Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30 05 2017

‘GT’ fortunes to be boosted with oil discovery

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– Trotman tells M&CC

No SOCU blacklist No. 104928

TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

– Police say report fabricated, dismiss Nandlall claims

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Under serious threat Page 3

…Gov’t says 20 camps observed at Kaieteur National Park

Aerial shots showing the degradation and mining activities in the Kaieteur National Park area (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Suspected Businessman ‘We will not take sides’ pirates charged killed in – Guyana says Venezuela crisis with murder Camp St. crash should be discussed at OAS Page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

‘We will not take sides’ – Guyana says Venezuela crisis should be discussed at OAS THE GOVERNMENT of Guyana on Monday said while it stands ready to assist the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela during their ongoing crises, it will not be partisan and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge said no formal requests have been made

by Caracas.

The two countries despite their differences usually communicate via diplomatic channels specific to Ambassadorial exchanges or the use of Notes Verbale to send messages and requests.

And while assistance where needed will be provided to the Venezuelan government, Greenidge was quick to note that Guyana’s assistance should not indicate an automatic agreement with the Venezuelan government’s policies. Rather, he believes that Guyana could provide more effective assistance if

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge

it dealt fairly with all sides.

“The Government of Guyana has no desire to compound the problems of Venezuela by joining one or other of the protagonists,” the Minister said.

Last week, Venezuela’s ambassador to Guyana, Reina Diaz called on

the government and people of Guyana to support her country’s President Nicholas Maduro in his call for dialogue with the opposition, so as to end the ongoing unrests there. The call by Guyana’s Spanish-speaking neighbour comes at a time when the United Nations has restarted the Good Offices Process between the two countries to bring to finality the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. Venezuela has claimed ownership of two-thirds of Guyana.

The Ambassador in her plea said her country’s President is doing all he can to have a democratic resolution to the months of riots and violence occurring in the Spanish-speaking country and she believes that support from the government of Guyana, other regional governments and international bodies will aid in the reduction of what she described as

Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Reina Diaz

acts of terrorism from radical opposition supporters. “We are grateful for the support of the governments of this region and governments of the world to respect that no ill will is shown by the State.

We are grateful for a show of support for dialogue which the government has asked as

a means of solving internal problems,” said Ambassador Diaz, who spoke through a translator.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Greenidge said Guyana is prepared to assist CARICOM member states and immediate neighbours where appropriate and when asked. Last year, Guyana had convened a meeting of non-governmental organizations and the private sector in the country to consider the deteriorating conditions in Venezuela.

However, at the time, the Venezuelan Government was not open to receiving any material assistance that was being offered.

However, on May 25, Ambassador Diaz was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where she indicated that Venezuela could benefit from Guyana’s support at international fora. Based on her request, Minister Greenidge has committed to communi-

cating same to his government while assuring that the matter would be given the requisite attention.

Greenidge noted too that Guyana’s Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Dr. Riyad Insanally, is the current Chair of the CARICOM group to the OAS and believes that it would be appropriate to discuss the crisis at the level of the OAS. He is also of the opinion that there needs to be more dialogue on the ongoing events in Venezuela among stakeholders, including the government and opposition.

Additionally, the Minister said Guyana, as a member of the Community of Caribbean and Latin American States (CELAC) met with members to resolve Venezuela’s deteriorating situation as well as the one between its Government and Opposition. This was also done at the level of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

‘GT’ fortunes to be boosted with oil discovery AS GUYANA prepares to extract oil, Minister of Natural Resources, Rapheal Trotman has affirmed that the Mayor and City

Council (M&CC) will be benefitting from government’s assistance to develop the city of Georgetown.

This was underscored in

a presentation made by Minister Trotman to the council on Monday when he sought to inform the councillors how the city will be a funda-

mental part of the operations of the oil industry and how the government intends on collaborating with them.

While the Minister related that the natural resource of sand has been doing “fairly well” since government has become more vigilant in managing it, he disclosed that the government would be able to give sand concessions to the M&CC. He explained that the government through the Ministry of public Infrastructure has an arrangement with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) whereby sand can be mined as government works and provided to certain institutions at concessionary prices for construction and repair works. This arrangement would benefit M&CC since the council would no longer need to purchase the sand at “retail” prices, according to Minister Trotman.

Following the Minister’s presentation however,a few councillors questioned whether the council will be receiving support to prepare the city of Georgetown for the commencement of the industry’s operations. Not only did the councillors underscore the pertinence of upgrading the city’s infrastructure but also the prerequisite skills training needed for the city workers.

Councillor Bishen Kuppen questioned if Georgetown would be receiving budgetary support from

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman during his presentation to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) yesterday

central government for infrastructural development and for the provision of institutional framework to train city workers. He highlighted the dire need for infrastructural upgrades in Georgetown.

In addition to re-affirming the government’s commitment to the city and reiterating the government’s concessionary sand proposal, the Minister of Natural Resources noted that the City Council will be given budgetary support to aid in the development of the city as it prepares for the influx of potential investors and foreigners.

“As revenue from the oil comes, this city will also have to receive special and

– Trotman tells M&CC

rapid attention,” Minister Trotman highlighted also.

In responding to other questions posed by councillors for skills training for city workers and members of the council also, Trotman said, “I believe that it is important that your capacities are built.”

The minister related that government has been sending persons overseas to garner certain skills to work in the oil industry and extended the invitation to councillors. He also related that the government is seeking to uplift the standards across all job sectors in preparation.

All in all, Minister Trotman noted, “There’s going to be a lot of excitement for the M&CC.” Acknowledging that Georgetown is the hub for commercial activities in Guyana and will be fundamental in the oil industry, Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green questioned, “Are we [the city council and all its workers] ready?”

Mayor Chase-Green stressed to her council that they certainly cannot wait until 2020 when the operations of the industry is expected to commence, to begin preparing Georgetown. She stated that it is the duty of the council to realize the task before them and undertake measures now to prepare and transform Georgetown.

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Under serious threat GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

…Gov’t says 20 camps observed at Kaieteur National Park In an effort to clampdown on mining in Protected Areas, the Government of Guyana says it has launched a joint services operation in the Kaieteur National Park (KNP), where the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had discovered, through aerial reconnaissance, 20 illegal mining camps.

On Sunday, an operation by members of the joint services as well as personnel from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) was launched, following an initial discovery of four active mines, one mine where activity was uncertain, and eight active camps inside the KNP by the PAC on February 16, 2017. Of the five mines, three had already been issued cease orders by the GGMC in 2014, with reinforcement actions as recent as 2016. Despite this and two site visits by the GGMC, following the issuance of the cease orders, at least two of the three mines still remained active, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a release.

A further reconnaissance by the GDF on May 5, 2017, less than three weeks ago, revealed that there were, at that time, 20 camps. At one site, there was evidence of water pollution and freshly exposed sand tailings, according to a report from the PAC. Commissioner of the PAC, Ms. Denise Fraser, in an invited comment, said illegal mining in the area has been taking place for a number of years

Aerial shots showing the presence of the mining camps and operations in the Kaieteur National Park

despite repeated warnings.

Predating the above mentioned cease orders there had been efforts in 2013 to end mining activity in the Park.

“What we have found is that in some areas where miners have been previously moved, they have gone back.

So there is a need for strong actions so that a message can be sent. In 2013, five cease orders were issued by the GGMC to mining operators of mines within the Waratuk area, north-eastern boundary of the Park boundary. There were two site visits conducted by PAC and GGMC on August 10, 2014, when three mines and four camps were observed within the extreme north and north-eastern boundary of the park. This led to the issuance of three cease orders by the GGMC.

In March, 2016, two flyovers were conducted by PAC and GGMC, which indicated that the mining had continued to persist within the Park boundaries. This led to the GGMC enforcement, which resulted in the seizure of 11 engines, eight dredges and an excavator,” Ms. Fraser said.

As a result of the raid on Sunday by the members of the joint services, five camps were searched and the persons present detained. It is reported that the dredge owners were not present during the time of the raid. Twenty-one persons have been detained by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for illegal mining in the KNP. However, Ms. Fraser said that the PAC has been in contact with the Ministry of Natural Resources as well as the Ministry of In-

digenous Peoples’ Affairs to ensure that the detainees have access to food and are taken care of while in custody. She noted that once released, the PAC will work with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to provide accommodation where necessary.

Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman, in an invited comment, said that the KNP is a national protected area and it is incumbent on the Government to send a strong message to those who are bent on breaking the law. The Minister noted that only last year six operators were removed from the area. “Last year, we sent a team in and it was during that exercise that we even lost a member of the Guyana Police Force after the boat he was travelling capsized, and yet

No SOCU blacklist – Police say report fabricated, dismiss Nandlall claims

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has clarified that over the last ten years, a total of 139 persons were placed on the police blacklist, including ranks from the force and other law enforcement agencies.

A statement from the GPF on Monday noted that the police blacklist over the last ten years contained a total of 139 persons with 11 from 2008, 11 from 2009, 15 from 2010, 5 from 2011, 18 from 2012, 23 from 2013, 11 from 2014, 12 from 2015, 16 from 2016 and 17 for 2017.

“The allegation that 200 persons were blacklisted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is a fabrication,” the police statement noted.

The police force made it clear that this list predates SOCU. Meanwhile, the police force also dismissed statements made by former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, who stated in a letter to the press on Monday that during his tenure in office, he [Nandlall] advised the police regarding preventing persons from leaving the jurisdiction.

“In fact, I did a legal opinion for the Police Force outlining the circumstances when a person can, lawfully, be prevented from leaving the country,” the former AG noted.

But according to the police force, records checked at the Office of the Commissioner of Police revealed that while the Force was represented by the former Attorney Gen-

eral in matters of litigations brought by persons placed on the Blacklist, no record of any opinion or instruction from the Attorney General to the Police was found.

“Additionally, the current Commissioner would have served as Crime Chief, who maintains the Blacklist, since 2007 until his appointment as Commissioner in 2014. He is unaware of any opinion or instruction from the Attorney General regarding the Blacklist,” the statement noted.

Following reports that SOCU had blacklisted over 200 persons from leaving Guyana, Parliamentarian of the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Juan Edghill had written to the Commissioner of Informa-

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

tion, Charles Ramson Snr requesting the names of those on the list.

As such, the Force noted that Ramson Snr has since been provided with the relevant information.

we have persons returning to the Park and mining. The Government must, therefore, send a strong message to the individuals because it is a national protected area and part of our national patrimony,” Minister Trotman said.

Director of the Department of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers, also weighing in on the matter said that the KNP is Guyana’s oldest protected area, famed for the world-renowned Kaieteur Falls and its rich biodiversity.

As Guyana continues to push ahead with the development of a ‘green’ economy and protection of its flora and fauna, Ms. Schwiers said that illegal mining can have debilitating effects on the economic and social well-being of the country as it is way more destructive on the environment than permitted mining as these unregulated miners are more ruthless in their operations.

“There is indiscriminate cutting of trees, which results in the loss of habitat and habitat fragmentation for the wildlife that inhabit the area.

Specifically, birds and other wildlife that depend on the trees for their food, shelter and other forms of survival, perish. Illegal mining in the Kaieteur National Park also presents a plethora of problems for downstream communities that depend on the water for drinking and other purposes, through pollution of the water and unregulated use of chemicals to extract minerals,” she said.

Section Four of the Kaieteur National Park Act states, “It shall not be lawful for any person to enter into, travel or encamp within the park or to build any structure therein, or to hunt, chase, catch, shoot at, kill or otherwise disturb any animal or

cut, pluck or gather any of the flora or interfere with or disturb the soil by mining or other operations within the park or to remove anything whatsoever from the park except in accordance with regulations made under this act. (2) Any person acting in contravention of any of the provisions of subsection (1) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of ninety-seven thousand five hundred dollars, and anything taken by such person from the park shall be forfeited.”

Further, according to the regulations made under the Mining Act 2005, Part XXVII Section 251 (1) (a), “No person shall conduct mining and quarrying activities in the following areas- (b) In specified nature reserves and parks where resource extraction is prohibited; (c) In buffer areas without express approval of the Commission and the notification of parties likely to be affected by the activity.”

Additionally, Section 122 of the Protected Areas Act 2011 states that “Any person, except persons under the Amerindian Act, who mines, quarries, drills or removes any minerals, stone, gravel, earth, sand, or other substances or prospects for such substance in a national protected area commits an offence under paragraph (a) of the Fourth Schedule.”

The Fourth Schedule (a) states “A fine of not less than ten thousand dollars nor more than fifty thousand dollars and (f) a fine of not less than five hundred thousand dollars nor more than two million dollars and one hundred thousand dollars per day for continuance of activity with imprisonment for five years for repeating activity after the second instance.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Students excited about early home-ownership – can’t wait to get started

By Zena Henry

SCHOOLCHILDREN who attended the “Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond” exposition seem to be buying into the idea of early home-ownership.

