Guyana chronicle e paper 28 07 2017

Port Mourant woman alleges police brutality Page 12

Tobacco bill passed No. 104987

F R I D AY , J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

Price: $80

( VAT I n c l u s i v e )

– tough fines for violators

TV News anchor credibility questioned

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Constitutional Reform Bill tabled Page 5

Dr Joseph Pasternak, a visiting corneal specialist surgeon screening a patient at the Georgtown Public Hospital on Thursday ahead of conducting a corneal transplant. Dr Pasternak is part of the Subraj Foundation transplant team here in Guyana on their 25th mission. Other members of the team look on (Samuel Maughn photo)

‘Not fit for man or beast’ … President says accommodation for hinterland teachers must be fixed

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Damaged GTT cable...

Sabotage could deter future investments

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

Poverty is a robber –– CEO Hutson says, stresses education an effective weapon

CHIEF Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson, has urged Sterling Products Limited (SPL) National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) bursary awardees to focus heavily on education for careers in the future.

Hutson was the key speaker at SPL’s Annual Bursary Awards for the past several years, dating back to when he first served as Deputy Chief Education Officer.

Speaking to students and their parents at a ceremony held at SPL’s Providence, East Bank Demerara office last Thursday, Hutson emphasised the need to think smart.

“You have to be very wise. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man,” he told the gathering.

He stressed to the students that now is the time to work hard and focus, partic-

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson, (fifth left, back row), SPL’s CEO, Ramsay Ali, (left of Hutson) with company staffers, parents and the awardees at the bursary awards ceremony ularly on English Language and Mathematics, so that they can matriculate.

“It means that you would now be equipped with the subjects to move to a higher level of studies and advance

in the world of work,” he said.

The chief education officer also urged parents to play a meaningful role in their children’s education, reminding them that they do

not have to be the holders of diplomas and degrees to effectively do so.

Hutson told the students and parents gathered that they must view the monetary award provided by SPL as a

seed to be planted for future harvests.

Each child received $60,000.

SPL’s CEO, Ramsay Ali, said the company takes pleasure in conducting this annual exercise and urged parents to use the monetary token to help provide for their children’s educational needs, as they enter the new school year in September.

“I want to congratulate the young people, and of course the parents. We hope that the money we are giving you is used wisely and towards the start of the secondary level to help you buy the right things for the child to start school,” Ali said.

The CEO pointed out that SPL is looking at ways to help ensure the monies are used specifically for this purpose, which could see an arrangement being made with an entity that sells a wide range of school supplies, partnering with SPL for this purpose.

The children and their

parents also received timely words of encouragement from General Secretary of the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU), Ann Anderson.

She congratulated parents for their hard work and dedication, pointing out that some parents would have spent many sleepless nights preparing their children for exams.

“Anything you want to be, you can be. The only thing is that you have to work towards that.... Some of you may not have received the school you wanted to, but that is not a downfall, you can use that as your stepping stone,” she told the students.

Those awarded this year are Naomi Persaud, Isaiah Shaw, Heimarajie Jaipaul, Racheal Mohitram and Mario James.

SPL provides the children of employees each year with this token. The event was coordinated by Human Resources Manager, Yvette Fiedtkou.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

Assassination plot

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TV news anchor says cops covering up matter … lawyers question his credibility

By Ariana Gordon DESCRIBING the story told of the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger as “believable” HGP Nightly News Assistant Editor and Lead Anchor, Travis Chase said he believes the matter is being covered-up by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

On Thursday, popular journalist Travis Chase told the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the matter that he had no reason to doubt accuser, Andriff Gillard, as the man’s story remained consistent. Gillard accused a Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) man of offering him $7M to assassinate the president back in June 2015.

Chase had interviewed Gillard on March 30, this year, after receiving a call from the man four days before on the matter. During crossexamination by retired Justice Ian Chang, Chase was asked whether he found Gillard’s story to be “intriguing” and if he sought to embellish same when he aired the report. “I don’t know what you mean by intriguing,” replied Chase.

The former Chief Justice then explained “something to get into, this thing intrigues me!”

Chase maintained that he did not understand what he was being asked.

The television anchor denied embellishing Gillard’s story and asked Justice Chang who is representing the interest of the police to explain the meaning of the word embellish. “In publicising this matter, you embellished Gillard’s story? Embellished for public consumption? You nice it up?” asked Justice Chang to which Chase said “false”.

Amid the line of questioning Chase’s attorney, Selwyn Pieters, objected noting that Chang can obtain a written transcript of the words used

by Chase during his interview with Gillard.

“It is simply not how he would have run his court… he knows better and should do better,” asserted Pieters who resides in Canada. “Did you feel that Gillard was trying to get this plot thing into the public…to draw public attention into the alleged plot?” asked Chang. Chase responded, “Honestly, I can’t recall what I felt then. The allegation was made…”

“What do you feel now?” asked Chang to whom Chase responded, “That the police is covering up the matter.” However, the Assistant Editor who

told the Commission he received training from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for some eight months, said when he interviewed Gillard on June 13, the man accused the police of covering up the matter.

IF YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH Chase in his evidence-in-chief, told the Commission headed by Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe, that Gillard called him on March 26, 2017 and told informed him that he was offered $6M to shoot President Granger.

The journalist said some four days later, Gillard said he was offered $7M and his story was recorded at HGP Nightly News; the recording lasted about 25 minutes. According to Chase, the repetition of the identical story by Gillard deemed it believable. “…If you speak the truth all the time you’ll have one story to tell and he was telling me one story,” he noted.

According to his statement to the Commission, Chase related that he was told by Gillard that the police was not taking his complaint seriously. As such, upon hearing the complaint by Gillard, he (Chase) decided to contact former Head of the Presidential Guards, Brian Joseph, to report the matter. Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Assistant Police Commissioner, Sydney James, was also informed of the allegation and both persons received copies of the recording.

Moreover, Chase told the Commission that due to the sensitive nature of the allegation and for the sake of verification, the interview with Gillard was not broadcasted immediately. He said he sought confirmation from the police and a government official. “I held onto the information for weeks,” he told the Commission.

The journalist said he also sought legal advice on the matter and was told by his attorney to not broadcast Gillard’s story. He said it was Minister of State, Joseph Harmon who confirmed that the matter is being investigated.

CONTACTING CRIME CHIEF The HGP Nightly News journalist said he also made several attempts to reach Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, but to no avail. His calls to the Crime Chief

went unanswered. On Monday, the Crime Chief told the Commission that he found Gillard’s allegations “Inherently incredible.”

Additionally, Chase told the Commission that following claims by the Police that they could not reach Gillard, he took the man to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and said he suspected his phone was tapped as

mants…one time one on a motorcycle came close to me; I asked him why he is following me…”

CREDIBILITY Meanwhile, during cross-examination by Chang, Chase’s credibility was questioned. Chang asked Chase if he has any grouse or animosity with the police to which the journalist responded in the negative. He noted too that he didn’t see reason for Gillard to lie about the alleged plot

HGP Nightly News Assistant Editor and Lead Anchor, Travis Chase every time he was en route to meet Gillard, he was followed. He disputed claims which suggest that he aired his interview with Gillard without informing either the police or the government of the allegation. The television journalist disclosed too in his evidence-in-chief that he was constantly followed by persons he described as “police informants”. He noted that while he does not know the names of the persons who followed him repeatedly around the city, he can identify them by seeing them. Chase said he was fearful for his life and as such reported his concerns with Assistant Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken, who told him to be careful and notify him of the vehicles in question.

“This started before this entire episode…when I had interviewed Sean Hinds, Barry Dataram, Alvin Reid … after that I had police staking out Nightly News… they thought I was harbouring Mr Reid,” he said.

Chase continued: “To this incident, it is safe to say these are police infor-

and moreover against the police. The television journalist said he could not recall Gillard mentioning that he was being investigated by police for the larceny of tyres.

Do you think he was trying ex post facto to get the attention of the political directorate?” asked Chang. “I don’t know what is ex post facto,” responded Chase.

This prompted Commissioner Slowe to request an explanation on behalf of Chase.

Chang then questioned Chase on his past brushes with the law. “Were you, yourself ever charged by the Police?” The former Chief Justice was asked to state the relevance of the question.

He told the Commission that by virtue of Chase’s testimony he wanted to show that Chase is “partisan”.

Similarly, Chase’s attorney objected to the Chang’s questioning of the journalist’s run-in with the law, however, the questioning was allowed as good reason was shown by Chang.

CONVICTION

“I strongly object to this…this is a professional witness,” said Pieters who outlined the role of a journalist to be one who records information provided by a witness.

“Were you convicted of an offence involving dishonesty?” asked Chang. Chase told the Commission in response to the question that a couple of years ago he was arrested, charged and convicted for simply larceny. He said he pleaded guilty to the offence because the receipt he obtained after purchasing a camera was handed over to the police as evidence got misplaced.

“The police charged me with simple larceny. I appeared before Magistrate Fazil Azeez…The magistrate asked for an explanation … police couldn’t produce the receipt… after a couple of hours, I plead guilty because I couldn’t find the receipt. He gave me a hefty fine,” said Chase who noted that the accuser was the relative of a former government minister Robert Persaud. The HGP Nightly News Assistant Editor told the Commission that it was Mitchell Caesar who now serves as Head of the Major Crime Unit who had investigated his matter. Caesar is the lead investigator in the assassination plot. However, notwithstanding this matter, Chase maintained that he has no grouse with the police.

Attorney representing Imran Khan, the brother of the Nizam Khan, the man accused of allegedly plotting to kill President Granger, questioned Chase’s experience as a journalist.

“In your statement you described yourself as lead anchor and assistant editor, can you give this commission an indication of service and experience in these capacities?” asked Ram. Chase told the Commission that he has worked at HGP Nightly News for the past five years. “Several training courses overseas, in fact, I spent eight months at Central BBC in London. I have certificates to show of it.

I participated in investigative reporting there and have a Diploma in Communication,” the television journalist stated.

He was asked to outline the basic tenets of responsible journalism to which he said verification and checks and balances are critical in journalism.

“Did you seek to verify any of the information given

by Mr Gillard?” Ram questioned. Chase in his defence said he verified his information from the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who told him the police was inves-

tigating the matter.

But Ram clarified his question and noted that verification of the allegation was important. “I believe Mr Ram that Mr Khan would have told you that I called him and he cursed me…” said Chase.

However, the attorney made it clear that he is representing Imran Khan and not Nizam Khan, the accused.

“One of the things that was shocking in a trained reporter, let alone a BBCtrained reporter is when did this happen, when did this occasion take place, when did this alleged approach or plot take place?” Ram continued.

“It is on a disc…I can’t remember,” responded Chase, to whom Ram quickly told that the answer to the question was not placed in his original statement. The attorney noted that the alleged plot occurred some 21 months prior to matter being reported. “As a journalist, would you have not made that kind of inquiry?”

Ram continued. Chase said, “It did cross my mind…I asked him…but I can’t recall what he said but it is on a disc before the Commission.”

The Attorney then questioned whether after hearing the story, if Chase as an investigative journalist rather than narrator, sought to make contact with the police. The journalist responded in the affirmative noting that efforts were made to contact Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, to no avail.

“As an investigative journalist… you sought from Mr Gillard, what, where and when he made complaints to the police?” Ram questioned.

“I can’t recall,” stated Chase.

Ram described Chase as “very unhelpful” and declined to ask additional questions.

Meanwhile, Pieters during his cross-examination of his client questioned whether Chase would have helped the police in the past with information on criminals. “I have provided the police on numerous occasions with contact information, location of persons they want, Mr Blanhum can come here and testify to this, police showed up at the office, OPR begged for witnesses I would have spoken to in relation to a number of shootings and I would have provided that several times.”

Also testifying before the Commission on Thursday was Balram Baldeo, father of Leon Baldeo, the man who accused Gillard of offering him $50,000 to corroborate his alleged assassination plot story. Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine will testify before the Commission today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Sabotage could deter future investments

--if it continues on GTT telecommunication infrastructure, says U.S. Ambassador

By Svetlana Marshall CONTINUED attacks on Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s (GTT) telecommunication infrastructure could have serious implications for investments in the future, US Ambassador, Perry Holloway said.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview at the US Embassy on Thursday, the diplomat weighed in on the matter which has been gaining national attention.

GTT’s fibre-optic cable was sabotaged four times in 10 days, affecting over 20,000 customers and putting the country’s residents,

national security and emergency mechanism at risk.

The last attack was executed on Tuesday night on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

On each of the recent occasions, cell, landline and Internet services to the natural resources economic hub of Linden, Ituni, Kwakwani, Mabura, Mahdia, Troy Mining and Bartica communities were affected.

Ambassador Holloway said it is not just an attack on the US-owned company but an act of crime committed against the people of Guyana.

He said the four most recent acts of sabotage would not deter any investor from coming to Guyana, but over time if such acts continue, they could have a negative impact on the country.

“Other potential investors, whether it will be from the US or anywhere else, will say wait a minute, I

don’t want to go and built my network or build my factory or build something, if all of a sudden someone is going to be destroying my investment. I am not saying, that right now it is a deter on investment but if things like this continue it could certainly have an impact on it,” Ambassador Holloway explained.

