC government side of the house will not tolerate such behaviour.

Regards Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC Regional Councillor Region Five

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

First Lady visits Step by Step Foundation

FIRST Lady Sandra Granger on Thursday paid a visit to the Step by Step Foundation’s school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

located on the East Bank Public Road, Bagotstown, to get a first-hand look at its operations.

Eighteen children from ages three to 14 are enrolled

Tutor Cheryl Welch assists student Rizwan Valz as he presents First Lady Sandra Granger with a bouquet in gratitude for her visit.

in the school.

The first lady interacted warmly with the children and participated in their morning activities, which included “Circle” sessions during which they counted, sang nursery rhymes and other songs designed to boost their communication skills.

Chairperson of the foundation, Dr Suraiya Ismail, was pleased to welcome the first lady to the school.

“Most important of all [we] welcome her here as patron and to show her how we manage the children, because it is a very individualised programme and she is going around [the classrooms] seeing the different aspects of it,” she said.

The foundation opened its school in September,

First Lady Sandra Granger (centre) and some of the tutors of the Step by Step Foundation School. Dr Suraiya Ismail, chairperson of the Foundation, is second left 2011.

On April 2, the first lady joined the Foundation and Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, in their annual ‘Light it up Blue’ Autism Awareness Walk aimed at raising funds for the construction of a new school at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Some of the students enrolled in the Step by Step school during the “circle” session

Embrace ICT, Minister Hughes urges girls FEMALE students from 10 city schools were on Thursday given the opportunity to tour several tech-intensive agencies and private compa-

future. With technology advancing at such a high speed, you are now placed in the right positions to follow up what women before you have

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, speaks to girls at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School as Guyana observed ‘Girls in ICT’ day

(ITU), a statement from the ministry stated.

As part of the observance, the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) partnered with Digicel Guyana to be part of activities held at the Leonora Secondary School.

The girls who participated in the day’s activities benefitted from small-group workshops, information on cyber security, videos and training sessions.

Digicel has been participating in the NFMU’s programme for the past four years and according to the company’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Vidya Sanichara, this year is no different for Digicel.

“Girls in ICT is a notion that we will always support. At

nies, including the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), Digicel and the NDMA/E-Government Unit as part of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications’ ‘Girls in ICT’ Day observance.

During their tour, the girls met with Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes and other female ICT specialists. The group of females gathered at the North Ruimveldt Secondary School to discuss their future in ICT. Minister Hughes in her charge encouraged the girls to embrace ICT and told them, “There are no limits to YOUR

A staff member of Digicel Guyana hands out flash drives to girls who participated in Thursday’s Girls in ICT activities at the Leonora Secondary School.

already started.”

She told the story of a young Internet Marketing professional whom she had the pleasure of meeting. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet the Senior Marketing Strategist of Google, New York.

At 20-something years old, she is so knowledgeable about the internet and Information Technology that she believes that there is NOTHING that ICT cannot do,” she said.

“There is another reality that we have to change,” she stated, while noting that “You might know a few girls who still believe that the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT) is just for

boys and men. Well, Girls in ICT Day was designed to tell you that you are wrong!

Don’t let the word technology fool you, or keep you from

taking charge of it,” the minister stated.

Those who participated in Thursday’s programme in Georgetown included students from Queen’s College, Brickdam Secondary, St. Joseph High, North Georgetown , Ascension, Cummings Lodge, Charlestown and Christ Church Secondary Schools.

Meanwhile, nearly 300 15 and sixteen-year-old girls attending Leonora Secondary and other schools on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) catchment area received live messages via Skype from representatives of the United Nations and the International Telecommunications Union

Digicel Guyana more than half of our workforce is women, or you can say ‘Girls in ICT’ not just locally, but in all 32 markets in which we operate.

We are pleased to be part of this event where girls are encouraged to find or peruse careers in ICT. Digicel remains committed to playing our part in helping to bridge this gap.”

The company presented a quantity of flash drives to those who participated in the day’s activities, the telecommunications company said in a statement.

International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative backed by the ITU. It is meant to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider

careers in the burgeoning field of diverse talents. International Girls in ICT Day is observed annually on the 4th Thursday in April.

Meanwhile, the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) which falls under the aegis of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, will host its annual Mentorship Luncheon from noon, Friday 28th April at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.

This event is designed for more mature students of the University of Guyana and Sixth Formers of senior secondary schools. Female ICT managers and executives are expected to attend and interact with the younger students and technicians.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

Evidence against registrar grows –– HR manager, other staffers give incriminating statements to cops

By Ariana Gordon THE police have intensified their investigation into allegations of corruption by the Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh, and top officers at the entity have provided statements showing how they were instructed to pay her gratuity contrary to her terms of employment and also evidence of her overpaying herself.

Baksh has sought to deny the allegations, but she was questioned at the Criminal Investigations Department earlier this week and the allegations were put to her. Top police sources said that by Tuesday next week, they will be able to turn over their file for legal advice before proceeding with charges. Though Baksh denies the allegations of financial impropriety levelled against her, evidence seen by the Guyana Chronicle suggests that Baksh had indeed instructed that she be paid bi-annual gratuity from 2014 to 2016.

Having being employed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), a public service entity, Baksh was not entitled to gratuity and as such has been accused of illegally paying herself $4.5M and waiving over $7M in outstanding fees due to the entity. Baksh was appointed Acting Registrar of Deeds from July 16, 2012 with a stipulated salary of $326,171 monthly and was entitled to duty, entertainment and house allowances as well as subsistence allowance when working out-of-district, duty-free concessions every three years, leave passage allowance and 42 days annual vacation leave.

Additionally, she was entitled to security at her residence, paid residential and mobile phone charges and monthly internet service charges. There was no mention by the JSC of a bi-annual gratuity as she was employed on the fixed establishment. In May 2014, the Deeds Registry

was merged with the Commercial Registry pursuant to the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act No. 4/ 2013.

By virtue of this legislation, all positions were made

Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh contractual except that of the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Deeds, whose tenure remained unchanged pursuant to Article 199 of the Constitution and the aforementioned legislation.

Evidence provided shows that Baksh instructed, and signed off on the payment of gratuity to herself and other members of staff who were entitled for the period May 2014 to November 2016. Additionally, it was discovered that Baksh had also paid herself $400,000 monthly as of May 2014, despite the fact that her salary should have been $359, 604 by virtue of the public service increases.

INNOCENCE Baksh however, through her attorney Nigel Hughes, said that on February 13, 2013, Cabinet decided that all staff of the Registry who opted to transfer of the Deeds and Commercial Registry would be paid severance and would be offered contract gratuity appointments.

“Pursuant to the issuance

of the Cabinet memo, the staff of the Deeds and Commercial Registry were written to by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Legal Affairs on the 19th May, 2014, providing them with two options, either refuse the offer of employment with the Deeds and Commercial Registry and be transferred to another Government Ministry or Department, or accept employment with the deeds and Commercial Registry and receive severance under the termination and severance Act.” Hughes pointed out that his client accepted the offer of employment with the Deeds and Commercial Registry and was paid severance in keeping with the offer of the permanent secretary. He said the payment of salaries is prepared by the Human Resources Department and submitted to the finance department for disbursement.

“Ms Baksh does not have the authority to direct the Human Resource Department or the Finance Department, to make any payment of salaries; these departments report to the governing board of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority; nor has she ever authorised the Human Resource Department to place any member of the Deeds and Commercial Registry on the payroll.

‘She is building her house’ However, Human Resource Manager of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority, Dr Shyam Dodnauth, in a statement that was issued to the police, which was seen by this newspaper said that Baksh is head of the budget agency and the lone person authorised to sign off on the Authority’s payroll. He said too that Baksh had allegedly instructed him to ensure she is paid gratuity. Dr Dodnauth said that by virtue of Baksh’s actions and instructions, there was no doubt in his mind that she was a contracted employee. “Ms Baksh personally instructed that I ensure she is paid her gratuity for the

period May 1, 2014 to October 31, 2014,” said the Human Resource Manager, who noted that Baksh enquired often about her gratuity as she noted “she is building her house and depends on it.”

Dr Shyam Dodnauth The Guyana Chronicle understands that every correspondence to the Accounts Department must be vetted by the Registrar of Deeds and according to Dr Dodnauth, when he questioned Baksh about whether she was employed on contract, she would “be unpleasant” and demand that he speak with the Chancellor, as she was employed by the JSC. On Tuesday, Baksh, on the invitation of the head of the fraud department of the Criminal Investigations Department, attended an interview, during which it was alleged that she wrongfully authorised the payment of her own salary on a contract basis when she was still a member of the permanent establishment. “Ms Baksh denied the allegation and undertook to provide the police with all the documentation related to the Cabinet decision, the offer of severance and the payment of her salary.”

Those documents were submitted the following day.

Hughes said too that “no allegation of any waiver of fees or waiver of any monies due to the Registry was

put to Ms Baksh during the interviews with the Police.”

NOT GOING ON LEAVE Meanwhile, at a recent management meeting hosted

by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, Baksh was asked to proceed on administrative leave to facilitate an investigation into the matter. He also instructed that Zanna Frank, Deputy Registrar, perform the functions of Registrar of Deeds.

However, in a missive dated April 13, 2017 and addressed to Williams, Baksh made it clear that she was employed by the JSC and as a result will not proceed on administrative leave.

“I respectfully reject your allegations and I am therefore prepared to defend myself in the appropriate manner. I am guided by my legal counsel to the effect that I am employed directly by the Judicial Services Commission and as such the Ministry of Legal Affairs has no jurisdiction to direct me to proceed on leave of any kind. I am further advised that it is only the judicial Service Commission that is empowered to investigate me in any circumstances,” she said, as she informed the Attorney General that she has referred the matter to the JSC. In response, to Baksh’s complaint, the JSC wrote to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Delma Nedd, informing her of the Commission’s role relative to its employees. In a letter dated April 24, 2017, Secretary for the JSC informed Nedd that the body has received correspondence from Baksh informing inter alia that she was directed to proceed on administrative leave pending the investigation into the payment of gratuity.