The idea of owning a home at a younger age is being promoted by the Ministry of Housing.

Monday, the last day of the event, was dedicated to providing housing information to students, especially those preparing to complete their secondary education and will soon be turning 18.

Students from about 20 schools attended an orientation session of sorts when they arrived at Perseverance, on the lower East Bank of Demerara where

the exposition is being held.

They were treated to a skit from the local “soap”, Merundoi, before being engaged in discussions and then taken on group tours of the model houses by Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) staffers.

Students were told about the importance and benefits of home-ownership and what the ministry is currently offering citizens.

During the question-and-answer segment, students sought clarification on the application process and financing, and asked questions like whether they need to have children or a family before they could access property.

In relation to the duplex model houses that are

Students being given a tour of the various models of houses on display at the Perseverance Housing Scheme

on exhibition, one student asked whether her half of the property could be repossessed by the Bank if her neighbour has defaulted on their mortgage.

Some students preferred the single units, while others didn’t mind the duplexes. KJ Felix from Richard Ishmael Secondary said he preferred the single units, although he thought the joint home models were “OK”. He said he could see himself owning his own home at an early

age.

Serena Telford, from the same school, thought it was a good initiative by the government to encourage early homeownership. “I wouldn’t be a burden to my parents anymore; I would be out, and this would give them an opportunity to know that I am a responsible child, and that I can take care of myself.”

Telford said that prior to the “expo”, owning her own home was the furthest thing

from her mind, but now it is something she wants to achieve at an early age.

At the launch of the exposition last Friday, Housing Minister Valerie Patterson said that the model village will wake up young people’s ideas to homeownership. “It offers our young people the occasion to start their own journey towards homeownership,” she said.

She had asked that schools ensure the students attend, especially those from

the higher forms. “Let them come and be challenged to begin to think about the plan towards owning their own homes,” she’d said.

The minister went on to say that too often, young persons have been coming to her office to say that it’s going on years since they’ve applied for a houselot but they are yet to receive one.

But what the ministry has found, however, she related, was that while persons claim to be waiting on houselots for as long as 15 years, they still do not have the money to pay down on it when the process is ready. Explaining how the process works, she said that persons have one month to pay half of the CHPA fee required for the property, and six months to pay for the other half.

What the ministry has also found, she said, is that that payment period would have passed and persons would still be owing on the first payment.

The encouragement of early home-ownership, the minister said, would help solve the problem of housing the nation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

CDB approves 13 childcare centres get feasibility study for licences in Region Two sea defence ‘rehab’ THE BOARD of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a grant of £ 603,000 to fund a feasibility study and designs for the rehabilitation of coastal and river infrastructure here.

According to the CDB, the project will cover the reconstruction of the facilities at the major river-passenger and goods-transport hubs at Stabroek Market and at Vreed-en-Hoop on the Demerara River.

The Demerara River is the principal route for commuters and goods between the two points, providing an alternative to crowded roads.

The docks at both ports are inadequate, and cannot serve the currents levels of traffic which they receive.

“Rehabilitation of the sea defences is expected to have significant transformational effects on the city,” CDB Head of Infrastructure Partnerships, Andrew Dupigny, said in a release Monday.

“Improving this critical infrastructure,” he said, “will help increase access to facilitate business, trade and social needs, and contribute

to the growth in prosperity, poverty reduction and improved resilience to the effects of climate change in Guyana.”

According to the CDB, the rivers and coastline of Guyana are primary hubs for social and economic activity, and, in addition to housing the majority of the population, most of the country’s commercial, industrial and other economic activity is undertaken within the coastal zone.

In Georgetown, the seawall is a focal point for community activities and gatherings. The project will include a feasibility study and the preparation of detailed designs and cost estimates for the rehabilitation of sea defences and ancillary waterfront development between Georgetown and Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

The project is being funded through the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), which is administered by CDB. UKCIF provides grant financing to eight Caribbean countries eligible for

CDB Head of Infrastructure Partnerships, Andrew Dupigny

Overseas Development Assistance, and UK Overseas Territory, Montserrat.

In Guyana, 90 per cent of the population live along the coast, which is below sea level at high tide.

The communities are protected by a network of seawalls and stone revetments, but these have deteriorated significantly over the years, due in part to the impacts of climate change.

MINISTER of Social Protection Amna Ally on Monday formally issued licences to 13 childcare centres in Region Two during a simple ceremony held in the Regional Board Room.

Minister Ally congratulated the recipients while announcing that it was the first time that such licences were certified by the Ministry to childcare centres in Essequibo. She further implored the recipients to ensure that the safety and well being of children entrusted in their care is of paramount importance.

Minister Ally also disclosed that the Centres must be equipped with qualified persons whose services will provide a better, safer and healthier environment given the importance of childhood education. She also announced that there are 330 child care facilities in Guyana, serving approximately 7,378 children from ages 3 months to 5 years. There are approximately 801 care givers with 225 registered with the Child Care Protection Agency according to the Minister who also revealed that the Government will continue to implement laws in keeping with the Inter-

Amna Ally, Minister of Social Protection

national Convention on the Rights of the Child. During the ceremony also it was announced that the Ministry of Social protection will establish a monitoring and evaluation mechanism through its Regional Licenses Officers to ensure that all centres that are licensed continue to meet the minimum requirements including a safe environment that is equipped with fire safety mechanisms.

There are 18 Child Care Centres in the Region, though only 13 have been licensed during the inaugu-

ral ceremony. The licenses are valid for a period of one year. The licensed Centres are Precious Jewel Pre School, E&I Pre School, Rainbow & Sunshine Pre School, Young Scholars Pre School, Bacchus Pre School, O&L Play Group, Explorer Child Care Programme, Happy Hearts Learning Centre, Logus Play School and Home Care, Logus Play Group, Carmel Learning Centre/After School, Rose Play Group and Little Angel’s Play School.

Meanwhile also attending the ceremony were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Protection Lorraine Baird, Director of Child Protection Agency Anne Greene, Director of Social Services Whentworth Tanner, Regional Chairman Devenand Ramdatt who give brief remarks, Regional Executive Officer Derrick Persaud, Assistant Regional Executive Officer Yvette Hastings-Tfarres and the Prime Minister’s Regional Representative Karra Chand. The proceedings were chaired by the Coordinator of the Ministry’s Child Protection Programme Concheeta Gray.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Courting the Diaspora SINCE Guyana became an independent nation, elected leaders have always invited Guyanese resident abroad to return home and invest. Some have answered the call by physical remigration. Others have opted for dual residency, maintaining homes in Guyana and their adopted country. Yet others have found other ways to ‘re-migrate’ without being physically there.

Those who cannot or chose not to return, have made known various reasons for same. Some of these are jobs, financial obligations, family commitments in the adopted country, and situations such as crime, standard of living, health care, and education, which they see as comparatively worse in Guyana. There is no intent to debate or debunk the merit or demerit of any claim, but merely to acknowledge some of the push-and-pull factors for migration and emigration through the lens of Guyanese resident abroad.

That having been said, none would deny love for country and those living at home, even though in moments of crisis or concerns about the management of the country, or who has responsibility to manage it at any given time, the inclination may be to ‘done with Guyana.’ This is understood, because as a people we expect and want better for our country. Continued efforts by Guyanese in the diaspora to invest in Guyana confirm this view and it is to this view that attention is paid.

Personal remittances (PR) continue to play a major role in Guyana’s economy, with figures recording in the tens of billions G$. According to World Bank data for the period 2011-2015, PR contributed 10.6 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sending of barrels, establishment of overseas-based chapters/organisations, and various ways of

collaborating with Guyanese at home, are acts of investing.

The symbiotic relationship brings with it benefits such as cross-fertilisation of cultures and skills transfer, which bode well in a diverse and competitive world economy, and the strengthening of connections between groups. This relationship is putting new meaning to the cliché, wanting the best of both worlds, because in today’s globalised environment, it can actually happen. Being physically away from Guyana or choosing not to return (at least for the time) presents no hindrance to investing in Guyana. Consequently, it is encouraging to see the diaspora taking on new and additional features such as investment conferences and leading business delegations to Guyana, seeking out investment opportunities and presenting investment portfolios.

What this is communicating to Guyanese at home is a pro-active nature to do something for country and self, where evidently the heart remains, and this is good. The pro-active pursuit will increase awareness and possibilities of what can be achieved when the mind conceives and acts. Where there may be questions and uncertainty as to how to proceed, the sharing of best practices and attitudes/application in dealing with issues could provide needed assurance and guidance.

With the technical help and support, issues such as time management, setting and meeting goals, customer service, civility, and the value of accountability, are practices that can be cultivated and improved at home.

Conversely, the somewhat relaxed pace of doing things in Guyana and neighbourliness lend for de-stressing and meaningful interaction. While the former can at times be off-putting on matters of work, when one wants to unwind,

slow down and enjoy the breeze of nature, this can be welcoming, coupled with friendliness with neighbours and on the streets, which are rarities in metropolitan societies.

Not forgetting the sea/ocean and land breeze, fresh fruits, vegetables and wild-caught seafood to name some, though rear and pricey abroad, are relatively accessible and reasonably priced at home. The taste of a ripe Buxton or spice mango devoid of chemical sprayed to preserve it, and haggling with the market vendor to reduce the price or add a special cut of meat, are things that uniquely identify Guyana. Yes, investing in Guyana allows Guyanese abroad to have the best of both worlds.

And while it is understood some may not physically want to, or cannot re-migrate, every legitimate effort made, in whatever form, helps to improve the quality of life for Guyanese, reinforces the pride of building Guyana, and makes Guyana a better place.

Maxwell Edwards scrutinises Jagdeo’s GECOM nominees

Dear Editor,

IT appears that by my pen I have irked or riled the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo to the core. Of course, Mr. Jagdeo, not being learned, cannot be expected to understand or appreciate the idiosyncracies of our constitutional law such as zero tolerance for even the appearance or suspicion or apprehension of bias in a GECOM chairman which the expressed reference to “Judge” in article 61(2) imports. This brings me to my (offending) letter.

It has so riled him to the decadence of calling me a “sycophant”; and my letter a “gutter letter”; and wanting to investigate why my service as a magistrate was “terminated” – (press conference May 24) Both Kaieteur News and Guyana Chronicle published it on Monday, May 22 – KN under caption “Jagdeo second GECOM list is unacceptable as the first”; GC under caption – “Jagdeo has been dismissive of President’s advice”.

Firstly, I was not “terminated”, I was appointed a contracted Magistrate in October 1996. In January 2008 I experienced serious vision impairment. It was diagnosed as retinal detachment.

I spent many months and much money (exhausting my lawfully accumulated savings) undergoing restorative expert surgical treatment in the USA. At the end of it all in 2009 – 10, acting on the advice of the experts I never reapplied for a renewal of my contract, which had expired in April 2008 (up to when I was fully paid).

But in 2007, I had applied to be appointed a Judge. What you can investigate (ask then Chancellor (ag) and the Secretary of the JSC (then) is what was done with my application.

Secondly, in that letter, all I have endeavoured to do is to stir the points, and, in the public interest, offer my learned opinion.

It is not, advisory. These are the points I have stirred. If you had done, or caused to be done, due diligence (as a matter of sheer necessity given the gravity of the matter) how could you not know of one of your nominee’s medical risk as a possible appointee? (persistent medical leave from work) assuming his appointment, is there not a real danger that in 2020 (perhaps before) the country has to endure another of this vexing impasse in another appointment process, because of bodily infirmi-

ty); and how could you not know of your nominee’s overt activism as one of the protestors, of the SCS parking meter contract, in the precincts of City Hall? (A GECOM Chairman, my knowledge of constitutional law tells me, must not only be impartial, but must demonstrably appear manifestly and undoubtedly to be impartial) and since President Granger is not psychic, he can only, telescopically in that regards, be guided by the past and present evidence of tour nominee’s public acts.

And, how could you not know that one of your nominees does not possess judge-like attributes for, inter alia, he is on record doing a taped GINA documentary concerning the Port Kaituma Jim Jones mass suicide (1980) that by its coincidence with 2015 General election reeked of partisan politicking; coupled with his rumblings over the Ogle Airport renaming by this Government.

And you ought to have been advised about the real danger or potential for bias or impartiality of that nominee who has a marital relationship with your lead counsel (Shawn Allicock) in that Jagdeo third-term candidature case. Even the mute, deaf and blind cannot be hoodwinked. Lift

the veil of pleadings/rubric and who would appear behind Cedric Richardson (the named plaintiff in that case)? You–Mr. Jagdeo; that case was all about Mr. Jagdeo.

