Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28 10 2016

see inside

Mash 2017 Launched

No. 104718

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Price: $80

House clears $6.8B (VAT Inclusive)

… for 16 constitutional agencies

Drama over pools Page

2

…City Hall removes swimming pools blocking Bel Air parapets

City Hall employees pooled their strength to remove the swimming pools from the City Council’s reserve in front of at least two lots at Ixora Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. [Samuel Maughn photo]

GuySuco gets additional $2B Page

5

Woman busted with cocaine strapped to legs Page

8

Over 200 rounds ammo 13 found in Kitty Page

Page

3

Drama over pools

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

… City Hall removes swimming pools blocking Bel Air parapets

By Ariana Gordon

IT was high drama Thursday morning when workers of City Hall attempted to remove several swimming pools that were on display on the parapets in front of at least two lots at Ixora Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown.

During the operation ranks of the City Constabulary were forced to brandish their weapons as an employee of the company that owned the pools -- Amazonia Pools -- began behaving in an erratic manner. Town Clerk Royston King along with several senior officials of the municipality, including city constables, had visited the 77 Ixora Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown location with the intention of removing four large swimming pools that were stationed on the council’s reserves. King

described the operation as “major” and told the Guyana Chronicle that permission was not granted by the Council for the swimming pools to be placed on the reserve and over a drain which runs parallel to Sheriff Street.

Initially, the Town Clerk said the reluctance of the business owner and/or managers to remove the pools despite receiving written notice from the Town Council had left the Council with no other choice but to remove the pools by any means possible.

He indicated that he would “cut up” the pools to make it easier for removal. However, he was subsequently advised to remove the swimming pools and as such a lowbed trailer and a forklift were secured to assist in the process, but as they awaited a rope, to fasten the pools to the forklift, more than a dozen men attached to the Council

lifted two of the pools onto the truck with their bare hands. It is unclear where the representatives of the Council lodged the removed swimming pools.

It was in the process of removing the remaining two swimming pools that an altercation ensued between senior constables and a man believed to be an employee of Amazonia Pools. According to information received, at mid-morning, the City Council’s representatives were attempting to remove the swimming pools and in the process there was an exchange of words which resulted in voices being raised and the City Constabulary’s Assistant Superintendent, Gordon Langevine pulling his gun from his waist as tempers flared.

During that time, representatives of the Council surrounded the young man

The swimming pools are said to be on the City Council’s reserve who continued to raise his voice in defence. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle around 09:15hrs, King said the placing of the pools by the businessman not only presents a bad picture of the city, but is illegal and is a haven for the breeding of mosquitoes.

“It is also very dangerous the way it is stored, in the event a vehicle has to manoeuvre where is the space?

It is in front of other people’s

property, it is an act of selfishness; it has to stop.”

The Town Clerk said efforts have been made repeatedly by the City Council to speak with the businessman but all proved futile. “We spoke to a woman on three occasions on the phone, we have asked her to remove them because the neighbours are complaining. I am here today because I am going to cut it up, cut up these things; I am waiting on the power

saw to come. I have had it with these kinds of people,” a frustrated King declared.

According to King, notices were served to the businessman who operates from his home but no effort was made to remove the swimming pools. “They have shown no care, no respect, not only for the city, but for their own neighbours. This has been like this now for over three to four weeks. We have been talking, trying to reach them. When we spoke to them initially, there was only one braced up there, now they’ve brought three more…this is a clear sign of disrespect and disregard for the law.”

The Town Clerk believes that people feel they could get away with illegal activities because the City See page 8

House clears $6.8B

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

… for 16 constitutional agencies

By Svetlana Marshall

AMID a sometimes acrimonious atmosphere, the National Assembly on Thursday evening approved some $6.8B representing the 2017 budget estimates for the 16 constitutional agencies in Guyana.

At the level of the Committee of Supply, the Opposition – People’s Progressive Party (PPP) made several attempts to secure clarifications from Minister of Finance Winston Jordan about reductions in the proposals made by the various agencies, but these were met with resistance as the Finance Minister insisted that the adjustments were premised on the “fiscal space” available.

In recommending approximately $1.5B for the Parliament Office, Minister Jordan explained that the recommended allocation was made in the context of the existing fiscal space and consideration of the agency’s request within national development priorities.

“My recommendation is based on our fiscal profile which we have been able to develop for 2017, and our assumptions that we were making for revenues, expenditure, and borrowing,”the minister further explained.

The Finance Minister made it clear that proposals put forward by the constitutional agencies were all subjected to scrutiny, and as such, were matched against the developed revenue profile and the country’s capacity to borrow. “Debt is a major concern for any country, so we have to be very prudent in how we borrow, since our revenues cannot accommodate all of the expenditures that we would like to undertake,” he posited.

However, Minister Jordan indicated that if the country’s fiscal profile improves, there is a possibility for supplementary provisions once needed. “If the revenue profile improves, or if other considerations come into play, we will entertain requests for supplementary [provions] as was done in the case of 2016 for the Parliament Office and the Supreme Court, where together these two Constitutional Agencies got an additional $250M,” the Finance Minister explained.

He made it clear, that his comments were “general” and as such, covered all of the recommendations made for the 16 constitutional agencies.

The constitutional agencies include the Parliament Office, Office of the Auditor Gen-

eral, Public and Police Service Commissions, Teaching Service Commission, Guyana Elections Commission, the Supreme Court, office

Jumping to the defence of the Finance Minister was the Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who called on the PPP Member of Parliament to desist from misleading the nation. “I am not aware that the House has before it cuts in the sense that the Honourable Member of Parliament is making reference – there is a proposal. There is no time in the past where Parliament Office or any of these constitutional agencies has been able to call a figure and had it approved without consideration by any entity. It has never happened!”

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo subsequently took the floor following attempts by PPP Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali to grill the Finance Minister on his recommended reductions. The PM said the Opposition was using the forum to spread “political propaganda’ – a repeat of what took place earlier this year when the 2016 Budget proposals were being considered for constitutional agencies.

Warning against debating the matter, the Prime Minister urged that the question be put to have the recommended sum approved. No-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo makes a point during consideration of the budget proposals for constitutional agencies of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Office of the Ombudsman, Public Service Appellate Tribunal, Ethnic Relations Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, Human Rights Commission, Rights of the Child Commission, Women and Gender Equality Commission and the Public Procurement Commission.

However, PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira did not take too lightly the explanation offered by the Finance Minister, expressing concerns about these agencies’ access to finance to fulfil their mandates as expressed in the Constitution. “What is most alarming Mr. Speaker, is that the highest body in this country, in terms of law-making, no other than the Parliament was cut in 2016. The minister’s amendment was approved by this House by the majority of one, and today, the Parliament Office has proposed, your office has proposed $1.7B current and capital, and the Honourable Minister has cut its total to $1.5B,” the PPP Chief Whip said.

3

MPs, not only attempted to put arguments in the form of a debate, but put questions that sought to unveil the plans, projects and proposals of these constitutional agencies – a move the Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland warned against.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan justifies his recommendations at the level of the Committee of Supply

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali seeks clarification tably, while the $1.5B is lower than the sum proposed by Parliament Office, it is higher than the amount approved by the House for its 2016 Budget. The sum of $1.5B for the Parliament Office was subsequently approved.

In considering the sums recommended by the Finance Minister for the Office of the Auditor General, Public and Police Service Commissions, Teaching Service Commission, and the Guyana Elections Commission, a number of Opposition

He reminded that at the level of the Business Sub-Committee of the Committee of Supply, which met on Wednesday, that Members of Parliament had agreed that they would ask questions and make comments in relation to the Finance Minister’s recommendation and comments. “You cannot enter into details of the programme of our constitutional agencies. You are to ask the question which you have in mind…We have agreed not to enter into questions which do not touch the work of the agencies and that is what a number of you…have been doing under the guise of introduction of issues have been attempting to do,” he cautioned.

After hours of considering the recommendations made by the Prime Minister, all of the proposals were approved with 15 of the 16 agencies receiving increases when compared to their 2016 budgets.

Action plan to develop business environment THE Ministry of Business plans to implement an action plan that would see Guyana improving its ranking as a destination for doing business in the World Bank – Ease of Doing Business Report.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin on Thursday, disclosed that the action plan would address all areas that are assessed so that Guyana could have a better ranking and be recognised as the ideal country for doing business.

“We have a committee that

is actively engaged in implementing a ‘doing business action plan’, which is extremely comprehensive. It involves legislative amendments, upgrades to national ICT infrastructure and a number of other very specific indicators where we have scored badly that we are seeking to address,” Gaskin said.

Countries are assessed in areas of; resolving insolvency, enforcing contracts, trading across borders, paying taxes, protection of minority investors, getting credit,

registering property, getting electricity, dealing with construction permits and starting a business.

The report surveys a country based on these areas of assessment from July of one year to June of the following year. At June 2016, Guyana had moved sixteen places up the ranking list from 140 to 124. Minister Gaskin said that the improved ranking is due to three specific areas where major improvements were cited.

“Guyana increased its

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin

scores in areas of, access to credit, access to electricity and also in transparency by having more information published on some of our government websites; in particular with respect to registering property,” Gaskin noted. With regards to transparency, Gaskin explained that the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, as well as the Ministry of Business had published on their websites, information pertaining to the process.

Gaskin added that the

Guyana Power and Light Incorporated be assessed on the provision of electricity and minimum power outages during the period. In addition, businesses have been able the get easier access to finance.

The report also indicates that economies are ranked on their ease of doing business, from 1 to 190. A high ease of doing business ranking means the regulatory environment is more conducive to the starting and operation of a firm. (GINA)

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 28, 2016

NATO seeks to manage Russia’s

new military deployments

President Vladimir Putin’s high-profile military deployments aim to showcase Russian power in any global confrontation with the West, NATO officials say, but the alliance will not seek to match Moscow’s actions.

Curtis Scaparrotti, the U.S.-led alliance’s top commander, told allied defense ministers on Wednesday that more than 120,000 Russian troops took part in exercises in September which culminated with the firing of a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, diplomats said.

As Russia’s sole aircraft carrier passed Europe’s shores this week, reports of its warships equipped with nuclear-capable missiles in the Baltic alarmed allies. The alliance is also concerned by Moscow’s deployment of ballistic Iskander missiles in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

“The main challenge is not individual events or deployments,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters. “It is the overall picture, where we see a substantial increase in Russia’s capabilities at sea, in the air and on land; exercises with a more aggressive patterns.”

Stoltenberg declined to say publicly what he thought Russia’s overall aims are.

But Scaparrotti, who is also a U.S. Army general, told defense ministers that Russia was seeking, in military parlance, “escalation dominance,” according to people briefed on the discussions.

That strategy holds that a military power can best contain and control conflicts if it is dominant at each step in an escalation with an adversary, potentially all the way to the biggest threat, nuclear weapons.

Some military analysts believe Putin holds this doc-

DATE: 26/10/2016 O

5 12 13 22 23 27 7

trine close to his heart.

“Putin is showing a desire for dominance,” said a senior NATO diplomat. “From the Arctic, to the Baltic and the Black Sea, sometimes simultaneously, Russia wants to use sophisticated weaponry mixed with ships of a Soviet vintage.”

Russia’s ambassador to NATO, Alexander Grushko, said it was the West, not Moscow, that threatened European security.

“The alliance is more focused on the development and deepening of its policy of a comprehensive military and political containment of Russia,” Grushko told Reuters.

“This vector is becoming more and more long-term.”

Vi c e A d m i r a l J a m e s Foggo, who heads the U.S. Navy fleet in Europe, said he expected Moscow to react negatively when Washington breaks ground on a missile defense site in Poland in late November. The United States says the facility will defend

27/10/2016

4 7 12 13 21

against any ballistic missile attacks from Iran, not Russia.

Foggo told Reuters that the United States was keeping a close eye on Russia’s resurgent navy, as the aircraft carrier heads to the Mediterranean, a fleet of six submarines is planned for the Black Sea, and Moscow seeks a more active Russian presence in the Baltic Sea. “They’re using all these tools that they have in their inventory to enhance the effect that they want to create on the battlefield,” he said.

In written remarks to reporters, Scaparrotti said that “actions speak louder than words” and also noted the Kremlin’s decision to consolidate control of the armed forces in Moscow and nuclear missile tests.

NATO says its decision to send 4,000 troops, planes, tanks and artillery to former Soviet republics in the Baltics and to Poland next year is a measured response compared to what NATO believes

27/10/2016

6

1

8

are 330,000 Russian troops amassed near Moscow.

“We will not mirror what Russia is doing,” Stoltenberg said. “We are not in a Cold War situation,” he said, referring to when 300,000 U.S. service personnel were stationed in Europe. NATO generals want to adhere to a 1997 agreement with Moscow not to station substantial combat forces on the NATO-Russia border.

Norway, which has a long border with Russia, will allow 330 U.S. troops to be stationed on its soil for a limited period from next year, the first time foreign troops have been posted on its territory since the end of World War Two. Stoltenberg hopes to convene another NATO-Russia Council - the forum bringing together Grushko, Russia’s top diplomat to the alliance, and NATO envoys - in the next few weeks, diplomats say.

27/10/2016

4

7

4

Stoltenberg, who hails from Norway, insists there is no attempt to isolate Moscow.

H o w e v e r, d i p l o m a t s also complain that discussing such issues as Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and near-misses between Western planes and Russian jets have come to nothing.

That leaves NATO trying to learn more about Russia’s aims if Putin continues to escalate the standoff with the West.

“One thing we need to address is if we all have the capacity to read Russia’s behavior satisfactorily.

Russia is doing a lot of new, unfamiliar things,” said Britain’s ambassador to NATO, Adam Thomson, who served as a diplomat in Moscow in the 1980s.

