Guyana chronicle e paper 30 04 2017

SEE INSIDE

Joey France

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and ‘still strong’ ► Page

II

No. 104898

SUNDAY APRIL 30, 2017

Price: $140

No sugar shutdown (VAT Inclusive)

…President tells PNCR conference gov’t will do everything to keep GuySuCo alive

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US$30M more for housing development Page 8

Construction workers have been busy trying to complete some of the model houses at the Perseverance, East Bank Demerara housing scheme in time for the Housing Solutions expo

Corruption Elections tension Police Force probe deepens using WhatsApp at GPSU – police called in to defuse situation …Registrar, Ramson Jr fingered over counting of ballots in irregular transaction to tackle crime Page 14

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Elections tension at GPSU – police called in to defuse situation over counting of ballots

By Navendra Seoraj POLICE were on Saturday called in to settle uneasy candidates and members of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU),

who attempted to stall the counting of ballots at the union’s Shiv Chanderpaul Drive office.

Persons who were on the final list of candidates were disgruntled and bois-

terous yesterday after the union’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Herman DeSouza, refused to issue a list of voters and Statements of Poll (SOPs).

The GPSU elections

were held on April 27, 2017, and to date, only one ballot box has been counted because of disruptions from candidates, said DeSouza during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

“They are calling for a list of voters but that was

the elections was circulated in the media and on the GPSU’s website.

The Chief Elections Officer lamented that criticisms from candidates and members came even before the elections.

already circulated.

Candidates nevertheless objected to the ballots being counted.

All 19 ballot boxes from across the country were returned to the CEO and they are being stored at the union’s head office.

“Boxes were returned to the head office, three of which from Region 10 were

GPSU’s CEO, Herman DeSouza, (left) in a standoff with members of the GPSU’s GGMC branch on Saturday

already prepared prior to the elections and circulated to the various branches of the union... at a late request, it could not have been circulated again because there are other things to do,” the CEO said.

Candidates protested that a final list of voters was not published, but these claims were dismissed by DeSouza, who noted that all information pertaining to

He pointed out the instance when an injunction, which was filed by a member of the GPSU, Gregory Gaspar, was granted on April 20, 2017 to halt the elections.

That injunction was lifted on April 25 and the union proceeded to hold its elections on Thursday.

“Prior to the suspension of the elections, the office had everything in place, so we were already geared to run off the elections in short notice… the notification was sent out via newspapers and telephone messages as well as public notices,” he said.

As a result of this, it was explained that all arrangements were already in place so the list of voters and other requisite documents were

empty because all of what was in there was piled into one standing ballot box… counting staff nevertheless proceeded to count the boxes,” said DeSouza.

The disruptions by candidates caused the counting process to be stopped. They tried to count on Friday and on Saturday but were only able to complete one box.

“Every attempt to resume the counting failed… so it is now a stalemate and will remain that way until members decide to accept the process,” the CEO said.

Meanwhile, Gaspar and other members of the GPSU’s Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) branch said that they will not accept anything until their call for transparency is accepted.

No sugar shutdown 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

…President tells PNCR conference gov’t will do everything to keep GuySuCo alive P R E S I D E N T D a v id G r a nger o n S a t u rd a y told members of the P eo ple ’ s N ational C ongress Reform that his administration was not shutting down the sugar industry , but rather retooling it to make it more robust and viable .

He made the comments at the party’s second General Council meeting for the year held at Congress Place, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. President Granger who only just returned from a four-day visit to the United Kingdom during which he met Queen Elizabeth 11 and other top leaders, in delivering the feature address at the General Council covered a wide array of issues including a report on his recent visits to The Bahamas and the United Kingdom. According to a PNCR statement, the party leader asked that in commemoration of the PNCR’s Diamond Jubilee every region (the party region) must engage in an economic venture. He called for regional trade fairs and regional agricultural and commercial exhibitions in all 10 administrative regions to promote women and youth employment, agro-processing and economic development of the regions.

GUYSUCO On the issue of GuySuCo, in addressing the current situation within the industry President Granger said that the sugar indus-

Party Leader addressing General Council

try in Guyana as currently configured is not sustainable. “We are not shutting down GuySuCo, we are consolidating…. we are going to make the sugar industry more muscular, more robust. We will do everything to keep GuySuCo alive… we want to save sugar workers’ jobs.”

Brigadier Granger said.

The party leader told the General Council that diversification of the economy was imperative “We have to diversify. We have to produce new commodities.

We cannot continue to rely on the ‘six sisters’, (Sugar, rice, timber, bauxite, gold and diamonds).” Brigadier Granger said that he was impressed with many of the items that he had seen at recent regional trade fairs and called for better marketing and packaging of locally produced products.

Touching on the envi-

ronment, President Granger iterated that the PNCR was committed to a green economy. “Global warming is no joke. We have to protect the environment. Miners must conduct their business in a responsible way; some miners are reckless and we have to put an end to that.” The President and party leader told the General Council that regions had a role to play in the protection of the environment. “Every region must have a protected area. We have to protect the environment so that our children can see and enjoy this beautiful and bountiful country we have inherited.” he said.

President Granger noted that social cohesion was about national unity and it was included in the objectives of the PNCR. “We have a responsibility to make sure that programmes are promoted to achieve

cultural awareness and cohesion. We will extend recognition to every ethnic group in Guyana. We will treat our citizens with respect wherever they live… we are not going to discriminate based on geography or political affiliation.” Brigadier Granger said.

A lively plenary during the second session examined the party leader’s address, the General Secretary’s Report, plans for the party’s 60th anniversary and regional interventions.

The General Council concluded with a summation and charge which was given by party leader and President, H.E. David Arthur Granger. General Council is the second highest decision-making forum of the PNCR. General Council, which was held under the theme:

“PNCR -- Vanguard of a Green Economy” was chaired by party chairman, Basil Williams, who welcomed the members of the General Council especially those who had travelled from the hinterland regions and overseas. The chairman reminded attendees that as a governing party, “We have been given the mandate to take the nation forward and General Council has the opportunity to discuss how we [the PNCR] are going to do this.” He told attendees that the coalition was committed to putting the country first, engaging in good governance, and a return to the rule of law. The chairman urged party members to enhance their contact with the Guyanese people in all communities and to continue to work to bridge the coastland and

hinterland divide.

A minute of silence was observed for party members who had passed away in the period between General Councils. The general-secretary’s report was presented by Mr. Oscar Clarke, CCH, General- Secretary of the PNCR. He brought General Council up to date with the state of the party’s Secretariat, the youth and women’s arm and all party regions (local and overseas) and the work of the Secretariat during the period between General Councils. The General- Secretary reported to the Council that the state of the party was strong, poised and prepared to participate fully in all events planned for the 60th Anniversary of the PNCR.

Party Leader greeting members on his arrival to General Council

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

North Korea test-fires ballistic missile in defiance of world pressure

NORTH Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that failure to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes could lead to “catastrophic consequences”.

U.S. and South Korean officials said the test, from an area north of the North Korean capital, appeared to have failed, in what would be the North’s fourth straight unsuccessful missile test since March.

The test came as the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group arrived in waters near the Korean peninsula, where it began exercises with the South Korean navy on Saturday, about 12 hours after the failed launch, a South Korean navy official said.

Tillerson, in a U.N. Security Council meeting on North Korea on Friday, repeated the Trump administration’s position that all options were on the table if Pyongyang persisted with its nuclear and missile development.

U.S. President Donald

Trump said the launch was an affront to China, the North’s sole main ally.

“North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!,” Trump said in a post on Twitter after the launch.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the UN meeting it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem.

“The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side,” Wang said.

In a commentary on Saturday, China’s official Xinhua news agency said both North Korea and the United States needed to tread cautiously.

“If both sides fail to make such necessary concessions, then not only will the two countries, but the whole region and the whole world end up paying a heavy price for a possible confrontation.”

Trump, in an interview with Reuters on Thursday, praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping for

its sixth nuclear test, around the time of the April 15 anniversary of its state founder’s birth.

Pope Francis, speaking to reporters, called for another country to mediate the dispute between Pyongyang and Washington, saying the world risked a devastating war.

North Korea Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un “trying very hard” on North Korea but warned a “major, major conflict” was possible.

The North has been conducting missile and nuclear weapons related activities at an unprecedented rate and is believed to have made progress in developing intermediate-range and submarine-launched missiles.

Tension on the Korean peninsula has been high for weeks over fears the North may conduct a long-range missile test, or

JAPAN PROTESTS Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned the test as a grave threat to the international order.

“I urged Russia to play a constructive role in dealing with North Korea,” Abe told reporters in London. “Japan is watching how China will act in regard to North Korea.”

U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the North Koreans had probably tested a medium-range missile known as a KN-17 and it appeared to have broken up within minutes of taking off.

The South Korean military said the missile reached an altitude of 71 km (44 miles) before disintegrating. It said the launch was a clear violation of UN resolutions and warned the

North not to act rashly.

With North Korea acting in defiance of the pressure, the United States could conduct new naval drills and deploy more ships and aircraft in the region, a U.S. official told Reuters.

The dispatch of Carl Vinson to the waters off the Korean peninsula is a “reckless action of the war maniacs aimed at an extremely dangerous nuclear war,” the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, said in a commentary on Saturday.

Inter-continental ballistic rockets will fly into the United States “if the U.S. shows any slight sign of provocation,” the newspaper said.

MORE SANCTIONS MOOTED Kim Dong-yub, an expert at Kyungnam University’s Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, said North Korea might have got the data it wanted with the missile’s short flight, then blown it up in a bid to limit the anger of China, which warned Pyongyang against further provocation.

North Korea rattled world powers in February when it successfully launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile that it said could carry a nuclear weapon. It also successfully tested ballistic missiles on March 6.

It is not clear what has caused the series of failed missile tests since then.

The Trump administration could respond to the test by

speeding up its plans for new U.S. sanctions, including possible measures against specific North Korean and Chinese entities, said the U.S. official, who declined to be identified.

“Something that’s ready to go could be taken from the larger package and expedited,” said the official.

France also condemned the test and called for a firm reaction.

The UN Security Council is likely to start discussing a statement to condemn the missile launch, said diplomats.

But condemnations and sanctions resolutions since 2006, when North Korea conducted its first nuclear test, have done little to impede its push for ballistic missiles and nuclear arms.

The South Korean politician expected to win a May 9 presidential election, Moon Jae-in, called the test an “exercise in futility”.

“We urge again the Kim Jong Un regime to immediately stop reckless provocative acts and choose the path to cooperate with the international community,” Park Kwang-on, a spokesman for Moon, said in a statement, referring to the North Korean leader.

Moon has advocated a more moderate policy on the North and been critical of the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system in the South intended to counter North Korea’s missile threat, which China also strongly objects to. (Reuters)

Sunday, April 30, 2017 - 05:30 hrs Monday, May 1, 2017 - 08:30 hrs Tuesday , May 2, 2017 - 09:30 hrs

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Violence erupts after Brazil strike

VIOLENCE has erupted in Brazil at the end of the country’s first general strike in more than 20 years.

Buses and cars have been set on fire in Rio de Janeiro’s city centre. Road blocks set up

ful. Many people stayed at home and shops, schools and banks remained closed across the country.

Unions called the strike in protest at proposed pension reforms.

modernise the country”.

Brazilian workers and the government are working together, he said, to get the country out of “the worst recession in its history.”

The trade unions say the

“Temer out” reads a banner at an opposition march in Sao Paulo by activists were also ablaze and shops were vandalised.

For most of the day the strike had been largely peace-

President Michel Temer said he regretted the incidents in Rio. But he stressed that he would continue his “efforts to

poorest in Brazil will bear the cost of the changes, which include raising retirement age and reducing benefits.

Cuba military plane crash kills eight

A MILITARY plane has crashed in the mountainous west of Cuba, killing all eight personnel on board.

A military statement said the twin-engine turboprop Antonov AN-26 had crashed in the province of Artemisa on a flight from Playa Baracoa, just outside the capital Havana.

The cause of the crash is unclear and an investigation has been launched.

The site of the accident was said to be the Loma de la Pimienta mountain about 80km (50

miles) west of Havana.

“The eight military personnel on board, including the crew, died,” the armed forces ministry said in a statement.

“A commission of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces is investigating the causes of the accident.”

Cuba’s last major plane crash was in 2010 when an Aero Caribbean flight went down in flames killing all 68 people on board. (BBC)

The government argues that the measures are needed to avoid a collapse of the pension system.

The effects of the strike were felt across the country.

Many people stayed at home, others only worked in the morning.

Many roads were blocked in Sao Paulo, Rio and other cities.

Early in the evening, opposition demonstrators took part in rallies and protests to show their discontentment with Mr Temer’s pension reform.

In Rio, some of the protests descended into violence.

Police fired tear gas and activist hurled stones.

Eight buses were set alight, according to O Globo newspaper.

In Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo, thousands of demonstrators marched on Mr Temer’s private residence.

Police fired teargas to disperse the crowd.

The government said the general strike would have no

Military policemen fired teargas and rubber bullets in Rio’s city centre impact on the reforms.

Earlier this week Mr Temer won a parliamentary vote supporting his labour reforms by a clear margin.

This has been the hallmark of his administration: a president who is very unpopular in the streets, but is able to get things done in Congress, says the BBC’s Daniel Gallas in

Sao Paulo.

Mr Temer took office a year ago, when then-President Dilma Rousseff was suspended by Congress to face impeachment proceedings.

He was sworn in in September, after the Senate voted to dismiss her over accounting irregularities.

His term ends in December 2018. (BBC)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Press Freedom in Guyana REPORTERS Without Borders (RWB) has released its 2017 World Press Freedom Index. This independent watchdog institution makes yearly analyses guided by the political, legal, and economic environment journalists worked in for the previous year. On a scale of 0-100, the closer a country is registered to zero the freer its press is said to be. Guyana ranks 60th on the freedom index, indicating a three-point decline from the previous year.

Decline has been registered not only for Guyana, but also for developed countries such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, representing the lowest overall decline since its 13 years of analyses.

Such decline understandably may bring with it the inclination of governments, adversely portrayed, to refute or question the report and quite rightly so,the Guyana Government described the report as deeply flawed.

Examination of the characteristics RWB uses in determining improvement or decline in press freedom not only serves as important indicators of requirements, but also a gauge for pursuing conformity. Allegations of suppressing press freedom under previous governments and threats of libel should also serve as a nudge.

Where private media houses, in the past, suffered the withdrawal of state advertisements for speaking to issues government felt uncomfortable about this presently does not obtain. Coverage in the state-owned media relating to non-government affairs and opposition views has drastically improved from the previous government, though admittedly

there remains more to be done.

Government has moved to expand press freedom in other spheres of community broadcasting, notably in the hinterland regions, though the Linden Television licence matter has not yet been sorted out. The board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, which was non-operational for some years during the previous government, has been established, which could improve the playing field for diverse views, groups and communities.

Understandably, these among other positive press indicators, could suggest Guyana is deserving of a more positive index placement. At the same time it cannot be lost sight of that by RSF’s standards such are not enough to elevate the country’s ranking.

What this would further suggest is the importance of introspection, comparing what is practised against expectations. Summarily, the report said though free speech and the right to information are constitutionally guaranteed, the use of defamation laws by officials; the president’s appointment of a media regulatory authority which is felt to have restrictive impact on freedom of certain media houses and the denial of licences; and harassment of journalists through intimidation, prosecution and suspension, have contributed to the decline.

