Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28 07 2016

Oil jobs soon No. 104626

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‒ Trotman says training already underway

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Hundreds at funeral of men killed at Black Bush 3

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The three caskets bearing the remains of the men found dead aback Black Bush Polder last Friday are seen at the home of the Chandradeos at Mibicuri, where hundreds gathered for the funeral. Mrs Chandradeo, who lost her husband, 15-year-old son and brother is seen seated between her younger sons

Guyana committed 2 186 CARICOM 4 PM meets Wales 10 to helping Venezuelans nationals denied workers over delay in ‒ in past 18 months, on humanitarian grounds entry Minister Felix reports severance payment P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 28, 2016

Guyana committed to helping Venezuelans on humanitarian grounds THE Government of Guyana has reiterated its commitment to assist Venezuelans who are experiencing tough economic times, but will do so on humanitarian grounds only.

This is according to Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who told reporters at a post-cabinet press briefing on Wednesday that Guyana has no issue assisting sister terri-

tories in their time of need, but cannot encourage the breaking of the country’s laws.

He was referring to the recent deportation of 14 Venezuelan nationals – nine men and five women - who were charged and fined on Monday for entering Guyana illegally by sea on July 20 at Eteringbang, Cuyuni River.

The nationals did not present themselves to an immi-

gration officer; they pleaded guilty to the charge, but said that they were only trying their luck in search of jobs.

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

But the Minister of State was adamant that while Ven-

ezuela has fallen on what has been described as the worst economic crisis, the Government of Guyana cannot condone the breaking of its laws.

“We have made it clear that on humanitarian grounds we will not turn back Venezuelans who come to seek help here in Guyana,” Harmon stated.

He noted that though Guyana will provide assistance

Some of the Venezuelan nationals who were ordered deported

where needed, “we have the responsibility to ensure the integrity of our borders and that the immigration procedures which are applied to any person who comes to Guyana that we will apply those procedures.”

Minister Harmon said Guyana will readily support persons who travel to come here because of dire situations as is the case in Venezuela. He reminded that Guyana is party to international agreements that require countries to give support to persons who are experiencing major economic difficulties.

“Any persons [sic] who come to Guyana and are deported are persons who have actually violated some part of the laws,” he stated.

Asked whether Government would be inclined to “soften the law” to accommodate Venezuelans who are in search of food, Harmon replied, “The law is the law, the government will not tell the courts how to act; the fact that the persons were brought to the court meant there would have been some offence that would have been committed.”

The Minister of State said oftentimes when persons are placed before the court they “manufacture these defences.”

“We have a very humanitarian approach to this matter; we believe we have a responsibility in this part of the hemisphere to demonstrate that we are[a] warm, welcoming and hospitable country. Once they are faced with those circumstances we won’t come down with a harsh hand on them, all we require is [that] they respect our laws and that they come through the proper port of entry to report their presence in Guyana,” said the Minister

of State.

LAW MUST TAKE ITS COURSE Meanwhile, Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, during a sub-committee meeting at the Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, said the illegal Venezuelans were dealt with condignly.

“If you are found in breach of the law, then the law must take its course,” he emphasised. Minister Felix was responding to a question posed

by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall, who described the Venezuelans as economic refugees.

However, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who was also at the parliamentary sub-committee meeting, jumped to Felix’s defence, explaining that the word “refugee” is defined by the United Nations (UN).

According to the UN, a refugee is “someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

“Whether or not you are a UN refugee or you would like to be treated as a refugee when you come into a country, you still have to reach the requirements of the laws of that country. You cannot arrive in Guyana, fail to meet immigration requirements, set up residence someplace and then expect to be treated as a refugee,” Greenidge told the committee headed

by PPP’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 28, 2016

Hundreds at funeral of men killed in Black Bush ‒ Mibicuri on edge as police press for breakthrough

By Nafeeza Yahya SORROW overwhelmed the small community of Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Wednesday as thousands gathered for the funeral of the three men who were gunned down last week.

The bodies of Pawan Chandradeo, 37, called “Suresh” and “Jug Up”; his son Jaikarran Chandradeo, 16, called “Kevin”, and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, 35, called “Teeka Bai” and “Mice” were discovered by farmers in the kokerite Creek Savanah on the morning of Friday 22nd

July 2016 .

Each body had a single gunshot wound that was in-

flicted at point-blank range.

Mr Chandradeo and his son had gunshot wounds to

their heads, while Rooplall had a gunshot wound to his neck. The men, along

Wanted bulletin issued for murder accused THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for Anthony Jhaggroo for questioning in relation to escape from lawful custody and alleged murder committed on Yugeshwar Shiwcharan on July 10, at Belle West Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Anthony Jhaggroo is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-2227, 225-8196, 2682343, 268-2298, 268-2222, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with strict confidence.

Jhaggroo is fair-skinned in complexion, thin-boned and is of East Indian descent.

He was born on 1996-03-17 and his last known address was given as Lot 35, Good Intent, West Bank Demerara.

The victim, a mechanic died after a savage beating close to his home. He was the father of two. Shiwcharan, 31, called “Sharukh Khan”, of Lot 485, Belle West Housing Scheme, WBD was allegedly beaten by a neighbour on July 4, 2016.

Reports indicated that Shiwcharan suffered from

Wanted: Anthony Jhaggroo

seizures and following an attack, he became delirious

and entered the yard of his neighbour. His brother, Maheshpaul told this newspaper that Shiwcharan “trip out” and was beaten about his body by two young ladies and their brother after he entered their yard.

He succumbed to severe head injuries six days while hospitalized. The women were released from police custody and the man was arrested. He however escaped from the lock-ups on July 12, 2016 from the La Grange Police Station.n A search was launched for the prisoner but to date he remains at large.

with Chandradeo’s 13-yearold son, Alvin Chandradeo, had left their home around 15:00 hrs on Thursday afternoon to go on a fishing trip in the backlands.

The murder of the men has the community on edge, with the police yet to make a breakthrough.

For the funerals, viewing was done at the home and started from 10:00 hrs, when the curious gathered in their hundreds.

The three caskets were adorned with wreaths and were lined next to each other. The wife of Chandradeo and two of his sons sat next to the casket of Mr Chandradeo, while the wife of Rooplall and her 11-monthold daughter sat on the opposite end in front of the casket bearing her husband. The casket bearing the remains of the younger Chandradeo was in the middle. His surviving nine-year- old sister and a few cousins stood at the feet of the casket; they bore blank stares for most

of the time.

Tears flowed freely as the tributes were read, and as the caskets were placed in the hearse, sobs turned into loud wails as reality sunk in that the men would never be returning home.

From the home, there was a ceremony at the Life Springs Ministry church; thereafter, hundreds of vehicles followed the hearse to the Babu John cemetery where the bodies were interred in the afternoon.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed to this publication that another suspect is in custody, taking the total to seven suspects being questioned.

The seven men were moved from Berbice to Georgetown, where the Major Crimes Unit is handling the investigations.

According to a police source, they believe the murders stemmed from a personal vendetta and a major breakthrough is expected.

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‘Two Feet’ granted bail for allegedly shooting teen AFTER almost a month on remand, a 24-year-old man accused of shooting a teen during an argument at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway in June, was granted $300,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday.

Andrew Fields, known as “Two Feet” of Lot 12 Grove, East Bank Demerara, is accused of discharging a loaded firearm at Kevin Batson with intent to commit murder on June 20 at Kuru-Kururu. He has since pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At yesterday’s hearing, Fields was granted bail after the prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, explained to the court that Batson had been discharged from the hospital a few weeks ago and is currently on remand at the Camp Street Prison for a criminal offence.

The prosecution made no objections to bail being granted, but requested that it be set at a substantial sum. The chief magistrate subsequently released Fields on $300,000 bail and adjourned the matter to August 22.

According to a police report, on June 20 at 20:00hrs at Kuru Kururu Squatting Area, Linden Highway, 18-year-old Batson was involved in an argument over a brush- cutter and spray can with Fields.

It is alleged that Fields pulled out a firearm and shot Batson to the right side of his chest.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday July 28, 2016

186 CARICOM nationals denied entry

By Svetlana Marshall

OVER the last 18 months, 186 CARICOM nationals have been denied entry into Guyana and among the key reasons provided by the Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix was lack of sufficient funds.

Felix made the disclosure on Wednesday during a parliamentary sub-committee meeting on the mandates, roles and functions of the Department of Citizenship with special focus on visas, work permits and citizenship. He, along with Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, appeared before the committee, headed by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira.

