Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29 07 2016

Major breakthrough!

No. 104627

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‒ suspects confess to Black Bush triple-murder

Carlton Chetram called “Lima” or “Lie man,” (first left) and Tameshwar Jagmohan being escorted out of the Mibicuri Police Station. They were earlier taken to the crime scene where they confessed to the gruesome murders of the men

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Seventeen-year-old Jairam Chetram is the alleged shooter in the triple murder

Mining 15 President defends Gafoors employee sector in charged with 21 Gov’t-appointed GDF officers 10 murder of manager healthy state P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

World Day Against TIP

Ministry team in public awareness walkabout THE Ministry of Public Security on Thursday held a walkabout at Bourda Market in observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) 2016.

During the exercise, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and a team from his ministry interacted with vendors and others he encountered.

Members of the team distributed flyers, key rings, bags and posters on TIPs information and the hotline number they are urged to call if they recognise instances of TIP. Ramjattan, speaking to the media on the walkabout, said that the U.S. State Department’s report on TIP in Guyana has caused the ministry to feel that they must do something on public awareness locally about the crime.

He added that TIP is, however, a worldwide phenomenon with 20 million persons being affected, especially females.

The minister referred to TIP, especially in the mining community and around nightclubs and bars in the city.

Ramjattan said, “We also want to emphasise that it is not only for sexual exploitation, this crime has to do with the abduction of people, labour exploitation where they pay them the wages of

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan interacts with vendors/citizens about TIP on Thursday afternoon during the Bourda Market walkabout

slaves with poor living conditions. We have seen that girls from coastal areas are going in the interior and they are exploited there. Then some of our Amerindian girls are coming out to the city and are being fooled that they will get domestic jobs and so on, but they are exploited on the labour level and sexually as well.”

He pointed out that TIP in their books is a crime, since they have passed the TIP Act and they want to bring public awareness.

Ramjattan explained that there are several aspects of TIP awareness; as such, they will play a part in enforcing those by having probes, pro-

tection for victims and creating more public sensitisation.

He noted that with their awareness campaign, he is hoping that citizens will call in via the hotline number 227-4038 if they see strange things happening to girls and women in their communities.

The minister said that in an effort to stamp out TIP locally, they need the inputs of citizens, because it is vital that we cut this crime out from rearing its ugly head in a bigger way.

The Ministry of Social Protection Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit is in partnership with the Ministry of Public Security Ministerial Task Force on TIP, which has adopted a zero tolerance policy for human trafficking.

The government of Guyana has made significant progress in combating TIP and has approached this phenomenon by focusing on four perspectives: prevention,

Employees of the Ministry of Public Security distribute flyers on TIP to members of the public in the Bourda Market area

protection, prosecution and partnership.

This administration enacted legislation to combat TIP in 2015 by implementing a National Plan of Action on

TIP that is revised annually.

The government has had continuous campaigns on public awareness and sensitization in communities throughout the 10 adminis-

trative regions.

There are also regular capacity-building programmes to prevent persons from becoming victims of TIP. (Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Major breakthrough!

‒ suspects confess to Black Bush triple-murder

By Nafeeza Yahya THREE suspects, including a 17-year-old man, have reportedly confessed to the murders of Pawan Chandradeo, 37, called “Suresh” and “Jug Up”; his son Jaikarran Chandradeo, 16, called “Kevin” and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, 35, called “Teeka Bai” and “Mice.”

The bullet-riddled bodies of the men were discovered by farmers in the Kokerite Creek Savannah on the morning of July 22. Ranks from the Major Crimes Unit and ‘B’ Division managed to get the alleged confession on Thursday after taking the suspects back to the scene of the crime, where the men detailed the murders.

Those who confessed have been identified as 36-year-old rice farmer, Carlton Chetram called “Lima” or “Lie man,” of Mibicuri South; his 17-yearold son Jairam Chetram, and a worker, Tameshwar Jagmohan 18, called “Guana” of 222 Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder.

The police are seeking another suspect, identified as Rakesh Karamchand called “go to front,” whom the men alleged was the trigger man; however, police sources informed this newspaper that 19-year-old Chetram was the shooter.

This newspaper understands that the men were killed execution-style because they had accidentally stumbled on a gang of thieves making off with drums of fuel from a rice farm.

The suspects allegedly told investigators that they had gone to a rice field belonging to Sudama Jagmohan called “King” with the intention of stealing diesel fuel. They had already acquired the fuel and were about to make their escape when they crossed paths with the trio who were fishing in the area.

This newspaper understands that the men fired two shots in the air which caused the family to run towards the dam, but the suspects cornered them and upon realising that they had been recognised, shot the men at point blank range to “get rid of the evidence” of their theft.

Chandradeo and his son had gunshot wounds to their

heads, while Rooplall had a gunshot wound to his neck.

The men reportedly picked up the shell casings from the scene and fled with the fuel.

The bodies were discovered the next day by the rice farmer whose fuel was stolen along with his employees as they made their way to the fields. He was detained along with a few of his workers, but were subsequently released.

STOLEN FUEL Jagmohan confirmed with this newspaper that he had lost fuel in the past but never knew who the culprits were. He also confirmed that one of his employees was released on Thursday after the police got the confession from the suspects.

At the time of the interview with this newspaper, Jagmohan said he was preparing to have a little drink

to ease his mind after being accused of the crime.

“Me a guh tek wan drink because me glad them get them killers. You know how stressed out me been, me even scared fuh guh renew me passport before people

seh me guilty and want lef the country,” Jagmohan told the Guyana Chronicle.

Meanwhile, the wife of Rooplall, Rema Rooplall, who was still in a depressed state, said she is relieved that the police were able to nab the killers; however, she noted that their (killers) actions were unjustified.

As news spread of the confession, people were seen making frequent trips in the vicinity of the Mibicuri Police Station where the suspects were kept for a brief period before being taken back to Georgetown for further questioning.

Residents were shocked upon learning of the new development and expressed gratitude to the police force for their diligent investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Billionaire donors push Kochs to back Trump A GROUP of at least six wealthy Republican donors is urging the billionaire Koch brothers to step off the sidelines of the US presidential election to back Donald Trump, arguing they will want influence with the New York businessman they have harshly

criticised if he wins the White House in November.

The financiers, prominent members of the sprawling 700-member Koch donor network, have been making their case in emails and phone calls to Charles and David Koch ahead of their bi-annual donor seminar,

which begins Saturday in Colorado, according to four donors involved in the loosely-coordinated effort and advisors representing two others.

An endorsement from the Kochs would be a radical departure: the industrialist brothers have railed against Trump’s “monstrous” rhetoric and protectionist policies on immigration and trade.

They have said they will not get involved in the presidential election and will instead focus on Senate races.

All the while, Trump has blasted the donor class and vowed not to become a “puppet” of outside interests as he tries to win the November 8 election.

Trump’s vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, has long been a darling of the Koch network, and Trump’s fledgling campaign finance operation could use a cash injection as it faces a $1 billion general election battle against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

“I don’t think it’s impossible, or beyond the realm

Donald Trump and the Koch brothers in a combination image

of possibility, that at some point the Kochs are going to get involved,” said Doug Deason, a member of the Koch network.

Deason, who has met with Trump and his confidantes, said he and his father, the billionaire Darwin Deason, had proposed to Charles Koch in an email that he meet the Republican nominee in person.

“We think it’s really important that Donald convince Charles he’s the right guy, and for Charles to influence Donald’s policies,” said Deason. “He (Charles Koch) indicates he’s taking a wait and see approach. He’s not completely writing if off.”

An advisor to another major Koch network donor added: “Some of the Koch

donor class this weekend is surely going to say, ‘Hey, guys, get on board.’”

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. James Davis, a spokesman for the Koch’s political operation, Freedom Partners, declined comment.

The billionaire donors eyeing Trump stress they believe it is urgent for the Koch brothers’ conservative thinking to start to influence him before the election while he is still fine tuning policy and considering possible Cabinet picks.

MIX OF OPINIONS The Koch network, made up of the wealthiest conservative families in America, rivals both the Republican and Democratic parties in both its resources and scope.

Membership requires a payment of at least $100,000 per year.

But it is by no means a monolithic group.

At their donor summit in January in Palm Springs, California, most donors seemed vehemently opposed to Trump among the vast field of other Republican options. But now that Trump has won the nomination, vanquishing 16 opponents in the primaries, some see little option but to back him.

Broadcast magnate Stanley Hubbard, who had opposed Trump earlier in the year but now wants the Kochs to support him, said he was most concerned by the prospect of a Democrat nominating people to vacancies on the Supreme Court.

“A lot of us are giving a lot of money to the Kochs, and what we would expect is that they would do all they can to see to it that the right Supreme Court justices are selected,” Hubbard said.

“Supreme Court justices will last a lot longer than any president.”

He said he hoped the weekend confab in Colorado would persuade the Kochs to rethink Trump.

“If nothing else, the Kochs better ask for a show of hands,” said Hubbard, “and I think most people in the room this weekend will say, ‘Yes, you need to get involved.’”

(Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Guatemala’s ex-leader in new graft probe A judge in Guatemala has ordered that former President Otto Perez Molina be investigated in connection with a multi-million dollar corruption case.

Mr Perez Molina resigned on September 2 last year over allegations of graft.

He was arrested a day later.

He is already under investigation over a bribery scheme at Guatemala’s customs services but has denied

any wrongdoing.

The latest investigation focuses on allegations he received $37.9m (£28.8m) in return for construction contracts.

Investigators allege that the former President was also given a helicopter, a plane and a luxury car.

He has previously been accused by an anti-corruption commission of taking bribes from a Spanish port

Otto Perez Molina took office in 2012 and resigned in September 2015 amid corruption allegations

company.

Judge Miguel Angel Galvez said that the latest alleged kickback scheme to come under investigation involved more than 50 public officials, bankers and businesspeople.

Perez Molina’s former Vice President, Roxana Baldetti, is among those who are also under investigation.

Baldetti was forced to resign in May 2015 when

allegations of corruption against her first emerged.

The news prompted mass anti-corruption protests which eventually led to the resignation of Perez Molina.

Both he and Ms Baldetti are already in custody.

Investigators will now have three months to gather evidence against the suspects before a judge decides whether to take the case to trial. (BBC)

St Vincent PM urged to amend cybercrime bill International press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Wednesday called for the revision of several clauses in a cybercrime bill currently being debated in parliament in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) that it described as extremely damaging to the free flow of news and information and to public debate.

In a letter to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and Minister of Information Camillo Gonsalves, the US director of RSF, Delphine Halgand, noted that Section 16 (2) of Part II of the bill incorporates criminal libel, which is already a criminal offence in Section 274 of the criminal code.

RSF considers criminal defamation to have a chilling effect on freedom of the press and freedom of expression and has repeatedly urged countries to decriminalise this offence.

Further, Section 16 (3) states: “A person who, intentionally or recklessly uses a computer system to disseminate any information, statement or image; and exposes the private affairs of another person, thereby subjecting that other person to public ridicule, contempt, hatred or embarrassment, commits an offence.” Offenders can be sentenced to up to five years’ imprisonment and/or pay a fine of EC$200,000 (US$74,000).

“Under what criteria can

information be considered to expose ‘private affairs’ of another person regardless of factual accuracy (which this subsection refrains from mentioning)? This provision could very easily constitute an obstacle to the dissemination of information of public interest. It could, for example, provide any demonstrably corrupt public figure with a strong argument for refusing to be held accountable,” Halgand wrote.

Clause 16 also defines cyberbullying as using “a computer system repeatedly or continuously to convey information which causes fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other harm to another person; or detriment to another person’s health, emotional well-be-

ing, self-esteem or reputation.”

“This language remains subjective and could be broadly interpreted in a manner that negatively impacts the free flow of information,” Halgand said.

While not disputing that the Internet should not escape the authority of the law altogether and that it is perfectly legitimate to sanction such crimes and offences as the theft of documents or data, online identity theft, cyberbullying or, even more serious, child pornography,

RSF is also concerned about the range of the bill’s applicability.

Specifically, Clause 31 of Part III states that “an act [constituting an offence] is carried out in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines if the effect of the act, or the damage resulting from the act, occurs within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines”.

“Here again, the lack of precision about the nature of the effect to which this clause refers could result in significant obstacles to freedom of information.

“The danger posed by these provisions is, in our view, all the greater because the law gives the police and judicial authorities a great deal of scope to access the personal data of someone who is being investigated.

“For all these reasons, we urge you not to pass this bill into law in its present form and to amend the most sensitive clauses.

We also urge you to amend the criminal code in order to de-criminalise defamation,” Halgand concluded.

