Guyana Chronicle E-paper 3-29-2019

FRIDAY 29th March, 2019

HOPE FOR YOUTHS No.105591

… President launches Guyana Youth Corps 03 … says move signals State’s full support for its self-advancement PAGE

‘twas a day for the people’ PAGE

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… Prime Minister elated with citizens’ response at public day

Man electrocuted while clearing 09 power line PAGE

President David Granger, students and other officials applaud as the veil is lifted from the plaque signalling the opening of the Guyana Youth Corps, located at Kuru Kuru on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway (Delano Williams photo)

IPED loans grew to $3B in 2018 10 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Mother of boy stabbed by bullies wants justice

ALMOST a month after her son was stabbed, the mother of a Covent Garden Secondary School student

is at wits end regarding the investigation, even as the mastermind of the attack remains within the school’s

environment.

The mother of 15-yearold Shemuel Pierre, a Fourth Form student, told the Guy-

ana Chronicle that her son was stabbed in the left and right side lungs during the attack carried out by four boys, one of whom is from a lower class.

She related that her son was leaving school on February 28 when a younger student accused him of blocking his path. She said a teacher of the school witnessed that incident. The lad’s mother said that the younger student threatened her son but the young man ignored the threat.

The following day, she said her son was walking home when three boys whom he related are not students of the school, surrounded him. She said the student who threatened him the day before was nearby and he pointed her son out to the attackers who all had knives.

She said her son related that the younger student instructed his friends to attack him and he related that he became fearful as all the boys had knives.

Pierre, who was brutally beaten, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) were he spent several days after he underwent surgery.

Even though he was discharged a week ago, his mother said he still bleeds from the wounds inflicted on him.

She said around midnight, one night, she was forced to rush her son to the Woodlands Hospital and he spent two days in that hospital for further treatment.

On March 13, her relatives visited the Police Headquarters at Eve Leary to inquire about the status of the matter but were directed to visit

The injured Shemuel Pierre the Brickdam Police Station.

NOT HELPFUL She explained that the family decided to visit the police headquarters after the officers at the Providence Police Station, where the matter was initially investigated, were not helpful.

The woman related that she took her son to that police station to give a statement and while there she was informed that two of the boys who had beaten her son, were detained.

She recently visited the Providence Police Station and ranks there informed her than they will call her when the police station receives a medical from the GPHC. On Monday, the mother visited the GPHC to find out what is the status of the medical and was told by staff there that the document is not prepared since the police were slothful in taking relevant documents to the medical institution.

“So is both the police and hospital taking their

time,” she added.

According to the distressed mother, she did her own investigation and was told by residents at Covent Garden that two of the boys who attacked her son are not students of the school and they were arrested for armed robbery last December.

She was told by students at the school that the young man behind the attack is known for “picking trouble” at the school and usually calls out a gang outside the school environment, to attack other students.

“He doesn’t know these boys,” she said of her son.

The woman said that her son is at home and while he is recuperating, he is still experiencing problems breathing. She expressed hope that the Ministry of Education and the police will ensure that her son receives justice for the attack.

She said too that while teachers of the school have been checking on her son’s condition, the administration of the school has been quiet.

Hope for youths

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

… President launches Guyana Youth Corps

… says move signals State’s full support for its self-advancement

By Svetlana Marshall AMID much pomp and ceremony, hundreds of young Guyanese witnessed the historic launch of Guyana Youth Corps by President David Granger at Kuru Kuru on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway on Thursday.

The launch of the youth corps, President Granger said, is a signal to the country’s young people that their efforts at self-advancement will be supported fully by the State.

T h e G u y a n a Yo u t h Corps (GYC) is designed to address social problems

said if Guyana is to fulfill its destiny as a land of opportunity and prosperity, it must harness the potential of its young people that make up a majority of the population.

“This country will falter if its youth flounders; it will remain poor and undeveloped as long as its youth remain undeveloped,” the President warned.

Half of the country’s population is below the age of 24, and according to statistics, one in every five Guyanese is between the ages of 15 and 24. Emphasising that the enthusiasm and exuberance of the country’s young people cannot

systems in place to remedy the situation. “ We a c k n o w l e d g e d that the dropout rates from primary and secondary schools; the migration rate of university graduates; the rate of teenage pregnancies and the rate of youth incarceration – with more than 500 young people within our prisons and correctional institutions – These rates must be reduced and if possible, eliminated.”

“It is against this background that the government promulgated a draft National Youth Policy aimed at restoring hope to young people by facilitating their

A section of the hundreds of young people that journeyed to Kuru Kuru for the launch of the Guyana Youth Corps affecting youth such as unemployment, drugs and drug abuse, illiteracy and innumeracy, suicide, low self-esteem, teenage pregnancy and poor leadership skills. Its mission is to educate, train, empower and promote social cohesion among young people while contributing to the sustainable development of Guyana and its people.

In his address, which was preceded by cultural pieces, the Head of State

be restrained or repressed.

President Granger assured those present that the corps will amplify their talents and expand the opportunities for self-actualisation.

In a direct message to the hundreds of young Guyanese who travelled from all parts of the country to attend the launch, President Granger said the government is cognisant of the challenges they confront on a daily basis, and will continue to put programmes, projects and

meaningful mobilisation and organisation,” the President said.

The draft National Youth Policy addresses four core areas – education, equality, empowerment and employment. The President said young people will not attain the “good life” unless they enjoy greater equality, have access to better education, are provided with expanded employment opportunities and are empowered to make decisions which determine their future. Education, equality, empowerment and employment are also the four pillars on which the Guyana Youth Corps will be built.

In addressing the state of education in Guyana, the Head of State noted that nine out of 10 primary-school children, in some administrative regions, fail English and Mathematics at the National Grade Six Assessment. Additionally, one in every three of the more than 12,000 students who sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations annually, fail English and more than five out of ten fail mathematics.

In 2015, 28.3 per cent of the 8,430 public school students who wrote the CSEC examinations earned passes in five or more subjects, including mathematics and

President David Granger delivering his address during the launch of the Guyana Youth Corps English. He said based on cles – is making it easier for the statistics coming of the children to attend school. education sector, there is Teacher training is being need for improvement, and improved through investthe administration is taking ments in better laboratories critical steps to address the at the Cyril Potter College loopholes and challenges of Education and through within the system. the One Laptop per Teacher “Your government is Initiative. making interventions to reStudents are enjoying duce absenteeism and attri- increased access to the Intertion and improve education- net and to ICT laboratories,” al attainment. The Public he reported.

Education Transport Service According to him, (PETS - known popularly as young people will benefit the 3Bs Initiative) – which from an efficient public provides free transportation See page 5 by bus, boats and with bicy-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Mosque victims’ names read out to silent crowd at New Zealand memorial

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (Reuters) - Thousands stood in silence in a Christchurch park on Friday as the names of 50 people shot dead in two mosques were read out at a national memorial service, with speakers calling for the legacy of the tragedy to be a kinder, more tolerant New Zealand.

Dozens of representatives of governments from around the world joined New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the remembrance service in Hagley Park, near the Al Noor mosque where more than 40 of the victims were killed by a suspected white supremacist during Friday prayers on March 15.

“Our challenge now is to make the very best of us a daily reality. Because we are not immune to the viruses of hate, of fear, of other.

We never have been,” said Ardern, whose handling of the tragedy has won global praise. Advertisement “But we can be the nation that discovers the cure. And so to each of us as we go from here, we have work to

do,” she said.

Ardern, who wore a Maori cloak known as a kakahu during the service, said the world had to end the vicious cycle of extremism and that it needed a global effort.

“The answer to them lies in a simple concept that is not bound by domestic borders, that isn’t based on ethnicity, power-base or even forms of governance.

The answer lies in our humanity,” she said. Security was tight around the service and New Zealand remains on high security alert. Police Commissioner Mike Bush said it was one of the largest security events ever conducted by the police.

‘A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN’ Farid Ahmed, whose wife Husna was one of the 50 killed, told the crowd that, as a man of faith, he had forgiven his wife’s killer because he did not want to have “a heart that is boiling like a volcano”.

“I want a heart that will be full of love and care and

People attend the national remembrance service for victims of the mosque attacks, at Hagley Park in Christchurch, New Zealand March 29, 2019. REUTERS/ Jorge Silva full of mercy and will forgive doesn’t want any more lives plause. He called for people easily, because this heart to be lost,” he said to ap- to work together for peace

and to change attitudes to see everyone as part of one family, using Christchurch’s nickname of the Garden City to make his point. “I may be from one culture, you may come from another culture, I may have one faith, you may have one faith, but together we are a beautiful garden,” Ahmed said.

Performers during the ceremony included Yusuf Islam, also known as Cat Stevens, who performed his song “Peace Train”. “We will get through this time and emerge a kinder, more compassionate place,” Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel said.

People needed to ask hard questions about what they may have done to harbor racism “because we now know where this ends”, she said.

The massacre in Christchurch was carried out by a lone gunman at two mosques. Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, has been charged with one count of murder and is likely to face more charges when he reappears in court next Friday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Hope for ...

From page 3

education system as a result of these and other interventions.

President Granger, while noting that education and the promotion of equality go hand-in hand, said the youth Corps will contribute to eradicating the worst forms of inequality, including geographic, gender and racial inequality.

“The disparities in opportunity between the coastland and the hinterland and between urban and rural areas must be reduced and, eventually, eliminated if we are really to create one nation; a nation of equal people. The gender gap must be closed by ensuring that girls and boys are given equal access to education and training,” he further stated while emphasising that economic development and social equity cannot be nurtured in an environment of inequality.

At Kuru-Kuru, which will be the home of the Guy-

to public services such as business registration, immigration, legal services, public education, public health, public information, public infrastructure, public security, public telecommunications, electricity and water.

It was noted that the programme, which will attract thousands of Guyanese, will help to eliminate poverty and reduce income inequalities.

The programme comes at a time when the country is on the verge of experiencing high levels of economic growth with the advent of petroleum production which will create a window of opportunities and a higher demand for skilled individuals, and the youth corps will contribute by augmenting the repertoire and repository of skills in every sector.

Added to that, the Guyana Youth Corps will encourage students to play a greater role in decision-making by exposing them to

the youth corps will provide another avenue for such.

He explained that the corps will expose students to Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED); Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS); and the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPoG) and other programmes.

“The corps will help to augment recreational and sports facilities and playgrounds across the country and support the arts, cultural and sporting activities which are catalysing the creativity and rich talents of our young people,” he added.

Using the skills acquired from the corps, more young Guyanese will be able to gain employment, which for now remains a sore area of concern. Youth unemployment averaged more than 20 per cent between 2007 and 2017, according to the International Labour Organisa-

The National Dance Company performing a dance during the launch on Wednesday (Photos by Delano Williams) ana Youth Corps campus, students will be trained in an equitable and cohesive environment. The development of teaching and training techniques and curricula will inculcate respect for the law and individual rights.

He posited that the government is already creating a fairer, friendlier framework for ensuring greater equality through improved access

programmes which entail capacity-building, mentorship, entrepreneurial training and seed capital for income generation, including self-employment.

President Granger said the Local Government Elections, held twice in four years, created a platform for young people to empower themselves and advance their leadership skills, and

President David Granger (centre), Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton and a member of the Guyana Youth Corps unveiling the plaque tion. Youth unemployment, as at December 2017, stood at 22.9 per cent. One in every three young persons, between the ages of 15 and 24, is not in an educational institution, employment or in training (NEET), the President detailed. He said the situation is unacceptable but assured that the youth corps will aid in turning the situation around.

“The corps will provide the re-training needed to improve the ‘marketability’ of those school graduates who do not leave school with satisfactory qualifications and to make easier the transition between school and the workforce,” President Granger said.

The Youth Corps is an initiative and institution aimed at ensuring that young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become productive citizens. It was inaugurated on January 1, 1968 by the government of the day based on the report of Robert. F

Landor, a United Nations consultant. Landor submitted the report after examining the problem of poverty and vocational education in the mid-1960s in the aftermath of the communal violence of the immediate pre-Independence period.

Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton echoed similar sentiments, and called on the nation’s youth to embrace the corps.

President David Granger and Minister Norton were joined by

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, among other ministers and senior government officials. A plaque was unveiled by the President and his ministers to mark the occasion.

