Guyana Chronicle Epaper 29 06 2017

Spectrum monitoring stations commissioned Page 2

High hopes for Math No. 104958

THURSDAY JUNE 29, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

...better showing expected for Math, English at NGSA

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Jagdeo urged to be honest

…as MoTP knocks ‘diplomats fear’ story

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IDB transparency team explores role in Guyana oil sector Page 7

Three hurt in crash

THREE persons narrowly escaped death on Wednesday afternoon after the driver of motorcar PSS 4096 lost control of the vehicle on the roadway at Happy Acres on the East Coast of Demerara.

Reports are that the driver of the car, a Toyota Premio, was heading west along the roadway at a fast rate at around 16:30hrs. While negotiating the turn at Happy Acres, the man lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an electrical pole on the northern side of the roadway. According to an eyewitness, two women, who were in the car at the time along with the driver, were pulled from the mangled vehicle. The car was resting on its

The mangled remains of the car following the incident

roof when public-spirited citizens went to rescue its occupants.

The impact also uprooted the concrete foundation of the pole as persons noted the fast rate at which the man drove while negotiating the turn. Georgetown Public Hospital officials, who arrived at the scene shortly after the accident noted that the injuries sustained by the occupants of the car were not life-threatening. The injured women were taken to the hospital by ambulance while the driver was escorted from the scene by the police. The accident resulted in a build-up of traffic in the area.

Big drop in sugar prices

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Ganja-smoking students on police radar 14 cases of sexual assault on teens in Bartica Page 13

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

PAC committed to improving relations with Chenapau residents The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) says it is committed to improving the historically “strained “ relations between the management of the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) and the Region Eight village of Chenapau as the body works towards advancing relations and the conservation of the area to the benefit of local communities and all Guyanese.

According to the release from the PAC, the body said that the relations between the park’s management and the village “have been remarkably improved with more frequent meetings and collaboration”. It noted that as a result of the recent enforcement exercise which involved the military, it noted that the commission on June 2nd, 2017, conducted a meeting with members of the Chenapau Village Council to discuss the issue of illegal mining in KNP. The community has agreed to participate in a “ground-truthing exercise” with the PAC and other key stakeholders to identify key boundary points within the park. In addition, the commission said it would be coordinating a visit to

the community to share the findings of the exercise and to discuss the way forward.

While highlighting its commitment to work with the village, the PAC said it remains resolute in the fight against illegal activities in all National Protected Areas and would continue to work closely with the relevant agencies and partners to ensure that Guyana’s National Patrimony is left unimpaired for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

The PAC said that it recognizes that villages close to the KNP, such as Chenapau , depend on mining as one of its main source of livelihood and has been working with the community over the years to provide additional opportunities for benefit sharing.

It noted that while there is much more work to be done in this regard, through protected areas funding and collaboration, there has been several areas of collaboration. These include the offer in which Chenapau residents are given first priority for employment as senior wardens, rangers, wardens, guesthouse attendants and other support staff. “Currently more than half of

the staff is from Chenapau village”, the PAC said.

The commission noted too that G$20 million was provided to complete the Chenapau airstrip at the request of the community while a further $1M was provided for craft development in which 30 women were trained in needle and embroidery work and more than 20 men and women were trained in furniture and craft-making using natural products.

The commission said too that the KNP worked closely with Chenapau and the village of Karisparu , also in Region Eight , to develop the draft Kaieteur National Park Management Plan. This process involved multiple meetings that were well attended by both villages who contributed substantially to the draft plan, the body said.

The PAC is mandated by law to “regulate activities and use of resources within each national protected area so as to leave it unimpaired for the enjoyment and use of future generations” as well as to “ensure that the law, regulations and rules are enforced appropriately within the Protected Area”.

It noted that it is upon

Residents of Chenapau have been mining in the protected area

that premise and further mandate of the PAC, that monitoring of activities in protected areas are conducted. It was noted too that over the years, several consultations and outreach activities at Menzies Landing and nearby communities were undertaken by the PAC with residents to discuss rules of the park. Explanations were given on what activities were allowed and prohibited in the park as well as discus-

sions were held on potential areas for partnership and benefits to the communities, the body stated.

The commission also noted that warnings, site visits and reconnaissance missions were undertaken over the past several years regarding illegal mining within the boundaries of the KNP. The recent exercise saw resulted in a total of twenty six illegal mining dredges being seized in

the Par; 23 in the Mure Mure and 3 in the TukeitWaratuk Area. GPS points of camps, mines and engines were recorded and verified to be located in the Park and Buffer Zone, the commission said. The body is in the process of analyzing all the data gathered and would be pursuing aggressively some of the recommendations provided as a result of this exercise.

Spectrum monitoring stations commissioned

– equipment geared at detecting, identifying illegal transmitters, among others

By Shauna Jemmott THE National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) on Wednesday commissioned three specialised spectrum monitoring equipment valued US$563,873 to enhance its monitoring abilities and resolve issues in radio frequency management.

The three monitoring stations: a fixed station, a transportable station and a mobile station were com-

missioned at a simple ceremony at the NFMU office, Charlotte Street, Georgetown.

Speaking at the launch, Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes said the equipment, among other things, are vital in curbing illegal use of spectrum.

“Spectrum as we know has a very important value and why this equipment and this development is so important for us in the Ministry, and of course, in our

The fixed spectrum monitoring station installed at Takuba Lodge

thrust to move the industry forward, is that for the first time we can measure accurately how that spectrum is being used (and) who is using that spectrum. We can bring transparency to the process, we can ensure that we reduce the illegal use of spectrum and since spectrum is a national resource, it belongs to the people and it belongs to Guyana. It is important to make sure that as a country we are able to garnish the best resources for the spectrum that is available to us,” Minister Hughes said.

The latest development in the telecoms sector is in keeping with the creation of a liberalised communications environment as outlined in the new Telecommunications Act. The Ministry of Public Telecommunications, she said, is committed to set-

Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes and NFMU Managing Director, Valmikki Singh, examine the transportable spectrum monitoring station during the commissioning of the equipment at NFMU, Wednesday

ting higher standards in the industry as it moves into post-liberalisation.

“And it fits very well into the overall thrust of

creating a liberalised environment… we have a new Telecommunications Act and under that Act a teleTurn to page 3 ►

High hopes for Math 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

...better showing expected for Math, English at NGSA THERE have been significant improvements in the results of Mathematics and English Language at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) with pass rate for the latter moving from the lowly 14% in 2016 to close to 50%, well-placed sources have confirmed. English Language overall pass rate is said to be over 50% also.

Results of the NGSA will be officially released on Friday. The improvement in Mathematics is very significant given the poor performance of students at this subject over the years and it will also vindicate government’s $48M injection into emergency intervention to strengthen the teaching

capacity of Mathematics at the Grade 6 level in public schools last year.

In 2011, 62 per cent of students scored below 50 per cent in Mathematics, 59 per cent in English, 58 per cent in Science and 68 per cent in Social Studies.

During the presentation of the 2017 Budget on Monday, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan revealed that of the 14,386 students who wrote the 2016 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) only 14% or 2,014 students were able to achieve a passing grade in Mathematics and less than 50% achieved passes in English. Jordan stressed that these results represent a crisis since “over 12,000 of our

children were not numerate, while more than half of those writing English could not sufficiently comprehend our official language to attain a 50 percent score.”

This is first time the government has revealed the pass rate for these subject areas at the 2016 sitting of the examination. The last time the pass rate for Grade Six Mathematics was made public was in 2014 when 31.52% of the 15,227 candidates who sat the examinations that year achieved 50% or more in the subject area.

Students across the countries have been struggling for years with Mathematics and the APNU+AFC Government had deemed

Spectrum monitoring... communications agency is going to be established and the National Frequency Management Unit comes under that agency… We’re committed as an industry and as a Ministry in ensuring that as we go into this state - post liberalisation – that we’re going to be able to step up to the plate. And I think the demonstration just shows you the various and the different levels at which we’re going to monitor the proper and efficient use of spectrum,” Hughes said.

STRONGER NFMU Managing Director, Valmikki Singh said his department now stands stronger in detecting and identifying illegal transmitters, among others.

“Some of the goals of radio spectrum monitoring include assisting in the resolution of radio frequency spectrum interference; assisting in ensuring an acceptable quality of radio and television reception by the general public; providing valuable monitoring data to support frequency

this a crisis which needs fixing immediately. President David Granger had mandated former Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine last year to meet with technical officers and staff of his ministry to find solutions to address the issue. Over the years, Guyana has failed to achieve acceptable pass rates in Mathematics, a critical core subject. This year the Ministry of Education has contracted the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) to conduct the examination for the Grade Six students here and it was discovered that the different assessment illustrated the deficiencies in the system.

Dr Roopnaraine had

presented his report to Cabinet with several recommendations including the training of teachers in content and methodology; facilitating fortnightly cluster meetings in all regions; the recruitment of Mathematics coordinators and monitors; the training of officers and school administrators to supervise the teaching of Mathematics; the preparing and administering a diagnostic assessment of pupils in the hinterland regions before training; the enhancement of public relations, parental involvement in the education of the children and the acquisition of support material for the students.

“Having had a very thor-

ough discussion on the matter, Cabinet approved the proposed plan and agreed to the allocation of a sum of $48, 682,690 for the expenditure and strategy that will deal with the issues before and up to the end of December 2016 and the allocation of a further sum to be spent on the strategy in 2017 and going forward,” State Minister Joseph Harmon had said.

Some 13,657 pupils wrote the NGSA this year and Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson will release the results during a news conference at the Boardroom of the Ministry of Education on Friday afternoon. Grade Six students had participated in three separate mock exams prior to NGSA, also in preparation for the actual examination.

while permission was given

that the transportable station is expected to be taken to many areas outside of Georgetown.

“The mobile station, which is retrofitted into one of our pick-up trucks, is geared for rapid deployment and can travel to any area a 4*4 pick-up truck can go,” the NFMU Managing Director said.

A special rack was designed and installed locally to accommodate the mobile equipment. They were supplied by TCI International Inc., a leading provider of innovative solutions in radio frequency monitoring. The company is based in Silicon

Valley, California.

Singh also said services will be expanded as the need arises.

“As spectrum usage increases in townships and other areas outside of Georgetown, consideration for dedicated fixed sites would be made based on data collected.”

Six NFMU staffers were trained in use and maintenance of the equipment by a professional field engineer from the California company and TCI has also committed to lending support in fixing operational problems which may arise.

From page 2 for another, a transportable

assignment and spectrum planning functions; verification of proper technical and operational characteristics of transmitted signals; detection and identification of illegal transmitters; and verification of frequency assignment records,” Singh stated.

He said the three monitoring stations operate as an integrated system, communicating with each other.

One of the stations is fixed and is installed on the roof of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Takuba Lodge,

station, to be accommodated in different police station compounds countrywide, at suitable times.

The other station, a mobile equipment, is installed on a 4*4 pick-up truck.

The fixed station will be used to monitor stations in and around Georgetown, while the transportable equipment, a trailer and integrated outdoor cabinet, can be deployed for weeks to any accessible area and operates as a satellite or a connected station.

Based on a schedule and demand, Singh explained

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Trade matters likely to dominate CARICOM summit Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders will discuss future trade relations with the United Kingdom as it prepares to leave the European Union when they meet in Grenada next week for their annual summit.

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister, Nicholas Steele of Grenada, briefing reporters on the July 4-7 summit, said that trade relations between the 15-mrember grouping and the United Kingdom after Brexit would most likely dominate the talks here.

“How we interact with a United Kingdom that is not part of the European Union is very important and as CARICOM there is need for a united approach,” he said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has started the process of pulling Britain out of the EU single market even as critics said the talks should be suspended because it could not be delivered by a Government “lacking in strength and stability, unclear on its objectives, unlikely to survive”..

Steele during a special post cabinet news confer-

ence held to specifically inform the media about the meeting. Last July, the regional leaders began their summit in Guyana in the shadows of the vote

also noted that it has “put the survival of our integration into focus”.

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said that the summit provided

Caricom Secretary General, Irwin la Rocque

taken by Britons to exit the 43-year-old European Union. While the leaders made reference to the vote and urged Caribbean people not to harbour any such thought as it relates to the regional integration movement, the St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, while he welcomed the opportunities that Brexit — as it is popularly known — may have for the region,

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the leaders with “a wonderful opportunity to seriously consider the effect that Britain’s exit from the European Union will have on CARICOM to demonstrate real leadership by showing the way forward. Steele told reporters that there are “many treaties with the EU that will have to be re-negotiated for CARICOM member states because it will not be the same common approach

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as exist presently.

“These treaties were EU treaties but now it we will have negotiate UK treaties,” said Steele, noting that the discussions will be led by the CARICOM Office on Trade. The summit is expected to be attended by at least 13 CARICOM leaders and Alva Browne, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that there will be a high representation from China, the World Bank and special surprise guest whose identity has to be concealed due to security reasons.

The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that the leaders are also expected to deliberate on outstanding matters related to the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) following the comprehensive review of the CSME’s performance presented to then at the last Inter-Sessional Meeting in February. There is also expected to be an update on the preparations for CARIFESTA XIII to be staged in Barbados from 17th to 27th August under

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the theme “Asserting our Culture, celebrating ourselves.”

The work on the Commissions on Reparations and Marijuana is also expected to come under the spotlight. So too, the progress made with implementing the specified actions, agreed a decade ago, under the 2007 Port of Spain declaration to stop the epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NDCs). Regional Security issues are also expected to receive attention.

