Guyana chronicle e paper 29 04 2017

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‘Ghost teachers’ found No. 104897

SATURDAY APRIL 29, 2017

Price: $80

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COI unearths discrepancies in school system –– floats extension of retirement age to 65

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Housing expo launched

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A section of the gathering at the launching of the Ministry of Communities/Central Housing and Planning Housing Solution 2017 and Beyond Expo at Perseverance Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara on Friday. (Adrian Narine photo)

Police shoot fleeing robber

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US$21.8M land Gov’t flays ‘flawed’ press management freedom index project unveiled Page 8

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Housing Solutions 2017 & Beyond launched

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 29, 2017

–– geared at creating a ‘cohesive community’ in Perseverance

By Navendra Seoraj “HOUSING Solutions 2017 & Beyond,” an exhibition of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) geared at creating a “cohesive community” in Perseverance, East Bank Demerara, was launched on Friday.

Despite inclement weather conditions, Ministers of Government, CH&PA officials, members of the pri-

vate sector, and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force among others gathered at Perseverance to witness the much-anticipated exhibition.

Billed for May 26-28, the expo is set to have on display 10 low-income, five moderate and eight middle-income houses as well as six duplexes and two single units, built by the CH&PA and private contractors.

These include duplexes of three designs and flat houses

on stilts Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson, told those gathered at the launch that the initiative is a step in the path to create a “cohesive community” in Perseverance.

The area, she said, was strategically chosen because the layout is set to accommodate 570 houselots, some of which will help with re-

ducing the 25,000 housing applications’ backlog within the CH&PA system.

Some 200 houses have already been built in the area and the houses that will be on display at the expo will add to the community. At the end of festivities, the houses will be sold.

“What we are actually creating here is a model village. In this model village, none of the potential owners, those who will buy can mod-

Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams- Patterson addressing the launch on Friday ify the houses until after five years,” said the minister.

Aside from being a model village, the area has the

CH&PA Chief Executive Officer, Lelon Saul, giving GDF Chief-of-Staff, Patrick West (centre) a tour of one of the houses that will be on display (photos by Adrian Narine)

potential for the development of reserve sites, community facilities and other features that will constitute a “cohesive and sustainable” community.

The ministry’s move to promote such an initiative comes as an effort to improve the housing-delivery system in the country, by pursuing a range of settlement developments which include the construction of various housing solutions for low and moderate-income houses for all Guyanese.

“This will be done through a partnership with private sector and civil society, so that we will have an integrated and comprehensive approach to the regularisation of squatting areas,” said Minister Patterson.

CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lelon Saul echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that their aim is to provide adequate housing to all by making major investments in the housing sector, developing See page 4

‘Ghost teachers’ found

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 29, 2017

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COI unearths discrepancies in school system –– floats extension of retirement age to 65

By Zena Henry THE discovery of “ghost teachers” was among several issues highlighted in the preliminary report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the state of the education system that was commissioned last year.

The report was handed over to Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine by CoI Chairman Ed Caesar on Friday.

According to the veteran education administrator, the education system is facing financial management issues due to payments to non-existent teachers.

“We have seen paysheets with names of teachers who as far as the headteacher is aware, don’t exist. We have ghost teachers…” Caesar said, pointing out that some teachers were transferred to schools that do not exist.

Minister Roopnaraine said the information points to a criminal matter and the police could get involved.

Caesar said the matter should be investigated by the ministry, pointing out that payroll and financial matters are the responsibility of a specific department within the ministry.

This department, he said, should check to ascertain how the fake names got onto the payroll and what systems are used for managing and monitoring the systems before an official report is made to the police.

The report also found that teachers are interested in the retirement age being extended from 55 to 65 years old.

Caesar reasoned that once retirees provide a clean bill of health, consideration should

be given to allow them to stay in the system until they attain age 65, pointing out that their experience and expertise are invaluable to the system.

On a different note, the commission has recommended that more research be done by the ministry to ascertain whether initiatives by the ministry are working as planned.

Caesar said the ministry’s planning unit should examine professional programmes and educational activities with the aim to ensure they are properly executed.

He also pointed out that education inspectors should have their own unit, since

their work entails smooth running of the school system.

The final leg of the CoI is expected to conclude within two to three weeks.

The veteran educator is hoping to get the inputs of members of the political opposition who once sat at the helm of the Education Ministry and were instrumental in moving it forward.

Caesar said contact was made with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo last December and was of the view that it is a matter of scheduling a date on their part (Opposition), rather than their unwillingness to respond to his invitation.

Education CoI Chairman Ed Caesar handing over the preliminary report to Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine on Friday

‘Barney’ gets 3 years jail for ‘ganja’ possession DELROY Joseph called “Barney” was sentenced to three years imprisonment after he was found guilty by Magistrate Alex Moore of the illegal possession of one kilogram of marijuana.

He was also fined $600,000 at the end of the trial at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. The incident had occurred on July 10, 2015 along the East Bank Berbice roadway. He had escaped from the police but was arrested some sixteen months

Delroy Joseph after and charged.

Police Corporal Winston

Poliah, prosecuting, had led the evidence of several witness, who testified that on the day in question, police were on mobile patrol along the East Bank Berbice Roadway, when they observed the defendant with a black travelling bag.

The court heard that Sergeant Curtis Cort confronted Joseph, but he dropped the bag and fled.

Police found leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be marijuana in the bag.

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Florida National Guard conducts sexual assault prevention workshop at GDF

IN observation of “Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” Brigadier-General Mike Canzoneri, Commander of the Florida Army National Guard (FLARNG), and a team of subject matter experts this week joined senior leaders in the Guyana military to discuss ways of identifying, reducing, and eliminating sexual assault

authority over all FLARNG programmes. In his remarks at the opening ceremony, he stressed the importance of creating a culture where sexual assault, in any form, is not tolerated. He said: “It takes time and is hard work, but in the end, doing the right thing creates a better work environment,” and will lead to lasting change. He went on to

including initiatives introduced earlier this year to better protect ranks from bullying and hazing issues. He also stressed the importance of two-way communication and welcomed ideas and techniques that are effective in Guyana.

Brigadier-General Canzoneri also said it is the responsibility of every military member

A section of the audience at the workshop within the military.

Coast Guard Commander Orin Porter and Guyana Defence Force Deputy Chief of Staff Colonel Nazrul Hussain took part in the opening ceremony.

According to a release by the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Brigadier General Canzoneri commands nearly 10,000 soldiers and exercises management

say that sexual assault destroys unit cohesion and threatens military readiness by eroding bonds of trust.

In order to remain strong, he stressed the need to infuse prevention practices into the daily mission and encouraged officers to report any acts of misconduct. The brigadier-general and his staff shared best practices,

to encourage behaviour that fosters a climate of dignity and respect.

The FLARNG places great value in its ongoing relationship with the GDF, and the Brigadier-General pledged that the two militaries will continue working together to take action to prevent sexual violence in its many forms.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 29, 2017

Housing Solutions 2017 ...

From page 2 green spaces and promoting squatter relocation.

BUY GUYANA CAMPAIGN Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who also spoke at the launch, said “Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond Exhibition” is a “Buy Guyana Campaign.”

Jordan said investment is key to development and is ready to make representation to Cabinet for the provision of incentives to certain investors.

“I am prepared to recommend to Cabinet that we give additional incentives to those private sector individuals and entities who wish to get involved in areas such as clay brick manufacturing and the production of pre-fab houses for the local and overseas markets… representation must also be made by [the] private sector for relief in the lumber sector,” said the minister.

These steps, Jordan said, are necessary, because housing supplies in Guyana have not kept pace with demand. The accumulated housing supply shortfall is due to a number of factors, some of which are of a long-term nature, said Jordan.

It was pointed out that there have been restrictions on land available for housing.

And, Jordan explained, that with the high non-performing portfolios of many commercial banks, the availability of credit for

housing may be further squeezed.

Solving this critical situation is a big challenge for Government, given the high cost of construction materials and other related expenses.

In addition, homes without supporting infrastructure such as water, proper sewerage system, electricity and social services fail to achieve desired benefits.

Affordable housing therefore is a “herculean and multi-faceted” objective for which practical solutions are needed, the finance minister said.

“The expo however represents the roll-out of our programme to reverse the depressed state of the real estate sector in Guyana. The country continues to experience acute problems of affordable housing and to deal with this there is need for higher investment, both private and public,” finance minister said.

Jordan pointed out that renewed construction and development is a worthwhile boost to overall growth in the economy, as well as creating employment and added value in the construction and other industries.

“I am calling for a radical, new approach to renew the quality and availability of social housing in Guyana. By investing in social housing, our Government will help to create a basis for social housing renewal and bring jobs, skills and regeneration to our communities,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 29, 2017

US$21.8M land-management project unveiled

By Svetlana Marshall

THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission and the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) are collaborating on a US$21.8M Sustainable Land Management Project.

On Friday, FAO Representative Reuben Robertson presented the draft project proposal to Trevor Benn,

strengthen current policies and legislative frameworks in the area of Sustainable Land Management, with emphasis on governance.

Secondly, the proposed project will address issues relating to capacity-building. Robertson said while the Lands and Surveys Commission is responsible for the overall management and coordination of Sustainable Land Management in Guyana, it has been unable to fulfil its mandate.

well,” he said in response to a question on the state of affairs at the Commission.