It can be assumed that RWB did not intend to include some of these infractions it did because under the current administration many of these have never occurred. No journalist has been harassed, intimidated or prosecuted. Prime Minister Moses Naga-

mootoo, who has portfolio responsibility for information, is quoted in a statement issued by the Department of Public Information saying: “The Government of Guyana is not aware of a single instance of any journalist being subjected to harassment or prosecution in Guyana since May 2015 when the coalition Government assumed office. The Government of Guyana suspects that the Reporters Without Borders write up on Guyana is based on old information, which pre-dates 2015.” Prime Minister Nagamootoo also said that Guyana has since distanced itself from the crude subversion of the press, and its conversion into partisan political propaganda outlets under the previous government,” the statement added.

However, it could not be in Guyana’s best interest to ignore some of the areas of performance highlighted in the report. For instance, government may want to review the current Defamation Act and some of the punitive measures attached to it. Media experts over the years have called for this act to be reviewed or repealed, as it is presently an inhibition to press freedom. Mr Nagamootoo, himself an attorney-at-law, was quoted in a Stabroek News article back in May 2009 saying that Guyana’s laws are deficient and should be reviewed. On Saturday he told this newspaper that he and his government still hold this position with regard to the defamation act. He had said then that the existing laws are past their time and need to be brought into line with modern legislation, where people in public life do not believe that they are sacred cows. “While the right

to privacy must be protected,” he said, “the right to freedom of expression is so cardinal to good governance [that] it requires a radical look at existing legislation.”

The RWB report also expressed observation of a global trend in strong-armed politics, which has influenced the decline in press freedom index even for developed countries that have historically seen the free press as critical to democracy. What could also be of concern to Guyana as a small society in the global arena is the analysis in the report that the decline in press freedom in developed countries had to do with the political environment that saw the rise in polarisation of partisan media outlets.

The U.S., whose press freedom has declined by two points, First Amendment warns “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” The RWB has been publishing its report since 2002 and would have earned an international reputation and seen as a likely source to gather information for doing business with a country and shaping perceptions of a country.

Another advantage of its analyses is that such would not only serve as a gauge to measure performance overtime, but also to secure improvement. Guyana applauds the work of RWB and would welcome the organisation to visit here and interact with journalists and officials.

Understanding Government’s position on the Police Force Dear Editor THE majority of the Guyanese populace distrust the police.

They are of the view that the police cannot be trusted to investigate any incident, much less the alleged attempted plot to assassinate the President.

Most Guyanese who are concerned about this issue -- especially since there is a view that the police are involved -- do not think that the government should trust the Guyana Police Force to investigate this matter.

The reality is that the Guyana Police Force is the entity that

should be investigating this matter. The Government of the day has to give the Guyana Police Force which is one of the security arms of the state the benefit of the doubt as it relates to matters of security. While the perception may be that the Police Force is in alignment with the opposition, it would be counterproductive for this administration to pick a public fight with the Guyana Police Force. The previous administration used elements in the Police Force to carry out its dirty work. The previous administration hindered the Guyana Police Force from doing their

jobs by interfering in cases and investigations that involved their friends and associates.

This entire country that grew up under the stewardship of the PPP learnt how to do everything wrong. We learnt that corruption was good, we learnt that morals and values were not needed and we learnt that integrity, accountability, transparency were not necessary when in public office.

The Guyana Police Force having been a part of the society that was stewarded by an administration whose interest was serve self first, like the rest of society inculcated some of those negative

traits. The question now is how do we as a society self-wean off of those negative habits that have been reinforced for 20 years.

The Guyana Police Force has to be allowed to self-wean.

It has to be allowed to recognise that the new stewards are not interested in the ways and means of the past administration. It has to be allowed to reconfigure itself into becoming a force that the citizens of this country respect. It is my view that the Government recognises that the Police Force has to be allowed to recognise that we are in a different place today and if the

Police Force is to self-wean and become an organisation that the people trust, it must know where the Government stands and how the government views them.

I drove around the city last week and I recognised all of the buildings being occupied by the Guyana Police Force are being renovated. Over the last few weeks the Minister of State informed the public of police of different ranks going on various capacity-building workshops in various countries. This I believe is a forthright attempt by this administration to help the Police Force recognise that this admin-

istration’s priority is that the Guyana Police Force becomes a professional entity that can do the job that it is mandated to do without political interference and with the confidence of this administration.

While I do agree that the police have over time caused the distrust that exists between them and the citizenry, we need to at this time recognise that they need to be given an opportunity to self-wean.

Regards TABITHA SARABO-HALLEY

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

GECOM responds to Neil Kumar Dear Editor, IT is imperative that we respond to the letter carried in the Guyana Times of Saturday, April 22, 2017 under the : “Local Government and You,” as authored by Mr. Neil Kumar.

Prior to responding to relevant specifics in the herein referenced letter, it is imperative to note that:This response is being made by the undersigned because the substantive public relations officer is on leave. This response addresses the issues that are relative to responsibilities which are vested in the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The GECOM Secretariat cannot and will not respond to any issue(s) that fall within the responsibilities of the Commission.

In order to facilitate absolute clarity, this response will address the issues in a point-by-point sequence as follows:Mr. Kumar made reference to the published Notice pointing out that the period for the ongoing Claims and Objections (C&O) is April 24 to May 21, 2017, after the ninth Cycle of Continuous Registration would have concluded on March 18, 2017.

This is patently inaccurate and misleading, considering that the C&O exercise is a component of the Ninth Cycle of Continuous Registration as is evident in the relevant Work Plan which was approved by the Commission. Mr. Kumar went on to posit that “the period indicated above for the second phase of the exercise is approximately five weeks after claims and objections are scheduled to commence.” He went further to state that “the situ-

ation so far bares a plethora of obvious [sic] suspicious questions which are unanswered” – among which are (i) why the delay? and (ii) was the Elections Commission not prepared?

The start and end dates of the C&O exercise are compliant with those documented in the Work Plan for the conduct of the 9th Cycle of Continuous Registration.

Anyone who is familiar with the conduct of a cycle of Continuous Registration would be aware that there was a regime of preparatory administrative and statutory activities which had to be completed, within a relatively tight timeframe, as prerequisites to the conduct of the C&O exercise. Accordingly, we hereby state unambiguously that there was no “delay” pertaining to the commencement of the C&O exercise, and the fact that we commenced the exercise in accordance with the Work Plan demonstrates that the Secretariat was obviously “prepared”, as mandated by the Commission.

It is important to note that Mr. Kumar was provided with the opportunity to raise his “plethora of obvious suspicious questions which are unanswered,” and be provided with respective answers, at a meeting between a delegation of Representatives of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) (including Mr. Kumar) and Mr. Keith Lowenfield, Chief Election Officer. This meeting was held on Thursday, April 20, 2017, i.e. two days before the publication of the letter.

With regard to Mr. Kumar’s position that “the relevance of the continuous registration being done at this time, in the absence of an upcoming election, was questionable, and the matter was raised with-

out any adequate response from GECOM”, we have no knowledge where, when and with whom this matter was raised. However, had the matter been raised at the meeting with Mr. Lowenfield, we would have been happy to provide adequate justification for the conduct of the exercise.

Incidentally, a second letter of similar nature was published in the Guyana Times of Friday, April 28, 2017, under the title: “Appoint the Local Government elections Commission Now”, also authored by Mr. Kumar. In this letter Mr. Kumar questions the relevance of the conduct of the ongoing Claims and Objections exercise, by positing that “such exercises are normally to be followed by elections.” This position of Mr. Mr. Kumar makes it very obvious that his knowledge relative to the conduct of Claims and Objections as a component of a Cycle of Continuous Registration is relatively limited. Whereas, we are of the view that the explanation/justification for the conduct of Claims and Objections as a component of a Cycle of Continuous Registration will be burdensome, in terms of test, to include in this response, we must emphasise that such action was approved by the Guyana Elections Commission as a matter of policy.

Mr. Kumar wrote that “currently, the political parties and the nation are yet to receive a report on the transactions that were completed, including registrations done, transfers done, and changes done at each GECOM office in the country.” He went on to say, inter alia, “We wait, but when would the report be available? GECOM appears to be doing everything within its authority to block information from reaching

the public, thus implying that the body is not obligated by law to provide certain information, according to a release from Chief Elections Officer Lowenfield to the People’s Progressive Party.”

The Chief Election Officer gave copies of the categories and respective numbers of registration transactions which were conducted during the registration phase of the 9th Cycle of Continuous Registration exercise, and an electronic copy of the current Preliminary List of Electors (PLE). This was done at the above-mentioned meeting. Further, at that meeting, the PPP delegation requested a hard copy of the PLE and summaries of the new registrations and transfers, by Registration Division, that were done during the exercise. This was provided to the party on Friday, April 21, 2017.

Identical data was provided to the APNU+AFC, via the coalition’s representative who was also present at the above- mentioned meeting.

Mr. Kumar wrote that “There are reports of exorbitant spending by the elections body for the registration period. Many vehicles were rented and hired beforehand, yet many special taxis still had to be utilised.

It was also reported that water and air transportation costs were deliberately inflated and exceeded the planned budget, and meals and meals allowances were costly.”

In this regard, we hereby state unequivocally, that:(i) no vehicle was hired beforehand; and if any, the hire of “special” taxis would have been minimal and only in Registration Areas where no GECOM-owned vehicle is posted, (ii) water transportation for hinterland riverain areas

were hired following the advertisement for the provision of such services to be tendered for, (iii) we are satisfied that the costs associated with the provision of meals for GECOM staff and party scrutineers were within acceptable limits and within the relevant budgetary provisions, (iv) we will leave it up to the companies that provided air services to comment on whether they engaged in collusion with the GECOM Secretariat relative to the claim that the relevant charges were inflated, (v) any audit of the relevant vouchers and supporting documents would substantiate our position.

Mr. Kumar also wrote that “Also noticeable during the registration exercise was the treatment of the public by some of the so-called trained GECOM staff. Some officers were guilty of being rude and disrespectful to persons wanting to do transactions; young registrants were bullied, and some were even asked to leave buildings for being inappropriately dressed, whereas others were allowed in despite wearing similar attire. The young registrants that are perceived to be PPP, especially girls, faced the brunt of some GECOM officers’ actions. It was quite disgusting that in numerous cases, persons left GECOM centres, never to return, because of the officers’ attitude.” He added that “some of the PPP scrutineers faced the same treatment, and many accepted what was meted out to them as they wanted to remain in the centres to prevent the officers from committing any intended skullduggery.”

At senior manage-

ment level, we never fail to remind all frontline staff who interact with members of the public in general, of the need for them to maintain courtesy, professionalism and efficiency. In fact, this need was reinforced at the last Meeting of Managers of the Secretariat and Registration Officers on April 7, 2017, and again at refresher training sessions across Guyana on April 19 and 21, 2017. This action was taken, not in response to complaints against our staff, but because this is in line with our strategy for the maintenance of a good public image between and among the Commission’s publics. Having said that, we invite all stakeholders to bring to our attention any official malpractice that might have been committed by any of our staff to enable us to deal with any such occurrence accordingly. However, such stakeholders must be prepared to substantiate the report(s) as we cannot and will not entertain hearsay.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we must reiterate that all of the questions/concerns, pertaining to the work of the GECOM Secretariat, documented by Mr. Kumar in his letters could have been raised and answered at the above April 20, 2017, meeting. Accordingly, we invite Mr. Kumar and any other stakeholder to contact the Chief Election Officer for adequate and appropriate response(s) to any pertinent query/ concerns pertaining to the work of the GECOM Secretariat.

Regards VISHNU PERSAUD Deputy Chief Election Officer

Ramotar not truthful about working-class Dear Editor, Mr Donald Ramotar, a former President, claimed in the Guyana Times (27/4/17) that the working class has nothing to celebrate in 2017.

He should know, as the working people are still reeling under the blows of his government and that of his political mentor and boss,

Mr. Jagdeo. The culminated effects of the annual 5% wage increases had left the working people stunted. The sugar industry went bankrupt under his administration and depended on public bailouts to survive.

Before that Mr. Ramotar was a key member on the Guysuco board and helped to undermine the independence of Guysuco. Mr. Ramotar

would know that, under the new government, in less than two years, public service wages increased by 38%. Old age pensions were twice increased, benefitting some 53,000 senior citizens.

Single parents and the destitute were given increased public assistance. Besides that, many thousands benefit not only from an increased national minimum wage,

but were removed from the income tax net. It is believed that some 3000 new jobs have been created in the public sector.

Mr. Ramotar is not factual when he said that the sugar industry will be closed.

Both President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo have repeatedly assured that there would be mergers, divestment and diversification,

but the industry would not be shut down. They said that three sugar factories and five cane-producing sites would remain to produce some 150,000 tons of sugar. Many workers would be helped on the job.

Mr Ramotar must accept responsibility for the destruction of Skeldon estate and the waste of some $50 Billion. Not a drop of

ethanol was produced, and co-generation of electricity was under-capacity. Sadly, Mr Ramotar was driven out of office and he left the working class and their unions divided. It was last year under the coalition that the labour movement started to unite.

Regards EARL HAMILTON

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

US$30M more for housing development PARTS of a loan fund raised originally for a road rehabilitation programme by the previous administration is now being re-shifted to the housing sector for its expansion.

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, today disclosed that the government is working with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to re-programme the housing sector’s over US$30 Million from a loan approved in 2012, under the previous administration.

The Finance Minister who was at the time addressing the official launch of the Ministry of Communities’ Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond programme at Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD),

explained that the loan was for a road rehabilitation programme that included the upgrade and widening of Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue.

He explained that this loan has been plagued by a number of problems, resulting in an extremely poor rate of disbursement. Further, the life of the loan will end in March 2018, resulting in the loss of significant concessional resources.

The minister said that instead of facing the loss, the government has decided to re-programme the funds to expand the housing sector, as part of developing new revenue sources for the industry.

The more than $30M will augment the $5 Billion that

is expected to be spent in the sector this year, realising the first phase of the Housing Solutions 2017 and beyond programme. Further, the money will serve to offset some of the housing supply shortfall, that the country has been experiencing, the minister said.

Jordan added that the “housing supply in Guyana has not kept pace with underlying demand.”

He said that the accumulated shortfall was due to factors such as the restrictions on the supply of available land for housing, the lack of financial resources, lack of coordination between infrastructure planning and housing supply, and skills shortage in the housing and construction sectors.

Ministers within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson and Dawn Hastings-Williams and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, turn the sod to officially launch the Ministry of Communities’ Housing Solutions 2017 and beyond programme at Perseverance, EBD

Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson, at the official launch of the Housing Solutions 2017 and beyond programme

“The impact of the housing shortfall is real….the number of people experiencing housing stress is increasing,” the minister said.

Solving this critical situation represents a big challenge to the government, given the high cost of construction materials and related expenses, but one that the government was committed to investing in since housing, beside being a very basic requirement, also holds the key to accelerating the pace of development in Guyana, Jordan stated.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson, explained that the Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond pro-

gramme will bring resolution to those persons who form the huge backlog of applications at the Central Housing and Planning (CH&PA) Authority, some of whom had applied for their houselots since 1994.

