No ‘jailhouse nation’ No. 104535
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016
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‒ Age of criminal liability under review ‒ Ramjattan wants offences of truancy, wandering abolished
‘Smooth’ first day for Grade Six Assessment 2
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Students of the Peter’s Hall Primary School, East Bank Demerara, pray in the school’s compound before the start of the National Grade Six Assessment, Wednesday. (Samuel Maughn photo)
Dynamic Airways No increase joins Jubilee in passport celebrations fees Centre
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Kwame McCoy charged in 2011 Benschop assault case 8 P.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
‘Smooth’ first day for Grade Six Assessment
Students of the Mocha-Arcadia Primary School on their way to sit the National Grade Six Assessment, Wednesday (Samuel Maughn photo)
DAY one of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) was run without any major glitches, with
approximately 14,500 students tested in English Language and Science. Suelle Findlay, Public
Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education, said the Assessment was run “smoothly.” Students will sit Mathematics and Social Studies today. The ministry in a statement issued Tuesday urged candidates to “remember to keep a positive attitude
throughout the assessment and try to stay relaxed.” “If you start to feel nervous take a few deep breaths. Pace yourself, don’t rush. Read the whole question and pay attention to all the details looking for key words in every question to help you to understand and answer what is being asked of you.” Candidates are also reminded to be on time, walk with their timetables, read the instructions carefully and write their candidate’s number on all answer sheets. The new format was also a reminder, given that regarding candidate information, the two papers require different sets of information. For Paper One, the answer sheets will have the candidate’s information – candidate name and identification number – already printed. This new criteria is part of the new layout for each of the four subjects written in the NGSA, which has two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2). Paper Two, the cover page of the answer sheet is divided and perforated. The test code, subject, and Candidate Number are all required on both sides, while the Test Code and Subject
will already be printed and candidates will be required to write in their Candidate Number – this information is provided for them on the timetables given to every candidate. Though the new layout was questioned in the past, the Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, made it clear that “there is absolutely nothing that one
should be worried or concerned about when it comes to the new layout. Attempts to cause worry now may just be a move to cause unnecessary panic,” said Sam, according to media reports. He assured that “at no point in time, in any marking environment, will the candidates be known by anybody marking.”
No increase in passport fees
MINISTER of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix has said that the fees for the application and processing of passports have not been increased, refuting claims that costs have moved from $4000 to $15,000. The Minister noted that after the false reports were published persons had turned up in large numbers at the Central Immigration and Passport Office on Camp Street, Georgetown, in an effort to avoid paying the alleged increased fees. However, he gave assurances that no such increases have been planned and advises the public to go about their normal business. In an invited comment, Minister Felix said that no decision has been taken, either by the Government of Guyana or by the Legislative Assembly to increase the fees and asserted that information
circulating to the contrary is false and aimed at creating mischief. “Parliament has not approved the increase in the fees for the application for passports and there should be no need to rush to the passport offices in order to secure your passports in anticipation of the increase. No such increase will occur. Parliament has not approved of such increases. The information available is false and the public, who has now been sensitised, should now return to the normal process,” Minister Felix said. “We, the public officials, cannot unilaterally increase the cost of a passport. It will remain at $4000. Whatever the cost was, it remains the same. Any increase is false and ought to be ignored,” Minister Felix said. (Ministry of the Presidency)
No ‘jailhouse nation’ 3
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
‒ Age of criminal liability under review ‒ Ramjattan wants offences of
truancy, wandering abolished
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, an unnamed official, former Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture Dr Frank Anthony, and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education’s Department for Youth, Sport and Culture Alfred King enjoy a light moment at the end of the opening ceremony for the consultation on the draft Juvenile Justice Bill
By Ravin Singh New legislation designed to soften punishment for young offenders, increase the age at which they can be held responsible for criminal offences and even abandon some offences – such as liming during school hours – is under review. It is likely to be a contentious debate, with Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Ann Greene, saying that while 10 years is too young to make a child criminally liable, taking it all the way up to 16 or possibly 18 would be a “hard sell.” “This new Government of Guyana wants to see an Act which reflects a modern philosophy of juvenile justice, which strengthens the justice system for juveniles, and makes it responsive to them and their situation,” Public Security Minister Ramjattan
said Wednesday. He was speaking at a consultation on the draft Juvenile Justice Bill at the Pegasus hotel in Kingston. Consultations on the Bill are also scheduled for Berbice and Essequibo. “…we want to see an Act which provides a framework where professionals are in the forefront supporting juveniles rather than police and prison wardens. “We want to maximize their education, their rehabilitation and their reintegration into society,” Ramjattan stated. The Minister said the issue of the age of criminal responsibility is an important one. “Should it be increased from its present ten (10) years to twelve (12) years or should it go up even further to sixteen (16) years? This consultation exercise will help in letting us policy-makers be informed
as to how the people think,” Minister Ramjattan said. The Minister also expressed his support for the exclusion of status offences in the Draft Bill. He noted that these exist in the current Juvenile Offenders Act. Status Offences are those offences which criminalize behavioral problems of children such as wandering, vagrancy, truancy, runaways. “These are acts which often are the result of psychological or socio-economic problems. It is particularly a matter of concern that girls and street children are often victims of this kind of criminalization,” Minister Ramjattan said. And given the fact that these acts are not considered criminal when committed by adults, he noted that this is an inherent injustice and reflects discrimination on grounds of age. Greene, the head of the
Child Protection Agency, quoted earlier, said a lot of times children are found wandering because of family situations: Fathers being physically present but emotionally absent; lack of supervision; lack of established parent and child relationship. She explained though that what is important to note is that when children are out wandering, they become involved with criminal elements, which underscores the need for this to be addressed. Last year, 30 children were sentenced to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) for the offence of wandering. Minister Ramjattan also touted reform in the context of providing humane alternatives to incarceration for the young law-breakers. “Additional and central to these policy innovations which inform this Draft Bill is the search for effective alternatives to prison. Jails and secure confinement are not the place where the substantial majority of our young people who have committed offences should be,” Ramjattan stated. He explained that this will assist in helping them to avoid falling deeper into a life of crime, and preventing Guyana from becoming a “jailhouse nation”. “These offences must be abolished. We must enhance humaneness and equity by reducing the use of secure confinement. “We must not betray young people by continuing the imposition of custodial sentences.
“This must only be an exercise of last resort, where nothing else is left to protect the public,” Ramjattan declared. In this regard, the Draft Bill makes provision for this alternative which is referred to as ‘Diversion’ in Part two, Clauses six to twelve. This simply translates to the diverting of juveniles from formal Court procedures to informal procedures and includes restorative measures to deal with a juvenile alleged to have committed an offence. As Clause 9 adumbrates, diversions could range from an apology to compulsory attendance of a specified vocational or education centre; or from community service, to compensation to the victim in an amount which the juvenile’s family can afford. Even at the stage of, or before commencement of proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or Police Officer can consider warnings and referrals – Clause 4. Speaking at the opening of the consultation too was UNICEF Representative to Guyana, Marianne Flach, who reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment in supporting the passage of a Bill that is compliant with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and supporting a vision that would develop measures to prevent, treat and respond to children in contact with the law. Meanwhile, she sought to encourage Guyana to improve this draft for all youth and adolescents and invest in prevention - through communities, faith-based groups
and families to ensure that no child comes into contact with the law. According to the Minister, the journey of the Bill commenced in 2004. He noted that the then Government had delivered its first Report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child and following that, the Committee made a number of recommendations urging that these be implemented at the earliest possible time. The Minister recalled that after that, nothing happened for two years. Then in 2006, with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) initiating and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport supporting, an expert, Bruce Abramson articulated the need for a new Juvenile Justice Act in a policy paper titled “A New Juvenile Delinquency Act for Guyana? A decision for Policy Makers in 2006.” After Abramson’s persuasive arguments, the Minister noted that things moved faster to the extent that by 2007 a Draft was completed. However, as had happened before, the process got stuck for seven years. But in August of last year, he explained that a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Public Security decided that consultations should be held for further revisions to be accommodated after which the Bill should be presented to Cabinet for approval. Once this was obtained, it would be laid in the National Assembly for passage.
Empower yourselves to be respected 4
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
– First Lady tells Admin Professionals
By Svetlana Marshall
GUYANA’S First Lady Sandra Granger has charged administrative professionals to develop and hone their interpersonal skills so that the profession becomes one which is not only highly recognised but also respected. The First Lady delivered this charge in her address yesterday at Regency Suites, Hadfield Street, during the opening ceremony of the Guyana Association of Administrative Professionals (GAAP) Seminar in celebration of Administrative Professionals Week, which is being held under the theme “Administrative Professionals - Partnering for Empowerment.” Drawing on her previous experience in the field of administration, Mrs. Granger said the onus is on each administrative professional
not only to empower him/ herself by learning and developing new skills, but by maximising that skillset and by honing their interpersonal skills.
BECOMING EMPOWERED “I take the view that to become truly empowered, the administrative professional must first recognise that he/she is a part of a team and functions accordingly… Each of us has had the experience of, on paper, having the skills and expertise required to fulfil a mandate, but not being able to achieve the desired result due to difficulties in dealing with one or more of the persons assigned to the team with [whom] we must work. These could be ascribed to all manner of things; our personal baggage, real or perceived slights, inefficiencies, manner of speech and
will grease these links so that interactions will not be hampered by rudeness, unwillingness, inaction or slipshod performance. All persons will be engaged in the process and be proud of their participation and performance in whatever task he or she has [been] set. In the process too, each person will be learning from the other persons of the team and gaining new skills to carry forward future assignments,” she explained.
First Lady Sandra Granger is escorted into the Regency Suites by President of the Guyana Association of Administrative Professionals, Dawn Dutchin, upon her arrival yesterday morning
duction and well developed interpersonal skills
so on,” Mrs. Granger said. The First Lady said that this vital human element is a key component in the conduct and function of the work of administrative professionals. “Every link in the chain of production requires pro-
ICT The First Lady also alluded to the modern developments, which have made the lives of administrative professionals easier, including the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in
the workplace. “Our managers are no longer bound to the office, but have a raft of ways in which to communicate with the staff such as via email, Imessage, WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime and Twitter… Innovation in information and communication technology has changed the ways in which we do business. Not only have we had to adjust to the movement away from typewriters to personal computers, laptops, Ipads, tablets and smartphones, but we have also completely changed our document storage and retrieval methods,” she noted. Meanwhile, GAAP President Dawn See Page 5
First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger (centre, front row) with members of the Guyana Association of Administrative Professionals (GAAP) and participants of the seminar at the Regency Suites yesterday
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
GEA gets hydropower measuring equipment
REETA’s Representative Ken Aldonza (second from right) handing over the equipment to GEA’s CEO, Dr. Mahender Sharma. Standing at extreme left is Tobias Dertman THE Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is soon to benefit from two ‘groundwater data loggers’ which it received on Tuesday from the Government of Germany through the German Agency for International Co-operation (GIZ) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance (REETA) Project. According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, the equipment which is used for the measurement and recording of
Empower yourselves... From Page 4
D u t c h i n , i n a n i n v i ted comment, said that Administrative Professionals Day has been observed by the organisation over the last 32 years. She said it is important to recognise those persons who often work behind the scene. The GAAP, formerly the National Association of Secretaries, was founded by a group of secretaries who attended a seminar during Secretaries Week in April 1983. The Association has planned a number of activities to observe the week, including a Blood Drive, Training Seminar, a Career Day activity at the Sophia Special School and a donation to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.
ground/surface water levels and temperature will be used at different potential hydropower sites in Guyana. REETA also facilitated hydropower engineer Tobias Dertman from Germany to support Guyana in its various hydropower initiatives. This, according to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, is in keeping with one of its goals to provide technical training to regional establishments with the aim of aiding the development of their institutional structures and networking with other institutions. Stationed at GEA’s head office, Dertman will be in Guyana for two years,dur-
ing which he will lend his expertise to hydropower development in Guyana, and aid GEA’s engineers with the aim of building local capacity in relation to hydropower development. The REETA Project, headed by Dr. Andreas Taeuber, is based at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and is aimed at supporting the institutional structure for the promotion of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) in the Caribbean, as well as strengthening the ability of the Energy Unit of the CARICOM Secretariat to carry out its coordinating role.
2008 murder of Ruby businessman…
Daughter, former employee amongst five in custody BIBI NAZEELA Habiboodean, who was wanted in connection with the murder of her father, businessman Habiboodean of Ruby, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) turned herself into police custody with a lawyer at the Leonora Police Station Tuesday evening. She is one of five suspects being investigated for the 2008 murder of the businessman. In February, 2008 the dead man’s former employee Terry Lewton, 38, of Vergenoegen, EBE (who is also presently in custody) and his daughter were charged with the murder, but were eventually discharged after there was insufficient evidence to convict the duo. This aspect of the investigation follows the confession to the businessman’s murder by Linden Lewis, 28, called ‘Bullet’ of Tuschen, EBE. On February 15, 2008 the wanted woman’s father, 76-year-old
Habiboodean, died at a hospital after being badly beaten in his home. Detectives obtained the confession from ‘Bullet’ while he was in custody with others in connection with the Good Hope, EBE murder of rice farmers Mohammed and Jamilla Munir. Police disclosed that under interrogation ‘Bullet’ gave details of the plot to murder Habiboodean. He told investigators that his payment for the businessman’s murder was expected to be over $5M and a plot of land
with a house. However, after committing the act, he returned to the conspirators who gave him less than $10,000 and told him to hide away in the interior. He was never given the agreed reward but was chased away by the conspirators. “Bullet” had related to investigators that Habiboodean’s daughter wanted his assets that included all his properties, gas station, businesses and cash. It was further revealed that five persons conspired to kill the businessman.