Besides these issues, the regional leaders are expected to discuss the political situation in Venezuela where opposition protestors have been taking to the streets demanding the removal of President Nicolas Maduro. The issue has split the 15-member grouping with St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves urging his colleagues not to fall prey to the machinations of countries that want to see the downfall of Maduro.

Steele said that while the plenary sessions will be held at the Radisson

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Convention Centre on the outskirts of the capital, the regional leaders will meet on the privately owned Calivigny island which is only accessible by boat for their caucus. The meeting here will be chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who is taking over the chairmanship of the regional integration movement from Guyana’s Head of State, David Granger.

The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that the opening ceremony on July 4 will take place at the Grenada Trade Centre.

The summit will be attended by the region’s two newest leaders, President Jovenel Moise of Haiti and Bahamas Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis.

A highlight of the opening ceremony would be the presentation of the Triennial Award for Women to the latest recipient.

The ceremony will be addressed by the two Moise, Minnis as well as President Granger, Prime Minister Mitchell and CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin la Rocque. (CMC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Prosecutor demands 20 year jail term for President Desi Bouterse

Suriname’s military prosecutor Wednesday demanded a 20-year jail term for President Desi Bouterse, for his alleged role in the so called “December Murders” that has given the country’s ‘trial of the century’ an unexpected historical turn.

But, Irwin Kanhai, the attorney for President Bouterse said “it is not over yet” and together with the lawyers for the other defendants will address the Military Court on Thursday.

Relatives of the 15 men who were murdered on December 8, 1982 expressed happiness after hearing the demand by prosecutor Roy Elgin, who based his request for 20 years on his belief that the murders had been premeditated.

He told the court that Bouterse, who at the time headed a military government in this Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, was responsible for the killings and that the former army leader had been in Fort Zeelandia at the time they were committed. “The murders were planned properly and there was a script. It was premeditated,” said Elgin. Sev-

eral years ago, the former army commander claimed political responsibility for the murders since he was head of the government at

lished to determine the truth behind political murders.

The “December Murders” trial started in 2007, at least 25 years after the murders

ing his Attorney General Roy Baidjnath-Panday to end the prosecution indefinitely. The Military Court overruled the blockade of

of the prominent citizens at the historic Fort Zeelandia in Paramaribo that then served as the headquarters of the then military leadership of Suriname.

But in May 2012, Parliament passed an amendment to the Amnesty legislation, derailing the trial just days before Elgin was to announce his terms for punishment. In June last year, Bouterse again moved again to derail the trial by instruct-

the trial in December 2016, arguing that the invocation of Article 148 did not stand.

The Attorney General then filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal.

On May 11, the Appellate Court ruled that the Attorney General’s request was inadmissible and the case was sent back to the Military Court. In his presentation to the Military Court, the prosecutor referred to statements of union leader Fred Derby

President Desi Bouterse

the time of the massacre, but has denied any personal involvement in the killings.

Bouterse claimed that the trial is politically motivated and has argued in the past that the truth and a resolution regarding the “December Murders” will not be found through the court system but rather through a process as had been the case in South-Africa and other countries where special commissions were estab-

who was the only one of the 16 men who had been arrested, and who survived the night at Zeelandia. Derby, who died from a heart attack in 2001, had given a statement in December 2000, in which he said that it was Bouterse who had presided over a ‘tribunal’ that decided who would die that night. Elgin insisted that even if Bouterse was not present in Fort Zeelandia, he could still be considered the culprit, as his presence is not a prerequisite.

While there were insinuations that Bouterse personally killed two of the December Murder victims, the prosecutor said that there was no such evidence. Elgin said that there were enough statements from trustworthy witnesses to back his demand that Bouterse be jailed for 20 years.

He dismissed as “untrustworthy” several witnesses who claimed that they could not remember what took place on December 8 1982. The relatives of the murdered men say they were happy with the demands of the prosecutor, even as they remained cautious. Henri Behr, whose brother, Bram, a journalist, was among those

killed, said that demand had been presented “lengthy and clearly” and showed that the rule of law was functioning.

He praised the prosecutor saying “It must be a weight off his shoulders.” Romeo Hoost, who spoke for the van het Committee Remembering Victims Suriname, said it was “remarkable how the Prosecutor’s Office made a 200 per cent turn and came to a demand after so many years.”

But he said it was too early to be jubilant.

Bouterse has in the past tried to stop the trial and Hoost was worried that he would take action again.

“He will not accept this as a verdict.” Attorney Gerard Spong, an outspoken critique of Bouterse, said the demand was of huge historical value, noting that the prosecutor had indicated there was enough evidence to prove that Bouterse was present during the murders.

“Legally that is important because it helps to prove that there was classic premeditation in play,” he said, adding that he hoped the Military Court would adhere to the request of the prosecutor. (CMC)

Republicans struggle to salvage healthcare effort The top U.S. Senate Republican struggled on Wednesday to salvage major healthcare legislation sought by President Donald Trump, meeting privately with a parade of skeptical senators as critics within the party urged substantial changes.

Republican leaders hope to agree on changes to the legislation by Friday so lawmakers can take it up after next week’s Independence Day recess.. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday abandoned plans to seek passage of it this week because Republicans did not have 50 votes to pass the bill. For seven years, Republicans have led a quest to undo the 2010 law known as Obamacare, Democratic former President Barack Obama’s signature

legislative achievement.

Trump made dismantling it a top campaign promise during last year’s presidential campaign but policy differences within the party have raised doubts Republicans can achieve a repeal.

Democrats have unified against the bill and Republicans control the Senate by a slim 52-48 margin, which means McConnell can afford to lose only two Republicans. So far at least 10 - including moderates and hard-line conservatives - have expressed opposition to the current bill, although some indicated they would vote for it with certain changes.

McConnell, with his reputation as a strategist on the line, met with a procession of Republican senators

in his office on Wednesday.

John Cornyn, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said party leaders will talk to every Republican senator who has concerns about the bill or is undecided. The House of Representatives passed its healthcare bill last month, only after striking a balance between the center of the party and the right wing. Now McConnell must find a similar sweet spot.

During a lunch meeting on Wednesday Republicans made presentations on potential fixes. Senator Rand Paul called for jettisoning more parts of Obamacare to get conservatives on board.

TAX ISSUE Senator Mike Rounds suggested keeping a 3.8 percent Obamacare tax on high earners’ investment income, which the current bill would

eliminate. Rounds said the tax could pay for more Americans to receive the tax credits that help pay for health insurance. “My sense is there’s a good chance that issue and other issues people are trying to get addressed can be addressed,” Round told reporters.

Trump said the bill was moving along well and predicted a “great, great surprise” but did not elaborate. Maine Senator Susan Collins, a moderate, said it would be “very difficult” to reach agreement by Friday.

Collins and other centrists were put off by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s projection on Monday that 22 million people would lose medical insurance under the existing bill.

Finishing the legislation’s revisions by Friday

would be “optimal,” Cornyn said, so the CBO can analyze the new version. Even then, Democrats could mount a forceful resistance.

They have repeatedly said they will not discuss a repeal but have expressed openness to negotiating improvements.

The Senate’s top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, proposed Trump call all 100 senators to Blair House across the street from the White House to craft a bipartisan bill fixing Obamacare but Trump said did not think Schumer’s offer was serious. McConnell said Democrats had refused “to work with us in a serious way to comprehensively address Obamacare’s failures in the seven years since they passed it.”

The legislation has

triggered protests at the Capitol and police said they arrested 40 people, including cancer survivors, on Wednesday for blocking Senate offices.

Obama’s 2010 Affordable Care Act, which passed without Republican support, expanded health insurance coverage to some 20 million people but Republicans call it a costly government intrusion.

The Senate bill rolls back Obamacare’s expansion of the Medicaid government insurance for the poor and cuts planned Medicaid spending starting in 2025.

It also repeals most of Obamacare’s taxes, ends a penalty for not obtaining insurance and overhauls subsidies that help people buy insurance with tax credits. (Reuters)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Cooperatives in Guyana THIS WEEK is National Cooperatives week. Understanding and appreciation of this society’s evolution would recognise the premium cooperatives play in our social, economic, political and cultural development. Contrary to the view that cooperatives are associated with socialism and therefore antithesis to unleashing the economic advancement of groups and individuals, it has actually been the stepping stone for all.

Cooperatives speak to joint ownership and management where the benefits and profits are shared. With this also comes commitment to achieve success and where challenges exist to work together to resolve them.

The development of all Guyanese, without exception, can trace instances of their lineage where cooperative association helped weather stormy situations and pursue advancement.

Our First Peoples can relate to tribal relations of partnership and competition in hunting and sharing the

rewards, to women gathering in groups to prepare the culinary delights, celebration of a new born, mourning as a community, bartering, construction of buildings, protecting the tribes and warding off enemies, tribal councils/system of government, to name some. Freed Africans can recall their immediate post slavery stories, coming together and pooling their pennies, carrying them in wheelbarrows, buckets, and any available container to purchase plantations and convert same to villages, the creation of the village economy, village council/ government, construction of buildings, developing of a banking system, to name some.

The indentured community, inclusive of Africans, Europeans, Portuguese, Chinese and Indians, with the numerical minority being the first two and majority being the latter, can too tell their stories. They have worked together as a group or with other ethnic groups to improve their conditions of work and living during

indentureship and its post period.

From public agitation, trade union organisation, the acquisition and developing of villages, formation of political movement, denominational communities, building of commerce/merchant and other areas of endeavours, each Guyanese has kinship.

The commonsense of purpose during the 1940s to the 1960s that drove us, irrespective of from whence we came or past experiences, to pursue independence was driven by the common intent that we are in this together and collectively are ready to be in charge of our destiny. At independence the nation set out, not only to recognise its diversity and weld this into oneness that recognises the commonality of our capability to strive and thrive, since no man is an island. Our values, morals and norms are shaped by long held traditions, customs and laws that not only check our behaviours, but where conformity is maintained, ensures harmonious and peaceful co-existence.

Most misleading SN story Dear Editor: I WISH to refer to an article titled, “Cap on Ministers’ housing allowance was increased to $500,000 in 2015” published in Tuesday’s issue of the Stabroek News.

From the onset, it should be noted that the caption is most misleading. The house allowance paid to the Ministers of the Government, in accordance with section 4(a), (b), (c) and (d) of Chapter 1:07 of the Laws of Guyana, was not increased in 2015. The accounting records of the Parliament Office have revealed that the housing allowance

was increased to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) per month with effect from 1st January, 1994, by Order No. 36 of 1995.

The law does not treat with the rental of houses for Ministers of the Government. Chapter 1:07 treats with the payment of salaries and allowances to ministers, members of the National Assembly and the holders of certain other offices.

Depending on the cost of the rent, the approval of the National Procurement and Tender Administrative Board is also obtained.

The practice of providing ministers with rented houses

commenced approximately fifteen (15) years ago when the previous Administration was required to rent houses for several ministers of the Government.

As far as I am aware, only two ministers of the present Government are provided with rented residence. In light of the aforementioned, I take this opportunity to advise that your (SN) reporters be accurate when reporting on matters which can become sensational.

Regards SHERLOCK E. ISAACS Clerk of the National Assembly

The individual being allowed to thrive does not come at the expense of recognising where the enabling environment is created; it allows not only opportunity to get ahead but also to ensure none is left behind.

It has been proven, time and time again, that there is more that unite than divide us. In 1970, with the attainment of republican status, Guyana was renamed the Cooperative Republic. Such achievement, irrespective of whom it was achieved under, could not have been possible were it not for the indomitable spirit of the people.

What our experiences have taught us is that in spite of our diversity, periods of mistrust and conflicts, the many instances where the determinant of cooperatives has driven us out of necessity or convenience to work with each other, or compete with each other, that undercutting aspect of our development cannot be ignored. Cooperative as an economic model is part of the nation’s tri-sector economy. Its history has shown

the benefits of this engine in affording opportunities and a ladder to climb for the small man. Credit unions, the now defunct Guyana National Cooperative Bank, box hand, cooperative societies, to name some, have helped in the acquisition and ownership of land, education, homes, vehicles, business and other forms of investment. This engine has not been operating at full throttle for some time and needs opening up to assume its equal place in the formal economy. The resuscitation of the Guyana National Cooperative Union Limited in February is a step in the right direction and it is hoped that it grows from strength to

strength, given that its ideals are well placed.

In spite of our achievements, there are and will remain challenges and threats to the nation and its people from foreign forces, external or operating within. Where instances like these touch at our well- fought-for freedoms require resolving to fight together. Where together it is recognised that as a people we can either swim together or sink together, cooperatives will ensure the continuity of efforts as of yore to work in the interest of the collective; for the success of the collective is hinged on the success of the individual.

Berbice cricket hijacked, no clear leader Dear Editor: BERBICE Cricket Stakeholder Committee wishes to inform the general public of the hijacking of the national game in the ancient county.

We are concerned about the direction Berbice Cricket is heading and the majority of cricketers and clubs are unaware of who are the persons in charge of the Berbice Cricket Board and when would the next cricket tournament be played at the different levels.

What makes the situation worse is that major clubs like the Albion Cricket Club, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Blairmont and Upper Corentyne seek to not be involved in the administration of the game while a cricket club which has not won a major cricket title for over 20 years suddenly seems to be controlling Berbice Cricket at all angles.

The lead characters in the socalled Berbice Cricket Board

have no major achievements in administration and two of them are directly responsible for the decline of the game from its all-time high under the Presidency of Keith Foster to its present state.

The Berbice Cricket Stakeholders Committee would like to inform Berbicians on the recent development in Berbice Cricket over the last three years.