“It is painful to sit and hear the stories of some of our people as they visit my office, as I go out to consultation and meet people. It is sad to look into their eyes and to have them say ‘We do not have house lots,’” the minister said.

Minister Adams-Patterson said she is passionate about the view that the right to adequate housing is a universal right, and committed to providing affordable housing to all Guyanese.

Also addressing the launch were CH&PA’s CEO Lelon Saul, Chairman of the Board, Elsworth Williams and Region Four Chairperson, Genevieve Allen, who pledged to work with the government and the Ministry of Communities towards the vision of ensuring that all Guyanese own a home.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan; Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, addressing attendees at the launch

Prior to the start of the official ceremony, Ministers Adams-Patterson, Hastings-Williams and Patterson turned the sod to officially launch the programme at Perseverance.

The Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond programme which is being executed through the Ministry of Communities, caters for low to middle-income persons. The programme which is being rolled out this year, in its first phase caters for the construction of 758 housing units; 265 duplexes and 38 town houses in 10 locations in six regions.

As the programme progresses, several other housing options are to come on stream, including condominiums.

Guyana celebrated ‘Girls In ICT Day’ AS GUYANA celebrated ‘International Girls in ICT Day’, with the rest of the world, the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) yesterday held a luncheon at the Umana Yana that saw young ladies from several education institution getting personalised mentorship from women already working in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field.

The over two hour long event was also graced with the presence of Minister of Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, who spoke encouraging words to the young ladies and others present, urging them to become more involved in the ICT field.

In Guyana, like in the rest of the world, females

Some of the participants in yesterday’s luncheon

are largely underrepresented in ICT, and so for the past five years the NFMU has been trying to bridge that gap by hosting several activities all across the country.

However, this is the second year that the luncheon is being held.

“The idea of the lunch is that as they [the students]

eat; they will talk about their experiences, what challenges they’re facing and have the mentors give them some insight, and talk of how to cope with the challenges,” explained NFMU Spectrum Engineer, Mellisa Layne.

“We know there’s a gap between men and women in the ICT field and we want to

bridge that by encouraging more girls to be in the field.

We also recognise that a lot of women who start working in the field, leave the field, and that’s what this mentorship luncheon is all about.”

The luncheon was attended by students from several secondary schools and tertiary institutions, includ-

ing students from St Stanislaus College, St Rose’s High, St Joseph, Bishops, Government Technical Institute, University of Guyana and even a group from the Guyana Blind Society.

Those among the mentors included several female engineers from the e-Government Unit, Computer Science lecturers from the University of Guyana, representatives from Starr Computers, and IT teachers from a few secondary schools.

Layne asserted that over the years the NFMU initiatives has been bearing fruit.

At yesterday’s luncheon one young lady noted that she might even be inspired to look into a change of career.

“I’m in the science stream because I actually wanted to be a pediatrician, but this luncheon actually

makes me want to rethink on my career choice, and doing something more in the IT direction,” said St Stanislaus College fourth former, Phillicia James.

“I also learned that IT isn’t just software, it’s a broader spectrum.” She added.

Nineteen year old GTI student, Nikesha Crandon, is particularly encouraged

by Minister Hughes address.

“It was very inspiring to see a woman with that high level supporting women in ICT. When I see her up there, I just don’t see her as a woman, I see her as a role model, she encourages me to do what I do best,” Crandon said. Crandon is currently studying for a certificate in Computer Science (Data Operations) at GTI.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Corruption probe deepens …Registrar, Ramson Jr fingered in irregular transaction POLICE have opened a second probe into allegations of corruption involving the Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh and former PPP, MP, Charles Ramson Jr. over the waiver of just over $6M in defaulting fees of a company the attorney had represented back in February 27, 2015.

Baksh is already being investigated for allegedly paying herself gratuity contrary to her terms of employment and also increasing her salary. This probe is expected to be wrapped up before the end of this week, the Guyana Chronicle was told. Regarding the second investigation, Baksh is being accused of waiving over $6M in defaulting fees on behalf of Film Makers International Limited. Authorities said neither Baksh nor the registry has the powers to waive fees and her action allegedly amounts to a criminal offence.

According to documents seen by this newspaper, Ramson jr, who is currently on a Chevening Scholarship in the United Kingdom, wrote Baksh informing her that he was instructed by Sheila Budhan, Secretary and director of Film Makers International, a company duly incorporated under the Laws of Guyana with its registered office situated at Lot 5, Sussex Street, Georgetown. “My client instructs me to request a discretion to be exercised in computating the fees in respect of default of continuance of the said company for the period 1995-2014 in accordance with the Companies Act 1991 Section 342 C,” Ramson wrote in his letter.

A perusal of the section cited by the lawyer does not make provision for any waiver of fees. In fact the Section 342 C of the Companies Act of 1991 states, “Without

affecting the operation of the interpretation and General Clause Act when there is no equivalent provision in this Act to the provision or procedure in or under the former Act referred to in the corporate instrument of a body corporate, the provision or proceeding of the former Act shall be applied and shall stand unrepealed to the extent necessary to give effect to that reference in the corporate instrument.”

Top legal sources have told this newspaper that it is inconceivable that a lawyer of Ramson’s ilk would quote such a provision in requesting waiver of defaulting fees.

“It is inconceivable that he would do that, he is a lawyer and the Registrar also has a law degree. The whole transaction seems suspicious,” the legal official stated.

$6M WAIVER However, despite the fact that no provision is made under the section for a waiver, a senior staff at the registry told the Guyana Chronicle that she was aware of Baksh effecting the transaction, which saw the company only paying $1.5M out of the closely $8M that was outstanding. The staff, who requested anonymity, explained that following the passage of the Companies Act 1991, any company that existed before it had come into force had two years to register under it to continue.

The staff said failing to do so every day they carried on business without being registered under the new act to continue each director had to pay a defaulting fee of $200 per day. According to the staff, in 1997 the Companies Act was amended and the fee increased to $600 per day for each director. According to the registry staff in this particular case, Film Mak-

sought to conceal her actions, the staff answered in the affirmative, pointing out that the original file on the matter has since disappeared:”but thankfully I had made copies of everything. “Lamenting the fact that the file has gone missing the staff said “I find it very disgusting that a custodian of the public records would do this.” The staff said there have been several other instances of irregularities under Baksh’s watch, which will soon come to light.

Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh

ers International, which had two directors had failed to pay the defaulting fee since 1995-2015 and when the calculation was done they were in arrears of close to $8M. It was at this stage, the staff said Ramson Jr, who and the lawyer are friends, held discussions. The staff said subsequently Ramson Jr wrote the letter requesting the waiver. “I don’t know what discussion they had but following her discussion with him a letter came and her (Baksh) instructions were to let him pay only $1.5M.” The staff said questions were raised about Baksh’s decision, pointing out that the authority to waive fees is not vested in her nor the registry, but rather with the Minister of Finance. “ But she is the head of department there was nobody I could have gone to because you know at that time the PPP was in power and everybody was everybody’s friend,” staff reasoned. The staff however said she did alert the deputy registrar of the illegal transaction, who advised her to make copies of all the documents, which she has been able to preserve up to today.

Asked whether Ms Baksh had

Former PPP MP, Charles Ramson Jr

REFUSED TO GO ON LEAVE Baksh, who is the daughter of former junior Agriculture Minister, Ali Baksh of Essequibo has resisted being sent on administrative leave pending the investigation.

At a recent management meeting hosted by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, Baksh was asked to proceed on administrative leave to facilitate an investigation into the matter. He also instructed that Zanna Frank, Deputy Registrar, perform the functions of Registrar of Deeds.

However, in a missive dated April 13, 2017 and addressed to Williams, Baksh made it clear that she was employed

by the JSC and as a result will not proceed on administrative leave.

“I respectfully reject your allegations and I am therefore prepared to defend myself in the appropriate manner. I am guided by my legal counsel to the effect that I am employed directly by the Judicial Services Commission and as such the Ministry of Legal Affairs has no jurisdiction to direct me to proceed on leave of any kind. I am further advised that it is only the judicial Service Commission that is empowered to investigate me in any circumstances,” she said, as she informed the Attorney General that she has referred the matter to the JSC. In response, to Baksh’s complaint, the JSC wrote to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Delma Nedd, informing her of the Commission’s role relative to its employees.

In a letter dated April 24, 2017, Secretary for the JSC informed Nedd that the body has received correspondence from Baksh informing inter alia that she was directed to proceed on administrative leave pending the investigation into the payment of gratuity. “In keeping with Article 199 (1) and 199 (3) of the Constitution, the power to make an appointment, to remove and exercise disciplinary control over the Registrar of Deed, vests in the Judicial Service Commission. In this regard, the commission hereby requests that a report on this matter be produced and sent to it for deliberation.”

AG HAS OVERSIGHT However, in response to the JSC’s letter dated April 26, 2017, Nedd noted that while the identified articles are instruc-

tive, the Deeds Registry functions under the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act No. 4 of 2013.

Additionally, the permanent secretary reminded the JSC that it is the Minister of Legal Affairs who has oversight of the Authority and the Act empowers him to inter alia, appoint an assistant Deeds Registrar and other staff, appoint the Board of the Authority and exercise general administrative powers and control over the Authority. “This means that the entire administrative measures on the Registrar of Deeds appointed by the Judicial Service Commission and other Registry staff appointed by the Attorney General vest squarely in the Attorney General,” she stated.

Nedd said she was advised that the instruction by the Attorney General for Baksh to proceed on administrative leave is “quite valid and legal in the sense that the Attorney General, under the Act needs to administratively enquire about this complaint before passing his recommendations to the JSC.” She continued: “I am advised that the Judicial Service Commission, once it has appointed a person as Registrar, cannot usurp the powers of the Attorney General under the Act to administratively investigate any allegations against the Registrar. The JSC shall only have to wait until the Attorney General conducts his administrative investigations and makes his recommendations to them. It is then that the JSC will invoke its power under Article 199 (1) of the Constitution.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

GPL misses many performance targets – narrowly averts financial penalties

By Ariana Gordon THE Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has failed to meet a number of its Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPT) for 2016 and has received a stern warning from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

GPL, pursuant to an amended licence granted by the PUC in October of 2010, is required to submit annually, OSPTs to the commission. Those standards are included in the entity’s approved Development and Expansion Programme and represent the standards and quality of service GPL is required to provide in accordance with section 25 (2) of the public Utilities Commission Act, Number 10 of 1999.

There are eight standards to which GPL has to report: Customer Interruptions, Voltage Regulation, Meter-Reading, Issuing of Bills, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, System Losses and Average Availability.

By March 30, annually, the PUC reviews GPL’s performance for the previous calendar year relative to the OSPTs and determines whether the entity has failed to achieve or reach the established targets.

Should there be a failure, the PUC will determine the impact the failures had on consumers and company and may impose penalties on the company in an amount not exceeding 25 per cent of the total value of the dividends payable to the company’s shareholder (s) for the identified calendar year in accordance with the law.

At a public hearing by the commission at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, on March 27, it was discovered that GPL fell short in several of the aforementioned areas and determined that the company experienced several challenges which affected the provision of an efficient service to consumers.

“There remains much work to be done and we can only hope that there continue to be annual incremental improvements in the quality of service to consumers,” the commission said in a state-

ment to the media on Friday.

The PUC said it finds GPL’s efforts credible, but for system losses and noted that with greater commitment, losses could have been lower than 2015.

Additionally, the commission said that given the importance of the particular standard, the 2016 performance casts a shadow on the overall performance of the OSPTs. NOT EXCESSIVE “Having regard to all we have heard and noted and taking into consideration the explanations offered by the officials of GPL, we do

cable used to transfer power from the Vreed –en-Hoop power station to the Demerara Interconnected System.

This resulted in 16 megawatts of power being lost to the Demerara system and GPL having no reserve capacity in the Demerara Interconnected System, was forced to revert to older stations that are not always reliable.

In response, the commission noted that the performance of the company has deteriorated significantly in this specific category and had caused distress to the consumers In relation to the System

countrywide, the company would be able to randomly access data from the registry of these meters that would inform on voltage fluctuations.

The information provided from these random samples should inform whether it is delivering a quality of voltage consistent with the standard.

Part 2 of the standard requires that GPL complete 100 per cent of customer voltage complaints due to network reconfigurations, vegetation upgrade of lines, additional transformer, etc in no more than 30 days.

GPL has reported that this target was marginally not met.

In the case of meter-reading, which is aimed at reducing the number of annual estimated billings based on actual meter-readings, GPL was required to read 97 per cent of maximum-demand consumers and 90 per cent of non?maximum- demand consumers.

Neither standard was achieved. For non?maximum-demand consumers, 94 per cent of the bills were read; and for maximum-demand consumers, 88 per cent of the bills were read.

GPL based its results on two challenges, namely: inability to have access to premises and the changes in personal lifestyles. In the latter case, the company said the proliferation of hous-

A GPL representative making a presentation before the PUC at the public hearing

not think it appropriate at this time to make any award of monetary penalty on the company. Their failure to meet certain targets as adumbrated was mitigated by the fact that they were not excessive and the impact on consumers was not inordinately burdensome.”

Moreover, the Commission Chaired by Justice Prem Persaud said there is no intention to have the decision held as a precedent for the current performance of the company and hopes that GPL can fulfil its mandate in providing a safe service at reasonable prices.

In the case of customer interruptions on the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), GPL was expected to limit the number of outages a consumer received to no more than 75. However, the average number of outages per consumer in 2016 stood at 118.

The utility company said its failure to meet the standard is a result of the malfunctioning of the submarine

Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), the intention was to limit the average duration of outages that a consumer would have received in 2016 to no more than 90.

However, the average duration experienced by consumers was 125.8 hours.

The malfunctioning submarine cable was also given as the explanation for not meeting the identified target in 2016.

The voltage regulations were also not met. Part 1 of the standard states that “GPL shall seek to maintain in stable conditions, voltages of ± 5 per cent of the nominal voltage and ± 10 per cent following a system disturbance.”

The company indicated from the inception that it would be difficult to monitor and report on the voltage supplied to each customer.

This standard was not measured previously.

It was however stated that when the planned programme for the installation of AMI meters is completed

EXTENSIVE RECONFIGURATION The utility company indicated that at times the job may require extensive network reconfiguration and there may be problems with material availability, resulting in a temporary postponement until the materials are sourced.

“Sometimes addressing a voltage problem may require a feeder line to be de-energised that will result in load-shedding to consumers supplied with electricity from the said line. In some instances, the company may postpone the job until such time as maintenance is due on the line. The voltage complaint is then addressed when maintenance work on the line commences,” GPL explained.

However, the commission has recommended that GPL refrain from beginning work unless it is certain that it has all materials on hand.

“Overall, we believe the inconvenience suffered by the consumers to be marginal,” the PUC said.

ing schemes throughout the country coupled with the fact that very often no one is at home during the day when the meter readers visit, make it difficult to have access to the meters.

Notwithstanding that, a number of measures were implemented to overcome those challenges but have not been successful and the company pointed to the hand-held devices used to read data stored in meters.

Oftentimes, those devices were unable to read the meters which in some cases meant the meters were faulty.

IMPROVEMENT Meanwhile, while GPL has failed to meet its accounts receivable target which stipulates it must have a 30-day cash-collection cycle, the company has maintained that its collection cycle has improved over the previous year as a result of the efficient dispatching of bills to consumers and more timely payment by customers that were traditionally in

default.