Thursday, March 29, –– 12:30 hrs to 14:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday March 29, 2019

Towards a brighter future with GSDS GOVERNMENT’s policy of sustainable development, officially named the Green State development Strategy (GSDS), continues to provide obviously tremendous benefits in various aspects of life to Guyanese throughout all the regions.

One of the most notable and transformative outcomes of the GSDS may be the installation of LED streetlights in communities across the country. As the programme continues, the gloomy days of unlit streets and dangerously dark roadways are destined to become nothing more than distant memories. In early June 2018, government announced the finalisation of this key initiative that had been in the works since 2016.

The APNU+AFC admin-

istration revealed that Guyana and Japan had agreed to a deal whereby Japan would provide a grant of US$ 17,812,737 to modernise Guyana’s energy sector under government’s GSDS. US$ 1.4 million of that grant would be used to procure more than 7,000 LED streetlights. At the time of the announcement, 1,500 lights were already on hand, and ready for installation, with the remainder to follow.

Implementation began immediately, and, since then, communities across Guyana’s regions have benefitted by the installation of the superior technology of LED lights. LED stands for light emitting diode, and LED lighting is a relatively new technology which experts believe will revolutionise

lighting because of the technology’s unique and superior characteristics and features.

Energy experts explain that LED lights have numerous advantages over the older, orange-coloured mercury vapour streetlights. Clean, environmentally friendly LED lights use only a tiny fraction of electricity as compared to the older lamps that contain toxic mercury.

But the advantages do not end there. Unlike the old lamps, LED lights reach full brightness instantly; they do not need to warm up.

LEDs are brighter, do not attract insects, can withstand harsh weather conditions, and shine straight down on the road instead of projecting glare into the eyes of drivers.

Evidently, the new technology will be most welcome by

Guyanese.

To date, about 5,000 lights have been installed countrywide including in Pomeroon-Supenaam where the entire stretch from Anna Regina to Supenaam has been lit, as well as much of Wakenaam. In Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, from Vreed-en-Hoop to Nouvelle Flanders, and Meten-Meer-Zorg to Plantain Walk has benefitted. In Demerara-Mahaica, the complete length of Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown and Bourda Market are being illuminated. In Mahaica-Berbice, a section of Ithaca, which was never lit, is now out of the dark. In East Berbice-Corentyne, D’ Edward Village to Rosignol, and Palmyra will be fully lit. And in Upper

Demerara-Berbice, McKenzie and Wismar continue to benefit. And the programme continues.

Guyanese will agree with the international experts who say that streetlights not only improve the aesthetics of communities but are virtually a necessity, and LED is better. Mr. Art Wilson of the Mapua Institute of Technology wrote, “Street lighting is probably the most important thing in any city, it improves safety for drivers, riders, and pedestrians. Street lighting can provide safety advantages at locations near intersections and can also improve safety for pedestrians, particularly at crossing points. These lights have the ability to keep the cityscape lit at night. LED street lighting is the future of street

lighting. There are many reasons why LED street lights are considered more when it comes to street and area lighting. This is because not only are LED lights environmentally friendly, but they also have a higher output compared to conventional lights. These lights are also free from hazardous chemicals such as mercury and lead which give out toxins.”

Government’s decision to implement the LED street-lighting project is commendable for many reasons; for one thing, it demonstrates that the administration has its priorities well laid out. As the programme continues, Guyanese are urged to take good care of the modern infrastructure which the APNU+AFC administration is

Consultation, participation, and good governance Dear Editor ON Wednesday, March 27, the APNU+AFC coalition government met directly with the Guyanese people. In a well publicised, formal and flawlessly organised public forum at the Square of the Revolution, government ministers made themselves available to individual members of the public as well as to groups for the entire day.

The exercise was intended to give attention to citizens’ concerns and note the problems and issues with which Guyanese were most

troubled. The ministers also took the opportunity to openly answer questions, and transparently share and discuss government’s plans, policies, and strategic direction. Such direct interaction between government officials and the man in the street is welcome, as consultation and public participation in the affairs of government are integral to good governance.

Prior to assuming office in May 2016, President David Granger had promised that his administration intends to pursue an inclusive,

democratic form of governance, based on the philosophy of citizen participation, transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. The administration is evidently giving effect to that philosophy.

Since that time, President Granger has repeatedly underscored his government’s position, while putting it into practice.

On May 12, 2016, when His Excellency addressed the 37th sitting of the 11th Parliament, he took the opportunity to re-emphasise this important cornerstone of the administration’s foun-

dation. President Granger said, “The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is an instrument of political inclusion. It has now become a mantra that, and I quote — “The principal objective of the State is to establish an inclusionary system of democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their wellbeing.”

The President was, at the time, quoting Article 13 of the constitution.

President Granger emphasised the significance of his point. His Excellency added, “[Government] must aim at strengthening this particular [constitutional] provision to ensure that the intended ‘inclusionary’ system is made to work. It must be extended, that is to say, the reform process must be extended to involve consultations with citizens in their communities in all ten regions. Every eligible elector in this Republic must be given the chance to be heard

so that our country could advance.”

The fundamental nature of consultation in democratic governance is universally recognised and accepted.

Sir Jeremy Heywood, British Cabinet Secretary and Head of the British Civil Service wrote, “Consultation is one of the most important activities government can undertake. By consulting effectively, we improve both the making of policy and its implementation. So, it is essential we get it right.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday March 29, 2019

SN editorial of the court ruling was no surprise Dear Editor

I support fully the contents of your editorial,”Stabroek News’ attack on the court”, of Mar. 27 publication, which is really a response to the piece of absolute putridity of an editorial that continues to flow from the SN’s hypocritical and insurrectionary press, all in the name of PPP/C efforts of grabbing power through any means.

Editor, you are exceedingly late in your observation and condign response to this particular media house that, since 2015, in alliance with the Jagdeo-led opposition party, which government for 23 years had reduced this country to the status of a pariah, the PSC and its allied vested interests, sections of the professional class under the deceptive guise of civil society, as well as some private media operatives, has been leading an orchestrated social insurgency against the duly-elected government of the cooperative republic of Guyana.

Though I can understand that there may be the unwritten policy of a sister media house not wanting to criticize the other, the fact is that your probable reluctance to do so, very charitable, probably gave the Stabroek News further traction to spew its daily unbalanced and jaundiced opinion pieces and malicious cartoons, designed to illustrate the coalition in very unfavourable and unfair light. And it does so, many times, couched

in so-called sophisticated or intellectual language as your editorial has correctly underlined. This has been its media strategy, as part of its role in what is clearly a right-wing reactionary assault on the David Granger administration.

The Stabroek News was never a supporter of the PNC/R, so much so that it never accorded the latter party its due, even when deserved, during its years on the benches as parliamentary opposition. One should reference its criticisms of former President Hoyte, when he took a stern line against the unprincipled and shifty positions of the then newly-installed Bharat Jagdeo as president, representing the PPP/C, during their engagement on important national issues. As far as the SN editorial columns were concerned, Hoyte had been expected to surrender to what had been clearly engagements which goal posts, when agreed on, were subsequently shifted by Jagdeo and the PPP/C. Expectedly, Hoyte was vilified for his implacable position with Jagdeo; but not the latter and the PPP/C whose deviousness and inconsistencies in the bilateral discussions had been quite clear.

Further, its support of the PNC/R as part of the coalition, only came about because it had perceived the Alliance for Change (AFC) as possible king-maker, able to control the former, thus keeping the largest party component in its place, so to speak. Its pages, throughout the years, never supported the

Consultation,...

The State Services Commission of the government of New Zealand agrees; according to its official position-document, the Commission is convinced that “Community consultation is generally a time-consuming and costly business. It also has dangers and pitfalls. There is little doubt, however, that it provides a means to acquire information

and insights of extreme relevance to policy analysts and policy-makers that are less likely -- in some cases highly unlikely -- to emerge through other processes.”

Guyana’s government’s evident policy and practice of consultation with various groups, organisations, experts, and, in this instance, ordinary citizens, is a well rec-

fact that the PPP/C government had a policy of marginalisation of Afro Guyanese, driven by a policy of institutionalised racism, nor did it readily allow its letter pages to carry the concerns of citizens about the extra-judicial murders of young black men as carried out by the now disbanded, notorious Black Clothes squad. That it began doing so was because of a certain former PPP/C government minister at the time, who began to write about its frequency.

Rather than criticize and condemn Mrs Janet Jagan’s contemptuous tossing of the court order over her shoulders, it kept silent, and when pressed about its latter stance over the now infamous disrespect shown to the court, excused its deafening silence by saying that because the PPP/C party had been robbed of its right to govern for so long, it thought it best to withhold criticism so as to accord it a fair chance of settling down to do so. Such a response, clearly asinine in its attempt to insult even the man in the street, was contemptuous to what had clearly been full support to a party that had begun to heap its indignities on the citizens and country.

Thus, it was laughable, and a frantic piece of crap, when Ralph Ramkarran wrote in one of his Sunday columns which interpretation amounted to the understanding that the Stabroek News stood between the coalition government and Guyana becoming an authoritarian state. But, in its deliberate frame of FROM PAGE 6 ognised, fundamentally sound, widely recommended means of strengthening democratic governance through inclusion and direct participation. Guyanese should applaud these developments while bearing

misinformation, this was just another filthy lie that adorned its pages, in furtherance of its agenda primarily against the PNC/R segment of the coalition. In tow with this have been claims of rigging. These are claims that are as dishonest and devious as the columnist and the mouthpiece of the media house that chose to publish same. But it represented just another desperate attempt to undermine a government, by giving it an unfavourable profile, while attempting to create both an inflamed climate, and disaffection with citizens. And of course, the Stabroek News is the lead media mouthpiece of this daily smear campaign and subterfuge.

Editor, apart from the fact that the Stabroek News is a most significant part of the vested interest coup against the government, trampling on all the good held principles of proper journalistic practices to which it had once subscribed, while giving sanctuary in its pages to a cabal of political criminals – its latest descent, attacking the Appeal Court judges and their decision, is just another manifestation that reflects the extremeness of its desperate representation of the clique that it represents.

Not surprising editor, not surprising, since its historical record has always supported such actions.

Regards Earl Hamilton in mind that the last PPP administration had no such policy, a situation to which we must vow never to return.

Regards Mark Da Costa

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‘twas a day for the people’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

… Prime Minister elated with citizens’ response at public day event

PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo has deemed the massive multi-ministry outreach---‘Bringing Government to the People’-- a success, as thousands of Guyanese, eager to interface one-on-one with their ministers, turned out.

These individuals, many of whom showed up at the Square of the Revolution on Wednesday long before the starting time, also met with Permanent Secretaries; heads of agencies and other officials specialising in a cross range of fields.

“It has been a day for the people,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo commented during his visit to the site. “This is people’s day. They would’ve come out here and met their ministers [and] would have spoken to various ministers of government and various government departments on their concerns. There’s a very active interaction here between people who have a problem and have a need, who want to speak to a government official either for advice or to find a solution,” the Prime Minister told this newspaper in an in-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo greets citizens and members of the individual booths at the Square of the Revolution on Wednesday (Samuel Maughn photo) vited comment. terland areas of government He highlighted that the services...this government ministerial outreach is nothing has really set an example of new as, when the govern- the devolution of authority; ment first took office three the decentralisation and the years ago, it began conduct- taking services to the people,” ing open days to “touch base Nagamootoo said. with the common people.”

Meanwhile, Vice Presi“You shouldn’t force people dent and Minister of Indigeto come to the government; nous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney the government must go to the Allicock referred to the event people and you should have as “refreshing” and as somedecentralising of functions; thing that is necessary to truly you should have a spread out bring the Government to the in the rural as well as the hin- people. “While we might

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, interacts with Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally about the needs of a citizen (Samuel Maughn photo)

happening on the ground and advise on how things can be done better for everyone,” Allicock said.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, commented: “I’m very happy that we pulled this off. It was on the schedule from since 2018 but with the pressing issues that we faced with the Opposition’s no-confidence motion and the spin off effects, we couldn’t have one.”

He expressed pleasure with the magnitude of the outreach sharing sentiments that a similar outreach to other Regions may soon be necessary. “To our surprise, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne),

opportunity for persons to come and get their problems solved or at least aired almost immediately,” he said.