1. Anil Beharry was elected President of the Berbice Cricket Board in December, 2014 to replace Keith Foster who was not required to run again after completing three consecutive two-year terms. The three Vice Presidents elected were D. Somwaru, Q. Winter and V. Walter, while Angela Haniff and Vicky Bharosay were elected as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

2. Godwyn Allicock of the Port Mourant Cricket Club and David Black of the West Berbice Cricket Association sought and were granted a Court Injunction against

the Berbice Cricket Board on the grounds that two clubs were not supposed to vote due to the fact that the clubs’ names were left out of the Cricket Administration Bill.

3. The Anil Beharry-led Berbice Cricket Board was unable to meet for the entire term. According to the Cricket Bill, the term ended in December, 2015 after a one-year term.

4. Anil Beharry in a letter dated 29th January, 2017, electronically submitted a letter of resignation. The letter was addressed to the Berbice Cricket Board Secretary and carbon copied to the Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board.

5. Resignations to Organisations must be accepted by the elected body. No such meeting was ever held.

6. Despite the Court Injunction still in place, Vice President D. Somwaru decided to fire all of the appointed members of the Berbice Turn to page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

IDB transparency team explores role in Guyana oil sector A team of officials from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on Wednesday af-

Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal, at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The team is exploring the possible roles that the IDB could play in supporting

Consultant in the Energy Division of the Infrastructure and Environment Section, Mr. Carlos Sucre.

During the meeting, Minister Harmon said that he and

Mr. Winston Jordan, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson, Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin and Dr. Mangal. The Minister assured the IDB team that the Government is confident that their support could benefit the development of policies in the sector.

Meanwhile, Mr. Espinasa advised the ministers that it is essential for the Government to determine

how it wants to manage the resources, and that it must ensure contracts are well drafted to ensure the best possible deal for Guyana.

“We are here to support with whatever you need, most probably with what we call technical assistance, and this is concessionary support, and eventually, if that is the case, a loan of different amounts for creating the proper institutions,” he said.

M i n i s t e r Tr o t m a n thanked Mr. Espinasa for his presentation and noted that the IDB has set out different steps that the Government must carefully consider. “We have had similar presentations made to us and I believe that we are in the process of defining or compartmentalising, who does what,” he said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

From left to right: Dr, Jan Mangal; Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, and the IDB team led by Representative in Guyana, Ms. Sophie Makonnen; Mr. Ramon Espinasa; Mr. Lenin Balza and Mr. Carlos Sucre

ternoon paid a courtesy call on Minister of State, Joseph Harmon for an exploratory meeting, which was also attended by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Presidential Advisor on

Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector and included the IDB Representative in Guyana, Ms. Sophie Makonnen, Lead Oil and Gas Specialist in the Energy Division, Mr. Ramon Espinasa, EconomistEnergy, Mr. Lenin Balza and

Minister Trotman are both members of a team appointed

by President David Granger to advise the Cabinet on matters related to this sector.

He noted that the team is led

by Minister Trotman and includes Minister of Finance,

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman engaging with IDB officials, including Representative in Guyana, Ms. Sophie Makonnen, Mr. Ramon Espinasa, Mr. Lenin Balza and Mr. Carlos Sucre. Legal Advisor to the Minister of State, Ms. Geeta Chandon-Edmond and Presidential Advisor on Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal are also pictured first and second from left

Berbice cricket hijacked ...

Cricket Board, except for Imtiaz Baccus of the Albion Cricket Club. Those fired were Keith Foster, Rabindranauth Saywack, Julian Cambridge, Albert Smith and Malcolm Peters. Imagine Keith Foster never accepted the appointed position and was shocked when he received a letter signed by D. Somwaru as President of the Berbice Cricket Board, informing him that he was fired.

7. The Cricket Bill passed in the Guyana parliament simply states that three Vice Presidents shall be elected and does not state 1st, 2nd or 3rd Vice President. All three Vice Presidents - Somwaru, Winter and Walter have the same status and one is left to wonder how Somwaru took it upon himself to appoint himself as president.

8. Vice President Winter has never been invited to any meeting to discuss Berbice Cricket since the resignation of Mr. Anil Beharry as president.

9. In a letter in which Somwaru signed as President (ag), he invited certain clubs to a special meeting of

the Berbice Cricket Board to discuss the following: a) no-Confidence Motion against the Secretary, Ms. Angela Haniff. b) Removal of non-functioning clubs from the membership of the Berbice Cricket Board. c) Acceptance of three clubs into the membership of the Berbice Cricket Board once they apply to do so. 10. The Constitution of the Berbice Cricket Board clearly states that only the secretary can send notices for special meetings and all Motions must be submitted to the secretary.

11. Angela Haniff in her capacity as secretary has never signed any Notice for special meeting nor has received any Motion including the no-confidence against her.

12. What was surprising was Godwyn Allicock and David Black submitting a letter authorizing Somwaru to act as board resident. Imagine, Beharry was blocked from fulfilling his elected duties but they chose to authorise Somwaru to do so.

More shocking was the fact that they would be willing to withdraw the Court In-

junction if certain conditions were met. This letter was done without the knowledge of the Judge.

13. Angela Haniff had no knowledge of the No-Confidence or the reasons for the Motion, nor was she ever invited to the special seeting to defend the accusations against her. Under this new era of cricket dictatorship there is no respect for justice and no regard for the law.

14. Vice President Winter and Treasurer Bharosay were never invited to any special meeting, while numerous clubs that those so-called administrators thought would not agree to what they wanted were also not invited.

15. A Court Injunction was granted by the High Court against Somwaru, Godwyn Allicock and three others, which were filed by Rabindranauth Saywack and Albert Smith.

16. The majority of Berbicians are not aware of what took place at the meeting but that representatives from Albion, Port Mourant, Whim, Rose Hall Canje, West Berbice, Young Warriors and

Tucber Park were in attendance. Young Warriors and Tucber Park did not have voting rights.

17. At a recent public event, Somwaru had been introduced as president, Vickram Suebarran as secretary, Godwyn Allicock as assistant secretary and David Black as the chairman of the Competitions Committee.

18. One is left to wonder which part of the world do people take one another to court and at the same time fill position as Executives.

This shows that these people have no respect and regard for the law. Imagine, these persons who are so eager to take over the Berbice Cricket Board were all defeated at the last Annual General Meeting in 2014.

19. They have made efforts to get access to the Berbice Cricket Board’s Bank account and to transfer the telephone line to another address.

The Berbice Cricket Stakeholders would be very grateful for answers to the following questions: a) when was an election

Continued from page 6

held by the members of the Berbice Cricket Board and who elected Somwaru as president when the three Vice Presidents have the same status? b) Why are the two persons who filed the Injunctions against the Berbice Cricket Board are now involved in the administration of cricket, when they are responsible for the current state of our cricket. c) What are the current status of the two elected Vice Presidents of the Berbice Cricket Board, Qualis Winter and Vemen Walter? d) Why are correspondences signed by D. Somwaru as president and not by the secretary? e) What is the role that a senior Guyana Cricket Board official is playing in all of this mess? He is known to be present at all of the meetings where he sits at the front giving instructions. He asked the secretary of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club to be part of the Berbice Cricket Board Steering Committee and he has demanded the removal of Angela Han-

iff, on the condition that only then the Berbice Cricket Board would receive the subvention from the Guyana Cricket Board. f) Is it true that Carol Nurse chaired a special meeting at the Albion Club despite the presence of Vice President Vemen Walter? Ms Nurse has no relationship whatsoever with the Berbice Cricket Board.

The Berbice Cricketing Public deserve answers and all members of the Business Sector should be very careful in dealing with these imposters acting as administrators, especially the ones that were defeated at the last Annual General Meeting and who used the Court system as a platform to gain power via the back door. In another press release, we would inform Berbicians of worrying developments on the selection of Berbice teams and the setting of competitions to suit one particular club.

Regards BERBICE CRICKET STAKEHOLDERS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

14 cases of sexual assault on Settle your …police say issue needs teens in Bartica holistic effort accounts The Guyana Police Force (GPF) says a holistic effort is needed by key players and stakeholders in society to address the issue of rape and sexual exploitation of teenage girls which were reported as being prevalent in the town of Bartica.

The police, in response to an article which the Guyana Chronicle published on Wednesday in which the issue was highlighted, noted that force has been working in tandem with the Child Care & Protection Agency (CC&PA) along with school welfare officers in an effort to eliminate the problem.

The police said that for the year, a total of fourteen reported cases of sexual assaults committed on females in the Region Seven town.

The police said that ten of such matters are currently before the courts; one was dismissed for want of prosecution, two were sent to legal advice and in once case a suspect is being sought. The force said it acts on information or complaints it receives in such matters.

The police noted that the Divisional Commander and key personnel under his command have embarked on a number of community outreaches and Social Crime Prevention Programmes targeting Bartica and the mining community of Itabali among others. It said that the aim of such activities is to sensitise especially young people of the ills of society and the importance of living healthy and productive lives.

Such activities have so far yielded much success, the police said, noting that these include the formation of youth groups, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programmes , reduction in cases of teenage pregnancy , as well as improved public /police relations, among others.

Residents of Bartica expressed disgust over a prevailing situation of sexual exploitation in which teenage girls as young as 13 are being gang-raped, some even drugged with ecstasy, by a group of men in the area. The Guyana Chronicle was alerted by a post on social media by a Bartica man Tuesday highlighting what he called the “real dangers” faced by young women, whom he

listed as “13, 14, 15 year-old schoolgirls”.

President of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) Urica Primus, who is also a Bartician, expressed disgust and said the issue is not a new one. She told the Guyana Chronicle that rape in the mining town is on a steady increase, but few persons report cases, since many of such cases end prematurely. Bartica Mayor, Gifford Marshall Tuesday afternoon confirmed the reports to be true. Marshall said his office is aware of the situation and has launched an investigation. He is expected to give a statement on the issue in a few days after he would have gathered adequate information.

– City Hall tells lessees

China donates $20M in equipment to fight Zika virus The Government of China handed over $20M in medical equipment and supplies to the Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence on Tuesday as it boosts Guyana’s ability to fight against Zika and other infectious diseases. The equipment will be used in the Reference Laboratory of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). “I want to thank the Chinese Embassy and the people of China for the continued support in the medical field and look forward to other support for the Reference Laboratory”, Lawrence said following the signing ceremony at GPHC. “We are glad to do something in the public health sector for the Guyanese people,” said Mr Shen Huiyong, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown in response to Lawrence’s address. The equipment included two centrifuges a PCR machine and laptop, to support testing for new and emerging infectious diseases here. The instruments are accompanied by the appropriate testing supplies including reagents. The vector control services will be boosted with

Town Clerk, Royston King

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and a Chinese Embassy Official shake hands following the signing ceremony. Also in photo is Ms Collette Adams MOPH Permanent Secretary (extreme left), and Mr. George Lewis, GPHC CEO (ag)

mosquito traps and knapsack manual sprayers to support prevention and control activities.

The team of Chinese specialist comprising Dr. Yanping Zhang, Dr. Yongjun Jiao, Dr. Zhifeng Li and Dr. Ye Tian, has been on a onemonth stay here working with the Vector Control, Reference Laboratory and the Surveillance and Epidemiology Units “to support our prevention and control measures in response to the Zika virus,” a press statement from GPHC said.

It said that the team also conducted training ses-

sions with the hospital staff “across all of these areas and donated equipment and supplies to the laboratory and vector control services.”

Some areas of training included the use of MapInfo to show the distribution of disease cases and the density of the mosquito vector.

Vector control staff were also coursed in calculating the Breteau Index “a measure of disease risk based on the density of the vector in a particular area, as well as identifying mosquito species throughout the life cycle stages.”

The laboratory staff

were supported in testing of samples for the Zika virus. The release said the specialised training will enhance the referral hospital’s control and prevention measures for Zika “but will also strengthen the health sector’s ability to respond to similar new and emerging diseases.”

During their stay here, the medical team also visited several health facilities in Regions 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica) to gain a better understanding of Guyana’s health sector. The team will be leaving Guyana today.

The Mayor and City Council has advised all those individuals who have leased lands and other facilities from the council to ensure that they settle their accounts for those leases with its City Treasury.

In a statement City Hall said a look at its register of leases revealed that many individuals who are occupying Council’s lands have not paid fees for many years, while others are using those portions for purposes other than the purpose for which they were leased. “In other cases, some reserves have been left to the mercies of stray animals and persons, who have veered off the normal side of society. Those who have not settled their accounts with the council for leases for which they were awarded have up to July 6, 2017 to come in and pay off all monies owing to the council on those leases.”

According to the law, Municipal and District Councils Act, chapter 28:01, if rents or lease fees are owed to the council for any such lands for two months and

beyond the Town Clerk must take possession of those lands and any crops or provisions thereon should be sold, the rent or fees or extracted and the surplus returned to the disposed. “Also, the council is contemplating a new approach that will allow Administration to rent instead of lease lands that are within its custody to those, who are desirous of utilising such lands for economic and related activities,” the City Hall release stated.

“It is the considered view of the council, that in these modern times, and its obligation to provide vital municipal services on an extremely limited budget that this could help garner much needed revenue to allow it to fulfill its mandate to all local communities.

Inspectors from the City Engineer’s Department and officials from the Town Clerk’s Department have started to visit various areas to verify those individuals occupying council’s reserves and the purpose to which they have put such areas.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Jagdeo urged to be honest

…as MoTP knocks ‘diplomats fear’ story The Ministry of the Presidency has questioned the veracity of a Guyana Times article headlined, ‘Diplomats express fears over Granger’s ulterior election motive’ and calls on the outlet to either provide the evidence of the claims made therein, or retract it immediately.