“It is obviously trying to signal, but it is not clear that we know how to understand those signals,” he told reporters. (BBC)

27/10/2016

5 9 10 12 14 18 19

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 28, 2016

GuySuco gets additional $2B Prison officer granted

By Ravin Singh

THE National Assembly Thursday evening approved an additional $2B for the cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) which has already received $9B in subventions for the year.

The amount was listed on the third supplementary financial paper for the year, and was approved by the Committee of Supply after much debate. In 2015, the corporation had received $12B in subsidies from the government and after receiving $9B in this year’s budget, GuySuCo asked the

government for an additional $3.5B. Of this amount, $2B was awarded on Thursday evening in the House after much deliberation.

The corporation has also projected a cash deficit in 2017 and will be seeking a cash injection of $18.5B for 2017 from the government if the status quo remains.

However, during consideration of the $2B on Thursday evening, Opposition Member of Parliament, Needkumar, requested Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to detail the breakdown of the allocation.

Holder explained that the said sum represents an additional subsidy to meet

routine expenditure related to the production of the sugar second crop. The minister also explained that the $2B is an addition to the subsidies given to GuySuCo in the 2016 Budget, given the negative impacts of the El Nino phenomenon.

Opposition MP, Komal Chand, also asked the minister to lay over in the House documentation detailing the breakdown of the $2B. According to the minister, the breakdown includes: $1.2B for wages, $160M for fuel, $464M for fertiliser and $176M for creditors, of which $30M per week is going to private cane farmers.

After listing the breakdown of how the $2B will be expended, the minister committed to making the documents available to the Opposition MP. The sum, which was included on a supplementary financial paper detailing expenditure of $9.5B, was then approved, unopposed, by the Committee of Supply.

In September, GuySuco said it told the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union for the second time in exactly one month that it could not afford to pay increased wages, salaries and allowances for 2016.

‘Celebration with dignity, liberty and greater unity’

By Vishani Ragobeer

IN an exuberant spectacle enlightening Guyanese on what the Mashramani celebrations for 2017 will be like, Mash 2017 was launched Thursday under the theme: “Celebration with dignity, liberty and greater unity.”

Addressing the gathering in front of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport Main Street office, was Minister in the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, who noted, “Our foreparents worked hard and long for us to enjoy such a rich cultural heritage.”

She further noted, “Many sacrifices have been made and endured for us to celebrate and hold our heads high.”

Next year ’s celebrations however, will be one in which all Guyanese will “celebrate our freedom with flare and dignity,” according to Minister Henry.

With Guyana’s motto being ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’, Henry said “When as a people we are united, there obviously will be development.” She also highlighted that the inclusion of the private sector and other

- Mash 2017 launched

Mash 2017 Logo bearing the theme: “Celebration with dignity, liberty and greater unity” and revellers display costumes created by Guyanese designer Neilson Nurse for next year’s celebrations. such stakeholders is also promises to be colourful sion Amerindian Dance necessary for these grand and inclusive. It is one of Troupe, the Nitryageet the biggest events that all Dancers and the National celebrations.

S h e a l s o u n d e r - Guyanese look forward School of Dance; calypso renditions from the Juscored that Mashrama- to,” the minister attested.

The launch of Guy- niour Calypso Monarch ni, being a celebration after hard work, is a a n a ’s 4 7 t h R e p u b l i c T’Shanna Cort and AbiGuyanese celebration Anniversary celebra- gail ‘AJ’ James; a steeland as such all celebra- tions featured a taste of pan rendition from the tions will encompass what next year will be National Steel Orchestra Guyana’s rich cultural showcasing. There were and chutney and soca heritage. Minister Hen- cultural dances from performances by Bunty ry disclosed also that the St Cuthbert’s Mis- Singh and Jomo Primo.

Guyanese can expect “all that is customary,” as the celebrations will feature numerous cultural activities, competitions and parades.

“Mashramani 2017

bail on drug charge

FEMALE Prison Officer Joananne Erskine, 35, of Lot 723 Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, East Canje, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore, where she pleaded not guilty to a charge of trafficking narcotics.

She was granted $150,000 bail after the court was informed that the police drug analyst was on leave, and would resume duty in December, which would mean that the defendant would be denied an early trial.

Further, the court was told that the alleged cannabis was not found on the defendant. Particulars of the charge state that on October 23, 2016 at the New Amsterdam prison, Erskine had in her possession 298 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

However, Police Prosecutor Inspector Godfrey Playter noted that the packaged substance was taken from the defendant by another prison officer after she was seen placing it in a bag bay. As a result, a confrontation ensued after which the package was opened and leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis were discovered.

Meanwhile, shortly after bail was granted, the defendant rushed out of the New Amsterdam Court with upraised hands, declaring that she was ‘free’, while her relatives threw derogatory remarks at those attempting to photograph the defendant .The case is fixed for hearings on December 15, 2016.

New PPP MP sworn in

Political activist Vickram Outar Bharrat will now complement the work of the National Assembly having been sworn in as a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament. Bharrat replaces Attorney-at-Law Charles Ramson Jnr, who recently resigned as a Member of Parliament to pursue a Masters in oil and gas studies. In this photo, Barrat is being greeted by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland.

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Too many cases being lost in court ONE of the reasons there are laws in society is to ensure justice and equity by holding everyone to the same standards and have them play by the same rules.

When this is upheld, where there is violation to a person, it is expected that justice would be sought in a court of law.

The benefit of this is that decisions and penalties are guided by law and not one’s feelings, which leads to vigilante justice.

The focus of the acting Commissioner of Police to improve the performance of the Police Force needs to be commended.

Crime, white and blue collar, is a detriment to society. Crime undercuts development, robs the state and people of their assets, deprives the right to life, drives fear in society, and leads to unstable lives.

Whenever a crime is reported, the police have a responsibility to investigate it. That investigation needs to be conducted within the confines of the law and acceptable standard practices. It means that all evidence, collected and stored, must be consistently pursued and presented in a universally acceptable manner, including ensuring the rights of suspects and accused are respected at all times.

Bringing an accused before the courts, the evidence presented at trial must satisfy the requirements guided by the standard practices and laws to ensure conviction. Quite recently, a number of cases were dismissed in the courts for want of strong and credible evidence. The Force may find it prudent to look within and engage in critical review of its performance in helping the court to dispense justice.

If evidence is not properly collected, stored, retrieved and presented to support the charge made, then the presiding magistrate or judge is given no option other than to dismiss the case. While in the court of public opinion the person may be known to have committed the act, to achieve conviction in a court of law requires thorough preparation, including marshalling of thoughts on the facts and issue, and vigorous representation of the case from the prosecutor’s perspective.

The police should be concerned at the number of cases being lost in the court. For outside of playing their important role in maintaining law and order and ensuring the delivery of justice, the institution also helps in building the people’s confidence in the justice system. When people hold the view that the court and police are not doing their jobs, it creates avenues for vigilante justice, and threatens the legitimacy of the State.

Concern by the acting Commissioner that the court in granting bail to persons is making it hard for the police to arrest crime cannot ignore the fact that where the law allows for some offences to attract bail, in upholding the law such would be permissible. At the same time, the Force is not without corresponding responsibility to put up proper defence why bail ought not to be granted. A concern too that where perception exists that the court may be enabling crime by granting bail is that the police in its crime-solving efforts can resort to extra-judicial acts, including killings, and going without being held accountable by the court for want of evidence, which

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 28, 2016

Let us desist from attacks and share in the Festival of Light Dear Editor

DIWALI is a unique and glorious occasion for our peoples, when we renew our spiritual identity, observe fasting to show our sacrifice and strengthen our dedication. It is a sacred time in a person’s life when they can reflect on their own lifestyle and make changes where applicable. The day itself embodies goodness, faithfulness, love and peace.

It is unfortunate that we have reached this crisis situation as a country and more so, as a people. There should be no place for tribalism and conflict in the face of such a magnificent celebration. For thousands of years worldwide and for one and a half centuries in Guyana, we had proudly and happily observed the Festival of Lights (Diwali). We had joyously celebrated the return of Shri Raam (Lord Rama) from exile as we lit the diyas symbolising the light that leads us back to purity.

To this writer, it is utterly painful to see the division within the Hindu Community. Since ancient times, Deepavali was observed to engage Hindus into a sequence of renewal and spiritual enhancement. However, with this ongoing conflict in Guyana, this opportunity is being lost. Personally, I am educated as a Muslim and a practitioner. However as Shree Monhandas Karandas Ghandi said “I am a Muslim, I am a Christian and I am a Hindu.” Therefore, I share a loving view for all religions.

I am honoured to be from this land of perpetual peace, where we accept all religions and cultures. We have no ongoing inter-religious or intra-religious wars like elsewhere in the world. I was fortunate to have travelled to India where I saw the Christians and Muslims lighting diyas which showed harmony and spiritual cleansing.

Here in Guyana, this year’s Diwali should be celebrated by all people. We must never forget how blessed we are

as a people to ingest the culture and religion of all our peoples. Again, I urge you all my brothers and sisters to celebrate Deepavali with awe and great excitement.

Controversy: The Diwali controversy which began last year is most agonising to me personally. The reason for this is that in the past when the Muslim community had a controversy regarding the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration and the right date, I would refer them to the Hindu scientific calendar. Since their calculation is historically correct with the moon and its visibility, I imagined their system to be the most efficient and accurate. Unfortunately, I can no longer do this. Secularism, mixed with a case of personality complexes has spoiled the roost. I am a Muslim that would light a diya to encourage the Holy Spirit to visit my house. I take part in this ceremony to show solidarity of peace and goodwill and to share in

this with my Hindu brothers and sisters.

There is a simple solution, a very simple one. I have advised my motherin-law who is a Hindu and the rest of my family and friends that we should celebrate Diwali on both days: Saturday, 29th October, 2016 and Sunday, 30th October, 2016. Irrespective of if you agree with the Dharmic Sabha or the Viraat Sabha, by celebrating Diwali on both days, no one goes wrong. If it is realised that one of them is wrong, you will not lose the essence of the celebration.

So the solution is very simple, celebrate the occasion on both days. This is the way of peace and harmony.

Let us desist from attacks and share in the Festival of Light with each other.

May the peace of God be with you all my brothers and sisters.

Subh Deepavali!

Regards Hajji Roshan Khan

Still weaknesses in justice system Dear Editor IN the absence of any notion, or public declaration emanating from the Minister of Legal Affairs/Attorney General, Hon. Basil Williams, M.P. with the concurrence of the Cabinet, whereby, after a period of 17 months of governance by the APNU & AFC Coalition, “the dispensation of justice on behalf of the downtrodden and powerless, is unlikely to see the light in twilight’s last gleaming when the sun is about to set.” Surely, I do hope for the remainder of the government’s term in office, modernising draconian laws inherited from the colonialists becomes a reality.

With no legal background, can it be logical that after 50 years of independence, a significant amount of West Indian-trained lawyers albeit an integrated Caribbean Education System (C.X.C) replacing the British, their laws are still applicable? Suffice, it to say the King James Version of the Bible, which our foreparents as slaves when caught with it suffered cruelty, some even

with their life! What would the outcome be if an individual, who is an Orthodox Christian and don’t subscribe to the King James Version, but would swear upon the Aquarian, Essene Gospel or the Maccabees Version? By the way, is the Maccabees Version still illegal in Guyana?

Meanwhile, our nation’s Hindu and Muslim brothers and sisters with the judicial context are not discriminated against.

Since their respective religions/ way of life is compatible to a cultural awareness.

On 25.10.16 shortly after 11:00 hrs, I paid a visit to the Supreme Court Registry, in pursuit of being updated on a Divorce matter. Whereas on 09.05.16 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, prior to entering the Church, a Court Marshal, after a brief interaction presented a Petition, in the absence of the Petitioner, primarily for identification purposes.

Additionally, and much to my dismay of his unprofessionalism, after entering the Cathedral, the Marshal subsequently came in. Beckoning him outside not to disrupt the solemnity of the

occasion, he told me that I had to sign. Apart from his high level of incompetence and ineptitude, the comedy of errors continued unabatedly with an address, which never existed in the history of Georgetown, being indicated as my last known address. Is this legal with a judicial document emanating from the Supreme Court of the land? Would the former colonisers allow this?

Definitely no! To crown it off, the divorce was granted on 26.

08. 16 before the Honourabe Chief Justice Madam Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

Suffice it to say, that I had never recalled seeing a publication of the petition in the Saturday edition of the Stabroek News Classified Ads. Editor, neither was I ever summoned to a hearing on the matter, despite being given all assurances by an employee of the Court Registry, upon the last of my five visits previously which was early in August.

“We’ll contact you when we’re ready”. Surely, contact could have been made via email/ facebook or public notification which is the norm. It must be noted that as the Respondent, I

wasn’t against the divorce, but rather the conceptualization of “Malicious Desertion” against “Irreconcilable Differences” as my term of reference. What of my personal property, including a passport that is the property of the Government of Guyana, which is being unreasonably withheld, along with the acquisition of household effects jointly? Can it be construed that after 50 years of independence, the dispensation of Justice prevails as the entrapment of a “Kangaroo Court”? As a consequence of my Constitutional, Democratic and Fundamental Rights being breached, a lawsuit will be filed in this regard, in addition to another against the Petitioner for Slander and Defamation of Character that resulted in the loss of income by way of employment, contractually.

This was also outlined in my documentation as the Respondent to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, within the stipulated time-frame of 10 working days.

will further undermine law and order in the society.

This society looks forward to the recommendations in the Government-commissioned forensic audits, where charges have been proffered that such be pursued. Similarly, expectation is held that

the prosecutor assigned to the case/s do the required diligence in ensuring that the arguments presented in court can bring justice to the People of Guyana, not dismissal for want of evidence. The failures in securing prosecution are not that of the court or

law, but that of the manner in which the prosecutor goes about prosecuting the case. Where institutional strengthening, including requisite personnel, training and equipment are needed, the Force is encouraged to make them known and the Govern-

ment helps it in realising the required resources. The society must never reach the place where its citizens feel justice will not be served because the Force is incapable of discharging its duties, or because its personnel have been compromised.