“In keeping with Article 199 (1) and 199 (3) of the Constitution, the power to make an appointment, to remove and exercise disciplinary control over the Registrar of Deed, vests in the Judicial Service Com-

mission. In this regard, the commission hereby requests that a report on this matter be produced and sent to it for deliberation.

AG HAS OVERSIGHT However, in response to the JSC’s letter dated April 26, 2017, Nedd noted that while the identified articles are instructive, the Deeds Registry functions under the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act No. 4 of 2013.

Additionally, the permanent secretary reminded the JSC that it is the Minister of Legal Affairs who has oversight of the Authority and the Act empowers him to inter alia, appoint an assistant Deeds Registrar and other staff, appoint the Board of the Authority and exercise general administrative powers and control over the Authority.

“This means that the entire administrative measures on the Registrar of Deeds appointed by the Judicial Service Commission and other Registry staff appointed by the Attorney General vest squarely in the Attorney General,” she stated.

Nedd said she was advised that the instruction by the Attorney General for Baksh to proceed on administrative leave is “quite valid and legal in the sense that the Attorney General, under the Act needs to administratively enquire about this complaint before passing his recommendations to the JSC.” She continued: “I am advised that the Judicial Service Commission, once it has appointed a person as Registrar, cannot usurp the powers of the Attorney General under the Act to administratively investigate any allegations against the Registrar.

The JSC shall only have to wait until the Attorney General conducts his administrative investigations and makes his recommendations to them. It is then that the JSC will invoke its power under Article 199 (1) of the Constitution.

Mental Health Institute to get new building –– Cabinet approves $61.2M for project

A BUILDING to house the Mental Health Institute will be constructed at the cost of $61.2M. The contract for the project was recently awarded

to Doonauth Construction and Supplies by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen

Cummings, had said that the administration was taking concrete steps to address the issue of mental health; and that in addition to the Mental Health Unit, which treats pa-

tients on an out-patient basis, plans are in the pipeline to establish a Mental Health Institute, which will offer counselling and occupational therapy.

The Mental Health Institute, when established, will provide training and clinical experience to those

officers in the field to effectively improve the delivery of mental health in Guyana.

Currently, the Mental Health Unit is housed at Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

In addition to the $61.2M awarded for the

construction of the Mental Health Institute’s building, the tender board also awarded $22.7M to Floyd Melville Construction for extension of the Charles Roza School of Nursing Faculty Building and external works at its Mackenzie, Linden, location.

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Energy Narrative awarded US$70M contract –– to study utilisation of natural gas for electricity generation

ENERGY Narrative, an internationally recognised entity that provides strategic market analyses to industry and Government leaders across the Americas, will be conducting a study on the utilisation of natural gas for electricity generation here in Guyana at a cost of US$70, 000.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon made the disclosure on Thursday, while addressing reporters during a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency.

It was explained that the study is being done on the basis of a proposal put forward by Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson to engage a consultancy firm to undertake a study on the options, cost, economics, impacts and key considerations of transporting and utilising natural gas from offshore Guyana for electricity. When Cabinet met earlier this week, approval was granted.

“Energy Narrative is an experienced company in the energy sector in the Caribbean and understands the challenges of developing natural gas infrastructure and adapting the electricity sector to accommodate natural gas,” Minister Harmon explained.

The company, he added, will verify the projected demand for natural gas, analyse the technical feasibility on the proposed natural gas pipeline and compare the proposed natural gas pipeline with other transportation mediums.

Additionally, Energy Narrative is expected to analyse the cost to deliver natural gas and the estimated impact on electricity prices.

The study was scheduled to commence this month and run for a period of eight weeks.

This is one of several feasibility studies being conducted at a time when the country is gearing up for the production of oil and gas from 2020.

Earlier in this year, a consultant, Pedro Haas, the Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners, was retained to provide a high-level feasibility assessment to the Government on whether investing in an oil refinery is a viable economic option.

Hartree Partners is a company based in the United States and is involved in providing advisory services in upstream and downstream trading and regulatory subjects in the oil and gas industry.

It was explained that the services of Haas were secured through the New Petroleum Producers Group of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, ‘Chatham House.’

The consultant was expected to examine the demand, availability, the economic landscape and forecast. His findings, Minister Trotman said, will influence Government’s decision.

Not Love and Faith THE Love and Faith World Outreach Ministries located in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown said convicted child rapist Pastor Josiah Baptiste was never a preacher at the church contrary to an article in this newspaper.

Guyana Chronicle had reported in its Wednesday April 26th 2017 edition that Josiah who was jailed for 18 years for raping a six-year-old girl was a former preacher of the Turkeyen-based congregation, but the church stated that is not so.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

Lethem holds talks on renaming region THE Mayor and Town Council of Lethem in collaboration with the Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo Regional Administration on Monday concluded talks on the renaming of the region and the implementation of regional flags and symbols.

According to Town Clerk Keisha Vincent, the consultations were held with residents at Culvert City, Tabatinga, Arapaima, Lethem and in the Moca Moca settlement.

Lethem Mayor Carlton Beckles spoke to the residents about regional identity and the decentralisation of power.

Beckles said as the mayor of Lethem, it was incumbent upon him to take up the responsibility to conduct the consultations within the town.

He explained what the Harpy Eagle and the colours (red and green) of the proposed flag symbolise.

Beckles also told the gathering about the restoration of

national pride and the advantages of each region having its own name instead of a number.

Most of the residents were in favour of the name “Ru-

residents about the role of the region in the consultations and the importance of the flag as a symbol in forging a regional patrimony and identity.

Several residents said they

Lethem Mayor Carlton Beckles engages residents on the renaming of the region and the adoption of a regional flag pununi” to represent Upper Takutu, Upper Essequibo, Region Nine.

Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock who attended the meetings also spoke to

preferred to have the red colour at the top of the flag, since it represents the zeal of the people and the people must be placed ahead of the green, which symbolises its

rich forestry.

One resident, Theodore Faria, who is a contractor, said he supports the idea of renaming the region and having a designated flag.

Another resident, Leonard Zammett, who described the consultation as very fruitful, proposed that the harpy eagle should not be in flight, but should depict a bird preparing to take flight.

Stasia Joseph said she supports the idea and Gillian Albert believes the region needs a motto to fortify its regional identity.

Sharla Hernandez, another resident, applauded the initiative and indicated that it will allow each region to be identified by its uniqueness, the Ministries of Communities said in a press release.

S ome res id en ts ex pressed the belief that yellow should be added to the flag to showcase its mineral wealth.

Authorities pick up stranded Easy Sky passengers

THE authorities are working overtime to ferry stranded Easy Sky passengers safely to their destinations.

Passengers, mainly Cubans, have been awaiting departure at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for several days after the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) grounded the Honduras-based airline last weekend over safety concerns.

According to a release

from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, two flights were expected to depart Guyana Wednesday evening and another two are scheduled to depart the CJIA on Thursday.

The flights are expected to significantly reduce the number of passengers awaiting departure.

“The GCAA is working closely along with the local ground-handling agent, Roraima Airways, to ensure the passengers depart from Guy-

ana as soon as possible,” the release stated.

While accommodation has been arranged for the passengers, the release stated that a number of passengers have instead opted to camp out at the airport as they await a flight.

Easy Sky officials have met with officials of the GCAA daily since the airline’s operations were halted, and according to the release, all flights to take the stranded

passengers to their destinations are receiving oversight from the aviation body.

The GCAA has stationed its safety inspectors at the CJIA on each flight by the airline.

Safety deficiencies on the aircraft were detected following an inspection by GCAA officials on April 21.

The immediate suspension was a necessity in the interest of public safety, the aviation body stated.

Carjacker nabbed at roadblock THE suspect in an alleged carjacking remains in police custody as an investigation continues at Central Police Station in New Amsterdam.

On Wednesday evening, motorist Yoganauth Goocool of Lot 53 Adelphi Settlement, East Canje, Berbice, had visited the Palmyra Gas Station to refuel his motor vehicle PPP 5354.

On leaving the Guyoil station he was stopped by a man who indicated that he needed to be taken to New Amsterdam, about two miles away.

However, while they were in the vicinity of the Canje

bridge , which links East Canje to the New Amsterdam township, the ‘ passenger’,

who was seated in the back seat, placed a knife to the driver’s neck and ordered him

The vehicle that was hijacked

to exit the vehicle.

After leaving the vehicle the shaken driver contacted a policeman, who in turn reported the matter to Operations Room, from where an alert was sent to all the stations in the Berbice division.

As a result , a roadblock was set up at the Fort Wellington Station, where the alleged carjacker, who hails from Crane, West Bank Demerara, was stopped and arrested. He was escorted to the Central Police Station,New Amsterdam, where he remains in police custody.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

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Culture Department plugs $1.5M into Highbury celebration

PLANS are moving apace for the celebration of the 179th year of Indian arrival in Guyana at Plantation Highbury, Berbice.

Coordinated by the Berbice Indian Cultural Committee, a mega event is slated for staging at Plantation Highbury where the first set of East Indians arrived in Guyana.

To add to the realisation of a successful event, Government has committed a sum of $1.5 million through the Ministry of Education,Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.

On Wednesday, a cheque of $700,000 was handed over to the Berbice Indian Cultural Committee towards the suc-

cessful staging of the event.

Additionally, the Government is engaged in venue developmental works and shall provide other services to the tune of $800,000 to treat with aesthetics of the location.

The cheque was handed over to Chandra Sohan, the president of the Berbice Indian Cultural Committee by Nirvana Persaud, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Trust of Guyana,at the venue.

The May 5th event will be addressed by President David Granger and will feature many cultural presentations such as the re-enactment of the historical arrival of the first batch of East Indian Indentured labour-

ers to Guyana.