Further, the Ministry of the Presidency has called on the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo who is quoted as making “these spurious claims in the article without providing any actual evidence or proof to be more responsible and honest in his public statements.”

According to the ministry

in the article published on Wednesday Jagdeo is quoted as saying; “I had discussions with people from the diplomatic community…

He (Granger) is raising a lot of concerns internationally about the elections.” The article, which is void of any evidence that any ‘real’ diplomat expressed such fears to Mr. Jagdeo, is a clear attempt to use a serious constitutional matter, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairmanship, for malicious political theatre. The Ministry calls on all media outlets to seriously investigate the wild claims made by the Opposition Leader, who told members of the media, “we

have started doing work internationally to ensure that the election is free and fair… people see this in the international community as a strategy”, on the part of the Granger Government.

“The Ministry of the Presidency calls on the Opposition Leader to state which ‘diplomats’ ex pressed ‘fears’, when and to whom. If there is no evidence that diplomats expressed such ‘fears’ then the newspaper, if it is interested in operating as a credible and responsible source of news, which meets international journalistic standards, should retract the article.”

Shop assistant allegedly raped at gunpoint A TWENTY-YEAR-OLD shop assistant was raped at gunpoint on Tuesday evening, in the vicinity of the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) Housing Scheme, in New Amsterdam, as she was returning to her Mount Sinai, home, in West Canje.

The woman, who is employed at a popular grocery shop on Strand Road, had moments ago, concluded her day’s work and had decided to walk home along the newly constructed, all weather roadway that stretches from Shoe Lane to Angoy’s Avenue, on the eastern fringe of the New Amsterdam township, She was suddenly pulled into a nearby clump of bushes.

Her struggles to resist her

attacker’s grip on her body, was too weak to ward off the youth who pointed a pistol to her head, before demanding that she comply with his wishes. “I want some sex and I got to get it,” he muttered into her ear. But, she did not submit easily. The woman said she screamed, alerting a passing cyclist, who in turn alerted a hire car driver who was in the vicinity plying his trade. But, the driver was overheard saying, “Me wife and me daughters are at home. Me ain’t got no time,” before driving off.

The alleged rape victim said she was sexually violated for over an hour before the rapist left her behind, bleeding and battered. She said, it was another passerby, who came

to her rescue and subsequently alerted relatives.

At the time of this report, the victim was undecided as to whether she should report the matter to the police, as she claimed it is very difficult for her to relive the life changing incident again. However, she has since issued a call for the M&TC to clear all overgrown bushes along the parapets and open lots, and to place electric lamps along the roadways so as to improve on the security within the community. “As woman, I must feel safe to walk. It was not late. Just after 1900hrs. I would hear of similar stories, occurring in this area, but I never believe. I feel so humiliated. I feel so violated…”

Standby generator for Mabaruma THE Ministry of Communities will be working in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to procure a new generation set for Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini).

This was disclosed by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, in an interview with Department of Public Information/Government Information Agency (DPI/GINA) on Tuesday.

Residents of the Region One community have been without electricity for over five weeks due to the malfunctioning generator.

The procurement of the new generator is a long-term solution to the problem.

Minister Bulkan explained

that for the short-term intervention, the Ministry of Natural Resources had on Tuesday been able to procure a standby 500-kilowatt generator. The Ministry is currently making arrangements to have it transported and installed in the community shortly and Minister Bulkan expects that this intervention “will kick-in, in soon.” In the meantime, he is asking that,“residents exercise patience as the government works expeditiously to rectify the situation.”

Region One, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Leslie Wilburg, explained that the generator went down on May 15, 2017. After purchasing parts to repair the generator, it was dis-

covered that it could not be fixed without spending large sums of money. Wilburg said that, “the options were either to purchase a new plant, or spend more to repair it.” He considered both options and then shared his recommendations by way of a letter with the Minister of Communities and Minister of Public Infrastructure.

The options were to repair the plant for some $8.4M with a time frame of four to five weeks, or repair for $6M. The other option was to purchase a new plant for some $16.7M with one week’s framework for installation, or $14.4M with the installation time of three to four weeks. (DPI/GINA)

$15M in emergency works to stop flooding in Corentyne OVER 100 cash crop farmers in the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), affected by recent flooding, will get much-needed relief, as some $15M is being expended for emergency works at several sluices and outfalls in the Corentyne.

These works are being undertaken by the Region Six, Regional Administration, at Number 49, 47, 43 and Whim Villages. Regional Executive Officer (REO) Kim Williams-Stephen, on Tuesday, visited the ongoing works at Whim and Number 49 Villages. She explained that the farmers, especially at Number 49 Village have complained that the flooding has severely affected their farm-lands, hence the need for the emergency works.

“Over the last four days, we had heavy rainfall in the region and they (farmers) have complained that their cash crops are being affected and so emergency works were undertaken by the region to have the sluice door repaired, so as to alle-

The Koker at Number 49 Village, East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six

viate the flood situation and ensure that their cash crops are not severely damaged,” Williams-Stephen told the Department of Public Information/ Government Information Agency (DPI/GINA.) Contractor, Carlton Dundas has been contracted to execute the rehabilitation works to the sluice door and the de-silting of the outfall channel at Number 49 Village to the tune of G$ 800, 000. “The water accumulated in the area because the koker had some defects, so we had to work around the clock to have it corrected so that there is some sort of

relief…already the farmers are getting relief,” Dundas pointed out. The works are expected to be completed within a week.

Region Six has been flooded as a result of more than 12 inches of rainfall since last Thursday. Number 47, 51, 52 and 54 Villages on the Corentyne Coast, along with Black Bush Polder were mostly affected.

Efforts are also underway to bring relief to residents affected in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) communities including Bush Lot, Bath Settlement, and Rosignol Villages. (DPI/GINA)

Three held for slaying Miner on bail for allegedly of ex-serviceman stealing raw gold A POST MORTEM performed on the body of Trevor Dublin of ‘C’ Field, Sophia on Wednesday gave the cause of death as perforation to the lungs, Commander of ‘C’ Division, Calvin Brutus said.

He added that the post mortem was conducted by government pathologist, Dr.

Nehaul Singh at the GPHC mortuary in the presence of the police.Mr Brutus told the Guyana Chronicle that three persons are in custody assisting with the probe.

The body of the ex-serviceman who was employed at BK International was found at ‘C’ Field Access Road at about 22:15hrs on

Sunday night by members of a police mobile patrol.

The body of the 49-year-old bore a single stab wound to the left side chest. A knife and a toque were found in close proximity to the body.A resident of ‘E’ Field, Sophia was initially detained and questioned.

CHIEF MAGISTRATE, Ann McLennan, placed a miner on $70, 000 bail when he appeared before her on Wednesday charged with simple larceny.

The allegation stated that Collin Sherwin Jerome of Ameila’s Ward, Linden on June 22, 2017 at Potaro, in the Essequibo River, stole 19 pennyweight of raw gold, property of Adel Patan, valued $190,000. Jerome denied the allegation when it was read to him.

Police said that on the day in question Patan had just finished burning the raw gold and left it and went to have a bath. Jerome was seen taking the gold that Patan had just burnt and running away. Patan subsequently made a report to the police. Jerome was later arrested and searched by the police and 5.7 pennyweight of raw gold was recovered on his person. The matter was adjourned to July 18 and transferred to the Madhia Magistrate’s Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Relief on the way for TIP task force hails flooded communities Guyana Tier 1 ranking in Region 5 and 6 The Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) of Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are working to bring relief to flood-affected communities in their respective regions.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five, Ovid Morrison told the Department of Public Information/Government Information Agency (DPI/ GINA), earlier this week, that the RDC has begun manually clearing the canals and drains, with NDIA’s (National Drainage and Irrigation Authority) assistance.

This was after a comprehensive assessment on Saturday of the affected areas of Bush Lot, Trafalgar, Bath Settlement, Kingelly, Rosignol and Tempie Villages, the REO said. He said that

the RDC is also working to rehabilitate three sluices, previously abandoned, towards assisting draining the areas as soon as possible.

The Region Five RDC’s effort is being boosted by the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMAADA) and the NDIA. Morrison explained that the two agencies have assisted the region by providing five drainage pumps. He said two of the pumps have been placed at Bush Lot and another at De Hoop Branch Road.

Meanwhile in Region Six, Regional Chairman, David Armogan described Number 47, 51, 52 and 54 Villages on the Corentyne Coast, along with Black Bush Polder as areas mostly affected by the floodwaters.

He told the DPI/GINA that the RDC is working assiduously to relieve the flood affected areas in the region. The Regional Chairman said that all of the region’s drainage pumps are working, however, the RDC is, “hoping that there is no rain for the next two days so that the affected areas would be permanently relieved.”

“The problem that we are having is only being able to get one and a quarter inches of water off the land in 24 hours and that is when the rain is not falling,” the Regional Chairman explained. Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) has been inundated with more than 12 inches of rainfall since the heavy rains started on Thursday. (DPI/ GINA)

Moruca Expo to focus on entrepreneurship THE 13th Annual Moruca Expo Event will take place on July 21 and 22, 2017 in the host village of Santa Rosa, Moruca River, Barima-Waini, Region 1.

This year the focus would be on entrepreneurship and small business, along with the regular activities which have seen some additions, organisers said in a release.

“If you have a soft spot for crabmeat and crabs in the various Indigenous Peoples’ and Guyanese cuisine, then it’s your time to take time off and enjoy the warmth and

friendliness of the Lokono, Warau and Carib people of Moruca.You can even head off to Warapoka Village to see the Harpy Eagle and its nest or go fishing in the Baramanni and Waini Rivers; with great scenery and lots to do during your stay, you are bound to leave with lasting memories!”

Organisers have also listed a number of guest houses that will be available and are also looking to have bed and breakfast available as well as hammock and camping arrangements for the outdoors

enthusiasts.

Vicentia Guest House self-contained rooms- 6687321 Kumaka Guest House self-contained rooms -6785298 Julios- 696-0582self-contained rooms Home Sweet Home- 6930582- shared bathroom facilities Savanna View, 672-2012shared bathroom facilities Moruca Expo Committee (672-2012) for bed and breakfast, hammock and camping facilities.

The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) has commended the efforts of the authorities on Guyana’s elevation to Tier 1, in the United States Department of State’s 2017 Annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.

At the same time, the body believes additional work should be done on several grey areas including training and awareness, more efficient prosecutions, victim identification and support and referral. The body also identified faster response times and more vigorous investigations as areas which should be improved.

According to a release, the Task Force said that the elevation is a reward for the “tireless efforts” of its members and other stakeholders that all work in partnership to effectively prevent the crime from occurring, protect victims and prosecute offenders.

The body said that it was reconvened on January 15, 2016 and has met regularly since this date. The meetings, supported by the input of external stakeholders, gave rise to the implementation of a number of anti-TIP initiatives and the eventual launching of the 2017-2018, TIP Action Plan.

According to the Task Force, the United States Department of State regularly supported activities of the Task Force and also provided capacity building opportunities in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM was always on hand to lend support to victims, both local and international, when needed. It said the introduction of INTERPOL added greatly to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) capacity building efforts and, by extension, improved the quality of training provided by the Task Force.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime also assisted

in the crafting of the Action Plan, the umbrella body noted.

The body highlighted the efforts of bodies whose works were pivotal in its mandate.

It said that the newest Task Force member, Burn the Price Tag, set the tone for 2016 with a Trafficking in Persons TIP) Awareness Walk in January, which inspired other stakeholders to increase their respective investments into the local anti-TIP endeavours.

It noted that the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit at the Ministry of Social Protection took the lead in the victim protection efforts with committed support from Help and Shelter and the Board of the Togetherness in Peace Home, while the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission assisted in providing support to victims from indigenous communities.

It noted too, that the GPF focused on improving its border monitoring efforts and its investigative and prosecutorial capabilities through capacity building, while the Ministry of Natural Resources through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) provided funding, logistical support and human resource on call.

It said that the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was always on hand to provide prompt legal assistance; and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) continued to be a notable presence in the field.

In addition, it highlighted the supporting role played by other institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on international issues, the Ministry of Education with regards to TIP awareness for school-aged youths and Food for the Poor in event coordination support and provision of resources.

The Task Force said that the Ministry of Communities was also a valuable member, contributing to the success of

the Week of Activities from July 24-30, to commemorate World Day against Trafficking in Persons (July 30).

The body also singled out the efforts of the Attorney General’s Chambers which it noted has always been available for consultation.

Other bodies which are not Task Force members such as Community Policing Groups and Banks DIH Limited’s were singled out for their efforts.

“The fact that other key stakeholders would have gone unmentioned does not negate the significant contributions they would have made to this process and the Government of Guyana (GoG) remains indebted to them for their involvement”, the Task Force said.

It was noted that the display of commitment from all involved made it easier for the Ministry of Public Security to coordinate events and activities in accordance with plans set out at Task Force meetings and, later, in accordance with the National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons 2017-2018.

“Any plaudits received diminish in value if the prevailing efforts to fight this crime are not sustained and/ or improved in the aforementioned areas, especially victim protection and support. Hence, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons remains committed to the coordination of efforts among stakeholders through a victim-centred approach”, the body noted.

The Task Force said it continues to welcome the valuable support of local, bilateral and international partners, to further solidify its efforts and pledges to continue in its attempts to act in accordance with its Action Plan and international best practices to combat TIP.

Man jailed , fined for ganja possession A Norton Street, Bagotstown man was Wednesday sentenced to three years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge.