Additionally, the Minister of Citizenship told the committee that a number of non-nationals, some of whom have been working, have overstayed their time without any attempt to apply for extensions.

Minister Felix’s power-point presentation and written responses to the committee had caused the PPP Chief Whip to question both of the Government ministers on the immigration policy of the A Partnership

--in past 18 months, Minister Felix reports

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge

for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

“Do we want as a country to have more people come, work, invest… or do we want to ensure that we are controlling the movement and therefore in some cases restricting?” Teixeira asked.

In response, the Foreign Affairs Minister said Guyana as a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) has certain obligations with respect to the movement of people.

He said while there are provisions for CARICOM nationals under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which gave rise to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME),

certain requirements must be met. Despite the commitment made by Guyana with respect to the movement of non-nationals, Minister Greenidge emphasised all the established requirements must be met.

“We are committed to honouring the obligations that are in the Treaty of Chaguaramas and the CSME and of course the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). And those will cause us to look more carefully at the policies that were implemented,” Minister Greenidge said.

He emphasised that while Caribbean nationals are allowed to enter Guyana for a period of six months, upon arrival they must satisfy the minimum requirements.

Minister Felix, in offering his contributions, said Government is concerned about the

issue of Trafficking in Persons (TIPs).

“For example, women and young children arriving at your port and they have no support. They don’t have any evidence of how they will support themselves for a month. It must trigger the mind of an immigration officer that something is amiss and some of the persons were treated like that because we did not want to allow the development of any issue of Trafficking in Persons,” Minister Felix explained.

However, he said the issue is currently under review.

While the country has denied access to 186 CARICOM nationals over the last 18 months, in 2014, it approved 1473 visa applications under five categories, namely business, employment, courtesy, student and visitor with business representing the largest block – some 790.

However, in 2015, the number of visas approved by Guyana dropped to 1171, but the number of employment visas remain relatively high at 569. Already for this year, 880 visa applications have been approved.

Additionally, 1117 work permits and extensions of stay were granted for 2014, 1525 for 2015 and at the end of June 2016, 194 work permits had been granted.

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Oil jobs soon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday July 28, 2016

- Trotman says training already underway

By Ravin Singh

THE discovery of oil reserves offshore Guyana, which is likely to elevate the country’s economic conditions, is not the only benefit to be derived from the exploration and subsequent production. In fact, Guyanese will also benefit from training in the petroleum industry while direct employment opportunities are imminent, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman has said.

Minister Trotman made this announcement on Wednesday, as he was addressing the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources. With ExxonMobil’s announcement of significant oil reserves just offshore Guyana; the country is awaiting the impending exploration which is likely to result in an elevation in the standard of living of Guyanese.

But while the direct benefits will be the royalties from the production of that mineral, secondary benefits including training for Guyanese in that sector, and employment opportunities will also be forthcoming.

In fact, the Minister revealed that some amount of training has already been ongoing.

“There has been some training going on” he said, when quizzed on whether Guyanese will be befitting from training.

Earlier on Wednesday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said at a post-Cabinet press briefing that ExxonMobil has indicated to the Government that it plans to train Guyanese in various spheres of activity associated with petroleum exploration and production.

In addition, just recently Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnarine announced that his Ministry in conjunction with the University of Guyana (UG) will be establishing a special facility or school for oil and gas exploration.

And according to Trotman, he will be meeting with administrative staff of the country’s premier tertiary institution to accelerate efforts in that regards.

He also outlined several other benefits including scholarships which have been offered through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), where the government will be affording students the opportunity to be trained in this industry.

The Natural Resources Minister said too that the Mexican Petroleum Institute visited Guyana within the last month and government is exploring the option of acquiring scholarships for Guyanese at that institution.

Additionally, he noted that as part of the new dispensation, government continues to stress on ExxonMobil that it must be involved in training, which will not be done after production, but rather “pre-production”.

“As part of the new dispensation, we have stressed to the company that they must be involved in training, and not after production; pre-production.

We are doing as best we can to train as many people as possible. I should add that many Guyanese who already work in the oil and gas industry in other parts of the world are expressing their willingness to come home,” the Minister said.

EMPLOYMENT Meanwhile, Country manager of ESSO – an affiliate of ExxonMobil – Jeff Simon, boasted of having an 80 per cent local workforce in other countries where the oil giant operates. And although he was keen to note that this type of project does not demand a large workforce, Simon said that Guyanese will still benefit from employment opportunities.

He explained that not a lot of Guyanese were employed during the drilling of the first well, but that this was significantly improved during drilling of the second well since operations were expanded.

“It’s not an enormous number of people that are required to run this kind of ship,” Simon said, referencing the ship which will be offshore during production.

However, he pointed to the fact that the company currently utilizes local suppliers for a number of products.

“We’re currently by millions of dollars in fuel here in

Guyana. A lot of the food, or almost all of the food come from local suppliers. There is also security, transportation, hotels…” he said, adding that there are currently over 300 Guyanese who are in the employ of the company.

REVIEW Meanwhile, Minister Trotman also revealed that Government has indicated to the company that they would like to have some changes made to the existing contract.

He noted that while the 1999 agreement between the then Government and the company was the best agreement that could have been made by the executive,

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes (front left) shares a word with Senior Minister Raphael Trotman prior to the start of the meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources Also in photo (L-R) James Singh, Commission of the Guyana Forestry Commission and acting Head of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Newell Dennision the present administration is seeking to modernize the existing agreement.

“Whatever we do will be in the best interest of Guyana; we’re not reject-

ing the last agreement, it was a good agreement.

This is about adding some modern features to the agreement. It’s not a case of demanding and beating

over the head of ExxonMobil. We both realise (that) we could look at the agreement again and move forward,” Minister Trotman said.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Bharrat Jagdeo in New York

OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has recently been in the news for allegedly making racially charged statements to a group of Guyanese in New York. This is not the first time the former president has found himself in hot water for making such statements. Shortly before the last general election, he was reported to have made similar statements to an audience of PPP supporters which led political commentator Mr. Christopher Ram to file a private criminal charge against him for violating the Representation of the People Act. Mr. Ram had contended that Mr. Jagdeo’s statements could have resulted in “racial and ethnic hatred among the people.” The case has since been thrown out by the High Court on the ground that the charge did not disclose any particular offence committed

by Mr. Jagdeo.

Now, Mr. Jagdeo is reported to have told his audience in New York that the government is targeting Indian-Guyanese for discrimination. According to him, “there is an assault on people of Indian origin,” and that government policies are having a negative effect on the rural poor who are mostly PPP supporters. The government was quick to respond to Mr. Jagdeo. In a statement to the media, it charged him with sowing seeds of racial discord, insulting the intelligence of Indian-Guyanese and peddling untruths about the government.

As we have alluded, these statements by Mr. Jagdeo are not new. From the early days of the new government, the PPP has contended that the new government was on a witch-hunt against PPP members and supporters in general and its Indian-Guyanese supporters in particular. At one point, the party even accused the government of ethnic cleansing. Mr. Jagdeo, former president, Donald Ramotar and General Secretary, Clement Rohee, have all been very aggressive in pushing that line.

What appears to have rankled the government is that Mr. Jagdeo has now taken the campaign overseas. Having said that, we believe that the charges of political and racial discrimination are not in themselves racist—making such charges are normal in the cut and thrust of politics in ethnically divided societies. Many then opposition activists and members had made similar charges against the PPP governments when they held power.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday July 28, 2016

Road works in Leguan slated for August Dear Editor, REFERENCE is made to the letter published in the Monday July 25, 2016 edition of the Stabroek News

by Mr Hans M Buer, under the headline: “Leguan roads are in a terrible state.”

In his letter, Mr. Buer highlighted the deterioration of roads in Leguan and the struggles faced by those who have no choice but to travel along these roads. Indeed, Leguan is a community that has faced neglect in infrastructural development for years.

It must be noted that the roads in Leguan do not fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure; rather, these roads are under the purview of the Ministry of Communities.

Nonetheless, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure recognised Leguan as a priority

area and allocated funds in its 2016 budget for the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads on the island, with the hope of alleviating the daily difficulties facing Leguan residents.