Collaborative efforts commenced several weeks ago to ensure another grand Commemorative Indian arrival anniversary at Plantation Highbury on May 5, 2017.

Regularly, on May 5, thousands of descendants and supporters are expected to gather for a cultural and reflective celebration as homage to the first set of East Indian Labourers who came to the local shores.

On March 31, a team of officials representing the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, the regional administration, the Indian Action Committee, and the Berbice Indian Cultural

Committee visited the commemorative site at Plantation Highbury, East Bank Berbice.

On May 5, 1838, the first batch of East Indians numbering 128 landed a stone’s throw away from the commemorative site via the East Bank, Berbice River on the Whitby Ship,to commence working as indentured labourers following the abolition of slavery in British Guiana.

This year marks the 179th anniversary of the arrival and through collaborative efforts,the organisers are proposing a day filled with reflective and cultural showcases that would feature an official stage show programme last-

Berbice Indian Cultural Committee President,Chandra Sohan receives the cheque from National Trust of Guyana Chief Executive Officer(CEO),Nirvana Persaud ing for at least two hours.

BIG EVENT “The commemoration normally is a pretty big cultural and religious event with a lot of people flocking to Berbice on their own or they are trucked in from all across Guyana; some even come from overseas for the activity,” said Regional Chairman David Armogan, who is among the organisers of this year’s event.

He said the occasion is a significant one.

“The first boat landed with our ancestors (the East Indians) at Highbury, Berbice on the Whitby and that is why we go there every year as a pilgrimage to pay homage and commemorate the arrival of the East Indians to Berbice and by extension Guyana.”

Through active coordinating efforts, the commemoration began in 1988 as just a gathering by the road side, but from that time to now, there has been a lot of development at the location through input from various stakeholders.

“The event itself is largely cultural where people would give presentations on the significance of Highbury with specific reference to the first set of labourers who came to

Guyana,” Sohan said.

Based on historical research, Sohan said the plantation was home to one of the major factories at the time and based on how commemorations have been done in the past,the former slaves welcomed the ship with drumming.

“As we see it, Highbury is the birth place of Indians in this country and that is where the first East Indians came off the boat.”

In his estimation, the event makes allowance for contributions from Indians across the world,even as he opined that “it’s a worldwide event where people come from overseas; some having heard the stories and have walked the road to see and hear and know what the day is all about and its significance to the shaping of Guyana as we now know it, in addition to persons who come back to pay homage to their ancestors”.

As the lead organisers of the event, the Berbice Indian Cultural Committee’s president said he welcomes the collaborative effort where the Education Ministry is more actively involved and sees the supportive move by the Culture Department as a plus to further add to the event’s success.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

Mechanic remanded on marijuana charge A MECHANIC, who was allegedly busted by police with cannabis stashed in his pants crotch, was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday.

Raphael Cadogan, 26, pleaded not guilty to the offence, which alleged that on April 26, 2017, at 70 Barama police outpost, Essequibo, he had 26 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Inspector Arwyn Moore, prosecuting, told the Court that ranks of the police outpost stopped and searched the accused after they observed him acting in a suspicious manner. The prosecutor said the prohibited substance was found in a zip-lock bag in the crotch of the accused.

Attorney-at-law Darren Wade in his bail application, claimed that the illegal substance was not found in his client’s possession. Wade told the court that his client is the sole breadwinner for his two kids and his reputed wife.

Bail was however denied and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrates Court for May 12, 2017.

Albouystown man jailed, fined $3.3M for marijuana AN Albouystown resident was sentenced to three years in jail and fined $3.3M by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he pleaded guilty to trafficking drugs.

Saied Ally admitted that on April 25, 2017, at his Albouys Street, Albouystown home he had 2025 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

According to reports, police ranks acted on information received and visited Ally’s home at Lot 34 Albouys Street, Albouystown commonly known as ‘sim yard’ and conducted a search. The ranks found the accused hiding under his bed, hugging two black parcels in his hands.

He was ordered to come out from under the bed by the officers and they found the marijuana inside the parcels.

Ally did not have legal representation but told the court that he uses the drugs as medication and would normally boil and drink it as tea.

Friday, April 28, 2017 ––05:00hrs Saturday, April 29, 2017 ––05:30 hrs

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Female fruit vendor accused of assaulting cop

A WATER Street, Georgetown fruit vendor, who allegedly assaulted a city constabulary inspector and escaped from the Stabroek Police Outpost, was released on $25,000 bail by city Magistrate Annette Singh on Thursday.

Onika Miller, of Fourth Street, Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, denied that on April 19, 2017 at Water Street, Georgetown, she

assaulted a city police inspector. The woman further denied that on the said date, while being held at the Stabroek Police Outpost pending an investigation, she escaped from police custody.

Magistrate Singh placed the vendor on $15,000 bail for escaping from police custody and $10,000 bail for assaulting the city officer.

Miller was also charged with obstructing a public way;

engaging in public insult and obstructing a peace officer from carrying out his duties.

She pleaded guilty to the three charges and was fined a total of $30,000.

The prosecutor told the court that on the day in question at Water Street, Georgetown, city police ranks observed a wooden bench, two pieces of ply wood, a quantity of watermelons and other fruits being offered for sale

by Miller.

As a result, a city police rank approached the woman and informed her that she was obstructing the public way, as a result of which she behaved in a disorderly manner.

The court was told that the woman hurled a series of insulting remarks at the peace officer and threw a quantity of pineapples at him.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

Julius Caesar for Cliff Anderson’s AS secondary school students continue to prepare for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examina-

tions, they’ll soon be in for a rare treat as Julius Caesar, one of the most plays from William Shakespeare, comes to life at the

Cliff Anderson Sports Hall next Wednesday at 10:00hrs.

A production of Gems Theatre Productions in collaboration with

the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama (NSTAD), this local adaptation will be directed

by Subraj Singh, who said that the choice to stage the play was made given that Julius Caesar will not be on the CSEC Literature syllabus next year, and would therefore be a good opportunity to expose the students to what is considered one of Shakespeare’s best plays in a way that could help them to understand it better.

“This play was chosen because it is known that students, on account of the Elizabethan language, usually have a harder time following the works of Shakespeare, as opposed to the works of other playwrights. “We felt that having the students witness an actual production of the play would have helped to make it more understandable to them,” Subraj told The Buzz.

Moreover, much like many of Shakespeare’s works, Julius Casear presents universal themes which have made the playwright’s work timeless, and are also very much relatable to young people. Some of these themes include power, politics, manipulation, duality, fate and free will, the public and private selves, and several others.

“For the most part, we tried to create the play as authentically as possible because our purpose with this production is to make the play, its themes and messages, and characters, more understandable to students,” the young director said, adding: “Therefore, a lot of the elements in the production were

designed so as to evoke the Shakespearean elements of the drama.

For example, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was chosen as the venue for the production because it allowed us to create what can be considered an arena-style theatre space, which is more similar to what was actually done in Shakespeare’s time.”

Other elements such as costumes, and set design, he said, were created to evoke a sense of the time in which the play was set, which helps to position the audience in the midst of the drama.

“So, the soldiers look like actual Roman soldiers and the senators look like actual Roman senators; and the senate house is made of ramps that resemble actual senate houses from the past,” he said.

Of course, those who know Subraj’s own work will know his affinity with post-modernism, and, true to form, he has incorporated some of this into the adaptation to help to portray the theme of fate.

“The three Fates, of Roman and Greek mythology, are given a physical presence in the play, where they have been fused with the Soothsayer, an original character in Shakespeare’s play,” he said.

This is the second CSEC play that the young writer will have his hands in, having staged Derek Walcott’s Ti Jean and his Brothers last year at the National Cultural Centre, which received rave reviews from schools and other attendees.

Subraj admits that it was coming off of that success that he was influenced to direct another CSEC

play.

“I was able to see how much they had learnt from the production, and how it was going to help them in their studies. The theatre component of education is important; theatre as a tool for teaching is important, and, therefore, I am honoured to be able to help the Literature students in their studies by helping to bring these plays to life,” he said.

He added, however, that producer Gem Madhoo, whose work is no stranger to the local theatre industry, also has a long history of staging plays for CSEC students, and had planned on staging the play for quite some time.

And while theatre in Guyana has had its fair share of struggles for receiving adequate sponsorship and other forms of support from the relevant stakeholders, Subraj said that through the work of NSTAD and other bodies such as Gem’s Theatre Productions, the Theatre Guild and the National Drama Company (which is a subsidiary of NSTAD) theatre still has a firm foothold in Guyana. “Even if the support is not there sometimes from the general public, it helps that the people in theatre can support each other and continue to work together to make Drama in Guyana as amazing as it can be,” he said.

Subraj is certain that the support for this particular play will be given, however, adding that people understand the benefit of seeing a play come alive on stage to analysing the play.

“Teachers and parents will respond, and will send the students out to see the production because they understand how much it can help,” he said.

The production is also open to the general public, and he is encouraging local theatre fans to come and see the play, despite the main purpose for which it is being staged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

The political puppeteers -- of race and imagination LAST Sunday, David Hinds dealt with what he termed ‘The Ethnic trap facing the Government’.

I wish to add by extending this reality towards another perspective that has to be faced, not through politics, but through the Anthropology of Culture and religious imagination.

This country is a microcosm of all major human variations [primitive term, races]; variations that all constitute different philosophical origins that were either used to enhance or regulate how they existed before coming to ‘Guyana’.

To the Amerindian who sought better hunting grounds, he had the option to avoid hostile competition by exploring these vast lands with a stable climate through a nomadic system; though that is not to say that he did not engage in confrontation. The European was less of an explorer than he was, out of need for tropical sustenance when he [particularly Spain & Portugal] followed the sea trade trails of the Moors to acquire exotic foods, and to establish, as saviour colonisers in the name of Eu-

rope’s new adopted religion, ‘Christianity’, as directed

by God’s representative on Earth, ‘The Pope’, into a new Roman Empire.

Other in-need European nations rejected the Pope’s declaration; and the rest is our violent history.