“I was informed of situations that have been existing-which concern my Ministry--for some time, even before we came in to the Administration.

But we were able to arrive at some conclusion and resolve problems. If it’s necessary, I think we should repeat the whole process again.”

All Government Ministries were present in their numbers on Wednesday while other accompanying Departments including Citizenship; Housing; Public Information and Public Service.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon deals with the concerns of a line of persons on spot (Samuel Maughn photo) not have been able to satisfy Agencies attending ineveryone, I think the day they’re demanding that we go was short but we got a lot to Region Six in this fashion. cluded the Guyana Lands of work done especially in The people of Region Six said and Survey Commission the housing area and natural this to us and we will be in Re- (GLSC); Guyana Water resources. Generally, all the gion Six in a similar fashion to Inc. (GWI); Guyana Power Ministries here were occupied bring government to the peo- and Light (GPL); Guyana and, I think, what may have ple and we’re happy that the Geology and Mines Comto happen is that we will have people reacted in the manner mission (GGMC); Guyana to keep this on a more regular they did today,” Sharma said. Revenue Authority (GRA); Minister of Social Cohe- Guyana Forestry Commisbasis; reaching out to the other Regions; spending more time sion, Dr. George Norton also sion (GFC); Mayor and City with the people even taking expressed his appreciation for Council (M&CC); National Cabinet into those areas so the event and its large turnout. Insurance Scheme (NIS) and that we get a feel of what is “I think that was an excellent GO-INVEST.

Man dies one month after beating ONE month after being rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he remained unconscious and on a life support, 48-yearold handyman, Terry Persaud, died on Thursday.

His death was confirmed by relatives. Persaud was mercilessly beaten on February 27 at Meten-Meer-Zorg by a brother and sister, who

accused him of inappropriately touching one of their female family members.

Following his death, police in ‘D’ Division have rearrested the two individuals who had initially appeared in court charged with manslaughter. The duo were each placed on $200,000 bail.

A sister of Persaud had

told Guyana Chronicle that her brother, according to what she was told, was savagely beaten by the two accused and left to die.

The woman related that Persaud was beaten in the face by the man and was struck in the head with a piece of wood by the man’s sister.

On Thursday, persons

close to the now deceased informed the Guyana Chronicle that doctors had indicated to the relatives that it was their intention to discharge Persaud so that he can spend his final moments with them.

However, the relatives reportedly objected, stating that given the circumstances surrounding his hospitalisation and the fact that it was

a police matter, it would not be a wise thing for them to agree to.

They feared that if Persaud died at home, claims of unnatural death would be made by the persons who are responsible for his hospitalisation.

Earlier this month also, an eyewitness, who is likely to be a key police witness in

the matter, related that she saw most of what transpired on the faithful day.

A post-mortem is expected to be performed on the remains of Persaud today, following which the police will make adjustments to their file. The file will be sent to the relevant department of the force for legal advice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Man electrocuted while clearing power pole ANDRE Fullerton, 21, of New Amsterdam, Region Six, was electrocuted while clearing a power line on a utility pole at Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara, just after noon on Thursday According to Ramoutar and Sons Contracting Services, who is Fullerton’s employer, Fullerton had his safety gears on and shortly after he mounted the pole, his colleagues heard a scream and looked in his direction.

It was at that point they saw the young man leaning backwards on the pole with his belt secured and quickly went to his rescue.

Fullerton was transported to a nearby health facility where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Ramoutar and Sons Contracting Services said Fullerton was a hardworking employee and his death was a blow to the company.

Police are investigating the incident.

Scores tap free Child rapist to eyecare services know fate soon

SINCE the early 1990s, George Subraj, a US-based Guyanese, has been assisting in enhancing the quality of healthcare in Guyana with specific focus on ophthalmology.

O n We d n e s d a y, t h e George Subraj Foundation hosted an eye clinic in the Wales Community on the West Bank of Demerara.

The exercise saw scores of persons receiving free spectacles to suit the condition of their eyes.

President of the foundation, Mr. Tony Subraj, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, made the point

that his father had been instrumental in conducting over 100 cornea transplants in Guyana.

Since the cost of living has in some cases been astronomical, the foundation has sought to address this critical eyecare need, mostly in the rural areas of the country, thereby affording persons the opportunity to access quality healthcare at little or no cost.

While admitting that people have challenges when it comes to accessing quality healthcare, Mr Subraj was careful to note that the organisation has successfully addressed very critical issues

Patients take advantage of the free eyecare services provided by the George Subraj Foundation during the medical outreach at Wales

Man accused of raping stepdaughter A MAN has been accused of raping his stepdaughter some two weeks ago, after failing to do so last December when the child managed to run away from him.

The child is claiming that the man, at one time, attempted to show her pornography and she turned her face away from his phone.

According to reports, the accused went to pick up the child from her afternoon lessons, and from there, he took her to a desolate section of a community and attempted to rape her, but she resisted him.

This forced him to

such as glaucoma and cataract. In addition, having now completed his seventh trip to Guyana since his father’s passing, Mr Subraj said that he finds great joy in giving back to the citizens. The George Subraj Foundation is working in collaboration with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and will be hosting more outreach clinics.

On Friday, March 29, 2019, the team will head to Dr. Kanhai’s Clinic at Bartica and on Sunday, March 31, 2019, the team will be at #70 Village Corentyne, Berbice.

drive off and take her home. The child also claims that at one point, the man also offered her $5000 to have sex with her but she refused.

The advances continued and some two weeks ago, he committed the gruesome act.

The traumatised child informed her teacher, who subsequently informed the headteacher of the school. However, it appears that the teachers did not inform the police nor the Child Care and Protection Agency.

The child reportedly confided in her biological father last Sunday about what her stepfather was doing to her and he

(the biological father) decided to inform the media.

The Child Care and Protection Agency reportedly got wind of the story when it was carried by an online news outlet.

The accused has since gone into hiding.

Police have since launched a search for the perpetrator. The child was taken for a medical examination and same proved that she was indeed raped.

The Guyana Chronicle was also told that the mother of the child is pregnant for the perpetrator and has been silent on the abuse of her daughter.

CONVICTED child rapist, Clinton Anthony Doris on Thursday, March 28, 2019 had his sentencing deferred until next month by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the High Court.

Doris called ‘Masquerade Man’ or ‘Lally,’ was recently found guilty by a 12-member mixed jury of raping a seven-year-old girl on March 27, 2014 in the county of Essequibo.

On Thursday, a probation report was expected to be read in court following a request made by Doris’ attorney, Ravindra Mohabir. However, the report was not read causing Doris’ sentencing to be deferred until April 5, 2019. Doris is currently on remand.

The state was represented by Prosecutors Lisa Cave, Sarah Martin, and Seeta Bishundial.

The trial was conducted Clinton Anthony Doris in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court in Georgetown.

According to reports, on the day in question, the child was on her way home and while passing Doris’ house, he called out to her and invited her into his home to collect ‘sweetie.’

However, when the child entered the house, Doris raped her and sent her home crying. Her relatives saw her crying and she told them what Doris had done.

The matter was reported to the police and Doris was subsequently arrested.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

IPED loans grew to $3B in 2018

THE Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) has reported that the gross loan portfolio as at December 31, 2018 grew to $3.008B or by seven per cent from $2.806B in 2017.

In a release, IPED said during 2018, it processed and disbursed 4,091 loans for a value of $2.663B compared to 4,218 loans for a value of $2.684B in 2017.

This is a decline of three per cent and one per cent in number and value respectively. The total number of loans outstanding as at December 31, 2018 declined to 3,938 or three per cent from 4,064 in 2017.

IPED Chairman, Komal Samaroo, addressing the Annual General Meeting, said that, “IPED continues to be

a pillar in the growth and development for the ordinary man and woman in their quest of owning their own businesses.”

The overall quality of the loans portfolio has recorded a marginal improvement with portfolio at risk (principal balance of loans in arrears for more than 30 days as percentage of gross loans) being 16.16 per cent in 2018 compared to 18.35 per cent in 2017.

Non- performing loans as a percentage of gross loans improved from 10.2 per cent in 2017 to 9.8 per cent in 2018. Data obtained from loan applications processed in 2018 indicates that micro and small businesses supported by IPED employed approximately 8,627 persons.

Of the total applications processed in 2018, loans to female principal borrowers were 33 per cent (2017: 35 per cent), Rural borrowers were 93 per cent (2017: 91 per cent), Youth borrowers were five per cent (2017: six per cent) and 72 per cent (2017: 76 per cent) were for borrowers without real estate collateral.

STABLE The financial position of IPED has strengthened over the year and continues to be stable. Total assets grew to $3.720B or by eight per cent from $3.498B at December 2017.

This is financed by $3.267B (2017: $3.221B) of accumulated funds and surpluses. Total liabilities

increased to $454M or by 63 per cent from $278M at December 2017. During 2018, a loan of $200M was drawn down from Demerara Bank Limited and $41M from the IDB. These were used to fund the growth of the loans portfolio. The financial performance for the year has improved with a total surplus of $102.5M for the year compared to $85.7M for the year 2017. This is an increase of $16.8M or 19.6 per cent. The total interest income for the year was $539M compared to $512M in 2017, an increase of $27M or five per cent. Total investment and other income was $57M compared to $55M in 2017, an increase of $2M or four per cent.

The total expenses for 2018 were $490M com-

pared to $479M in 2017, an increase of $11M or 2.3 per cent. The year 2018 came with its fair share of challenges but vigilance, strategic decision making and innovation have allowed the company to emerge with satisfactory results, the release said.

At the AGM, Chairman Samaroo also announced the retirement of founding Chairman, Dr. Yesu Persaud, who retired from the board of IPED at the end of January 2018.

“His leadership and sterling contribution over 32 years to the development and growth of IPED, an institution focused on improving the livelihoods of micro and small business entrepreneurs will not be forgotten,” Samaroo said.

IPED Chairman, Komal Samaroo IPED is a not-for-profit organisation but manages its financial affairs to ensure the institution is sustainable and self-sufficient.

All surpluses will be used to enhance its outreach to micro and small businesses in 2019 and thereafter, the release said.

CDC reconstitutes National Disaster Risk Reduction Coordination Platform THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Thursday reconstituted its Disaster Risk Reduction Coordination Platform (NDRRCP), which has been non-functional for almost two years.

The platform is tasked with the reduction of the impacts of natural and man-made emergencies and disasters in Guyana, through increased cooperation and collaboration among disaster risk management actors. Head of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, explained that the Platform was formulated in 2010, but was inactive for over 18 months (December 2014 -May 2016). An evaluation of the mechanism was conducted in 2015 and it was reactivated on May 6, 2016 by Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, within whose pur-

includes the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which will spearhead the plan of action and recommendations and design and implement multi-sectoral projects and programmes and the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), which is chaired by the Minister of State, and will facilitate policy and legislative underpinnings for the realisation of the Plan of Action and Recommendations of the TAC. The third component, which is the secretariat, will be responsible for the alignment and communication between TAC and PLC; monitor, evaluate and follow up work of the NDRRCP and facilitate multi-sectoral tracking and reports.

It is envisioned that the reconstituted NDRRCP would help to strengthen the national integrated Disaster Risk Reduction/Disaster

Head of the Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig chairing the newly-reconstituted National Disaster Risk Reduction Coordination Platform view the commission falls. The last meeting of the platform was held on July 12, 2017.

Lieutenant Colonel Craig noted that the reconstitution was needed since the previous functioning body was limited in its form and mode of operation, in that it functioned mainly as an information sharing and reporting mechanism; had minimum results; lacked the capacity to influence ministries and agencies and had little to no evidence of developed and implemented national plans, strategies and policies to reduce and manage risk across the different sectors through the platform’s intervention or leadership.

As a result, the reconstituted platform now has a comprehensive three-tiered design which

Risk Management (DRR/DRM) mechanism, ensure designated responsibilities, cross sector collaboration and improved relevancy and functionality and effectively design, plan implement and monitor interventions, among other outcomes.