(Caribbean News Now)

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Jagdeo’s New York Speech

LEADER of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, was in New York recently and addressed a gathering in what he probably thought were matters relating to what is happening in Guyana.

Before Jagdeo was elected to his present position in this 12th Parliament, he was President of the Cooperative Republic, junior and senior Minister of Finance, and worked during the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government in the State Planning Secretariat. Growing up, he was exposed to free education from nursery to university, and attended the co-education, multi-racial Bladen Hall Multilateral School. Academically he pursued education to the Master’s level.

Jagdeo was among the Heads of Government in the Caribbean Community who held the position as its Chairman, and represented Guyana and CARICOM on the regional and international stages. During and after his presidency, in addition to acquiring honorary doctorates, he participated in leadership at various international fora.

Given the aforementioned, it is not unreasonable for society to expect public discourses by him would be of repute to his profile and the positions/institutions he served or is serving. Some may be quick, and dare it be said rightly so, to point out that his is a character known to display what can be considered less than acceptable conduct.

Persons can point to instances of offensive references to the elderly, allegations made by his wife, features of corruption, division and nepotism during his presidency, treatment of citizens and workers, his libel case on race brought against Kaieteur News, the 2015 charged campaign rhetoric, and attorney-at-law Christopher Ram bringing charges against him for racial, incendiary remarks.

Thus, it is fair to say that his is a personality and leadership style not without its fair share of criticisms, inflammatory conduct, and the discomfiture such bring to society.

Simultaneously, it is not unexpected in a society such as ours to offer the most recalcitrant a second chance, that hope was held Jagdeo could have departed from a less than stellar past.

When in addressing a pre-dominantly Indian crowd in New York-one of the USA’s most diverse states, where continuing efforts are made by its political leadership to improve race relations- he sought to invoke man’s most basic instinct it not only reflected poorly on him but insults the society that welcomed him.

None can pretend race relations would improve automatically, since such requires continuous work, including frank, honest and open conversations, accompanied by institutional strengthening and wholehearted application of policies, programmes and laws.

When a crowd was told that presently in Guyana the APNU+AFC coalition government has been “snatching people’s land that has transport,” decency and respect for the audience would inform that the allegation be supported with proof. This should not be construed to mean governments are not inclined to engage in discriminatory practices, which Jagdeo during his presidency was no stranger to. But it points to the fact that fixing problems, real or perceived, require evidence. Where evidence is provided and the authorities fail to act by verifying the claim, and where an

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

The administrators have failed our cricketers

Dear Editor,

WE have watched with consternation and despair, the performance of the West Indies cricket team during the first Test match against India in Antigua, which ended on Sunday 24 July, 2016 with the West Indies team being defeated by an inning and 92 runs. Without reservations, I place the blame squarely on the shoulders of the administrators of West Indies cricket, although a few players are not without blame.

Having actively served as an administrator of cricket in Berbice, Guyana, from 1964 to 1983, I prefer to focus my attention on the administrators rather than the players.

For a cricketer to succeed, especially at the highest level of the game, he/ she must have a solid foundation. The cricketer must be grounded in the rules and procedures of the game, but more especially he must be able to perform and produce with credit, under different conditions. That foundation must be dominated by discipline, fitness, a fighting spirit, a will to win and tremendous powers of concentration.

It is the responsibility of the coaches, but more particularly that of the administration to ensure that this foundation is laid. If we are preparing for First Class cricket and Test cricket, our cricketers must be able to occupy the crease and score 100s instead of 50s and our bowlers must be productive.

Young batsmen must be fit, learn to

occupy the crease, improve their skills, technique and talent, gain confidence, form and readiness while being productive. The bowlers must be taught to bowl length and line with variations in pace, length and line, swing, spin, bounce and turn. The fast bowler must be taught to bowl long opening spells, especially after taking early wickets.

Further, opening bowlers must be ready to take the new ball to bowl that final spell of the day.

The chasm between the West Indies Regional Four-Day competition and the Test level is wide and deep, too wide to jump across and too deep to climb out of. If our players are to survive and succeed, the administrators will have to build bridges of opportunity.

The Guyana Cricket Board has removed these bridges by not playing the Three-Day First-Division cricket competition which they discontinued in 2010 -- a competition which was started before the 1920s -- and the Four-Day Inter-County competition which they discontinued in 2015 after it had been played since 1954. It is significant to note that all of our 50 Test cricketers came up through the Three-Day, FirstDivision system and only 12 of our earliest Test cricketers did not come up through the Four-Day Inter-County system. The need to invest in and give exposure to our young cricketers cannot be over-emphasised.

The Three-Day First-Division and the Four- Day Inter-County competitions must be reinstated, if our admin-

injustice occurred not move to correct same, then the claim of marginalisation /discrimination can be substantiated.

Where the Opposition Leader said there has been an increase in new taxes under this Government that targets mostly the rural poor, whom he considered are People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) supporters, bringing integrity to this allegation would be aided by the supporting evidence.

Jagdeo holds a constitutional office, and is among liked persons who have great responsibility to ensure they deliver leadership by example, and uphold universally acceptable practices and laws to ensure the races co-exist in peace and harmony. And with a financial background, having presided over national budgets and held the nation’s highest office, these exposures carry corresponding responsibility his public utterances will be supported by evidence.

Consequently, it is reasonable to expect the public will be provided the evidence to support the allegations made in New York. And where these are not provided, the society is free to conclude that the New York speech was mere debauchery.

In the 21st century, Guyana has to move beyond the di-

istrators are to have any thought of producing First-Class cricketers and Test cricketers of quality. The investment must be made. How can we expect our Under-19 cricketers to move from that level to the Four-Day Regional level without a bridge? How can we expect our first-class cricketers to move from the regional level to the Test level without the foundation? Where are our cricket academies?

In India, the finals of the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Cup are played over five days. In Australia, the Sheffield Shield finals is also competed for over five days. Why would these countries be doing this? The obvious answer is that they are preparing their first- class cricketers for five-day Test cricket. The fact that these two countries are the best at the Test cricket level and continue to produce the best cricketers in the world should come as no surprise.

The fact that our West Indies team has been performing so poorly exemplifies the conclusion that our administrators have not been performing, hence the decline in the performance and standard of our West Indies Test team. It is past time for the administrators to consider what they can do for the sport rather than what they can gain from it.

Yours faithfully, MORTIMER GEORGE Former Honorary Secretary Berbice Cricket Board 1987 Life Member. 2014 Inductee BCB Administrators Hall of Fame

visive and political rancidity of the 20th century. Given that this nation’s population comprises approximately two-thirds of persons 40 years and under, those determined to live in the past ought to reflect on their unfairness to this group’s development being held hostage to a period when they were either not born or were mere toddlers.

A significant percentage of the stated demographic was born or became adults during the presidencies of Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and David Granger. And where many were either of school age or in the work force during the Jagdeo presidency, on race relations and their development the society finds a presidency that fell short of expectations, by standards set domestically and internationally.

Finally, Guyana belongs to all Guyanese. Contrary to the Opposition Leader’s view Guyana is not the private property of the PPP/C to “take back,” but the property of every Guyanese to enjoy its patrimony. Any and every political party, individual, or group contesting an election, and having secured the majority, must be allowed to govern within the confines of the Guyana Constitution and Laws.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Young people must reject race Dear Editor AFTER 50 years of independence, “race” seems as much a divisive construct as it ever was. Whatever political currency race held has been lost, evident in the underdevelopment of our nation these many years later. “Madness” would be to continue to use it for supposed success at the ballot and expect a different result from the one we have had up to this juncture of our history.

I identify as “African” whenever a form is to be filled up that requires me to check a box indicating my race. However, I cannot escape that in my lineage through my father I’ve inherited the blood of Amer-

indians; I cannot escape that in my veins moves the blood of Portuguese and Chinese through the bloodline of my mother. Her grandfather, for instance, was Chinese, surname “Cheong.”

Because of my eclectic ethnic extraction, like the character “Antoinette” in that novel about identity, Wide Sargasso Sea, “I often wonder who I am and where is my country and where do I belong and why was I ever born at all.” I am certain many Guyanese can identify.

I have never felt threatened by another person’s race and I hope no one has felt threatened by mine. In my family, my aunt is married to a ‘Naraine,’ another to a ‘Singh’ and my own

sister, a ‘Panday.’

As a result, there are members in my family who look nothing like me, yet in their beating hearts is the blood of African slaves. I would hazard a guess that this is the case for thousands of Guyanese. What then is the relevance of race? We are but Guyanese!

My family’s lineage goes past blood and borders: I have relatives who were born in Antigua, Botswana in Southern Africa, England and other jurisdictions. Our beloved son, Jon-Pierre, was born in Trinidad & Tobago and our beautiful Ethan-Leigh saw the sunlight for the first time in the United States of America.

Yet they are all Guyanese as well.

It is this little piece of real estate called Guyana, in a huge world, that gave us a beginning in this life and to which we refer to as HOME. I am certain that this is so for thousands of Guyanese. What then is race? And who is Black and who is Indian?

As a person and leader, if I think about race then at the level of the city I will always be at odds with fellow Councillors Bishram Kuppen, Tamashwar Budhoo and others. But I embrace them as my brothers who from time to time I disagree

with.

Additionally, national and local government policies are expected to be discharged “without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”

To sever that oath in the name of race would be to obliterate the goodwill that endears us to the PEOPLE. We are all Guyanese and that is the only thing that matters or should matter.

We must resist distinctions based on race, and resist persons who purport same.

Young people especially have a duty to resist race, if only for that brighter future

we envision and aspire to.

If we do not resist the lure of racial labels and entitlements then 50 years after our independence, in the year of our Golden Jubilee, that dream emblematic in our motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ “will remain but a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained,” to turn a quote.

SHEROD AVERY DUNCAN, LLB, JP. Mayor (ag.)

Municipality of Georgetown

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

ACDA, Emancipation and the UN Charter ‒ on People of African Descent CONTRARY to perception and propaganda, the African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) was not contrived within the hysteria of a possible hostile political arena after the change of government in 1992.

Though, from the unavoidable rhetoric aired at the time in the street, and by official actions, hostility was possible; yet, the philosophical impetus behind the emergence of ACDA lay in the realisation that the consciousness around having a positive world view and image of self with the grass-root Afro-Guyanese population was fragmented, because of an absence of relative information from trusted sources, with an entire academia directed to supporting a colonising system.

NEW COLONISERS

The very books we had learnt to read, and had placed our confidence in to guide us through the timeline of human recorded achievement with their bold graphics and paintings, were the new colonisers.

Those realities were, of course, contrasted by a minority of literature that spoke differently; hard to get, but worth the effort.

Here, I’m talking about J.A. Rogers, Cheikh Anta Diop, John Henrik Clarke, John G. Jackson and many others that helped liberate me and my peers in our late teens to early twenties.

ACDA must again raise the eyes of its philosophical perspective, as we did in the initial stages of 1991-92, to recognise how the current United Nations declaration on the ten years of recognising obligations to people of African descent (2015-2024) to counter years of historical marginalisation, social injustice and economic stagnation can be addressed; that these obligations be adhered to by our current government, with well-grounded and practical in the approach of what has to be done to unshackle the immense mental

afflictions imposed by over 200 years of misinformation that have cultivated a thick layer of falsifications directed at tearing the self esteem of the then emancipated Afro-group, regulating them to a comfortable state as a consumer rather than proprietor, fetchers of water and hewers of wood caste.

INFO AND EDUTAINMENT

Knowing what has to be done is one factor; the way to undo this begins with information and edutainment. Can this UN decree provide the tools to begin this process?

And this is the upbeat mood of Emancipation 2016.

A great example of that absence of second- nature awareness of self lies in the recent visit by former President Jagdeo to the vendors.

In his ridiculous hope that they had forgotten his unfair and bigoted management of national affairs as president, [One of the myths: “Black people does fo’get quick”], they rebuked him; one vendor even likened him unto Pharaoh.

There he was on Facebook, a mocking photo-shopped effigy, adorned with Tutankhamun’s headdress. I clearly understood the vendor’s reference and definition; but the imagery illustrated the weight of how the ‘Afro’ population, guided

by Hollywood about religion, has relegated Egypt to the epitome of biblical evil.

The arguments about the validity of Exodus, as debated, are not common knowledge; neither are they academic nor simplified. Nor are other examples used by our Churches to correct this fallacy.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

Let me illustrate some biblical examples: (A) Genesis 12, 10-20: Abraham, forced by famine, entered Egypt [Khemet] with a stereotypical notion, possibly based on the time he lived in, and how the Chaldeans, his countrymen, did things.

He lied to the Pharaoh, saying his wife was his sister.

And if you pay attention to the customs of that time, she would have slept with the monarch as a sign of goodwill [No! The women’s rights movement was not yet born!]