“We are operating on a 19th century infrastructure to deliver 21st century results. So our maps for example, are from the mid to early 1900s, we need to update those maps,” he explained.

Such an upgrade would allow the Government to be better informed when making developmental decisions in the area of infrastructure.

FAO Representative Rueben Robertson presenting a copy of the proposed project document to Guyana Lands and Surveys Commissioner Trevor Benn, in the presence of Manager of the Surveys Division, Rene Duesbury and the Commission’s Legal Advisor, Yolanda Lamott on the right and the Senior Land Administration Officer, Jewel Cheong and Policy Analyst, Durwin Humphrey, on the left.

Commissioner of the Lands and Surveys Commission at his Durban Backlands Head Office. Manager of the Surveys Division, Rene Duesbury; the Commission’s Legal Advisor, Yolanda Lamott; the Senior Land Administration Officer, Jewel Cheong and Policy Analyst, Durwin Humphrey, were also present during the handing over of the project proposal.

The project is expected to be funded through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) Programme with US$16.9M from REDD+, US$4.6M from the Government (Lands and Surveys Commission); and US$300,000 from the FAO. Before handing over the document, Robertson explained that the project is designed to allow for the effective utilisation and management of lands in Guyana.

The 151-page document focuses on five major areas.

The first component of the proposed project, the FAO Representative further explained, will review and

“From the discussions we had and consultations with the relevant stakeholders, we have been able to identify what are those weaknesses and how those weaknesses can be strengthened to reposition the Lands and Surveys Commission to be able to exercise its mandate,” he posited.

Thirdly, when the project comes on stream it will ensure there is sustainable land management and sustainable land-use practices at the ground level. Under this component, a pilot project will be rolled out in three regions to demonstrate how lands can be managed on a sustainable basis here in Guyana.

The fourth project area speaks specifically to project management and the roles and responsibilities specified in each component, while the final component deals with monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Commissioner Benn, in explaining the benefits of the project, said it is long overdue. “We are not doing so

“We need to bring up to date our land-management systems, so that we know who has lands, where it is located, the type of soil in existence in the area, and what the land is used for among other things,” the Commissioner added.

Currently, most of the work conducted by the Lands and Surveys Commission is paper-based; as such the project, if implemented, will set the foundation for the system to be computerised. “We have registers that are from the 1800s, and we need to bring that electronically, so you as a member of the public should be able to access that record, possibly at a fee, should you require from your home.”

Benn emphasised that there is a lot of work to be done to make the system more effective and efficient. There have been cases where applicants had to wait for approximately 20 years to secure their land titles from the Commission, but it is Benn’s hope that the Commission will be able to process the documents within three months.

He clarified that the proposed project will in no way conflict with the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into land issues.

The Commission, Benn explained, is tasked with examining and making recommendations to resolve all the issues and uncertainties surrounding the individual, joint or combinable ownership of lands acquired by freed

Africans, and claims of Amerindian land-titling and other matters relative to land-titling.

“This project is helping us to bring into the 21st century the management of lands generally.”

With the proposed project document officially handed over to the Lands and Surveys Commission, it will be uploaded to the GRIF website for scrutiny from other

stakeholders for a period of 21 days before it goes up for consideration.

In addition to the Lands and Surveys Commission, several entities, institutions and agencies involved in land management here in Guyana were consulted prior to the formalisation of the document. A national sensitisation workshop was also held on March 3, 2017.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 29, 2017

Government to court

THE Opposition is developing a practice of taking the Government to court.

The three branches of government-- Executive, Legislative and Judicial-though equal and independent, serve as checks and balances on each other.

Where the PPP/C, any group or individual for that matter, feels a wrong was committed against them and deserves the intervention of the court, such pursuit cannot be faulted.

The role of the judiciary is to adjudicate on matters of law in order to not only ensure justice is delivered, but also that as a pivotal mediator in ensuring law and order in the society. Effective and efficient functioning of this branch of government is healthy for democracy and in young nations such as ours, very crucial. Recent actions by the PPP/C of taking the APNU+AFC Gov-

ernment to court, for what clearly have been instances where its leadership engaged in alleged acts worthy of certain decisions taken by the state, may give rise to speculation as to whether it is out to waste the court’s time or seeking to escape accountability. Where this perception-- real or perceived -- is held, the court has its job to do and there exists confidence that it can do so judiciously.

Two recent incidents, in a pattern of others, are the law books and the Enmore/ Hope Neighbourhood Democratic Council’s (NDC) computers. In the former, a conservatory order was granted by the court preventing the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) from seizing the books.

The latter, Anil Nandlall, the accused in the former and legal representative of the NDC, said he will file a court order seeking the

return of the computers, among other things. In both instances the properties are those of the state and there has been no denial by the accused that they were not taken by them. Where the conflicts exist is the accused thinking they are within their right to possess these properties, without what the state said, is its approval.

The layman and woman, understandably, taking note, including the admission of possession and the State Asset Recovery Unit and SOCU’s contention that possession did not follow legal procedures, would see the accused wasting the court’s time. But it need not be forgotten even in the face of evidence, some may argue irrefutable, in a court of law the preponderance of it and arguments by those appearing will play a significant role in influencing judgement.

Frank and honest assess-

ment of the state’s ability to represent its cases in court are not without concern.

Cases seen as rock solid in favour of judgement for the state, even too where the accused may very well know their actions were wrong, were defeated due to the quality of the state’s representation. In could be tempting, in situations like this, to think the state has lost because it was wrong, leaving room or creating acceptance, that the action of the accused was never wrong in the first place.

Among the last things citizens want from its government -- whether those in office had your vote -- is the sense that the state is pursuing action that is not in the best interest of its people. Where public opinions can be swayed, that wrong becomes right because of who is involved or accused and this can win through in court, is something to pay

heed to. This trend does harm in undermining the confidence of government and embolden those who can secure the best lawyers.

There was a time when societies, such as the United States and Jamaica, where government was faced with the tough choice of allowing rampage on the state or present convincing arguments that the state will not be undermined by rogue elements. Cases that readily come to mind are the dismantling of drug cartels. Lawyers hired by the accused were not only good in making cases for their clients, whose acts were never doubted by the society, but also able to protect those in official-

dom that were ensnared.

It would not be an untrue statement in saying the state, through its departments would have to be cognisant of respecting the importance of not only having to do thorough homework, presenting the evidence -- testimony, exhibits, etc -- using its best prosecutors, but also that any case pursued on behalf of it must be done to secure justice for the state. Even in the presence of insurmountable public evidence, the judiciary cannot do the work of the executive, who has to do it through the state’s attorneys or prosecutors, be they among the regular corps or specially recruited.

Preying on the poor instead of encouraging them to pray to God Dear Editor MY attention was recently drawn to the disgusting practice of some self-styled ‘Pandits’ who encourage unsuspecting persons to contact them for relief from various forms of personal difficulties such as financial, domestic, romantic, health issues etc, etc. The ‘services’ of these unscrupulous ‘pandits’ are commercially advertised in the newspapers, radio and TV stations like any other money-making ‘business.’

Some of the perpetrators advertise themselves as having come from India, presumably as a ploy to project themselves as supe-

rior to the ‘lesser’ Guyanese ‘pandits’…..and perhaps to justify their higher ‘fees’!

I do not think that a genuine, sincere ‘Pandit’ will engage in any such scam aimed at self-enrichment at the expense of poor, bewildered people whose faith in God might have been shaken; these people need guidance to restore their faith in God…not to redirect them to some ‘short-cut’ bribery of God via unscrupulous scamps and charlatans parading as ‘Pandits.’

I wish to take this opportunity to plead with our genuine Pandits as well as the leadership of our Hindu organisations such as the

Dharmic Sabha, the Virat Sabha, the Guyana Pandits Council et al to use their good offices and personal influence to help eradicate this scourge from our society.

(Also, it is perhaps opportune to start considering the possibility of certifying or licensing qualified Pandits who would have graduated from some formal training and who can then be appointed and paid regular salaries by the mandirs which employ them; after all, the pandits are regular people whose material needs must also be met. Of course, this suggestion might be easier said than done, but I

do not think it is beyond our collective ability to initiate the relevant discussion and appropriate action).

I should also mention that I previously shared the substantive contents of this letter with a number of Hindu friends in Guyana and the Canadian diaspora, all of whom support the idea that something needs to be done; for example Dr B. Doobay, the highly accomplished cardio-vascular specialist who is also an active, widely respected Hindu priest in Canada has asked to be associated with the views expressed in this letter as he himself in his weekly sermons at the popular Vishnu

Mandir in Toronto has been spreading similar messages and warnings.

Finally, I share with readers the following extract from a report in the Globe News in Toronto (ref. http://global news. ca/news/3845530/psychiccharged-with-witchcraft after extorting $100,000. to exorcise evil spirit-police).