Twenty-five-year-old Carlsdale Aaron of 180 Norton Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The charge stated that on June 26, 2017 in George-

town, he had 102 grams of marijuana in his possession.

Police said that on the day in question the defendant was seen acting in a suspicious manner while having a black plastic bag in his hand. When the police patrol approached him he dropped the bag and escaped. He was later apprehended and taken back to the said location where the bag was dropped and the leaves, seeds and stems were found.

Aaron was told of the

offence and was escorted to the Brickdam Police Station where the drug was weighed in his presence and amounted to 102 grams. In his response to the court, Aaron apologised, saying that he knew what he did was wrong, but he was looking for a job since he did not want to steal and he needed the money to support his family. Aaron was sentenced to three years and fined GYD$153,000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

‘Lodge Scheme’ residents willing – with tangible help to give voluntary service from City Council

By Telesha Ramnarine

RESIDENTS of Lodge Housing Scheme have indicated their willingness to assist their community with clean-up work on a voluntary basis, but need the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to be more proactive in providing necessary help.

Just last Sunday, more than 20 residents of the community turned out to support drainage and other clean-up works and managed to accomplish quite a bit, although having to cope with primitive tools.

When some of the residents met with City Hall officers to inform them about the works that were about to be undertaken, City Hall said they were not capable of transporting the small number of tools they had on hand to lend.

Because the residents could not manage transportation on their own, they could not benefit from the tools, but instead took away some garbage bags only. This was all they could fetch.

When the issue came up at the statutory meeting on Monday, Solid Waste Director Walter Narine said he knew nothing of the works that were planned. This is not withstanding Constituency Councillor Monica Thomas’s claims that she informed him and Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis.

Residents David Smith, Kwame Lumumba, Bridget Benjamin, and Mario Gousse, who all turned up at City Hall on Monday to hear Councillor’s Thomas’ presentation, also told the Guyana Chronicle that City Hall was fully aware of the works that were planned.

In fact, Benjamin said

Lewis was on the phone with her and another person from the Solid Waste Department at the same time inquiring about the garbage bags.

“I am appalled that the Solid Waste Director is saying he had no knowledge.

The residents did an excellent job at cleaning out the drains and so on. These community groups that are willing to do self-help should be supported; it’s disheartening that people are willing to work and are not being assisted,” Thomas told her fellow councillors.

Meanwhile, Benjamin told the Guyana Chronicle that none of the residents are satisfied with the help from M&CC because Lodge has been neglected for many years. “They are disillusioned by that; they are affected by it. There is fear also in the community in terms of poor lighting, the abandoned

‘Lodge Scheme’ residents hard at work in their community last Sunday

Constituency Councillor Monica Thomas interacting with residents during the clean-up initiative

Even with primitive tools, the residents managed to accomplish quite a lot

trucks, over-flooding. The residents are willing to clean, and have cleaned before, but they are disillusioned and they are still pushing through, because they need to still keep integrity within

their communities, but we actually want the council to act,” Benjamin said.

She drew attention to the fact that there are many other surrounding areas that seem to be receiving services. “So

there doesn’t seem to be a cohesion, a systematic way of showing that all the areas are covered. People get frustrated because they work so hard and there is no maintenance,” she said.

Lumumba, too, lamented that the area has been neglected for a long time. “We’d like our community to be something like Ms. Chase-Green (the mayor) own, because her community (Tucville) is well done. Meadow Brook is also maintained too. Our area has been neglected for a very long time,” he said.

Lumumba is also calling for residents to be given work in the community. “If anything is going to be done in the neighbourhood, we would like to be given work instead of a strange person getting work in our community.”

Gousse noted that the community has been doing lots of work on its own, but now needs the help of the City Council. “Plenty of the work quickly gets undone because of a lack of necessary tools,” he said.

Stanleytown family robbed Three held for murder of Sophia at gunpoint in their home schoolboy OMA Mangar and her family are still reeling from shock having suffered brutality at the hands of two gunmen who robbed their home on Tuesday night.

Mangar told the Guyana Chronicle that at about 20:05hrs on Tuesday night, she, her parents and two visiting relatives were seated in the bottom flat of their Lot 189 Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara home, chatting.

Her mother, who was facing the window, observed a man jumping the fence and she started to scream, but by then the robber was joined by an accomplice, both of whom were armed with handguns.

Mangar related that the robbers placed them to lie face down on the ground and told them to stay quiet and hand over their valuables.

She said that the men were shouting at them the whole time and threatened to shoot if they did not comply.

She added that her father hesitated and tried to resist but he was struck to his back with a gun by one of the two bandits and forced to the floor.

Mangar said that the men were not masked and are not known to them but they carted off with a laptop, cell phones, a blow dryer and an undisclosed amount of cash. She could not say how

the men arrived or left the scene, since they were too afraid to look outside after the robbery.

Manger said that neighbours related that they did not see anything but she surmised that the bandits were watching and waiting before they carried out the robbery.

The matter was reported and the police were summoned but the bandits were long gone by the time the police arrived on the scene. Police said no arrests have yet been made but the probe is ongoing. Michel Outridge photo saved in a file in Graphics as Stanleytown robbery.

COMMANDER of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman, on Wednesday said that three persons are in custody assisting with the investigations following the homicide of eight-year-old Isaiah Smartt last Tuesday.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that on Friday after the post-mortem was conducted and the cause of death indicated that it was a murder, a woman was detained and is still in custody.

So far, she has denied any involvement in the boy’s murder and two more persons from the community were

arrested for questioning.

The body of Isaiah David Smartt of Lot 148 ‘E’ Block Plum Park, Sophia, was found in a yard on Tuesday afternoon by a relative. The boy was last seen alive on Monday night when he left home to visit his father, who resides a short distance away.

A post mortem performed on the boy’s body revealed that he died as a result of asphyxiation due to bronchoaspiration and compounded by compression injuries to the neck.

Police said it is a clear indication that Smartt’s death was unnatural and has been ruled a homicide. Smartt’s

body was found in a swampy yard which was considered too shallow for him to drown and his relatives suspected foul play since he was deemed an excellent swimmer.

The Commander of ‘A’ Division said Smartt’s body which bore no visible marks of violence was found at about 19:45hrs on Tuesday in about two feet of water. He related that after the child left his mother’s house alone and did not show up at his father’s home, a search was initiated by relatives who discovered his body and summoned the police.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Rupununi villagers urge speedy reopening of wildlife trade

By Alva Solomon FOLLOWING the signing of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2016 into law, wildlife exporters who operate from the South Rupununi are eagerly awaiting the restart of the trade.

This is even as traders have been facing challenges in caring for animals in their possession and which cannot be traded overseas at the moment since the suspension of the line of work, which is awaiting the establishment of the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission.

The Act, which enables the establishment of the commission, was signed into order on June 1 by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, under whose ministerial portfolio the commission falls. It was debated and subsequently passed by the National Assembly last August.

Trader Elizabeth Perry, who operates between the Coastland and the South Rupununi village of Maruranau told the Guyana Chronicle this week that since February this year, no export licenses or permits were renewed by the Wildlife Division, which now falls under the Department of Environment.

She said that this has led to a loss of income and work for herself and villagers.

Perry said that approximately 5000 persons in the indigenous communities, who provide most of the wildlife species for export, as well as persons who are employed at trapping stations , have been unable to earn an income as a result of the situation.

“Our community here in the Rupununi welcomes the commission’s mandate to promote the wildlife trade as a holistic sustainable and renewable economic resource with special emphasis on our indigenous communities,”

Perry said.

She explained that she has been involved in the wildlife trade since 2003.

Perry provides a service in which she receives orders from clients overseas, who would request certain species of animals. The request would then be placed at the level of the village councils and the village leader would announce or make known to the village council and villagers, the request.

Once the request is green-lighted, the process of trapping commences and Perry would hire a vehicle and travel from the Coastland into the Rupununi, where she would collect the orders and make payments to the village. She said the fee includes royalty aid to the village council. Perry trades animals such as spiders, water/land turtles, snakes among other reptiles.

Some three years ago, the commercial airlines stopped transporting the

animals; as a result traders resorted to ferrying the animals by land and water transport. This occurs mainly at nights since the temperature is best suited for the animals during the nighttime.

Once in the city, the animals are quarantined for at least two to three weeks.

Later, they are housed for exporting in compliance with local and international regulations. An air freighter is then hired and once at the airport, the animals receive further scrutiny, this time by the Customs officials, as well as anti-narcotics agents.

Once the entire process is satisfied, the animals are flown overseas.

Perry said the process of trading involves the trader being in possession of three licenses; a commercial trade license, a holding station license and an export license.

Each is valid for a calendar year and are mandatory, she said.

At the moment there are approximately twenty –one wildlife exporters; some of whom invest in large holding stations for the animals.

Since the trade was stopped, several traders have been caring for animals, which Perry noted are very expensive to maintain for the ongoing six-month period.

The exporters usually hold meetings and recently, the passage and subsequent operationalising of the wildlife legislation was discussed. Perry said that she and other exporters are now awaiting the go-ahead to restart their operations, since many persons depend on the trade as a means of an income.

An official of the DoE told the Guyana Chronicle last week that the commission members are expected to be named soon. The signing by Minister Harmon this month would see the commission being able to undertake its mandate,

which ensures the body take responsibility for managing the country’s compliance with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), a pact which has been ratified by Guyana.

The functions of the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission include the granting, amending and cancelling of licences, permits and certificates in respect of activities related to species of wildlife; monitoring and enforcing licences, permits and certificate compliance; determining the annual ‘closed season’ timeframe for the hunting, trapping and trade in species of wild fauna.

The commission will also facilitate, promote and support mechanisms in which local Indigenous villages may participate in the effective protection, conservation, management and sustainable use of wildlife on their titled lands.

HPV vaccination project Man killed during ‘threesome’ for September re-launch act identified

By Crystal Stoll The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination project is expected to be re-launched by the Ministry of Public Health in September.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle said the project will have a renewed focus to include partnership with the Ministry of Education and other health agencies.

She added that in partnering with the Ministry of Education, visits will be made to schools to distribute the vaccines among girls, starting from age 11.

The vaccination process will not be compulsory, but parents are advised to ensure their children are vaccinated to prevent the HPV virus.

According to Dr Boyle, the target is to capture girls who are not already sexually active as only then the vaccine will be effective.

She noted that girls who are already sexually active could already be exposed to the virus, and the vaccine will be “a waste of time”. The aim of the vaccine is to kill the virus at the initial stage.

“For girls who are sexually active; if an HPV test is done

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle

and there is no virus, only then they will be able to get it. The HPV test is not cheap, but we are hoping to get the equipment this year, so testing can be done,” said Dr Boyle.

At the previous re-launch of the project in October 2016, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud had said the Ministry hopes to start an immunisation process in boys as well, as is done in other countries.

When asked if boys will also be covered in the new relaunch, Dr Boyle responded in the negative, saying “the Ministry is not there as yet”.

The HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer among girls in Guyana arrived here in 2011 and was officially launched by the then Ministry of Health in 2012.

It was relaunched again in 2016 under the now Ministry

of Public Health in collaboration with Merck Sharp and Dhome (MSD).

In a 2016 presentation by Dr. Morris Edwards, it was stated that from the period of 2003 to 2012, it was found that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Guyana.

It revealed that Afro-Guyanese women had the highest incidence of cervical cancer, followed by Indo-Guyanese women.

Citing a distinction between the highest incidence and the highest rates of cervical cancer, Dr Edwards said that based on his research, the Chinese in Guyana has the highest rates of cervical cancer, followed by Afro-Guyanese.

He said that Amerindians have the lowest rates of cervical cancer here.

Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has the highest number and incidence of cancer in Guyana; and there is significant under-reporting of cancer cases and mortality in Guyana.

“The age group most affected by cervical cancer ranges from age 15 to age 39,” he had noted.”

THE body of a man who was beaten to death on Monday morning on Third Avenue, Bartica, after refusing to leave the scene of a sexual act that was being performed by three persons, has been identified as Kumar Persaud called “Radika”.

A post-mortem will be done at the Bartica Hospital mortuary on Friday. According to the police, three persons inclusive of a female are in custody assisting with the murder investigations.

The incident occurred between 04:00 and 08:00hrs on Monday, on Third Avenue Beach, Bartica.

The investigations have revealed that because the victim refused to remove from the beach, the suspects, who were involved in a “threesome act,” allegedly gave him a severe beating.

According to the police, a public-spirited citizen who witnessed the incident summoned the police who responded promptly and arrested the suspects and

Dead: Kumar Persaud

escorted the victim who was in an unconscious state, to the Bartica Public Hospital where he succumbed whilst receiving treatment.

City Hall owed over $6B A NUMBER of big companies and Georgetown residents owe rates and taxes to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) totaling more than $6B.

The M&CC said the non-payment of these taxes hinder the municipality from carrying out critical works in the city.

City Hall is working through its attorneys to recover outstanding rates, saying that it has exhausted all other options to recover the

outstanding sums, including encouraging defaulters to take full advantage of a special payment plan.

“Many property-own-

ers continue to neglect to honour their civic-responsibility to pay their rates.

The Council wishes to remind property owners that there has been no valuation of properties in the city, for over 20 years. Meanwhile, environmental, demographic, economic and other changes have increased the costs of municipal services and facilities for the Council,” City Hall said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Marijuana-smoking students on police radar – efforts to be made to stop loitering, indecent behaviour at markets, parks

(Standing) Pastor Clifton Elias expressing his views during the stakeholders meeting at the Brickdam Police Station

(Sitting) Divisional Detective Officer (Crime), Mr Kingston make notes as Commander Marlon Chapman addresses the forum

By Rabindra Rooplall COMMANDER of “A” Division, Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman has taken an interest to address loitering and indecent behaviour of school students at the Stabroek Market and other areas in the city on a daily basis.