The African presence in the Americas is far older than the Pope and his empire builders. But in the context of our discussion, as it applies to present-day Guyana, 1623 is a reasonable timeline to place the presence of Africans. They came from tribal Kingdoms, many of them sold into slavery as prisoners of wars, or by mercenary Africans raiding villages for European slavers.

THE RELIGIOUS IMAGINATION In exploring their religious imagination, in none of the tribal Kingdoms from which the New World Africans came, can be found a doctrine founded on ‘racial animosity’. Tribal prejudices, yes; conquest for trade and grazing spaces, slave trading of captured enemies for European weapons, tribute, religious oppression in the advent of Islam, but

never the imposition of a regimented apartheid system in spirit or body.

This can also be said of the Mesoamerican Indians.

Asia, in particular India, is the first place that a fusion of religion and racism was successfully merged for economic reasons and allowed to endure to the present, spanning some 2,500 years through the caste system.

India, however, is a diverse place, and not all of its diverse philosophies and belief systems are ascribed to the caste system, as dictated by the Laws of Manu. Many of its writers and scholars testify to that; our Clem Seecharan has several works that can be used for a better understanding of how innate caste culture works, and why those who attempt to understand that collective, through expectations on a broader rational platform, will fail as long as individuals that collective empathises with are willing to lie to them.

This is the pool that pervades the provincial areas that the PPP’s support base is attached to. And that vein can be appealed to on the classic reference of ‘Victimhood’ that absolves all self examination, guilt through choice, intent, or that bal-

ance in the consciousness of the other that says ‘Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s’; because it must be recognised that we are dealing with two opposing philosophies: Tribal-matriarchal and caste-patriarchal; only the enforcement of legal dictates will serve as a meaningful and cohesive tool .

The ultimate revelation on the preoccupation of the PPP with the ‘race’ template occurred with Anil Nandlall’s boast to the journalist, Leonard Gildharie of belonging to the high-brow Chatree caste and therefore being superior to his PPP colleagues.

Any professional enlightened mind would quickly recognise that promoting one’s self along the criteria of a caste system is infra dig and comical, realising that the caste system and its pretentions in its mundane practice were methods of economic marginalisation, and inhuman and out of sync with today’s world. But this was not only evident of Nandlall’s lack of self confidence, but an obvious position he had convinced himself of in respect to creating a fictional aura, empowering the authority he needs to dictate to and hold

his constituency transfixed with during his political sermons.

OLD-WORLD ORIGINS The question of oldworld origins, be they caste or tribe, should merit a place in the school curriculum as social anthropology, as only then, and with time, can such facades of mystique be dismantled.

The task ahead of the APNU-AFC government in the retaking of stolen wealth has to be done, lest it becomes a ‘Political Trap’ if it’s not done. I have always likened the PPP to the ‘illegitimate mother in the Solomon romance that would rather the child were slain if she could not have it’. The current interior outreaches of the leader of the opposition, and the racist rhetoric rooted in racist fictions being spitted out, targeting our indigenous populations justifies that analogy. Corrupt minds are not exclusive to any particular human variation or political group, but cultural conditions and historical experiences can tip the scales to developed innate compulsions here or there.

To set the example to many in the seats of admin-

istration today, and to those observing youth to come, this period, with over ‘400 Guyanese of interest’ to the international community under the shadow of money laundering and the narco-trade, the ethnic composite will look one-sided; but that’s how it is.

This is the most significant pivot in our modern history; if we retreat from the gauntlet of demonstrating social balances according to ‘LAW’, then this administration will bear the shame of the yellow stripe as long as this nation exists.

The administration has to address the economic imbalances in every sector, and the image its decisions create. It’s well aware of this, but loopholes still exist.

For example, how could the Board at a very sensitive authority re-employ a known transgressor, who, to compound it, was an ardent campaigner for the now opposition in 2015, and place him over staff who are aware of his profile?

The real change of cultural economics will be the support of small industry potential, and with fairness, consolidating previous marginalised components of what already exists.

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Man sues R. Kelly

--over alleged affair with wife KENNY Bryant, a deputy sheriff from Hinds County, Miss., has filed a lawsuit against the R&B singer for allegedly having an affair with his wife.

He says he suffered “emotional, psychological and financial loss” due to Kelly’s actions.

In documents filed, the plaintiff claims that his wife, Asia Childress, admitted to having an intimate relationship with Kelly prior to their wedding in July 2012.

She allegedly said that it was over, but rekindled their romance after attending an R. Kelly concert three months later.

“Thereafter, Childress did not have sexual relations with Plaintiff from October 2012 until February 2013,” the lawsuit reads. “Childress was treated for chlamydia during this time period. Childress contracted this sexual disease from her extramarital relationship with R. Kelly.”

Soon after that, Bryant claims, his wife persuaded him to move to Atlanta to further her career; however, he believes the motive was to continue a relationship with the “Trapped in the Closet” crooner.

During that time, he claims, Childress would run off to join

Kelly on tour around nearby states.

Bryant says the move to Georgia was “financially ruinous”, as he was unable to find a good job after the relocation.

Bryant also alleges that Childress’s subsequent request for a divorce was the result of Kelly’s “blatant disregard” for their vows.

“Bryant tried every avenue to hold his marriage together, but his efforts could not prevail against R. Kelly’s continued sexual overtures to Childress,” the lawsuit states.

The years-long affair allegedly caused an alienation of affection, and Bryant is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

THE Linden Town Week is winding down, and as the saying goes, you save the best for last, so things are going to be packed out this weekend as people rush to the Mining Town to take in the best of what the event has to offer!

But anyway, if you’re not headed down south and will be slumming it in Georgetown, do not despair! You are still being catered for!

Tower Poolside’s after-work lime has a pretty cool twist with a Lord of the Rings-esque theme to it, and lot’s of grilled everything!

Pulse is also continuing their party season on Saturday, and it’s promising to be sensational! Over at Club Privilege, the Easter holiday partying is still going on, and up on the East Coast there’s going to be a big chutney bashment!

More on the fashionable side however, there’s a fashion show, while the Miss St Joseph Pageant is promising to be a fun one!

TODAY

LINDEN TOWN WEEK: Bikers Fest at Northern Burnham Drive (14:00hrs); Wismar Shore Big Lime at Wismar, Linden (15:00hrs); Meet & Greet Soca Fete at the Wismar Market Square (19:00hrs); Colour Party at the C/Burg Hard Court (20:00hrs)!

As the Tower Suites Poolside continues to keep their after-work lime exciting, this week they’re hitting you with a totally new concept: The Lord of The Grill Afterwork Lime, and it’s promising to be “The one to rule them all!”

So, go out and kick off the Labour Day weekend with some of the most tantalising tastes in all of Middle-Earth! Get your food straight off the grill from 17:00hrs! Price remains $2000 per serving.

TOMORROW

LINDEN TOWN WEEK: Vybz Regional All Black at the MSC Ground (20:00hrs); Linden Exhibition Festival at Republic Avenue (12:00hrs)!

PULSE will be transforming Palm Court into an amazing atmosphere, to give you that sensational feeling as they bring to you “Sensation”! With the hottest DJ out of Trinidad, DJ Marcus Williams, along with Guyana’s DJ Ryan and DJ Country Bouy!

Tickets: $2000; more at the door!

If you thought the Easter partying was over, think again! The “Last Lap” is happening at Club Privilege!

It’s “East Coast Chutney Night” at the Lusignan Community Centre, where a packed lineup of performers is waiting for you! There’s gonna be live performances by CoolBoyz (Damian, Pakaloo and John), Ken Rock from NY, Shakti Strings, Steven Ramphal, Bunty Singh, and much, much more! Tickets: $1000.

Sorsha Williams Foundation and Sonia Noel will be hosting a Fashion Show and Tea Party at the Promenade Gardens from 14:00hrs! And it’s an all elegantly casual, all white kind of get together!

Feel free to bring out the kids, as they, too, will be catered for with several fun activities including painting, balloon crafting, bouncy castles, photo booths, make up booth for girls!

Tickets: $2000.

SUNDAY

LINDEN TOWN WEEK: Big Lime/ Linden Exhibition Festival on Republic Avenue (12:00hrs); Lions Club “Jeans & Anything Party” at the Bandstand (Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre, 20:00hrs); International Concert at MSC Ground (20:00hrs).

The Miss St Joseph High School Pageant will see 16 confident young ladies vying for the junior and senior crown at the National Cultural Centre! Tickets: Auditorium Front, $2000; Auditorium Rear, $1500; and Balcony, $1000.

The Second Annual Boyce/Jefford Relay Festival and Family is promising to be one not to miss, when it goes down at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary!

From athletics, to football, to cricket and so much more, it’s going to be a sports and funfilled day!

Gate prizes will be up for grabs, along with novelty events for the family and Kids Zone for children. The day has something for everyone!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

New CH&PA board sworn in THE new board of directors for the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) was on Thursday sworn in, with a charge from Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan to ensure good governance.

Present at the occasion were Ministers within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Patterson and Dawn

Hastings-Williams, CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lelon Saul and representatives from civil society.

The board is made up of one representative each of the nine municipalities. The other members are from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Lands and Surveys Commission, the Central Board of Health, and those chosen

by the Minister as stipulated by the Housing Act, Article 36:20.

The board is chaired by Reverend Ellsworth Williams and other members are Junior Garrett, Sheik Mahmood, Mohamed Dawood Khan, Cleveland December, Mark Ambrose, Carlton Beckles, Winifred Heywood, Rookmin Ramcharran, Sonia Gumbs-

Luke, Dr. Mallika Mootoo, Glenyss James, Heather Martins, Thandi McAllister, Michael Huston, Naresh Mangar, Waneka Arrindell and Egbert Carter.

Bulkan called on the directors to put aside partisanship in the execution of their duties.