In summary: the police claimed that an astrologer and psychic known as Master Raghav who was living in Toronto but visiting from India, handed out his business cards at a Rexdale Mall in February --March. A Brampton man who received one of

the cards set up an appointment (which cost just $20.) and was informed that a sick family member had been “the victim of an evil spirit.” After this initial ‘psychic reading’, the man was convinced to withdraw $101,000 from his bank and provide it to the psychic to remove the evil spirit. The exorcism was ‘not successful’ and the victim reported the matter to the police; the psychic was arrested and fined $5000. In the meantime the sick relative is still sick!

Regards Nowrang Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 29, 2017

I have no confidence in parking meters negotiating team Dear Editor, REPORTS in the Kaieteur News (KN) and Stabroek News (SN) on Thursday, April 27th, 2017 referred to the holding of an Extraordinary (KN)/Special Statutory (SN) meeting of the Georgetown City Council on Tuesday, 26th April 2017, when a committee of seven councillors was appointed to represent the council at the discussions to renegotiate the parking meter contract with SCSL. This committee of negotiators is to be led by Councillor Malcolm Ferreira with Councillor Noelle Chow Chee as the vice-chair. At the outset I want to congratulate the four persons who negotiated the original contract for recusing themselves in this phase of the negotiations. That is the way to go. I hope there will be no attempt by them, working behind the scenes, to influence the final outcome of the negotiations.

I also want to place on record at least three concerns which I have about the composition of the team in the new round of discussions. The first is about the mandate of the negotiating

Saturday, April 29, 2017 Sunday, April 30, 2017 Monday, May 01, 2017 Tuesday, May 02, 2017 Wednesday, May 03, 2017

team. It is normal to expect that such a team will have a mandate that represents the consensus of the Council.

Council may not wish to say publicly what is the mandate of the council, but has the team been given one or has it got to find its own way during the discussions?

Second, because members of the negotiating team either supported or condemned the original contract when it was placed before the Council for ratification, do they have the ability to rise above the limitations of their contributions in the Council and unite to arrive at a decision which advances the interests of the citizens of Georgetown and by extension Guyana, while protecting the national patrimony.

Third, the absence of a skilled, highly qualified legal mind on the team who will be able to combat the expertise which SCSL will bring to the negotiations, is worrying. I strongly believe that one of the mistakes made by those who negotiated the original contract with SCSL was that they did not avail themselves of the services of an accomplished legal mind to counter the

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legal expertise SCSL had at its disposal. It is foolhardly to believe that SCSL did not make use of legal minds when it conceived the first contract. It is even more foolhardy to believe that in this new dispensation, they will not bring to the table persons with the requisite legal skills to help them maintain the hold they have

over the Council by the time the negotiations will have concluded. The Council may argue that in the person of Councillor Carlyle Goring it has someone who has some legal training. The question however is: does he possess the expertise and knowledge of the law to meaningfully assist the Council in achieving the

kind of contract that we all will have confidence in?

The Council must give the impression that it is taking the negotiations seriously and, I am sorry to say, that at this point in time it is not conveying that impression.

I wish to conclude by saying to the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown – do not

repeat the mistakes of the past. Appoint a negotiating team that is capable of doing justice to the expectations of all Guyanese. The team announced by Council on Wednesday, April 26th, 2017 is one in which I have no confidence.

Regards Desmond Trotman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 29, 2017

Several companies awarded for promoting workplace safety

SEVERAL companies were on Friday awarded by the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH), for ensuring that their employees are working in an environment free of hazards and risks.

The award ceremony was undertaken at the Herdmanston Lodge in the presence of Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, Vice- Chairperson, NACOSH, Patricia Woolford and President, Guyana Teachers’ Union, Coretta Mc Donald among other invitees and company representatives.

Minister Ally explained that the safety and health of all workers in every sector of Guyana is of a high priority to the government. She said the awards ceremony was created to encourage individuals and organisations to

establish effective systems for managing occupational safety and health, and to inculcate a culture of prevention in the daily duties of workers and employers in order to sustain safe practices for the future.

“While new challenges and emerging new risks will arise, I urge you to continuously adjust your Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) system and standards to keep on par with current developments and new regulations and policy guidelines, so that you may better guarantee a conducive and sustainable working environment,” Minister Ally underlined.

The national OSH workplace award is the highest accolade given to those that lead the way in preventing accidents, and ensuring that workers are kept safe and healthy. Minister Ally reaffirmed government’s com-

Gov’t flays ‘flawed’ press freedom index THE Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana said it is deeply concerned by what it considers to be a deeply flawed and undated report on Guyana’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RWB).

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has portfolio responsibility for information, is quoted in a statement issued by the Department of Public Information that he is unaware that RWB has conducted any survey or inquiry into press freedom in Guyana and questions whether its findings were based on credible sources. The report states, “(j)ournalists are subjected to harassment that takes the form of prosecutions, suspensions and intimidation.”

“The Government of Guyana is not aware of a single instance of any journalist being subjected to harassment or prosecution in Guyana since May 2015 when the Coalition Government assumed office. The Government of Guyana suspects that the Reporters Without Borders write up on Guyana is based on old information, which pre-dates 2015.

Guyana has since distanced itself from the crude subversion of the press, and its conversion into partisan political propaganda outlets under the previous government,” the statement added.

According to the government, recently there were two cases of unjust suspension of state media employees which were robustly condemned by senior officials of the Government of Guyana. “These were addressed to the satisfaction of the affected employees. The media in Guyana has never had greater latitude and freedom to operate without interference from government intrusion, control or direction that it presently does.”

“The Government of Guyana is pleased to have recently approved the appointment of an independent and professional Board of Directors of the National Communications Network (NCN) and is currently reviewing the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited with a view to reconstituting that board as well.

The Government of Guyana is unaware of any intimidation of media workers and calls on Reporters Without Borders to update its country information with current and relevant information which reflects the reality in Guyana, and not allow itself to be compromised by fake news and false reports.”

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally mitment to promoting the protection of workers’ safety and health. She pointed out that as part of ongoing efforts to promote OSH, numerous activities , including OSH walks in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven and 10.

Meanwhile, OSH Advisor at the Ministry of Social Protection, Gwenneth King, in providing a brief history of the award ceremony, highlighted that it was first launched in 1996 to recognise and reward individuals, then workplaces for their contribution to the development of OSH in Guyana. She added that from 1996 to 2000, 15 individuals and five workplaces have received awards.

However, the award programme was suspended at the end of 2000 pending a review. “While deliberating the best method of addressing the issue, we got a copy of the British Safety Council Award Scheme, and with some modification we were able to introduce the requisite programme.

In 2003 the award resumed; there were lapses, but it was reintroduced this year again,” King stated.

The various categories of the award are the work place, joint workplace safety and health committee, individual and special awards. The first three are for individuals and groups within the workplace, and the final one is for persons, NGOS and educational institutions that contributed to the development of OSH in Guyana, King said.

Vice-Chairperson, NACOSH, Patricia Woolford said the objective of the awards is to encourage all companies to lift their environmental standards, and improve the conditions under which people work and serve. Woolford added that today, NACOSH is embarking on a plan of action to sensitise the nation on all matters of OSH, paying attention to the mining sector, construction and other areas where accidents and

occur. “Currently, we are in the process of ratifying the national policy on Occupational Safety and Health, which, when approved and implemented, will see substantial advances in OSH…. as we take into consideration the need for persons with disabilities and youths among others,” Woolford pointed out.

GTU President Coretta Mc Donald, lauded the event noting that this is the right direction to promote the health and safety of employees. Demerara Distillers Limited, Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Massay Gas Product Guyana Limited, National Milling Company of Guyana Incorporated and Linden Hospital Complex are among those that benefitted from workplace awards. (GINA)

Gov’t approves appointment of Netherlands Ambassador CABINET has approved the appointment of His Excellency Anne Gerard van Leeuwen to the position of Non-Resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Ambassador van Leeuwen most recently served as Consul-General in Toronto, Canada, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Since joining the

Dutch Foreign Service in 1990, in addition to holding a number of positions in the Foreign Ministry, he worked in various diplomatic posts in Ottawa, Canada; Jakarta, Indonesia; and in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, on 15 May 1970, the Netherlands has provided technical assistance to Guyana in the areas of flood risk manage-

ment and civil engineering, among others. Most recently, a team of Dutch engineering students came to Guyana to work with local agencies here to design a model of an effective drainage system for the city of Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Guyana has continuously supported foreign policy pursued by the Netherlands, including its recent candidature for a non-permanent seat on the

Ambassador Van Leeuwen United Nations Security Council for 2017 to 2018.

Ambassador Van Leeuwen will be based in Suriname.

Police shoot fleeing robber A SUSPECTED thief was shot in the leg while on the run from a city constable after reportedly committing a brazen daylight robbery in downtown, Georgetown.

The suspect, identified as Mark Moseley, reportedly snatched the wallet of a pensioner, while in the vicinity of Robb Street and Avenue of the Republic shortly after 16:00hrs.

He had reportedly traced the pensioner from a cambio in the area before launching his attack.

“Corporal Couchman was on duty in the area when he heard, ‘thief! thief!’ and observed a known character running east,” City Council’s Assistant Superintendent, Cheryl Bovell said.

Corporal Couchman re-

City police trying to contain the suspect portedly called out to the suspect to surrender but the man continued running.

It was while being pursued by the constable and public- spirited citizens that

the suspect was shot in the lower left foot. The shot robber was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital under heavy police guard.