Regards Lester Sealey

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 28, 2016

What goes around comes around Dear Editor,

THERE’S a saying ‘what goes around comes around’ and although it takes a long while, I’m not surprised to see former President of Guyana and present leader of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo, penning a Letter to the Editor crying foul and I am quite sure that we will be seeing lots more of letters similar to that.

I’m quite sure that the letter was written with the intention of winning the sympathy of the public, but the manner in which it was written shows that they haven’t changed their attitudes and they are still ‘wolves in sheep clothing’.

One would assume that given the fact that they’ve lost the last election they might have changed their dictatorial attitudes and try to embark on a mission to win back the voters’ confidence. Instead, Jagdeo and the members of the PPP/C are going about the place telling people that they were cheated and are criticising all the projects the this present government is embarking on while failing to admit to the blunders they have caused.

The PPP/C would say all sorts of things to cover their era in governance and the corruption that they have created,but below I will outline some of the changes I saw only recently.

On Saturday 22nd October, whilst myself and others were travelling in a car to Charity, we observed some people of different ethnicities cleaning the parapets on both sides of the roadway (New Road and Somerset). Immediately, two Essequibians who were with us (who happen to be East Indians) began giving praises and started to talk about the atrocities that were happening during the PPP/C’s era with regard to keeping the roadsides clean.

Many people, especially residents of Essequibo, might not be aware but for quite a number of years the contract to clean weeds and bushes from both sides of the Essequibo public road (from Supenaam to Charity) was awarded to a favourite of the PPP/C (Dax he’s known as) to a tune somewhat in the vicinity of twenty million Guyana dollars per year and from what I gather, people forgot, especially the residents of Essequibo, that someone

was being paid to clean the parapets at least twice a year and the only time it might be clean is when the President is going to visit that Cinderella County and only to where he’s going would be clean.

Beyond that would remain as it is, especially where is abandoned or places where don’t have residents (which is small) whilst many people kept their areas clean.

They even joked that the contractor seems to forget that he’s being paid a hefty sum of money to clean the roadsides. What is even more shocking to know is that same contractor was also awarded the contract to keep the roadside between Parika and Vreed-en-Hoop clean also for another huge sum of money and there too was left to deteriorate, whilst money was being paid to keep it clean. The twist of it now is that under this new administration, the REO of Essequibo is not giving the contract to one individual, but breaking it up into small pieces and giving to various people/groups or organisations, thus the contract could not be seen as corrupt. During the PPP/C’s era, they had a tendency of giving selected

people of their choice contracts way above the value that’s not even qualified and making them extremely rich overnight. BK could attest to this fairytale. In another letter, I will explain how some of these same people coveted a lot of defenceless people’s land and converted them to their own use.

Editor, the only road from Supenaam to Charity is very narrow and if a vehicle is parked between the roadway and parapet, it’s impossible for two vehicles to traverse in opposite directions at the same time. One has to stop and allow the other to pass.

If trucks or tractor and trailers or any other heavy-duty vehicle is parked on the roadside, it makes the situation worse. Added to that, the main transportation there are hire cars and the majority of them traverse at a very fast rate which causes me to have a few scares, because many vehicles including trucks would reverse out of their yard/parking place without giving due consideration to incoming traffic and many times the cars I’m in have to brake extremely hard and the errant driver wouldn’t give any indication of being sorry

for his actions.

The residents of Essequibo should demand that their roads be widened, because that county’s contribution to Guyana is tremendous, especially in terms of rice and agricultural produce and lots of lives are lost there by road accidents. I will not elaborate on that, but would like to congratulate the Commander and traffic officers of the Essequibo (‘G’ Division) for the job they are doing there. As usual, whenever the traffic ranks are on the road, motorists would flash their lights to warn other motorists that the police are out and would say if they have the radar gun. The motorist would slow down until he/ she passes and then increase their speed when they pass.

Whilst many would escape that, quite a lot of them have been caught driving under the influence and the last time around 15 of them were caught.

They all were charged and taken to court and some paid fines and at least one of them whom I know got banned for nine months I believe. What is nice to know is that many of them are complaining

and whilst others are advising them to try and bribe the officers, I’m pleased to hear that none of the traffic officers is accepting any bribe. If that is happening I haven’t heard of it and I do communicate with lots of people when I visit Essequibo and if someone gets off by paying a bribe, he/she would boast of it and people would hear and talk about it. Many of those I converse with appreciate the work the traffic police of Essequibo are doing, because it’s making their roadways safer. Friday night last was Essequibo Night and the police were out in their numbers with breathalyzer machines and people were saying not a man drank because if they had, quite a number of accidents would have occurred and the various station compounds would have been filled with crashed cars. That used to happen before and now it’s not happening, although there were two nights of Essequibo Night. That is a change for good.

have any legal training, a prerequisite qualification for the Job of Town Clerk, which he only got because of his friends in the old Council, whilst Duncan whom he accuses of being ignorant of the law and duties of office bearers has a Bachelor’s of Law Degree.

But more importantly, every citizen of Georgetown knows that the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown is the most lawless and anachronistic entity in the country, and therefore King could not be serious in what he is saying.

First, King talks about the Gala Bash that he held at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel under the guise that he was holding it for the hard-working nurses of the City Council, an occasion that he used to fete his friends, cohorts and colleagues at a significant cost to the ratepayers of the city.

The point that he is missing that the Deputy Mayor made was that such an event could have been held at one of the facilities of the Council or the Government at a considerably lower cost, but equally enjoyable to the participants. After not paying that hotel for a substantial period subsequent to the event, that he King served

to bring the Council into further disrepute. But of course we all know that King has a champagne taste whilst the Council has a mauby budget.

Second, I can’t believe that Royston King has the gall to refer again to the odious parking meter contract. He seems not to realise that it is only the ‘Gang of Four’ and Smart City Solutions think it is a wonderful contract.

The Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General’s Office, the GCCI, the PSC, TIGI, religious bodies, civil society and just about everyone

else expressed grave concern about the lack of transparency and other appalling aspects of this deal. And a deal it is. But he only jumps at the Deputy Mayor. It is of little importance whether the contract was negotiated in 1995 or 2016, what is important is that it is a terrible contract that will fill the pockets of a few, whilst bringing considerable hardship on all motorists and which will eventually kill commerce in our capital.

Now about the Auditor General’s report, if things are as honky dory at City Hall

as King is trying to make it appear in his letter, then why does he not get a private, competent group of forensic auditors to examine the Council’s books from the time when rubber cheques were tendered and encashed years ago by a senior officer at a cashier at the City Treasurer’s Department and nothing was done about it, to now? But of course King would never do that, because he knows where that would leave him.

The questions I would like Mr. Duncan to ask at the next Statutory Meet-

ing of the Council, is why Royston King refuses to proceed on his accumulated vacation leave which has piled up over years now and which is in clear violation of the rules of the Council, the very rules he likes to quote so very much. Is he sitting on something that would blow, the minute he is away from his desk? And when will Council’s workers receive their October salaries?

In time for Christmas?

Regards Sahadeo Bates

Why Royston not proceeding on leave Dear Editor, THE recent attempt via the letters column of the Kaieteur News newspaper by the Town Clerk of Georgetown, Mr. Royston King, to respond to the concerns expressed by the Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Mr. Sherod Duncan, only serves to show further, what a narcissistic person Royston King is.

Let us be clear, all of King’s malicious actions in depriving the Deputy Mayor of the trappings that go along with the Office of the Mayor when Duncan was carrying out those duties, and which necessitated the intervention of the Minister of Communities, have nothing to do with any attempt by King to subscribe to the rule of law or to do what is just or right; it is vindictiveness and hate because Mr. Duncan has been highlighting the incompetence, treachery and unsuitability of King for the job of Chief Administrative Officer of the Georgetown municipality.

King’s endless interpretations and references to the law is laughable, as first of all he is no lawyer nor does he

Regards Sean Moniz

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

$40M approved for Haiti, Bahamas – after devastating hurricane sweep

By Ravin Singh THE National Assembly, through the Committee of Supply on Thursday approved a supplementary provision of $156M for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; $40M of which will be sent to Haiti and The Bahamas to assist with hurricane

relief efforts.

In early October, hurricane Matthew, described as the fiercest storm in the Caribbean in nearly a decade, lashed Haiti with 230 kilometres an hour winds and torrential rains. Subsequently, the French-speaking country was faced with a cholera outbreak as a result of contaminated

water and lack of hygiene.

The death toll climbed to over 1100 as of mid-October.

Unfortunately, The Bahamas was not spared, as its capital – Nassau – found itself directly in the destructive path of the hurricane.

Having been severely affected, the economies of the two countries – one of which is

Drama over ...

From page 2

Council is now well equipped.

“This has been the pattern, the engineer was here and he spoke to a woman on the phone and she said she has no other place to store it… that is not our concern…these pavements are collectively owned by all of the citizens of Georgetown, we must have respect for the city.”

King maintains that such activities cannot occur in other cities of the world. “It is unacceptable!” But Director of Marketing for Amazonia Pools, Shelliza Allie, told a different story. She told the Guyana Chronicle that she has been in communication with City Hall’s Engineer, Colvern Venture, from October 20 and she said she explained to the City Engineer that she was not in a position to remove the swimming pools immediately and she was awaiting a low-bed that was coming from the hinterland. “I am kindly

asking for a couple of days to remove the pools…I was very busy yesterday and we decided not to carry on the business here.

We will use the place to house the Brazilian technicians when here,” said Allie.

Venture then asked Allie, “What period are we looking at?” to which she replied, “by next Saturday…I am waiting on the lowbed to come out the interior.”

The City Engineer told Allie that he had already prepared a notice to serve on the owner or operator of the business and urged Allie to get the swimming pools removed before Saturday (October 29). “Well the land lady never told us we cannot do business here... she knows what we were renting the place for...

And told us it was ok,” Allie told Venture via text message.

A few days after, Venture told Allie that the pools were still on the parapets and she re-

minded him that she had asked for time to remove the swimming pools.

“I asked you for up to Saturday…We have a place…Waiting on the lowbed,” she said to which Venture replied, “ok, no problem.” Allie then asked for a copy of the notice he prepared for her records. “Can you tell me when we can pick it up?”

The Chief Engineer told the Director of Marketing that he will let her know. “I must tell you that as long as the notice is served and you fail to comply within 48 hours, action will be taken by the council. That is one of the reasons I did not serve you the notice as yet, since you asked for some time.” “Ok when I am moving the pool i would need it...I am paying a lot of money for the property and i am getting a hard time with the landlady…they are demanding two months’ notice to move and we have a heavy deposit there, so I need to prove we cannot do

considered the poorest in the western hemisphere – have been crippled, perhaps temporarily.

And according to Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in looking at the plight of Haiti and The Bahamas, recommended that contributions be business there,” responded Allie.

Venture then asked the Director of Marketing for the name of the business owner and the address, all of which were provided. She was then informed that her matter along with others was being discussed

by Council at a meeting. Allie told the Guyana Chronicle that Amazonia Pools is owned by Ibrahim Mustapha, a Brazilian national who is currently ill and in Brazil. As such, she manages the business.

“They are telling lies on me…It is a good thing I have the evidence to show,” declared Allie. She explained that the company is contemplating legal action against the City Council while disclosing that all of the pools removed by the City Council were damaged. She said, the pools are worth $14M. “I never received the written notice…we got there with trucks to move pools- they had only moved two and they refused to have us to move the other two--though we had trucks…” she stated.

made in packages of either US$100,000, US$200,000 or US$300,000.

Both affected countries are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). As such, he noted that Guyana will be donating US$100,000 (or $20M) to each country, as opposed to $10.5M, which was initially proposed in the National Assembly.

The approval of this sum went unopposed in the House and Opposition Member Gail Teixeira sought to register her party’s support for assistance to the two Caribbean countries.

However, despite their

support, Opposition MP, Nigel Dharamlall questioned whether the payment will be made in parts or as a one-off payment, to which the Minister said the former.

He noted too that while the payment has not been made as yet, if it is realised that enough has not been provided, countries will then decide on making another donation at the appropriate time.

The Foreign Minister opined though that, “one payment will undoubtedly not be sufficient” adding that “there will remain the need for additional amounts.”

Woman busted with cocaine strapped to legs A WOMAN is in police custody after she was caught with 668 grammes of cocaine as she was about to board the back-track route for Suriname located at Springlands, Corriverton. The substance was reportedly strapped to her legs.

According to a police source the woman, who gave her address as South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was caught around 15:30hrs and escorted to the Springlands Police Station where she remains in custody pending charges.

The back-track route is known to be a trans-shipment point for drugs and other illegal substances which has prompted the authorities to increase their presence.

Though the method of leaving Guyana’s shores to Suriname is deemed illegal, there is a presence of customs officers and police ranks who vet incoming and outgoing passengers.

Senior female rank receives Spain scholarship award HISTORY was created in the Guyana Police Force when its most senior female officer received an International Recognition and Scholarship Award in Barcelona, Spain.

A release from the police force noted that Staff Officer ‘Administration’ 1 and Senior Superintendent of Police, Maxine Graham, DSM, was enlisted in the Guyana Police Force close to three decades ago and continues to serve with distinction and dedication.

“On October 7, 2016, this remarkable officer left the shores of Guyana to join her 20 other female officers of the Guyana Police Force who departed on the previous day to Barcelona, Spain, to attend the 54th Annual Conference of International Association of Women Police (IAWP) and for her to receive an award, from October 9-13, 2016.”