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Editor-In-Chief
Nigel Williams Editor
Godfrey Wray
Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com
Editorial
Need for change in focus
WITH rapid advancements in science and technology, education remains a constantly evolving process and for a nation like Guyana to advance socially, economically and politically, its education system will have to rise to the challenges. Currently, we are behind in the scheme of things. Our education system is based on an old model of development, and not much has changed from the dogma of the 1960s and 1970s, when strong focus was placed on the arts and commerce and little attention on science, mathematics and technology. Today, the reverse is required for success in this rapidly changing world, and our school system needs to adapt to these challenges if we are going to keep abreast with the advancement of other developing nations. Encouragingly, from the pronouncements of President David Granger and Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, the Government appears to be fully aware of the plethora of challenges facing the school system, and want to make a concerted effort to fix them. Problems such as poor performance in English and Mathematics at both the primary and secondary schools, teachers giving inadequate attention in the classrooms, delinquent behaviour by students and the need to shift greater attention to science, mathematics and technology are issues which cannot be addressed overnight, but overtime. One gets the feeling that the urge for change is there, but stronger action and skilful direction is needed for it to happen. In the school system, there are efforts to place more attention on the sciences and mathematics, but more would be required on the part of teachers to stimulate students’ interest in these subjects at the early grade levels. This would entail the ministry’s experts revisiting how science and mathematics are being taught and promoted in the school system. Whatever the method or means used in doing this, whether it is through science fairs, essay competitions or documentary films, the story has to be told that life and business in today’s world resolve around science and technology. And ethical harnessing of knowledge in these fields is paramount to improving citizens’ lives and catapulting development of their country. In this day and age, Guyana needs more chemists, biologists, physicists, engineers, geologists, architects, environmentalists, forestry and plant experts and doctors, and this is not to say that economists, accountants and other persons of the social sciences are not important. And with oil on the horizon, and the massive roll out of development projects that will follow, Guyana is at the cross-road where its education system needs to be aligned to meet national needs. Here is where the current inquiry in the education system
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
The Yarrowkabra Housing Group needs attention
I WRITE to vent my frustration about the lack of responsiveness from the Government to the appeals of a relatively small group of persons who comprise our housing group in Yarrowkabra. To provide some context as to the reason for our frustration, a summarised background is as follows: I and my group members were given houselots in Yarrowkabra since 2002. We spent a lot of money to clean the land and have built three complete houses, and four partially completed. There are also six laid foundations. We had appealed to the past Administration for several years for electricity in the area, but all we ever got was a lot of unfulfilled promises. If we had been given electricity, I am confident that we would have completed most of the houses by now, if not all. When the new government took office, the group
members (myself included) felt a surge of hope that we would finally make some headway with our request for electricity in the area. I wrote a letter to Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, the Honourable Prime Minister, who replied to my letter referring me to the Honourable Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson, Mr. Joseph Harmon, Honourable Minister of Ministry of the Presidency and the Honourable Junior Minister of Communities, Ms. Valerie Sharpe-Patterson. I also wrote to President Granger separately, but got no reply from any of them. I am therefore left to conclude that my group and I have been thrown in a corner by the APNU+AFC Administration, pretty much the same way the PPP Administration did. We are sorely disappointed that we are getting the same treatment we received under the previous Administration, from the APNU+AFC gov-
ernment. We appreciate that the new government has a lot of mess to clean up from the previous Administration and we have seen positive changes in our society, but we are appealing that some attention be given to the ‘small man’ in society who is trying to move forward. One of the things we find very interesting is that an area relatively close to ours in Yarrowkabra has electricity, so we cannot understand why it seems to be such a complicated issue for us to be given electricity as well. We have not asked for infrastructure (roads, running water, etc.), which we also need, but our intention is to do as much as we possibly can do with self-help, but there is not much more we can do without electricity, because our homes are vulnerable to bandits and unsavory elements. I would like to make it clear that I am a very open, impartial person and I have a
lot of respect and admiration for the APNU+AFC government. I especially would like to mention that Mr. Nagamootoo and Mr. Ramjattan have earned my respect even before they became a part of the coalition government, because they left the PPP party and government when they could not stand its corruption and wrong doings anymore. I consider them men of integrity and they did the honourable thing to walk away. That being said, regardless of my respect and admiration for the new government, I will call a “spade’ a ‘spade.” The APNU+AFC government must seek to put things in place so that the concerns of the “small man” in this country could be taken care of as well. Could someone in the government please listen to our appeals and grant us the electricity we seek? ARTHUR TAYLOR
Why can’t I access the Municipal Archives? Dear Editor,
OVER the last three weeks, I was exposed to the full brunt of the incompetence and indolence of the Royston King administration of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown. Working on a project to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Guyana’s independence, I attempted on no less than eight occasions over the last three weeks to access the Municipal Archives of the Georgetown City Council without fail, but was unsuccessful in doing so, having been provided with some frivolous excuses by those present why I could not access the records there. Once I was told that the Archivist is on sick leave; the
next time a Constable told me he did not know what archives I was talking about existing at that location; another time I was told the air- conditioning systems were not working, and yet another time I was told that I had to get special permission from Royston King to enter. However, finally, I was quietly told by someone there that the archives were left abandoned since last year May and are no longer functional. What a shame! How could a “supposed history buff” like Hamilton Green have allowed this travesty to occur under his watch? Remember a number of years ago when the M&CC decided it needed the space where the archives were housed and unceremoniously shunted the collection off to the ‘House
is very important, as it is a golden opportunity to set the foundation to build an education system that will provide the competencies required to fashion a modern Guyana, known for her knowledge economy and competitiveness in the global arena. These are all but some aspect of what is required of our education system. The system also needs to produce rounded individuals, who embrace love, tolerance and respect. Most of the problems we face today such as unemployment, suicide and racial division can be addressed through an education system that not only imparts content, but provides an inspiration for positive change.
Service Department’ in Water Street? Conditions there could not have been worse for the storage of documents; while there was no direct sunlight to do damage, there was no circulation of air either and the roof was leaking badly. They were dumped higgeldy-piggeldy on a windowless mezzanine floor of the building, to which the hot air rose, and where the humidity levels were inimical to the preservation of paper. It was these records primarily which the M&CC then transferred to a special area in the City Police training complex. Royston King, with whom the idea supposedly originated, along with Debra Lewis, who was placed in charge of the project, were given substantial sums from the city’s budget to have this special 24- hour
air-conditioned facility constructed, staffed and launched with much pomp and fanfare, touting it as a resource for students, researchers from around the world and all of Guyana. Now that has all gone down the drain again, what a colossal waste of time and money. Maybe the President of Guyana who is well known for his background in history should intervene and rescue such a treasure trove of historical records. Rather than wasting money on a number of frivolous projects , this is a far more worthwhile undertaking for the city to pursue for our Golden Jubilee Sincerely, DEODARIE PUTULALL
After all, education is expected to provide individuals with the understanding, knowledge and skills, to thrive and peacefully co-exist among his fellow men, notwithstanding their race, religion or political persuasion. It is the hope that the education CoI will attract wide participation of officials in the education sector, and much attention will be paid to the issues mentioned herein. Education is also everyone’s business, and all should play a role in moulding a Guyana we all can be proud off. This would not happen by mere word but concomitant action.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Facts in Granger, Social Media Case riddled with holes column on Dear Editor,
I have noted with concern the recent headlines as it relates to a lady being charged for allegedly posting threatening remarks against President Granger on her Facebook and WhatsApp social media accounts. Clearly, the keystone cops and medieval justice system that prevails for the most part in Guyana are way out of their leagues in this specific matter. The charge is being laid under the so called ‘Racial Hostility Act’ but the alleged crime itself is one that has its origins in cyberspace and there are no existing cyber crime legislation, statutes or precedents in Guyana or the Caribbean Court of Appeal to use as a yardstick. The big question is how can Guyana exercise suzerainty over a piece of correspondence that is literally residing in “the cloud” connected to a server located outside of the sovereign jurisdictions of Guyana. Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial reach could not possibly extend beyond its im-
mediate shores with the exception of properties or assets it owns or exercises control over in another country or territory such as any of its embassies or consulates abroad as enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Immunity (1953 and 1961). The data servers of Facebook, Google, Microsoft and other global content, OTT and messaging providers are located anywhere else but the terra firma or territorial waters of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and as such could be in any number of locations such as the US, Canada, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, UK, Germany, Israel, South Africa, Australia or India. If the case is to be tried in a proper court of law then it will have to be accorded ‘locus standi’ in the territory or country where the actual physical server hosting the correspondence is located. Not too long ago, there was a similar case involving the current Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago (the then Leader of the Opposition) –
Publicise details of Bai Shan Lin International Mall Dear Editor,
I WAS at the airport to pick up my wife. I saw facing the arriving guest a very large billboard advertising Bai Shan Lin International Mall. As the Chairman of MCG Investments Inc, the owners of the Giftland Mall, I am concerned and I am kindly publicly requesting from the Finance Ministry and the GRA Commissioner-General who I do not hold accountable in any way, the details of these two mentioned investments which were concluded before their control of these two Government departments. For the record, Giftland Mall received no concessions for anything from the previous Administration in terms of Duty Free, Vat Waivers, Tax Holidays, Tax exemptions of any sort, etc. In fairness to our investment and parity between local investment and international enterprises such as these, it is important that there be a level playing field. I would find it abhorrent if it is a case that multi-billion international companies should be treated with preferential treatment and unfair trading advantages over local companies. I eagerly await a response from the two mentioned departments. With Regards, Roy Beepat Chairman Giftland Group. Patterson, E.C.D Georgetown, Guyana.
Dr. Keith Rowley and many high ranking cabinet ministers of the disgraced Kamala Persad-Bissessar Regime. This case has since been referred to as ‘E-Mail Gate’ and it took several months and war of nerves between the then Government of Trinidad & Tobago and the powers that be at Google’s HQ in Silicon Valley to bring clarity to an otherwise murky situation (for the lack of a better word). In the end and millions of dollars later – no good was achieved and the case remains one for the history books or for that matter Ripley’s Believe It or Not. This case that is now engaging the attention of the local judiciary is nothing but a frenzied rush and can
be best described as ‘a wild goose chase’ or ‘a fishing expedition’. In less than month, we will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary and so let us all let bygones be bygones and I respectfully call upon President Granger to take a page from the exemplary conduct of Gandhiji, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. He is the President and he can show his compassion and love as a fellow human being by forgiving this fellow sister of the soil for whatever transgressions she is alleged to have committed. We must live up to our creed of One People, One Nation, One Destiny. Best regards, MIKE SINGH
Enforce the clamp-down on mobile music vendors Dear Editor, I HEARD some time ago that the Government was about to clamp down on the mobile music vendors who are playing music at extremely loud volumes in an effort to advertise their ware, and am sincerely hoping that this takes effect sooner than later. These mobile music vendors with their carts have become noise nuisances; they play their loud music at any hour of the day or night, without a thought of how it would affect persons living in the areas they pass through. I have tenants who are awakened early in the morning by these noise nuisances and they complain bitterly about the early-morning disturbance. We are calling on the Government to put some measure in place to resolve this issue. ARTHUR TAYLOR
abortion not correct Dear Editor,
AKOLA Thompson’s almost full-page column in the Guyana Chronicle on 27 April, 2016, titled “Abortion and the ability to choose” is entirely wrong on what the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1995 says and allows. It is also wrong, as far as I am aware, though the information comes from what I have been told by senior doctors in the public service and not from my personal knowledge, on the practice that prevails at the larger public hospitals in Guyana in connection with abortions. Columnists have a deep and abiding duty and responsibility, especially when they are given such prominent column space, to ensure that their articles are factually correct. This duty is magnified when they write on an important issue such as the law relating to abortions in Guyana because of the consequences which may result if people are not aware of the true situation. Women who read the column and are not familiar with what the law actually says or what happens at public hospitals where abortions are concerned could put themselves in danger if they form the belief, perpetuated by the column, that they cannot get an abortion at a public hospital. If such women cannot afford to go to a private hospital and do not believe they can go to a public hospital on the basis of what they read in Ms Thompson’s column, they may very well then go to someone who is not qualified to do abortions to get one. This could result simply from an incorrect conclusion drawn from the opinion of a columnist who never took the preliminary step of finding out what the law says and what actually happens before writing. Yours faithfully, Kamal Ramkarran
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Kwame McCoy charged in 2011 Benschop assault case After a five-year gap, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) activist Kwame McCoy was on Wednesday placed on $275,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Lerone Bailey at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, where he was made to answer charges of damage to property, simple larceny and common assault committed on activist Mark Benschop. McCoy, 40, was charged after the police received advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Police Force’s Legal Advisor. McCoy denied the charges which stated that
on March 5, 2011, while in the company of others at New Diamond Scheme, East Bank Demerara, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged one F150 motor pickup license # GLL 3101, valued 1.5 million, a movable private property of Benschop. On that same date and occasion it is alleged that he stole one Acer Laptop valued $120,000 of the said virtual complaint and he unlawfully assaulted Benschop. His Attorney Euclin Gomes told the court that he had received information that two statements submitted to the police by McCoy were not included
in the file sent to the DPP. He said that amounts to denying his client his right to due process and asked that he be released on his own recognizance. McCoy was granted $200,000 bail for the damage to property; $50,000 for simple larceny and $25,000 for the common assault charge. The matter was adjourned until May 18, 2016. In February this year McCoy, along with Jason Abdulla and Sean Hinds, were charged for the assault of another political activist, Freddie Kissoon. That matter is being heard at the Georgetown magistrates’ Court.
Old Year's Day manslaughter trial...