But before he was taken to

the GPHC, he was first taken to the City Constabulary, but not without a fight. Pandemonium broke out in full view of the public when Moseley attempted to disarm a corporal.

“He was very much disorderly. He wanted to take away the weapon from the rank, he wanted to take over the station and jump over the counter,” the assistant superintendent reported.

Upon receiving reports of the shooting, ranks from the Guyana Police Force arrived at the municipality to lend assistance. When Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene, the suspect was being transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital by armed ranks and constables.

He remains in police custody.

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Australia impressed with Guyana, envoy renews support

DEPUTY Secretary of Australia, Penny Williams has assured Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo of the country’s continued support to Guyana as a member of the Commonwealth Family, especially in maintaining its territorial integrity.

According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, during a meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency, the former Global Ambassador for Women and Girls disclosed that Australia was very impressed by the strengthening of governance mechanisms, especially in public integrity, as Guyana prepares to produce oil and gas.

It was noted that Prime Minister Nagamootoo, performing the duties of the President, briefed the senior Australian envoy on improvements in governance systems, human

relations in 1973,” the release noted.

The Deputy Secretary was accompanied

by High Commissioner, John Pilbean. According to the release, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to extend appreciation to Australia for small grants to help address poverty and support for the social sectors.

He expressed hope that such assistance could be continued, especially for women and indigenous people.

During her visit, the Deputy Secretary met with government officials, including Minister of Natural Resources, as well as Australian companies involved in gold mining.

Shadick takes her seat at GNBA Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Australian Deputy Secretary, Ms Penny Williams and Australian High Commissioner to Guyana, John Pilbean rights and other democratic practices under the new government.

“Ms Williams is visiting Guyana to promote

Australia’s candidature for election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 20182020 term, and is seek-

ing Guyana’s support.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Guyana’s friendly relations with Australia, since establishment of

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties of the President on Friday swore in the Opposition Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Bibi Shadick as a director on the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) board.

The GNBA new board of directors was effective from February 1, 2017 and will serve for two years ending January 2019. Ms Shadick is pictured in this OPM photo receiving her instrument of office from PM Nagamootoo.

Baracara to receive boost in agricultural production tomatoes for example. We can assist you in making of tomato pulp for tomato paste.

These are all options you as a community can venture into to boost your livelihood,” she said.

Addressing the issue of the depletion of the genetic base of cattle raised by residents of the community, CEO, Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA)Nigel Cumberbatch, said the authority can assist in not only resi-

opposed to 2105 in 2015. For the first quarter of this year, 819 were successfully done.

Meanwhile, CEO, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Fredrick Flatts, committed to sending a team of engineers on Tuesday to the community to address their irrigation and drainage woes. According to Flatts, the community, which has access to abundant lands, can be even more productive with the development of proper drainage

services.

“You are the ones first to be at a disadvantage. However, my team and I have embarked on a number of outreaches to address farmers’ issues countrywide. The sustenance and improvement in your livelihood is important and through the respective agencies and departments within the Ministry of Agriculture, we will be looking at ways in which we can assist you,” he assured.

Meanwhile, as it relates

(L to R) Assistant Chairman of Baracara, Glenton La Fleur (standing); Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder; CEO, GLDA, Nigel Cumberbatch and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s Region Six representative Gobin Harbhajan are seated at a table during Thursday’s outreach to Baracara, Region Six. FARMERS of the small agricultural community of Baracara, located along the Canje River, will soon receive a boost in their agricultural production following an intervention by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and a team of officials who visited the community on Thursday.

Residents of the community had complained about the lack of financing and markets for their produce along with poor drainage and irrigation, forestry leases among others.

Chairman of the community, Glenton LaFleur, spoke of the effect pests and diseases have on their production, but said too that the issue of soil deficiency is of major concern to the community.

“We have over the years been a major supplier of cash crops to the nation, however, this has been on the decline in recent times due to a lack of access to market…,” said LaFleur. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Dr. Oudho Homenauth, committed to assisting the community with fertilizers and chemicals and noted that with respect to soil deficiencies and marketing, a team of extension officers and officials from the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) will visit the community soon to work with farmers in that regard.

Meanwhile, General Manager of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, Ida

Sealey-Adams, told the residents of ways they can not only tap into local markets through the support of her organisation, but also ways in which GMC’s marketing experts can assist in value-added production.

The concept of contract-farming between purchasers such as the GMC and suppliers featured prominently in the general discussion and according to Sealey-Adams, oftentimes there is a glut of produce on the market, leading to low prices being offered for agricultural produce. While this can be a major deterrent, farmers now have options to do value-added production which is now the ‘new thing’ in agriculture.

“You mentioned the glut of

A section of the audience at the meeting dents access to quality breeds of bulls at a reduced cost, but look at the possibility of Artificial Insemination (AI).

The GLDA has a successful artificial insemination programme ongoing and has been offering the services to farmers across the country. In 2016, the authority successfully completed 2028 AIs as

and irrigation structures.

Subject Minister Noel Holder underscored the importance of agriculture to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and noted Government’s support to the sector. Holder said oftentimes farmers who live in far-flung communities are at a disadvantage when accessing

to leases by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Minister Holder committed to raising the issue with the subject minister. Minister Holder was also accompanied by Chief Hydromet Officer, Dr Garvin Cummings, and the Prime Minister’s representative for Region Six, Mr. Gobin Harbhajan.

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36 months jail for man who stole bicycle, gold chain A PORTER was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment after he admitted to break and enter and larceny.

Paul Sargent, 40, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated that on April 19, 2017 at La Penitence, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling home of Shawn Wilson and stole a $15,000 bicycle, along with a $50,000 gold chain.

According to reports, Sargent and the victim live in the same area and on the day in question, the latter secured his premises and went to the bathroom, when he noticed several wallboards misplaced. He then checked his home and discovered that his bicycle and gold chain were missing.

The matter was reported and investigators reviewed nearby CCTV footage in the area when they observed that Sargent jumped over Wilson’s fence and removed the wallboards.

Sargent did not have legal representation in court and when asked by the Magistrate why he took the man’s bicycle, he said, “I need a bicycle so I stole it”.

Miner charged with murder of farmer A MINER appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, charged with the murder of a 52-year-old farmer, whose mutilated body was found along a trail in Moruca Sub-district, Region One (Barima/Waini) last month.

Daniel Rodrigues, 30, of Koko Island, North West District was not required to plead to the capital offence, which alleged that on March 17, 2017 at Moruca, he murdered Ganga Persaud Changa of Santa Rosa Village, North-West District.

The unrepresented man was remanded to prison until July 4, 2017. According to reports, on the day in question at about 9:00hrs, Changa was heading to his farm at Koko Island, when he was approached by the suspect, who was armed with a cutlass.

The man reportedly assaulted Changa, who was dealt multiple chops about his body. His left hand and both feet were severed. He also received wounds to the neck and back.

Teen imprisoned for 2 nights, claims police brutality A TEENAGER, who allegedly stole a cell phone, has accused a policeman of beating him at the Springlands Police Station.

The 14-year-old claimed that he was beaten, kicked and thrown into a cell, where he spent two nights. The young man of Church Street, Springlands, was taken to the station on Monday April 24, where he was allegedly assaulted by a named police rank, after he denied that he stole the phone.

This newspaper was shown marks of violence on the teenager’s right hand, right shoulder and left knee.

When contacted, Deputy Commander of the Division, Errol Watts confirmed that a report was received, but said he is unaware of the level of assault.

Ranks attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are now tasked with thoroughly investigating the matter.

The teen, along with a sibling were abandoned by their parents and they now live with their grandmother.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 29, 2017

Man admits to manslaughter, cousin pleads not guilty DHARAMRAJ Persaud, known as Chris, appeared before High Court Judge, Justice James BovellDrakes in Berbice on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Persaud was jointly charged with his cousin, Yougeshwar Dhanama, known as ‘Shem’ or ‘Jo Jo’, for the offence of murder. It is alleged that on April 29, 2012 in the County of Berbice, they murdered Saisnarine Persaud called Suraj.

Persaud pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, while Dhanama pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. As such, Yougeshwar Dharamraj Prosecutor, Orintha Schimdt informed the court that the State will not offer any evidence against Dhanama and his case was adjourned to May 2, 2017 as he remains on remand.

As it relates to Persaud, lawyers Tania Warren Clement and Kim Kyte, requested a two week adjournment to facilitate the presentation of a probation Dharamraj Persaud report on Persaud’s background.

This request was granted and the matter was adjourned to May 11, 2017 when Persaud will be sentenced.

Police still to identify naked, burnt body tied to tree

THERE has been no major development in investigations surrounding the death of a man whose naked burnt and badly decomposed body was found tied to a Courida tree on the Onverwagt West Coast Berbice foreshore on Wednesday last.

Official sources cited lack of identification as the main issue since the body had decomposed beyond recognition.

“We are still hoping that someone will come forward and make a missing person report so that the investigation can move on.”

The source also ruled out the possibility of a post mortem examination before the end of the week, saying that such a move before the body is properly identified will be resorted to only after some more time has elapsed.