WELL INFORMED The US diplomat met with GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd, recently to get a greater understanding of the situation.

Based on their discussions, Ambassador Holloway said it is clear that the acts of sabotage are committed by well-informed people.

“It is clearly not the work of a disgruntled customer who was unhappy with the speed of their Internet or their landline not being fixed, which I am sure there are plenty such customers out there, but… they picked the places that would cause the most damage. You had to have a certain amount of technical ability to be able to

do it,” he explained.

It was pointed out that the perpetrators had returned to a location where GTT had already executed repairs following an attack. At that location on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, the telecommunication provider had installed a steel pipe to safeguard the fibre-optic cable but that was also damaged.

“They went back and did that again. That would have required special tools, special equipment and special knowledge, so it is an issue that should be of concern to everyone,” the Ambassador emphasised.

He noted too that it is clearly not a case of someone trying to steal the fibre-optic cable because once broken, it is of no use. GTT, he said, is currently looking at a number of ways to make their cable safer.

The US Ambassador said the acts of sabotage come at a time when the country is making critical steps to improve its telecommunication market and foster growth within its ICT sector.

He pointed out too that when the fibre-optic cable

was damaged, connectivity was lost to Linden and other communities within Region 10.

The damages done had also affected a mining company which is heavily dependent on the services provided

by GTT. “I think everyone would agree that no matter which side of the political spectrum you speak, better Internet, better telecommunications for Guyana is a thing that would promote growth, promote jobs, promote inclusivity, promote democracy, so this is actually an attack literally on basic democracy,” the US Ambassador stated.

MEETING Due to the seriousness and the magnitude of the issue, a team from the US Embassy will be meeting with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to offer its assistance with the hope of catching those responsible.

“We will also be meeting with the police just to express our concern and also offer our assistance in any way we can to help find the perpetrators.”

The ambassador noted it is difficult to catch the people who commit these types of crimes but said with the help of public-spirited persons, the perpetrators can be brought to justice.

On Wednesday, Nedd said while the GPF has been very helpful in the past and is currently investigating the matter, the company needs the public’s assistance.

“Unfortunately, the rate of success is highly dependent on our citizens, our people, our Guyanese to really bring forward information and that has not been as forthcoming as we would like,” the CEO said.

As such, he is calling on persons living in Guyana to assist GTT and the GPF in finding the rogue elements whose agenda it is to stymie the development of the ICT sector.

Reports can be made to GTT’s hotline 0908.

BE VIGILANT “I want to ask each and every person to be sheriffs Turn to Page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Gov’t in major step towards constitutional reform

By Svetlana Marshall

THE Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission Bill No. 9 of 2017 was presented to the National Assembly for the first time

by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, paving the way for the administration to engage stakeholders in radical changes to the country’s Supreme law.

Upon the request of the Prime Minister, the bill has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform for consideration and report.

When the bill is passed in the House, it would pave the way for the establishment of a Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission that will assist the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform in the execution of its work.

As such, it would be responsible for conducting public consultations with and receiving submissions from the people of Guyana on behalf of the Committee. Consultations will be conducted in the 10 Administrative Regions.

“It is the aim of the Government to reform the Constitution to the point where it is more inclusive, democratic and transparent, removing all anomalies, having received the input from stakeholders, the Commissioners and having considered and evaluated the submissions from the people of Guyana and acquired the benefits resulting from pubic consultations,” an explanatory memorandum attached to the bill stated.

According to the proposed legislation, the 15-member commission will be appointed by the President, however, four members – two constitutional law

Sabotage a deter... and look out for these rogue elements that would want to hold our nation back. We would offer a very handsome reward to anyone who would help us bring these culprits to justice,” Nedd stated. A reward of $1M is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator(s).

It was made clear by Nedd that despite the attacks on the company, it will continue with its mission to provide Guyana with blazing Internet speeds.

“GTT will not be moved; our team will not be moved.

There is no force, evil or otherwise that will stop us from providing the fastest, most reliable, the most secured communications to your homes and to your business-

es,” the CEO stated.

Minister of Public Telecommunication, Cathy Hughes, who had also addressed the issue on Tuesday at a joint press conference with GTT, warned that if it is “some warp sense of competition”, the perpetrators will face the full brunt of the law.

Vandalism of overhead, on the ground or subsurface cable is an offense and it is a serious offense, she warned while referencing to Section 131 of the Criminal Law Offenses Act Chapter 8:01.

“If this happens to be some warp sense of competition, I want to say that in the spirit of fair competition and trade all should be allowed to conduct legitimate and responsible business in the sector and to bring much

experts, a retired judge and a law tutor – will be selected by the President based on his own deliberate judgment after conducting such consultations as he sees fit.

The 11 other members will include a nominee from each of the Parliamentary Parties, Trade Union Movement, Youth Organisations, the Guyana Bar Association, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers, one each from the Christian, Hindu and Muslim Organisations, Women Organisations and the National Toshao’s Council.

If an entity fails to make a nomination, the bill once passed, will allow for the President to appoint a member to represent that entity after due consideration.

The nominees will be selected based on their experience, knowledge of the constitution, commitment,

From Page 4 needed service to the Guyanese people.”

She made it clear that the National Telecommunications Agency will not be issuing any license to any person or organisation found culpable of committing such act.

The first act in this recent series of sabotage was detected on July 14, 2017, one day before GTT officially launched the Blaze fibre-optic high speed Internet.

In February 2017, the company’s fiber-optic cable was also sabotaged at a time when it launched its high speed LTE broadband in Essequibo. Over the past 12 months, GTT’s loss of service and restoration effort equated to $50M.

academic expertise and practical expertise.

A Secretariat, headed by a Secretary, will also be established to support the work of the commission.

In assisting the Standing Committee, the Commission, under the proposed legislation, will be mandated to consider the scope of constitutional reform necessary to allow for more inclusive, democratic and transparent governance.

Additionally, it will address any anomaly, redundancy or any aspect of the Constitution that need attention.

“The Commission shall have the power to conduct any inquiry or investigation within its terms of reference in the manner, time and place it thinks fit with power to adjourn from time to time and from place to place, giving due notice to the public,” a

section of the bill states.

Additionally, the bill states that upon completion of its work, the Standing Committee will review and evaluate the periodic reports of the Commission, prepare a final report inclusive of recommendations for submission to the National Assembly for approval.

The Commission will be financed with funds from the Consolidated Fund however; it would be allowed to accept donations or monetary contributions from international agencies.

The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, through the Office of the Prime Minister, had set up the Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR) led by Nigel Hughes.

Last year, SCCR submitted its report to Prime

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Minister Nagamootoo and the bill was subsequently drafted and reviewed. The Coalition Government views the laying of the Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission Bill in the National Assembly as a major advancement in the process towards Constitutional Reform.

During a visit to Guyana in April, a United Nations (UN) delegation had said that the process of constitutional reform creates an opportunity for social cohesion and nation-building. The UN delegation expressed the view while presenting its findings on the Constitutional Reform process to Prime Minister Nagamootoo. That report addressed the risks associated with the process of Constitutional Reform on the basis that Guyana has a history of racial division and ethnic-political conflict.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Tackling squatting in the city THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is engaging in a sensitistation programme to advise citizens in Georgetown of the illegality in squatting. Some of these billboards have been placed in communities such as Sophia, that has morphed into a major housing development, however uneven the development appears in infrastructure, sanitation and aesthetics. Such development arose out of the need to own a home, inability to pay rent and the prospects of employment and economic opportunities living in or within the city and its proximity.

The CH&PA cannot be faulted for moving to enforce the laws and bringing about orderliness in communities. At the same time, recognition of this pursuit should not ignore the socio-economic circumstances and desire of many who choose to squat. In policing the law, it may be helpful to have in tandem, recommendations by this agency to minimise and ultimately eliminate squatting.

They are those who squat because the process of acquiring a houselot is long and drawn out, frustrating citizens who are in dire need of a place to live or to avoid paying exorbitant rents. Then there is a category of squatters who do not have the financial wherewithal to meet the rules of the housing authority to commence construction within a stipulated time, lest their land be confiscated. All these instances underlie socio-economic challenges.

The aforesaid does not ignore there can be no denying that squatting presents the appearance of uneven develop-

ment. Not only aesthetically is it considered less than pleasing to the eyes, but the public health risks and safety to those squatters and society are important. Squatting areas often do not have proper infrastructures such as sewage systems, roads, drainage and potable water. It not unusual to see solid waste and faeces floating in yards during flooding, children playing in the same water, and families even using the said water for various consumption and other domestic purposes.

The Government has laid out major plans for housing development and it is hoped that the ownership of a home will exclude none, irrespective of economic status. A home is a person’s most prized possessions, his or her pride of place, identification of achievement or accomplishment, and is therefore sought after with dogged determination. It is in this context it can be understood and appreciated why a shack condemned by the up-and-coming or economically better off, is prized by its owner and would be defended against any invader.

A home represents man’s dignity and accomplishment.

As such, housing development has to recognise the desire to a home not as luxury, but ensuring one’s dignity in the community. The time may be ripe to look at revisiting housing policies on ownership, such as having subsidised housing where low-income and vulnerable groups can own and rent, revisiting rules pertaining to land acquisition and homebuilding. There is also need to look at making financing non-prohibitive to those who want to own a home and are

Opposition must help find solutions to Guyana’s problems Dear Editor, ANYONE at the ministerial helm in Guyana, especially in the Public Security Ministry, must be as the Rock of Gibraltar and be prepared to weather the storm of criticisms unleashed by the opposition-instigated harsh public outbursts.

The fact that the Honourable Minister Khemraj Ramjattan acknowledges that the ‘buck stops’ at his office is of great significance. It is important to note that the former US President had a sign in his office which read ‘the buck stops here’. This shows the nature of our Public Security Minister, he could have blamed the Director of Prisons and his staff or he could have ‘Roheed’ himself out of the onslaught but he chose the most honourable way out; he accepted full responsibility--no conditions attached.

He further charismatically accepted that he was embarrassed by the jail breaks and

the escapees. He showed the utmost humility that is so lacking in our statesmen of today and displayed an unyielding strength of character when he concluded that ‘resignation’ is not a word he is associated with. This Minister and Third Vice President has grown tremendously in my humble estimation during the past weeks and I am sure that the masses would agree with my conclusion.

On the other hand, the former Attorney General has been on television on a weekly basis trying in vain to justify his alleged stealing of the law books. Why should he be trying his case in public? If he is innocent then our legal system will determine that, but he should not be involved in character assassination. For instance, referring to me, the PM’s Region 6 representative as a ‘Christmas blow-blow’ is an attempt to belittle the valuable contributions I have been making towards the economic and social development of

Region 6. I do not have to go on television and read stale negative news to the public.

I go to affected residents and their communities and offer solutions to their problems and do not seek ‘political mileage’ or financial gains like some people do. I do not live on past ‘achievements’ like members of the Opposition.

It seems to me that Mr Nandlall is trying his utmost to cause the Opposition to lose the next general elections by sending fear into the hearts of Berbicians, resulting in an exodus to the US and other parts of the world. He should note that last year alone 79,000 (72,000 visitors visas) mostly Indo-Guyanese were given visas to the US. Many Indo-Guyanese are using their 10-year visa to get away from the doomsday picture painted by the Opposition. It is time that people like Nandlall make some meaningful contribution to our country.

The main function of the opposition is to question the

government and hold them accountable. In other words, the opposition is the alternative government and should not only be challenging policies of the Government but must be capable of providing different policies where applicable to ensure that economic and social problems can be resolved. What alternative policies have this Opposition provided since two (2) years. All they are doing is to CRITICIZE, CONDEMN and COMPLAIN. No PLAN, POLICIES OR PRODUCTIVE IDEAS. We need an Opposition which can leave politicking for the election season in 2020 and work hand-in-hand with the Government to solve critical problems plaguing this Nation, and it is no excuse for them to say “It’s not our problem!” Each and every problem belongs to ALL GUYANESE. Regards Gobin Harbhajan

prepared to work hard for it. Public education is also an important component to tackling and managing squatting, not only in reminding of its unlawfulness, but also providing needed information about opportunities available to acquire land, loans, and housing based on economic circumstances.

Squatting ought to be discouraged, since it inhibits the orderliness and public health in society. The current squatters that were encouraged along the embankment on the east/west canal, north of East and West Ruimveldt, inhibit the maintenance of this canal. At times of heavy rainfall, the lack of this maintenance contributes to flooding in South Georgetown. It may require a resettlement programme to meet the needs of this specific demographic, since the social consequences of seeking to remove them by force would be less than desirable.

Programmes such as turn-key houses, low-cost rents, government-subsided housing, and where necessary, collaboration with lending institutions to provide loans at low interest should be worthy of examination. Compassionate and proactive approaches to managing the squatting problem would respect and protect the dignity of those who often squat out of a desire to pursue self-development.