The platform comprises representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Red Cross Society, Ministry of Social Protection, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Hydrometeorological Office and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, among others. (Ministry of Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

New REDD+ strategy seeks to broaden involvement of women, youths

PROVISIONS for the involvement of women and youths in the protection and preservation of the environment were the main concerns of stakeholders at the hosting of a workshop on Guyana Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Readiness activities on Tuesday.

The workshop, geared towards the private sector and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), was hosted at the Cara Lodge and saw discussions on the newly-designed REDD+ Communication and outreach strategy and action plan.

It was hosted by GlobalCAD, an international agency contracted by the Ministry of Natural Resources to conduct the consultations under the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Project.

The aim of the FCPF Project is to provide financial and technical assistance to support Guyana’s efforts to establish an enabling framework and build capacity for REDD+.

Meanwhile, the aim of the consultations is to ensure that key stakeholders understand REDD+ and have strong participation in the readiness process and the REDD+ Strategy development.

Stakeholders involved are all working towards protecting the environment; responding to climate change and promoting renewable energy. Following presentations from FCPF Project Assistant, Michelle Astwood, on works completed and future plans, members of the audience were allowed to voice their concerns.

Those attending varied from representatives of small youth and women’s groups to large companies such as ExxonMobil.

A question from Commission Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Women and Gender Equality, Diana Swan-Lawrence, stirred up talks on the need for greater involvement of women in the environmental activities.

Astwood explained that while, when focusing on women, priority is geared towards women working within the natural resources sector and women who are governors of large areas of land at the community level, consideration can be made

to include other groups of women.

“We realised last year that there is no component specifically dealing with gender and, as a result, we started working with a gender communications officer and we developed a programme. And last August, we had a gender mainstreaming workshop,” she said.

Astwood added that the programme dubbed ‘Ready Women in REDD+’ saw the attendance of women from Guyana’s 10 administrative

ing at how we can more actively engage youths,” she said. “We started two separate approaches to that.

[That includes] collaboration with the Office of Climate Change, which has already established a school programme for youths… we have special times that we introduce concepts of REDD+ just to ensure that the different age groups understand the importance of the forest and how they can help to conserve by doing simple things.”

Members of the audience at the stakeholders meeting at the Cara Lodge on Tuesday (Carl Croker photo) regions, who received information from the government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on the role of women in REDD+ Readiness.

“We’re very happy with that initial workshop and, as a role off from that, we’re trying to roll out a project where we’re working with different individual women’s groups in different villages and communities to see how we can further support those organisations to function, and then share some REDD+ information. She noted, too, that the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMA) is represented on the Ministry’s Project Steering Committee.

A representative of the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) questioned the opportunities available for youth involvement. In response, Astwood pointed out that the work of the Gender Relations Officer also focuses on youth in primary and secondary schools across the regions.

“For 2019, we are look-

Meanwhile, working along with the Guyana Youth and Environment Network (GYEN), the ministry is seeking out other types of youth groups through which it can have panel discussions with youths of a higher age.

After the completion of GlobalCAD’s consultations for the month of March, it will host a media launch of its communication materials to be utilised to promote REDD+ Readiness Activities.

They include REDD+ videos; radio messages; brochures; posters; online articles; and a specific REDD+ kit for schools.

Already, stakeholders have established and operationalised several national readiness management institutions and arrangements such as the REDD Secretariat; the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and the National REDD+ Working Group (NRWG). In its efforts to effectively support continuous REDD+ consultation and engagement activities with Indigenous

and other forest dependent communities, the NTC has received much support. In addition, at the end of the month, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, will hand over office equipment and supplies to the NTC intended to strengthen and build their to support the REDD+ Readiness.

Over 40 countries are signed on to the FCPF Project which receives its funding from the IDB.

FCPF Project Assistant Michelle Astwood (Carl Croker photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

LEN continues to target outlying communities in Region 10

THE Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) continues its outreach across Region 10, with the aim of targeting outlying communities and tapping into their communal strengths by providing the needed financial and technical assistance.

On Tuesday, officials

from the regional lender visited the communities of Ituni, Aroaima, Hururu and Kwakwani. They engaged scores of residents on the requirements needed to qualify for loans to start or expand their businesses. The prospective clients were told that LEN is not only about

approving loans, but about ensuring that those businesses remain viable and grow.

“We are not only here to give loans, we are walking you step by step, we want to ensure that your business brings in revenue, we are leading you through the way.

With the right nurturing, you

would be surprised how your business can grow,” Dominic Henry, Business Development Officer at LEN told residents of Ituni.

Many of the residents expressed interest in expanding their agricultural businesses which is one of the main reasons LEN is targeting these communities. CEO of LEN, Tanniza Gasper, explained that LEN is on a mission to improve its presence in the various sector areas, and not just lending for regular business initiatives. Agriculture is big on the agenda and LEN is pushing to have an impact in enabling Region

repayment cycle as opposed to monthly repayments for regular businesses. For poultry, the repayment has a nine-months cycle, with repayments required every three months. For cash crop production, the repayment is scheduled according to the growth and development of the crop.

These outlying communities have limited education and employment opportunities, therefore, LEN is on a mission to strengthen the communities’ economies, thus making them self-sustainable. This initiative is part of LEN’s five-

Gordon, would have considered the need to raise the ceiling for lending and will submit the proposal to the Ministry of Finance for approval. The proposal suggests that loans can be approved to as much as $7M and there will also be caseby-case evaluation for much larger businesses.

LEN’s basic requirements is the submission of working capital. Many of the residents of these outlying communities related that they have no collateral to access the loans. Director of LEN, Denise Belgrave, related that the residents can still access

LEN officers addressing residents of Aroaima during their outreach on Tuesday

Residents of Hururu awaiting their turn to meet with the officers 10 to make strides in food security. Gasper noted that 85 per cent of agriculture produce demanded in Region 10 come from other regions.

Loan officer at LEN, Neola Glasgow, related on Tuesday that most of the interested residents are presently involved in cash crop production, poultry and cattle rearing, among other forms of agriculture. She further related that agriculture-based businesses have a different

year strategic development plan, where each sector of business diversification is targeted. These include agriculture, manufacturing, and the hospitality industry.

LEN grants loans for business initiatives from as low as $50,000 to $1 million.

In 2019, the company was allocated $200M from the Ministry of Finance, which is the overseeing body.

The Board of Directors, headed by Chairman Orrin

these loans through a guarantor. The aim, she said, is to work with everyone, putting every possibility on the table, to ensure the loans are secured. The age requirement is between 18 to 65 years old.

LEN’s interest rate is 8 per cent across the board.

The company will be visiting other Region 10 communities such as Mabura, Muritaro and Malali in the next few weeks.

Caribbean youth to address major development issues at UN confab YOUTH from across the Caribbean will discuss issues such as access to high-quality education, lack of employment, youth participation in society, intergenerational justice and climate change, during a United Nations (UN) meeting, which will take place on 1 April 2019.

The Caribbean is home to more than 11 million youths between the ages of 15 and 29. These young people have a central role to play in the achievement of sustainable development in the Region. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed for youth to be able to contribute effectively to the benefit of the Caribbean.

It is for this reason that the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin American and the Caribbean (ECLAC) sub-regional headquarters for the Caribbean, has invited Caribbean youth leaders to join an online dialogue session aimed at capturing the collective thoughts, ideas and perspectives of young people in

relation to major development themes.

In a release, ECLAC says by bringing together youth leaders from around the Caribbean, the session will give young people the opportunity to share their vision with policymakers and relevant stakeholders in civil society and the private sector, as well as to discuss their contributions to future UN meetings. Among the issues to be vigorously addressed are the following: how can education and decent work serve to promote the empowerment, inclusion and equality among youth in the Caribbean; how inequality affects youth empowerment and inclusion in the Caribbean; and the roles that youth have and can play as we transition to low-emission and carbon-resilient society in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The online session will be held in preparation to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, which will take place on 8-9 April 2019, in New York.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Region 10 targets zero maternal death

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Public Health Ministry is conducting an obstetric haemorrhaging training programme geared towards achieving zero maternal death at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

The three-day training session is being facilitated by Dr. Narine Singh, a Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB-GYN) training facilitator.

Some 25 medical practitioners are participating in the training.

These include midwives, OB-GYN doctors and consultants, registered nurses, maternity unit and antenatal clinic staff and Community Health Workers (CHW).

These participants are based not only at the LHC, but from the Upper Demerara Hospital, the Kwakwani Hospital, the Ituni Health Centre and the other community antenatal clinics.

The ‘Zero Maternal Death’ training was an initiative started by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and, last year, it was adapted by the MoPH. Obstetric haemorrhaging is one of the main causes of maternal deaths and Dr Singh explained that it is something that the public health sector has been battling with for some time.

“Obstetric haemorrhaging is the number one cause of maternal death, something that we have been struggling to deal with, and so this training is specifically to train our health care providers like our OB-GYN staff, who deal with delivery… it is a specialised training for these workers,” he said.

The aim is to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent mortality by effectively managing haemorrhaging situations. CHW from the outlying communities are included because they are deemed the first responders to situations of haemorrhaging and will now be equipped with the

OB-GYN training facilitator, Dr Narine Singh knowledge to quickly identify patients at risk of bleeding complications.

The MoPH is introducing the use of anti-shock garment, according to Dr Singh. “This is a specific piece of equipment we can use when the patient is bleeding and help them to stabilise the patient. This was a piece of equipment donated

by PAHO and given to all of the hospital birthing centres in the country, so that if there is a need to transfer the patient, we can use this anti-shock garment so that the patient can be stabilised until the patient meets somewhere they can be managed more effectively,” Dr Singh explained.

The MoPH plans to train everyone in the health system before incorporating it into the curriculum at the nursing school, Midwifery School, Medics training programme and residency programme, among others. To ensure that the training is fruitful, strict monitoring of how maternal cases are dealt with will be done. Monitoring will also include recording and evaluating ‘near misses’ since this can enable the practitioners to ascertain what should be done in similar cases.

“We can learn from maternal deaths and where we can do better, but ‘near misses’ can also provide some information as to what we did well, what we didn’t do well, what we need to improve and so we have started recording ‘near misses’ now, as one of the new statistics. Mater-

Rape accused further remanded after hung jury RAPE accused, Ronaldo Persaud was, on Thursday, March 28, 2019, remanded to prison by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow after a 12-member jury remained hung in its verdict, even after further deliberations.

Persaud, 20 of, Rockstone, Essequibo River was on trial before Justice Barlow at the Sexual Offences Court of High Court, Georgetown for raping a 12-year-old girl between October 25 and 26, 2016, at 20 Miles Anarika, Essequibo River.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Ravindra Mohabir, while the state’s case was presented by Prosecutors Seeta Bishundial, Lisa Cave, and Sarah Martin.

The jury, after almost four hours of deliberation, was unable to reach a verdict. Persaud will be retried at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

Persaud was not released on bail since he is currently serving a sentence for two break and enter and larceny charges along with the unlawful possession of firearm.

nal deaths is just the tip of the iceburg, a lot of patients had a lot of complications but made it out,” he related.

The ‘Zero Maternal Death’ training programme has been conducted in all administrative regions except Region Eight. Approximately 135 medical practitioners have participated thus far.

The LHC has a very good track record of zero maternal death, with only one recorded over the last 10 years.

Some of the participants at the training programme at the Linden Hospital Complex

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

‘G’ Division commander talks up good parenting

CHILDREN are the future and imparting knowledge to them through their parents is imperative, Commander of “G” Division (Essequibo Coast, Essequibo Islands), Senior Superintendent Khali Pareshram said.

He shared this sentiment during a recent outreach hosted by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Protection and teachers of the Essequibo Coast at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School.

Some 60 parents attended the forum.

The parents were edified

about the Sexual Offences and Juvenile Offences Acts; the importance of educating their children about moral values, ethics and peer pressure, and the benefits of their children being involved in police youth groups.

The session concluded with a discussion during which the parents highlighted several key points that were addressed.

They also commended the commander for the excellent initiative.

LIAT running reduced schedule Parents involved in the discussion with Commander Pareshram

REGIONAL carrier, LIAT, said it is running a reduced schedule due to unscheduled maintenance on two of its aircraft.

The cash-strapped airline’s statement on Thursday came after it published the cancellation of several flights the day before.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer, Julie Reifer-Jones, emphasised that the safety and comfort of passengers was top priority for the company.