The body of the male was discovered in a clump of bushes near to an old koker on the Onverwagt foreshore, a mile from the public road and east of the MMA/ADA Trafalgar Pump Station. The discovery was made by a search party acting on information received. A source disclosed that the area is accessible by a motor vehicle and there is a strong possibility that the man was transported there tortured and killed and the body then set ablaze.

A member of the search party which discovered the body said that clumps of hair observed near the body suggested that the dead person may have been of mixed race.

Meanwhile, another source reported that the police were questioning a member of the Community Policing Group in West Berbice, whose information led to mobilisation of the search party and the discovery.

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GGI ready to help Guyana operationalise Green State Strategy

GUYANA could soon see the operationalisation of the Green State Strategy with the assistance of the Global Green Growth Institute of which we are a founding member.

Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General of the Institute paid a courtesy call on the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Thursday at which time the matter was discussed.

Also present at the meeting were Ndibi Schwiers, Director of the Environment and Trevor Benn, Commissioner of Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, among others.

This courtesy call was seen as productive as the Director General came to see whether Guyana would be interested in the opportunities available to it as a member of the institute, since its establishment in 2012. This reengagement between the Government of Guyana and the GGGI comes at an opportune time when the ‘Framework of the Guyana Green State Development Strategy and Financing Mechanisms has just been completed and will be guiding the prioritised areas to be developed in the Green State Development Strategy

(GSDS).

According to a release by the Ministry of the Presidency, it is the intention of GGGI to assist the Government of Guyana in the three areas that they are focusing on, which are coincidently the three areas that the government has determined to be a priority; renewable energy, green cities and the REDD +.

This institute seeks to assist the government in the areas of capacity building, accessing funding for projects and assisting in the conceptualisation, implementation and operationalisation of projects that would see the country and its people benefiting significantly.

The Government of Guyana welcomes the opportunity to work with this institute as its’ mission is in alignment with the mission of the government which is ‘supporting the transition of GGGI Member countries toward a green growth model by developing and implementing strategies that simultaneously achieve poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Security Guard charged with murder of neighbour A GUARD attached to the RK’S security firm appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday, charged with the murder of his neighbour.

Shelton Bowen, 41, called “Muslim” appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead to the indictable offence, which alleged that on April 25, 2017 at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he Shelton Bowen murdered 44-year-old called “Muslim” Mark Ifill called “Yankee.”

The unrepresented man, also from Bagotstown, was remanded until May 18, 2017.

According to reports, the two men are neighbours and on the day in question, they had a heated argument over the removal of a GWI water pipe. The argument soon turned into a physical altercation, during which Bowen reportedly dealt Ifill a blow to the head with an object; residents quickly intervened and parted the fight.

Dead: Mark Ifill However, it reported that Bowen returned shortly after and allegedly stabbed Ifill to the chest after the fight was parted by public-spirited persons.

The man collapsed a short distance away; a team of medical personnel from the Georgetown Public Hospital responded and pronounced Ifill dead.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon with officials of GGI and other officials of Guyana

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18 graduate from skills training courses - Open Doors Centre gifted with new disability-friendly vehicle

By Telesha Ramnarine EIGHTEEN trainees from the Open Doors National Vocation Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities graduated from various skills training courses

on Monday at the Pegasus Hotel.

The graduates, ranging from under 20 to over 50 years old, took courses in Information Technology (IT), garment construction and craft, electronics and electron-

The overall best graduating student, Joshua Smith, was hired by the Ministry of Public Health

ic installation, carpentry and joinery. The curriculum was supplemented with training in entrepreneurial skills, calculation, communication, sign language, games and sports.

The programme, which lasted for two years, also provided an opportunity during its final 12 weeks for the trainees to gain real job experience at both government and private agencies. In fact, the overall best graduating trainee, Joshua Smith, was hired by the Ministry of Health to work in its IT Department.

The work attachment agencies included Carnegie School of Home Economics, Community Based Rehabilitation Programme, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four, and the National Commission on Disabilities.

Apart from Smith, the others who graduated were:Anand Achaiya, Travis Anderson, Rodwin Belgrave, Lyndon Benfield, Jean Best, Colin Blair, Gregory Blackman, Jamal Browne, Wickland Ceres, Marie Gonsalves,

From left are: Director of Rehabilitation Services,Ariane Mangar; Minister within the Ministry of Public Health,Dr. Karen Cummings; Instructor Avril Boston and centre manager Arthur Lewis Ayana Marcus, Hazel Morris, Melissa Moses, Daniel Pile, Delesia Singh, Dennis Thomas and Rushena Williams.

The guest speaker at the ceremony, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health,Dr. Karen Cummings, said her ministry was pleased to be able to play a notable role in the preparation of differently-abled persons to engage in practical skills training that can result in their becoming gainfully employed and engaging in entrepreneurial activity.

“Everyone has a right to an education that provides them with a goal and purpose in life. This government wants to ensure that there’s reduction in the unemployment rate for persons with disabilities.

We certainly want persons to have this good life as we strive to improve the lives of persons with disabilities from a social point of view,” she expressed.

The minister took time out

to recognize the two trainees who were over the age of 50, concurring with the saying that ‘age is just a number.’

“I want to underscore today that the Ministry of Public Health, and by extension our government under the astute leadership of President David Granger, is committed to enhancing the lives of all Guyanese, providing the best quality public healthcare to all, including the differently-abled.”

Asking the graduates to stand, she charged: “I encourage you to be bold and ambitious. I want you to know that there’s a place in our society for all of you. Continue to learn as you serve in your communities. I charge you to continue your pursuit of excellence. The sky is the limit; never quit. Never limit yourselves. Set achievable goals and work diligently at realizing them.”

Meanwhile, manager of the centre,Mr. Arthur Lewis,

drew attention to some of the challenges faced by those who are differently abled, including access to transportation and other public conveniences, being “woefully” underqualified, being denied promotions, and in some cases, even being denied a decent job. It is with these in mind, he noted, that the center wants to bridge the gap.

He noted that 40 students in total enrolled in this project and were helped by eight instructors. Those who were found to be very slow at learning were allowed to continue at the centre. According to Lewis, the centre is also hoping to add new subject areas to its curriculum,including cosmetology, food preparation and agriculture, and wants to be able to train more persons at a time.

At the end of the ceremony, the centre received a brand new disability-friendly vehicle, thanks to the Ministry of Public Health.

Minister Cummings encouraged the graduates to press on

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Works at Kitty Seawall moving apace - MPI

Works underway at the Kitty Seawall to restore drainage capacity at the Kitty pump station (Ministry of Public Infrastructure photos) THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure on Friday announced that works at the Kitty Seawall are moving apace and noted that the first phase of works is scheduled to be completed by mid-May. In the statement to the media, the Ministry said 20 per cent of the works have been completed and thus far the Carifesta Avenue leg of the culvert has been removed.

“Work has begun on its reconstruction,” the statement said.

Late last year a sinkhole had developed at the seawall road in the vicinity of the Kitty Pump Station causing much concern. As a result of the sinkhole, a roundabout

was created to facilitate traffic moving easterly along Carifesta Avenue.

Chief Roads and Bridges Officer of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ron Rahaman, was reported as saying that the contract for the project was awarded to Colin Talbot Contracting Services and indicated that three pipes feeding the Kitty pump station had failed.

Approximately $142M has been set aside to repair the pipes and replace the road damaged by the sinkhole.

Meanwhile, the Ministry noted that at the end of the project, the drainage network will be completely redesigned to increase drainage capacity.

21 more Cuban health professionals complete their stint THE Government of Guyana has expressed its appreciation to the 21 departing Cuban health professionals who have completed their tenure in the local health sector.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings, expressed the government’s appreciation to the departing batch at a farewell ceremony last evening at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street. “It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I stand before you this evening to express thanks to you on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana. The services you have provided to the Guyanese people during your stay here can never be understated,” the minister said.

She noted that the bilateral relations between the two countries have been beneficial, especially in enhancing and preserving lives through the work that they undertook. Minister Cummings said that she is satisfied with the work done by the health professionals, especially with their profound proficiency within certain fields.

The minister stressed that the government looks forward to more collaborative support from the Cuban government, especially in the field of medicine. Additionally, Ambassador of Cuba to Guyana Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante, told the health professionals that returning to their homeland with their duty fulfilled is considered to be highly rewarding.

The Ambassador applauded the Ministry of Public Health for giving Cuban nationals the opportunity to contribute and raise the living standards of the people of Guyana by providing proper healthcare. Last month, the minister highlighted that the work of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Guyana has paved the way for other initiatives that will enhance efforts to further modernise and improve the healthcare system.

“We at the Ministry of Public Health recognise the intrinsic role Cuban healthcare professionals have played, and in some measure continue to play, in our local public health system,” Minister Cummings stated.

(GINA)

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$60M approved to rehabilitate, expand Mazaruni Prison

By Svetlana Marshall

CLOSE to $60M will be spent to further rehabilitate and expand the Mazaruni Prison, while an additional $26.5M will be paid to a consultancy company for the design of the expansion of the prison.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the contracts for the projects, were among a number of contracts approved by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) of which Government has taken note.

The rehabilitation and construction of living quarters

President David Granger and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and prison officials during their tour of the Mazaruni Penal Settlement last year (File Photo)

at the Mazaruni Prison will be executed within two lots.