It was noted that at an award ceremony on October 9, 2016, at Catylona, Bar-

celona, Spain, Ms. Graham was awarded a plaque for winning the 2016 International Association of Women Police Recognition and Scholarship Award, for her vast area of work which includes key responsibilities and appointments, aimed at developing and improving the lives of members of the Force, single parents, youths, elders and the less fortunate.

She was selected from a list of 45 nominees from over 70 countries.

According to the release, on April 28, 2016, she received from President David Granger, the Good Conduct and Long Service Medal for dedication and commitment to the Guyana Police Force. On October 6, 2016, Ms. Graham was bestowed the Disciplined Service Medal, a National Award for long service, dedication and hard work within the Guyana Police Force of a high order.

A University of Guyana graduate in the fields of Public Safety and Security

Management, and Social Work, this senior superintendent who still has a number of years before retiring from the Force, is currently pursuing a Degree in Law, and has the possibility of being ear-marked to take up the mantle as the Guyana Police Force’s Legal Advisor, having already spent 10 years as a Court Prosecutor/Court Superintendent in central Georgetown.

The Force congratulates Senior Superintendent Maxine Graham, DSM, a mother of two sons, who are both serving members of the Force, for her many outstanding achievements and wishes her well in her future endeavours, both within the Guyana Police Force and beyond.

The other female officer who recently gained recognition was Superintendent Charmain Stuart, our Director of Music. She is the only female police officer who holds such portfolio in the Caribbean.

Senior Superintendent Maxine Graham, DSM, receives her award from Madam President of the International Association of Women Police, Margaret Shorter, in Barcelona, Spain

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

Bridging the cultural preservation gap NOT too long ago, I raised the question with the wife of a young Guyanese about a play her husband wanted to write before they met.

She’s a talented young playwright herself.

To my surprise, it was the first time she was hearing of it. He had come to me to chat about the ‘setting’ of the play; he wanted to locate the events in the late 70s with a GDF officer living on the East Coast and fringes of the politics of the day, PNC, WPA, PPP on the periphery.

He wanted sets and an atmosphere that captured those times. Though this was not a hundred years ago, it might well have been.

We proceeded to talk about the 70s without minibuses; with popular string bands: Mischievous Guys, Yoruba Singers, and Sound Dimension etc; life without TV but with Radio Demerara, Voice of America and Thursday night oldies; and of second-hand book stalls in Bourda and La Penitence Markets.

The trend of our conversation made me understand why his wife knew nothing about this. Where was he going to find the material to bring this play to life? So he obviously dismissed it from his mind.

Last Wednesday (October 19), we laid Lord Canary to rest, and with him serious expertise. In 1995, I self-published a magazine named Folk & Culture; it was a disaster from an economic standpoint, because I had published it in Trinidad and didn’t realise that quotations for such ventures throughout the Caribbean were done in $US. MEETING CANARY I’d had to do an article on Sam Chase, a showman from the 30s and 40s I had heard older folk talk about over and over. I’d had cause to visit Malcolm Corrica, better known as ‘The Mighty Canary’, to tap his memory on Sam Chase.

This is what he told me: “I got married in February; I heard that Sam Chase was putting on a show. By that time, I had grown in confidence as a singer, and I really wanted to appear in a big show.

“So I found Sam Chase and introduced myself. I told him that I would like to

be in his show. He looked at me and asked, ‘You could sing?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ And then he told me to come to rehearsal the Sunday morning for the show Sunday afternoon.”

Canary concluded the interview by naming the song he had sung. “My calypso was about Thelma Haynes, a Guyanese girl who had been murdered in Trinidad.”

Thanks to Sam Chase, it was the song that would launch his career as a calypsonian.

I remembered when Pamela Maynard died, I went to Matt Baptiste to eagerly enquire if she had in her library a certain record featuring ‘The Odettes’. This was the name of the group that Pamela and her mom, Mavis Sybil Garner-Maynard, had formed.

I’d known this record as a child, but had had to call a relative, Norman Bourne, to get a number for Pamela’s sister, Georgia, who confirmed to me that it was not just my imagination; that her mother and sister did sing the song in question.

But unfortunately, because of some traumatic event in the family, it got lost along with all the other memorabilia. The record was a ‘45 rpm’; it had a green label.

Matts remembered it, but she didn’t have it.

This country will not remain outside of world trends on the entertainment and cultural fronts forever, and the sources that can paint the scenery of past periods are leaving us with their knowledge.

This is history as important as the history of political parties or the history of the trade unions.

Breaking the taboo against recording for posterity’s sake the arts as it has evolved, in defiance of the prejudices of those days, requires action today.

LOST OPPORTUNITY The ‘Jubilee’ planners have missed a significant opportunity to create an archive, listing, by period, the names of the top pathfinders of the past 50 years, so that young minds can be pointed in the direction of a rich creative heritage.

I can well recall my bewilderment when I could not provide some information to a young Arts columnist for the Chronicle’s ‘Jubilee’

edition; she had an interest in Basil Hinds. I did have some newspaper clippings on the subject, but I had no idea where they were

in my mini-labyrinth. And though all my sources had but vague memories of the late Jazz/Art enthusiast, none had what a specific biography needed.

Some years ago, I’d approached Sean Bhola when he was attached, for what turned out to be a short period, to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport [I still lament the fact that ‘Culture’ cannot have its own little cottage; had this been the case, much more would have been done].

I was hoping that Sean would have been able to persuade the then minister, Dr

Frank Anthony, to allow him to start video interviewing aged cultural personalities.

I’m not sure what happened, but Sean was out of that attachment much too soon, and the idea was aborted.

With all the video cameras and equipment donated to the Guyana Government over the last three decades, I presumed that only reliable expertise would be needed.

The anxiety over the timeline I’m referring to is quite recent, but its importance is relevant to the present and the future, with respect to having clarity in defining the human development in

the arts.

There is no doubt in my mind that the arts have become a major ingredient and economic force for many nations. The simple recording of these talents in the framework of the times in which they existed would be an asset to our national self.

The ‘Jubilee’ event would be incomplete without a recorded pageant of fifty years of creative expression. Camo Williams is still with us; so, too, are Marc Matthews and Ken Corsbie. However we look at it, this is ‘All Ah WE TING’.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

Guyanese judges capitalise on study tour of BC Provincial Court REPRESENTATIVES of Guyana’s court system spent an intense week in Vancouver, Canada this month studying the British Columbia (BC) Provincial Court’s problem-solving courts, use of technology, and system performance measures, as well as trial scheduling, early resolution, and case management strategies.

This study program was part of the Justice Education Society of BC (JES) project funded by the Canadian government to help Guyana strengthen its criminal justice system.

A release from the High Commission of Canada noted that this

two-year project aims to strengthen the Guyanese justice system by developing the technical capacity of the police, prosecutors and magistrates to work with criminal evidence. The project includes training in criminal investigations, case preparation, evidence handling, and trial advocacy.

According to the release, the recent studytour in Vancouver focused on court administration concepts and design, highlighting the initiatives the BC Provincial Court has undertaken to maximize the effective, equitable and efficient use of its resources and minimise wait-times for trials.

Left to right: JES Guyana Country Representative Rolinda Kirton, JES Guyana Project Manager Evelyn Neaman, Justice Reynolds, Chief Judge Crabtree, Chancellor Carl Singh, Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack Chief Magistrate McLennan, Vancouver lawyer Chris Johnson, and Judge Michael Hicks (retired) Headed by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, the delegation included a High Court judge, Justice Brassington Reynolds, Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, and Director of Public Prosecutions, Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack.

“Their week was packed with presentations, courtroom visits, and opportunities for discussion with those involved in the BC initiatives they were studying.

Daily debriefing sessions allowed the delegates to discuss possible applications of what they had learned that day to their own system and to identify related issues,” the release noted.

It was further noted that Chancellor Singh expressed particular interest in BC’s community and drug treatment courts, and in the Digital Audio Recording System (DARS) used by BC’s Court Services branch to record court proceedings.

He explained that Canadian Provincial Court Chief Judge, Thomas Crabtree had, following a previous visit to Guyana, prepared “an extremely valuable report”

with suggestions for consideration, and that actually seeing the suggested measures in action helped tremendously. The Chancellor added that he is determined the study tour will yield results, and hopes to implement some measures, within resources, without delay.

Chancellor Singh also stressed his appreciation for the welcome the delegation received, saying “All the judges and others we spoke to were very accommodating, warm, and helpful”.

Chief Judge, Crabtree replied, “It was a pleasure and a privilege to host judicial colleagues from Guyana and share with them the initiatives we have studied, developed and implemented in recent years. With the help of Project Manager Evelyn Neaman, Country Representative, Rolinda Kirton, and retired judge, Michael Hicks, the Court presented an intensive programme to acquaint our guests with a number of our administrative initiatives in the criminal justice field that might be adapted for use in Guyana. We are looking forward to future collaboration with our

Guyanese colleagues.”

JES is a Canadian non–profit organization with an impressive record of improving the effectiveness of justice systems in Canada and around the world. The Guyana project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Public Security and Legal Affairs, as well as the Office of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Guyana Police Force.

The ACCBP funds a number of regional security projects which benefit Guyana, including the recently launched INTERPOL Project to combat human trafficking in the Caribbean and a project to strengthen the anti-money laundering systems in Central America and the Caribbean.

Canada is also working to strengthen national justice systems in the region, by sharing Canadian expertise, improving access to and efficiency of the justice system, and providing training and mentoring programmes for both police and justice officials.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

‘It’s a work in progress’ ––Hicken assures Mocha change will come, but not overnight

By Rabindra Rooplall ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police, Mr Clifton Hicken, has pleged to return Mocha to the quiet village it once was, but warned it won’t happen overnight.

“This is a work in progress. Change cannot be done drastically; it has to be gradual,” he said.

“So we are going through a series of programmes to build back confidence. At the same time, my doors are open to members of the public,” he told residents of the crime-ridden lower East

become Rural Constables, if they so desire, Commissioner Hicken said: “The notion is that residents are afraid to tell their neighbours that their nieces and nephews that are spending time with them would normally steal people’s things, because they would look down on them. But at the end of the day, you are not hurting your neighbour alone; you are hurting other people.

“And by giving them leverage, they will graduate from breaking homes, to robbery with violence and gun robbery. So, it is important that it is nipped

‘We will build back capacity, in terms of family orientation... It takes a village to raise a child; we are going to change the behaviour of these youths before it worsens’ – Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken Bank Demerara (EBD) community Wednesday night.

The occasion was a community meeting at the Mocha Primary School, which saw among ranks in charge of the district in attendance Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus; Sub-Divisional Officer, Superintendent Anthony Vanderhyden; and Divisional Traffic Officer, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram.

Speaking specifically to the disturbing issues of drug abuse, noise nuisance and delinquency among youths, the commissioner said that while such matters will be dealt with condignly, the only way of resolving them is by working with the police on identifying the problem.

A FAMILY UNIT One way of doing so effectively, he suggested, is by coming on board with the Community Policing Groups in their district; assist with making the village of Mocha into a family unit, so that everyone can feel safe, and development can be a collective effort.

Noting that some residents can even opt to

in the bud.”

He however hastened to assure those in the audience that might be sceptical about motive, that the police force has a particular way of dealing with youth delinquency; that it is largely dependent upon the severity of the crime that has been committed, and the victim’s leniency.

He also assured them that faith-based organisations are involved in this intervention, and that in most cases, counselling is recommended along with re-integration into society.

BALANCE AND TRUST “So, is not everything we are putting before the judicial system; we have created these types of things to build back the balance and trust.”

He was, however, happy to report that it was not all gloom and doom at Mocha; that there are many good things happening in the village, such as the participation of Mocha youths in a ‘Spelling “B” competition; in the youth ambassador programme; and the upcoming pageant in weeks ahead.

“We are going to identify community leaders; leaders to form youth

groups. We will build back capacity, in terms of family orientation,” Commander Hicken said, adding: “It takes a village to raise a child; we are going to change the behaviour of these youths before it worsens.”

He also hastened to assure residents that based on statistical data, the crime situation at Mocha is not so bad that cannot be contained.

He encouraged them to join the police in putting together their Christmas security plan.

“You need to tell me as much as I need to know about what is going on, so a reform process and solution can be found,” Commander Hicken said.

DRUG SITUATION One resident complained about the prevalent use of drugs in the village. “A lot of people turning into junkies,” he said.

They all agreed that something needs to be done to help the police access those hard-to-reach areas where crime and delinquency are most prevalent.

One woman, a single parent from Barnwell North, complained bitterly that she has had no peace since her child was murdered back in 2007.

“I can’t get peace at the back there, because it got some boys coming from the front of Barnwell North together with the sets at the back and pelting down people house in the night. You can’t sleep when the night come,” the mother of three said, tears in her eyes.

“And when you come out to go at the station, the station door lock,” she said, adding: “Sometimes when you meet the police, they come down one time and do nothing; and you never see them back. And this thing keep going on and on.”

She said that on one occasion, the youths in the area broke into her house and stole cash and jewellery. “When I make a complaint at Providence Police Station, the police ask me what I doing with all that money in my house.”

Commander Clifton Hicken and team at Wednesday night’s community meeting at the Mocha Primary School (Photo by Rabindra Rooplall)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

DTL refuses to meet Social Protection Ministry over dismissed workers

DEMERARA Timbers Limited (DTL) has refused to meet with the Social Protection Ministry to discuss the dismissal of eleven workers who participated in a picketing exercise against the foreign-owned company.

According to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the workers were dismissed by the company after they had

participated in a picketing exercise outside the company’s Head Office on October 3, to emphasise their just demand for wage increases for year 2015.

GAWU said that in seeking an “amicable and satisfactory solution,” the union sought the conciliatory services lawfully provided by the Ministry of Social Protection to address workers’ disputes

and problems.