She said the unscheduled maintenance would see the two aircraft out of service for several days. “Therefore, several adjustments had to be made to the flight schedule,” Reifer-Jones said.

The airline’s CEO stated that the company is working to return to its full flight schedule by next week.

She also assured passengers that this would not affect their Easter travel plans, as the airline had already put in place adequate arrangements to ensure smooth trips for this peak travel period.

The airline said on Wednesday that it was cancelling flights LI 374 from Barbados to St Lucia; LI 375 from St Lucia to Barbados; LI 337 from Barbados to Grenada; LI 338 from Grenada to Barbados; LI 769 from Barbados to St Vincent, and LI 770 from St Vincent to Barbados.

“Affected passengers will be moved to other flights at no charge. Please contact our Reservations Call Centre or your travel agent for more information,” LIAT said in a statement which was posted on its website.

The decision to cut back the flights occurred on the same day when Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, met to discuss the airline’s future.

Reports from Barbados are that a decision could be made on its future next week.

LIAT has been battling to stay afloat as its finances have been affecting the operations of the airline. Recently, the pilot’s association turned down an offer for salary cuts.

The airline has attempted to engage regional governments to put in place new arrangements, which will provide a basis for sharing the burden among all the countries currently benefitting from the airline’s services.

Earlier in March, LIAT’s CEO said that the airline “is in a challenging financial situation,” and that the airline has been flying through the region with support from its principal shareholders, those being the governments of Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Dominica.

Reifer-Jones noted, however, that the airline has also been operating to destinations where there has been no support from governments and authorities to ensure that critical connectivity remains.

She said all stakeholders, whether labour, suppliers or financiers, will be called upon to make adjustments aimed at achieving a viable airline operation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

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Uncapped 2019 for ‘National Stadium’ this weekend

UNCAPPED Marketplace, an exposition allowing exhibitors to showcase and sell their locally made products, is on this Sunday (March 31) at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank De-

merara.

The private sector-led initiative will allow exhibitors to offer their products to a wider national audience and to network and market their businesses.

“It is an opportunity for those already estab-

lished to build and further promote existing brands,” the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) said. The GMSA is the agency with which the initiative originated.

The event is free to the public and will be open

The expo caters for small agro-processors and helps them grow their business

from 10:00hrs to 20:00hrs.

“What we want to do is to build the capacity of the small agro-processors to help them to find niche markets in the Caribbean and in Guyana to start with, and ultimately, the United States of America and Canada,” the GMSA said.

A day of fun for the entire family is also planned with games, music, “a wide variety of real Guyanese food” and lots of giveaways.

As part of the excitement, the ‘Savour the Flavour – Guyana Uncapped Competition’ will allow anyone to enter and have a chance to win sheif-loads of locally made products.

“It’s simple. Participate online by uploading a photo of your favourite agro-processed prod-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Exhibitors have an opportunity to further market their brands at the expo uct, telling us why you like it and hashtag it #uncappedflavours, or come to the event and assist in rating the products and get a chance to enter the grand competition to win shelf loads of local products from our uncapped cabinet,” GMSA said.

The event is being sponsored by Sterling Products Limited, GMSA, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Ministry of Business, Banks DIH,

ExxonMobil Guyana, NAMILCO, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, John Fernandes Limited; Brand partners include Sagacity Inc. and Star Party Rentals.

The GMSA hopes the event will help to see improvement from agro-processors who will be participating. “That is why the ‘Savour the Flavour Competition’ is designed to get feedback from the public, while they can still win big.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Motorcyclist succumbs to injuries A motorcyclist succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) from injuries he sustained after being struck down by a taxi at Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Tuesday.

Dead is Ramairo Wilson, 23, of Crane Housing Scheme, WCD. Police confirmed that the driver was taken into custody and a breathalyser test administered on him revealed he had alcohol in his system.

Reports indicate that Wilson and his friend were riding on motorcycle CJ 6784 at Vreed-en-Hoop Tuesday

The motorcycle that was involved in the fatal accident evening when they collided with hire car HB 3989.

The taxi driver was identified as a resident of Pouderoyen, WCD. The motorcycle slammed into the right front fender of the motorcar, resulting in Wilson and his pillion rider being flung to the northern side of the road.

The friends sustained head injuries as well as multiple bruises about their bodies.

Wilson was picked up in an unconscious state while the pillion rider was semi-conscious.

They were both rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where Wilson was examined and referred to the GPHC in a critical condition.

Wilson’s body is awaiting an autopsy while the friend remains hospitalised at the WDRH.

The taxi which collided with the motorcyclist on Tuesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

New artiste releases

first single T

Budding artiste Andrea Daniels

HOUGH the music industry in Guyana is not so promising, given the absence of copyright laws and all, there are several people across the country who find comfort in writing and singing their own music, and have been committed to doing so.

20-year-old Candida Andrea Daniels is one such person who uses music as her escape from life’s turmoil.

In an interview with ‘the Buzz Magazine’, Candida said that she has been singing for years, but on Wednesday March 27, she released her first single through Vizion Sounds Records.

That single is titled ‘Steady’, and it speaks of wanting to find love and at the same time being hesitant about it because of past experiences.

The song, she said, was inspired from experiences she had in past relationships.

“I’ve been in relationships that never went the way I wanted it, and I think it’s because I never took the time to really get to know the individual. I then said to myself that the next person I meet, I’m going to take it ‘Steady’,” the young woman said.

In addition to this release, Daniels said that she is currently working on an album with Vizion Sounds, which will be released soon.

She hopes to inspire people around the world through

her music, and be an artiste that people can look up to.

Although she has been a lover of music most of her life, Daniels said she came to realise how deeply she loves this art, when she first started recording.

“I loved doing music all my life, but the first time I picked up the headphone and sang into that microphone to do my first recording, I’ve developed an even greater love for music. It made me feel so much alive,” the young artiste said.

With aspirations of being the best version of herself, Daniels would like to encourge other youngsters like herself to not see the sky as a limitation.

“It’s never too late to turn your dreams and visions into reality. What you want in life, you must work hard towards achieving it, and most importantly, believe that it will come through, Candida said, adding: “I’ve always been aiming to be a recording artiste, and here I am today with my first single, and anxiously awaiting the launch of my new album. You just have to believe and keep pressing on.”

The new release is available on all digital platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Zojak, Amazon, and Google play.

You can also find her music on her social media platforms, Andrea Daniels.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

LMTC wants to put the oomph back in ‘Town Week’

T

HE Linden Mayor and Town Council is calling on all entrepreneurs to help make this year’s Linden Town Week exhibition a success by giving it some new perspective so as to leave a lasting impression on the minds of patrons.

According to Social Chairman and Town Week Coordinator, Norvell Fredricks, their priority this year is to reincorporate “some of the things that made the original Linden Town Day the success it was; things like the various exhibitions and activities for the children.

“We want to appeal to persons who have things to exhibit; whether they are doing craft or furniture. Whatever they are doing that they are proud of,” Fredricks said, adding: “There is so much that we are expecting to happen; and so much can happen when people participate. So I’m calling on everyone. It’s not just the dances and the parties, but the spirit of Linden. It’s what makes us Lindeners; it’s what makes us proud to be Lindeners.”

Exhibitors who are showcasing produce indigenous to Linden will be placed at the forefront of the event, Fredricks said.

Rather than just entertainment, the week of activities, he said, will emphasise enlightenment about the town of Linden; how it has developed over the years; its main economic activities; past Mayors and Councilors and so on.

The LMTC, Fredricks said, is ideally working towards restoring the original way in which the Town Week was celebrated, so that patrons can experience Linden from a social, economic and cultural perspective, whikle still retaining some of the more popular aspects of the celebration, such as the Linden Town Week Pageant, the Big and Bold Pageant, the All-Black Party and other categories of entertainment such as sports, culture, tourism, health and agriculture.

The highly-anticipated event is slated for April 20 to May 1, 2019, and will be celebrated under the theme, “Rekindling our culture”.

Linden Town Week 2019 Calendar of events

Berbician wins coveted Toyota Passo WILLIAMSBURG resident, Mr B Jagmohan, has been declared the winner of the coveted Toyota Passo, the grand prize in the Tony Auto Spares Drive-In-Style promotion, which ran from September 1, 2018 to March 23, 2019.

To be eligible to cash in on the ‘promo’, Tony’s

Jason Ramcharan said, customers were encouraged to make over $10,000 in purchases for a chance to win great monthly prizes, among them flat-screen television sets and car-care hampers, and at the same time qualify for the final draw.

And now that the competition is over, Ram-

--in Tony Auto Apares Drive-In-Style promotion

charan said “Tony’s would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all the winners, and to say how much we appreciate the support of all our customers throughout the years, and look forward to your continued support in the coming years.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Earth Hour activity set for tomorrow

--at the National Park

T

HE World Wildlife Fund Guyana (WWF) is all set and ready to execute their annual activity to recognise Earth Hour at the National Park (Thomas Lands entrance), tomorrow evening.

Taking the form of a ‘Lights Out’ concert, the main event will commence at 18:30hrs, with the switching off of non-essential lights until 21:30hrs.

WWF Guyana Communications Consultant, Dionne Cush-Barnwell told ‘the Buzz Magazine’ that the concert will consist of cultural pieces, presentations from partnering organisations, environmental pledges by the national and international communities, and the symbolic lighting of the 60+ emblem.

The main act for this year, she disclosed, is Guyanese gospel artiste, Saiku Andrews.

Giving a brief history on Earth Hour, Cush-Barnwell said that it is an annual global event organised by the WWF and observed on the last Saturday in March.

“It puts the spotlight on climate change by bringing people together, urging action against climate change, and reminding them that personal actions matter,” she said, adding that over the years, the WWF would host the activity, and the main and simplest action everyone can take on the given date and time is the switching off of non-essential lights for one hour, symbolising their commitment to taking some kind of action to combat climate change.

“Earth Hour 2019 will be observed all across the world, and many international landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building will turn their lights off for the occasion.

Last year in Guyana, the Bank of Guyana joined these international landmarks by turning off their non-essential lights, and lighting up a 60+ emblem,” Cush-Barnwell said.

She said that Earth Hour helps people to become more aware of what is around them, and how they can protect their environment and secure their future through simple actions.

“We help them understand that climate change is real and simpler than one might think, and we ask that everyone join the movement and do something. This can be simply turning off non-essential lights for one hour, but we hope people will act prior to and beyond the hour, because we want everyone to get involved in Earth Hour campaigns and activities, and even start a movement in their own community.”

She said that it is preferable if the candles being used are 100% beeswax or soy, as they are gentler on our planet.

“These are smoke-free, non-toxic and non-allergenic, made of natural products, and not petroleum-based materials, so they are effectively carbon-neutral. LED can also be used to promote energy-efficient lighting, which is a key for any sustainable future,” Cush-Barnwell said.

Earth Hour in Guyana is managed and organised by WWF Guianas Guyana Country Office, in close collaboration with a series of partners: Guyana Youth and Environment Network; Protected Areas Commission; Office of Climate Change; Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana; and Environmental Protection Agency.

‘Lady Devotee’ promises to take calypso world by storm next season

E Singing sensation Ingrid Harris

--already laid claim to the crown

VEN though she did not secure a place at this year’s Calypso Finals, Ingrid Harris, who hails from the North West District says she will return with a bang next year.

Better known by her stage name, ‘Lady Devotee’, Harris said the song she chose to enter for the competition was titled ‘Meh Horrific Story’, which addresses the issue of domestic violence and the abuse suffered by many women.

And though she may not have placed this time around, she had great fun, as the experience was exciting.

A teacher by profession, Ingrid not only teaches music in school but also at church.

She is attached to the Santa Rosa Primary School, and has been singing since she was seven, but officially took

to the stage at the regional level and is pleased to have been able to perform at a national event.

The mother of four told ‘The Buzz’ that she is however, grateful for the exposure of competing with other artistes, and is looking forward to entering the calypso finals again next year.

“I am in the process of writing my song, which I will sing, of course, but I am still searching for the right topic to expand on. And once I decide on that, I will have no problem,” she said, adding: “My aim is not about winning, but to get better and be a role model, because singing is my passion.”