The contract for the first lot, totalling $28.141M, will be executed by A. Nazier and Son Contracting.

R. Kissoon Contracting Service will execute the second lot to the tune of $30.447M. Meanwhile, a contract in the sum of $26.5M was awarded to Vikrab Guyana Limited for the provision of consultancy services for the design of the expansion of the Mazaruni Prison.

Minister Harmon explained that most of the works being executed are rehabilitative and will also include the fencing of the 20 acres of land on which the prison sits. The expansion, he said, will cater

for the additional prisoners that would be brought from the Georgetown Prison to reduce overcrowding at that facility.

He said it is important for Government to provide suitable living conditions for prisoners.

“We are trying to make better accommodation for prisoners in keeping with the standards that are obtained all around the world…. Even though they are in prison, we still have to treat with them as proper human beings,” he told reporters.

Earlier this year, approximately $77M was approved for the construction of six living quarters at the Mazaruni Prison, along with prison blocks for inmates.

The contract which was allocated in two lots, saw one lot attracting $41,127,930.

That contract was awarded to N&A Construction.

The other lot has attracted $35,820,000, and awarded to A.A.V Raghubeer General Construction.

President David Granger, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, had visited the prison last year, during which several issues were raised.

Chief among them was the need to construct more prison blocks to facilitate the transfer of prisoners from the Georgetown Prison in an effort to ease the overcrowding at the facility. Additionally, it was noted that the living quarters of prison officers were in a deplorable state and needed attention.

The State currently spends over $400,000 on one prisoner per year at the Camp Street penitentiary. Repeat offenders have increased over the years, this, was disclosed in the findings of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Camp Street prison riot that claimed 17 lives following a fire on

March 3, 2016.

Cabinet earlier this year had also agreed to the establishment of a Steering Committee for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-approved US$8 million Criminal Justice System Project.

This project is aimed at assisting Guyana to overcome prison overcrowding, by reducing pre-trial detentions and increasing the use of alternative sentencing, among other measures.

The committee will comprise representatives of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Supreme Court of Judicature, the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Ministry of Public Security, the Social Protection Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance.

It will provide oversight and strategic direction and recommendations, and ensure coordination of the programme of activities with those of the various Government offices that will be affected by its implementation.

The IDB website states that the loan objective is to contribute meaningfully to addressing the high concentration of the prison population in the country, which stands at 256 per 100,000 of the national population, well above the world average of 146 per 100,000.

“The Guyanese criminal justice system ‘tends to use incarceration as the default sanction. However, high rates of imprisonment have been associated with an individual’s future proclivity for crime and difficulties in securing employment, among other negative factors.

Building or expanding prison facilities can be a short-term fix for overcrowding, but if root causes are not addressed, the new facilities will eventually be filled,” the IDB said.

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Joshua heavier than rival Klitschko (REUTERS) IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua weighed in more than four kg heavier than challenger Wladimir Klitschko ahead of their title fight in London.

The undefeated British fighter weighed just over 113 kg and the Ukrainian just

under 109 kg at Wembley Arena yesterday.

Joshua, 27, is defending his title and bidding to add the vacant WBA and IBO crowns in front of a crowd of 90 000 at Wembley Stadium tonight.

Klitschko, 41, signalled a V sign for victory as the pair

faced off before nearly 5 000 chanting supporters.

“I just have this feeling this is my night,” said Klitschko, who bookmakers rate as the underdog. “It’s a big step for AJ. He hasn’t fought this type of quality of fighter yet.

It’s going to be challenging for him - but challenging for

me as well.”

Joshua thanked the fans and added he is fully focused for the fight. “When you’re competing, it’s tunnel vision,” he said. “Even though there are so many beautiful people coming to watch, for now it has to be about tunnel vision.”

Murray in last four in Barcelona WORLD number one Andy Murray gained revenge for last Thursday’s defeat by Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Monte Carlo by beating the Spaniard to reach the last four of the Barcelona Open.

The Scot dug deep to claim a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) victory in a match that lasted two hours 59 minutes.

He recovered from two breaks of serve in the third set, his opponent serving for the match at one point.

Murray now faces Austria’s Dominic Thiem in the last four.

Ramos-Vinolas, who is at

a career-high world ranking of 19, capitalised on a string of unforced Murray errors to take the first set but was pinned back in the second as the Scot battled back to level.

The Spaniard led 2-0 in the third set but injured his foot attempting to receive a volleyed return, leading to a lengthy period of treatment.

The incident initially benefited Murray, who won the next three games, but Ramos-Vinolas steadied the ship and looked set for victory after breaking in the ninth game.

However, Murray dug

deep and immediately broke back before taking the match to a tie-break that he largely dominated and clinched his second match point.

Britain’s Aljaz Bedene continued his winning run with a straight-sets win over second seed Ivo Karlovic to reach the Hungarian Open semi-finals.

British number four Bedene broke the Croat’s serve early in both sets on his way to a 6-4, 6-3 victory, and a 15th-straight win.

The 27-year-old, ranked outside the top 100 at the beginning of March, has

climbed to world number 68.

He faces fourth seed Fernando Verdasco or fellow qualifier Laslo Djere next.

Bedene came through qualifying in Budapest to reach his first ATP Tour semi-final since January 2016.

He also won back-to-back titles on the second-tier ATP Challenger Tour earlier this month.

The clay court specialist has now won 22 of his past 23 matches, with the only defeat coming on hard courts at the Miami Masters. (BBCSport)

Sharapova inches closer to controversial Stuttgart crown ANETT Kontaveit could not halt Maria Sharapova as the WTA’s divisive comeback queen reached the Stuttgart Open semi-finals.

Sharapova’s comeback from a doping ban went from strength to strength yesterday, the Russian advancing to the semi-finals of the Stuttgart Open thanks to a hard-fought victory over Anett Kontaveit.

The 30-year-old has excelled in her first tournament back following a 15-month ban for failing a drugs test at the 2016 Australian Open, and she kept that momentum up with a 6-3, 6-4 win at the WTA Premier event.

She will now face Kristina Mladenovic or Carla

Suarez Navarro for a place in the final, as the prospect of securing the title after receiving a controversial wildcard entry appears increasingly likely.

Kontaveit initially held her own against the power game of the Russian, the first set remaining on serve through the first six games.

The turning point arrived when Sharapova broke with a fierce cross-court backhand, forcing Kontaveit to net her return attempt.

That proved the trigger for the former world number one to pull clear, holding rapidly by dispatching a short, lobbed return from out wide into empty space on the other side of the un-

NEW YORK, USA (CMC) – Reigning Olympic double sprint queen, Elaine Thompson, will headline the

200 metres at the Prefontaine Classic next month.

The 24-year-old Jamaican will line up alongside the likes of Dutch nemesis Dafne Schippers and the American pair of Tori Bowie and Allyson Felix, in what is expected to be a blockbuster marquee event in Eugene, Oregon on May 27.

Thompson clocked 21.78 seconds to win the 200m in Rio last year, and was followed home

by Schippers and Bowie who were second and third respectively.

The presence of Felix will add an intriguing element, as she is a threetime World champion in the half-lap and also won gold in the event at the London 2012 Olympics.

guarded court.

Kontaveit was clearly shaken, offering up three set points on her own serve, Sharapova taking the second of them courtesy of an inch-perfect backhand winner down the line.

The Estonian recovered her composure to fight hard early in the second set, but struggled to compete when the five-time grand slam champion stepped things up, breaking in the fourth game by combining a perfectly weighted drop shot with some crushing winners from the baseline.

Kontaveit showed spirit to break straight back, a backhand winner kissing the baseline to offer hope, but it was

quickly dashed by the irresistible force on the other side of the net, Sharapova breaking again by forcing a forehand error after a demanding rally.

Sharapova’s first two double faults of the match while serving to win it delayed the inevitable in what proved to be the longest game, Kontaveit eventually taking a fifth break point to extend the contest.

Another marathon game followed but this time it was Sharapova who dug deepest, a backhand winner settling a thrilling rally to bring up advantage, before a Kontaveit error finally handed her passage into the last four. (Digicel Sportsmax)

Thompson to go head-to-head with Rio rivals Elaine Thompson

For fans, the race will hold all the attention as it will be the first time all four athletes will be competing in the same race.

At last year ’s Prefontaine Classic, Bowie, Schippers and Thompson clashed in the 200 metres with Bowie coming out on top.

Since then, however, Thompson has become the one to beat, especially after her exploits in Rio where she became the first woman in 28 years to win both the 100m and 200m.

The Prefontaine Classic is the third meet in the Diamond League series which begins in Qatar next Friday.

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T&T whip Windwards to reach final against Barbados KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – Defending champions Trinidad and Tobago will meet Barbados in tomorrow’s final of the Women’s Regional Super50 after toppling home-side Wind-

ward Islands by eight wickets here yesterday.

Playing at the Arnos Vale Stadium in the final round of preliminary matches, T&T overcame a stuttering start to easily

chase down their target of 122 and secure their sport in the championship game against their traditional archrivals.

For their part, Barbados finished the preliminary round

unbeaten after they trounced winless Leeward Islands by eight wickets while Jamaica secured their first win of the tournament with a 112-run victory over Guyana.