Timehri man gets four years' jail THE Timehri, East Bank Demerara young man who engaged in a fight that led to death after he was provoked over an Old Year’s Day meal in 2007 will spend another four years in prison, according to a judgement handed down Wednesday. Seeram Sumair, called “Sunny” and “Moses” had pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He was on Wednesday sentenced to eight years imprisonment for the death of 34-year-old Rajesh Seeram. But Justice Navindra Singh said four years will be deducted for time served. The Judge said he had taken into account that Sumair was a juvenile when the incident
took place and that the deceased caused the problem. After the sentence was handed down, a pensive Sumair stood in the prisoner’s box and told Justice Singh that he was sorry for what he did and asked for mercy. He explained that he has a four-year-old son, who needs him. His wife was pregnant at the time of the incident. Defence Counsel Peter Hugh told the court that his client was provoked by the deceased. The accused was a mason and gainfully employed and had returned from church and was offered a meal by his employer when the deceased asked him if he did not have food at his home.
Hugh stated that his client had no previous convictions and was hard working even at age 16 and has a reputed wife, who was pregnant at the time and has a four year old son whom he never saw. He asked for leniency considering the accused was provoked by a grown man and he has since shown remorse for his actions in which a life was lost. Hugh stated that the accused did not waste the court’s time by pleading guilty to a lesser count of manslaughter and made a mistake as a youth and gave a caution statement when he was 21 years old. The state was represented by Michael Shahoud.
Kwame McCoy at the Providence Magistrates Court yesterday
Teen charged for murder of Canje neighbour DAVENAND Dhadhari, 18, called Kevin of Betsy Ground, East Canje, Wednesday appeared before Magistrate Marissa Mitteholzer charged with murder. The former Berbice High School student is alleged to have unlawfully killed his neighbour, Omesh Seelall, 21, called Rovin and Short neck, a labourer, also of Betsy Ground. He was represented by Attorneys-at-law Mursulene Bacchus and Naomi E. Christie.
Police Sergeant Orin Joseph, prosecuting, had objected to bail, based on the statues governing the capital offence. During the early hours of April 17, last, just outside a wedding house, the now deceased Omesh Seelall, was allegedly hit behind his head with a piece of 2x4 wood, which resulted in him receiving injuries. The injured man was subsequently taken to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he succumbed.
However, on April 22 last, the defendant was contacted by Police at the Reliance Police Station, where he was told of the allegation, to which he denied, but was arrested. Three days later a post mortem examination was performed on the body by Dr Nehaul Singh, who recorded that the cause of death was a fractured skull, and brain haemorrhage. The defendant was remanded to prison, while the case is fixed for hearing on May 12.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Camp Street riot Inquiry...
Lone female prison officer testifies THE only female Prison Officer who has remained at the Georgetown Prison in recent times said Wednesday that it is not wise idea for female officers to work in the compound of the Camp Street prison. June Lewis-Charles said in her 23 years working as a Prison Officer, she has been stationed at the Georgetown Prisons for 15 years and the level of disrespect toward female prison officers has notably risen. She was testifying before the Commission of Inquiry into the Georgetown Prison riot.The CoI is being facilitated by Chairman Justice James Patterson, and Commissioner Merle Mendonca and former Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine. The prison officer said after the riot between March 2 and 4 at the jail, which left 17 remand prisoners dead, the
nurses are afraid to go into the prison yard because of the threats directed towards them by prisoners. Lewis-Charles said she is the only female officer who remained at the prison along with the nurses, and does not think it is wise to have female officers in that particular prison yard in which many prisoners disregard them. “The kind of prisoners you have coming into the prison yard; they are not respectable. I used to think it’s a wise idea, but after this incident, I don’t think it is a wise idea for female officers to be exposed in the prison yard.” She said she believes the disrespect sprang from the fact that some officers gossip about others even in the presence of prisoners, while others participate actively in the smuggling of prohibited items into the jail.
Help needed to return body of Guyanese murdered in Trinidad
Dead: Kemraj Ramkaran
(Trinidad Express) MURDERED Guyanese national Kemraj Ramkaran travelled to Trinidad seeking a better life. He was employed as a construction worker and toiled tirelessly to provide for his poverty-stricken family back home. His friend, Guyanese national Kumar Shivprashad, has appealed for assistance to take Ramkaran’s body back to his family in Guyana. “I wish somebody can help my friend to go back to Guyana. His family is very poor and he came here to work and send for his family. All they would want is to bury him and we need help to get his body home,” said Shivprashad.
Ramkaran, 28, was shot and killed following an argument outside his rented apartment, in Duncan Village, San Fernando, on Monday night. His friend, Sean Boodoo, was critically wounded in the shooting. Police said Ramkaran and Boodoo were standing in the front yard when they were confronted by a man. The men began arguing and the gunman fired several shots. Ramkaran was hit in the face, while Boodoo was struck in the abdomen. Ramkaran collapsed and died at the scene. His friend was taken to San Fernando General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. “We were all renting together. We were inside liming and drinking and I hear shots fired. I ran outside and see my friend dead,” said Shivprashad. He said his friend was a quiet man who enjoyed playing cricket. His body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James. A team of police officers from the Southern Division, including ASP Rawle Ramdeo and Insp Don Gajadhar, visited the scene.
“You are in an area dominated by prisoners; you have to be careful what you say,” she stated. On March 4, she fell unconscious after a prisoner picked up and threw into her office a tear gas canister which was thrown by the police to control the prisoners who had gone out of control at the time. After regaining consciousness, she had to climb on the roof of the prison kitchen to get to safety. On March 3, the woman officer said she reported to work at 05:55 hrs and was briefed by shift supervisor Crawford that there had been a riot at the prison the night before. Around 10:52 hrs that same morning, Officer-in-Charge (OC) at Georgetown Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim, instructed the duty officer to open the Capital A dormitory, extract prisoners,
“
The kind of prisoners you have coming into the prison yard; they are not respectable. I used to think it’s a wise idea, but after this incident, I don’t think it is a wise idea for female officers to be exposed in the prison yard.” - June Lewis-Charles, Prison Officer
remove mattresses which were damaged in the fire and clean the building. She said Cadette Officer Udistaire Holligan, Assistant Superintendent Hudson and other officers had started the process, and after prisoner Collis Collison was extracted, the March 3 riot began. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Prisons Nicklon Anthony Elliot said ever since the prison riot on March 3, he and all senior prison officers have been confined to Lot 12 Camp Street. He first left
on April 15 and would visit his home only for additional clothing sometimes. Elliot said bullying has been a major problem at the prison, with some of the more aggressive prisoners taking advantage on quiet ones. He said some of the prisoners bully others into making contact with their families and requesting credit for their mobile phones. He told the commission that civilians sometimes complain to prison authori-
ties of prisoners calling their phones, demanding that they put credit into their mobile phones. Prisoners obtain these numbers when other prisoners use their cellphones to contact their families, and would even call others pretending that they are calling from a cellphone company and that the company is involved in a promotion. In this way, they entice persons into putting credit in their phones. He said officers after receiving complaints communicated with the prisoners and informed them that by doing that, they were doing a wrong. Elliot said though prisoner Collis Collison is “quite difficult to get along with sometimes”, there are prisoners more troublesome than Collison and some who are normally well behaved.
Re-trial ordered in murder of scrap-metal dealer THE Rondell Bacchus trial ended on Wednesday before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in a hung jury after the foreman announced that they were unable to return a verdict after more than two and a half hours of deliberations in the High Court. As such, Bacchus was remanded to prison awaiting another re-trial. The case lasted more than a week and saw several witnesses testifying, including several policemen and the wife of the deceased via Skype. The state was represented by Tuanna Hardy, in associ-
ation with Narissa Leander, while the Defence Counsel was Nigel Hughes. Bacchus of ‘C’ Field, Sophia Squatting Area was indicted for the murder of scrap metal dealer Akbar Alli, whom he allegedly gunned downed during a robbery at Brickdam, Georgetown, on July 24, 2008. On the same occasion, Bacchus is alleged to have used a handgun to rob the man’s wife, Rameena Bibi Hydar Alli of $2.M in cash. In 2015, during his trial before Justice Navindra Singh, Mrs. Alli, who currently resides in United States of America, testified
via audiovisual link, (Skype) that she had positively identified Bacchus at an identification parade in Georgetown sometime after the shooting. It is alleged that on July 24, on Brickdam, Andrew Morris, 34, of 263 East La Penitence, and Bacchus used a gun to rob Bibi Hydar Alli of $2.1M and also murdered her husband Akbar Alli. Andrew Morris was also charged in connection with the robbery/murder but the matter against him was dismissed as a result of the lack of evidence in the Magistrate’s Court. A police press release issued in July had stated that
Alli and his wife had gone to a city bank to do business. They later went to Brickdam with the intention of transacting business with an auto dealer. The release said further that Alli parked his motor vehicle and as he and his wife stepped out and she was holding the bag containing the cash, they were robbed at gunpoint by two men on a motorcycle. Reports were that Alli began running behind the motorcycle and the armed man, who was the pillion rider, then shot him in the chest. Alli died of the gunshot wound.
‘Jubilee Jazz Showcase’ for Botanical Gardens THE scenic beauty of the Botanical Gardens will complement a ‘Jubilee Jazz Showcase’ which is billed for April 30, to commemorate UNESCO’s International Jazz Day. The event, which will be hosted from 16:00 to 18:00 hrs, will showcase the talent of Guyana’s top jazz musicians with popular calyp-
sonian Tennicia DeFreitas headlining the event. The artiste will shift her genre and transition into a jazz artiste for that night. She has risen among the ranks of young female jazz artistes in the Tobago Jazz Circuit. GOOD MUSIC Coordinator of the event Andrew Tyndall explained
that the programme is aimed at increasing public education on various forms of music, while developing an increased appreciation for good music among Guyanese. According to Tyndall, International Jazz Day encourages and highlights the power of jazz as a force for freedom and creativity, promoting intercultural dialogue through
respect and understanding, and uniting people from all corners of the globe. The cast will also include Trevor John, leading Guyanese jazz keyboardist and the Jazz showcase band, Trevor Rogers, Peter Atherly, the National Steel Orchestra, Sean Bhola and Roy Stewart, among other artistes.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Mocha-Arcadia Nursery School reopens ‒ Repair works to start after protest by parents THREE DAYS after residents forced the closure of the Mocha-Arcadia Nursery School in protest of its appalling conditions, the school reopened on Wednesday following the intervention of the Department of Education, Region Four. Guyana Chronicle understands that the Regional Education Officer, Jennifer Bourne, met with the concerned parents on Tuesday.
Though Bourne reportedly did not commit the Government to the construction of a new school, a promise was made to have immediate repairs executed. When this newspaper visited the nursery school, which is located on New Settlers Street, Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, classes were in session. Long standing member of the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Cathy
George, said that even though parents are not satisfied with the response, they are giving the Department of Education an opportunity to execute much needed repairs on the school. According to George, in 2013, the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration had promised to budget for the construction of a new nursery school in 2015. The Mocha-Arcadia Nursery School, which has been in
The Mocha-Arcadia Nursery School
existence for more than 30 years, “is falling to pieces,” George said. “The building leaking, the step falling apart, they don’t have enough childlike furniture, the grass in the yard high, high, high and the sanitary block is a mess,” she posited while bemoaning the lack of a sick bay at the school. “A time a teacher fell sick, they had to put her on the corridor to lie down be-
cause there is no sick bay in the school,” George recalled. She added, “there is no kitchen in the school, the biscuits and juice they don’t have nowhere to store them.” In addition to the appalling state of the school, George contended that the school is now clustered due to the growing population. “When the children finish taking snack and they take their rest, the teachers have to fan the children with a cardboard how the school is clustered.” Since 1998, a request was
made for a guard hut to be constructed, but according to George that request is still pending. “We are asking for a guard hut since 1998, and the guards have to guard on the corridor, when the rain fall all the water wetting up the guards, they have to go in the toilet and when they go in the toilet the rain still beating in on them.” In addition to repairs, the Department of Education has reportedly committed to the construction of a guard hut. (Svetlana Marshall)
Overgrown vegetation in the compound of the nursery school
Call sounded for umbrella Hindu organisation A SINGLE umbrella organization is needed to represent the interest of the Hindu community here, Pandit Deonarine Liliah said Wednesday, as he made his contribution during a forum held by the Ministry of Social Cohesion with the Hindu Community. Liliah said it has always been his dream to see the unification of the Hindu Community. The division among the Hindu Community here became even more visible in 2015 when the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Viraat Sabha and the Guyana Pandits Council differed on the date to observe Diwali. Viraat Sabha had agreed with the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Pandits Council that November 10, 2015 was the date to observe Diwali, but the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha had insisted that Diwali should have been celebrated on November 11, 2016. Notably, there was no representative from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha during the interactive session
Representatives of some of the Hindus who were in attendance at the Social Cohesion forum Wednesday
at NCERD. Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally, in responding to Pandit Liliah, endorsed his call for the further unification of all Hindu organisations. The establishment of an umbrella organization is very important, she said, while noting that Viraat Sabha has been doing an outstanding job. “We have
to come together or we will get nowhere,” Minister Ally posited. The Social Cohesion Minister said under her stewardship she will make every effort to unify Guyanese, despite their differences. In addition to the establishment of an umbrella organization to represent all Hindu organizations, there was a call for the provision
of a building to accommodate an Indian Museum. Education Coordinator of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation, Nirvanie Dadoat, emphasized the need for the Human Value System to be incorporated within the education system. She said for the past 10 years the spiritual organization has been trying to implement into the school
system the human value of peace, love, truth, righteousness and non-violence. Meanwhile, during the initial stage of the programme, the Ministry of Social Cohesion Programme Coordinator Sharon Patterson explained that the forum was being held in keeping with the Ministry’s mission to accomplish a so-
ciety that works towards the well-being of all its members – thereby creating a sense of belonging and mutual trust, where everyone has the opportunity to achieve the good life. President of the Viraat Sabha Pandit Ravindranath Persaud had also presented on “Hinduism and Nation Building.” This is the third such meeting the Social Cohesion Ministry has had. In February, the Ministry met with representatives from the Islamic Community and subsequently with the Christian Community in March. Since the establishment of the Social Cohesion Department, the Government has been placing attention on reducing extreme poverty; eliminating gender and geographic inequalities; fostering greater participation of political parties in national development; creating opportunities for fair employment and safety in the hinterland; and ensuring equal access to education. (Svetlana Marshall)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
PPP/C to join in Vendors briefed on Stabroek Market re-organisation Golden Jubilee celebrations The Stabroek Market
A local business owner sets the tone for the Golden Jubilee
VENDORS of the Stabroek Market were yesterday made aware of the budding plans for the enhancement of the area where they ply their trade. During a consultation with members of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), vendors were told about the plans to reorganise and beautify the Stabroek Market area. In a release from the M&CC, it was stated that “this consultation session will allow vendors and other persons who use the Stabroek Market area and who ply their various trades to make suggestions and raise concerns.” The meeting, the release said, helped to shape the
By Navendra Seoraj THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has signaled their intention to join in celebrating Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, come May 26, 2016. With the rising anticipation and enthusiasm as the date nears for the Golden Jubilee, the PPP/C has confirmed that once they are invited to the activities leading up to the big day they will be present. PIVOTAL ROLE Speaking to members of the media on Monday during a press conference at Freedom House, PPP/C’s General Secretary Clement Rohee when asked if the party will join the celebrations said: “We have played a pivotal role in Guyana’s development over the past 50 years. Therefore the PPP/C’s participation in the celebrations is definite since the party also represents half of the country’s population.” Meanwhile, corporate entities and ministries have also taken up the mantle to set the pace for the upcoming celebrations by decorating their surroundings with paraphernalia and symbols to represent the 50th Anniversary. During a walk around the city the Guyana Chronicle discovered much anticipation of the forthcoming celebrations and persons were ready for the upcoming events. Persons lauded the government for their work so far to get everything in place for May 26. And aside from the upcoming mega concerts and other events, several government and non-government entities have been doing a good job by setting the pace for an enthralling Golden Jubilee.