Some remarkable efforts by city councillors Dear Editor IT HAS been sometime since I have ‘penned’ anything in the newspapers. That was because of my failing eyesight; today I am seeing some remarkable efforts by our city fathers’ “councillors”. I was around in the days of Forbes Burnham when he was Mayor of Georgetown and the activities perpetrated in those days have now become a reality again.

I am not saying City Hall or City Councillors are responsible for these exercise, but councillors within the city of Georgetown who have embarked on a general campaign, and I would highlight two areas that have been near completion.

Firstly, in the Albouystown area by Mr. Malcolm Ferreira and secondly from Camp to Water Streets bordered east to west and from Quamina to Durban Streets will be embarked on Sunday July 30, 2017 by Councillor

Ron Persaud and others.

These are independent councillors of any political parties, and their effort should be complimented by all Guyanese, and I know with the help of the citizens we will have a continuous “clean and green area” I wish Mr. Roopnarine Persaud and Party the best of luck and I know that Ron will be embarking on his own account to have this exercise realised.

The citizens are many, Ron Persaud and party are few, and those who will profit from this exercise will be thousands of Guyanese. I will use a quote that fits Ron Persaud and his Party by Sir Winston Churchill which was said after the battle of the beaches of Dunkirk which states, “Never in the history of human endeavour was so much owed by so many to so few.”

Regards Murtland ‘Slugger’ Williams

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

GuySuCo has many questions to answer Dear Editor THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has been following several press reports which focused on the various community meetings organised by the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) at a number of estates.

Those meetings we recognised from the pictures appearing in the media seem to be very poorly attended despite what we understand are great efforts by the Management to organize and encourage workers to attend. We wonder whether the Corporation doesn’t find it strange that its highly-marketed encounters see just a handful of workers in attendance.

From all appearances it

seems that the chickens are coming home to roost. The actions of the Corporation in the last two years have not been helpful in maintaining the generally positive relations between the Company and the workers and their representative organisations. Certainly, workers being forced to work at their 2014 rates-of-pay in year 2017; or the significant curtailing of their Annual Production Incentive (API) in 2015 and its outright denial in 2016; or certain changes to the Weekly Production Incentive (WPI) scheme significantly restricting workers benefitting from the scheme; or the denial of workers the opportunity to obtain trade union education or to be granted paid-release to attend their Union’s Congress; or the haughty and arrogant

approach taken to their concerns at the workplace, among other things, have all not been helpful in encouraging a positive approach to the industry’s ‘best minds’.

From the press reports, we have recognised that the Management continues to lament the turnout of cane cutters but does not seem to offer any rationale whatsoever for the situation. Certainly, it seems GuySuCo’s ‘best minds’ are more reactive than proactive.

Though turnout is said to be around 60 per cent we hasten to ask GuySuCo what percentage of cane cutters qualified for Holiday-with-Pay (HWP) benefit in the 2017 first crop and the 2016 first and second crops. It should be noted that in order for workers to receive this benefit they (the workers)

must work a certain number of days each week or accumulatively over the crop. The sharing of such data we believe would be instructive in bringing greater clarity to the matter.

It is also a known fact that the industry does not offer year-round work. For instance, the 2017 second crop will see estates operating for not more than sixteen (16) weeks. When the first crop which lasted about ten (10) weeks is taken into account it means that workers would only be offered in-crop employment for about half of the year. This is a far cry from what prevailed in the past when the two (2) crops lasted about thirty-five (35) to thirty-eight (38) weeks per year. Even in the cropping period, they are uncertain about the situation they would face

when they arrive to work and whether their rights would be respected. The workers, quite obviously, will seek to secure alternative employment in order to augment their incomes and maintain their families.

Undoubtedly workers commitment, when taken together with assault on their benefits and threats to their livelihood they now face, will obviously wane.

This situation is not new or unique to the sugar industry and it is almost like déjà vu. We recall a similar situation prevailed in the latter 1980’s and the workers returned to work when their rates-of-pay and benefits were aligned with reality in the early 1990’s. Even before that, the sugar barons allocated abandoned cane

fields to workers to pursue peasant farming in order to assist them during the out-of-crop periods. It is perplexing that the Corporation having recruited in recent times several individuals who were associated with the industry in the pre and post nationalization period of 1976 have not recognized this reality and seek to employ corrective measures, but rather they seek to embrace policies that have pushed, and will continue to push, workers away from the sugar company. No wonder, the New GuySuCo Community Outreach Programme is so sparsely attended.

Regards Seepaul Narine General Secretary

Book piracy continues to flourish across the country Dear Editor DAVE Martins’ article in the Sunday Stabroek of July 23rd, 2017 highlighted an issue that is long overdue for action.

Like thousands of people in the Caribbean and the wider world I enjoy Dave Martin’s music tremendously.

Dave gave me a copy of his “At Home” CD when it was released and my staff loves it so much that I play the entire

disc most Saturday mornings.

Everyone leaves work in high spirits after hearing the tunes, especially “Rupununi Man, Tell Me You Love Me, Is We Own, Ow Beta”.

As a bookseller I am a fellow sufferer at the hands of pirates since 2001. I can therefore empathise with Dave Martin for feeling let down by the past administration as well as the current one – so far. It is my hope that there will be the political

will, in our lifetime, to have this copyright lawlessness put right.

I wish to emphasise POLITICAL WILL for in 2012 the State itself showed such contempt for copyright that it tried to award contracts to printers to produce tens of thousands of books published by international companies without their approval. Astonishingly, page 62 of the tender document stipulated that “All Texts

and workbook must be done to a similar likeness of the original”.

A court action was mounted by five of the affected publishers viz, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Macmillan, Pearson (Longman) and Nelson Thornes. That action resulted in an order made by Justice Rishi Persaud on the 20th April, 2016. It is a permanent injunction against all the Defendants (Abbisham

Boodhoo, Gandhi Sales & Investments, Metro Office and Computer Supplies, Terrence Nicholas and J. Nicholas Trading as T&J Bookstores and Giftland Office Max) restraining them from reproducing or offering for sale the Plaintiffs’ copyrighted textbooks.

Despite the 2016 injunction, book piracy continues to flourish across the country and the main reason for this is because it is widely

known that the penalty for copyright infringement is a paltry $60.00 Guyana dollars. The penalty in Barbados is US$250,000. I wonder when Dave Martin will make another CD at home in Guyana. When!

According to T&T calypsonian CRAZY it has to be “In Time to Come”.

Regards Lloyd F. Austin Austin’s Book Services

‘Not fit for man or beast’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

… President says accommodation for hinterland teachers must be fixed

PRESIDENT David Granger has harshly criticised the accommodation of teachers in the hinterland, saying that “it is not fit for man or beast, much less young mothers…”

The President made the comments during an interactive engagement with students and staff of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) on Wednesday.

Speaking of the challenges that teachers face on a daily basis, the President pointed out that having travelled across the 10 Administrative Regions he has seen the conditions under which teachers, particularly those stationed in the hinterland, work and live. “Eighty percent of our teachers are women and when you look at the accommodations in the hinterland, it is not fit for man or beast, much less young mothers… We want to make sure that you the teachers have a comfortable environment so that you can do what you were trained to do and that is to teach our children,” he said.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Education Minister, Nicolette Henry, said efforts are continually being made to remove what has been considered to be high levels of disparities between coastland and hinterland (rural) schools. She noted

that many students who hail from hinterland communities, in particular, have been struggling to attain suitable marks for entry into secondary schools after completing the National Grade Six

administration taking office is reduced. “We have worked on an intervention at the primary level to address the gross disparities that we recognised existed in the system for a number of years,” the

the examinations, and this, in addition to other factors prompted the two- year-old APNU+AFC administration to call for an emergency intervention in the area of mathematics. But while the

The study conducted will serve as a baseline and once proven effective would be expanded and replicated across the country with the hope of bridging the existing gap. “I am happy to report

President David Granger takes a glimpse at the online research that students in the Information Technology laboratory are conducting. Also in photo are: Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry and CPCE Principal, Ms. Viola Rowe (MoTP photo) Assessment (NGSA). Notwithstanding this challenge, the minister assured that her Ministry’s responsibility is to ensure that the disparity which existed prior to her

minister said.

An analysis and disaggregation of data relative to the NGSA results for 2016 showed that the hinterland regions performed poorly at

intervention targetted mathematics specifically, it should be noted that additional focus was placed on the other core areas: English, Science and Social Studies.

that the intervention bore fruit,” the minister said, and cited Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) as an example of a hinterland region where there was need for deep intervention. She explained that the problems facing the hinterland and other rural communities have to be looked at from a broad perspective where the community, parents, teachers, students and the Ministry of Education are involved, given the different levels of responsibilities.

“It wasn’t just a Ministry of Education issue; it was an issue that affected us on several levels,” Henry told Guyana Chronicle at her Main Street office.

ONE LAPTOP PER TEACHER Meanwhile, during his address to the teachers, President Granger alluded to the One Laptop per Teacher (OPLT) pro-

gramme.

He said he was informed that some students were not able to benefit from the initiative. He assured that the programme will continue with the aim of ensuring that every educator is equipped with a laptop, which is now a vital teaching tool in the classroom. Last December, CPCE received $1M from the Government to support science and technology at the institution. During his visit today, he made sure to make a spot check at the various laboratories, including the computer laboratory to see the condition of the equipment.

President Granger said that Guyana needs engineers and scientists in order to drive development and CPCE must be used as the vehicle to provide teachers, who will effectively impart these subjects in the school system. “Without a strong education system this country would collapse. We would be unable to develop what I think is the most beautiful, the most bountiful and the most blissful country in the entire Caribbean,” he said.

Other issues raised by students included the need for a restructuring of the curriculum, need for additional lecturers, an increase in stipend provided to students, better infrastructure at the Turkeyen facility and improved Information Technology and science laboratories and equipment. President Granger said that he will work to ensure that some of these request are catered for in the new fiscal year, noting that the Ministry is committed to improving the College within the limits of its resources.

After the meeting, the President walked around to various sections of the College to get a better idea of the needs of the institution. He was accompanied by Minister Henry, Chief Education Officer, Mr. Marcel Hutson and CPCE’s Principal, Ms. Viola Rowe. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

President on fact-finding tour of CPCE

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday met with students and staff of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) as he continues his outreach to educational institutions in what he calls fact-finding missions, to hear from the administrators and beneficiaries directly even as Government zeroes in on modernising and reforming the educational sector.

The Head-of-State explained to students and instructors at the college that his administration recognises the importance of these consultations. Joined by the Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry, during the visit, the President said that he acknowledges that much more needs to be done to ensure that the CPCE is better

equipped to effectively train the nation’s teachers but the input of qualified stakeholders in the reform process is needed. “From what I can hear this afternoon, there must be more conversations; there must be more deliberations among the people who are in the system. It is not a boardroom decision; it is not an academic decision that we can just sit in an office and make rules,” he said.

President Granger also said that he will make the results of the recently-completed report on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the education sector available to the institution so that it can study its findings and add to its content. The forum was highly interactive as it allowed for both staff and students of the institution to

Ms. Gabriella Cummings directs a question to President David Granger during the interactive session

speak freely on issues that are affecting them. CPCE’s Vice-Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Paula Monforte said that as the Ministry of Education works to reform the sector, they should seek the knowledge, expertise and buy-in of people, who are specialists in the system. “We are directed to implement and make changes with things that we know will not work and I am asking that our country gets to a place where people listen to us as professionals.

We are highly criticised for what is happening out there because we were asked to do what we were asked to do…

We need people, who were trained in their field and who can bring to the table richness for improvement and success in teaching at this College,” she said.

President Granger explained this is precisely why he has embarked on a process to engage with key stakeholders in the sector as he looks to improve what the state offers to the country’s youth. Thus far, he has already visited the New Opportunity Corps and the Kuru Kuru Training Centre. “We cannot sit in the boardroom and make rules… I haven’t come to lecture to you. I have come to listen to you and to learn about some of your problems so that we can solve those problems. This is not an ornamental visit; it is not a ceremonial visit. It is a very functional visit as far as

President David Granger addresses students and staff of CPCE I am concerned,” he said.

He added that change is continuous and as such, all stakeholders need to remain engaged so as to swiftly address problems as they arise.

IMPROVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE Meanwhile, Regional Education Officer for East Berbice Corentyne (Region Six), Ms. Shafiran Bhajan stressed that much more work needs to be done to

improve results in the English courses at the College.

She noted that there have been complaints that graduate teachers are still making grammatical errors in their speech and their writing.

Another member of staff, Mr. Romeo McAdam explained that students must be encouraged to do more oral work which will improve their capacity to better express themselves. President Granger reminded that Guyanese children do not speak

what is considered Standard English at home; while for others, English is a second language. He added that all of these peculiarities must be taken into account in the teaching process.

“We have to understand that children are coming with different backgrounds and unless we can communicate with them effectively, we will not be able to bring them up to that standard,” he said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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Tobacco bill passed

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

– tough fines for violators

By Ravin Singh THE State has moved one step closer to protecting her citizens from the effects of tobacco smoke with the National Assembly passing the Tobacco Control Bill on Thursday evening.