“I am cognisant that the task will not be easy, but I

am sure that you will bring your skills and experience to the table. The board comes into being in and at a time of change. Change is not something that is easy. I am in no doubt that you will serve with distinction and excellence, and leave a lasting legacy of success in our quest to improve the conditions under which our people are living,”

he said.

The role of the board is to provide oversight of the agency’s operations.

The life of the old CH&PA Board came to an end in December 2016.

The old board was chaired by former Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green, who is well over age 80.

Some hiccups at GPSU elections THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) elections got underway yesterday with union Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Herman DeSouza acknowledging some hiccups caused by a few disgruntled members.

“There were minor disruptions, but it was nothing too much and it was remedied…. I hope that it continues well and the contestants accept the results when they are announced,” said DeSouza.

On the brighter side, De Souza said the elections

started on time and concluded at 18:00 hrs without further disruptions.

Polling stations were set up in eight regions across the country and gave 3,663 eligible members a chance to cast their ballots.

“Everyone has been given an opportunity to vote… I would like to assure everyone that the process will be as transparent

A voter casting his ballot at the GPSU building, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, on Thursday

Teacher reportedly forces teens to perform sex act POLICE in ‘B’ Division are investigating a report of sexual assault on two teenagers, ages 14 and 15.

According to information, the minors last week were lured under the pretext of being taken for a drive, only to

be forced to perform oral sex on a man who is said to be a teacher at a Berbice private school.

The children on returning home related the ordeal to their parents who immediately made a report to the police

station.

The man reportedly visited the home of the teens and offered food supplies.

Based on reports received, the man was arrested and subsequently placed on bail.

as possible,” the CEO said.

On April 20, Justice Nareshwar Harnanan had granted a temporary injunction blocking the elections after a motion was filed by Gregory Gaspar, the main challenger to incumbent President Patrick Yarde.

The injunction granted was discharged on Tuesday.

DeSouza yesterday said

there is no definitive day for the announcement of the election results.

“Ballots have to be returned, so we cannot make a pronouncement until the ballots have been checked… we will however look to do so as early as physically possible,” he said.

All the ballots are expected to be in by today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 28, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

GCB Inter-County U-17 tournament.…

Essequibo inflict three-wicket defeat over Demerara ... Berbice beat Guyana Select U-15 X1 by

By Rajiv Bisnauth DEMERARA suffered a shock three-wicket defeat at the hands of Essequibo in their second round Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) sponsored Igloo Inter-County Under-17 oneday tournament, played at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, yesterday.

Known as the perennial whipping boys of local cricket, the Cinderella County side turned in a sound bowling and fielding performance first up to skittle out the defending champions, for 127 in 40.5 overs.

Five Demerara batsmen got to double figures but the accurate, disciplined Essequibo bowlers allowed none of the batsmen to take charge.

Medium- pacer and man-of-the-match Mark Rankin was the leading wicket-taker for Essequibo with 5-23, but it was essentially a total team effort.

Chasing the paltry total, the visitors suffered a mini middle-order collapse, but eventually achieved the winning target, with 11.5 overs to spear.

Lance Roberts conquered the collapse, and ensured Essequibo crossed the final hurdle, with an unbeaten 29.

Demerara’s decision to bat first backfired right from the start when me-

dium pacer Reyaz Khan (1-47) had Sachin Singh caught at the wicket off the first ball of the innings.

That dismissal brought a total meltdown to the visitors batting line-up, as Leon Swami (2-22) soon after got into the act, when he bowled the other opener,Adrian Hinds in the sixth over.

Alphius Bookie and Robin Williams added 32 for the third-wicket before the latter was caught at point to off-spinner Roberts (2-18), for 18.

Rankin then ripped through the middle-order to trap both Pradesh Ballkishun (1) and Bookie (18) leg-before wicket before claiming the wicket of Ashmead Nedd for four.

Roberts removed Andrew Samroo without scoring, at 71-7, but after an eight-wicket stand of 26 between Hemnauth Dindyal and Qumar Torrington, Swami returned for a second spell and immediately trapped Torrington plumb in front for 10.

Rankin then took the final two wickets of Dindyal and Elion Whyte for 18 and 10 respectively.

The Essequibo openers then made a positive start to the reply, putting together 38 for the first wicket before Orlando Jailall,who hit two fours

nine wickets

and a six, was bowled by Ballkishun (3-26), for 23.

With the pitch far truer,opener Kevin Christian along with Azeem Mohamed made the most of it to ensure the visitors kept their heavy foot firmly on the hosts ‘throat. The duo built their solid stand with relative ease, facing little pressure from the hosts’ bowlers to add 42 for the second-wicket.

However, left-arm spinner Nedd (2-11), provided the breakthrough when he bowled Christian for 29. Mohamed followed soon after to Ballkishun for 16, at 81-3.

Swami and Roberts then added 23 for the fourth-wicket before four quick wickets fell. Nedd removed Swami (8), Ballkishun claimed the wicket of Badesh Prastom without scoring, while Devendra Mohan and Saeed Hakh were run out in separate mix-up, with Roberts, at 115-7.

Roberts and Khan then took Essequibo home safely, with Roberts hitting Torrington for a sweetly-timed boundary to seal the win.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Select Under-15 X1 also suffered a humiliating nine-wicket defeat to Berbice in the other second round game, played at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

The Berbice’s spin

French prosecutors investigating ... was not immediately available to comment.

FIFA has been in turmoil since several dozen sports officials, including a number of senior FIFA officials, were indicted in the United States on corruption-related charges in 2015.

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and money laundering related to the allocation of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Hosting rights for both tournaments were awarded at the same vote by the FIFA executive committee in Zurich in December 2010.

Two members of the committee, Reynald Temarii and Amos Adamu, were suspended one month before the vote after they allegedly offered to sell 10:30 hrs Dawn Of Hope 11:05 hrs Queen In Waiting 11:35 hrs Serenda 12:10 hrs Naseem Perth 09:00 hrs War Creation 09:35 hrs Sky Khan 10:10 hrs The Fresh Prince 10:45 hrs Urban Kode 11:15 hrs Shanroe Street 11:50 hrs Monsieur Jourdain 12:25 hrs Whatswrongwithyou Irish Racing Tips Punchestown 10:40 hrs Shin A Vee

assault of off-spinner Kevlon Anderson (3-2), leg-spinner Mahendra Dorasami (3-13), left-arm spinner Kevin Omroa (316) and Seon Glasgow sparked a spectacular batting collapse, as the Guyana Select Under-15 X1 were routed for just 70 in 34.3 overs.

After decided to bat first openers Ricardo Ramdehol and Shemar Yearwood put together 33 for the first wicket when play began, but after Omroa broke the promising stand when he trapped Ramdehol leg before wicket for 16, the Guyana Select Under-15 X1 caved in without much resistance losing their last nine wickets for an addition of 38 runs.

Yearwood made 17, but the remaining batsmen failed to make double figures.

In reply,man-of-thematch Alex Algu then hammered a quick-fired 43, and added 63 for the first wicket with Brandon Mangal to put the run chase on target.

When the victory target was achieved after 11.1 overs, Berbice reached 711, with Mangal unbeaten on 14, while Junior Sinclair was on three. Algu hammered three fours and a similar amount of sixes in his destructive stay at the wicket.

The final round is billed for tomorrow.

From back page their votes to Sunday Times reporters posing as lobbyists for an American consortium.

As a result, only 22 of the 24 executive committee members voted.

Russia and Qatar have denied any wrongdoing and FIFA's own investigation, completed in 2014, said it had found no grounds to strip either country of the right to host the event.

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ICC board approves rollback of ‘Big Three’ decision

(REUTERS)-The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) board has voted to pass a new financial model that will reverse a 2014 decision which effectively put India, England and Australia in control of the game’s finances and administration.

Under the new financial model and governance structure, the split of revenues from the ICC for the years 2016 to 2023 will be altered to address the imbalance currently favouring the three boards.

The measure was passed by 13 votes to one, the governing body said in a statement on Thursday after its meetings at its headquarters in Dubai.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI), according to local media, was the only one to oppose the new financial model, which would see their revenue share cut by almost half.

Based on current forecasts for revenues and costs, the BCCI would now receive $293 million (£227.87 million) across the eightyear cycle, down from the $570 million it would have received under the 2014 arrangement.

The ICC said the England and Wales Cricket Board would be the second-best earners with $143 million, Zimbabwe would receive $94 million while the remaining seven full members would get $132 million each in the new model.

A revised constitution, which will allow the ICC to include additional full mem-

ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar

bers in the future, was also approved by 12 votes to two.

The decisions would have to be ratified at the ICC’s annual conference in June.

ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar, who has been critical of the ‘Big Three’ model, welcomed the vote.

“This is another step forward for world cricket and I look forward to concluding the work at the Annual Conference,” former BCCI chief Manohar, who will step down in June due to personal reasons, said.

“I am confident we can provide a strong foundation for the sport to grow and improve globally in the future through the adoption of the revised financial model and governance structure.”

India, meanwhile, have yet to submit their squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The BCCI failed

to deliver the squad info by the Tuesday midnight deadline and has not ruled out boycotting the tournament altogether.

The ICC board members were also briefed on the security situation in Pakistan following the visit of the ICC delegation to the final of the country’s Twenty20 league in March in Lahore.

“The feasibility of further matches in Pakistan involving a World XI is now being considered from a security and budget perspective,” the ICC said in a statement.

Pakistan has been forced to play most of its “home” games in the United Arab Emirates after gunmen fired on a bus carrying Sri Lanka’s cricket team in 2009 with rifles, grenades and rockets, wounding six players and a British coach, and killing eight Pakistanis.

US turns tables on Mexico in seven-goal thriller

THERE were a few anxious moments for the United States in their CONCACAF U17 top-of-table final round clash against Mexico at the Nuevo Estadio Maracaná de Panamá on Wednesday.

The United States ended 4-3 winners, though it was Mexico, who started brightest in the rain.

It took just six minutes for Carlos De La Rosa to get onto the scoresheet via a pass from Jesus Perez.