GPL’s average cash-collection cycle was 37 days in 2016.

Also, the utility company noted that the standard would be difficult to meet since the company gives 21 days credit periods and a further 14-day grace period before taking action to enforce compliance.

However, the entity has registered its concern about Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) not making payments in relation to street lights.

As it relates to system losses, the standard is set at 28.6 per cent of dispatched power for 2016 and the company reported that system losses stood at 29.2 per cent of dispatched power that year.

It explained that the Loss Reduction Division was closed for approximately three months to facilitate an investigation of the division.

In response, the PUC described the reason as disappointing, noting that a system loss of one per cent translates to approximately $200M. The increased loss of 0.6 of one per cent over 2015 translates to a loss of $120M. “The statement by GPL at the hearing casts a damming indictment on the employees of the company. When an admission is made that workers have to be monitored, condign actions should have been taken to have them not only disciplined but dismissed from the service.”

The commission added that it is yet to be convinced that the closure of the Loss Reduction Department is the main reason for the target not being met.

“The reason for the failure may have more to do with the inability of the company to commence its metering programme envisaged in its 2016 to 2020 Development and Expansion Programme.

The metering of consumers as planned in the D & E Programme should in theory significantly reduce commercial losses and by extension reduce the overall percentage of system losses. We trust that for 2017, GPL will report positively on this standard.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Labour Day Messages

PNCR recognises critical role of trade unions THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) joins all Guyanese workers, as well as those of our Region and the world at large in celebrating Labour Day. This is usually the occasion when the workers of the world and the organisations which represent them take stock of their situations and conditions and resolve to take strong and determined actions to ensure that their gains are preserved, and that the fight continues for a better future.

On this occasion, the PNCR recognises the critical role that Trade Unions have played in the political, economic and social development of the country and asserts that such a role can only continue if the Trade Union Movement as a whole remains united and protect the interests of the workers of this country. The Party also admonishes the trade union movement to recognise that the current era demands that Trade Unions must

make necessary adjustments to cope with the existing and emerging challenges, so that they can survive and remain relevant.

The PNCR salutes the workers of this nation as we struggle to create a more cohesive and prosperous Guyana where all can achieve the promised good life. The PNCR asserts that such a society can only come about if the Trade Union Movement as a whole is united and protect the interests of the workers of this country. The Party also admonishes the trade union movement to recognise that the current era demands that Trade Unions must make necessary adjustments to cope with the existing and emerging challenges, so that they can survive and remain relevant.

Solidarity forever!

People’s National Congress Reform Congress Place, Sophia Georgetown, Guyana

Labour Day 2017 demands the unity of our working people THE GUYANA Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends warm and fraternal greetings to the workers of Guyana on the occasion of Labour Day 2017. This year, as workers in various parts of the country take part in marches and rallies, the GAWU is pleased to record that the observances are characterised by greater signs of unity in the trade union movement. Such togetherness is needed especially at this time when our working-people are confronted by increasing pressures and heavier burdens.

The GAWU is also saddened to record that for the first time, in a long time, Labour Day finds workers and their families in a state of great uncertainty and having to contend with steadily declining living standards and an ever-increasing cost of living. We see deteriorating economic circumstances serving to devalue our dollar and increasing the cost of imports. At the same time, additional burdens are placed on workers’ backs with the taxation of previously untaxed essential goods and services; the introduction of new taxes; the hiking of extant taxes; the significant increases in the cost of Government fees, among other things. In such a depressing state we see the promise of a ‘Good Life’ becoming increasingly elusive.

For the nation’s sugar workers, Labour Day celebrations are most bitter. Not only are they the only segment of the state’s employees to be denied pay rises and incentive payments,but now salt is being rubbed into the deep wounds inflicted on the heels of the closure of Wales as thousands more stand to be gravely affected by the Administration’s closure and sell-out intentions for sugar. In totality, 9,000 workers will have their jobs lost and thus forced onto the breadline resulting from the Executive’s ill-considered and, seemingly ill-thought-out, decision on

sugar. Aside from the workers, tens of thousands of poor, hard-working Guyanese stand to be affected and scores of now vibrant villages will certainly experience falling standards. It seems, from our perspective, that the ‘Good Life’ is not applicable to this large section of Guyanese.

It is disheartening, and perplexing, that in spite of the massive social and economic consequences that will attend the industry’s miniaturization, the Executive remains headstrong and seemingly unconcerned.

Clearly, it seems to us in GAWU, that the Government has selectively ignored the advice of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which had warned that the societal effects of the sugar decision must be considered foremostly. Such consideration is especially important when the alternatives proposed are seemingly non-starters.

GAWU reiterates its strong view that sugar can be saved and be made sustainable. Key to such a feat we hold is a supportive Administration, a knowledgeable management, and committed workforce.

Indeed, the working-people, the students, the farmers, the youth, the pensioners are facing challenging and tough times.

But, at the same time, we are also seeing increasingly the fight back and resistance to the harsh decisions being taken. This is indeed a positive development and one that augurs well for our people and that should be actively and widely supported. As the workers and their organisations celebrate Labour Day, the GAWU looks to the unity displayed today being consolidated. This is a demand of the times in which we live and is in the interest of Guyana’s working-people and our nation’s future as well.

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

PPP stands strong with workers THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends greetings to all workers, labour leaders and indeed, to all Guyanese on this important day. We recognise that it is the toil, sweat and sacrifices of our workers that are responsible for whatever achievements we have made and successes we enjoy as a country and as a people. We further recognise that it is our workers that will be responsible for catapulting us to whatever heights we attain in the future.

From slavery, indentureship, colonial times to present day, workers have scored innumerable victories and have radically transformed their working conditions. Today, the Guyanese workers have all the legal protection, rights and freedoms that workers enjoy almost everywhere. The struggle to accomplish these feats was long and hard.

Many were brutalised; many were jailed and many paid the ultimate price with their lives.

These victories must be celebrated; sacrifices respected and lives never forgotten. However, many of the gains won by these workers are now being threatened and much of the progress made are being reversed under this administration.

From our travels and meetings across this country, we are aware that the economic and political situation in our country is a matter of deep concern of and worry to workers and their families. Workers from every sector and people from all walks of life are apprehensive, not only about their daily existence but more importantly, about their future, their children’s future and the future of our

country. We are well aware, that these fears and apprehensions are well founded.

Every productive sector is on the decline; in the sugar industry, estates are being closed and thousands are being dismissed; in the rice sector, they are no new markets and no competitive price for paddy; in the mining sector, small and medium scale miners can no longer afford the cost of production; in the forestry sector, they are no markets for logs; in the commercial sector, there is a drastic decline in trade and commerce? And we can go on.

We appreciate the devastating impact which the draconian tax regime imposed by this Administration is having on the working and vulnerable people of our country. We recognize that taxes and VAT on electricity, water, education and health services are simply wreaking havoc on families across this land.

Politically, workers are operating in an environment where discrimination is rampant; their rights and freedoms to march and protest are threatened; the rule of law is under siege and where political witch-hunting and persecution have become institutionalized policies of the Government of the day.

Against this dismal backdrop, we stand strongly in solidarity with our workers as they face these various challenges; we urge them to stay resolute; to unite; stand up for their rights and to remember that the PPP is on their side in the struggle for a better life.

Happy Labour Day to all People’s Progressive Party

Region Nine farmers trained to price their produce REGION Nine farmers and agro-processors are now equipped with the knowledge to identify costs of inputs and labour to help them arrive at realistic prices for their produce.

The knowhow was recently imparted at a one-day Cost of Production Workshop organised by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in AgriSome of the participants at the Cost of Production culture (IICA) in training held by IICA in Region Nine collaboration with the New Guyana Cost of production methods were deMarketing Corporation and PROPEL. veloped for peanuts, cassava bread, hot The training provided a template that sauce, plantain chips, and guava jam. can be used for the calculation of costs Participants were also given resource of production for many agricultural com- materials and are now knowledgeable modities. about how to calculate the costs of proThe 47 participants, including five ducing, knowing their profit margins and students from Bena Hill, at the end of the being able to negotiate better prices for one-day exercise were also in a better posi- their produce. tion to improve their linkages and access to The exercise is the first of a series of rural, local rural and international markets. training activities by IICA in business deThe interactive workshop allowed for velopment, focused on cost of production. the development of five different costs of The programme will continue in production schedules operable in the Re- May, targeting farmers and agro-progion Nine. These costs were divided into cessors in Regions Two, Three, Four, fixed and variable costs.

Five, Six and 10.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

The PPP has transformed Guyana into an Ethnic State and Political Economy LAST week I sought to address the taboo issue -- Ethnicity. My central point was that the PPP’s wholesale ethnic transfer of resources — political, economic and cultural — to the elites of one of our ethnic communities has set back the cause of ethnic peace in Guyana. I also argued that since that ethnic transfer was done through the channels of the government and State, any attempt to correct the illegalities therein would be seen as ethnic revenge by half of our population.

Any government that is concerned about stability, therefore, would be restrained in its actions and policies in pursuit of re-leveling the ethnic playing field. I concluded that the current government finds itself in exactly that situation.

I called it the Ethnic Trap—a trap that was deliberately set by the PPP. The transfer was partly grounded in class, because those who benefited mostly were the old Indian- Guyanese elite and a new elite of mostly Indian- Guyanese that evolved under PPP rule. While there was minimum benefit to the Indian- Guyanese working classes, this does not mean that the transfer was not grounded in ethnicity. The pursuit of class interests does not remove the salience of ethnicity and race.

Race is often used as a mask for class interests, but class interests often serve ethnic and racial objectives.

I am arguing that the economic and political power that resulted from the transfer of wealth into private hands under the PPP has widened the gap in wealth and power accumulation between our two major ethnic groups. That

has fundamental consequences going forward. The PPP transformed the State and Political Economy in Guyana. After two decades of deliberate policies and actions, it has left Guyana an Ethnic State and Political Economy that favour one ethnic group. This is obvious to the naked eye. Look at all the revelations of crooked government transactions and see who are the beneficiaries. The PNC created an authoritarian State which the PPP maintained and put an ethnic stamp on it. So, any fight against authoritarianism brings the fighters into direct conflict with Indian- Guyanese elite interests and indirectly into conflict with wider IndianGuyanese ethnic sensitivities.

That is why some of the speakers at the Indian Arrival Summit were so vociferous in their calls on Indian- Guyanese to rise up and defend their gains.

What they did not say was that a lot of those “gains” were part of an unfair ethnic transfer of common wealth to an ethnic elite. Most of their calls to action were addressed at defending the elites of the group.

One has to move beyond the ethnic make-up of organs of the State and examine who lead and control them and whose interests they protect and further.

The police force is AfricanGuyanese populated, but Indian-Guyanese are well represented in the leadership.

An average policeman will quicker protect and defend the interests of an Indian -Guyanese “big boy” than the average African- Guyanese citizen. The present government plays ball with many of those who unfairly and illegally benefited from the transfer of wealth under

the PPP. Many of the PPP enforcers are still in big positions in the ministries and they openly flaunt their PPP affiliation and allow it to influence their work.

The truth is that this newly empowered elite are using their wealth, status and strategic locations in the State and the economy to hold the country at ransom under the guise of undermining the government.

They are using their economic monopoly to frustrate economic activity. They are using their power to buy government influence and, in the process, try to corrupt government leaders. They are using their positions in the government bureaucracy to stymie government action at basic levels of government. They are using their wealth to infiltrate and influence legitimate grouses that various groups have against government policy.

They are piggy-backing on legitimate concerns about the democratic credentials of SARA to try to delegitimise that institution. The attacks on Clive Thomas, Eric Phillips et al are deliberate. They are playing on the weaknesses of the government. They are baiting the Indian- Guyanese AFC leaders in the government by painting them as betrayers of the Indian-Guyanese brotherhood/sisterhood.

One of the criticisms of my comments on the Ethnic Trap last week is that this trap existed before the PPP came back to power in 1992; that the PNC behaved the same way towards Indian- Guyanese when they held power. While I have some sympathy for that line of argument, I think one must be much more clinical in our reading of history. I hold no brief for the PNC. I fought against their excess-

es when they held government before 1992 and will do so again if this present crop of leaders go down that same or a similar road.

While we may choose to read history and interpret it through ethnic lenses, in the end the evidence seldom lies. Did the PNC practise discrimination against Indian- Guyanese because of their ethnicity? Yes. Did the PNC ultimately seek to set up an Ethnic Political Economy and State? The evidence suggests it did not. It did create an authoritarian State, but that State did not explicitly seek to protect and advance African- Guyanese interests in an ethnic-specific manner.

Insofar as African- Guyanese benefited from such a State, they did so indirectly.

The authoritarian State under the PNC was as brutal to African-Guyanese as it was to Indian-Guyanese Did the PNC practise ethnic clientelism in favour of African- Guyanese?

Yes. But one has to make a distinction between ethnic socio-economic gestures and ethnic socio-economic policies. The PNC, while in power, made ethnic gestures to African- Guyanese, but they were very timid about implementing policies that would fundamentally close the economic gap between the major ethnic groups or directly benefit African- Guyanese. One could point to Burnham’s early policies on bauxite and in housing and education as examples of areas from which African-Guyanese as a group indirectly benefited . The National Service was a more ethnically direct intervention.

But those initiatives fell away as the regime became more authoritarian. There were never any sustained

Village Renewal policies in politics or economics. In fact, the PNC’s removal of the Village Councils killed a pivotal centre of African -Guyanese political power.

If there were any further big ethnic empowerment plans for African- Guyanese, those were sacrificed at the altar of political power. The break between ASCRIA and the PNC in 1971 stripped the PNC of its ethnic soul in a deep cultural sense. What remained was a purely opportunistic relationship between the party and its followers which Walter Rodney and the WPA were able to expose and exploit in places such as Linden, Georgetown, Buxton and some of the other villages. The AFC, under Raphael Trotman’s leadership, did the same thing electorally at the 2006 election.

Many point to the military as a powerful centr eof African-Guyanese power.

That is only partly true.

While African-Guyanese control of the military has had symbolic value, it has never translated into actual empowerment for the group.

Not economically or politically. Police and soldiers have been wage earners at the bottom of the economic scale. Our military was never independently political and so never served as a form of African- Guyanese empowerment. It never sought to intervene politically to change the ethnic balance of power. There were no coups to restore African- Guyanese power. The military and police were enforcers for the PNC, but when the tables turned they quickly became enforcers for the PPP. As I argued last week, the African- Guyanese elites tend to be simplistic about

ethnicity. While they would get riled up about ethnic discrimination against African-Guyanese in private and may make some occasional public statements, they are less inclined to use government to implement policies aimed at correcting such discrimination. They will make ethnic gestures to African- Guyanese such as giving assistance to individuals in need and giving jobs to the party faithful, but they would not implement policies that explicitly address particular challenges facing African-Guyanese.

I think this attitude is influenced by a convergence of three factors. First, most African- Guyanese elites have embraced Western notions of “neutralism” which at a theoretical level advances a form of universalism that ignores particular group interests. Second, there is a lack of faith by the elites in the capacity of African- Guyanese to grasp opportunities given to them. You hear this a lot from Burnhamites who point to policies that Burnham implemented that were geared to uplift AfricanGuyanese and that were subsequently squandered by them. Finally, there is a surrender to real-politics by the African- Guyanese political leaders, which says that since you are not going to win elections with African-Guyanese votes alone, it is politically counter-productive to expend political capital on them.