Well, after that, certain repercussions followed, enlightening Pharaoh [the Pharaoh was a Priest-King] that Abraham had lied to him.

It would seem that adultery was forbidden to Egyptian norms. The Pharaoh rebuked Abraham, and dispatched him with the gifts he had given him.

This Pharaoh was more morally fortified that David, Solomon or Abraham at that time. Egypt was a black African civilization; both the Egyptians and Hebrews were black Africans at inception. That they inter-married during the 5,000 years of their civilization is fact; that there was no race supremacy in their cultural philosophies is also a fact.

(B) As a baby, Jesus was sent to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath, and stayed there until he became an adult.

(C) Joseph, son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his brothers, and rose to prominence in Egypt.

(D) Moses, whose Egyptian name is believed to be Osarseph, was an Egyptian priest.

The deception of sterilis-

ing Egypt from all good was a line taken by the early European Christian justifiers of slavery, because they knew that Egypt was African, and a torchbearer of human civilisation; that ethnic obsession did not matter before to the ancient Greeks, Romans, or Egyptians as it did to the colonising churches. These items of awareness, based on physical history, help to dismiss current subliminal inferiority notions.

ACDA’S EMERGENCE

ACDA emerged with Emancipation by relieving, by consensus, the then Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) of ‘Freedom Day’, the ‘August Monday’ of our early youth, which GBC was utilising as ‘Folk Festival Day’.

It was a good idea, but always managed to end up as a ‘bubble session’, much to the anger of the initial initiators.

The die was cast; now it was our day. And the problem lay before ACDA to hold the Emancipation festival.

I had coined the term, ‘The Genesis of Modern Guyana’. Historically, it was.

The vocal doubting detractors were mainly Afro-Guyanese; but the support was formidable. One ‘Sister’ even volunteered to mortgage her house to get the show off the

ground. That was a terrifying prospect, which we just couldn’t agree to.

But it did propel us forward to work harder. Individual members threw in equal monies, as our ancestors did upon buying the villages. And so, with tight lips, we purchased the village of Emancipation Day. The myth that Afro-Guyanese aren’t business-savvy was foremost in dispelling; that enslaved Africans were able to save, through the sacrifice of limited allowed industry on the plantations, to purchase villages defies that myth. We understood that, and exemplified it through our effort.

There were trends we had to adhere to; public entertainment was a fixed aspect of the day.

We negotiated with foreign embassies, resulting in guest acts from Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, Trinidad, Canada and other overseas places would perform to inspire our fledgling local acts.

This year, Reggae cultural star, Luciano comes from Jamaica to add to our programme, accompanied by local dance troupes and other talents.

MAIN FOCUS

Our main focus always rests with the information

booths, because there is so much about Africa, its peoples, their diversity and heritage that is not known. Our main sources come from Hollywood, and the conflict items that occupy most of the international western news programmes that our population view.

Locally, Afro-Guyanese contributions are highlighted; the treasure house of the Free Press, Emancipation magazine, is no longer for sale, but is exhibited, with reference to ACDA’s Library, because all Guyanese need to know what went before.

Emancipation Day is a Guyanese event. The facts about the Guyanese montage of peoples is less contentious than we believe; local politics has, in many ways, damaged our people, but knowledge is emancipating power. And ACDA’S struggle has always been to get that understanding, in its most transparent form, into the open.

That ACDA came into public conflict with the last administration over ‘extra-judicial killings’ with an obvious bias to Afro-Guyanese lives is a biography on its own; this directly led to the season of the so-called ‘crime spree’, and the lifting of armed Afro-youth to hero status by our besieged grassroot population.

We were also forced to recognise and intervene in the callous attempts to literally steal Afro-Guyanese lands by persons in questionable businesses aligned to the then political power-base.

The ACDA biography cannot be contained with clarity right here, but our immediate concern rests with the possibilities of the future, as the organisation must reconcile with the myriad needs identified by the UN Charter, and the responsible role we have committed ourselves to play in this coming season.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Kitty Market works put on hold over funding

HAVING recently denied that works at the Kitty Market are stalled due to financial constraints plaguing the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), a source yesterday said that the City Treasurer is now focused on paying salaries, with the Kitty Market and other projects being placed in the “backseat.”

For several weeks now, the market has been under repairs and according to the source yesterday, there has been “no improvement” thus far.

On Monday, the issue was raised about the Albouystown Health Centre being closed for more than a month. City Engineer Colvern Venture, in his response to the Council, cited the Kitty Market as another example of a project that is stalled.

Councillor Heston Bostwick brought to the council’s attention that already 35 days of work have been exhausted

on the clinic, for “simple” repair works. “When is it going to be completed?” he questioned.

Venture said it was difficult for him to offer a specific time as to when works would be completed on the clinic, which happens to be affected by financial woes like the Kitty Market. “I am not able to get materials on time,” Venture noted, while citing finances as one of the causes.

In the meantime, Councillor Malcolm Ferreira told this newspaper that Albouystown residents can access services at the Charlestown Health Centre and the Dorothy Bailey Health Centre on South Road.

Meanwhile, the Kitty Market is being remodelled to include a rates and taxes office as well as a municipal clinic. “People from Cummings Lodge to Kitty don’t have to come all the way to City Hall to pay their rates and taxes. We are aiming to re-introduce the system

More than 35 days of work has been expended on the Albouystown clinic

that was in place many years ago,” Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen had told the Chronicle.

The City Council had hoped to finish works on the market in time for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, but was unable to so do, in view of

other necessary works. The upper flat of the market will also accommodate new vendors, Chase-Green stated, and installing a clinic up there will also be looked at.

The 19th century structure suffered massive deterio-

ration over the years, causing vendors operating in the area to lodge numerous complaints with the City Council.

The Council, however, had long been citing financial woes as the reason the market continued to remain a “threat

to life and limb.”

The Kitty Market was established in 1882, two years after the Bourda Market came into being.

Like the Bourda Market, Kitty Market is timber-framed.

Residents cry foul over stench from poultry mill

By Alva Solomon FOR almost 16 years residents of the Timehri Public Road who live in the vicinity of a poultry feed mill have been complaining about a stench emanating from the mill and residents are planning to block the public road if the situation continues.

Reports are that the mill, which carries the sign “Protein Recovery Inc.,” converts fish parts among other pieces of meat into poultry feed.

It has been in operation for several years and changed ownership twice.

The mill was unveiled as a project under the John Fernandes Group of companies; however, checks have indicated that it is in the hands of new owners.

The mill was subsequently resold to another businessman who has been unreachable in recent days.

According to a resident in the area, she resides a few houses away from the plant and for years, she has been making complaints to the relevant authorities about the matter.

This publication made several attempts to reach the owner of the company who operates a related business in the Ruimveldt area, but to no avail.

Reports were made at several agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Consequently, EPA officials visited the community on July 13 and inspected the mill.

Sources at the EPA informed that officers inspect-

ed the processes utilised by the company as well as the noise levels which emanate from a generator which powers the mill. The mill is not connected to the national power grid.

A two-week grace period was then handed to the company to fix the situation based on the findings of the EPA officers.

“EPA come… they go and this smell remains,” the resident said. She said residents came out and some persons angrily questioned the officials on their slothfulness in remedying the situation.

She said residents have reached the stage where plans were being made to block the public road in order for their concerns to be addressed.

Persons in the area re-

ported that the heavy-duty generator runs continuously for more than two days in some instances and the noise emanating from the factory makes residents very uncomfortable.

“But is the smell, imagine the smell and the noise together with thick black smoke,” she said.

According to another resident in the area, there are occasions when a pungent scent would emanate from the factory in the evenings.

The scent is attributed to the trucks which ferry the fish parts to the mill.

Residents say once at the company’s compound, the workers would leave the discarded fish parts in the open at nights around 19:00 hrs and 20:00hrs or later at nights.

The sign outside the feed mill at Timehri

The men would pour water over the parts before they are converted via additional processes which involve cooking the spoilt material.

And the workers would place chlorine tablets into the fish tanks and cover the containers whenever the EPA is about to visit the company.

Reports are that the company’s owner recently visited the EPA and discussed the company’s operations with senior officials there. The company was reportedly given additional time to remedy the situation, much to the anger of residents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

President defends Gov’t-appointed GDF officers

By Ravin Singh

PRESIDENT David Granger has defended the appointments of several former and present Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officers by the APNU+AFC government, stating that it was done on merit.

The President’s remarks were made on Thursday during the recording of his weekly television programme “The Public Interest.” The Government recently appointed Retired Brigadier Bruce Lovell and Retired Colonel Windee

Algernon to conduct Com- of-State, these individuals breed of citizens. We can’t missions of Inquiry (CoI) were hired on the basis of deprive them of their rights into the Customs Anti-Nar- competence and experience. if they have the talent, the cotics Unit (CANU) and He said he will not discrimi- experience, [and] the quala recent fire ifications.

These are human beings. These I don’t disat the Chilare people with skills. They’re not c r i m i n a t e dren’s DropIn Centre a separate breed of citizens. We a g a i n s t which killed the can’t deprive them of their rights if they them,” two children.

Head of N a z r u l have the talent, the experience, [and] State said.

Hussain, who the qualifications. I don’t discriminate Further, is a serving against them,” the Head of State said. he pointcolonel, was ed out that also appointwhen he ased to head the Department nate against them. sumed office in May 2015, of National Events of the “These are human be- there were about 10 officers Ministry of the Presidency. ings. These are people with whom the PPP administraBut according to the Head- skills. They’re not a separate tion had already appointed.

“

President David Granger

Under the PPP administration, Major-General Joe Singh was appointed Chairman of the National Task Force Commission; Retired Col. Chabilall Ramsarup was appointed Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC); Colonel Brassington Reynolds was appointed a Judge; and Colonel Jawahar was appointed Accountant-General.

In light of this fact, the President reasoned that he does not believe that former Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar had discriminated against these persons, given the number of them who were employed under their Government.

As such, he sought to question why people, and the PPP would expect him to discriminate against these persons.

“Everybody recognises that some of the appointments made by the previous administration and nobody criticised them. Why should they criticise me?” he questioned.

The President went on to state that he could certainly make some criticisms since the PPP had appointed someone who was cashiered from the GDF as a minister and that individual was put in Cabinet. As a result, he noted that when the opposition party wishes to point fingers, the members should explain why such a person was given such a high position in the administration.

“I don’t see that anything could be wrong in asking a colonel or brigadier to do a commission of inquiry. The question is, are they competent to do it? There is the old saying that it doesn’t matter if it’s a black cat or white cat, if it catches rat, it’s a good cat. We want good cats,” the President said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

CXC launches green engineering CAPE syllabus the education body conduct appropriate examinations for its citizens.

Dr Roopnaraine said the modules of the green engineering course “seems to encompass” the knowledge -base and skillsets required for the creation and sus-

tainability of “much needed green economy” for the mitigation and reversal of global warming.

According to the Education Minister, Caricom is often castigated for “its slothfulness and failures without any accolade for its

successes” but noted that “Once again I believe that CXC has risen to the occasion and continues to be a beacon to be emulated by the outer organs of Caricom,” he said as he made reference to the launch of the new

Turn to page 14 ►

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine (second right) and other ministry officials being briefed by BrainStreet Group Chief Executive Officer, Lance Hinds on animation projects following the programme on Thursday

By Alva Solomon THE Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) on Thursday launched its green engineering syllabus and Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has described the move as a step in the right direction.

The syllabus, which is one of several being introduced by CXC at the CAPE level, will enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to sustain the natural environment.

CXC intends to ensure students develop 21st century engineering skills and ethics required for sustainable development.

Speaking to a gathering of educators and students at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston at the launching

of the programme, Dr Roopnaraine told the audience that the creation of a green economy is a national policy.

“Green engineering is therefore an immediate import and application to Guyana,” the minister said, adding that offering a course in green engineering is most timely from the standpoint of developing the manpower required by Guyana for the implementation of its policy of a green economy.

The entire globe is threatened by global warming and low-lying states such as Guyana are more susceptible to rising sea levels.

CXC was established in 1972 under an agreement by participating member states, and its mandate has been to conduct examinations across the Caribbean region.

Guyana being a member of Caricom has mandated

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine addresses the audience during the launch of the green engineering syllabus on Thursday

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Prison Officer remanded on gun, ammo charges A PRISON officer attached to the Georgetown Prison appeared before city Magistrate Leron Daley, charged with illegal possession of a fireman and matching ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder.

Christopher Elias, 24 of Lot 43 East Ruimveldt was found with the illegal items

on July 24 at Princess Street, Georgetown. The court heard that on the day, he had five rounds of matching ammunition in his possession.