Therefore, the ministry wishes to inform Mr. Buer, and by extension all residents of Leguan, that works are slated for Leguan in the following areas: * The Community Centre Ground Road (Work required: Removal of debris; grading and shaping of verges; cleaning of drains and full-depth construction)

debris; grading and shaping of verges; scarification followed by installation of 100mm aggregate base and overlay to the crushed gravel section; pothole patching; edge repairs; and road rehabilitation to the DBST section)

* Koker Dam, Blenheim Road Network (Work required: cleaning of drains; road shoulder works; and full construction of asphaltic concrete pavement)

* Neville Joseph Street, Blenheim Road Network (Work required: cleaning of drain; road and shoulder works; clearing of debris; ditch excavation and full construction of rigid pavement, with construction joints at 2.4m intervals)

* Main Access Road (Work required: clearing of

* Mid Field Street, Blenheim Road Network (Work required: cleaning of drain; road and shoulder works; ditch excavation and full construction of asphaltic concrete pavement; and installation of timber revetment for culvert)

* Phoenix to Henrietta Road (Work required: cleaning of drains; grading and shaping of verges; and complete construction of road) * School Road, Good Intent (Work required: grading and shaping of verges; cleaning of drains; pothole patching, followed by scarification’ installation of a 100mm aggregate base and overlay (421m); full-depth construction (66m) and rehabilitative works to the timber bridge) Works in Leguan are scheduled to commence by the first week of August 2016.

Yours truly, Desilon Daniels Public Relations Officer Ministry of Public Infrastructure

Film Festival, Symposium and Cultural Groundings highlight Buxton Emancipation activities —Dave Martins to be featured artiste

Dear Editor, THE Buxton First of August Movement (BFAM) kicks off its Emancipation activities this week with a Film Festival and a Symposium.

The theme of this year’s activities is “Emancipation and Villages in a Changing Guyana.” The BFAM intends this year’s activities to serve as a mobilization tool for the re-awakening of the

emancipation spirit in the community.

The Symposium titled: “Restoration of the Village Economy: Challenges and the Way Forward” is part of the Eusi Kwayana Lecture Series and will be held on Wednesday July 27 at 6:30 pm at the Friendship Primary School, Buxton. Panelists include Mr. Vincent Alexander, Dr Simpson DaSilva, Ms Saudia Edghill, Mr Nigel Hughes and

However, as the Opposition Leader and a former president, one would hope that Mr. Jagdeo would rise above the fray and conduct himself in a more responsible manner.

People tend to look to our major leaders as exemplars; hence, it is expected that they would stay away from employing the more divisive forms of political mobilization. By uttering the statements in the public space, M. Jagdeo is compromising the integrity of the high offices he holds. It is instructive to note that he has since said that he stands by his statements.

While his statements are not necessarily racist, as the government statement contends, they do have the effect of whipping up ethnic hysteria. As one commentator points out, there is a distinction between drawing attention to and representing the insecurities of a group and exploiting those insecurities for partisan political gain. Given his previous utterings, it is not unreasonable to conclude that Mr. Jagdeo’s

Dr David Hinds.

The Film Festival, which will feature films and documentaries on Africans in Guyana, the Caribbean and the wider African Diaspora would be held nightly at the Friendship Primary School beginning at 6 pm. On Monday, July 25, there will a film on the Haitian Revolution; On Tuesday, July 26, the film “Citizen King” a film on the life and work of Dr

Martin Luther King would be shown. The festival continues on Thursday July 28 with a showing of “The Terror and the Times,” a film on Guyana’s Struggle for Independence produced and directed by Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. The festival ends with a film “Bob Marley,” which chronicles the life and music of reggae icon, Robert

See page 7

statements fall into the latter category. In our fragile ethnic environment, those statements coming from a high official who is competing for office do have a high probability of generating ethnic resentment.

As we have editorialised in the past, dealing with ethnic sentiments in our society is not an easy undertaking. While we do not advocate denying freedom of speech to Mr. Jagdeo or any political person, we urge restraint on the part of these persons. There has to be a way to represent the concerns of your ethnic constituency without resort to language and insinuations that border on hysteria.

Mr. Jagdeo is a seasoned politician and the PPP is a party with a long history who must know only too well where such language could lead. They have a responsibility to their supporters and to Guyana to avoid the ethnic gutter. After 50 years of independence, we deserve better.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday July 28, 2016

Questions for the GPHC Dear Editor, FROM public reporting, Colleen Hicks, Director of Nursing Services/Matron of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has been sent on administrative leave to pave the way for an inquiry.

It is commendable that the GPHC is respectful of the established principle of applying Administrative Leave to conduct an inquiry into work- related issues.

Institutions within recent times have been sending workers on annual vacation leave to pave the way to conduct an inquiry, which is a transgression of the worker’s right, in the absence of exigencies, to use his/her earned leave at one’s discretion.

That having been said, sending a worker on administrative leave, the administration has a responsibility to inform the worker of the reason(s) behind the action.

In the case of Ms Hicks, it was said that was done to pave the way for an inquiry, but this in itself is deficient, given that it has not been made known “what” the in-

quiry is about.

It can be assumed from public reporting that the GPHC Board of Directors has sent Ms Hicks on administrative leave without specifically identifying the issue(s) she has been interdicted for. In industrial relations principles and practices, under which all unionised and non-unionised workers fall, they must be told in writing specifically what the charge(s) is/are against them.

From the media it was learnt that the hospital is short of nurses both in staffing complement and specialised skills. The matron is responsible for delivery of nursing care to the patients.

The staffing of the hospital is not the responsibility of the matron, but that of the Chief Executive Officer/Administrator and the Board.

The matron’s responsibility with regard to staffing is to recommend, and those within the employ of the institution ensured that they are deployed for patient care based on needs and exigencies.

The other issue used as a charge to send the matron on leave is that she has been

insubordinate to her principals (i.e. Board and CEO). Acting CEO, Allan Johnson, has displayed a decency which is rare among public officials in making known the matron had not been insubordinate to him.

Then there was another issue where it was said that the matron had not been taking directives from the doctors. It must be said in the command structure of the hospital that the doctors are not the principals of the matron. There is a co-relationship between the nurses and doctors in the delivery of health services. It should be noted too that each of the professions has their own roles and responsibilities.

And while the GPHC has no established rules whereby the matron has a reporting and commanding relationship with the doctors, what the hospital administration should seek to foster is mutual respect and camaraderie between the two groups to ensure the discharge of quality health services.

The GPHC is a public institution and with the stated facts above, what the society needs to hear from the Board

and CEO are: 1. What measures will be put in place to ensure the institution has the appropriate complement of nursing staff?

2. What measures will be put in place to foster improved relationships between the nurses and doctors in the delivery of quality health care, mindful of and respect-

ing the fact that each has its unique role and responsibilities and has been so trained?

3. When will a benefit package be put in place to attract and retain the staff needed to deliver the quality of health care the public deserves?

The Board is encouraged to step back from the

manner in which the issue is presently being handled and recognise that the problems of the hospital are not represented in the matron.

The problems at GPHC are systemic and they include the mis-understanding of roles and responsibilities between the hospital’s frontline caregivers.

LINCOLN LEWIS

Film Festival, Symposium ...

From page 6 Nestor Marley. The showings would be followed by brief discussion sessions.

The activities continue on Sunday July 31st with the annual Libation and Emancipation Cultural Groundings at the Buxton Line Top. The Libation at the Emancipation Monument begins at 6pm and the Cultural Ground-

ings featuring Drama, Queh Queh, Drumming, Nancy Story, Folk Dances, Steelpan Renditions, Poetry and Folk Singing kicks off at 9 pm.

The headline performer would be Dave Martins of the Tradewinds fame, while the feature address is expected to be given by Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge. The Buxton Fusion Drummers, Storyteller, Brian Chester, Poet, Ras

Jerry Hope, Tucan2 Dancers and The Buxton Arts Theatre will also be in attendance On Emancipation Day, August 1, there will be the annual feeding of the Elders.

The activities end with a “Culture Night” featuring “Laugh, Gaff and Talk Story” on Saturday August 6 at 6 pm at the Friendship Primary School.

Buxton First of August Movement

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 28, 2016

Cancer Diplomacy 110 It was another ‘Chemo Wednesday’ or ‘Chemo Wednesdays!’ as my bff would say usually accompanied by the classic Travolta ‘stayin’ alive’ dance. My chemo sessions thus far had all taken place on Wednesdays and it had become a joke between us that made the treatments sound like a party, as if it were a ‘T.G.I F!’ we were referring to.

What made this ‘Chemo Wednesday’ special was that it marked fifty percent completion of my chemotherapy.

Yes, I was at round 4 and could not wait to complete this stage mostly due to the fact that my chemo drugs would be changed. This would be the last time I (hoped) would have the nausea and all that good stuff that comes from the chemo drug nicknamed ‘the red devil’. I saw the fourth round as a bridge to the fifth where I would reach the castle, slay the dragon and eat the dragon without feeling sick.