After eight hours of monotonous arguments which prompted sporadic heckling, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence solicited a 32 majority-vote in favour of the

bill from the eastern side of the house.

Of the 24 opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) present during the voting, 23 abstained, while Ganga Persaud opted to oppose passage of the bill.

The bill, which had its genesis under the previous administration, was piloted

by Minister Volda Lawrence, who was tasked with defending what some members of the Opposition described as

“draconian” measures.

The Tobacco Control Bill provides for the adoption and implementation of tobacco-control policies in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The legislation serves as the legal regulator for administration, inspection and enforcement, while providing legislative protection from exposure to second- hand

smoke by eliminating public smoking.

It seeks to reduce tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke; prevent tobacco use by minors and protect workers and the public from exposure to tobacco smoke.

The bill also clears the way for establishment of a National Tobacco Control Council.

But according to PPP Member of Parliament (MP) Clement Rohee, the bill, in its

current form, “evokes tremendous amount of controversies” with respect to whether it is pro-business, anti-business and pro-health, in addition to whether it infringes on the rights of citizens.

One of the more controversial clauses in the bill is Section 19 (2), which imposes a display ban on the item although it remains a legal product. This ban essentially eliminates the advertising of tobacco products and forces wholesalers and retailers to sell ‘under the counter.’

In addition to advancing this argument on the basis that it will result in greater hardship for Guyanese who retail tobacco products, Rohee offered that enforcement of the legislation will lead to chaos.

“You are asking for trouble if people will be arrested at a public event at the stadium or some other public place where thousands of people are,” he opined.

Building on his argument, and confident in tone, the former Home Affairs Minister shared that based on the PPP’s experience in government, one of the most important elements of this legislation is its enforcement capacity.

He offered that what the government needs to take into consideration is whether the State has the resources to deal with the additional responsibilities of enforcement.

TOO BIG A BITE Suggesting that there is capacity deficiency, Rohee told the government that it was “biting off more than you can chew.”

However, this argument was rebutted by Minister Lawrence in her closing statements. She informed the opposition MP that the bill makes provision for “authorised [enforcement] officers” which includes: police officers and inspectors or officers employed with the Public Health Ministry, the National Bureau of Standards, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority and or Environmental Protection Agency.

Taking aim at the bill too, was opposition spokesperson on Public Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who said that while Minister Lawrence touted the WHO FCTC, and Guyana’s obligations under that Convention, the bill in reality ignores much of what the Convention advises.

“When we compare the Convention with the Bill before us, we see that Articles [in the Convention] are left out and one article is only partially included in the Bill,” he said.

Commenting on the need for programmes to rehabilitate smokers, Dr. Anthony pointed out that there is no clear programme set out in the Bill.

“Where do you refer them? What support system will be there to help persons to quit? There is none… we are lacking in this regard… and the Framework (FCTC) speaks to this,” he stated.

However, the public health minister clarified that the bill is not an extraction of the FCTC but rather, “it provides for the adoption and implementation of tobacco control policies” in accordance with the WHO FCTC, with the aim of controlling tobacco use.

“The overall intention is protecting our people and ensure they live healthier lives. This bill is about protection for the people of Guyana,” she reiterated.

LONG OVERDUE Supporting her colleague in the passage of this bill was Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr. Karen Cummings ,who was keen to note in her presentation that the bill was long overdue.

“This bill is long overdue.

We are not faced with a menu of choices,” she said, referencing the fact that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) – many of which are caused by smoking -- accounted for over 70 per cent of the public health budget for 2017.

She offered that Guyana has been “recalcitrant” in provision of tobacco legislation, and it is unfortunate that the bill was stalled by the former government for 12 years.

The minister noted that “Guyana can no longer afford to drag its feet on reducing the effects of tobacco use on the population, since it continues to threaten the lives of Guyanese.

“This bill is a life-saving bill. This bill will preserve and save many lives of our Guyanese brothers and sisters,” she said, adding that by 2020, NCDs will be responsible for 75 percent of total deaths worldwide.

As such, she noted that tobacco use, which remains the single most preventable cause of NCDs, should be regulated and monitored if the health of the population is to be safeguarded.

“The protection of our children is the responsibility of every citizen” she ended her argument by saying. The legislation will be enforced by the application of several penalties in the form of fines and prison sentences for “certain transgressions”. These range from a fine of $200,000 for persons who breach the new regulations, along with six months imprisonment, to fines for business entities of up to $9M. The bill will now await assent from President David Granger, after which it will become law.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

Astor Cinema being demolished … Discount Store new owner of property

By Telesha Ramnarine

THE Church Street landscape, which featured the Astor Cinema for many decades, is soon to be changed considerably with ongoing demolition works which started last week.

Manager of the Discount Store located at Lot 102 Regent Street, Georgetown, Ms. Sariah Khan confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday that they are the new owners of the ‘cinema land.’

Located at Lot 189 Church and Waterloo Streets, Astor was the last cinema in the city to close its doors, which it did in early 2013, after more than 70 years of being in the movie business.

Khan said the new owners do not know for sure if they will be erecting another ‘Discount’ store at this location. “It is undecided at the moment what we will do with the land,” she offered.

After demolition work started, Khan said they had invited the public, including persons from churches and masjids, etc. to visit the location and take, for free, whatever they wanted. “Sometimes it’s good to give back to charity,” she observed.

The sad news of the cinema’s closing was announced via a ‘For Sale or Rent’ sign on the building in April 2013.

Managing Director of the cinema, Mr. Desmond Woon, who served in this capacity for decades, often appeared quite emotional when having to talk about the cinema’s closing. In the past, he always referred the press to contact the other owners in Trinidad for comments.

Despite many cinemas in Guyana choosing to shut their doors, the Astor Cinema stood out for its perseverance against the odds. It stood its ground and managed to survive longer than the rest.

Many agree that it was a unique experience being in the Astor Cinema with its full stereo surround sound and its convenient little canteen that always featured a hot puri and egg ball with sour. A diligent effort was also made to keep the surroundings clean and tidy.

Veteran entertainer Cyril Shaw, in an article published in this newspaper back in 2000, made a few observations about the Astor.

Among the things he mentioned were that this cinema carried ‘full houses’ on opening nights, and managed to attract diverse audiences.

Astor opened its doors with the premiere boxing movie ‘Golden Boy’, starring William Holden and Barbara Stanwyck, which ran with a full house for four days!

Astor not only provided the best in movie entertainment, it also carried news from the outside as well as local news on film clips, and gave us vaudeville shows wherein some of the world’s top performers made their early performances. These included the Mighty Sparrow, Madame O’Lindy, Lord Kitchener, and Small Island Pride.

The first known Broadway star to come to Guyana, Lawrence Winters, performed at the Astor in the late 1940s.

“Whenever you go to a video store and rent a pirated movie, stop and think…about the booming cinema industry in other countries, and the good old days when you lined up for hours to purchase a ticket to see ‘Jaws’ or ‘Saturday Night Fever’ at the same time as the rest of the world,” Shaw advised in the article.

Other popular cinemas, all closed now, included the Star Cinema which was located at La Penitence Street, Albouystown; The Globe Cinema on Church Street, opposite the Astor Cinema; Metropole Cinema at Wellington and Robb Streets; The Plaza in Camp Street; The Strand in Charlotte Street; The Empire in Middle Street, and the once most popular Liberty, located on Vlissengen Road and Garnett Street in Newtown.

The Astor Cinema is to be demolished soon (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

Port Mourant woman alleges police brutality

A MOTHER of three from Trainline Dam, Port Mourant, Corentyne, who was detained for allegedly aiding a prison escapee, is alleging police brutality and is calling on the relevant authorities to look into the matter.

Tilawattie Singh, 38, said she wants the police to be brought to justice for injuries and humiliation she suffered.

Singh told reporters she was having a meal at around 15:00 hrs on July 18 when four vehicles filled with armed police ranks surrounded her home and entered her yard, stating that they are looking for an escapee from the Geogetown prison and that they have information that the wanted man is in her house.

The woman’s husband requested that the police provide a search warrant but she decided to allow the police to search, since she knows for a fact the allegations against her were false.

“Around 3 ‘0’ clock me sit down and been a eat and me see four jeep load police with long, long gun come in full speed and brakes up in front we house. Them jump out just them reach and surround the house and them

neighbour place, them bruk down the neighbour back fence and rush in me yard, them tell me some prisoners escape and them hear he a hide in me house” The woman recalled that after searching and not finding anyone, they requested that she accompany them to the police station for questioning and asked for her cellphone to be handed over to them, the woman related.

She complied with the requests but things took a turn for the worse when the police instead of going to the Whim Station, headed to the Babu John Chanel in Port Mourant.

CUFFED “Them carry me a Babu John and when them reach, one police (name given) seh ‘bring the F#$%ing lady out the van’ and before me foot reach out the van wan police (Name given) scramble me hair and start fuh cuff me in meh head and temple and me seh ‘ow officer wah ayo a beat me fah’ and he say ‘shut you f*&%ing mouth’ and wan dougla wan with fine plait hair scramble me and say ‘hand me this f**&ing woman’ and pull me to the

Tilawattie Singh canal and tell me he guh butted her and said “me a strangle me and let me beat more bad, wah you son family find me out to sea, name?” and wan next wan ah halla Singh said she told them ‘strangle she S*&&t,’ and her son’s name was Ravme start pee up and shit up an, not Ravin, as they kept a me skin and me start beg hitting her and eventually them fuh save me life,” the they called him and placed woman related as she broke the call on speaker when he down in tears. was asked to disclose his She related that the police location. then took her to the Babu “Them carry me a Tain John Cemetery area, joining after them get me son numother ranks who were there. ber and put the phone on There, she said she was speaker and open the door further assaulted by another and give me one cuff underrank who allegedly gun- neath meh ribs and say ‘look

you son deh pon the phone, find out way he deh and who he harbouring’. So me ask me son ‘how you get police a beat me up, what kind a man you get ah harbour’ and he say ‘ow ayo nah beat me mother me a come deh’ but the police ask ‘weh he deh and let him stay there and me carry them deh,’” the woman said.

Singh said she took the police to where her son was and the ranks immediately took him into the vehicle.

They then asked who’s the person he was assisting and he related that he assisted a man whose foot was injured and he was asked to take him to someone’s house nearby.

The woman said she was then taken in a separate vehicle from her son to the Rose Hall Town outpost, then to the Whim Police station where she pleaded for medical assistance. However, she was initially denied help after she disclosed to the doctors that she was abused by the police.

But, she said the ranks reconsidered their decision and she was given medication for pain and taken back to the station.

LOCKED UP

Singh said she spent three days in the lock up and though on the first night she requested a change of clothes and sanitary napkins, she was denied until the second day.

She disclosed that ranks at Whim treated her with respect and gave her pain tablets and tissue and even granted her request for a cardboard to sleep on in the cold cell.

The woman said the initial allegations of her harbouring a criminal was changed to her cooking and giving her son to take food to a criminal.

She gave a statement denying the allegations, since she had a restraining order placed against her 19-yearold son Ravan, who does not live with her.

Singh is calling on the police and Public Security Minister to look into the matter, since she wants the police to be disciplined for wrongfully accusing her, but more importantly, for hurting and humiliating her.

Several attempts were made to contact Commander of ‘B’ Division, Paul Williams, for a comment on the allegations made by Singh, but they proved futile.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

Man jailed for harbouring … two others charged, wanted man remanded to prison

THREE persons on Thursday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with harbouring a wanted man, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that Shyon Freeman of lot 120 Brutus Street Agricola, Carlotta Geer of Lot 80 Brutus Street Agricola and Esan Gibson of Lot 140 Cato Street Agricola, between Wednesday 19 July 2017 and Sunday 23 July 2017, knowingly haboured Marlon Jeffery after police published his name and photograph as wanted for a crime.

Police Prosecutor Alwin Moore stated that on July 11, 2017, Melroy Jeffery called Marlon Jeffery was engaged in a shootout with Police at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, where he was shot and a shotgun along with 8 Cartridges were found. In the process of the Shootout, he received injuries and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and placed under police guard. On July 19, 2017, the said prisoner escaped from the hospital and by July 23, 2017, at around 05:30hrs, acting on information received, the police went to lot 80 Brutus Street

Agricola and carried out a search in the said home where Jeffery was found in a barrel covered with a bag filled with curtains. After Gibson had been cautioned, the 18-year-old welder allegedly admitted that he knew Jeffery had escaped from the GPHC after being arrested, but he saw him in the village and assisted him by taking him to the said home. Gibson was then

Marlon Jeffery arrested.

The Trio was represented by Attorney-at-law, Keoma Griffith who stated, in his request for bail, that

Two NOC juvenile escapees recaptured TWO of three juveniles who escaped from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast on Monday have been recaptured, Commander Stephen Mansell has confirmed.

Reports indicate that the escapees assaulted one of the guards attached to the institution and escaped from the compound. Police from the division are combing several areas for the third juvenile.

Reports also indicate that during the period, the juveniles were blamed for several burglaries within multiple communities on the coast.