The Ministry of Communities, Department of Housing all decked out and ready for the Golden Jubilee celebrations
proposal for the development, beautification and reorganisation of that section. The Council has embarked on a programme to restore and reorganise the state of the city’s environs and to reshape its landscape. “(The) Greater Georgetown Development Plan alluded to the need to address congestion in the city, which included provision of onsite parking by businesses for customers, reorganizing of vending, provision of effective building control and the general improvement of the scenery in the city,” the statement said. This integrative development plan of the municipality would allow the council and its stakeholders
to deliberate on the future developmental plans that would be beneficial to the municipality and all of its vendors. There is high anticipation that these plans would restore the pristine beauty of Georgetown. The Stabroek Market Square is one of the prime commercial spaces in Georgetown, where there is a variety of commercial activities. However, the area has become cluttered over the years because of a consistent increase in commercial activities. The present Stabroek Market structure was declared open in 1881 by Governor Cornelius Hendricksen Kortright.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Jubilee Stamp Show on at Post Office headquarters THE GUYANA Philatelic Society Wednesday declared open a free two-day “Stamp Show” for the public in the foray of the Georgetown Post Office Corporation in downtown Georgetown. The theme of the display is “Celebrating Guyana’s 50th Anniversary of Independence and Postal History (1966 -2016).” The Stamp Show has on display British Guiana and Guyana stamps from 1966 and beyond and shares information with viewers on how to collect, trade and/or sell stamps. The show also features the display of the vast majority of Guyana’s 70 post
British Guiana’s ‘Black Magenta’ – the World’s rarest and most expensive stamp
offices nationwide, colourfully and attractively presented on specially designed post cards, which are being sold for just $200.
Meanwhile, on Saturday there will be a special “Stamp Collecting Workshop” at the Sleep In Hotel Conference Room, Brick-
President of the Guyana Philatelic Society, Ann Wood, shares information on stamp collection as a hobby with students of the Guyana School of Agriculture
dam, beginning at 13:00 hrs. Admission is free and there will be free appraisals. Facilitated by representatives of the Guyana Philatelic Society in California, the workshop will focus on: How to collect and organize Stamps; How to identify stamps; How to find out the value of stamps and more. The representatives are President Anne Wood and Paul Ramsaroop , who are currently on a visit to Guyana. The activities were specially organized to coincide with the release of 15 new postage stamps in observance of the nation’s Golden independence anniversary celebrations. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Ramsaroop said: “We are here to promote stamp collection in Guyana , and even though the public is invited, we are targeting mainly primary school aged youths , with the hope of having them make stamp collection a
hobby.” The first group to benefit from the exercise was a group of students from the Guyana School of Agriculture with whom Ms.Wood shared the interesting story of Guyana’s one cent Black Magenta Stamp, which has developed a reputation of being the world’s most sought after and expensive stamp. The British Guiana Inc. magenta is regarded by many philatelists as the world’s most famous and rare stamp. It was issued in limited numbers in British Guiana, (now Guyana) in 1856. Noting that stamp collection has a rich history and shares a wealth of exposure on countries’ geography and history, Ramsaroop bemoaned the fact that such an interesting and exciting hobby has, to a large extent, been displaced by technology such as ipads, IPhones, social media and the internet generally.
“Our youth miss out on a lot of the fun things, so we are here to get people excited about stamp collection.” Meanwhile, Wood shared with visitors her involvement with stamp collection, recalling that she took up the hobby ever since she was five. At that time, her father Rev. Wood, was a radio broadcast evangelist and would go down to the Radio Demerara Studios to broadcast his programmes. As he was on air, she would sit in a corner waiting for him, and kept herself occupied by peeling the stamps off broadcast-related mail that came in for him. In time she had built up quite a collection and throughout her life, stamp collection continues to be her hobby. The California-based Guyana Philatelic Society visits Guyana once yearly. Last year they held the stamp show in Berbice and hope to take it to Linden in 2017.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Work advances to set up new Ethnic Relations Commission THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Appointments Wednesday met with various groups to sensitise them on the process by which persons could be nominated to sit on the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). The event was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal,Greater Georgetown. Stakeholders who attended included representatives of the Christian, Islamic and Hindu organstaion, the Abour Movement, the private sector, youth groups, women’s groups, and cultural bodies. In attendance were Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton, Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally, Opposition Members of Parliament Gail Teixeira, Bishop Juan Edghill and Ganga Persaud. Chairperson of the Committee Dr. George Norton, said as provided for under Article 212 of the Guyana Constitution, the ERC advocates equality of opportunity among persons of different ethnic groups; promotes the elimination of all forms of ethnic-based discrimination; and discourages persons, institutions, political par-
ties and associations from indulging in discriminatory practices. Teixeira said representatives will be divided into clusters because of the 10 nominees needed. She said the process used to choose representatives from these clusters must be a fair and democratic one. As , the sensitisation session was needed for an impartial decision-making process. Once nominated, the names have to be agreed to by the National Assembly and then the names will be sent to the President, who is responsible for appointing and swearing the members to the Commission. She explained that the first meeting will be called by the Speaker of the House, where the committee members will observe the elections of the chairman and vice-chairman. Teixeira , the Opposition Chief Whip in the National Assembly, said all elected officials must be knowledgeable of their functions and the constitutional bodies they represent. She said the members of the commission who are appointed by the President must
understand it is a constitutional responsibility that once taken has certain responsibilities that must be executed. These commissioners, she said, must prepare themselves for meetings and reading up on the provisions available for the ERC. “The persons appointed as commissioners no longer represent their individual cluster; so they no longer can say well I’m just a labour person and I’m not dealing with [a] matter of women or business in the commission. You evaporate the cluster cloak and you become a commissioner for the entire commission under the constitution,” Teixeira emphasised. However, she said commissioners are encouraged to keep contact with the organisations that nominated them and meet at least twice a year to give them an idea of what the Commission is working on. She said all commissioners will receive stipends. The ERC derived from recommendations of the Herdmanston Accord, signed on January 17, 1998, between then President Janet Jagan and Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte. Brokered by a CAR-
ICOM mission, the Accord sought to provide a peaceful solution to the political impasse that had gripped the
country after the contentious December 1997 Regional and General Elections. The first members of
the ERC were appointed in 2003 in compliance with the new constitutional provisions.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Ramayya accuses Region Six Vice-Chairman of administrative sabotage REGIONAL Executive Officer of Region Six, Dr Veerasammy ,on Wednesday accused the ViceChairman of this People’s Progressive Party /Civic controlled region of abusing state resources in total
disregard for rules governing the use of such resources. “Mr Denis DeRoop is operating as if the PPP/C is still in Government,” Ramayya said, charging that the man was abusing the
vehicle assigned to him ; was deploying machines on his own authority and had decided where he wanted to work instead of operating as was required from the Office of the RDC. He said for example that
DeRoop was using the Government- owned vehicle on a 24- hour basis mainly to do political work on behalf of the PPP/C. He charged that DeRoop used the vehicle extensively to campaign for the PPP/C during the last local government elections,” he charged. “The diesel bill for the vehicle assigned to him for the month of January was $65,170 and for February $59, 769,” he disclosed, adding that he could not find any plausible explanation for this excessive amount of diesel by the vehicle assigned to DeRoop in his normal day- to-day operations of the Vice-Chairman. “DeRoop should park the Government’s vehicle in the compound of the Office of the Regional Democratic Council at the end of a day’s work. He should not be going home and elsewhere after normal working hours with it. He has bluntly refused to park the vehicle at the end of the day.” Ramayya said that the misuse of Government resources seems to be a phenomenon in the PPP/C- controlled regions and what
was happening in Region Six apparently was just another example Ramayya charged too that DeRoop who is Chairman of the works committee is responsible for contractors not getting paid, since he had failed to get the required amount of signatures to validate works done. “He knows that the works have to be confirmed as properly done by three signatories, one of which should be his, yet has failed to get those signatures. At the moment the Sub-Treasury is refusing to pay these contractors unless the works are confirmed by the required amount of signatures . As a result , many contractors, particularly trench-cleaners have not been paid for the past three months.” He charged that 95% of the Works Committee are known supporters of the PPP/C and this failure to affix their signatures to the documents so that people can get paid was an act of sabotage. “This is how they are trying to make the administration look bad; to make the administration fail,” he said. He added that he had been given a mandate to help improve the quality of life of people in Region Six and he would not allow anyone to deter him from pursuing this mandate. He said that he has since limited the amount of diesel to be used by DeRoop’s ve-
Dr Veerasammy Ramayya
hicle, since he as REO was ultimately accountable for the Government assets assigned to the region. He also intends to discuss the foot-dragging of the Vice –Chairman in signing off the work of the trenchcleaners with a view to getting people who are inclined to support him in getting his work done. He said: ”I am not getting it easy . PPP/C people within the system are giving me a hard time to get my job done. I have a mandate to carry out my function as an REO; I will not betray the office nor the Government of the day. I will not back down.” He appealed to the leaders of the RDC to put aside their political agendas and work with the administration in bettering the quality of life of people of Region Six, rather than delaying progress through acts of administrative sabotage.(Clifford Stanley)
Thursday, April 28, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Friday, April 29, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Saturday, April 30, 2016 - 11:00 hrs
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
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Dynamic Airways joins By Ariana Gordon in New York
AS Guyana celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary come May, International air carrier Dynamic Airways has partnered with the 50th Anniversary Committee in New York to be part of Guyana’s celebrations. Dynamic Airways on Wednesday unveiled the logo of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary as well as the New York logo on their Boeing 767 aircraft at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. The unveiling ceremony was witnessed by the 50th anniversary committee of New York, Ambassador George Talbott, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and representatives of Dynamic International Airways. Captain Gerry Gouveia, Dynamic’s representative in Guyana, said though the airline had started off on
shaky footing, has demonstrated its commitment to the Guyana market and is currently extending its service in Guyana. Gouveia, who is the Managing-Director of Roraima Airways in brief remarks disclosed that “Dynamic Airways commitment to Guyana is growing every day as we increase the flights.” The businessman noted too that it is the airline’s intention to make the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) “the hub that the IDB said it can’t be. “We are going to make Timehri International airport the hub to feed traffic out of New York into Trinidad, Suriname, Boa Vista and Puerto Ordaz ,Venezuela, using that international airport that the IDB says can’t be made into a hub; we will make it into a hub,” he said passionately. He said he is proud to be associated with the airline that has been operating the Guyana/New York route for two years. Dynamic has thus
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Ambassador George Talbott, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Rickford Burke, Chairman of Guyana’s 50th (NY), Karen Kraus, Dynamic International Airways, Chief Operations Officer, Captain Gerry Gouveia, Senators Roxanne just after the unveiling of the logo at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
far employed some 35 Guyanese to work its Guyana/New York route since it began operations there.