As I lounged in one of the recliners in the chemo room, I reached for the envelope in my bag. Excited to receive an actual mail (not an email, text message) from the postal system, because sadly people don’t write anymore, I had stuffed what looked like a card in my bag for ‘happy’ reading during my session.

On the front of the card read ‘With deepest sympathy in this difficult time’. Huh? Did I die? Who died? What’s go-

supportive.

1. ‘You have to be strong and positive’. This means well but it also gives us the idea that you don’t think we already are. Instead say something like ‘You are strong, or you are positive’. I have heard this a gazillion times and had it not been for the fact that I know it’s well intentioned I would have probably rolled my eyes.

2. The worst thing someone can do when they visit or talk with me is have an emotional breakdown. Cancer patients want support, hope and positive reinforcement. If the patient is emotional then I understand a friend or loved one being moved to tears as well but if you visited your sick friend and they aren’t emotional chances are they weren’t waiting on you to come around and pounce on their emotions either. It’s important to show a brave face to your friend even if you feel very sad about it, it's not about your feelings, it’s about theirs.

3. ‘My aunt had breast cancer too, she died.’ No, no and no!

Never tell some with cancer a tragic story about someone else with cancer. We need to be inspire hope not fear.

4. ‘ Will it go away after the chemo?’ A question like this becomes a depressing thought for a cancer patient. We coexist in a life of uncertainty and can never ‘know’ anything for sure until it has actually happened. Predictions can go either way and doing so will only drive us and our chemo

brain insane.

5. ‘Is there something I can do for you?’ This is one of the most considerate things you can ask someone who isn’t well but it’s better to offer to do something specific rather than ask a vague question that usually results in a ‘ i’m okay, thanks’ answer because a simple question like that puts pressure on the patient to think about an acceptable request. Instead tell them what you would like to do for them eg ‘ I will bring some fruits for you, what would you like?’ .

6. Ask questions about what we’ve been doing as opposed to things about cancer.

Please understand that we are probably discussing cancer enough as it is and this gets very annoying since cancer is something we have, not who we are. Treat us normally, converse about things as you usually would.

7. Unless the patient is an immediate friend/family it is not necessary to visit with them.

A call or message can discern whether or not the patient is up for visitors but don’t constantly push it. Your intentions may be well meaning but patients like their privacy and

Man remanded for possession of cannabis

RELATIVES of a 43-yearold Rupununi woman are searching for answers in the sudden deterioration of the woman’s health, which has seen her being in a comatose state following surgery for removal of gallstones in April this year.

Thelma Rebeiro of Shulinab in the Rupununi went to the Lethem hospital on April 10 seeking treatment for abdominal pains.

According to a relative, the woman had a surgical procedure performed on her on April 14 for the removal of gallstones. Several days later, she was transferred to the City and admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where a second surgical procedure was per-

A thirty-two year old mason appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday after he was busted by police for having over one pound of cannabis in his possession.

Lennox Goodman of Lot 4, Archer Road, Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 23, at Brickdam he had in his possession 520 grams of cannabis, for the purpose

ing on? I turned the envelope over and read the name on it again. Yup, it was addressed to me: Inside the card more poignant words about ‘difficult times’ and scrawled below ‘love from uncle ---’.

My wtf feelings were quelled as I read who it was from; though not an immediate ‘uncle’ I knew sending a card for him was stepping out of character and I forgave him immediately for such an ill worded card. I had never even expected a card and was touched by his compassion.

His intentions were good and sincere and that was more important than his perceived insensitive card. This got me thinking about the way people interact with others who have cancer diagnoses. I began to make a list in my head of the things people had said to me that they probably shouldn’t have.

I wasn’t alone in feeling the way I did. When I got home after my session I read similar stories from random cancer patients online. It seemed insensitivity and tact were problems faced by cancer patients globally.

People want to be supportive but don’t always know what to say or do, here are a few of the comments I have heard as well as what to say or not say to someone diagnosed with cancer. This is a delicate matter and saying or doing the ‘wrong’ thing can be more damaging to a patient than

of trafficking.

Goodman was represented by Attorney-at-law, Keavon Bess who requested for his client to be released on reasonable bail. According to Bess, Goodman is a single father of two minor daughters and is the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes his disabled sister and elderly mother.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones objected to bail, revealing that on the

day in question Bess had entered a city store along Brickdam to purchase a phone battery.

The store owner upon checking the phone discovered that it was stolen from one of his branches and alerted the police. Goodman was reportedly busted by the officers with the illicit drug in his possession after being subjected to a body search. He was remanded until August 25.

as a general rule of thumb- if you have to ask where they live because you have never been to their house, you probably should not be visiting them unless they say so.

8. The only acceptable comment to someone who has lost their hair, eyebrows and eyelashes is ‘You look well’ or something of that nature but don’t exaggerate or it will sound insincere. We know we look strange, weird or whatever words come to mind when you see someone without their hair for the first time but that sudden rush of thought should be kept to yourself.

9. ‘Why do you wear a wig?’

I detest this question. This is a very personal choice and not one that a cancer patient needs to explain. Some women are comfortable rocking the bald look throughout their treatment but some of us, myself included, like to be reminded at times of what it feels like to have hair. Vain as we might be aesthetics like wigs, eyelashes and makeup is important because it helps us to ‘feel’ more like our normal selves even if it is just by appearances - let us have that.

10. Don’t offer unsolicited

medical advice or opinions as to why they have cancer or what they should/shouldn’t do. Try to leave these type of discussion for their doctors and caregivers to have with them - a conversation, which by the way, they have probably had a few times.

11. ‘You are in my prayers.’

This is one of the most compassionate things you can say to someone who is ill but refrain from talk about religion especially if you do not know that person’s beliefs. A well-wisher (acquaintance) once asked if they could come home and ‘pray for me’ - I declined but thanked her for thinking of me even though I felt it was too personal.

It’s okay to not know what to say. I have cancer and I still don’t know the ‘appropriate’ thing to say to someone who does .I have fallen into the same clichéd comments like ‘stay strong’ that I have joked about but the most impactful thing about showing support is just the mere act of reaching out, in whatever way no matter how small to let them know they are in your thoughts.

Woman’s condition worsens after surgeries formed.

“After that her entire body became paralysed and she is depending on tubes,” the relative told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

This publication made attempts to contact Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton on the matter but was unsuccessful. Persons at the Regional Health Services of the Public Health Ministry reported that the persons authorised to speak to the media were in the fields.

According to the family of Rebeiro, the woman had all her faculties intact when she sought medical attention at Lethem.

“She was talking to all of us, walking and smiling and in good condition,” the

relative said on Tuesday.

The woman was discharged and transferred to the Lethem hospital two weeks ago, and according to a cousin, the doctor informed the family that there was nothing more the authorities could do to remedy her condition.

The relative said Rebeiro is the mother of six children, two of whom are dependent on her.

The woman’s husband has reportedly stopped working in order to look after their children while his health has also been affected by his wife’s condition.

“We are seeking answers because she went away from Lethem in a fairly good state,” the relative said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 28, 2016

28 Zika cases confirmed in Guyana

By Navendra Seoraj THE Zika virus continues to take its toll on Guyanese, as the Ministry of Public Health has confirmed 28 cases.

During an interview with this newspaper on Wednesday, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton revealed that four of the confirmed cases are pregnant women, who are currently receiving medical attention.

Dr Norton reiterated that the ministry has plans in place to tackle the virus; however, pregnant women have been prioritised due to the effects the virus has on the foetus.

“We will not let our guards down… currently we have field workers checking for persons with relative symptoms to that of the virus…however, citizens should be on high alert by taking all the necessary precautionary measures,” said the minister.

Meanwhile, the minister also revealed that testing of the virus will only be done on pregnant women for the time being; and those who may have symptoms of the virus, will be treated with the relevant medication.

Zika is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Signs and symptoms of the illness include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton

sometimes swelling of the limbs. Some persons may also experience vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

There has been no direct treatment developed for the illness, but patients are treated with basic pain killers.

Precautionary measures such as the use of insect repellents, insecticide- treated nets, and wearing long-sleeved clothing are recommended.

Household insecticidal sprays, coils, candles, screening of windows, doors and other openings can also aid in reducing mosquitoes in the home.

Individuals should conduct systematic searches in and around their environment for any stored or exposed bodies of water and remove these sources of mosquito breeding places to control the spread of mosquitoes.