He gave the commitment at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Brickdam Police Station on Tuesday, at which the matter of indiscipline among school children was raised.

The meeting had in attendance representatives from religious bodies, the private sector and civil society and calls were also made for the Ministry of Education to see how it can play a role in addressing the problem.

The gathering also wanted welfare officers to have a presence in all schools.

“Long after 9:30hrs children are loitering around the marketplace and elsewhere instead of being at school where they could qualify themselves for useful service towards our nation,” Pastor Clifton Elias said.

He explained that many children lose out by not attending classes, pointing out that this will jeopardise their future.

Pastor Elias suggested that the Ministry of Public Security and the Education Ministry should join forces to address the unbecoming behaviour.

“There was a time when school children could not have been seen loitering in the city or elsewhere because we had school inspectors in those days, and parents were brought to book when they were found wanting. It is not happening now, and by their (students) misconduct they are preparing more work for the Guyana Police Force,” the

pastor explained.

In giving another perspective and observation, Pastor Timothy Norton said many school children have weapons in their possession.

“And another thing is the use of marijuana right around the bus park, the students are indulged after school hours in marijuana smoking and there is need for plainclothes police to visit the area and put them before the court,” Pastor Norton said The Police is response promised to visits various schools and meet with teachers to address the problem, while noting that the bus park smoking frenzy will be dealt with condignly.

Security consultant, Brian Chin, said although there are many positives regarding the work of the police, there is also room for improvements.

“The Guyana Police Force (GPF) deserves some constructive criticism when they don’t do things as well as they should, but they also deserve some commendation when they do well,” Chin noted.

The security consultant said such forums with stakeholders are essential in formulating systems that are needed to combat the ills of society.

Meanwhile, Traffic Officer, Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud in noting complaints about vehicles with bright lights that are blinding oncoming drivers said, custom lights on cars and trucks are gaining traction throughout Guyana and drivers being caught with lights that are not legal will face the consequences.

“It is an offence and there will be an ongoing enforcement exercise, police cannot apprehend everyone, but we will be continuous and the court will deal with them according to the law,” Persaud

said.

Issues were also raised about the route of many of the minibuses and drivers not sticking to such route which promotes lawlessness on the roadways. The Police promised to deal with such issues as the need arise.

Commander Chapman who promised to address all issues raised at the meeting said “the ranks will be dealing with all issues in a professional manner and there will be changes because I have an open door policy, let me know what is going on.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Big drop in world market prices for sugar THE Guyana Sugar Corporation has said that over the past six months the World Market price for sugar has dropped significantly with a range of US$ 250 - 275 per tonne, which is in the vicinity of 12.5 cents per pound (c/lb).

Today 28 June, 2017, the price is US 12.66 cents per pound. In a statement GuySuCo said it supplies annually, 65,000 tonnes of bagged and packaged sugar to Caribbean and local markets. Another 12,000 tonnes of raw sugar is supplied to the North American market while the remainder which is also raw sugar, is sold on the European market. The supply to Europe for the Second Crop 2017 will total some 70,000 tonnes.

“The current forecast is that there will be a surplus of sugar on the World Market for the marketing year 2017/2018. In addition, from 1st October 2017, the European Union (EU) market will also see some radical changes since it is anticipated that significant additional amounts of beet sugar will be available for sale and this will compete directly with cane sugar. This may result

in reduced sugar prices in Europe. Due to the competition with beet producers, the price paid by the refiners for raw cane sugar (as supplied

by GuySuCo) will be more in line with the World Market Price, which currently is trading at US$275 per tonne and the forecast is that it will not increase significantly in the near future . The price at the commencement of the year was US$396 per tonne.”

According to the sugar company, the anticipated lower prices for the sugar sold will not assist the Corporation’s fragile financial position and poor liquidity will continue to pose a serious challenge in the upcoming Second Crop. “The Corporation is therefore encouraging its employees, particularly harvesters and planters, to turn out and assist their estates to harvest all canes in the cultivations and maximize on sugar production. Sugar-dependent communities are also urged to support the Corporation’s outreach drive to increase attendance on all estates for the Second Crop which starts mid-July.”

“We have a serious problem when it comes to

that. We are about to start the second crop in the middle of July and attendance is a serious issue,” GuySuCo’s Communication Director, Audreyanna Thomas, told the Guyana Chronicle Tuesday. Thomas alluded to the company’s agriculture department which she said has the largest capacity of employees with the highest level of absenteeism, particularly among planters and harvesters. These workers are described as being extremely important assets to the company, since according to the communications director, if planters do not plant cane, then there is no money to be gained and if they do not plant enough and

harvesters don’t attend work to reap, then there is less money to be gained.

This directly affects sugar-dependent communities, since they rely heavily on the activities of the sugar company for their economic gains. Thomas explained that while workers’ attendance has been an issue for GuySuCo for many years, the company’s current aim is to ensure the communities understand the damage that is done to the collective when the company cannot perform because of absenteeism.

In an effort to save the crop, GuySuCo has thus organized a number of outreaches in mainly sugar estate-based communities to

implore not only workers, but key village personage and other stakeholders to assist in maintaining the operations that directly benefit the community.

GuySuCo’s public statement said that engagements will be held with stakeholders at Wales, Uitvlugt, Enmore, Albion, Rose Hall, Skeldon, among others. The outreaches will commence this Thursday, June 29 and end July 6.

The focus of these meetings will be on ‘The Role of Communities in Improving Attendance on Estates for the Second Crop 2017’.

GuySuCo said it wants to mobilise cane harvesters, planters and cane transport operators, their families and communities around the importance of improving attendance at all estates in order to sustain the industry. The company said it wants employees to turn out to work to ensure that the canes are harvested within the crop.

Government’s intention to restructure and downsize the financially strapped state company saw strikes at various estates. GuySuCo had mentioned that during the first crop at Rose Hall, for

instance, the sugar company lost $17m in revenue in one day when workers engaged in strike action which left unattended cane to spoil. The workers in turn lost some $7m in wages.

GuySuCo has called out the Guyana Agriculture Workers’ Union (GAWU) for encouraging strike action that results in both workers and the industry losing millions of dollars respectively.

Amidst the communication on the second crop, Thomas said, the company hopes to clarify any other industry-related questions and concerns stakeholders may have, based on the future of the sugar company.

She indicated that there are areas of misinformation and untruths fed to workers that must be clarified.

Thomas highlighted that absenteeism is one reason that could be highlighted in the company’s decisions to merge some estates. She pointed out, for example, that this is one reason why Wales’ workers are being asked to go over to Uitvlugt, “to boost operations by bridging that gap and improving production there.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

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Bosai mines causing pollution, flooding in Noitgedacht …residents urge EPA to monitor operations

By Vanessa Braithwaite

RESIDENTS of the community of Noitgedacht, located in proximity to Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGG) bauxite mines are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor the company’s

operations on the dyke, where bauxite mines are located due to recent cases of flooding and pollution.

Speaking on behalf of the residents was Gavin-Greene Marshall, who has been a resident of Noitgedacht for many years and is currently experiencing terrible environmental issues which

he claims are as a result of Bosai’s unregulated mining practices.

Marshall said that when it rains, the waste water and sludge from the dyke is drained into Noitgedacht because Bosai is not putting systems in place to have the waste material diverted or discarded in a proper manner.

The drains in the community, the resident claims are blocked by the sludge and debris from the mines and the water is therefore backed up into the yards of residents, in addition to bauxite slush.

The situation has worsened during the May/June rains. “For whatever it is worth, I am paying my taxes,

One of the drains in Noitgedacht that was clogged with bauxite waste, thus allowing the area to be flooded

Bosai is making millions of dollars with good tax exemptions and therefore must be held responsible for bad environmental practices,” Marshall said. The distraught resident affirmed that the entire community is being affected, though the situation has been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities, including the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC).

As a past employee of the bauxite company, he said that he can speak with authority on the matter since he was involved in mining for years.

“The way they are operating the dyke, is contrary to how we operated the dyke years ago in Linmine. I am an engineer, I worked with Linmine and I know it is not done correctly and we are at risk in Noitgedacht.”

Speaking to the Guyana

Chronicle on the issue was Bosai’s Senior Technical Service Coordinator, Wainwright Bethune, who is also the municipal constituency representative for Noitgedacht, who said that the situation was brought to his attention but denied that it is as a result of Bosai’s present operation. Bethune explained that the colour may be influenced by Bosai’s operations and Bosai can assist in alleviating the issue. “I have seen the pictures from two or three residents………it is some residue of bauxite grime in the area and every time it rains, the water will be discoloured but is not from the operation directly at the moment,” Bethune said. He promised to visit the area on Thursday with a team to ascertain the level of the damages caused.

Bauxite residue that is washed into the home of a Noitgedacht resident every time it rains

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Melanie, Bare Root residents urge repairs to roads

By Crystal Stoll RESIDENTS of the Melanie and Bare Root areas are making calls to the local authorities for better streets within the villages.

The Guyana Chronicle, on Monday, visited the areas after several calls were made by villagers within the communities. The distraught residents aired their concerns following heavy rainfall over the past week which made the situation worse.

“I can’t even take a taxi home after work because they either up the price or refuse to drive in the streets, and the rain made it worse; I had to walk through the water and catch a bus,” said Cheryl Bobb of Cinema Road, Melanie.

Meanwhile, a resident of the Bare Root area, who gave his name only as Winston, said, “You can’t even take your children to school.

Look, I was taking my son to school the other day and we fall down in the big hole with water, that’s how bad it bad.

The government ain’t got time with poor people. Since before election they promise us better roads and up to now, nothing!”

In January, the Guyana Chronicle published an article relating to the same issue in the Bare Root area.

This publication made its way to the Buxton/FoulisNational Democratic Council, Region Four and spoke to the Overseer, Cherlyn Herod. She said that to her knowledge the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has in its provisions, works to be done in Melanie and Coldingen areas.

Efforts to contact the Regional Executive Officer for Region Four proved futile.

However, an interview over the phone with one of the RDC’s engineers, who re-

fused to give a name, said that the council is yet to confirm if the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is doing any works within those areas. However, the engineer further mentioned that there aren’t any provisions in their work plans for construction of the roads in the Melanie/ Bare Root areas.

Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Desilon Daniels during an interview with this publication, related that it is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to do internal streets.

She explained, “The internal streets fall under the responsibility of the NDCs upon the collection of rates and taxes. However, upon requests we attempt as best as possible to do rehabilitative works to provide relief to residents. However, we still cater to our previously budgeted projects.”

Use of the grass land next to the road has become a norm for this young lad

A cyclist dodges one of the many large potholes in Melanie

An example of the state of the roads in Bare Root

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Two KOs, five stoppages highlight opening night

By Michael DaSilva THERE were two knock-out

victories and five stoppages by the referee when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)-organised Andrew Lewis National Novices championships got underway at the National Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

The night’s card produced much excitement from the first of the 12 bouts that were contested and it continued that way in all of the encounters, but it was Ishawn Khan of the Harpy Eagles (HE) Boxing gym and Delroy Fordyce of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) gym who really highlighted the night’s proceedings which attracted a small but appreciative audience as they both knocked-out their respective opponents within the distance.

Other outstanding performances came from Akiemo (GDF), Kevin McKenzie (GDF), Jamal Leitch of the Republican Gym (Rep), Mark Chester (Rep) and Anthony Williams (GDF).

From the first contest - a semi-final in the 49kg weight division - boxing fans knew right away that the night’s proceedings would be action-filled.

Watts came up against Nyron Fraser (Rep) and from the first gong, both boxers went at each other, throwing punches from all angles.

Watts was stunned by a straight left from Fraser and was issued an eight-count.

Round two saw Fraser coming out looking to end the fight, but Watts was equal to the task and retaliated in like manner.

The pattern continued until the third round when Fraser went out brawling; but Fraser looked the stronger of the two and landed a series of combinations which resulted in two more eight-counts before the referee

called a halt to the proceedings at two minutes 13 seconds of the third round.

Two fights later, the first of the two knockouts was registered as HE’s Khan stopped GDF’s Jason Mickle for the full count at two minutes 26 seconds of the third round after pummelling him (Mickle) for three consecutive rounds and connecting with a `wicked’ straight right.

Later in the night, the various referees were forced to stop proceedings as some of the boxers were far superior to their opponents.

The first case was the 60kg weight division where Fordyce caused the referee to stop his contest against Rakesh Chandrat (Rep) at two minutes 15 seconds of the first round.

The 64kg weight division saw stoppage between McKenzie (GDF) and Quincy Letlow (Rep) at 2 minutes 5 seconds of the first round in their preliminary contest.

Then came the fight between Leitch (Rep) and Richard Lanferman of the Vergenoegen Boxing Gym (VBG) in the 69kg division, where the referee called a halt to the proceedings at 44 seconds of the second round in Leitch’s favour.

In the same weight division, the referee stopped the fight between Chester (Rep) and Jamal Crawford at one minute 25 seconds of the second round in Chester’s favour.

The other stoppage was during a 91kg weight division between Williams (GDF) and Jason Lespoir (Rep) which the referee stopped at one minute 23 seconds of the first round.

The tournament ends tonight at the National Gymnasium with the finals in all the divisions.

Continued from back page

Bolt holds on ... placards to form the Jamaican flag as Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” was played in the stadium.

“The biggest thing is always the crowd. That is why I keep coming back here. You guys are wonderful. Thanks for everything,” Bolt said.