The prison officer was also charged with behaving in a manner to provoke Orlando Harris on the said date at Mandela Avenue.

Elias pleaded not guilty to all the charges and was represented by Attorney-at-law Melville Duke.

Duke contended that his client is not the owner of the car in which the “old rusty gun” was found. He ordered that a case of multiple occupancy should be established, since two other persons were in

Christopher Elias

the car when the illegal items were found.

This newspaper understands that on the day in question, Elias drove his car into Harris’s motorcycle at a gas station on Mandela Avenue. The man approached Elias, who allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at him.

Harris, who is a police officer, quickly reported the matter and ranks on patrol apprehended Elias on Princess Street. He was searched and no gun was found on him.

The officer then searched under the bonnet of the car and found the gun hidden.

Bail was denied and the prison officer was remanded until August 15.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Friday July 29, 2016

Aries You might feel like your world has grown larger than life, and significant portions of your creativity are out of your control. However, a period of intense upheaval is already slipping into the past and you need to follow through by initiating changes at work. Extending your spheres of influence could affect your relationships, especially with those in your immediate environment. Ultimately, you may have to play your cards sooner than later and reveal your intentions. If you want something, don’t wish for it; life is too short to wait.

Taurus You’re picking up some very strange signals today that could easily distract you from your goals. You might even think you’ve become slightly unhinged if you can’t make heads or tails out of your current experience, but there’s really nothing to worry about at all. Nevertheless, sharing your inner conflicts without expecting anything in exchange is enough to the get the ball rolling in your direction. “Dream big, start small” is your motto for success.

Gemini It’s best to unfold your story gradually today but you’re too anxious to share your best-kept secrets. Unfortunately, your spontaneous disclosure won’t make you feel any better, and might emotionally agitate others in your circle of friends.

Nevertheless, initiating a conversation about a subject dear to your heart brings a smile to your face. But it’s not enough to steal a moment or two of happiness; you long for a much more meaningful exchange. Don’t be afraid to reach back into the recesses of your mind and talk about something that truly matters with someone who truly cares.

Cancer The very things that have been blocking your path seem to quickly fade into the past today. Although you might not be ready to swing into action yet, circumstances can force your hand. If someone does something that annoys you now, you won’t be able to just sit quietly because you feel the need to even the score immediately. There’s nothing wrong with standing up for yourself as long as you take a few minutes to fine-tune your message. Julian Assange writes, “Every time we witness an injustice and do not act, we train our character to be passive.”

Leo A social cause might have you so fired up today that you can’t help but jump up on your soapbox and speak out. Sometimes it takes a lot to grab your attention, but you’re hooked now and won’t be able to move on until you respond to this important issue. However, your straightforward reaction opens a portal into a parallel universe; nothing goes according to your plan. It’s understandable if everything gets strange for a while; thankfully, it won’t last long. There’s no reason to resist the weird energies that are coming to the surface. Live life to express, not impress.

Virgo You want to take care of business today, but responsibilities on the home front could interfere with your busy schedule. Rather than sharing your predicament with anyone, you prefer to keep your worries to yourself until you fulfill your commitments. Only after you honour your promises will you feel comfortable discussing your difficulties about your job performance. Nevertheless, you don’t have to wait; the sooner you reveal your vulnerability, the faster you’ll receive much-needed advice. Share your burden and lighten your load.

Libra Relationships with your friends and associates are complicated today because sparks may fly over agendas that are not really in conflict. However, it might seem as if the disagreement is irresolvable until you start to delve deeper. Magnetic Venus receives an intensity booster from potent Pluto that could send you spiralling into the darkness, but this is an unexpected blessing since you could discover a misplaced rainbow. Whatever happens, don’t relinquish your power; ultimately, nothing can stand in the way of your truth.

Scorpio You may have so much work on your plate now that you just want to escape through the nearest exit. But you’re not usually one to run out on something that’s unfinished. Nevertheless, you can stir up a hornet’s nest if your unexpressed anger gets the best of you. Instead of waiting until it’s too late, lay your feelings out on the table. That which is seen is much easier to work with than that which you marginalise or pretend is not there. Although total denial isn’t a sensible strategy, be cautious as you open the door to the unknown.

Sagittarius You’re pushing into new territory these days and you won’t be able to continue looking in your rear view mirror for long. Even if you’re feeling nostalgic today, you can’t just slip into your time machine and dial up powerful experiences from the past. Nevertheless, you can bring old memories forward into the present moment.

In the final analysis, you have a chance to rewrite your personal story in a way that positively impacts your future. Thankfully, once you’re aware of your own history, you’re blessed with the opportunity to change it.

Capricorn You have many little tasks to do today and you’re not sure how you will get them all done. However, you can accomplish a lot in a very small amount of time if you put your heart and soul into your work. You grow motivated to find answers to larger questions about your life as you watch your friends sink deeper into Pluto’s mysterious realms. There’s no logical reason to fear the unknown, but then again, you’re required to leave your rational thoughts behind. As Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”

Aquarius A relationship at work grows messy today as someone stops walking their talk.

You don’t know whether or not to trust the words you hear, or to only pay attention to their actions. Unfortunately, cerebral Mercury dynamically squares warrior Mars, bending you out of shape and reminding you to be prepared for anything you might face. You’re primed to do something you will regret unless you move through the day with great intention. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care.

Pisces You may have plenty to do at home today, but your job duties must come first.

Thankfully, you are particularly adept at juggling all the components of your life now. Although you might want to do everything at once, the only way you’ll get through the day with flying colours is to make a detailed list of exactly what you want to accomplish. Narrowing your attention is an absolute must. The more you focus on your priorities, the greater your chances of finishing everything in a timely manner.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Councillor Friday acting as Linden Mayor COUNCILLOR Rawle Friday will be serving in the capacity of Mayor of Linden for a period of two weeks beginning today.

Substantive Mayor Carwyn Holland and his Deputy Waneka Arrindell are on leave for vacation purposes simultaneously.

Councillor Friday was elected by his fellow councillors to act in the esteemed capacity at a recently held extraordinary meeting.

Councillor Lennox Gas-

per moved a motion for Friday to act in the absence of Holland; it was seconded by Councillor Fern McKoy and approved by the Council.

Councillor Friday is a pastor and manages the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Linden Branch. He is also the Chairman of the Parks and Market Committee and a member of several committees.

In an invited comment, Councillor Friday said he intends to work as a team with

Councillor Rawle Friday

the other councillors in the best interest of the Council.

“All that I can do for that period of time is to continue on the path that we have started as a team and to continue on matters that were started by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor,” he posited.

He said priority will be given to the $16M subvention that the Council has received from Government and implementation of measures to allow for the continuation of progress in Linden.

Councillor Friday has

a full-time job and will be spending as much time as possible at the Mayor’s chamber.

The law does not allow

for the Council to select a Deputy Mayor in his or her absence so Councillor Friday will act in both capacities.

Mother seeks help finding missing son ROMAIN Retemiah, 19, of lot 47 West La Penitence Housing Scheme is missing since June 20, 2016 and his mother has been asking for assistance in locating her loved one.

According to the teen’s mother, Denise Retemiah, her son was last seen in the vicinity of the West La Penitence market on June 20, after which his whereabouts are unknown.

Since his disappearance Mrs. Retemiah told this newspaper that she received two phone calls, with one caller claiming he had seen her son at Plaisance Railway Embankment but when she visited he was not found.

The concerned woman added that the other caller stated that her son was spotted at a shop in Kwakwani but later learnt it was a case

Missing: Romain Retemiah

of mistaken identity.

Her son who is a car wash attendant and mason does not leave home without informing her and other relatives and so it is a cause for worry in the family.

Anyone with information regarding locating the teen can telephone 2274999 or 672-6090.

CXC launches green...

From page 11

syllabus.

Hinterland Electrification Company Inc Chief Education Officer (CEO) Horace Williams deemed the introduction of the programme an excellent idea.

He said that it is one of the “best ways of promoting green thinking in Guyana and the Caribbean” as he outlined Government’s plans and projects geared at developing the renewable energy sector.

Williams said the project will be beneficial to the country by ensuring that the next and future generations will better manage the environment. He added that additional academic programmes in the field of renewable energy are needed and called for such programmes to be introduced at the University of Guyana.

CXC Subject Panel Member, Dr Paulette Bynoe in giving an overview of the syllabus, noted that it is organised into two units:

each unit comprises three modules which require 50 hours of teaching.

In Unit One, termed the Introduction to Green Engineering, there are Module One which addresses concepts and issues, Module Two which addresses theoretical framework of green engineering and Module Three looks at green engineering in practice.

Unit Two, she said, is termed the application of Green Engineering Principles. That unit includes Module One (utilisation of sustainable materials and energy), Module Two (sustainable designs) and Module Three (green engineering solutions).

In terms of assessment, the external assessment will account for 70 per cent of the marks attained while the school-based assessment will account for 30 per cent.

Students are encouraged to work in groups to complete their SBAs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Mining sector in healthy state

By Ravin Singh

GUYANA continues to boast a healthy mining sector with all natural resources and related minerals surpassing production targets, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman said on Wednesday.

The minister made this disclosure during a meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources on Wednesday at Public Building.

In May this year, gold production increased by 92,000 ounces compared to the same period last year, despite prices being a bit sluggish.

The increase was credited to the hard work of small and medium-scale miners, Trotman said.

Gold was trading at just over US$1200 per ounce on the international market. However, subsequent to the United Kingdom’s (UK) move to leave the European Union (EU), prices went up to just over US$1300.

In early May, 243,000 ounces of gold was declared, but this amount rose to 327,000 ounces by June 30.

“As of June 30, gold declaration has been 327,000 ounces, far in excess of what has been forecasted,” Minister Trotman told the committee. He also stated that Aurora Gold fields was able to produce 75,000 ounces of that amount.

Earlier this year, the Minister of Finance had projected that gold declaration would be about 550,000 ounces by year-end.

is currently in the process of putting together a team to review the industry which continues to benefit thousands.

The third natural resource to record a successful production rate is diamond.

Trotman told the Commission that production thus far in the year stands at 61,552 karat which exceeds the budget by 28.2 per cent.

Again, he lauded the efforts of the relevant authorities, stating that country is Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

However, Minister Trotman in a confident tone told the committee that this target is likely to be surpassed.

“We will go beyond the 600,000 mark; our declarations this year are likely to spike beyond 600,000 ounces,” he boasted.

The minister pointed out that this level of success with regards to gold declaration is an indication that there is confidence in the system and that Government’s measures to curb smuggling are bearing fruit.

With regards to another pillar of Guyana’s economy – Bauxite – the minister revealed that 763,000 tonnes of the mineral has been produced thus far in the year.

According to Trotman, Rusal has been able to produced 73 per cent of this total, while the remaining 27 per cent came from BOSAI. Guyana is currently celebrating 100 years of Bauxite production. And according to the minister, the Government

GPL probing West Coast power interruptions THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has said that at about 18:35hrs on Tuesday, the Demerara Power Vreed-en-Hoop feeder No.4 tripped thrice, resulting in interruptions in the supply of electricity to customers from La Grange to Edinburgh, Zeeburg to Naamryck and Leonora.

The power company said in a release that their engineers are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause and will be working assiduously to maintain a reliable service.

In spite of the challenges, the feeder was isolated and restoration efforts commenced last evening at approximately 18:50hrs with the last area being repowered at 19:23hrs.

As part of the efforts to provide a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity, the engineers and executive management are creating innovations to meet and exceed the needs of customers, GPL added.

doing “relatively well” in terms of diamond production.

However, because of a decline in overall construction, a spike in production of quarry stone was not recorded.

Nonetheless, the minister was keen to note that the sector recorded a 3.5 per cent higher production rate than the same period last year. Production of stone to date stood at 226,000 metric tonnes.

Meanwhile, for sand, total production has reached

180,000 metric tonnes, a 15.8 per cent improvement overall from the corresponding period last year.

In light of these achievements, the minister said “the sector is in a relatively healthy position”.

Meanwhile, he said mining safety remains an issue for the Government. This year four persons have died as a result of mining accidents, a number which Trotman said is too many.

“We have been doing the best we can to reduce the incidents,” he said, adding that just a week ago, a mines safety seminar was held and this initiative will be continued.

The minister also sought to credit these successes to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which he said, continues to do better even as it expands in its role as a monitor of oil and gas production.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Benefits of empowering women cannot be understated

‒ Regional Women’s Conference hears

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA has made tremendous strides in its quest to push the development of women and girls, but the task is far from over, and the benefits of women’s empowerment cannot be understated, Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence said yesterday at the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee (RWAC) Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Guyanese women, Minister Lawrence said, now have greater access to education, and have been playing critical roles in the decision-making process at all levels.