Soldier granted bail over stolen cellphone A TWENTY-FIVE-yearold Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier who allegedly received a stolen cellphone while knowing it was stolen, was on Wednesday brought before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and placed on $10,000 bail.

Ashton Cummings, of Lot 156 Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to

him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that on July 18 at Croal Street, Georgetown, Cummings received a cell-phone from Dannie Alicock, knowing same to be stolen. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones did not reveal the facts surrounding the matter, nor did he object to bail.

The matter will continue on August 11 before city Magistrate Annett Singh.

Persons are asked to clear their environs of unnecessary materials such as tyres, punch holes in discarded containers and should properly cover containers with stored and drinking water, pour a little oil in water stored for domestic use, and change water regularly in vases, pet containers and plant saucers, since these also attract vectors.

It is also advised that individuals use only insect repellents that are registered and approved by the Pesticides & Toxic Chemicals Control Board.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 28, 2016

PM meets Wales workers over delay in severance payment PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo met with a delegation of Wales Estate sugar workers on Wednesday to listen to their concerns regarding the payment of their severance packages.

Eleven sugar workers: Dyanand Sham, Wilbert Daymon, Azeez Khan,

Safraz Alli, Sherla Leitch, Lloyd Benjamin, Cyril Joseph, Shafeek Khan, Prem Kumar Lakhan, Mohammed Haniff and Bridgnanan, who represented 99 workers,had sought a meeting with the Prime Minister to explain their plight.

The workers told the Prime Minister that GuySu-

Co officials met with them and explained the plan to merge the Wales and Uitvlugt factory operations and promised they would be offered continued employment at the Uitvlugt estate.

The workers said 99 workers opted not to take up this offer from GuySuCo and to accept severance packages

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo meets with the Wales sugar workers delegation

instead. An agreement was made to commence payment of the severance packages in May. However, according to the workers, just before the scheduled date for the payment of the severance packages, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) sought and received an order of the court which stopped GuySuCo from making the payments.

A statement from the Department of Public Information (DPI) and posted on the Government Information Agency (GINA) website said the workers are now frustrated, because they have waited several months and GuySuCo is being prevented from paying them due to the

court order.

Notwithstanding the complaints made by the sugar workers, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that based on advice received from GuySuCo, the sugar company is prepared to pay the severance. Money has been set aside for that purpose, but the company cannot violate the court’s order.

Similarly, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, confirmed that GuySuCo is prepared to effect the payment with immediate effect should the court order be lifted.

The workers thanked the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture for this information and explained that they had been erroneously advised by union officials that GuySuCo was not prepared to make the severance

payments.

They said that they were part of several meetings with union officials and asked them to withdraw the injunction to allow them to be paid but to no avail. Prime Minister Nagamootoo explained that GuySuCo’s hands are tied in the matter as the company must comply with the order of the court and that the workers must make further representation to GAWU and NAACIE for them to gain relief.

The workers said they understand the need to merge the Wales and Uitvlugt factory operations and opted for the severance to get on with their lives, but were now made to face undue hardships given the amount of time that has passed after they expected to be paid. (GINA)

Tennis Coach charged with hitting down aunt GUYANA National Tennis Coach, Shelly Ramdyhan was released on $15,000 bail on Wednesday

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly hitting her aunt with a car.

Ramdhan, 43 of Hadfield Street, Lodge denied that she drove motor car PLL 1356 in manner which caused bodily harm to Elaine Daley on February 03. Ramdyhan’s attorney pleaded with the court for the single mother of three to be released on reasonable bail.

The lawyer further pointed out that Ramdyhan

Shelly Ramdyhan

was parking her car in the driveway where Daley was standing. The court heard

that Daley partially removed herself from the area but got hit by one of the mirrors of the car. The lawyer alleged that Daley threw an umbrella at Ramdyhan and assaulted her.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones made no objection to the Tennis Coach being granted her pre-trial liberty. According to Jones, the victim is the aunt of Ramdyhan and both parties live in the same yard.

Bail was granted and the matter was transferred to Magistrate Dylon Bess for August 23.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 28, 2016

Gov’t to establish Department of Environment A NEW department of the environment is to be created by President David Granger, who made the announcement on Monday, while addressing newly appointed Heads of Mission.

According to President Granger, the structure of government has been modified to deal with the changes and developments occurring in the country.

He said, “Again, there are several agencies responsible for protected areas, wildlife, climate change and some of them have not been put under the control of a single managerial authority. So a Department of the Environment would be soon established. I’ve already had discussions; it will remain under the Ministry of the Presidency in order to ensure that our environment is better cared for.”

Specific attention must be placed on the environment, the President said noting that “it is the only one we have.”

This newspaper was reli-

ably informed that Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, will remain responsible for the mining, oil and gas sectors while the Climate Change sector along with related sectors will now fall under the newly established department.

On Wednesday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters at a post- cabinet press briefing that: “The extractive sector and the sector that is responsible for supervising or monitoring the extractive sector together; you put them together is in the wrong place. We believe it is not a right fit.”

The Minister of State reminded reporters that several environmental offices are being managed under the Ministry of the Presidency and referenced the Office of Climate Change.

“It is the President’s intention to ensure that all of these entities are in the same place and so if you are responsible for extraction, then the entity that is responsible

for supervising you must be able to do so without having to report to the same minister that is responsible for the same people who are doing the extraction,” he said.

No one has been identified as yet to head the Environment Department and according to Minister Harmon, the President “will decide which minister or person will assist in that regard.”

Notwithstanding this change, President Granger assured the diplomats on Monday that he is satisfied with the work being carried out by the 15 government ministries.

He said “As far as our structure is concerned, we are doing well, we have a stratum of junior ministers and we expect that in the fullness of time they too would be able to bear full responsibility for those ministries…”

The President does not see the need to have a “huge governmental structure” and said “we should continue to examine our develop-

ment needs,” in that regard.

He said the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE) after two decades has restored a level of independence to regions. The Head of State reminded those gathered of the creation of three additional towns which he expects to be hubs for the regions under which they fall.

“Through those capitals we would be able to provide better quality of public service—each will have their own aerodromes without having to go through Eugene Correria International Airport or Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)… so the political structure is evolving.”

President Granger stressed the need to “break the mold of an over-centralised government in Georgetown” and move towards encouraging the regions to raise revenue to ensure the needs of the residents are met.

“It is not a fad creating towns, it is business,” he stressed, while noting that

President David Granger

the towns have created the capability to administer their regions.

“Unless we allow the regions to develop and become stronger, even at the cost of diminishing control from Fourth Street, Kingston, we would gradually see [the] development of our country and governance within our country,” President Granger assured.

Meanwhile, referencing the calls by some for him to establish additional ministries, President Granger said

he will not be persuaded to create more ministries. He said, “I have a competent cabinet” which he believes is capable of managing the country.

“I have resisted calls to create a ministry of this or that… the whole idea is that these ministries are capable and from time to time I would make some minor changes. For example, the establishment of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications; I admit that at the outset May, last year, we did not contemplate having a separate ministry. That ministry was incorporated into the Ministry of Public Infrastructure…but as time went on, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had other burdens to bear—stellings, aerodromes etc. so we decided to move Tourism into Business and set up Public Telecommunications.”

The President said he is satisfied with the work done thus far in the Ministry of Public Telecommunications.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 28, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 28, 2016

Guyana seeking overseas help for ‒ No crisis, Minister Yellow Fever vaccines Cummings says MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, has admitted that there is a

shortage of Yellow Fever vaccines in Guyana, but she urged the public to “remain calm.”

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the minister noted that certain airlines and countries

such as Jamaica have demanded that persons from Guyana be immunized against the Yellow Fever virus. As such, she attested that this shortage is due to the “alarming rate” at which these vaccines are being sought after in Guyana.

However, Dr Cummings has reassured the public that a new shipment of vaccines is being brought in, but this shipment will take some two weeks before it arrives in Guyana.

In the meantime, Minister of Public Health Dr Norton has said that a shipment of vaccines from Belize and Barbados will be arriving in one week’s time.

Additionally, Minister Cummings has given the assurance that “we are not faced with a crisis.” She reiterated that persons who were vaccinated before just need to produce their “card” and will be allowed to travel.

She also noted that PAHO/WHO, Washington D.C (USA) office has considered Guyana’s current shortage of vaccines and

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings

has pleaded with the Jamaican Government not to demand that persons from Guyana be immunized.