One of the escapees is currently before the court for a capital offence. In February last, two other juveniles escaped from the NOC. The NOC is one of Guyana’s better known juvenile correctional and rehabilitative institutions.

While detained there, the juveniles who commit various infractions are trained in different skill` areas.

Former UNICEF country representative, Marianne Flach, had expressed concerns over the large number of juveniles (75 per cent), who were in the institution for wandering.

UNICEF has consistently argued that preventing contact with the law is a crucial element of a juvenile justice policy.

24- year-old Geer, who is a mother of three, her youngest being a one-year-old, maintained a job as a Guyoil Gas Station Pump Attendant, and that she cooperated with investigators and is not a flight risk. The Chief Mag-

istrate then asked the defendant Gibson, who pleaded guilty, if he had anything to say following Police Prosecutor Moore’s statement, to which he responded “no ma’am”. Prosecutor Moore objected to bail based on the

seriousness of the offense and that witnesses from whom police would have to obtain statements also live in the Agricola area.

The court then sentenced Gibson to three years in jail with a fine of $80,000

and denied bail to Geer and Freeman, a 17 year old employee at Kevin’s Reflection, who both pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The two were remanded to prison until August 19, 2017.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

The bards prevail yet again --at National Poetry and Hip Hop Night

By Tamica Garnett

PUTTING a captivating

edge to a chilling tale of the life and suicidal end

Eden Corbin

Hanani Benlewi

of an abused young girl, 19-year-old Eden Corbin undoubtedly deserved the first place win he took last Friday at the National Hip Hop and Poetry Night at the 704 Sky Lounge for his poem, “Swing”.

It was yet another year of the poets outdoing the hip hop artistes, but it wasn’t hard to see why. Save for one or two exceptions, many of the hip hop artistes really weren’t offering much, while the poets put out some emotion-laced performances that had the crowd soaking up their every word.

Second place and the $90,000 prize that came with it went to Hanani Benlewi for his piece, “Wmuhle Ukwini”, which spoke to young black women becoming more accepting of themselves, and the effect of social influences.

And as clichéd as the theme may sound, Benlewi didn’t do a half-bad job, embellishing his verses with Zulu terms that were just mysterious enough to keep listeners interested, but not too overdone as to confuse

and take away from the poem’s impact.

Truly touching many in the audience, it evoked a shower of applause at the end of his almost five-minute performance.

A similar theme ran through the piece “Race, Poverty, and Freedom” by Lady Pearl, real name Pearlita Richardson, the 20-yearold teacher who copped the $60,000 third-place prize.

Nothing for the night, however, was as impactful as Corbin’s performance, as the sweating UWI student passionately narrated the physical and sexual abuse of a nameless, faceless girl.

Swaying on a swing, on her first journey to a playground, the back-and-forth motion of the swing emblematic of other back-and-forth motions in several abusive events in her life.

NOTHING BUT EMPATHY “Maybe it was the way her father’s hands would go back and forth to her mother’s red rosy cheeks, giving

Pearlita Richardson

her that red rosy scar that would cut deep…

“And then she would scream, ‘Daddy no! Daddy no! Leave mommy alone!’ grabbing on to his legs. And he would kick her back and forth,” recited Eden, formidably, his well-timed pauses and oscillating tone pertinently setting just the right delivery, enveloping the audience in nothing but empathy for this applicable young lady.

“And she held on to the chains and gripped it the way she would grip the bed when ‘uncle’ comes over. And ‘uncle’ would come and squeeze and massage her shoulder.

“And he would grab her legs and squeeze her thighs and then ‘uncle’ would go inside... And she would cry on the inside, praying for him to stop… As ‘uncle’ would go back-and-forth, back-andforth.”

The almost seven-minute rant that seemed almost too strenuous to deliver, came to its goosebumps-inducing close as the backTurm to Page 20

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Emancipation in word and deed --same as produce or perish TO FULLY understand the idea of ‘Emancipation’ requires exploring the passions and desires of they that wanted emancipation against the rage, fury and the fears of they that wanted the criers of emancipation to remain in physical and mental bondage.

The struggle for ‘Emancipation’ was not over in 183438. Truth be told, that’s when it all began, for far worse than chattel slavery are the bonds of philosophical slavery; the self-imposed philosophy of the closed vision that restricts ideas, and rejects possibilities that threaten the stagnating ‘comfort zone’ of the spirit of cliquism.

Much like a cult in the age of Trans-Atlantic slavery, the clique of the plantocracy prevailed in the interest of the merchants that benefitted from the free labour of slaves, and the euphoria as masters over their lives through plantation chattel slavery. Then, with the breaking of the physical shackles, an illusion was added to the still formless vision of emancipation; an illusion that imposed a cultural criterion of a ‘colonial-interpreted emancipation’ that created the cultured colonial, ridden with the ailments of counter-productive pretentions, self protecting against the degradation and trauma of plantation bondage.

Then, from the yard, emerged the “yard fowl” that could afford to purchase the costume of the eagle to soar above the yard, changing itself, creating its clique of devotees, but leaving the yard to its perpetual predicament.

This is the humanity, our humanity of the ages of tribes, and of tribes within tribes that has driven millennia of conquest, and of revolutions among, against, and within every variation [ethnicity] of

our species.

AFRO-GUYANESE STORY Emancipation in this time and space revolves first around the story of Afro-Guyanese, but is inseparably also the story of the whole Guyanese nation. It commands a specific way of thinking that will enable us to either ‘produce or perish’.

Yes! The man was right!

His vision was beyond the colonials and “yard fowls” of his time. And, as always, they stood right up in front. I’m talking about Forbes Burnham. He understood ‘Emancipation’; he preached it to the youths of the Youth Corps and the National Service. And all listened; but only few understood.

The clique will always be with us; it is exclusive to all organic life. But when it becomes a retrogressive force, attention must be given to its movements, as when it reverts to the primordial council of fear and its stagnant self-serving comfort zone philosophy in the face of productive efforts, then the clique has succumbed to the spirit of the ‘I and I’, and not of the ‘One’ of Emancipation.

To begin to understand what we’re celebrating on August 1, we must first ask ourselves: Why no village bought by the emancipated slaves was recorded as being torn apart by the conflict of ‘I must own more than you’ in regards to village spaces?

Why the village memory lore is populated by its teachers, engineers and healers, rather than that of its wealthy?

Don’t get me wrong!

Those who became wealthy grounded and enhanced their lives and the folk environment they honoured.

FREDERICK MAHAICA Years ago while doing research on ‘The Illustrated History of the Pork Knockers’, I visited the Mahaicony district at Perseverance Village to talk to ‘Boy Charles’ who had worked with the famous miner, Frederick Mahaica.

I’m told ‘Boy Charles’ is also now deceased.

Mahaicony is a multi-ethnic area and suffered, through severe political misguidance, in the 1960s. The villagers I spoke to other than ‘Boy Charles’ were both Afro and Indo-Guyanese. They all responded to the name of their famous villager by pointing me to the things he had done for his village, which I listed in the publication. He emancipated those of his villagers who worked with him in his own way, demanding that they upgrade their homes and attend to the responsibilities of their family.

This kind of thinking transcended the clique, but made him vulnerable to the dishonest socialising scavenger cliques he would encounter in Georgetown in the pursuit of his pet hobby, which was Horse Racing.

NO FALLING BY THE WAYSIDE ‘Emancipation’ must never be allowed to fall into the doldrums of a traditional festival chore, a break from the routine as other holidays have become, simply because for lack of discussion the active consciousness shelves the true significance.

To cite an example, as Christmas had become, with the hype of ‘Xmas’ dropping the ‘Christ’ and the values of family and Charity for the pure selfish worship of Dionysus, regardless of our beliefs, family and charity merit the Christmas mindset. Likewise with the event of Emancipation, which I have coined ‘The Genesis of Modern Guyana’.

The freed Africans demonstrated to us up to the Jubilee year of [1880s] Emancipation what their vision was a landscape that they developed while in bondage; a landscape of visions that were undermined

and diverted by the fears and spite of the local plantocracy, and the misguiding learned world view of the colonising era, translated into the lowliest of children’s literature, leaving us with volumes of self denouncing myths.

But that we persevere towards another commemoration of Emancipation is enough that the ancestral landscape still resides in the collective memory, and awaits the discourse of awakening.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

‘Chutney Evolution’ @ the Stadium LOCAL television personality Asif Nawaz will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of his show, “Music Fantasia” with a grand concert branded “Chutney Evolution 2017” at the Guyana National Stadium tomorrow.

Apart from popular artistes like Ravi B, D Hitman and Bindu, Asif told The Buzz that the event will also feature performances from the Nach Gana Academy of Dance, the Ishara Dance Troupe, and the sexy bombshell Sheila from Trinidad.

The event, which will be hosted by fellow TV personality Joel Gansham, will also see performances from Kavita Maharaj, Jesh Ramnanan, Reshma Ramlall, Aykeel Ali, Celia Samaroo, the Shelita Dancers, and the Shakti Strings Crossover Band. Sound and lighting will be powered by Crown Vibes Sound Company.

Special anniversary tickets cost $1000, while VIP tickets are $3000, with children under 10 free. The gates will be opened from 14:00h and show time is 19:00h.

According to Asif, the event is planned in three segments, the first being the kid’s fun park, which promises enjoyable activities for children like face painting, bouncy castle, trampoline, and various cartoon characters.

The second segment will feature the concert, while the third will be the grand fireworks at the stroke of midnight, followed by a champagne toast as a show of Asif’s heartfelt gratitude to all his supporters.

ASIF NAWAZ

D HITMAN

BINDU KOHLI

RAVI B

The bards prevail... ing-and-forthing went from being chains of a swing to a length of rope around her neck.

“And she takes a rope, which is her last hope, and she ties the rope at the top of the roof… And she goes back and forth until there is no more her anymore…”

The performance, and $150,000 win, came as no surprise to many who had heard Corbin perform before.

Some even remember him taking second place in the competition last year, when it was won by Clinton Duncan.

Of course, the night wasn’t just about the winners, as there were quite a few other honourable mentions in between the mix. But then there were also other performances you couldn’t wait to forget.

One performance you just had to remember, though, was “Over You” by 17-yearold “Nicki”, real name Nica-

rla Anderson, which was actually the first vibrant performance of the night despite being the fifth act.

A SLOW START The night had gotten off to an unreactive start, and by the third act, many in the audience had begun envisioning death by boredom, and maybe even heat, despite the open-air venue. My God! That place was hot!

But it had a lot to do with the encouraging amount of persons who turned out to support the event.

Anyway, just as persons were beginning to wonder why they came, Nicki landed on stage and shouted everyone awake with her energetic enactment. The poet, Mark Luke-Edwards also gave a moving performance that really made you listen, even if you didn’t want to.

Performer “Black Sky” was another memorable one, though not so much for his act as much as for how his strikingly contrasting all-

From Page 18 white outfit and dark complexion left a lasting impression (and not in a bad way).

The boy got style!

His poem, “My Hometown” ran on a theme of Patriotism, and also went down well with the audience. And there was Kareem Lewis, stage name “Kush”, who was getting a lot of love from the crowd for his performance of “Kingdom of Kush’, which was somewhat of a cross between poetry and rap.

However, for the most part the rappers were painfully disappointing, as at times you just couldn’t tell if it was a case of their not being able to sing properly, or if the rhymes they were spitting just weren’t working for them.

All the same, it was definitely a night that was well worth it, and we can’t wait to see what goes down when the competition returns next year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Stelling Road!

Music by Mystikal Shakedown Sounds, and a special performance by the ‘Blow Boss’, Blaze Anthonio!

Street Jam runs from 11h30 – 18h00; J’Ouvert from 20h00 – 06h00.

The Brickdam Cathedral is having their Cathedral Family Fun Fair on the Presbytery Lawns from 15h00 – 19h00.

There’s going to be lots of food, drinks, games and loads of other entertainment! Admission: $100.

SUNDAY

Middle Street 16th Annual Three-Day Village Affair continues. During the day, there’s going to be the five-a-side football competition, while in the night, it’s going to be a juggling fest, Jamaica vs Guyana DJS. From Jamaica, Little Richie and Richie Feelings Vs Extra Beer DJs Stitchie and Murphy One-Man Band.

AS summer continues, the partying scene is really starting to sizzle, and almost all the top popular spots have something going down this weekend, and then some!

We even zoomed in on a few out-of-town events (out of Georgetown that is) going down this weekend!

Kick things off from this afternoon, where, over at Tower Suites, you can mellow out at the poolside and enjoy the after-work lime, or you can go all out and head upstairs to Club Privilege, where it’s going to be an independent ladies celebration!

There’s also going to be a bit of an after-work liming at Club Altitude! Or, if wings is your thing, then Duke Lodge has your fix.

As you enter Saturday, full speed ahead, over on the West Bank (of Demerara) there’s some village-day celebrations that run throughout the weekend! And up in New Amsterdam, there’s a serious j’ouvert fête going down! GT is also getting in on that j’ouvert session, too, over at Palm Court!

On the more family-oriented side of things, there’s a fun day on at Brickdam, while on Sunday, Tower Suites is catering to the kids!