“The world has evolved and still is evolving as more and more women impact on the international stage or on the national arena. Women are now considered visionaries who manage empires, run corporations and countries, lead state institutions, engineer the future, make discoveries in the field of health and make political representation on behalf of their people. What is even more significant is that some women do it while taking care of a family,” she pointed out.

But while the “glass ceiling has been shattered” by those who fought for women's empowerment, the Social Protection Minister said

there are still many challenges facing women.

“We still have to work diligently, particularly in our remote and rural communities, to encourage our women to emerge from the shadows and to be proactive in order to break the shackles of poverty,” Minister Lawrence said.

The issue of poverty, she said, is coupled with other social issues that must be addressed. “There is still need for equal pay for equal work, the elimination of gender-based violence, and the achievement of basic rights, such as choice, education and healthcare for many women and girls. Male domination and prejudice

still exist and threaten to stifle the efforts of women to develop themselves, owing to economic dependence, culture and other inhibitors,” she explained.

CHANGE AGENTS The benefits of women’s empowerment cannot be understated, she said, noting that such empowerment should be viewed as a mechanism for growth and the diversification of the economy.

“I do believe that women are powerful change agents, who cannot only help us in Guyana to achieve the good life for all, but articulate a clear direction for Guyana’s development.”

As such, she urged the members of the RWAC to foster growth within their communities with special emphasis on women and girls. “We must intensify our education programmes, organize capacity-building workshops, promote entrepreneurial ventures, expand our outreach programmes, disseminating information and raising awareness of the issues that threaten to impede the development of women,” Minister Lawrence urged.

While the Social Protection Ministry is encouraged by the provisions made under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women,

Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence addressing members of the RWAC at the Regency Hotel

known as the Convention of Belem do Para, it is acknowledged that enforcement and implementation are often lacking. What is needed, the Minister said, are more stringent measures against predators and perpetrators.

On this note, Minister Lawrence recommitted herself to work harder to improve the level of social protection the state offers Guyanese.

“So, I urge you to do the same within your communities; we need to strengthen our partnership to ensure our religious entities, the non-government sector, civil society and corporate Guyana take this commitment seriously and work towards the enhancing of our women,” she implored the women and men present.

GENDER EQUALITY Representatives of the Gender Affairs Bureau, Diego Alphonso and Hymawattie Lagan, and Region Four

Regional Chairperson Genevieve Allen were among the speakers who championed the cause for Guyanese to embrace gender equality.

They said while women and girls are affected by a number of social ills such as abuse, the men and boys must not be neglected as they too need attention, and in some cases counseling.

The RWAC AGM, which will continue today at the Regency Hotel, is being held under the theme “Enhancing the development of women and embracing gender equality”.

It serves to provide technical guidance for the preparation of programmes and activities at the level of the regional committees, covering a number of areas including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Trafficking-in-Person (TIP), the Decent Work Programme, Entrepreneurship and Gender-Based Violence.

The AGM of the RWAC in session at the Regency Hotel on Thursday

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

‘Quiet Clubbing’

L

AST Saturday, local partygoers were treated to an event which brought a new twist to the traditional clubbing scene, in the form of the ‘Silent Headphones Party’ hosted at the Gravity Lounge.

So as to sate the curiosity of the average person who would no doubt immediately ponder, “What on earth is a silent headphones party?” here’s what it’s all about.

Referred to as ‘Quiet Clubbing’ or ‘Silent Disco’, the event entails listening and dancing to music on wireless headphones rather than a speaker system.

Music is broadcast via a radio transmitter, with the signal being picked up by the wireless headphone receivers. There are also different genres of music being played on various “channels”, which are represented by different colours on the headphones.

Partygoers can then switch between channels, depending on which type of music they want to hear.

We know what you’re thinking: That must look odd; a mob of people with coloured headpieces adorning their crowns, seemingly dancing to no music.

A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE And the truth is, it’s just as odd-looking as you believe it to be, but it certainly is a different experience.

Last week’s event at the Gravity Lounge was well attended, with hundreds of clubbers eager to experience the difference that Quiet Clubbing brings.

If you missed it, perhaps you can catch it the next time around, but for those of you who are still curious, here’s what you could expect at such an event: THERE IS NOTHING SILENT ABOUT THE ‘SILENT HEADPHONES PARTY’!

Interestingly enough, Quiet Clubbing was invented to ease the complaints in the metropolitan cities of noise nuisance.

Now, in a perfect world, it is expected that everyone listens

to their music, and dances silently along to it. This did not happen. In place of the music, there were hundreds of people screaming out the lyrics to the popular tunes that were blazing in their ears.

So, in fact, it was a party in which a chorus of voices lit up the club, rather than music itself.

PEOPLE WERE CLEARLY EXCITED. Perhaps it was a bad decision on the part of the organizers, but for some reason, the headphones were not shared out until after 23:00hrs, when hundreds of eager patrons had already filled the space.

A MAD RUSH When the music was finally cut off, and the announcement was made for persons to collect their headphones so that the real party could begin, there was a mad rush to the tiny table where the headphones were being shared. Not a good decision.

What do you get when excitement mixes with newness?

Disorder. And for the first few minutes of sharing out the devices, that was exactly what took place.

FINALLY, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SUBJECTED TO MUSIC YOU DON’T LIKE IN THE CLUB. It has happened to everyone: Just as the music starts to get really good, the DJ switches to something that makes you take your seat.

Here, with the various channels playing different genres of music (Gravity’s headsets played hip hop and reggae on one channel, Soca on another, and dance and house on the third, which fairly represented the party-going population of Guyana), when a song you don’t like comes on, guess what?

Switch!

IT ALLOWS FOR NO CONVERSATION. Part of the fun of partying is interacting with your friends. So it may get annoying while you’re all decked out in your headphones and have to take it off to yell “What?” to someone who just said

something to you.

That’s on the one hand; but on the other hand: IT ALLOWS FOR A LOT OF CONVERSATION. That is, of course, if you have your headphones off. With no booming music to have to shout over, you can actually have a regular conversation with someone else.

Ever had to step outside the club to make a phone call?

No need to here.

YOU FORGET YOU ARE NOT ALONE. So, this is the age of smartphones, which often have our entire collection of music on it. This allows us to commute with our ears plugged up while our headphones serenade us with the music from our phones.

While Quiet Clubbing, if you’re not vigilant, you may very well get lost in the music, the same way you usually do while listening to music on your smartphones.

A REFRESHING CHANGE At one point, some persons didn’t even worry to dance, and were instead seen sitting and casually bobbing to the music in their headphones, just as they would if they were on their way to work.

It’s a refreshing change to the party scene. The DJs certainly had a blast, competing to make the most patrons switch and stick to one channel, then passing out instructions via the headphones in a friendly ‘war of the channels’ showdown.

And patrons definitely enjoyed themselves with this new experience, while switching between genres at will, and exploring the not-so-quiet perks of Quiet Clubbing.

In the larger world, it’s been around since 2014, and some say it may very well be the next big thing.

But, the question is: Can it last as a concept? Who knows. They say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, so the traditional means of clubbing may suit us just fine. But for an occasional twist on things, it certainly is a nice change.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

- an engaging combination

By Tamica Garnett AIMED at mixing humanity with fashion, fashion designer, Sonia Noel is currently embarking on a series of interactive sessions called “Conversations and Clothing”, in which patrons are engaged in conversations on fashion and social

issues.

“We wanted to encourage people to interact more, network more, and talk to each other more,” Sonia said, “because, a lot of times we go to fashion shows, and we don’t even have a conversation with the person next to us.

People were sharing their experiences in different things.”

The event, held some two weekends ago at Noel’s Crown Street residence, saw a number of her pieces on display, as patrons engaged in stimulating conversation, ranging from make-up to world issues.

“We’re just chatting, and not just about fashion but about life itself,” Sonia said.

“We find that people are caring less for each other, and one of the objectives behind this is that we want people to care more about each other.”

The event’s opening day, which was a Friday, included a talk by model, fashion designer and make-artist Melissa Payne, while the following day’s session featured talks with Guyanese author, Marcia Surrey, who is hearing-impaired.

Said the hostess at the time: “Every day is a different conversation. Over the weekend, we’re going to be talking more about wardrobe, too: Like how to balance your wardrobe, and some pieces that you must have in your wardrobe.

“And that’s for men and women. We had models demonstrating all the different ways you could wear an outfit, from the beach to the ballroom.

“And also patrons would put on the clothing, and model the pieces for themselves as well.”

The event is part of a series of such events that will be held in Guyana, the USA and eventually across the Caribbean.

“This is the first of a se-

Sonia Noel on the day the event opened here ries of events that I will be embarking on,” Sonia said, adding: “From here, I go to Atlanta.... Then it’s in New Jersey, then Texas, then New York. I plan to make it like a tour...

Then I’ll be going to the other Caribbean countries.

“I think it’s something that can really benefit women; and it’s not just women, because we had men here too...”

The idea for the event came from her passion to be more than just a fashion

designer.

“Apart from the clothing,” she said, “that’s my platform! That’s my passion!

And that’s my career! But whatever I’m doing with clothing, I want to do something that would help to benefit humanity.”

Persons attending the event will also have the opportunity to cash in on great bargains, with a special 50% discount slated.

The event, wherever it goes, is open to the public, free of cost.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

A

S part of the Emancipation celebrations, the Emancipation Day Parade, which will be hosted at the National Park (as is the norm) will feature performances from many guest artistes, including renowned Reggae artiste, Luciano.

With the release of his landmark CD in 1995, Luciano has emerged as one of the most important reggae singers in decades, and the greatest hope for roots reggae’s survival in the digital dancehall era.

Since that much-acclaimed release, Luciano’s music has been consistently praised for imparting sentiments of spiritual salvation, edi?cation, and humanitarian upliftment.

In these troubled times, Luciano’s engaging baritone voice resonates like a divinely ordained instrument, possessing the power to comfort souls from all walks of life.

Luciano is estimated to have made at least 40 albums; the prolific artist releases three (full- length)

CDs per year.

“I have so much music and messages, that I cannot be holding it inside of me,” he declares. “From a management point of view, they would like to see me cooling out for a while, but if a bird doesn’t sing, tell me if that bird is happy?”

RUNS DEEP Music has run deeply throughout Luciano’s life.

Born Jepther Washington McClymont on October 20, 1964 in Davey Town, a small community located atop a hilly region on the road to Mandeville in the central Jamaican parish of Manchester, Luciano was raised in the Adventist Church, and sang in the church choir.

His father, Arthur, passed away when Luciano was just 11 years old. He left behind a guitar he had built, and as Luciano recalls, “through those early years, I fell in love with the guitar and started to learn to play, which I realised was showing love and respect to my father.”

His beloved mother, Sophie, who struggled to raise

Luciano and his eight siblings, is also a gifted singer.

As he grew older, Luciano sang in local youth clubs, and took the ‘mic’ at local sound-system dances.

In the late 80s, he arrived in Jamaica’s bustling capital, Kingston, hoping to transform his musical talent into a ?ourishing career. He sold oranges in the marketplace as a means of initially supporting himself, but when a drought restricted that year’s orange crop, he returned to Mandeville.

MUSIC BECKONS However, the music beckoned, so it wasn’t long before Luciano went back to Kingston, this time with even greater determination to succeed.

He worked as an upholsterer by day, and at night he sought recording opportunities in various studios. It was suggested by one of his mentors, Homer Harris, that the name Jepther McClymont did not have the requisite charisma to propel the career of an aspiring entertainer; Jepther was (professionally) re-christened as Luciano. The name was

also somewhat prophetic: “Luci” means bearer of light, and within a few years, Luciano would shine as one of the brightest lights in the Jamaican music constellation.

Said he: “Over the years, I have listened to

other international icons like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Jim Reeves.

By listening to all these great brothers, I have learned to appreciate other works, and see that there are no barriers in music.

Although I am well known as a cultural reggae singer, I have an international message, and so I cannot deliver it just to reggae fans; I have to extend it to people from all walks of life.”

Sean Paul thrills Billboard

F

OR the first time in 10 years, Sean Paul occupies the number-one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Chart.

He is featured on the remix of Australian singer, Sia’s ‘Cheap Thrills’, which takes over the top spot from Drake’s ‘One Dance’, featuring Wiz Kid and Kyla, which led the chart for 10 weeks.

‘Cheap Thrills’ becomes the fourth number-one ‘Hot 100’ single for Sean Paul. His previous chart-toppers are ‘Temperature’ in 2006; and ‘Get Busy’ and ‘Baby Boy’ (with Beyoncé) in 2003.