The outbreak of the fatal disease in Angola has prompted several countries to impose a travel requirement for yellow fever vaccination. According to a recent release from the ministry, persons travelling to countries listed as “endemic” for yellow fever (mainly in Africa and Asia) should also be in possession of a valid International

Certificate of Vaccination.

However, residents of Guyana are not required to show proof of immunization for travel to and from the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and most Caribbean and South American countries. One dose of the yellow fever vaccine, even if received as a child, is now valid for life, according to the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 28, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday July 28, 2016

A colossus with bad knees

Birth of surely the greatest all-rounder in cricket history July 28,1936

BORN this day, Garry Sobers, one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers-of-the-Century, was just 21 years old when he converted his maiden Test century into a gigantic 365 not out against Pakistan in Kingston in 1957-58, which remained the Test record for 36 years, until Brian Lara came along.

Sobers won the 1966 series in England almost singlehandedly, scoring three centuries - all in excess of 160 - and a 94, as well as taking 20 wickets with his left-arm bowling, which flitted between seam and spin as

befitted the situation.

For many years he was a stalwart at Nottinghamshire, and against Glamorgan in Swansea in 1968 he became the first batsman to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket, making Malcolm Nash famous in the process.

A colossus with bad knees, Sobers, whom Bradman called “the greatest cricketing being to have ever walked the earth”, retired from the game in 1974, with 8 032 Test runs and 235 wickets to his name, and was knighted shortly afterwards.

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Nottingham 09:20 hrs Fabric 09:55 hrs Eaton Square 10:25 hrs Best Laid Plans 11:00 hrs Shamheart 11:35 hrs Fidaawy 12:10 hrs Oriental relation 12:45 hrs Mystique Heights Ffos Las 12:40 hrs Thammin 13:10 hrs Zebspear 13:45 hrs To Be Wild 14:15 hrs Ravens Quest 14:45 hrs Dream Free 15:20 hrs Royal Reef 15:55 hrs The Lillster Irish Racing Tips Galway 08:50 hrs Marinero 09:25 hrs Xsquared 10:00 hrs Hidden Oasis 10:30 hrs Mothers Finest 11:05 hrs Bel Sas 11:45 hrs Superb Story 12:25 hrs Camlann 13:00 hrs Deise Diamond American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Zubi Zubi Zu Race 2 House Of Friends Race 3 Benevolence Race 4 Scout Leader Race 5 Song for the Soul Race 6 End Play Race 7 Proven Commodity Race 8 Texting Race 9 Weekend Hideaway

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday July 28, 2016

Rain wipes final session after Aussies grab healthy lead (REUTERS) - Australia grabbed a handy 86-run lead in the first innings over Sri Lanka and dealt an early blow with the new ball before rain washed out the entire final session for the second consecutive day in the first Test at Pallekele yesterday.

The hosts, bundled out for 117 in the first innings,

lost opener Kusal Perera to fast bowler Mitchell Starc when rain forced an early tea and eventually the second day’s play was called off.

Kaushal Silva was batting on two with Sri Lanka still 80 runs behind in the bowler-dominated first match of the three-Test series.

Earlier, the local spin duo of veteran Rangana

Herath (4-49) and debutant Lakshan Sandakan (4-58) shared eight wickets between them to keep Sri Lanka in the contest despite their capitulation in the first innings.

Resuming on 66-2, Australia lost both overnight batsmen to Herath who quit limited-overs cricket in April to focus on the longest format

of the game.

Australia skipper Steve Smith (30) threw his wicket away in the second over of the day, dancing down the track to try and slog the leftarm spinner only to miss the line and be stumped.

Herath returned to dismiss Usman Khawaja (26) in his next over, trapping him leg-before with a turning

delivery.

Adam Voges (47) survived a vociferous leg-before appeal in the very first delivery he faced from Herath but went on to make the highest individual score so far in what appears to be a low-scoring match.

Mitchell Marsh (31) ran hard between wickets

and helped himself to five boundaries before becoming left-arm Chinaman bowler Sandakan’s maiden Test victim.

Paceman Nuwan Pradeep, who had dismissed Australia opener David Warner for a duck on Tuesday, claimed the crucial wicket of Voges.

Rangana Herath exults after removing Steven Smith or 30. The left-arm spinner took four for 49.

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st innings 117 AUSTRALIA 1st innings (overnight 66-2) J. Burns b Herath

3 D. Warner b Pradeep 0 U. Khawaja lbw b Herath 26 S. Smith stp. Chandimal b Herath 30 A. Voges c K. Mendis b Pradeep 47 M. Marsh b Sandakan 31 P. Nevill c K. Perera b Herath 2 S. O’Keefe c K. Mendis b Sandakan 23 M. Starc c K. Perera b Sandakan 11

N. Lyon lbw b Sandakan 17 J. Hazlewood not out 2 Extras: (b-4, lb-7) 11 Total: (all out, 79.2 overs) 203 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-7, 3-69, 4-70, 5-130, 6-137, 7-160, 8-179, 9-190.

Bowling: N. Pradeep 16-6-36-2, R. Herath 25-8-49-4, D. Perera 14-143-0, L. Sandakan 212-3-58-4, A. Mathews 3-1-6-0.

SRI LANKA 2nd innings K. Perera lbw b Starc

4 K. Silva not out

2 Extras: 0 Total: (for 1 wicket, 2.2 overs) 6 Fall of wickets: 1-6.

Wolf’s Challenge Cup Softball Fixtures for Sunday 31st July.

Fixtures Maltenoes Ground Pitch (1): 10:00hrs Regal Masters vs HS Masters.

1:00 pm Regal Masters vs HS Tropical Springs.

Pitch (2): 10:00hrs Superior Woods vs Albion Masters.1:00pm Wolf Warriors Masters vs Fisherman Masters.

Fixtures Tuschen Ground 10:00hrs Floodlights vs Savage Masters.1:00pm Wellman vs Parika Defenders.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday July 28, 2016

Akmal blasts Knight Riders to vital win

WITH Trinbago Knight Riders staring at the prospect of heading to the final leg of the CPL season in Florida with their playoff hopes in jeopardy, Umar Akmal’s brilliant fightback secured a crucial three-wicket win over St Lucia Zouks to draw Knight Riders level with the Zouks on eight points in a tie for third.

This meant that Barbados Tridents were pushed back to fifth place with two games to play. Akmal struck an unbeaten 73 off 35 balls in Knight Riders’ chase of 168 having dug his side out of a deep hole at 63 for 5 in the 10th over.

Zouks were well placed to defend their total after the fall of Anton Devcich for 25 in the 15th to end a 51-run stand, leaving Knight Riders needing 50 off the last five overs with four wickets in hand.

Only four runs were scored in the 16th to further tilt the scales in favour of Zouks but Akmal swung things back Trinbago’s way in the 17th when he target-

balls later to clinch victory with six balls to spare.

Having been inserted, Zouks had powered to a strong start with Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher notching 58 in the first seven overs.

Charles was fortunate after having been dropped in the first over on 1, off Ronsford Beaton, and was reprieved again on 11 in the fourth over when replays

Umar Akmal hits seven sixes and three fours during his unbeaten 73 off 35 balls. ed Jerome Taylor for three straight sixes and a four, bringing up his fifty off 27 balls. Akmal’s fireworks reduced the equation to 23 off 18 balls.

Shane Watson then pinned

Sunil Narine down for three dots, but could not sustain the pressure and Narine ended the over by bashing two sixes to make it 9 off 12 balls. Narine fell in the 19th over but Kevon Cooper hit the winning runs two

Those in the crowd who thought Chase’s goal scoring onslaught was over had another thought coming however, as the side stuck four more goals in the last 10 minutes of the game. Stephon Reynolds in the 85th was followed by McArthur’s hat trick goal one minute later to push the side further, while Shomol Smith (88th), and Joshuna Williams (90+1), ended the game at 10-0.

Meanwhile, the defending champions Wismar/ Christianburg Secondary, had a harder task in their romp to the finals as they played a determined Sir Leon side.

It was nothing like the first game and while it was wet underfoot, goals had dried up.

The physicality of both sides made for a tense game and looked to be their downfalls as the defending champs gave away a penalty through a foul in the box. However Sir Leon’s Ravin Naughton left the woodwork rumbling with a stinging shot that rebounded off the cross bar.

The game carried on with more chances but the half ended scoreless and it would eventually take an O’Neil

Sharp 53rd minute intervention to break the deadlock.

A fumble in the box lead to Sharp beating the keeper which sent the crowd into Jubilation.

The Linden side, however, never lost hope and a breakaway effort from Sir Leon was met with a diving goal-keeper’s outstretched palm; and three minutes later another clear- cut attempt was foiled by the goal-keeper who came off his line to stop the attacker.