The Ministry then reached out to the company via a letter dated October 25, 2016, to meet and discuss the employment termination by the company. The letter was addressed to General Manager of the company, Martin Ting.

It stated that: “The Ministry of Social Protection, in keeping with its mandate with regard to intervening into

matters of Industrial Relations and seeking out ways for the amicable settlement in such issues, hereby invites you to attend a meeting to discuss the matter relating to the recent dismissal of several workers.”

The meeting was scheduled to be held in the Ministry’s boardroom at its Brickdam location at 10:00hrs on Thursday. The Ministry advised the company too that by means of its letter, the union will be informed of the meeting.

However, Ting responded in a subsequent letter, on October 26, noting that while he acknowledges receipt of

the letter, the company is not inclined to meet with the Ministry as it will not reconsider its position regarding the dismissed workers.

“We have indicated to GAWU, during discussions on 11th October 2016 that the company will not be reconsidering its position with regard to the dismissed workers. The company views the strike action as unlawful repudiatory breach of their employment contract.”

The letter went on to state that, “Since the decision is taken and the company will stick to its decision in view of the company’s protocol, we therefore decline to attend

any meeting with the union to discuss this matter.

And according to the union in a statement on Thursday, this letter is a clear demonstration of DTL’s “uncalled-for disregard of the Ministry, apart from the aggrieved workers.”

As a result, GAWU sought to urge the Ministry to uphold its authority and ensure that the foreign-owned company respects the laws of our country, as well as the established principles and conventions, which it says are integral to safe-guarding the welfare of the working people.

THE Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC) recently hosted its Annual Bursary Awards Ceremony during which

ents to continue supporting them in all their endeavours.

Munroe said that education is the key to success but this encompasses not only

to be rounded individuals.

“Learn to respect each other, irrespective of race, creed or political belief and strive to make this country a world that is

Children of sugar workers awarded

Chairman of SILWFC, Mr Allan Munroe with Bursary Awardees of Demerara it presented awards to 12 children of sugar workers for the year 2016.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the entity, Allan Munroe congratulated the awardees and encouraged their par-

academic studies, but inculcating the correct attitudes that would enable them to contribute to the development of Guyana. He said too that spiritual development is also important and will assist in enabling them

just, equitable and inclusive,” the Chairman said.

He also urged the gathering to appreciate the urgency to contribute to growth and environmental protection that would benefit everyone.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

More oil discovered offshore Guyana

EXXONMOBIL’S partner Hess Corporation, during its third-quarter earnings on Wednesday revealed that the Liza-3 well located in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana has a world-class oil discovery.

According to the company’s website, there are estimated recoverable resources for Liza now expected to be at the upper end of the previously announced range of 800M to 1.4B barrels of oil equivalent.

“The Liza-3 appraisal well on the Stabroek Block (Hess

30 percent), operated by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, was successfully completed. Based on the Liza-3 results, we now expect the estimated recoverable resources to be at the upper end of the previously announced range of 800 million to 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent.”

Earlier this year, the SkipJack exploration well was drilled some 25 miles northwest of the Liza discovery and came up dry. “We also are investing in growth projects, including the world-class

Liza oil discovery in Guyana that we believe will create significant value for our shareholders. Based on the positive results of the Liza-3 well, we now expect Liza to be at the upper end of the previously announced estimated recoverable resources range of 800 million to 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent,” Chief Executive Officer, John Hess, stated in his report.

When contacted on Thursday, ExxonMobil’s Senior Director, Public and Government Affairs, Kimberly Brasington,

High Court trial for carpenter charged with ‘Fish Shop’ murder THIRTY- seven-year old carpenter Mark Anthony Barclay of Lot 38, Houston Back Street, East Bank Demerara was committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of Gordon Ross.

Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan made her ruling based on the facts presented by the Prosecutor; she stated that sufficient evidence was led by the prosecution to have the defendant stand trial in the High Court at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

It is alleged that on April 30, 2016, Barclay murdered Ross outside the White Castle Fish Shop at John and Hadfield Streets, Werk-en-Rust.

According to reports, in the wee of hours of the morning around 01:40h, Barclay and Ross had a fight over food. Ross was later found with stab wounds about his body and some of his teeth were missing. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while receiving treatment.

Mark Anthony Barclay

told the Guyana Chronicle that the reports of one of Exxon’s partners at their earnings made comments relative to the Liza 3, but stated that “Exxon doesn’t have anything to add on that, at the moment.”

She disclosed however that ExxonMobil will have its earnings disclosed today and subsequent to that, the information will be made available.

“Our partner has gone out and said something on their earning calls…” Brasington added.

She reminded that the Liza 1 was the first well drilled

followed by Liza 2 where a significant discovery was announced. Shortly after, the SkipJack, located in a different field was drilled and that came up dry.

“We are trying to understand what is the size of resource… [it is] information-gathering for ExxonMobil—[and it is] ongoing now,” added the senior director. In June, ExxonMobil announced that the Liza-2 well during the company’s second exploration discovered more than 190 feet (58 metres) of

oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in upper-cretaceous formations. That well was drilled to 17,963 feet (5,475 metres) in 5,551 feet (1,692 metres) of water.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 sq kms). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek block.

Hess Guyana Exploration holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana holds 25 percent interest.

Over 200 rounds ammo found in Kitty THE police have recovered a total of 234 live rounds of .40 and one live round of .45 calibre ammunition, which were “stashed” away in a one-gallon paint can in a parked car.

According to a police release, ranks acted on information received from a concerned citizen and conducted a search on a suspiciously parked motor car on Goring Street, Kitty, about 12:30hrs on Thursday.

No arrest has been made. However, police are investigating the matter.

The ammo found in the paint can in a car parked in Kitty

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

Min Bulkan clears the air on audit at City Hall

THE Ministry of Communities has sought to clear the air on several facts related to the audit that was conducted into grants made to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), following the Mayor’s declaration that the audit was unprofessional and disrespectful.

The ministry issued a statement on Thursday in response to an article appearing in the press headlined, “Mayor miffed at ‘disrespectful’ audit into $300M subvention.”

The Ministry noted that it is in no way involved in an investigation at the municipality but is in fact collecting data in preparation of a response to audit queries stem-

ming from the 2015 Auditor General’s Report.

“The Ministry also wishes to note that at this stage, there is no basis on which to launch an investigation. Further, it is required of the Permanent Secretary to account for all expenditure under the Ministry of Communities, irrespective of where it was spent.”

According to the statement, it is also normal procedure for queries raised in the Auditor General’s Report to be resolved before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) starts its work, which is done in conjunction with the Auditor General and the Accountant General’s Office.

In 2015, the M&CC re-

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan ceived two grants appropriated under the Ministry’s

Capital Programme to be used for the “Georgetown Restoration Programme” and the “Emergency Solid Waste Management of Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill” amounting to $300M and $100M respectively. Each grant was based on a separately signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communities and the Town Clerk of the M&CC. The Auditor General’s Report has since found several “discrepancies” in the way the allotted $300M to the City Council was spent during the year. After a total of 212 payment vouchers were examined, a number of discrepancies were

found including that there were 167 instances, totaling $159.968M, where there was no evidence of the payment vouchers being certified by the accountant or any other authorised officer. Further, approval by the City Treasurer was not seen on 140 payment vouchers totaling $143.682M. According to the report, there was also no evidence of the Finance Committee approving 58 payments totaling 48.404M, and no evidence of receipt or payee acknowledgement for a payment of $750,000 to a contractor via cheque #164407587.

“The basis of award of several contracts for the weeding of parapets, desilting of drains and cutting down of trees in various areas around Georgetown could not be determined due to the unavailability of the relevant supporting documents,” the report further noted, and as a result, it could

not be ascertained whether proper transparency and accountability was exercised in the awarding of contracts.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan had recently requested a financial statement from the City Council because he said he saw the need for a perusal of such in order to enable proper decision-making. A source had told this newspaper that the minister was provided the statement by the mayor, and he has since concluded that the City Council is not in a financial crisis that the public is led to believe.

The Ministry has reiterated its “absolute regard” for the authority and autonomy of local organs and said it would in no way impinge or circumvent the council’s work. The Ministry said it will also firmly apply the relevant procedures to ensure the highest standards of accountability.

IDB loans Guyana US$8M to cut infant mortality THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved an US$8 million loan for a programme to help reduce maternal, perinatal and neonatal deaths in Guyana.

According to the Bank, this programme seeks to improve the quality of care at 140 health facilities and in 88 communities, benefitting at least 140,000 women and 9,000 newborns per year.

The IDB noted that despite progress achieved during the last decade, Guyana continues to experience one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a maternal mortality rate estimated at 121 per 1,000 live births and an infant mortality rate at 22 per 1,000 live births.

Given that about 93 percent of deaths in children less than one year of age occurred in the neonatal period, the program will support and improve maternal and child healthcare with a focus on improving access to quality neonatal health services and providing a better path to and quality of reproductive and maternal health services.

This operation draws from the IDB’s experiences with the Mesoamerican Health Initiative and incorporates lessons learned on evidence-based biomedical and operational interventions. It will closely monitor results to ensure that those interventions can contribute to the success of the programme.

The total cost of the project is US$8 million to be financed as follows: US$4 million from the IDB’s ordinary capital resources and US$4 million from the Fund for Special Operations (FSO) of the Bank. The loan from the Bank’s ordinary capital has a six-year grace period and a 30-year term. The FSO funding has a term of 40 years with a 40-year grace period and a fixed annual rate of 0.25 percent.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

El Dorado Offshore inducts 13 mariners

THE first batch of 13 Guyanese mariners was inducted Wednesday within the Oil and Gas sector at El Dorado Offshore (EDO) at Lot 23, Brickdam Stabroek, Georgetown, Guyana.

Present at the event were ExxonMobil officials, Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) officials and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. Minister Patterson congratulated members of the batch and urged them to make Guyana proud as government had mandated the hiring of local staff with the aim of training and capacity building.

He said government is looking into regulations for the industry and by year-end there should be a draft. Enoch Samuels, one of new staff, said the personnel who are undergoing training are being taught all aspects of the job in order to ensure a safe working environment that is effective and effi-

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson interacts with some of the inductees cient. He said when the team goes into operations their respective skills will be put to the test on the rig.

Guyanese National, Kerri Gravesande is the

Country Manager at El Dorado Offshore, who has been working in the Oil and Gas Sector for many years, throughout Latin America and the Carib-

bean. She said that she decided to return to Guyana and use her skills and knowledge to work with the players in the Guyana Oil and Gas Industry to

create new opportunities for her fellow Guyanese.

She explained that El Dorado Offshore works to ensure Guyanese persons have the right training and

guidance to access jobs with the Guyanese Oil and Gas sector.

“EDO will induct its first batch of Guyanese Nationals to board Edison Chouest Vessels. Edison Chouest currently supports Exxon Mobil Operations Offshore Guyana,” she said.

The Country Manager said EDO’s Services range from Expatriate Management to Operational Ground Support (including Shore Base Management), for International Energy Companies, manpower supply and HSSE Management with its associated Services and Procurement.

“EDO has placed strong emphasis on its human capital value, highlighted by the Company’s commitment to Capacity and Competency development. They have adopted this strategy in order to support Guyana’s developing Energy Sector,” she explained.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

More delays mar Kitty Market construction

THE Kitty Market will again miss the deadline given for its re-opening due to the cash-strapped state of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Town Clerk Royston, King had announced that the market would have had a November 1 opening.

In fact, even as only 65 percent of the works have been completed, the M&CC said it is “optimistic” that the market will open “before” the much anticipated holiday season. In an invited

comment, Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis told this newspaper that the November 1 deadline will be missed because of the cash flow issue at the municipality.

She explained that the market is not being subsidized and that rehabilitation works are solely dependent on the rates and taxes, of which some $16B is outstanding to the municipality.

Lewis could not give a new opening date for the market and she said it is best no specific date is given because of

the many deadlines that have already been missed.

Meanwhile, the M&CC has received more than 170 applications from citizens who wish to occupy new stalls in the market, the ground floor of which is costing the Council roughly $35M. The market, which has great historical significance and bears much pride for the Kitty community, is to feature a traditional health centre, office for rates and taxes, and space for the community councillor.

“We are also contemplating putting some space for the councillor’s office at the market; and this is not only at Kitty, but wherever we have municipal buildings, we intend to make space available for councillors working with their local communities,” Town Clerk, Royston King had disclosed.

According to him, there will be a decentralisation of Council’s work, as the market will take into account the needs of communities between Cummings Lodge and Kitty.

The upper flat of the market is being remodelled to include a rates and taxes office, as well as a municipal clinic.

“People from Cummings Lodge to Kitty don’t have to come all the way to City Hall

to pay their rates and taxes.

We are aiming to reintroduce the system that was in place many years ago,” Mayor Patricia Chase-Green had told the Chronicle.

The Kitty Market was established in 1882, two years after the Bourda Market had come into being. Like the Bourda Market, Kitty Market is timber-framed. The 19th century structure had suffered massive deterioration over the years prior to its renovation, causing vendors operating in its environs to lodge numerous complaints with the City Council.

The Council had, however, long been citing financial woes as the reason why the market had continued to remain a “threat to life and limb”.

Miner charged with murder committed 17 years ago A MAN who has been on the run for 17 years was finally caught and charged with the 1999 murder of 34-year-old miner, David Ramcharran.

Philbert Edwards, known as ‘Fiddi’, 38, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder.

Edwards of Princesville Village, Potaro River, Region Eight, was not represented and was Philbert Edwards remanded to prison until January 17, 2017 when he is slated to appear at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on May 3, 1999 at 7 Miles Mahdia, Edwards murdered Ramcharran.