More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www. guyanacaribbeanpolitics. com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Why we march TOMORROW the trade union movement will be hosting its annual Labour Day march and rally. This event, as a commemorative one, has its genesis in the struggle of workers in Chicago, USA for improved working conditions. On the 4th May 1886, a number of these workers were shot and killed for exercising their right to demand just reward for their labour.

The point of trade unionism, often ignored, is that we are a global community.

Our values are shaped and influenced by principles adumbrated in international conventions and charters and universal declarations.

It is our fervent belief that injustice anywhere threatens justice and prosperity everywhere.

The trade union movement is a creature of conflict that is functional for human development and of which

I most proud. For, it was the resistance of workers against exploitation in the workplace, deprivation and marginalisation in the wider society, that led to the establishment of this organisation to represent the interest of the collective. In the presence of unity there is strength.

Where employers (private and public) and government, through various established associations and institutions ensure the advancement and protection of their interest, when workers are without similar supporting structures they are often at the mercy of uncaring and self-serving employers. Our history has shown, from the period of slavery, when the masses are organised as a force, systems of oppression and deprivations can be toppled.

Were it not for the sacrifices of the people, often seen through their sweat,

blood and tears, achievements would not have been possible. A lesson of history is that power concedes nothing without demand.

Everything the workers have achieved was not without resilience and conflict. There is premium in the belief that anything worth having is worth fighting for. The true measure of a man or woman is the ability to defy and overcome adversity.

The ability of our forebears to do this is evident by our existence.

Were it not for the resilience of persons like Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the right to one-man-one-vote would not have been articulated and achieved. For in 1926 when he and other Caribbean labour leaders conferenced in Georgetown, and set in motion the path to attain the fundamental right to self-determination for the Caribbean peoples, Cheddi

Jagan was a boy running around in short pants and Forbes Burnham a toddler.

Life is akin to a relay and each generation has its role to play for the development and growth of the human race. When the baton is passed on to us, we shoulder a responsibility to carry it with studied determination and commitment to achieve the common good. Those who yield to the temptation to recline and live a life of plenty whilst participating in acts to deprive their fellow man, do a disservice to man’s development; representing a selfish outlook to life.

The trade union has earned its seat at the nation’s table. The record will show we have been the fore-runner of the 20th century movement that led to the improvement of the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of the masses.

Some of our achieve-

ments are: universal adult suffrage, internal self-government/right to self-determination, public health and education, eight-hour work day, 40-hour work week, leave with pay, pension, severance pay, occupational safety and health, maternity leave and benefits, gender equity, equal pay for equal work, premium pay for working at nights, and fundamental rights and freedoms.

All of the aforesaid are marked by a long and arduous journey, on a road paved with self-sacrifices and struggles. These are gains not only worthy of taking note of, but also worthy of guarding zealously, to preserve, strengthen and deepen. These are not to be trifled with or eroded.

Any attempt to do so must be met with spirited resistance, and those involved in the acts of deprivations must be met with corresponding force, as we rightly defend what was

fought for and achieved.

The red we wear on this day symbolises our blood; the white our purity of purpose. When we march and rally we signal another reminder to those in authority that they do not have the power to kill our un-daunting spirit and determination. That march and rally, followed by merriment, are reminders of the people/ workers’ will and determination. Such include the unwavering commitment to cherish, protect, and defend our gains and the land of our birth.

The trade union fervently believes the values we hold would only redound to the collective benefit of the workers --- past, present and potential. So tomorrow we would march and rally, once again reinforcing the conviction that “the union makes us strong.”

Australian diplomats visit Minister of Natural Resources MS. PENNY Williams, Deputy Foreign Minister and Trade Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs in the Australian Government along with Mr John Pilbeam, Australian High Commissioner to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, visited Honourable Raphael G.C. Trotman M.P., at the Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday April 28, 2017.

During the discussions

the parties addressed a number of issues related to Guyana’s natural resources sector, including oil and gas, gold production and opportunities that these sectors may have for future cooperation.

Minister Trotman told the visiting party of how impressed he was with Troy Resources, the Australian gold company whose contribution was instrumental in Guyana’s achieving a record-breaking gold pro-

duction in 2016. The Minister noted that company’s commitment to health and safety, not only of its workers but also of persons who might reside in the communities in which that company operates.

The discussions also included where Guyana was with the development of its Sovereign Wealth Fund with Minister Trotman noting that this fund will be managing revenues not only from oil

and gas but also from mining and forestry with a view to enhancing transparency in all natural resources sectors.

Minister Trotman spoke of all the support that Guyana was receiving in preparation for management of the oil and gas sector. He noted that Guyana needed support in terms of training of persons in the oil and gas sector and indicated the Ministry’s willingness to receive support from Australia.

The visiting team intimated their willingness to examine ways in which the friendship and cooperation between the two countries could be enhanced.

Ms. Williams, who was appointed to her current post in February 2017, also pledged Australia’s support for Guyana regarding the nation’s territorial integrity.

Since Guyana and Australia established diplomatic ties on May 14, 1973, rela-

tions between the two countries have been concentrated mainly on interactions at the multilateral level through fora such as the Commonwealth and the United Nations.

There remains great potential for increased bilateral cooperation in the areas of education/training, agriculture, trade, tourism, security, health and in environment and climate change related matters.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

No child left behind Police using WhatsApp to policy was a failure tackle crime

THE MINISTRY of Education is considering the reimplementation of its grade repetition programme against the automatic promotion of students who would have failed to satisfactorily complete an earlier grade. This was revealed during the handing over of the preliminary report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the state of the education system.

Deputy Chief Education Officer, Donna Chapman, told the gathering of commissioners and other senior education officials that the education ministry has recognised the need to return to - grade-retention or grade the repetition policy. She said that at the level of the education systems committee, the ministry has to relook at the retention policy to see what adjustments and upgrades could be made.

Chapman noted however, that based on the COI findings, consideration would be given to review the policy of the automatic promotion system.

The Automatic Promotion Policy, popularly called the “no child left behind” programme was promoted under the leadership of former Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh, in a bid to correct what was said to be adverse effects as a result of the Grade Repetition initiative.

COI Chairman, Ed Caesar, has related however that stakeholders spoken to during the commission’s investigations have described the automatic promotion policy as a total failure.

Caesar said that both teachers and parents have agreed that if a child is not performing in a class they must not be automatically allowed to move on to the

next grade.

He said that the policy is creating gaps where the child is unable to successfully achieve the basics from an earlier grade and is thus unable to build upon what it is they are supposed to know.

“So we haven’t crafted and created and solved that issue but we are moving the child forward. So the Child comes with problems here, some baggage the child brings here, problems here, more problems here and we can’t move forward. Then we ask ourselves why these young people are not performing.

It’s because of our stupidity…” Caesar charged.

He opined that once those responsible for supervising, monitoring programmes and the progress of children are doing what they are supposed to and are acting to address the issue urgently and quickly then the automatic promotion and grade-retention policies will have less of an impact than it currently has.

Personally, Caesar said,

he is against anything that sounds remedial and urged that we ignore those directions since the task is to ensure that a comprehensive system is put in place and made to function effectively.

Caesar said that, “the important thing is not to promote inefficiencies,” by promoting students and widening the gap between each grade.

In 2014, then Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, had instructed public schools to scrap the automatic promotion policy. She had adjusted the system, and required students who score below the overall pass mark in more than 50 per cent of the subjects to repeat the grade.

Students who achieved less than the overall pass mark set by the school, and scored unacceptable marks in Mathematics and English were also being pinned to repeat the grade.

The DCEO said however that the Automatic Promotion Policy is still in effect.

THE GUYANA Police Force (GPF) is using messaging service WhatsApp to tackle synchronization of crime reports and community outreach programmes of all divisions within the police force.

Head of Police Public Relations Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, said WhatsApp groups were created to encourage the free flow of information amongst the police and stakeholders.

These groups include: GPF Commanders, Detectives and Traffic Heads; GPF Community Relations and Media Relations Officer; GPF and the Media Team; GPF TV and Radio Programme; GPF and Mayors; GPF and Private Sector Commission and Chambers of Commerce and the GPF Community Policing Groups.

“These groups are being used to ensure that there is free flow of information between stakeholders and the Guyana Police Force; information is shared rapidly,” the superintendent said.

Further, he said that the GPF will soon be broadcasting a special WhatsApp number where people could anonymously post complaints. People can even attach images or short videos to prove their complaint is genuine.

Since the WhatsApp groups will be manned by a senior officer, Ramlakhan said persons providing In-

formation, photographs and details can remain anonymous.

The superintendent said this service will be available to anyone who has a smartphone, and allows one to send text messages, photos, audio recordings, and even short videos. With a decent internet connection, you can even make audio or video calls.

Adding that citizens will in time be able to use WhatsApp and other interactive platforms to provide tips to the police, Superintendent Ramlakhan said the GPF law enforcement and intelligence officials will be using the information to maintain law and order.

According to the press officer, social media is currently the biggest communication channel employed by all manner of persons, irrespective of social class and status in society. It has become the fastest information- dissemination avenue without checks and balances and that is the very reason why the police force must maintain a constant and strong presence on social media to give verification to information that have criminal elements as well as have the potential to threaten the security of this country.

He noted that as part of the unseen hands controlling the new world order, social media has become the centre where everything begins.

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Not even the rain stopped them

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

THE Ministry of Communities’ Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond at Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) is rapidly taking shape as the first phase caters for the construction of 758 housing units; 265 duplexes and 38 town houses in 10 locations in six regions. As the programme progresses, several other housing options are to come on stream, including condominiums.

As can be seen, yesterday’s heavy rainfall did little to stall the efforts of hundreds of builders

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Sports Tourism has potential to become a major industry – but challenges must be overcome By: Neola Damon THE introduction of sports tourism as a major industry in Guyana is an excellent idea, but there

are a number of challenges which will need to be addressed if the concept is to be successful. This is the opinion of Technical Facilitator to the Minister

of Education, Vincent Alexander.

The Education Ministry official made this statement during his brief remarks at the inaugural workshop on

Developing Sports Tourism under the theme, “Improving Sports through Tourism; growing Tourism through Sports”. The workshop was held at Pegasus Hotel, Kingston.

“Do we have facilities

Technical Facilitator to the Minister of Education, Vincent Alexander

St. Lucia-based Sports Consultant Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira

that in fact can be provided for sports tourism that includes certain standards that can market the country?…….Do we have the kind of human resources that ensure that you can properly organise and manage those activities?” Alexander questioned. The industry will also be challenged, he added, by the capacity of sport organisations to become involved.

The Technical Facilitator explained that the areas highlighted, described as critical to the sports tourism industry, will need to be addressed immediately in an effort to move forward.

Alexander pointed out that there were other resources within the country which can attract tourism, apart from sport, and hopes that those resources will be highlighted for the betterment of the country.

Meanwhile, St. Lucia-based Sports Consultant, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, noted during the courtesy call made to the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin on Friday, that the sports tourism industry needs major private sector input with the support from sport associations and other stakeholders.

Although the Caribbean countries which are involved in the sports tourism industry have become successful, Perreira explained that it will take some time for Guyana to experience that success, especially since there

is much need for promotion via the media to help in the process of attracting persons to the country.

The Sports Consultant expressed his gratitude for the co-operation given to him, but hopes that an internal sports tourism industry could also be realised.

Minister Gaskin said that he was happy to witness the collaboration between his Ministry and the various sports organisations. He had labelled sports tourism a viable and sustainable component of Guyana’s overall tourism product, adding that it has a contribution to make towards the nation’s development.

“We understand that tourism has to be developed from the ground up, and those involved have to understand that they are participating in something that has an economic value, and has a contribution to make to our economy,” the Minister explained.

He further noted that sports should not only be seen as a competition, but has the potential to bring persons to Guyana.

This workshop was a collaborative effort among the Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Business, National Sports Commission in the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport (NSC), and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). (GINA, GUYANA)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

MARAD hosts maritime search, rescue table-top exercise for key stakeholders THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) hosted a Maritime Search and Rescue Table-Top exercise on Saturday, at the Rescue Coordinating Centre in the Ports and Harbours complex where stakeholders acted out responses to given scenarios.

cise demanded much time and good equipment. “Search and rescue is a serious operation because we take into consideration the lives of people and its two distinct operations, one is search and after found the object (vessel) then we start to look at the issue of rescuing those that require it,”

Director, Maritime Safety, Captain John Flores

Participants were drawn from MARAD, the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Coast Guard, Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture – Fisheries Department, Guyana Trawler Owners Association, Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Police Force(GPF)- Marine Department, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Executive Director of the CDC, Col R’td Chabilall Ramsarup noted that the exer-

he explained.

Ramsarup noted that operation time is very important and with time comes the equipment that they will have to use to make sure the response is fast and safe. He also explained that drills for these operations are very important, and must be done often with the respective personnel.

“Another important thing, drills especially as it relates to our vessels, we have to practise them very often, the fire safety drill, the man overboard drill, command and

control onboard a vessel,” he added.

He noted that measures are being put in place to ensure that officers on board vessels are adequately trained so they can perform these functions.

Director of Maritime Safety, Captain John Flores noted that the exercise gave them an opportunity to get to know better the standard operating procedures of maritime search and rescue. He added that informative materials would be distributed to the agencies that participated in today’s exercise.

The Maritime Administration Department plans to have another exercise before the end of the year, but it will be a field or simulation exercise.

Executive Director, Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Col Chabilall Ramsarup

Participants during the Table Top exercise

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Paying attention to autism

By Shirley Thomas

The Sorsha Williams Foundation in collaboration with

the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts yesterday held a Fashion Show and Tea Party on the lawns of

the Promenade Gardens, in observance of Autism Awareness Month. Autism Awareness month is ob-

served around the world in April.

The programme was chock full of activities and was well attended by enthusiastic persons who braved the inclement weather to pay tribute and lend support to the persons -- especially children -- who are affected by Autism in Guyana.

Items on the four-hour programme included an Opening Prayer by Gwendolyn Tross; Welcome Remarks

by Mrs. Karen Williams, Founder and President of Sorsha Williams Foundation and mother of the child, Sorsha, in whose honour the foundation was launched.

Sorsha also recited a poem “I am.”

There were also fashion displays by Sonia Noel and others, and the presentation of gifts and certificates.

Additionally, the programme was spiced by dance sequences, including: Interpretive Dance Displays; Salsa and Ball Room Dance; African Dance by Kijana Lewis; Hip Hop Dance Performance; by Euphoria Dance Group comprising Seon Douglas, Carlos Persaud and Jamal Ellise.

Meanwhile, other scheduled attractions included:

At the Autism Fashion Show and Tea Party, on Saturday, Dr. Sonia Noel (right) presents a certificate to a supporter of the Sorsha Williams Foundation

‘Steel Pan Presentation by Ras Camo Williams; Face Painting; Bouncy Castle and Trampoline for the delight of the children present.

Autism is a life-long developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates, interacts and pro-

cesses information. (Scottish Autism) The autism spectrum refers to the range of ways the condition can present in the individual which can vary greatly from person to person and throughout their life.