He later told reporters his focus was on staying healthy, including taking care of his back as he gets older. “But I did not get injured, that is key,” he was quoted as saying by Czech news website idnes.cz.

With Bolt moving closer to retirement, a number of athletes could be set to emerge from his shadow.

Among them is South African Wayde van Niekerk, who broke the 300m world record earlier in the evening, rubbing Michael Johnson out of the record books for the second time in less than a year.

The 24-year-old, who beat Johnson’s 400m best at last summer’s Rio Olympics, recorded a time of 30.81 seconds in the rarely-run 300m, bettering the American’s previous mark of 30.85 seconds set in 2000. van Niekerk’s time also beat the Ostrava meeting record set by Bolt in 2010.

“I have been improving in each and every one of my events so it is a great step for the year and I am feeling quite confident for the rest of the year,” the sprinter, who is expected to run the 200m and 400m at the world championships, told Czech Television.

“I was ready to dig deep and just get used to the feeling of the longer events. I am pleased with today.”

Britain’s Mo Farah held on to beat Mathew Kimeli of Kenya in the 10 000m with a time of 27 minutes 12.09 seconds.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Duckenfield faces Hillsborough charges with five others

Three-time champion Novak Djokovic

Djokovic bumped up to second seed for Wimbledon championship

Liverpool fans try and escape the crush at the Leppings Lane end.

HILLSBOROUGH match commander David Duckenfield, former chief constable Sir Norman Bettison and four other individuals have been charged with offences relating to the Hillsborough disaster, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

Sue Hemming, head of the special crime and counter-terrorism division, said Duckenfield has been charged with the manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 of the 96 Liverpool FC fans who died at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989 and Bettison is accused of four counts of misconduct in public office.

Former South Yorkshire Police officers Donald Denton and Alan Foster, as well as force solicitor Peter Metcalf, are charged with doing acts with intent to pervert the course of justice, and former Sheffield Wednesday secretary Graham Mackrell is charged with three offences relating to health and safety and safety at sports grounds.

Ms Hemming said a further file from the Independent

Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) on the conduct of West Midlands Police still needs “additional investigative work”.

matters sent to us in January; these subjects are subject to ongoing consideration by the CPS. We will announce our decisions in due course.

David Duckenfield, match commander on the day, has been charged been with manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 of the 96 victims.

She added: “Additionally, just this week, the IPCC has referred two further suspects which are unconnected to the

“The suspects referred to the CPS included individuals and organisations.

Following these thor-

ough investigations and our careful review of the evidence in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, I have decided there is sufficient evidence to charge six individuals with criminal offences.”

All the defendants, except Duckenfield, will appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on August 8.

Barry Devonside, whose son Christopher, 18, was killed in the disaster, pumped his fist as he emerged from the meeting with the lawyers and other relatives of the 96.

He said: “Everybody applauded when it was announced that the most senior police officer on that particular day will have charges presented to him.”

A spokesman for Sheffield Wednesday said the club had no comment to make.

Current South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: “Decisions concerning the bringing of criminal charges are rightly for the CPS. (Yahoo Sport Uk)

Rain thwarts South Africa and New Zealand in Derby SOUTH Africa and New Zealand were left frustrated after persistent rain and a wet outfield at Derby washed out their Women’s World Cup game yesterday.

The 10:30 BST start for the group game was delayed, and with no respite from the weather, play was abandoned without a ball bowled at about 14:15 BST. Both sides won their opening games, but take a point apiece from this match.

New Zealand - as one of the tournament favourites - will be the more frustrated side after the washout.

Both are next in action on Sunday, with South Africa meeting West Indies in Leicester, while White Ferns captain Suzie Bates has the chance to play her 100th one-day international as New Zealand face rivals Australia at Bristol. (BBC Sport)

(REUTERS) - Three-time champion Novak Djokovic has been bumped up to second seed for next week’s Wimbledon championship despite slipping to fourth in the ATP world rankings while seven-time champion Roger Federer has also benefited.

The seedings, released by the All England Club yesterday, have defending champion Andy Murray number one in the men’s singles with Germany’s Angelique Kerber the women’s top seed.

Wimbledon differs from the other grand slams, in the men’s singles at least, with previous form on grass in the previous two years coming into play to re-order the top 32 in the world rankings -- a system agreed by the ATP. Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who won a 10th French Open last month, is second in the ATP rankings but will be seeded fourth at Wimbledon after a mediocre record there in recent years.

Despite winning the title twice, the 31-year-old has not been past the fourth round since 2011.

Favourite Federer, fifth on the ATP rankings, is seeded third which means he will avoid one of his biggest rivals for the title until the semi-finals.

Fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, runner-up at the French, drops to fifth seed, from his world ranking of three.

Other beneficiaries of the system include Luxembourg’s grasscourt expert Gilles Muller who is seeded 16th compared to an ATP ranking of 26. Muller won the recent Den Bosch tournament and reached the semi-final at Queen’s Club last week.

Queen’s Club champion Feliciano Lopez, ranked 25, is seeded 19th.

The women’s seeds stick strictly with the current WTA rankings. Romania’s Simona Halep, who could take over the top spot this week if she wins the Eastbourne title, is seeded two.

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25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

NYSCL Independence/Legend Cup softball tournament

Lack of preparation not a worry for defending champions

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE current inclement weather has definitely hindered all outdoor events, but captains of the Regal Allstars and Masters teams, Mohamed Rafiek and Troy Kippins, are not worried about the lack of preparation for the upcoming New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence/Legend Cup softball tournament.

However, they believe their teammates would put up a good show in the tournament, which is scheduled for June 30 to July 2 at the Canarsie Park, Brooklyn, and the Roy Wilkinson Park in Queens.

Both teams are the defending champions, with Regal Allstars defeating New York Allstars by two wickets, while Regal Masters overcame Guyanese rivals Flood-

lights by five wickets in last year’s tournament.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport on Tuesday, Rafiek said his team has a good idea what to expect during the tournament.

Flashback! Manager of the Regal Allstars, Parmanand Persaud, lifts the winning 2016 trophy.

“Most of the teams will be coming hard at us, but we have a good idea of what to expect,” he said.

Rising Sun Turf Club meet shifted to July 9 AS a result of the current mile for a top prize of $300 heavy rainfall, the Rising Sun Turf Club has shifted last Sunday’s race meet to June 9.

According to information from the organising committee, continuous rainfall over the past week has left the track soggy and unfit for racing.

Close to 55 horses have registered for the meet which will see over $4M up for grabs.

The feature event is for horses classified G class and Lower over a distance of one

On the other hands, Kippins pointed out that they are aware of the challenges ahead and will not be taking any team lightly.

“We will take it one game at a time and try to reach the

000. The runner-up will take home $150 000, and third prize $75 000.

Other events listed for the day are: I class and Threeyear-olds Guyana-bred, J1 and Lower, K and Lower, L1 and Lower, and L 2, and Unclassified.

For further information interested persons can make contact with Cynthia Kelly on 622 5975, Compton Sancho on 691 1174, Fazal Habibulla on 657 7010 or Niketa Ross on 662 4668.

final four and take it from there,” he added.

Both teams, along with their media liaison officer In-

BCB commences female U-19 training AS part of its mandate to adequately prepare its respective teams, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has commenced preparation for the Inter- County and Regional Under-19 competitions.

Pre-CARICOM Day dominoes competition billed for tomorrow

A NUMBER of top dominoes teams have already confirmed their participation for tomorrow’s Workplace Knockout Dominoes competition, billed for the Guyana Public Service Union Hall, Regent Street and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive from 16:30hrs.

Organised by the Foreign Ministry Sports Promotion’s organiser James ‘Uprising’ Lewis, former champions Metro Office Supplies, Guyana Forestry Commission, GUYOIL, Office of the President P.S.M., GNBS, Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Health, Guyana Civil Aviation, Auditor General, Ministry of Finance and CJIA/CAMEX have confirmed their entry.

At stake is the Hon. Minister of State trophy, with medals and cash incentives. The runner-up will also collect a cash incentive. Prizes are also on offer for the most games won and the best female player.

All teams are asked to note that disciplinary action will be taken for late arrival. Interested teams can make contact with Lewis on telephone numbers 628-1656, 6665857 or 6726179.

derjeet Persaud departed these shores yesterday morning.

The Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will also field two teams in the tournament.

The two teams are: Floodlights and Floodlights Legends. Floodlights are the reigning champions in this year’s inaugural Orlando Premier League, played in March in Florida.

They were champions at Florida Cup in March 2016 in Fort Lauderdale. On the other hand, Floodlights Legends won the 2015 edition of the NYSCL tournament.

However, both teams are confident to reclaim softball supremacy.

Twelve teams in each category from around USA, Canada and Guyana will be taking part in the three-day tournament.

Te a m s - R e g a l A l l stars: Fazal Rafiek (cap-

Tremayne Smartt

Chairman of junior selectors Leslie Solomon, along with national captain Tremayne Smartt, made several visits to various secondary schools across the county, and have identified a number of prospective female cricketers.

Female students from the New Amsterdam Multilateral, Canje, Rosignol, Woodley Park and Number 8 secondary schools

have already indicated their willingness to engage in the training sessions.

The training sessions have already commenced in the Central Corentyne Area at the Port Mourant Community Centre, under the supervision of Smartt. Sessions are also planned for the Berbice High School ground, and the West Berbice area, in order to select a squad of 20, who will be encamped from July 2.

From the encampment period, a 14-member squad will be shortlisted to represent Berbice in the Guyana Cricket Board’s Under-19 female Inter-county competition, scheduled to start next month.

The BCB is encouraging all clubs and individuals who are interested in the sport to attend these sessions and contribute to the development of female cricket in Guyana.

tain), Richard Latif, Navin Singh, Sachin Singh, Rohit Dutchin, Sewchand Budhu, Safraz Esau, Marvin Babb, Delroy Perreira, Amir Nizamudeen, Patrick Rooplall, Privnauth Motilall and Davindra Ramnauth. Parmanand Persaud (manager).

Ricky Deonarine

Masters: Troy Kippins (captain), Mahendra Hardyal, Mohendra Arjune, David Harper, Eric Thomas, Mahase

Chunilall, Eon Abel, Fazleem Mohamed, Rudolph Baker, Laurie Singh, Abdool Samad, Parsram Persaud, Shaun Massiah and Rudy Rodrigues.

Clyde Butts (manager).

The GFSCA’s two teams will come from: Uniss Mohamed Yousuf, Ramo Malone, Ramesh Narine Deonarine, Lloyd Ruplall, Wayne Jones, Kamraj Sumair, Robert Mohan, Mahesh Lutchman, Tulshi Lutchman, Vishawnauth Lutchman, Anil Beharry, Goordial Mattai, Ricky Deonarain, Jagdish Persaud, Dharam Persaud, Lakhram Singh, Gopaul Boj-Raj, Jailall Doedass, Vivakenand Ramsaywack, Nadir Baksh, Mohan Sukhu, Richard Persaud, Surendra Nauth, Armogan Gopaul, Unos Baksh, Teekchand Madho, Ramchand Ragbeer. Hubern Evans is the coach for both teams.

Webb sentencing put back a fifth time

Jeffrey Webb’s sentencing now January next year.

NEW YORK, USA (CMC) – Sentencing for disgraced former CONCACAF strongman Jeffrey Webb has been pushed back yet again, this time until January next year.

The 52-year-old Cayman Islands businessman, a former powerful vice-president of football’s World governing body, FIFA, was expected to be sentenced July 11 but has had the date pushed back to January 24, 2018.

It is the fifth time the U.S. federal court in Brooklyn agreed to rescheduled sentencing. Only last April, Webb’s May 11 sentencing was pushed back to July.

Webb’s case was a high profile one following his arrest in Zurich two years ago, as a part of a sting operation conducted by Swiss law enforcement as FIFA executives gathered for presidential elec-

tions.

He was one of several high-level former and current CONCACAF and FIFA officials accused of corruption in a 47-count indictment by the United States Department of Justice.

After being extradited to the U.S. to face corruption charges, Webb pleaded guilty in November 2015 to racketeering conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud conspiracy and three counts of money-laundering conspiracy.

He agreed to forfeit more than US$6.7 million as part of a plea deal and has been under house arrest at his palatial Atlanta residence ever since.

Recent media reports said Webb was selling the property, with monies from the sale to go towards an asset forfeiture agreement.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Confederations Cup...

Shootout hero Bravo sends Chile into final after 0-0 draw

(REUTERS) - Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved three successive penalties to give them a 3-0 shootout win over Portugal after their Confederations Cup semi-final had ended goalless yesterday.

Bravo stopped Portugal’s first three spot kicks from Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani while Chile converted their first three to win the clash of South American and European champions.

That meant that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who usually goes last in the shootout, did not get to take a kick, as was the case when Portugal lost to Spain on pen-

alties in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

The result was justice for Chile after they hit the woodwork with two successive shots in the dying seconds of extra time.

Arturo Vidal struck the post and the rebound fell to Martin Rodriguez who hit the underside of the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

There was controversy shortly before that when Chile winger Alexis Sanchez went down in the box under a Jose Fonte tackle but the referee did not consult the Video Assistant Referees (VARs), even though contact seemed to be made.

Bravo has been crit-

Chile’s Claudio Bravo saves from Portugal’s Nani to win the penalty shootout REUTERS/Carl Recine

icised for his club form with Manchester City this season but he was Chile’s hero alongside Vidal who gave another inspired and tireless performance in midfield.

“Claudio was amazing and the penalty takers were amazing and I think we deserve to be in the final,” said Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi. “Claudio and the goalkeeping coach had studied the penalty takers.”