Reports indicate that Edwards recently wounded someone and he was arrested for that offence. However during questioning by the police, he reportedly confessed to killing Ramcharran.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

Jackie Jaxx

to launch ‘Money’ video IN the past few months, your favourite Guyanese dancehall artiste, Jackie Jaxx has certainly been busy, having spent some months abroad networking and improving her act, in the hope of becoming her best self ever and promoting Guyanese music.

Now, the artiste is ready to launch the highly anticipated music video for her hit single, ‘Money’, which has gained much traction after being aired on VH1’s Love and Hip Hop Atlanta earlier this year.

Jackie’s stint overseas was spawned off of several invitations she had received from members of the Diaspora who had heard about her growing popularity back home. While there, she enjoyed performances at the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Guyana and Barbados in Washington D.C., at the Caribbean Style and Culture Awards, and the Detroit Caribbean Festival among other events.

“I’m grateful for the many invitations that allowed me to perform for, and meet, my many supporters in several states, including Maryland, Washington DC, Detroit and New York City,” Jackie said.

“I didn’t even know I was that popular among the Guyanese community in these areas,” she told The Buzz.

But her biggest accomplishment, she would say, was being able to collaborate with Bobble Head Media Group and Director, Shawn Burgendy, in New York to shoot the music video, ‘Money’.

The video-launch party, dubbed ‘Hustle Money’, is scheduled for November 11 at Palm Court, and Jackie is super excited for local sup-

porters to see the work she has done.

Jackie is the first Guyanese artiste to work with Burgendy and the Bobble Head Media Group. The video was shot primarily in Bedford Stuyvesant and Manhattan.

“This will be the second music video in my portfolio; and since the single debuted on Love and Hip Hop ATL in April, supporters have been anxiously awaiting the visuals. I can hardly wait for the premiere,” she said.

LIKE NO OTHER Giving some insight into the event, Jackie hinted that the venue will be transformed, promising that it will be unlike any other launch party ever held.

Many prizes are up for grabs, including US$1000, and many giveaways from sponsors.

Jackie also plans releasing another single later this month, and will later launch the long-awaited video for her single, ‘Guyana’, on Christmas Day. An official Reggae remix of the single will then premier on Old Years Night.

All these projects will culminate in the release of a self-titled mixtape in 2017.

And perhaps the most remarkable detail of all in Jackie’s story is that she remains self-managed, even while achieving her goals.

But the journey alone was not without struggle, she admits, as in an industry where most artistes are ushered in by an experienced manager, circumstances forced her to be self-sufficient.

“I became my own manager, booking agent, publicist, stylist, makeup artist,

publisher and producer, and I write all of my songs as well. It was no easy task; I was ready to throw in the towel MANY TIMES, but today, I’m grateful for the experiences,” she said.

“I’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge, and an extensive network that most artists never have until many years into their career. I’ve made bad decisions as well, and trusted the wrong people, but that was all part of my journey. I have no regrets. I wouldn’t mind having a capable, trustworthy manager someday soon, but I trust time to make it happen.

For now, I’m doing me,” she added.

Looking ahead, Jackie says that her intention is to sell-out stadiums and tour the world with her band.

She said: “I’ve always just wanted to sing and entertain people. My team is coming together nicely; I already have the right people in place who will help me make it happen.

“The remix of my ‘Money’ single by Dave Winnel of Armada Music is doing well in the POP/EDM world, and has made music charts in the USA and Australia. My publisher, Julian Jones, who once managed Mavado, has also been working on some future collaborations, which will catapult the brand to another level.”

So, Guyana can look forward to many more exciting projects from this enthusiastic artiste, whose mantra braces on the words of Brooklyn rapper, HO: “The next stop is the top.”

Behind the scenes of Jackie Jaxx’s ‘Money’ video

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

‘Til Death’

achieves quite a feat

--brings curtains down on Suriname Fashion Week

W

Clinton Duncan

HEN you’re blessed with artistic talent, they say that oftentimes such talent overlaps with more than one skill within the arts, and 23-year-old Clinton Duncan is proof of this theory.

A makeup artist, fashion illustrator, and designer, Clinton has been quite active lately on the local scene, having most recently launched his first collection, ‘Til Death’ at Suriname Fashion Week in September.

The title for the collection is a play on the vow taken during marriage, and depicts pieces which incorporate bridal themes with a mix of dark tones and colours.

Though it is just his first collection, Clinton says that the reception for ‘Til Death’ has been great so far, and was even good enough to allow him to close Suriname Fashion Week, which is quite a privilege in the designing world.

DREAM COME TRUE ‘Til Death’ brings to fruition one of Clinton’s longstanding dreams, having been immersed in the fashion industry as a fashion illustrator for more than nine years.

Clinton’s illustrations can be seen in the portfolios and ‘lookbooks’ of big local names in the fashion world like Sonia Noel, Michelle Cole, Randy Madray and Mwanza Glenn.

Fashion illustrating helps put into context the designers’ vision, Clinton says, and aids in creating an image of the target market and other key marketing aspects in the designing world.

“Illustration helps to create the fantasy. A designer imagines where they want to see their designs, and the illustrator helps to bring that to life. We show people who is the person we want to buy the clothes; what is the price range and so on,” Clinton said.

But now, with his own collection, he has taken one step further in the fashion world; something that he said took quite some doing because the time never seemed right until now.

What with offering makeup tutorials, actively participating in theatre, and studying Law at the University of Guyana, it’s a wonder that he even had the time to do this at all!

But now that the ball is rolling, Clinton plans on launching a small collection annually, from here on in. He is also working with some local retailers to have some ready-to-wear pieces available in stores soon.

TRUE CALLING Meanwhile, he continues to practice his other passion as a makeup artist. As an active member in the theatre industry, Clinton has, over the last nine years, become quite well known for his makeup specially suited for the stage.

And while he does everyday makeup looks as well, it is really stage makeup which is his forte.

“There are so many makeup artists in Guyana; you have to find a way to differentiate. Apart from me and maybe two others, there are not many people who specialise in makeup for stage and film,” he said.

Clinton has provided his services for three consecutive National Drama Festivals; the 2012 Inter-Guiana Festival, which was hosted in Guyana that year; as well as Guyana Fashion Week for three years so far.

He credits the very active drama programme at his alma mater, Annandale Secondary, with helping him to hone his artistic talents. It was his high school years spent participating in hosting

One of Clinton’s illustrations for a designer come to life on the runway

One of Clinton’s makeup looks made for the stage/theatre dramatic presentations, from as early as Grade Nine (Form Three), that sparked his interest in the arts.

From there, Clinton chose Art in his CSEC and CAPE examinations, and later carried his talents into the professional world.

And even when he’s not studying Law, doing makeup, illustrating or designing his own clothes, Clinton can be found modelling. And while he had previously been signed to Traits Model Management for two years, these days he admits that modelling serves simply as a hobby, and it’s clear to see why: His artistic plate is more than filled. But, he admits that he loves it, and he makes it work.

A piece from Clinton’s own collection, ‘Til Death’

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

Another night of twists and surprises

--as E-Networks puts ‘The Spotlight’ on Episode 4

By Tamica Garnett ON A night when many of the contestants brought their A-Game, opera singer Kimberly Samuels did not bring it enough, and was the latest act axed from E-Network/Red Entertainment’s Cable TV talent show, “The Spotlight”, when it continued with Episode 4 last Wednesday night.

It was another night of twists, surprises, and emotion running high as this week’s episode revealed that the final ten contestants were paired off, with each pair challenged to put together the talent of the two acts and create enough of a stir to get the nod from the judges to move into the next round.

The biggest twist was they had only one week to prepare.

This week’s guest judge was none other than local Dancehall artiste, Jackie Jaxx, who herself performed during the course of the evening. Apart from Jaxx, regular judges Christian Sobers, Alana Seebaran, and Russell Lancaster were all on site to tell the acts just what they thought of the partnerships.

The rules for the night were that the pair ending at the bottom would then go from friend to foe, as they would be pitted against each other to face off for a single spot in the final nine.

Many, like dance group, Euphoria, which was partnered with speed painter, Winston Alexander, were able to pull it off flawlessly; however, others like Samuels and ‘Errol T’ hit several glitches along the road.

In their case in particular, it was about their clash of song styles.

‘JUST AMAZING!’ When Euphoria and Winston Alexander wrapped up their witty performance of dance and art, they rendered Judge Jackie Jaxx almost speechless. “Just amazing!” was all she could manage. And, amazing it was indeed!

Clad from head to toe in black bodysuits, Euphoria never emerged from the dark backstage until Winston painted on their suits and “drew” them into motion, in an enthralling act that you just had to see to believe.

“This is just super creative!

People coming together to make one masterpiece of a performance!” said Alana.

“You guys blow our minds independently; we put you guys together and it is just insane the

down when he learnt that the group was through to the next round.

Now U C Me and Robert put on a well-costumed “Wizard of Oz”-themed dance routine that was arguably one of the group’s best performances in the competition thus far.

Nonetheless, the dancers felt they did not bring their A Game; and neither did the judges. Comforting Bowen, one of the dancers noted that the group has been feeling the pressure of the competition.

“Right now, Travis is going through a lot; we all are. We know this was not our A-Game as much as we were supposed to, so, from the performance, and the judges’ honesty, we knew Spotlight: ‘Euphoria’, with speed painter Winston Alexander (right) that we were at the bottom; so on stage last Wednesday it’s kind of a weight lifted off of

us, knowing that we now have another chance to bring it again,” she said.

EARLY START Earlier into the night, the show started off with a collaboration between ‘Behold the Jury’ and the singer, Trevaun Selman.

And in the words of Judge Russell Lancaster, “It just came together; it was excellent!”

For Judge Alana, “It had heart; it had soul; and this is what we want to see. It was so entertaining!”

The other duo of the night saw Delisha Wright paired with Jamal LaRose, and together they put on a performance of James Brown’s “It`s a man’s world” that received nothing but praise from all of the judges.

1 & 2: Errol T (left) and Kimberly Samuels on stage last Wednesday night quality that you guys have delivered. Everything was there: The precision; the quality. It was just fantastic!” she added.

Russell loved everything about it, and Christian said it just blew his mind away. They were arguably the best act of the night.

But if Euphoria and Winston were ‘the ‘best’, then ‘the worst’ just had to be Kimberly and Errol T. The pair ended up as the bottom acts of the night after performing reggae classic, “Coming over” by Chuck Fenda and Cherine Anderson, which put Samuels at a great disadvantage. Instead of finding a way to merge her operatic style of singing with Errol T’s reggae, Kimberly instead chose to holistically embrace it. So while the song allowed Errol T to work in his natural element, it succeeded in leaving Kimberly woefully shortchanged.

NOT QUITE RIGHT Samuels is a fantastic opera singer, but struggles when singing other genres. And reggae is no exception. The general consensus from the judges was that the pair looked good, but just didn’t put the sound together quite right.

“You managed to visually convince me, but vocally, not quite so much. There were certain points during that song that you were definitely going off; there was a little bit of slippage, and this is not the point of the competition for you to be slipping,” was how Russell summed up their performance.

Joining Errol T and Kimberly in the bottom acts were dance group, Now U C Me, which was paired with contortionist, Robert Wall. The highly-competitive night saw emotions running high, so much so that Now U C Me dancer and singer, Travis Bowen just could not stop himself from breaking

Trevaun Selman (second right) and the band, “Behold the Jury” during their last Wednesday night’s performance

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

Come celebrate with Phoenix Park

--on its 50th anniversary PHOENIX Park, a closeknit community on the West Bank of the Demerara River, will be celebrating its 50thanniversary on November 4, 2016.

Phoenix Park was one of the first self-help housing schemes to be constructed in Guyana. To celebrate this significant milestone, the Phoenix Park Golden Anniversary Organising Committee has scheduled one week of activities.

Activities begin Tuesday with a breakfast and the distribution of hampers to 14 of the most senior residents in the community.

On Wednesday, everyone is invited to Culture Night, an evening of song, dance

and merriment from 19:00 hrs.

Then on Thursday, November 3, community members and those nearby would have an opportunity to participate in a Medical Outreach which endeavours to provide most of the key health and wellness services and checkups. That outreach begin at 11:00hrs.

The signature event for the celebration, however, is the Black-Tie Gala Dinner & Dance on Friday night from 19:30hrs. Tickets for this event cost $3000 per person and $5000 for couples.

A special Golden Anniversary cake serves as the highpoint for this event. On

Saturday, everyone is invited to a BBQ and Day of Sports.

Lots of fun events are slated for this activity.

The celebration concludes with an Inter-faith Service and Rally at 08:00hrs and later a Domino Competition at 13:00hrs on Sunday, November 6.

All events will be held at the PYARG Youth Initiative Centre at Phoenix Park.

The golden anniversary is being celebrated under the theme, “Celebrating History and Diversity”.

With 50 being an incredible milestone, all Guyanese are invited to join in on the celebrations.

For more information on events, or to purchase tickets

for the Black-Tie Gala, please make contact with a member of the Organising Committee @: 687-5363 or 666 – 9431.

The Organising Committee would like to take the op-

Buzzing this weekend WE hope you enjoyed last week’s Halloween parties, but the fun is not over yet.

Here’s what’s buzzing this weekend!

TOMORROW Aura Club, Pegasus, will host its Halloween Party, ‘Angels and Demons: Return from Heaven or Hell’ from 20:00hrs.

Show off your sexiest and scariest costume, and indulge in some Halloween-themed treats. The best dressed couple wins a grand prize at the end of the evening.

Admission is $2,000.

Tickets are being sold at the Pegasus front desk and at the Giftland Mall.