Twenty minutes later the US were back in it, Joshua Sargent putting them on level terms.

Things would go pear shaped for the Mexicans after Sargent was at it again, giving the US their first lead of the encounter in the 40th minute.

De La Rosa was also in a brace-making mood, as his 44th-minute effort meant the teams would go into the half-

time break on level terms.

Six minutes after the restart, US left-sided midfielder, Blaine Ferri, put the team back in charge.

The 51st minute goal knocked the stuffing out of the Mexicans who could find no way back.

Things got worse in the 84th when Ayomide Akinola struck for the US to make it 4-2.

The game may have been over for the smattering of spectators in the stands, but it wasn’t.

A right sided cross from one of many Mexican moves in the second half was inadvertently turned in by US right back Jaylin Lindsey.

That misque, could have been costly as Mexico came to life in the final three minutes of time allowed for stoppages, testing the US backline with wave after wave.

T h e t h re e m i n u t e s of pressure counted for nought in the end as the US went to the top of the table with six poitnts, all but guaranteeing a place in the semi-final of the competition.

Mexico in the meantime, remain in second place with a final match against Jamaica to consider.

Jamaica rebounded from an opening day loss to beat El Salvador 3-1 and lie in third on three points, the same as Mexico. The only tie-breaker at the moment is goal difference and Mexico hold that with a +5 to Jamaica’s -4.

El Salvador are at the foot of the table having yet to earn a point.

The win also marks the first time in six attempts that the US are getting the better of Mexico in this competition. (Sportsmax)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

Woodpecker Products Women’s First Division Hockey League

Shooting Stars register first win

OLD Fort Shooting Stars pulled off their first win of the Woodpecker Products Women’s First Division Hockey League with a 2-1 victory over newcomers,the GCC Spartans.

the Spartans midfielder Princessa Wilkie, who had pushed higher into attack, bullied her way into the Old Fort circle and sent her shot past Phillips into the goal on the right post.

Wilkie’s goal with ten

on the clock.

In the second Woodpecker First Division match of the week, sisters Sonia Jardine and Kerensa Fernandes put all doubts to rest as to which was the top side in the com-

Pizza Hut GCC central midfielder,Marzana Fiedtkou controls the ball in attack

While the match seemed fairly even in the opening minutes, a hard hit into the Spartans defensive area met the stick of Sulika Treurniet and deflected to find goalkeeper Jessica Mittleholtzer going the wrong way.

Both Mittleholtzer for Spartans and Sarafina Phillips for Old Fort were solid in goal for their respective teams throughout the match.

In her quest to equalise,

minutes remaining breathed new life into the match,as both teams pressed forward with relentlessly for the winning goal. Old Fort would receive a penalty corner just as time expired, leaving the Spartans to make one more defensive play.

Minsodia Culpepper ’s hard push,however,was too much for the Spartans and gave jubilant Old Fort the 2-1 victory with no time remaining

petition.

Coming off a 10-0 thrashing of Old Fort and a 7-0 win over the Spartans, the Pizza Hut GCC ladies inflicted a 6-0 beating on the Woodpecker Hikers with all goals being scored by the sisters.

After a scoreless ten minutes of play, Jardine decided she had enough and sent a powerful blast into the Hikers goal after receiving a pass from Fernandes on

Lions roar to worsen woes of Kohli’s RCB GUJARAT Lions breathed life into their Indian Premier League(IPL) campaign with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore, whose dire season continued on Thursday.

Put in to bat at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, last year’s beaten finalists were all out for 134, leaving the visiting Lions with a simple task to chase down the total.

The departure of Gujarat openers Ishan Kishan (16) and Brendon McCullum (3) offered the hosts some hope, with the loss of the big-hitting New Zealander, caught by AB de Villiers off Samuel Badree at long-on, particularly encouraging.

Aaron Finch, though, promptly took control of the contest, racing to a match-winning 72 off 34 deliveries, including five boundaries and six maximums.

Pawan Negi eventually dislodged the Australian, but the damage was already done, as unbeaten captain Suresh Raina (34 not out) was joined

by Ravindra Jadeja (2no) to finish the job with a luxurious 37 balls remaining.

The result means the Lions can still harbour realistic hopes

Aaron Finch looks on after smacking the ball for a six.

of forcing their way into the top four, but the lacklustre challenge of RCB, second bottom in the standings, is now all but over.

Earlier, after a tentative start, the home side suffered a trio of near fatal blows, losing Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and Travis Head in the space of five balls.

Skipper Kohli was the first to depart, a poor shot picking out Finch at short fine leg off Basil Thampi’s unremarkable delivery to see the star India batsman return to the pavilion for just 10.

Gayle (8) followed swiftly, edging Andrew Tye’s superb line and length ball to Dinesh Karthik. The impressive Tye (3-12) repeated the feat with his

next delivery to get Head out for a duck.

Kedar Jadhav (31) undid some good work with an ill-advised late cut attempt off an arrow-straight ball from Jadeja (2-28).

And when remaining specialist De Villiers (5) was run out after a mix-up with Mandeep Singh, RCB’s fate was effectively sealed.

The only other real resistance was offered, temporarily, by Negi (32) but, after hitting a crowd-pleasing six, a second successive Ankit Soni (1-28) googly proved too tempting, the debutant earning his first T20 wicket thanks to a Thampi catch at deep midwicket. (Omnisport)

the right.

Less than one minute later,Jardine scored her second goal high into the net when she pounced on a Hikers defensive fumble, eliminated the sweeper and unleashed her shot.

Jardine would score once more before the half and re-

mained the only goal scorer of the match in the 36th minute when she scored her fourth goal and the first of the second half.

Sister Kerensa Fernandes would choose this point to get in the act as she received a cross from

Gabriella Xavier on the left wing to slam in her first goal and her team’s 5th in the 37th minute. Fernandes would blast home the final goal of the match less than one minute later to leave the score at 6-0 in favour of the Pizza Hut ladies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

REGION ONE’S OWN RONALDO STARS AT U15 NATIONAL CAMP The Guyana Football Federation is working to involve more young players from the hinterland in its youth football programmes, even where there is no Regional Member Association (RMA) affiliated with the national federation.

One way to achieve this goal is through scouting and selecting talented boys and girls for national training camps, with the aim of bringing these players up to speed with the new, national football philosophy and style of play so that they can represent Guyana in national youth teams and international competitions.

Fourteen-year-old striker Ronaldo Rodrigues from the northwest district of Region One caught the eye of our Technical Department and got the call to join the Under-15 boys’ national training camp in Berbice this week.

“It means a lot to represent my country and the nation – football means so much to me,” Rodrigues said. “I want to achieve a lot, to reach a high level of playing for the national team.”

Rodrigues hails from the village of Mora in the Moruca sub-district, and follows in the footsteps of Ralph Parris, another talented young forward from Region One, who was part of the 30-man provisional senior men’s squad for last month’s clash with Martinique.

Region One football is not yet covered by the GFF’s network of nine RMAs, but Rodrigues was spotted by GFF Youth Development Officer Bryan Joseph during a recent GFF Region One Outreach Initiative.

His family and friends were full of advice for Rodrigues before the three-day camp started in Berbice on 22nd March.

“They told me to just work hard, to try your best, to show discipline and respect to the coaches and the technical director,” he said.

“I have learned to be disciplined

GFF TO SIGN MoU WITH REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL U-17 AND U-15 TOURNAMENTS AND PRESENTATION OF GEARS FOR THE U-15 TOURNAMENT TO BE MADE

The GFF-NAMILCO 'Thunderbolt Flour Power' National Under-17 Intra-Association Tournament and the GFF-Pele Alumni Frank Watson National U-15 Intra-Association Tournament are scheduled to begin in early May 2017.

In preparation for same, the GFF will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the respective Presidents of the Regional Member Associations today, Friday, 28th April in the Boardroom of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Secretariat. Additionally,

a presentation of gears to Member Associations for the start of the National U-15 tournament will be done.

Present at this event will be President Wayne Forde and presidents of the nine Member Associations as well as a representative of the National Milling Company, NAMILCO

Ronaldo Rodrigues at centre along with Technical Director Ian Greenwood (right) and GFF Youth Development Officer Bryan Joseph (left)

– being disciplined can get you anywhere.”

The under-15 national training camp is part of an intensive schedule in April and May, featuring camps for male and female national squads, from youth to senior level, including Guyana’s first under-13 national squad, under-17 boys and girls, Lady Jaguars and Golden Jaguars.

Rodrigues said the camp has helped to improve his all-round game and approach.

“I have learned a lot of things – it has helped me a lot in training,” the forward said.

He might share a name with one of the best players in the world – Real Madrid and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo – but young Rodrigues says his favourite player is Barcelona and Argentina maestro Lionel Messi.

“I like the way he travels with the ball and controls the midfield

– he supports all the players in the team, everywhere,” he said.

Rodrigues is part of a new wave of talent from indigenous communities that is starting to shine at the national level. At the under-15 camp, he joined four other indigenous players from the southern region of the Rupununi, including Orville Daniels – one of the stars of the recent under-17 boys’ national squad that beat Caribbean powerhouse Haiti 3-1 at the Tournoi Paul Chillan in Martinique in March.

Rodrigues’ message to other young boys and girls from the hinterland is clear: if you put the work in, your chance to shine will come.

“Keep training at your clubs, and soon an opportunity will knock on the door,” he said.

“Whenever you train, put all your effort in, do your best and you will get success in the end.

Work for it!”

“It means a lot to represent my country and the nation – football means so much to me, I want to achieve a lot, to reach a high level of playing for the national team.”