The last Jamaican act to top the Billboard Hot 100 was OMI, whose ‘Cheerleader’ began a six-week (non-consecutive) run at number- one on July 13 last year.

Other Jamaican artistes who have topped the Billboard Hot 100 are: Carl Douglas (Kung Fu Fighting in 1974); Ini Kamoze (Here Comes the Hotstepper 1994); and Shaggy (It Wasn’t Me in 2000, and Angel in 2001).

‘Cheap Thrills’ is Sean Paul’s ninth entry in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. He recently signed a recording contract with Island Records. (gtvibes.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Buzzing this weekend

I

T’S a holiday weekend, and you know what that means!

Non-stop partying! So, as we approach Emancipation, let’s see what else is in store for this packed weekend: TODAY If you’ve never tried Hookah, tonight is the night at ‘Hookah in the Sky’ at 704 Sports Bar. Free Hookah pens will be gifted to the first 20 persons! Come and experience the aromatic high that only hookah brings. **Hits and Jams presents ‘Summer Colours’ at the Original Palm Court.

Wear the colour that you think sends the right message at this colour-themed party.

Ladies free before 22:00hrs.

TOMORROW **Are you in the mood for an Indian Wedding experience? The 704 Sports Bar will be transformed to reflect just that at its ‘Wedding Night’ event.

Tickets are $1,500 before 23:00hrs, $2,000 after. **Summer is here, and the temperature is rising, so you may very well catch the ‘Summer Fever’ at Gravity Lounge. Everyone free before 23:00hrs.

Drink specials will be served all night!

MONDAY **As is the norm, all roads lead to the National Park for the Emancipation Day Parade.

Young and old are invited to dress in their African wear, or just come as you are and enjoy cultural presentations in the form of food, music and dance as Guyana celebrates the African Heritage.

The event will also feature performances by renowned Reggae artiste, Luciano, as well as well-known local acts such as Natural Black, Lisa Punch and many more!

Gates open at 10:00hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

Guyana zeroes in on out-of-school children

By Vishani Ragobeer

THE Ministry of Education and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have joined forces to tackle cases of out-of-school children with the aim of minimizing, if not eliminating the problem.

Both agencies elaborated on their plans to address this burning issue at an Outof- School Children Initiative (OOSCI) workshop on Wednesday.

The OOSCI is an initiative by UNICEF to promote the 4th Sustainable Developmental Goal, which is to “Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.”

Guyana is now under the stewardship of UNICEF and intends to create an inventory of updated data on how many children are out of school, the reasons for them being out of school and ways in which the Ministry of Education can effectively combat this issue.

Wednesday’s workshop was aimed at building the capacity of the participants,

At left: Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd, UNICEF Deputy Representative for Guyana and Suriname Paolo March and Deputy Chief Education Officer, Donna Chapman at the OOSCI workshop on Wednesday (Adrian Narine Photo)

who comprised of Ministry officials and other involved stakeholders, to undertake the study of out-of-school children.

It was also expected to achieve agreements with the Ministry of Education and key stakeholders to initiate the OOSCI study in Guyana.

UNICEF Deputy Representative for Guyana and Suriname Paolo March applauded Guyana for attaining Universal Primary Education and urged that it works harder to achieve

Universal Secondary Education.

March said the study and implementation of the findings will help Guyana to answer the questions of why all local children are not receiving an education and what can be done to ensure that all children, even the marginalised, receive full schooling.

He said the UN body will work diligently with the Ministry of Education to provide “good quality education” for all.

Deputy Chief Education

Officer, Donna Chapman, who also spoke at the workshop, was of the view that societal ills may not be the only contributing factors to children drop outs, but also a limited education system.

She questioned the amount of trained teachers in the school system and their abilities to identify a child facing emotional turmoil and to cater for children in need of remedial education.

There is also a lack of guidance counsellors and welfare officers in the

school system.

But Chapman noted that Guyana has been making some strides in providing easier access to education to children across all 11 educational districts.

She mentioned President Granger’s 5Bs Initiative, the provision of exercise books and some text books geared at promoting and improving access to education.

As a result of these initiatives, she noted that Guyana has seen an increase in the number of children enrolled in schools and ac-

cessing education.

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd lamented the lack of data on out-of-school children, but was happy that this matter is being addressed.

Some 92 per cent of nursery age pupils have access to education while 84 per cent of those of secondary school-age have access to secondary education.

Guyana will receive both technical and financial support from UNICEF to carry out the OOSCI study.

Gafoors employee charged with murder of manager A 24-year-old Gafoors employee who allegedly killed his manager last week in his Herstelling, East Bank Demerara home was remanded to prison on Thursday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

David Outar of Lot 369 Foulis, East Coast Demerara was not required to plead to the capital charge, which alleged that he murdered 55-year-old Terry Lackhan on July 21, during the course of a robbery.

Outar, who was unrepresented, told the court that he was employed at Gafoors’ Industries Limited as a la-

bourer. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones informed the court that the post-mortem report is still outstanding.

Magistrate McLennan remanded Outar until August 23, when he will appear before Magistrate Judy Latchman. Lackhan was a manager at Gafsoors Industries Limited and was found dead in his wardrobe with a rope tied around his neck shortly after a male was seen exiting the home with several bags.

Several bottles of tablets and photographs of his family members lay nearby, as the murderer tried to make

Murder accused: David Outar

the man’s death appear like a suicide.

His only child, Riyad Lackhan, told reporters that he was in Berbice when

Dead: Terry Lackhan

he received a call from a tenant who lives in the lower flat of the building where his father resided. He said the woman informed him that there was a commotion

upstairs; that was around 21:00hrs.

According to the son, the tenant later informed him that someone was seen leaving the gate with several bags and he [the son] later returned a call and asked the tenant to venture upstairs and check on his father.

The woman then called and revealed that his father was found motionless on the bed next to a wardrobe.

According to him, his father was in the habit of knocking down objects around the house whenever he is intoxicated and he noted that the tenant assumed that was the

case that evening.

“But after she saw someone leaving with bags… that’s when she got scared,” the man’s son said.

A neighbour related that persons in the area saw someone in a three-quarter pants walking out the street after 22:00hrs on Thursday night. He said the individual’s presence seemed odd while Lackhan’s front door, which was slightly ajar, aroused further suspicion.

Lackan’s son said that his father, who had been a manager at Gafoors for several years, was not experiencing any problems.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2016

‘Ras Camo’ takes his talent to the Music School

By Michel Outridge

AFTER more than 50 years of playing steelpans, Compton Narine, popularly known as ‘Ras Camo,’ feels obligated to share his knowledge of this premier art form with youths and he does so as a facilitator at the Music School on Brickdam.”

Today, the gifted “Ras Camo” is Guyana’s leading steelpan entertainer and a mentor to amateur pan players. He is also a living example of ‘practice leading to perfection and hard work leading to success.”

This steelpan veteran is featured these days at many

events -- local and overseas -- where his virtuoso performances enthrall every time.

And he keeps a busy schedule these days, being hired to play pan at many major events, including ones hosted

by President David Granger.

COMPUTER” His journey in steelpan has been long and challenging, but he has endured and has blossomed into an icon.

“Ras Camo” told the Guyana Chronicle that his use of the computer was a result of not being able to fully rely on his accompanists.

He said, “I saw the possibilities of the technology and explored its use. As I got

more proficient, I realised that I could do my own thing.

My outfit, because of its small size, could fit almost anywhere and because there is only one performer the cost is much lower.”

“Camo” added that all of these elements have contributed to the success of his business venture; and while his current approach has emerged out of necessity, he sees it as a new direction in the development of pan music and his continuing contribution to the art form.

Giving the history of his career, he said he is the founder of the National Steel Orchestra which was established in 2008 for CARIFES-

TA X hosted by Guyana.

The first Caribbean Festival of Arts took place in Guyana in 1972.

“Camo” was one of the orchestra’s main musical arrangers during this period.

In addition, he took on the responsibility as the orchestra’s resident composer in 2012.

His compositions have earned first place on three separate occasions at the Republic Bank Mashramani Steel Band Panorama in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and he performed with the National Steel Orchestra at CARIFESTA Xi and Xii in Suriname and Haiti respectively.

In 2012 “Camo” was designated local “ambassador of the steelpan,” a title which he wears with tremendous pride and a sense of responsibility.

He said in his role as an ambassador of the pan, he has taken the musical instrument to new frontiers, utilizing technology as a main feature and he has been successful in promoting the steelpan in arenas where it once seemed to be taboo.

SCHOOL CURRICULUM “Camo” is optimistic that steelpan is rising and more youths are getting involved, since it is a part of the curriculum in some schools.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that pan music for him has evolved, because of his introduction of the laptop as a way forward, moving from the pan yard with the aid of technology.

team entering the competition to determine who would play for the Queen’s visit in 1966, just prior to our independence.

DAYS OF TRIPOLI “Camo” said his journey as a pan man started at the then Tripoli Steel Orchestra in Lombard Street. His father used to work at the Charlestown sawmill and while waiting for him in the afternoons, he would go into the panyard and look at the men practising.”

He said, “I was happy when given a chance to “knock.” Back then, I was just 13-years-old and there I started to play pan under the tulegae of Bertrum de Varell, the then leader and panmaker.

As time progressed, I became better at pan and was eventually allowed to be a part of the

PLAYING FOR THE QUEEN The Queen was expected in the country in February 1966, but our band, the Guyana All Stars SteelPan Orchestra, did not place in the competition. The then winner was Roy Geddes’s Russian Bear Silvertones and that very night “Camo” was asked to play with that band.

He played for the Queen at a reception on the lawns of The Residence on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown (then the official residence of the Prime Minister of Guyana, Forbes Burnham), now Castellani House.

Steelpan icon, Ras Camo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 29, 2016

Great challenge ahead for CFU - Forde

By Ras Wadada PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, in his overview of the recent elections of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), believes there is a great challenge ahead for the elected executive of the Union.

“I think the actual outcome of the elections is going to create some unique challenges

for unity within the Union and this is simply because none of the top football nations of the region is included on the executive - Jamaica, Trinidad, Cuba or Haiti. I think it’s going to be a great challenge for the executive going forward. Already the Spanish countries have written a letter indicating that they are

find a way to bring the Union together and honestly, that is going to be quite an uphill task for him especially when you look at the composition of the Executive,” the GFF head opined.

Forde added that Guyana reiterated its commitment, at the Ordinary Congress, to work

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Guyana Football Federation’s President, Wayne Forde and 2nd Vice President, Ralston Adams at the 39th Ordinary Congress of the CFU held last Saturday at the Miami Sheraton Airport Hotel. considering separating from the Union.

“The elections results left a bitter taste in the mouths of some of the member associations and most definitely the Union will be having some interesting days ahead.”

The president has got to

with the members of the Union to realise a Caribbean Professional League.

Guyana was represented at last Saturday’s Ordinary Congress held in Miami by the GFF president and second vice-president Rawlston Adams.

Chase Academy’s Director confident of lifting DIGICEL Cup DIRECTOR/Principal of the Chase Academy, Henry Chase, is bubbling with confidence and maintains ‘this year for sure our school would lift the DIGICEL Cup’ and end the four-year reign of Champions Wismar/Christianburg Secondary.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport minutes after his side humiliated Bush Lot Secondary 10-0 in their semi-final meeting yesterday, Chase affirmed that his players this year are unbeatable,” I am positively certain we will lift the coveted Cup this year.

“We are much stronger and more experienced than last year when we lost the final. By far we are solid in all departments and can’t wait for whoever it is in the final, though we would prefer the champions. I think the country would also love to see such a final.”

Chase added that he was disappointed with the quality of opposition in the semi-final and hinted that maybe there is need to restructure the competition so that the best teams are in the last four.

He declared that Annai Secondary, whom his team defeated 2-1 to advance to the semis, were one of the best teams in the competition and deserved to be in the final four.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 24, 2016

Majestic Mendis floors Aussies with unbeaten 169 (REUTERS) - Sri Lankan Kusal Mendis struck a majestic maiden Test century on day three of the first Test against Australia to leave the bowler-dominated contest evenly poised at Pallekele yesterday.

The 21-year-old was unbeaten on 169, 52 runs more than his team managed in the first innings - when rain forced the players off the ground 10 overs after tea with Sri Lanka on 282-6.

Dilruwan Perera was on five with Sri Lanka leading by 196 runs with four wickets in hand as rain continued to plague the Test which

Kusal Mendis celebrates his maiden Test century.

His unbeaten 169 came off 243 balls with 20 fours and a six.

has already seen the final sessions of the first two days washed out.

Resuming on six for one, Sri Lanka lost Dimuth Karunaratne to Mitchell Starc in the third delivery of the day.