Tomorrow also, Java C o ff e e B a r w i l l h o s t ‘Makeup and Margaritas: Halloween Edition’. All you makeup fanatics who wish to learn the art of special-effects makeup can benefit from tutorials from professional makeup artists Angel Kanhai and Niketa Hussain. Come for just a pretty touch-up, or transform yourself into a bloody monster of gore.

Event starts at 19:00hrs.

Fire Fest is here at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 20:00hrs. It’s the ultimate Dancehall event, and will feature interna-

tional juggling sensation, Nasheen Fire from Florida; female DJ sensation, Lady Love, of Fire Fox from New Jersey; along with Guyana’s best in the Dancehall arena, Selector Face and Seen Up, Killer Feelings (Fire Feelings), DJ Dellon and Charlie (Royalty Vybz), and DJ Platinum and Skinny Hype (Art of War Champions 2016).

Fire Fest will seek to reignite the fire and passion in the Dancehall entertainment industry in Guyana.

Kids love Halloween, too, so we can’t leave them out.

The Grill will host a horror house for the kids at its Thomas Lands location from 15:00hrs.

Come out with your kids and have a blast; special prizes will be available! Pumpkin carving, best kid costume wins a prize. Treat bags on sale and more! It’s going to be spooktacular!! Admission $1,000.

Giftland is also hosting a Halloween Costume Contest from 15:00hrs.

Customers may choose one or both Halloween of activities to do: 1: Trick-or-Treat around the mall from 15:00hrs to 17:00hrs. This event is open to the kids who have

registered. Kids will visit all participating Stores,

portunity to express sincere gratitude to the Minister of State, Mr Joseph Harmon, who grew up in the community, for his continued support, and Puran Brothers Inc.

for their notable contributions to date.

All proceeds from the Black-Tie Gala will go towards community and youth development efforts.

Ciara ‘expecting’

OR 2: Join in the Costume Contest: Parent and Child Category open to the kids and parents who registered.

Child must be 12 years old and below. Registration forms are available at the ‘Promo’ Redemption area.

Lots of prizes to be won!

CIARA is expecting a baby with husband of three months, Russell Wilson.

The singer announced the happy news on Instagram while celebrating her 31st birthday on Tuesday.

Ciara shared a photo, which showed Russell tenderly rubbing her stomach as they nuzzled each other.

“On this special birthday,” she wrote, “I received an abundance of love from friends and family... And I’m excited to Finally share one of the Greatest Gifts of All that God could give.”

Russell shared the same photo, with the caption: “The Greatest Blessing of All. Forever Grateful. #BabyWilsonOnTheWay.” Ciara and the Seattle Seahawks quarterback, 27, remained celibate until they were married in England on July 6, 2016 after dating for a year.

The Goodies hit-maker was previously engaged to the rapper, Future, from October 2013 to August 2014, and the pair share two-year-old son, Future Zahir Wilburn.

Rumours that Ciara was again pregnant have been swirling over the past week, after she was seen sporting loose-fitting outfits on multiple occasions.

After their English nuptials, Ciara and Russell weren’t shy when it came to bragging about their steamy wedding night.

The following day, Ciara cheekily let fans know, with a wink and a nudge, that she’d had a great time the night before.

“Baby, you know what we’re doing tonight,” she said in a Snapchat video, before Russell chimed in: “From what we did last night, I want to do it multiple times.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

Maloney, Graham to headline Team-Barbados

By Stephan Sookram

Mark Maloney and Kevin Graham are just two of the big names Team-Barbados has for the final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships 2016.

Maloney, a contender for

the Group-four two-wheeldrive title is expected to rekindle his battle with Jamaican Peter Rae, who has already confirmed his participation.

The duo had a keen contest at Jamwest earlier in the year with Rae producing some epic drives in round-one and Malo-

ney being the dominant figure in round-two in Trinidad.

With both men still in the running for championship honours, and the possible addition of Trinidadian Franklyn Boodram, fans could be in for a treat come November 13th,with no-holds-barred action prom-

ised.

Other competitors include the Maloney brothers,Kurt (group 3&4) and Mark (group 2) as well as Shawn Eversley(Group 3), Steve King (group 3), Kenrick Husbands (group 2) and Tramaine FordeCatwell (group 2).

On the superstock end of things, Kevin Graham will represent the land of the Flying fish with many remembering his fierce duels with Stephen Vieira. This time out however, it is not only Stephen that he must worry about, as both Elliot and Matthew Vieira have

proven they are both forces to be reckoned with.

All in all, the Bajans are hoping to upset the Guyanese party come November 13 at the South Dakota circuit.

However, all hands are on deck from the locals as they look to defend home turf

Historic National Athletes’ Database nears completion the database. The districts would have their schools included with special focus being on talent in the upcoming National Schools’ Championships.

It was at this point that Willabus took over before demonstrating how to find names on the database as well as what the database currently holds. “I think it’s a great initiative by NSC to chronicle data regarding the information.” The database currently holds all the sportsmen and sportswomen of the year from 1955 and according to Jones, data will be pulled from any and all sources.

“The challenge facing us is where could you access information and confirm its accuracy. We will be cross-referencing and ensuring it’s the

By Daniel Haynes WHAT some might call a dream on the part of the National Sports Commission (NSC) is almost a reality as the National Athletes’ Database has rounded into its homestretch. The nearly-completed database was showcased at a press conference on Thursday at the NSC, with members of the media being able to view and access it.

It was with elation Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Assistant Director of Sport Melissa Richardson, Commissioner Edison Jefford and Intellect Storms’ Information Systems Architect Rowen Willabus unveiled the project that had an initial startup cost of GYD 2.8 million.

According to Jones, the NSC is still waiting on some of the sport associations and federations to submit the information and stats they have on athletes. He cited the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) as one association that readily made their data available when called upon.

Jones also added “Along with the database, we will have a facebook page that is geared towards getting those who are most involved in sports up to date with what is going on.”

There were also talk of having the 15 Guyana Teachers’ Union districts active on

A preview of the database

English Racing Tips Newmarket 08:20 hrs Blue On Blue 08:50 hrs Loujain 09:25 hrs Charismatic Man 10:00 hrs Perfect Angel 10:35 hrs Dubai One 11:10 hrs Dawn Horizon 11:45 hrs Star Rider 12:15 hrs Invermere Uttoxeter 09:00 hrs La Bague Au Roi 09:35 hrs Cash Again 10:10 hrs Wistari Rocks 10:45 hrs Le Prezien 11:20 hrs Mr Burgees 11:50 hrs Book At Bedtime Wetherby 09:10 hrs Clondaw Cracker 09:45 hrs Hadfield 10:20 hrs Pair Of Jacks 10:55 hrs Cliffs Of Dover 11:30 hrs Queens Bay 12:00 hrs Charlie Wingnut South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:25 hrs Golden Tongue 09:00 hrs Omaha Tribe 09:35 hrs Villa Del Largo 10:10 hrs Green Lantern 10:45 hrs Aquinata 11:20 hrs Mixed Emotions South Africa Racing Tips Jebel Ali

08:15 hrs Libyan Prince 08:45 hrs Tadarrok 09:15 hrs Fast Enough South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 11:30 hrs Master Runner 12:10 hrs Sun Dynasty 12:45 hrs Imagination 13:15 hrs Florrick 13:45 hrs Overlap 14:15 hrs Ashton Park 14:45 Magical Bet 15:15 hrs Naked Truth Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 12:30 hrs Magic Bear 13:00 hrs Ben Gunn 13:30 hrs Massif Central 14:00 hrs Cheatnut Fire 14:30 hrs Red Box 15:00 hrs Veil Of Stars 15:30 hrs Carrigeen Prince 16:00 hrs Lunada American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Cause Of The Royal Race 2 Palladian Bridge Race 3 Tisbury Race 4 Encrypt Race 5 Saturday Bliss Race 6 Day After Day Race 7 Rockford Race 8 Grey Stark Race 9 Beautiful Nite Sky

most accurate,” said Jones.

He added that the accuracy of data would aid in associations choosing athletes to send abroad since the best athlete would be chosen to represent Guyana.

The database will also hold association and federation information inclusive of the associations’ by laws and election dates. “We at the NSC will have this information and will send out messages to these associations to remind them of elections and if the constitution isn’t followed we will not be providing funding for these associations.”

The database is expected to be available to the public as soon as next week if every association makes available there information to the NSC.

‘Serious failings’ at Rio Olympics - WADA (BBC) - A Wada report on the anti-doping methods employed at Rio 2016 has highlighted “serious failings”.

The World Anti-Doping Agency said many athletes who had been targeted for testing “simply could not be found”.

It added that, on some days, “up to 50% of tests were aborted”.

Its Independent Observers report said there was a “lack of coordination or unified approach among the management team in the Rio 2016 anti-doping department during the Olympic Games”.

Wada’s report did praise improvements made to Rio’s anti-doping laboratory, however.

The organisation had suspended the lab just six weeks before the Games opened, because it failed to comply with international standards.

B u t Wa d a s a i d it had been “superbly equipped”, and was “operated very securely and generally very efficiently”.

It said it now represents

The Wada report said that, on some days, “up to 50%” of planned tests had to be aborted an “outstanding legacy from the Games for the anti-doping movement in South America”.

However, other “failings” highlighted in the report include inadequate support for the chaperones employed to notify athletes of testing.

Wada said that on several occasions more than half of these failed to turn up, or turned up very late. It said they were “disincentivised” because of a lack of training, poor travel arrangements, and the fact many could not speak English.

In one of its recommendations, it said: “Untrained and inexperienced chaperones should not be working at the Games.

“It undermines respect

and trust among athletes in the anti-doping program, and provides opportunities for experienced and unscrupulous athletes who would want to abuse the system to manipulate the doping control process.”

The report also highlighted:an apparent breakdown in the transfer of knowledge from previous Games to Rio 2016, in terms of training materials and guidelines,little or no in-competition blood testing in many high-risk sports and disciplines, including weightlifting,no out-of-competition testing conducted in football, which Wada found “surprising”

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

Kerber & Cibulkova reach semi-finals (BBC)- WORLD number one Angelique Kerber and Slovakia’s seventh seed Dominika Cibulkova secured semi-final places at the WTA Finals as both players won their final group matches in Singapore.

Kerber beat American Madison Keys 6-3 6-3 to claim her third win of the week.

Cibulkova had required the German to win in straight sets to progress from the White Group, having earlier beaten Romania’s Simona Halep 6-3 7-6 (7-5).

Kerber took the number one ranking from Serena Williams last month

R u s s i a ’s S v e t l a n a Kuznetsova had already qualified from the Red Group.

Kuznetsova, who only qualified for the season-ending event last Saturday, will play Cibulkova in the last four, while Kerber will face the winner of Friday’s final round-robin match between Poland’s defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska and Czech fourth seed Karolina Pliskova.

Cibulkova’s straight-set victory guaranteed Kerber’s place in the semi-finals, and the Slovak then had to wait

and hope that Kerber would return the favour with a twoset win over Keys.

“Probably I’ll be checking the score, but that’s the worst thing you can do,” Cibulkova said after her match.

“Maybe we’re going to go shopping to try and forget it, and just see the result.”

Kerber duly saw off Keys in little over an hour, and said: “Today I wasn’t thinking that I already was in the semis. It was important to go out to win the match and win all three matches.

Players/Board relations could be at boiling point - Sir Viv

(Sportsmax) - WEST Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards believes the attitude of the players and results in the ongoing series against Pakistan could be a sign that relations between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and players could be at boiling point.

The regional team lost its eighth straight match against Pakistan in the ongoing series by 133 runs, which condemned it to a third series

loss across three formats on the ill-fated tour so far.

The Windies, the reigning Twenty20 World Champions, were whitewashed 3-0 in the Twenty20 and suffered a similar drubbing in the One-Day International series.

Ahead of the series the WICB removed Phil Simmons as coach of unit and Darren Sammy as Twenty20 captain and a member of the squad. While the board has dismissed sug-

Sir Vivian Richards

gestions that the decisions continue to affect the team, Richards is of a different view.

“Everyone seems to be of the belief that the administration in some way has become totally dictatorial, and is not a process that I believe some of the individuals feel totally comfortable playing under,” Sir Viv told Antigua Observer’s Radio Sports.

“I don’t know whether this can go on for much

longer, but it was just sad, to a degree, to see some of the guys who were not quite in it,” he added.

“I felt like what took place in the T20 [series] and the ODIs is that the guys were not here, meaning they were here [physically] but still not here [mentally],” he continued.

“There is a whole lot still going on in terms of administration, and it’s getting a little much in my view.”

Rahim backs spinners against England (Reuters) - BANGLADESH captain Mushfiqur Rahim is banking on his spinners to inflict maximum damage against England’s batting in the second test at Dhaka on Friday.

The hosts’ spin trio of Mehedi Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam combined to take 18 out of 20 wickets in the first test at Chittagong, but England eked out a thrilling 22-run victory despite the collapse of their top order.

Rain could be a factor in Dhaka, and Mushfiqur anticipates that any moisture in the wicket will help his three-pronged spin at-

tack.

“The wicket is mostly prepared but if the sun was out today, it would have dried up further,” he said.

“If there’s a bit of moisture, the ball would be gripping on the surface for the spinners.

“Their spinners don’t have to attack because of their pace bowlers. For us, the spinners are the main weapon. They have to attack and take the wickets.

“I think in that sense, our spinners are ahead of them. They are natural at bowling with the new and old ball, defensively or aggressively. But I would

still say that our spinners have room for improvement.”

The skipper said his side’s narrow defeat still rankled, but appeared determined to use the disappointment as a driving force to secure what would be a famous win against England.

“We are still hurting from the loss in Chittagong,so it is best to move on from that game,” he added.

“We know that had we given one percent more, the test would have been in our favour. We would like to take the positives from that game, and use them in Dhaka.”