At 38, this rising calypso star stated that for her, the sky is the limit, but readily admitted that she yet has a long way to go.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Personality of The Week: DJ Magnum HIS official name is Dorrel Kester Romeo, but to everyone in show-biz, he is simply ‘Magnum’.

Chances are also that very few people know that he grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and is a consummate cook, except that he is very passionate about what he does, which is singing and mixing music, and the man on the console every evening on the ‘Yardvbyz show’on 97.5 ‘Mad FM. He was inspired to take

up music full-time, he said, after winning his first ‘clash’ against Westside 45 a few years ago.

One of the few things he cherishes most in life is his many motivational encounters with those of his peers, who, like him, have a passion for mixing music and singing.

And he’s not likely to forget anytime soon the night he lost to DJ Puffy at the National Park.

The lesson for him there,

he told the Buzz, is that it’s not only about the songs with the public, but about painting a picture through what you sing.

When he’s not Deejaying, you can either find him overlooking Club Latino or listening to live audio.

Asked how he came by the name ‘Magnum’, the young DJ told ‘the BUZZ’, “I started off in Brooklyn, where I attended the John Dewey High School, and we had this crew

named ‘gunshottaz’. Every member had to find a name of a gun, and one day I got into a fight and the leader of ‘gunshottaz’ said I was short and loud; that I like a Magnum... wen it buss it does mek ah set ah noise’. Ever since then, I was left with the name.”

He would like to encourage other young people to be strong and confident.

“Make sure you prepare yourself physically and mentally for this game. It’s not as easy as it looks; it’s a rat race, and a very dirty business. And not everyone could be as fortunate as I am to dodge the punches and still be on top.”

Magnum

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Bartica is it this Easter!

--‘Come for the party, stay for the fun!’

Some of the Miss Bartica Regatta Delegates at the Pegasus Hotel yesterday

T

HE Easter weekend has, over the years, become a spectacle for Guyana with a large influx of tourists from all parts of the world. One of the holiday’s key events is the Bartica Regatta, which is packed with fun-filled activities such as water sport, talent shows, a music festival, boxing, soccer, cricket competitions and the main attraction the Bartica Regatta Pageant.

In preparation for the grand event, which begins from April 14, a committee has been established to inform the public about this upcoming event. On Thursday, Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall and the team held a press conference at the Pegasus Hotel, where they introduced the nine delegates vying for the Miss Bartica Regatta 2019 crown.

The beautiful and poised contestants are all excited to represent their newly-established town. At the press briefing on Thursday, they introduced their platforms through which they will seek to educate the public on various issues, among them Youth Empowerment, Trafficking In Persons, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and tackling School Dropouts.

Mayor Marshall said that the Bartica Regatta has over the years paved the way for the township’s development, and that with the help of several agencies, this year’s offering looks like it’s going to surpass all those held in the past.

“Promoting this year’s Regatta is very important, since our town has significantly improved and is aiming to become Guyana’s main tourist destination. We are very grateful for

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones (centre) with members of the Bartica Regatta Committee

where Regatta is today, and its transformation,” Mayor Marshall said.

He said that from April 14 to 22, Bartica will come alive, starting with a comedy and gymkhana show, followed by several sporting events during the week. During the Easter weekend, there will be the much-anticipated Pageant, Boat Cruise, International Concert and other exciting activities.

Representing the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones noted that Bartica has contributed significantly to tourism with their hospitality and uniqueness. He assured committee members that the government is willing and ready to support and promote sport tourism in Bartica. (DPI)

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall, second left, receiving a cash donation from a private sponsor at Thursday’s press briefing at the Pegasus Hotel (Photos by Giovanni Gajie)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

CCUA gearing Guyana to face Jamaica, Antigua and Aruba in League B of for 2019 season CONCACAF Nations League … Albert Rancharran is new president

… GFF president confident of Nations League success

By Rawle Toney in Las Vegas

(Compliments of Guyana Chronicle and Let’s Bet Sports)

CCUA executive members. Standing (from left) Matthew Francis, Azad Khan, Albert Ramcharran and Azeem Khan. Sitting (from left) Kanta Maharaj, Vish Jadunauth and Biswa Bhushan Dash.

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – With the 2019 cricket season fast approaching, the Canadian Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA) has sought to put its ‘house’ in order with the recent holding of the entity’s annual general meeting and election of office-bearers here.

The meeting saw popular businessman Albert Ramcharran installed as the new president. The Guyana-born Ramcharran, who is also president of the Scarborough Cricket Umpires Association (SCUA) and Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) replaces Bisham Singh who will serve as vice-president.

Azad Khan will continue as secretary while the treasurer is Vish Jadunauth, assistant secretary Kanta Maharaj and education chairman Matthew Francis. The three directors are Azeem Khan, Biswa Bhusan Dash and Denis Rajroop, As part of its ongoing efforts too, CCUA, which is affiliated to the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA), has also commenced its annual seminars

which cater to aspiring umpires and those who are seeking to upgrade their skills. The seminars which commenced a few weeks ago will be followed by examinations in Levels One, Two and Three.

Apart from Canada, other members of the WICUA are Barbados, Canada, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, United States and Windward Islands.

Among the aims and objectives of the CCUA are i) To promote and advance the status, role, authority and influence of cricket umpires a`nd scorers individually and collectively throughout Canada at all levels. ii) To promote high standards of umpiring and scoring nationally at all levels of the game through the promotion of formal training courses, qualifying examinations, assessment and development programmes and any other means approved by the Executive Committee; (iii) To promote the high standards of umpire and scorer training, nationally at all levels of the game through the provision of Instructor Induction Courses and advanced Instructor and 12:10 hrs Lord Lamington 12:40 hrs Follow A Dream

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Examiner training, development and assessment programmes; (iv) To advise, act on behalf of and generally support the interests of the Association’s members in matters of match appointments, contract negotiations, insurance claims, legal disputes, disciplinary and arbitration proceedings directly related to their cricket activities, provided that the Association is not brought into disrepute thereby; (v) To develop, build upon and maintain close collaborative, working relationships with cricket governing bodies and other Umpire and Scorer Associations in Canada and overseas; (vi) To encourage and assist in the formation of constituent branches and affiliated associations in Canada for the improvement of the game and the application of the Laws to further these aims and objectives.

Among the affiliated bodies are Scarborough Cricket Umpires Association, Masters Cricket Umpires Association, Ottawa Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association, Waterloo Cricket Umpires Association, Valley Green Cricket Umpires Association and Montreal Cricket Umpires Association.

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THE Golden Jaguars, Guyana’s senior Men’s National football team, will face Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda and Jamaica, in Group C of League B in the CONCACAF Nations League.

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) held its official draw for the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League, at the Chelsea Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was conducted by CONCACAF Chief Football Officer Manolo Zubiria and the confederation’s Director of Development and former Grenada international footballer, Jason Roberts.

The home-and-away group stage of the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League will be played on FIFA match dates in September, October and November 2019, while the Final Championship will take place in 2020.

Additionally, the teams at the bottom of each League A and B group will be relegated to League B and C. By virtue of finishing seventh in the qualifying stages of the competition, Guyana were pitted in League B; something Wayne Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) says he’s comfortable with, given the fact that he’s confident that the Golden Jaguars will hold their own against the Reggae Boyz, Antigua and Aruba.

“I know that the countries that would have done well will try to do better and those that might not have done good enough, are going to be making the investment because of the attention this Nations League is getting globally and within the region. It’s going to push member associations to make the investment,” Forde told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview in Las Vegas.

Forde further added: “My only hope as in the case of Guyana, where the government has come on board in some measure and helped us. That will deepen and we’ll have a greater partnership with the Government and corporate Guyana to help us. I’m wishing similar success for my brothers and sisters within the region.”

“I’m excited, I’m not afraid of this group, I think we have the players and we’re continuing to do our work at home and do our procuring abroad to find players that we think can really complement the squad. Coach (Michael) Johnson is optimistic and inspired,” said the GFF boss.

Guyana qualified for their first-ever Men’s Gold Cup tournament and will feature in the June 15 - July 7 event. As Forde related that he believes Guyana will be very competitiveness and I’m absolutely confident that we will be a permanent fixture for two consecutive years at the CONCACAF Gold Cup for two consecutive years.”

T h e g ro u p s f o r t h e 2019 CONCACAF Nations League are as follows (listed

in the order drawn): LEAGUE A ∆ Group A - USA, Canada and Cuba ∆ Group B - Mexico, Panama and Bermuda ∆ Group C - Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique and Honduras ∆ Group D - Haiti, Curaçao and Costa Rica LEAGUE B ∆ Group A - French Guiana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Belize and Grenada ∆ Group B - El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia and Montserrat. ∆ Group C: Jamaica, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda and Aruba. ∆ Group D: Nicaragua, Suriname, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica LEAGUE C ∆ Group A: Barbados, Cayman Islands, Saint Martin and U.S. Virgin Islands ∆ Group B: Bonaire, Bahamas and British Virgin Islands ∆ Group C: Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Anguilla ∆ Group D: Guadeloupe, Turks and Caicos and Saint Maarten At the conclusion of the group stage, the winners of each League A group will qualify to the Final Championship, while Leagues B and C group winners will be promoted to Leagues A and B for the next edition of the competition.

STAG Beer launches Easter Futsal tournament THIRTY-TWO teams will be in action from this weekend, following the launch of the STAG Beer Easter Futsal Festival yesterday at the company’s Beterverwagting boardroom.

The tournament will feature 22 Georgetown teams, along with two teams each from West Bank Demerara, East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara, and Linden.

During yesterday’s launch, tournament promoter Frank ‘English’ Parris contended that the tournament, apart from a brief hiatus, had been going for just over 19 years.

He noted that the event was his brainchild (Santos Football Club) and after

a few years, Ansa McAl joined under the Carib Beer brand.

Kashif Muhammad, head of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation and tournament organiser, said that after being contacted, they were more than happy to come on board.

He said after teaming up last year for the International Futsal Tournament, the organisation was very pleased to be involved.

Apart from STAG, Dynas Trading, Star Party Rentals, Sonic Boom and 94.1 are also sponsors.

The winners of the tournament will pocket $700 000.

Brand Events coordinator Nigel Worrell,

during his remarks stated that “STAG beer has become a brand synonymous with football in Guyana.”

Fans, who are in attendance on any of the 11 playing nights, will have a chance to win special STAG prizes, he stated.

Games will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to avoid a direct conflict with the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Elite League tournament.

This, organisers noted, was to allow those Elite League players the option (if granted permission by the GFF) to play in the tournament.

April 27 is the tentative date for the final.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

AIBA says boxers ‘in limbo’ as IOC inquiry continues LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Amateur boxing’s governing body AIBA says that uncertainty over the sport’s participation in next year’s Olympic Games is a disaster for boxers who have been left in limbo.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched an inquiry into the finances and governance of AIBA, which has been in turmoil for years, and warned that it could miss out on Tokyo next year.

The IOC said yesterday that it was aiming to present the report to its executive board in May but AIBA said it had expected the investigation to be completed by now and that it was time to wrap up the inquiry and move forward.

“We have done everything in our power to work with the IOC, providing them with numerous reports and documentation,” said AIBA executive director Tom Virgets in a statement, adding that there was “no more information left to give”.

“This further delay has a direct impact on our athletes,

it is a complete disaster for boxers around the world who are being left in limbo without any support or access funding,” he added.

Virgets said the well-being of boxers should come first.

bouts by reverting to five judges instead of three with the panels drawn randomly by computer. It also gave boxers the right to protest against decisions.

On the financial front, Virgets said AIBA had re-

AIBA president Gafur Rahimov is set to step aside today

“Our boxers are waiting, our officials are waiting and our fans are waiting.”

AIBA said in February that it had addressed IOC concerns over judging at

duced its debt from $18 million last year to $15.6 million this year, and that it would be wiped out within four years if boxing was included in the Games.

AIBA president Gafur

Rahimov, elected in November despite being on the U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions list “for providing material support” to a criminal organisation, said on Friday he would step aside.

Rahimov has strongly denied the allegations against him and reaffirmed in announcing his decision that they were “fabricated and politically motivated”.

The IOC would not give any details about the inquiry yesterday, spokesman Christian Klaue saying only that it wanted the final report to be presented to the Executive Board at its next meeting on May 22.