Consider this–your name appears in the lawyer’s pleadings and the Chief Justice’s decision, taken together, some four times. Here is a poignant, revealing extract from the Chief Justice’s (ag) Decision: “in his affidavit in support of summons the Applicant Cedric Richardson…deposed that his Attorney –at–law had advised him that the effect…by rendering ineligible for the candidature any person who has been re-elected once as President e.g. former President Bharrat Jagdeo…” But the matter involved a question of interpretation of the constitution.

That is a pure question of law and as such did not to any extent, as per pleadings, or decision, require the mention or reference of Mr. Jagdeo’s name; not even once.

Could that nominee pass the test of real danger of bias in these surrounding circumstances? No. Both principle and high authorities are against that nomination. This letter is no place for articulation of the law (the learned reader is referred to the analogous Pinochet No. 2 (1999) decision of the House of Lords;

- judge disqualified for inter alia his wife’s association with one of the parties in the ease –; and to the local Court of Appeal decision in DPP V. Williams and Hayles (the Lusignan massacre case) as regards a Juror’s disqualification from serving as a Juror in the High Court trial because of appearance of bias (“material irregularity”) resulting from the Juror’s non-disclosed previous client-lawyer relation with the defence counsel.

The CoA invalidated/set aside the Jury’s acquittal in that case.

Impartiality etc, is not congenital; it has to be cultivated, and a likely disposition for it demonstrated, or discernible in the nominees, from evidence, and in accordance with legal tests.

Fourthly, there is no room for trial and error; there is no probationary period; once appointed, not unlike a Judge, the Chairman (qua member of the Election Commission) enjoys security of tenure (article 225).

Further, consider that with the Chairman’s decisive casting vote, that the Commission’s decision as to who has been elected President is not judicially reviewable (ie by any Court, article 226). Such, Mr. Jagdeo, are the far-reaching constitutional ramifications and implications of appointment from

your nominations (with which you fiddle).

Nothing less than extreme vetting as to the potential appointee’s suitability for that type of constitutional office is required or acceptable. The harm, consequent upon a lax nomination – appointment, can be irreparable to this nation. Fifth, so Mr. Jagdeo, having pithily described my letter as a “gutter letter”, here is my challenge to you (it is not about polygraph); put your pen where your mouth is. Publish a letter in the press wherein you articulate and adumbrate (no political rhetoric or diatribe) as to legal reasons why, on merit, my letter is a “gutter letter” Anil Nandlall would not measure up. With your vast wealth (I am an avid reader of KN’s “Dem boys seh…” for its satirical anti-depressant effect) you can retain as strong a battery of senior counsel as money gets.

And, if the constitutional veracity and impeccability of my writings makes me a “sycophant”, that is a Jagdeoite display of intemperance and disfavour, that attracts no opprobrium for me.

Regards Maxwell E. Edwards (Attorney-at-Law)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

GAWU has a proud record of workers advocacy which speaks for itself Dear Editor, OUR Union – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) – feels it appropriate to respond to a letter which appeared in the name of Mr Abel Seetaram in the May 25, 2017 Kaieteur News in an effort to correct the serious misinformation contained in the letter.

While Mr Seetaram says he has no difficulty with the protest actions in the sugar belt, his haste to sign letters to the press does not give his utterances much credence.

The Regional Councillor then goes on and accuses our Union of misleading the workers and the people of the sugar-linked communities.

We ask: what misinformation is being referred to? Isn’t it factual that the sugar industry is being further minimised through further estate closures and sellout? Isn’t it true that thousands stand to be affected by those plans should they be implemented? This “positive move” as Mr Seetaram puts it, is a bitter pill to swallow. On this score, he is urged to get from his high-placed friends a copy of the GuySuCo’s proposals which are being embraced by the Government. There he would learn of the stark realities which would confront so many poor people in our country.

We agree with Mr Seetaram that steps must be taken for the industry to survive but at the same time we recognise the ‘steps’ proposed by the Government would do more harm than good. Here, we urge the erstwhile gentleman to acquaint himself with the developments in sugar.

Among other things, he may very well come across the efforts in Jamaica to diversify their industry into electricity production and the recently inked deal for a co-generation plant to be established at one of the estates as well as a letter that was written by Isabelle de Caires in the May 25, 2017 Stabroek News which spoke to sugar

diversification with respect to bagasse. These articles and others, we believe, would also be enlightening for Mr Seetaram. The fact is sugar can be saved without the resort to closure and sellout but, seemingly, no out of the box thinking is being employed for whatever reason/s.

Our Union is then charged as now only finding its voice. This we find as most laughable especially coming from Mr Seetaram and especially so too considering the community he resides. The unfounded statements speak to the desperate and low levels being sunk to. GAWU has always stood on the side of the workers at all times. He should ask his mentor about the time he asked Guyanese to light a candle for sugar workers.

That exercise would clear up any misconceptions harboured by Mr Seetaram.

On talk about closeddoor negotiations, we wish to advise Mr Seetaram that negotiations are conducted with the full involvement of the workers through their shop stewards. On the Diamond workers, he should ask a few members of his party, and he would surely know who, as they are very much aware of the reality.

Mr Seetaram’s letter is largely a regurgitation of his previous baseless and logic-less statements. We see it as another sordid attempt to cast aspersions on our Union. It is nothing more than a distraction from the cold, heartless approach to the sugar industry and the thousands linked to its operations. The GAWU has a proud record of workers advocacy which speaks for itself and can be least bothered by baseless attempts by the likes of Mr Seetaram to besmirch that indelible history and diminish the praiseworthy role of sugar workers in the past and present.

Regards Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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Suspected pirates charged with murder

Dead: Mahadeo Ramdeholl called ‘Chico’

TWO men, suspected of being pirates, appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with the murder of Corentyne boat captain, Mahadeo Ramdeholl, also known as ‘Chico.’

Another man, Devanand Singh, was also charged with accessory to murder.

Kemraj Narahsay, 38, and Dodnauth Singh, 57, both fishermen from Rose Hall, Corentyne, were not required to plead to the capital offence.

It is alleged that the duo on May 16, 2017 in the river between Tain Village and Rose Hall on the Corentyne foreshore, murdered the 57-year-old boat captain during an armed robbery.

They were represented

by Attorney-at-law, Chandra Sohan and were remanded to prison until June 5, 2017.The matter was transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, Devanand Singh, who is the brother of Dodnauth, was charged with being an accessory after the fact in the murder of Ramdeholl. The 57-yearold fisherman of Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on May 16, 2017,in the river between the villages of Tain and Rose Hall, Corentyne, he relieved, comforted and assisted Kemraj Narahsay and Dodnauth Singh, knowing fully well

Kemraj Narahsay

Dodnauth Singh

was found the following day near the Rose Hall foreshore. A post-mortem revealed that he had drowned.

Devanand Singh

that the men had participated in a murder.

His lawyer, Chandra Sohan told the court that his client saved the two men from a boat accident in the river.

However, Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offence.

The Chief Magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded the accused until June 5, 2017. The matter was transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

According to reports, on May 16 about 18:30hrs in the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Tain Village on the Corentyne, the alleged pirates, while being armed with a cutlass, went out into the Corentyne River where they attacked the boat captain and his two crewmen, Arjun Permaul, 45, and Parmanand Nandan, 21.

After allegedly relieving the victims of some fish and their outboard engine, and striking Ramdeholl on the head with a cutlass, the attackers forced the victims to jump overboard.

Ramdeholl’s body

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Georgetown man committed to High Court for murder A SOUTH Ruimveldt, Georgetown resident was committed stand trial in the High Court for the robbery/murder of Gregory Garraway, who was gunned down in front of Dynasty Sports Club in 2016.

Joshua Meredith, 23, is accused of killing Garraway on October 11, 2016 at Georgetown, outside the Dynasty Sports Club, which is located at Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt.

The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was presided over

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who concluded on Monday that there is enough evidence for Meredith to face a judge and jury.

The accused was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Stanley Moore, and the matter was prosecuted by Police Inspector, Gordon

Mansfield. According to reports, the incident occurred around 02:00hrs on the day in question. Garraway was at the time crossing the Aubrey Barker Road to make a purchase at a shop when a man confronted him and proceeded to relieve him of his gold chain. A scuffle ensued and Garraway was shot in the chest. He then

fell to the ground and the gunman made good his escape with the chain.

Garraway was hospitalised after the shooting, but succumbed to his injuries on October 11, 2016 at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Meredith remains on remand at the Camp Street prison.

‘May your choices reflect your hopes not your fears’ – Nelson Mandela As I drew closer to my chemo finish line I wished I could throw my body over it and complete the race like Shaunae Miller’s Gold at Rio, but Cancer is a marathon race not a sprint, there are steps that have to be taken and hurdles that must be crossed before being even close to completing the race, and by completing I mean surviving.

One such hurdle I was being faced with as the curtains on my treatment were coming down ( just 2 more left! ) was that of my next move : radiation/ radiotherapy. I had been so consumed by the chemotherapy that I had not examined in detail what radiation would entail. Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer.

It uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells. Other names for radiation therapy include radiotherapy, irradiation, or x-ray therapy. Other drugs are used along with radiation; these are called radiosensitizers, eg. Chemo.

This means they can actually make the cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, which helps the radiation to better kill cancer cells.

There are three ways in which radiation can be given; as far as I was aware I would be having the external (beam) radiation at the Cancer Institute.

External radiation (or external beam radiation) uses a machine called a linear

accelerator (often called a “linac” ) that directs high-energy rays from outside the body into the tumor. In my case the tumour had been removed via surgery and this would target the area where the tumour was as well as the surrounding lymph nodes.

The dose needed to kill the tumour or affected nodes is too strong to be given at once.The total dose of external radiation therapy is usually divided into smaller doses called fractions. The most common way to give it is daily: 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) for 5 to 8 weeks. Weekend rest breaks allow time for normal cells to recover.

I recalled Devika telling me her radiotherapy lasted approximately 30 days, 5 days a week for 5 mins each. She related to me how fatigued and tired she would feel after her sessions which were pretty painless but the weak feeling would come on after, thus leaving her to spend most of her days in bed. Of course this was only temporary but it did take a few months before Devika regained her ‘normal’ energy levels.

Radiation itself didn’t scare me but did this mean I would be radioactive?

Like should I stop using the microwave and my cellphone? Sounds funny but here are some possible side effects: 1. Fatigue (in part due to energy expended in replacing normal cells killed in the process) 2. Skin irritation, redness, lesions, peeling

3. Hair loss 4. Loss of taste 5. Erectile dysfunction 6. Decreased blood count (may be monitored by the clinician overseeing the treatment) 7. Increased susceptibility to infection 8. Difficulty swallowing and decreased appetite 9. Oral mucositis (cells of the mouth rapidly dividing) 10. Younger patients receiving radiotherapy are more likely to develop secondary tumors because of their longer post-treatment life span.

11. Large tumor masses often contain oxygen-poor cells in the centre that are resistant to radiation therapy and therefore not affected by the therapy.

Well at least I know I can cross out erectile dysfunction but only by doing it will I be sure of how my body reacts.

I still had two more cycles of chemo to look forward to before becoming a walking radioactive biological hazard ( i joke). It was still a long way away from what was going on; my chemo side effects had decreased after the second week of my last (5th) session; well, all except the hives which I had still not adjusted to - would you adjust to random spurts of itching all over your body all day? Yeah, I think not, definitely the worse effect ( aside from the vomiting) I have dealt with thus far; I doubt the radiation can beat this but only time will tell.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Go-Invest to Diaspora: Popular businessman dies in Camp Street accident ‘We’re here for you’

THE interest in investment opportunities among members of the Diaspora in the USA is significant as evidenced through the inquiries they made through Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, as well as their thirst for information, which they uplifted from the Go-Invest booth at the annual Guyana Association of Georgia Family Day on Sunday.

At various events over the Guyana Independence and US Memorial Day weekend, Harmon and his team, that included Go-Invest Director, Basil Blackman, fielded numerous questions about investment opportunities back home and the process for pursuing these investment opportunities.

Many of the questioners pointed to a paucity of information on not only the investment opportunities, but the positive developments taking place in Guyana that would lend to projecting Guyana as an attractive investment destination.

Speaking Sunday at a brunch hosted by Drs. Donald and Carla Culley for prominent members of the Guyanese diaspora in Georgia, many of whom are medical professionals and businesspersons, Harmon invited members of the diaspora to visit for a first hand look and to engage with Go-Invest for detailed information about specific opportunities and the process for taking advantage of these.

And Go-Invest Direc-

tor, Basil Blackman, told the gathering that the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) “is here to work with you and to guide you through the various steps in the process as you seek to take advantage of the various opportunities available.”