TODAY

The wildest Latin party in town is going down at the District Ultra Lounge tonight as Pulse Entertainment presents “Latin Night”! There’s going to be Latin, Soca, and Pop mixes

by DJ Ryan, DJ Anesah, and DJ Country Boy! Party starts at 20h00! Admission: $2000.

Spin the bottle and win at Tower Suites poolside as “Spin The Bottle: Hoocorona Style” After-work Lime returns!

Relax at the poolside while you enjoy Corona Bucket Specials all night long! Get a spin with every purchase of two Corona Bucket Specials during happy hours from 18h00 to 22h00 and win exciting prizes!

Boss Lady Fridays presents “Pretty Pon Any Side: The Independent Ladies Edition” at Club Privilege!

Come out with your heels, makeup and outfits on point! It’s going to be a grown-and-sexy type of night, featuring DJ Akeemo, Hot Skull and DJ Energy! You’re guaranteed a great time!

Ladies free before 22h00! Admission: $2000.

Callling all foodies! “101 Flavours of Wings” is happening at Duke Lodge beginning from tonight until Tuesday!

It’s going to be a long weekend, and they’re firing it up for ya! Challenge yourself to trying all 101 flavours to win $101,000!!! Expect Heineken Bucket Specials all weekend; the Heineken Girls will be there with giveaways tonight and tomorrow night!!

Pop-Up Lime Promotions presents “Endless Summer” at Club Altitude. Liming starts at 16h30 and runs until midnight. Free PUL Shots, while DJs LJ and Tallest set the mood!

Everyone free before 18h00! Admission: $1000.

Food for the Poor presents “Cocktail, Dinner and Auction” in the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel as they celebrate 26 years of service to the people of Guyana.

Guest speaker is Ms. Slyvie Fouet (UNICEF Representative)! Contribution: $7000.

TOMORROW

Ladies! It’s all about those jeans! Blue jeans! As Club 704 presents a party called “Blue Jeans”! Music by DJ 50!

Are you ready for the ultimate fête this summer? Pulse Entertainment presents “Summer J’Ouvert” at Palm Court!

This is your time now! Get wet! Get colourful, and party to summer vybz by DJ Ryan, DJ Shizzle, and DJ Country Boy! Admission: $2,000.

Experience the authentic taste of North Indian cuisine buffet dinner at the Ramada Princess Hotel with “Indian Night”.

Relax by the poolside as you sway to Bhojpuri rhythms, and delight your taste buds in Bhojpuri Style!

Dinner served from 18h00 to 23h00! Price: $6,000, VAT-inclusive.

Middle Street 16th Annual Three-Day Village Affair starts today with the All Black Affair featuring Jamaica’s Stone Love, Foundation, Richie Feelings and Little Riche at the Pouderoyen Tarmac!

United Bricklayers presents a Grand Street Jam & Jouvert at the New Amsterdam

It’s wedding season, so bust out those wedding-house dance moves and head on down to Palm Court this Sunday for ‘Kangan Night’, featuring Mr Chutney himself, Rikki Jai live in concert!

Everything you know and love about a good old countryside kangan, curry, rum and chutney! It’s going to be EPIC! Wedding-house jams by DJ Anisah, DJ Ryan, Selector Carl Primo, and DJ Brian Small!

Admission: Free.

Tower Suites presents Kids Fest, a treat for the entire family, at the poolside! There’s going to be hot dogs, trampoline and so much more! Admission: $1500 (adults), $1200 (children).

F1 fans experience the Hungarian Grand Prix at 704 Sports Bar this Sunday from 07h30! Breakfast will be available! Breakfast ticket: $2700.

It’s time to see who really run things! Marvelous Entertainment presents the big dance, “Dancehall Camp 2017” at Club Monaco!

Bare energy in the club! All girls free before 23h00!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 28, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Chase Academy beat ‘Multi’ 5-4 on ‘sudden-death’ to advance to final

By Rawle Toney IN what could be described as the best game of this year ’s Digicel Schools Football Tournament, Chase Academy defeated Christianburg/Wismar Secondary (Multi) 5-4, via sudden-death penalty kicks last evening at the Leonora Track and Field Centre.

With the win, Chase Academy will advance to the final for the third consecutive year, while ‘Multi’ will not feature in the final for the first time in the tournament’s seven-year history.

The two teams finished regulation time deadlocked on two goals apiece, thanks

to some spectacular scoring and near chances.

Jeremy Garrett opened the account for Chase in the 26th minute, when he rifled home a free-kick from approximately 35 yards out that stunned goalkeeper Nicholas Gentle.

However, 10 minutes later, Christianburg captain Omar Brewley copied Garrett’s goal for an equaliser.

Brewley’s free kick brought the crowd to their feet, when he sweetly timed his shot, curling it over the Chase Academy wall, and goalkeeper Sese Norville between the uprights.

Both sides had a few

clear-cut chances, but none resulted in a goal until the 45th minute, when Kevin Padmore headed home from point-blank range to give Chase Academy a 2-1 advantage heading into the second half.

At the resumption both teams continued where they left off, making some solid runs on goal.

Gentle was called into action on countless occasions, after Chase’s frontline began to find some space and had some open look on goal.

Meanwhile, at the opposite end, Brewley and Jehu Regis were having their way with Garrett and

his defensive line, coming close to finding the net on several occasions.

In the 56th minute, Regis was left unmarked and the lanky forward calmly placed his effort beyond the reach of Norville to even the score.

It was high drama in the penalty shootout, as Andre Mayers, the first person to kick for ‘Multi’, sent his shot wide of the goal.

Garrett, Ryan Hackett, Cecil Jackman and Jermaine Garrett kept Chase in contention, while Brewley, Kevin Dare, Regis and Brentley Allicock ensured that ‘Multi’ didn’t go down easily with their conversion from the penalty spot.

Gentle timed Shamar Smith’s shot to perfection to make the save to send the game to sudden-death.

At the game’s most critical moment, Javier Smith missed for Christianburg, leaving Padmore needing a goal to win it for Chase.

Gentle chose the right side to dive, but Padmore’s shot was hit too hard for the Linden custodian to stop, as referee Sherwin Johnson sounded his ‘Fox40’ to end of the match.

While Chase celebrated, the Christianburg players flooded the field with tears, since they will not have a chance to play in the final for the first time.

Cricket associations go to war in February THE Jamaica Cricket Association(JCA), the St Thomas Cricket Association, and the Kensington Cricket Club, will go to war next year.

A preliminary hearing in Jamaica’s Supreme Court saw February 21

and 22 dates being agreed to for a contentious case involving the three organisations to be heard.

The crux of the matter comes from the retention of a Senior Cup competition format involving 23 teams.

According to St Thomas and Kensington, during a meeting, the JCA agreed

to change the format of the Senior Cup to a two-tiered divisional tournament involving eight and 15 teams.

The JCA kept the format, using a one-division format for the just-concluded Snior Cup, saying it was not financially prudent to change it.

The clubs, in response,

said the format of the competition was unconstitutional, with neither taking part.

The JCA is claiming it had the right to maintain the format, because the meeting, was not an extraordinary one and so there was no binding agreement.

All we want is ... revealed by Raphael that the order was granted by Justice Nareshwar Harnanan.

“We the cricket stakeholders would like to praise the Attorney General’s Chambers in bringing some sort of resolution. We are happy to have some clearance on the way forward. This chaos began in 2009, and we are more than pleased that the

problems will finally iron out,” Raphael said.

He added, “All we (cricket stakeholders) want is to have cricket run in the right manner, run in a manner where our youths will reap the benefits. We the cricket stakeholders want free and fair elections, and who so ever win we are prepared to work with them.

We will recognise them as 11:55 hrs Cosmopolitan Girl

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legal, and we will definitely work alongside them.”

Last Monday a group of cricket stakeholders staged a protest in front of the Attorney General’s Chambers on Monday morning, calling for the government’s immediate intervention into the cricket fiasco.

The protest surrounded the Guyana Cricket Administration Act, which was passed Down Royal 12:55 hrs Treasuring 13:25 hrs Swetest Taboo 13:55 hrs Hyperlapse 14:25 hrs Arbourfield 14:55 hrs Twilight Payment 15:25 hrs Fairy Flute 16:00 hrs Nimitz American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Madam Aamoura Race 2 Professor Snape Race 3 Dovecote Race 4 Gambler’s Ghost Race 5 Looking Ready Race 6 Flattermefabulous Race 7 Shaft of Light Race 8 Rocketry

To add fuel to the fiery mix, St Thomas and Kensington are claiming a loss of income from the unplayed season.

The Jamaica Defence Force won the Senior Cup, beating Melbourne Cricket Club in last weekend’s final. (Sportsmax. com) Continued from back page in the National Assembly in May 2014 and assented to by then President Donald Ramotar in August that year.

The aim of the Act is to bring about order in the administration of cricket and to improve its governance and financial accountability arrangements.

However, the Act is yet to be implemented because of the-then acting Chief Justice’s ruling in April 2015 that restrained the holding of elections under the Act in respect of the Guyana Cricket Board and the county boards of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice until the hearing and determination of the substantive action.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Basil Williams will host the GCB officials and the stakeholders at his office today at 11:30hrs to discuss the way forward.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Cook stands firm for England in 100th Oval Test LONDON, England (Reuters) - Alastair Cook ensured a quality launch to The Oval’s 100th Test with an innings of familiar patience and defiance that guided England to 171 for four against South Africa on an absorbing but rain-disrupted opening day of the third Test yesterday.

Former captain Cook stood firm as the historic occasion was frustratingly interrupted by four stoppages, resisting throughout the day to finish unbeaten on 82 as wickets tumbled around him.

The 32-year-old negotiated a demanding examination from a South African pace attack inspired particularly by two-wicket Vernon Philander, who also spent 50 minutes off the field with a stomach upset, to close in on a 31st Test hundred.

With the four-Test series locked at 1-1, the visitors made light of losing the toss with Cook, who survived 178

balls, and Philander, who had excellent figures of 2-17 from 12 overs, proving the central figures.

which has become one of cricket’s most historic grounds over 137 years.

The Oval joined another

Alastair Cook and Ben Stokes leave the field as rain stops play. (Photo: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian)

Electing to bat, England captain Joe Root gave his predecessor Cook the chance to impress again in the landmark Test at the south London venue

London venue Lord’s and Australia’s Melbourne and Sydney Cricket Grounds in hosting a century of Tests.

In a new-look England side,

India take charge of first Test vs. Sri Lanka

GALLE, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - India amassed 600 in their first innings and returned to blow away the top half of the Sri Lankan batting order to tighten their grip on the first Test at the Galle International Stadium yesterday.

Pujara batted nearly sixand-half-hours for his 153, adding 137 runs with Ajinkya Rahane who made 57.

India’s lower order then decided to flex their muscles.

Ravichandran Ashwin smashed seven boundaries

Nuwan Pradeep prevents Ashwin from getting a fifty in his 50th Test, and bags himself a maiden five-wicket haul. (NurPhoto/Getty Images)

Sri Lanka were reeling on 154 for five at stumps on day two, still 446 behind and facing the unenviable task of saving the match with 10 batsmen, following Asela Gunaratne’s series-ending thumb injury.

Angelo Mathews, who relinquished the captaincy this month, was unbeaten on 54 at the close with Dilruwan Perera on six.

Earlier, India lost four wickets in the morning session but their tail wagged as they added 201 runs to their overnight score of 399-3 before being all out less than an hour before the tea break.

Nuwan Pradeep was rewarded for his lion-hearted bowling effort with career-best figure of six for 132.

Resuming on 144, Cheteshwar Pujara brought up his sixth score of more than 150 before Pradeep dismissed him with a good length ball that bounced and seamed away.

in his 47, Mohammed Shami clobbered three sixes in his run-a-ball 30 and all-rounder Hardik Pandya scored 50 off 49 balls on his Test debut to help India reach the 600-

mark.

Sri Lanka made a feeble reply.

Umesh Yadav dismissed opener Dimuth Karunaratne for two with a fuller delivery and the batsman challenged the leg-before decision but could not overturn it.

Shami dealt a double blow in his fifth over, getting both Danushka Gunathilaka, who made 16, and the scoreless Kusal Mendis, caught by Shikhar Dhawan in the slips.

The hosts were reeling at 68-3 when Upul Tharanga and Mathews added 57 runs to arrest the slide.

Tharanga made 64 before falling to a bizarre run-out, diving back to the crease and his bat bouncing up in the air.

Abhinav Mukund took a stunning one-handed catch at silly point to send back Niroshan Dickwella, who managed eight, off Ashwin’s bowling.

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings (o/n 399-3) S. Dhawan c Mathews b Pradeep 190 A. Mukund c Dickwella b Pradeep 12 C. Pujara c Dickwella b Pradeep 153 V. Kohli c Dickwella b Pradeep 3 A. Rahane c Karunaratne b Kumara 57 R. Ashwin c Dickwella b Pradeep 47 W. Saha c D. Perera b Herath 16 H. Pandya c sub. b Kumara 50 R. Jadeja b Pradeep 15 M. Shami c Tharanga b Kumara 30 U. Yadav not out 11 Extras: (b-2, lb-5, nb-3, w-6) 16 Total: (all out, 133.1 overs) 600 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-280, 3-286, 4-423, 5-432, 6-491, 7-495, 8-517, 9-579.