The national women’s football team (Lady Jags) currently encamped in preparation for CFU Women’s Carribean Cup Championship. The camp is headed by Technical Director Ian Greenwood assisted by Akila Castello and Tricia Monroe and Goalkeeping Coach Eon De Viera

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

SIGNING OF MoU with REGIONAL MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS AND PRESENTATION OF GEARS FOR THE U-15 TOURNAMENT TO BE MADE

LUCKY PATRONS WILL WIN PRIZES COMPLIMENTS OF CHURCH’S CHICKEN, JIALING, IMPRESSIONS, GFF AND ANSA MC AL

•

Start of the GFF-Pele Alumuni Frank Watson Intra-Association National U-15 Tournament – May, 2017

Friday, 28th April, 2017; 15:00hrs

NATIONAL TEAMS’CAMPS: • U13 Boys : 28th – 30th April , 2017 • U17 Females : 30th April – 5th May, 2017 STAG ELITE LEAGUE (Season 2) DATE: Friday, May 5, 2017 VENUE: MSC, Linden ADMISSION: $500.00 GAME #1: GDF FC vs Monedderlust FC at 18:30hrs GAME#2:TopXXFCvsVictoriaKingsFCat21:00hrs

Restart of GFF-NAMILCO ThunderBolt Flour Power National U-17 Tournament – May, 2017 NATIONAL TEAMS’CAMPS: • U15 Boys: 5th – 7th May, 2017 • Golden Jaguars: 7th – 11th May , 2017 • Lady Jags: 12th – 22nd May, 2017

NEXT EDITION: Friday, 4th May, 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_

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

Lanferman’s lone strike lands Silvertown/ Valley/Alleys Stag Bowl title and $1.2M

By Joe Chapman

NATIONAL forward Delon Lanferman played his heart out to deliver the dagger shot 50 minutes into the 2017 Stag Bowl Final that would give his team Silvertown/ Valleys / Alleys a 1-0 victory over Wisroc/Block 22 --renamed Rock22--and the title of CBR HotShots Entertainment Inter Ward champions which was played at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Wednesday.

The Linden Town Week football event saw the winners landing a first prize of $1.2M, of which $200,000 is for a community based project, while Lanferman, for being the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer of the tournament,earned himself an additional $60,000.

Playing in front of a fairsized crowd,five minutes into the first half the Wisroc/

Delon Lanferman copped the Most Valuable Player award and was also top scorer of the tournament.

Block 22,who converted their name to Rock 22,saw their goalkeeper National Prospect Jonathan Copeland being brought into action early with a good clearance and then a fine hold as Silvertown/Alleys /Valleys

applied early pressure.

Ten minutes into the opening period Lanferman again tested Copeland and the 16-year-old junior national brought off a neat save. Seemingly in control, another close shave was seen when ball would run free outside the goal after no one was able to finish on a build up inside left.

However, there was a good chance for Rock 22 being able to pressure Silvertown/ Valley/ Alleys but a defender was there to redirect the corner away from the citadel.

This was followed with a volley which was blocked by defender Benny Neblett on the line and as the tension mounted,the Silvertown/ Valley/ Alleys goalkeeper Kellon Major was again brilliant in bringing off two more saves as the first half ended.

One minute after play

resumed the Rock 22 side missed a chance to go ahead, but soon after Silvertown/ Valleys/ Alleys would with the lithe looking Lanferman breaking out from just inside left into the Rock 22 half,eluding his marker and darted inside right to shake past one defender.

Then in one fluent motion as another was approaching Lanferman slammed a flat shot,beating the startled Copeland to his right as the ball pierced through past the right upright to score in the 50th minute.

But it was not smooth sailing for Silvertown/ Valley /Alley’s custodian Kellon Major, who was forced to bring off another good save and punch out one on the trot from close range five minutes later.

In the 55th minute Rock 22 came through with a nice buildup as the hard working

Trayon Babb was tormenting the right wing back for Silvertown/Valleys/ Alleys,but his crosses were not getting the kind of finishing expected.

In the 58th minute a shot by the Silvertown Valley Alleys went over the cross bar and Rock 22 countered as Babb on the right wing would feed Mark McClean in the ensuing play, but again nothing was registered.

As the intensity rose,the Silvertown /Valley/ Alleys had to stave off the forays by the Rock 22 team. Major first brought off another save and after another try collided on to the crossbar, on its way out another Rock 22 player connected and Major again was able to make a save.

Towards the end of the game,Major would remain the difference between the Rock 22 boys getting a goal and he stood outstanding to

ensure his side came away eventually with a nail-biting 1-0 win.

The lion’s share of the top prizes were taken by the Silvertown /Valley/ Alleys as, apart from Langeferman with the two top awards, teammates Konata Manning copped the Best Midfielder,and Solomon Austin the Best Defender award, while Major copped the Best Goalkeeper award and Rock 22’s Manager Akani Blair copped the Humanitarian Award.

President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde;Mayor of Linden,Carwyn Holland,and promoter and former national player Rickland ‘Tallo’ Hutson,along with a representative from main sponsors Ansa McAl Trading among others, presented the various trophies, replicas and medals for the winners that evening.

Hamilton says inspired by Serena’s response to Nastase

By Alan Baldwin

SOCHI, Russia,(Reuters)-Triple Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has hailed Serena Williams as an inspiration after the world’s top female tennis player hit back at comments made by former men’s number one Ilie Nastase about her unborn child.

Nastase was quoted

by Romanian and some British media last week as saying in response to William’s pregnancy announcement: “Let’s see what colour it has. Choc-

olate with milk?”

Williams responded on Instagram, in a statement that Mercedes driver Hamilton repeated to his 4.1 million followers on Thursday, condemning the Romanian’s remarks, which she called “racist”.

“Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words...you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air I will rise,” she wrote, quoting from a poem by the black American writer Maya Angelou.

Triple Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton

Jamaica rebound from thrashing to beat El Salvador JAMAICA’s Young Reggae Boyz rebounded from their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of the United States to deliver a 3-1 beating on El Salvador at the CONCACAF Under 17 CHampionship in Panama on Wednesday.

The Young REggae Boyz were bolstered by the return to form of Kaheem Parris, who scored a brace (83rd and 90+1st minutes), to turn what looked like a certain draw into victory.

Before that, El Salvador

had cancelled out a Jamaican advantage through a goal from Alexis Cerritos in the 53rd minute of play.

Jamaica had earned a 17th lead through Ricardo McIntosh.

The result did not mean much on the Group C table, as the United States and Mexico, who were locked in battle, had better goal differences than the Jamaicans and so were at the top of the table, the defending champions, holding a onegoal advantage.

Jamaica now has three points in third and await a result in the US-Mexico encounter to know if they will move any further.

The difference in goals though, suggests the Jamaicans will stay put.

El Salvador, after suffering their second defeat, are almost certainly out of the competition, but could win their last game and hope for other results to go their way in what would be an unlikely turn.

(Sportsmax)

Hamilton, who has ‘Still I Rise’ - the title of the same poem - tattooed across his back, is friends with Williams and invited her to last year’s Mexican Grand Prix.

“I’ve only just heard about it today,” the Briton, who has West Indian ancestry, told reporters at the Russian Grand Prix when asked about the story.

“I’m very much with her in what she said and I thought it was beautiful what she wrote, as a powerful independent black woman I just think she’s awesome.

“She’s not only one of the greatest people I know, she’s just a born leader...reading what she’s written just inspires me and hopefully inspires others.”

Williams won the Australian Open in January, her 23rd grand slam title, while pregnant. She is now taking maternity leave for the rest of the tennis season.

The world’s highest paid female athlete announced her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian last December.

Pakistan call off tour of Bangladesh (REUTERS)-Pakistan has called off their scheduled cricket tour of Bangladesh this year, the country’s board chairman Shaharyar Khan has said.

Bangladesh last toured Pakistan in 2007-08. Pakistan has since travelled to Bangladesh in 2011 and 2015 and were scheduled to play two tests, three ODIs and a Twenty20 International in July and August in the South Asian country.

Khan said Bangladesh

had failed to reciprocate Pakistan’s visits with the Bangladesh Cricket Board turning down an invitation to play two T20 internationals in Pakistan.

“We had spoken about the possibility of hosting them (Bangladesh in Pakistan) this year,” the PCB chairman told ESPNcricinfo.

“Pakistan have now toured Bangladesh twice without them reciprocating, and we feel we cannot tour Bangladesh for the third

straight time.

“Therefore, we have decided to postpone the tour, and will explore another window in the next year or so.”

At least 10 gunmen fired on a bus carrying Sri Lanka’s cricket team in 2009 with rifles, grenades and rockets, wounding six players and a British coach, and killing eight Pakistanis.

Since then, Pakistan has been forced to play most of its “home” games in the United Arab Emirates.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

Guyanese competing at Penn State Relays - Archibald all set for men’s long jump today - GTI girls out of college women’s 4x100m GUYANESE Emanuel Archibald is all set, and is anticipating favourable results when he steps out this afternoon to participate in the college men’s long jump at the Penn Relays, which started yesterday at the Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “[I feel] great. There’s good weather, and my coach

Natrena Hooper

The GTI and Fort Wellington athletes before leaving Guyana for this year’s Penn Relays

Emanuel Archibald

says I’m in good shape to win it,” Archibald told Chronicle Sport yesterday. The Relays will be the biggest event that Archibald has attended since starting out as an athlete, and he’s still ecstatic about

Government must respond to Foster’s call for end to cricket chaos (Letter to the Sports Editor)

PLEASE allow me the opportunity to express my whole hearted support for Mr. Hilbert Foster’s call for immediate Government intervention in the local cricket fiasco. Mr. Foster’s call is timely and extremely relevant to the future of our cricket which has been devastated by the incompetent group that has hijacked the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) since 2011.

Government’s intervention merely requires that the Attorney General and/or the Minister of Sport, who are the defendants in the frivolous challenge to the Cricket Administration Act 2014, initiate action to have the injunction to the Act dismissed. That challenge was instituted by Anand Sanasie et al. Then Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang issued an order that prevented any elections of the

GCB and its membership until the substantive matter is heard, which in effect is indefinite.

The defendants role is to have the matter brought up for early hearing or alternatively have the injunction quashed thereby paving the way for free and fair elections of the GCB to be held for the first time since August, 2011 when the chaos began.