Scores of Guyanese and their friends flocked the Go-Invest booth at the Guyana Family Day, where they uplifted information material and giveaways, including Go-Invest pens, notebooks and other “goodies”.

At the booth Blackman fielded questions about opportunities likely to result from Guyana’s recent oil and gas find, the medical field, tourism and about government’s efforts to effectively handle crime.

TRAGEDY struck early Monday morning when city businessman, Derek Mangal, was killed during a vehicular accident at the corner of Camp and Middle Streets, downtown.

Reports are that Mangal, 45, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was on his motorcycle, awaiting the traffic light on the western carriageway at Camp and Middle Streets to change signal in his favour when the accident occurred.

Though reports are somewhat sketchy, the gist of it is that the driver of a motorcar, believed to be a woman, intent on beating the traffic light, ran

the Toyota Raum behind Mangal.

The impact reportedly caused the Toyota Raum, in turn, to knock Mangal off his motorcycle and pin him to a nearby utility post.

A relative of his told this publication that Mangal had just opened his store -- the popular Ema’s Collection at the Multi-complex Mall on Regent Street -- and was heading to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Camp Street when tragedy struck.

“We hear that after the lady knock the Raum, it ended up into Derek and pinned him to the bottom of the lamppost,” said the

Trial date set for Nandlall MAGISTRATE Fabayo Azore has set June 8, 2017 for the commencement of the trial for former Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, in relation to the larceny of over $2 million worth of law books from the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

This announcement was made on Monday by Magistrate Azore when Nandlall singled his intention to have the matter be tried at the Magistrate’s Court instead of at the High Court.

With that being said, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Prosecutor, Patrice Henry, told the court that four statements in the matter are still outstanding.

On April 27, Nandlall was charged with Larceny by Bailee in connection with a number of law books which he took from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, which

Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

he said was given to him by former President, Donald Ramotar, during his tenure in office.

The former AG was not required to plead to the charge, which alleged that he fraudulently converted 14 Commonwealth Law

Reports valued at GY$2.3 million to his own use, as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. He was released on self-bail by Magistrate Azore.

Nandlall told reporters recently that, “The criminal justice system is being used as a political instrument,” and that he was supplied with those law books that predated a decade before his appointment.

Over the last two years, Nandlall has repeatedly confirmed that while he was AG, the law books were purchased for him by the state with approval by former president Ramotar. Nandlall had explained that the law books are in his possession and he has no intention of returning them to the State.

He subsequently secured an order in the High Court, which bars the police from seizing the books.

The car that jumped the traffic light

DEAD: Derek Mangal

relative.

Reports are that persons who were in the area rushed to assist the man, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Mangal leaves to mourn his wife, Rose, and his daughter who is currently sitting the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) exams.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force has confirmed that the driver was apprehended and is being held for questioning.

Psychosocial support for Regions Seven, Eight flood-affected residents ALL flood-affected communities in Regions Seven and Eight, to date, have received food and medical supplies.

In an update provided to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Acting Director General, Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Major Kester Craig, said that in addition to the supplies, CDC will be collaborating with the Ministry of Social Protection to provide psychosocial support to the affected residents.

“Most of the residents speak in their native Amerindian

language, therefore with this support those residents will also have a voice,” Major Craig explained.

Currently, the CDC is assisting the residents with the rehabilitation of their homes. “The residents prefer to rebuild their homes themselves, and we have started sending in the equipment to assist them in that regard.

We sent tools, tarpaulins, and chain saws,” Craig explained.

The Guyana Defence Force recently concluded the assessment of the in-

frastructure and homes destroyed by the floodwater in the regions and the CDC will be using that information to assess long-term recovery measures. This will see some responsibilities handed over to the regions’ Regional Democratic Councils and Ministries that can assist with infrastructure and housing, Craig pointed out.

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has also rendered its support by providing water filtraters in both Regions Seven and Eight communities. (GINA)

A TRINIDADIAN national appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Cornelius Thomas, 27, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to prison until June 14, 2017.

According to the police,

ranks acted on information and went to a house at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown at about 19:00hrs on Sunday night, where they conducted a search in his presence.

The ranks reportedly found a total of 834 grams of cannabis in 382 smallsized zip-lock packets. The Police Prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that no special reason was given

Cornelius Thomas

Health Ministry employee charged ‘Trini’ allegedly caught with ‘ganja’ with sexual activity of minor in Georgetown

A LIAISON Officer attached to the Ministry of Public Health appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with sexual activity of a minor.

Esan Abrams, 37, of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown did not have legal representation and was not required to plead to the indictable offence, which alleged that between June 12,

2015 and June 22, 2015 at the National Park, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration with a 14-yearold boy.

Police Prosecutor, Arvin Moore objected to bail on the grounds that the man is a flight risk, since he once lived Trinidad and only recently returned to Guyana. As such, bail was denied and Abrams was remanded until June 12, 2017.

Esan Abrams

by the defendant. Thomas however admitted to the court that he was once convicted for fraud in the Dominican Republic.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Illegal miners still in custody …villagers hold protest VILLAGERS of Chenapau, Region Eight, on Monday protested the arrests and detention of fellow residents of the community by law enforcement officials on Sunday, even as those arrested remain in police custody.

According to Michael Mc

tinue to fight…this will not be the end of this,” said Mc Garrell, who noted that the existing situation involving illegal mining within the Kaieteur National Park provides an opportunity for there to be stakeholder discussions on the how the park should be used and managed.

Residents of Chenapau, including children protest the arrests and detention of villagers on Sunday

A villager of Chenapau holds a placard on Monday

Garrell of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), a village meeting was held on Monday to discuss Sunday’s occurrences and it was there that the villagers decided to protest. Mc Garrell, who hails from Chenapau described the situation as “sad” and noted that many of those arrested have documentation permitting them to work in the area, described as “down river”.

He said too that the said persons have paid for claims and sell their minerals to the Guyana Gold Board, while adding that it is unfortunate that those in police custody remain detained. Many of the villagers, including children held placards which called on President David Granger to fulfill his promise of a ‘good life for all’.

“The community has indicated that they will con-

Meanwhile, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Chronicle that the 21 persons who were arrested, while working on mining operations at Kaieteur National Park on Sunday have not yet been released. Blanhum said those who were transported to the city on Sunday afternoon up to press time were being interviewed by police at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). “No one has been charged. We are now interviewing the persons who are in police custody,” Blanhum stated.

It was reported Monday that some 20 persons residing at Chenapau, Region Eight, had been arrested and transported to the capital city Sunday during a joint operation by the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), after they

were found mining illegally at Kaieteur National Park.

Meanwhile, Director of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, called the Kaieteur National Park “Guyana’s signature attraction area,” which is set aside for the protection of Guyana’s biodiversity, and said Guyanese should be the last to think of spoiling the environs of Kaieteur Falls.

The Kaieteur National Park is set aside as one of the Guyana’s protected areas and gold mining or any other mining there is prohibited. It is the home of Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest one-drop waterfalls, which flows some 741 feet before making a single drop into its Gorge.

“The park is one of the oldest and most iconic Protected Areas of Guyana and was established in 1929,” the Guyana Chronicle reported Monday. Sinclair told the Guyana Chronicle that activities which encourage destruction are prohibited in

A female resident of Chenapau holds a placard

any area which has been set aside as a National Park and has advised that strict control of activities be placed around the Kaieteur National Park.

“It is a national park which means that some activities are prohibited and highly controlled. Those activities will have to be tightly controlled because of the effects…”

Sinclair told the Guyana

Chronicle.

He recalled in the past Kaieteur had been negatively impacted by upstream mining which had caused the country’s most prized flow of water to be polluted and discoloured. “Kaieteur in the past had been impacted by mining upstream…. Because of the special nature of the Kaieteur National Park, because of the

special nature of it, illegal mining cannot be allowed.

Illegal mining should not be allowed anywhere, because it is illegal,” Sinclair said.

On Sunday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, confirmed that an operation took place at the Kaieteur National Park and that several persons — primarily workers — were arrested. It is the intention of the Ministry of Natural Resources to seize and, or disable all dredges found working in the area, Trotman asserted. “I am looking at seizing and/or disabling them,” he told the Guyana Chronicle, while explaining that there is no routine monitoring of the Kaieteur National Park areas as it is not a designated mining district.

Trotman explained that a few weeks ago it was observed that there was a resurgence of illegal mining at the Kaieteur National Park contrary to regulations. As such, a secret operation was planned to halt the operations at the behest of President David Granger, who has overarching responsibility for the environment. Sometime last year, GGMC officials had visited the area and stopped miners from operating in the protected area; those persons were warned and reaffirmed government’s strong objection to any kind of mining in the area.

During that operation last year, a policeman lost his life when the boat in which he was travelling capsized.

“Kaieteur is expected to be maintained as pristine place for protection of our bio-diversity, the Kaieteur National Park is part of the protected area, so a decision was taken to have a decisive operation to address the situation.”

D’Urban Street fatal accident…

Police seeking help finding female ‘Tacoma’ driver THE police are seeking information on the whereabouts of the woman alleged to have been behind the wheel of the Toyota Tacoma pickup involved in the May 21 fatal accident at the corner of D’Urban and Smyth Streets.

The accident, which involved the ‘Tacoma’ and a Route 41 minibus, resulted in the death of cricket coach and umpire, Daniel Richmond, and injury to 13

other persons.

The owner of the ‘Tacoma’, Elton Carter, 29, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, who was among the injured, had initially told the police that he was at the wheel when the accident occurred.

Carter, currently a patient at a private city hospital, has since changed his story, saying that it was an as yet unnamed woman that was driving, and that she has fled to the ‘interior’.

The police have already said that based on their investigations, the driver of the minibus, Osafo Edghill of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, will not be charged.

According to reports, Richmond, of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, was killed on the spot when the ‘Tacoma’, GRR 8350, slammed into the minibus, BVV 5273, in which he was travelling.

The impact reportedly

DEAD: Daniel Richmond

caused the minibus, which was carrying other passengers besides Richmond, to topple several times then crashing into a utility pole and cracking it before coming to a rest.

The ‘Tacoma’, meanwhile, was sent headlong into a blue car, PLL 4474, parked on the parapet next to the ‘Classique GT Beer Garden’ at the corner of D’Urban and Smyth.

Among the injured were Brian James, 40;

Kim Douglas, 49; Aviel Eversley, 35; Jelany Williams, 17; Ronaldo Bancroft, 15; Deon Goodridge, 27; Morris DeSouza, 16; Michael Bumburry, 47; DeAndre Smith, 17; Othien Otto, seven; Lynette Crawford, 42; Godfrey Daniels, 35; and Jesemy (only name given). They were all taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were treated and sent away.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Albouystown Health Centre re-opened THE Albouystown Health Center was re-opened to the public on Monday morning with an official ceremony at the Bel Air and James’ Streets location.

For approximately one year, the center had been out of operation with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) often citing a lack of finances to have it fixed. In order to access services, residents had to travel to centers at South Road or Festival City.

But it was not too long ago that Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, sent officers from the ministry to find out what was taking the M&CC so long to have the facility back in working order and what the ministry could have done to assist.

With new assistance provided, the M&CC, at one of its statutory meetings, had set a deadline for the project to be completed, failing which, whoever was responsible for

The rehabilitated Albouystown Health Centre reopened

the delay would have been disciplined.

At the ceremony, which featured songs and dances from children of the Selman Fraser and Albouystown Nursery Schools, Minister Lawrence observed that the reopening fulfills the mission of her ministry, which is seeking to establish and refurbish health centers in the various communities.

She recalled, during the feature address, that the center has been rendering services to this community since 1970 when former mayor Hamilton Green was the Minister of Health.

“For more than a year, I know of the inconvenience you have had to endure to allow for the rehabilitation, but you now have access to an upgraded facility,” Lawrence

Gov’t extends warm Ramadan greetings to Muslims MUSLIMS in Guyana and across the world are observing Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and religious devotion, which commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, according to Islamic belief.

In a message, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, stated that his ministry recognises the importance of this annual period of devotion, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and extends warm Ramadan greetings to Muslims across the country.

“Ramadan is not only a period of fasting and spiritual reflection, but it is also a time when goodwill is

unequivocally demonstrated regardless of religious and other differences. It is for this reason that I unreservedly believe that the observance of Ramadan is an opportunity for reflection on religious tolerance and Social Cohesion and should inspire every Guyanese to emulate such actions of goodwill and brotherhood all year round,” Dr Norton said.