Barbados topped the standings with 24 points, ahead of second-placed T&T on 19 and the Windwards who ended on 15 points.

Jamaica were fourth on seven points with Guyana fifth on five points and Leewards bottom on two.

With T&T needing to win in order to clinch their spot in the final, they put in a strong bowling performance to send the Windwards tumbling for 121 off 47.2 overs.

The experienced Juliana Nero top-scored with 25 and Roylin Cooper got 20 while former West Indies slow medium

bowler Lee-Ann Kirby picked up three for 17 and spinners Karishma Ramharack (2-17) and Kamara Ragoobar (2-20) two wickets apiece.

In reply, out-of-favour West Indies batsman Stacy-Ann King stroked an unbeaten 58 to propel T&T to an easy win in the 36th over.

They were initially struggling at 25 for two in the seventh over but King put on 98 in an unbroken third-wicket stand with opener Felicia Walters, who made 40 not out.

King faced 109 deliveries and struck five fours while Walters also counted five boundaries in her 86-ball knock.

At Sion Hill, Hayley Matthews’ great all-round form continued as she snatched six for 16 with her off-spin to help bundle Leewards out for 65 off

27.2 overs.

The 19-year-old right-hander then returned at the top of the order to stroke a cameo unbeaten 43 from just 31 balls with five fours and a six, as Barbados romped to victory off a mere 63 deliveries.

At Park Hill, West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor broke out of her rut with a polished 89 as Jamaica, asked to bat first, rallied to 188 all out from their 50 overs.

The right-handed Taylor, who managed just nine runs in four previous innings in the tournament, faced 116 deliveries and hit seven fours and a six.

Tameka Sanford chipped in with 31 while seamer Subrina Munroe claimed six for 24.

In reply, Guyana buckled for 76 in the 31st over with off-spinner Chedean Nation picking up three for 20.

OMSCC promises grand Toronto Cup 2 for Caribana weekend

By Frederick Halley

TO R O N TO , C a n a d a - Buoyed by the success of the inaugural Toronto Cup, staged in 2015, the executives of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) are extremely confident that its second edition, set for the first weekend in August will be a grand affair.

This assurance was given at last Sunday’s annual general meeting of the OMSCC, held at the Birkdale Community Centre, Scarborough here where preliminary plans were disclosed by both president Azeem Khan and vice-president Paul Jaman.

According to Jaman, despite the success of the tournament in 2015, which saw New York Enforcers emerge champions in the Open category and Our Own claim the Masters title, the OMSCC has no intention of sitting on its laurels but intends to make the Caribana weekend showcase even better.

Jaman also pointed out that there are plans to have an entertainment segment between innings during the staging of the two finals, which are set for the University of Toronto ground on Sunday, August 6 but this depends entirely on sponsorship which the OMSCC is currently pursuing. He also gave the undertaking that grounds required for the three-day affair have already been secured.

The vice-president also disclosed that while the main committee to deal with the running of the tournament has already been set up, the OMSCC is in much need of sponsorship and is seeking the assistance of members in this vital area.

Teams from Guyana, New

York and Florida have already indicated their interests in participating and will join their counterparts from Canada in what is expected to be a riveting weekend of softball cricket.

Meanwhile, president Khan also disclosed, that through the initiative and sponsorship of Reliance Lions, there are plans to stage a Family Day. He, however, said further discussions are to be held with members of the club to finalise the date and venue.

Khan also told members of plans to introduce a “captain’s trophy” as a special incentive for the most outstanding of the 2017 season.

This will, however, not be based solely on statistics but on general demeanour and conduct. The president once again stressed the importance of good behaviour and cleanliness at venues, pointing to previous complaints from school authorities and city officials.

Jaman also alluded to the fact that the league almost lost St Bede’s (a school ground) because broken bottles, resulting from drinking at the venue and urged members to desist from such behaviour. Despite these lapses, Jaman said 2016 was a great year for the OMSCC and

implored players to “let’s make 2017 another great season”.

Prior to the election of office-bearers for 2017, a proposal for an elected official from another cricket organisation to be allowed to hold an executive position on the OMSCC board was voted down. The president also took the opportunity to present a medal to treasurer Feizal Bacchus for his outstanding contribution to the organisation as treasurer and to the website.

Vice-president Jaman, secretary Khem Singh, treasurer Feizal Bacchus and Over-50 coordinator Dickey Singh were all returned to their respective posts unopposed while the post of president was not contested based on the OMSCC’s constitution.

Hardat Ramcharran was appointed the new umpires coordinator, replacing Ram Prashad who was eligible to serve another year but resigned for personal reasons. A new post, hat of website content administrator/statistician, went to Patrick Prashad.

The disciplinary committee, which is chaired by vice-president Jaman, includes Ganesh Ramraj, Krishna Sarju, Bobby Ramlagan and Ramcharran.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday April 29, 2017)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Devendra Bishoo, Vishaul Singh, Shimron Hetmyer Colin Croft-8/29 (QPO, Trinidad, 1977) Today’s Quiz: Name the players that have scored triple-centuries in Tests at Sabina Park to date?

Other than the WI, which team has played most Test matches at Sabina Park? How many?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 29, 2017

KKR destroy Daredevils to Sunrisers top order overpower Kings XI further prove title credentials GAUTAM Gambhir and Robin Uthappa continued their stellar IPL form as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made light work of Delhi Daredevils.

KKR strengthened their position at the IPL’s summit as Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa continued their excellent form in a seven-wicket thrashing of Delhi Daredevils.

The pair - the leading two run-scorers in this year’s competition - enjoyed a second-wicket stand of 108 as KKR made light work of chasing down 161 for victory at Eden Gardens yesterday.

Captain Gambhir made his fourth half-century of 2017 with an unbeaten 71 from 52 balls, while Uthappa has also passed fifty on four occasions thanks to his 59 off 33.

It looked as though the hosts would be chasing a

Gautam Gambhir

much larger total as bottom side Delhi reached 123-1 inside 14 overs thanks to 60 from opener Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer’s 47.

But Nathan Coulter-Nile (3-34), Sunil Narine (1-25) and Kuldeep Yadav (0-27) restricted them to 160-6, a total that was swiftly put into perspective by Gambhir and Uthappa as KKR cruised home with 3.4 overs to spare.

The leaders ought to have been chasing more after Samson and Iyer put on 75 for the second wicket, but once the former departed

after striking four fours and three sixes in his 38-ball stay, momentum seeped out of the innings, with only one boundary coming in the last four overs.

Narine’s pinch-hitting did not come off for KKR on this occasion, the West Indian was cleaned up by Kagiso Rabada in the second over, before Gambhir and Uthappa took centre stage.

Uthappa escaped on nine when Samson and Amit Mishra left a high ball to each other and he made the most of that reprieve, clubbing Chris Morris for 16 runs from the first three deliveries of the eighth over.

He was eventually runout by Karun Nair’s direct hit from backward point, but the game had long drifted away from Delhi by that stage, Gambhir was able to lead his side to their seventh victory from nine this season.

SHAUN Marsh’s superb hitting proved in vain as Kings XI Punjab fell to a 26-run defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner and Kane Williamson all struck fifties for Sunrisers Hyderabad to set up a 26-run victory over Kings XI Punjab yesterday.

Due to the washout of their clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday, the Sunrisers had been out of IPL action for almost a week but showed few signs of rustiness in Mohali.

Dhawan made 77 from 48 balls alongside skipper Warner, who clubbed four fours and as many sixes in his 27-ball 51 as the opening pair put on 107.

After both had been dis-

missed, Williamson maintained their momentum with a brisk unbeaten half-century of his own as Sunrisers posted a formidable 207-3.

As wickets fell at regular intervals in the reply, Shaun Marsh proved the hosts’ sole hope, but when he departed having crashed 14 fours and two sixes in his 50-ball 84, Kings XI were 144-6 in the 16th over and the game was up.

After a circumspect start, Warner got himself going with back-to-back sixes off Axar Patel in the fifth over, before both he and Dhawan brought up their fifties from consecutive balls at the start of the 10th.

Warner perished in the same over, however, cleaned up by opposite number Glenn Maxwell, whose 2-29 was the hosts’’

only bright note with the ball.

It was Maxwell who held on in the deep as Dhawan departed, before Williamson took responsibility for pushing Sunrisers beyond 200, striking four fours and two sixes in his 27-ball 54.

Martin Guptill (23 off 11) thumped five boundaries, including one maximum, to give Kings XI the rapid start they required, but only Eoin Morgan (26 from 21) offered Marsh any real support.

Marsh was dropped twice - by Deepak Hooda and Warner, with both going to the boundary - but it did not prove costly as Kings XI finished at 181-9 with Rashid Khan’s 1-16 the pick for the Sunrisers, who now cement their place in third.

(Digicel Sportsmax)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 29, 2017

Enjoying success after overcoming the challenges…

Athlete Anfernee Headecker enjoying his CARIFTA Silver

NINETEEN-year-old Anfernee Headecker is still coming to grips with his CARIFTA Games silver medal, something he says is a dream come true after all the challenges he has faced over the years.

At the CARIFTA Games in Curacao, earlier this month, the former St Stanislaus College student won silver in the Boys’ junior 800m, in a personal best time of three minutes 58.22 seconds (3:58.22s), the pinnacle of his athletics career since he started in 2013.