AIBA said the uncertainty meant boxers did not know when, where or how they could qualify for the Olympic Games.

It added that it had provided four reports to the IOC over the last year and said it was “gravely concerned” by the indifference shown towards the process and preparation of athletes.

The IOC could not immediately be reached for comment on AIBA’s statement.

Harris stars with ton on opening day of Shield final

VICTORIA and New South Wales (NSW) shared the honours at stumps on Day 1 of their Sheffield Shield final in Melbourne.

Marcus Harris’ impressive 229-ball 141 piloted Victoria to 266 for 6 at close of play. For the visitors, Trent Copeland and Sean Abbott shared four spoils between them.

Victoria, who opted to bat, made a solid start with the duo of Harris and skipper Travis Dean sharing a stand of 63. At that stage, Harry Conway, the pacer, made the crucial breakthrough when he lured Dean to drive on the up with Copeland plucking the catch in the slip cordon.

Will Pucovski, at No. 3, began his innings on a bright note, essaying a punchy drive off Sean Abbott.

Solskjaer promises no complacency at Man United

By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has promised there will be no complacency from him or the players now he has been confirmed as the Premier League club’s permanent manager.

Solskjaer was handed the job yesterday after a successful three months as caretaker boss, but he said there would be no easing off now he has a three-year contract - setting the Premier League title as his goal.

“Players who get complacent, they never last at this club anyway,” Solskjaer told a news conference..

“I am the same, I can’t be complacent and now rest on (the fact that) I have the job, It’s not me. We are looking forward, we have got to work harder,” he added.

In keeping with that approach, Solskjaer sidestepped a question about his pride at his appointment.

“Now the hard work starts, the enjoyable work but hard work; it is not a moment to be proud in that respect,” he said.

“I have got some targets, I want a Manchester United team that is one of the hardest-working teams in the league, one of the fittest

boss since replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho in December.

His short-term target is to secure a top-four finish and qualification for the Champions League but Solskjaer said that winning the Premier League was his goal.

“To lift the Premier

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

teams in the league and that then will bring results. I think the players know my expectations on the future,” he added.

The 46-year-old Norwegian has guided United to 14 wins in 19 matches in all competitions as caretaker

League trophy again is what we expect, what we’re used to, what we have done so many times,” he said.

“We can’t wait too many years but it’s not going to happen overnight.”

In the longer term he said

he wanted to continue the positive mood around the club.

“The day I walk out of the doors, I hope it is with a smile on my face and have given the supporters, the staff, the players, the club, a good time and that is all I can do, all I can promise, all I’ve promised to the owners, to (CEO) Ed (Woodward), everyone,” he said.

“I will always be myself, I am not going to change, I will be an optimist and a positive guy and we will do this together.”

The Norwegian’s backroom staff is expected to stay as it is with his assistant Mike Phelan, brought back to the club with Solskjaer in December, now in contract talks.

“Mick is a key part of the set-up and they are talking to each other,” said Solskjaer.

“The set-up we have now I really hope is going to continue.”

United will host Watford at Old Trafford in the Premier League tomorrow.

Marcus Harris compiled a 229-ball 141. (Getty)

However, after the lunch break, he played around a nip-backer from Copeland and was trapped in front. Copeland and Abbott then combined to send the duo of Seb Gotch and Cameron White back to the hut. Jack Edwards also played his part in Gotch’s dismissal by pouching a sharp catch in the slip cordon.

With Victoria in a spot of bother, Harris combined with Matthew Short (34) to string together an alliance of 80 for the fifth wicket. Harris also compiled his third century of the Shield season by jabbing Moises Henriques through the midwicket region for a single.

NSW needed a breakthrough and it was Henriques who lifted the side by dismissing Short. The all-rounder got one to jag off the seam and forced Short to edge one behind, where Peter Nevill dived to his left and plucked an excellent catch.

At the end of the day, Abbott struck with the second new ball to remove the centurion Harris to ensure parity was restored. The NSW camp would rue the fact that Harris got a couple of reprieves. Abbott and Edwards were the unlucky bowlers.

NSW, who have won a record 46 Shield titles, last hoisted the trophy in 2013-14 under the leadership of Steven Smith. Meanwhile, the Dean-led Victorian side would be eyeing their 32nd Shield title.

Brief scores: Victoria 266-6 (Marcus Harris 141; Trent Copeland 2-66, Sean Abbott 2-77) v New South Wales. (Cricbuzz.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

RCB come up short as Mumbai deny AB de Villiers

A Rohit Sharma direct hit got rid of Moeen Ali (BCCIphoto)

AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli joined the Indian Premier League (IPL) party yesterday but it was not enough to steer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to victory over Mumbai Indians.

After failing in the opening loss to Chennai Super Kings, both men found their form in Bangalore as RCB looked set to claim their first win.

However, the hosts fell agonisingly short as Jasprit Bumrah (3-20) and Lasith Malinga (0-47) bowled superbly at the death to earn Mumbai a six-run triumph.

Mumbai set a challenging target after they were put in, captain Rohit Sharma leading the way with some trademark hitting but falling two short of a half-century.

Hardik Pandya, Yuvraj Singh and Quinton de Kock all followed their captain’s lead as Mumbai reached 187-8 from their 20 overs, only the control of Yuzvendra Chahal (4-38) keeping them in check.

Chahal’s work with the ball seemed to have been enough as Kohli - who reached 5 000 IPL runs as he made 46 - and de Villiers led the run chase, the pair sharing 49 for the third wicket. de Villiers was given a life by Yuvraj early on and he quickly took advantage, upping the pace, following Kohli’s departure to finish unbeaten on 70. However it left RCB just short.

Bumrah bowled a penultimate over that only went for five to leave RCB needing 17

to win, and Malinga – playing his first IPL match since May 2017 – ensured they would not reach it as the hosts finished 181-5.

BANGALORE’S BRILLIANCE ON THE BOUNDARY Mumbai’s big-hitters delivered some devastating blows to the RCB bowlers but in the end they were all snared on the boundary by some superb fielding.

Rohit and Yuvraj cleared the ropes four times between them but ultimately they perished before being able to inflict serious damage as Mohammed Siraj took two fine catches.

The dangerous Kieron Pollard went before clicking

BCB/Spready’s Snackette 100 Balls Cricket Tournament

Rose Hall Town Tigers crush CCC to join Fyrish in the final ing 14 runs.

Delbert Hicks and for-

A BRILLIANT half-century from former national player Delbert Hicks spearheaded Rose Hall Town (RHT) Tigers to a crushing eight-wicket victory over Courtland Cricket Club (CCC) in the semi-finals of the 2019 Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/Spready’s Snackette 100 Balls Cricket Tournament.

Playing at the Fyrish ground in Lower Corentyne, RHT Tigers were superior in all departments as they marched to their first-ever final.

CCC batted first and were soon in trouble when they lost Leroy Thomas for nought, without a run on the scoreboard to the bowling of Khemraj Mahadeo.

J. Cort and F. Crandon then added 50 for the second wicket to offer some hope for the home team. However, off-spinner Turbo Jagdeo took five quick wickets to totally wreck the CCC innings.

They were eventually bowled out for 131 in 16 overs with T. Cort 18, F. Crandon 28, Troy Mathieson 16 and Seon Crandon 26 were the principal scorers with extras contribut-

Rondall Lewis 2 for 27, Mahadeo 1 for 15 and Delbert Hicks 1 for 35 supported Jagdeo in a good bowling display by the RHT Tigers.

Delbert Hicks Needing to score 132 runs off 100 balls to reach the final, RHT Tigers lost former national junior player, Brandon Prashad, for nought. However, fellow opener Mark Papannah batted well to score 35 with five boundaries and a massive six.

mer Guyana Under-19 player Khemraj Mahadeo then powered Tigers to 133 for 2 with 4 balls remaining. Hicks was unbeaten on 52 with six boundaries and two sixes while Mahadeo ended on 31 with one boundary and three sixes. T. Johnson and W. Crandon took a wicket apiece for 43 and 33 respectively.

The final is fixed for Fyrish ground on Sunday from 13:00hrs. BCB president Hilbert Foster stated that the Board would be using the final not only to promote the game in the area but also to raise funds for the BCB. The Spready’s Snackette 100 Balls Tournament is being organised by the BCB for teams in the Lower Corentyne area.

It is one of 30 tournaments expected to be organised by the vibrant BCB at the Junior, Female and Senior levels.

The BCB debarred powerhouse Albion Community Centre and Rose Hall Town Bakewell from taking part in the tournament in an effort to allow other teams a chance of winning a tournament.

Kohli criticises umpires for ‘ridiculous’ missed no-ball

VIRATi Kohli furiously criticised the umpires after his Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side lost to Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With RCB needing six from the last ball to tie, Lasith Malinga bowled a dot ball, but replays showed it should have been a no-ball as he overstepped.

Had the no-ball been seen by the umpires, the ball would have been bowled again as a free hit.

“We are playing IPL not club cricket,” India captain Kohli said.

“It is a ridiculous call. The umpires should have their eyes open.

“It is a game of margins. They should have been sharper and more careful there.”

The no-ball was only seen after the players had left the field with the replay resulting in loud boos from the home crowd when it was shown on the screens at the

AB de Villiers finished unbeaten on 70

into gear as West Indies compatriot Shimron Hetmyer clung on at deep extra cover.

Hardik could not be stopped, though, with three huge maximums, including one that flew out of the ground.

YUVRAJ’S RELIEF Mumbai’s win could have been less stressful had Yuvraj sent de Villiers packing on his first ball.

Buoyed from removing Parthiv Patel, Mayank Markande pushed through his next delivery and it brought an edge from de Villiers, but Yuvraj spilled the chance at first slip.

Luckily for the veteran it did not prove costly as Mumbai earned their first win.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have lost their opening two games of this season’s IPL

ground.

Had it been given RCB would have been awarded one run for the no-ball and would then have been able to win with six on the final delivery, rather than tie which would have resulted in a Super Over.

South African AB de Villiers had given Royal Challengers hope in their chase of 188 with a brilliant 70 not out from 41 balls which included six sixes.

Kohli was out for 46 in the 14th over while England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who opened for RCB, was run-out for 13. (BBC Sport)

Kane says would support ‘walk off’ over racial abuse LONDON, England (Reuters) - England captain Harry Kane said he would support any of his team mates in walking off the pitch if there was any repeat of Monday’s racist abuse during their win in Montenegro.

UEFA have opened an investigation after England players Danny Rose, Raheem Sterling

and Callum Hudson-Odoi said they were victims of the abuse in Podgorica.

Teenager Hudson-Odoi said he had heard monkey chants during England’s 5-1 Euro 2020 qualifying victory.

The Football Association welcomed UEFA’s move after what it described as ‘abhorrent’

England soccer captain Harry Kane after being made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by the Duke of Cambridge at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, Britain yesterday.

(Victoria Jones/Pool via REUTERS)

racist abuse.

“It’s terrible, its unacceptable, and I thought our players handled it so well and were so professional and focussed on their job and doing what they do best,” Kane told Sky Sports outside Buckingham Palace where he was receiving an MBE for services to football.

“Now it’s up to the people in charge to make sure the right action is taken because it’s not acceptable in football or any part of life.”

Asked if England’s players would walk off the pitch if there was a repeat, Kane said: “Yeah, well I’m supportive of my team mates and if it happened again and they weren’t happy and wanted to talk about it or take a breather I would fully back them,” the Tottenham Hotspur striker said.

“We are a team, a unit and we stick behind all of our players. Hopefully it will never happen again but if it did, I would take their lead on that and whatever they wanted we would support them in that.”

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary panel will hear the case against Montenegro on May 16.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

Guyana finish with silver, two bronze medals in Caribbean TT doubles

Jody-Ann Blake (right) goes for the kill during the women’s final last night.

A DAY of exciting doubles culminated last evening with the Guyanese pair of Jody-Ann Blake and Trenace Lowe battling to a second-place finish in the final of the Women’s doubles, a part of the 61st Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships, which is currently being played at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Along with silver from Lowe and Blake, the host nation recorded two more medals yesterday. Lowe and Christopher Franklin finished with a Mixed doubles bronze after making it to the semi-final of that competition. Joel Alleyne and Nigel Bryan finished with a bronze in the Men’s doubles.