Ambassador George Talbott, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Rickford Bu Captain Gerry Gouveia cut the partnership cake on Wednes
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s Jubilee celebrations GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
h Independence Anniversary e Persaud and Alicia Hyman
“The airline’s relationship with the country is not just about flying the plane. It is about becoming part of nation-building activities,” added Gouveia. He said Dynamic Airways was more than ready to participate in Guyana’s jubilee celebrations and noted that the placing of the 50th Independence Anniversary logo on their aircraft serves to recognise the contributions being made to nation-building. “Dynamic International Airways is in a tangible way demonstrating its commitment to Guyana, not only by the creation of jobs, not only by celebrating or supporting the committee here in NY … but by putting this logo is a tangible demonstration of its commitment,” said Gouveia. He noted that the service provided by the airline has
urke, Karen Kraus, Dynamic’s Chief Operations Officer and sday. (Ariana Gordon photos)
improved tremendously over the past 12 months, highlighting that it has been “running a 95 per cent on- time departures and is running at almost a 90 per cent load factors.” Meanwhile, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador George Talbott, said air transport is critical to the development of nations globally. He told those gathered at the simple unveiling ceremony that Guyana is not only celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary, but also 50 years as a member of the international community, both of which are significant milestones. He noted that Guyana on a per capita basis has one of the largest diasporas internationally and is known for its mobility. “Mobility has been a fact of life for Guyanese internationally and domestically,” Ambassador Talbott stated. “Guyana’s engagement has been both official and through the actions of its citizens and as a result one might say Guyana is arguably home to one of the most internationally mobile populations in the world.” Some 140,000 Guyanese he said, live in the New York area. The Guyanese ambassador said aviation remains critical to the development of Guyana not only internationally, but domestically, noting the importance of aviation to accessing natural resources and services that are essential to the population. “I wish to acknowledge in that context the important role Dynamic Airways is playing. I wish to pay tribute to the partnership with Dynamic Airways. After I would say, a tentative and challenging beginning you have persisted. I think demonstrating characteristic Guyanese tenacity,” Ambassador Talbott stated. He hopes that Dynamic continues to partner with Guyana and work so that the partnership becomes stronger and permanent, and more so part of the fabric of Guyana’s engagement with the world. The Ambassador ap plauded Captain Gouveia for his role in nurturing the partnership with Dynamic and “helping to advance in the face of challenges now to a place where we have regular flights from Dynamic.” Chief Operations Officer
(COO) Dynamic International Airways Karen Kraus said the airline is pleased to partner with Guyana and noted that it does not view the relationship with Guyana as “just a partnership.” “It is not just a partnership, but it has really and truly become a friendship and we are committed to the long-term support of the people in Guyana. We are committed to continuing to provide affordable flights to bring people back and forth between New York and Guyana.” Kraus noted that while the airline has already provided dozens of jobs to Guyanese people, it will continue to hire locals to work the Guyana/New York route. “I hope you can all see today our continued commitment to Guyana by the beautiful logo we put on our aircraft. We are proud to be part of the celebration and really honoured that we get to be the face for New York to Guyana air travel.” Meanwhile, Chairman of Guyana’s 50th Indepen-
dence Anniversary celebration committee in New York, Rickford Burke, thanked Dynamic Airways for its commitment to Guyana and for partnering with the Committee. He said Dynamic’s partnership is essential to the transporting of persons between Guyana and New York for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Also present at the unveiling ceremony were Senator Roxanne Persaud and Alicia Hyman. Senator Persaud, a Guyanese who represents the 19 senatorial districts in New York, said the partnership with Dynamic Airways is significant. “This means a lot to me, too often Guyanese will say there is no way of getting to Guyana, no competition of getting a flight to Guyana, it is expensive to go to Guyana… but what Dynamic is doing is bringing competition, it is telling Guyanese people that someone cares about the country of Guyana and getting them to and fro.”
The Senator commended the airline for investing in Guyana and for being Guyana’s flag-bearer. “For too long we did not have a flagbearer and I applaud you for doing that; I compliment you for the work you are doing, I thank you from all the Guyanese people living in the district.” Senator Hyman who is not Guyanese, but whose father is Guyanese, said she too is pleased with Dynamic Airways move to employ Guyanese while partnering with the 50th Independence Anniversary Committee. “50 years is just the beginning of bigger and better to come. There are so many Guyanese in the borough of Queens and we represent well,” she said. Wednesday morning’s unveiling of the logo was followed by a cocktail reception in celebration of the airline’s participation. The New York leg of Guyana’s jubilee celebrations will commence on June 4 and end on June 12.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Guyana participating in Green Climate Fund’s conference and workshop TWO Guyanese are currently in Songdo, South Korea, participating in a Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) “Accelerating Access” conference and workshop where they will present proposals for funding from the GCF over the medium term for several projects. According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, the two persons are Monitoring and Evaluation specialists and Head of the Project Management Office, Marlon Bristol and Head of the Office of Climate,Janelle Christian. The purpose of the forum is to present proposals for funding from the GCF over the medium term. In this regard, the local team will formally present and discuss written proposals and grant-funding options, the release noted. Guyana’s four submitted projects are: Guyana’s Model Green Town (Bar-
Monitoring and Evaluation specialist and Head of the Project Management Office, Marlon Bristol and Head of the Office of Climate Change, Janelle Christian, during the meeting with Minister of State Joseph Harmon
tica) Phase I and II; Policy Development - Environment Policy and Climate Change Policy; Increasing Resilience through Enhancement and Maintenance of Guyana’s Sea Defence Infrastructure; and Public Health Adaptation to Climate Change. The ministry said that these projects are interlinked and aligned to Guyana’s
Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Climate Resilience Strategy Action Plan (CRSAP), the Green Economy Plan and the Green Bartica Plan, among other documents. “Guyana’s GCF Incep-
tion Report for the Readiness and Preparation Proposal was approved in March 2016 with a budget of US$300,000. This project will strengthen the capacities within the NDA (expanding to the Ministries of Finance, Natural Resources, Public Infrastructure, Civil Defence Commission, inter alia) to facilitate efficient plan-
ning and administration of fund-related responsibilities through the development and implementation of a Country Strategic Framework to the GCF,” the statement added. Additionally, it was noted that Guyana is implementing this first project with the GCF through a delivery partner - the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
(CCCCC/5Cs). A delivery partner is a GCF-accredited entity. Guyana has not accredited any entity and hence the reason for 5Cs acting in that capacity. However, the ministry disclosed that Guyana intends to identify accredited entities in the near future. The GCF was established as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC. The Fund is expected to play a significant role in the mobilisation of climate finance, which is planned to increase over time to reach US$100 billion per year by 2020. Meanwhile, prior to their departure on April 22, Bristol and Christian met with Minister of State Joseph Harmon, within whose purview the Project Management and Climate Change offices fall. The minister is also Guyana’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF. The one-week forum concludes tomorrow.
Rainbow City, Linden homes Region Eight to inundated after heavy downpour expand rice ‒ Regional Chairman says NDIA stalling release of funds to clean drains cultivation SEVERAL families in the community of Rainbow City in the town of Linden are counting their losses after heavy rainfall caused flooding. The residents said that they face the same trouble every time it rains heavily. One resident, Ulanda Johnson, whose entire yard and bottom flat was under water, told this newspaper that the flooding which began Tuesday, had drained off. Much to her surprise, around 14: 30 hrs the water level had risen to knee height and the entire bottom flat of her home was flooded. The vinyl was raised by the water and was seen floating. Johnson said that she has not yet assessed her losses, but is sure that the groceries in the cupboards and the vinyl on the floor will have to be discarded. She fears that her electrical appliances will also be destroyed by the water. The residents blamed clogged drains for the flooding and accused the relevant authorities of not caring, since it is an ongoing problem. “If the drains keep clean -- not just this drain that is on
the road but the main drains -- this wouldn’t happen,” she explained. With small children in the home, Ulanda fears that they could be infected from the dirty water and her daughter who is a nursing student currently writing examinations has been inconvenienced from the flooding, as she cannot attend classes. Commenting on the issue was Regional Chairman Renis Morian. He expressed disappointment, saying the authorities tried to prevent the flooding. He told this newspaper that the region is in possession of a mini-excavator and
another heavy- duty machinery, but is awaiting approval of the funding to commence works to clean the drains in the area and also in Kara Kara. The Chairman said that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority is stalling the process by not passing the money for the project. “It’s just back and forth back and forth with him; nothing pleases him,” he said, referring to an official of the Authority. He said the official was requesting that the work be done before payment is made, but he was not willing to put
the labour of the people of Region 10 at stake. He also said that he had sent a correspondence to this officer notifying him of the urgency of the project as the rainy season would commence. “In Linden where there are no jobs, you can’t put people to work and not pay them. “The machines are there parked, we are just waiting for the money. We have already identified people for the job.” The Regional Chairman is adamant that the procrastination of this officer is the reason the flood took place.
Region Eight, Potaro- Siparuni, is working towards food security, and as part of its plan, rice cultivation will be expanded to facilitate an additional seven acres in Monkey Mountain. The region’s Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Gavin Gounga told the Government Information Agency (GINA), that the land has been identified and cleared to facilitate the planting of the rice. The slash and burn system has been applied and the farmers are awaiting the rain, the DREO noted. In addition to the rice project, the Region is looking to expand in several other agricultural areas including production of the main staple, cassava. Additionally, through an allocation of $33.4M for regional agriculture, several other projects will be facilitated. These include training for farmers and staff of the regional office along with the construction of three shade houses in Kopinang, Kato and Mahdia. The region is also un-
dertaking the reintroduction of Irish potato cultivation, through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture with support from PROPEL, a Canadian funded project. Plans are also in train to execute a pilot project to grow organic tomatoes of a high quality in Paramakatoi. This would be spearheaded by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and residents. This combined effort will see the creation of a farm for the growing, drying, packaging and marketing of organic tomatoes. Potaro- Siparuni, is well known for its mining activities. However, the region received an agriculture allocation in the 2016 Budget. This is part of Government’s plan for agriculture diversification in the hinterland. (GINA)
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Linden celebrates 46 years as a town --- A glimpse in history AS THE MINING town of Linden celebrates its 46th birthday coupled with the 50th Anniversary celebration and 100 years of bauxite mining in the region, a trail of the town’s history and hallmarks would furnish the ill-informed of the town’s evolvement over the centuries from a balata bleeding settlement to once being the bread basket of Guyana. Often mistaken for a depressed and dusty township where opportunities are limited and entertainment is basic, the rich history of Linden has been cast aside leaving the younger generation ignorant of what built this 34 square mile town located 66 miles up the Demerara River. The steep sandy hills, the refreshing black water creeks, the unlimited fat-poke trees, pockets of blue lakes and countless valleys are smeared with the permeation of thick bauxite dust often giving a false impression of what Linden is and most importantly what Linden was. As facts have it Linden before becoming a township was deemed the bread basket of Guyana as many flocked the bauxite mining town to secure a lucrative job with the then bauxite company DEMBA (Demerara Bauxite Company). Affluence permeated the town which was managed by the white expatriates who made it clear that the town’s flourishing resulted from the materializing of their intuition that wealth was found in the soil. Demba took charge of the entire development of Linden which ranged from building schools, churches, clubs, hospitals, recreational halls and even houses for the employees. The establishment of a town Even as the town evolved to one of the most sought after for internal migration, it only became a town on April 29th, 1970 when the Local Authority established Supernumerary Constabulary whose members were constituted as Town Constables. The 55 square miles or 85 square kilometers was legally constituted a town called Linden. The genesis of this establishment started in 1759, when Surveyor
Mr. L.L. Bercheych sought to border the area. He commenced on the western shore now called Wismar and Christianburg which originally was home to the Dutch who engaged in balata bleeding. The economic balance shifted in 1966 with the discovery of bauxite by George Bain Mackenzie whom the ward of Mackenzie of the eastern bank of the river was named after. Mackenzie became the central of Linden with the establishment of the bauxite company which was a subsidiary of Aluminum Company of Canada ( ALCAN). The company constructed pristine houses for senior staff and the layout of the Ward was distinct since every major road was strategically laid out. Only company employees resided in Mackenzie and some communities such as Richmonhill and Watooka was only occupied by expatriates. As history has it, the locals had to acquire an official pass to enter the area and only during the day. Families from the depth and breadth of Guyana flocked Linden to experience the wealth that emerged from bauxite mining. In Amelia’s Ward there can be found an avenue called “Hope Town Square” where all of the families hail from the village of Hope Town in West Coast Berbice to seek employment at the company. “The Mackenzie Man” as the employers were called was immediately identified from their mode of dress and high living when visiting other regions. The great influx of people from all across Guyana resulted in Linden possessing a rich heritage as there was a mixture of ethnicity, culture, religion and beliefs to form one town of people. As a result of this genesis, Linden pioneered several national events such as Mashramani, Town week, Jacees, National Football competition among others. The first school in Mackenzie was built in 1924 while the first hospital was built in 1925. A shopping plaza began operations in 1941 and 8 years after the town was graced with its first commercial bank. In 1951 the Mackenzie Sports Club was laid
Stories and photos by Vanessa Braithwaite
Mashramani in Linden 1970 out and the first public cinema opened its doors. Development of the municipality In 1970 the Mayor and Town Council appointed the first mayor Mr. Egbert Benjamin whose tenure concluded in 1973. Ms Gloria Layne was his successor followed by Mr.
Hugh Harris, Mr. Ashton Alleyne, Mrs. Evelyn Dodson, Mr. Patrick Haynes, Mr. Abdul Kadir and Mr. Stanley Smith. Mr. Smith’s tenure ended in 2003 and an Interim Management Committee was enacted led by Mr. Orin Gordon until the 2016 Local Government Elections which allowed for
the appointment of the 10th and present Mayor Carwyn Holland. With the decline in bauxite production, the town’s economy has spiraled to the all-time low and cannot exclusively depend on what is currently produced compared to years ago. The unemployment rate in Linden is above 70% and with limit-
ed career opportunities many youths migrate after completing their secondary education. The newly elected municipality is seeking avenues to stimulate the economy through agriculture, enterprising and tourism so that Linden would return to the way it used to be; the bread basket of the Caribbean.