According to him, Guyana is a religiously diverse country, which has religious freedom enshrined in its Constitution. This freedom, he said continues to be respected and protected by the Government of Guyana. “The role of religion in fostering Social

Cohesion must not be underestimated. Understanding, appreciating and respecting each other, regardless of our differences, are essential elements for achieving Social Cohesion. The Ministry of Social Cohesion will next month commence the implementation of Guyana’s first ever Social Cohesion Strategic Plan and looks forward to the continued support of all stakeholders, including the religious community towards the building of a more unified country.”

The Government of Government extends best wishes to the Muslim community during this holy month of Ramadan.

Woman dies after beaten by husband THIRTY-three-year-old Gomattie Ramsingh died on Sunday; three days after she was beaten and hurled down the front stairs of her home by her reputed husband at Number 58 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

The mother of three was taken to the Skeldon Public hospital, where she initially reported to medical staff that she had fallen down the stairway, but in a video seen by this newspaper, the injured woman told relatives that Adesh Mull, her reputed husband was the one who assaulted her.

She said the man had

made demands for money to smoke ganja. “He beat me first. We started to fight. He pushed me in the wall and dragged me down the step.

He took an iron and lashed me in my head and other parts of my body and he then pulled me around the yard,” the woman told relatives.

As a result of the incident, she was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital at around 13:30hrs on May 25. The following day she was referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital. Health officials said she sustained multiple injuries, including a broken pelvis and a fractured

spine, which rendered her immobile.

Meanwhile, Hatrinauth Ramsingh said his sibling had lived with the suspect for about one year.

The man is a fisherman, who was very abusive. Following her referral to the Regional health facility, she was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she died on Sunday night. Meanwhile, following the incident, the suspect was seen leaving the home with a bag, which was taken away from him.

He has since gone into hiding.

told the small gathering.

She related that the center will not focus exclusively on providing maternal and child care services but that additional services will now be offered, such as a chronic disease clinic. “Guyana, as you may know; we always like to be first, especially in the bad things and we’re riding on top of the waves of chronic diseases,” she stated.

The new services will also include daily outpatient service, daily dressing of wounds, daily counseling and testing for HIV and VIA (cervical cancer).

The minister announced

that dental services will also be offered at the center at every quarter and that a fulltime doctor will be assigned there. Attached to the clinic will be the community health workers, who will be visiting homes to check on patients who may have missed clinic appointments or those who have discontinued their treatment for one reason or other.

“We hope to keep up with the health status of our patients so that in the event of a referral, we can have current medical records that can be forwarded. We also hope that the residents will learn to appreciate how essential it is to be vigilant about one’s health and the important of accessing the services for a regular check-up and not waiting until the very last moment when the situation may be out of control.

“Our vision is that you will begin to consider visits to the clinic as part of your routine and incorporate them in your agenda. So you don’t go the clinic when you’re ill but you go for regular checkups,” the minister said.

According to her, the clinic will also extend its ser-

vices to the residents of the Dharm Shala, located in King Edward Street, Albouystown.

Lawrence said it is hoped that the clinic will have a core of nurses to conduct medical outreaches every three months, on Saturdays, in the community to heighten awareness and educate residents.

Meanwhile, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green offered that the M&CC is grateful for the assistance from the ministry and knows it can count on this government for help, unlike the previous government.

She urged residents to pay their outstanding rates and taxes, even if it is a small sum at a time, because the M&CC depend solely on such taxes to execute their work.

Constituency Councillor, Malcolm Ferreira, pleaded with residents to care the facility by looking out for those who may wish to vandalise it.

Ferreira said while the community owes about half of a billion dollars in taxes to the M&CC, in excess of 300 children and 44 pregnant mothers will be accessing services at the facility.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

GPHC Head asked to leave PAC meeting

By Ariana Gordon

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Allan Johnson and Finance Director, Ronald Charles, were on Monday asked to leave the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting after they were unprepared to answer questions posed.

The duo came under severe scrutiny by PAC Chairman, Irfaan Ali and member Juan Edghill. The CEO arrived at the meeting with one supporting staff and was thoroughly grilled by the PAC on the non-submission of financial statements for 2015 and 2016, the non-refund of monies to Consolidated Fund among other areas.

It was during the intense questioning by PAC member, Juan Edghill, that Charles said he was not “fully” the Finance Director. It was this response which saw Edghill, a former junior Minister of Finance, alleging that both Charles and Johnson were “deliberate” in their efforts not to provide the PAC with answers to questions asked and were “working on instructions”.

It was observed that in 2015 GPHC continued to budget for as an Agency and prepared Appropriation Accounts until September 1, 2015 when the Corporation started receiving subvention from the Ministry of Public Health, and commenced operating and maintaining its own accounting systems and records.

Additionally, in accordance with Sections 48 and 64, under the Public Corpora-

er. But PAC member Edghill found the response of the GPHC CEO to be ludicrous and raised his objection. “Mr Chair if the GPHC did not present their financial records how was the closing balance at the end of the year and the opening balance at the beginning of the year, determined?”

for procurement.

Johnson said that the substantive Finance Director reported sick last week. It was at this point that the PAC Chairman asked the duo to leave the meeting as they were unprepared to provide answers to questions posed by the Committee. He

GPHC’S CEO, Allan Johnson, (L) speaks with Finance Director, Ronald Charles, (R) on Monday during a PAC meeting as questions were thrown to them about the financial operation of the entity (Adrian Narine photo)

tions Act, GPHC is required to produce audited account.

This was not done. When questioned on the status of the accounts, CEO Johnson said a work plan is in place to finish the accounts in September. He said too that the Corporation is in the process of hiring a fixed assets evaluator, who will assist in getting the accounts together.

He admitted that no financial statements were submitted and when asked by PAC chair, Irfaan Ali if anybody has been sanctioned, Johnson said no action has been taken against officers in this regard. “I am going to write the Finance Director and then proceed from there,” said the GPHC CEO, causing Edghill to erupt. “Mr Chair, this is an audit finding that has been available through the accounting officer for several months, he is going to come to PAC this morning to tell us he is going to now write the Finance Director to find

GPHC’s CEO, Allan Johnson, leaves Parliament Chambers on Monday amid ridicule from PAC Member, Juan Edghill (Adrian Narine photo)

out why this didn’t happen.”

He questioned: “Is this not submitting financial statements allowing GPHC to keep monies not spent in their account, rather than returning it to the Consolidated Fund?”

Johnson in response said all funds were returned to the government of Guyana, a statement which contradicted statements within the Audit report. This prompted Ali to request evidence of same.

“Do you have evidence, supporting documentation to show that money was paid back to the Consolidated Fund at the end of 2015 and 2016?” asked the PAC Chair. Ali was unable to receive a response from Johnson who requested time to submit the answer lat-

asked Edghill. But before Johnson could respond, Ali informed him of his attempt to mislead the PAC based on information in his possession.

But it was Finance Director Charles in an attempt to save face, who said that “all the funds for 2015… were sorted out and returned.

For 2016 now, as far as I am aware there is still some money outstanding, but I have to clarify that.” “Are you the Finance Director? Asked Ali, as frustration mounted at the meeting, to which Charles responded, “Not for finance per se…” Johnson then noted that Charles’ predecessor was responsible for finances and Charles was responsible only

instructed the men to return when they have all the answers to questions posed, as well as supporting staff.

But the Chairman’s decision appeared insufficient for

Edghill, who stressed that it appeared a deliberate attempt by the duo to withhold information and frustrate the PAC. He also accused Johnson of being disrespectful to the PAC by only having one staff member, who was clearly uninformed.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated… We will not allow you to waste PAC time and you Mr. CEO seem to be all cool about this,” a frustrated Ali added, while stating it was not the first time Johnson appeared before the PAC and ought to have known that he should have been accompanied by staff who are equipped to answer the questions of the body. As both the CEO and Charles were exiting the Parliament Chambers, Edghill shouted, “You should hang your head in shame. Any CEO worth his salt would have come here with a proper team… and you are being rude!” His utterance angered Johnson who stopped and blurted out, “I am a big man and you’re telling me I am rude!” before exiting the Chambers.

PAC Chairman, Irfaan Ali warns Johnson and Charles about allegedly wasting the time of the PAC on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

Carter Center wants timeline for resolution of elections complaints THE CARTER Center in its report on the May 2015 General and Regional elections in Guyana has recommended that there be the establishment of a clear and reasonable time lime for the resolution of election complaints and petitions.

In its report released earlier this month, the Center said the National Assembly should consider the revision of the Validity of Elections Act 1964 or any subsequent legislation to ensure that reasonable time limits are in place to ensure the adjudication of any election complaints and petitions.

“Currently in Guyana, cases including election petitions can be active for years and for longer than the duration of the body or government whose election is being contested. Amendment of the law should provide for timely

and effective remedies to those aggrieved in the electoral process,” the report stated.

Over the years, political parties have challenged through the courts, elections results but the conclusion of those elections petitions were part of lengthy court processes. In 1998, just after the December 15, 1997 elections, Ester Perreira had filed a petition under Articles 60, 162 and 163 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act Cap. 1:03 and the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act Cap. 1:04 contending that the elections were not free, fair and valid.

That petition was heard

by Justice Claudette Singh and was subject to several adjournments which resulted in the hearing of the evidence taking more than two years to conclude. Justice Singh gave her ruling in January 2001

when she found that there was no fraudulent intention by any person and that though there were irregularities and illegalities, she was unable to hold that illegal voting by those not registered to vote would have affected the results of the 1997 elections.

Similarly, in 2006, the Alliance for Change (AFC) had filed an election petition over a parliamentary seat for Region 10. The petition filed

by Walter Melville, an AFC member claimed that they had won the parliamentary seat for Region 10, though it was given to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP); the ruling party at the time.

The party had contended that it possessed certified statements of poll to show it won the seat. Additionally, Party leader Raphael Trotman had said that the AFC had won more votes than the PPP

in Region 10 and as such, the seat should have been assigned to his party.

It took three years before the petition could be heard by former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang. It was first heard by the then Chief Justice, Carl Singh but no decision was handed down and fell within the backlog of High Court cases; the case file had also gone missing.

Meanwhile, in 2015, the PPP’s Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganga Persaud filed an election petition on behalf of his party challenging the validity of the May 2015 General and Regional Elections. He claimed that the elections were “unlawfully conducted” and that the result of the elections was affected or might have been affected by unlawful acts or omissions.

Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elec-

tions Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, challenged the petition via a summons and retired Chief Justice Chang had ruled that the summons filed by Lowenfield was hasty. The CEO through his attorney Roysdale Forde filed an appeal against Justice Chang’s decision on 14 grounds, among which it was contended that Justice Chang erred in law when he failed to direct his mind to the summons and examine specific paragraphs of the petition to be struck out for being in breach of Section 140 of the Representation of the People’s Act. It is unclear when the case would be heard at the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, the Carter Center has also called for provision to be made for legal complaints to be filed prior to elections. In its re-

port, the entity said there is no opportunity for anyone, neither candidate nor voter, to make a complaint related to the conduct of the elections or to the nomination of a candidate, in any forum. “The legal framework should be revised to allow for the filing of complaints in the pre-election period, and the electoral calendar adjusted accordingly. The electoral calendar should be revised to provide for an earlier nomination date of candidates, while a facility should be created in electoral law (the Representation of the People Act, 1964, or any new legislation that may supersede it) allowing for complaints to be made to GECOM, with attendant adjudication powers conferred on GECOM, with a right of appeal,” the report stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Private sector wants gov’t hold back on sugar reform …concerned about closure of sugar estates THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) and its affiliates said they are concerned about government’s plans to close some estates as part of its overall reform programme to make the struggling sugar industry here more viable.

In a statement issued on Monday, the PSC and its affiliates: Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development, the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association all urged government to “hold its hand” on the approach.

Government only recently unveiled its State Paper on sugar, noting that the industry here lies in a smaller sector, with reduced losses and cash deficits, but coupled with a separate and profitable diversified enterprise, which would ensure a viable future. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, said the ‘State Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry’, will focus on the poorly-performing estates and have them shift from sugar to diversification.

Private sector organisations are opposed to the closure of some non-performing sugar estates

“The proposed courses of action are to amalgamate [merge] Wales Estate with Uitvlugt Estate and reassign its cane to the Uitvlugt factory, since the estate is operating at 50 percent capacity.

Sixty percent of its drainage and irrigation infrastructure is in a dilapidated condition.

The corporation furthermore seeks to divest itself of the Skeldon Estate. The estates of Albion and Rose Hall are to be amalgamated and the factory at Rose Hall is to be closed.”

Holder said GuySuCo would then consist of three estates and three sugar factories. The estates would be Blairmont on the West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt-Wales estate in West Demerara. The three estates will be complete with factories and will have cane supplied from all five locations. By virtue of the amal-

gamation, the Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Rose Hall, Berbice factories will be closed by year-end.