However, it was not over for Linden.With eight minutes remaining , Shaquile Campbell climbed high into the air to claim a corner and re-directed it past Sir Leon’s goalie for the equalizer . The game was on now and in the heat of the moment and pushing for the win, Sir Leon lesson this time conceded a penalty which was carefully converted by Omar Brewley in (90+3). While Sir Leon pursued an equalizer and had a good chance which skewed wide, Linden had effectively knocked the wind out of their sails and send the defending champions through.

Wismar/ Christiansburg ...

From backpage

ond of the night. Benjamin would score his first of the game and the third for his team after he ran onto a through-ball and tucked it gently into the right corner.

He returned to complete his brace after shaking two defenders and letting loose a thunderous shot from 25 yards out which curled into the right corner again in the 39th minute, as the side rallied to half time with a 4-0 lead.

On the return,Bryan Hackett scored twice within the space of three minutes, the first which was the completion of a successful through- ball while the second was a more prolific strike as he shifted the ball from the right side to the left side of the box along the touchline before unleashing a stunning left foot shot into the right corner (64rd).

It was all over for the Bush Lot side who were oft times over- run by the technical ability of their opponents, and while they made several raids, they often fizzled out.

showed Devcich had overstepped after having Charles caught by Dwayne Bravo at mid-off.

Fletcher was run-out in the eighth over for 25 and Charles’ luck ran out 10 balls later when Bravo claimed him for 27.

From there, Zouks struggled to regain the flow to their innings until Darren Sammy’s arrival in the 16th after Grant Elliott was removed for 12.

Sammy clobbered Cooper for four and six in the 18th to spur a late surge then bashed two more fours and a six off the final seven balls of Zouks’ innings to finish 37 not out off 18 balls. However, his spectacular form at the stadium, renamed in his honour, could not extend the hosts’ winning run, with Akmal halting it at three games.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

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Windies callup teenage fast bowler Alzarri Joseph

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (AFP) – West Indies Test selectors yesterday calledup uncapped teenage fast bowler Alzarri Joseph to their squad for the second Test against India which gets underway at Sabina Park on Saturday.

Joseph, 19, from the Leeward Islands, was one of his team’s stars at the Under-19 World Cup this year, helping the West Indies to the title with 13 wickets to his name.

India cruised to an innings and 92 runs win in the first Test in Antigua.

“We feel that Alzarri, who led the attack so expertly in the Youth World Cup earlier this year in Bangladesh, will now benefit from the professional guidance of our coaching staff and the presence of fast bowling legend Joel Garner as manager,” said West Indies chairman of selectors Courtney Browne.

“As we develop our Test team, we see this as a positive step in the process.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday July 28, 2016

Rabada dominates CSA awards

FA S T b o w l e r K a g i s o Rabada stole the show at the Cricket South Africa Awards banquet in Sandton, winning a record six awards.

Both AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla had previously won five awards, and at just 21 years old, Rabada is the youngest player to be named SA Cricketer-of-the-Year.

In addition to the night’s big award, Rabada was also named Test Cricketer-of-the-Year and O D I C r i c k e t e r- o f - t h e Year. Rabada’s teammates named him the SA Players’ Player-of-the-Year while the fans made sure he walked away with the SA Fans’ Player-of-the-Year

… Rabada is the youngest player to be named SA Cricketer-of-the-Year.

Kagiso Rabada took 6 for 16, including a hat-trick, on ODI debut.

award as well.

He also picked up the RAM Delivery-of-the-Year award which saw him dismiss England’s Jason Roy in the T20 International at the Wanderers.

The T20 International Player-of-the-Year award went to Imran Tahir and the KFC So Good award went to Temba Bavuma for his maiden Test century at Newlands.

Stephen Cook, who made a century on Test debut, was named International Newcomer-ofthe-Year while the new national captain, Dane van Niekerk, was named Women’s Cricketer-ofthe-Year.

Pizza Hut’s GCC ladies beat Hikers 3-1 in Lucozade hockey

Alzarri Joseph West Indies squad: Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Rajindra Chandrika, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Leon Johnson, Marlon Samuels

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday July 28, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 42 sixes (2) 11 players Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Hero CPL 2016 matches are s cheduled to be played in Florida, USA? (2) How many games the Guyana Amazon Warriors are scheduled to play in Florida?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

PIZZA Hut’s GCC ladies beat their Hikers counterparts 3-1 when play in the Guyana Hockey Board Lucozade indoor hockey league continued on Tuesday evening at the National Gymnasium.

According to a release, the League continued with male and female matches.

The ladies played first and it was mostly a one-sided affair between Pizza Hut’s GCC and the Hikers as the first half saw two penalty corners from Tricia Fiedtkou and Gabriella Xavier, both GCC players, strike the back of Hikers’ net.

The Hikers did not manage to score in this

half despite valiant efforts.

In the following half, Maria Munroe of the Hikers edged in a penalty corner in the 32nd minute to give that team a fighting chance at winning.

However, two minutes later, Rebecca Xavier blasted a field goal past her opponents to snatch any hope the Hikers imagined.

When the final buzzer rang the score was 3-1 in favour of Pizza Hut’s GCC. The release stated that critics said that the female Hikers team were worthy opponents nonetheless.

The second bout saw an in-house clash between GCC Pitbulls and GCC Vintage.

The latter were the favourites and goals rained for them in the first half.

Devin Hooper and Dwayne Scott led the charge for the Vintage squad with two goals apiece in the first half, as opposed to Samuel Woodroffe’s and Shaquille Leung’s two-goal contribution for the Pitbulls.

Even though the Pitbulls started the scoring in the second minute of play it was the Vintage players that closed off the half with a score of 4-2 in favour of the more seasoned side.

Five minutes into the second half Devin Hooper continued his scoring streak with an impressive penalty

corner to bring his tally to three goals for the Vintage.

Meshach Sargeant responded two minutes with a field goal for the Pitbulls, but, just three minutes before close of play Damon Woodroffe of the Vintage slammed a field goal through the defences of the Pitbulls to seal their fate.

The final scorecard read Vintage - 6 and Pitbulls - 3.

No love lost though, as both teams hailed from one unit and some even described the match as a mere show of collective skill.

The next set of games will be played tomorrow at the same venue beginning at 17:00hrs.

TROJAN Cycle Club’s Akeem Green on Sunday rode away with the Flying Ace Cycle Club-organised, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI)-sponsored 9th annual 50-mile cycle road race which was held in Berbice.

According to reports, Green overshadowed his rivals on the downward journey after pedalling off from outside the GBTI’s Corriverton, Berbice branch office and in the process, won four

of 12 prime prizes that were up for grabs.

After wheeling off from Corriverton, the 22 participants who were all from the Berbice area journeyed to Adventure up the Corentyne Coast before returning the place of origin for the finish.

Romello Crawford placed second and Andrew Hicks, a member of Guyana’s junior team who will represent Guyana at the upcoming Junior Caribbean Championships, placed third.

The other top three overall performers were Jebon Crawford, Brian Harris and Syborne Fernandes respectively.

The juveniles category was won by Zaman Khan who finished ahead of Ralph Seenarine, Alex Burnett and Delwin Bowman respectively.

The juveniles were given a five-minute head-start and Khan took advantage of this and rode away with the first four prime prizes while the

others went to Hicks and Balram Narine with one each.

The female category was won by Tamika Teixeira. Second in this category was Christine Mathenson and finishing third was Whitney Poyer. Teixeira also won the two prime prizes that were up for grabs in the female category.

The females started at Number 51 Village and finished at the GBTI Corriverton branch.

Akeem Green wins GBTI’s 50-mile cycle road race in Berbice

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday July 28, 2016

HQ continue to lead after penultimate Guyana whip Windwards in Windies Under-15s opener day of Police championships POLICE Headquarters took big wins off the performances of Nathaniel Giddings, Clarence Greene, and Natasha Alder, among others, as the division increased their lead in the Guyana Police Force Inter-Division Championships when competition continued yesterday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

With 414 points Headquarters now stand 159 points ahead of their closest competitors, ‘A’ Division. With only one more day of competition remaining, Headquarters are on course to retain their title at the Championships.

Behind ‘A’ Division are ‘C’ Division holding on to third place with 105 points, and in fourth place are ‘B’ Division with 74 points.

It was a good day for the HQ athletes, as the division collected major wins in almost all the finals of the day, which included a clean sweep of all the podium positions of the men’s 5000m as well as the men’s ‘B’ Class javelin.