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Linden Heritage Trail officially launched
THE publication “Linden Heritage Trail” was officially launched by the National Trust of Guyana last Monday as the world celebrates International Day of Monuments and Sites. The ceremony was held at the Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and Conference Centre in Linden and saw in attendance officials from the National Trust of Guyana, officials from the Ministry of Education; Department of Culture Youth and Sport, Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph and former IMC Chairman Orin Gordon who was said to be a main contributor to the completion of the publication. The booklet, Linden Heritage Trail is the latest publication of the National Trust of Guyana and is the first of its kind the agency has undertaken for the municipality. The booklet which contains 42 monuments and sites serves as a medium through which readers can explore and
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Officials at the book launch
rediscover some of Linden’s historic treasures. The journey of the trail begins at the Linden Soesdyke Highway, passes through the three wards; Mackenzie, Wismar and Christianburg and ends at the blue lakes and white sands in Wisroc. It aims
to sensitize Lindeners and citizens at large about the legacy of the town through documentation of some of the significant cultural heritage resources within the townscape. CEO of NTG, Ms. Nirvana Persaud in her address,
Holland receiving his copy of the booklet from CEO of National Trust of Guyana
said that she is satisfied with the final product despite the various hiccups along the way. “I’m satisfied with the final and finished product and I must say thanks to my small research team who worked tirelessly in completing this project despite the challenges of limited information and unexpected delays,” she said. Ms Persaud is confident that the booklet will benefit all Lindeners including those in the diaspora. Mr. Orin Gordon who was said to be a major contributor of historic information in addition to Mr. Horace James, made mention of Linden’s very rich culture. “Linden continues to have a very rich culture and historical past which equates with any living space in this great country of Guyana. You have to understand that this cultural heritage is precise because of the interwoven nature of the people of diverse backgrounds,” he revealed. Mr. Gordon shared with the audience many of the historical facts concerning the 100 years of bauxite
mining, the early days of residence in Linden and the many monuments and sites that need to the discovered and preserved. Mr. Gordon said that Lindeners “play around” with their heritage and history when other persons especially tourists find it a privilege to indulge in and experience. Regional Chairman Renis Morian noted that the sites will be refurbished for the 50th anniversary celebrations. He said that most of the children are not aware of the rich heritage of Linden and recommended that local history be a part of their learning experience. Mayor Holland in his address told the audience that Linden’s heritage is diverse and extensive. “It is not enough to simply reserve or document our heritage, we must pursue the sharing of this wealth so that our youths can benefit from it and that is why I laud the efforts of the National Trust.” Our heritage he said is a strong foundation from which we can draw courage. The National Trust of Guyana has been observ-
ing International Day for Monuments and Sites over the years in various ways. These include thematic exhibitions, tours, heritage conscious walks, memorabilia among others. The organization’s mandate is to conserve, preserve and promote the nation’s patrimony so that the present and future generations will access and enjoy the richness of Guyana’s heritage. Ms. Persaud implored the audience to show appreciation for monuments and sites by not littering, defacing or causing damage to them thus obeying the rules governing the monuments. Last year the organization launched a heritage booklet for the town of New Amsterdam while their first publication of this kind was the Georgetown Heritage Trial. The Linden Heritage Trail is a part of the agency’s golden jubilee of Independence 1966-2016 schedule and also included a bus tour to the various sites featured in the publication.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Young Terron The police office Alleyne still in the of professional race for success responsibility THE POLICE CORNER
PANDEMONIUM broke loose in Linden and more so at the Regma Primary School after the release of the 2011 National Grade Six Assessment results by the then Minister of Education who boldly announced that Terron Alleyne of Regma Primary School had topped the country. The feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment shivered down the spines of every Lindener which was expressed in jollifications throughout the town. The young lad had made every Lindener proud more so his teacher, parents, siblings and friends. Over the years however, Linden unfortunately did not make headlines in this accord, but Terron Alleyne, now a fifth form science student of Queens College is a name that is engraved in every Lindener’s memory. Five years after, this young accomplisher remembers that day as if it was yesterday. In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Terron revealed that though his expectation was to perform well at the NGSA, he never thought of excelling over the 1500 students that sat the exam with him. “It came as a great shock to me, I expected to do well, but not so well,” heckled the young man. His achievement of 537 marks was the beginning of a great transition in his life and is still affected by the rapid changes that took place. Though happy about his placement at the country’s top high school, he was soon overwhelmed with the sad reality of being away from his family. This transition he said was most challenging. “It was a bit challenging because I had to stay with relatives, and being away from my sisters and friends wasn’t easy,” he explained. Many expected that competition would have been limited for Terron as he excelled
Terron Alleyne above all the children in his grade, but being away from home made it a little harder for him top his class. Terron tried to fight the depression by engaging in extracurricular sporting activities. He joined the school’s cricket team in form one and though he enjoyed the sport this inquisitive young man made a drastic change to football of which he is still a member of the Fruta Conquerors football team. He also joined the Queens College Athletic Programme and represented the school in form three at a relay fair in Barbados. “I believe in being a rounded individual, I don’t believe in an individual having extremely high grades and nothing else behind it,” posited Terron while explaining his love for sports. Being involved in all of these activities surely contributed to an enjoyable and fulfilling high school journey though experiencing some challenges. Apart from being
away from his family, Terron had difficulty balancing academics and sports especially during examination periods. The most unfortunate challenge is that of being robbed twice, first in 1st form of his cell phone and months ago of his laptop equipped with some vital text books and School Based Assessments. The latter incident was more horrifying as he was mobbed in Georgetown by someone who has a knife. Though fearful for his life, he fought back but was overpowered by the robber who made good his escape with his bag back with his laptop inside. Terron was tasked with redoing those SBA’s before the submission deadline and that was indeed tedious. Fortunately the young man received a brand new laptop from President David Granger who learnt of his plight. Terron also revealed that financial challenges faced the family as the idea of living with relatives did not work
out and his father was forced to rent an apartment for his son to complete his studies under comfortable circumstances. Despite all of these hurdles and stumbling blocks Terron said “I’m still here today. In a couple of weeks he will be sitting 10 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Examinations. He aspires to be a sports doctor and is hoping to be the recipient of a sports scholarship to pursue a degree in medicine abroad. To the students sitting the NGSA on Wednesday and Thursday who would soon be beginning their high school journey as Terron ends his, he encourages them to stay focus. “Try not to get distracted because Secondary School has a lot of distractions. Be yourself don’t try to be anyone else, focus on just what you came here to do,” he advised. The science student also advises grade 6 teachers preparing the students for this very important examination to be more interactive with their students and build a relationship with them out of the class room. This he said can go a long way and results in maximum achievement from the children. He also advises them to cultivate qualities such as patience and reasonableness. “ Not everyone can learn in a particular way some children learn at a different level and teachers need to be more patient…..I remembered by teacher, Cheryl Wills was very patient with us even offering extra lessons for free and this went a far way.” Terron Alleyne is an example of what can be achieved through hard work despite the stumbling blocks that may face an individual. His belief he said, is that one should work hard to achieve success easily.
THE POLICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) was established in 1997 during the tenure of the late Commissioner of Police Mr. Laurie Lewis, DSS, with the primary objective of ensuring that best practices obtained in all spheres of the Guyana Police Force. The Department was set up following the participation of a number of ranks on a successful training programme that was geared towards this achievement and which was conducted in the United States of America by the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Programme (ICITAP). ICITAP falls within the US Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and provides international development assistance that supports both national security and foreign policy objectives. Then Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Edward Wills, DSM, who later retired at the rank of Deputy Commissioner, was among the ranks who attended the training programme and was the first Officer appointed to head the Police OPR. This preservation of the integrity of the Guyana Police Force was intended to be achieved by investigating allegations of police negligence, misconduct and impropriety among others, auditing Force procedures, the integrity testing of members of the Force and conducting investigations into allegations/complaints made directly to the Department by the Minister of Public Security, the Commissioner and the Police Complaints Authority. Policemen and women, as well as the public were alerted to the role and function of the OPR; thus, the dawn of a new era in the Administration of the Force was opened to the public who was appreciative and showed more confidence in the Police Force with the establishment of such a unit that they can approach for greater satisfaction, as previously, there was no centralised area to deal with complaints against members of the Force. The confidence and satisfaction of the public, with the results generated through investigations by the OPR led to a growing number of complaints. Consequently, with effect from September 02, 2012, the Office of Professional Responsibility was decentralised to the Police Divisions where adequate staff were posted to promptly address complaints against members of the Force. At the conclusion of an investigation into a complaint made against a rank by a member of the public, advice is sought through the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police. Based on the advice given appropriate actions, whether departmental or criminal, are expedited to ensure speedy resolutions. Statistics indicate that for the year 2015, a total of 619 complaints against members of the Police Force were received at the OPR, compared to 496 reports in 2014. Investigations into the complaints for 2015 resulted in nine (9) police ranks being placed before the Courts on criminal charges, while two hundred and sixty (260) ranks were charged departmentally. For the period January 01 to April 15, 2016, one hundred and ninety three (193) complaints against members of the Force have been made. So far, twenty four (24) ranks have been charged departmentally. Capacity building of the Police OPR is continuous in terms of manpower and training. During August last year twenty eight (28) ranks attached to the unit’s Head Office and in the Police Divisions benefitted from a training programme that was held at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Eve Leary, and which focused on Audit and Inspection and Internal Affairs Investigations. The training programme was organised under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and was conducted by personnel attached to ICITAP. The Office of Professional Responsibility is guided by Section 4 of the Police (Discipline) Act of 1975 Chapter 17:01 of the Laws of Guyana and will continue under the present head, retired Assistant Commissioner Mr. Heeralall Mackhanlall, to be the unit that is bridging the gap between the police and the public in ensuring that complaints against members of the Force are addressed in an impartial and timely manner. The main office of the Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility’s is based at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, and can be reached on telephone numbers 226-8467 and 227-1926.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Explore, Eat and Repeat…
Restaurant Week begins tomorrow GUYANA Restaurant Week begins Friday under the theme “Explore, Eat and Repeat.” Patrons who participate can win daily lunch or dinner prizes at participating restaurants when they take a photograph of their meals at various dinners and post them on the social media pages with the official hashtag #OFFICIALGRW. The grand prize will be won at the end of the week, May 8, with a lucky patron receiving a flight for one to a Fly Jamaica destination. This was disclosed by tourism officials at a press conference Wednesday at the Herdmanston Lodge Hotel, Peter Rose Street, Queenstown, Georgetown. For the event, over 20 restaurants are set to participate, including: Aagman’s, Buddy’s Mei Tung, Cara Lodge, Coffee Bean Café, Duke Lodge, Grand Coastal Hotel, Gravity Lounge, Herdmanston Lodge, Java Coffee Bar, the Marriott Hotel, New Thriving, Oasis Café, OMG, Palm Court, Pegasus Hotel, Silhouette Restaurant, Starbuds Restaurant, The Publik, Wind Jammer, and Xie Xie.
Restaurant Week is a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Public Telecommunications with responsibility for Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG). Indranauth Haralsingh, head of the GTA, said as Guyana prepares to celebrate its 50th independence anniversary, there will be an influx of visitors and restaurant week will capture that market which is part of the many events. “Currently, arrivals are up 7.3% from January to March and we expect this to continue to grow,” he noted President of THAG, Shaun McGrath, said the event is one of two that will be held this year, since it has been a proven success since its inception. “We deliberately picked this time because there are holidays and even Mothers’ Day will be observed during the event. People will have the opportunity to take their families out for lunch or dinner,” he said. He said the multi-course dining experience starts at $2000 for lunch, and $4000
(Left) GTA Head Indranauth Haralsingh and President of THAG Shaun McGrath during the press conference
or $5000 for dinner, including VAT and service charges where applicable; beverages are not included. McGrath noted that the prices are 30% cheaper than usual, so patrons can take advantage of these options. He said many restaurants are upping their game with the menus being offered. A
80 Guyanese to participate in Open Online course on Project Management THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has announced the launch of its first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Project Management Techniques for Development Professionals, on the Harvard-MIT IDB platform. The purpose of the MOOC is to train professionals from public institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and all those who manage or are interested in managing development projects. This MOOC presents concepts and tools that can be applied by any team within and outside the IDB in the implementation of projects. Approximately eighty (80) Guyanese citizens have registered for this online opportunity that was publicised using various channels. In Guyana, the IDB con-
vened a networking session for members of civil society organizations prior to a three-day face-to-face training opportunity on Project Cycle Management. A total of forty (40) participants from thirty-six (36) local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will take part in the training that begins on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Cara Lodge Hotel in Georgetown. The Project Cycle Management training course is being delivered in partnership with the University of the West Indies Mona School of Business Management and is a certification course. It has been designed to build the capacity of participants in project design, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. Fifteen staff members from three NGOs have also been awarded IDB Fellowships to participate in a Proj-
ect Management Institute (PMI) course and become certified as PM4R Project Management Associates via the Harvard-MIT IDB online platform. These initiatives form part of a regional human development agenda as the IDB continues to place great importance on supporting sovereign nations build their human capital. Developed and developing countries prioritize skills improvement as a key strategy for economic competitiveness and growth and civil society plays an important part in achieving that goal. The IDBrecognizes the critical role this resource base plays in complementing other national investments and policies and is proud to support its development through these courses. (IDB)
lot more creativity and local ingredients are being used in many ways to exploit the taste buds of patrons. “We need to move on from the days of when you walk in it’s about chicken and rice, and that was it.” Adding that restaurant week has challenged a lot of businesses to take it to
the next level, McGrath said foods are now cooked and presented in many different ways that make them more interesting to eat. He said Ansa Mcal is now on board with a range of wines that are being offered at a special promotional price. This can be bought for $4,000 or served in a glass
for $1,000, which includes VAT. “There will be as much as 35% to 50% discount at many places; El Dorado and Demerara Distillers are on board and they are offering their products on a complimentary basis in some restaurants,” he noted.