Steve O’Keefe dismissed Kaushal Silva and his spin partner Nathan Lyon sent back home captain Angelo Mathews (nine) to reduce Sri Lanka to 86-4.

Mendis then forged two important partnerships to rebuild the Sri Lankan innings, raising 117 runs -- comfortably the highest of the match so far -- with Dinesh Chandimal (42) and 71 with Dhananjaya de Silva (36) to haul his team back into the contest.

I n a m a t c h w h e re no other batsman has managed a fifty, Mendis brought up his maide n h u n d re d i n s t y l e , slog-sweeping Lyon over midwicket for six.

Lyon dismissed de Silva for his 200th Test wicket but Mendis was unfazed at the other end, sweeping the spinners and cutting the pacemen with equal ease.

With Mendis on song, Sri Lanka completely dominated the post-lunch session, adding 137 runs at a four-plus run rate for the loss of Chandimal’s wicket.

Mendis hit 20 boundar-

ies, including a couple of glorious cover drives, in his 243-ball masterclass and had contributed nearly 60 percent of the team score in the second innings.

The visitors’ woes were compounded when spinner O’Keefe hobbled off the ground, Cricket Australia later confirming in a tweet that he has a “right hamstring issue.”

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings 117 AUSTRALIA 1st innings 203 (R. Herath 4-49, L. Sandakan 4-58) SRI LANKA 2nd innings (overnight 6-1) K. Perera lbw b Starc 4 K. Silva lbw b O’Keefe 7 D. Karunaratne lbw b Starc 0 K. Mendis not out 169 A. Mathews c Burns b Lyon 9 D. Chandimal lbw b M. Marsh 42 D. de Silva c Khawaja b Lyon 36 D. Perera not out 5 Extras: (lb-10) 10 Total: (for 6 wickets, 80 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-6, 3-45, 4-86, 5-203, 6-274.

Bowling: M. Starc 12-4-44-2, J. Hazlewood 13-3-41-0, S. O’Keefe 16.2-3-42-1, N. Lyon 26-2-98-2, Warner 1-0-10-0, A. Voges 1.4-0-3-0, M. Marsh 9-1-33-1, S. Smith 1-0-1-0.

Zimbabwe-NZ first Test …

Wagner claims career-best 6 for 41 on opening day (REUTERS) - Fiery seamer Neil Wagner claimed career-best Test figures of six for 41 as New Zealand took complete control of the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queen’s Sports Club yesterday.

The tourists bowled their hosts out for 164, with more than half the runs coming in an 85-run ninth-wicket stand, before closing the day on 32 without loss.

Openers Martin Guptill (14 not out) and Tom Latham (16 not out) will resume in the morning with New Zealand just 132 behind, but day one belonged to Wagner, who produced fiery spells of fast bowling that targeted the bodies of the timid home batsmen.

Zimbabwe, playing their first Test in almost two years, had elected to bat on what still looked a flat wicket, but after losing Brian Chari (four) to the second ball of the innings off the bowling of Tim Southee, found themselves 72 for eight soon after lunch.

South African-born Wagner did the damage, taking three wickets in an over as the Zimbabwe middle order struggled to find an answer to his lively bowling.

“It was a tough wicket (to bowl on) and we had to fight really hard to create some opportunities,” Wagner told

reporters. “The ball got a little soft and it was easier to bat then. It was hard graft for us.”

Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner (2-16 in 14 overs) did some early damage before Wagner accounted for debutant opener Chamu Chibhabha (15), caught at mid-wicket.

S e a n Wi l l i a m s ( o n e ) lobbed a catch to the same area, though he was convinced the ball had come off his helmet. With no review system for this series he had to accept the decision of Australian umpire Paul Reiffel.

Then came that explosive 33rd over as Wagner struck three times in five balls.

Sikandar Raza (22) was another victim for mid-wicket and Regis Chakabva (0) nicked behind before home captain Graeme Cremer edged a rising delivery to short leg for a firstball duck.

There was some belated resistance from Zimbabwe as debutants Prince Masvaure (42) and Donald Tiripano (49 not out) put on a patient 85 for the ninth wicket before the former was unlucky to be given out lbw to Southee.

Wagner ended the innings when he bowled Michael Chinouya for one, to take his sixth wicket and earn Test-best figures.

SCOREBOARD ZIMBABWE 1st innings B. Chari c Guptill b Southee 4 C. Chibhabha c Latham b Wagner 15 H. Masakadza c & b Santner 15 C. Ervine stp. Watling b Santner 13 S. Williams c Sodhi b Wagner 1 S. Raza c Latham b Wagner 22 P. Masvaure lbw b Southee 42 R. Chakabva c Watling b Wagner 0 G. Cremer c Nicholls b Wagner 0 D. Tiripano not out 49 M. Chinouya b Wagner 1 Extras: (lb-2) 2 Total: (all out, 77.5 overs) 164 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-35, 3-35, 4-36, 5-72, 6-72, 7-72, 8-72, 9-157.

Bowling: T. Southee 17-8-28-2, T. Boult 11-5-23-0, M. Santner 14-5-16-2, N. Wagner 205-8-41-6, I. Sodhi 15-3-54-0.

NEW ZEALAND1st innings M. Guptill not out 14 T. Latham not out 16 Extras: (nb-2) 2 Total: (for no loss, 10 overs) 32 Fall of wickets: Nil. Bowling: M. Chinouya 4-0-10-0, D. Tiripano 3-0-13-0 (nb-1), P. Masvaure 1-0- 2-0 (nb-1), G. Cremer 1-0-1-0, S. Raza 1-0-6-0.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 29, 2016

Dant prove superior in Caribbean Sensation 10/10 final … Defending champs take Consolation title

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – It wasn’t an easy road to the final, but after conquering the top teams on their way to the last two, Dant had no intention of letting the Caribbean Sensation 10/10 trophy slip from their grasp.

Last Saturday, they displayed their undoubted superiority with a 12-run triumph over rivals Better Hope to reclaim the crown which they had relinquished last season as the Ontario Softball Cricket League staged its annual Family Day. In a fiercely contested game, played at Ashtonbee Number One ground, Dant restricted Better Hope to an insufficient 86 for four in their allotted 10 overs after

respectively.

On their way to the knockout final, Dant disposed of Caribbean Sensation, Rems, Sunshine - all top teams in the OSCL. The Consolation final never lived up to its billing as Caribbean Sensation made light work of East Coast after limiting their opponents to 86 for four in 10 overs and rushing to victory in the ninth over, losing just two wickets.

Opener Rishi ‘Anil’ Samuel was in a no-nonsense mood, slamming one six and four fours in an 11ball 26 while MVP Reyaz Prahalad was unbeaten on 21 when victory was achieved.

When East Coast batted they were led by scores of 29 and 25 respectively from Rakesh Dyal and Krishna

Set 115 for victory, after Conference B had reached 114 for four in their 15 overs, Conference A were rattled after their top order was sent packing. However, the experienced Munniram Karran (31) skipper Ian Baldeo (16) and MVP Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth (11 not out) kept them in the game before Khan’s last over heroics. Extras also played a huge part with 53, the majority coming through wides. Devanand Ramsawak was Conference B best bowler with two for 16.

The Conference A and B teams were managed by OSCL executives Ranjan Persaud and Vish Jadunauth respectively.

OSCL president Albert

All Stars winners Conference A with OSCL executives, following their thrilling win over Conference B. they had reached a challenging 98 for seven, batting first.

The Consolation final saw last year’s winners Caribbean Sensation easily defeat East Coast by eight wickets on the Number Two ground.

Led by an excellent opening stand of 52 from Asif Esoof (19) and Amit Arjun, Better Hope looked set to upset the favourites but once the two were separated, the run rate ground to a sudden halt, compounded by the loss of two wickets in the seventh over from Anil Mahadeo. His scalp included experienced skipper Sunil Ramkisson who failed to score. The other wickets went to Satrohan ‘Blade’ Balkarran and Damodar Daesrath.

Dant were earlier indebted to opener Hemnarine Chattergoon who hit a top score of 26, an innings which included three fours and which also earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his team.

Better Hope’s best bowlers were Ramkissoon and MVP Rakesh Ramoutar who claimed two for 10 and 22

MVP Hemnarine Chattergoon collects his award from sponsor Harri Sukhu.

Deosarran.

The All Stars game that followed the two finals proved to be the most exciting of the lot with the Conference A combination winning from Conference B from the penultimate delivery of the final over by one wicket in the 15-over affair.

Zakir Khan proved the unsung hero, batting at number 11, his unbeaten nine, which included a brilliant ondrive for four, from the first five balls proving to be the difference between winning and losing.

Ramcharran, in his address at the presentation ceremony, complimented sponsor Harri Sukhu on his wonderful gesture and also congratulated the participating teams, especially those who had reached the final stages.

Sukhu, in turn, was loud in his praise of the efforts of the executives of the OSCL who he said were doing an excellent job to keep the grassroots sport alive in Ontario. This year marked the second of the three years of sponsorship promised by

Sukhu and the OSCL is looking forward to an even longer association with the Caribbean Sensation long-standing president.

With the completion

of the 10/10 tournament, the action now centres on the Norman Sue 15-over competition and the regular season 20-over games with Dant, who are unbeaten in

both. They are confident they can repeat their debut season (2014) unprecedented performance when they captured all the titles that were up for grabs.

The victorious Dant team pose with the winning Caribbean Sensation-sponsored trophy. OSCL president Albert Ramcharran is extreme left while coordinator Vish Jadunauth is extreme right. (Pictures by Frederick Halley).

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 29, 2016

TT Under-19s in the driver’s seat against Barbados

(Stories by Brij Parasnath)

TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Under-19 team have placed themselves in the driver’s seat and are poised to take first innings points and even fight for outright victory against Barbados in their West Indies Cricket Board 2-innings, opening round fixture at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex yesterday.

With two days completed and with an official scorecard available for the first time, Trinidad and Tobago closed their first innings in an impregnable position with 371 all out after they had resumed

KIRSTAN KALLICHARAN at their overnight total at 312 for the loss of six wickets.

T&T spinners Jonathan Bootan (20-5-43-3), Bryan

Boodram (22-8-38-2) and Shatrughan Rambaran (126-20-1) shared the wickets as Barbados closed the second day on 171 for the loss of six wickets after 76 overs.

Shian Brathwaite 77, Yvan Grant 22 and Leniko Boucher 20 are the main scorers for Barbados which will have to lift their performances to thwart the efforts of the Trinidadians who aim to start on a winning note and stay in contention for top honours.

In T&T’s first innings, West Indies Youth player Kirstan Kallicharan topscored with a heroic 110 that was studded with 13

fours off 149 balls. The captain and all-rounder Bryan Boodram made 88 (145b, 10x4) featured in a 181-run sixth-wicket partnership while Dejourn Charles (51 runs, 7x4, 131 balls) and Cephas Cooper 59 (7x4 117 balls) were associated with a 111-run second-wicket partnership.

That laid the platform for Kallicharan and Boodram to dominate the Barbadians in their big stand that gave them the opportunity to press home the advantage, grab first-innings points first then push for outright victory today.

Jamaica Under-19s beat Guyana by 29 runs GUYANA Under-19s suffered a major setback in their quest to remain the regional best outfit when they were defeated by Jamaica in a low-scoring match in the opening round of the West Indies Cricket Board Under-19 2-innings tournament.

The match ended inside the second day’s play at Park Hill yesterday after the Jamaicans maintained their stranglehold and triumphed by 29 runs.

J e a v o r R o y a l p ro duced a magnificent allround performance to rally the Jamaicans to a morale-boosting victory.

He topscored in both innings with 53 and 44 and wrecked Guyana with impressive bowling returns of 6 for 29 and 4 for 23.

The Jamaicans batted first and compiled 143 all out with Jeavor Royal being their main run-getter

with 53. He was supported

by Jordaine Hill and Matthew Frew who made 24 each. Left-arm spinner Akini Adams (17.5-6-38-7) and Bhaskar Yadram (16-4-572) were Guyana’s successful

bowlers.

Guyana struggled against left-arm spinner Royal (13-4-29-6) and off-spinner Michael Frew (12-4-39-4) and folded up

for 121 all out in their first innings. Renaldo Renee top-scored with 55 (7x4 and 1x6 off 39 balls).

Having secured a 22-run lead, Jamaica set Guyana a victory total of 141 after they were bundled out for 129 in their second innings.

Travis Persaud (0.5-02-3), Akini Adams (18-655-2) and S. Rutherford (61-15-2) claimed the wickets for Guyana.

West Indies Youth player Keemo Paul top-scored for Guyana in their second innings with 35 while Joshua Persaud and Renaldo Renee contributed 29 and 24 respectively.