Albouystown foundation establishes mining syndicate TRUE VISION Foundation, a Community-based, Non-Governmental Organisation operating in Constituency No. 10, basically Albouystown, has established a mining syndicate. It is anticipated that activities created by the syndicate will respond to the plight of The unemployed youths of Albouystown.

The syndicate and the unemployed youths of Constituency # 10 wish to thank His Excellency President David Granger and Hon Minister Raphael Trotman, M.P, Minister of Natural Resources, for accepting the small miners’ proposal to establish mining syndicates throughout Guyana to ease the plight of small miners.

In a press release, issued on Saturday, the mining syndicate affirms: “Special credit must be given to our hard- working Minister Simona Broomes, who had worked so hard, day and night, listening to the dilemma of small

miners who were victims of landlordism exploitation, putting their dreams together.”

The release said the onus was now on the leadership of the representatives of the mining syndicates to ensure the realisation of the syndicates’ objectives.

“From an Albouystown standpoint, our community has been depressed for too long, to allow an opportunity of this magnitude to slip away without putting our Constituency right,” it said, adding that “It is the obligation of the Albouystown Mining Syndicate to ensure that all benefits from the offspin [sic] of this project, particularly our unemployed youths, (both genders) our senior citizens, not forgetting our brothers and sisters with disability.”

The mining syndicate said too, that the way is now clear for small miners to make an impression in the mining industry, creating a new culture therein, thus supporting our Gov-

ernment’s green economy initiative.

“It must be noted that it is the responsibility of the True Vision Foundation to ensure that all prospective miners and various categories of workers be trained in their respective fields, as syndicates are not only about mining, it encompasses forestry activities also.

True Vision Foundation affirmed: “The National Mining Syndicate is here to stay, and all Guyanese must be proud to be a part of the exploitation of our natural resources; they must get involved now.”

The Albouystown Mining Syndicate said it had already paid for 12 blocks of prime mining land and is in a state of readiness to proceed with its mining activities with the support of their potential donors.

Prospective and potential miners who wish to be a part of the syndicate, are invited to call the office on Phone number 592644-6914.

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Berbice claim Igloo Under-17 title after rain ruins final round … Essequibo in runner’s up spot

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE final round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) sponsored Igloo Inter-County Under-17 tournament was completely washed out without a ball being bowled, at separate venues in the capital city yesterday.

The game at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, between Berbice and Demerara was called off at 12:23hrs, while the Guyana Under-15 Select X1 vs Essequibo game scheduled for the Everest Cricket Club was abandoned just after lunch.

Meanwhile, official points standing indicted that Berbice claimed the title after two convincing wins, to top the table with 20.5 points.

In their first round game, Berbice edged Essequibo by three wickets before whipping the Guyana Under-15 Select X1 by nine wickets in round two.

Essequibo claimed the runner’s up spot with 12.1 points, while Demerara and the Guyana Under-15 Select X1 ended on 10.3 points and 2.6 points respectively.

Further,in an invited comment,coach Randolph

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Salisbury 09:00 hrs Sharp Defence 09:30 hrs Malcolm The Pug 10:00 hrs Take Shelter 10:30 hrs Elas Ruby 11:00 hrs Nadaitak 11:30 hrs The Tartan Spartan 12:00 hrs Pepita 12:30 hrs Living Leader THIRSK 09:15 hrs Bosnog 09:45 hrs Majorette 10:15 hrs Judy Woods 10:45 hrs Regal Decree 11:15 hrs Remembrandt 11:45 hrs Naggers 12:15 hrs Materialist 12:45 hrs Mister Moosah IRISH RACING TIPS Gowan Park 09:05 hrs Frima 09:35 hrs Sharliyna 10:05 hrs Bean Feasa 10:35 hrs Somehow 11:05 hrs Taj Mahal 11:35 hrs Shawami 12:05 hrs Smiling Emily LIMERICK 09:20 hrs Dandts Gold 09:50 hrs Loose Chippings 10:20 hrs vJanuary Morn 10:50 hrs Rock In Peace 11:20 hrs San Remo 11:50 hrs Hyperdrive 12:20 hrs Homesman SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Scottsville 08:35 hrs Varallo 09:10 hrs Live Life 09:45 hrs Cape Fling 10:20 hrs Mythical Rule 10:55 hrs Burnt Cherry

Latcha pointed out that while he is disappointed with the outcome yesterday, he feels Berbice played excellent cricket during the two matches played.

“We had two excellent games of cricket. The first game Essequibo give us a little challenge, but we came back strongly against the Select Under-15 team, where we bowled them out(in) just under 12 overs, so I am pleased with the performance,” Latcha said.

Latcha also praised the GCB for organising a wellrun tournament.

At the presentation ceremony, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie thanked the sponsor, adding that Sterling

Alex Algu collects the player-of-the-tournament trophy from acting president of the GCB, Fizul Bacchus.

Products through its Igloo the tournament was good. ipate in the upcoming InIce-cream brand has been A 20-man squad will be re- ter-county Under-19 tourwith the Under-17 tourna- leased shortly by the junior nament, as part of their preparation for the upment for some time now. selection panel.

Sanasie also added that That squad, accord- coming Regional Under-17 the level of play throughout ing to Sanasie,will partic- tournament.

Joshua stops Kltischko in 11th-round to win world titles

By Ian Chadband LONDON,(Reuters)-Anthony Joshua delivered one of the great nights in British boxing annals by stopping Ukrainian,Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round to be crowned IBF, WBA and IBO world heavyweight champion in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Britain’s unbeaten IBF title holder earned a sensational victory by knocking down the 41-year-old former champion twice in the 11th and penultimate round before the referee stepped in to save Klitschko from any more punishment.

What was hailed as the biggest fight night ever staged in a British ring, watched by the largest crowd for a boxing show in Britain for 78 years, lived up to its billing.

It was a thrilling contest which saw both combatants clamber off the canvas seemingly on the verge of defeat,and one which looks destined to be recalled as one of the great heavyweight title fights.

Joshua survived a knockdown for the first time in his professional career in the sixth round and looked close to surrendering his unbeaten record until his late bombardment forced the stoppage.

In a sensational fifth round, Joshua knocked down Klitschko only to end up hanging on desperately at the end of the round as the Ukrainian launched a remarkable comeback.

The veteran had even looked the more likely win-

ner as he defied a 14-year age gap and was outboxing Joshua in the latter stages until the Briton produced a blistering finish to take his unbeaten record to 19 straight stoppage wins.

Both men had to dig

nent. So a massive shout out to Wladimir Klitschko.”

“The best man won tonight and it’s a massive event for boxing,” responded Klitschko after his second defeat in succession at the hands of a British heavy-

Wladimir Klitschko receives a count by the referee after being knocked down by Anthony Joshua(Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Livepic) deep and both looked close to exhaustion before the 27-year-old Joshua’s youth, fitness and sheer power took over in a penultimate round that sent the huge crowd into ecstasy as two barrages sent Klitschko down.

“What can I say? 19-0, three-and-a-half years in the game. As I said, I’m not perfect but I’m trying,” Joshua told the cheering crowd from the ring.

“As boxing states, you leave your ego at the door and you respect your oppo-

weight,following the loss of his titles to Tyson Fury 17 months ago after an 11-year reign.

“Two gentleman fought each other. Anthony was better today. It’s really sad I didn’t make it.”

The fight attracted a gate that had not been matched for a British show since Len Harvey fought Jock McAvoy for the British light-heavyweight title at another London venue, White City, in 1939.

The mutual praise between Joshua and Klitschko echoed the civilized and re-

spectful way the two former Olympic champions had behaved in the build-up to the contest,but there was nothing civil about the brutal punishment they dished out to each other.

After four rounds of feeling each other out, with Klitschko’s movement and Joshua’s power quite apparent, the crowd were not prepared for an astonishing fifth round.

First, Joshua launched a blistering left hook and followed up with a flurry of punches that saw the Ukrainian drop to his knees and, when he rose groggily, take a standing count.

Klitschko suddenly looked old and the end seemed nigh as Joshua roared in to finish the job,but that was when he found his champion’s spirit in his desperation, landing a big left of his own to leave Joshua in real peril.

The Ukrainian continued in the sixth, setting up his opponent with the jab before a huge right cross sent Joshua down.

He scrambled off his knees but it did not look as if he would see the eighth round, uncharted territory for the Briton who had won all his previous fights within seven.

Yet after Klitschko had, remarkably, looked almost the younger of the two fighters in the stretch, Joshua demonstrated real heart to go with his power as he unleashed a right uppercut that signaled the final assault on the Ukrainian’s scrambled senses.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Players reject Cricket Australia pay offer

(REUTERS)-Australia’s professional cricketers rejected a pay offer from the sport’s governing body on Friday, saying the proposal was “a win for cricket administrators but a loss for cricket”.

The already protracted and sometimes rancorous negotiations between the players’ union and Cricket Australia (CA) precede the expiry of the current fiveyear deal, which runs out at

the end of June.

CA released their proposal last month, offering large salary increases, particularly for women, but breaking with the 20-year model of a fixed percentage of revenue from the game going to the cricketers.

That break and a number of other factors proved unacceptable to the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA), who laid out a counter-proposal in a

CA chief James Sunderland

statement on Friday.

“The ACA on behalf of Australia’s cricketers has today rejected Cricket Australia’s pay and conditions proposal,” read a statement.

“The ACA also expresses frustration that what should be a relatively simple and good faith negotiation has not proceeded in this way.

“The fact that CA has, despite various attempts

Suarez and Rakitic see Barca through

By Richard Martin BARCELONA,(Reuters)-Barcelona came through a testing local derby at Espanyol to win 3-0 and cling on to their slender lead at the top of La Liga thanks to two clinical finishes from Luis Suarez and a strike from Ivan Rakitic made by a vintage slalom run by Lionel Messi.

Suarez pounced on a disastrous backpass from Jose Manuel Jurado to break the deadlock in the 50th minute and Rakitic sealed the win in the 76th by side-footing home Messi’s cutback after the Argentine had torn through the home defence.

Suarez, who had failed to score in his previous five games in all competitions, took advantage of

another calamitous error by the otherwise impressive Espanyol backline and rifled in from close range in the 87th minute.

Barca were under pressure to win after Real Madrid had beaten Valencia to provisionally lead the standings earlier in the day, and the champions got an early fright when Jurado eased into their area but fired wide of the far post.

Espanyol’s good organisation then went to waste when Jurado gifted the ball to Suarez, who knocked it past former Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez with an effortless flick of the outside of his right boot.

Barca top the standings on 81 points due to their superior headto-head record over Real, who also Barcelona’s Luis Suarez celebrates a have 81 and have a game in hand. goal. REUTERS/Albert Gea

Pollard, Bumrah give Mumbai the edge in Super Over thriller

Jasprit Bumrah showcased his death bowling expertise in the Super Over for Mumbai Indians.

JASPRIT Bumrah showcased his death bowling expertise in the Super Over as Mumbai Indians overcame Gujarat Lions in an Indian Premier League classic on Saturday.

Chasing 154 for victory, Mumbai were seemingly

cruising at 82-1 and at 127-4 in the 17th there was little sign of the drama to come, before the visitors lost six wickets for 26 thanks largely to some remarkable fielding.

James Faulkner had already run out Jos Buttler and with Mumbai needing

12 from seven balls, direct hits from Irfan Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja left the visitors needing one from the final delivery.

Jadeja was unerring again, though, running out Krunal Pandya to rescue a tie, but those heroics proved in vain as Mumbai made 11 from their five balls in the Super Over - Faulkner having Kieron Pollard and Buttler caught in the deep after the West Indian had clubbed a four and a six.

Despite starting with a no-ball and then a wide in his first three deliveries, Bumrah’s searing yorkers were too good for Brendon McCullum and Aaron Finch, who could only manage six as Mumbai moved level with Kolkata Knight Riders at the top of the table.

Earlier, teenage

opener Ishan Kishan’s 48 from 35 balls underpinned Gujarat’s 153-9, Pandya’s 3-14 doing the most damage as Mumbai kept their hosts to a manageable total.

Parthiv Patel struck nine fours and a six in his 44ball 70 to set the platform for Mumbai’s chase, but his good work was in danger of being undone as the lower order cracked under the immense pressure of Gujarat’s superb fielding.

After Pathan’s direct hit accounted for Mitchell McClenaghan from the last ball of the 19th over, Mumbai needed 11 from the final set of six. Pandya hit the first ball over the ropes, but Jadeja twice swooped with accurate throws from the infield to set up a Super Over, where Bumrah came to the fore.

to do so, produced no logical reason to break the successful partnership model and longstanding relationship with players, leaves the players unclear as to CA’s objectives.”

CA chief James Sutherland also released a statement saying the governing body was confident that a deal would be struck before the end of June but that they were determined to “upgrade the revenue-share

model”.

“We understand their commitment to the existing model, but the fact is that the world has changed, and it needs to be updated to take that into account,” he said.

“It has to include women, it has to support our juniors and community cricket clubs, and it has to provide greater financial certainty for all players, at every level.”

Beleaguered RCB trounced again … facing likely IPL exit

ROYAL Challengers Bangalore’s faint hopes of making the Indian Premier League play-offs took another hit as their batting line-up again failed miserably in a 61-run defeat to Rising Pune Supergiant.

A woeful campaign for Bangalore, which reached its nadir last weekend when they were skittled for a record-low score of 49 by Kolkata Knight Riders, had left Virat Kohli’s side staring at elimination.

And although Kohli struck 55 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Saturday, no other batsman was able to reach double figures as RCB limped to 96-9 in pursuit of 158.

As a result, the Royal Challengers appear certain to miss the play-offs, but things look much better for Pune, who cemented their grip on fourth position with a fifth win from nine outings.

Skipper Steve Smith top-scored for the Supergiant with 45, while there were also strong contributions from in-form opener Rahul Tripathi (37), Manoj Tiwary (44 not out) and MS Dhoni (21 not out) in an innings of 157-3 that provided a sharp contrast to the chaos that followed.

“It’s hard for a captain to stand here and speak after a performance like this,” said Kohli in a post-match interview with former England batsman Kevin Pietersen.

After winning the toss, Kohli offered Tripathi, who has now passed 30 in six successive innings, an early reprieve as he put down an easy chance at mid-on off

Adam Milne.

RCB struck next ball, Samuel Badree having Ajinkya Rahane caught at short fine-leg by Milne, but Pune prospered thereafter despite a tight spell from

Virat Kohli Pawan Negi (1-18 from four overs).

Kohli looked in the mood to lead a successful reply when he raced to 21 off 11 balls with the aid of three fours in one Deepak Chahar over.

Yet it was not long before wickets started tumbling around the captain, who was partially to blame for Kedar Jadhav being run out as the duo were finally punished for one of several mix-ups between the wickets.

By the time Kohli brought up his half-century with a six off Imran Tahir in the 17th over, victory was already assured for Pune. Lockie Ferguson (2-7 from four overs) and Tahir (3-18 from four) were the pick of the home attack.(Omnisport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Windies coaches must now search for new performance strategies

By Dr Rudi Webster IN the West Indies team the support team has grown over the years. Several head coaches and specialists have worked with the team, but did they make a difference to its growth and performance?

Specialisation improves performance but only if the specialist units are well organised and closely integrated to align their activities towards the team’s goals.