Since the Cricket Act is properly in place, it only requires enforcing the rules to introduce the principle of democracy back into our Cricket Administration. All factions will then be united under a legal framework and cricket will once again have legitimacy and accountability in our dear land of Guyana.

What is so wrong with that?

CLAUDE RAPHAEL.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday April 28, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 13 (2) 12 Today’s Quiz: (1) Who are the Guyanese that played in the recent first Test of the current WI/PAK series?

(2) What are the best bowling figures in a Test innings by a WI bowler against Pakistan?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

making the team.

“I’m really excited, because I worked very hard to qualify for this track meet.” He expressed Archibald, who has had a

season’s best (SB) of 7.63m in the long jump, is representing the University of the West Indies (UWI), where he is currently studying on a scholarship. Also representing UWI will be Guyana’s

Female Athlete of the Year, Natrena Hooper.

Hooper will be in the college women’s high jump tomorrow, her only event at the meet. Archibald will wrap up his participation with the college men’s triple jump tomorrow.

Archibald and Hooper are among a number of Guyanese that are participating at the respected meet, which concludes on Saturday. In yesterday’s competition, the Guyanese team of Denita Jackson, Alisia Grant, Tandika Haynes, and Cassie Smalls failed to make it past the heats of the College Women’s 4x100.

Representing the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), from New Amsterdam, the girls clocked 50.73 seconds, running in heat 8. The girls are part of a team of 26 athletes from Berbice, 10 of them are representing the GTI and 16 coming out for Fort Wellington Secondary.

A GTI team was also in yesterday’s college women’s 4x400m heats. Today, GTI has the college men’s 4x100m, 4x200m and 4x400m heats, as well as the women’s 4x200m heats.

Fort Wellington is in the high school boys’ 4x100m, while on Saturday they have a team in the high school boys’ 4x400m.

Goodluck pleased with tennis development, ahead of seeking re-election - GTA elections set for May 6

INCUMBENT Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) president, Jamal Goodluck, admits that progress in the sport has been slow over the past year, but says he is satisfied that at least some headway has been made.

His words come as he prepares to seek re-election when the Association holds its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of office bearers next week Saturday, May 6, at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue.

“I would say I’m pleased at the efforts we’re making, given the things that we have to work with,” Goodluck told the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview earlier this week.

Over the past year development has been sluggish because,as Goodluck says, from personnel to infrastructure, the sport remains gravely challenged.

“The GLTA had been poised for greater development and work when I came to office. I do think that the state is similar but we are gradually making strides towards the big vision. It’s been slow, slow but steady. We can move a

little faster, I think, with the right resources as it relates to human, as well as infrastructure,” Goodluck said.

Goodluck has been at the helm of the Association since being elected to the position last year

GTA President, Jamal Goodluck

May, going down as the Association’s youngest president to date.

Some of the goals Goodluck had hoped to achieve after taking over the presidency last year included: seeing an improved performance from Guyana at last year’s Inter Guiana Games tennis tournament; completing a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Sports Commission over the use of the tennis courts at the National Racquet Centre; having at least one Guyana tennis facility brought

up to International Tennis Federation (ITF) standard, and increasing involvement and opportunities for senior players in the sport.

To that end,Goodluck says progression was made somewhat on all these fronts, and a few other.

“In terms of developments we would have made some strides in building our association.

We haven’t had a headquarters in forever and we’ve secured that. The ability for us to engage with government partners [has improved]. We would have made an attempt at the start of this year to put together a high performance training squad,” Goodluck related, as he spoke of some of the progress made.

Tennis is not one of the sports that Guyana has been particularly excelling in over the years;Guyanese players struggle at regional competitions, while our international presence is almost non-existent. Tennis in Guyana is almost exclusively relegated to the junior level, with most players leaving the sport once they age into the senior category.

Very little if any opportunity exists for the

players to make a life out of playing tennis. However, over the years a few players have secured scholarships and stuck with the sport.

Guyanese Diwani Lewis was one such scholarship player, who went on to become a head tennis coach at Coppin University. He later came back to create a scholarship opportunity for top boys singles player Gavin Lewis, who is still on his scholarship at Coppin.

There is also Nicola Ramdyhan who was recently offered a scholarship by overseas-based Guyanese Bill Adams at his Bill Adams International Tennis Academy. Adams is an international tennis coach who has worked with the likes of world great Serena and Venus Williams. He is currently hoping to set up one of his academies in Guyana, confident that he could find and develop a lot of talent here.

“There are several coaches outside of Guyana who are enthusiastic to come and train in Guyana. But [if they come] where are they going to train? They don’t have any facility for them to work out of,” Goodluck pointed out.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 28, 2017

El Dorado and Hero CPL together for five more years ... ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle hails Universe Best Rum;

… World’s Best Rum* and the Biggest Party in Sport celebrate new partnership THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) are delighted to announce a new five-year agreement with El Dorado, consistently voted the world’s best rum, which will take the partnership through to the end of the 2022 campaign.

And the news of the contract extension has been welcomed far and wide with Chris Gayle of the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots proudly declaring: “The Universe Boss welcomes back the Universe’s best rum, El Dorado.”

Based in Guyana, El Dorado have been one of the Caribbean’s most visible success stories globally and have partnered with Hero CPL since its inception in 2013.

Enjoyed by players and fans alike, the El Do-

Andre Russell (right) of the Jamaica Tallawahs receives an El Dorado commemorative bottle of rum from Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman Mr. Komal Samaroo (left) at the end of the Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016 (CPL) Final at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts.

Credit: CPL/Sportsfile

rado brand is synonymous with the biggest party in sport and news of this new deal will no doubt be

greeted positively by the CPL family throughout the Caribbean.

El Dorado has been vot-

ed the World’s Best Rum at the International Wine & Spirit Awards for four consecutive years – and won it on seven occasions in total.

In 2016, in addition to supporting the Man of the Match awards, the best player celebrations were dubbed “El Dorado Celebrations” in line with the brand’s status as “Official Spirit of the Hero CPL”.

This culminated in the commentary team choosing the “El Dorado Celebration of the Tournament”, which was won in the 2016 season

by Andre Russell of the Jamaica Tallawahs, who was presented with a gold nugget and a bottle of limited edition rum, to mark Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, by Demerara Distillers Chairman,Komal Samaroo ..

El Dorado will be exe-

cuting a range of fan promotions aimed at extending the celebration to fans around the Caribbean.

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman, Komal Samaroo, said: “At DDL we aim for excellence and through our El Dorado Rum brand we offer the most premium portfolio of aged rums for consumers around the world to enjoy.

Through our partnership with Hero CPL since the start of the tournament,we are delighted to bring to numerous consumers in the Caribbean, the opportunity to enjoy their favourite sport while enjoying responsibly the superior quality of El Dorado Rum. The new five-year agreement confirms our desire to further contribute to the improvement of the quality of life for the

people of the Caribbean and to market the Caribbean region to the rest of the world.”

M r. J a m i e S t e w a r t , Commercial Director of the Hero CPL, added: “El Dorado have been with Hero CPL since when it was just an idea on a page.

They have played a huge role in making Hero CPL the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ and it is an absolute pleasure to continue the relationship with the brand consistently voted the world’s best.

El Dorado has, over the years, become beloved by players, commentators and fans, and I’m sure our community will be delighted to hear that they will have the opportunity to enjoy the rich, deep flavours of the El Dorado range for years to come.”

El Dorado and Hero CPL together for five See more years page 31

GCB Inter-County U-17 tournament.…

Essequibo inflict three-wicket y nine wickets defeat on Demerara ... Berbice beat Guyana Select U-15 X1 b See page 25

Alex Algu collects his man-of-the-match trophy from Chairman of GCB junior selectors,Nazimul Drepaul.

Medium pacer and man-of-the-match Mark Rankin took 5-23.

Bassarath displeased with Tendulkar stand-naming PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board(TTCB) president, Azim Bassarath, has made clear his displeasure at a stand at the Brian Lara Stadium being named after Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Speaking on the con-

tentious issue this week, Bassarath contended there were a host of outstanding former West Indies players from Trinidad and Tobago who were more deserving of the honour.

“Why not name a stand after Deryck Murray and I call Deryck Murray’s name first,” the outspoken admin-

India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar

istrator said.

“Why couldn’t we name a stand after Ian Bishop, Gus Logie, Raphick Jumadeen, Larry Gomes – we have a number of people [like] Sonny Ramadhin who had lived just a stone’s throw away from the stadium.

“They are great Trinidadians who have made significant contributions to West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago cricket.”

It emerged earlier this week that the North West Stand at the Stadium would be named after the Indian icon, who holds the record for the most career runs in Tests with 15 921 from a record 200 matches.

He and Lara were con-

temporaries and are often regarded as the two finest batsmen of the modern era.

Chairman of the Sports Company of T&T, Michael Phillips, said the decision to name the stand after Tendulkar, had been on Lara’s advice.

Bassarath also took issue with the appointment of a board to run the stadium, stressing the TTCB had been kept out of that decision.

“I wasn’t aware that a board being appointed and the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board was not consulted and was never consulted with respect to the naming of a board to run the stadium.”

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Lance Roberts hit an unbeaten 29 and took 2 for 18.

French prosecutors investigating 2018, 2022 World Cup awards

Sepp Blatter (REUTERS)-French prosecutors are investigating the decision by global soccer body FIFA to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar, a source close to the investigation said on Thursday.

The national financial prosecutor's office (PNF), which specialises in investigating economic crimes, began a preliminary investigation last year.

It is looking into possible offences which include private

corruption, conspiracy and influence peddling, the source said.

The source added that former FIFA president Sepp Blatter was interviewed as a witness by Swiss prosecutors in the presence of two French magistrates in Switzerland on April 20.

The 81-year-old Blatter, who has been banned for six years by FIFA's own ethics committee for ethics violations,

Turn to page 25 FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017