However, their efforts were not adequate enough as Guyana were bowled out for 112 in their second innings and have to re-group and strategise to win their next encounter.

Royal (10-3-23-4) was once again the chief tormentor

and he received admirable support from Javelle Glen (8.2-1-27-5) and allowed the Jamaicans to celebrate an important victory.

In the other match, Windwards Islands claimed first innings points versus Leeward Islands at Sion Hill. Windwards batted first and tallied 109 with Alick Athanaze the principal scorer with 39. Kian Pemberton (3 for 23), Kofi (3 for 20) and Daniel Doram (3 for 21) shared the wickets.

Rasheed Fredericks (4 for 25) and Othneil Lewis (3 for 23) did the damage as Leewards were restricted to 104 in their first innings.

Ross Powell scored 33.

Windwards are in a better position to strive for outright victory after they closed the second day on 153 for 7 (Alick Athanaze 47, Emmanuel Stewart 58) for an overall lead of 158 with three wickets intact.

Night of Reflection for Kevin Layne Sr FOOTBALL administrators, players and friends are expected to join the Monedderlust Football Club tonight on the Number Five Village playfield, to reflect on the life and selfless contributions of the Club’s late manager Kevin Layne Sr who passed away in the early hours of last Saturday.

Layne’s untimely passing sent shockwaves through the Guyana football fraternity over the last weekend when the news was broken.

Tonight’s ‘Night of Reflection’ will begin at 19:00hrs. Layne will be laid to rest on Monday at the Number Five Village.

Queensway Security Service sponsors GSSF practical shooting match THE Queensway Security Service Inc. (QSS) recently joined corporate Guyana in sponsoring the efforts of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) to promote the sport.

At a simple handing-over ceremony at the security firm’s head office at Regent Road and Oronoque Streets, the leading security company has over the years continued to recognise shooting as a sport and gives the company’s commitment to fostering the continued growth of the sport in Guyana. This was highlighted when the company gave sponsorship to the growing federation for their upcoming Practical Shooting competition this weekend.

Chief Operations Officer of QSS, Lancelot Khan, presented the sponsorship funds to GSSF Chairman of the Practical Shooting Committee, David Dharry, who thanked the security company for the usual support given to the GSSF. In an invited comment Khan declard that he was happy to be involved and that he had seen first-hand the discipline and high level of safety surrounding the sport, not only in Guyana but also around the Caribbean and further afield.

He also mentioned the added benefit sport shooting brings to practical shooters with regard to the training element for safe and accurate firearm use in a totally dynamic environment.

Preparations are on stream for the match which will feature four exciting stages, according to a release from the Match Committee.

Match Director, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon noted that the divisions which will be recognised are Limited and Production. Trophies will be handed out for the top three overall in each division. The match will be open to all experienced Practical Pistol Shooters of Guyana and advised competitors to pre-register.

Interested sanctioned practical shooters who want to come out to have some safe shooting fun, can contact any committee member of the GSSF for further details.

Practical shooting is regarded as any type of sport shooting that involves engaging targets while having to move with the firearm.

The handgun element of sport simultaneously measures the ability of the competitor to shoot rapidly and accurately with a full powered handgun in a safe, fair, fun and competitive environment. Scoring takes into account three elements – speed, accuracy and power.

Every GSSF’s Practical Shooting Match is made up of stages that seek to measure a shooter’s ability in all three elements and coordinated under strict safety guidelines marshalled by experienced Range Officials.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday July 29, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) &AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 6 (2) 2

KEVIN LAYNE SR

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many Hero CPL 2016 matches St. Lucia Zouks won at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground?

(2) Who made the highest individual score in St. Lucia in Hero CPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday July 29, 2016

Guyana Cup horserace meet launched

By Rajiv Bisnauth

DUBBED the largest horserace meet in the Caribbean, the 10th annual Guyana Cup was officially launched yesterday at the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales Office at 92 Smyth Street, Stabroek, Georgetown.

The mega event which is being staged in observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary, is billed for August 14 at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne, Berbice.

During yesterday’s event, Director of Sport Christopher Jones pointed out that the Government of Guyana stands committed in the development of horse racing and sports in general.

Jones noted that the Government sees the Guyana Cup as a plus for the economy. He also emphasised that the event is in keeping with the Government’s policy of social cohesion to nation-building.

“If sport can generate that cohesion, we (Government)

… Jones says a plus for the economy

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (second left) during his remarks at the official launching of the 10th annual Guyana Cup. Also at the head table are: Chief coordinator Nazrudeen Mohammed Jr, Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, Compton Sancho and Irshad Mohamed. (Adrian Narine photo) must support it,” the Director of Sport echoed.

Meanwhile, Jones indicated that he is vigorously working along with the relevant authorities regarding the long overdue horse racing legislation so it can become a reality in the very near future.

Jones congratulated the organisers for managing an event of such magnitude.

Chief coordinator Nazrudeen Mohammed Jr, in his remarks pointed out that the event is not only about horse racing, but also for the entire family.

According to Mohammed Jr, this event is not only dubbed the largest one in Guyana’s horseracing calendar, but jockeys and stables across the Caribbean look forward to it.

“For the first time we have horses from Suriname,

so we want to encourage people who are not traditional horse racing fans to come out because we are trying to make it more family-friendly, so more people can come out along with the children and enjoy the races,” Mohamed Jr stated.

Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart, noted that the beverage company is proud to be a part of the Guyana Cup for another year, adding that it will continue to support the event.

Nine races are carded for the day’s event, with close to $30M in cash prizes as well as other incentives at stake.

The feature event, which will see the return of Score’s Even, is for horses classified `A’ and Lower, battling over 1600 metres with the winner pocketing $4.5M. The co-feature event is open to three-year-old Guyana and West Indies-bred horses and they will contest a 1600 metres race as well with the winner receiving $2.4M. Admission to the venue is $2 000 for adult while children will pay an entrance fee of $1 000.

The day’s activity will be conducted under the Rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA).

Police Headquarters Second Andrew Lewis well-placed to defend their title Novices boxing C/ships WITH over 150 points in the lead and only a few finals remaining to be completed the Headquarters (HQ) division is more likely to victoriously defend their title when competition in the Guyana Police Force Inter-Division Championships concludes later today at the Police Sports Club ground.

Today’s competition will peak with the finals in the 100m sprint events. The day will also include the 1500m and shot put finals, as well as the senior and junior officers 80m races and the tug-o-war finals.

The one-week competition started with the swimming last Sunday, where HQ quickly took the lead and have continued on that path ever since, entering today with

414 points.

Reminiscent of last year’s final standings ‘A’ Division are once again set up for another year at second place, entering today with 255 points. ‘C’ Division are safe in third with 105 points a good 31 points ahead of ‘B’ Division.

In the international category, having the home advantage Guyana are sure to win, while T & T are looking at a second-place finish. Guyana enter today with 156 points, while Trinidad have 50. The other competing countries in this category are Suriname and St Lucia, with 11 and 5 points respectively.

The action gets started at 14:00hrs today.

Flashback! Headquarters athletes celebrate their win last year.

commence tonight

THE second Andrew Lewis Novices boxing championships will commence this evening from 19:00hrs at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The event, which should have started last Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall had to be rescheduled to tonight at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Eleven boxing gyms from around the country will be represented and keen and exciting competition is anticipated as the young pugilists from each of the gyms and in each weight category will be seeking championship honours in their respective weight divisions during the three-night affair.

Defending champions Guyana Defence Force will be keen to make a successful defence of the Overall champion gym title they won at the inaugural championships last year, but they will have to be wary of the opposition, as two gyms each from Es-

Bantamweight sensation Keevin Allicock strikes a pose following his weigh in at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis gym last evening. Allicock, from the Harpy Eagle’s Gym is expected to explode tonight during the National Novices competition sequibo and Berbice as well as two from Linden and four others from Georgetown will be seeking to claim championship honours.

Weigh-in and medical ex-

aminations were held yesterday at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Gym, in Albouystown.

Admission is $500 for adults while children will be admitted free.

Guyana Cup horserace meet launched See story on page 31

Digicel National Schools Football Tournament

Captains promise tense final

By Stephan Sookram

WITH the finalists for this year’s Digicel National Schools Football Tournament decided and the fact that it will be a repeat of the 2015 edition, Christianburg/Wismar Secondary and their opponents Chase Academic Foundation, both captains have promised a tense affair.

Chase was defeated in their last final encounter but their captain Jeremy Garrett is wary of the threat that the defending champions bring to the table.

“I know the game would not be an easy game since the team Christianburg/ Wismar, have been playing well over the last few years.

We do not expect any slow match or mis-plays on the field and we expect a chal-

Who will take the 2016 edition of the Digicel National Schools Football Championship? Will it be Jeremy Garrett (right) and his Chase team or will Kishan Dey and the Christianburg/Wismar counterparts make it five straight titles?

(Adrian Narine photo)

lenging and difficult match, come Sunday,” he said.

Meanwhile, at the opposing end, Kishan Dey had less words for yesterday morning’s press briefing, saying, “I hope both teams come out and play strong and may the best team win.”

With one million reasons to win and a beautiful wooden trophy at stake, Christianburg will set their sights on their fifth title and Chase, their first, though there is still $750 000 for the second-place finishers.

Third- and fourth-place playoffs will also be contested on the night for $450 000 and $300 000 respectively when Bush Lot play Sir Leon’s.

Head of Customer Care attached to Digicel, Sherwin Osbourne, says, “Last year we know that Christianburg wanted to do something,

which was to repeat four times and I know this year they want to repeat five times.

“But Chase this year said that they were nervous on the big stage and they now have the formula to win.

We were in all 10 Regions of Guyana as was promised and we had exiting games all around the country. We went into the remote locations, Lethem, Mabaruma, Mahdia, Orealla Bartica and every possible place in this country to play football and it was always exciting.

We can’t expect anything better,” he contended.

The tournament which started on June 10 will see its final playing day of 2016 on Sunday from 16:00hrs with the thirdplace playoff while the final is billed for 18:00hrs.

Bolt arrives in Brazil ahead of Rio 2016 Olympic Games

By Alex Spink, Michael Gadd USAIN Bolt is in Rio de Janeiro! For all the dramas and scandal surrounding the Olympics in Brazil, from drugs bans to stadiums being far from ready, the star attraction has arrived to give the build-up to the Games a welcome boost.

The Jamaican landed in Rio on Wednesday night ahead of his bid to win an unprecedented ‘triple-triple’

if he can defend the 100m, 200m and sprint relay titles he won in Beijing in 2008 and in London four years ago.

After a less-than-ideal preparation for the Games, which saw him miss the Olympic trials with a hamstring injury but complete a comfortable 200m win at the Muller Anniversary Games in London, Bolt has insisted he is fit and ready to impress the world in Rio. In his mind, he has to.

“I know the sport needs

me to win and come out on top,” Bolt said, with athletics and a number of other sports embroiled in drug scandals that threaten to overshadow the Games.

The 29-year-old has the mental strength to handle whatever arch rival Justin Gatlin throws at him.

Gatlin is the fastest man over 100 metres for a third straight year, having won almost all his races over that period. But he was unable to stand the heat in last sum-

Games organisers say Rio’s Olympic Village is ready (REUTERS)-The Olympic Village is ready and organisers are turning in the last three buildings yesterday afternoon, the operations director of the Rio 2016 organising committee Rodrigo Tostes said.

Tostes told reporters the buildings are

“absolutely ready” for the delegations and minor problems in various apartments had been resolved.

Complaints over shoddy electricity and water installation at the site had prompted some national teams to boycott the park earlier this week.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

mer’s World 100m head-tohead with Bolt when coughing up victory in Beijing by 0.01 seconds.

“This year it’s not going to be the same,” vowed Bolt.

“I’m in much better shape, so I won’t leave it to the last second. I’m definitely a tough competitor mentally.

I’m looking forward to putting on a show for the whole entire world to see.”

Bolt proved his fitness for Rio by clocking 19.89secs in London last Friday in what was his first 200m of the year.

He said: “My hamstrings are good, I have no issues.

It’s just about execution now.

I’m excited (about Rio). This is where history is going to be made.”

Gatlin, whose season’s best of 9.8secs is 0.08 quicker than Bolt has managed in 2016, is allowed to compete despite having two convictions for doping.

He says he will be inspired by his six-year-old son Jace in Brazil.

Usain Bolt lands in Brazil after a flight from London on Wednesday night.

“Before my races, I’ll talk to my mom, my dad and my son,” said Gatlin. “He’ll say: ‘All right, Daddy, you’ve got to win today.’

“If my son says that,

I’m trying to move mountains. I’m trying to move mountains for him, so I’ve got to go out there with the intent to really try to do it.”

(Mirror) FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016