Could poor performance of the head coach and specialists and their bombardment of players with excessive information confuse team members and interfere with their thinking, concentration, judgment and confidence? That is a question that they should seriously consider. An honest self-examination is required. They cannot continue to do the same things and expect to get different results.

Wasim Akram,the great Pakistani bowler,thinks that coaches too often confuse their players by overloading them with information.

He feels that information overload and task overload are very bad things for the young mind. He believes that coaches could speed up players’ development by freeing up the players’ minds; by keeping things as clear and simple as possible; by highlighting first important priorities; by exposing young players to just a few things at a time; and by ensuring that what they teach is

heard and understood.

In Medicine, specialisation and technological development have revolutionised the treatment of disease. Although specialists do a fantastic job treating problems related to their specialty, they

perform if the coaches and specialists treated the ‘human being’ inside them with more respect, understanding and commonsense? Motivation of the player is one of the specialists’ most important jobs because the level of the player’s performance depends on

Test greats Jacques Kallis and Wasim Akram sometimes get trapped in their confined area and fail to pay enough attention to the whole body or to the ‘human being’ inside the body.

The same is true of the specialists in sport. Instead of stimulating and motivating the ‘human being’ inside the player,they often ignore, discourage or devalue him.

Every West Indian cricketer is first and foremost a valuable human being who just happens to be able to bowl, bat or field better than other players. He grows up in the same environment and has the same aspirations, concerns, weaknesses, fears, needs, and pressures as other people.

How much better would our promising young players

Alness Turf Club to stage horse race meet on May 14

THE Alness Turf Club which has been inactive for a number of months will once again get involved in the staging of horse race meets at its facilities, Corentyne, Berbice, beginning May 14.

According to a release, the club will be staging a seven-race meet after almost one year and the meet is expected to attract Guyana’s best stables and horses for the seven-race meet which gets underway at 13:00hrs.

Over $3m in prize money will be up for grabs and the feature race will be the Alness Open Classic. There will also be a race for G and Lower animals, one for H and Lower, another for `I’ and Lower and one each for `J’, `K’ and `L’ and Lower horses.

The top jockey, trainer and top stable will be rewarded.

According to Marcell Crawford Jr, organiser of the event, the facility is currently being rehabilitated and during the year (2017), many more events are planned for that venue.

the depth of his motivation and discipline.

Vince Lombardi, a great American Football coach once said that coaches who can outline plays and strategies on a blackboard are a dime a dozen; the ones who win get inside players and motivate.

According to Lombardi, coaches will only moti-

vate their players effectively if they first get into their heads, hearts and belly. Some coaches don’t understand this. They don’t know that motivation depends more on the needs, concerns and aspirations of the players than on the needs and goals of the coaches, specialists and administrators.

This is also true of change. People in authority who suggest the change know of its importance and benefits but the players who have to accept and implement the change might not see its value because it might not meet their needs or address their concerns.

Understanding the player and knowing what makes him tick are critically important.

How committed are the West Indies players to team success? For many years, this has been a major concern of Caribbean people. Players are never fully committed unless they become co-owners of the team’s goals and share responsibility for their achievement. Instead of just handing down instructions, goals and strategies to the players West Indies coaches

and specialists should go out of their way to involve them in a meaningful way in the goal setting process, the formulation of strategy and the review of performance.

What about the players’ self-reliance? Does it improve performance?

How do we get our players to rely less and less on their coaches and more and more on themselves?

Jacques Kallis, the great South African all-rounder, is a strong advocate of self-reliance. He once said, “In some ways coaching today is like a dictatorship.

By that I mean the players are too dependent on their coaches and that coaches do not encourage them to stand on their own feet, back their own judgment and make up their own minds. The player needs to be more self-reliant, learn all he can about his game, and take responsibility for improving and managing it.

When you are batting in the middle,the coach can’t help you and if you can’t stay calm, keep your concentration and think for yourself, you won’t do well.”

West Indies coaches

must now search for new performance strategies. But when coaches are uprooted from their own comfort zones by new challenges, they often revert to the safety of their old ways.

This entrapment reminds me of an old Muslim parable.

An old man was walking home one night when he saw a young friend searching for something under a street light. “What are you doing,” he asked his friend.

“I dropped the key to my house.” “I’ll help you look,” said the old man.

After a few minutes of frustrated searching the old man asked. “Where were you when you dropped the key?” The friend pointed toward the darkness, “Over there.” Then why are you looking for it here?”

“Because this is where the light is,” replied the young man.

West Indies coaches might be searching for success in the illuminated area because that is where their knowledge and experience lie. But the key to West Indies revival might very well lie in the dark, not in the light of their thinking, knowledge and experience.

Regional Women’s Super50 final today...

Aguilleira backs T&T to get the better of Barbados this time TRINIDAD and Tobago Captain, Merissa Aguilleira, is confident that her team can overcome the impressive Barbados Women in the Regional Women’s Super50 Competition, due to come to a thrilling end at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex today.

After what Aguilleira considers a ‘mishap’ in their first game, where they lost to the Barbadians, she believes the team has exhibited the necessary skills and temperament to retain their title, won last year in Guyana. It has definitely shown in the results, as their record thereafter remains unblemished, with their latest victory coming at the expense of the Windwards last Friday..

She thinks due to the wealth of experience in both squads, we are bound to have a fantastic final encounter.

However, Aguilleira insists that if her team sticks to their tasks and are efficient in all aspects of their game, they will come out on top.

Batting for long periods is one thing she stressed on

(which was reiterated by her T&T and West Indian teammate Britney Cooper), as the players and coaching staff believe that in a tournament like this, spending time at the wicket almost guarantees you big scores.

With most matches turning out to be low-scoring affairs in this year’s competition, this key component could prove to be the difference between the eventual winners and the disappointed finalists.

The Regional Women’s Super50 2016 was not necessarily successful, majority of the matches were rained out and Trinidad & Tobago only played one game. This game was against Barbados and proved to essentially be the final. Aguilleira has no doubt in her mind that revenge is on Barbados’ mind coming into this encounter.

She stated, “they will have it in the back of their minds that last year they wanted the Championship so badly and we took it away.”

Merissa was also quite adamant that she holds deep belief in all of her players’ ability, because they are “really good and experienced players, who know how to cross the line.”

The competition itself comes at a crucial time for the West Indies women, as the regional team is preparing for the Women’s World Cup, to be held in England in June. There have been some deficiencies in the batting department for quite a few teams.

Stafanie Taylor made 89 in Jamaica’s final encounter, a score which only seven players have managed to amass throughout the tournament.

However, we have seen some dominant performances from the likes of Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin of Barbados, and Britney Cooper and Stacy Ann King from T&T which are good signs, considering these ladies are all a part of the West Indies setup.

Performances with the ball have been exceptional so far however, with spinner,

T&T captain Meriiisa Aguilleira Afy Fletcher of the Windwards, leading the pack on 15 wickets. Hayley Matthews and Shamelia Connell have been excellent for Barbados, picking up 13 and 12 wickets respectively, with spin-twins Anisa Mohammed and Karishma Ramharack getting the job done for the T&T side, equally splitting 18 wickets between them.

The first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 9:30hrs.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

GINSENG gives one year sponsorship boost to Team Evolution ANSA McAl Trading under their GINSENG brand on Friday last announced that it has renewed its sponsorship of Team Evolution and will be partnering with the club for another year.

This agreement will see GINSENG, a carbonated flavoured beverage with natural ginseng fruit, lending support to Guyana’s leading cycling club until March 2018.

GINSENG Brand Coordinator, Sean Abel, said, “GINSENG looks forward to building a winning partnership with Team Evolution in the coming year. These cyclists make up a group that is energetic, health conscious and victorious;which makes them a perfect combination for GINSENG. “This beverage is known for its herbal benefits that enhance the performance of the human body, and for these cyclists the product helps as a fatigue fighter as well as a muscle relaxer,”Abel added.

President of Team Evolution, Keith Fernandes, pointed out that the top cycling club includes a number of talented senior and veteran cyclists who are passionate about the sport.”I would like to thank GINSENG for their support and for recognising our talent and supporting our passion. We are very honoured to be able to represent GINSENG and I can assure you that we will carry the name with pride.”

Brand Coordinator, Sean Abel, hands over sponsorship to Team Evolution’s president, Keith Fernandes. Also in photo is vice president, Stephen Fernandes (first from right),and Secretary, Andrew Arjoon (first from left),along with the other team members.

Costa Rica tops Cuba, seals Group B COSTA Rica (3W-0D-L, 9 points) scored two goals during a three-minute stretch in the second half to earn a 3-1 win over Cuba (1-1-1, 4) in the 2017 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship on Friday at the Estadio Maracana.

Both sides had already secured passage to the classification stage prior to the opening whistle after Canada (1-0-2, 3) defeated Suriname (0-1-2, 1) earlier in the evening, 2-0.

With the result, the Costa Ricans finished first in Group B with maximum points from three games, while Cuba edged the Canadians for second place by one point.

Costa Rica took a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute, when Cuba’s Miguel Coll directed an Andres Gomez right-sided pass into his own net.

Brian Savigne equalized in the 49th minute, beating goalkeeper Ricardo Montenegro from 10-yards out after Yandry Romero intercepted a wayward backpass and did well to hold possession in the box, before finding his 17-year-old teammate.

In the 68th minute, Gomez gave Costa Rica a lead it would not relinquish by firing into the left side of the net from a severe angle near the right-end line.

Yecxy Jarquin notched an insurance goal in the 71st minute for the Ticos.

FIFA ethics committee opens formal proceedings against CFU president A FIFA ethics committee says it has opened formal proceedings against Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president Gordon Derrick.

Derrick, who was barred from contesting last year’s CONCACAF presidential election, is being investigated for offering and accepting of gifts and other benefits, mismanagement of funds and abuse of power.

The Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) general secretary had contested the decision, but saw the appeal turned down by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In November 2011, in the wake of the infamous

cash-for-votes scandal that rocked the Caribbean region, FIFA’s ethics committee gave Derrick a reprimand and fined him 300 Swiss francs ($US328) as part of sanctions announced for “apparent violations” of its ethics code.

However, earlier this month FIFA completed a 1,300-page internal report sent to Swiss authorities following an investigation corruption.

In 2015 six FIFA officials, including former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, were arrested and detained on charges of corruption and bribery.

Another former president Jack Warner is fighting

extradition to the United States to face similar charges for racketeering and bribery.

Richard Lai, president of the Guam Football Association (GFA), has also been suspended at the request of its chief investigator Cornely Borbely.

Lai, 55, pleaded guilty on Thursday to wire fraud conspiracy charges before U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen in Brooklyn, according to U.S. prosecutors who said he had taken close to $US1 million (780,370 pounds) in bribes. As part of the plea, Lai, a U.S. citizen, has agreed to pay $US1.1 million, prosecutors said.

CFU president Gordon Derrick

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Guyana NRA pays courtesy call on Minister Henry THE Guyana NRA Executive paid a courtesy call on Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, at her office on Friday last.

The Executive members attending the meeting

pionships in October.

At the conclusion of the meeting,the Minister stated that her Ministry will be very willing to assist not only in monetary ways but in providing transportation and connections to the relevant authorities in tourism and

used will be similar to what is used at Bisley,England for the Imperial Championships: three days of individual shooting from which the top seventy-two go forward on the fourth day and shoot at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges.

L-R: Committee member,Lennox Braithwaite;treasurer Lt. Col (ret’d),Terrence Stuart; Minister Nicolette Henry;Asst. Secretary Treasurer,Hemant Narine and Hon. Secretary,Ryan Sampson. were:Hon. Secretary,Ryan Sampson;Treasurer Lt. Col (ret’d) Terrence Stuart;Asst.

Secretary Treasurer,Hemant Narine and Committee Member,Lennox Braithwaite.

The Minister was updated on the progress of the Association’s plans for the 150th Anniversary Cham-

even planning, as these are also important for hosting.

Confirmation of shooters was received from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, Bermuda, Canada, USA, Ireland, England and Falkland Islands.

The shooting format to be

The top 48 from those three ranges then move forward for the finals to shoot at the 900 and 1000 yds ranges.

The Friday will be a rest/ tour day when shooters and their family members will get to tour the Kaieture Falls, as the Guyana NRA continues

to push Sports Tourism as part of the package to the participants and to let them see more of Guyana.

The Saturday will be the Milex Long Range Championship,to be followed on Sunday by the WIFBSC Short Range Championship.

Guyana is defending both titles,having been dominating the shooting sport over the last nine years.

There will be a Presentation and dinner on the Sunday night where the Association’s Patron, His Excellency Brig.

David Granger and Minister Henry are expected to be in attendance.

The cost for hosting the championships is almost Gy$20M,with the ammunition cost taking about half of this amount while money is being spent on major rehabilitation works ongoing at the ranges.

Last week the GDF hierarchy,lead by Brig. Patrick West,made an inspection of the works and was very impressed and pleased with the development that the Guyana NRA has completed.

He reiterated his support and assistance for the completion of the ranges to meet international standards.

The Association will soon be sending letters to the business community seeking assistance to offset some of the associated costs for the ongoing works as well as for the hosting of the Championship.

Gutsy Mladenovic ends Sharapova comeback at Stuttgart (REUTERS)-`Former world number one Maria Sharapova crashed out of the Stuttgart Grand Prix semi-final in her first event back after a 15-month doping suspension, losing to France’s Kristina Mladenovic 3-6 7-5 6-4 on Saturday.

Wildcard entrant Sharapova, a five-time grandslam winner, squandered a 6-3 2-0 lead as Mladenovic clawed her way back into the game to win after two hours and 38 minutes.

Sharapova had not lost a set in the previous three matches of her comeback this week.

Her defeat means she will finish outside the top

Maria Sharapova

200 when the rankings are released on Monday, ruling out a qualifier spot for the French Open.

Sharapova, who was banned for using meldonium after testing positive at the 2016 Australian Open, has also received wildcards for forthcoming tournaments in Madrid and Rome.

The Russian was in complete control at the start, with her French opponent showing nerves, and a second double fault allowed Sharapova to race 4-1 clear.

She sealed the first set when Mladenovic sent a crosscourt backhand into the net after just 38 minutes.

The Russian, a three-time champion in Stuttgart, broke Mladenovic again at the start of the second set and looked to be cruising to victory as she took a 2-0 lead, attacking her opponent’s second serve.

But despite conceding 11 double faults, Mladenovic improved her baseline game, chasing Sharapova with powerful ground strokes across the court.

Sunderland’s 10-year stay in Premier League ends after 1-0 defeat

By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England, (Reuters)-Sunderland’s 10year stay in the Premier League ended on Saturday when they lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth, leaving them 13 points adrift with four games remaining after Hull City held on for a goalless draw at Southampton.

Sunderland’s fate looked set when Bournemouth’s Josh King side-footed in the winner at the Stadium of Light in the 88th minute after a swift counter-attack.

A Hull defeat would have given Sunderland a stay of execution and when Southampton were awarded a pen-

alty at St. Mary’s in the final minute there was a glimmer of hope for David Moyes’s team.

But Hull keeper Eldin Jakupovic dived low to save Dusan Tadic’s penalty in the final minute and earn the 17th-placed Tigers a vital point in their own battle against the drop.