However, apart from the full scholarship to the University of Guyana (UG) that the Director of Sport announced last week, Headecker says he also has an offer from the Tennessee Tech University, in addition to another coach, which will help to boost his budding career.

When the Inter-Guiana Games gold medallist started out his 2017 season, qualifying for CARIFTA was one of the objectives at the top of his list.

This being his last year to attend the CARIFTA games, he was determined more than ever to medal. Though he was determined to win, for Headecker the achievement still came as a surprise.

Headecker says he can’t stop being proud of how far he has come, from his days of struggling.

“I feel proud of myself because it’s something

Guyana’s CARIFTA Games silver medallist Anfernee Headecker.

that I’ve been working on long, since I started athletics life, and seeing it come through I feel like I’ve achieved something that I’ve always wanted to achieve,” the Guyana Defence Force athlete expressed.

“It was really challenging since I started training in 2013, because at times I had to leave my training because of exams, and due to financial struggles, I could not have always continued training,.” he further explained.

Headecker always had a liking for athletics, but it 11:55 hrs Kingthistle

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was only in 2013 after winning silver at the National Schools Championships that he finally decided to take athletics seriously, encouraged by his friends.

Soon after Headecker joined the Running Braves Athletics Club, he was told about the CARIFTA Games and the opportunities that could open up for him, and he set his goal to one day make it to the Games.

He eventually moved over to the Guyana Defence Force Track Club and continued his training, aspiring one day to achieve his goal.

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27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 29, 2017

Plans on stream for Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships FROM May 12 to 14, Guyana will be hosting the second edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships, and according to sources, plans for the staging of the event are well on stream.

The event will be staged at the National Gymnasium,

Steve Ninvalle

Mandela Avenue and 12 countries, including Guyana, are expected to participate in the event, which is the brainchild of Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president Steve Ninvalle.

According to Ninvalle, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Jamaica and St Lucia have confirmed their

participation for the threenight tournament and he (Ninvalle) is confident that Barbados, Cayman Islands, Grenada and Bahamas will each send a team to Guyana.

Ninvalle said the French-speaking nations of Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana have

signalled their intentions to also send representative teams.

According to Ninvalle, it is expected that the programme will see approximately 100 boxers and officials arrive in Guyana for the tournament.

The source said the GBA is expected to en-

camp a team of boxers in the coming week after the successful staging of the Pepsi Under-16 tournament, which was held at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown.

The Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors tournament was first staged here last year.

T20 Under-17 semifinals are billed for tomorrow at the Demerara Cricket Club ground from 09:30hrs.

Transport Sport Club will play Malteenoes, while DCC and GYO will clash in game

two. Mikoowanyah Yisrael and Cyril Garnath are the umpires scheduled for both games.

ib Beer T20 first division tournament Zone A: DCC 76 points (4 games), Police 51 points (4 games), UG 41 points (3 games), GNIC 29 points (4 games) and TSC 28 points

(3 games).

Zone B: GCC 66 points (4 games), Everest 63 points (4 games), MSC 61 points (4 games), GDF 31 points (4 games) and GYO 24 points (4 games).

Busy weekend for G/town cricketers PLAY in the Georgetown C r i c k e t A s s o c i a t i o n ’s (GCA) Carib Beer T20 first division tournament continues today with one game at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground at 13:30hrs:

Seven races carded for RSTC’s May 7 meet TURFITES are expected to come out in their numbers on May 7 when the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables, in conjunction with the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC), stages a seven-race meet at the club’s facility, situated at West Coast Berbice, beginning at 12:30hrs.

The feature event is a 1400-metre one and is open to horses classified D3 and Lower, with $1M taking for the winner.

An 1100-metre race is also on the cards and this will be for horses classified H3 and Lower and fouryear-old non-earners for 2017 and carries a firstplace prize of $350 000.

The other five races on the day’s card are all over 1400 metres. They are open to horses classified G1 and Lower and E3 non-winners over the past six months; a race for three-year-old Guyana-bred horses; a J2 and Lower race; a race for `I’ maiden horses and a race for Cow horses.

The winner of the E3 and Lower non-earners will receive $400 000 while the winner of the threeyear-old Guyana-bred horses will collect $250 000.

The winner of the J2 and Lower event will take home $175 000, while the winner of the Cow horses event will earn $100 000.

Transport Sport Club will play the University of Guyana, with Hortence Isaacs and Shannon Crawford taking charge of the game.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Diabetic Association/PAHO

Below are the points-standings for the Car-

Big wins for Celina’s All-Stars, Jermaine Silver Bullets THERE were big wins for Dave and Celina All Stars as well as Jermaine and Family Silver bullets, as the Linden leg of the Guinness Greatest in the Streets football tournament continued on Thursday evening.

Dave and Celina All Stars overcame Amazings 3-0, with strikes from Rawle Gittens (3rd minute), Keon Sears

(7th) and Kennard Simon (18th), as they continued in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Jermaine and Family Silver Bullets destroyed Eagles 4-0, thanks to Jermaine Lewis’ double in the 8th and 18th, while single strikes from Triston Ally (15th) and Damion Williams (19th) assisted the cause.

In the earlier games, Fu-

ture Stars won 2-0 on penalties after their game against Trainline Warriors ended 1-1 at regulation.

Tshehedi Whitehead’s 7th minute goal looked set to take the Future Stars team to victory before Kellon Adams 19th minute equaliser.

In game two Team 25 overcame Coomacka 1-0, thanks to Tevin Crawford

in the 8th, while game three ended with the same margin, thanks to a 17th minute strike from Phillp Austin who helped Cherokee take the win.

Amelia’s Ward Russians also entered the winners’ circle on Thursday evening with a 1-0 win over Main Street Panthers compliments of Travis Watterton’s 17th min-

ute strike.

High Rollers beat Dream Chasers 1-0 by the same margin, thanks to Kendolph Lewis who scored in the 14th minute.

Swag Entertainment through Shane Luckie (15th and 16th) overwhelmed Good Fellas 3-0. Colwyn Drakes scored in the 2nd minute.

Games for today April 29 Supergiants vs RCB & Gujarat Lions vs Mumbai Indians

Bravo clears air regarding ‘damages’ claim against WICB EMBATTLED West Indies batsman Darren Bravo has attempted to clear the air on recent comments made

by WICB CEO Johnny Grave regarding a case of ‘damages’ claimed from the regional cricket custodians.

In recent reports Grave had claimed that the body was been taken aback by a claim for damages that had been submitted by the player’s legal team, especially with a solution seemingly on the horizon following months of negotiations.

In response through his attorney’s office, however, and a letter posted on social media website Facebook, Bravo pointed out that the issue of the claim for damages was an outstanding and not a new one. Following the player’s dismissal from the Zimbabwe tour for statements made against WICB president Dave Cameron, in November 2016, Bravo’s legal team advised the Board that its actions against the player were considered unlawful and as such compensation would be sought.

Grave, who joined negotiations earlier this year, had

Darren Bravo

WI unchanged for pivotal Oval clash BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies selectors have retained faith in the same 13-man squad for the second Test against Pakistan starting here tomorrow, despite their drubbing in the opening match in Kingston.

The Caribbean side under-performed with the bat to plunge to a seven-wicket defeat, 20 minutes after lunch on last Monday’s final day at Sabina Park.

West Indies entered the contest with a greenhorn batting line-up which included Vishal Singh and Shimron Hetmyer on debut but selectors have opted against changes and will enter the critical game at Kensington Oval with the same squad.

Vishal and Hetmyer failed in both innings along with Shai Hope and usually dependable opener Kraigg Brathwaite but rookies Roston Chase and Shane

proposed four solutions to end the impasse between the board and player. According to Bravo’s attorney Leslie Hayes consensus was reached on four of the proposals, but the issue of compensation remained outstanding. Bravo’s legal team wrote to Grave to confirm the issue as such on April 11.

Hayes claims the team is yet to get a response. The letter, while confirming the player’s commitment to the regional game stated that he would continue to pursue compensation via the prescribed avenues, with considerations also given to recent statements made by the WICB CEO. “Bravo will now continue to pursue this matter as is necessary with respect for the process which mandates a possible eleven-step engagement (that includes mediation and arbitration) and which has reached stage four and after consideration of the WICB’s Chief Executive Officer’s actions and comments which may have cast this matter in a different light.”

(Digicel Sportsmax)

Joshua heavier than rival Klitschko See page 23

Guyana Jaguars batsman Shimron Hetmyer fails twice on debut in the opening Test.

Dowrich both managed half-centuries.

Another defeat for West Indies in the upcoming match will hand Pakistan their first-ever Test series win in the Caribbean.

West Indies arrived here late Wednesday and trained on Thursday and yesterday, as head coach Stuart Law brushed up on final preparations for the game.

The hosts won their last Test

at the venue two years ago when they defeated England by five wickets inside three days.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Vishal Singh, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope, Jermaine Blackwood, Shannon Gabriel, Devendra Bishoo, Alzarri Joseph, Miguel Cummins.

Anthony Joshua (left) and Wladimir Klitschko (Reuters/ Andrew Couldridge Livepic)

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017