Chile will face either Germany or Mexico, who meet today, in Sunday’s final in St Petersburg to close an exhausting two weeks.

The game only came to life in exasperating patches.

Delighted Ambris looking to prove his worth against India

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Attacking right-hander Sunil Ambris says he is not taking his call-up to the West Indies side for granted and will be looking to prove his worth in the five-match series against India.

The 24-year-old was one of two uncapped players included in the Windies squad for the remaining three One-Day Internationals, with West Indies A batsman Kyle Hope also picked in the 13-man unit.

“I’m delighted. This is all the hard work that I’ve been putting in which is paying off,” Vincentian Ambris said here yesterday.

“This is not the end of the road, I have to come here and perform. When I got the call I was stunned as it is basically my childhood dream to play

Leeward Islands Hurricanes at an amazing strike rate of 90, was also one of the performances of the season.

“I’d class myself as an attacking batsman but of late I like to take my time and get in, bat some balls and then I can play all of my shots,” Ambris explained.

He added: “That double (century) came in quick time too but at the start I had to take time and play myself in but it’s not that I changed the way I batted much. I took my time in the 50-overs, waited on the bad balls (and it’s the) same thing I did in the four-day.”

The island of St Vincent is more known for its fast bowing stock, having produced West Indies players like Winston Davis, Ian Allen, Cameron Cuffy and Nixon

McLean.

Ambris said bucking this trend was an important achievement for the tiny country.

“I’m very proud indeed (to be from St Vincent),” he stressed.

“I think there are only one or two batsmen from St Vincent who have made the team before, so it’s indeed a pleasure as a batsman making the team.”

Ambris is still relatively new to regional competition, having played just 35 first class games and 20 List A since his debut three years ago.

However, he said settling in with the squad had been a seamless experience as he was quite familiar with most of the players.

“I’m quite comfortable. I know everybody. (I’ve) played against if not with most of the

guys. It’s been easy.”

West Indies face India in the third ODI at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground tomorrow before clashing again in the fourth match at the same venue two days later.

They trail 0-1 in the series following their 105-run defeat in the second ODI in Port of Spain last Sunday.

The first game, also at Queen’s Park Oval, was abandoned as a no-result because of rain.

Retired Windies pacer calls for chief selector’s resignation

his things because we are not going any place in a hurry.

Do you realize we are going to have to play against Italy and America in order to qualify

for the World Cup?” West Indies and India will clash at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Friday and Sunday.(Sportsmax).

PLACING the blame for recent struggles of the West Indies senior team squarely at the feet of the chief selector, former West Indies bowler Winston Benjamin is calling for the resignation of Courtney Browne.

The 52-year-old retired fast bowler, who took 61 wickets in 21 Tests for the West Indies between 1987 and 1995, blames Browne’s selection policy for the inconsistency seen from the regional squad in recent times.

He claims that the chief selector has consistently failed to find the right blend of players for

for West Indies and it is something I have been working hard towards.”

His 423 runs at an average of 70 with six half-centuries for Windward Islands Volcanoes Windward Islands batsman Sunil Ambris hopes to make his mark against India.

He earned his selection based on his heavy scoring in both the first class championship and the Regional Super50 where he was among the leading scorers.

any one series.

CWI chief selector Courtney Browne

You’re picking a team that you realize is not getting the job done, but you’re not changing,”

in the Super50 was one of the stand-out performances.

He also made his mark in the four-day tournament with 608 runs at an average of 43.

His scintillating 231 against

the aggrieved Benjamin told the Antigua Observer.

“You are in the Caribbean where you can change 40 different teams [players] and you are not looking for the combination — all you are saying is that you are sticking to this and sticking to that.

I am disappointed with the policy they are now sticking with.”

The West Indies currently trail India 1-0 in their fivematch ODI series following the visitors’ recent 105-run win against the home side in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. They

West Indies drew 1-1 with lowly Afghanistan that seriously impacted the team’s chances of qualifying for the next ICC World Cup. It is in this context that Benjamin said the selectors need to pick players on merit or go.

“It’s not about who likes you and who you like,” said the fiery pace bowler who has 100 ODI wickets under his belt. “It’s about who is producing and it’s about West Indies cricket.

I can say this without fear — I think that Courtney Browne needs to resign or retire, just call it and pack up

WEST INDIES SQUAD: Jason Holder (capt), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kesrick Williams.

CORNER (Thursday June 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: (1) 1973 (2) Australia (2012-13) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was voted ‘Player of the Match’ in the last

Women’s World Cup final?

(2) Who was declared ‘Player of the CRICKET QUIZ

Tournament’ at the end of the last Women’s World Cup? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 29, 2017

Taylor, Dottin set to play 100 ODIs today ON June 24, 2008, a Jamaican and a Bajan, both 17, made their ODI debuts against Ireland in Dublin. The Taunton weather permitting, Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin are both set to reach the milestone of 100 ODIs when West Indies meet India today.

The off-spinner Anisa Mohammed is the only other West Indies women’s cricketer to play 100 ODIs. Speaking to the media yesterday, Taylor said she was pleased to know she would bring up her landmark during a World Cup. “I didn’t remember until my media manager actually said it to me this morning that tomorrow is your 100th ODI game,” she said. “Yeah, I’m pleased to be here and to know that the 100 is actually in a World Cup. So hopefully, in the end, we come out victorious.”

Dottin said she came to know of her impending achievement only two days before the

match.

“I’m feeling really good about what I’ve achieved and to be playing for the West Indies and playing so many matches,”

erlands and England - but didn’t recall any of her early triumphs, such as the fifties she made in her second and third ODIs. Instead, the West

Stafanie Taylor chose her maiden hundred, against South Africa in 2009, as the most memorable moment of her ODI career. (Getty Images)

she said. “It all happened so fast, and it all came so fast, that I didn’t even realise until the last training session we had yesterday (Tuesday).”

When asked if she remembered her debut, Taylor spoke of it coming during a tour of Europe - which included matches against Ireland, Neth-

Indies captain spoke of her first game against England, which West Indies lost by 10 wickets after being bowled out for 41.

“Obviously playing against England, being 17, when you are very new to everything - we got beat, but I remember my first time playing for the West

AAG not financially bankrupt, says General Secretary

THE Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), in a press release issued yesterday, stated that the entity is not bankrupt but simply experiencing “cash flow issues”, when responding to allegations that the body did not fund a team to the South American Senior Championships because the AAG was bankrupt.

The missive also explained that the “AAG did not have to attend” the South American Senior Championships, which was one of several factors being deliberated in deciding on whether to fund a team or not.

“Decisions made by the AAG may not find favour with

everyone, and that is a fact we are prepared to accept,” the release read.

Guyana was represented last weekend at the South American Senior Championship by Winston George, Jenea McCammon and Owen Wilson, after the athletes were able to fund their own air fare to the meet. George went on to win gold in the men’s 400m in a time of 45.42 seconds.

Following the discovery that the athletes were paying for themselves, AAG president Aubrey Hutson had told Chronicle Sport that “we don’t have money”.

The release said the athletes made a “bold step to represent

Guyana”.

The press release, issued by the AAG General Secretary, Mayfield Taylor-Trim, was in response to recent claims in sections of the media that the Association was bankrupt after hosting South American Junior Championships earlier this month.

“The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has found it prudent to respond to the widespread falsehood. There is a big difference between “cash flow issues” and “bankruptcy”.

We have made and will continue to make wise and prudent financial decisions in the dispensation of our mandate to

Uitvlugt Warriors beat Den Amstel to win NSC/WDFA Arthur Chung memorial tourney … Eagles edge Pouderoyen 3-2 to finish third

UITVLUGT Warriors defeated Den Amstel 2-0 in a penalty shoot-out to win the National Sports Commission/ West Demerara Football Association’s Arthur Chung Memorial football tournament which was played at the National Track and Field facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara last Sunday.

The two teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time and the winner had to be decided by a penalty shoot that saw Uitvlugt Warriors convert two of their four shots while the team’s custodian, Kelvis Mitchell, saved all four of Den Amstel’s shots from the spot.

Earlier in the game, Daniel Forde gave Uitvlugt the

lead with a 15th minute goal but 17 minutes later, Den Amstel secured the equaliser through Andre Hector who converted in the 32nd minute.

The win for Uitvlugt earned them $100 000, while Den Amstel pocketed $50 000.

In the third place playoff of the one-day four-team tournament, Eagles edged Pouderoyen 3-2, with goals off the boots of Adrian Adelph, Chris Macey and M. Ezequiel in the 38th, 58th and 60th minutes respectively.

Amaniki Buntin (15th) and Lexroy Mansfield (47th) were the goalscorers for Pouderoyen.

Eagles earned $30 000 while Pouderoyen were awarded with $20 000.

Meanwhile, in the two semi-final matches, Uitvlugt defeated Eagles 3-1 and Den Amstel edged Pouderoyen 1-0.

For Uitvlugt, Harvey recorded a double in the 28th and 30th minutes, while David Floyd netted in the 29th minute.

Marvis Williams scored in the 39th minute for Eagles in the other semi-final while Den Amstel’s Gavin Graham’s 24th minute goal was enough to send his team to the final.

Mitchell was adjudged the Most Valuable Player-of-the-tournament as well as the Best Goalkeeper.

Harvey and Floyd were adjudged joint winners of the Highest Goals Scorer award.

2009, an unbeaten 108 that led West Indies to a five-wicket win.

“It would definitely be my first hundred that I made against South Africa,” Taylor said. “I don’t think anything could really beat (the feeling) when you’re young and you’ve made your first hundred and even won the game for your team, so that is special.”

pur. “Well, the most memorable moment for me is scoring a 95 in Bangladesh in the World Cup qualifiers,” she said. “I can’t remember the year, but yeah.”

Both said they had come a long way since their debut.

“I’ve made a massive improvement from where I was back then,” Dottin said. “I was just a normal, ordinary

kid, playing cricket. Just doing what I came up doing, as in playing cricket at home with my brothers and stuff.

But after all the training and coaching and stuff, I got more educated about it and I’m in a better place at the moment right now. I’ve improved a lot.”

Taylor said she had become a lot more mature since her early days, and even brought up her tears after a narrow defeat to England at last year’s World T20 as a step towards her growth.

West Indies, under Taylor’s leadership, went on to win the tournament.

“I would definitely say I’ve come a long way, where I know I’ve matured. Looking back to the days where, you know, (I was) 17, and now to being 26, I would have learnt a lot - even crying last year in the World Cup. I’ve changed over the years. I’ve become the woman that I am today.”

(ESPN Cricinfo)

our athletes,” Trim said.

According to Trim, notwithstanding the Association’s attendance at the meet being expendable, the Association still intended to have representatives present at the meet in a “show of solidarity with CONSUDATLE” since of the 13 CONSUDATLE member federations, 11 attended the South American U-20 Championship in Guyana.

“We therefore decided that we should attend to maintain our fraternity and friendship in South America,” she said.

“Considering the facts stated, the AAG offered the athletes, who were willing to

find their own airfare, the opportunity to compete in Paraguay. Winston George, Jenea McCammon and Owen Adonis took up the offer.”

Further he noted that there still remained several upcoming events which were mandatory for the AAG to attend, including next month’s World Youth Championship in Nairobi, Kenya; Pan American Juniors in Lima, Peru, and the World Championship in London August 4-13.

“The AAG must maintain funds in the coffers to participate in international competitions.”

Notwithstanding, the en-

suing financial situation, there remains “The AAG was happy for the opportunity to host the South American U-20 Championship, an event that will be remembered with joy. The IAAF, CONSUDATLE and the Guyana athletics family congratulated us on a job well done.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank President Granger and the Government of Guyana, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, all of our sponsors, our fans and most of all our athletes for the pride and joy they brought us.”

Indies and it was a memorable one.”

Asked about her most memorable moment, she chose her maiden hundred, in Paarl in

Dottin, for her part, chose the final of the World Cup qualifier in 2011, when she made what remains her best ODI score, against Pakistan in Mir-

It all happened so fast, says Deandra Dottin on the landmark of 100 ODIs.

Taylor, Dottin set to play 100 ODIs today See Page 27

Andrew Lewis National Novice c/ships

Two KOs, five stoppages highlight opening night See Page 23

GDF’s Akeimo Watts (left) connects with a straight right to the head of Republican’s Nyron Fraser during their 49kg contest at the National Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

Darmandar Shoepersaud scores with a straight left jab to the head of GDF’s Hakium Bostwick during theit 49kg semi-final match at the National Gymnasium on Tuesday night. (Photos by Delano Williams)

Bolt holds on to win 100 metres at final Golden Spike

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt in action.

(REUTERS/David W Cerny)

(REUTERS) - Usain Bolt overcame a slow start to win the 100 metres at the Ostrava Golden Spike meeting yesterday as he gears up for a final world championships in London this summer.

In his second 100m outing of his final season, the Jamaican was slow out of the blocks but jumped ahead before the halfway point to finish in a time of 10.06 seconds, just edging Yunier Perez of Cuba, who ran a personal best 10.09 seconds.

Bolt, who has eight Olympic gold and 13 world championship medals, will retire after August’s world championships.

The 30-year-old said he was not happy about clocking over 10 seconds for the second straight race, although he remained confident about the remainder of the season.

“I am not happy with the time but I am just getting to my running,” he told the sellout crowd after his ninth and final appearance at the meet in the eastern Czech industrial city.

“I have some training to do.

But I will be fine.”

Bolt has become a regular at the Ostrava meet and his fans showed their appreciation at the end of the night, holding up

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017