Repairs to Linden/ Ituni/Kwakwani road UPGRADES to the Linden to Ituni to Kwakwani road are part of a plan geared at stimulating development in Region 10. The development of the road networks is vital to the creation of jobs, and the possibility of improving commercial activities, according to Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, and this is why the region has included it into its five-year “action plan”. “We are thinking about the linkage between Linden and Kwakwani, because the movement of goods and services is too costly on that stretch of road…,” Morian said. He observed that the planned upgrade will reduce transportation costs while stimulating trade and other economic opportunities, which will significantly enhance the lives of citizens, particularly traders using the route. “…it will bring down cost, it will open up more lands for business… businesses are going out of Georgetown, which is cramped, so if you could do Linden-Ituni-Kwakwani road,
the Linden to Lethem road, all the corridors along the road, people would want to go there and do different things, manufacturing etc,” he said. Morian observed that minibus drivers plying the route from Linden to Ituni to Kwakwani have long complained over the worsening state of the roads.“Drivers are complaining about spending more money to repair (their vehicles). You do not even have jobs (in the region) but you have a case of the drivers spending more money to repair their cars, service their cars,” he said. “We are doing a lot of work on the ground, but the populace is looking for money to earn so we are caught between a terrible situation where yes, we have to get jobs for the people, but before we can get jobs for the people, we have to get the kind of infrastructure to attract investment,” he added. Additionally, to improve public infrastructure in the region, Morian said that a part of the plan of action for the
region is to bring electricity to Bamia. He said that the regional administration is also working with an investor to power Moblissa. The Administration is also working to have a new Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building. Morian explained that this is to ensure that the councillors perform and deliver services to the region as is expected. “We feel that we have outlived this building because the RDC really should be the agency that is looking over the whole development in Region Ten, which means that we would have to take on more technical staff, more qualified people, so we are looking for a site for a new building,” he said. “The focus is to ensure that the RDC does the function that it was built to do,” he added. “The RDC was supposed to be the hub of employment and development but somehow it lost that mandate. President David Granger is taking it back along that line,” he said. (GINA)
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GBA partners DDL for Schoolboys International Tournament
THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), along with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), yesterday launched its Under-16 Schoolboys tournament, set for tomorrow and Saturday at the National Gymnasium. During the launch, GBA president Steve Ninvalle disclosed that the competition is being held in celebration of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee of Independence and three Caribbean countries in St Lucia, Jamaica and
Barbados are expected to participate. According to Ninvalle a meeting among Caribbean boxing heads was held in Guyana last November and the decision was taken to host a Youth tournament which Guyana volunteered to host. Ninvalle said, DDL through its Pepsi brand instantly jumped on the idea to expand their U-16 programme internationally, adding “This is the first time DDL will be participating
with us on an international level.” DDL Brand executive Larry Wills, making brief remarks said, “It’s something new for our local boxers in that more of them will get the opportunity to face off against international opponents and this will give them some more exposure.” He contended that they are always in support of developmental tournaments that focus on youth and the development of youth.
Youth coach of the tournament, Seibert Blake commended the regional heads for deciding on the idea, saying, “It’s very integral to the development of boxing in Guyana. It’s the nursery stage and it’s good that we are able to put forward this initiative and keep it moving forward.” Prior to the tournament, a number of local boxers were in training and were selected based on a three-week encampment period under the
From back page
ing Guyana internationally saying, “They open a lot for educational opportunities and it lets people know that Guyana does have talent.” The former Guyanese athlete, who took a loan for over US$5000 to assist the students, added that the lack of support on the part of the government increased the stress on the group of coaches and managers and by extension the students. “I think what they (the
government) need to understand is that at the end of the day it is about children and the future; if we do not stop to invest in our youths then where would we be? We’d be stuck in the same place. “We’d be stagnant; whatever these kids’ dreams are let’s try to propel them. An investment in our youth means we have an investment in our future,” she continued. Meanwhile, team manager and coach Kesia Burnette
said the athletes are excited about the opportunity and despite the struggle to arrive in the U.S., they are positive about winning the races. A smiling Burnette told reporters at the John F. Kennedy International Airport the duo was instrumental in getting the team to the U.S., adding that the initial spotting two years ago spurred the process along. “So since then we started to work towards it. They made the times and got selected,” she said proudly.
watchful eyes of Blake. Those not selected for the international aspect of the tournament will take part in a domestic tournament that will run under the same banner, said Blake, as the GBA intends to ensure 100% participation of those encamped boxers. GBA technical director Terrence Poole also echoed Blake’s comments, adding that these boxers are the future stars of Guyana at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics The tournament also has on board Elaine’s Ville, COURTS Guyana Limited and Seon Bristol. (Stephan Sookram)
Fort Wellington School athletes ...
level,” Barry continued. Barry noted that the children are ambitious and have dreams of represent-
South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:10 hrs Resolute Captain 08:45 hrs Crimson Magic 09:20 hrs One Yesterday 10:00 hrs Dragoon 10:35 hrs Hollie Point 11:10 hrs Spider Flower English Racing Tips Lingfield 08:50 hrs Wasseem 09:20 hres Lorelei 10:20 hrs Barleysugar 10:55 hrs Speculator 11:30 hrs Baileys Mirage 12:05 hrs Exist Redcar 09:05 hrs Baltic Beau 09:35 hrs Cersei 10:05 hrs King Of Naples 10:35 hrs Zahrat Narjis 11:10 hrs Galesburgh 11:45 hrs Evanescent 12:20 hrs Footlight Sedgefield 12:15 hrs Carthage
STRUGGLES The team’s manager said she reached out to 12:45 hrs Runswick Relax the Ministry of Education, 13:15 hrs Down Timwe Department of Sport for 13:50 hrs Discay assistance but none was 14:20 hrs Azure Glamour forthcoming, adding, “First 14:50 hrs Play The Ace we took the budget to them 15:20 hrs Helmsley Lad and it was $4 point something million.” Irish Racing Tips She continued, “They Punchestown said they were going to 10:40 hrs Roconga help with the visas first and 11:15 hrs Sizing Codelco after we did the application 11:50 hrs Josies Orders 12:30 hrs Alpha Des Obeaux forms for the visas and the April 6 was the due date for 13:05 hrs Sonny B the payment for the visas. 13:40 hrs Douvan They called us the April 5 14:15 hrs Missy Tata and say they can’t help us 15:45 hrs Invitation Only because we received a private letter from Penn State American Racing Tips and they say the letter was Keenland supposed to be addressed directly to the Department Race 1 Dynamo Ridge of Sport but it came to us Race 2 Duval St. from Ms Tanya.” Race 3 Duchess Bird She described the process Race 4 Bold Contender as a “hassle”. Race 5 Red Lodge “We had to hurry up and Race 6 Sayler’s Creek get some money to get these Race 7 Sky Hero kids their visas, eventually Race 8 Lightning Dove when we get the visas we Race 9War Envoy
reached out back to them, they say when we get visas call them and we gonna start getting the airfare. When we get it, they say, we are not registered with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG). We were so we reached out to them.” Burnette said the group then reached out to Christopher Jones, Director of Sport and provided him with the letter confirming their membership with the AAG, and he then told them only two tickets could be purchased She lauded Fly Jamaica and its director Roxanne Reece, saying “Fly Jamaica was very nice to us. We went to meet Mrs Reece yesterday and got on the flight today. Mrs Reece gave me her contact card and said in case we have any problem here I should call her.” After securing help from Fly Jamaica, the team reached out to Jones who then said the two airfares promised can no longer be provided. She explained that she has every confidence in the team as they continuously perform well adding that last Friday; the team participated in a relay festival at the Leonora synthetic track where “They won every race.” “I am happy, really glad we could come here,,” said one of the younger members of the team. The team is scheduled to depart the U.S. on May 5.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
HACC set sights on inaugural SCA Elite title … get uniform sponsorship from 747 Bar & Lounge
New uniform logo, compliments of 747 Touchdown Bar & Lounge, Lethem.
By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – When Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) won their first-ever Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premiere League tournament in 2010, it marked the beginning of an unprecedented run of success that saw them become the most sought-after team in the league. Despite experiencing what can be rightfully described as a mixed season in 2015, HACC still managed to emerge victorious in a pulsating final versus Scarborough Cricket Club (SCC) on a cold and wintry Saturday last October, thereby registering an unprecedented sixth consecutive championship. It was a victory engineered by a superb unbeaten ton by former Guyana and
West Indies B opener Krishna Arjune with brilliant support from Malaysian Azhad Amidon. After losing two matches during the regular season, HACC survived a scare in a hotly contested semi-final against Highland Creek, who had earlier beaten them in a preliminary round fixture, to come out winners. HACC were hustled out for what seemed an inadequate 128 all out in 38.1 overs but rebounded to bundle out their opponents for a paltry 90 in 45.5 overs, winning by 38 runs. Former West Indies One-day player Royston Crandon, who captured four for 10 from his 10 overs, played a pivotal role in that win. Of much significance, the new season will see the introduction of the Elite League, featuring the top eight teams from last year’s Premiere League and ac-
Flashback: Players, officials and supporters celebrate last year’s victory. cording to HACC president about the prospects of his suchit and Frederick PesNarchand ‘Archie’ Mohan, charges competing in this tano are also scheduled to his team’s aim is not only to version of the game since he join the team which will continue their winning ways feels they are adept with the once again be led by former Guyana and West Inbut also to ensure the club’s necessary know-how. name is indelibly written as Already with several dies batsman Hemnarine the inaugural winners of the seasoned campaigners, Chattergoon. Coupled with the inclutournament. HACC will be further boostHACC have also set ed with the expected return sion of Arjune, Crandon, their sights on the T-20 of former Guyana national vice-captain Anil Samuel competition which the captain Damodar Daesrath, and hard-hitting all-rounder SCA has announced will who last represented Canada Zaheer Allard, HACC’s fire-power is sure to set be reintroduced this sea- in 2013. son with the possibility of Former Guyana Un- tongues wagging. Arjune copped the Most some games being played der-19 player Ejaz Mounder lights. hamed, former Berbice Valuable Player award at Mohan is also excited batsman Loaknauth Ram- last year’s presentation cer-
emony and, apart from his century in the final, he also slammed 132 against Toronto Smashers in a preliminary round encounter while his off-spin bowling was vital in several matches. The club’s reign of successes in finals started in 2010 when they defeated Panoli Cricket Club and this was followed by triumphs over East West XI in 2011, Victoria Park in 2012, Bawa XI in 2013, East West in the aborted final in 2014 and SCC in 2015. Meanwhile, the club is also set to receive substantial sponsorship in the form of uniforms from the 747 Touchdown Bar & Lounge, situated at Airstrip Road, Lethem and owned by Mohan’s nephew Vishal Mohan and wife Reema Singh-Mohan who reside in Canada. The husband/wife combination, who also owns Mohan Contracting firm here, also previously sponsored uniforms under that banner but has consented to extend same under the Guyanese-based business. Other sponsors on board include IR Construction, Tropical Breese, T&M Enterprise, R&S Cargo, North Park Nursing School and R&R Auto.
Lions triumph despite Morris masterclass
A PHENOMENAL allround display from Chris Morris was not enough to stop Delhi Daredevils falling to a single-run defeat against Gujarat Lions in a sensational match at Feroz Shah Kotla in the Indian Premier League. Dwayne Smith (53) and Brendon McCullum (60) mounted an electric start for the Lions with a 112run stand in 10.4 overs, but South Africa international duo Morris (2-35) and Imran Tahir (3-24) restricted them to 172-6. Player-of-the-match Chris Morris hammers Victory looked a dis- one of his eight humongous sixes against tant hope for the Dare- Gujarat Lions, yesterday.
devils until Morris turned around a sluggish innings with an unbeaten 82 off just 32 deliveries, but the death bowling of Praveen Kumar (0-13) and Dwayne Bravo (1-40) ensured the Delhi side came up short in an enthralling close. The Lions’ openers came out in force with Smith hitting 18 off the first over and his partnership with McCullum was worth 50 off just 3.5 overs – the quickest to reach that mark in this season’s IPL. Their powerful start was brought to an end when Tahir trapped
Smith leg-before and Morris followed up with the scalps of McCullum and Suresh Raina (2) in the 12th over. Tahir accounted for Dinesh Karthik (19) and Ishan Kishan (2) but James Faulkner helped set a target of 173 by knocking an unbeaten 22 off 13. However, Delhi’s response was a weak one, losing Quinton de Kock (5) Sanju Samson (1) and Karun Nair (9) to Dhawal Kulkarni (3-19) as they put on just 18 runs in the first five overs. JP Duminy (48) kept the
Daredevils ticking over, but it was the efforts of Morris that put them within reach of what seemed an unlikely victory. The all-rounder hit a 17-ball fifty, surpassing the mark in the midst of a trio of successive maximums, to help put Delhi 18 runs from an astonishing turnaround with 12 balls remaining. Karthik fumbled the chance to stump Morris on the penultimate ball, but the South African could not find the boundary required to triumph off the final delivery. (Omnisport)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 28, 2016
Paul belts U-17s for 156 NSC refutes Penn Relays to give Essequibo victory … Steady rain washes out Wales game team comments By Rajiv Bisnauth
THE National Sport Commission (NSC) is refuting claims that it refused to assist those athletes that are in the United States for the Penn Relays. Contacted last evening by Chronicle Sport, Sport Director Christopher Jones contended that he met with two members of the team twice, the latter meeting being last week Thursday (April 21) and he did not hear from them again. “Following that meeting, I contacted the Regional Education Officer Mr Owen Pollard to get some more information regarding the students and he told me that they were not all from Fort Wellington School. Some came from schools including Mahaic-
hony and Bush Lot Secondary,” Jones said. He noted that the Penn Relays invited a high school or college, not a mixture of schools. While he did offer to offset accommodation for two athletes, he noted that at their time of the initial approach, they had done no fundraising to offset their initial budget, pegged at G$4.2M. Jones also confirmed to Chronicle Sport, that the NSC cannot ‘send’ anyone to get their United States VISA as it has no control over the issuing and granting of such, as also being reported in the some sections of media. Jones stated that more concerning the matter will be released tomorrow.