Bowling: Nuwan Pradeep 312-132-6 (nb-1, w-1), Lahiru Kumara 25.1-3-131-3 (nb-2 w-5), Dilruwan Perera 30-1-130–0, Rangana Herath 40-6-159-1,

Danushka Gunathilaka 7-0-41-0.

SRI LANKA 1st innings Dimuth Karunaratne lbw b U. Yadav 2 Upul Tharanga run-out (Mukund, Saha) 64 Danushka Gunathilaka c S. Dhawan b Shami 16 Kusal Mendis c S. Dhawan b Shami 0 Angelo Mathews not out 54 Niroshan Dickwella c Mukund b R. Ashwin 8 Dilruwan Perera not out 6 Extras: (lb-3, w-1) 4 Total: (for 5 wickets, 44 overs) 154 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-68, 3-68, 4-125, 5-143.

Bowling: M. Shami 9-2-302 (w-1),U. Yadav 8-1-50-1, R. Ashwin 18-2-49-1, R. Jadeja 9-1-22-0.

featuring three new caps, batsmen Tom Westley and Dawid Malan and seamer Toby Roland-Jones, it was old stager Cook who summoned all his skill and resolve to anchor the innings in conditions assisting the Proteas’ pacemen.

In an awkward morning session in overcast conditions and with a green tinge to the pitch, South Africa’s attack did not initially pose the menace they had shown in their 340-run victory at Trent Bridge, which levelled the series.

CAPABLE SUPPORT Cook was given capable support by Essex county colleague Westley in a half-century stand before lunch but the newcomer departed for 25 straight after the resumption, pushing hard at Chris Morris to edge to second slip.

Westley had impressed after Keaton Jennings was

again found wanting, prodding tentatively at Philander to be caught at third slip for a duck in the fourth over.

Cook, on 28, survived an lbw review, the faintest of inside edges off Morris sparing him, but otherwise looked his usual model of serenity as he made it to an early lunch, after two rain stoppages, on 34, with England 62 for one.

The South Africans imposed more pressure on the resumption with Philander dismissing the dangerous-looking Root for 29, thanks to a dazzling, diving one-handed catch from wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Kagiso Rabada, back in the team after suspension, then sent debutant Malan packing for one with a lovely inswinging yorker.

Still, though, Cook ploughed on after another rain break, maintaining his focus to bring up his half-century off

128 balls with a handsome cut for four off Philander.

Tea was taken early at 149 for four after another stoppage and though Cook and Ben Stokes repaired some of the damage with an unbroken 51-run partnership for the fifth wicket, a fascinating day’s play ended up being truncated by another downpour.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cook not out 82 K. Jennings c Elgar b Philander 0 T. Westley c du Plessis b Morris 25 J. Root c de Kock b Philander 29 D. Malan b Rabada 1 B. Stokes not out 21 Extras: (b-7, lb-3, w-3) 13 Total: (for 4 wickets, 59 overs) 171 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-64, 3-113, 4-120.

Bowling: M. Morkel 16-448-0, V. Philander 12-5-17-2 (w-1), K. Rabada 13-4-32-1, K. Maharaj 7-1-16-0, C. Morris 11-1-48-1 (w-2).

Resolve pay dispute next week or a judge decides, CA tells players

Australia are due to play a five-Test Ashes series against England, starting on November 26

AUSTRALIA cricketers have been told it is “time to get the show back on the road” and end a long-running dispute that has left 230 players unemployed.

An ‘A’ tour of South Africa was cancelled amid the row between players and their governing body over the scrapping of a revenue-sharing model.

Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive said there was “increasing urgency” with an Ashes series this winter.

“If it is not resolved, we’re proposing arbitration,” James Sutherland said. “ We ’ r e p r e p a r e d t o accept whatever decision comes. In cricketing parlance, we will accept the umpire’s decision and move on.”

Players’ body the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) responded by saying

it would rather mediation to the “adversarial process” of arbitration, but that it would “continue to work intensively” on negotiations.

“Cricket Australia has lost the players and most of the game’s stakeholders in the dispute,” read a union statement.

“And now, after pushing the players into unemployment, an extended period of a lack of financial transparency, after three months of rejecting mediation, and only after the recent arrival of the CA chief executive into talks, CA discovers the need for urgency.”

Cricket Australia, the sport’s governing body in the country, produces a memorandum of understanding with the players - represented by the ACA - every five years. The last agreement expired on June 30.

In March, the governing

body proposed salary increases for men and women, which removed a clause from players’ contracts guaranteeing them a percentage of the organisation’s revenue.

This was rejected by the ACA, which also turned down a further revised pay offer.

Australia captain Steve Smith said the players would not “give up” the revenue-sharing agreement, while vice-captain David Warner has blamed the board for the dispute.

“The players are unemployed and some are hurting financially but continue to train,” Warner posted on his Instagram account.

After months of public disagreements, a deadline for the ACA to agree new pay and conditions passed without resolution.

(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Surrey’s former England stars to be paraded as county marks 100 Oval Tests KEVIN Pietersen, Bob Willis and Alec Stewart will lead a parade of Surrey’s England Test players as the county celebrates 100 Tests at The Oval.

During the tea interval on Saturday - day three of the match between England and South Africa - the majority of Surrey’s England stars will do a lap of honour.

The youngest will be Zafar Ansari, who made his Test debut during England’s tour of Bangladesh and India last winter - before retiring, aged 25, in April.

At the other end of the spectrum is the 84-year-old Micky Stewart, father of Alec, who was captain and coach of Surrey, as well as England coach. He also played eight Tests.

In Stewart’s honour, the pavilion will be officially renamed the Micky Stewart Members’ Pavilion tomorrow morning.

Throughout the Test, a banner will be attached to

the gasholder that overlooks the ground, bearing images of WG Grace, Sir Don

secure the draw they needed to regain the urn for the first time in 18 years.

Kevin Pietersen salutes the crowd after scoring 158 in the 2005 Ashes.

(Getty Images)

Bradman, Michael Holding, Alastair Cook, Stewart and Pietersen.

When they pass the Bedser Stand, spectators will also see posters listing the matches Surrey have chosen as the 10 best in the ground’s history.

One of those was the Test at the end of the 2005 Ashes series, when Pietersen’s 158 helped England

Hamilton Green Cup K.O. tournament to finally kick off tonight in Linden

IT was scheduled to start on June 19 but was rescheduled to June 26 then July 19 and finally the tournament organiser Lennox Arthur said the Hamilton Green Cup Knock-Out Football Tournament will definitely get underway tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground with a double-header starting at 19:00hrs.

Arthur, a former national football captain/coach said inclement weather and the unavailability of venues were the main reasons the tournament had to be rescheduled continually. He has promised that the 16 teams contesting the tournament will provide fans and supporters with exciting and entertaining football throughout.

In tonight’s matches home side Milerock will tackle Kuru Kururu in the opening game from 19:00hrs, while the feature match brings together Silver Shattas and Soesdyke.

The tournament is scheduled to continue tomorrow and Sunday at the Victoria ground, East Coast Demerara with triple-header cards on both days.

Tomorrow at 16:00hrs, Plaisance will face Cougars while Golden Grove will take on Golden Warriors in game two. In the feature game Buxton Bakewell will face Pouderoyen.

On Sunday, Mahaicony tackle Grove Hi Tech from 16:00hrs; Mahaica come up against Riddim Squad from 18:00hrs and Ann’s Grove meet Pele at 20:00hrs.

The final of the competition is scheduled for September 3 at the Leonora Sports Facility.

The winning team will receive $500 000 and the Minister of Citizenship trophy, while the runners-up will earn $250 000 and the Busta Beverage trophy.

The team placing third will receive $150 000 and the John Fernandes Limited trophy, the fourth-place finishers will collect $100 000 and the Cummings Electrical trophy.

The key man throughout that campaign was Andrew Flintoff, whose performances with bat and ball were

central to England’s victory.

Four years later, in his final Test, Flintoff ran-out Ricky Ponting to push England towards the win that secured a 2-1 series triumph.

Flintoff, who played in 79 Tests, said: “I didn’t want that day to end. I was daydreaming, looking around the ground and trying to take everything in one last time.

“As the wickets were falling, it was bittersweet because we were winning but this was the last time I would have the Three Lions on.

“Ricky Ponting was so unlucky because I was daydreaming and I just threw the ball as hard as I could.

Then when it hit I tried to

style it out and made it look like I knew exactly what I was doing.”

10 out of 10 top Tests at The Oval 1880 - In the first Test to be played in this country, England beat Australia by five wickets.

1882 - Australia defeat England, a mock obituary is published in the Sporting Times and the Ashes is born.

1902 - England recover to beat Australia against the odds after Gilbert Jessop hits 104 in 77 minutes.

1938 - Len Hutton scores 364 against Australia, at the time the highest individual total in Test history.

1948 - Sir Don Bradman needs only four to end his

Test career with an average of 100 but is out for a duck.

1953 - In the year of the Coronation, England beat Australia in a Test series for the first time in 20 years.

1968 - South Africa-born Basil D’Oliveira scored 158 to seal victory over Australia.

1976 - Michael Holding takes 14 wickets and Viv Richards scores 291 as West Indies crush England.

1994 -| Devon Malcolm (above) tells South Africa: “You guys are history” and backs it up when he takes nine for 57.

2005 - Kevin Pietersen’s 158 ensures England draw the match and win the Ashes for the first time since 1987.

DDL still on board KMTC’s events after 42 years … pledges continued sponsorship

DEMERARA Distillers Limited (DDL), under its Ivanoff Vodka brand, yesterday presented the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club with the first place trophy and sponsorship cheque for the club’s feature event.

trophy along with $1M, while the second- to fourth-place finishers will earn $500 000, $250 000 and $125 000 respectively.

According to Justice Kennard, over 70 horses have been registered for the seven races and over $5M in prize

000 first prize and trophy. The second- to fourth-place finishers will receive $55 000, $27 000 and $13 000 respectively.

The other five-furlong race is for animals classified `E’ Class non-winners and `F’ and Lower Open and they will

Justice Cecil Kennard (left) accepts the winners’ trophy for the feature `B3’ and Lower Special Weights eight-furlong from DDl’s Marketing Manager Maria Munroe yesterday. (Samuel Maughn photo).

The pre-emancipation race meet is scheduled for the club’s racing facility at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice on Sunday.

In the feature event horses classified `B3’ and Lower special weights will contest an eight-furlong race and the winner will receive the DDL

money and trophies are up for grabs.

There will also be two five-furlong, two six-furlong and two seven-furlong races on the day’s card which gets underway at 12:00hrs.

Horses classified `L’ non-winners will compete in a five-furlong race for a $110

battle for the $400 000 first prize and trophy.

The second-place finisher will earn $200 000, while the third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $100 000 and $50 000 respectively. `k’ Class non-winners and `L’ Open classified horses will contest a six-furlong event with

the winner pocketing $120 000.

The other top three finishers will take home $60 000, $30 000 and $15 000 respectively.

The other six-furlong race is for animals classified `J2’ and Lower and the winner will earn $140 000.

The second-place finisher will receive $70 000 while the third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $35 000 and $17 000 respectively.

Horses classified `H1’ and Lower will contest a seven-furlong race for a winning purse of $250 000, while the other top three finishers will earn $125 000, $62 000 and $31 000 respectively.

The other seven-furlong race is for Guyana-bred threeyear-old and over horses. The winner will earn $240 000 while the second- to third-place horses will receive $120 000, $60 000 and $30 000 respectively.

Speaking at the simple ceremony yesterday, Justice Kennard thanked DDL for the continued support of the sport which they have given over the more than 42 years given to the KMTC. DDL’s Marketing Executive Maria Munroe said it has been nice working and supporting the KMTC as it is part of her company’s way of giving back to society.

She encouraged horse race fans and turfites to turn out in their numbers on Sunday, but urged that they drink responsibly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Morris strikes late as USA claim Gold Cup

Russia making progress but still needs to admit doping past - WADA president LONDON, England (Reuters) - Russia has made progress in its fight against drug cheats, but still needs to admit it had a problem before it can be declared completely compliant, the president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Craig Reedie told Reuters yesterday.

It is one month since WADA lifted its suspension of RUSADA, Russia’s anti-doping agency, which was banned from testing in November 2015 after an independent investigation accused it of systematically violating anti-doping regulations.

fore Russian teams could once again compete in athletics or the Paralympics.

Both the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) still regard Russia as non-compliant.

“One of the conditions for renewed compliance is actually an admission that there was a problem and hopefully some declaration of contrition,” Reedie said. “And that’s a condition that’s applied by the IAAF and it’s a condition applied by the International Paralympic

The USA team celebrate winning the final football game of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup against Jamaica.