In the case of Enmore, that factory will be closed at the end of the year when all cane would have been harvested and the East Coast Estates would be earmarked for diversification.

“The process will result in improving the relationship with some cane cutters, estate staff and about 1,710 private cane farmers. These adjustments mean that GuySuCo would be scaled-down into a more efficient entity that focuses on producing sugar to satisfy the domestic and foreign markets that provide preferential access to our sugar. This entails taking advantage of the opportunity to merge better performing lands to operate factories more efficiently,” Holder said.

But even as there will

be a major restructuring of the industry, GuySuCo is required to retain many of its workers for all operations on the merged estates or factories and those employees are to receive leased lands from the sugar company to engage in crops to be decided by both GuySuCo and the Ministry of Agriculture. Additionally, the Minister said GuySuCo plans, apart from restructuring the estates and factories, to transfer to the state charges for the drainage and irrigation and health services that it provides to the communities, and around the estates.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE However, the private sector bodies said Guysuco came into being as a state owned entity in 1976, when it was nationalised. They said the industry has continued to play a significant role in the overall economy of Guyana. “The industry remains the largest employer other than Government and the main foreign currency earner. Guysuco’s role has expanded to include providing Drainage and Irrigation for many communities and other sectors, as well as providing community health services,” the statement issued by the PSC said.

The private sector acknowledged that in recent years the corporation has delivered financial losses and has become dependent on

Government/taxpayers subvention to enable continued operation, saying that many factors have been attributed to the declining performance of the industry, not the least of which was the loss of the preferential pricing of the lucrative EU market. There is the view that these could be addressed to turn around the industry, the private sector said.

However in recognition of the critical importance of the sugar industry, the private sector observed that the government-initiated Commissioner of Enquiry (COI) did not recommend closure of any estate but, on the contrary, recommended divestment into private hands (See Volume 1 of COI page 36, section 7, sub-section 1, 11,111,1V).

Additionally, it said Guysuco’s audited financial statements for the year 2015 reveal that more than G$10.0B would be removed from private employment income should Government proceed with the closure of estates. This, in turn, would have a direct negative effect on consumer spending in the communities which, directly or indirectly, depend upon income, from sugar.

Such a decline in consumer spending would also have a diminishing impact upon all commerce with concomitant negative spin-off effects on the economy as a whole.

According to the private

sector Guysuco is a major earner of foreign exchange.

“Closure of any estates would, therefore, severely impact upon the availability of foreign exchange and increase the price at which it is sold.”

The PSC contends that the restoration of Guyana’s economy is inevitably, and intimately, linked to the future of sugar. “It would be sad to lose the sugar industry and realise five years later that this would have been a success story. We must learn from the history of the scrapping of the railway, which would have opened up our country to development. Our members are located across the length and breadth of Guyana and the survival of their businesses depends upon a public that spends on goods and services. Most income generation is derived from employment and when this is reduced significantly it affects the entire chain, from manufacturing and importation to household consumption.

The private sector calls on Government to hold its hand on the current approach towards closure of estates. The private sector stands ready to place its considerable experience at the disposal of and to work with Government to explore all possible options to avert closure.”

Guyanese granny killed in T&T AN abusive relationship ended in murder over the weekend as Guyanese-born grandmother, Enid Rosaline Periana, 62, was chopped to death inside a man’s apartment in Madras Road, St Helena.

Police believe Periana was hacked to death Friday night, although the gruesome discovery of her body was made the following day in the apartment building at Boyie Trace off Madras Road. The suspect, who residents said is over 65 and sells clothes in Tobago, has

gone into hiding.

Tenants recalled Sunday that Periana moved into the apartment about three months ago with the suspect. She kept to herself but almost daily, they would hear screams from inside the apartment leading them to strongly suspect she was being physically abused. The tenants, who all did not want to be identified, told police that on Friday at 10 pm, they heard screams from inside the apartment with Periana bawling out for her mother. A short while later the

screams stopped and there was silence.

Minutes later, tenants saw the suspect walk out to the road with two plastic bags in his hands on.

He boarded a car. Tenants said they assumed it was yet another beating and made nothing of it. The following day around midday, the driver of the car went to the apartment and told tenants he had some bad news to deliver. “The driver told us that (suspect’s name called) sent him to tell us that we must go and

check on the woman. He (the suspect) said if she did not answer, we should break in to see. At this stage we called the police and when they came, they forced their way into the apartment and found the woman’s body on the ground in a bedroom.

Blood was all over and body parts were hanging from the skin,” said a tenant.

Periana, police sources said, was chopped all over her body and police recovered a bloodstained cutlass.

Newsday was told that the Guyanese woman had previ-

ous addresses at Sandalwood Crescent in Malabar and at Broadway Road in Arima.

Her daughter and granddaughter live at Frederick Settlement in Caroni.

Newsday was also told that the suspect was renting the apartment since August and gave the landlord his (the suspect) address as being Mc Bean, Calcutta No 3 in Couva.

“Almost every day she got licks.

She was not allowed to even tell us ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’.

One time the woman burnt the pork while cooking and that man beat her bad, bad. Another day, she was carrying some bags in both hands and he pushed her for walking too slow,” said one of the tenants.

Since the gruesome discovery, neither tenants nor other residents have seen the suspect. An autopsy was expected to be performed Monday morning at the Forensic Science Centre in St James. No arrest has been made. (Trinidad Newsday)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Phase One of Bartica stelling 35% completed WORKS on Bartica stelling are moving apace amidst challenges. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, said that phase one of the works is 35 percent completed.

The Minister explained that work is progressing, but has been hindered due to the frequent changes of the tide, which is preventing the contractors from working.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, assessing works done at the Bartica Stelling: “The men cannot work in the high tide; to date they have already installed the

timber piles, which have to be encased in concrete, so it’s just for them to start the casting, which cannot be done during the tide,” Minister Ferguson explained.

She added that concrete works to the substructure and steel bending are ongoing. The project which commenced last October is a multi-year one. However, phase one which is the substructure (base/underlying/ supporting structure) is now expected to be completed by September 2017, after which works on the superstructure (upper part) will commence immediately, Minister Ferguson pointed out.

The project’s description

Ongoing works on the substructure of the Bartica Stelling

outlines that the southern section of the stelling is to be demolished and reconstructed with support piles

made of greenheart for the substructure and southern timber fender system to be completely redone.

The superstructure will house various government offices, commercial businesses, passenger waiting area, canteen and staff of-

fices. The project which is funded by the government will provide the good life for Region Seven and other persons who travel to the region, Minister Ferguson confidently stated.

The Minister recalled that when the government

took office it inherited a deplorable stelling, which was uncomfortable for persons travelling to the region. “By virtue of the government pumping this amount of money into this project, means a lot. As a government, we sought to enhance this stelling because we don’t want to continue our tenure with dilapidated infrastructure. We want to ensure passengers are comfortable and safety is adhered to, so the enhancement of this stelling will definitely bring relief to the residents and those travelling,” Minister Ferguson posited.

The sum of $240M from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s $34.6 B, 2017 allocation is being spent for the execution of this project. (GINA)

Armed bandits rob Bath shopkeeper, patron – flee scene in patron’s car THREE armed men on Sunday relieved a mechanic of the keys to his car (PMM 6756), gold jewellery, and cell-phone, while he and a friend were liming at a liquor restaurant at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.

They next turned their attention to the liquor restaurant’s owner, robbing her of the day’s takings, which amounted to $60,000 in cash, two cell-phones, a

Samsung tablet and whatever jewellery she was wearing at the time.

According to reports, the mechanic was at the liquor restaurant, called “Beni Shop”, having a few beers with a friend when the bandits pounced, ordering them to lie face down on the ground.

It turned out that only the mechanic had anything of value on him, so they took it, then proceeded to kick

open a door on the inside of the restaurant so as to get to the proprietrix.

After sorting her out, they then made good their escape in the mechanic’s car, which was parked outside of the shop.

The police later found a white Toyota car abandoned almost 200 feet away from the scene of the robbery.

Speculation is rife that the bandits had used that vehicle to travel to the crime scene before making their move.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

AAG releases final team for South American Junior Championships THE Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) yesterday released the names of the athletes on the 50-man team that will be representing Guyana at this weekend’s South American Junior Championships to be held at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.

Not surprisingly the team is led by CARIFTA Games gold medallists Compton Caesar, Claudrice McKoy, Chantoba Bright, and silver medallist Anfernee Headecker, as well as South American Youth Championships multiple silver medallist Daniel Williams.

All of the other athletes who represented Guyana at this year’s CARIFTA Games are also on the team. Overall, the list contains almost all of Guyana’s top, seasoned junior athletes, and then some, as the local side looks to maximise participation, with 21 females and 29 males.

“This will be the biggest team that will represent Guyana at any meet. We’ve never before had a team of 50 athletes represent Guyana on any occasion,” team manager Cornel Rose boasted yesterday, during a press conference held by the local organising committee.

The athletes have intermittently been training together over the last four weekends, under a pool of coaches from across Guyana’s top athletics clubs, and from all reports spirits and expectations are high among the team, with just a few days to go.

“We expect our fair share of medals being that we’re on home turf and this team has been prepared like no other before that I can recall, and I’ve been around for a while.

“We’ve had four weekends of camps and the sessions were great. The athletes are all in high spirit, and based on the times that they’ve been doing we can expect medals, not just silver and bronze but our fair share of gold,” coach Julian Edmonds said.

Meanwhile, when questioned about athletes being housed at the National Gymnasium during their training stints, after a photo of the athletes sleeping on the facil-

ities bleachers circulated on social media, AAG president Aubrey Hutson said while the situation left much to be desired, it was the best that could be had under current circumstances.

“Yes the ideal thing may have been to put them up at the Marriott (Hotel), but we have to understand that it’s one financial pie that we have to share, and how we distribute those finances is that in some areas we’re going to have to make cutbacks, in some areas we will be able to do better than what was previously done,” Hutson stated.

“I have never had complaints about the Gymnasium being not suitable. Matter of fact I’ve never heard the athletes complain that it was too hot. We try to do the best that we can under the present circumstances for the development of this sport and hence the Gymnasium was chosen.

It wasn’t the ideal place of choice, but based on the prevailing circumstances I think it was the best that we could have done.”

Guyana will be competing in all of the events with the exception of the female hurdles, steeplechase, heptathlon and hammer throw, which are events that Guyana does not conventionally participate in. However, the Land of Many Waters was able to source athletes to represent in the male steeplechase, hurdles, decathlon and hammer throw.

The full team is as follows: GIRLS: Kenisha Phillips (100m, 200m, 4x 100m), Onasha Rogers (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Avon Samuels (400m, 4x400m, 4x100m), Collia Rowe (400m, 4x400m),

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:40 hrs Amazingly 09:15 hrs Tripple Explosion 09:55 hrs Streak Of Silver 10:30 hrs Mega Secret 11:05 hrs State Ballet English Racing Tips Leicester 08:50 hrs Westerland 09:20 hrs Prince Ahwahnee 09:50 hrs Black Bubba 10:20 hrs Cashla Bay 10:50 hrs Vernatti 11:20 hrs Roussel 11:50 hrs Borough Boy 12:20 hrs Wurood Redcar 09:00 hrs Dance Diva 09:30 hrs Tenby Two 10:00 hrs Newmarket Warrior 10:30 hrs Count Simon 11:00 hrs Black Grass 11:30 hrs Eltanin 12:00 hrs Kensington Palace

Joanna Archer (800m), Claudrice McKoy (1500m), Serena Williams (1500m), Leyanna Charles (3000m), Kezra Murray (3000m), Delecia Harper (5000m), Tatyana Blair (high jump), Shontel Browne (high jump), Chantoba Bight (long jump, triple jump), Ruth Sanmoogan (long jump, triple jump), Mian McPherson (shot put, discus), Kimbily Hilliman (javelin), Jamecia Scott (discus), Cassie Small (relay), Tonya Rawlins, Tiffauna Garnett, Tandika Haynes (relay) BOYS: Compton Caesar (100m, 200m, 4x100m, 4x400m), Tyrell Peters (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Anfernee Headecker (800m, 1500m, 4x400m), Daniel Williams (400m, 4x400m, high jump), Laurindo Prince (400m, 4x400m), Terrence Fraser (400m hurdles), Hosea Glen (400m hurdles), Samuel Lynch (800m, 4x400m), Ruel Chester (1500m), Ronaldo Wishart (3000m, steeplechase), Nigel Gonsalves (3000m, steeplechase), Matthew McKenzie (5000m), Rondell Newton (5000m), Rickie Williams (10000m), Joshua Williams (10000m), Tortque Boyce (high jump), Tremaine Browne (long jump, triple jump), Anthony Williams (long jump, triple jump), Ronaldo Greene (triple jump), Jermaine Simmons (shot put, discus), Timothy Sealey (shot put, javelin), Tremaine Beckles (javelin, discus), Jonathan Garnett (relay), Jermaine King (relay), Ryan Bramble (relay), Stayon Wilson (relay), Denise Roberts (decathlon), Tevin Nicholson (race walk), Jonathan Copeland (hammer throw).