Sunderland had some chances but top scorer Jermain Defoe was not at his sharpest and, not for the first time this season, the home supporters flooded out of the ground before the final whistle.

“My feeling at the start of the season was it was going to be a hard graft,”

Moyes told BBC Radio.

“But ultimately today I feel for the supporters. They pay their hard-earned cash to come to the stadium and we have not given them enough this season,” he said.

Moyes said he was not ready to discuss his future, saying two or three weeks of reflection were needed for the club before a plan was developed for a return to the Premier League.

The club’s American owner Ellis Short issued a statement saying such a plan would be developed once the season was over and admitting the club had made mistakes.

“I acknowledge that

during my ownership mistakes have been made, particularly in the area of player recruitment, and as a result we have found ourselves struggling to survive in recent seasons.

“We had massive disruption during the summer transfer window and an unprecedented number of injuries throughout the season. These are difficulties which we have been unable to overcome and we are paying the price for that now,” said Short.

“We need to improve, both on and off the field, and despite the bitter disappointment of today there is a strong determination to do

so throughout the club. There is significant work to be done over the summer and when the season is concluded, we intend to share our plans to move forward with our supporters,” he added.

Middlesbrough, who play today at home to Manchester City, are in 19th place on 27 points while Swansea, who are at Manchester United on Sunday, are on 31 points and Hull are on 34.

At the Hawthorns Jamie Vardy struck the 43rd-minute winner for champions Leicester against West Brom in a 1-0 win.

Vardy finished with confidence after Shinji Okazaki

latched on to a poor back pass from Salomon Rondon.

Goals from Ashley Barnes and substitute Andre Gray helped Burnley to get their first away win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace. The result moves Burnley to eight points above the relegation zone and should secure their top-flight status for another season.

Burnley move up to 14th place, above Palace and West Ham, who drew 0-0 at Stoke City.

Today, leaders Chelsea are away to Everton while second-placed Tottenham are at home to North London rivals Arsenal.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

Second Test starts at Kensington Oval today …

Several decades of history on the line as Windies chase series-leveller BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Embattled West Indies will place several decades of history on the line when they go in search of a series-levelling victory in the second Test of the three-match series against Pakistan here today.

They have never lost a Test series to the visitors on home soil since the two sides first met in the Caribbean in 1958 and have also never been beaten by Pakistan at historic Kensington Oval in six previous clashes there..

But even with the weight of history looming large over the game, captain Jason Holder said his side needed to remain focused on execution over the next five days.

“We’ve got to put that aside. The only way we can keep those stats good is if we tick our boxes. There’s no point looking at the results, we need to tick our process boxes,” Holder told reporters on the eve of the match.

“There’s a process in terms of winning cricket games.

We’ve got to put runs on the board, we’ve got to get 20 wickets. I think once we do these

things – hold our chances in the field – we stand a very good chance of winning the game here.

“We need to get runs in both first and second innings and we need to take 20 wickets. In order to win a cricket game you have to take 20 wickets and for us to take 20 wickets we have to set the game up with the bat as well, to give ourselves the best chance to take 20 wickets. If we don’t do these things then we’ll be on the losing end.”

West Indies will be also under pressure to produce a result, not only to keep their proud record intact but to keep the series alive, following their seven-wicket defeat in the opening Test at Sabina Park five days ago.

That loss was their 10th to Pakistan in their last 16 meetings and their 11th defeat overall in 15 Tests inside the last two years.

But despite the disappointing Kingston result, Holder said the squad had remained upbeat and were confident they had overcome the issues which plagued them in the opening Test.

“We know what it takes to beat Pakistan. We beat them in Sharjah in the final Test last year, so we know what is required,” Holder pointed out.

“The mood has to be upbeat. We have to be upbeat for this game. We lost the first game in Jamaica and we all know where we went wrong there. We’ve adjusted a few of those issues in our meetings and our practice sessions as well.

“Everybody is fresh coming off of that last game and looking forward to this game in Barbados.”

Ahead of the Sabina Park contest, all eyes were on the inexperienced batting line-up and it was that which proved West Indies’ undoing.

Boasting two debutants in left-handers Vishal Singh and Shimron Hetmyer and three other batsmen with less than 10 Tests each, the Caribbean side was brutally exposed by seamer Mohammed Amir in the first innings and then by wily leg-spinner Yasir Shah in the second.

Sent in, they were 71 for five in the first over after lunch before recovering to make

Skipper Jason Holder says Windies needs to remain focused on execution 286. They were not so lucky in their second turn at the crease, bowled out for 152 on the final day after slumping to 93 for four at the close on the previous evening.

With West Indies retaining the same 13-man squad, Holder said it was imperative that his batsmen made adjustments and focused on a competitive first innings total which could put the Pakistanis under pressure.

“We’ve paid a lot of atten-

tion to our first innings score.

We’ve got to be able to put a good first innings total here in Barbados,” the all-rounder explained.

“One of the things in order to do that is you have to get partnerships. We need to get partnerships up front. We’ve struggled up front for a little while now so it’s just a matter of our openers seeing off the new ball, coming in and solidifying the middle and building some sort of total, respectable enough in the first innings that we can push our bowlers in their first innings as well to get some wickets.”

He added: “We just need to get some partnerships going, batsmen just need to put their hands up, spend some time in the middle – you can only make runs if you are in the middle so we need to spend some time in the middle.”

The Oval pitch appeared dry on the eve of the match, which could favour Pakistan, with their line-up including Yasir and uncapped teenaged leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who terrorized the Windies during the Twenty20 series.

Holder remained wary

of the pitch, stressing it was important to get the best out of it in their first innings.

“The pitch looks pretty dry, unusually so. Normally you would expect a little bit more in terms of the surface,” the all-rounder noted.

“It will be interesting to see if it lasts all five days or if it deteriorates quickly. I’m not quite sure so it’s just a matter for us especially to make use of our first innings when we bat.”

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

PAKISTAN – Misbahul-Haq (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Asghar, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas.

Guyana’s Archibald and Hooper capture silver at Penn Relays AFTER Guyana’s Emanuel Archibald on Friday claimed a silver in the Penn Relays College men’s long jump, Guyana’s Female Athlete of the Year Natrena Hooper yesterday followed up by capturing the college women’s high jump silver

as the competition entered its final day at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The pair was representing the University of the West Indies (UWI), where they are studying on scholarships. Archibald cleared 7.47m to take

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday April 30, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) And Sandham-325 (1930); Gary Sobers-365* (1958) (2) England-15 Tests

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which two made their Test debut at Sabina Park?

George Headley, Gary Sobers, Uton Dowe, Lawerence Rowe, Andy Roberts (2) How many Test centuries Pakistani Javed Miandad made?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Guyana’s Emanuel Archibald the silver, after Oklahoma’s Thomas Cheval took a comefrom-behind win and covered 7.49m on his final attempt.

Prior to Cheval’s winning leap, it was Houston’s Antwan Dickerson who was looking poised for the win, after the 7.37m he achieved on his first jump. A series of fouls, however, would rob Dickerson from getting any further and ultimately seeing him ending with the bronze medal.

Archibald started out with

a 7.12m distance and gained momentum with each successive leap, save for a foul on his third lunge, and until he peaked at his penultimate try. On his last jump the 22-year-old would only make it across 6.13m. At the end of it all though, the former University of Guyana student was satisfied with what he put out for the day.

“I can’t complain because I gave it my best,” Archibald told Chronicle Sport, following his accomplishment. “The competition was very hard though, a lot of big jumpers were present. I was very nervous because it was the largest amount of persons I have ever seen.”

Archibald was also in yesterday’s college men’s triple jump but his 14.58m distance left him in fifth, as the event’s top spots went to Richard Stockton’s Jared Lewis (15.17m); Central Michigan’s Jake Peister (15.12m) and UMBC’s Thomas Johnson (15.05m).

Meanwhile, not even overwhelming nervousness could hinder Hooper’s nat-

ural talent as she cleared 1.78m for her high jump silver. Lehigh University’s Courtney Avery took the gold with 1.82m.

“I was nervous, it being my first Penns,” Hooper expressed.

Archibald and Hooper were offered part scholarships to UWI Mona Campus, after they were spotted competing in Barbados at separate events. They then received funding from the government, through the

National Sports Commission, to attend the University.

The two were a part of a larger group of Guyanese that participated at the esteemed meet. All Guyanese teams from Guyana Technical Institute and the Fort Wellington Secondary were also there. The Penn Relays, also called the Penn Relay Carnival, is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, hosted annually.

Female Athlete of the Year Natrena Hooper

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 30, 2017

NSC, Dept of Tourism host successful Sports Tourism Seminar

THE call for a sports tourism policy, a sports tourism unit and the need for improved networking and support between the varying sport disciplines and other stakeholders were a few of the chief talking points that came out of the Sports Tourism Seminar/ Workshop that was held yesterday in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel.

The seminar was organised by the Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Business, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Tourism Authority, under the theme: “Improving Sports through Tourism; growing Tourism through Sports”.

The event’s feature address was delivered by former National Sports Council Chairman, and Sports Consultant, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira;there were also re-

A section of yesterday’s audience at Guyana’s first sports tourism seminar.

Sitting from left (first row) are: AAG President, Aubrey Hutson, Sports Consultant Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira and Director of General Tourism, Donald Sinclair.

(Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) marks from Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, and Ministry of Education Technical Facilitator, Vincent Alexander.The event was chaired by Director of General Tourism, Donald Sinclair.

During his address Alexander emphasised that

there exists many challenges that will need to be addressed if Guyana is to come into its own as a sports tourism destination.

Do we have facilities that in fact can be provided for sports tourism that includes certain standards that can

market the country? Do we have the kind of human resources that ensure that you can properly organise and manage those activities?”

Alexander questioned, according to a GINA report.

Those in attendance at the workshop included sev-

eral representatives from various sporting disciplines in Guyana as well as from the Department of Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, GO-Invest, the University of Guyana, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, and members of the Media.

Globally, sports tourism is a billion dollar industry and stakeholders in Guyana is hoping to tap into this and build Guyana’s capacity in this area, particularly with more and more large scale sporting events coming to Guyana.

The event comes just over one month before Guyana is set to host the South American Junior Championships.

The participants went through a number of sessions that focused on varying areas of sports tourism, while there was also an

interactive group session when attendees got to do some theoretical analysis of their own.

Camille Boodhoo of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) did a presentation on ‘An Industry Perspective’, while GOA’s Tricia Fiedtkou covered ‘A Sports Perspective’ and Ronaldo Vieira from the Brazilian Embassy spoke of ‘The Brazil Experience’.

During the group workshop session,participants were gathered into five groups, and were assigned specified topics that they had to discussion among themselves and then later make a presentation on.

During the presentations and later discussions, many begged that the support to develop sports tourism does not go away and the seminar be reduced to nothing more than “just talks”.

Berbice cricket in good hands – Somwaru says injunction against him withdrawn

By Rajiv Bisnauth AS Berbice cricket embarks on a new journey, acting president Dhieranidranauth Somwaru feels the development of the game in the Ancient County is in good hands.

Somwaru’s comments came days after Hilbert Foster, CEO of Guyana’s leading sports club, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), pointed out that Berbice cricket is in disarray due to the lust for power, both at the county and national levels.

Foster made the statement during his address at the RHTY&SC’s 27th annual awards ceremony last Sunday,when he also mentioned that Berbice cricket is run by people who have no vision, no capacity to manage and are in charge, despite not being elected to do so.

“Whatever this body is doing,is not for personal interest but for cricket, so I don’t understand Mr. Foster’s statement when he says Berbice cricket is in disarray due to the lust

for power.

“When he says we do not have no vision for the game, really I cannot understand what he means

Dhieranidranauth Somwaru by that because for the past month and over we have been playing a number of cricket matches,because youth cricket takes precedence over the senior cricket,” Somwaru stated.

He continued “In the

first part of the year we played the youth tournaments – the Under-15, 17 and 19 , but we could not access funds that the Berbice Cricket Board had when we took over office. Therefore ,we could not take out money to run any cricket, so when Mr. Foster is saying that we do not have vision, something is definitely wrong because we have a body that is functioning, but we need support.”

The BCB has been thrown into turmoil a few months after the last election in December 2014,when an injunction significantly limited the work of the then Anil Beharry-led administration, of which Somwaru was the first vice-president.

However, after the one-year term, according to what is stipulated in the Cricket Administration Bill, the BCB term expired in December 2015, and Beharry resigned from the post in January of this year.

Following Beharry’s resignation, Somwaru as-

sumed the responsibility of acting president, since according to him the injunction was subsequently withdrawn.

“What happened, the

Hilbert Foster two persons that filed the injunction, Mr. Allicock and Mr. David Black – they withdrew the injunction against me after Mr. Anil Beharry resigned as the president of the BCB, so giving me a chance to run as the president (act-

ing), and that is what I did, but what happened is that certain people in the previous administration were not functioning effectively, so I rescinded some of those positions,” he stated.

Somwaru further added, “another thing we asked the previous Secretary of the board,Ms. Angela Hannif to supply us with were two things – an assets register and the state of the competitions that were run under the previous administration;we could not get those, so even if we had wanted to run competitions or to continue those competitions, it could not be possible because the state of those competitions were unknown, but having said that the people are functioning – no selectors have been thrown out.”

“We are functioning, I am the acting president, and I am functioning, and according to the constitution of the board, I could appoint people or nominate people to function officially on the board. We cannot hold elections because of the injunction and the Cricket Administration

Bill,” he said.

Somwaru,who is also the president of the Guyana Cricket Umpire Council (GCUC) is of the firm belief that a partnership with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is integral for the development of the game,both at the county and national level.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Cricket Administration Act was passed in the National Assembly on May 15, 2014, and assented to by the then President on August 4, 2014.

The aim of the Act is to bring about order in the administration of cricket and to improve its governance and financial accountability arrangements.

However, the Act is yet to be implemented because of the then acting Chief Justice’s ruling of April 29, 2015, that restrains the holding of elections under the Act in respect of the Guyana Cricket Board and the county boards of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice until the hearing and determination of the substantive action.

The victorious Berbice team poses with acting executives of the BCB after the presentation ceremony.

Berbice claim Igloo Under-17 title after rain ruins final round … Essequibo in runner’s up spot

Joshua stops Kltischko in 11th-round to win world titles see story on page 25

see story on page 25

The winning boys 4x400m

Fort Wellington wins High School boys 4x400m at Penn Relays see story on page 25

Anthony Joshua celebrates with trainer Robert McCracken after winning the fight(Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge Livepic)

THE Fort Wellington boys’ 4x400m team of Godwin Humphrey, Rue Chester, Okemi Porter and Dave Torrington yesterday struck gold in the High School boys’ 4x400 at the Penn Relay, as the competition entered its final day at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The quartet clocked 3:24.41s to top the league of 11 teams and defend their title in the event. The team also improved their timing, shaving seconds off the 3:26.95s that they clocked last year in the same event.

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The 4x400m was Fort Wellington’s second relay, as they were also in the High School boys’ 4x100m small school heats. That team comprised Chester, Humphrey, Jeremy Campbell, and Loneil Marks and clocked a time of 46.84 seconds. With almost 300 entries in this race,the boys were facing a tough task to make it through to the next round.

The Fort Wellington boys were participating at the event along with another all Guyanese team from the Guyana Technical Institute.

SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017