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

FA charges Moyes, Mourinho with misconduct

(Reuters) - JOSE Mourinho has been charged with misconduct in the wake of his comments about referee Anthony Taylor before Manchester United’s goalless draw with Liverpool last week, the Football Association said on Thursday.

On a busy day for the FA’s disciplinary department, Sunderland boss Davis Moyes was also hit with a misconduct charge after he was sent off at Southampton in the League Cup on Wednesday.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho after the match (Action Images via Reuters / Jason CairnduffLivepic)

United manager Mourinho said it would be “difficult” for Taylor, who is from the Greater Manchester area, to have “a very good performance” after being put in charge of the Premier League game between two fierce rivals.

“Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct, in respect of comments he made relating to the appointed match referee prior to the Liverpool FC v Man-

chester United FC fixture on Monday 17 October 2016,” the FA said in a statement.

The FA had earlier asked Mourinho to explain comments he made about the match referee.

FA rules prohibit managers and players from making comments about officials which could be viewed as intimidatory or influential before games.

The 53-year-old has until on Monday to respond to the charge.

Moyes has been accused by the FA of using “abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official” in their 1-0 defeat at St Mary’s.

The Sunderland manager, who has until Tuesday to respond to the charge, was sent to the stands after referee Chris Kavanagh waved away a late penalty appeal.

Moyes, whose side is bottom of the Premier League, later admitted that he deserved to be banished from the touchline.

Intense atmosphere with Hamilton- Rosberg (BBC)_ Nico Rosberg says the atmosphere between himself and Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton is “intense” as the title battle comes to a climax.

The German can clinch the championship in Mexico this weekend if he wins and Hamilton finishes 10th or lower.

On his personal battle with Hamilton, who he has known since t h e y w e re t e e n a g e r s , he said: “It’s not something I think about too much.

“Of course it’s intense, but at the same time there is an easy-going side.”

Rosberg is continuing to insist he is concentrat-

Nico Rosberg leads Lewis Hamilton by 26 points in the championship

ing only on each race as it comes and not thinking about the championship,

a mantra he has been using since very early in the season.

He says he is “well aware” of the fact that he could win the title on Sun-

day.

But he added: “It has been a great season so far which has put me in this position. It is exciting to be in the championship battle with Lewis towards the end of the season.

“We’ve been there before but it is very cool.

“But I have said before my way of achieving the best performance is to focus on the things within my control and that here in Mexico is to try to win the race.”

Asked what winning the title would mean to him, Rosberg said: “It’s a childhood dream but that’s where it ends because what’s important this weekend is win-

ning the Mexican Grand Prix and then we see what happens.

“It just feels right to focus on the things I can influence, keep it simple, be in the moment and it’s been working,so just stick with it.”

Rosberg has won nine races to Hamilton’s seven this season and leads the Briton by 26 points with a maximum of 75 available in the three remaining races.

Such is his advantage that he can afford to finish second twice and third once and still clinch the title,even if Hamilton wins all three races in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

Barcelona report La Liga president to Spanish sports court (BBC) - Barcelona have reported La Liga president Javier Tebas to Spain’s highest sports court after he questioned their players’ conduct during a heated 3-2 win at Valencia.

The hosts were fined 1,500 euros (£1,340) after a water bottle was thrown from the stands at players.

But the disciplinary committee also criticised the “reproachable behaviour” of the celebrating Barcelona Lionel Messi scored a 94th-minute winning penalty against Valencia players.

The Catalan club said these declarations were “irresponsible”.

“The most serious thing is the thrown bottle, but some players acted in a way we don’t like,” Tebas said after the incident, also suggesting Barcelona players provoked Valencia fans.

Barcelona said they have requested the Administrative Court of Sport open disciplinary proceedings against

Tebas and members of the federation’s competition committee.

The club’s president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, added: “Making statements regarding the actions of the players adds even more tension to a situation that must be de-escalated.

“The declarations made

by Tebas are irresponsible and unbecoming of a sports executive.”

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket...

Greenwich Primary emerge winners of East Bank Essequibo Zone

GREENWICH Primary emerged the winners of the East Bank Essequibo Zone after they defeated Zeelugt Primary by 117 runs in the final of the GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket at the Tuschen Community Centre ground.

Greenwich Primary batted first and amassed a mammoth 197/3 off their allotted 14 overs. Shane Rodrigues struck a brilliant 110 while M. Khan made 27 and K. Smith 17. In reply, Zeelugt Primary could only muster 80/4. Adesh made 42 for Zeelugt, while Rodrigues took two wickets for Greenwich.

Building up to the final of the Zone,a number of preliminary matches were played during the course of the day. St. Lawrence Primary defeated Philadelphia Primary in one of those games. The winners took first strike and managed to post 99-9 off their allotted 14 overs. Navine Harripersaud top scored with 33.Anthony Joseph took three wickets for St. Lawrence.

St. Lawrence in reply, reached the target losing six wickets in the process. Anthony Joseph made 26 and Suresh Narine supported him well with 24.

In another match, Blake Primary defeated Tuschen

Primary by 7 wickets. Batting first, Tuschen scored 151 all out. In reply,Blake Primary reached their victory target of 152 for the loss of three wickets. S. Rupi top scored with 49 and Mickey Sumaroi made 35.

Zeelugt Primary got the better of Parika Primary in their match-up. Taking first strike, Zeelugt managed to reach 142 with V. Dass hitting 52. In reply,Parika were restricted to 74. V. Dass had a very good allround match, as he picked up four wickets to add to his top-score.

Greenwich Primary held off Parika/Salem in a one-sided match. Parika/ Salem scored 113, with M. Khan making 32. Parika/Salem in their chase could only muster 60. Greenwich won by 53 runs.

In the semi-final encounter, Greenwich Primary defeated Blake Primary.

Greenwich took first strike and managed 180-6, with B. Veerasammy hitting a magnificent 103. M. Khan supported with 16. Blake Primary in reply, could only reach 114-3,with Mickey Sumiah making a valuable 48.

In the other semi-final, Zeelugt Primary got the better of St. Lawrence by 71 runs. Batting first,Zeelugt posted 128 while St. Lawrence could only respond with 57.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday October 28, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 0 Rangie Nanan and Philo Wallace Today’s Quiz: What is the highest Test score made by a WI player who was dismissed ‘run out’?

Which Pakistani player made a ‘pair’ on his Test debut?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

The winning Greenwich Primary School

BCB/New York business group U-19 cricket

RHT Pespi to play Albion

A BRILLIANT century from national Under 17 cricketer Kevin Sinclair and an outstanding allround performance from another junior national player, Junior Sinclair powered Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under 19-team into the finals of BCB/New York Business Group Under-19 Cricket Tournament.

Sinclair blasted an unbeaten 116 while Junior Sinclair took 5 wickets and returned with the bat to score 63 as Rose Hall Town Pepsi defeated a shell shocked Young Warriors by 9 wicket at the Albion Ground in the second semi-finals of the tournament.

Albion had earlier in the week defeated Blairmont to advance to the finals which would be played on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th of October at the Albion Ground.

Young Warriors won the toss in blazing sunshine and elected to take first strike.

Openers,Alex Algoo and

Ricardo Ramdehol added ten runs before Ramdehol was caught behind by Revoldo Williams off pacer Sylus Tyndall for nought in the 3rd over. Jaron France (1) and Kristoff Bahadur (0) both fell early to leave their team in early trouble at 30 for 3 in the 6th over.

However,national junior player Alex Algoo stroked an attractive 73 with nine boundaries while an aggressive Sase Sukhoo blasted 71 runs with six boundaries and three massive sixes to revive their team.

Trevon Stamslans clipped in with a quiet 21 as Young warriors reached 196 all out from 46 of the allotted 50 overs in their first innings. Bowling for Rose Hall Town Pepsi – Junior Sinclair claimed 5 wickets for 33 runs.He received support from Sylus Tyndall 2 for 40 and Kevlon Anderson 2 for 30.

In response, the Rose Hall Pepsi openers,Kevin and Junior Sinclair took the visitors

bowling apart in adding 163 for the first wicket off just 29 overs before Junior Sinclair was caught off A. Ramsammy for a composed 63 with five boundaries. National player Kevlon Anderson joined Kevin Sinclair and they took their team to victory by adding an unbeaten 38 for the second wicket. Sinclair was unbeaten on a classy 116 off 96 balls with 15 boundaries.

A. Ramsammy was the only successful bowler for Young Warriors with 1 for 51.

The finals between Albion and Rose Hall Town Pepsi promises to be an exciting event with two evenly matched teams. Albion would be depending heavily on home advantage on a pitch tailor-made for spin bowling.

The home teams’ effort would be spearheaded by Adrian Sukwah, Joshua Harrichan, Kelvin Umroa, Ritesh Umroa, Matthew Haridyal, Josiah Dhanai, Stephen Kelimudeen and Karan Arpaul. Rose Hall Town Pepsi would be spearheaded by B. Yadram,

Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Brandon Prashad, Junior Sinclair, Brandon Corlette, Keith Simpson, Sylus Tyndall, Revoldo Williams, Surendra Budhoo, David Prahalad, Simon Naidu and Joel Pike.

Umpires for the finals,which bowls off at 10am,are Zaheer Moakan, Imran Moakan and Joseph Simon. The winning team would take home $100,000.00 and a trophy while the runner-up would receive $50,000.00 along with a runner-up trophy.

The Man-of-the-finals along with the best bowler would each receive $10,000.00 and trophies. Each team in the finals would also receive T/Shirts from the New York Business Group.

The tournament is being organised by the Berbice Cricket Board with sponsorship obtained by the Albion Cricket Club from a group of Guyanese businessmen residing in the New York area.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 28, 2016

Chase Academy and Christ Church into Zone final …Uitvlugt sneaks past Leonora

DEFENDING champions Chase Academy and Christ Church Secondary set up a final showdown after both teams recorded comfortable victories in the North Georgetown zone semi-final of the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL).

At DCC, defending champions Chase Academy rattled up 233/8 in 30 overs against St John’s College. National under-17 all-rounder Ashmead Nedd smashed a belligerent 96. He struck 11 fours and four thunderous sixes during his innings. National under-15 captain and opener Sachin Singh made 39 and Garrick Persaud chipped in with 36 to give the Chase Academy team a huge total.

Bowling for St John’s, Shemar Bookie was the pick of the bowlers taking 3/9 amid the carnage. Yohancy Angoy took 2/24.

The St John’s boys showed little fight when it was their turn to bat;folding for just 38 runs. Dwain Dick had 3/3 and Tyrese Trescot

took 2/9,bowling for Chase Academy.

At GCC, Christ Church registered an easy eight-wicket victory over School of the Nation. Batting first, School of the Nation were dismissed for 95 with Christopher Baljit making 31. Renaldo Mohamed had 3/22 and Aaron Beharry took 3/25 bowling for Christ Church.

In reply, skipper Alphius Bookie made 45 not out laced with six sweetly-timed boundaries as he led his team to their winning target.

Mark Ramsammy took the only two wickets to fall.

Over at Zeeburg, Uitvlugt Secondary squeezed past Leonora Secondary by two wickets. Leonora Secondary made 107 all out in 20.2 overs. Kevin Christian top scored with 31. Salman Khan and Reaz Khan had figures of 3/10 and 2/29 respectively.

Uitvulgt in their reply, limped to 108/8 in 20.4 overs.

Lalchan Seeram led the run chase with 38 while Reaz Khan supported with 36. Kevin Christian had 4/23 bowling for Leonora.

Windies A sweep Sri Lanka series (ESPNCricinfo) - A maiden List A century from Kyle Hope and a strong all-round effort from Rovman Powell studded West Indies A’s 109-run victory over Sri Lanka A in Kurunegela. The win gave the visitors a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Hope hit four sixes and ten fours in his 110-ball 107, sharing century stands with Chadwick Walton for the first wicket and Assad Fudadin for the second. Walton scored a 57-ball 70 in an opening stand of 111 in 18.1 overs. Fudadin was slower, with a 70-ball 57, but Hope’s acceleration meant the second-wicket partnership put on 109 in 17.1 overs. That partnership ended with the wicket of Hope, but West Indies A still had a strong platform, with 220 for 2 in the 36th over.

Powell made full use of that base, hitting six sixes and two fours en route to 52 off 22 balls. West Indies added 113 runs in the last ten overs to set a target of 348.

The Sri Lankan openers, Sandun Weerakkody and Danushka Gunathilaka, fell for 0 and 1 respectively to leave the side at 10 for 2. Shehan Jayasuriya, who had led the bowling effort with 4 for 54, did his best to resurrect the batting with a 113-ball 119. He and Charith Asalanka added 88 for the third wicket, before a run-out ended the partnership. Thereafter, a steady stream of wickets deflated Sri Lanka A’s chase with Powell claiming 3 for 43. Sri Lanka A were finally bowled out for 238 in 42.1 overs.

The final match between the two sides will be held in Colombo on October 30.

Friday October 28 will see Diamond Secondary playing Friendship Secondary in the East Bank Demerara zone final at Everest from 10:00 hours while GCC will host the East Georgetown zone semi-final against Mae’s Secondary from 12:00 noon.

Alphius Bookie (Christ Church) plays a cover drive off pacer Mark Ramsammy (School of the Nations).

Windies A sweep Sri Lanka series (See Story on page 31 )

Maloney, Graham to headline Team-Barbados (See Story on page 27 )

Kevin Graham on the charge in Barbados.

Mark Maloney passes the sliding Barry Mayers during the third round in Barbados.

(Gerrard Wilson Photo)

Players/Board Historic National Athletes’ Database nears completion relations could be at boiling point - Sir Viv (See Story on page 28 )

L-R Edison Jefford, Christopher Jones, Rowen Willabus, Melissa Richardson (See story on page 27) 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

‘Serious failings’ at Rio Olympics - WADA (See Story on page 27 )

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016