Lingfield 09:10 hrs Rattle On 09:40 hrs Team Meeting 10:10 hrs Sorority 10:40 hrs Dream Magic 11:10 hrs Sandfrankskipsgo 11:40 hrs Whitecrest 12:10 hrs Starshell Irish Racing Tips Ballinrobe 13:00 hrs Dorans River 13:30 hrs Timi Roli 14:00 hrs Lachares 14:30 hrs Kilganer Queen 15:00 hrs Roconga 15:30 hrs Kilcarry Bridge 16:00 hrs Special Ted American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Hearty Jones Race 2 Simplylucky Race 3 One Proud Wildcat Race 4 Speed Game Race 5 Diamond Jim Race 6 Ice Kaufy Race 7 Moe Trouble Race 8 Siralfredthegreat Race 9 Atascaderan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

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Djokovic makes winning French Open start under Agassi’s watch

By Karolos Grohmann PARIS, France (Reuters) Defending champion Novak Djokovic made a winning French Open start under new coach Andre Agassi yesterday, cruising past Spain’s Marcel Granollers 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the first round.

The 12-time grand slam champion parted company with his entire coaching team earlier this month after a string of disappointing results before inviting American great Agassi to work with him during the French Open.

Agassi, however, will only stay for the first week of the tournament due to prior obligations, Djokovic said.

The 30-year-old Serbian, without a tour title since January, found little resistance from Granollers, grabbing two breaks early on in the first set as he chased the 77th-ranked Spaniard around the court.

“It was different for me being here this time because being defending champion gave me a lot of relief,” Djokovic told reporters.

“I wanted to start off well, engage all engines in the right way which I have done.”

With Agassi, sporting a black t-shirt and sunglasses, quietly sitting in the stands along with the Serb’s entourage, it was a similar story early in the second set with the world number two returning everything Granollers tried to throw at him.

He again went 4-1 up before a wobble saw him fail to convert eight set points at 5-3.

“A set up and 4-1 up, when I had him on the ropes I just played very bad games,” he said. “That’s the only thing that wasn’t great for me.”

Djokovic, though, kept his

cool to earn the second set and capitalised on the Spaniard’s accumulating mistakes in the

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his first round match against Spain’s Marcel Granollers.

(Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes)

third set to seal victory on his first match point.

With eight-time grand slam champion Agassi making a fast exit from the stands at the conclusion of the match, Djokovic heaped praise on his new coach.

“It is an incredible honour and good luck to have him with me on the team,” Djokovic said.

“Every day is special with him.

I am learning something every day.”

He said Agassi, who started working with Djokovic only days ago, would leave at the end of the week.

“I will try to use the time with him as best as I can. Plenty of information, plenty of things to process! I think this is exactly what I needed at this moment, a person like him who understands the reactions as a tennis player and a person.”

“I changed everyone (coaches). But I will not change my wife. My wife never.”

Tiger Woods arrested in Florida on DUI charge - reports (REUTERS) - Former world number one golfer Tiger Woods was arrested in South Florida yesterday morning on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to media reports.

Woods, who is second on the all-time list with 14 major titles, was taken into custody at about 03:00hrs (0700 GMT) near his Jupiter Island home and released hours later on his own recognizance, NBC affiliate WPTV reported.

Woods’ representatives did not respond immediately to Reuters when asked to confirm the reports.

Woods, who is currently sidelined from competition after having his fourth back surgery in April, said last week that he felt better than he had in years and had no plans to retire

from competitive golf.

“Presently, I’m not looking ahead,” Woods, 41, wrote on his website.

“I can’t twist for another two and a half to three months.

Right now, my sole focus is rehab and doing what the doctors tell me. I am concentrating on short-term goals.”

This is not the first time Woods has made headlines away from the golf course. His private life unravelled in late 2009 over allegations about affairs with several women and ultimately led to the end of his marriage.

Those allegations followed a bizarre early morning car accident outside his Florida home that rapidly ballooned into a full-fledged sex scandal which turned his previously unblemished life and career upside down.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Warriors favoured over LeBron and Cavaliers in the Finals (THE Sports Xchange) - LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers open their title defence as underdogs against the Golden State Warriors as the NBA Finals get underway this week.

The 2016 champion Cavaliers and the 2015 champion Warriors will battle for the crown for a third straight year in the best-of-seven starting at Golden State on Thursday.

James scored 35 points and passed Michael Jordan to become the NBA’s alltime playoff scoring leader as the Cavaliers routed the Boston Celtics 135-102 on Thursday to claim their third straight Eastern Conference title.

Both teams dominated throughout the playoffs -the Warriors made history by going an unprecedented 12-0 through three rounds in the Western Conference, while the Cavs lost just one

game to the Celtics to cap their dominant run.

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook installed Golden State as a minus-260 favourite, with Cleveland at plus-220, meaning a $100 bet on the Warriors would win $38.46 and the same bet on the Cavaliers would win $220, according to ESPN. The Warriors are listed as seven-point favourites for Game One at home, according to CBS Sports.

“I’m going to be honest,” James told reporters in Boston on Thursday.

“I’m not in the right mind to even talk about Golden State. It’s too stressful, and I’m not stressed right now.”

The Cavaliers and Warriors split their two meetings this season, both winning at home. Cleveland won by one point on Christmas Day and Golden State prevailed by 35 points on January 16.

It will be James’ seventh

straight trip to the Finals and eighth overall.

“I’ve been very blessed the last few years to be a part of this league and play on the big stage,” James said. “But we’re going to enjoy this for a couple more days before we have to lock in on that juggernaut out west.”

Golden State led the league with a 67-15 record this season and are 27-1 in their last 28 games, including the playoffs.

“Playing in this league, you can’t take anything for granted,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said after the Warriors beat the San Antonio Spurs 129-115 in Game Four on Monday.

“Thirty teams suit up every year trying to get to this point, and only two teams do. So you have to appreciate it.”

While James is going for his fourth ring, Warriors forward Kevin Durant will

be trying to win his first.

Durant signed a two-year, $54.3 million contract with the Warriors last offseason.

Durant’s only other time in the Finals was 2012 when he was with Oklahoma City, but the Thunder lost to the Miami Heat in a series that made James a champion for the first time.

“It’s a little different, definitely. I can’t lie,” Durant said when comparing the 2012 Finals trip to this one. “I went when I was 23 years old, and it felt like the Western Conference Finals was almost like the championship.

“So it’s a little different now, obviously. We have a bigger goal in mind.”

James called the Warriors, “the best team in our league the last three years. And they’ve added an unbelievable player in Kevin Durant this year.

“We have to be ready for the challenge.”

GFF shortlists 25 for U-15 tournament in St Martin THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday announced its 25-man team who will be encamped for the June 2-4 U-15 tournament in St Martin.

Guyana will be among ten countries participating in the tournament, and according to the GFF the squad will be reduced to a 16-man travelling team following encampment, which will end tomorrow. The team is scheduled to depart on Thursday June 1.

Bryan Joseph was named head coach, while Challous McKinnon will serve as his assistant.

Eon DeVeira (goalkeeper coach), Charlene Henry (physiotherapist) and Rohanna Carryl (operations)

are the other members of the technical staff, which will be spearheaded by the GFF’s technical director Ian Greenwood.

Squad: Shawn Adonis (goalkeeper), Oswin Fredericks (goalkeeper), Jamari Fredericks (goalkeeper), Joshua Braithwaite, Wayne Da Silva, Cyrus Nicholson, Jermaine Padmore, Rickford Emmanuel, Kevin Reddy, Marcus Wilson, Okifi Patoir, Shannon Samnauth, Orville Daniels, Tyrel Khan, Derron Niles, Jermaine Garrett, Ravon Bayley, Trevon Adams, Omari Glasgow, Ken Salvador, Troni Semple, Kamani Milne, Ronaldo Rodrigues, Cephas Chase and Ntini August.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

South Africa seamers wreak havoc to SCOREBOARD secure consolation win

(REUTERS) - Seamers Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell wreaked early havoc to set the platform for an easy South African victory in the third and final oneday International against England at Lord’s yesterday.

South Africa won by seven wickets but lost the series after defeat in the first two games as both countries prepared for the start of the Champions Trophy this week.

Rabada and Parnell decimated the English top order in the opening five overs and rendered the contest effectively over with England teetering at 20 for six. It was the first time six wickets had been taken inside the opening five overs of an ODI. England, who rested Ben Stokes and made four other changes after Saturday’s narrow victory in Southampton, were eventually dismissed

for 153 after 31 overs to which the South Africans replied with 156 for three.

Hashim Amla scored 55 before being bowled by debutant Toby Roland-Jones and Quinton de Kock (34) fell in the next over to Jake Ball.

But JP Duminy (28 not out) and AB de Villiers (27 not out) saw their side through to victory with 20.1 overs to spare.

South Africa’s bowlers used the seamer-friendly conditions to maximum effect as England’s batsmen fell like skittles, the first six wickets all coming from pitched-up deliveries.

Rabada had out of form Jason Roy caught in the slips

by Amla in the opening over and Joe Root, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler followed in quick succession to catches.

Jonny Bairstow’s 51 saved England from the possibility of a worst-ever ODI

ENGLAND innings J. Roy c Amla b Rabada 4 A. Hales c Amla b Rabada 1 J. Root lbw b Parnell 2 E. Morgan c de Kock b Parnell 8 J. Bairstow stp. de Kock b Maharaj 51 J. Buttler c du Plessis b Rabada 4 A. Rashid c du Plessis b Rabada 0 D. Willey c Duminy b Parnell 26 T. Roland-Jones not out 37 J. Ball b Maharaj 7 S. Finn c de Villiers b Maharaj 3 Extras: (lb-2, w-8) 10 Total: (all out, 31.1 overs) 153 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-7, 3-15, 4-15, 5-20, 6-20, 7-82, 8-134, 9-143.

Bowling: K. Rabada 9-1-

Hashim Amla passes 7 000 ODI runs during his half-century against England at Lord’s.

score. He struck eight fours off 67 deliveries, putting on 62 for the seventh wicket with David Willey and a further 52 with Roland-Jones, who was 37 not out at the end of the innings.

Bairstow was stumped off spinner Kershav Maharaj and England still had just

39-4 (w-2), W. Parnell 8-0-43-3 (w-2), M. Morkel 4-0-15-0, K. Maharaj 6.10-25-3, C. Morris 4-0-29-0.

SOUTH AFRICA innings H. Amla b Roland-Jones 55 Q. de Kock b Ball 34 J. Duminy not out 28 F. du Plessis c Buttler b Ball 5 A. de Villiers not out 27 Extras: (lb-1, w-6) 7 Total: (for 3 wickets, 28.5 overs) 156 Fall of wickets: 1-95, 2-95, 3-101.

Bowling: D. Willey 4.5-043-0 (w-1), J. Ball 10-0-432 (w-5), S. Finn 7-1-35-0, T. Roland-Jones 7-2-34-1. under 19 overs to bat when Steven Finn chipped the ball to midwicket and was the last man out.

Hosts England get the Champions Trophy underway against Bangladesh at The Oval on Thursday while South Africa play Sri Lanka at the same venue on Saturday.

Fitness Express supports Rain washes out first round Campbell for ‘SportsWorld’ Classic

GCB U-19 inter-county one-day competition …

ONE of Guyana’s leading supplement and fitness products supplier, Fitness Express, has once again thrown its support behind 2016 CAC silver medallist and two-time National Men’s Physique champion, Emmerson Campbell.

CEO of the Sheriff and John Streets entity, Jamie McDonald, presented a sponsorship package to Campbell yesterday to help offset some of his expenses as he prepares to hit the stage at the ‘SportsWorld’ Classic in Trinidad and Tobago on June 24.

Campbell, one of the Region’s leading musclemen, thanked McDonald for his continued act of benevolence and promised to return to the ‘592’ from the ‘868’ with hardware.

Besides Campbell, four

STEADY rain washed out the entire first round play in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Handin-Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Limited-sponsored Under-19 Inter-county cricket competition yesterday.

Demerara were set to face the Select Under-17 team at the Police Sports Club ground, while Berbice were scheduled to oppose Essequibo at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

However, both games were

called off just after lunch due to the inclement weather.

The competition, which will be played on a round-robin basis, will continue tomorrow with round two.