The 5000m was won by Nathaniel Giddings in a time of 16:47.9s, Quacy Morian followed in second place with 17:25.5s, and Grivon Grant took third after touching the finish line in 17:52.1s.

In the javelin event Greene took the top honours after a throw of 48.94m, following him was yesterday’s winner of the men’s discus throw, Kleon Spellen. Spellen took second with a throw of 45.99m while third-placer was Lindon Wilson Jr who cleared a distance of 41.68m.

By Brij Parasnath

SKIPPER Sachin Singh (50 and 1 wicket for 8 runs) inspired defending champions Guyana to an impressive seven-wicket win over Windward Islands in the opening round fixture of the West Indies Cricket Board Under-15

Headquarters’ Nathaniel Giddings wins the men’s 5000m.

On the distaff side Natasha Alder ruled the female javelin with a superb throw of 30.21m.

Trinidad’s Nikita Renne was second in the international event after her best throw cleared 25.16m. ‘C’ Division’s Latoya Rodney took third place with a throw of 24.20m.

HQ landed another first-place win in the women’s 800m, championed by Shaunsel Adams who ended the race in 2:42.2s. ‘A’ Division placed second after Shion Boyer finished in 2:45.5s, but HQ also took third when Eva Henry clocked 3:04.3s.

Headquarters also triumphed in the men’s 3000m medley relay and the 2400m medley relay.

It was in the men’s ‘B’ Class 800m that ‘A’ Division got the chance to shine, in a big way. ‘A’ Division took a clean sweep of the top three spots, with Winston Dummett (2:05.9s) in first, Kadeem Peters in second (2:07.6s) and Jayon Johnson in third (2:08.6s).

The Championships will climax tomorrow, with competition scheduled to begin at 14.00hrs at the same venue.

Headquarters’ Clarence Greene in the men’s javelin throw

50-overs tournament at the Progress Park playing field, Grenada yesterday.

Windwards batted first and were bowled out for 108 in 40 overs with Garvin Serieux 33 and Jimmy Buddy 21 the main contributors.

Daniel Paul (6-1-18-2), Gevon Schultz (8-2-23-2), Suresh Deodat (8-0-19-20), Leon Sammy (5-2-14-2) and Dwain Dick (7-1-20-1) were Guyana’s successful bowlers.

In reply, Guyana raced to a convincing victory with 12.2 overs remaining and celebrated when the score advanced to 109 for 3 in 37.4 overs after three quick dismissals.

Sachin Singh led by example with a match-winning fifty that was decorated with one

‘I needed to push the bike’ Matthew Vieira sums up CMRC round two

By Stephan Sookram WITH three wins from three races on Sunday at the Frankie Boodram International Raceway in Trinidad, Matthew Vieira has credited the performances to confidence and a good team effort.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, the rider said that heading into the second round of the race meet, he wasn’t under any pressure.

“I had very little intel on the track. I used Google earth and some YouTube videos but I wasn’t pressured because I knew none of the other Guyanese had been there to ride; so we were basically on even terms. That alone made me try to work harder to understand

Matthew Vieira

the track,” he said.

He continued, “On qualifying day when I saw the time I was 3rd and I was 5 tenths off first, I was a bit worried because I saw the bike had some handling issues and it was eating up the tyre.”

“However, Andy Phang of Pure Racing chipped in and he

did some adjustments to the rear of the bike which made the difference in free practice after qualifying.”

Quizzed about his race confidence, the youngster responded with “we found a great set-up and it gave me the confidence I needed to push the bike so I was comfortable.

I put my head down, I fought corner by corner to get to the lead.”

Summing up the circuit, he described it as, “really fast and technical”, adding, “if you mess up the back chicane you basically mess up the whole lap and the corners actually beg you to fly into them.”

Moving forward, the rider said, “Well, I’m in the fight for the championship so I will go to Barbados and try to recover points. My main competition Stephen Vieira and Elliot Vieira will be going there also. The B rider Brook Miller will also be a hard man to beat but I’m going there positive.”

His bike is sponsored

by Rio Inn and Cyril’s Taxi Service.

... T&T beat Barbados

six and five fours off 66 balls.

The talented skipper shared a solid 91-run (26.2 overs) first-wicket partnership with Yeudister Persaud who made a patient 29 that contained two fours off 107 balls.

Singh, who was voted ‘Player-of-the- Match’; was first out lbw to Simeon Gerson for an even 50 in the 27th over while both Persaud and Dwain Dick (0) departed at 95 in the 32nd over.

But there were no more hiccups as Robert Samaroo (12 not out) and Sean Glasgow (5 n.o.) brought home the victory.

Trinidad and Tobago also started on a winning note with a 23-run victory over Barbados in their first-round encounter at the LaSagesse ground in Grenada yesterday.

T&T batted first and compiled 174 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs while they bowled out the Barbadians for 151 - Seth Agard 35, Rashawn Worrell 32 and Dasani Griffith 17.

Leon Basano 24, Jayden Seales 41, Aniel Pitiram 19 and Sameer Ali 16 were the

main scorers for Trinidad and Tobago while Extras contributed handily with 45 (b-1, lb-1, nb-3, w-39).

The successful bowlers for T&T were Tariq Mohammed (8.1-1-21-3), Jayden Seales (7-0-40-1), Darren Samlal (10-1-33-2), Nicholas Ali (5-2-8-1) and Aniel Pitiram (1-0-10-1).

However, there was a big upset and shocking result when Leeward Islands upstaged powerhouse Jamaica by two wickets at the Tanteen Recreation Ground.

Jamaica were dismissed for 141 in 42 overs (Razzaq Williams 28, Romario Barnes 27) while Leewards replied with 142 for 8 in 45.4 overs (Kenny Sutton 33, Damien Hodge 19, Tariq Newman 22 and Cordelle Romney 19).

The second-round fixtures are scheduled for tomorrow with Guyana and Barbados up against each other at the Tanteen Recreation ground while T&T take on Jamaica at Progress Park and Leewards face Windwards at LaSagesse.

Kallicharan, Cooper & Maharaj spark TT to 312 for 6 SUPERB batting by skipper Kirstan Kallicharan, Cephas Cooper, Brandon Maharaj and Dejourn Charles placed Trinidad and Tobago in a very strong position on the first day of their opening round fixture against arch-rivals Barbados in their West Indies Cricket Board under19s two-innings match being played at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, Kingstown, St Vincent & Grenadines.

At the close of play yesterday, Trinidad and Tobago, having batted first were in command with 312 runs for the loss of six wickets.

Triumphant West Indies Under-19 player Kallicharan registered his maiden Under-19 century and was dismissed off the last ball of the day’s play for a heroic 105 while Brandon Maharaj is unbeaten on 77.

Tobago-born Charles, a member of the PowerGen SSCL T20 champion Carapichaima East Secondary; who opened the batting scored 52 while Naparima College’s Coo-

Kirstan Kallicharan per, who started the WICB Under17 series with a half-century did likewise again yesterday for the national Under19 team.

Cooper batted at number three and chalked up 59.

The match continues today with the T&T team seeking to set Barbados a mammoth total and then put them under pressure with their battery of spinners.

In the other two matches that started yesterday, Jamaica closed at 97 for five against Guyana at Park Hill ground, while Windwards were dismissed for 109 in their clash with Leeward Islands at Sion Hill. In reply Leewards had reached 75 for 4 at the close.(Brij Parasnath).

Guyana whip Windwards in Windies Under-15s opener Back to Back!

See story on page 23

Wismar/Christiansburg rallies to meet Chase in second Digicel final

By Stephan Sookram

For the second year running, Chase Academy will face their arch nemesis Wismar/Christianburg Secondary in the Digicel National Schools Football Finals, after both advanced through semi-final action yesterday.

In the first game at the Leonora Track and Field

Centre, Chase bludgeoned Bush Lot 10-0, with goals coming as early as the seventh minute when Nicholas McArthur’s shot on goal was only deflected into the roof of the net.

He returned in the 22 minute to complete Kelsey Benjamin’s cross in front of goal and secure his sec-

See page 21

A colossus with bad knees

Birth of surely the greatest all-rounder in cricket history July 28,1936

Wismar/Christianburg was made to work for its spot in the finals of this year’s tournament but disposed of Sir Leon’s 2-1. (Adrian Narine photos)

Sir Garry Sobers - if his batting didn’t get you, his bowling would.

See story on page 19

Chase Academy brushed aside Bush Lot 10-0 in their semi-final match.

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016