Both bronze medal games were close battles. The two Guyanese captains, Lowe and Franklin, had the best chance of advancing to another final.

Joel Alleyne (left) spins one back in Guyana’s semi-final clash of the Men’s doubles.

The pair were actually ahead at 10-8 in the fifth set, but the Dominicans, Esmerlyn Castro and Isaac Vila, rallied back to close the game at 12-10. Incidentally, the same pair won the finals of the competition later in the night against Cubans Livan Martinez and Carrazana Fonseca.

In the quarter-final, Franklin and Lowe had defeated the Barbados pair of Mark Dowell and Anthonette Riley (11-5, 116, 11-6).

Guyana’s other strong teams in the competition were knocked out in the quarterfinals. Dominicans Santos Emil and Eva Brito defeated Bryan and Blake 3-1, while Joel Alleyne and Nathalie Cummings lost to Martinez and Fonseca by a similar margin.

Meanwhile the pair of Bryan and Alleyne lost to Emil Santos and Samuel Galvez 3-1 in the Men’s semi-finals last night.

The visitors stormed to an 11-6 win in the opener, but then the Guyanese pair, led by a pumped-up Alleyne rallied back to score six unanswered points.

They closed that game at 11-6 after leading 9-3. In the third game, the home team led briefly before the Dominicans stormed back to an 11-7 win. The visitors looked set to finish the match with the score at 10-6 in the fourth game, but the local pair rallied back and scored three unanswered points before an unforced serving error by Bryan ended the battle.

In the final, Dominicans Brito and Castro (who had just finished the Mixed doubles final) were able to muscle past Lowe and Blake 3-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-8).

Today the competition continues with the U-21 and Masters competitions.

‘We will be back’, warns former CWI president Cameron Gonsalves says unity, reforms key to CWI roadmap KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Caribbean cricket has not seen the last of Dave Cameron, the deposed Cricket West Indies (CWI) president has warned.

The Jamaican, who celebrates his 48th birthday next month, was handed a stunning defeat in CWI elections at the annual general meeting here last Sunday, but says he remains available to serve the region.

“It’s been a remarkable journey. I have made a lot of friends, not just in the region but internationally and we will be back,” the Observer newspaper quoted him as saying.

“We are here to serve (so) if people at some point in time believe that we are needed, we are here to serve and we will continue.

“I think we have a lot to be proud of, winning back the Wisden Trophy after 10 years, seeing us compete the way we did against England just now. I tell you I am very, very excited about West Indies cricket if we continue along the same

trajectory.”

Cameron was denied a fourth straight term in charge of CWI when he lost to former St Kitts and Nevis government minister, Ricky Skerritt in a shock result.

Publicly endorsed by three territorial boards – each with two votes – Cameron infamously declared days ahead of the poll that he and vice-president Emmanuel could not lose. He needed seven of the 12 votes up for grabs in order to be re-elected.

Former CWI president Dave Cameron

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However, he lost two key votes in the secret ballot as Skerritt and running mate, Dr Kishore Shallow, won by 8-4 margins.

Of significance was the fact that his home board, Jamaica Cricket Association, voted in favour of the Skerritt and Shallow, representing a crucial loss of support for Cameron.

“It’s been a long-standing situation with Jamaica and myself and particularly with the president (Billy Heaven),” Cameron conceded.

“We haven’t seen eye-toeye from the day he asked my club – I am still the president of Kensington (Cricket Club) – to vote for him in the elections in 2013 and we didn’t support him.

I don’t think we have been able to move past that.”

Cameron was criticised throughout his tenure for the strong-handed way in which he led CWI. He had a strained relationship with senior players and also fuelled acrimony with CARICOM, over his refusal to entertain governance reform.

As a result, he received little backing from key stakeholders throughout the election campaign, as legendary former players to regional prime ministers all threw their weighty support behind Skerritt and Shallow.

Cameron said he would now focus his efforts on his company, a wealth management and investment venture.

“I have my business; Infiniti Capital continues to operate, it has always been there,” he said.

“This (CWI president) is not a full-time position, this is also one of the things that people believe. It is not a fulltime position. I am a licensed securities dealer so I operate on that basis.”

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Chairman of CARICOM’s subcommittee on cricket, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has identified the unification of the Caribbean cricket community and the implementation of governance reforms as the two pressing issues before new Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Ricky Skerritt.

Speaking in the wake of the change in leadership atop the regional governing body, Gonsalves said Skerritt and new vice-president, Dr Kishore Shallow, had campaigned on a visionary 10-point Cricket First Plan, and it was now important to first bridge the gaps between stakeholders and also lay out a timetable for the restructuring of the CWI framework.

Gonsalves also agreed with his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Prime Minister Keith Rowley, on the need for a regional consultation to urgently discuss the state of the game and the way forward.

“The election represents the moment of and for change in West Indies cricket – change for the better,” the veteran St Vincent and the Grenadines leader told a radio cricket programme here.

“It’s about personalities but far more than personalities, it’s about processes and an agenda for reform. They outlined in their 10-point plan an agenda for reform and I expect they will stick to their manifesto.

“I think one of the first things they have to do is to unite the whole of the cricketing family in the West Indies. They have to go to all the stakeholders in the various countries – the respective boards, players, the governments and other interested parties including territorial boards who didn’t vote for them.

So that’s very important – to stamp unity on the West

Indies cricket.”

He continued: “There is this organic link between them and the players – the men’s and women’s teams in all the different formats.

They have to make sure they (teams) have the right staff and so on because we have a very important World Cup fixture coming up.”

CWI governance reform has been a sticking point for CARICOM in recent years, and it was their insistence on such which led to a frayed relationship between the two bodies.

Gonsalves said the regional consultation proposed by Rowley would be an excellent starting point, and should be facilitated in a manner to ensure it was as productive as possible.

“The next order of business – and it can be done simultaneously because you can walk and chew gum at the same time – is to signal a timetable for reforms and for some major activities,” Gonsalves pointed out.

“I know Prime Minister Rowley who was very dissatisfied with the Dave Cameron administration has already talked about the summit. I think, though, we need to prepare well for the summit. There are persons who are talking about: you can’t hold the summit too quickly – that’s not my concern.

“My concern is that we prepare well for it with all the stakeholders so it doesn’t become a continuing university seminar.

That we can have a good succinct analysis as to what is happening, where we’re going wrong and some of the things we can put right, and some things which are immediate and some things which are longer term, medium term, and you have a work plan to achieve these particular objectives.”

Gonsalves advised the new leadership to be patient in their planning and execution, and to

be inclusive in their approach.

“You have to have a buy-in from everybody in the region in doing what you’re doing and we can in the process restore West Indies cricket to its former glory,” said Gonsalves.

“It’s going to take some time. We have a pool of good players, persons with skills but we have to make sure those skills are properly honed and that the mind and the body are in sync.”

Skerritt and Shallow pulled off a stunning victory in CWI leadership elections last Sunday in Jamaica when they toppled three-term incumbents, Dave Cameron and vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan by 8-4 margins.

The challengers gained the backing of prominent members of the cricket community including the likes of Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Andy Roberts.

Gonsalves praised Skerritt as “accomplished academically” and with wide-ranging experience stemming from business to the public sector while noting that Shallow, the SVG Cricket Association president, possessed “youthful enthusiasm but has a very mature head on his shoulders”.

Gonsalves said he believed the pair would “modernise West Indies cricket and deepen accountability” and importantly, gain the support of CARICOM. “I think there is a lot of goodwill for them. One of Dave’s weaknesses in leadership was the dividing of people in them against us and we don’t need to do that,” said Gonsalves.

“We have to be more soothing and together, and I know the Heads (of Government), those who are interested in cricket would very much want to work very well with them.”

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 29, 2019

CWI Women’s T20 Blaze

All-round T&T beat Guyana by five wickets

… Barbados triumph by 99 runs over Leeward Islands

By Rajiv Bisnauth

TRINIDAD and Tobago dished out an all-round performance to register an emphatic five-wicket win over Guyana in match two of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Blaze yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

overs - helped partly by some wayward bowling from the Trinidadians.

Smartt was the more subdued in the early overs, as Grimmond went after the bowling, especially medium-pacer Canesia Isaacs who conceded 16 runs in her first two overs.

The right-hander Grim-

Stacy Ann King sweeps during her knock of 59.

(Adrian Narine photos)

The victory was first set up by a 68-run opening stand between player-of-the-match Stacy Ann King and Lee Ann Kirby, before Britney Cooper put the finishing touches in the run chase.

Earlier, captain Shemaine Campbelle did the bulk of scoring for the Guyanese to guide her team to a commanding 157 for 4 from their allotted 20 overs. However, the visitors reached the target, finishing 161-5 with eight balls to spare.

mond had been flowing smoothly when she offered a simple return catch to off-spinner Anisa Mohammed (2-35), for a 17-ball 21, counting four boundaries.

Campbelle joined her Berbician counterpart, and kept the momentum going with a 40-ball 36-run second-wicket stand.

Change of bowling had worked well for the visitors with Lee Ann Kirby (1-22), effecting the second break-

Britney Cooper hits an unbeaten 52.

King struck a 48-ball 59, with three fours and a six while Cooper ended with an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls, counting eight fours and a six while Kirby made a 19ball 31, with three fours and two sixes.

The 26-year-old Campbelle lived up to her reputation and was in her element, hitting an unbeaten 77 off just 56 deliveries, counting six fours and three sixes.

Deciding to bat first, the hosts got off to a flying start with openers Sheneta Grimmond and Tremayne Smartt scoring 29 runs in the first four

through that was desperately needed.

Smartt, who batted for a 27-ball 21, was cleverly stumped by Merissa Aguilleira while Shabika Gajnabi was run-out for seven, leaving the Guyanese 79-3.

However, Campbelle took charge soon after and her stand with Akaze Thomspon (11) lifted the hosts to 133 at the end of the 19 overs before she ended the innings with consecutive sixes to spoil Karishma Ramharack’s bowling figures.

At the start of the run chase the Guyanese women were mindful of their opponents’

batting prowess so there was no margin for error.

However, their bowlers were wayward up front. This allowed openers King and Kirby to achieve a solid start of 68 from their aggressive brand of cricket, in the powerplay overs.

The Guyanese soon struck a body blow when Thompson dismissed Kirby. The visitors were further reduced to 90-3 at the halfway stage when they lost Reniece Boyce (6), off the bowling of Smartt and Shania Abdool was run-out for two from a direct hit by Gajnabi.

With the required run-rate within reach, the right-handed King was joined by Cooper, who also played a solid knock, but the contest was as good as over, as the pair kept up the pressure on their opponents.

They stitched together a 58-run partnership to steer their team within nine runs of the victory target.

Meanwhile, Barbados eas-

ily overpowered their Leeward Islands counterparts by 99 runs in the first encounter.

Player-of-the-match Deandra Dottin made 62 off 23 balls, counting ten boundaries and three sixes; Hayley Matthews, 40 off 23 balls, with eight boundaries and a six while Charlene Taitt made 35 from only 25 deliveries to propel the Barbadians to 206-6.

Amanda Edwards took 2-24.

Leedward Islands in reply limped to 107-5. Shebani Bhaskar hit an unbeaten 40 while openers Malissa Howard (15) and Shawnisha Hector (18), were the next best batters.

Matthews (2-21) was the most destructive of the bowlers. The tournament continues today with another three matches.

Guyana will play Leeward Islands from 09:00hrs, Trinidad & Tobago and Windward Islands clash from 14:00hrs while Barbados and Jamaica meet in the final game from 19:00hrs.

Captain Shemaine Campbelle did the bulk of the scoring for the Guyanese with an unbeaten 77.

Guyana to face Jamaica, Antigua and 27 Aruba in League B of CONCACAF Nations League Page

GFF president Wayne Forde (left) and GFF executive committee member Rayan Farias at Red Carpet welcome for the CONCACAF Nations League in Las Vegas.

… GFF president confident of Nations League success

STAG Beer

launches Easter Futsal 27 tournament Page

From left, Ansa McAl’s Corporate Communications Officer Mark Murray, Kashif and Shanghai Organisation director Kashif Muhammad, promoter Frank English and Brand Events coordinator Nigel Worrell

‘We will be back’, warns former CWI president Cameron ►26

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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019