Berbice will face Demerara at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, while Essequibo and the Select Under-17 will clash at the Police ground in Eve Leary.

The third round is scheduled for Thursday, with De-

merara opposing Essequibo at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, and Berbice facing the Select Under-17 at Everest.

The top teams will play the final on Friday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The competition is being used as a yardstick by the junior selectors to pick the Guyana team for the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Regional Under-19 competition which will take place later this year.

Fitness Express CEO Jamie McDonald (L) makes a presentation to Men’s Physique champion Emmerson Campbell who will compete at the ‘SportsWorld’ Classic in Trinidad on June 24.

other local athletes – Alisha Fortune, Caerus Cipriani, Yannick Grimes and Rashleigh Bentick – are

scheduled to compete at the Classic which attracts athletes from Central America and the Caribbean.

There was no play at the Police Sports Club ground at Eve Leary.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

ICC Champions Trophy

Why West Indies’ absence could become the norm AS the eight leading ODI nations convene for the ICC Champions Trophy, one side is conspicuous by its absence.

Over the next two and a half weeks, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka will do battle in world cricket’s second most prestigious 50-over tournament.

But missing the party are West Indies, ranked only ninth in the ODI standings.

The game in the Caribbean has been on the slide for a number of years – gone are the glory days of Malcolm Marshall, Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose and Brian Lara – as the row between the nation’s cricket board and its star players continues to undermine the fortunes of the team.

Winners of the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979, the Windies were the standard-bearers of limited-overs cricket following its inception, but their absence from this year’s Champions Trophy is the culmination of a slow and

The dominant cricketing force in the 1970s and 80s, West Indies, failed to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy. But how did it come to this?

steady decline.

Since the retirement of their last superstar Lara in 2007, West Indies have struggled – without success – to produce a side capable of challenging the traditional powers in both the Test and ODI arenas.

They are certainly not devoid of talented cricketers, but getting them to don the maroon and

take to the field has been a largely insurmountable obstacle of late.

The likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy and Andre Russell would improve any XI, although none of those men have made an ODI appearance since 2015 as disputes over pay with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) show no signs of resolution.

These are some of the sport’s most coveted stars, and as such can rake in far more lucrative sums from plying their trade around the globe for various Twenty20 franchises.

Even Sammy, the Windies’ two-time World T20 winning captain and a man who has a national stadium named after him in St Lucia, is at seemingly

irrevocable odds with the WICB. As one would expect, being shorn of a host of the country’s finest talent has had an adverse effect on the team’s fortunes.

Since 2010, West Indies have won just five ODI series – four of which came against Ireland, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

At the 2011 World Cup, they scraped out of the group and were hammered by 10 wickets at the hands of Pakistan in the quarter-finals.

Two years later, they failed to advance to the knockout phase of the Champions Trophy before a Martin Guptill-inspired New Zealand brought an end to their 2015 World Cup campaign at the lasteight stage.

Those two World T20 titles in 2012 and 2016 were won with the likes of of Gayle, Bravo, Sammy and Russell to the fore and briefly raised hopes of reconciliation and resurgence, but those victories stand as rare moments of triumph amid the turmoil.

As for the Champions

Trophy, there is no doubt the tournament will miss the colour, charisma and flare of the Windies team and its fans, but Pakistan – who qualified at their expense – bring those qualities in abundance themselves.

Bangladesh have improved immeasurably in ODIs, establishing themselves as a serious force in white-ball cricket, and there can be no denying they merit their place at the tournament ahead of the Windies.

The 50-over game as a whole has progressed rapidly over recent years, with scores of 300 and above now commonplace. Without their star batting firepower, or the bowling nous to stem the flow in the field, West Indies are getting left behind.

With the likes of 10thplaced Afghanistan investing heavily in developing the game in their country, the Windies’ absence from global events may become the norm as they struggle to overcome incessant infighting and recapture the glories of days gone by.

(Omnisport)

Sangakkara misses out on first-class centuries record SURREY’S Kumar Sangakkara missed out on a record sixth-successive first-class century as their Division One game with Essex ended in a draw at Chelmsford.

The Sri Lankan, who

made 200 in the first innings, was caught and bowled by Tom Westley for 84 after a hold-up for bad light.

The game came to an end a few minutes later when Surrey declared on 260-9.

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Nathan Astle-145* (NZ vs USA, The Oval, 2004) (2)Chris Gayle-791 runs (WI) Today’s Quiz: (1)Who has taken most wickets in ICC Champions Trophy Cricket to date?

(2)What are the best bowling figures in ICC Champions Trophy cricket to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Kumar Sangakkara has now scored 876 Championship runs this season at an average of 109.50.

Essex paceman Jamie Porter finished with 5-71, with all five wickets taken in five overs either side of lunch.

Both sides took 11 points from the game,

with Essex remaining one point clear of their opponents at the top of the table.

Surrey began the final day on 55-1, just 41 runs ahead, with a draw looking the most likely result

despite their losing Rory Burns for 50 when he gave a return catch to spinner Simon Harmer.

However, Porter’s inspired spell gave Essex hope of victory as Surrey slumped from 151-2 to 177-7, with Scott Borthwick (36) and Dominic Sibley caught behind off successive deliveries, one before and one after the interval.

Ben Foakes, Sam and Tom Curran followed in quick succession, before Stuart Meaker and Sangakkara halted the slide with a stand of 71.

Following the light interruption, Meaker was bowled by Harmer and, with the prospect of running out of partners,

Sangakkara gave a return catch to Westley as he looked to press on to a century.

In his past six Championship innings, he has now scored 136, 105, 114, 120, 200 and 84 and he also scored an unbeaten 124 in their final One-Day Cup group game.

Most consecutive centuries in first-class cricket 6: CB Fry (1901), Don Bradman (193839), Mike Procter (1970-71) 5: Everton Weekes (1955-56), Brian Lara (1993-94), Mike Hussey (2003), Parthiv Patel (2007-08), Kumar Sangakkara (2017). (BBC Sport)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Speedboat, Regal Masters GSCL Inc. Independence Cup champions AFTER two days of intense battle in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.) annual Independence Cup, Speedboat and Regal came out victorious in the respective Open and Masters’ divisions when the tournament concluded last Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club.

Speedboat defeated Regal Allstars by three wickets, while Regal Masters whipped Ariel by 47 runs.

Batting first, Regal Allstars made 137-8. Marvin Babb smashed four fours and three sixes in a top score of 39 not out off 16 balls, while Patrick Rooplall made 26 off 23 balls and Sachin Singh stroke a 10-

The victorious Regal Masters team

ball 25.

Kishore Smith (3-15) and

Greg Singh (2-14), were the most successful bowlers for

Banks Malta Supreme Inter-Gym boxing tourney

WBG give notice after winning three of four fights THE Wakenaam Boxing Gym (WBG) can be described as the `New Kids on the Block’ but they certainly sounded a warning last Saturday when the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) boxing gym staged the Banks DIH-sponsored Inter-gym boxing tournament at its Bel Air and James Streets, Albouystown location.

Competing for the first time in an amateur boxing tournament, the Wakenaam Boxing Gym (WBG) was represented by four pugilists and of that number, three won their respective bouts, resulting in the gym being named the runner-up gym behind hosts FYF. Terrence Softleigh, Clayton Retemiah and Rondell Grandison were in winners’ row, while Travel Evans lost his contest against Moses Crawford (FYF).

Softleigh defeated Latherall Richards (FYF), while Retemiah and Grandison prevailed over Milo Jaqwan (FYF) and Mark Crawford (FYF) respectively.

Meanwhile, Malachi Jones (FYF) defeated his gym-mate Wayne Costello by a split decision in an actual brawling affair that saw both boxers go at each other

Part of the action in the FYF’s Inter-Gym boxing tournamnent, staged on Saturday evening

throughout the three rounds.

Martin Mugabe (FYF) pounded out a split decision win over his FYF mate Michael Beckles. Patrick Harvey (FYF) defeated his gym-mate Ome Keiler, Richard Howard (FYF) fought valiantly but failed to get past Jakey Cadogan, Travis Inverary of Harpy Eagles (HE), Isaiah Moore (FYF) was too good for Omar Pollard of the Pocket Rockets Boxing Gym, Brian Harris (FYF) forced the referee to stop his fight against Andrew Modeste (HE) in the first round, Shamar Morrison (FYF) won by a second-round tech-

nical knockout over Kimani Yahya (HE), Shaqueal Damon (FYF) won by a third-round TKO over Angle Arays of Young Achievers, Jamal Eastman of Rose Hall Town Jammers proved too good for Junior Henry and won on points, while Keevin Allicock won on points against Julius Kesney.

Moore was adjudged Best Boxer in the Junior category and Inverary won a similar accolade in the schoolboys category and was also adjudged the Most Disciplined Boxer on show.

Pollard was named the Most Improved Boxer.

Speedboat.

In reply, Man-of-thematch Lennox Marks batted superbly, hitting 72 off just 32 balls, inclusive of five fours

and seven sixes.

The right-hander single-handily took the score within reach of the winning total.

With eight needed off the last over Smith held his nerves and ensured his team home with three balls to spare. Speedboat finished on 140-7 in 14.3 overs.

Unnis Yusuf also contributed 17 to the total.

In the Masters’ final, Regal posted 150-7 off their allotted 15 overs.

Eric Thomas top-scored with 37, while Rudolph Baker (31), Mahendra Hardyal (21), Mahendra Arjune (16), Eon Abel (15) and Mahase Chunilall (10), all contributed to the total. Ryan Singh picked up 2-16.

In the run chase, Ari-

el reached 103-7. Openers Peter Persaud (20) and Mohamed Rafeek (19) gave Ariel a steady start. However, their dismissal saw Ariel suffer a batting collapse, which eventually hampered the chase significantly.

Ron Ramnauth played a little cameo towards the end, hitting three sixes in his 23.

Hardyal was the pick of the bowlers, with 3-28, Laurie Singh had 2-15 and Ricky Persaud 2-18. Laurie Singh was named man-of-the-match.

President of the GSCL Inc., Ian John, congratulated the winning teams and thanked the sponsors.

The competition was sponsored by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Regal Sport and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.

Speedboat, Regal Masters GSCL Inc. Independence P.23 Cup champions

AAG releases final team for South American Junior Championships

Xtreme Clean & Maintenance/GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament

Wins for Bent Street,Albouystown and Future Stars

Chantoba Bright

Konata Manning

See page 18 Daniel Williams

Compton Caesar

Claudrice McKoy

GFF shortlists 25 for U-15 tournament in St Martin

See page 20

Some members of the National U-15 team

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SIX games were contested on night three of the inaugural Xtreme Clean & Maintenance/GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament, which moved into its round-robin stage on Sunday.

Playing at the National Gymnasium, only Bent Street, Albouystown and Future Stars were able to walk away with three points, while tournament favourites Sparta Boss, Agricola, Tucville, Sophia, North Ruimveldt, and Tiger Bay finished the night with one point each.

In the opening game of the evening, Tucville and Sophia played a 1-1 draw, in a game that could have gone either way, but missed open-net opportunities by both sides saw them settle for a point.

Shem Arthur had given the Sophia side the lead three minutes into the game, but, four minutes later, Dennis Edwards equalised for the Tucville team.

Bent Street defeated Plaisance 6-3, thanks to a double from Konata Manning (11th, 16th) and Job Caesar (5th and 18th). Sheldon Profit (4th) and Travis Lyken (15th) scored a goal each. Kester Greene (12th, 17th) and Warren Gilkes (3rd) were the goalscorers for Plaisance.

The night’s third game finished in an entertaining goal-less draw between North Ruimveldt and Tiger Bay, but the game that followed saw Future Stars blank Broad Street Bullies 2-0.

Keron Solomon scored the game’s first goal in the 17th minute and a minute later, Akeemo Solomon converted the other for Future Stars.

In the penultimate game of the evening, Roy Cassou’s brace (12th, 16th) helped propel Albouystown to a 3-1 win over Back Circle. Lennox Cort (18th) was the other scorer for Albouystown, while Jermaine Beckles was Back Circle’s lone goalscorer.

Meanwhile, Sparta Boss did not get an easy night as hoped, with Agricola taking the game to the local Futsal kings, as the East Bank team forced a 1-1 draw.

Lloyd Matthews hammered in the game’s first goal just five minutes into the contest but Devon Millington one minute later found the equaliser.

The star-studded Sparta Boss team were kept at bay by some resilient defending by Agricola, who held on and played it safe to secure a point.

The top two teams in each group and the two best third-place teams will advance to the quarterfinals. The round-robin playoffs continue on June 6 and 8. The quarterfinals will be played on June 13. the semi-finals on June 15 and the final on Saturday, June 17.

TUESDAY, MAY, 30 , 2017