British police chief suspended over Hillsborough disaster By Michael Holden
LONDON, England (Reuters) - The head of the British police force, accused of covering up failings that led to the death of 96 fans at the Hillsborough soccer stadium in 1989, was suspended yesterday as lawmakers called for prosecutions. The suspension of Chief Constable David Crompton of South Yorkshire Police came a day after an inquest jury concluded that the Liverpool fans who died in an overcrowded, fenced-in enclosure at the ground in Sheffield had been unlawfully killed, with police accepting catastrophic mistakes had been made. “Those responsible must be held to account for 96 unlawful deaths and a 27-year cover-up,” Andy Burnham, the opposition Labour Party home affairs spokesman who has long campaigned for “Justice for the 96”, told parliament. The Hillsborough tragedy changed the face of English
soccer with banks of terracing and metal fences around pitches replaced by modern, all-seated venues. However, families of the victims and survivors were forced to fight for decades to overturn original conclusions that the deaths were accidental and to combat initial police claims that drunken Liverpool fans without tickets had stormed into overcrowded pens. The jury absolved supporters of any blame, and David Duckenfield, the police commander in charge at the match, admitted to the inquest he had lied about fans forcing a gate open, and acknowledged that his failure to close an access tunnel had directly caused the loss of lives. Relatives along with Burnham and other lawmakers had said Crompton’s role as the local police chief was untenable as lawyers acting for the force had repeated the discredited claims about the fans and so perpetuated a cover-up during the two-year long inquest hearings.
KEEMO Paul punished the Select Under-17 bowlers with an aggressive unbeaten century to lead Essequibo to a comfortable 56-run win in the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)-sponsored Hand-inHand Insurance Company Under-19 one-day cricket tournament yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club ground. Paul smashed a 120ball 156 and added 147 with Leslie Allen for the eight-wicket in 15.2 overs as they helped Essequibo reach a challenging total of 231-8 in 44 overs. Essequibo bowlers were fantastic thereafter, as they ripped apart the Under-17 batsmaen for 175 in 42.4 overs. Off-spinner Looknauth Chinkoo (3-19), left-arm spinner Akinie Adams (223) and pacers Paul (2-40) and Reaz Khan (2-30), were the principal wicket-takers. Joshua Persaud stroked a patient 58 in their reply, but the run chase was always a stiff task, after they were reduced to 55-4 in 15 overs. Paul, the Essequibo skipper, had won the toss and decided to bat first on what looked like a surface that would get slower as the game progressed. However, that decision backfired, with Essequibo in peril on 74-8, but the West Indie youth player then played a lone destructive hand, hitting 15 sixes and eight fours in his innings. Essequibo could not get a good start as Na-
Keemo Paul collects his man-of-the-match award from Match Referee Reon King than Persaud (0) was run- it difficult to penetrate the out in a bizarre mix-up bowling, and on the heavy with Mark Williams in the outfield, scoring was diffifourth over with just eight cult. on the board. Paul and Adams took the Williams and Siddiq score to 62 before left-arm Mohamed were patient in spinner Ashmead Nedd (2their approach, going for 15) removed both Adams singles, but Williams broke (4) and Jonathan Fernandes the shackles, hitting Joshua for one. Jones for the innings’ first Things went further boundary in the eighth over. downward for the EssequibEssequibo then lost Mo- ians when Motiram bowled hamed, caught at the wick- Chinkoo without scoring et off leg-spinner Tamesh- and Kevin Sinclair (1-46) war Motiram (3-21) for trapped Miguel Jones leg-beseven before a short sharp fore wicket for six. shower sent the players But Paul’s assuring presscampering off the field ence at one end not only at 36-2. pulled Essequibo out of the The Select Under-17 slump, but also gave them a bowlers emerged from the decent total. break re-energised, and Paul was dropped on claimed the wickets of both 82, but the right-hander Williams and Sachin Persaud was unperturbed by the in the space of five balls. incident and decided to Williams was caught at first slip off Motiram for 13, while Persaud was taken at the wicket off medium pacer Collin Barlow (1-4) for six. Essequibo batsmen at that point continued to find
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Thursday April 28, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Matthew Hayden-572 (CSK) (2) R P Singh-23 (DC)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who struck the highest individual score in IPL 2009? (2) Who had the best bowling figures in a single game of IPL 2009? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
counter-attack, reaching his hundred with three consecutive sixes off 105 balls. The 18-year-old stepped up the run rate further and soon completed his 150 off 119 balls. Allen remained unbeaten on seven. In the run chase, Bhaskar Yadram and Sachin Singh added 34 before Singh retired hurt on 16, but Reyon Venture, who joined Yadram went caught and bowled off Chinkoo without scoring. Adams then removed Yadram for 19 before Chinkoo claimed the wickets of Steve Deonarine (5) and Sinclair (0) with consecutive balls to leave the score at 55-4. Singh, who resumed his innings after the dismissal of Sinclair, added 53 for the fifth-wicket with Persaud, but their hopes of an outside victory ultimately perished when Adams bowled Singh for 39. Essequibo then lost their last five wickets for just 24 runs. Sagar Hetheramani (10), Persaud , Nedd (0), Motiram (1) and Joshua Jones (14) were the batsmen dismissed in quick succession. Meanwhile, torrential overnight and continuous rain at Wales saw the other second round game between Demerara and Berbice washed out without a ball bowled. The third round is scheduled for tomorrow.
Invitational Primary Schools football set for New Amsterdam
FOUR invited Primary Schools of New Amsterdam will compete in an Invitational football tournament as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Guyana. The 3-day tournament will have trophies and prizes at stake and all four teams will be outfitted, compliments of New Amsterdam Primary and Secondary Schools Sports (NAPS), in collaboration with team AFRICARI and co-workers of Oakland, California. Former national youth and senior footballer, Roger Alphonso, whose brainchild it was, established NAPS in 2009 and he will be here along with other members of team AFRICARI during the tournament which will be played between June 1 and 3. The venue for the games is Scotts School ground in New Amsterdam and the school teams are Fort Ordnance, All Saints, St Theresa’s and St Aloysious.
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Brazil receives Olympic flame for Rio Games By Karolina Tagaris
ATHENS, Greece (Reuters) - The Olympic flame that will burn in Rio in August for the first Games in South America was handed over to Brazil yesterday in the marble stadium that hosted the first modern Games in 1896. After a six-day trek across Greece, the flame that was lit last Thursday by the sun’s rays at the birthplace of the Games in Ancient Olympia was presented to the Brazilian organisers. From its overnight perch at the Acropolis museum, it travelled through the streets of Athens before being carried into the stadium - which was built in 330 BC - by Greek high jump Olympic medallist Niki Bakoyianni. After a relay in the stadium, Greek rowing champion Katerina Nikolairou lit the golden cauldron, surrounded by priestesses in long pleated dresses, and the crowd erupted
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is facing impeachment for alleged budget fraud and federal prosecutors are investigating Olympic projects for suspected corruption. Ticket sales have lagged compared to previous Games, with just 62 percent sold so far, according to the Rio 2016
Spyros Capralos, head of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (L), hands over an Olympic torch to Rio’s Olympic chief Carlos Nuzman during the handover ceremony of the Olympic Flame to the delegation of the 2016 Rio Olympics, at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece, yesterday. (Reuters/Alkis Konstantinidis) into cheers. “We ... promise (to) deliver great Games,” Rio Games chief Carlos Nuzman said at the handover ceremony. Rio de Janeiro will host
the Summer Olympics from August 5 to 21 but preparations have been plagued by the country’s worst recession in decades and attentions distracted by political turmoil.
Leaders Slingerz held to 1-1 draw, Fruta Conquerors edge GDF 2-1
POINT leaders of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) STAG Beer Elite League, Slingerz, were held to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening when 11th round action continued at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground, Camp Ayanganna. Meanwhile, in the opening fixture of the double-header card, North Ruimveldt-based team Fruta Conquerors edged host team GDF by one goal (1-0). Andrew Murray opened the scoring with a 43rd minute goal for Alpha, but this was negated by Tichard Joseph (Slingerz) in the 57th minute. Slingerz were reduced to 10 men with seven minutes remaining in their game against Alpha, after Clive Nobrega received a yellow card in the 41th minute and another in the 83rd minute resulting in a red card being shown to him. Delon Lanferman, also of Slingerz, had received a yellow card as well, as early as the fifth minute. In the opening game on Tuesday evening, Jahall Greaves and Rishanan Sandiford scored for Fruta Conquerors in the 72nd and 76th minutes respectively, while Kevin Cottoy scored GDF’s lone goal
Part of GFF’s Stag Beer Elite League match between Alpha United and leaders Slingerz at the GDF ground on Tuesday night. The game ended 1-1. in the 61st minute. The win for Fruta takes them to second in the point standings with 28 points, three adrift of Slingerz’ 31s. To date Fruta Conquerors have won nine of their 11 matches. They lost one before Tuesday’s draw with the leaders. So far the North Ruimveldt-based team have scored 29 goals and conceded 13 for a plus 13 goal difference. Slingerz have not lost any of their 11 games and have scored 27 goals while conceding six for a plus-21 goal difference. GDF, on the other hand, have 14 points from their 11 matches. They won four, lost five and drew two. They have 17 goals for and 22 against for
a minus-five goal difference and sit at fifth in the standings. Alpha are currently third in the standings with 21 after 11 games. They won six, lost two and drew three. They have so far scored 27 goals and conceded 10 for a plus-17 goal difference. The League will continue tomorrow with another double-header at the Camp Ayanganna ground. In the opening game at 18:00hrs, Alpha United tackle the home side, while from 2030hrs, Slingerz and Fruta will battle for the points lead. The winning team of the league will receive $4M, while the second-, third- and fourth-place teams will earn $2M, $1M and $500 000 respectively.
organising committee. Organisers have also grappled with pollution in waters off Rio where sailing and rowing events will be held and an outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus, linked to birth defects in hundreds of children in northern Brazil. The flame will be flown in special safety lanterns to
Switzerland for a ceremony at the United Nations in Geneva today. It arrives in Brazil on May 3 for a relay across the country in the hands of 12 000 torch-bearers before reaching in Rio for the opening ceremony on August 5. Greece hosted the Summer Olympics in 2004.
Three-stage Independence cycle road race set for May 14 and 15
THE 34th edition of the annual Independence ThreeStage cycle road race, the brainchild of national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed, is set for May 14 and 15 and will be coordinated by him. The defending champion is Team Evolution’s Orville Hinds who covered the overall distance (171.4 miles) in a time of six hours 52 minutes 26 seconds. Hinds finished ahead of his Team Evolution teammates Michael Anthony and Raul Leal. Continental Cycle Club’s lone entrant Geron Williams placed fourth while Alonzo Ambrose and Marlon `Fishy’ Williams ended fifth and sixth respectively. The route for this year’s grand event will remain the same with the first stage wheeling off from outside the Corriverton Police Station at 07:30hrs. The cyclists will journey to New Amsterdam for the finish.
Hamza Eastman From 14:00hrs the same day, they will be sent on their way for the second stage from the Rosignol Ferry Stelling and will journey to Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown for the finish. The following day, the third stage will start at 08:00hrs from Kara Kara, Linden Highway and proceed to Homestretch Avenue for the finish. Guyana’s top cyclists, as well as the budding ones, are all expected to be a part of the event which is being held especially to honour Guyana’s Golden Jubilee. At the moment, some of the country’s premier riders are
training and competing on the United States of America circuit, but they are all expected to be part of the spectacular event. Among those in the USA at the moment are Scott Savory, Geron Williams, Jamal John and Hamza Eastman. At the moment, Team Evolution are expected to dominate the event as their riders have been dominating the local scene for the past few months, with Hinds being the most dominant of them. In last year’s event, Hinds placed fourth in the first stage, second in the second stage and third in the final stage which ended on Carifesta Avenue for the first time in the race’s history, as floods last year caused the Homestretch Avenue to be impassable. Cyclists interested in being part of this year’s event are asked to register with Mohamed at his Ministry of Sport office, Homestretch Avenue.
Cities around the world light up buildings 100 days before Rio
(REUTERS) - From the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg to the London Eye in Britain, cities around the world are lighting up buildings and landmarks in the yellow and green colours of the Brazilian flag yesterday to mark 100 days until the Rio Olympics. In Japan, the Brazil-themed illuminations decorated the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building while in South Korea, the N Seoul Tower was lit up for the occasion. Other cities lighting up their buildings include Mexico City, Doha, Buenos Aires and Athens. Th e R io d e Jan eiro games will run from August 5 to 21.
The Tokyo Municipal Government Headquarters is pictured lit in the yellow and green colours of Brazil’s flag in celebration of the 100 days before the 2016 Rio Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (Reuters/Thomas Peter)
NSC refutes Penn Relays team comments See story on page 30
Fort Wellington School athletes to take part in Penn Relays
By Ariana Gordon in the United States
EIGHTEEN athletes from the Fort Wellington Secondary School on the West Coast of Berbice (WCB) arrived in New York yesterday morning to participate in the annual Penn State relay competition being held this weekend. But while the teenagers and their coaches are excited about the opportunity they’ve received to participate in the Philadelphia-based competition, they are disappointed that the Government of Guyana failed to assist them in their efforts. Instead, the team thanked Fly Jamaica Airways, an external Jamaican team, Dynamic Airways and Captain Gerry Gouveia for assisting them with tickets to travel to the U.S. and finances. The youngsters, between the ages of 14 and 18, were spotted two years ago by
The eighteen teenagers from the Fort Wellington Secondary School stand proudly with the Guyana Flag at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York. Also in photograph are: Karen Kraus, Chief Operations Officer Dynamic Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia, and Rickford Burke Chairman of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
GBA partners DDL for Schoolboys International Tournament See story on page 28
Tanya Barry and her partner Mark Webster, a pair of former Guyanese athletes with interest in sport here. According to Barry, “When we go to Penn Relays we don’t have a team to cheer on that’s Guyanese and we said we want to put together a team,” said Barry who continuously expressed gratitude to all who assisted. Upon her return from Guyana after scouting, Barry contacted her Jamaican friend who walked her through the process of getting the youngsters ready for the relay. “A lot of people don’t understand that when these children come here they have a lot of coaches and they may get scholarships and some of these kids have dreams that they want to become an Olympic runner; to see what it is like to compete at that
See page 28
L-R, GBA Youth coach Seibert Blake watches on as GBA president Steve Ninvalle gladly accepts the sponsorship cheque from DDL’s brand executive Larry Wills. GBA TD Terrence Poole also looks on. (Samuel Maughn photo)
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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016