THE United States of America (USA) moved within one of Mexico’s CONCACAF Gold Cup record after a 2-1 victory over Jamaica in Wednesday night’s final.

Jordan Morris scored an 88th-minute winner as the United States claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Jamaica for their sixth CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

Wednesday’s showpiece appeared set for extra time after Je-Vaughn Watson cancelled out Jozy Altidore’s stunning firsthalf opener, but Morris struck late to move USA within one of Mexico’s Gold Cup record.

Altidore curled a freekick past substitute goalkeeper Dwayne Miller on the stroke of half-time before Watson equalised for the 2015 runners-up – seeking their first Gold Cup crown.

However, USA huffed and puffed and eventually found the winner thanks to Morris, who rifled a shot into the back of the net – securing a third Gold Cup title for head coach Bruce Arena.

USA – semi-finalists two years ago – named an unchanged line-up for the decider after seeing off Costa Rica 2-0 in the final four as Michael Bradley, Altidore and Tim Howard headlined the starting XI. The Jamaicans made one change after upstaging defending champions Mexico in a 2015 final rematch, with Oniel Fisher coming in for Shaun Francis.

It was a relatively subdued and cagey start to the match but it sprung into life in the 19th minute.

Andre Blake – the hero from the semi-final – was called into action follow-

ing a thunderous longrange effort from Altidore and the Jamaica goalkeeper showed tremendous reflexes to scramble away the rebound.

But it came at a cost.

Blake hurt his hand in the process and the Philadelphia Union star made his way from the field in tears.

The scores were set to be deadlocked at half-time until a moment of magic from Altidore.

Known for his power, Altidore showed his finesse as he curled a free-kick past substitute keeper Miller.

Jamaica struggled to provide a threat up front or register a shot on target, but that changed five minutes into the second half.

Watson fired a fierce shot into the net following Kemar Lawrence’s corner, leaving the hosts stunned.

USA pushed forward

and looked the most likely to score as Omar Gonzalez and Morris came close.

But Jamaica provided a reminder of their threat on the counter as Alvas Powell almost poked the ball home but Graham Zusi made a last-ditch block with 16 minutes remaining.

Substitute and record-seeking Clint Dempsey – a goal away from becoming USA’s outright all-time leading scorer – then struck the post with a header a minute later.

USA had a chance to win it five minutes from the end but no one could get the decisive touch on the ball following a scuffed freekick from Dempsey.

Morris, though, pounced two minutes from the end to give USA their first Gold Cup success since 2013. (w.w.w GOAL)

GFSCA to participate in Toronto Cup 2 THE Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will participate in the ‘Toronto Cup 2’ next weekend in Canada.

The three-day tournament is billed for August 4, 5 and 6. Floodlights are the only team in softball history to have won three major International softball titles in nine

Floodlights skipper Ricky Deonarine

months.

They won the Guyana Softball Cup 6 last November, before winning the Orlando Premier League in March this year in Florida, and the NYSCL Legends Cup earlier this month in New York.

Floodlights were runners-up in 2015 at ‘Toronto Cup 1’.

Floodlights team

re a d s : R i c k y D e o n arain (captain), Ramo Malone (vice-captain), Uniss Yusuf, Lloyd Ruplall, Ravi Lutchman, Jagdish Persaud, Tulshi Lutchman, Neraj Narad, Pooran Singh, Huks Lutchman, Ago Gopaul, Kenrick Persaud, Jailall Deodass, Pithamber Maharaj and Ramesh Sunich.

WADA president Craig Reedie

That was before the release of a more thorough and damning WADA commission report last year by Richard McLaren. This alleged a state-sponsored doping programme in Russia, which the Kremlin has denied.

RUSADA is still deemed non-compliant by WADA but is now able to resume testing, under the supervision of internationally-appointed experts and the UK anti-doping agency (UKAD), after meeting conditions set down by the global anti-doping body.

Reedie said that there were now crucial resources in place to root out drug cheats.

“There’s progress from our point of view. So there’ll be a much, much bigger and stronger testing exercise in Russia now that there are more people to do it. One of the problems we had was there simply wasn’t enough capacity in Russia to do all the checks that we wanted.

There aren’t enough independent testers in Russia,” said Reedie.

The 76-year-old, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, said that there was still a crucial element that is needed to be fulfilled be-

Committee, as well as by WADA. “So the Russian authorities are aware of that and we encourage them to do something about that and I hope they do it as soon as possible because that’s another box ticked and we can move on.”

R u s s i a n p re s i d e n t Vladimir Putin denied in December last year the existence of a state-sponsored doping programme, or that the government had ever supported the doping of its athletes.

He did, however, say that Russia, like every other country, has experienced problems with doping.

“If that’s an admission, then it’s an admission,” Reedie said. “Other people wouldn’t regard it as a sufficiently full admission.

I don’t think there’s much doubt in our minds that they know what they have to do and we await their response with interest.”

A total of 19 Russian athletes have been approved by the IAAF to compete under a neutral flag at next month’s world athletics championships in London, after demonstrating they have been operating within an effective testing system.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Banks DIH assists ‘Green Machine’ CWI president praises UWI for Faculty of Sport ahead of… Team, clash with USA tomorrow sponsors urge public to support CRICKET West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron has congratulated the University of the West Indies’ initiative to include a Faculty of Sport.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Physician, Dr Akshai Mansingh has been appointed dean of the new faculty.

His appointment comes into effect August 1.

Coca Cola Brand Manager Jenifer Khan makes a presentation to Green Machine Caprain Ryan Gonsalves, while other officials of the GRFU and Banks DIH look on)

By Rawle Toney BANKS DIH Limited, behind their Coca Cola brand, yesterday pitched in their support for the ‘Green Machine’ - Guyana’s national Rugby Team – with a sponsorship cheque, as they prepare to face USA (South) in the final of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s tournament tomorrow.

The National Park Rugby Field will host the historic match from 14:00hrs, with the team’s captain Ryan Gonsalves calling on supporters to come out, wear green or yellow and rally behind his troops.

This will be the second meeting between Guyana

and the USA, with the Guyanese team winning the first encounter 30-27 thanks to Gonsalves heroics in Atlanta, 2014.

The win also saw Guyana lift their first 15s title, since they were more popular around the world for their dominance in the Sevens format.

Not since their triumph at the 2010 CAC Games (7s championship) at the Guyana National Stadium have the Green Machine played any of their many major finals at home, and as such, Gonsalves believes that crowd support will be significant.

Gonsalves highlighted that given the fact that more than

50% of the team from 2014 will feature tomorrow, “the guys are anxious to take the field and win the championship”.

The Green Machine skipper said that while training was hampered by sporadic rainfall, the team’s morale remains high.

“Support the team on Saturday, not because you’re a rugby fan, but because you’re a Guyanese,” stated Kit Nascimento; former president of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), now Patron.

Nascimento equated the RAN 15s final to the CONCACAF Gold Cup final which saw the USA edge Jamaica 2-1 on Wednesday.

“That’s what this tournament means for the region; it’s just like the Gold Cup final, so we are urging people to show this team the support. They’ve been playing consistently at a very high level and have also been delivering all the time,” said the former GRFU president.

Meanwhile, Troy Peters, Communications Manager of Banks DIH, stated that his company’s coming on board is a continuation of their long support of the National team, especially for such an important match.

The USA team arrived in Guyana last evening, and will hold their first training session today the match venue.

Dave Cameron

The faculty, which becomes operational in the 2017-2018 academic year, will offer Certificate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sports Business, Sports Management, Sports Science, and the Art and Science of Coaching.

It is the first time in four decades that the UWI

is adding a new faculty and the Cricket West Indies president believes it has come at an opportune time.

“The Faculty of Sport at the University of West Indies is a welcome addition to the academic inventory of the Caribbean at this time,” Cameron said in a statement.

“The University continues to be innovative and cutting-edge in its academic development and this suggests that the region is preparing the next generation of leaders, managers and workforce.”

Cameron said the value the faculty adds to the established sporting prowess of the region on the field, track, court and in the ring, shows the extent of what the university believes is an industry worthy of investment.

“We are pleased with the addition and wish the university the best in its efforts to support one of the fastest growing industries in the world,” he said, adding that the CWI stands ready to support the effort of the university.

Rashid Khan a ‘valuable asset’ to the Guyana Amazon Warriors unit

By Rajiv Bisnauth

GUYANA Amazon Warriors Operations Manager, Omar Khan, believes that Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan will be an immediate ‘valuable asset’ to the Warriors unit for the fifth edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.

Khan is among seven newcomers in the Warriors squad, and according to the Operations Manager, the 18-year-old has established a tremendous reputation since coming on the scene.

“We don’t want to put him under pressure. He has established a tremendous reputation since coming on the scene, and this will be his first time coming to the CPL; first time he will be a part of our team, so we want to

welcome him,” Khan stated.

He added, “I am sure having seen his bowling skills, and the way he has been performing all over

the Indian Premier League, could be a great wicket-taking option for the Warriors as they aim for a maiden Hero CPL title.

pointed to lose the talent of Chris Lynn.

Lynn has been replaced

by Pakistan international Babar Azam.

in getting a world-class replacement in Babar Azam.

He is one of the most exciting batsmen in the world and we are sure that he will be a

Rashid Khan Omar Khan

the world, he will be an almost valuable asset to our team.”

Khan, who created history by becoming the first cricketer from Afghanistan to play in the 2017 edition of

He has so far snared 42 wickets from 27 T20 Internationals and gives away only 5.91 runs per over.

Meanwhile, head coach Roger Harper said the Warriors unit is hugely disap-

“We are hugely disappointed to lose the talent of Chris Lynn to shoulder injury, he was the leading scorer last year and we were happy to have him back. However, we are extremely delighted

Roger Harper

huge success for us at Hero CPL 2017,” Harper said in an article posted by CPL. Babar Azam is considered one of the most exciting

young white ball batsmen in the world with an average of over 50 in both ODIs and T20I matches and recently displayed his immense talent in Guyana with a fine 125 not out in the second ODI match of the West Indies-Pakistan ODI Series.

Babar was a vital part of the Pakistan team that won the ICC Champions Trophy in England in June 2017, scoring 46 in the win in the final over India. The Guyana Amazon Warriors will be hoping that Babar can help them to their maiden Hero CPL title just as he helped Pakistan to their triumph at the Champions Trophy.

T h e Wa r r i o r s b e gan their preparation on Wednesday with the pre-tournament encampment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

31

Guyana blown away 115-48 by Puerto Rico G U YA N A ’ S p o o r showing at this year’s FIBA Centrobasket tournament in the Dominican Republic continued yesterday, when they were beaten 11548 by Puerto Rico.

A f t e r s u ff e r i n g a heavy loss to the Bahamas (114-63) on the opening night, coach Lugard Mohan was hoping for his men to regroup and perform better against Puerto Rico who were victorious against Mexico (67-53) in their first game.

Kevon Wiggins, who had 32 points against the Bahamas, was the team’s leading scorer once again with 15 points, while Akeem Crandon had a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds).

and Crandon, Jaheel Young had five points, while Nigel Bowen and Andrew Johnson each had four points.

Guyana will look to end the round-robin stage of the tournament on a high when they face Mexico (who defeated the Bahamas 83-75) today at 15:00hrs.

Teams will play in round-robin format for three days, after which, the top two teams from each group will advance to the next phase, where the first-place team of Group A will oppose the second-place in Group B and vice versa.

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

Guyana’s Andrew Johnson drives to basket while being challenged by two Puerto Rican players. (Photo compliments FIBA)

Gianfranco Grafal had a game-high 23 points, six rebounds and four steals for Puerto Rico, while being supported by Jeriel Zayas (20), Algenis Quintana (17), and Ernesto Torres (14).

Apart from Wiggins

of the continental event.

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

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 28, 2017

Guyana blown away 115-48

by Puerto Rico See Page 31

Chase Academy celebrate after their 5-4 sudden-death penalty last evening at the Leonora Track and Field Centre.

Digicel Schools Football

Chase Academy beat ‘Multi’ 5-4 on ‘sudden-death’ to advance to final See page 26

BEAUTY! Guyana Chronicle’s Delano Williams was spot on to catch Wismar Chtistianburg Secondary’s Captain Omar Brewley beauty; a free kick to equalize against Chase Academy. The linden-based school would eventually lose 5-4 on ‘Sudden Death’.

All we want is ‘free and fair’ elections, says Raphael ... As way clear for GCB elections

By Rajiv Bisnauth FOLLOWING Wednesday’s announcement that the way is now clear for the holding of elections at the Guyana Cricket Board level, former West Indies Cricket Board director Claude Raphael, has indicated that the cricket

Claude Raphael

stakeholders are pleased that some sort of resolution has been reached, in order to bring some semblance of normalcy to the manner in which cricket is administered in Guyana.

Raphael, who is the spokesman for the cricket stakeholders, said this new development came after it

Atterney General Basil Williams

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

was revealed that the injunction, which was filed by the GCB and other parties preventing the enforcement of the Cricket Administration Act has been quashed.

According to Raphael, the matter was quashed on June 16, 2017. It was also

Turn to page 26 FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017